"... Beyond My Control"

[image: me]

"Making Peace...
with What I Can't Control"
by
Lysa TerKeurst

[image credit: FaithGateway sign up]

PEACE of SURRENDER
{this has to be my favorite quote so far}
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The Premiere already has past & I did not get this blog post done in time to share the video, but I think that it's still available; and watching might help or encourage you to decide to join us

Faith Gateway

Online Study
November 16th (for 6 weeks) - December 20followed by one catch-up week atStudy Gateway
{these 6 sessions are already in my image above}

"Session 1: Four Reassurances We Need in the Midst of Unknown Outcomes Session 2: I’d Rather Do Something Than Trust God with Something  Session 3: When More Information Makes You More Afraid Session 4: When You’ve Done All You Should Do Session 5: Practicing God’s Wisdom When We’re Tempted to Control Session 6: Trusting God Instead of Trying Harder "

Lysa's book was released on September 15th {I was trying to get well at that time for my sister's Memorial Mass, on the 17th, so I had other things on my mind but ...} I saved the description of the book & purchased the study guide as soon as I could, and I'd like to share the opening that convinced me this probably is a book you need; & a must do study whenever it might happen: 

"It's not that we want to be controlling people; it's just that we want to prevent bad things from happening and bring stability to the chaos. Especially when we are afraid of what God seems to be allowing..." 

Lysa addresses the tension so many of us live in ... "we don't have bad motives. We're just desperate to prevent another hardship, more heartbreak, and all the emotional turmoil that feels so unnecessary. But this only leads to a counterfeit version of control where we believe everything depends on us - a crushing weight we were never meant to bear." Clearly, most of us (a little late) come to the realization and conclusion that we need to RELEASE and surrender this to the One who is really & truly in control. 

[image credit: email from FG but it's Lysa's book]

"...You don't have to know how everything will work out to trust the One who does. Release what you can't control and rest in God's faithfulness."

"Surrender and let God carry the weight."

[this was in so many emails I received that I have to share, in case you aren't convinced yet that you should join this study or read this book/study guide]

"As we take a look at surrender, let’s first outline what we aren’t saying ... Surrender is not ignoring reality bypassing pain avoiding hard work abandoning your post or being irresponsible giving up this person to worst-­case scenarios letting yourself get swallowed up by the circumstances of this day giving in to the feeling that your circumstances are hopeless Surrender is yielding your need to control the outcome laying down the illusion that you know best releasing your grip so God can lead choosing obedience to God even when it hurts letting God carry the weight of what happens from here choosing to still see this day as a gift from God and thanking Him for the good parts trusting God to hold your hopes and dreams and bring them about in His way and in His timing " Faith Gateway

"Surrender this to the only One who can truly help from here."
RELEASE
REST
RELY
RENEW & RESTORE
RETURN
be
ReFRESHED
2026 is a good year to RE-LINQUISH
our control and surrender to God
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ADVENT begins on November 29th, 2026 ... and although I generally follow a traditional Advent plan during Advent with the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, I've decided that I will do this study, in addition to my forthcoming blog posts for December of "I just can't decide" ReFresh books that I should do before 2026 closes.

However, this year of 2026, has been one continuous year of learning so much about living and life; "making peace" with past and hopefully future; healing and moving forward; as I REST, RELEASE, RELY, RETURN, RENEW and RESTORE, so that I can ReFRESH my life and walk even more closely with Jesus! 

I pray and hope that this Advent will be a season of anticipation and preparation for Jesus Christ - like never before, because I choose "to still see this day and every day as a gift from God and thank Him for the good parts". So, I begin with this study to truly RELEASE my grip and trust that I RELY on Him being in control (so I don't have to, or need to any longer) ... because eventually I do realize that HE IS in control anyways - ALWAYS - and as long as I am held in His Grip then I can let go, & let God be God, because it's truly far "beyond my control"

💙

REJOICE - for the WINNING

We are in the last 30 days of the 90
"Praying through Life's Battles"
which have truly been
strengthening me
in a year when I really have needed
God's Strength & Steady Faithfulness

[image credit: me & gpt☀🕊 ]

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JESUS
leading me to my 2026 One Word #6
these 5 stones have become my foundation
while I continued to pray through the
WEARY and WARRING
parts of this year's
journey
and
Rachel Wojo's book

I could not wait to get to these last 30 days
FOR THE WINNING 
Prayers to REJOICE 
in what God will do
[The Reading Challenge part is available through Rachel Wojo]

