The Lord Is Faithful

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. — 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Yesterday we kicked off our Vacation Bible School. 

Our theme this year is Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus was a kid.

We have several children from other countries participating.

Some who don't speak much English.

Our preschool group included one three-year-old who had just arrived in the country.

He told his mom afterward that Americans really love their cheeses.

He wasn't talking about the string cheese they served but rather the songs they sang.

When she asked him to tell her more, he said, "Today we sang about how much we love cheeses."

Then he sang, "Oh, how I love cheeses, Oh, how I love cheeses."

I couldn't stop laughing when I heard that story.

His mom shared it with the preschool teacher.

The Lord is faithful.

He will strengthen us.

And God will protect us from the evil one.

Oh, how I love Jesus!

May the Lord Answer You

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. — Psalm 20:1

Saturday morning I met some friends and we hiked around Santee Lakes.

It was a beautiful morning, and we met some friendly people along the way.

We saw lots of ducks and some geese.

A fun morning to be outdoors.

And to thank God for His wonderful creation.

The Lord Will Strengthen You

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. — 2 Thessalonians 3:3

God is faithful.

I am not.

Even when I try, I fail.

Tuesday I got new compression sleeves for my arms.

When I went to pick them up, the cashier commented on all the supplies I was getting.

My insurance covers them all, which is amazing to me.

I got two new pairs of knee-high compression stockings plus a new pair of gloves.

If I'm eligible for a surgical procedure on the veins in my legs, I'll need to get one more set of thigh-high compression stockings.

That I'll have to pay for myself.

Even so, how blessed am I that every 6 months I get new compression garments.

On Mother's Day I forgot I was wearing a sleeve when I posted my picture.

One of Kirk's teacher friends noticed and invited me to join a lymphedema group.

God protects me from cancer, from injury, and from the evil one.

Thank you, Lord!

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. — Psalm 32:7

Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

God has protected me, even when I didn't even think to acknowledge Him.

He is my hiding place.

I know I can go to Him whenever I need to get away from the hectic day-to-day life.

He is my refuge.

He protects me from trouble.

He surrounds me with songs of deliverance and joy.

And He is my strength in times of exhaustion and worry.

When I remember that, I can turn all of my worries and cares over to Him.

I can get back to sleep knowing that it's in His hands and He has it under control.

What a blessed assurance.

Here's the blueberry cream cheese coffee cake I made Saturday morning.

The whole house smelled wonderful!

Confidence Through Christ

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. — 2 Corinthians 3:3-5

On Saturday evening at our women's retreat, I spoke about hiking boots.

They are designed to support, equip, and protect our feet to travel over rocky roads and hills and valleys.

At times the boots become dusty and get beaten up on the outside, but they are durable, rugged, and sturdy.

When we reach the moutain peak, we may arrive exhausted or exhilarated. We may be worn out or rejuvenated.

We need a chance to slow down, take in the vistas, and hear our Lord's voice that says to us,
Be still and know that I am God. — Psalm 46:10

We each have a story to share of mountains we've climbed. And whether or not you realize it, you are a messenger, running or walking alongside those you meet each day.

As a sisterhood of believers, we learn how to do this by modeling the actions of those around us. By getting deep into God's Word for reflection and insight and by talking to God in prayer throughout the day, asking Him to guide our words and actions.

I am thankful for those saints who have gone before us, leading the way. For my mom, Joyce Turner; my mother-in-law, Rita Rogers; my grandfather, Carrol Morong; and friends such as Mildred Marksbury, Penny Wilson, Myron and Pauline Tweed, Edith Odle, and many more.

Our competence comes from God.