Seasons

I love to watch the changing of the seasons. In the natural world the seasons all have significant changes. The Spring provides newness of life and new growth. The summer sun provides heat for our plants to grow. It is hot during the day and in contrast the evenings are cool. The fall is the time of year for harvest of corn and wheat. It is amazing the many different colors of leaves that appear in the fall. The winter is often harsh and forces all things to be cold, will not allow growth, and it is a  struggle for survival.
There are Seasons in our Spiritual Life as well, In the Spring our faith grown and we are full of energy and excitement. In the Summer we continue to see growth and much needed healing. In the fall we have the ability to harvest our crop of prayers and purpose. We notice significant changes in our lives and our spirit is grateful for many bountiful blessings. In the fall we are aware that changes are coming soon. In the Winter we feel like we are at a stand-still; everything seems to stop, our passion seems gone. In the Winter we wait to hear from God, we feel anger,  disappointment, in crisis.
Through the seasons we can grow in our prayer life. In the Fall when things seem uncertain or like we are losing control we need to be in constant payer. This will ground our heart and will keep us close to God. We have to make a decision to study God's word and apply it to our life. Without this discipline fall can leave us in store for a difficult winter.

Game Plan:
Remember prayer is a journey.
1. Pray without ceasing. Pray faithful. Pray to or God and Father who raised Jesus from the dead.
    Pray for every area of your life; your dreams, your family, courage, your health......
    God is bigger than any problem! Allow him to show you just how big he is. Listen to his still
small  voice.
 2. Pray exactly for what you want/need.
     James 1: 5-8
James 1:5-8English Standard Version (ESV)
⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

     If you need wisdom; ask. We need to have have faith in God alone. When we ask God for
     something we need to stick to it.
3. Pray with force
    James 5: 16-18
James 5:16-18English Standard Version (ESV)
¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.^{[a] 17} Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. ¹⁸ Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
    We know the earnest pray of a righteous man is powerful and will produce results. Though the
    blood of Jesus we need to come to the throne of Grace confess our sins.
4. Pray with a position of love not wrongfulness, hateful, or judgmental attitudes.
    We reap what we sew.
     In John 3:16 the bible tells us we are to be healers, deliverers, rescuers, and reconcilers.
     Pray for: family, church, community, our nation; and it's leaders.
John 3:16English Standard Version (ESV)

For God So Loved the World

¹⁶ “For God so loved the world,^[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
5. Pray with transparency. Phil 4: 19
    We do not have to try to impress God
     Pay with honesty and a contrite heart.
6. Pray with passion:
   Give yourself the opportunity to pray with liberty and passion.
7. Pray with authority John 14: 12-14
John 14:12-14English Standard Version (ESV)
¹² “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask me^[a] anything in my name, I will do it.
   In Jesus Name-pray with power and authority.

Some ideas:
1. Set expectations that are manageable.
2. Loneliness and Sadness are still present in the Holiday Seasons.
3. Be aware of the past but look toward the future.
4. Express gratitude
5. Focus on thankfulness for the good and bad things in your life.
6. Enjoy activities that are either cheap or free.
7. Enjoy holidays with family.
8. Explore a new tradition.
9. Be mindful of what you spend your money on.

10. Save time for yourself. Create time and space to recharge your battery
Psalm 4:8

Psalm 4:8English Standard Version (ESV)

⁸ In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.