When I was a little girl I was very timid, bashful and shy. I remember my Daddy carrying me on his forearm, holding me close to his chest. There's such a sense of peace and rest when you have the confidence of another for supplemental strength, especially a father.

Jesus, when in the Garden of Gethsemane prayed to His Heavenly Father for Comfort, Relief and Respite. And in the quiet of the night the Christ knew what he’d been asked to do. He tried to lean on the strength of friends, but they couldn’t even remember to stay awake to pray for him (Matt. 26:40). It was just He and His LORD. But do you know what? He kept looking up because He knew that would be more than enough.

"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."

Ephesians 6:10

God is with us, watching out for us, every day. There is nothing you can walk through without the assurance He is with you every step of the way. He goes before you, because He adores you and he moves mountains, rocks and gravel from your path. Grab hold of His hand, He always has a marvelous plan.

His love you cannot escape.

When in Israel we travelled through the Garden called Gethsemane where Jesus wept and it was beautiful. Olive trees abounding, some of them 1,500 years old. Talk about longevity! I think this is such a marvelous analogy. When we lean into the Arms of our Heavenly Father, just like the bows of these Olive trees, just like a Daddy, amid the darkest of times, He bestows rays of sunshine, glorious blooms, lush gardens all around you. It is the Garden of Heart He most wants to impart.

God takes full responsibility for your life, trust Him with yours in return. Your trials are the molding vessels that bring Him Honor. And in His time, you will rise.

~Nicole

"It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron's beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes." Psalm 133:22