LORD, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens…When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?  Psalm 8:1, 3-4
 
 
Traveling in the south of France, I saw one charming town after another. Amazed at both the history and the quaintness of these villages, I wasn’t prepared for our tour guide’s next remark:  “The people of this town don’t really see its beauty.” I wasn’t sure I heard her correctly. How could they not see how absolutely gorgeous their corner of the world was? This thought haunted me the rest of the day as we traveled on to other lovely towns.
 
How often do we miss the beauty surrounding us? When traveling to new places, I can easily see with fresh eyes what the locals miss. The cobblestoned streets curving gently passed pastel buildings and the bobbing heads of brightly colored flowers waving welcome never fail to enthrall and capture my heart. Yet, I wonder, what do I totally miss in my everyday?
 
Travel teaches us many lessons that, if we aware, can spill over into our normal routines. When traveling, we switch over into vacation mode, relishing the slower pace and relaxed days. Seeing our surroundings perhaps for the first time allows us the luxury of paying attention to details and soaking in the new and different. Travel teaches us mindfulness, the art of being present in the moment as the usual worries and anxieties fade away the further we travel from home. Being fully aware as we engage in new cultures and sights creates an excitement within, a freshness, a desire to experience life to the fullest.
 
Bringing back that mindfulness from vacation and incorporating it into our daily lives is challenging. Busyness robs us of the opportunities to focus on what is right in front of us. Taking even a short second to notice our surroundings, drink in the beauty deep into our souls, and inhale the fragrance of present moments is an art worth pursuing.
 
When was the last time you noticed a striking sunset or brilliantly hued flowers? Or the laughter of a child? Or the smiling face of a close friend? When did you drink in the beauty of your surroundings until you thought your soul would burst with sheer happiness and gratitude?
 
If your answers, like mine, are “too long ago” or “never”, then take a “vacation” in your everyday to stop, look, and listen. Feeding your soul with morsels of beauty each day is too good to save for special vacations. Our corner of God’s vast world is beautiful, too, right here and now. Like the writer of Psalm 8, we, too, can marvel at God’s glorious creation and reflect back to Him the beauty of a grateful soul.
 
 
Lord, I thank You for the beauty of Your creation. Give me eyes to see and a heart of gratitude for sights and sounds that tell of Your majesty. Make me mindful, unhurried, and aware of Your presence every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of sunset from San Juan Island, Washington.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”  Jeremiah 31:3
 
 
“That was really stupid! How could you do that? And how could you be so careless?” Taking a deep breath, I exhaled, feeling despondent. Perhaps I should have said, “You have no right to talk to me like that.” But I would have been talking to myself.
 
Do you catch yourself in negative self-talk? Sometimes we would not speak to another person the way we talk to ourselves. Why do we do that? How do destructive thoughts like “I am not enough”, “I am less than”, and “I am not worthy” become embedded in our souls? Are they from previous failures or words others have used to pierce our hearts?
 
Instead of telling ourselves emotional fabrications, listen to what God says about us. God doesn’t see us the way we see ourselves when we’re caught in this negative spiral of self-loathing. God lavishes His love on us and calls us His children (1 John 3:1). God showed us His love for us in sending His Son to die for us so that we might have life through Jesus (1 John 4:9). God rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). God created each of us uniquely and endowed us with gifts, talents, and abilities. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses and loves us unconditionally. We don’t have to prove anything to Him as He has already proved His love for us long ago on a wooden cross.
 
If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). If the God of the universe loves us, who are we to not love us? God loves us and He created each of us uniquely. If we embrace who we are, faults and all, we no longer expend energy trying to be who we are not. When we can love and accept ourselves, and yes, even like ourselves, others are free to love and respect us as well. And we are free, in turn, to love and respect them.
 
The key verse for today says that God loves us with an everlasting, forever kind of love. Because of His great love for us, He shows us “unfailing kindness”. How do we love and show kindness to ourselves? The next time you find yourself in the middle of negative self-chatter, stop and ask yourself where these destructive thoughts come from. Be curious about where they started. The Bible says the enemy is the father of lies (John 8:44). Acknowledge to yourself that these are lies from the enemy and refuse to believe them.
 
