When Polite Sips Aren’t Enough

With the Super Bowl just around the corner, there will be ad after ad trying to convince us that “our product is better than their product because…”
The famous rivalry, of course, is between Pepsi and Coca-Cola.

Now, whatever side of the road you’re on—know you are loved here. This is a safe space for both 😉
I’ve heard from numerous friends and family members that nothing beats a good old McDonald’s Coke. (You know who you are… 😉)

But one thing happens regardless of what we decide to pop open… the thirst comes back.
Even with water. With juice. With anything really. (This reminds me of my orange-juice obsession when I was pregnant with my second.)

No matter what our drink of choice is, our thirst returns. We need something more.

I remember being about 13 years old, wandering the Tulsa Zoo on a sweltering summer day, desperate for water. The whole group of us kids were.
No longer were we trying to cajole the animals into doing something entertaining.
No longer were we checking the maps for our favorite exhibits.
No longer were we laughing and talking.

We had been out in the July heat and desperately needed something to drink.

I don’t remember a time when my throat was as parched as it was in that moment. We became like madmen, stumbling through the zoo looking for water.

“Over here!” someone shouted, and I was so glad I wasn’t far away. I ran—along with the other kids—to the concrete water fountain not far from the elephant’s enclosure. A line quickly formed, and we could barely stand waiting our turn. We groaned when someone took too long gulping the water.

But then… it was my turn.

Glorious water going down my throat, quenching that aching thirst. What a marvelous thing!
We all went through once… then again… and again. Finally—our thirst was quenched.

That desperate search for water feels familiar now—just in a different way.

Today, as I was studying, I was reading a devotional by Jim Cymbala, reflecting on 1 Corinthians 12:13, which says that we all drink from the same Spirit.

Now that’s a true thirst-quenching water fountain!

Friend, it is your turn—each and every day (and you don’t even have to wait in line)—to drink from the Holy Spirit.

How deep are you drinking?

Do you take a polite sip and then head off into your day?
Do you stay thirsty day after day?
Or do you take gulp after gulp?

There is no limit.
There is no lack of access.
The fountain is always flowing.

We drink from the Spirit by reading the Word, meditating on it, listening to faith-based teaching, praying, and simply talking with God like a friend.

Those polite sips may feel like they’re getting us through—until a hard week comes, a challenge arises, or a situation hits us unexpectedly. Then we realize we haven’t been drinking deeply from the Word or the Spirit.

The good news?
It’s never too late.
The fountain is always available—open and full of supply.

Come to it today.

When we GULP the water of the Word and the Holy Spirit, we become:

“Like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.”
Psalm 1:3

I don’t know about you, friend, but I am tired of walking around parched—looking for refreshment in a land that doesn’t offer any deep drinking water.

The distractions of the world don’t satisfy, no matter how much or how long we drink from them. Only God’s Spirit and His Word truly satisfy and strengthen us.

It’s time to drink deeply.

And the beautiful thing is—it doesn’t have to look complicated. It doesn’t require a long devotional or a seminary lecture. It can be as simple as five minutes with the Word in your favorite chair or at your kitchen table. It can be listening while you drive to work.

Let the Word work in you.

As Scripture says, when our roots grow down deep in Him (Colossians 2:6–7), when trials ramp up and challenges come, we may bend—but we will not break—because our roots are firmly planted.

My prayer:

Lord, we long to drink from You and Your Holy Spirit.
Please forgive us for the times we allow distractions to keep us from You.
This world and everything in it cannot compare to the way You quench our souls with Your presence.

Help us not to delay, but to drink deeply from Your fountain—just like that water fountain in Tulsa on a hot summer day—to gulp down the refreshment of Your Word and Your presence.

You are more than enough.
Help us to be like trees planted by the water—growing strong as we continually soak up Your presence and Your Word.

Amen.

Until next time,

An interactive question for you:

Also, what section of Scripture are you reading and meditating on right now?

What the Library Reveals About the Heart of God

I’ve learned more than I ever thought possible about order and methodology by working in the Public Library in Golden, CO. Directly off Clear Creek, the river roars not but thirty feet or so from our back ops room window. If only the window opened, we would be able to hear the beautiful sounds of nature and also gulp the fresh Colorado air.

But instead, the back room is full of motion—books, dust, the laughter of coworkers, and method. Tons of method.

Anyone who has visited a library knows that organization is key. To go to a certain shelf, look for a certain number (non-fiction) or letter (fiction), and find the exact copy of the book you’re looking for (complete with a 12-digit code identifying the exact copy and internal barcode) requires extreme organization. And if the system says the book is in the library, but it is not on the shelf yet, we will find it for you, even if it requires sorting through bins or looking under/over/all around our sorting machine.

Yes, library life is an organized life! In getting to know the intimate details and undertakings of the Golden Library, it makes me recall how our Lord is called a God of order, not disorder. While an old second-hand bookshop can be as disorganized as desired, a library must be organized to serve the community. To be reliable. To be accountable. To supply what is needed.

A brief glimpse of our God is displayed in the library shelves I stock each workday. Match the letter, put in order. Match the number, put in order. Make sure it is the right area, the right spot… and on and on.

And don’t even get me started on different series by the same author (especially in the kids section). In this case, we must organize series alphabetically, and then—unless listed on the side with the specific book number on the label—we must continue in alphabetical order rather than story order. If the book number is listed on the label, it comes after all books are alphabetized.

It sounds ridiculous, and sometimes things do go a bit over the top. Yet to run a big library and have accountable, reliable shelves full of documented books requires a lot of order.

You know what else operates in an orderly fashion? Our Great God. Our Yahweh.

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”
1 Corinthians 14:33

“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
1 Corinthians 14:40

These verses are from Paul to the Corinthian church, specifically about how church worship services should be conducted—in order and in peace.

By far, the best example to me of God’s orderliness is how He created the world. On day one, He created the heavens and the earth. Day two, He created sky — separation of the waters. Day three- land, seas, and plants—and so on. God had order and method in creating the world. He did things in the proper order.

Our God is both amazingly creative (more than we could ever grasp or imagine) and also amazingly orderly. Something about that brings such comfort to my heart.

