We all face storms, especially as parents. It’s okay to be perplexed and confused. God give us “Garden Friends” to let us know that we are not alone. We are being challenged not to waiver from the hope that is in us. Don't be dismayed for the Lord your God goes with you wherever you go.

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27, John 16:33, Acts 2:12

As we journey through life we are faced with struggles. We use many excuses for not trusting in God’s plan: I'm not good enough, I don't know enough, What if they don't listen to or believe me, I don't have enough talent or I'll just let the church do it because they're better at it. Trust that God is going to work through you to bring you, and those around you, closer to Him.

God desires for our nets to be full.  In the crowd of life, do you stand in the back, without experiencing God's fullness? Or are you in the middle, listening but not fully experiencing. We should all strive to be in the front so that we hear God's message in new ways.

Scripture: Luke 5

God has established boundaries for us and by living within those boundaries we can experience God's greatness. Sometimes we're stuck in the darkness, outside the boundaries, where we stumble around. We need to trust in God and move into the light. When we reflect God's light we become lights to our family and friends.

Scripture: Isaiah 43: 1-2

Many times in our lives we proclaim our trust in God, yet when faced with a hurdle, we become angry and believe God has turned his back on us. Being devoted to God means giving our all, including all our trust, to Him.

Scripture

Mark 12

Mark 14: 13

In the race of life, God runs alongside of us to help us over each hurdle. God is at work molding us, directing us and drawing us nearer to himself. God will never forsake us.

Jesus was the ultimate prodigal son. He left the comfort and love of Heaven to enter a world of pain and suffering. He made his way back via the cross. We, as Christians, often represent the oldest son. We do what is expected of us but we are not without sin.

We need to cut away the brush of our spiritual life to make way for a stronger path. God designed humans to be holistic. When we care for all aspects of our life: spiritual, physical, social and self, God shows us the way out of darkness.

We are all heirs to the one true King and we share the characteristics of our heavenly father. With God's forgiveness, we don't fall from grace but into grace.