When we grasp how much God loves us, we can stop the negative self-chatter and treat ourselves with kindness and self-respect. This means not judging ourselves harshly nor comparing ourselves to others. Set clear boundaries with yourself on what is not acceptable to say to yourself. Gently remind yourself of the lies driving the negative self-talk and the fact that God loves you and created you to be uniquely you.
 
We can be victorious. With the Sword of Truth (the Bible) in our hands and the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we can slay the dragon of negative self-chatter and can begin the journey back to liking, loving, and respecting ourselves. Cherish your uniqueness. Embrace who you are and live the abundant life God intends for you, free from judgment and disrespect, free to be you.
 
 
Lord, I am forever grateful for Your love for me. Thank You for Your unfailing kindness. May I show myself kindness and respect because in You, I am worthy. Thank You that I am Your precious child. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Gaillardia flowers amidst a field of Mountain Bluebells near Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

“Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!”…But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.  Genesis 19: 17, 26
 
 
While our key verses for today teach on obedience and Lot’s wife’s clear disobedience to God’s instructions, verse 26 also speaks to me of regret. In Genesis 19, Abraham’s nephew Lot lived in the city of Sodom. As God was preparing to destroy the city, Abraham’s prayer sought to save Lot. As the story unfolds, Lot shows the customary hospitality to two strangers who are seemingly passing through Sodom. Lot is unaware these men are actually angels. When all of the town’s men show up at Lot’s doorstep to harm the strangers under Lot’s protection, the angels grab the hands of Lot, his wife, and two daughters and pull them to safety outside the city, telling them to run to the mountains and don’t look back at the destruction of Sodom. But Lot’s wife couldn’t help herself. She turned to give the town one last glance, a look that would cost her her life.
 
At the risk of turning into a pillar of salt (or stone as ancient historians have recorded), what made Lot’s wife turn back for one last look? Was it just sheer disobedience? Curiosity? Or could it be she was experiencing regret? Digging deeper into the Genesis text, I realized that Lot had other daughters in addition to the two that escaped with him. In Genesis 19:14, Lot urged his sons-in-law to leave the city with him but they laughed at him instead. Their wives were the sisters of the two daughters living at home. Perhaps Lot’s wife looked back to see if her other daughters were escaping the city, too. Or perhaps she knew they were not, and her mother-heart was filled with sadness, grief, and regret. Scholars believe that unlike her husband, Lot’s wife was from Sodom. Perhaps the look back was one of sadness to know that the rest of her extended family would soon perish. Or maybe she was filled with regret at not being able to bring her belongings with her. Whatever caused Lot’s wife to look back, her action was deadly.
 
Our own regrets can be emotionally deadly. I met someone recently who shared with me regrets he had involving a childhood friend. The guilt and blame he inflicted on himself over the years played havoc with his relationships until he came to terms with it through counseling. I could relate to his words as I have my own list of regrets. At the top of that list is not spending more time with my brother before he passed away. But other regrets surface, too, of bad choices in relationships, words said in haste and anger, opportunities missed, wrong opportunities taken.
 
Dictionary.com defines regret as “a feeling of sorrow or remorse” and “a sense of loss, disappointment, dissatisfaction”. Regret also involves a sense of guilt.  
 
King David of Israel knew regret. His story of committing adultery and orchestrating the cover-up involving the murder of the husband wronged is recorded in the Bible in 2 Samuel 11-12. In this account, the prophet Nathan confronts David with his sin. David is struck with remorse, guilt, and sorrow over his actions. He pours out his heart to God in Psalm 51. Verses 10-12 say “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
 
God can take whatever we’ve done, whatever regrets we have, and give us a fresh start. He can wash us clean from our sins and guilt and restore joy in our hearts. But to experience this renewal, we have to confess our wrong actions and acknowledge our regretful thoughts and feelings to Him. When we do, God meets us where we are, washes us clean, and sets our feet on a new path. We don’t have to look back to a place of guilt and regret. Our past does not define us. Instead of having hearts of stone, we’ll have pure, grateful hearts. Thanks be to God!
 
