What mountain lurks before you, immovable, impassable, unyielding!? Is it financial? Relational? Logistical? Physical? Does it keep you up at night fretting and dwelling, “I cannot take it ANYMORE! I canNOT do this!”

PERFECT! That’s right where God wants to come alongside you and provide for you in unusual ways! The battle belongs to the Lord! He is beside you and within you, ready to be released! Don’t try to figure it all out! Fix your eyes on the only One who can!

“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” 2 Chronicles 20:12

Have you ever yearned for “normal”? Longed for “when things return to usual”?

Normal is overrated. AND unattainable.

We had the wonderful opportunity to gather last weekend to celebrate our niece and her fiance with a bridal shower. Travel across the state with 4 young grandchildren? Sure! Finish unpacking the car just moments before a torrential thunderstorm rolls through the area? Yep! And get home 2 days later, exhausted yet totally fulfilled? Amen!

And somewhere in the hustle and bustle, the comfort of family settles in. Reuniting with siblings is such a gift in this crazy mixed up world. Am I saying that my family is normal? Nope! But I thank God for them!

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

Do you ever get tired of everyone just thinking of themselves all the time? It just makes you so furious that you stew and grumble and sigh in disgust of how self-centered people drive and shop and talk? It is really such a pain! Annoying! Those people don’t understand how important it is to stop thinking about their own comfort and think…. about….others…..! The opposite of what you were just doing!

I speak from experience! I ride the hamster wheel of worrying about everyone else and neglect caring for and controlling my own thoughts. Let’s go back to the 1990s…WWJD?

“take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2
“if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things” Philippians 4:8

What’s your favorite smell: Fresh brewed coffee? New car or new carpet smell? Or baby fresh?

Did you ever think about it – you know when you are near the source. Roasted garlic on a pizza greets you the minute you walk in the restaurant! Walking the halls of your old school brings back a flood of memories. And, OK I’ll say it, pumpkin spice hugs you like an old friend!

Is that what your relationship with the Lord feels like? Can you sense that He is near? What kind of aroma of Christ do you display?

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” Ephesians 5:8

Diet, decluttering or downsizing….Which mood or season of life are you in?

Minimalism is trending. Clean out the stuff, visually, physically, digitally, etc and make some breathing room so that you can more fully experience life.

In God’s economy, He wants less, too.

Less of us.

More of Him.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.” I Peter 5:6

No, I’m not talking about the freezing temperatures at the restaurant or in your office. I’m talking about freezing time! This is it! The lazy days of summer are here and clingggggging on by a thread: Long days at the pool or the beach, bountiful gardens and beautiful bouquets, sleeping in or sleeping out, a week away or a day away and much much more!

And don’t forget each and every bug or drop of humidity or thunderstorm!

We are so blessed to live in an area where we can experience all the seasons – but we can’t contain them! Let’s savor them while we have them!

And let’s thank and praise God for being the Creator of them all!

What is one of your favorite moments of summer?

“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it” Psalm 24:1

What is your current internet speed?
What is your current productivity speed?
What is your current trust in the Lord speed?

Which is better in our walk with the Lord? Fast or slow? I think both!

The word “quick” is used over 75 times in the Bible. First use: Genesis and last use: Revelation. We must be quick to follow Jesus, quick to forgive and quick to listen.

On the other hand, the word “wait” or “slow” or “dwell” is used over 600 times! God dwells with us, He promises us to dwell in a peaceful place and He is slow to anger.

Reset your operating system and wait for the Lord’s speed.

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

Even after all I have done, God still smiles at me?

Take a little journey through Zephaniah 3 in this intriguing summer series:
Season Opener – Judgment:
Woe to the rebellious! Roaring lions, evening wolves, unprincipled treacherous people, profanity and violence!

Next episode – More Bad News:
Unrepentance, destruction, demolition and desertion!
Wrath, anger and fire!

And the beautiful sequel – Restoration:
Purity, worship and offerings. Meekness, humility, trust.
Singing, gladness, rescue, gathering, praise and worship!

And finally, the breathtaking conclusion:

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

After all the consequences.

God doesn’t merely forgive.

He delights in His people. He rejoices over them with singing.

God smiles.

Ahhhh….summertime at the lake! Sailboats, kayaks and motorboats guiding their participants in rest and fun!

Until….a storm rolls in! Panic hits! People and life jackets and picnic baskets go flying!

And then a Man on one of the boats stands up and tells the wind and the waves to “Be still!” 

And there was a great calm.

Jesus did it! And His disciples were overwhelmed! They saw a miracle with their own eyes and were filled with awe and fear of the Lord! (Mark 4:35-41)

What about the people in the other boats? Did they see it? Hear it? Believe it?

What is God doing around you? Do you see it? Hear it? Believe it?

“Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:9

As the FIFA World Cup final games approach, I can’t help but think of the huge celebrations that are to come!
I also consider a teenager receiving the quiet nod of an examiner affirming a new driver’s license!
And I give great honor to those who ring the bell after their final treatment at the hospital. What a celebration!

Each celebration is monumental to each participant. And to their families. And to their friends. The object is not always the focus. The people are!

Who and what are you celebrating this summer?

“And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’” Luke 15:9