You know that feeling you get when you’re working on the computer but then the computer crashes and you freak out because you’re afraid that all is lost? It’s a very stressful moment!

For today’s Selah Saturday, I would like to share with you all a message written by my friend Emily Gorsky Bonanno. Emily is a dear friend of mine who was recently diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

This past week, my friends and I gathered on Zoom for an impromptu prayer meeting. Specifically, we prayed for Afghanistan and that God would bring peace to the land and healing to its people.

Last week I took a spontaneous trip to Round Valley. I set up a little picnic for myself over by the lake and just enjoyed the nature surrounding me. From where I sat, I was able to see a few beautiful hills rolling on the horizon. The hills looked so big and majestic, and I wanted to capture that in a picture.

Given that tomorrow is Father’s Day, I’d like to share with you one of my favorite memories I have of me and my dad. Maybe about 10 years ago or so, my dad and I went to go for a walk. It was cloudy out, and he asked me if I wanted to bring an umbrella.

Have you ever had a conversation with someone you’ve never met before and walked away feeling like God was using that person to speak to you in some way? I had that happen to me recently. This person I had just met one day openly shared with me his testimony and an encounter with God that he had the week before.

In my message from a couple weeks ago, I talked about a park my friends and I went to where there were really beautiful flowers in bloom. I think flowers are one of the most beautiful of God’s creations. I love the colors of spring and the beauty that flowers add to our lives.

When I was a kid, everyone used to tell me how much I am like my dad. My dad and I similar in many ways, but lately I’ve been noticing how I have been acting and sounding more and more like my mom. I may joke about it a lot, but that’s not a bad thing! I am very fortunate to have a wonderful mother who loves me, loves God, and serves his Kingdom with pride.

Just a quick thought before we begin: At first, this message may stereotypically seem like it’s meant for just the ladies out there. But to all the men reading this, you will relate to this as well. A good friend recently reminded me that men care just as much about these things as women do.

This past Thursday was Earth Day—an international day when people aim to learn more about the environment and come together to advocate for its protection. We live on a beautiful planet. The Earth is filled with so many fascinating plants, animals, and geographic landmarks. Before God created man, he created the Earth.