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins. Belief in His sacrifice for my sake removes the stain of sin and regret. Wash me clean, O Lord, and create in me a pure heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of the Côte d’Azur from the hilltop Jardin Exotique in Eze, France.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

​“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”  Isaiah 43:18-19
 
 
Stepping out of my comfort zone, I said yes. But not before I had weighed the opportunity over in my mind for a while. Would this be the only time I’d be able to do this? Would I regret this if I said no? I could hear my mother’s voice in my head saying “He [or in this case, she] who hesitates is lost.” Walking over to a spry, fun-loving new friend, I asked if there was still a seat left. She said there was. I went for it.
 
While I had flown in airplanes of all sizes over the years, from two-seater, single props to jumbo double-decker jets, I had never ridden in a helicopter before. My perception that helicopters seem to crash more often than airplanes had kept my feet firmly on the ground, until the chance arose that day to travel along the Côte d’Azur from Monaco to Nice. I convinced my fearful self that it would be OK, even fun, and the risk of crashing was low. As I imagined the magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea and its coastline, I decided this was not a venture I wanted to pass up. A little while later, we were skimming along the surface of the glistening turquoise water. Sitting in the front seat, the floor-to-ceiling windows gave the unnerving illusion of flying without the aid of the helicopter. The sea felt so close I could almost touch it. The views were spectacular as we passed Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Nice before landing at the airstrip just south of the city. This exhilarating ride ended all too soon!
 
How many times do we pass up opportunities because of fear? Does leaving our comfort zone seem too daunting or at the very least, too inconvenient? Do we ever regret not saying yes when a situation presents itself that would be in our best interests to take? How many times do we hesitate and then lose the chance presented?
 
In Isaiah 43, our key verses 18-19 tell us not to dwell on the past where regrets of missed opportunities and wrong choices live. God does work on our behalf, creating new things out of the old, making ways for us even when the path has detoured or dead-ended. These verses are the prophet Isaiah’s words from God to the Israelites who, under Babylonian captivity, needed hope. God promised renewal and a new order of life in the form of His Son, Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah of the Jews.
 
Jesus is our hope, too. In the journey of life, where there are opportunities both taken and missed, we can rest in the fact that God has our best in mind, that He goes with us, and He is sovereign. Stepping into a God-given moment gives us peace and joy as we follow Him. While we might miss out if we hesitate, all is not lost with Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who uses opportunities and regrets to build our character and to give us hope. He can take the regrets of lost chances and use them to teach us how to step through doors He opens next time. If there are regrets due to unwise choices of stepping through the wrong door, God can take those, too, and redeem them, weaving them into the fabric of our lives to teach us who He wants us to be. With God, all opportunities are full of grace.
 
 
Dear God, help me step out of my comfort zone and into the opportunities You provide. I’m so grateful that even if I hesitate too long out of fear, You still lead and guide me, opening other doors along the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Nice, France, from the top of the Bellanda Tower.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:11-13
 
 
Driving through the French countryside near Blois one day recently, I was admiring the surrounding beauty as I followed the GPS to my destination. The sky was itself an azure landscape dotted by giant puffs of cotton. The land, verdant farmland spreading out to my right, was replete with fields of various crops in hues of green and beige. It was indeed idyllic.
 
As I continued my drive, I spied a curious sight ahead. Drawing closer, I realized an ancient bridge spanned across a patch of land and then stopped abruptly. It looked as if the left side of the bridge had been shaved off. Perhaps the ground beneath it where grass was now growing had at one time been a flowing stream or river. I passed it all too fast as I pondered where this “bridge to nowhere” had gone.
 
Reflecting on my own life, I could see similarities to that abruptly-ending bridge. Thinking I was heading in one direction, my life came to a grinding halt. My journey took an unexpected detour when my brother died suddenly of a massive heart attack in 2009. There were no orange cones or construction signs pointing in the direction I should go. The lane ahead of me dimmed as the road appeared to dead-end.
 
In Jeremiah 29:11, God is talking to the Israelites who were prisoners of the Babylonians. Their lives had taken a sudden detour as Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, took them captive. Perhaps they felt life had suddenly lost control and veered sharply off to one side. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord reminded them that He was still in control and that He loved them and had a plan for their lives, a plan not to harm them, but to help them. He desired to give them hope and a future. But in the meantime, they were to settle into this new land and make the most of it, building homes, planting gardens, and carrying on with their lives. This detour, for now, had become their new way of life.
 
