Rest in His Shadow

Psalm 91:1-2
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
   will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress
   my God, in whom I trust.”

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,  
But I have promises to keep, 
And miles to go before I sleep, 
And miles to go before I sleep. -Robert Frost

Tim and I enjoy walking Rosie May at the local park. We often take her around the paved path, then let her run and play catch on the tennis court. The other day, as the heat of the day increased, we chose the wooded path for a short hike. As we trekked along the gravel trail, I looked up and admired the canopy the trees made as they bowed over the walking path. I welcomed the shade as the sun rose higher and the temperatures went up. The blue sky peeked through the green leaves and created a picture of the beauty God created. The woods were indeed lovely.

The canopy of trees reminded me of the shelter God provides. On that hot morning, He provided shade. The times when my heart hurts for this world, God offers comfort and confidence in Him. I'm thankful He is in control of this mess, and He will never leave me.

I rarely watch the news because I'm disappointed in how it's presented and in how people are falling for Satan's antics. They fling so much tragedy in our faces. It truly is a sad state of being, but my friends, we have hope and a place to go for comfort. As I continue my journey on this earth, with miles to go and promises to keep, I know without doubt, Jesus walks with me and His joy fills my soul. He keeps me moving forward.

Jesus' love gives us the hope we need to walk in this weary world, and God offers comfort and peace as we rest in His shadow. He is my refuge, and I trust Him.

Seek God's shelter.

One Step at a Time

I love the Appalachian Mountains, but sometimes 

I am surrounded by a different kind of mountain that I believe I can't climb.

Sorrow, grief, achievement, expectations, too much to do, and the list goes on.

What do I do when I lift my eyes to those daunting mountains?

I look to the One who gives me the strength and courage to climb.

I lift my eyes to God and seek Him as I take the mountain step-by-step,

because I know He walks with me, and His love surrounds me.

 

He's Not Done

Psalm 33:11
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
    the purposes of his heart through all generations.

In church Sunday, we sang My Testimony by Elevation Worship. One of the phrases in the song says something like this, "if I'm not dead, then you aren't done."

As songs often do, this one got me to thinking. I pondered about God's plan and how I fit in. I have a t-shirt that says, "He has a plan, and I have a purpose."

The phrases from the song and the shirt remind me that no matter how old I am, I have a purpose in God's plan. That thought can be applied to how young, whether by age, or by new life in Christ, a person is. He wants us to be part of His work in this world.

My mom lived to be ninety-five, my Grammy ninety-two, and my dad eighty-seven. I remember talking to mom on visits as she grew closer to the end of her life. Due to her arthritis, she couldn't do as much as she used to, but she continued to address and send cards for her Sunday school class even when she couldn't attend. The cards her hands touched and prepared blessed the sick, elderly, shut-in and whoever the class reached out to. Grammy taught piano to students until the day she passed, and she prayed. She lifted every family member, friend, and acquaintance to the Lord in prayer every day. Dad encouraged his grandkids and until he couldn't anymore, he fixed everything for everybody. All three of them allowed God to continue to work through their lives and touch others in His name.

I have been blessed by many children and young people who love Jesus. I'm thankful for every one of them. Not to mention the folks who are young in Christ and share an enthusiasm that reminds me not to take my faith for granted.

No matter how long I live, I want to continue to follow God's plan for my life.

Don't give up, instead ask Jesus what you can do.

Decoration Day

Memorial Day or Decoration Day as Grammy called it, 

is a day to honor the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in a war. 

I remember, as a young person, helping Grammy snip peonies and irises. 
Then we wrapped a glass jar in aluminum foil, filled it with water, and added the flowers. We placed the simple remembrance at the graves of my grandpa,
great-grandma, and my great-uncle, Walter Smith.
Walter died during the Great Influenza epidemic in 1918,
while he served at a camp in Chillicothe, during WW 1. 

I don't visit the graves anymore, but I want to offer honor and thanks
to those who have served our country and lost their lives for our freedom.
Thank you to the families who have lost loved ones to war. May God bless you.

No Fear of Bad News

It's hard not to fear bad news. 

As a person who's been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, 

I understand that ungrounded fear 

dredges itself up in the mind and plays tricks on me. 

Yet, because I trust in the Lord those fears reveal themselves as lies.

It's hard at times to turn my anxiety over to God, 

but I know in my heart I trust Him with everything in my life.

We're all a work in progress, as the saying goes.

Keep trusting and laying your fear at Jesus feet.

 

An Adventure of Obedience

Psalm 128:1
Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
who walk in obedience to him.

