Marker Remover

Year 8-Day 91:Today, I am grateful for marker removers.

"I decided to make sure my Husband woke up with a smile on his face this morning. Now, I can't have Sharpies in the house anymore." 

One of my favorite books to read to the boys when they were little was by Robert Munsch. Chase requested Munsch's "I Love  You Forever" and I would chose "Purple, Green & Yellow" (Listen to the author read the story here: https://robertmunsch.com/book/purple-green-and-yellow#.).  Same author. Two very different books. 

Purple, Green & Yellow was silly and witty and it had “super-indelible-never-come-off-until-you’re-dead-and-maybe-even-later coloring markers.” What's not to love, right? Colors, markers and art coming to life. Okay, maybe it caused a little trouble, too. What is art without some risk? 

A permanent marker can be a real friend... and maybe a foe if it is left in the wrong hands. Did you know you can remove a Sharpie mark with an alcohol wipes, a Magic eraser or hand sanitizer?  There is a list of ways to remove Sharpie marks, depending on the surface. 

It is Lenten season. It is the a reminder that we were permanently marked by sin. Nothing pretty about it. Just like Brigid didn't mean to get in trouble with her “super-indelible-never-come-off-until-you’re-dead-and-maybe-even-later coloring markers”, we make choices with big consequences. Her lack of self control in the story reflects our human nature. Jesus paid the price to fix our mistakes. 

"But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all." -Isaiah 53:5-6

Sin's stain was washed out. Removed. Never to come back even if it rains, even if a disease spreads through the land... even if we lose jobs, homes or our earthly treasures because of disasters or poor choices. When His forgiveness and healing cover us... we are covered. 

"Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins." -Psalm 51:1

"He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross."-Colossians 2:14

Cancelled debts. Sins nailed to the cross. The consequences removed. We are no longer marked by our super-indelible-the-price-is-death sins that separate us from God. The cross wins. Death becomes a door not a destination. There is reason to celebrate. 

Today, I am grateful for marker removers and the sin remover.

Outside

Year 8-Day 90:Today, I am grateful for outside! 

We are confined to home for the most part. It is not easy. I typically love being home, but nothing is typical about the world at this moment. I am finding respite and restoration in a walk outside, even if is short. The sun today feels like spring. Work out clothing is plenty. No sweatshirt needed.  

If you are feeling claustrophobic, head outside. If you can work from a laptop, outside is a real option in these days of confinement. Opening the slider is another way to bring in fresh air (if you can handle the humidity and the allergens).

Again, I think of Anne Frank. To not be able to go outside would make this quarantine so much harder. We can take advantage of the freedom and the fresh air. 

In the outdoors, our breaths seem deeper, fuller and fresh. 

"Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air."  –Ralph Waldo Emerson

What will you do with this one precious day? Live in the moment. 

"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." -Psalm 118:24

Don't borrow tomorrow's troubles. Today has enough of its own. Embrace what is good and normal. Endure what is hard, knowing that each trial we face is preparation for the next hard thing. Remember, we were not promised this life would always be good. The promise is that our God is always good. Even in challenging times. 

We can embrace the gifts and the goodness in this day. 

 Today, I am grateful for outside! 

Discerning Hearts

Year 8-Day 89:Today, I am grateful for discerning hearts. 

Proverbs. If you are running out of things to do today, take a gander through the Old Testament book of Proverbs. If you are unfamiliar with the Bible, it is near Psalms. It is in near the middle of the Bible and after Psalms. 

God was pleased with Solomon, he told him to ask for anything his heart desired. Solomon asked for Godly wisdom. (See 1 Kings chapter 3)

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3:9

A discerning heart might seem an odd request, but Solomon was feeling the weight of his father, King David's, crown and legacy. David made some mistakes, but he owned them, lived with the consequences and tried to teach his son to do better. 

The nation of Israel was strong willed, intelligent, stubborn, creative and dedicated to pursuing what they wanted. They were not an easy people to govern. Solomon was young, inexperienced and probably overwhelmed at times. 

To be gifted with Godly wisdom was a blessing that added to his success as a leader and likely benefited him in business, too. Solomon's wealth was legendary, even outside of records found in the Old Testament. Solomon was able to lead with a wisdom that brought peace during his reign as king. 

I adore Proverbs. You could spend years unpacking the wisdom found in the pages. It would be time well spent. Discerning hearts are rare these days. Even people who do not claim faith in Jesus can benefit from Solomon's sage sayings and wise instructions. 

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. -Proverbs 27:9

A friend speaks the truth in love. That kind of counsel can add light to our days and lighten our burdens. We should not make light the value of a true and honest friend. 

