"Up Hill, Down Hill"

Where are we on our journey? Sometimes it feels like we are climbing a great incline. Other times it feels like we are sliding down the other side.

I guess you could call it the cycle of life! Jesus experienced the same ups and downs that we do. Sometimes it was effortlessly working to Gods' glory(down hill) Other times the trouble was there and Jesus tread onward(up hill). That's a grand lesson for us all!!

Verses: Matt 18: 1-9 Matt 21: 12-13 Gal 5: 22-26 Exodus 1(all)

" Our will? Gods' will?"

So many times in life we are faced with a decision and the need to act. What we may or may not consider is who's will is it?
Our will may be Gods' will also, or it may be ours' only? Acting on Gods' will is not easy or always pleasant. Knowing that how should we respond?
We can only pray and ask God for his complete influence in all we do in life.
Following God may take more discipline, but it will improve our success!!!
Verses: Matt 26: 36-46 Psalm 40: 8 Rom 12: 1-8

"Exhale"

There is definitely a need for all people to take a break. Life can be busy and filled with so many different activities. Some are our choices, others are just plain life !
Much needed and deserved breaks can refresh and revive us. There is a refueling that takes place when we pull away from all our responsibilities.
Perceptions change and our outlook improves. Going away to pray and reflect can be so renewing! God can fill us up then with hope and energy!
Verses: Psalm 85: 4-13 Isaiah 42: 5-9 Zech 14: 1-11

"Experience"

As always I constantly am reminded of the beauty of Gods' hand! The vast and diverse landscape that he paints is beyond words.

I feel incompetent against his creation. I do know I am perfect in Gods' eyes. The world is just filled to overflowing with things to see, hear, smell, and touch. Even mans' own creations reflect what God can do through his creation, creating. It makes me want to see and absorb as much as possible. Life doesn't seem long enough at all.

Verses: Col 1: 15-20 Rev 10: 5-7 Psalm 107: 24-43

"Expand"

I have come to believe that somehow the more people we come in contact with the more we see the face of God. Each time, even if only in passing, we are reminded of our own existence. An existence that we all share as humans.

Maybe that's why we all seem to like events where there are lots of people? Some would say that it is too much for them, but maybe they are just overwhelmed by Gods' glory shining through so many different faces?

Verses: Jeremiah 24: 4-7 2Cor 6: 14-18 1Ch 16: 7-36

"Listen"

Gods' voice sings out to us in so many ways. I look up to the vast and beautiful blue sky and take it in. I feel the awesome sun shining down on my face and there he is. I hear the crunch of gravel beneath my feet, and the wind on my face and there he is!!

I hear the kids on the playground, laughing, screaming, and there he is! I sing a song of worship and tap my foot and God joins me! In the quiet of the night I hear and feel his presence all around me. Praise goes to God for being so available and constant in our lives.

Verses: Rev 19: 1-3 John 8: 12-19 Psalm 24

"Community"

I have once again been inspired and impressed by people. Gods' creation of us is so vast and hard to imagine its' total significance. It is after all, Gods' intention for us to be in community with others.

Every time I find a new person to get to know, my life is enriched. Every aspect of them has some lesson to be learned by me. I hope that I too offer some kind of learning or insight to them.

Praise goes to God for being the creator of all. His infinite vision and depth goes well beyond anything we can fully comprehend.

Verses: Gal 1: 1-5 Genesis 1(all) Col 1: 15-16