New Orleans | His Perfect Timing

Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
‭‭GALATIANS‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Good morning from the very beautiful New Orleans. The sky is cloudless this morning as I prepare to depart this city rich with culture. The visit has been a wonderful opportunity for me professionally and personally. However, I miss my husband and I’m ready to return home. If you ever visit New Orleans, the food is magnificent.

During my stay I worked on my studies some at night. I’m currently studying the Book of Galatians. The first chapter is packed full of information. I spent three or four hours last night studying Galatians 1 and I’m still working on it. One theme that jumped out at me and I wanted to share is “Grace versus Legalism”. I often hear people say legalism, but I didn’t realize what they meant until now. It’s completely understandable as Christians that we feel obligated to do something, but that is legalism. It could be dressing a certain way, following Old Testament laws, or feeling obligated to go or serve at Church. Legalism puts the focus on us rather than on our sweet Lord. Rather that working to please God, we should focus on working for God because we love Him so much and in thanksgiving for all our blessings. You see, we have salvation by faith and spirituality by grace. There is nothing we can do to be saved, but accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. As our verse today tells us, peace is a part of that grace (Galatians 1:3). Isn’t that great! Then, the “works” we do should be in thanksgiving and a way of honoring our Lord.

So, today try something new by spending your time pleasing God in thanksgiving. Have a super day! God bless you.

Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32

Good morning from beautiful New Orleans! It is amazing how fast a few days go by when I’m on vacation. Maybe it’s because I’m super busy or maybe because I’m having a wonderful time. Last night I took a boat tour on the Natchez. No matter how many times my southern accent tries to enunciate this name correctly, I just can’t seem to get it. Lol. Let’s just say, I don’t blend. When I speak, it sounds like I just came off Scarlet O’Hara’s Plantation, Tara.

The Natchez was wonderful. I might have been the only passenger without a family, so I had the opportunity to listen to the jazz music, study my school work, enjoy the view, and eat some of the most delicious food I’ve ever enjoyed. Now, that is something good. The Natchez came back early for a fire works show. As I was wandering to a spot to call my Lift driver, I saw Cafe Beignet. Now, I have been wanting to try beignets since I arrived. I picked up my warm beignets and headed back to my hotel room. The Lift driver asked me “what smells so delicious?” Well, let me just say, Beignets are a treat from heaven. I’ve never experienced anything like them. They were delicious and worth the wait. I may have to do a little extra walking today and every day for the rest of my life.

At the conference yesterday and again today, I am reviewing resumes. This is my second year serving at a national conference in this capacity. I think I may have learned more than the people visiting my table. Yesterday, I spoke with a man about my age looking to change careers, a young man still going to school and thinking about the future, and a doctor who needed to break free from her university job. Helping others is a great way to learn. Plus, I enjoy hearing their stories. I pray that I was able to provide a little guidance.

After lunch I took a tour of the Biomedical District in New Orleans and sat by another planner from Bermuda. He was very interesting and I was able to share my Christian beliefs in casual conversation. I think God allowed me to come here to hear different life stories. I’ve heard many and I’m a better person from the experience.