HLOTH Women-She is Light

Beautifully Refined: Growing in Christ The plant was the saddest I’d ever seenjust a spindly-looking stem, a few halfhearted leaves, and a tumble of roots in shaggy, bone-dry soil. Forgotten in someone’s abandoned office, the poor thing was alone, starving, and on its way out. My heart lurched. I’m no green-thumb, but surely I could help. I took that plant and transferred it to a bigger pot, added water and several scoops of rich, black soil, patted it all down with my hand...s, and blew her a kiss. Then I set her in a soft patch of sunlight on my kitchen counter, where I gave her a name, Tanyayes, this is weird, but I do name my plants. Only the ones I name tend to live. Almost two years later, Tanya the Plant, is thriving, happy, robust, and reaching for the sky. Tanya reminds me of God’s people. In Ephesians 3:17, Paul reminds us that when we have faith, God is able to live in our hearts, for we are rooted and established in His love. When we are without faith, we are like a dried-up, at-death’s-door plant, starved of the nutrients we need to thrive and live fully and beautifully. But when we get those nutrients through the things God offers usHis love, His holy word through the Bible, His people in the form of other Christians surrounding us in fellowship and supportwe’re suddenly like a plant rerooted in a fresh pot of life. We can live, breathe, dance, and thrive as we reach for the sky and glorify His name. Sometimes we forget how vulnerable and tender we are. We deprive ourselves of the resources God gives us to grow in His love and in faith. We don’t read the Bible, don’t go to church, sometimes don’t even pray. Our souls begin to falter and tremble. We wilt and suffer. But God has called us by name. We are His precious children! Let’s remember that, bask in His word and His love, and grow. ~Jessica Brodie Scripture Read Ephesians 3:16-19 John 15:1-8 Grow Connect Serve

Our natural instinct when faced with something uncomfortable is to go in the opposite direction. Even though it isn't necessarily easy or convenient, sometimes you just have to go through it. Make the decision to keep walking, because where you are going must surely be better than where you've been. Don't pass up on the ability to grow through discomfort and become the woman you want to be. Keep on keeping on, girl.

Only a prayer away...

Sometimes, grief comes in the form of losing a prized goal, dream, or a treasured relationship. A door will close and will cause deep feelings of loss. You may even feel as though you have lost your way. When God closes a door, don't try to "pick the lock. ... Attempting to force a closed door open delays where God desires to guide and direct you. Sometimes God closes a door so He can open an unexpected window. He often will give the view of a window because it offers a different view (as well as an alternative perspective) that you might have missed seeing at ground level. Windows can be BLESSINGS in disguise. When we seek God first and foremost, and keep Him first place in our lives and obey Him, we are guaranteed to be in His perfect will. Trust God to fulfill your life purpose and to open the doors He has predetermined to open for you. It's not always easy to accept a door that has closed, but trusting God to open another door or window that He sees as best will offer a view...and future...you presently cannot comprehend. Today, ask God to guide and direct your paths and to only open doors that will truly bless your life. Ask for the grace and wisdom to know which doors to keep closed. Today’s Scriptures Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT Sisters, Trust God to fulfill your life purpose and to open the doors He has already prepared for you! Walk in His MARVELOUS LIGHT 1 Peter 2:9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;