Josie in Seattle: Summer

Here comes the summer! I can't believe it's already June. Nine months have rolled by. So thankful for a good week in Harrogate at the New Wine Leader's conference...listened to good teaching by Alan Hirsch (a well known speaker in America), fellowship at the pubs, good eats out, and bonded with our church staff. It's always nice to get away to the country for a few days...I've missed the green and rolling hills.

On Thursday, I spoke for the first time at youth group and went really well...thank you for your prayers! The topic was overcoming image and how we can learn from the book of Esther. We need to strive for inner beauty, not how the world defines "beauty." "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. -1 Samuel 16:7
We are all fearfully and wonderfully made...made in His image (Psalm 139:14) He made each of us out of a place of respect, reverence and interest. We are each unique...there will never be another you!
I love the book of Esther...even though she was beautiful, she had an inner beauty of courage and obedience to stand up for her people! "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."-Esther 4:16 May God give us courage in tough situations and the boldness to step out of our comfort zones.