Hello Gardeners, and happy September! I hope this month is going well and you are prosperous in all your endeavors. I have been watching a new YouTube channel called Hardly Intitatied and learned a lot! As always, I cannot wait to share. Let’s dive in. 

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“7 Core Values EVERY relationship MUST HAVE” is the episode title I watched, and let me just say–it was explosive. I gained so much knowledge, and I felt empowered. Pastors James and Tiffaney Edwards shared the seven values of their marriage, but they also detailed how valuable it is to have a relationship with God for yourself. The beautiful thing about this episode is that you can use core values for all relationships, not just romantic ones. I encourage you to check that episode out when you can, but I want to discuss a concept the couple mentioned that resonated with me. 

When discussing healing, we often dissect feelings and repair relationships with certain people or things; honestly, the thought exhausts me. Now, I do not want you to take this the wrong way. I am not saying that you should stop your healing efforts; I would not be here sharing with you had I not gone through my healing journey. However, I want to share a little secret: I got tired of always healing. *Gasp* Yes, I said it. I got tired of going back over things, holding myself accountable, looking at various perspectives, etc. I got tired of replaying things repeatedly, and honestly, it turned my testimony into an idol and, ultimately, a ball and chain. 

As I watched this episode, imagine my relief when Pastor Tiffaney said that we are the ones who are constantly trying to repair when God wants to remove and restore. We are often focused on fixing things and ‘making it right again,’ but God wants to remove the hurt and restore us so that we can be whole for Him. When God restores us to wholeness, we are ready for what He ultimately wants: GROWTH! This revelation brought a sense of freedom, and I had to share it with you. 

Here is a simple formula from the Pastors: 

Healing–>Wholeness–>Growth

Keep this visual in mind and follow me for a second—I submit my life to God. I submit to His will, and I give everything I have—my thoughts, fears, hopes, dreams, feelings—EVERYTHING, and I ask for him to replace all these old things that have not served me well. He does it. I grow, and my tastes change—my walk, talk, and presence. What I consume and who I allow in my orbit changes, and He makes me whole. His restoration is not just a repair; it’s a transformation. He takes me and fills all those voids I had acquired when I was not traveling with Him. Then, after a season of waiting that only God and I understand, He gives me a peace that provides a wholeness that only my tears of joy can describe. And with this newfound peace, I am granted the opportunity to walk into spaces my mind did not see coming. He opens doors and provides me with so much favor that I cannot thank Him enough. That is the power of restoration, and it’s available to each of us. 

If we subscribe to the repair model, it will be a patchwork job—fixing leaks but leaving water damage. But if we submit to God’s Restoration Services, we will get a complete makeover—brand new everything! 

I hope this message brings you a smile and fills you with hope. Remember, you can have so much more than what man says you can have. As always, I want you to know that I love you and am praying for you. You are not alone in this journey of restoration and growth. 

Take Care, 

ToriB💕🌻

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BTW, I have a daily devotional group that I would love for you to join! This month, we are covering “Seasons of Waiting,” which is powerful! Scan the QR code. We would love to have you!