Obedience to God is an act of faith.

For as long as I’ve walked with God on my writing journey, He’s only asked one thing of me—to be obedient. With every word I’ve typed, class I’ve taken, conference I’ve attended, He has opened doors for me to walk through. Mind you, I didn’t have to step through any of them. The free will He gives us to choose our own adventure could have kept me from the journey He planned. And at times, I know I stepped off the path, but He waited patiently for me to turn around and seek Him again. You see, I had a dream to be a writer, and I prayed about my desire. I had no idea where the journey would take me, but I knew God walked with me.

He’s my writing partner. The One who knows my every thought and prayer. He understands my heart’s desire and He’s given me the tools to follow my dream. I know this because He’s the one who placed the dream on my heart from the beginning.

Scott and Lori Conley had a dream to provide food to children, offer scholarships for camp, and provide pillows to kindergartners. They prayed about the possibility of beginning a ministry to empower children and provide for their unmet needs. Lori and Scott got the program off the ground with much prayer, and Empower Youth soared. Since then Lori has made her way to heaven, Scott remarried, and the dream has continued. Even though Lori is in her heavenly home, Scott has remained obedient to God’s call.

We don’t know where our passions might lead. I pray my words encourage and bring hope. I know Empower Youth feeds the hungry both physically and spiritually.

My question now is, do you have a dream, a desire, a passion you want to pursue? Is it something God has placed on your heart? Pray, read the Bible for guidance, and seek people who will encourage you and give you wisdom, and be obedient.

Have faith in the One who created you for your adventure.

Your Next Beach Read!

Are you gathering your beach reads? Maybe your sit by the pool reads? Or summer reads under a shade tree. I hope you'll consider Home Away from Home, set in the summer on an island.

Order:
Amazon

Mt Zion Ridge Press

His Joy is Strength

My joy overflowed to have all three of my daughters 

with me on Mother's Day weekend.

We made art, we laughed, we talked, we ate, and we loved.

Even when my days are not so glorious and full of family and fun, I choose joy. 

Different from happiness, joy is Jesus in my heart, 

comforting me and reminding me that in Him everything will be okay. 

This day is holy to our Lord. 

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10b

 

Coming June 1

I've been writing devotions for years, and I'm happy to let you know my nature devotional will be published June 1, 2023.

Pre-order at https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Todays-Heart.../dp/1955838658/

or https://www.mtzionridgepress.com/.../hope-for-today-s...

If you love being outside enjoying nature, I believe this devotional is for you.

 

Sweet Harmony

Romans 12:16-18
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)

When music sings in harmony it is sweet to the ears.

May is a busy month for end-of-year school activities. This week two of our grandsons participated in the Middle School’s band concert. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, along with high school jazz and concert bands performed instrumental renditions of a variety of songs. These kids are blessed with excellent teachers who create an atmosphere where the students want to learn.

I love this photo of our grands with their friends!

With Eli on the trumpet and Zeke on the baritone the notes of It’s Raining Tacos danced across the gym. The sixth-grade band played a song they wrote themselves. Their band teacher, Mr. Glader, explained that one student played a riff, a short, repeated phrase in music and jazz, then another student on a different instrument played their version until the entire band played a part. Their song was inspiring.

Listening to all the different instruments come together in harmony and create excellent music reminded me of the church. Not the building we meet in, but the people. The believers who meet together and then go into the week with Jesus on our hearts. God wants us to be in harmony with Him and with one another, which often means we aren’t harmonizing with the world. Instead, we’re humbly serving others and attempting to live at peace.

As a believer and an instrument of God, I want to be in tune with God’s word and His people. I love singing together with folks in church, we raise our voices as the musicians on stage play their instruments. I try to carry the joy I find in sharing music into my week.

It’s hard enough to live in this world without being in discord with fellow believers. Instead of discord, let’s encourage and spread God’s hope and love.

Be in harmony, serve others, and live in peace.

 

God's Love is Personal

Sometimes when I'm praying and I'm not sure what to pray, 

this comes to mind.

"Cleanse me of anything that breaks Your heart."

God's heart hurts because of our suffering and our sin. 

Yet, He loves us so much that He bears the weight of our burdens.

I'm thankful for His incredible love.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

-Psalm 147:3

When I think of 'our' instead of 'their' in that verse,
God's love becomes personal to my soul.

 

Survive or Thrive

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

Do I thrive or survive?

Have you noticed spring’s signature color? The bright one that signals an awakening of the trees. I’m not sure I can describe the vibrant shade of green and do it justice., but I'll try. The bright, light yellow-green shimmered in the spring breeze as if golden sunshine water colored the leaves. Can you picture it?