I am a creative person myself—loving colors, creating, words, light, and inspiration. But having things in order does not always come naturally with a creative personality. Creativity is a gift from God, and it often comes with movement, exploration, and process. Some of the most life-giving, beautiful people I’ve known live a little outside of tidy lines—and that is not something to fix.

Ask me about my Grandma Huston.

She was one of the most creative people I’ve ever known—sewing, crocheting, singing, painting, making things. Her house was a fun, wild, messy evidence of creativity. Things did not often have their own place but rather spilled about in random disorder. Projects abandoned and then picked up again. Rooms strewn with projects from recent years and maybe even generations ago.

And I loved that about her.

My dad used to say that I reminded him of her—being creative with my kids, making up plays in the backyard, creating costumes, reading books, doing crafts, and playing pretend together. That was one of the greatest compliments I could have received from him.

So imagine such a creative, free-spirited personality paired with the order of the library. To me, that covers all the bases.

What an awesome God we have—One who covers the whole spectrum from creative to orderly and back again.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.”
Ephesians 3:20

That covers all the creativity, doesn’t it?

Every creative way we operate here on earth is only a small reflection of our creative God.

And alongside that creativity does not come messy halls, willy-nilly plans, or last-minute chaos. No—our God is a God of order.

Just as a librarian stocks shelves one book at a time and places each book in the exact spot it belongs, God knows the exact order, the exact timing, and the exact plans He has for our lives, for the world, and for eternity.

What an awesome God.

One of our favorite worship songs we sing at church on Saturday nights is “Such an Awesome God.” I encourage you to listen to or sing this song as you create, as you organize, and as you go about your days. https://youtu.be/L_M3lOmSM1w?si=IF5eUXW1bdpF-0Hj

Remember: our God is sovereign. He is creative. He does beyond what we can imagine. He provides the way. He is a God of order. He orders our steps.

Lately, I’ve been inviting Him into even the smallest details of my day—what to make for dinner, His ideas for our finances, how our evenings might unfold, what groups or studies to belong to, and what part of His Word to soak in.

He will meet us there if we invite Him, become still, and allow Him to be our creative, leading, orderly God. He will meet us and show us His path.

My Prayer

Lord—Aslan, Yah, Father—open our eyes to Your awesomeness and holiness. You are wonderful. You are such an awesome God. Your ways are far beyond our ways, and Your paths are right and true.

We ask for Your guidance, creativity, wisdom, and order in our lives. We love You, honor You, and thank You for the privilege of walking with You each day.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

You know where to find me—out shelving books at the Golden Library, a smile on my face as I am surrounded by wonderful stories. But even more importantly, walking in the footsteps Christ has for me right now in this season.

May you be comforted, led, and excited for life with our creative, holy, sovereign Lord.

My question for you: In what small or creative way do you reflect God’s creativity in your everyday life—through words, images, hands-on making, problem-solving, or beauty you bring into the world? I’d love to hear.

Until next time,

Private Oasis in the Presence of God

It’s that time of year when, if you haven’t yet taken your “before school returns” summer vacation, your time is getting very limited! I know friends who have gotten away to Colorado Springs for the week, to Hawaii for a family gathering, to the mountains for a camping trip—and I myself had a surprise, last-minute trip to Florida to see my aunt (my dad’s sister). Whatever your choice of vacation, it’s always nice to get a little breather, a change of pace before heading into the school year ahead.
(I’d love to hear if you were able to manage a getaway in the comments below!)

In thinking about the benefits of escaping regular life—getting a refresh, taking a break, going somewhere new or cherished where your heart soars—I realized how deeply our souls yearn for a private oasis. Whether it’s beachside, mountaintop, forest, or country lanes… our hearts long for a quiet place where we can step away from daily life, breathe again, and maybe even gain clarity and a new perspective on things we’ve been stuck in.

My last-minute Florida trip was just that. I found myself on the phone asking my aunt if I could crash on her couch the next day. Ha! And the answer was yes. I ended up squeezed into the last seat on the plane (last row window—but there was no window), next to a sweet 90-year-old woman flying with her son to her new home in memory care. It was quite the ride! But I got there—to a place I had only been once before, as a teenager.

The heat rolled in through the airplane vents before we even deplaned, and I immediately questioned what I had gotten myself into. Humidity and this Colorado girl don’t usually mix. But what I found ahead was an oasis—a private oasis. I spent my days floating in the warm, green water of the Gulf, surprised at the lack of waves and how calm it was (I’m a Pacific Ocean kind of girl!). With hardly any crowds at Honeymoon Island, I was able to sing and talk to God, floating in the ocean—unaware and unconcerned with anyone’s opinions. It was just me and the Lord.

That green, warm water became my sanctuary. In it, I sang. I poured out my heart to God. I laughed, grieved, and cried with Him. It was a double blessing to also see my aunt—who reminds me so much of my dad and is such a beautiful, God-loving woman—and my cousin too.

Coming home and immediately getting sick felt like an abrupt ending to the trip. As I flew out of Tampa, the private oasis I had just experienced with the Lord disappeared beneath the clouds. But you know what I remembered?
To be with God, to receive from Him, to commune with Him—we don’t need to travel to a specific place like they did in the Old Testament. Our private oasis with the Lord is accessible anywhere and everywhere. It’s not about location—it’s all about His presence.

Yes, even being stuck on the plane on the tarmac for an extra two hours—I could close my eyes and be in a private oasis with the Lord. Even at home. In the backyard. At work. Driving in the car. In hospital rooms. Why? Because it’s not about the place—it’s about His presence.

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” —Psalm 139:7


“You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” —Psalm 3:3

There is no place in this world or beyond that God’s presence is not with us. He’s available 24/7—on the best day of our lives, the worst day, and all the in-between.

So friend, I hope you do get some vacation days in! I hope you enjoy a refreshing oasis, like I did floating in that green ocean with the Lord. But even more, I hope you know: when the vacations end, when the schedule ramps back up or challenges reappear, God still has a private oasis for your soul. And you can access it—anytime, anywhere.

