Despite my busy schedule as a teacher, musician, worship leader, and blogger, I’ve felt a higher calling upon me. A calling to rest. If God rested on the seventh day what makes me think that I’m too dignified to do so?
So I’ve decided to take a step back and enjoy the beauty that can so easily be ignored. In this moment, no longer was I Shantel the teacher, Shantel the minister, or even Shantel the adult. I became Shantel the explorer. As I started my journey, I got to fill my love tank with the wonders of Baltimore.
Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses. Walter Hagen
Take time to reflect on God’s goodness and embrace the wonders around you. There’s beauty all around.
Never forget that you are a work of art.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!Your workmanship is marvelous — how well I know it. Psalm 139:14 NLT
Til next time.
To check out more amazing artwork, visit the Walter’s Art Museum in Baltimore, Md. Sites featured: Walter’s Art Museum, Peabody Institute, and the George Washington Monument.
Hey there! A few Tuesdays ago, instead of hosting the prayer call via phone, I decided to livestream it on Facebook! It was an awesome segment. There are so many wonderful things that happen when we wait on God’s timing. Here is a recap from our segment.
Wait on the Lord and be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say on the Lord. Psalm 27:14 KJV
Sometimes we get discouraged while waiting. Although it seems tedious at times it is a requirement.
Andlet us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
God has great things in store for us but we cannot faint. We cannot quit in the middle of the process.
When God began preparing me for my new job assignment I questioned where I’d go next. I knew He was calling me out but I didn’t know where. While walking my dog one day I felt this strong inclination to go a school that was nearby.
Little did I know that God would give me a position there as an art teacher. His timing is best.
Sometimes the wait isn’t familiar. Even when everyone is telling you that it’s wrong, remember what God has spoken to your heart.
God works in the details.
If He’s moving you in a certain area or transitioning you, he’s preparing for something greater.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 KJV
Turn your worries over.
To cast means to cause to move or send forth by throwing. It also means to get rid of. We must render our worries over to the captain of our souls.
We weigh ourselves down with our own baggage.
God did not intend for us to be burdened down by the weight of our problems. Give it over to God today.
You don’t have to understand it in order for it to happen. – Mike Todd
On the other side of your obedience, you’ll see why the wait was worth it.
If you’ve been struggling in the area of waiting, believe me I’ve been there. But there is something great on the other side of your obedience.
Encouraging Prayer for Waiting
Dear God,
You are mines forever. I can depend on you at all times. Thank you for assuring me that you are near. I confess that I have grown weary at times in my waiting. I pray that You give me godly insight and a new perspective. For it is truly an honor to wait on you. You have the best in store for me. I now surrender my worries to you (feel free to name them specifically). I declare that anxiety no longer takes precedence in my life. I declare your goodness and your salvation over my life.
