but God!

Watching the sun rise bringing a new day is one of my favorite things!

Life has been busy and filled with going here and there, for work and just getting stuff done! I have realized that I need to take more time to just pause and rest. It is in the moments of pause and rest that I do some of my best thinking. These moments are also some of the best times I hear the Lord as I reflect on what is going on in life. 

I have been preparing my heart for summer. I have always loved summer; however, summers from now on may hold a tinge of sadness. 

Last summer had some amazing parts! Working at a Christian camp was absolutely wonderful and I am so grateful for all God did and taught me there. However, June is Steve's birthday, which is bittersweet! And July was the month last year when my whole family experienced hardship and sickness-covid.

As I was lying down thinking of summer, I was thanking God for bringing mom, dad me and I through it all and making us stronger. As I praised the Lord two words popped in my head- But God. 

As I keep thinking on them they continue to speak volumes!

Sickness could have taken mom's, dad's and my life; but God.

Sickness could have left our bodies permanently scared and unable to function; but God.

We could be a wreck right now and unable to walk through life being grief bound; but God.

June 1st could be a day I never want to celebrate again; but God.

August could be a month when I want to do nothing and just keep to myself; but God.

He healed me! He healed my physical body and my heart! 

I can think about my baby brother and smile. I remember all the beautiful and funny moments we've had together as a family and I rest assured knowing that we get to see Steve again, forever!

I look forward to all the beautiful mission opportunities that fill my calendar for this summer!

My life could have been so different had I turned my back on the Lord and looked to myself, the world or other places for comfort; but God!

I see how God has worked all through my life and I can't do anything else but praise His name!
He is a good Father. He is my Comforter. He is my All in All. I am so very glad that I can share my testimony with the world and show others the hope and beauty of the gospel. 

Our world today looks pretty sad. There are so many things that have confused people, the young and the old, and it is so very dark in our world. I encourage you, brothers and sisters in Christ, to be bold in letting your light shine. With so much darkness around our light shines ever brighter. 

As Christians, every day we have a chance to show this fallen world that there are life events that happen to us, that could leave us broken, dark and filled with despair; but God.

Be blessed, beloveds!

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[b] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

Taste and See That the Lord Is Good

[a] Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.

34 I will bless the Lord at all times;

    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

    let the humble hear and be glad.

3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,

    and let us exalt his name together!

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me

    and delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant,

    and their faces shall never be ashamed.

6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him

    and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encamps

    around those who fear him, and delivers them.

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!

    Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,

    for those who fear him have no lack!

10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

11 Come, O children, listen to me;

    I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

12 What man is there who desires life

    and loves many days, that he may see good?

13 Keep your tongue from evil

    and your lips from speaking deceit.

14 Turn away from evil and do good;

    seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous

    and his ears toward their cry.

16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,

    to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears

    and delivers them out of all their troubles.

18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted

    and saves the crushed in spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

    but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

20 He keeps all his bones;

    not one of them is broken.

21 Affliction will slay the wicked,

    and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants;

    none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

Psalm 34