When I traveled with Maggie to South Carolina, the mountains glowed with the green of spring, as the limbs reached to the sky and invited sunlight into their veins. Even along the cuts in hills that lined the roads, trees sprouted and waved as life flowed through their roots.

Those beautiful trees thrived.

Although many of the trees we witnessed with their delicate pops of green were young, they have the opportunity to grow into maturity. Which makes me wonder: Will they thrive or merely survive?

As a believer, Jesus gives me a choice. Will my soul thrive or will I just survive? Casting Crowns sings a song and asks if we want to live an ordinary life or thrive and live the life God intends for us. God plants dreams in our hearts, He gives us the opportunity to make the world a better place, and He offers salvation and a plan to live an amazing life in eternity. Thrive or survive? I want to thrive.

Meditate on His word, seek His guidance and learn to thrive.

Love and Faithfulness

Our neighbor grows a beautiful flower garden every year. 

The other day I spied this pretty plant. 

When I looked up the name, I discovered that it's Solomon's Seal. 

That led me to Proverbs, where Solomon shared his wisdom.

In Proverbs 3:3, he advises God's people 

to bind the Lord's love and faithfulness around their necks 

and write His wisdom on their hearts. 

Keeping His love and faithfulness close to my heart

gives me courage and hope.

 

Seek His Truth

Luke 24:45-49
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

I’m a little late to the game.

A couple of months ago, my daughter and grandson asked me if I had watched The Chosen, a television series depicting the life of Jesus and the disciples. They told me how much they enjoyed it, so I tuned in. I soon discovered I’d been missing out on one of the best portrayals of the Bible I’d seen. The show closely follows scripture and reveals the lives of the men and women who followed Jesus as well as the ones who denied him as the Messiah.

To see them and relate to them left me wanting more of Jesus and His experience with people. Although I read about them in the Bible, seeing the actors portray the disciples and give credence to their faith, and yes, their confusion at times, makes the stories I’ve heard for sixty years more believable. Matthew, the tax collector, portrayed as anxious and intelligent, writes everything Jesus says down on parchment. Peter is emotional and ready to fight for Jesus, while Thomas questions everything, and John keeps a cool head. Mary Magdalene’s heart shines after Jesus heals her and forgives her.

I don’t usually enjoy television that tries to portray the Bible, but The Chosen, so far, has captured the scripture and portrayed the men and women as believable.

I’m sharing this because in my heart, Jesus is as real as you and me. To see Him portrayed on the screen as a kind, caring man who bears the ultimate burden has increased my faith. We all know God moves in mysterious ways, and for me it has been through diving into my Bible as I watch The Chosen, checking references and moments against scripture. Because I long to grow in my faith every day, I’m open to opportunities for the Holy Spirit to fill me. Did I mention the grandson who loves this show is thirteen? A teenager. And that makes my heart sing. I’m so glad I can share this with him.

This isn’t an endorsement for the show, but rather one more way I’ve found to connect to scripture. Maybe it’s for you, maybe it’s not, but I urge you to continue to find what does make you want to read God’s word and talk to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you delve into His word and seek His truth.

Let the Fields be Jubilant

I went to one of the local libraries on Saturday to listen to a poetry reading.

On my way in I noticed these lovely double daffodils, 

and of course I had to stop and take a photo.

God created the most amazing plants. 

He timed them to bloom at different times of the year

and in so many gorgeous colors. 

This quote by Albert Einstein makes sense to me.

The more time I spend in nature, the more I embrace God.

Through His creation, I get to know him better and 

understand how much love He lavishes on us.

 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
    let the sea resound, and all that is in it. 
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. 

Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,

    he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness

    and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Psalm 96:11-13

Be Strong and Courageous

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Playing a sport as a youngster is not for the faint of heart.

I opened my calendar and spread their schedules in front of me. Grandchildren in track, baseball, and softball filled the pages, not to mention Tim’s schedule as a Red’s usher and my author obligations.

We’ve watched our children and grandchildren compete in sports for years. Tim and I even coached our own kids.

I enjoy all kinds of sports, especially when the grands are participating. Watching Eli throw the discus and shotput was a new experience. I love his attitude. He’s brand new to the sport and willing to learn. He wants to do his best. Zeke, in his baseball, has grown by leaps and bounds and this year, the coach is tapping into his potential. Again, he has a great attitude, he wants to learn and do his best. Ella Cate, in softball, is the same as are Max and Aiden in basketball and track and Dylan in tennis. All of these young folks have approached their sport with an attitude of courage and a determination to be strong in their sport. They each want to enjoy the game, but also learn and grow. They know their parents and grandparents are there cheering them on and encouraging them to do their best.

