I would like to extend another "thank you" to everyone who helped in the park. You gave up much of your Saturday to do yardwork! For those who braved the early elements or took a chance with the poison ivy, thank you. For those who brought (or borrowed!) tools, food/snacks, or just a willing heart, thank you. For those who worked through pain and/or tiredness, thank you.

As has already been mentioned, the park is a work in progress. Already there are special memorials for Mike Hager and Sister Little. There will eventually be a path that winds through the entire space. Three benches and two picnic tables will grace the space in honor/memory of others. In time, a small stage/platform area will be tucked into the corner, in anticipation of special services being held in this outdoor space. I have heard mention of daffodils and solar lights to beautify the area.

There is still work to be done, and your continued help will be needed. But in the meantime, what you have already done is greatly appreciated!

Living with anxiety feels a lot like living on the run—except you’re running away from your own life. Panic settles in your chest as you try desperately to escape to a safe place that seems just out of reach. Worries swirl around in your head at a speed that makes it hard to breathe, and fear wells up, causing indecision and self-doubt.

Sound familiar? There’s a constant pressure never to shut off your life—emails never stop, notifications pile up on our phones, and let’s not forget the comparison trap social media brings. So, how do we live with that, when we know that as Jesus followers, we are called to live anxious for nothing?

Too often we feel weighed down by guilt because we think Christians aren’t supposed to feel this way.

But what if we can stop running from something and start running to someone?

We can. You can. The promise that we can live anxious for nothing isn’t based on what we can produce but on the presence of God. Check out what it says in Philippians 4:6-7 NIV:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

On our own, we are hopeless in the fight against anxiety. But with God? We have access to His presence, which offers peace we can’t even begin to understand.

What’s even better about that promise? It’s a continual process. In every situation. Every time we start feeling anxious, we can go to God for His peace because peace is a by-product of God’s presence.

Anxiety will not often disappear instantly. It’s a moment-by-moment, continual process of seeking His presence. Over the next few days, we’ll share stories of everyday people who have battled with anxiety and what they’ve learned along the way.

Want to learn more about living Anxious for Nothing? Check out the accompanying message series to find more peace.

*If you are struggling with anxiety disorder, it’s important to seek the help you need. If you think you have an anxiety disorder, see your doctor. Seeking help doesn’t make you weak; it makes you wise.