Everything we have is a gift from God!

Nothing here on this earth is actually ours. Nothing. Our family is not even technically our own - they are on loan to us, a gift from God to help us through life and hopefully make us holy in order to obtain the ultimate gift, Heaven.

span style="line-height: 1.22;">NASHVILLE, TN - Even though I realize nothing here is mine, I often overlook this Truth. My world becomes about me and what I might perceive to be mine. I try to take control of every last aspect of my life and put everything  in perfect order so I'll know what to expect and eliminate unwanted surprises.

We get ideas in our head and then begin to build grandiose plans for our future based on the pure possibility that the idea planted in our mind could come to fruition. We dream and scheme and walk through every last detail of what life could be like if a certain outcome were achieved. It's good to dream. It's good to be pro-active, and it's even good to plan. But are you willing to let go of your plans in order to be able to receive what God wants to give you?

I've realized that I've been planning out my future in my head as of late and praying for what I want, without giving God all of me, every last bit of me, a true and whole-hearted, YES. Remember what Mary said, when the angel appeared to her? 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word' (Luke 1:38). There is no greater YES, and the whole face of man was dependent upon her single YES. Her single and entirely self-less YES.

Light your virtual prayer candle now!

Whatever you are planning in your life, whatever you desire above all else, give those desires back to God. Give Him your plans and your hopes and dreams. Give Him everything you desire, everything you are fighting to hang on to. Then wait for the Lord. In quiet and in calm, wait for the Lord. 'By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust shall be your strength' (Isaiah 30:15).

Then, if He gives it back to you, you will know that it was always meant to be yours according to His perfect will for you.

Laughs and Love,Jackie:-)