"Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal." Matthew 6:19 (NLT)

As I read this verse this morning I realized the amount of time and energy I spend laying up treasures for myself here on earth. There are only two things that will last in this world: God's Word and His people so therefore shouldn't those be the two things I spend the most time with. 

Lately, I have been so encouraged because the Lord has richly blessed me with a fire for both of these things. His word is so alive and convicting. It's a double edged sword that strikes straight to the truth, but it is also compassion and kindness. Everything we need can be found somewhere in those 66 books.There is nothing God has not planned or preordained to happen, so why are we fearful or worried. 

The other thing the Lord has been faithful in blessing me with are friends, God's people who know Him and who love one another. Genuine compassion and mercy have been hard for me to find, but the Lord did not make me wait for very long. He has stored up an abundance of these people here at LU and I am blessed daily by them. 

I found this poem online and really enjoyed it. I hope you do to...

Give me time to dream, oh Lord
Time now for reflections
Time to rid my frazzled mind
of a thousand and one expectations.

Give me just a moment
to observe this changing time
~to shut out noise and disturbances
~To sweep them from my mind

Let me notice little things
you give unselfishly
~the falling leaves, the pure white snow
~all the gifts you give to me.

Let me look forward to tomorrow
without worry or regret
~forget the past and accept the present
~don't let me give up yet

Slow me down, Lord, slow me down
~so I can see your face
~to pause and let the blessed calm
~my negative thoughts replace.

Let me take the time to live and love
instead of racing out of control
Slow me down, Lord, slow me down
and still my restless soul