How to Access This Private Oasis in God’s Presence:

1. Talk to Him about everything.
While floating on the sea, I realized I had assumed I’d talked to God about certain things in my heart—but I hadn’t actually brought them fully before Him. Speaking it out—laying it before Him—was healing. He already knows, but there’s something powerful in saying, “Here’s what’s going on,” and handing it to Him. It humbles us. It opens us. It reminds us how dependent we are on Him. So get honest with God. Talk to Him today.

2. Feel the peace. Hold onto the peace.
I loved those green waves because the peace was tangible. The sunlight kissed my shoulders, the water was warm, the gulls flew overhead—it was peace I could feel. While we may not always get to dwell in physical peace, we have access to something even more powerful: internal peace.
It’s the kind of peace that carries us through any storm. I’m learning how to stay with that peace longer. Instead of rushing off, I try to linger in that moment. His peace is His gift to us.
No matter what has been taken from us, we can still have God’s peace and joy. (Ask Corrie ten Boom!)

3. Prioritize His Word.
The idea for this blog came from my daily Bible reading. Verses about oasis, rest, and renewal stood out to me (like the verse on the graphic below!)

Reading His Word brings peace. It becomes a resting place. A dear friend of mine is always working on memorizing scripture—it inspires me! She’s feeding her soul with it. We can do the same. Read the Word. Meditate on it. Sing it. Memorize it. You will never regret doing so.

In closing, let me pray for you, friend:
Lord, thank you for this summer. Thank you for the oasis we’ve been able to enjoy—through vacations, still moments, and simple joys. But even more, thank you that the private oasis with You never fades, never ends. It’s always there, always accessible. Thank You for being our place of peace, our refuge, our renewal.

We want to be honest with You. To bring our hearts before You and admit our struggles. In our weakness, You are strong. Teach us to sit in Your peace and not rush past it. And help us to prioritize Your Word, knowing it fills us with life, hope, and clarity. Your presence is our oasis. Thank You for meeting us right where we are.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Here are some pictures from my last-minute adventure to Florida.

Enjoy resting in the private oasis of Jesus’ presence this week, friends.

Until next time,
Melanie

P.S. I always love to hear from my friends…. comment below on this discussion question:

Also, coming up VERY soon is my night of encouragement live (summer edition: porch talks!) You are invited! We will be talking all things Peace & Presence of Jesus. Mark it on your calendar and I will see you there! https://www.youtube.com/@melanietalevski

New Beginnings Made Possible

Here in the month of July, one of the worst things that could possibly happen to me (tongue in cheek, of course) is getting bombarded with an overloaded lineup of Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel. I know, I know—some of you live for it. But me? I live for the warm weather, the long nights, and anything to do with water—beach or pool. So when my TV and social feed suddenly shift into full-on holiday mode with snowflakes and jingle bells, you might catch me turning a slightly grinchy shade of green.

July isn’t traditionally known for “new beginnings.” We tend to save that phrase for January, with its blank calendars and resolutions—or maybe for August or September when a new school year kicks off. But July? It’s month seven out of twelve. Kind of random.

And yet, I’ve found over the years that July often becomes a turning point. The school year has finally faded into the background. Summer routines (or lack of routines) have settled in. The chaos of fall hasn’t hit yet—unless you count the back-to-school aisles that start haunting us before the fireworks even cool off.

So what if this is actually the perfect moment for a new beginning?
A perfect time… for a pivot.

One of the things my sister and I used to do during those long July days was play basketball. It wasn’t our main thing (we were more of a cul-de-sac baseball crew), but when we couldn’t round up enough kids for a game, we’d shoot hoops—playing “pig,” practicing free throws, or just killing time in the sun.

In basketball, there’s a move called the pivot. It’s not flashy, and it’s not something you usually do just to show off. But it’s essential. When a player finds herself stuck—defense all around, nowhere to pass or move—she plants one foot, and pivots. A small shift that opens a new direction.

Life works like that too.

When you feel hemmed in by weariness, pressure, or confusion… when it seems like you’ve been circling the same issue with no breakthrough… sometimes what’s needed isn’t a giant leap, but a faithful pivot.

God invites us to take even the smallest step of obedience. That step might be quiet—something as simple as saying no to an obligation that’s draining your soul, or yes to something that requires trust. It might be forgiving someone, or choosing to show up for a daily time with Him again.

The pivot doesn’t have to be dramatic to be holy. It just has to be real.

So how do you pivot when you feel stuck?

Here are 3 simple but powerful steps:

  1. Pause and Pray – Before any movement, anchor yourself in God’s presence. Ask, “Lord, what are You saying here? What’s next?”
  2. Obey the Last Nudge – Often God already whispered something: a boundary to set, a step to take, a habit to return to. Go back and honor that.
  3. Take One Faithful Step – You don’t need to know the whole path. Just take the next right step, no matter how small.

And for those of us who feel like we’ve been holding on by a thread lately, let this encourage you: in Psalm 107, God doesn’t just speak to the ones who made bad decisions. He sees the people who are caught in storms through no fault of their own—people clinging to life, feeling tossed and terrified. And what does He do?

If that’s you—barely hanging on—I want to remind you: He sees you. He’s still guiding. The waves won’t last forever.

“Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.” —Hosea 10:12

Reflect + Respond
If July is a chance to begin again, where might you start? Here are a few gentle prompts for your time with the Lord this week:

  • What has felt “stuck” or stale in my life lately?
  • Have I sensed God nudging me to pivot—big or small?
  • Is there something I used to do with God (prayer, journaling, rest, forgiveness) that I’ve let go of?
  • What might a small act of obedience look like right now?

Write it down. Whisper it in prayer. Let it be the beginning of something new.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” —Isaiah 43:18–19

A Prayer for July

Lord,
In the quiet middle of the year, help us pause. Help us listen. If we’ve gotten off course or stuck in place, show us where to pivot. Not with striving or shame—but with trust. Help us recognize the step You’re inviting us to take, however small it may seem. Calm the waves inside us. Guide us to the safe harbor of Your presence. We want to walk with You into whatever new beginning this summer holds.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Also, many of my readers don’t know—but I host Encouragement Live talks year-round- my summer version is called “Porch Talks.” We meet the first Thursday of the month. The next one is Thursday, August 7th at 7 PM MT on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@melanietalevski . I’d love for you to join us!

