Hey friends!

Let's talk about God's voice. I know a few months ago, we talked about wishing there was this big, audible, assertive, strong voice to give us clear direction. Oh, how I wish I could stick my AirPods in and have Him direct my every step. That's not the case, though. I can't rush God and press play when I need Him. It's not just when I want. I must slow down, wait, and listen. So similar to your teachers, God needs you to be able to hear. Have you ever been in a classroom full of yelling, laughing students? Your teacher can't get everyone's attention and give instructions. Your teacher wants to help you so badly as they see you struggling, anxious, confused, and filled with so many more emotions on the inside. Yet on the outside, we are distracted by our classmates and our phones. We are trying to keep up with everything the world tells us we should be dipping our feet in. Put it all down and be still. It will all be more evident.

God sometimes talks to us so quietly in a whisper. So tenderly. But like Pastor Dre said, are we even stopping long enough to listen? We get so wrapped up in our worries and anxieties that we clearly cannot fix alone. So why do we hold on to them so hard? Why don't we look for help and decide to toss and turn, wondering about all the what-ifs? Pastor Shawn advises us to be still at the end of the sermon. When we get all worked up, anxious, inconsolable, and worried, stop, and hear God in His presence. Invite Him in, as Pastor Shawn said, and listen for the whisper. Listen in the calm. God is there. He is waiting for you to invite Him into your space, ready to carry the burden with you! Isn't that a relief?

We pray you find time to sit and be still.

We love you!

Jesse and Marissa