"FOR THE WINNING Days 61–90 Prayers to Rejoice in What God Will Do DAY 61–70  [*Your ... appears before God in each Title] Day and Title Book Verse Reading Challenge 61. God Will Show Up Exodus 14:13 Exodus 14:10–14 62. God Will Provide Genesis 22:14 Genesis 22:1–14 63. God Will Secure Isaiah 33:6 Isaiah 33:2–6 64. God Will Persevere Philippians 1:6 Philippians 1:3–11 65. God Will Win the Victory 1 Corinthians 15:57 1 Corinthians 15:54–58 66. God Will Deliver 2 Timothy 4:18 2 Timothy 4:16–18 67. God Will Restore Joel 2:25 Joel 2:21–27 68. God Will Heal Psalm 147:3 Psalm 147:1–6 69. God Will Bless Numbers 6:24–26 Numbers 6:22–27 70. God Will Strengthen Isaiah 41:10 Isaiah 41:8–13 DAYS 71–80 Day and Title Book Verse Reading Challenge 71. God Will Defend Psalm 59:16 Psalm 59:14–17 72. God Will Guide Isaiah 30:21 Isaiah 30:18–21 73. God Will Overcome John 16:33 John 16:25–33 74. God Will Lift You Up James 4:10 James 4:7–10 75. God Will Answer Isaiah 65:24 Isaiah 65:17–24 76. God Will Renew 2 Corinthians 4:16 2 Corinthians 4:13–18 77. God Will Bring Peace John 14:27 John 14:23–27 78. God Will Rescue Colossians 1:13 Colossians 1:9–14 79. God Will Redeem Ephesians 1:7 Ephesians 1:3–8 80. God Will Sustain Nehemiah 9:21 Nehemiah 9:16–21 DAYS 81–90 Day and Title Book Verse Reading Challenge 81. God Will Break Through 2 Samuel 5:20 2 Samuel 5:17–21 82. God Will Open Doors Matthew 7:7–8 Matthew 7:7–11 83. God Will Triumph Psalm 98:1 Psalm 98:1–9 84. God Will Protect Psalm 121:7–8 Psalm 121:1–8 85. God Will Lead the Way Psalm 25:5 Psalm 25:1–7 86. God Will Do a New Thing Isaiah 43:16–19 Isaiah 43:16–21 87. God Will Shine His Light John 8:12 John 8:12–18 88. God Will Never Fail Lamentations 3:22–23 Lamentations 3:19–26 89. God Will Empower Ephesians 3:20 Ephesians 3:20–21 90. God Will Fulfill His Promises Joshua 21:45 Joshua 21:43–45

GOD WILL DO ALL THIS
AND MORE

AS
YOU KEEP ON
PRAYING & BELIEVING
HIS TRUTHS
REJOICE
and
🦃Let's GIVE THANKS🦃
to 
God & Others
🙏
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💙

GOT'CHA 🐾 PRAISE

OCTOBER "WARRING" PRAISE

When the battle presses in, 

praise remembers the ways 

God has already shown us

who He is.

[image credit: me & gpt]

PRAISE — Declares who He is. Live from that truth. 🗝️ Praise remembers who God is —  and responds. Praise God for the way He has shown who He is.

Praise God for the way He fights for you. Deuteronomy 3:22 Praise God for the way He loves you. Ephesians 2:4-5 Praise God for the way He moves for you. Psalm 77:14 Praise God for the way He cares for you. Isaiah 46:4 Praise God for the way He protects your heart. Psalm 4:8 Praise God for the way He defends your soul. 2 Thes. 3:3 Praise God for the way He comforts you. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Days 31-37/of 60 in Rachel Wojo's book, Part 2, For the Warring{I'm actually on day 42 of 2nd week}
Days 38 - 60

Praise God for the way He strengthens you. Isaiah 40:29 Praise God for the way He heals your wounds. Jeremiah 30:17 Praise God for the way He calms your storms. Psalm 107:29 Praise God for the way He guides your steps. Psalm 37:23-24 Praise God for the way He provides for you. Philippians 4:19 Praise God for the way He lifts you up. Psalm 3:3 Praise God for the way He listens to your cries. Psalm 18:6 Praise God for the way He rescues you. Psalm 18:6 Praise God for the way He redeems your pain. Psalm 103:2-4 Praise God for the way He restores your hope. Psalm 33:22 Praise God for the way He breaks your chains. John 8:36 Praise God for the way He gives you peace. Phil. 4:7 Praise God for the way He lights your path. Proverbs 4:18 Praise God for the way He shields you from harm. Prov. 30:5 Praise God for the way He empowers your soul. Eph 3:16 Praise God for the way He guards your heart. Isaiah 26:3 Praise God for the way He silences your fears. Zephaniah 3:17 Praise God for the way He strengthens your faith. Heb 12:2 Praise God for the way He stays faithful. Deuteronomy 7:9 Praise God for the way He answers your prayers. 1 Jn 5:14-15 Praise God for the way He calls you by name. Isaiah 43:1 Praise God for the way He fills you with joy. John 15:11 Praise God for the way He is always near. Acts 17:27