I wonder how that message from God was received by the Israelites. Did they trust God had their best in mind? Did they have hope for their future? Could they see that life’s detour had purpose and meaning? Could they see that their detour had actually become their new path? It is in the difficult times that we grow the most and become who we were meant to be all along.
 
While the detours of my life since 2009 have been unforeseen, filled with potholes and unexpected twists and turns, unlike that “bridge to nowhere”, God’s detour for me has become my new journey. Although it’s been difficult at times, I am thankful that no matter where the road takes me, Jesus walks with me. When I seek Him with all my heart, I will find Him.
 
Even when the detour signs go missing and the way up ahead abruptly changes, I trust that God has a plan to give me hope and a future, one that is even better than I could ever dream or imagine. He can take your detours and dead-ends, too, and turn them into new paths of hope. He never wastes any potholes, ditches, or worn out pavement. God is the master engineer of every road and bridge as they all lead directly to Him.
 
 
Heavenly Father, You are sovereign over all, including my journey through life. Open my eyes to see you at work in the detours and ditches of life as You prepare the way for me to go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of the Pont Saint-Bénézet in Avignon, France, built in the 12th century over the Rhône river, rebuilt in the 13th century after a war, and then left damaged by floods over the centuries.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5
 
 
How do I turn on the water at the sink? How can it be this difficult? At a public washroom in France, I suddenly felt very inept. There were no hot or cold knobs to turn on, so I gave up and decided to use hand sanitizer instead. It wasn’t until later, at another bathroom, that I realized there are foot pedals, a blue one for cold and a red one for hot, that turn the water on at the sink. Voilà! Mystery solved!
 
Traveling internationally can be a humbling experience. The little things in life that we totally take for granted at home can be problematic abroad. I think there must be at least a dozen ways to flush a toilet in Europe, some of which are obvious and others are not. Likewise, pumping gas when the directions are in a foreign language can be challenging. Driving a rental car where the road signs are in a different language and the rules of the road are not intuitive can be a bit nerve-racking. Even though I’ve had my driver’s license since I was sixteen, I still felt like a novice driving a car in France.
 
Travel has a way of humbling you. You think you know how things work, but there are constant surprises that make you feel less than intelligent and far from competent. There are language and cultural barriers that can become insurmountable walls where you might as well just wear a sign around your neck saying, “I’m sorry. I’m just a foreigner. Please forgive me!” The locals are more likely to be helpful and friendly if you attempt to speak their language. Trying to adapt to foreign customs, no matter how clumsy our efforts, will open doors. Having a humble and teachable attitude goes a long way, too.
 
Our key verse today highlights how behaving toward each other with humility builds relationship and models Jesus’ own behavior. God will shine His favor on you when you act in humility toward others. He actually opposes the proud. Pride has a way of getting between people and destroying relationships. Humility builds relationships. Philippians 2:3-5 puts it this way, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Humility is essentially having a right perspective of yourself in relation to others, not thinking of yourself as better or superior, nor allowing yourself to be a "doormat", but being willing to put others’ needs above your own. The opposite of humility is pride.
 
Pride not only creates barriers to relationship with others, it can also come between us and our relationship with God. The text in the second chapter of Philippians goes on to say that Jesus humbled himself in obedience to God, even to death on a cross (verse 8). In doing so, Jesus’ act of ultimate humility created a relationship between God and us.
 
James 4:8 says to “come near to God and He will come near to you”. Seeking God requires humility on our part as we acknowledge God is the great “I Am”, the Lord of the universe, the Creator of all, and the Savior to those who believe.
 
I am thankful that Jesus’ humility on the cross paved the way for restoring our relationship with God. Walking in humility, whether in our own neighborhood or on the other side of the pond, is what we are called to do. Humility opens the doors of relationship, both with those we meet and with God Himself.
 
