Enjoy The Moment

Sometimes I need to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the moment. Does anyone else feel that way? I need to remember to exhale. Let the stress go. Sip coffee and savor the senses. To sit with Jesus and be still. I need to remind myself to be present; right here, right now. To take in the little details and the wonder all around me. Pet the dog (that’s an easier one to remember for me since I have a very joyful Golden Retriever), smile at the stranger and rest in God’s great faithfulness. 

As the end-of-the-year countdown begins its continuous ticking, I am going to do just that. I am going to remember to ENJOY the moment – this moment – before it becomes a memory. 

Each day and every minute is a gift. Slowing down and taking time to be purposefully-present with God, yourself and your loved ones quiets the loudness of the day. It helps to sift through the distractions of life, highlighting the path for true enjoyment. So many things pull at us, absorbing our time, energy and strength. There will always be endless lists of things to do and tasks to perform, so the more we resolve to live by this truth, the better off we will be. 

Let’s remember to slow down. Rest with Jesus. Feel the beautiful sunshine warming our skin. Smell the roses and breathe in the delicious aroma of our pumpkin spice mochas. Let’s remember to bask in God’s wondrous creation, aiming to look beyond the surface into the intricate details He has designed. After all, it is His breath in our lungs. He awakens us every morning and gives us purpose in each day. 

Today I’m choosing to be fully present. To enjoy this moment and live life as if I’m thankful to be here. Because I am! 

God, you are so good to remind me of this. You want me to slow down enough to see You, and You want me to know that You see me. You are the same yesterday, today and forever – yet there is still so much for me to learn and discover. Thank you for your gift of time. I want to spend it well, glorifying you and enjoying each moment. Amen. 

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

Hymn written by William M. Runyan / Thomas O Chisholm / Eric Allyn Schrotenboer

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father

There is no shadow of turning with Thee

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning, new mercies I see

All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning, new mercies I see

All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning, new mercies I see

All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Lord, unto me

Be blessed, friends! 

~ Stephanie 

Here are a few pictures of our walk in the park as we slowed down and enjoyed the amazing beauty of Autumn all around us.