Category: Fruits of the Spirit

Every Life Has a Meaning That Can Never Be Replaced or Recreated

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life little girlLife. We use the word freely; but, when the meaning sinks in, it is priceless – like a costly ruby or the crown jewels. Life means living, breathing, smiling and running. It means watching in marvel as the crisp yellow, orange and brown leaves swirl to the ground in autumn.

It is truly a heavy word for it’s a weighty experience. You feel pain, grief, excitement and sheer joy at times. You are given choice and freewill. You are given a voice.

Life is given to us as a gift from our Creator. From his breath we were formed. From his hands we were molded. Life is not meant to be snuffed out – or recklessly destroyed for every life has a meaning that can never be replaced or recreated by another soul.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5

Like every fingerprint is unique, every person when knitted together in their mother’s womb is fearfully and wonderfully made. Facial features from heaven; these are the work of a true artist. With brushstrokes of love, he paints life.

May we value life – for everyone formed deserves to take their first breath. May we be a nation that speaks for the voiceless – for a person is created at the moment of conception, and God’s hand is truly upon them.

“It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.” ― Mother Teresa

“Abortion kills twice. It kills the body of the baby and it kills the conscience of the mother. Abortion is profoundly anti-women. Three quarters of its victims are women: Half the babies and all the mothers.” – Mother Teresa

The Maker clings on to the finger of the baby swimming inside their mother’s womb. He has already spoken promise over their lives. How utterly evil it is – to snuff that little light out for selfish gain.

May this country have eyes to see and ears to hear what is noble and right. May we embrace morality again, and look to God for guidance. Let the hearts return to whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable.

“No law can give us the right to do what is wrong.” – President Abraham Lincoln

In The Stillness & Quiet – God Speaks

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despairWe hear it recited over and over again that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Yet, some days it is hard to truly think his joy is enforcing our battle armor – especially on rough days. Bitter thoughts, frantic work commitments and the stretch to ‘be all there’ with our families can play its toll.

It is hard to find that joy in all the surrounding factors of life. It is easy to sit weighted down by your troubles. You gasp for air thinking – if only I could rest and find stillness!

Take heart, child of the living God. Allow breath to fill your lungs and breathe in deeply. God orders the steps of those he loves and he showers blessings on the faint of heart. His eyes are on you, child, and he sees your deepest needs.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. – Isaiah 40:49

The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. – Isaiah 50:4

There is so much truth in the promise – ‘be still and know that I am God.’ In the stillness and the quiet, God speaks and his peace is attained. Yet, we go about our busy lives forgetting this magnificent reality and are angered when we don’t hear the honey voice of the Lord.

We must try to sing even in the uncertain, low times – the times where we truly feel like we are walking through the valley of death or entombed in a pit with famished lions.

Like Paul and Silas in prison, we must lift our voices and make a joyful noise in our moments of stillness – for it breaks the chains of ruin. In the car, at home in a closet, walking the dog – wherever it is for you. Praise is so sweet to the ears of our Maker. It moves his heart.

Worship is simply giving God his breath back. – Lou Giglio

Praise in the stillness, when no one is around, softens despondent hearts. It lifts stressed souls and lights weary eyes. This should be our blissful place – for our hearts were made to worship the King of Glory.

May we never fret stress, demanding schedules and the hustle of life. May we realize that it is God who is in control. Take the reins sweet Redeemer! Let us seek out stillness and intimacy with you!

The Table is Set – The Feast is Ready

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foodThe table is set – the feast is ready. Mouth watering at the rich, buttery food in bowls of bounty at the polished farm table, you wait for the dinner guests. The night is cool and the breeze wafts through your long locks like a narrow comb.

But, where are the guests?

Stars illuminating the night sky – almost as much as the moon, you reflect. The invitations were mailed and the blessing was inscribed with flowery language that mirrors promises. It was clear – this feast would bring a blessing.

Yet, why were there no guests holding hands open for the food prepared that fully satisfies?

With wedding dress of intricate flowers etched on the exterior of your garment, you wait. Surely – a multitude will come and sup with the Father – the Savior Supreme. For it is written in God’s Word:

Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb! – Revelation 19:9

Nevertheless, only the echo of silence pervades the light speckled sky. Your mind races to the watchmen of old – those that fixed their eyes on the walls.

Were you placed here to usher in the wedding guests? Would they listen? Maybe a simple invitation was not enough for the occasion; but, rather a blast of the shofar, given to you for such a time as this!

You shout – and pray for others to take notice of the feast prepared in the presence of our enemies. For God, is waiting to anoint our head with oil and overflow our cup with blessings!

How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. –Psalm 36: 7-8

Come sup with the Lord of Ages! He is calling for you to sit at the table and partake of the food he has prepared. This substance is filling and forever satisfies.

