Exalted in the Earth

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” — Psalm 46:10

These days our lives are so busy and jam-packed that it's hard to stay still.

We are constantly on the move.

The world around us clamors for our attention.

But when we're still, we can feel God's presence and hear His voice.

He is the Lord God.

And He will be exalted among the nations.

He will be exalted in all the earth.

I will praise His name.

According to the Lord's Word

According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.— 1 Thessalonians 4:13

My coworkers surprised me with cake, a fruit tart, flowers, and cards yesterday in celebration of my birthday.

Kirk prepared a delicious dinner for us and our friends brought some amazing wines to celebrate.

Today our church choir sang "Happy Birthday" to me before our service.

I received lots of birthday texts and wishes.

God has blessed me.

Be Still Before the Lord

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. — Psalm 37:7

I am not prone to being still.

I enjoy moving and getting up to take care of things while others sit around.

I'm also not always very patient, although I've gotten more so over the years.

God is still molding and shaping me.

Thankfully, He's not finished yet.

I still fret when people act in wicked ways.

But God is teaching me to rely on Him, not to fret, and to turn my worries over to Him.

Exercise helps me de-stress.

Today I had my class at the Y. This was my partial view.

We started with cardio and then tried some more of the leg machines, the adductor and abductor, leg press, leg lifts, and more.

I may be a bit stiff tomorrow, but it was fun today!

Christ Died for Us

God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. — Romans 5:8

Today Abby is up at Forest Home Christian Conference Center with our middle school youth as one of their counselors.

She has a room that looks like one from a hotel. They even provided the towels.

Kirk and I told her — that's our kind of camping!

The middle schoolers love having her as their counselor.

She is lots of fun, but also points them toward Jesus.

This afternoon she will be driving the students back from Forest Falls.

Everyone will be worn out and will rest well tonight.

We are thankful for wonderful get-aways and a chance to be renewed and get closer to God.
 

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.

God Rules

Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves arise, thou stillest them. — Psalm 89:10

Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven. — Psalm 107:29-30

O taste and see that the Lord is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.  — Psalm 34:8

One of my college classmates sent me these Bible verses, and I love them. Thanks to Diana for this assurance from God's Word.

And more beautiful flowers from my coworker Lisa. The yellow flowers are from her garden and smell wonderful!

Today we attended the memorial service for Jean Bowie, a wonderful saint with a sharp sense of humor. She was not afraid to tell it like it is, and she was always willing to share her faith.

I am inspired by people such as Jean (and my brother Steve) who are able to share their faith so easily with whoever they come into contact.

Kirk and I were reminded that we need to reach out to welcome and encourage our neighbors, too.

I am blessed.

Praising God for His goodness.