living fully in the present

Recently I began reading the devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and I am loving it! This morning’s reading was so very good for me today. I hope it encourages you as well.

Trust me enough to let things happen without striving to predict or control them. Relax, and refresh yourself  in the Light of My everlasting Love. My Love-Light never dims, yet you are often unaware of My radiant Presence. When you project yourself into the future, rehearsing what you will do or say, you are seeking to be self-sufficient: to be adequate without My help. This is a subtle sin – so common that it usually slips by unnoticed.

The alternative is to live fully in the present, depending on me every moment. Rather than fearing your inadequacy, rejoice in my abundant supply. Train your mind to seek my help continually, even when you feel competent to handle something yourself. Don’t divide your life into things you can do by yourself and things that require My help. Instead, learn to rely on Me in every situation. This discipline will enable you to enjoy life more and to face each day confidently.

Psalm 37:3-6; Philippians 4:19 {NKJV}

His song

Suffering nourishes grace, and pain and joy are arteries of the same heart, and mourning and dancing are but one long movement in His symphony of beauty. Can I believe the Gospel, that God is surely conforming, slowly transforming, patiently transfiguring, all the notes of my life into the song of His son? {Ann Voskamp}

He is Risen Indeed!

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, because an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled aside the stone and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He has been raised from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now go quickly and tell his disciples he has been raised from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember, I have told you. “FROM MATTHEW 28:1-7 (NLT)

gather hope

God has been answering alot of  prayers lately.

Answering them in ways that give me hope.

I am thankful for that.

Some days hope is hard to find.

Today God reminded me of this verse.

I especially like how the Message translates it.

I want to share it with you, along with this beautiful photograph Amber took.

Look at the amazing light and the gorgeous bokeh!

God’s words and the photo just seem to go together…

God is good. Always.

~ gather hope ~