NEWS

Thankful Thursday 5.16.19

With the nearly full moon, I awoke early one morning and was blessed with an hour of quiet before the rest of the house began to stir. That time allowed me to spend time in my devotions hearing from God and to reflect on 5 things in my life for which I’m grateful. I also dreamed. At the end of my reflection time, I zeroed in on one thing I wanted to make happen that day to bring me closer to realizing one of my dreams.

This intentional time with God has been a grounding force throughout my life. The more consistent this time occurs, the more I enjoy each breath I take and the present moments surrounding me. It doesn’t always occur super early in the morning, but it always retrains my focus on Jesus.

My thoughts and focus can so easily drift to others. They beckon me to slip into comparison and woe is me because I don’t have what I see others possessing. The less-than and lacking thoughts running through my head physically impact my posture. My shoulders slump forward. My chin drops towards my chest. God has not called me or you to live our lives in such a state. He challenges us to live with child-like wonder.

“At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and eartht, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, father, for this is what you were pleased to do.” Luke 10:21

Appreciate the early morning quiet awaiting the day with a silent smile. Marvel at the shadows dancing across the ground as the breeze rustles the leaves of the trees. Pause to watch artistry in motion at the end of the day when the sky blazes with a multitude of colors. As the sun fades away drawing the blanket of evening, we are encouraged to rest in the knowledge we are under our Creator’s care. God’s got this!

So thankful God provides so many opportunities to see beauty, be awed by His wonders, and blessed by His bountiful creation. Exercise your gratitude muscle this week by seeing the world with child-like wonder.

Blessings to you!

Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to worship this Sunday at 8:00, 9:15, or 10:30 AM. If you would like to know more about these services, click here. Can’t make it to worship? Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Thankful Thursday 5.9.19

As rain drops fell from the sky, I ducked my head to hustle from the car to the building avoiding as many rain drops as possible! Once inside, I glanced towards the sky in hopes of seeing an end to the rain and a chance to see the sun. I treasure the warmth the sun brings as it shines its golden rays.

As good as those rays of sunshine feel, they can not compare to the goodness brought to my life by my relationship with the Son, Christ Jesus. Forgiven for my repented mistakes. Challenged to grow beyond my current “status quo.” Blessing others through the actions of my growth and talent sharing.

Look to THE Son. Christ models humanity perfectly. He demonstrates a healthy relationship with our heavenly Father. And Jesus shows us how to interact with others. The Bible shares all of these aspects and more.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105

Take time to read the Bible (or listen through an audio app as you walk/run.) Reflect on the blessings given to you. Notice the piece of life missing for yourself and/or others that you can affect. What can you do to improve or more fully appreciate life?

The Son has a way of bringing some tough stuff into the light. A God-based support system is key to healing. As you focus on the difficult issue and bring it to Him, you will hurt facing it. But He is there to help you through the healing process. Support networks cover you in prayer, interceding for you when you may not have the strength. God, in His provenience, makes a way for the healing even when we can not see one.

Tough times are not easy to face. We all go through them. Look to Christ when you don’t know what to do. Connect with God and ask for insight into His will for your life.  And at all times, tough or easy, seek to be the hands and feet of Christ.

He is with you. Bless others with your actions in Christian love. You may be the warmth God uses to shine light into another person’s life.

Blessings to you!

Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to worship this Sunday at 8:00, 9:15, or 10:30 AM. If you would like to know more about these services, click here. Can’t make it to worship? Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.