©2021 Tracy Smoak. All Rights Reserved.
Lake Minneola, Clermont Florida
Image Credit: Dell Ellis
"Then the angel showed
me the river of the
water of life, as clear as
crystal, flowing from the
throne of God
and of the Lamb
down the middle of the
great street of the city."
(Revelation 22:1 NIV)
©2021 Tracy Smoak. All Rights Reserved.
Seeking Serenity
Hold still. Let the
currents of life ripple
around you. Uncertainty
is only a phase. Light will
dance on the shadows.
And you will see the way
ahead.
Jesus said, “Peace I leave
with you; my peace I
give you. I do not give to
you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be
troubled and do not be
afraid.”
(John 14:27 NIV)
©2021 Tracy Smoak. All Rights Reserved.
Bridging the Unknown
Life stays in transition.
Sometimes, the way
ahead is clear. Others,
you need to walk
forward, trusting God to
lead. Savor the beauty
around you.
“May he give you the
desire of your heart and
make all your plans
succeed.”
(Psalm 20:4 NIV)
©2021 Tracy Smoak. All Rights Reserved.
Enduring
Pause to reflect how God secures you. He guards your coming and going. He sees the future and orchestrates events. Be steady making a stand for him.
“It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”
(Deuteronomy 13:4 NIV)
©2021 Tracy Smoak. All Rights Reserved.
Drawing Strength
The mighty oak doesn’t strain or run around. The trunk is steadfast and grows consistently over decades. Its roots seek provision in a stable source. You also have access to a constant supply of strength through God’s word. He reminds you to trust him. Be confident in all seasons of his presence beside you. Contentment is based on His power and justice, not striving.
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes…and has no worries in a year of drought.”
(Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV)
©2021 Tracy Smoak. All Rights Reserved.
Creativity Works
Look for opportunities. They abound. Pray for God’s inspiration. Let imagination bubble up, then transform the ordinary into an amazing showplace. Take pride in the work ahead.
“You have many workers: stonecutters, masons and carpenters, as well as those skilled in every kind of work in gold and silver, bronze and iron—craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work, and the Lord be with you.”
(1 Chronicles 22:15-16 NIV)
©2021 Tracy Smoak. All Rights Reserved.
Finding Rest
Set down your burdens. Breathe a sigh of relief. Sit down and rest. Let your feet dangle over the edge of the dock and feel a cool breeze caress your face. Soon enough, you can go back to work. A short break will refresh you.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28 NIV)
©2021 Tracy Smoak. All Rights Reserved.
Going Higher
Remember the feeling as a child swinging higher and higher until you almost could touch a cloud? You pulled back the chain and kicked your feet to propel upward. Jesus delights in carefree abandon. No complicated agenda. No to-do list. Just a desire to be with Him.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
(Matthew 19:14 NIV)
©2021 Tracy Smoak. All Rights Reserved.
Overflowing Abundance
Ever had so much joy spill over that you laughed out loud? Good times remind you to see gifts—even in simple things like water drops and attractive settings. Thank God for these and let Him know how much you appreciate His provision.
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
(Luke 6:38 NIV)
©2021 Tracy Smoak. All Rights Reserved.
Cultivating New Growth
New growth intermingles with what’s declining. The life cycle ensures nothing remains stagnant. Accept change. Allow your Heavenly gardener to bring forth more.
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
(Luke 6:38 NIV)
©2021 Tracy Smoak. All Rights Reserved.
See the Good
If only you could be satisfied with a banquet of algae and a few insects like these ducks, life might seem simpler. When examining your circumstances today, remember God will provide for you as he does for these simple creatures. See what you have at hand instead of staring off wistfully in the distance for what you might want.
“God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird….And God saw that it was good.”
(Genesis 1:21 NIV)
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Scriptures 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.™