 
Lord Jesus, thank You for humbling Yourself on the cross in obedience to God the Father. May I seek humility in my relationship with You and with those I meet as I travel along this road of life. Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of sunflower field near Avignon, France.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.  Psalm 119:105
 
 
During my two-week stay at a French immersion language school, I planned to visit several beautiful and ancient châteaux within a two-hour drive of the school. Although I had been anxious about renting a car in France, I had experienced supernatural peace as I started my adventure in Paris and headed south to the Loire Valley. (Please see previous blog post entitled “Faith vs. Fear” for that story.)
 
For the weekend, I reserved a hotel room in a small town called Amboise. That Friday, I repacked my gear and toting only my carry-on bag, I hopped into the rental car and was off! With GPS, Google maps, and a paper map (just in case), I arrived at my destination. All three châteaux I visited were magnificent castles built centuries ago overlooking gorgeous countryside traversed by flowing rivers and canals. Enjoying the beautiful scenery and capturing it with my camera, all while speaking only French (!), was a dream come true.
 
Everything was going according to plan until I started my drive back to the school. The danger of using both GPS and Google maps is that often they give contradictory directions. After setting both to the school’s address, I began to notice this disparity. Remembering a friend’s story about getting utterly lost using her GPS, my inclination was to follow Google maps. That is, until I reached this particular fork in the road. Interestingly, both GPS and Google maps indicated I should turn right. The appropriate sign at the intersection pointed to the left. Which should I choose? Should I believe GPS and Google maps or should I believe the sign? If I chose the sign, would there be other signs to follow and would GPS and Google maps re-route me appropriately?
 
Despite the myriad of fearful thoughts, the decision took only a few seconds, but my destiny, at least in the short-run, hung in the balance. Since both GPS and Google maps pointed right, I turned right, thinking I could always turn around. The countryside with green rolling hills and farmland planted with wheat and other grains was simply gorgeous. The sun was shining and I figured I had several more hours of daylight in which to get lost and find my way back to the school. Soon, however, the road severely narrowed. What was once a two-lane road diminished to become one and a half lanes, at best. White-knuckling it and slowing down to pull off onto the shoulder became my modus operandi as cars headed toward me. Passing through a dense forest, the sun was blocked and all appeared dark. My mind, went dark, too. As anxious thoughts assailed me, I began to pray.
 
Stopping at one intersection, I weighed the options of turning around versus continuing onward. What should I do? Believing God was still in control, despite what my circumstances were telling me, I decided to continue in the direction I was going and not turn back. Soon I was out of the dark forest and back on the sunny, albeit it, very narrow road. As I crested a hill, to my surprise, I recognized the place! Relief flooded my entire being and I knew I’d be “home” before dark. Praising God for being with me, my trust in Him was strengthened as I acknowledged He was still in control. While my navigational tools had taken me on a backwoods, circuitous route, God had used them to get me safely home.
 
Where do you find yourself in a dense forest, unable to find your way home? What navigational tools do you use when you feel lost? Psalm 119:105 says God’s Word is a lamp for our feet and a light on our path. God’s Word, the Bible, is true and will never lead us astray. When we spend time in His Word, we learn to trust Him more fully. When life’s road becomes narrow and dark, we can rely on the Lord to be with us and to guide us, through His Word and through prayer. God’s Word illumines the darkness of our souls as it shines His light on our path. We can journey without fear. We can trust God to guide us through the sunny landscapes and the dark forests of our lives because He alone is trustworthy. We don’t need to be afraid.
 
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that lights my path and guides me through life’s good times and through life’s difficult circumstances. May I let go of fear as I trust You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of the circuitous route back to Sancerre, France.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6
 
 
I was dreading it. Oh, not the trip itself. Thankful to be able to travel for two months to Italy and France, I was finalizing my plans. During my time in France, I would be attending a two-week French language immersion school. But at the last minute, I was informed that the train I had planned to take from Paris to the school was not operational. As I researched other options, traveling by a different train would not only take more than twice as long, it would involve a transfer to a bus. The thought of spending so much time on the train and then having to schlepp my very heavy bag from the train station to who-knows-where the bus station was located, was a bit daunting. My only other option was to rent a car and drive the two hours from Paris.
 
