Today, the Old Jeep hit another milestone. I officially crossed 350,000 miles on the odometer.

To help put that number into perspective, that’s the same as completely circling the earth 14 times. It’s also enough to get me to the moon (but only halfway back at this point).

I may be old and crotchety for saying that they don’t make ’em like they used to, but it’s true. I can’t imagine any of those newfangled automobiles lasting for 22 years and 350,000 miles.

Jeeps may not be flashy or sexy, but they are dependable. You might even say they are a loyal brand of vehicle.

Who knows? Maybe I’ll go for another 350,000? You never know.

There’s the smug little face that I love so much.

Peanut is turning into quite the little lap cat. It took her a little while to come around, but I think she’s finally getting the hang of it.

Now I can sit down to watch a movie and she’ll stay with me for the entire experience, barring any bathroom breaks.

Now all I have to do is to teach her to sleep on the pillow next to mine every night. I wonder if catnip will do the trick.

I can’t believe it. I only have two more seasons of Doctor Who left before I’m officially caught up.

I’m currently up to the 12th Doctor, Peter Capaldi, and his latest companion, Bill Potts. I confess I’m still bummed about Clara Oswald being gone, but I think I’ll survive.

It’s been a fun ride. I still love how each new doctor and companion brings a new and fresh energy to the show, as well as a different dynamic.

I’m still having trouble processing that Peter Capaldi was the same age as William Hartnell when he started his Doctor Who run. Peter definitely doesn’t seem quite as grandfather-ly as William did.

I’m noticing and appreciating all the references to the classic series. Especially the picture of Susan on the current Doctor’s desk in that one episode.

I now understand why so many are fanatic about Doctor Who. I get it now. I just hope it continues at the same high level of quality for many years to come.

It’s been raining a lot lately. I mean a LOT lately. Like a flash flood advisory kind of abundance of rain.

I’m seeing people freaking out about how it could be 2010 all over again with flood waters that essentially took over the city of Nashville.

At this point, I’m not overly concerned.

First of all, I’m not seeing near the levels of rain I saw back then. It seemed like a constant and steady downpour without any letup for two straight days. I don’t think I’d ever seen that much rain (or ever will again). Also, there’s a reason why they called it the 1000-year flood.

Second, I remind myself of what God says to His people in Isaiah:

“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
    O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:1-3a, NLT).

That’s my anchor tonight — that peace is a promise God keeps, regardless of rising waters or raging flames or any amount of opposition or danger.

I heard these words during Kairos tonight. They were new to me, but they still spoke deeper than any worship song has in a long time. May they speak as deeply into your soul.

“You will stay true even when the lies come
Your word remains truth even when my thoughts don’t line up
I will stand tall on each promise You made
Let the rest fade away

There’s a peace far beyond all understanding
May it ever set my heart at ease
Dare anxiety come, I’ll remember
That peace is a promise You keep
Peace is a promise You keep

You will stay true even in the chaos
Your word remains truth even when my mind wreaks havoc
I will be still for I’ve known all along
My Jehovah Shalom

There’s a peace far beyond all understanding
May it ever set my heart at ease
What anxiety fails to remember
Is peace is a promise You keep
Peace is a promise You keep

You are peace to a restless soul
Peace when my thoughts wage war
Peace to the anxious heart
That’s who You are, that’s who You are
You are peace when my fear takes hold
Peace when I feel enclosed
You are peace when I lose control
That’s who You are, that’s who You are

I’ve found peace far beyond all understanding
Let it flow when my mind’s under siege
All anxiety bows in the presence
Of Jesus the Keeper of Peace
And peace is a promise He keeps” (Bethel Music)

I thought you might need a pick-me-up at this point. Yeah, it’s Monday, but guess what? In 1 hour and 58 minutes (as of this writing), Monday will be over. But you won’t.

I know that for me, the joy of the Lord has been my strength. I’m not one of those who goes around boasting about how strong I am and how I can take whatever gets thrown at me. I’m not the storm (and I don’t want to be).

I cling to the words of the old song that says, “I am weak but He is strong.” In fact, in my weakness God’s power is made perfect.

That’s the testimony of the saints. We’re still here by the grace of God. Some days, if that’s all you can say, that’s good enough. It means that God’s perfect strength carried you through.

And yeah, you’re pretty awesome for sticking around.

I’m just gonna leave this right here.

All. The. Time.

If I’m honest, my mind wanders during prayer. Sometimes, it’s when others are praying. Sometimes, it’s even when I’m praying.

This isn’t about how you and I need to be more disciplined and if we loved God and Jesus more, out minds would never wander but be fixed.

This is about how God didn’t pick perfect people who had it all together but imperfect people who knew they’d never get it right but who daily depend on God.

The important part, whether in prayer or life, is that you keep coming back to God. You keep acknowledging you deep need and trusting in God’s ability to meet that need.

The main point is not that you pray well but that you pray early and often. Pray all the time. The Bible says to pray without ceasing. I believe that even during those ADHD moments when my mind is all over the place, Jesus is interceding and praying on my behalf. The Holy Spirit is interpreting all my groans, sighs, and tears into prayers.

Prayer isn’t a have-to but a get-to. Don’t think about it as another requirement that you have to check off to please God but as an invitation to come freely before the throne of God at any time because He wants to hear from you.