 Photo by Pixabay My family and I have had an extremely busy summer. With two teachers and a custodian that works for the school board in our home, we pack our summers full of activity, as this is when we get most of our time off. We have visited Mackinac Island, Frankenmuth Michigan, my brother's cottage in Tobermory and a small community called Puslinch to stay in the cutest tiny home you ever did see. Throw in two amazing concerts, a play, a wedding weekend away and a visit to my childhood church camp, it truly seemed this summer our theme song was "On the Road Again." I am not trying to brag or complain, by any means because although it has been very busy, it has been so enjoyable. Many times, I have remarked how blessed I felt to be able to GET TO do all these amazing activities.  Photo by Elina Sazonova at Pexels As a kid growing up, we would faithfully go to Florida during March break as a family every year. God bless my mom as she would navigate our 22 hour trip in the passenger seat confidently guiding my dad with a paper map all the way. Add that to the long list of my mom's amazing skills and qualities. She was truly a remarkable woman in so many ways. To say I did not inherit her sense of direction is an understatement. I am your girl who can get turned around in my own hometown. No joke! That is why my best friend when traveling, my total BFF is the GPS. I cannot tell you how that genius device has been a game changer for me. I now confidently head out in the driver's seat and know I will make it to my destination because I am partnered with the one who knows the way.  In Psalms 32:8 it says ~ I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way thou shalt go. I will guide thee with mine eye. Our Heavenly Father is our ultimate guide. When other advice and wisdom fails, He has promised to give us the RIGHT direction we must go EVERY TIME. He is the ONE who ULTIMATELY knows the way. When seeking HIS direction, unlike the GPS at times, we must wait for direction for our next move. This is something that we do not enjoy. It can be very frustrating as patience is something that many of us lack. Sometimes my car GPS says "connection lost" and my anxiety begins to set in. My connection is NEVER lost with my Heavenly Father, although I would be lying if I said that I have walked through some dark times when it might have appeared that was the case. He has proven Himself faithful to me time and time again and though His direction for my life may not always follow my schedule, one thing I know for sure is that I can 100% trust His leading in my life. This is something that I NEVER take for granted and I am truly humbled that the Almighty God will take time out of His VERY busy schedule to give me advice on my problems, or point me on the right path. Truly incredible! Are you seeking direction in an area of your life my friend? If so, I encourage you to pray and seek God's will for you in that area and ALL other areas of your life as well. He will NEVER steer you wrong and He is ready and willing to put you on the right path 24 hours a day. Trust Him. You won't regret it. Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you that you are always available to help and guide us when we are needing wisdom and direction. Help us to trust you more and know that if you have the WHOLE world in your hands you are more than capable of helping and instructing us on the way we should go in ALL areas of our lives. May we find comfort in this and rest in this assurance. In Jesus' name, Amen Sending you a virtual hug, Danasalms: 32:8
Tags: God's will, needing directions, traveling, seeking guidance,vacations, summer, GPS
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 If I had a dollar for every time people have said to me I COULD NOT do what you do for a living, I would be rich I tell ya! I am an elementary teacher and trust me, I totally get it. It is not everyone's cup of tea to spend 5 days a week with 20 - 30 kids in one room with diverse needs, learning challenges and various personalities. It is not easy I will be honest, but as I know it is my true calling, I find confidence and comfort in that. It is interesting as I am often the one to respond back to those folks who inquire about my career, when they state what they do, that I COULD NOT do what they do. One noteworthy conversation I had of this nature was with a woman I met when I was on vacation. She worked as a prison guard in a maximum security mens' prison and you guessed it... she LOVED her job and said she COULD NOT do what I do! Wow! There is truly a job for everyone out there and it confirmed with me that I am VERY HAPPY to stick with my sweet kiddos on a daily basis.  