Even stateside, I’m not a fan of renting a car. Driving someone else’s vehicle makes me nervous, especially with all the knobs, buttons, and switches that are different from my own car. A plethora of terrifying thoughts ran through my head. What if I get lost? What if I have a wreck because I’m distracted just trying to figure out how everything in the car works? What if I get a speeding ticket? What if I don’t get to the school on time because of any of the above and I miss being able to check in and end up with no place to stay that night? “What-ifs” commandeered by overwhelmed brain. Fear had set in.
 
To take control back from these fearful thoughts, I did several things. First, I prayed. Asking the Lord for wisdom on whether I should rent a car or not, my head took a back seat while my heart conversed with God. My desire to learn French was on my “bucket” list. So was visiting the very grand and beautiful chateaux which happened to be located not far from the school. How could I go to the school and not visit the chateaux when I was so close? Unfortunately, the only way for me to get to the chateaux was to drive. As I wrestled in prayer over what to do, my desire to see the chateaux won out over my fear of renting a car. Making the decision to rent a car, I experienced God’s peace. I wasn’t sure how I would do it, but I trusted God would be with me.
 
The second thing I did was to ask friends and family to pray for me while I was gone, particularly for the day I would be renting the car and driving solo to the school. James 5:16 says “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” I had no doubt their prayers would be heard.
 
Thirdly, knowing I’m somewhat directionally-challenged, I selected a rental car with a GPS which, upon pick up, I requested it to be programmed in English with the school’s address typed in as the destination. In the meantime, I ensured my phone was working and I could access Google maps. (My phone’s French SIM card wasn’t working at first and that’s a story for another time!) Last but not least, I brought a paper map with me, just in case. I was armed and ready for my adventure!
 
Being prepared helped, but I wondered how anxious I would be as the day approached. I continued to pray, relying upon the truth found in Philippians 4:6-7 that says when we pray with thanksgiving and present our requests to God, His peace, which is beyond our understanding, especially when we consider the circumstances, fills our hearts and our minds. Although I did have “butterflies” in my stomach beforehand, when I sat in the driver’s seat, I experienced a supernatural sense of calmness and peace. Fear was gone and I knew, as the key verse today says, God would go with me. He would never leave me and I didn’t need to be afraid.
 
As they say, “God can’t steer a parked car”, so I put it in gear and off I went! I’d like to say I didn’t get lost, but I did get turned around a couple of times. Pulling up at the school, though, filled me with a sense of gratitude and a confidence that I didn’t need to be intimidated by a foreign rental car, speed limits that changed constantly, and signs in foreign languages. My God goes before me, preparing the way for me, and also goes with me. I don’t have to fear. Faith triumphs over fear!
 
 
Lord, I thank You for going with me wherever I go, especially when the journey is out of my comfort zone. Fill me with Your supernatural peace that overcomes the feeling of fear as I trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Sancerre, France, as seen from the 14th century Tower of the Fiefs.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10
 
 
It was a chance meeting. Quite unexpectedly. I was worried about several things as I entered the line to check my heavy bag. Was I supposed to go to the kiosk first? I did anyway, but that took time and now more people were ahead of me to check their luggage with the airline. The line wasn’t moving quickly. Would I have enough time to get to the gate?
 
On my way from Bari to Pisa, connecting in Rome, I was in the second week of a two-month trip. Although some of the time I would be traveling with family, friends, and groups, there would be times, like this, where I was on my own. The prospect felt at best a bit daunting, and at worst, downright scary.

Cutting across my apprehensive thoughts, I heard her voice behind me. In her lilting accent, she voiced some of my own thoughts about the slow-moving line. Quickly, the conversation turned to politics and then to other topics. Finally checking our bags, we said good-bye and headed toward Security. God wasn’t done with us yet. Seeing her again on the way to the gate, we picked up our conversation as we waited, first at the gate, and then on the tarmac as the bus took us to the plane. In the course of thirty or so minutes, I realized we had both suffered similar losses:  losing both parents, a brother, and marriages that ended in divorce.
 
Perhaps surviving similar rough times makes for kindred spirits. At any rate, I’m sure she had no idea how profound her words were to me. Words that had echoed in my own heart for some time now found audible expression. Her succinct words, “You only have one life to live”, captured my thoughts perfectly as I embarked on a new adventure, one that would take me down paths I never would have gone before. “You can’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone” resonated with me as I realized I would have to step out and do many activities afraid because, as she pointed out, “you can’t let fear stop you from doing what you need to do”.
 
