"So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God."

-Philippians 1:9-11, The Message

A Perfect Afternoon

Let me paint you a picture. I would ask you to close your eyes in order to see it better, but for obvious reasons, that won't quite work.

I am currently sitting inside the Woods Coffee in downtown Bellingham, typing on my beautiful new MacBook. I'm wearing a summer dress with cute black stockings underneath, and a long sweater over top. I have a scarf on, too, and my trusty "jingle flats," as I lovingly refer to them, are on my feet. I'm drinking a warm nonfat vanilla latte that is in a for-here mug. (Much better than the to-go cups. I'm working on slowing down, remember?) Oh. And one more thing. John Mayer is singing "Gravity" in my ears and I love it. Now, right here, in this moment. I am content. Oh so very content.

Contentment seems to be this crazy, radical idea that is always just out of my reach. I love my life, and I always have. I'm happy, and I feel like I always have been. But contentment just seems to never be approachable. But awhhh let me tell you. Today, I have discovered it. I've been thinking about Paul, and how he says "I have learned to be content in every situation." I love The Message version:

"I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am."

Okay. How beautiful is that?! Love it.

So. Right now, I'm content. And man oh man, am I loving it.

This kind of has to do with this post, but not really.

These kids are the lights of my life.

These kids just bless my life so much. So much joy. So innocent. They add to my joy for life.

Be Still.

"Be still and know that I am God."
-Psalm 46:10

Be still.

Quit the worrying, quiet your heart, and just be still. Stop talking and over-thinking. Just. Be. Still. Take a breath and listen.

And know that I am God.

The Prince of Peace. The Solid Rock. The Good Shepherd. The Creator of All Things. The Alpha and Omega. The Beginning and End. The One who was, and is, and is to come. The Lord Almighty. Maker of Heaven and Earth.

"Be still, and know that I am God."