Today, I am grateful for discerning hearts. 

Unrequited Love

Year 8-Day 88:Today, I am grateful for unrequited love. 

Let's face it. It is much easier to love people who love us back. It is harder with the ones who wear us out physically, mentally and spiritually. Some people refuel us... others exhaust us. 

This quote was perfect today. We are in the Lenten season making our way to Easter. 

"Jesus felt the sting of unrequited love deeper than anyone, yet He still chose to love His people to death." - found at Esthers Row 

Wow, right? Talk about unrequited love. He poured out his love on everyone. He healed the sick, made the blind see, the lepers became clean, the unloved found friendship, forgiveness and hope. Oh, what a Savior! 

As people are living in close quarters, love may seem like more of a choice. Love is a choice and loving someone without worrying about the payoff is true love. It is a love that is deep and wide. 

We can choose to love... every day. Just like Jesus did, even when we least deserved. Frankly, we never deserved it. We have been making poor choices since the beginning.  

I am grateful for the one who mediates for us and reconciles so that we can be called the Children of God. It is a pretty sweet deal for us, but it came at a price. We didn't have to pay the price, but the cost was real. 

For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.-1 Timothy 2:5-6

Today, we can learn to love deeper and wider, because he love us to death. 

Today, I am grateful for unrequited love.

Wait on the Wonder

Year 8-Day 87:Today, I am grateful for we can wait on the wonder. 

Have you ever tried to show someone something amazing? As you wait on the expected wonder, the excitement grows. You end up saying, "Wait for it.... wait for it... and then... "Wow!" 

Many of us are not naturally patient. It think patience can be groomed, grown, tested and it is a gift by His grace. We can learn to rest in the presence of the Lord, trusting his hand. 

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.-Psalm 37:7

The waiting places grow us like few others. We are all getting a taste of waiting in this season of a global health crisis. We cannot hit "fast forward". If it were only that simple, right? 

Still, in these trying times, we can "wait for it". His hand is moving. Sometimes unseen, but He is still working. We don't know what accidents we've been spared and trials we've missed because we are all simplifying and staying home. 

Some of the unseen blessings will remain unknown. Others, we will in time realize. Time with our loved ones is precious and rare. We are instructed to not be patient. We are directed to "be still in the presences of the Lord." 

Be still... rest... wait on it. He's up to something. 

Today, I am grateful for we can wait on the wonder. 

A Good Laugh

Year 8-Day 86:Today, I am grateful for a good laugh. 

This image made me laugh out loud. Isn't she precious? 

It is so easy to get caught up in the moment, the current crisis or the woes of the world. The truth is... in five years... this moment will be a distant memory. 

Five years? Buddy, I am just trying to make it to Friday. 

When Sarah found out she was pregnant in her senior years, it was wonderful and absurd at the same time. 

And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me.-Genesis 21:6

I am by no means making light of the serious health crisis our world is facing, but I am reminded that laughter helps us get through the tough days. I am confident that we are better together than on our own. I know that the one who holds our tomorrows is still on the throne. 

Perspective is powerful. Hope still floats. 

Today, I am grateful for a good laugh. 

The One Who Calms Me Down

Year 8-Day 85:Today, I am grateful for the the one who calms me down. 

My friend, Whitney, posted this scripture this morning. It was my "Verse of the Day" in my email inbox, too. Apparently, we both use the same daily verse service. 

I smiled because it was 100% the verse I needed to today... since, I received it twice. (Thanks, Whitney, for your post)

Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight. -Psalm 94:19 (TPT)

The television offers little, if any good news, these days. All of us are trying to live in response to something different than we have ever experienced in our lifetime. We have not have a plague like this one in modern times. 

The Love-of-my-Life and I are opposite in ways that usually make us compliment each other. He likes to go... I love a "stay-at-home" day. When I get overwhelmed by a task, he is gifted at getting a job organized and done fast. If I can come up with a vision, he can make it happen. We are both very calm and stoic in a crisis. Our feathers are not that easily ruffled... but when we reach our limit... we are done. We are gentle at heart... but he has a practical, realistic side that balances my art and whimsy. I always tell him, "You're my favorite." Being with him, still soothes my soul... even after 35 years. 

The scripture reminds me of how marriage was designed to be an mirror of what our relationship with Christ should resemble. He is the anchor for our souls and the calm in the eye of the storm. 

...my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of your presence calmed me down...

Daily, in this season, we can remember to pause in His presence. In Him, there is stillness, peace and hope. 

