"Adventures can be fun—and scary. They usually involve a bit of the unknown. As we walk in fellowship with God, it’s likely that our lives will have many unique adventures—opportunities to serve Him. If we’re reluctant or scared and we turn down an opportunity, we miss out. Will God still get the job done? Of course. But someone else will receive the blessing.

In Esther 4, Mordecai encouraged the young queen Esther to help rescue her people. He cautioned: “If you remain completely silent . . . deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (v.14).

Esther was naturally frightened to take this assignment. But God used her courage and faith to deliver her people. Trust God to show you the way. Adventure ahead! —Cindy Hess Kasper

For life’s adventure, Lord, I ask
Courage and faith for every task;
A heart kept clean by high desire,
A conscience purged by holy fire. —McDermand

Courage is fear that has said its prayers." Our Daily Bread

I was doing the dishes just now and then the laundry, thinking about the reunion this summer. Wondering if I should pack my yearbook where I can find it or just let it be buried among all the other boxes. I have resisted temptation to get it and reminisce. Mostly because just thinking about those days gets me in a funk and I don't want to bring back more memories. But the Lord has brought us back home again. I never would have thought. A couple years ago, I said I don't think I could ever live in Louisville again. But here we are, moving just across the river. Praise the Lord He is so kind not to thrust me back into the thick of it, but has let me nestle beside and ease my way in with cautious tiptoes like wading in a lake after a long winter. One day I will find myself hip deep and then WHOO! the icy cold water hits my stomach and takes my breath away. But for now I am inching along and I think that's OK with Him.

Moving piles of dirty and clean clothes in and out of machines, I think back to years ago when I proudly and naively told my bible study discussion group that I vowed never to go back to high school after graduation. My future mentor Marsha was sitting in and told me later, "You know, Laura, some vows are not godly vows. What a testimony it would be to come back so changed!" As I'm getting shirts out of the dryer, I am thinking wouldn't it be SO AWESOME to give a public praise of my God at the reunion? Then I remember "oh yes - I can actually talk to God and tell Him my feelings of excitement about this and ask Him what He thinks!" That is how a benign chore became an activity through which The Spirit filled me with a holy passion to glorify His Name! Every inch of my chest was burning with anticipation...

Father, I've talked to You about this already, but I want to say it again: I want You to use me. I will be a fool for You in the eyes of my peers if it means Your Name is exalted above every Name! I am willing! I'll go! Send me!!! You are more than magnificent, God of the Angel Armies! May every knee bow and every tongue confess that You are Lord! I am a willing vessel. Fill me! How will it go? What will happen? Where will the opportunity present itself? Will it be a loud speech or a quiet conversation? I have no clue, but I'm jumping out of my shoes with excitement!

A special prayer for Becky as her family drives to Connecticut with a toddler, a feverish child, and a husband with aggravated lung problems. May You be a constant felt presence, may You hedge them with Your protection all the way there. Give them otherworldly peace and patience. Give them joy for the journey and hope for the road.

And another special prayer for the new Taylor family of 3. Make it obvious that this baby is the miraculous gift You alone performed FOR THEM. May their blessing cause hearts and lips to overflow with praises to You. Give them strength for the tough hours and love for the long haul.