💙
October 12th is Bella's Got'cha Day{the beautiful brindle sitting by my side}Thanks Deborah, her sister & Topo!
🐾

ReFRESH ourselves in the AUTUMN of LIFE

Just a few treasures of how I plan to spend the celebration of this day

💙Come celebrate with me💙

only one of His Truths that I receive as I

 ReFresh 

my mind & soul this autumn

of this year - 2026!

as I gaze upon the beauty of the
St. Croix River
in this my favorite season
giving God thanks and praise
for who He is and all He does for me

at the dawn of my 
72nd YEAR
of life
💙
as
Jesus continues to lead me
as
He prepares me more for
HOME
HE preserves me
HE sustains me
HE carries me
HE
gives me
strength, Grace, and love
as
HE
breathes on me and
empowers me
one more 
day
to
live for
HIS Glory & service
wherever
HE
leads me
I WILL FOLLOW
💙
I couple more delights of mine
from a past & a recent



Autumn Peace with God

I have shared the following one before

but it's one of my very favorites!
the verse
the pines
the companions
the peace of my lakeside view
AND THE "EVEN IFS"
Every one is true -
and the best advice to myself 
today & always
💙
Since my title included the
Autumn of Life
I want to close with what
I found as the core meaning:
{as if all of the above has not shown you yet}
💙

Harvest and Wisdom: Just as autumn is the harvest season in nature, this phase represents reaping the rewards, knowledge, and life experience accumulated over the years.
Reflection and Peace: It is often viewed as a calmer, more contemplative time focused on appreciating simpler pleasures, family, and legacy.
Letting Go: Like trees shedding leaves, it symbolizes releasing past grievances, petty worries, and unnecessary stress to focus on what truly matters.
Bittersweet Transition: It acknowledges the natural cycle of aging, reminding us of time's passage while highlighting the unique dignity and beauty of later life stages.  

ENJOY YOUR AUTUMN! 

{I sure hope to ReFresh my life}
💙

"WHEN JESUS IS EVERYTHING" Releases Today

It's another 

BOOK DAY RELEASE

for another popular author

Jennie Allen

with

"WHEN JESUS IS EVERYTHING"

So, it's another book added to my wish list for Kindle, to use next year, since it's 365 days of Faith, Purpose, and Freedom in Christ ... compiled together in one wonderful ebook, putting JESUS first. Just to be sure, I remember I have the sample version waiting there to remind me. 

Here is what Jennie, herself says in email today:

 

"When Jesus is Everything: 365 Days of Faith, Purpose, and Freedom in Christ is officially OUT TODAY. Honestly, this feels like a life’s work. If there is one thing I believe changes our lives more than anything else, it’s this: When Jesus is everything, everything changes. We make it so complicated to follow Jesus. We think we need to fix this. Figure that out. Get better at this. Have an answer for that. And Jesus is just saying: “Go all in. Surrender everything to Me. And I’ll help the other things work out.” And He does. That’s why I made this. 365 days of connecting with Jesus. There’s Scripture every day, Prayer every day, and my hope is that every single day, this becomes a connecting point for you and Jesus. I am praying this encourages you. I’m praying it blesses you. "

So, clearly, what more can I say!
For now, with the sample, I'm good to start 2027 into January 😉plus I'm hoping for my digital rewards
<><><>
In case  you need more than the author's word, since it'll be more than a year for me to share a review
Book description:

"...Jennie Allen invites you into a yearlong journey of learning what it really means to follow Jesus not halfway, not carefully, but by losing your life for His sake. These devotions are not about trying harder or fixing yourself. They are about letting go again and again and trusting the God who wants to set you free. With Scripture, reflection, and prayer, this 365-day devotional invites you to: Stop living for approval and start living from your identity in Christ Trust God with the things you are afraid to lose Experience a faith that is honest, steady, and rooted in Jesus alone This book is for anyone who loves God but still feels anxious, distracted, or tired of holding it all together. For anyone chasing the abundant life Jesus promised and not catching it. Whether you are rebuilding your quiet time, learning to trust God with everything, or simply longing to feel close to Jesus again, When Jesus Is Everything meets you right where you are. One day at a time. One act of surrender at a time. With Jesus at the center of it all. Perfect for personal devotion, small groups, and gifting, When Jesus Is Everything is a grace-filled invitation to let go and discover how much can change when Jesus truly is everything.

