The Japanese art form called Kintsugi is one in which “the breaks and repairs of a vessel are treated as a part of the object’s history.” The artist uses a mixture of resin infused with powdered gold to repair a piece, resulting in far greater beauty.

Often in life wounds are received, through the hazardous situations or conditions that we must live through. Sometimes these are of our own doing through choices we make. Strangely enough, these experiences within our histories, the broken places, can make us truly “beautiful”—even more useful.

There was a time in my life when I was broken after suffering domestic violence. Hospitalized, I wondered how my life would go from then on. There were scares that took years to heal, the worst of which were emotional and unseen. Those were times of leaning on God and learning to let Him take the lead in my life. The words “wounded healer” were found within the spiritual books read. And, that is what I became.

What I found hardest to bear were those broken places that were caused by my going my own way versus following “the way” Jesus taught. But the most enthralling thing of life is to find all is forgiven when we ask. It takes time to really bring that truth “on home,” before I could accept it as my own, becoming truly able to see it as pertaining to me.

Looking back over my life, it is clear that some of the “derailing” times of my life that called for getting back on track, served me later within my work as a mental health counselor. When women spoke of mistakes over which they grieved and found hard to forgive, I had compassion for them. I had been in those moccasins. Without having known the shame and guilt of my failures, how could such feelings for others be truly felt? God does turn all experiences to good when we love Him and follow His call on our lives. In the process, He transforms us. That is promised in Romans 8:28. If we say we have no sin, we are liars! “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23)

You may say, “Where is God. How can I talk with God?” Many thousands of years ago, a mighty man named Job, discovered how God was speaking to him. Looking back on his troubles, Job said, “Look I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; when He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold,” (Job 23:9-10).

It is that “worked out gold” that brings those broken pieces together—and gives us a heart refined.

When our son, Ted, was six years old, he was intrigued with the Bible story of Peter walking on water. With childlike faith he headed for the irrigation ditch to give it a try. But born in the space-age Ted knew something about backup systems. He wore his galoshes.

When Ted became a man he told me of his little trip to the ditch and how hard it was on his faith. I’m glad to see him as a grown man, along with his brothers, faithfully “walking on waters” in a spiritual sense. I wonder how Peter must have felt. Under the best of circumstances—in the physical presence of Jesus—his faith moved right out from underneath him.

The trials we face day-by-day are not the same choppy waters that Peter tried to master, but the test is the same. Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the circumstance. It was doubt and fear that flooded out his faith. The question is, how to keep our eyes on the master when the storms are raging? How do we have faith when the “waves” are high and mighty?

First, what is faith? It is having “confidence in what we hope for and assurance of things not seen,” (Hebrews 11:1).

This means faith is holding fast to something even before we see it happening—mentally picturing our answer and saying “thank you” although it is not yet a fact. Faith is all wrapped up in what’s holy, and although challenging, it is wholly obtainable.

So, where do we get faith? (Romans 10:17), tells us it comes from “hearing what is preached from the word of God.”

Through faith we move within a storm to a place of peace, on top of the “waters” waiting the storm out.

Unfortunately, we don’t always do that. We get stressed up, toss and turn in the night and sometimes get an ulcer. Then, just as the Master reached out and saved Peter before he sank into the dark waters, our Lord rescues us. But not before we uttered Peter’s cry, “Lord, save me.” Our Lord knows we are weak—and he loves us within our struggles.

The Psalmist knew what it was like to be nearly overwhelmed by the waters of affliction as he wrote: “all your waves and billows are gone over me.” Yet, said, “He brought me up also out of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay, set my feet upon a rock and established my steps,” (Psalms 40:2).

Could it be that we have one foot on the rock and the other on shifting sands? Is this why some of us are experiencing “the pits?”

Faith brings new vision. Vision without the limitations of physical sight allows us to see beyond the storm of the moment. The apostle Paul intended this when he admonished us to “walk in the spirit.”

Strangely enough, it is often the little things that ripple the waters of life. Thoughtless words and actions trip us up. So often it is our pride that hurts the most. But it is false pride that says we “cannot make mistakes.”

