Yesterday was a rough day for me. I had every intention of writing my blog, well at least I had it scheduled on my calendar. I woke up to our two Aussiedoodle puppies asking to cuddle on my lap, loving every minute. Then chaos starts. Puppy training is not going too well, and my imaginings of my ideal life is being challenged and shattered. On top of this the weather has turned gray and drizzly, and the access to the beach has been blocked off for construction.

I wish I could have turned myself around yesterday. Instead, I wallowed in my teary mood. Sometimes it takes a day to recover and it’s better not to beat ourselves up for it.

I picked the photo above to find my joy. I love flowers, butterflies, and just nature in general. And even though I wasn’t inspired to write yesterday, the Lord laid this scripture on my heart today:

Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy.

Philippians 4:8 (VOICE)

I love this verse! It is a wonderful verse that helps me redirect my thoughts. It reminds me that there are good things all around me if I will only open my eyes to the presence of God.

I think it is worthwhile to take a look at the preceding verses:

Most of all, friends, always rejoice in the Lord! I never tire of saying it: Rejoice! Keep your gentle nature so that all people will know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps. The Lord is ever present with us. Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.

Philippians 4:4-7 (VOICE)

How comforting is that?! We have concerns and needs, but we shouldn’t let them take over our consciousness with fear and worry. No, we pray, we rejoice, and we are thankful. And why is that? Look up. At the top of this blog, right under The Far Reaches of Grace, is my tag line: God sees, God knows, God can handle it! I wrote that out of my experience. I wrote that because it is my deeply rooted belief. I may have trouble handling two rambunctious puppies that haven’t learned to only potty outside, and don’t know the difference between a toy and a piece of furniture. But God is with me, and with his peace to guard my heart and mind, we will be stellar.

Where are your thoughts today? Is there something troubling you? Can you take a minute? Find the beauty. Find the joy. Find God right beside you.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy