ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE BIG DROP?

"I don't know, is it a big drop?" It was too late when he began to wonder. He was securely strapped in. The log floated and bumped it's way through the water. It was his first trip to Disneyland. He'd seen the drop before getting on. From a distance it didn't seem so bad, but as the anticipation began to build, fear set in.

I often find that when I begin to focus too much on what's up ahead instead of living in the moment, the anticipation builds up fear and anxiety. It floods my trust and peace.

Today, stay focused on Jesus. Stand peacefully in the moment, noticing the things He's trying to show you. God is more than capable of handling tomorrow. Pray. Stay in the now...right where He has you and pay close attention. Soak in His Word. He will reveal Himself to you in the everyday things of life. A beautiful sunrise/sunset. A bird singing outside your window. A bright flower opening to the morning sun. A butterfly, once a crawling caterpillar now transformed...gracefully soaring. Be filled up with awe and wonder. You are loved. God is good...all the time!

TAKE A MOMENT AND LISTEN TO WHAT GOD WANTS TO REMIND YOU:

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

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" Matthew 6:26

Believe In Yourself

The older we get the more we tend to look back and ask, "Have I achieved my goals? Have I pursued my dreams? I know that I let fear rule my life ever since I can remember. I would put on a very confident, somewhat aggressive exterior but what was happening deep inside was completely different than my public persona.

I never tried to achieve my hopes and dreams because I was afraid of failure. I would rather play it safe than look stupid. I've decided to finally reach for those dreams...I'm not going to let fear control my life any longer. I found the following story very inspiring.

SHAKE YOUR BOX
Author Unknown

I recently heard a story about a very poor lady in India who had a child. The Dr's said he would never be able to walk. The lady loved her child and made a box, tied a string around her waist and pulled the baby everywhere she went. The child got bigger and started shaking the box. It would tip over, the mother scolded the child, picked him up, put him back in the box, and went on again. Eventually the child shook the box so hard it tipped over and broke. The mother went to pick the child up...but the child began to crawl over to a wall, and pulled himself up. The moral of this story is, SHAKE YOUR BOX!

You were made to accomplish great things. Find your life purpose and do not let your past control your future. Remember to shake your box everyday...you are so close to achieving your dreams.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed." NIV
Proverbs 16:3

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." NIV
Proverbs 16:9