Psalms 51:12 NIV — Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

For several years when I was in elementary school I had the privilege of my parents owning a mountain house. The house had a stream running behind it. In fact, the same stream ran through Asbury Hills, the United Methodist Camp in Cleveland, South Carolina. The stream was always cold but refreshing. During the summer we would go to our mountain house for a week respite. Prior to our trip my mom would take my brother and I to the local library to check out our limit of 10 books. We also had the opportunity to pick a favorite snack to take with us. I always chose iced animal cookies or ginger snaps. Once there, we would enjoy playing in the stream, reading, taking naps, and falling asleep each night to the soothing sound of the stream. Even as a child, I realized this time away was a time of renewal. Each of us rested in our own way and came away from the two weeks feeling a sense of restoration.

Have you had a similar experience on a vacation? Has God used your time away to restore joy? Take some time today to recall that feeling of restoration and may each of us have a willing spirit.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for the times I have had away for restoration. Remind me of that feeling and may the memory restore my joy today! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Exodus 20:8 NIV — Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

This week I will share with you some thoughts about vacations. Merriam Webster defines vacation as a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation. As I share about some of my experiences I encourage you to recall your vacation experiences and make connections. Allow God to guide your thoughts and may each of us draw closer to Him through our time together. As you worship today on this Sacred Sunday, I encourage you to lean into God and ask His Holy Spirit to guide your mind on a quiet get-away from the busy schedule of your life. Take this quiet time to rest in His presence and be renewed. Let this be a day of re-creation.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for a sacred sabbath. Guide my thoughts and re-create my spirit of joy in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Join me for See You Saturday as I talk about staying in the moment or thinking long!

Psalm 34:8 NIV – Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.

Do you celebrate the little things? My friend recently gifted me with a Florida Mango. This sweet, juicy fruit was very refreshing on a hot summer day. God tells us to taste and see that He is good. 

Not only did the mango taste delicious, but it also looked good with its bright yellow-orange color. When we see through God, we can feast on His goodness. As we all go about our day I encourage us to celebrate the little things.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You that I can feast on Your goodness. Thank You for Your sweet blessings that refresh my soul. Help me to celebrate the little things. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Romans 12:10 NIV – Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Have you ever had a friend to step in at just the right moment? I envision God working behind the scenes to give us friendly intuition. “God Winks” can be both on the giving and receiving end. Whether it is a walk with a friend or a dinner gathering to celebrate or just catching up, God gives us what we need.

If you have ever had a furry friend, you know their unconditional love is a lot like Agape love, which I shared earlier in the year. Any time I am sad or stressed, my dog is a wonderful comforter. On this Thankful Thursday, who are you thankful for? Who can you love and honor above yourself today? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for the friendships in my life. Thank You for friendly intuition and God winks. Show me who I can love and honor above myself today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

1 Peter 4:8-9 NIV – Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Do you offer love and hospitality to others? Sunday our Pastor gave a sermon on God’s Kingdom. He said that we can’t focus on the King and not the Kingdom. In reading today’s key verse, we read one example of how to focus on God’s Kingdom.

Last weekend we had the joy of hosting our new neighbors for dinner. It was a wonderful opportunity to focus on God’s Kingdom through human connection and hospitality. On this Water Walking Wednesday, I encourage you to think of ways you can focus on God’s Kingdom.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your example to love each other deeply. Guide me as I share Your love and help me not to grumble. Equip me to be hospitable. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Romans 15:7 NIV – Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Do you include others or do you tend to exclude? According to the dictionary, include is to comprise or contain as part of a whole. In reading today’s key verse, how does including others bring praise to God? 

God has accepted us and made us whole. He has included us from creation to relationship. By including others we are putting action into acceptance. We are making something whole. We are bringing praise to God by offering the same acceptance that He has offered you and me.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for accepting me. Thank You for including me and making me whole. Help me to offer the same acceptance to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.