RECLAIMING ...

This was done quite a while ago in June this year in my journey.
Then on September 25, the tiny verse in that first section
was the verse for Rachel's devotional that day (25 of 30) in
"When the Past Won't Let Go"
which is from
FOR THE WEARY: 
to Remember Who God Is
I definitely could write a book on this one alone:
letting the past go & when it won't
<><><>
But since this is now
OCTOBER
I begin a new 30 days
FOR THE WARRING
... to Reflect on What God Has Done ...
Truly this is the right season
and month for me to be doing this.
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The above created image
is divided into 3 sections:
RECLAIMING MY TRUE IDENTITY

... 1 Corinthians 5:17 ...

RECLAIMING 
MY VOICE and STRENGTH

... Psalm 23:2-3 ...

RECLAIMING MY FUTURE

... Isaiah 43:19 ...

Each one seems to sync with the 3 parts of Rachel's book.

All of this I declared

before Rachel Wojo's newest book
was even in my hands.
I can hardly wait until I move into the last 30 days of her book:
FOR THE WINNING
to 
REJOICE IN WHAT GOD WILL DO
planned for November
I had no idea that the "reclaiming" of each in the image 
would fit so well with my plan, or Rachel's book
BUT GOD
surely must have known
And this is a powerful beginning for me
in the month of October
so I am & will be equipped for this battle.
Right in that middle section
of that image is my
LIFE VERSE
from
2 Timothy 1:7
since
1990
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OCTOBER's
FOR THE WARRING:
to
REFLECT on WHAT GOD HAS DONE
so these are Rachel's Prayers (Chapters) through Life's Battles:

"The WAY HE FIGHTS FOR YOU" (31) Deuteronomy 3:22* "The WAY He Loves You"               (32) "The WAY He Moves for You"         (33) "The WAY He Cares for You"          (34) "The WAY He Protects Your Heart" (35) "The WAY He Defends Your Soul"  (36) "The WAY He Comforts You"          (37) "The WAY He Strengthens You"     (38) "The WAY He Heals Your Wounds"(39) "The WAY He Calms Your Storms" (40) "The WAY He Guides Your Steps" "The WAY He Provides for You" "The WAY He Lifts You Up" "The WAY He Listens to Your Cries" "The WAY He Rescues You" "The WAY He Redeems Your Pain" "The WAY He Restores Your Hope" "The WAY He Breaks Your Chains" "The WAY He Gives You Peace" "The WAY He Lights Your Path"     (50) "The WAY He Shields You from Harm" "The WAY He Empowers Your Soul" "The WAY He Guards Your Heart" "The WAY He Silences Your Fears" "The WAY He Strengthens Your Faith" "The WAY He Stays Faithful" "The WAY He Answers Your Prayers" "The WAY He Calls You by Name" "The WAY He Fills You with Joy" "The WAY He Is Always Near"      (60)

The day that I was preparing this blog post 9/26,
extended family & life in southern Minnesota
are mourning yet another loss 9/22/26 of
 a beloved mom, sister, grandma ...

[Grandma Bea, Tracy, Vincent, Oct. 2025]
May Comfort, Peace, Love & Strength
accompany each one as 
Gramma Bea is now at her heavenly Rest!
My condolences & sympathies to all. 
{I read & prayed the many prayers & verses in Rachel's book}
for
Healing
Strength
Comfort
Peace
Grief




* the first 5 underlined are in a You Version plan "When the Battle is Raging", the numbers in parentheses are the chapter in Rachel's book and challenge on her blog for October. 

REMEMBER Who God Is: Where Weary Hearts Find Rest

Today, as I look at this image along the river and remember my earthly father on what would be his 117th birthday, my heart is full. The gift before me is not only a beautiful scene. It is a reminder of the deeper journey God has been walking with me, step by step, through these last days.

This past week’s devotions (and month) have all circled around one precious theme:

Remember who God is. 

Remember Who God Is When You’re Weary

When we are weary, that is where we must begin. Not with our weakness. Not with our confusion. Not with our fears. But with the unchanging character of God.

So many battles of the heart become lighter when I stop staring only at the battle and begin remembering the One who walks with me through it.

When trust is tested, God is trustworthy.
When I am misunderstood, God understands me and calls me to faithfulness.
When I feel defeated, God fights the battle.
When the past won’t let go, God makes me new.
When guilt overwhelms me, God forgives and frees.
When darkness closes in, God is my light and stronghold.
When I can’t find the words to pray, God already knows, and the Spirit intercedes.
When I face rejection, God receives me even when others do not.
When I need to surrender, God is sovereign, present, and worthy of my trust.

