The little things!

Yesterday was not particularly the best day. I received some disappointing news. However, when I made the "trek" next door to check the mail, I found one piece of mail (surprisingly it wasn't a bill!) It was a note from a good buddy of mine from preaching school. It was just a single sheet of paper that made a world of difference to my day. Being the dork that I am, I hung it on the fridge so I could be lifted up the rest of the day!

I know it wasn't much for him to do this but it made a huge difference to me. We sometimes get so engulfed by the busy world we live in that we forget how much a simple gesture like sending a piece of mail can do for someone. One small encouragement can go a long way. Have you encouraged someone today? Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build up one another..."

Today I want to encourage you to put down your phone or get out from behind the computer you are reading this on and encourage someone today. You never know what it might mean to them!!!

Blessings,
Jeremy

"Encourage one another, build up one another."

Creation Speaks!

 Living in West Texas, there is very little in the area of aesthetic appeal. However, as you drive through the desert in far west Texas, there is a magical place that seems to pop up out of nowhere called the Guadalupe Mountains. This past Monday, my wife and I were able to sneak away from ministry responsibilities and get some much needed rejuvenation from being in God's creation and to witness the spectacular event of nature as the leaves change colors before winter.

Every time I am in God's creation I am reminded of the Awesome, powerful, amazing being we serve as our God. To see the diversity and beauty layered throughout nature, screams of His might!!! 

We decided to do a hike in Mckittrick canyon because it boasts some of the best fall colors in the state. As we walked out of the desert, we were enveloped by vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red. I often forget how much of a connection we have with God through His creation. When we are constantly surrounded by the man-made world we live in we can lose touch with the splendor of God's beauty in the natural world.

Whenever I get the opportunity to enjoy nature, I can't help but think about what Paul tells us in Romans 1:20, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made..." 

You do not have to be an outdoors enthusiast to get into nature and see the splendor of God. Maybe you do like to hike or camp. Make some time to go. For most of us it may just be that we need to take our kids to the park and enjoy the sounds of birds, the rustling of the trees or feeling a cool breeze running through our hair. Also you could take a blanket outside after dark (especially now that it gets dark much earlier) and marvel at the vastness of the night sky. Be overwhelmed by the grandness of your Creator. God continues to speak to us through His Creation. Take some time, don't miss it!!!

Blessings,
Jeremy

"Encourage one another, build up one another."