He awaits to crown your head with splendor and make you his watchmen on the wall. Pull up a chair. Sit at the table.

He Captures My Heart With Lines of Love

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woman poetry

Words – His are beautiful. I gawk at the prose. These sentences are the only ones truly that can send chills down my spine and empower my footsteps. He captures my heart with lines of love, and once I digest his manuscript, I will never be the same.

It alters me – for the better. My complexion is clearer, eyes brighter and my mind fully aware of the riches rooted in such a Miracle Maker. You’ve heard it said time and time again – the Bible is God’s love letter written just for you! And how silly not to open a love letter and take in the beautiful text that tells you of its steadfast love for you.

The start of the chapter of John in the Bible is simply stunning. It states,

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” – John 1:1-4

God is the Word. Let’s think on that for a moment. He is the Word – how powerful. By taking in his breathed lexis – we are getting to know him, his person, completely. How amazing that God has served as scribe and is holding out his love to both you and me. This should set a fire in our bellies and the sense of affection should permeate our bodies like a brewing blend of loose leaf teas.

The longer the tea bag sits in the cup, the stronger the tea. The more God’s word saturates our minds, the clearer our grasp on what’s important to Him and the stronger our prayers. – Joni Eareckson Tada

The more I read of my Redeemer’s goodness – the bigger sense of affection for him seizes my spirit. My whole soul is held captive by his glorious nature; but, this captive is not imprisoned in the worldly sense. She does not wear stripes and sit in chains. She is made free in him – because God is life. She is given wings and a new celebrated name – Child of God, Crown of Splendor, Beloved Daughter, His Workmanship…

I want to delve into the richness of my Savior’s Words – much like I would study my favorite author’s quotes and manuscripts. God, the Father, is the divine author of life and salvation. He is the reason for my waking breath in the first hours of sunrise. He is the cause of my humble strides on concrete streets.

How glorious the poetry of the King! May his truths take root in our hearts and minds; and, may a desire to absorb his faithful, freeing Word pervade our lives!

For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ – Acts 17:28

Walking Through the Fire Fully Intact

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campfireThe battle rages with fury around us – like the burning embers of a camp fire, it scorches and pops our bodies with that stinging heat. We flinch and look over at the ball of flames. It is menacing and this fiery furnace drains us of our energy – sometimes to the point of giving up.

We think how easy it would be to let go of fighting that scorching heat. To live in the flames and just let it consume us – because then we would not feel that smoke laden fire lapping against our souls.

But, what do we gain from giving up? Despair. Weakness. Terror – a spirit that allows darkness to grab hold of our beings and conquer.

We are draped in battle armor – lest we forget. It does not mean that there will not be marks in our heavenly covering. No – just the opposite – our suits should be covered in bullet marks. And, we should be a display of a soldier that has been through the fire and not been burned. A fighter that has sustained numerous rounds of attacks from the enemy – and is still fully intact!

I think of King David fleeing for his life and hiding in the hills from Saul. There were armies looking for him. They wanted to kill him and came very close to accomplishing that mission.

Can you imagine the thoughts running through his mind –I should give up, maybe run away from this place and never return or just surrender. But no –he pressed on because he knew that his God was greater than the hate he was coming up against.

He cried out to his Maker and Supreme King in Psalm 54: 4-7:

“Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them. I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good. You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.”

David, though facing defeat and abhorrence, knew God had a plan – even in the midst of trouble. His Maker had called him out from his youth and spoken over him great things. He could have surrendered, but he didn’t – and he was made King of Israel.

The fire burns. It hurts and is scares. But, fighting it with endurance proves to be beautiful.

God does not want perfect warriors. He wants ironclad men and women – tested and refined by the fire of external debris. This is how the most precious metals are made – it’s a process.

May we never give up hope in the midst of hardship! Let’s look up to heaven when walking through the fire – and praise God for trusting us enough to wade knee-deep in suffering because there is always beauty after the storm.

“See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” Isaiah 12:2

Turning 30 – The Trials, Truths and Hopeful Joys

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icecreamToday, I am 30. I know a woman has been taught never to reveal her age (maybe that is a southern concept – or a universal one, I don’t know). But today – I embrace this number with open arms.

This number does define me.

That’s probably not what you expected to hear. In fact, it joyously tells me that I have lived life thus far– succeeded in many things; yet fallen down and learned the hard way in others.

I have worn pride like a badge at times only to realize this bitter emblem does not incite accolades; but, it enlists true upset. I have learned the power in embracing humility and pure wonderment – for this life is not our own. It’s truly centered on loving God and others. A simple concept to fully adopt and one that I still struggle to grasp as the world keeps feverishly spinning.

In a superficial sense, you learn high heels are not that cute if they are hurting your feet and thicker heels or wedges might be a better option – or flats for that matter.

You understand that you don’t have to dress perfectly every single day of the week and that no-makeup weekends are kind of a life saver.

You realize your worth is not found in your appearance, it’s buried in your heart.

You appreciate the value of a well cooked healthy meal and its ability to free you from packing on the pounds. It becomes clear that exercise is not just for the vain – but actually needed for a healthy lifestyle.

Handwritten thank you notes touch your heart more than before because you understand that person’s time and attention was poured into penning that ink scribed letter to you.

Clubs with loud music and the chaotic dating scene is trivial. The desire for a movie or documentary, glass of champagne and dinner at home with a loved one is the best notion imagined.

This milestone date has taught me about myself. It’s opened my eyes to listen and read the words inscribed on my soul and not in the instruction manuals of busy, top-tier climb-the-ladder lives.

It has made me realize my limitations and what is best is sometimes not what I selfishly desire. It has made me cling to God. The older I get the more I look to Him because I realize how fleeting life truly is and just how much I need the help of the one that designed me!

As the years pass, you see your sweet girlfriends give birth to new life. They become mamas to teeny hands and feet. Bodies once lined with cross-strap designer purses, their flesh temples now hold a baby firmly in place and dear to their hearts.

You see people you love and admire age. Their feet shuffle instead of sprint and those luscious strands of hair turn shades of gray and white. Your attend your grandmother’s funeral and think of banana splits out by the marigold lined pool – when life appeared to be so carefree. But, it wasn’t you see, in age you learn life goes on.

This is the cycle, and it is more beneficial to embrace it then stand motionless in fear of pain and uncertainty – because you are going to feel it. It’s unavoidable. You are given years on this soil to love, listen and breathe in the light of your maker.

Life isn’t about the things you mark off the bucket list; but, it’s about the difference you’ve made.

This is the truth that has hit me as this new decade hones in and that number befalls me. Looking back at twenty-something me, I wish I could have told her these truths, and tried to tell this star-searching girl not to rush the process; but, to live and breathe in the beauty of Christ – because he does make all things beautiful in his time.

I am proud to say I am thirty today. I am excited about the years to come.

Though, there have been heartaches, setbacks and disappointments, there have also been delights, tears of joy and fulfillment. It is my prayer that as each year passes, God’s wisdom will wash over my life in waves that make me stand in awe of his splendor and learn more truths of his goodness – because it’s endless.

Cheers to those thirty-years-old today! Keep living, loving and giving.

The Foliage of His Faithfulness

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tree lineStrapped to my back is a parcel. It’s worn and dusty. Looking out at the tree line, I see it – the dark spaces that lie within that timber. Should I venture inside the hunter green forest with the tattered satchel on my back and shoes that have carried me thus far?

My possessions are damaged. They are not sufficient for sustaining me in an ominous forest.  But, my soul calls me to step closer to the trees that hold game birds – big and small. My heart pounds to break free, move forward and leave my self-sustaining articles behind me.

The trees call out and sing in a chord and harmony unknown to man. It is peaceful, whole and jubilant. Confidence beacons me to trust not in my own possessions – but in the breeze that fills my lungs and gives me sweet breath.

This spirit that sweeps over my body is all sustaining. He propels me forward into the unknown with the courage of a lion to walk in power knowing the muscle in my body is not from my greatness but from a Creator that becomes truly all powerful in the acknowledgment of my weakness.

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The God Who lives forever is the Lord, the One Who made the ends of the earth. He will not become weak or tired. His understanding is too great for us to begin to know. He gives strength to the weak. And He gives power to him who has little strength.” – Isaiah 40:28, 29

My little eyes to see— turned into saucers of his grace and provision; guide me forward into the foliage quite scary to the simple observer. And I step out in my weakness knowing that he who is in me is fiercely able and resilient. He leads me into the shrubs knowing full well that I will experience the foliage of his faithfulness.

Lead me on a journey to understand your full-bodied nature, sweet Lord! Let me stroke the mane of your endless splendor and witness the stride of your unmatched glory. It is you that gives my body life. Take my satchel of worldly things – and take this explorer to the mountain top to truly observe and absorb your wonder.

Carrying That Cumbersome Cross

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cross

The cross. It has never been described as easy to bear; but cumbersome. Those two pieces of crude, rough lumber symbolize everything to those who call themselves a Christ follower. Those logs of wood were stained with crimson blood, spit on by deceitful crooks – yet also aided by a weary, hopeful soul.


