Enjoying our vacation!

Today we spent the day on the strip in Gatlinburg.  This was right before we went to Huck Finn's for dinner...where Mallory lost it and we left early!   I had Catfish, Frog Legs, and Gator!  All great!!!!



This is one of the two outdoor water parks at our resort.   Bad thing is that this one, that is right outside our condo is closed for repairs..........



But here is the Indoor Waterpark at our resort!  It has been a blast!  Wish every place we went to, had one of these!

Its been a good week to relax.  For the first time in I don't know how long, I actually feel relaxed and rested!   It has been amazing that this is the first time in I don't know how long that I have taken a trip and have not been bothered by phone calls or text messages!  Thanks everyone for letting us have a true vacation this time and not worry about the things going on back at home and at the church!

E

When in Doubt...

Yesterday our pastor, Dr. Nancy Rankin, spoke about doubt.   It really made me think....

Many times I doubt...I doubt that God is there for me at times, but more times I Doubt if I'm making the right decision and following what God wants.

Here are my notes from yesterday:

When in doubt

Imagine the doubt of the disciples:  that had to be tough....

They Scattered and locked doors:  do we not do the same, when we are scared or Doubt what God is doing...we run from God and we seclude ourselves from being involved in God's Kingdom

Jesus came to them
He gave them peace
Gave them power if holy spirit
Entrusted them

Thomas was not there and doubted and wanted proof:  How many times are we like Thomas and we miss out on things...because we are too scared and too selfish and get uninvolved with Church
He was a pessimist
John 11 Thomas was not a coward or unloyal
When we withdraw we miss things

We want and need to see Christ

We need a turn around in faith

Do we allow ourselves to make the turn to Christ

He calls us.  But will we receive it?

Blessed are those who have not seen yet believe

Seeing is insight

We are often just out of touch.  So we miss fellowship and miss out on
what God has for us

We are saved not by our understanding but by our FAITH.

When in doubt get in touch with God!

Don't Worry... Be Happy Now!

Philippians 4:6-7 (New Living Translation)

6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.



Growing up, one of my favorite songs was "Don't Worry...Be Happy!" by Bobby McFerrin.   Such a cool song!  That is the first thing that came to my mind when I read this verse the other day for my quiet time.   And has stuck in my head for the past couple days.  Its a song that just makes you feel Good.

Just like this verse...when you read it, it just makes you feel good.    Lately, I've had a lot of things  on my mind with school and life.   But I really haven't worried that much.  I have gone before God and prayed and received peace.  I know that God's will be done.   I know that I don't need to waste my time worrying what the outcome of things will be.  I know that I just need to focus on God and let Go by giving it over to Him when I pray.

What is worrying you?  What do you need to pray and give over to God?  What do you need to let go...in order to get Peace?

God is saying to all of us...Don't Worry...Be Happy!