Until next time,

PS. If this encouraged you, I’d love to hear what “pivot” God is inviting you into. Leave a comment or share this with a friend who needs a fresh start too.

The Waterslide Journey

I’ve always loved a good waterslide.

The first one I remember riding was the big green tube slide in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. After a long wait—feet on warm wood, sunshine on my shoulders—it was finally time to approach the roaring tunnel that would carry me to the splash below. Sitting down, waiting for the lifeguard’s “Go!”, anticipation built in my chest. That first time, I was nervous—would I make it to the bottom? Would I end up with water up my nose?

But once I let go, the exhilarating rush of twists, turns, splashes, and the final dunk was unforgettable.

So how do waterslides reflect our walk with the Lord?

Each of us is on our own ride. Maybe you’re at the top of a new season, standing on the deck with anticipation. Maybe you’re already in motion, coasting through unexpected twists, unsure what’s around the next curve. Or maybe you’re approaching the final dunk—coming to the end of one chapter and about to emerge into something new.

The truth is, with the Lord, there’s never just one “ride”. Life with Him is made of many seasons and transitions. Some thrilling, some bumpy, some unknown—but all within His loving plan.

📣 Don’t Miss This!

Many of my readers don’t realize I also host a live talk series called Porch Talks.
It’s a cozy, real-time gathering where we share faith, encouragement, and stories—live from my heart to yours.

Next one:
🪑 Thursday, July 3rd at 7 PM (Mountain Time)
📍 Streaming on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@melanietalevski
👉 Come join us — bring your iced tea and heart ready for God’s gentle leading.

📖 Back to our encouragement…

Where do you find yourself today?

  • Are you waiting for your next slide?
    You’ve done this before. You know it’s good. But the waiting can be hard. If you’re still out on the wooden deck, take heart: God’s timing is never wrong. I’ve never seen Him be late—though I’ve often thought He was. But when His timing is revealed, it’s always perfect, better than anything I could’ve planned.

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

  • Maybe you’re already seated, waiting for the “Go!” from the lifeguard.
    That bubbling mix of excitement and anxiety rises—will the slide hold you? Will you make it through in one piece? If that’s where you are, remember this:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)


“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)


And cling to this promise:

  • Maybe you’re in the middle of the ride—the wild part.
    The twists and turns. This is when it’s tempting to tense up. But have you ever tried to white-knuckle your way through a waterslide? It’s no fun. The bumps feel bumpier. The ride rougher. Friend, lean back. Laugh. Shout if you need to. He is carrying you. You can trust Him.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)


“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

  • Or maybe you’re in the final dunk.
    You shoot out of the slide and plunge into the water—safe, free, full of joy. You made it. That’s a time to celebrate! Our family did this just last month as our oldest graduated from high school. That was a long, beautiful “slide,” and now we thank God for His faithfulness. And we look ahead with hope for the next one.

Wherever you are on the slide—waiting, launching, twisting, or arriving—know this: God is with you. He designed the slide. He knows the course. And He’ll carry you safely to exactly where you’re meant to be.

Life with Him isn’t just a task; it’s an adventure.

So let’s trust Him. Let’s celebrate with Him. Whatever comes next, He is the expert, He is beside you, and He is good.

To close, one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes comes to mind. When asked if Aslan (the lion who represents Jesus in The Chronicles of Narnia) is safe, the reply is:

Your season may not feel tame. It may not feel predictable. But it is good—because your Savior is good. And He is journeying with you through it all.

My prayer for you:

Lord, you have ordained our days and the plans you have for us.
For those beginning a new season, waiting on the deck, give peace in the waiting.
For those poised to go, steady our hearts with trust.
For those mid-slide, in the twists and turns, help us release our grip and rest in your peace.
For those arriving at the end of a chapter, fill us with joy and celebration for your faithfulness.
We love you, Father. We trust you. Guide us safely into each season you have planned.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Until next time,

P.S. I’d love to have a discussion with you: what’s your favorite water experience? Jet-skiing? The Great Outdoors Swim Park? Water World? Boat ride on the river?

Resting Assured in Him

“Rest assured,” He told me this morning, as worries tried to choke out my trust in Him.

“Rest assured,” He tells me at noontime when another challenge arises.

“Rest assured,” He says in the middle of the evening when busyness tries to drown out His voice.

“Rest assured,” He whispers as night falls, and my breath steadies in sleep.

But what does it truly mean to “rest assured” in our Savior, Jesus Christ?

What Does “Rest Assured” Mean?

The phrase “rest assured” conveys confidence and certainty. It assures the listener that something is true or will come to pass. To “rest assured” means to be confident, without worry or doubt.

One of the things I miss most about my dad is his unwavering assurance. Whenever I was afraid or overwhelmed, I knew exactly where to find him—either in his office at church or his home office. No matter what he was doing, he always welcomed me with an endearing, “Hey, baby cakes!” or “What’s going on, dolly?” I miss those words more than I can say.

I would pour out my heart, sometimes hesitantly, but he would always listen patiently, ask a few thoughtful questions, and then offer the best gift of all: assurance.

His assurance meant, “I’ve got this. I’m going to take care of it. Everything will be okay.” He’d often seal it with a big hug and say, “It’s going to be okay, baby cakes.”

Since my dad went to heaven, I have deeply missed that fatherly assurance—his listening ears, his patient questions, his loving words, and the security of his embrace. I miss hearing, “It will all be okay, baby cakes.”

The Assurance of Our Heavenly Father

I know I was blessed to have a dad who reflected the love of Christ. Not everyone has that. But even with that foundation, I now find myself searching for assurance—something to steady me when life feels uncertain.

When trials come, I often look to myself for answers. And let me tell you, I am sorely lacking in self-assurance! Anyone else? When we rely on our own limited resources—our mindset, talents, finances, or abilities—we often come up empty.

But Jesus Christ, the Savior of the universe, comes to us in every moment—morning, noon, evening, and night—and whispers, “Rest assured, I am with you.”

