I walked to the top of the hill where I have the most beautiful view, overlooking the lake and the rest of the park below including the wildlife. I laid out my blanket, got my Bible and journal out and just opened them up. Usually I have a general idea of what book I'll study that day, or I'll have some things on my mind that I just want to talk to God about, but that day, it was different.

I opened to a random page and it was the book of Jonah. Everyone knows the book of Jonah, I mean heck 4 year old Shanin knew the story because Sunday school rocks! But a good reading never hurt so I dove right in. This time, I had a deeper understanding of the compelling feelings Jonah had in regards to accepting Christ as his Father. The doubts in believing, fear of spreading the gospel, bringing down those around me because of my negative outlook on my relationship with God. 

Now, I've never caused a sea to shake a boat putting safety in danger, or been in the stomach of a whale for three days and three nights. But, I have had an up and down relationship with God, but my takeaway is that God endures and never gives up on me. 

From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.

You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers swept over me.

I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’