Fruit Check Friday

Guess who survived Maymester, ladies! Yup, this girl, right here! But now, I'm taking summer courses through July. But hey, at least I'll be done with undergrad by December!

So after class yesterday, after venting to God, I went to Philippians 4:6-7:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Now, I know we have "Top 10 Tuesdays" and "What I'm Lovin' Wednesdays", but I think it'll be a good idea to have "Fruit Check Fridays" to encourage us to always check our spiritual "fruit". The first fruit I want to make sure is present on our "tree" is inspired by the verse above: thanksgiving.

I always try to be as transparent as possible as I feel like it can help someone. So here it goes *deep inhale* : lately, I've found myself complaining and whining, and not just to my friends but to God as well. Here I was sitting there whining to God how I'm so sad that Toby and I can't get married as quickly as I would like because if finances. I'm complaining about how although my girlfriends are AMAZING, I don't have many friends that are in relationships so that we can encourage each other through this season and go on double dates...

But reading Philippians 4 really made me feel like God was gently trying to remind me that I am not supposed to be anxious about anything. But He REALLY reminded me that even during the dry, rough seasons l, I should still be sprouting my fruit of thanksgiving.  He doesn't mind me making requests, but He does care about the way I go about it. I can say, "Lord, I really want to be married to Toby soon, but I am thankful that your timing is so perfect, and I'm thankful that you have sent this wonderful man into my life so that I May be his helper in life." I can say, "Father, I desire to have godly, young (we're 22 and 23 years old) couples that we can become friends with ao that we can have encouragement, edification,  accountability,  and fun (hello, double dates!). But I also thank you that I have amazing sisters in Christ who pray for me and push me closer to you. I thank you that in your timing, we will be able to hang with other couples."

See the difference there? I stop crying and throwing a hissy fit, and instead acknowledge and praise God's sovereignty and perfect timing, while making my requests known to Him. And in return, He blesses me with such sweet peace.

So, as you check your tree this week, try to make a conscious effort to see if you've got some thanksgiving budding on there. If there's none, ask God to place some there. He's so faithful, and will begin to place thanksgiving in your heart. I hope this helps!

Love you sis!
 Tiffany