But, I Just Want to Save Animals, Sip Coffee & Cuddle Babies?

October 21, 2015October 21, 20151 Comment

Have you ever had one of those days where you just want to save animals, sip coffee and cuddle babies? Seriously, ditch the office chair, throw out the panty hose and replace them with an outdoor background and recycled t-shirt. Okay – maybe that’s just me.

But, often times in life, things can seem hard and seemingly dull. We want each moment to pass by at lightning speed and for amazing things to happen every single second. After all, this is a supersonic society with instant gratification around every corner.

Patience is often a word that I don’t want to pray for – because the literal meaning is ‘long suffering.’ Yikes. Who wants to suffer long? I know. That does not sound like a great deal to me. However, this attribute is included in the fruits of the spirit.

The dictionary defines ‘patience’ as: the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.

Even though, we may be stuck in our office chair –dreaming of star gazing in a scenic desert – we can have patience in the mundane. We can accept with beauty the place we are in the moment. Waiting on God is a beautiful action. It takes faith – bold faith.

We all have responsibilities and commitments and they might seem dull from time to time. But, sweet one, rest in the assurance that God has a master plan for you. And, that plan is not always exciting, captivating and alluring – all the time.

The journey of life is not a pathway of popsicles and sugary soda. It is a gritty road that tests your emotions, confidence and willpower – the road less traveled. But, know that on this walk, (that can be tremendously exciting and is truly rewarding) you will face bumps, valleys and dry patches.

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. – Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Look up, rejoice and praise God for these places. Don’t abandon ship. Trust harder, pray deeper and seek further when your patience is tested – for you were made for such a time as this!

You Have Collected All My Tears In Your Bottle

October 15, 2015October 15, 2015Leave a comment

We’re dusty. Created with tight knit corners and deep crevices, it’s hard to imagine anyone can know our soul, struggles and innate thoughts. And, this realization can feel very lonely at times.

When walking on a cobblestone road, tumbling wildly in the dark and skinning your knees, it’s easy to think, ‘no one knows this winding path – there is no one that understands the sting of this fall or the unique steps I have taken.’

We search for confidantes to express our feelings and emotions. Somehow, we end up empty. Yet, this emptiness we come to comprehend is because we are expecting empathy from those made of earthy soil and bone.

We need to take our worries, fears and feelings to the Rock of Ages. He is the one who has walked that cobblestone path with you, watched you fall and felt your pain. Nevertheless, he has picked you up, brushed you off and held you in the depths of his mighty hands – speaking promise over your life.

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” – Psalm 56:8

God knows those crevices of our souls – the dusty ones that no one can see. He breathes security into the veins of our hearts and speaks his healing to the pains that shoot unfathomable lengths in our stomachs.

He sees you, dear one.

Every tear and inaudible word speaks volumes to the Savior of your Soul. If you cannot speak, God will listen to your heart. He is that mighty and great. Cry out to him – for he will collect your salty pain and replace those daunting fears with his unfathomable joy.

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. – Revelation 7:17

May we always remember that the same God who made the stars knows our name. He knows your story, knows your heart. He is holding out his hands to collect those sorrows and turn them into joy. Cry out to Jesus.

Faithfully Jumping in the Flames of Life

September 21, 2015September 21, 2015Leave a comment

Feet caked in debris, I look up at the sky and shake my fists! When did the air get so dirty and thick – almost to the point of clogging up my windpipes?

Looks can be deceiving. We’ve learned that from the Goldilocks fable, where the Big Bad Wolf, cloaked as grandma, jumps out from the four post bed and gobbles up the poor, sweet blonde.

Yet, the brilliant horizon appears beautifully fresh and moist – almost like a fairy-tale; nevertheless, I am wincing for air. Those with painted picket posters might argue my claim; but, my struggle for breath is not from environmental factors. But, rather emotional and spiritual soot –the kind that blocks up the solid brick chimney –igniting house fires and releasing that deadly carbon dioxide.

My heart’s desire is not to get burned by the furious flame. I want to dance in the fire like those valiant soldiers of God – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. How obedient they were standing firm in the promise that Yahweh would protect them from this scorching furnace. Yet, when I evaluate my faith that picture and reality of my skin roasting in the heat is all consuming. It frightens the child within my soul and shakes the walls of my flesh temple.

God has called us to be obedient to his charge. He has proven his loyalty time and time again. Like a compassionate king, he unleashes love –for he is made of the purest form of love there is. He proves his faithfulness to the faithful.

And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these men upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was a hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed nor had the smell of fire passed onto them. – Daniel 3:27

Woe to me if I believe the cigarette stench of this world can consume me. It only swallows me if I allow it to do so. It is my choice to stay in the smoking suite and have my clothes bathed in the smell of others nicotine addictions.

