In the testing, let Him form in you a grateful praise that will take you to the high tower, where you will be “seated above, enthroned in the Father’s love.” The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into and are safe. May you feel perfectly surrounded, seated above in His safe tower, and allow Him to metabolize any painful emotions in a healthy way. 

God gives you dreams. There are so many people who (many are well-meaning) want to point to what they think is best for you or tell you to lay down your dreams because God doesn’t want you to have your dreams. I would argue the Bible speaks a little differently. 

It's okay to ask for help. God can help and He has people who can also help and there are so many more resources out there than back in the day. Living life tangled up emotionally is not really living at all. 

The other beautiful thing about being carried is our position. When we allow ourselves to be carried, we are closer to hearing His voice. We can lean in to listen to what He speaks over us though we be in the midst of confusion or despair.

Embrace your own prayer routine. It is your time with your Creator, whether it is in the kitchen among your pots and pans, at your desk among your papers, or on the floor among colourful blocks and dolls, Jesus loves His time with you! And yes, He is interested in every word you say!

The fact is that there are numerous things we should use daily to keep our physical bodies protected and functioning well. Yet, these things are all temporary, which is why, of all the things we do daily, reading the Bible, spending time with God, and worshiping Him are more important than anything else. Only these things are eternal, and only these things are truly trustworthy and give protection and purpose. 

We grow so accustomed to the daily grind of our busy lives, with barely a thought of reassessing if what we are doing is what we ought to be doing. And here’s another thought:  what if the “thing you had planned” that didn’t turn out the way you thought, was actually part of the Bigger Plan?

The Panama sun beats down on the cracked ground, even in the mid-morning. I have never been out of the country in my nineteen years of life, but here I find myself in the suburbs of Panama City, serving with global missionaries and other students from my college. 

Groups like ANM help people receive and access the Bible - in their NATIVE language. Right now, we are partnering to promote them giving Children’s Storybook Bibles to China. These Bibles could end up in the hands of children who have NEVER been exposed to Jesus. How cool is that?

As I watch the news headlines scroll across my television screen, I’m left in a state of helplessness and heartbreak over the lost lives and utter destruction taking place in Ukraine and across the globe. In the last few weeks of praying for the Ukraine/Russian war, the Lord continually reminded me that He is in control and has a purpose and a plan through even this sudden terror.