God is the Master Gardener

Each month, I co-lead a 10 day morning routine challenge called “Morning Miracles” - it’s one of my favorite things, and while it is the smallest of our groups, I consider it the heartbeat of the Ambitious Christian Ministry.

Years ago, when I started getting serious about putting God first in my life and days, I had difficulty finding likeminded women, specifically Christian women, who were actively pursuing a strong Jesus-centered morning routine. 

Now, there are about 500 of us meeting monthly in the Facebook group located here: Morning Miracles Challenge

The group is managed by 7 amazing co-leaders:

Mary Mulligan Stipp, Illinois

Bekie Blanco Abiro, Texas

Debra Abisher, Arkansas

Beth A Summers Eilers, Illinois

Julie Jeno, Utah

Alison Tegano, New Jersey

Jennifer Reaves, Texas

These women have all been working with me practically daily for the past 1-2 years. In addition to helping keep the Morning Miracles machine running month after month, they help me think through complex social issues, like the ones we are facing with Coronavirus and Black Lives Matter, and hold everything up to the truth of the Bible, before opening my mouth to speak formally as a representative of the ministry. They are wise, loving, and fun! We finally met just for fun last month (Bekie’s idea) and we learned so much about each other. 

I’m sharing all of this for two reasons. 

Firstly, in just two days the Ambitious Christian Women ministry turns 4 years old! 😍 I plan to post separately about that, especially for those of you who support us financially. 

And secondly, part of today’s challenge was to reflect on Genesis 2:8 and 2:15 and how we should be tending the garden we’ve been placed in.

I think it honors God to reflect on all He’s doing and consider how you can be a better co-laborer. 

When I think about my garden I think about all the wonderful opportunities I’ve been given, and all the things budding, about to burst forth - how my daughter is growing beautifully strong and fast, how we are possibly buying our first home soon, how I was just offered my job back at work on my own terms, and how the ministry continues to flourish despite change and pressures of life. I think about my approach to motherhood and how I’m being constantly refined. I think about my relationship with my husband, and how parenthood is growing us. I think about my friendships online and off, and especially our church. 

There is always so much happening! And I see God’s hand and favor in it all. 

When I think of areas that need my attention, it’s overwhelming. I think that for sure I can never do ENOUGH. I am always thinking of new projects, Bible studies to facilitate, snail mail to send, blog posts to write. And if we get this house, I’ll have my fair share of home projects to keep me very very busy. But I want to be walking in step with the Holy Spirit, so that means I’ll need  more self-control than ever.

I learned a while ago to give it all to God and ask for the grace to complete the MUST DOs plus a little more, and to run my own race with excellence. I know for sure that for me it starts in the morning, every morning by meditating on God’s word (the Bible) and praying real, thoughtful, strategic  prayers. Those two things are like the watering of the whole life Garden. If you don’t have the watering consistent, all your hard work is at the mercy of the weather.

And LOOK OUT, because if you haven’t noticed - the weather isn’t very merciful! 😂

I will never be a master gardener of my life, but thankfully I look to Jesus, the rock that is higher than I, the one who is and will always be THE Master Gardener. He leads, guides, and directs me, and I don’t need to worry about anything,

If you’re considering putting God first every day with a strong morning routine that’s centered on Him, you’ll love our little group. You are placed with accountability partners who want the same and encouraged to check in daily with your team showing you are completing the various steps of the challenge. Scroll back up for the link - I hope to see you inside! 

❤️ Never stop learning, growing, and reaching 

Laura