Clarence J. Enzler wrote in My Other Self, “Should your imperfections momentarily gain the upper hand, you do well to be displeased at your fault . . . . When you allow yourself to be dejected over your involuntary faults, it is because you think you are better than you really are. And once you allow your imperfections to upset you, you are likely to find yourself in a sharp tongue, irritable mood in all that you do.”

I believe God has faith, too. Faith in us. Instead of seeing us as we are now, He sees us as we will be when His work is finished in us. We must have faith in ourselves, too, knowing that he is working with his best tools at the safest speed to bring us into what He would like us to be. God does not get frustrated with us. Instead, he is there to help us when we want to bail out on ourselves.

It will take a lifetime to overcome each and every innate weakness. Yet each time we succeed in resisting the temptation to go our own way we are stronger for the next go-around and each time we keep our eyes on the Master in the middle of the storm, faith grows.

There seems to be a powerful inner aversion to loving and appreciating ourselves, at least for many of us.

We wrap ourselves up in “Almighty Work” with goals for owning lovely homes, impressive cars, garments of every shape and color. This is all well and good, as long as the work itself and what we are able to produce through it, are not perceived to be the measure of our worth.

True celebration of what could offer heartfelt, memorable moments is robbed of its glory, as most often work wins out. Who has not felt an edge of guilt while sitting with a treasured book? After all, the yard needs work and floors beg cleaning.

Yet, life can become monotonous if we  don’t recognize the definite need for making sure there is time to enjoy and savor the fruits of our labors—alongside clocking in at work, plus cleaning pots and pans and doing the laundry, while training energized children!

Always, there will be the inevitable surprises of life. Having a balanced life makes us better prepared for these when they come.

Loving ourselves means taking time out to simply enjoy the gift of human “beingness.” Like taking an hour to read a novel—or even 15 minutes to simply think about good memories . . . playing with the children, or the dog . . . take a walk or run through the park. . . have a meaningful conversation . . . or write a loving letter to a close friend. These are a few poignant ways for reviving the spirit. It just takes loving oneself enough to grant these little leisures.

Then, what of the Sabbath day of rest we are called to set aside for restful wholeness? Have you ever noticed how many promises are extended for those who obey this Biblical commandment? It seems to be a direct criterion for good health and happiness, yet so often is ignored. We wonder why our hearts skip beats, flutter amiss or give up early. Could it be that we are failing to give ourselves essential time for restoration?

Charles E. Cowman, author of the devotional titled Streams in the Desert, wrote, “There is no music in the rest, but there is the making of music in the rest.” What would it be like if instruments in the orchestra sounded with every beat? No doubt discomfort or anxiety would see us walking out before the performance ends.

Could it be prideful attitudes, thinking we are indestructible and indispensable, or lack of trust in the “Conductor” that keeps us from following undisputable directives? Or, a rebellious attitude . . . “I’ll play it my way.”

God loved us so much He gave commands to keep us from running amok. It is actually good self-love when we keep them. However, life without respect for God’s directives brings brokenness, deficits, regrets and guilt! We all are in the same drum kettle. We want to make beautiful music with our lives. Doing so means we must practice good self-care by taking time to listen for what is taking place in our souls.

Being one’s own best friend means we won’t believe the worst about ourselves just because it is easiest. Instead we will weed out those harsh, chastising, guilt-ridden messages that can be prevalent—the negative self-talk—and speak up for our own solid goodness. After all, we are children of God. And, “God don’t make junk,” as one fine author states it.

When we truly begin to get a sense of our own goodness, instead of becoming self-centered (as is easily feared) that love moves outward, evidenced by a strengthened capacity for more earnestly caring about others and even the whole world.

I will never forget a day while driving down McCulloch Avenue, when a thought made a quantum leap into my consciousness. In a momentary awakening, the usual “me first” attitude is replaced by an indescribable sense of oneness. For several moments it seems we all are moving to the beat of One Heart.

I was flooded with the deepest sense of caring never experienced before–an intense desire for all of us to arrive on time, whatever the place or the cause, filled my thoughts. Since then, a truth is becoming apparent: The more I love myself, the more capacity there is to love others. Was Jesus trying to tell us this when He said, “Love your neighbor as yourself?”

What if we do the ultimate, by becoming more in tune with “the Director,” intent on following what He called “the first command, “you shall love the Lord our God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength,” Mark 12:20. A love and appreciation of self (and others) could flow, even on McCulloch! Happy Valentine’s Day. 

