jesus calling

A couple weeks ago I finally picked up a copy of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It's the number one seller at Kihei Christian Bookstore, so I figured it must be good :) I was a little skeptical at first because each entry is what the author felt the Lord was revealing to her during her quiet time, so I wasn't quiet sure what to expect. All of the entries are written as if it is the Lord speaking. It is a year long devotional, and is turning out to be really solid and consistently infused with Scripture. I have been in awe at how timely each word is in my life.

"Thank Me in the midst of the crucible. When things seem all wrong, look for growth opportunities. Especially, look for areas where you need to let go, leaving your cares in My able hands. Do you trust Me to orchestrate your life events as I choose, or are you still trying to make things go according to your will? If you keep trying to carry out your intentions while I am leading you in another direction, you deify your desires.

Be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life. Worship Me by living close to Me, thanking Me in all circumstances."

This is EXACTLY what I needed, on Friday morning, May 13th. Here is the supplement Scripture she suggested which I LOVED in the Message:

"So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you." --1 Pete 5:6-7

"Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live." --1 Thess 5:18

So on top of Jesus Calling, I've been blessed to start up another 6 week study with the group I was with a couple months ago. We are going through "He Speaks to Me" by Priscilla Shirer. I am so honored to walk through this season with the wonderful, wise women in this group, and so far the study seems really good! I loved the last one "Discerning the Voice of God" so I am definitely stoked to start this one. I highly recommend these studies! Today's word from that study was on fearing the Lord and obeying Him.

"Spiritual perception and discernment come from reverencing and honoring God. I paraphrased the verse: 'Respect for the Lord is the essence of spiritual understanding.' To hear God's voice we absolutely must be willing to recognize and appropriately respond to Him. Showing God respect opens our hearts and our spiritual ears to clearly hear from Him." --Priscilla Shirer

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In other news... :)

For Mother's Day, the worship Department spent a TON of time and effort making beautiful paper flowers. Here are a few photos:



In the last photo you can see the final product. We cut out silhouettes of mother's and put them in frames with the flowers. I'm sorry the photo is small, hopefully I'll get the final product ones on facebook soon! It came together so great! May flowers :)

-Aloha-