Be the weed growing through the cracks in the cement — beautiful, because it doesn’t know it’s not supposed to grow there. Shane Koyczan I heard this very inspirational quote the other day from a spoken word artist. I think what struck me most with this quote is that God tells us we are not going to belong in this world, but we are beautiful children of His. You see, we need to be firmly founded in God’s word, but we are not going to belong here in this world. We can thrive in God’s foundation, but that does not mean our life will be easy here. It just means…
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April 7th to April 16th
This beautiful sign at Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Tennessee struck me so hard when I saw it because it is so true. It is important to recognize our veterans, and it is important to recognize our Savior. This sign took it farther, though, recognizing the two of them together. That is what makes this beautiful. It is as simple as that. Be encouraged by its truth.
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March 27th to April 2nd
I’ve been struggling to remember as of late that God is working. I know that God has a plan, but I forget so quickly that this very moment is part of His plan. I quickly forget that God is working right now, as well as three weeks from now, three years from now, and three decades from now. Keep resting in God’s word and reassurance. He is actively working and guiding you!
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Weekly Challenge – March 27, 2022
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4; English Standard Version; BibleGateway
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March 6th to March 12th
In a world that seems to be crumbling every day, we need to continue trusting that our God holds the answers to all our problems. do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7; English Standard Version; BibleGateway
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Weekly Challenge – March 6, 2022
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has…
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Weekly Challenge – February 27, 2022
You know what? I miss butterflies. They are graceful and so gorgeous. Have you ever seen one play in the rain before? I used to watch butterflies playing in our sprinklers for so long when I was younger. There was just something peaceful and serene about it. In a world full of so much chaos — be it national or international, at home or on the go — it is so important to press into God, who gives us peace. Yes, this world is crazy sometimes (maybe most of the time?), but our God is greater than the craziest moment of this world. Maybe we cannot move through this life…
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February 27th to March 5
As I continued to climb the stairs in this building, I contemplated the tiring day behind me. After what seemed like an eternal climb, I opened the door from the stairwell and walked into the parking garage. One, two, three, four — row five, all the way in the back — there was my car, and I was excited to get home. As I turned shortly after row two, though, gazing out into the expanse, I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets I had seen in a long time! From the ground, there is no way the view is as marvelous. From the second story of a parking garage…
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February 20th to February 26th
I love the fact that, despite our chaos, God is still working in our lives. We may look at what is going on around us as a total disaster, but we need to shift our prospective. God is on the move. He does not abandon us in our times of need, and He certainly does not leave us to figure life out on our own. My favorite verse about plans is in Proverbs, and says: The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9; English Standard Version; BibleGateway No matter what is going on in my life at the time, I am continuously reminded…
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Weekly Challenge – February 20, 2022
We are officially seven weeks through the year. That means there are only forty-five weeks left in the year. That also means we are 13% of the way through the year! Although this may not seem like a long ways, we have certainly progressed far! The question is, how is it going? Is the year a success? How do we define success, though? I define success as follows, and challenge you to do the same. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we…