Gary and I experienced a surprising happenstance while on vacation years back. We still can stop to savor it. We were hiking in Ecola Park, at Cannon Beach, Oregon, when we passed an older man on the trail. He asked Gary, “Do you have the time, Sir?” Both of us looked at our watches as Gary gave him the time.

That proved to be the beginning of an astounding encounter. As it happened, this man turned out to be anything but ordinary. He was elderly, appearing to be a little unkempt but fit enough to take to the trail.  It was his spirit that took us by surprise.

Conversation sparked and some of his words still come to mind even as years have passed. Without mentioning God, this man told us much about Him, inadvertently answering questions I had sorely pondered.

Tears surfaced when the “old man of the trail” spoke of how joy is to be at the bottom of all we do—that “fun” is at the base of the word “function”—and how we can go as far as we want to go, see as much as we want to see and experience as much as we want to experience while riding through life on the crest of joy.

As if talking was not enough, the man asked, “May I sing?” We were happy to let him. He began singing in a different language. Then he sang in English to the same melody, now stretching out his hands as if to include nature. It was a phenomenal experience right there at the edge of the Pacific Ocean!

I began to wonder if he were a real person or perhaps an angel; were we being “entertained unawares,” as Scripture speaks of happening with humans at times?

So, I questioned him, “What is your field or profession?”

“Psychopharmacology,” he answered. “The study of the effect drugs have on the human mind.”

He had been a teacher at a medical school in Portland. No doubt now retired. But ever so alive!

We remained spell-bound for half an hour, during which neither Gary nor I spoke more than two or three sentences. It was as if we had nothing to say of importance in the light of what was pouring out of this man’s copious heart.

As we parted, we spontaneously hugged the “stranger.” Throughout the day Gary and I returned to his words, knowing that God had touched us powerfully through them. It was fun to muse inwardly of how this guy could possibly have been an angel sent to us on the trail. Yet, surely it is even more spectacular that God could use one human being to touch and bless the lives of two others, who are absolute strangers—so soundly in such a short span of time. That was the “miracle.”

The second little miracle was that we gave him “the time of day.” And, that he had stopped us and asked for it! 

We pondered a lot that day. We could see how all of us on earth can be a blessing to others. It takes being willing to “stick our necks out,” rather than to live encased in ourselves and our “immediates.”  

It does take time to perchance enrich another, even if briefly. And, it takes daring to see God in all those we meet, realizing these moments as “Divine Appointments.” How different would life be, if only we could ride the waves of life experiencing more serendipitous moments!

Solomon’s words says it best in Proverbs 17:22, “A joyful heart is good medicine,”

Think of life as “riding the waves,” experiencing the “fun” in the midst of our “functions.” Laughter is a major pleasure that we can enjoy daily right at home, relieving much of our pent up tensions. Watch for it, as opportunities abound.

Here’s one that happened while working on a column for Today’s Herald-News in January: I intended to write, “Have you noticed how good it feels to sing, whistle, hum and enjoy music?” However, I inadvertently left the “g” off the word “sing.” When Gary, my excellent first-line editor, caught this faux pas we laughed—big time!  I quickly added the “g,” so the word could read “sing” instead of “sin.” That was close.

We are funny little creatures, as humans. Laughing at ourselves helps us stay sane! It is like medicine to our soul . . . helping us surf through life with excitement!

Did you know that positive thinking positively changes the chemistry of our bodies? We learn about this through a field of medicine called psychoneuroimmunology*, an aspect of medicine that deals with what is taking place in the mind, the will, and the emotions of a person.

This long word indicates that everything that goes on in our psyches affects our neurological system, our immune system, and our endocrine system. Later, the scientists found the hormonal system is also affected either positively or negatively by our thoughts. That is why the asterisk is added. Apparently, making the word any longer than psychoneuroimmunology wasn’t advisable.

The body is equipped with amazing intelligence. It is continuously at work fostering stability, balance and healing within our many organs, systems and tissues. Yet, we can disrupt that process, simply through the way we think. Fear, anxiety, negativity are three major culprits. Yet, perhaps the worst are bitterness, hatred, and thoughts of revenge. Unhealthy thoughts are for sure enemies of good health.