Burdens upon burdens were thrust on that crucifix. Every step the sovereign one tread was painful under the weight of those difficulties of darkness – our sins; but he pressed on – with love in his heart and that vision to fulfill his Father’s plan and will.


That will did not consist of those slippery puddles of stagnant water crossed to get up on that hill of despair. It not contain those silver nails or excruciating death. His vision was focused on the resurrection – the shining purity of new life, indwelled by the Holy Spirit and overcoming the grave.


The Father was glorified in the shedding of the grungy grave cloths. His plan was fulfilled after the King of Kings touched heaven and overcame the pain of the cross. As the beautiful angels proclaimed,

He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. – Matthew 28:6

The world is a turntable covered in messy, wet clay. More and more we sense that this planet is shrouded in the night and only illuminated by the stars, moon and the sun.


It is my prayer that I serve as a star in the vacant sky of this world. Troubles – they are all around us – hiding under bridges and tucked away in pretty packages with a fluffy bow. These troubles weigh us down. But, steadfast one – think on the cross of Christ. Remember the road to Golgotha. It was bleak and troublesome.


May we stand with feet cemented to the truth of God’s words. May be wave a banner that notes the shining beauty of the Lord! Drink from the fountain of grace – look the scoffers in the face and surely say,

Savior, worthy of honor and glory, worthy of all our praise, You overcame. Jesus, awesome in power forever – awesome and great is Your name, You overcame. – Jeremy Camp – Overcome Lyrics

When My Tears Get Heavy & Emotions Run Wild

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TEARS RUN DEEP

Tears. Those salty drops of water that express sorrow and joy! Although, I hate to experience them, I know they are necessary.  They are the outpouring of emotion – both good and bad. Appearing out of the blue, these saline conduits of human sensation can take you by surprise.

Dripping down the face, they carry a deep meaning – we are fragile and can sense heart breaks, merriment and failure. With empty hands we wipe these tears from our flesh face and realize the depravity of our human state. We are affected by this world – this sphere of gritty pleasures and brokenness. It takes hold of our heart and pulses in intensity.

Even the Psalmist writes,

Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. -Psalm 31:10

These tears and grief want to consume us. But, Dear One – don’t let the sorrow of our flesh state invade. Don’t let it take root in your heart and spread like an unruly virus. When, you feel alone, remember that – our God is right there saying,

“For I hold you by your right hand–I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” – Isaiah 41: 13

On my knees with damp face and bellowing body, I realize that I need to weep over the greatness of my Savior. Yet, I focus on my life so much that his goodness is out of my sight. Redirected vision is needed.

Focus from myself pushed aside, let me rejoice, with tears in my eyes, over the sacrifice of Christ –at the crude cross of Calvary. That cross held the bleeding, weeping body of my Redeemer. He endured pain, torture and ridicule for me. This picture of salvation should bring tears to my eyes.

God, let me remember when my tears get heavy and my emotions run wild – that you were the sacrifice. You died to save me from such suffering, and came so that I might ‘have life, and have it abundantly.’ Earthly circumstances are fleeting, they ruffle our feathers – but the cross of Christ is lasting.

May my tears be shed in jubilation, not out of selfish distress; but out of wonder and admiration – for you have conquered the grave and risen — leaving the burial cloths in the unoccupied tomb!

He Provides in The Drought and The Downpour

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farm freshSoil, gravel – broken earth. We work the ground like farmers – digging down deep in the earth’s swollen landscape; we reach and claw at the buried rations that fill our bodies with nourishment. Little vessels of life – ruddy vegetables covered in clay – only needing to be washed and prepared for a family gathering.

Aprons of coarse leftover fabric, we soak our hands in soap created from strong oils, pull out grandmother’s knives and start chopping up the harvest we gathered in the bright, green field. A hearty family meal will follow with fresh laughter, jovial encouragement and abounding love.

The harvest has blessed us beyond comparison. It has fed our little life temples of flesh, provided the currency for the clothes on our frames. It has given our idle hands – a reward to collect. And, this gathering is the sweetest part of the crisp harvest.

Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness… – 2 Corinthians 9:10

We assemble prepared with baskets in hand. We expect a bountiful supply because we know that our God protects, provides and restores. Eyes open to this overflowing abundance of heaven; we use our hands to unearth the nourishment that God has provided.

We know that he has provided us this plenty, and our faith has propelled us forward. Leaning into his light of goodness and grace, we cry out in praise and sheer elation. He is the Lord of the Harvest!

Praises like warm honey flow out of our mouths – for you have covered the fields with your generous streams of wondrous blessings. I stand in the rows of substance and say – great is the Lord!

He provides in the drought and in the downpour. May my faith remain fixed – basket in hand, ready to collect your beautiful first fruits – even with the appearance of absent rain in the distance.