Photo by lil artsy at Pexels  Photo by Ketut Subiyanto at Pexels In Matthew 5:16 it says: Let your light so shine before men, that they might see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." I am a firm believer that whatever work on this earth you are called to do, is your ministry. There is no work that is done, that is not seen by our Father and valued. You do not have to be an evangelist, Christian recording artist or pastor to have an impact on others for the cause of Christ. I recall one young mom telling me she was "just a stay at home mom" when we were chatting. I quickly validated her and advised her to reframe the priceless work she is doing day in and day out, raising those little kids. I have done that job and it is not only one of the hardest jobs out there, but also one of the most important. She is raising the next generation! You have a powerful ability to positively influence others day after day, simply by being placed at a specific location, whether it be a school, office, your home, or factory. Others need you. They need a positive word, the hope of Christ and someone who will pray with them and walk with them through the dark times. They not only need this, but many are desperate for it. Life is very hard at times, and you may be the only one that that discouraged person can count on when the tough times come. Shine your light in your corner of the world and never question your value. Many times I have wondered about the difference I could make to someone. I have stopped doing that and instead decide that I will do my best and let God do the rest. If you feel inadequate to truly minister to others, trust me you are in good company. The great news is, we serve a God who equips the called, and I am so thankful he does! So my friend, there is work for all of us to do to make an impact on this world of ours. Whether you are a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, there is work that ONLY YOU can do. Find peace in that. Your purpose was created FIRST and then God made YOU to fulfill it. Tuck that in your heart today my friend! Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you that you have created us all so different in our skill sets and talents. Together we can change the world. May we never underestimate the influence we can have when we partner with you. Help us to find purpose and meaning in our lives as we represent you to a hurting and broken world. In Jesus' name, Amen Sending you a virtual hug, Danasalm
Tags: shine your light, ministry, work for the Lord, we all matter, serve the Lord, serve others Photo by Quang Anh Ha Nguyen My daughter and I had the exciting privilege of attending a Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake concert last week. Seeing these two Christian recording artists live in concert has been a goal of mine for quite some time. When we heard they were coming to a venue close by, we immediately said... "WE ARE GOING!" We had been anxiously awaiting the concert for months and couldn't wait to go when the day FINALLY came. Originally to our dismay, we were seated beside a couple that looked like this was the last place they wanted to be. With arms folded and permanent scowls on their faces, it made me wonder ~ like why did you even come? I am telling ya, they reminded me of the old commentators from The Muppet Show. No joke! You can imagine we were not happy to be seated beside them and truth be told, they were really killing our vibe. It always amazes me how people can experience the same event and view it so differently. Fortunately, two rows down there were empty seats, so we eagerly moved down and could then enjoy the concert to the fullest with lots of space and freedom. It was truly an amazing concert and we had a wonderful time singing praises to God at the top of our lungs, as we danced with joy. I laughed when my Fitbit went off indicating that I had reached 10000 steps simply from dancing in my spot.  Phil Wickham: Photo by steven lozano on Unsplash In Nehemiah 8:10 it says: The joy of the Lord is my strength. Joyful experiences fill our cup and give us strength to handle our day to day lives better. God wants us to enjoy ourselves and have a joy-filled life. I am so grateful for experiences like Christian concerts where we can make memories and join with fellow believers worshiping our Creator together. I was so proud to see and hear a crowd of 13000 worshiping God together. Our God is amazing and he deserves our continuous praise for all he has done for us. I can't help but think of that couple and how they somehow missed the point of that incredible concert. It was meant to be a joyous celebration time, not a funeral service. Some people go through their whole lives that way too. I sure don't want to be one of them. I hope those people somehow realize that the God we serve would not want them to go through life with arms crossed and condescending looks to others. He instead wants them and all of us for that matter to live with joyous victory. Well, I can't speak for the other couple but Shannon and I sure had the time of our lives! There was joy in the house that night and there continues to be overflowing joy in our hearts as well. Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for all the enjoyable things you have provided for us like concerts, the gift of music and precious time spent with loved ones. Your desire is for us to enjoy our lives and daily experiences, not dread them. Please remind us that with you by our side you can help us to experience true joy, despite what comes our way. In Jesus' name, Amen Sending you a virtual hug and wishing you joy in YOUR house! Dana
Tags: Christian music, Christian concerts, Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake, joy, joyful living, joy in house of the Lord, living victoriously
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