It is well

 Lord,  Would you help me to lay whatever shame I feel down at your feet. It is true, You are my portion and strength forever. I don't need to dwell on my shortcomings or the dissatisfaction of my life. Lord, would you go before me today and lead me along the right path, supplying me with all that I need to glorify you.  I lift up my dear sisters Michelle, Donna, and Lena today as they gather to discuss. Would you posture their hearts with humility and the desire to glorify you and seek the joy that is found in your fellowship. Would you remind them of the true enemy that is trying to cause division within your body. Would you give them victory and supply them with your grace, mercy, love, and wisdom.  In Jesus name, Amen. 

  REFLECT : What standards do you fail to meet?  The wavering expectations of my parents.  Whose approval do you seek today, or disapproval do you fear?  I strive to maintain the approval of my friends, and fear their disapproval. I long for the approval of the person I desire, and fear that I fail to meet his criteria.  ACT : 2-3 standards that you hold yourself to but fail to meet: Being hardworking.  Being on time. 

REFLECT : I guess I feel scared to hope/defeated? More than anything, I’ve just been feeling isolated, lonely, and sad. But today’s passage actually gave me hope, Praise the Lord! I cannot fathom a place without any pain or sorrow, yet You tell us that there is. Because of You, we can experience an eternity of joy, intimacy, and belonging. I’m realizing that it’s what I’ve always wanted and longed for. My hope does not lie on someone that I’ve fixated on for years, my hope does not lie on finding a husband, my hope lies on the fact that there is an eternity of joy ahead, thank you Lord. Another encouraging fact — good will always prevail for us too. Even if it feels dark, irredeemable, insolvable, because of the prevailing goodness, Holy Spirit, within us — we can be redeemed. Thank you, Jesus.  ACT : Father, I thank you for this beautiful day you have given me to enjoy your creation - the nature around me, time with my earthly family, time with my pure and joyful nieces. I pray th...