Donna Renay Patrick - When Life Doesn‘t Go as Planned

<p>Donna Renay Patrick - When Life Doesn't Go as Planned</p> <p class="p1">My guest today is Author, Radio Host, Speaker, Worship Leader and Choir Director Donna Renay Patrick. She and I had a light hearted conversation about the various ways to recover when life does not turn out like we thought it would.</p> <p class="p1">We shared our personal understanding of God based on our individual experiences and how we interpret God’s word through our understanding. We talked about keeping a journal whether it’s a gratitude journal or a journal to help you sort out your thoughts and feelings. There’s value in getting out the over whelming thoughts that are bouncing around in your head, onto paper.</p> <p class="p1">We discussed the importance of a strong identity, as well as the importance of grieving.</p> <p class="p1">An interesting portion of our conversation for me was when we touched on the 3 entry areas to our heart and mind: Ear gate, eye gate, & mouth gate. Theses are significant entry points into our lives and they need to be guarded.</p> <p class="p1">We are the gate keepers and when we’re equipped to take our position we learn to cultivate peace in our lives. Not that we can keep from experiencing pain or trauma because ultimately these are opportunities to draw close to the Lord and not be self-sufficient but for the purpose of limiting the times we are confused and suffering.</p> <p class="p1">Donna and I shared our thoughts on what it means to let go…not to nothing or anything hoping something will happen but rather letting go and submitting yourself to God’s care…it’s the only place we’re safe.</p> <p class="p1">What does it mean to praise God in the middle of our pain and suffering? Donna and I found value in taking our focus off of ourselves and putting it on the One, Jesus Christ who can bring healing and restoration. The One who is with us in the places that no one else can reach.</p> <p class="p1">Even our climate with its 4 seasons reflects something about the seasons in our individual live