When God tapped Joshua to take over for Moses, Joshua stepped up and told the people what would happen next. God reminded him, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5) Several times, God reminded Joshua to be strong and have courage. And he did.

Just as we encourage and support our grandkids in their sports, God reminds us to be strong and have courage as we serve Him. That may require learning something new, spending time in His word or on our knees in prayer. God’s courage goes before me as I serve Him and minister to others. He gives me the strength and courage to do the things I hesitate to do on my own. I’m thankful for God’s love and encouragement.

Take heart, and be strong and courageous.

Book Signings

I'd love to see you at one of these events!

 

Life Strategy

 

On a walk with Tim and Rosie, I spied Virginia bluebells all over the woods. 

Their bright blue flower brightened the spring day and reminded

me of all the beauty God has created and 

how His hand in my life changed me.

The day I chose to walk with God, I made the best decision of my life. 

With God by my side, I navigate rough waters with faith

because God never fails to be my refuge and guide. 

With Him, I'm braver than I ever could be without him. 

His love and grace is game changing.

Have Childlike Trust

1 Peter 2: 22-25
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

The Easter eggs were plucked from the tufts of grass.

The pink, blue, green, and yellow orbs held a mystery. Something sweet. Only two of the children in our family were young enough to seek out the treats, but I got to hide them. Like a child, I scattered them about the yard and admired the shiny plastic as it sparkled in the sun.

Joys of childhood still thrill my soul, even as I experience them through my grandchildren.

Albert Einstein said, “Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.”

I stand in awe of the wonder of God’s plan, His creation.

God created everything on this earth. He spoke and the moon and stars shone. The animals moved and the plants grew.

In the shadow of Easter and the resurrection, give thought to the One who commands the rain to fall. In His original plan, God created a perfect garden, then humans came along and destroyed the perfection with sin. God knew. He always knew He’d have to clean up after us. So, He sent Jesus. The one sacrifice for all people. The One who showed the disciples how to love the unlovable. The One who preached sermons that encouraged compassion. The One who saved my soul.

The eggs are gone, but the power of the resurrection remains. Have childlike trust in His love and grace.

Easter May Be Over But...

 Choosing to follow Jesus fills my heart with hope.

I'm one of those people who has a hard time watching the news.

The sadness pierces my soul with grief.

But the hope I have in Jesus fills my heart with joy.

One day, I will meet Jesus and be reunited with loved ones 

who have gone to heaven.

No sorrow, no tears, no negativity. Only joy!

We'll rejoice with the angels and revel in the light of God.

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Rev. 5:13

Book Review: The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese

Description:
Three friends. Two broken promises. One missing manuscript.

As a senior acquisitions editor for Fog Harbor Books in San Francisco, Ingrid Erikson has rejected many a manuscript for lack of defined conflict and dramatic irony--two elements her current life possesses in spades. In the months following the death of her childhood best friend and international bestselling author Cecelia Campbell, Ingrid has not only lost her ability to escape into fiction due to a rare trauma response, but she's also desperate to find the closure she's convinced will come with Cecelia's missing final manuscript.

After Ingrid jeopardizes her career, she fears her future will remain irrevocably broken. But then Joel Campbell--the man who shattered her belief in happily-ever-afters--offers her a sealed envelope from his late cousin, Cecelia, asking Joel and to put their differences aside and retrieve a mysterious package in their coastal Washington hometown.

Honoring Cecelia's last request will challenge their convictions and test their loyalties, but through it all, will Ingrid and Joel be brave enough to uncover a twice-in-a-lifetime love?

My Thoughts:

The Words We Lost tells a story of friendship, love, and grief and how the three twined together. Ingrid had stepped away from the life she knew after grief and sorrow pushed her into a fog of confusion and despair. When she finally returns to the only place she knew as home, a whole plethora of emotions throw her into a search for a missing manuscript, along with a search into her heart. Joel’s love for Ingrid is steadfast but shadowed by the past. As the two look for their friend’s final piece to a wildly popular series, they discover something far more important than Cece’s last fiction manuscript. This is a thought-provoking story with a strong faith thread. I especially loved Ingrid’s unique back story and the setting at a beautiful hotel on Washington’s coast. And don’t miss the heart-rending story of Wendy, Cece’s mother. This is a book to be savored. If you enjoy excellent story with strong characters I recommend you read this book. I received a free copy with no expectations. Opinions are my own.