Today, I am grateful for the one who calms me down. 

They Said It Better

Year 8-Day 84:Today, I am grateful someone said it better than me. 

Anne Frank is read in Junior High in some classrooms. I loved reading it as a child. Anne's thoughts were so normal and ordinary in extraordinary circumstances. She was just a girl, trying to do what she had to do to survive. 

"To put things in perspective for those feeling a bit stir crazy already--- Anne Frank and 7 other people hid in a 450 sq. ft. attic for 761 days, quietly trying to remain undiscovered to stay alive. We can all do our part to keep everyone safe and spend a few weeks at home." -Travel Tales and Tips

Imagine 450 Sq feet for eight people! Imagine limited rations stretching enough to feed eight people. Hunger pangs were real. Imagine, knowing that failure to do as instructed could mean death. 

Perhaps, we are seeing small glimpses into Anne's experiences. Still, we can get food and medicine. We have internet which gives us a window to the world, even when we need to stay close to home. We can go outside and breathe fresh air. We can laugh without fear of being overheard. We can share what we have with those in need. We can cheer on those who are on the front lines of healthcare and first responders. 

The media can create a circus. It is difficult at times to sift through to the truth. Today, we have to error on the side of caution. I am reminded that God designed us with two eyes, two ears, two hand and two feet... but only one mouth and tongue. His wisdom is timeless:

"Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit? Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge." -Proverbs 18:13-15

Yes... both Travel Tales and the Proverbs passage are perfect for today's circumstance. 

Today, I am grateful someone said it better than me. 

The Power of Love

 Year 8-Day 83:Today, I am grateful for the power of love.



"Love has the power criticism only wishes it had." - Bob Goff

Love is the most powerful of forces. It can save a life. It can change a life. It can grant new life. 

I love the story of the woman who was nearly stoned until Jesus intervened. It is a powerful snapshot of Christ's power, wisdom, justice and mercy. The passage is always worth re-reading.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir,” she said.


“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” -John 8:7-11

When we feel we are a lost cause or beyond redemption, it is good to remember that our Lord specializes in lost causes and big messes. The scholars never got he best of Him, he won every time. He was not taken by the soldiers the night in Gethsemane... He surrendered to the will of the Father. 

His love for us is fierce. 

Today, I am grateful for the power of love.

Embrace Uncertainty

Year 8-Day 82: Today, I am grateful we can embrace uncertainty. 

Not rose colored glasses...but simple truth. 

"Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won't have a title until much later." - Bob Goff

The path may look misty or unclear. It does not mean that we are lost. It means that we have to trust, obey and let Him lead the way. 

The days we are living in are different than any we have been through before. Wide spread illness and suffering right here at home in our own neighborhoods. This kind of trial is new to most of us, but it is not new to God or the people who have sought His heart from generation to generation. 

These days can feel frightening and difficult to frame. He still holds our tomorrows.We can put our trust in the one who will not leave us. His presence is certain, even when he is silent. 

He gave us minds to think and make good choices. He assured us that we need not fear; he is near. We can face uncertainty with courage and knowledge that the Solid Rock will not fail. Our anchor holds. 

"This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary." Hebrews 6:19

We can enter into His presence, where there is safety and peace. There, we can "Be still." in mind and spirit.

Today, I am grateful we can embrace uncertainty. 

No Agenda

Year 8-Day 81: Today, I am grateful we can love without agenda.

Do you every feel like everything and everyone has an agenda? The media is a lesson book in the art of persuasion. It can be exhausting.

"Loving people means caring without an agenda. As soon as we have an agenda, it's not love anymore." -Bob Goff

The great commission was all about "going" and "making disciples". The instructions were clear. How too fulfill those instructions is where the waters seem to grow more muddy.

I love Bob's reminder to simply love people like Jesus loved them. Unconditionally and for the sake of recognizing that in God's eyes, they have value. In fact, each one of us would have been reason enough for Jesus to come. 

God withheld his wrath on multiple occasions in history because one person pleaded for their loved ones lost. One person would stand in the gap between life and destruction. 
As God works out His holy balance between right and wrong... just and unjust... we are reminded to love big, unconditionally and without reservation. 

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." -1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is our calling. Truth is our responsibility... truth presented in love. Love big. Love bold. Our world needs it... desperately.  Small acts of love can have a ripple effect. We can be the change we want to see. 

Today, I am grateful we can love without agenda.

The Sun Will Rise Tomorrow

Year 8-Day 80: Today, I am grateful the sun will rise tomorrow.

"Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise." - Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

This quote is from the book by Victor Hugo, written in 1862. It has about 365 chapters. My friend, Jim (J.B.), spent a year reading and reflecting on the book. It was powerful to hear his reflections. 

The story is full of love, war, heartbreak, cruelty, kindness and redemption stories. Life can be hard. Still, the sun will wise in the morning, even after the darkest of nights. 

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) is one of my favorite songs. When I first heard it, it had the familiar feeling of an old song. My Dad thought of it as a farmer's song. I hear hope in the lyrics. It calms my inner storms when I sing it. 

This was my verse today"

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit."  -Jeremiah 17:7-8

The Lord provided the perfect verse. I didn't even have to look for it. It was there when I opened my online Bible as my verse for the day. He wins again. 

“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture." -Malachi 4:2 

We can trust in the Lord with all of our hearts, knowing His ways are bigger than our plans. We can rest knowing He's got this. 

Today, I am grateful the sun will rise tomorrow.

Choosing What We See & Hear

Year 8-Day 79: Today, I am grateful we can choose what we see and hear.

Some days we need to turn off the noise. The media is constantly sending out messages. Negativity reigns. Most of time the media is hyping something for dramatic impact. It causes anxiety for many. I love a little good news on a daily basis. 

For every tragic story reported, there are stories of goodness and kindness never told. I remember the Sunday School song for wee ones from my childhood, "Be careful little eyes what you see... and be careful little ears what you hear... For the Father up above is looking down in love... so be careful little..." Oh, that was sound advice in a preschool song. 

We tend to find what we are looking for in most places. Harper Lee said it well:

"People, generally, see what they look for, and hear what they listen for." -To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee

What we get out of most interactions is based on what we put into them. Breathe deep. Choose patience, kindness and grace. Be forgiving. Be wise.

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." - Ephesians 4:2

Humbly seek to help the hurting with gentleness. Hold back the sharp and cutting tongue. Slow down. Love bears all things. Love tenaciously. Look for tender moments that make your heart sing...even in trials. 

Today, I am grateful we can choose what we see and hear.

Agents Of Change

Year 8-Day 78: Today, I am grateful for agents of change. 

Every one of us has experienced change in these past two weeks. A virus is sweeping the world and there are questions, concerns and people suffering. It is so easy to pray, "Take it all away."  Stranger prayers have been answered. 

On a different train of thought, we can ask God what he wants us to observe, learn and do in the midst of "social distance" and people responding to fear with panic. For heaven's sake... we can't even buy toilet paper in most places, although there is no real shortage. 

This  quote struck the perfect chord in my soul today:

"The circumstances we ask God to change are often the circumstances God is using to change us." - Max Lucado

How is God using the current climate and conversations to reach and teach us? Are we talking to Him more. Are we listening in the slowed down version of our lives to the Spirit's direction when we see or hear of a need? 

We were called to be agents of change in a world that is broken and hurting. We are collectively battling a new illness, but the COVID-19 is merely the "latest" thing. When it wanes, there will be something else to take it's place. It is what changes inside of us as we face the battle that matters. Ultimately, we need to come to a place of trust and surrender. In the surrender, he can begin doing a new thing in our lives.  

"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."-Isaiah 43:19 

Claim it. Believe it. Receive it. Freedom comes with perfect peace in knowing we can trust His will to be done. The new thing might seem crazy, but His ways are perfect. We can trust His hand and His heart. Don't let the crazy season steal your joy. He is great... and He is good! 

Today, I am grateful for agents of change. 

Do Your Best

Year 8-Day 77: Today, I am grateful we can do our best.

"Some days are better. Some days are worse. Look for the blessing instead of the curse. Be positive, stay strong and get some rest. You can't do it all, but you can do your best." 

What a lovely thought. It is a reminder that doing our best is enough... and rest helps. 

There will always be hard seasons, but they are temporary. We have to learn to be resilient and flexible. My friend, Krys, says we have to bend "like Gumby". If you are under 50, you might have to look up "Gumby and Pokey". Being flexible helps us weather the storms. 

How can we bend to helps someone else? How can we stretch and save ourselves time and energy when we don't have any to spare? We have to get some rest to do our best. 

I am reminded of Jesus who longed for some quiet time. He would slip into the wilderness places to pray and spend time with the Father. He actively pursued rest and restoration. He created space when he needed it. 

"But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer." -Luke 5:16

He set an example we can follow. I am reminded, too, of the 23rd Psalm that most of us know.The familiar passage can evoke feelings of calm. 

