Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

This photo is of my son holding a tarpon. Fishing and being on the water brings him great joy. I imagine it to be peaceful until the moment he hooksk a fish. This particular fish weighed about 90 lbs. so you can imagine the strength it took to bring it in. We can compare that strength to following God, especially in the unknown. As most of you know, I have always loved the song, Oceans by Hillsong United. God takes us to places where our feet may not wander. He gives us peace by calling us to take His hand and take a step forward. 

This week I am sharing the summer season. With summer comes a time to slow down and find rest. Even in a season of rest, we should be ready to answer God’s call. In Ephesians, Paul tells us to have our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the peace of God. I want us all to think about if we are ready to go where God calls us. Even in oceans deep? Even in our communities, we may be called to step out of our comfort zones. Many times we ask God to give us confirmation by giving us peace that transcends our understanding. 

Do we have the strength and peace to pray; “Here am I. Send me?” (Isaiah‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Join us in meditating on this week’s verses.

Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!””

Numbers‬ ‭15:40‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭113‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Mark‬ ‭6:31‬ ‭NIV‬ — Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

@biblegateway @youversion

Join us in worship!

Let My Life Be Worship by Jenn Johnson

Oceans by Hillsong United

Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV — Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— they do no wrong but follow his ways.‬‬

Join us on our YouTube channel as we close out our week on gratitudes.

Did you know that Psams 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible? We encourage you to read in on Biblegateway.com.

@biblegateway @youversion

Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

Join us on our YouTube channel for See You Saturday as we close out our week sharing on seasons.

As Walt Disney said: “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

@biblegateway @youversion

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

Will you stay curious after God’s perfect will? As Walt Disney said: “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

Although it is good to plan, make goals, and dream about the future, it is also important to live in the moment. Recently on social media, I saw a post about living in “one-day” times. This could look like, “one day when my kids are out of diapers” or “one day when I pay off my mortgage.” The problem is one day gets here and we have already moved on to another one day thought like, “one day when I retire.” 

On this Future Friday, I encourage us to re-center our thoughts on Christ and find our one-day moments today. The gifts God has for us includes plans to prosper and hope for the future. They also include the blessing of living in today’s “present” moment. Let me remind you of my mantra for 2022: Live For Today! 

As the sun rises and sets on yet another day, let’s make sure to count the present blessings! I encourage you to watch and listen to the song Wonderful Life by Matthew West. It will put things in perspective. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for keeping me curious. I desire to live for today. Guide me towardYour perfect will. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Back in 2022 we celebrated our twins, Kendal and Trevor, graduating high school. It was a joyful time. I feel blessed that God chose Hollie and I to receive these two precious gifts. Hard to believe that Kendal graduated from nursing school this month and Trevor will finished his junior year at Clemson.

A few weeks ago I shared about my personal HPV journey. It is something I do not want my children to experience. The same year they graduated high school and would begin their freshman years in college was the same year of my two surgical procedures for pre-cancer. I remember pouring my heart out to God asking Him to heal me and not get cancer. I desire to be healthy always but especially during such an important time in their lives. Thankfully, God worked out the details that year as we read in ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Are you pouring your heart out to God in prayer? God wants us to share our joys and our specific needs. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your goodness and answered prayer. Thank You for the reminder that You want to hear all my joys and specific needs. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Bonus: When the Gardasil vaccine for HPV was first approved by the CDC for children, I made the personal choice with my children for Kendal and Trevor to be vaccinated. I was able to help prevent my children from having to experience the cancer causing HPV like I did. I share this not to push vaccines on anyone because that is a personal choice. I share this because it is a part of my Journey. To know more about the Gardasil vaccine for HPV, you can visit the CDC.org.