If we take time to sit with Him, pour out our concerns, and listen, He may not give us all the details of how things will unfold. But He does say, “Rest assured, it is in My hands. Rest assured, you are in My hands.”

Do we need to know more?

When my dad assured me that he would handle something, I rarely asked for a step-by-step plan. His word and his hug were enough. Can we learn to trust God that way? He wants us to.

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

How Resting in His Assurance Changes Us

  1. It Builds Confidence
    When we focus on ourselves, all we see is lack. I don’t have enough resources. I’m not smart enough, strong enough, or capable enough.
    This kind of thinking leaves us discouraged, hopeless, even distraught. But when we trust in the Lord’s promises, we can stand firm in the confidence that He is faithful.
    “God is not a man, that He should lie… Has He said, and will He not do it?” (Numbers 23:19)

2. It Helps Us Relax
One of the best things about my dad’s assurance was that it allowed me to relax. I could hand over my problem, knowing it was taken care of. I didn’t need to follow up or remind him—he was on it.
Jesus is the same. When He promises to take care of something, we can let go and trust.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Not sure if you can trust Him yet? Talk to Him. He can handle your honesty, your doubts, even your anger. Bring your questions to Him and be prepared for His love to meet you in the midst of them.

3. It Nourishes Us, Even in Hard Times
Think of Jesus in the wilderness. He was hungry, physically weak, and surrounded by the enemy’s lies.
Did you know that the enemy loves to show up when we are most vulnerable? He whispers doubts: You can’t trust God. He won’t come through for you. He isn’t who He says He is.
But Jesus responded with the Word of God, and the enemy fled. Immediately, angels came to minister to Him. (Matthew 4:11)
When we stand on God’s Word, we too will be nourished and strengthened.
“The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

A Prayer for Resting in His Assurance

If you need to take hold of God’s assurance today, pray with me:

Lord, I submit everything I am and everything I’m facing to You. It is too much for me to handle alone. When I look at my own strength, I grow discouraged. But I turn to You now. You promise that when I draw near to You, You will draw near to me. I come as a child to a loving Father, trusting that You freely give what I need. I receive Your whisper: “Rest assured, I am with you.” Help me to walk in confidence, to relax in Your presence, and to be nourished by Your Word as I wait on You. I know You are faithful, and I choose to trust You. Amen.

Blessed Assurance

Let’s close with a song that has encouraged generations:

“Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine!“

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.   This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels descending, bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,

I in my Savior am happy and blest;

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

We can rest assured that He is with us. Even in our darkest moments, He carries all that concerns us—and He carries us, too. What a wonderful Savior!

Until next time,

P.S. P.S. I have a live video that posts each first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. MT. I’d love for you to join me! Head to https://www.youtube.com/@melanietalevski for more.

A Way of Escape

Cornered on every side. Their victory seemed short-lived. They had witnessed God’s miracles deliver them from Pharaoh’s grasp, yet here they were—trapped again. Fear gripped them, their breath caught in their lungs, their bodies ready to fail. Before them, an impassable sea; behind them, an enemy in relentless pursuit.

And then—the sea.

The wind howled, fierce and powerful. Waves that once surged forward now parted, shifting with purpose to create a path. Hearts pounded. Could it be? Could the mighty sea truly be splitting before their eyes?

Moses, weathered and steadfast, raised his staff and stepped forward. Was it possible? Would they walk on water? Yet, as they moved, the sea continued to part—a phenomenon unlike anything they had ever seen. Children reached out to touch the towering walls of water, sea creatures peering back at them like silent witnesses behind glass. Step by step, they moved forward. Step by step, they journeyed toward victory.

They dared not breathe until we reached the other side, the crossing a mixture of awe and urgency. But even then, the enemies pursued—chariots, horses, soldiers gaining ground. It seemed this victory, too, would be short-lived.

Yet, as they turned to look back, something beyond comprehension unfolded. Just as the sea had stood still to form walls, it now released its hold like a linen curtain falling in the breeze. The waves surged, crashing down upon the enemy. Every soldier, every horse, every warrior swallowed by the sea. Pharaoh himself, stubborn to the end, was swept away.

They stood in stunned silence. They waited, barely able to believe their eyes.

Then—from the front—a cheer. A guttural cry of triumph. It spread through the crowd like wildfire. Some danced, some wept, some fell to the ground in awe of God’s power. But all of them—they sang. Led by Miriam, their voices rose in a song of victory.

Our song of deliverance. Our way of escape.

Friend, how often do we feel cornered, just like the Israelites? In this retelling of their story found in Exodus 14, we can feel their panic, their desperation for a way out. Today, our “fight or flight” is often triggered not by physical danger, but by the burdens of life—career pressures, marriage struggles, financial stress, family responsibilities. The sheer effort it takes to live in this broken world can leave us feeling trapped.

But hear the Lord’s whisper today: “I will walk with you through the wind and fire.” When we cry out to Him, He brings us to our safe harbor (Psalm 107:30).

I don’t know what you’re facing. Just as you may not know my struggles. But God—our way-maker—knows. He doesn’t watch from above, detached and distant. No, He walks beside us, holding our hand, guiding us step by step. Even when it seems there is no way forward, He is making a way.

I am so grateful our story isn’t over. The Israelites’ journey didn’t end with a single miracle. It didn’t conclude with them figuring out the rest on their own. No—their story continued through victories and defeats until they reached the Promised Land. And just as He led them, He is leading you.

Yes, it may be scary. Yes, stepping out in faith is hard. Yes, you may tremble with uncertainty. But friend, you are walking through to your victory.

A miraculous thing happens when we reach the end of ourselves. When every resource is exhausted, every avenue closed. It feels suffocating—like a caged animal with nowhere to turn. But that is the moment when God steps in. When there is no doubt that every move, every breakthrough, is not of our own doing, but His alone.

“In my weakness, He is made strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10

So, take heart today. The God of the universe is making a way for you. We may not know how (His ways are higher than ours), and we may not know when (His timing is beyond our understanding), but we do know this—He is walking with us.

And He isn’t just leading us to the other side so we can collapse in relief. No, He is bringing us to our destiny. To the purpose He created us for. To our Promised Land.

