July Reflection

July Reflection Renewal, Faith, Living for the Moment Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. The month of July, is the halfway point in the year, it's a new start for some, it's recalling the beginning of a year while observing where they are NOW! For me, personally, July begins a celebration, 1 the date of the 3rd, My Mom's Earthly Birthday and the celebration and Memory of our Nations Freedom. I have pondered the many celebrations that were added gifts this year, my son went on his 1st ever closefamily trip alone to Florida, made memories which will be life long! I was able to see family, celebrate and honor my mom and my oldest brother(6-21-) both which we will all one day be united in our eternal home. I seen a close friend(but family) I seen 2 of my childhood places from Indiana to Illinois and then back...to my childhood home, Celebrated Independence Day...and then traveled back to Kentucky my home sweet home. I observed time in my own company, reflecting through music the memories, I smiled and shed tears...all while gathering my personal self care in areas...adding the most important that of my spiritual walk. I gathered in each mile that the moments now memories stored for me a gift of love, laughter and deep connections. I recall my need for that connection more times as I've aged than before, as I see that life is so fragile, yet so quick and before you grasp and have tasted the reality of that...you lose loved ones, you start to see less of those familiar, amazing faces and the impact they produce, but, now have become a inner motivator and encourager...through a living memory...a deepness that keeps them very much with you as well. I lastly came to some tough realities about life, you can't control, force or take over certain areas of this life, rather it must be handled in pure humbleness through prayer, petition and stored up faith. I struggled with and as all on this side of heaven, will continue until Glory! But, The Lord corrects, directs and handles His Children with every form of LOVE...His Thoughts, His Ways are Higher than human comprehension. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. Matthew 7:7-11: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7-11 Laying down the hearts hurts, joys, unknowns and celebrations to the One that's our Constant and remains as Comfort to my personal closing of this month. John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. The journey is in His GLORY, I pray forward to be His Hands and Feet, To Love, Live and Embrace the beautiful Unknown in All Faith! Giving thanks for His Word, His LOVE and Him Living within me. Ephesians 6:10–18 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Choosing JOY (In Loving Memory) , Living Now, Walking in Faith.