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.

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.