Other enemies to our good health are more familiar, like poor eating habits, not getting enough rest, smoking, heavy drinking and taking drugs other than those prescribed by doctors. These are things we can do something about. Yet, the hardest of all may well be controlling our thoughts.

In my work, it is evident that a large percentage of people are giving minimal thought of the very large role spirituality plays in wholeness. Truly, the soul is most wholesome when we have a concept of who we are, what our gifts are and why being here on the globe matters.

The happiest people on earth are not those with clever jokes, entertaining us—or the people with “ a lotta money.” No, the happiest people on earth have discovered a life that is meaningful, one that holds purpose. They most often are those who have concluded “there is a God”— One who loves them through and through . . . the One who has allowed this experience of life. Great enjoyment comes in finding God is present to us.

Last week’s column held remarkable scientific facts indicating that we are built to enjoy this life. Yet, many do not.  Rather, they are simply trying to numb out with alcohol and/or opioids hoping to escape how bad they feel. Not only do 200 people die daily from overdose in the US, now—but our suicide rate is without a doubt climbing.

It is always good to look closely at this truth: We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Believing we are humans here to do whatever bangs our shutters, gets us into major trouble.

Within my 25 years of doing mental health counseling, I ask within the first session, “Why do you think we are here?” Some don’t even want to think about that question. A few say, “I don’t know.” But, mostly I am given an answer that rings amazingly true for the majority. After giving it some thought, most say, “We are here to help others.” Or, “We are here to learn.” They come for help when their lives are upside down, but, while thinking deeply and looking inward, they innately know what life is really, truly about.

Take the word “psychoneuroimmunology.” It is the study of the connection between the psyche and the extent it can affect the very cells and juices of our bodies. The word “psyche” is synonymous with the word “soul.” This may clarify why our beliefs, thoughts and emotions play a significant role in our body’s ability to stay well. In my studies, I discovered a seldom realized precept: Feelings follow thoughts. So, when you feel rotten, ask yourself, “WHAT WAS I THINKING!”

Holy Writ supports wholesome thinking throughout. Philippians 4:8-9, gives the nutshell version, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Medical doctors can do wonderful things for us when we get sick. But when it comes to thoughts and emotions—we are in control. We hold the power to take dominion over what can rob us of one of the greatest pursuits of life: good health!

While taking a trip with our sons, Gary and I used the cabin of generous friends overlooking Payette Lakes in Mc Call, Idaho.  Each day found us enjoying this superbly beautiful lake that is surrounded with timber. Our friends left a boat for us, so we made play on the lake our major venture. One late afternoon, I opted for a hot bath in the kind of quiet only being in forested mountains can provide. Reaching for a window overhead, I found it unscreened. Perfect! All the smells and sounds of nature could come in. Ah. “This could be the next best thing to bathing in the wilderness.”

Then, after stretching to the max, opening the window—a disappointment. One large, foremost branch was dry and dead with black moss hanging from it. That ugly stuff encompassed three-fifths of the view. Ugh!

It surely was a rarely used window. But, what a loss! Soaking in the warmth of water, I fantasized. If only I had a chainsaw. Then, I realize that getting stuck in this negative attitude means all the present and beautiful amenities are lost. By focusing on only one part of the view I miss out. Yes, the branch was “in my face,” but beyond it was a glorious, clear blue sky. Sunlight was glancing off tree tops and the gentle songs of birds along with the lingering breeze are present to be appreciated.

Isn’t this true of daily life? We have tendencies to miss what is beautiful by becoming preoccupied with things that are hard to take. Right now, our goals and our sense of normality are being “grabbed by the throat and thrust to the ground” by the pandemic! Well, maybe that is an overkill. But, it is the first time for many of us to have our lives turned upside down.

Yet, with a little mental shifting it is possible to look beyond the “uglies” at hand so we can get to the larger part of the scene . . .  the multiple, life permeated things still left to savor.

Very early today, as the sun was rising, I was working at my computer when suddenly two coyotes came sniffing the ground just a few feet from my office window. I looked up from my page to watch these wild animals enjoy our place. Then, I saw a very small bird lite on a long, skinny branch of a Mexican Bird of Paradise bush to take a joyous ride. The branch became an opportunity for this tiny bird to swing multiple times as her weight induced the flexing of the branch. I imagined the scene as being something this bird looks forward to once in a while when his tummy is full and there is nothing else to do.

