Psalm 91

My God shelters me under the shadow of His wings. Which means He watches over me. Protects me. Keeps me out of harm's way. This chapter in the Psalms is so beautiful, and I especially love how the Message version puts it:

You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow, Say this: "God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!"

That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you—under them you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm.

Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon.

Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you.

You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses.

Yes, because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door.

He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go.

If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling.

You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!"

Baking Endeavors

I've decided to go on a baking frenzy for a day. I have a good friend's baby shower coming up, and another good friend and I are in charge of making the desserts. We have a few ideas, but there is the possibility that we're jumping in over our heads. The question is...will it be too overwhelming for non-bakers who are just used to mixing up chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or cake-in-a-box? I've done a little bit of baking, but nothing too huge. And I think this might be quite the adventure. Here are our ideas.

First on the dessert menu are delicious white-chocolate-banana crème brulée tarts. I borrowed the recipe from one of my co-workers and am pretty confident they'll be a hit. I'll try to remember to post pictures of them! I'm not usually a banana dessert person, but these are to-die-for. Just thinking of them makes my mouth water...

Second on the list is the cake. Now this is the big deal.

Camping on the North Shore!

Lake Superior up on the North Shore is probably, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Really. Every time I go there I'm in awe. I was able to go camping up there last weekend with a few friends...we had an absolute BLAST and didn't stop laughing the entire trip! God's blessed me with incredible friendships and lots of people who like the same things I do...which is amazing. Highlights of the weekend were:

• Rounding the bend to see the gorgeous Baptism River waterfall on our "dangerous" evening hike
• Clifftop chats
• Spontaneous singing around the campfire
• Making chocolate chip cookie s'mores...the newest, greatest invention!
• Watching the stars
• Searching for agates
• The best morning devo EVER
• Mattress surfing!!! Oh yes we did!
• Watching the fog roll in across Lake Superior
  

In Your Arms

I'm on a song 'kick,' I think, because it seems like every day there's a new song I'm loving. Today it's "In Your Arms" by Meredith Andrews. This song is so beautiful and real. It's so true for many of us, I think, with how busy we are. It sort of hones in on how easy it is to lose focus of the One thing that matters, which is Jesus. It also puts into words the one thing I so many times want to do...drown out the world and focus on Him. But then I get distracted. And that's not where I want to be. I want to be in His arms. Showered in endless grace. Giving Him my fears, because He is bigger. Letting go of the world and grabbing hold of Jesus. Letting Him hold me. Ahh. I am tearing up and in awe of this ridiculous love He has for me. For all of us.

I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do!

In Your Arms

I’m turning the world off

Embracing the silence

Walking away from all the voices

That are Screaming in my ear

I've been too caught up

I've been so stressed out

All of the noise replaced the whisper

That used to be so clear

So I close every door

Put my face back on the floor

And I'm in Your arms

Where I belong

There's no other place for me

Than right where You are

Some things just don't change

When I call Your name

You never hesitate to wrap me in endless grace

When I'm in Your arms

I’m letting my fears go

Giving You control

For You are the one who holds me closer

In my soul's darkest night

Everything I see

Is so temporary

So help me to run the race before me

With eternity in sight

Now I close every door

Put my face back on the floor

To sit at Your feet

At Your table of mercy

To gaze on Your beauty, my Lord

To drink from Your well

And be changed by Your glory

How could I ask for more

Jesus, how could I ask for more