My two-month adventure in Italy and France is about being brave, not letting fear stop me, and stepping out of the shackles of comfort zones. Living a life free of fear does require courage, but we don’t have to be completely brave first. Doing those intimidating activities while feeling afraid makes us braver and gives us the confidence we need to be brave again the next time.
 
We do only have one life to live on this earth. I refuse to live my life in fear anymore. Thankfully, I don’t have to. I know that Jesus walks with me no matter where I go and reveals Himself in unexpected encounters along the way. As our key verse today says, I don’t have to be afraid because God is my God. He promises to give me the strength and help I need. He promises to uphold me. His grasp is firm and sure. I can relax and not be afraid. God’s promise to be with me is a promise I can stand on, no matter how much my legs are trembling. Fear cannot stop me when Jesus is walking with me.
 
 
Lord, I thank You for always being with me. Though fear and anxiety try to keep me from living life freely, I trust You to strengthen me and give me the courage to overcome. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Polignano a Mare Beach in Puglia, Italy.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:24
 
 
As the facilitator, I carefully chose the discussion questions for our small group that day. Choosing to lead by example, I mustered my courage and shared my struggle. Sitting directly across from me, she mouthed, “Me too”. Then she shared her story. And then another shared hers. Seeking connection, we found it that day.
 
We were created for connection. The God of the universe designed humankind for fellowship with Him and with each other. Connection is built into our DNA. Yet for many of us, we feel disconnected, disjointed, and out of step with the people in our lives. The key to unlocking true engagement and real connection is vulnerability. When we risk being vulnerable, we will be blessed with deeper, more meaningful relationships with God and with each other.
 
Why do we shy away from meaningful relationships? Why are we willing to settle for less? Perhaps living the mediocre is easier. It takes less emotional energy to stay shallow in our relationships. Are we afraid to be vulnerable? Does the fear of rejection paralyze us in our efforts to connect? We can bravely risk rejection knowing the God of the universe sees us, hears us, and loves us. Just as we are.
 
Vulnerability is not a word typically used to define strength. The concept is simply counterintuitive. There is, however, tremendous strength in being open with God, ourselves, and others. Vulnerability strips away all pretense. Deep touches deep as we drop the masks. While this may feel uncomfortable, the unexpected blessings are immeasurable.
 
Sometimes we have to risk being vulnerable first. By dropping our mask and being real, others can feel comfortable doing the same. Opening up to others does not mean that we turn on the fire hydrant of all our woes and gush forth all our deep, dark secrets. Vulnerability demands discretion. Praying for God’s wisdom in knowing how to share with someone and what to share is key. Sometimes is means knowing when to just listen.
 
Our key verse says “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”. When we are in authentic community with one another, we can not only love each other better, we can encourage each other to be the best we can be, to be who God intended us to be. Risking vulnerability to create community forges true relationships and encourages us to use our gifts to serve each other. It spurs us on to do those good works we were created to do. The whole body of believers benefits from being real with each other when we generously use our talents and gifts. In the process, we discover the connection and encouragement we need.
 
Finding the courage to be vulnerable in relationships unleashes the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and in the hearts of others. The best example of strength and courage in vulnerability is seen in Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus, who was fully human and fully God, had the power to circumvent the crucifixion. Instead, He exhibited great strength in restraining His human inclinations. His holy restraint allowed Himself to be vulnerable even unto death. His death, by relinquishing Himself during the crucifixion, made the resurrection and its eternal saving power possible.
 
Let Jesus be our guide. Risking rejection and stepping out into vulnerability, we, too, can connect with our Savior and with each other in very real and intense ways. We can love and encourage others as they love and encourage us. The strength and power of connection is too good to let it pass us by. Like my small group that day, you will be blessed by profound relationships and connections so intense and powerful you’ll wonder why you waited so long to go deep.
 
 
Dear Jesus, thank You for Your example on the cross of being vulnerable, yet strong. Guide me to deeper and more meaningful relationships that encourage me and others and spur us on to do the good works You would have us do. In Your Precious Name, Amen.
 
                                                                                                    
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™