I was reading Exodus 17 this morning... It struck me hard... like a 2x4 to the head hard (or is it a 2x4 to the hard head?). it was quick.... right there in verse 2; ...the people quarreled and said, 'give us water to drink'... Perhaps God forgot about them in the desert once He delivered them. Perhaps the patterns of slavery were still fresh in their mindsets. Perhaps they forgot God just delivered them from their Egyptian masters in a miraculous way. Perhaps they forgot the wonder of walking through the Red Sea; seeing the underwater world while they were on dry land. Perhaps they forgot... >insert 2x4< Perhaps I forgot. I was praying this week for all the things I think God forgot about.... our house, my health, the ministry, our finances, the move, the plans, the rest. I know so many stories, in the Bible and from Godly mentors of how God provided just what was needed at the right time. God provided what He knew they needed, or in the case of the people in this story, He removed their need for water. I am reminded of the Samaritan woman at the well... she thought she needed water, Jesus gave her living water... Would you join with me today in seeking what God has given rather than the perceived need? Will you share of a time when you had a perceived need and God provided something different?

A friend sent me an article from Tara Beth Leach- 'Why Do You Feel Spiritually Numb (and What To Do About It) (4/21//26) - I loved the vulnerability in it. I loved the words she put to the feeling... it's not depression, its not burnout, its not laziness. It is Acedia - an oppressive enemy-- The demon of acedia is the most oppressive of all the demons. He attacks the monk about the fourth hour and besieges his soul until the eighth hour. First of all, he makes it appear that the sun moves slowly or not at all, and that the day seems to be fifty hours long. The instruction to deal with acedia is to sit with it...no fight, no pressing through, no sweat it out. Tara Beth says in giving this enemy a name, we can reduce its power. she goes on to give three postures to defeat acedia... Stay in your cell, stop trying to feel, let someone feed you. She describes each step in depth. Each is intriguing in its own right. One of my key phrases to weary ministers is 'you're not 'alone.' I realize God's gifting to kathy and I is to support and encourage others. We also recognize the need(s) to let others minister to us. There are times I need to be supported and encouraged. How about you? How do you receive support or encouragement? How do you fight the long days? https://open.substack.com/pub/tarabethleach/p/why-you-feel-spiritually-numb-and?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Imagine you're in a coffee shop with a few friends sharing ideas on your next big venture. Perhaps, you feel like you're overwhelmed and need some encouragement; perhaps you have some to share. We are a place where ideas and plans can flow freely. We will offer healthy conversations, critical thinking, strategic questions, deep listening, camaraderie, and encouragement to keep pressing forward in the tough times. What's on your heart? What is God stiriring in you?