When was the last time you experienced a smile that hurt your face? You know when you cannot stop yourself from smiling that the muscles in your face begin to feel sore. When this happens it seems to be this unspeakable overwhelming joy that rises up and takes over. Some might describe the feeling like walking on clouds, or living on cloud 9. It truly is joy, unshakeable joy!

Ever struggle with not feeling quite yourself, but you are not sure what is causing it? This gnawing feeling of something is wrong can wear you down. It can also make you feel vexed over the slightest situations or interactions. The lack of clarity and ability to understand can be frustrating, but I want to encourage you today to keep seeking. Keep asking. Keep knocking on heaven's door. Jesus is standing by to answer. 

Have you ever considered what you would do if you were told you have one more week to live? Would you change how you spend your days? Is there anything you would not do? Is there anything you would start doing? As we come together this weekend to celebrate Resurrection Sunday let us take a look at what Jesus did as He became aware that His hour was drawing near and He had one week left on this earth.

The phrase "Pause is Power" coined by, American gymnast, Simone Biles has been ringing in my ears for the past couple weeks. It is an intriguing concept because life often finds a way to become overwhelmingly busy. You find yourself running from one activity to the next or from one meeting to the next. Can you relate with the back to back calls during the work day that do not even allow you to pause to use the bathroom? Or the pressing deadlines that seem to leave you with very little time to pull together a descent thought? Yes, you have set boundaries. Yes, you are saying no to activities. Yes, you are bowing out of activities. However, the empty timeslots quickly get filled with items outside of your control. Pause. This concept is not a new one, for God did establish the Sabbath because He knew we would need rest. God Himself, after creating all creation, gave Himself a pause, for He rested on the seventh day. Even while Jesus fulfilled His ministry on earth He paused. So how did Jesus pause? How does He call us to pause?

How desperate are we for wisdom? What lengths do we find ourselves going to receive good advice? Life is filled with tons of choices. For ourselves, we might be considering what career should I pursue or position / role should I earn? For our families, we may consider what neighborhood should we live in or what school district / community should we settle into and belong? The choices we have in this life are many. The Lord knew it would be so.