Life gives you lemons.

Have you ever had "one of those days"? Of course you have. We all have. The past few months have been filled with those days for me. I've been struggling to recover from a persistant covid, greiving the loss of 2 co-workers, and experiencing a bit of a set back in my pain management and ongoing physical therapy. To be honest, i feel like I'm just NOW beginning my year- and it is April.

It's really not a matter of "IF life gives you lemons"... because it will... Life is full of lemons. The world is one giant lemon grove! Everything from financial struggle to receiving a daunting diagnosis falls under the category of lemons... and life is handing them out. The good news is, we aren't meant to just eat the lemons whole... we've heard the saying, and we know we should "make lemonade", but sometimes it's really hard to see how. Scripture literally gives us the recipe.

Step 1. Life will hand you the lemons. "In this world you will have trouble." ~John 16:33

Step 2. Dilute it with truth. In other words, remind yourselves that not everything in life is a lemon... Life is also full of blessings, miracles, beauty, connection and the Glory of God.... "But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33

Step 3. Sweeten it with gratitude. "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." ~Philippians 4:4-7.

This week, I'm consciously focusing on bringing truth and thanksgiving with me as I serve people in the midst of their struggles. I'm viewing the lemons as an invitation to bring water and sugar! If you'd like to be part of the mix this week, please consider joining a connection team (contact me asap renae.denbow@careportal.org ). Or making a donation to our Cincinnati CarePortal Fund