A Rich Life

This past week-end I went down to Sanibel Island and Naples, FL. Even though I was still in Florida, it seemed like a totally different place. It's on the Gulf of Mexico side so the beach on Sanibel Island was different with soft, white sand and covered in seashells. Naples is a pretty city, full of the homes of the rich and famous and a cool shopping district. What did I learn from all this? God has created a beautiful world for me to enjoy. I was able to walk on the beach, picking up seashells for a craft project, talking to my family, and seeing dolphins swimming in the water. Even though I don't live in a mansion here on earth, I have one waiting for me in heaven. In the meantime, I can be content that God is here taking care of all my needs. This makes me richer than I can describe and imagine.

"Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy." John 16:24

Life without fear

This week I've been contemplating 2 Timothy 1:7 which says: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." How often I forget to not be fearful! This world is full of things to be fearful of, but God is here. Thank goodness God is here to remind me of this. He's reminded me all day. This morning I was driving to work and praying. (I have a 25 mile drive to work which is perfect for praying.) I was telling God about some issues I've been thinking about, and He very quickly impressed with the fact that He knew all about it and had it under control without my help. I was filled with a feeling of peace. I arrived at work to find 2 Timothy 1:7 on my desk calendar. A few minutes ago a coworker shared a story with me about how God led her to some verses in the Bible when she had a need for encouragement. So now the teacher in me is trying to figure out how to bring all this around to the point and the lesson on how to not be fearful. What comes to mind is another verse - "Be still and know that I am God."