A Prayer for You:

Lord, you see the burdens weighing on our hearts. Many of us feel like we are holding on by a thread, trapped with no way of escape. But You, in Your kindness, walk beside us. You, in Your power, guide us through. You, the Creator of the Universe, make a way even in the most impossible situations.

Remind us today that You are near. That You are moving in ways we cannot yet see. That we are not forsaken, forgotten, or left to fend for ourselves. Those are lies the enemy tries to whisper, but we reject them. Instead, we stand in the truth: we are precious to You, beloved, and held securely in Your hands.

Nothing—nothing—can stand in Your way. Nothing can separate us from Your love (Romans 8:38-39).

We believe, Lord. We believe that we will see Your hand move in mighty ways. Let it be so. Amen.

I’d love to hear from you. If you’re facing a challenge and believing for God’s deliverance, share it with me in the comments or privately. I’d love to pray with you. And if you’ve experienced God’s faithfulness in your life, share your testimony—it is in these stories that we find encouragement and strength.

Here is one of my own testimonies of God’s faithfulness in our lives: https://melanietalevski.com/2021/09/26/peach-promises/

May you be blessed as you reflect on these words this week.

A free gift for you: Download my printable encouragement pictures from this blog. Decorate your mirror, wall, or put on your night stand for a visual reminder that God is coming through for you! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zaQ6yKSpSo5Y4jDlZc04dP9bwwaRKbUFVa0QyGkwuv4/edit?usp=sharing

Until next time,

P.S. I have a live video that posts each first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. MT. I’d love for you to join me! Head to https://www.youtube.com/@melanietalevski for more.

Expectant Hope

Could there be a more accurate month for celebrating Mother’s Day? I think not! It’s the month that flowers start to bloom, the weather warms, and baby announcements, baby showers, and newborn arrivals seem to fill the air. It’s the perfect “mother” month. Except when it isn’t. 😆 I often find May is often a spring reflection of December- so crammed packed and filled with activities for my children that I hardly have a moment to be grateful for being a mom- I’m just holding on for life! Do any other moms find this to be true? 

Is there anything more radiant than an expectant mother? She carries a glow, a quiet confidence, even through sleepless nights and unsettled stomachs. It is the beauty of promise—the promise of new life growing within her, a life that will soon make its place in the world and change lives in the process. That glow is not just from pregnancy—it is hope, wrapped in human form.

I had the privilege of carrying three babies, and each experience was different, but the expectant hope was always the same. From a tiny bump to full-term anticipation, a mother walks around knowing that she will not remain pregnant forever. There is an approximate due date, a timeline, a moment she can look forward to when she will hold her baby in her arms. No matter how hard some days may be, there is a guaranteed delivery of that promise.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if all of God’s promises had due dates? Imagine if we could mark our calendars with a circle around the day our prayers would be answered. Your new home will be ready in 12 months! Expect to meet your spouse in ten days! The thing you’ve been praying for will happen next month! It would be so much easier to endure the waiting if we knew exactly when the promise would arrive. Can I hear an “amen”? 

I know there are things in my life right now that I would love a due date for! I thrive on deadlines—in college, knowing exactly when an assignment was due allowed me to focus and complete my work efficiently. I often wished that faith worked the same way. If only we had a final moment to anticipate, a certainty that no matter what challenges arose, the promise was on its way.

I know a story of a guy who got a bit unpatient not having a “due date” for God’s promises in his life. You might know him too: Abraham (Genesis 16) received the promise from God that he would be the father of nations, yet as time passed and his wife, Sarah, remained childless, he took matters into his own hands. The result? A detour from God’s perfect plan that brought challenges for generations to come. God’s promises do not need our shortcuts—they need our faith.

Holding onto the Promise

Friend, I encourage you first to seek out the promises God has for you. Have you searched His Word? Have you asked Him for direction? (Please see bottom of this page for some resources that help in this regard!)

Sometimes, we imagine our own solutions instead of grounding ourselves in His truth. Instead, find the scriptures that confirm His promises for your life. Write them down. Post them where you will see them daily.

Here are a few scriptures that have anchored us in different seasons:

  • For our home: Isaiah 32:18
  • For starting our family: Psalm 127:3, Proverbs 3:5-6
  • For our health: Isaiah 53:5

And now, in this season, we hold onto these:

  • For graduation and the next steps ahead – Jeremiah 29:11
  • For our children walking in faith: Isaiah 54:13
  • For God doing a new thing in our lives: Isaiah 43:19
  • For our continued health: Jeremiah 30:17
  • For Guidance from God: Psalm 37:23

We learn early on that much of parenting is waiting—waiting for first steps, waiting for prayers to be answered, waiting for our children to walk in their God-given purpose. But just like an expectant mother knows her baby will one day arrive, we can trust that God’s promises for our children, our families, and our personal lives will come to pass.

Expectant Hope

In 2009, my husband and I saw many long-awaited promises of God come to pass—some we had prayed for since our dating years. One of the most significant was the approval of his papers to become a U.S. citizen. (Read the full story here.) It took eight long years (which felt like twenty), with no end in sight, but God delivered on His promise. And He will do the same for you.

Write down the promises God has placed in your heart. Pray over them. Meditate on His Word. Let your hope be expectant, knowing that what He has spoken will come to pass. You may not know the due date, but rest assured, His promises are sure.

Just as a woman labors to bring her baby into the world, there will be moments of pain, shifting, and refining before the promise is born. The enemy will try to steal your hope, discourage you, and make you doubt. But hold on. Keep believing. God’s promises will surely come to pass.

A Prayer for You

Lord, I lift up every person reading this. May they be strengthened in the waiting, encouraged in their faith, and reminded that You are working in the lives of their children, family, and their individual hearts. We have seen Your faithfulness time and time again. We have witnessed Your promises fulfilled in our lives and in the lives of those we love. Help us not to grow weary in the waiting but to root ourselves deeply in faith. Strengthen us to hold on to hope, even when the due date is unknown. Whisper Your promises to us and let them take root in our hearts. We trust You, Lord, and we await the day You deliver what we are believing for. Amen.

