May we never be too ashamed to come to the garden and kneel in submission. That’s all it takes to be in communion and right standing with Abba Father. He’s waiting in the garden for you. He has the answers to your questions. He has promised to give wisdom to those who ask without wavering.

Have you ever experienced Immanuel? Here’s how. Close your eyes . Take a deep breath. Let it out, and with the emptying of that breath, empty yourself of self — thoughts of self, of the present, of now. And then — instead of being in the present — be in the PRESENCE.

Instead of thinking about the things that drive you crazy (and apart), concentrate on what you have enjoyed about your relationship — something that was fun, and something that made you laugh together.

If I were to appraise the health of the vineyard based on the appearance of the vines today. . . it would be worthless. Doesn’t look like much to me. But. . . I’ve read a thing or two about vineyards, and I remember seeing this same vine in a different season.

A heart of gratitude will change your perspective on just about everything — especially your present situation or circumstances. And if you begin to change your perspective, it seems to change everything, even if your circumstances remain the same!

If you are a mother, then you are the one who keeps your world together. . . in fact, as someone said around the table on this Thanksgiving Day, a mother is not just the finger in the pail.

Even if your husband does not profess faith in Jesus Christ you can still connect with him in meaningful ways on religious holidays. Thanksgiving is a perfect holiday to share a spiritual connection with your husband without preaching to him.

Your love has the power to woo your husband to the heart of God. Allow the love of God to be shed abroad in your heart toward your husband, so that as you love and serve, ‘the least of these’ you are serving Christ. As you submit to your husband, you are submitting to Christ. As you wash the feet of your husband, you are washing the feet of Christ.

I want to encourage you to pray for your husband as though you are one flesh. And if the church has the power and privilege of being Christ’s body on this earth, being his hands and heart and feet, then we have the same mysterious power in our marriage to be ‘one flesh’ with our husband.