I have had my quiet times more sporadically lately, at different times and in different places, but God’s still small voice still breaks through the “noise” of life with encouraging words. Oswald Chambers “My Utmost for His Highest” is often a companion. Here is one of his recent quotes really encouraged me recently – “Look at how we limit the Lord by only remembering what we have allowed Him to do for us in the past. We say, “I always failed there, and I always will.” Consequently, we don’t ask for what we want. Instead, we think, “It is ridiculous to ask God to do this.” If it is an impossibility, it is the very thing for which we have to ask. If it is not an impossible thing, it is not a real disturbance. And God will do what is absolutely impossible. Once we not only look at what Jesus says, but we trust and see Him, the impossible things He does in our lives become as natural as breathing.

I have had a bad cold and cough for over a week, which has made me frustrated most of the time, and irritable some of the time.  Not fun.  Whatever life brings, gratitude is key. There are always things to be thankful for.  So, when I cough today it will remind me to think of a blessing I can count.

Have you experienced any incredible moments of beauty, adventure or intimacy recently? C.S. Lewis says these are glimpses of heaven, giving us a peak behind the curtain of the breathtaking scenery, activity and fellowship that awaits “back stage” in heaven. The depth of God’s grace and forgiveness is hard to fathom, but if we take time to reflect on life’s moments of beauty, adventure and intimacy, this will nudge us toward embracing the wonder and mystery of God’s ways, which are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).