sunday soul food.

I just love the Words Jesus gave me this morning.

"We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols." 1 John 5:18-21 (ESV)

I remember my college pastor, Kyle, doing a sermon on just verse 21. [Pause. Dig in my drawer to find my journal with the sermon notes] Sermon date: April 29, 2012. 

One question he asked and answered was this: "Why is keeping yourselves from idols so critical? a. you were made to be satisfied by the beauty, perfection, and superiority of Jesus Christ. b. if Satan cannot make you destined for hell, he will work to make your heart divided and your years wasted. c. Satan wants to pervert your sense of happiness, contentment, and satisfaction." 

AMEN to that. I have a little notecard in my car that reads "Dive into Jesus. Rid yourself of idols." Those were the words that Kyle left us with that Sunday and they have stuck with me. Good soul food. 

After my quiet time and breakfast. Mom and I headed for the hiking hills at Hodges Gardens. It couldn't have been a more perfect day--not a cloud in the sky and 60 degrees. I have been going to Hodges Gardens since I was little. Not very often, but here and there over the years. We walked five miles! I enjoyed it so much! We packed a picnic lunch. Quite healthy actually. Grilled chicken, carrots, spinach, and grapes. Yum yum. I brought my mini-ESV to lunch and read a bit from Psalms (see pic below). 

Today is my sister's birthday and mom told me that her and dad went to HG just a few days before she was born. Way back in 1992. I thought that was cool. Here are a few pics from our adventure!                                       

                       

So happy that I am able to take advantage of the time that I have now with my parents. I know there aren't that many weekends left that I'll be living with them. These memories and adventures are precious.