Sharing from my Heart

As I prayed for my own situations and was letting God know how I crave a solid due date to His promises in my life, I felt He spoke this to my heart and wanted to share with you:

Dear child, know that I love you. I whisper My promises to you in completion. They will not be one day late—no, not even one minute. My timeline may look different from yours, but I am the God of the universe, weaving all things together for good. You can trust Me. I am reliable. I am working all things for your good. Hold onto Me, and you will bloom with expectant hope. My promises will come to pass, often quicker and steadier than you imagined. Hold on. Take hope. I am with you always.

What are you waiting on in faith right now? Let’s encourage each other—drop a comment below!

Until next time,

Happy Mother’s Day! ✨

P.S. Some great resources for helping you start to dig into God’s Promises for your life are:

  • Prayers That Avail Much – Germaine Copeland
  • The Power of a Praying Parent – Stormie Omartian
  • God’s Creative Power Gift Collection – Charles Capps

BONUS! I have a live video that posts each first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. MT. I’d love for you to join me! Head to https://www.youtube.com/@melanietalevski for more.

The Main Scoop: Keeping Jesus First

How do you like your ice cream? Plain vanilla? A banana sundae? Or maybe all mixed up in a Blizzard with M&Ms? (That’s been a favorite of mine since I was young.) Toppings enhance a nice scoop (or several scoops) of ice cream. But they’re extra, aren’t they?

Imagine serving an ice cream sundae but skipping the ice cream, offering only chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and sprinkles. The recipient would be confused, asking, Where’s the ice cream? Where’s the main ingredient? A sundae without ice cream isn’t a sundae at all.

Yet, how often do we live as if we “have it all” when we’re really just living on the toppings? A cherry here, a swirl of whipped cream there—but not much of a sundae. No, we want the whole deal! Load me up and make it good!

God has placed people in our lives—friends, children, spouse, and others—who serve as the extra, but they cannot ever replace the original, the main ingredient- Jesus- in our lives.

Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is meant to be the main ingredient. He’s the ice cream. He’s the foundation of it all. Without Him, the toppings alone won’t do.

In John 10:10, Jesus tells us that He came so we might have life and life more abundantly. But that only happens when we have the right foundation. No one builds a sundae by starting with the cherry, then adding whipped cream, then nuts, and finally ice cream. There’s a reason that’s not a thing—people want their ice cream with toppings, not toppings with ice cream.

Have you unintentionally started at the wrong end of the assembly line in your life? Maybe you’ve added relationships, career success, or financial achievements, but without the Lord Jesus Christ as the foundation, those things will ultimately fall flat.

My dad, Pastor Rich Huston was known for saying , We’ve got to keep the main thing the main thing. When we put Jesus first, everything else—friendships, marriage, children, career, finances—becomes extra. A blessing, yes, but never the foundation. Trying to live off the sweetness of the toppings alone won’t satisfy. We would leave feeling defeated, hungry, and unfulfilled.

But when Jesus is our main scoop—our core—everything else finds its proper place.

I’ve been blessed to have people in my life who have reflected Jesus in a powerful way. My daddy was one of them. He showed me Jesus not just in his words but in how he lived—faithful, kind, steady. He was a Christ-like representative of God’s love for me.

But even the most wonderful relationships are not the foundation. When my dad went to heaven, I felt a deep loss. Not only had I lost my father, but I had also lost the tangible expression of Jesus he provided in my life. It was a reminder that while relationships are blessings, they are still just the toppings. They were never meant to replace the foundation.

Have you found yourself disappointed, frustrated, or unsatisfied in your friendships? Your marriage? Your relationship with your children? Your work or finances? Those things were never meant to be the foundation. They are the “extra toppings” God gives us, but our true source—our main ingredient—is Jesus.

This may seem like a simple object lesson, something I would have shared as a children’s church teacher, but the truth applies to all of us. We need to keep Jesus Christ at the center of our lives—not in a religious, obligatory way, but in a living, breathing, vital relationship. He must be our number one source for everything—comfort, love, provision, peace.

I am learning this myself, friends. It is a daily practice to keep Jesus first. But as I do, I find that He meets me, fills me, loves me, and is all that I need. Everything else? Just toppings for the sundae! They add joy, companionship, and blessings, but they are not the foundation. My foundation is Jesus Christ.

May this week be the time you allow Christ to take His rightful place—not as an afterthought, but as the main thing.

Are you struggling in your friendships? Worried about your marriage or children? Feeling disappointed in your job or finances?

I don’t mean to sound dismissive—these things matter deeply. But the key is to keep the main thing the main thing.

Talk to Jesus about it:

Jesus, I realize I have put You out of Your rightful place. I don’t even know how it happened, but I’m sorry. I want You to be first again. Show me how to surrender and put You at the center of my life.

When we do this, we shift from being seeds choked out by weeds (cares of this life) to seeds planted in good soil (our foundation- Jesus!) Read more in Matthew 13:1-23. Don’t let anything choke out your relationship with the Lord. Ask Him:

How do You want me to live with You as the center? Show me. I can’t do it on my own. I am tired of rules. I am tired of religion. I am tired of reaching for things that were only meant to be extra toppings, expecting them to be the main ingredient. Help me put You first again.

As we realign our hearts through the Holy Spirit, we will realize that abundant life is only possible when Jesus Christ is our source. Nothing else will satisfy. Nothing else will do. Everything else will fall short in comparison to who He is in our lives.

If you need a reminder of His love, here are a few blog posts to refresh your heart:

The Love That Was There All Along
Safe, Secure, and Held
An Unlimited Supply

If you need a refresh about committing your life to Jesus, check out this new blog of mine:

The Invitation to Come

I am praying for you, friend:

May Jesus Christ become your all in all. May you bow your heart afresh to His Lordship in your life. May you be blessed as you rely on Him as your main source. May He satisfy the longings of your heart more deeply and fully than anything else ever could. May you become the loved one He created you to be as you soak in Him every moment of every day.

He is your divine, never-ending source.

I am the vine, you are the branches. (John 15:5)

We aren’t meant to do life apart from Him. If we have been, it’s time to ask the Holy Spirit to help us make a change. May you experience life and life more abundantly as you live with Jesus as your Number One.