May I faithfully jump into the flames of this life – knowing that you will be there to dance with me, God. And, this dance will not leave me laden with a smoke smelling jacket. No, it will smell like the embers of Christ – as sweet as honey and heavenly!

When My Tears Get Heavy & Emotions Run Wild

July 6, 2015July 6, 2015Leave a comment

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!

My Poetry Journal: Illuminated By Truth

June 14, 2014June 14, 20141 Comment

My body is sand. It’s illuminated by truth.

Shining in the darkness – kindling in my youth.

Crumbling on the outside, but renewed from within,

This burning body – is more than just skin.

A ruddy, fragile pot – placed upon this earth.

Granted life, by grace, temporal form re-birthed.

Once a vagabond, stinging with blood stains.

The Maker of all things has alleviated my pain.

I no longer walk on the sand banks of my sorrow.

Clinging to his hope, he brings promise for tomorrow.

Like a horse galloping through the pasture, my life is refreshed.

I can dance in blissful moments – truly catch my joyous breath.

Sights, smells and sounds around me are powerful, they’re pronounced.

My God has fought the war for me. All iniquity he’s denounced.

I’m an earthen vessel. I’ll fearlessly shine my light for Him.

Building a fireplace in every human chamber, my life will not grow dim.

With his hands he places to my mouth – a piece fiery of coal.

My Father will forever be – the candle scorching in my soul.

The God of all the heavens reinforces this vessel – weak.

He pours blessings on my life and anoints my lips to speak.

-Kimberly Willingham

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand alive coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged.” Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

– Isaiah 6:6-8

I Love Every Moment With You

June 3, 2014June 3, 2014Leave a comment

Dear One, you are never alone with Christ. He loves every single moment with you. He is not a fair weather friend who only loves and celebrates the exciting times –the times we document on Facebook and Instagram (you know what I am talking about). He loves being in your presence every minute of every hour.

When you brush your teeth, he enjoys seeing you take care of yourself. He delights in you pouring that bowl of healthy cereal or cutting that ripe green apple – for you are his! He smiles at you lacing up your tennis shoes to jog those 3 miles after work. How can he not enjoy watching you, someone he created in his image, live life to the fullest!?

It warms his heart to see you worship him –to sing his praises in the car, church or quietly at home. It moves him to hear you claim his rich promises.

He whispers to you all day, ‘I love every moment with you.’ And, he means it.

You do not have to fear being alone – ever. For you have a Savior that is omnipresent and stands watch at the bedroom door of your house. He holds a flame of protection and the ruddy aroma of his provision. He is there, while you sleep, cry, pray, praise or lament. He is present.

Take a moment today to celebrate that you are never alone. You always have an advocate in your midst and someone who rejoices in the milestones of your life and also the mundane.

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head.This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! – Psalm 139: 1-6

Day 1: Hannah’s Prayer Challenge {Praise and Deliverance}

May 20, 2014Leave a comment

“My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn[a] is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.”

The first memory that comes to my mind when reading this verse, is that of a child and two women in a park blowing a shofar. And, that child my friends, happens to be me.

I was fortunate enough to be raised by a godly family. My mom and her friends were rooted in scripture – so when they read of the shofars being blown around the City of Jericho that meant that we were going to blow on a shofar in the present day and praise the Lord for knocking the walls down in our lives. I thank God every day for this experience with them.

There is something about the horn in scripture that really brings chills to my body. It is often quoted as the ‘horn of praise.’ In Psalm it is used to make music and truly exalt the Lord. But, it is also referred to as the ‘horn of salvation.’ This phrase is cited with physical words such as rock, fortress, strong rock and shield.

And in Hannah’s prayer she lifts her horn up to the Lord which denotes the power of truth. I love that in ancient days the shofar was used for both battle and praise. To me, this points to the significance in praising our Lord and Savior. If an instrument for war was used to praise the Most High God, imagine the effect our praise out of our lips today.

Deliverance. That is the second part of this opening prayer of thanksgiving. She is delighting herself in the deliverance of the Lord. How often do we think of despair and ruin? Sadly, I know my thoughts run haywire when it comes to that subject.

I aspire to be like Hannah and truly delight myself in the precious deliverance God has purchased me with his blood. He died for our deliverance. So, this is something that we should praise him for each and every day.

Take time to delight yourself in his goodness, which means to allow our hearts to truly find peace and fulfillment in Him and Him alone. I pray today reading Hannah’s pray inspires you and makes you think of the power of praise and His deliverance.

Seek To Be Worth Knowing Rather Than Be Well Known

May 6, 20141 Comment

This phrase hit me like a load of bricks. I absolutely love it especially in the culture we live in – the culture of instant stardom. We see pictures of beautiful movie stars online. These starlets or superhuman men grace the pages of the magazines or stand like a pristine statue on the runway.

