One blessing from vacation was finishing a book called Forever in Love with Jesus by Dee Breestin and Kathy Troccoli. It was especially challenging and God's timing is perfect. Just when I was processing some very specific truths, this book was dealing with the same topics. It provided so many wonderful reminders of God presence.

The following are two passages that have brought a lot of challenge this week-

"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:34 The Message

Sometimes it is helpful to re-read familiar passages in alternative versions. I love this verse! My brain runs a mile a minute- always thinking, rehashing, processing. It can be a blessing and a curse (great when you're planning an event- not so good when you're trying to move past something). I love the phrase- "Give attention to what God is doing RIGHT NOW". If I'm so caught up in the past or in what may or may come in the future, I miss out on what God is doing right now. My full attention needs to be placed on what is happening around me. The people, the youth, the circumstances, the opportunities, the task at hand. The last two months have been filled with such blessing as I have seen God at work- I'm thankful I haven't missed that. I am able to speak of His faithfulness!

Then- the last phrase says, "God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Because of fear or uncertainty, I could choose not to do something -to not be available. But, "in the moment of my weakness, He gives the grace to do His will." This last week has created some opportunities that were out of my comfort zone- things that I'd rather not do. Whether they were social gatherings that I didn't really want to attend- God used those evenings to bless my heart and remind me that He is at work in lives. One situation this week, could have been incredibly uncomfortable, having to face rejection head on- but the Lord used the situation to encourage and be a testament of His Power. Instead of sitting on the sidelines or getting worked up- put your hand to the plow and do it. He will give you what you need to accomplish what He has asked you to do. He gives grace.


I won't go into a detailed commentary on the second passage- but what encouragement is given here! God frees us from our fears, He hears our cries and surrounds us! We lack no good thing! He rescues those who are crushed!

No matter what your circumstances- worship Him! Revel in His glory, in His awesome might, in Who He Is! He is unchanging! Cry out to Him- be honest before God- what release! He will come to you- He will bring comfort- He will satisfy you.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good!"

Psalm 34
1 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
2 I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
12 Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?
13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!
14 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.
16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth.
17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!
21 Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.