As the wind whistles through the trees 
So does the breath of God
As the shining sun wraps its warmth among the earth
So does the welcoming spirit of God
As rain pours from the clouds above
So does the compassion of God 
As the Spring flowers blossom showing their vibrant colors 
So does the creativeness of God 
As the stars sparkle in the night sky showcasing the universe
So does the infiniteness of God 
As a smile tenderly lightens another's face
So does the goodness of God
As our hearts reach out to those who are neglected, unheard, and outcast
So does the love of God 
As the world continues to work toward peace
So does the harmonious nature of God 
Let us breathe deeply and know God is with us 
For God is in all things 

May you find God wherever you are today!

This week please sit and thank God for the beautiful creation around you! 

My wife and I were able to vacation to Iceland a few years ago.  We learned about the country, the people, their origins, and of course the food. One interesting thing we learned was the Icelands use of names. They do not use family names but only go by their first names.  What would be called their last name is made up of their fathers or mothers first name with the addition of (son) or (daughter).  Hence a persons name could be Jon Magnusson indicating Jon's fathers name was Magnus. If another person has the same name then they would add their paternal grandfather's name as well. I enjoyed hearing how the country had kept this tradition throughout the years which formed part of the overall country's culture. I know last names in the US are often passed down and hold significant meaning for our heritage and to have a different perspective was good. This interesting tradition got me thinking about the importance of names in particular the scripture Isaiah 43:1. 

There is a comfort in someone using your first name. It's personal, down to earth, and lacks the formalities of tradition. To me, friends and loved ones use that name showing authenticity and genuineness. They know and understand who I am deep within behind the niceties of life. Deep relationships are built knowing who the other person is and calling them by their name. It is in that name where identity is known and created. The identity we have formed through the contexts of life that we have found ourselves in.  Somewhere there is a true self who if we searched for each one of us can find that is already known by the divine.  


As indicated in the scripture above God calls each of us by name and calls us God's own. We are God's beloved children. Just as the stars in the sky we are God's creation and expression of life. How precious it is to think that God knows my name, sees my inner self, and knows who I truly am through all the guilt, shame, and facades present. It is in this personal, genuine calling that I am known and loved for all that I am and can be, without judgement.  What a special thought to have?  To know no matter what I do there is a God that continues to uphold the love of creation beholding the people of this world. 


We are never alone! God is there and will always be there with you. That's the message today. If you are struggling with something, feel alone, rejected, or outcast, know there is a Jesus that is constantly standing with you saying, "you are mine".  Love surpasses understanding and even if we cannot conceptualize it, God's love is there. All it takes is your belief!


Please reach out to me or another christian organization if you would like to talk, pray, or whatever you need at this time.  


To reiterate this message check out this incredible song by David Haas titled, "You Are Mine."

May you hear that voice calling you by name saying "You are mine, you are loved, you are not alone."

Thank you to all those following along. We appreciate your support and kindness for this continued ministry.  

This week look in the mirror and tell yourself, "You are loved."