"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name." -Proverbs 23:1-3 

"He lets me rest." Perfect peace even when things seem unsure. Remember, this too shall pass. Trials are temporary. His love is forever. We can press on. 

Today, I am grateful we can do our best.

Think, Stay & Dance

Year 8-Day 75: Today, I am grateful we can think, stay and dance. 

Some days, I need an attitude check. Today, might be one of them. Uncertainty can make us tired and most of us... including me... are not at our best when weary. 

This image is a great one for the day, the week and the month. 

"Think positively.
Exercised daily.
Eat healthy.
Stay strong.
Worry less. 
Dance more.
Love often.
Be happy." 

There are scriptures for every one of these thoughts if we dig a little deeper. Today, I needed  to take a deep breath and reflect on the wisdom of the Proverbs. In uncertain times, I need the reminder my Redeemer is strong. He has expectations. He instructs us to commit ourselves to instruction. 

Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.
Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don’t take the land of defenseless orphans.For their Redeemer is strong; he himself will bring their charges against you.Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge." -Proverbs 23:9-12

Remember the defenseless and don't cheat your neighbor. Don't waste our breath on fools. All of these things instructions are wise. 

Take a deep breath. Think, exercise, eat, work, stay strong, trust, dance, love and choose joy. 

Today, I am grateful we can think, stay and dance. 

Patience

Year 8-Day 74: Today, I am grateful for patience . 

Patience is one of those things that can't be purchased. It comes with practice. In this stressful time, patience becomes even more important in caring for others and ourselves. 

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,
    but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.-Proverbs 15:18

Patience helps calm a child...and grown-ups, too. It helps when times seem topsy-turvy. A spirit that hurries can increase our worry. 

The more we practice patience, the more we can choose it in difficult days. 

Today, I am grateful for patience . 

A Good Book

Year 8-Day 73: Today, I am grateful a good book. 

There is nothing like a cozy chair and a good book to pass the afternoon. Most of my reading is done with audio books, the I savor the old fashioned kind of reading. 

I remember the little library next to the grocery store in Clifton. Mama used to take me after grocery trips. I would stock up on Nancy Drew books, the Hardy Boys and Trixie Belden. A trip to the library added joy to any ordinary day. I would anticipate the day I could return to the library for new books. 

"A book gives us a place to go when have to stay where we are."

A perfect quote for a season when people are hunkering down and staying at home. It makes me grateful for libraries and online access to books, too. 

There is a verse in the Bible that talks about Jesus countless miracles and wonders. It creates a word picture. 

"Now, there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." -John 21:25

We can only imagine it, right? 

Today, I am grateful a good book. 

Patience In Affliction

Year 8-Day 72: Today, I am grateful we can be patient in affliction. 

Most of us try to avoid afflictions. We don't seek out and sign up for discomfort. In life, days of discomfort come and go, and it is easy to become discouraged. 

The best plans can be interrupted by circumstances outside of our human control. We can fret or we can let it roll. 

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer." -Romans 12:12

I've long appreciated the phrase "hope floats". It does. It rises above the trial. When we are faithful in prayer, it is easier to tolerate the discomfort that comes with affliction. 

The scripture can be simplified into three simple instructions:

Be joyful.
Be patient.
Pray faithfully. 

Times of trouble come and go, but He never leaves us alone. We are not forsaken. 


Today, I am grateful we can be patient in affliction. 

Hydration

Year 8-Day 71: Today, I am grateful for hydration.

With everyone talking about the coronavirus, I am reminded of the blessing of living with plenty of options for hydration. Water is life. We currently have access to many ways to restore our bodies when they become dehydrated. We live with an abundance of water, juices, sodas and teas. There are beverages aimed at restoration and fighting dehydration. Fresh water is the best thirst quencher.

The body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to work properly. Your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste, and lubricate your joints. Water is necessary for overall good health. We take it for granted until we don't have enough. The body is somewhere between 70-80% water. Water is life. 

There are many scriptures that speak about water and desert places. 2000 years ago, they understood that without good, fresh water, death was inevitable. One of my favorite conversations in the Bible occurs between Jesus and a Samaritan woman. Culture said he should ignore her. He didn't. He engaged her in conversation because her soul was at risk. 

"Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” -John 4:13-14

Who will we engage today because a soul is at risk? How do we saturate our thirsty souls with hope with messages that provoke fear at every turn? The spring of living water is available to all who seek to know Him. We choose to seek that living water... or we ignore our need for it. 

We can choose the living water and it will heal like nothing else can. 

"He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul." -Psalm 23:2-3

Water is life. He is the living water. He restores my soul.

Today, I am grateful for hydration.