During my time in MN, I was encouraged by the many prayers of family and friends. Not only was I juggling my own needs but also the physical and psychological needs of mom. Those who are caregivers understand the weight of wanting to deliver reasonably on “their wishes” but staying in our own lane of health (by not overdoing it).

In helping the weak, we can see our own weakness reflected. Patience is key! When the challenges begin to block God’s love in our hearts, we must “let go and let God” have His way.

It’s not easy to see our loved ones choose paths that are hard. On the other hand, God is still there in the midst of even that.

Taking it one step further (to those in the world), how can we seek to do good for those who dish out evil? It means we are not bound up by revenge. Rejoicing under dire circumstances means we are trusting the ONE to whom our ceaseless prayers are directed. #grateful

It’s not the circumstances we find ourselves in that teach about God’s love but our heart’s response to those circumstances.

By holding fast to those things that are good, we can discern truth from the deceiver’s flute trying desperately to allure us from it.

I am grateful for each of our children as they speak truth even when my ideals want to draw a bold line. My ideals try separating out what “should be” from my what “should not be”. #wealwaysdoithisway

Holding fast to good means that we are not blocking God from having space in our own hearts. – Teresa #Hiswayisbest

1 Thessalonians 5:4-20 (ESV)

¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle,^[b] encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. ¹⁵ See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not despise prophecies, ²¹ but test everything; hold fast what is good. ²² Abstain from every form of evil.