I let my mind cogitate on what these critters of nature were experiencing. My concerns about two loved ones who are sick are lifted. Long moments with nature took over. Thoughts of how the whole world is struggling, and of wondering what the stock market is apt to do . . . wondering about work and what would be the future of it . . . well, all that was gone. How natural it felt to lift my heart in praise to a God who made all things well. And, to remember the song, “He’s got the whole world in His hands. He’s got the whole world in His hands! . . . He’s got the little tiny baby in His hands. He’s got you and me brother in His hands. He’s got the whole wide world in His hands.”

It is natural to have some fisticuffs with negativity right now. But, we had best win out for the sake of our good mental health. Throughout God’s Book of promises to us we are told many, many times, to stay on the side of thanks giving and doing the best we can, given our givens, in order to win the battle over worry, fear, anger, resentment and downright bitterness. It is His incomparable gift of illuminating love that guides our path, as the Lord knows we can do ourselves in with the weight of “dry, dead hanging black moss.”

Going “back to the Book,” we read,  “all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes,” (Romans 8:28). St. Paul, who wrote those words, was one who could look beyond the dead branches of life during imprisonment, beatings and persecutions. How? He kept his heart in a state of rejoicing and praise! Even while locked within stocks, he knew how to open the window within and catch the breeze of the Spirit, savoring the essence of the promises he carried in his heart. He was a mighty trailblazer. He knew God as “no respecter of persons;” and he spent all his strength passing on to others—even us—the phenomenal power of God’s truths. 

For those who open the “window,” inviting the Lord’s presence this intention is granted for any soul, no matter the darkness that soul has seen. God’s healing touch is there for us in the places where we hurt—and within the moments when we feel stuck in negativity. Yes, the choice is ours. For, assuredly we can grasp what will ever be God’s truth: There is a plan—and all is well with the world.

Author info. Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain. She is reaching readers with her books and websites in up to 32 countries. View her children’s book as a FREE video at healingwithjoy.blogspot.com as well as they many helpful articles on this site addressing life’s difficulties.

Great care needs to be taken, otherwise the phrase, “I’ll pray for you,” can become a subtle form of name dropping. A real one-upmanship. For what is more powerful than the name of God?

It is a serious matter to commit oneself to pray for another. Sincerity and humility best walk with us when we approach the throne of God. Then, praise and thanksgiving are in order if we believe Scripture’s promise: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us,” (I John 5:14).

Then, God in His omniscient wisdom decides what will ultimately bring forth our greater good. Then, as we see in the last phrase of that verse, God answers “according to His will.”

One of the greatest compliments a person can give is to trust us with a painful part of his or her life. In return, the gift we can give back is non-judgmental, listening, laced with a care that is felt. During this human communing, often we will be asked to pray for them and their need. It is a superb honor to be asked to pray.

After that, if we enter our “prayer closet” and secretly approach God, we know we are not acting out of any motive beyond caring deeply for this person and their need. Our helping instinct has found its “highest and best use.” And more often than not he or she will sense we are praying without our having to say “I’ll pray for you.”

Occasionally there is some action our Father wants us to take on behalf of this person. If so, He will make it known—providing we are listening . . . and not doing all the talking. Listening is our gift to others.    And, it is also a gift we can give to God.

There are times when it is encouraging to hear someone say “I am praying for you.” Said sincerely, with humility and love, the words feel right and blessed.

1. S. Lewis wrote to his friend, Sheldon Vanauken, “It is altogether healthier to find yourself being used as the answer to someone else’s prayer.” He told of his nagging impulse to go and get an unneeded haircut, finding when he gave in to it that his barber had been steadily praying that Lewis would come by.

What joy there is in playing even the tiniest part in being the answer to another’s prayers. Filled with the Spirit of God, walking daily in His light, praying to be an instrument of His love we will frequently find ourselves in the “right place,” at the “right time” saying the “right things” to the “right people.” It will come naturally, like breathing. Not forced. Not always premeditated.