Let’s make this fun! Comment below with your favorite ice cream toppings! Lately, I’ve been all about banana splits, but as a kid, I had a love of DQ’s Peanut Buster Parfait! Ha ha!

Until next time,

P.S. I have a live video that posts each first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. MT. I’d love for you to join me! Head to https://www.youtube.com/@melanietalevski for more.

The Road of Faith: Trusting God on Life’s Journey

Here in Colorado, one of our favorite adventures is driving up Trail Ridge Road. This winding, curving road takes you through the breathtaking heights of the Rocky Mountains, leading to the highest point on this side of the Continental Divide. With steep cliffs and dramatic drop-offs, it’s no surprise that many out-of-state visitors panic as they drive. Some freeze in fear, pulling over to the side, unable to continue. Others—often Texas drivers, I’ve noticed!—hug the center of the road, unwilling to trust the edges, slowing everyone else down because of their uncertainty and fear.

Life, in many ways, feels like this road. We are traveling on a great journey with stunning vistas, unknown turns, and an incredible destination ahead. But fear—fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of losing control—can paralyze us. It can cause us to pull over and refuse to move forward. It can make us cling tightly to the middle of the road, afraid to trust the path before us. Instead of moving forward with faith, we respond with fear and freeze up. But if we live that way, we risk missing out on the life Christ has prepared for us.

How Do We Move Past Fear?

One of the most important lessons when driving a mountain road is trusting the road itself. Engineers have worked hard to make sure the pavement is stable, the lanes are wide enough, and the guardrails are in place to keep travelers safe. Even when it doesn’t feel like it, the road is designed to carry you to your destination.

This reminds me of a powerful moment in one of my favorite books, The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis. In one chapter, the main character, Shasta, is walking toward the city of Anvard on an urgent mission. As he makes his way along a narrow mountain pass, he feels the dangerous drop-off beside him. But instead of panicking, he discovers Aslan—the great lion, who represents Jesus—walking beside him, between him and the cliff’s edge. Infact, the lion had been with him for all of his challenges since the beginning of time:

(The boy speaking to Aslan after a terrible ordeal where he was chased by a lion and his friend Aravis was wounded, said he had been unfortunate.) The conversation:

“I do not call you unfortunate,” said the Large Voice.

“Don’t you think it was bad luck to meet so many lions?” asked Shasta.

“There was only one lion,” said the Voice.

“What on earth do you mean? I’ve just told you there were at least two the first night, and –“

“There was only one, but he was swift of foot.”

“How do you know?”

“I was the lion.” And as Shasta gaped with open mouth and said nothing, the Voice continued. “I was the lion who forced you to join with Aravis. I was the cat who comforted you among the houses of the dead. I was the lion who drove the jackals from you while you slept. I was the lion who gave the horses the new strength of fear for the last mile so that you could reach King Lune in time. And I was the lion you do not remember who pushed the boat in which you lay, a child near death, so that it came to shore where a man sat, wakeful at midnight, to receive you.”

…

“Who are you?” asked Shasta.

“Myself,” said the Voice, very deep and low so that the earth shook and again, “Myself,” loud and clear and gay; and then the third time, “Myself,” whispered so softly you could hardly hear it, and yet it seemed to come from all round you as if the leaves rustled with it.”

  • Lewis, C. S. The Horse and His Boy. Macmillan, 1967, end of chapter 11.

Like Shasta, we face moments when we come face to face with “unfortunate” fear. But, God, in His majesty, wants us to know we are not alone. He’s been there all along, a party of our story. We have a choice: we can focus on the cliffs, the dangers, and the what-ifs—or we can fix our eyes on Jesus, who walks beside us. Are you going to focus on fear or faith? (for more links to my narnia-inspired blogs check out the resources at the end of this page)

Learning to Trust Like Peter

Does this remind you of another well-known biblical moment? Peter, the disciple who was bold enough to step out of the boat when he saw Jesus walking on the water, is a perfect example. At first, he walked in faith. But as soon as he looked at the wind and waves instead of Jesus, he began to sink.

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.” (Matthew 14:30-31)

Peter spent his life learning to trust in God instead of his own understanding. Jesus knew Peter’s weaknesses, but He also saw who Peter would become—a great leader, a teacher, and a pastor who would help build the early church.

What About You?

What areas in your life feel scary right now? Are you tempted to pull over and freeze? Or maybe you’re inching along, afraid to trust the path ahead?

God invites us to live in freedom, not fear. The road may seem uncertain, but our trust is not in the road itself—it is in the One who walks with us. Just like Shasta had Aslan, and Peter had Jesus reaching out His hand, we, too, have Christ guiding us safely forward.

Walking with Him transforms the journey. It becomes an adventure rather than something immobilizing.

A Challenge for You

How can you keep your eyes on Jesus today? Here are three ways:

  1. Spend time in God’s Word – Fill your heart with His promises.
  2. Pray honestly – Bring your fears to Him, and ask for faith to trust the path ahead.
  3. Take one step of faith – Even a small step forward, done in faith, is a victory.

Here are some verses to encourage you:

  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
  • “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
  • “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

A Prayer for You

Father, I thank You that I never walk alone. When fear rises, help me fix my eyes on You. I don’t have to have it all together, be fearless, or know every turn in the road—I just have to trust You. Walk beside me, guide me, and lead me safely to the destination You have for me. Amen.

Let this song, No Longer Slaves (to fear), minister encouragement to your heart today:

Friend, I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever faced a moment of fear that God helped you overcome? Share your story in the comments below.

Until next time,

Read more about Colorado’s Trail Ridge Road here: https://www.colorado.com/byways/trail-ridge-road

https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_ridge_road.htm

Watch a video of the drive on trail ridge: (Skip to 25:46)

Here’s my other blog articles involving the Great majestic Aslan and the wonderful land of Narnia:

Further Up, Further In
A Brave & Tender Heart
He Will Bring You Through
Hope of His Return

P.S. I have a live video that posts each first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. MT. I’d love for you to join me! Head to https://www.youtube.com/@melanietalevski for more.