Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, it's interesting when a friend shares a motivating article or a feeling she may have about what she's dealing with in life - so here goes. She mentioned the distressed disciples over the predominant blast buffering their boat, and how they woke Jesus and He quickly addressed the raging wind and waves: "Quiet! Settle down!" (Mark 4:39MSG). The storm stopped!

'E.V.' continued. "You know what? That translation of Jesus's words caught my attention. 'Settle down.' You know, I first heard that phrase from my mother, admonishing us young siblings when too much unfocused energy spun through our house. Then last week I noticed a basketball coach advising his scrambling high-school team: "Settle down."

"Then this morning, I whispered to myself, "Settle down," claiming God's power, while I was behind the wheel and approaching a frightening higher highway I usually try to avoid. But today's demanding schedule limited my options, so there I was, driving with white knuckles and a clenched jaw. As I repeated the phrase, its message engulfed me with grace. I could envision angels flanking my front bumpers, steading my car, calming my overstimulated nerves and guiding me on my way.

"I was so glad I'd read Philippians 4:6-7 (MSG) this morning before my busy day began; I'd like to share it with you, OK? 'Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.'"

She continued: "Aren't you glad to know about that verse? I'm so glad I could share that special day with you. Now it's your turn to remember that verse, ok, kiddo? Be blessed and have a great day and 'Settle down!'" Off she went - so, just sharing a special message to you all.

Love, Mara