They are graceful and elegant with their painted smiles and piercing eyes. But, honestly, what do we know about them? There are some stars that I’ve never even heard their voices. Being well known does not define your worth.

Your worth is defined by who you are inside – your personality, kind heart and desire to serve. This has nothing to do with outward appearance. Society has it messed up. it associates beauty and celebrity status with worth. Not so.

Jesus says in John 17:25,

‘O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me.’

This verse shows that the ‘world’ did not know the Father – the King of Kings. He was not Cesar. He did not have elaborate parties. He washed people’s feet and ate at the table of sinners. His heart was not fame focused but rather God focused.

Beautiful One – seek to be worth knowing rather to be well known. The actions you make today may not be splashed across magazines or proclaimed on news sites; but, your Father will take note of it in heaven.

The hungry man you feed or buy a sandwich for may go unnoticed here on earth; but God sees you. That song you sing to that bed bound elderly lady will not be posted on YouTube, but God hears it. The love you give to your family members and friends may not win an award – but your Maker notices.

May we seek to be people of humility – people truly worth knowing, unaffected by the limelight and the bright billboards of fame. Like moths, we are surely drawn to the flame but the flame of self gratification burns and destroys. Dear One, do not seek to be a star – because you already are one in the eyes of the Lord.

Sparkle and shine with the light of Christ. You live for an audience of one. Tabloids will last for a moment, but your character and love and will stand the test of time.

I Am Not Afraid. I Was Born To Do This.

March 27, 2014March 27, 2014Leave a comment

I am not afraid. I was born to do this. Chills, puzzlement, depression – then inspiration.

That’s a profound statement. Chills. What type of person says that? Puzzlement. Why can’t I have this type of strength? Depression. I will strive harder every day – to attain this spirit. Inspiration.

These words were uttered by Joan of Arc. She is not a foreign figure to most. A young lady burned at the stake then elevated to sainthood. She led an entire army in strength and dignity –the Braveheart of her day.

This is her actual quote:

“I do not fear the soldiers, for my road is made open to me; and if the soldiers come, I have God, my Lord, who will know how to clear the route that leads to messire the Dauphin. It was for this that I was born!”

Why can’t I have this faith – that mountain moving, earth shattering faith? The faith that gathers warriors to link up their rusty battle armor and march for a cause void of fear!

Fear is a pesky, life crushing thing. We are told in 1 John that ‘perfect love casts off fear.’ Reading this I worry that my love is not perfect for I am prone to fear. I know my faith is smaller than a mustard seed – and, I confess, worry lines my stomach at times.

What can God do with a person like that? I tell you what, he can transform her. He can whisper his mission in her heart and soul. He can call her from picket fence living into front line fighting.

I want to be like this sister of sainthood. Her courageous cries inspire me. Her bravery is one to elevate but not to worship. For, it was not her personally that was the magnificent– it was the cause that riled her heart. That cause, that belief made her fearless.

We have a cause, a Savior to shout valiantly about. He is more than a cause – he is life everlasting. Every day by proclaiming his marvelous name – we are acting like daughters of steel, like present day Joan’s. That is a battle cry. In a world that is cascaded with darkness we are the light.

We can hold our heads up high – and say, I am not afraid. I was born to do this.

Stuck In The Smelly Belly of The Whale

March 25, 2014Leave a comment

I am not my own. This is a phrase that should pervade my spirit from day to day. Yet, it is so easy to act like we are the captain of our ships.

It’s easy to grab the reigns – to be a Miss Bossy Pants and exude the attitude of ‘let me lead!’

However, in the long run, that’s a Jonah attitude. And, I surely do not want to be stuck in the smelly belly of the whale. I want to obey and let his light shine in me.

God’s way is higher and his direction is key. So often we lean on our own devices. We whine, cry and make ourselves feel miserable because life is not fair. We let the green eyed monster of jealousy and that soothsayer, pride, abound in our souls. How ugly!

I want my confidence and assurance to be found in Christ and Christ alone. I cannot boast about my accomplishments or ideas – for it is Christ who lives in me. What a hollow existence gloating in moves made without acknowledging the Giver of All Good Things.

Life is not a walk through Candy Land. It is full of hardships, failures and grief. But, there is joy in the growth. There is contentment in the love that the Lord offers. And there is peace in reliance of his faithfulness and direction.

I am not the Captain of my own ship. I have a choice – to let him lead. I’m just a sailor – confident in the one who steers the ship of my life. Where you lead, I will follow. Whether the sea is rough or calm, I will praise you – for I am your vessel.

Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord. – Jonah 2: 8-9

Read Jonah’s FULL prayer, here.