Proclaim, give praise, and say, "Save, O Lord, your people." Jeremiah 31:7
 
Lord, grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness. Acts 4:29
 
The Lord's guidance and strength are revealed to us in countless ways. Even though we are the recipients of the endless ways in which God enriches our lives, it is often difficult to speak of the many blessings afforded any one of us. Despite the difficulties that can interrupt our lives and cause us distress, there are the many little miracles that bring us back to the amazing ways God works in this world. 
 
The other day I was pulling weeds out of one of our home's window wells. One, about 14 inches long, came out root and all. The sprout was growing from a walnut. How amazing, a walnut tree growing in our window well! Then there are the trees that persevere and grow out of seemingly impossibly prohibitive boulders as in mountains. They join hundreds of other trees to make our wonderful forest-covered lands. Our family's view of the High Falls in Northern Minnesota last week reminded us in another example of the awesome power of God's creation.
 
Then there are the opposite times when the storms hit to maim, destroy, and kill. They make many wonder at the wisdom and power of God to allow such chaos. Yet, every time, there are the simple acts of kindness and love that bring a sense of peace to the survivors. In these dark times, as in dark times within our personal lives, God can bring inner peace to those who are suffering and to those who are there to help. I think there  is a reason for the sense of well-being wrought through such acts of helping kindness: it is what Jesus taught us to do.
 
He also taught us to speak of him with boldness and to give praise to him. May we do so loudly or quietly, in whatever way fits the countless styles given to us, God's precious children.
 
Dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Thank you for the countless ways you reveal yourself to us, your children. Give us eyes to see these ways and to speak of them to others with boldness. Forgive us when we stray fro the path you would want us to walk. Thank you for your saving grace. Amen.
 
Florence Smallfield     
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