And put a bow on it

The greatest lover of your soul is God. We know that, right? And because He first loved us (1 John 4:19), we have a clue as to how to love.

So when I read the verse from 1 Peter 5:7:

Cast all your cares (worries, anxieties, burdens) on Him, because He cares for you… well, that just doesn't sound like a very loving thing to do. Don't we think love should be pretty and comfortable and make the other happy? Isn't love supposed to look like - a gift? Dumping all my problems onto someone's listening ear can be a relief... but is it love? Shouldn't my prayers be filled with thanks and praise?

What I've come to discover is that when we cast our burdens upon the Lord, we are giving Him the biggest gift of all. 

I TRUST YOU LORD.

The gift of Trust.

Don't give any weight to your worries. Don't listen to their lies. Turn your eyes upon Jesus.

Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, "Don't be afraid; just believe." Mark 5:36

I BELIEVE YOU CARE ABOUT ME, LORD.

Remind yourself over and over that nothing is impossible for God (Matthew 19:26). Remember the cares, worries, burdens, and anxieties He has helped you through before.

Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would. Matthew 8:13

I BELIEVE YOU ARE ALL THAT YOU SAY YOU ARE LORD.

Remember the rescues Jesus has done for you personally. 

They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." John 4:42

GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS, LORD UNTO ME.

Got burdens? Troubles? Worries? Do you know what it means to God to have you run to Him? To trust Him?

... the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:11

So please do not fear oppressing the Lord with all your burdens and concerns. Casting them onto His shoulders is exactly what He desires of us. God's not counting up your doubts and failings. Love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5). But He is counting on you to turn to Him, and trust Him. To rely (count) on Him. You may feel like you're not getting many other things right in life, but this, THIS... trusting in Jesus - brings great glory and honor to His name. 

Zephaniah 3:17:

The Lord your God is in your midst - a warrior bringing victory. He will create calm with his love; He will rejoice over you with singing. (CEB)

The Lord your God is with you. The mighty One will save you. The Lord will be happy with you. You will rest in His love. He will sing and be joyful about you. (ICB)

And why?

Because... you... trusted... Him.

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

See there? Permission granted. Talk to the Lord. Your trust is a sign of love to Him.

Fall card designs

#245 Pumpkin Cart
#307 Got Spice?
#220 Harvest Mugs
#248 Fairy Pumpkin

#207 Autumn Blessings
#208 Watercolor Leaves
#215 Fall Swing
#214 Fall Morning

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Relish, anyone?

Gulping hot coffee. Inhaling a couple of bites of toast. A quick, one-page read of a devotional while brushing your teeth. Grabbing an armload and running to the car. Merging and weaving in and out of traffic while the latest news yammers in the background during your phone call. Arriving, hurrying, multitasking, departing as fast as you can. Throwing dinner together. Prepping as much as possible for the next day. Collapsing into bed.

A whiff of freshly brewed coffee. The cup warming your hands. Noticing the reflection of light on its surface. And... that... first... sip. Toast with grandma's jam, sunny yellow eggs, and a sweet orange cut-up, all on a pretty plate. A bite. And a chew. And a look out the kitchen window. Tasting. Seeing. Opening your bible. Reading a section. Twice. Jotting down a note or two. Sitting. Thinking. Praying. Wondering... what nugget does God want me to take into my day? Gathering up what is needed. Opening the door. Breathing in the fresh air. Admiring the blue sky and the tree limbs reaching up. Enjoying the view out the car window. Waving to a friend walking the dog. Going with the flow. Uplifting music making you dance in your head. Fingers tapping the steering wheel. Arriving safe and sound. Greeting others with a nod and a smile. Knowing there is time and ability to complete the task before you. The uplifting music from the car radio still hums through your mind. A sip of wine as meat browns in the pan. The crisp sound of vegetables being chopped up. Rice steaming to perfection. Sitting down. Saying grace. Holding hands. Light conversation. Lingering over dessert. Counting the blessings of the day. Stretching out beneath cool sheets. Happy in God's provision. Resting in His promised presence and protection through the night.

The same chain of events, and yet, so very different.

Will you choose to relish this day?

Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Romans 15:32 (NASB)