We've all heard and love the Bible verse, "ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (Matthew 7:7)," right? When life gets tough, which happens from time to time, I've always found comfort in this verse because of it's simplicity and loving promise. Just ask, and you will receive. How awesome is that? "Dear God, please give me more blessings, all the blessings, actually, and also please take away all my problems; especially the problems that come in the shape and form of people I don't like and situations I happen to put myself in... by accident or on purpose. Oops! Please make everything in my life better ASAP! Thank you. In your name I pray..."

A few years ago I picked up a book by Jim Rohn who is most well known for mentoring the giant, self-help guru, Anthony Robins and Mark Hughes who founded the mega supplemental company, Herbalife. In there, another layer of understanding was imparted unto me - "don't wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom." Wow, talk about a complete change in perspective! Doesn't the thought of leveling up in your capacity, capabilities, and prowess seem much more desirable and exciting than leading a life without any challenges or difficulties? Are we not stronger and smarter today because of all the trials and tribulations we passed through this past year and a half? Confidence comes from direct experience, not avoidance.

I don't remember much of the book today but I will never forget that one line. It was a total game changer and it's no surprise at all to reveal that my prayers have drastically transformed since then, too. Just a simple shift in focus and bam - a whole new world of possibilities and a whole new me - from beggar to princess, famine to feast, from loser to winner, powerless to powerful. It gives a different meaning to another verse we all know and find comfort in, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13), doesn't it?

"Father, I thank you for all the blessings and for the trials and tribulations. Because of the difficult seasons I've endured, I appreciate the goodness of this life more deeply and profoundly. Because I've passed through the fire, I can now see the embers of warning signs far before I step onto a dangerous path. Because I've asked for all the blessings, you've set me on an adventurous path of discovery. I ask that you continue to impart your wisdom and strength unto me when I'm facing heartache and heartbreak. I ask you to show me how to quiet and placate my troubled soul when I'm wallowing in my sadness and pain. I trust you more than ever, please give me the strength to obey, especially when I don't want to. Lord, I ask you for all the blessings, in whatever form or package you decide to send it to me in."

XOXO - Nari, editor in chief