That is the pathway of remembrance.

As I look at the image of the woman holding the little lamb, I cannot help but see my own story there too. I am the one who has been held, carried, led, corrected, comforted, forgiven, and restored. I am also the one invited to keep coming back — not in shame, but in surrender. Not in striving, but in trust.

The St. Croix bluffs in the background feel especially meaningful to me. Rivers have bends. Journeys have valleys, cliffs, shadows, sunlight, and unexpected turns. Yet through all of it, God remains the same.

He has been my constant Companion.
My Lord and Savior.
My Redeemer and Friend.
My light in darkness.
My Shepherd when I was weary.
My stronghold when I felt weak.

And today, I give thanks not only for my earthly father and the life he lived, but for my Heavenly Father, whose character has never failed me. He has known every step of my story. He has seen every wound, every longing, every surrender, and every small beginning of healing. He has not left me. He has not forsaken me. He has remained faithful.

So today I remember.

I remember who God is.
I remember that His grace is enough.
I remember that His presence still goes with me.
I remember that salvation is in Jesus.
And I remember that even when I am weary, I am never walking alone.

avec Grâce. Paix. Tranquillité.☀️🕊️ & PeG💙

Today, on my dad’s birthday, I dedicate this as a tribute to him, BUT I am especially grateful for my Heavenly Father, whose love has been steadier than every changing season of life. Through valleys, cliffs, shadows, and sunlight, He has remained my Shepherd, my Savior, and my Friend.

💙

Remember who God is. That is where weary hearts find rest.

When trust is tested → God is trustworthy. Proverbs 3:5-6 When misunderstood → God understands and calls me to faithfulness. John 15: 18-19 When defeated → God fights the battle. 2 Chronicles 20:15 When the past won’t let go → God makes me new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 When guilt overwhelms → God forgives and frees. Psalm 32:5 When darkness closes in → God is my light and stronghold. Psalm 27:1 When I can’t find words to pray → God already knows and the Spirit intercedes. Matthew 6:8 When you face rejection → God receives me even when others do not.      Psalm 27:10 When you need to surrender → God is sovereign, present, and worthy of my trust. Psalm 46:10

💙

Getting ready for OCTOBER
Part 2: For the Warring
in Rachel's book
post on
Oct. 1st

I REMEMBER WHO GOD IS ...

IN EVERY

... WHEN ...

because HE is THERE in every WHEN

Many details, but here are a few I'd like to point out:

- the deer can quietly echo His gentleness,

- the sun / Son is already present in the light,

the kneeling figure can feel as though she is held in His mercy,

and each stone carries a facet of His faithfulness.

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This past week in review (days 15-21) from Rachel's book:

When strength fades — rely on His grace. When prayers seem unanswered — wait with confidence in His goodness. When loneliness lingers — remember His presence. When disappointment comes — take refuge in His unchanging character. When the tears won’t stop — remember, He comforts and transforms. When you need comfort — remember your Shepherd’s Presence with you. When grief is heavy — remember, He comes alongside and comforts.

and might I add coincidentally - my week{but you know what I call those coincidences} 

... Each statement begins with the human situation: When strength fades When prayers seem unanswered When loneliness lingers When disappointment comes When the tears won’t stop When you need comfort When grief is heavy But the real anchor is always the second half — who God is in that place: His grace His goodness His presence His unchanging character His comforting and transforming work His Shepherd Presence His coming alongside

A Prayer for the Weary Heart

Lord,

When strength fades, remind me that Your grace is enough.

When prayers seem unanswered, steady me in Your goodness.

When loneliness lingers, make Your presence more real than the silence.

When disappointment comes, anchor me in Your unchanging character.

When tears will not stop, meet me with Your comfort and keep working gently 

in what I cannot yet understand.

When I need comfort, draw me close to You, my Shepherd, 

and let Your presence be my refuge.

When grief is heavy, come alongside me and help me carry what feels too much to bear.

Keep me from measuring Your faithfulness by my circumstances.

Help me remember who You are when I am weary, confused, disappointed, or hurting.

You are still good.

You are still near.

You are still faithful.

You are still my refuge, my Shepherd, my comfort, and my strength.

Teach me to rest in Your grace, trust Your heart, and walk one step at a time in Your presence.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

{Trust me, I have prayed words like these for the past ... week or longer ... and I know that God is HERE, THERE and WHEREVER you may need Him!}