He Defeated Death

Matthew 28:1-6
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 

His enemies crucified Him on Friday. On Saturday, His people mourned. On Sunday, Mary Magdelene and Mary witnessed a miracle.

Jesus died on a cross, one of the cruelest punishments of that time. His enemies tortured Him, spit on Him, and mocked Him. Yet, Jesus loved them. He longed for them to be part of His kingdom.

I started watching The Chosen this week. Experiencing how people may have lived, at the time Jesus walked the earth, draws me closer to understanding the life and love of Jesus. He longed for people to trust Him and place their hope in His father. The people of that time had waited for the Messiah to arrive. Some thought he’d wear a crown as royalty, while others pictured a warrior in uniform. Instead, God sent His son, a humble servant who came to die, so we can live.

This weekend, as you celebrate Easter, focus on Jesus’ precious gift of life. God’s Son came to earth as part of God’s plan that gives us a path to heaven, a path I don’t deserve. Yet, Jesus took on our sins, died, and rose again.

He defeated death and rejoices in life!

Glory of Tulips

On a recent trip to South Carolina the tulips popped.

Their lovely colors made a rainy day bright.

Each petal held unique beauty, like each person who viewed them.

God has gifted every person with different abilities and talents.

I'm thankful God gifted me with encouragement, and

I pray I continually lift others up with the hope I have in Jesus.

What is your talent or gift? 

If you don't know what it is, ask Jesus to show you.

 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Fiction Review: Windswept Way (Hope Harbor series #9) by Irene Hannon

Book Description:
Buying a supposedly haunted house wasn't in Ashley Scott's plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap, she's ready to launch a new life. But she can't do it alone, and her reclusive new neighbor Jonathan Gray may be just the person to help--if only there were room in his life for romance.

My thoughts:
I love the Hope Harbor series, and I’ve enjoyed every book. I do believe this one is my favorite. Ashley is a lovely character who is determined to honor her father and make her dream come true, despite her mother’s objections. Jon has suffered wounds from war and is having a hard time adapting, even as he runs his landscape business. And Rose is a lovely 80 something who hides her talents and needs a friend. This is a beautifully written book about people needing each other and overcoming personal obstacles to pursue love. Of course taco maker and artist, Charlie has a role, as do his two pigeon friends, and a few other Hope Harbor folks appear. If you enjoy a story written with elegance and grace, you’ll want to read Windswept Way.

Home Away From Home has Arrived!

Check out the conversation I had with my publishers about Home Away From Home, part 1. 

Podcast with Penny Frost McGinnis

Overwhelmed with Peace and Hope

Daniel 6:25-27
Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: May you prosper greatly! I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

“For he is the living God
    and he endures forever;
his kingdom will not be destroyed,
    his dominion will never end.
He rescues and he saves;
    he performs signs and wonders
    in the heavens and on the earth.
He has rescued Daniel
    from the power of the lions.”

I felt like I could touch the hand of God.

In Hannah’s Rav-4, we wound around the hairpin curves and climbed the mountain. Surrounded by evergreens and the sweet spring green of budding trees, I soaked in the beauty of God’s incredible creation. The redbuds popped and the white dogwood waved in the breeze. As we drove up the mountain, the clouds drew closer. At the top, beautiful and serene Pretty Place invited us to bow in reverence to the King of Kings.

Pretty Place, built near Camp Greenville, North Carolina, beckoned me to bow my head and thank the Lord for His constant presence in my life. As I stood in the open stone chapel, I watched my grandchildren and children interact. My thanks rose to God for my husband, my beautiful family, and the life I’m living. Most of all, my heart entwined with God’s grace and I thanked Him for Jesus. I bowed in reverence before the Lord and poured out gratitude. It felt good and right.

Pretty Place is a place where the reverence of God overwhelms me with peace and hope.

I’ve only visited the stone chapel twice, and both times I felt the same. I wish I could start my day there every day, but I live in Ohio. Instead, I seek God through scripture reading, devotions, and prayer. We visit the woods and sit beside the lake when we can. No matter where I am though, God is with me. He’s here in my living room, on walks with our dog, in the city, the country, no matter where I am He travels with me. And He’s with you, too.

Seek God where you are. He loves you.

Jesus Gives Peace

Hiking in the mountains of North Carolina with my family filled me with peace. 

Not the peace that resembles satisfaction, but the peace Jesus promises. 

The peace that's beyond my understanding that soothes my soul.

That's the peace I want in my heart every day.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27