Matthew 5:16 NIV — In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

This week I have shared with you about various vacations I have had. As I have traveled down memory lane in my writing, I have also thought about the not so wonderful sights and smells I have seen in my travels — the ugly side of vacations. Today, reflect on previous vacation spots. Did you only see the beauty or were you also exposed to the unlovely? As we think about the less than desirable sights, let’s take time today to pray for those people caught up in negative circumstances. Pray for God’s light and love to be shone brightly through you. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, I lift up all those caught in undesirable circumstances. Open their eyes to Your love and light. Make me an instrument of Your grace and may my light shine brightly for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Psalms 8:1 NIV — Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory in the heavens.

If you have been able to watch my “See You Saturday” videos over the last several months you have learned that I have had the opportunity to travel to many places recently for my work. I have been to Orlando, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Denver. Each of the destinations brough new experiences and new insights. While the trips were mostly consumed by work, I was still able to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Today’s photo is a collage of some of the sights. Seeing all of the various land features always sparked a moment of praise and worship. As I was in awe of God’s creation, I thanked Him for the beauty of the Earth.

Have you had work-related vacations? Where did you go? What did you do? What did you see? How did God speak to you? Thank God for the opportunities to see new places and experience new things. Praise God for the beauty of His Earth.

Take a moment for praise and worship as you listen to the hymn For the Beauty of the Earth.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank you for the opportunity to see and experience new places. I give You my sacrifice of praise. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Jesus said in John 16:33 NIV — I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

If you are close to me then you know that I LOVE DISNEY WORLD! Unlike many people who have been, I enjoy the hustle and bustle of theme park days. I enjoy the sights, smells, and food. I enjoy the beauty. However, mostly I enjoy the feeling of escape I have when in the Disney World bubble. When at Disney World I am able to take off and be lifted from the stresses and burdens of my usual, everyday life.

Do you have a vacation spot that is like that for you? Do you have a certain place that is a symbol of escape and get-away? While we may not be able to visit those spots today, we are able to allow our minds to spend some time in reflection. Let’s take a moment to escape the worries of today and remember the feeling of our favorite vacation spot. Let’s rest in the arms of Jesus and allow Him to handle the stresses and burdens of the day. He is willing and able. After all, He has overcome the world!

Let’s pray. Dear God, remind me today of Your almighty strength and power to handle my stresses and burdens. Help me let go and allow You to carry my load. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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.

2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV —- For we live by faith, not by sight.

Today I am reusing Ray’s photo from my Friday post. As I have looked back at 2023 I have realized how out of focus I can get when I am caught up in my busy schedule. Watch today’s “See You Saturday” video as I talk about looking at the future through eyes of faith.

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV — Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

At the beginning of the week I reminded you that each day, each hour, each moment is a gift from God.I pray you have been able to take time this week to reflect, resolve, reevaluate, and refocus so you can have God-driven results when you arrive at the end of 2023. God is making a way for you and I to become more Christ-like. Let’s not waste the opportunity to reset, but instead do all we can to make Him proud.

Let’s pray. Dear Father, Thank You for doing new things and making a way. As I embark on the remainder of 2023 with Your guidance and help, may I make You proud of the steps I take. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.