Writing has been an honor and a privilege for me. I ask for prayers that I might always maintain a foremost goal to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” as my own desire to “be good” simply doesn’t cut it.

Most of us want our efforts to serve God’s good purposes—and, we fail at points. We are humans “made of dust,” yet with threads of glory woven throughout our souls. That glory is God’s great and everlasting love, a love that finds Him ever-listening, present to our prayers.

Thanks be to God for His righteousness—His dependable presence to us, in holy perfection, for all who will trust in it. It is the free gift of God’s “divine forbearance” with which he covers “our former sin,” (a paraphrase of Romans 3:25^b).

When we are persistently seeking truth by going back to the Book, we are lifted above the trials and troubles of life. We read words that speak of the eternal—and tell us who we are. For example, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Dive into “the Book.” Persistently.  For, going “back to the Book” will reveal the mysteries of a holy God and what glories lie ahead for us. Being persistently “in the Book” can lead us into a state of transcendent living. For, we are created for transcendence.  Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said it well, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

Now, with the pandemic rules in place, which have closed our gyms, I greatly miss those workouts. In times past there seemed to be little time to pamper the body or the soul, as schedules were pinching. But once at that gym while working my muscles and relaxing my mind the machines held substantial appeal. However, having missed out on this “physical pleasure” during these pandemic months, some excesses have taken their toll. Time has come to whittle off those extra inches and stubborn pounds. Thanks to friends who loan their pools, swimming is another option for exercise.

While embracing my pool experience last evening, I savor the water which supports my body, yet resists my movements. The aqua softness yields to my will, gently supporting my movements while exercising my limbs. My mind travels to the ocean, to the life within such mighty depths . . . not so unlike the protective womb designed for humans and other developing mammals.

From the earliest beginnings water has nourished, supported and sustained. What a magnificent gift, this common, yet strange entity. How many times have I taken it for granted?

Years back an article in Time magazine,” Arthur Hull Hayes, U.S. Food and Drug Commissioner, was quoted, referring to human beings as “miniature oceans encased in skin.”  By the measure of scientists we are assured that up to 79% of our body weight is water. Our organs are constantly bathed in a briny solution. We need 200 mg of sodium per day to keep the “internal sea” intricately balanced as required for vital functions such as heart action, nerve impulses, and digestion, to mention a few.

A single slice of bread provides more than half that sodium requirement. Yet, while shakers wave over our plates, many of us consume huge excesses of salt daily. Amazingly enough, this excess is excreted by a pair of true pals, the kidneys. We abuse, they defuse—that is, if they are good strong workers.

There is another water—the water Jesus Christ presented to the Samaritan woman at the well where He told her of a water she could ask for—a lasting, life changing water (John 4:4-14). He explained to her the difference between the water she had come to draw from the well and the water He was about to offer her.

He said, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, ¹⁴ but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

He was speaking of the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit. In John 7:37-38, Jesus cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”  

Jeremiah, one of the great prophets of the Old Testament, referred to this water, describing the Lord as “a fountain of living water.” Passages in Jeremiah 2:13, and 17:13, specifically help us realize further that it is the Lord who is the “living water.”  

Last night as I swam, no such elevated thoughts came to occupy my mind. It was time to enjoy friendships within the experience of water play. God knows we need play in our lives!

Yet, last night, while peering over kicking feet which propelled me across the pool, I felt the voice of many waters surge within. How great is my God, the Maker of us all. With the Psalmist I can sing:  “I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works; and that my soul knows right well.”

I pull myself up at the pool side—almost able to get out, yet needing Gary’s extended hand, as those extra pandemic pounds have added to the load! I arise, pledging afresh to be exceedingly careful about the fuel I choose to use for this keenly designed piece of equipment, called “the body,” to stay fine-tuned. I also resolve to throw it over the edge a little more often!

Why be so careful and discerning about what to eat, what not to eat—and how much we exercise “the body?” Because it is deemed “the temple of the Holy Spirit” in 1 Corinthians 6:19, “. . . who is in you.”

God has a clear intention for those who understand the meaning of “belonging to Him.” Scripture leaves no doubt that the greatest of all privileges is to know the “living waters”—the Holy Spirit of the living God –is flowing within our beings. This is what empowers us, enabling the mission of reaching and blessing the lives of others.