Change is in the air. (Or the water.) (Or something.)

The schedule is changing...  the weather is changing...  the kids are changing...  I'm changing...  and my blog layout is changing!  : )  Blogger FINALLY added some new layout features (that I don't need a third party to host) and I was so happy to discover one that fit my blog so well!  : )  If you're reading this in a reader, well, then you're missing out on all of the fun.  : )  Unless you click on over to my actual blog.

Anyway.  I'm in the middle of the school to summer transition and realized today that I need to be determined about finding quiet time with God or I'm going to be in trouble.  I need Him more than ever (is there ever a time I need Him less?  Probably not!)  Either way, I need Him.  I need to be in His presence and in His Word and in His arms - and not just during moments in between loads of laundry and snacks and potty training attempts.

So, the verse I'm focusing on for the rest of June is Isaiah 30:15...  Hmmm...  Well, I thought it was going to be! But I just looked up the whole chapter and discovered there is more there I need to pay attention to!  I had no idea these verses were all in the same chapter...

Isaiah 30:15 "This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it."

30:18 "Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion.  For the LORD is a God of justice.  Blessed are all who wait for Him!"

30:21 "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"

I've been asking God for strength and courage lately, and He was reminding me today of verse 15 there.  If I take time to rest, it is evidence that I am trusting Him.  When I think I don't have time to stop and rest because there is to much to do or to figure out or whatever, that, on the other hand, is evidence I am NOT trusting Him.  I can't get through this life or even this summer without His help and without His strength.  I'm glad I don't have to try!