Natalia Elam Designs

10/14/2026

The Power of Stillness

We’re busy people.

Between work and home, family and friends, full schedules and unending tasks, it’s tempting to hurry through our days without even stopping to look up.

But, speaking through the psalmist, God said:

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

When was the last time you were intentionally still (and not just when you were sleeping)? When was your body and mind quiet enough to acknowledge that God is God?

Regardless of the past, what will you choose today? You can close this app, check “time with God” off your to-do list, and continue on with business as usual. Or, you can allow the knowledge and truth of God to bring peace to your restless heart.

There’s something about stillness that compels us beyond ourselves. There’s something about stillness that heightens our awareness of and need for God.

It’s one thing to acknowledge God with our words, but another to put Him above every other good, bad, and distracting thing in our lives—to live in a way that honors and magnifies Him.

There will come a day when, ready or not, God will reveal Himself fully. There will come a day when, willing or not, every secret will come to light. There will come a day when, like it or not, He will be exalted above the nations and honored throughout the world.

But you don’t have to wait to worship Him. You don’t have to wait to call Him your God. You don’t have to wait to make Him the Lord and King of your life.

You can be still, right now, and know that He is God.

Devotional from YouVersion:

10/14/2026

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalms 46:10 NKJV

10/14/2026

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10/14/2026

Highlights from our Yarns of Hope meeting Tuesday morning, 10/13/26.
I wasn't able to make it, but our wonderful leader Gina shared today's meeting pictures. I've added a few pics from me at the end.
We meet every Tuesday morning at my church, , and handmake (knit/crochet) things to bless others and things to bless our friends and families. If you are a yarn crafter in the McKinney area (or would like to learn), join us from 10am-12pm any Tuesday. Send me a message with any questions.

10/14/2026

Blessed in Trust

Jeremiah 17 begins with a rebuke. God is calling out the Israelites for their idolatry—for trusting in other gods and forsaking Him and His teachings.

Like a parent with a child who's made a terrible choice, God makes it very clear that these choices have led and will lead to consequences. And yet, rather than only focusing on all that's been lost and will be lost because of Israel’s terrible choices, Jeremiah takes a moment to bring a refreshing reminder:

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.”
Jeremiah 17:7 NIV

He calls those who trust Him “blessed,” even as chaos, sin, and idolatry reign around them. He says that people who trust in God “will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8 NIV)

We get to choose who and what we worship.

Who is your confidence in? Who do you trust? If you're trusting in the Lord, take heart knowing that in this you are blessed. An abundant life in God, full of fruit even when sin is all around, is the mark of having chosen to trust Him. What an incredible thing it is to be able to make this choice!

Devotional from YouVersion:

10/13/2026

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.”
Jeremiah 17:7 ESV

10/13/2026

Passing Along God’s Wisdom

What if the choices you make today could shape someone else’s life for years to come?

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

It reminds us that our actions don’t just affect us—they also act as an example, guiding and directing others, whether we realize it or not. And which direction we guide others… matters.

When you trust Him, God can use your consistent acts of faithfulness over time to plant His wisdom deep in a person’s heart.

The book of Proverbs is a powerful collection of wisdom meant to teach people how to live well and thrive according to God's values. Throughout Proverbs, parents are encouraged to pass that wisdom on to their children. It’s one of the clearest examples of the Bible telling us exactly what Scripture is for. The goal is not simply to pass on rules to follow, but to train others to see clearly so they can recognize the difference between the path of wisdom and the path of foolishness.

Proverbs 22:6 isn’t saying that parents can control the choices their children make. Instead, it points to the lasting influence of faithful, consistent guidance.

This kind of influence takes time and genuine care. It happens through repeated conversations, everyday choices, Scripture, prayer, correction, encouragement, and setting an example. If you’re not sure where to start, consider inviting a child, friend, or family member to begin a simple practice with you: reading one chapter of the book of Proverbs each day. It is full of God’s powerful wisdom for a thriving life.

Whether you’re guiding a child, mentoring someone younger, or simply trying to live faithfully before others, remember this: you may not see the results of your faithfulness today. That doesn’t mean you aren’t making an impact. Keep going. Trust God with what you cannot see. Trust that when you plant God’s wisdom, over time, it will take root and grow.

Devotional from YouVersion: