Serenity, Acceptance, Courage & Changes

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;
And the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life

And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.

Amen.
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If ever there was a prayer written for people such as I, it would be similar to this one. You see I am 'gifted' with a feisty spirit, a leader's personality and a very strong will. In certain matters I have found (and still find) myself fighting against circumstances which I have no power to change and then, on the other hand, when there is something I should and can do I - at times - find myself 'frozen' with fear. Both situations can be 'peace-robbers' and both are common to man (and 'womankind') :)

The answer is simple, and yet not always easy to accept for someone as strong willed as I; it's taking the things that bother me to God in prayer and asking for wisdom to better discern His will in those matters; praying for courage to deal with the things I know He wants me to deal with and resting in His peace that "passeth all understanding" when there's nothing I can (or should) do.

Blessings on this last day of summer,

Aimee

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"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1: 5 KJV

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"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4: 4-7 NLT (Ilumina Software © 2003, Tyndale House Publishers)

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Photos:

Wisteria

Raindrops on rhododendron

Crocosmia (told you I can't get enough of these flowers)--this one is Miss Scarlett

Three ferns of two different types awaiting planting

Azalea, Autumn Ruby--an azalea that blooms three seasons of the year.

Liberty apple--immature apples

Autumn Crocus

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Note: From what I have read, the first 4 lines were possibly written by Reinhold Niebuhr and the
remainder of the prayer added later by an anonymous author. Source & link for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serenity_Prayer