This morning, my heart craved the words of Philippians 4:8: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” I continually see and hear and read so much that is negative; God’s Word reminds me of the better, much more positive things on which I should focus my mind.

Once such “excellent or praiseworthy” thought is the Spokane Youth Rally hosted by our youth ministry this past weekend. Many students and adults experienced the glory and presence of God as they sang in worship, engaged with messages from Derek Voorhees, and shared in small groups and spiritual conversations. A good number of us can resonate with the old Third Day song, “Show Me Your Glory,” which includes these lyrics: “I caught a glimpse of Your splendor / In the corner of my eye / The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen / And it was like a flash of lightning / Reflected off the sky / And I know I’ll never be the same.” It goes on to say, “When I climb down the mountain / And get back to my life / I won’t settle for ordinary things.”