I Am With You Always

September 25, 2018September 25, 2018Leave a comment

“… and be sure of this—that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” – Matthew 28_20g I am present always. That’s a glorious truth I desire for you to grasp, sweet one. You never walk through deep waters alone. I am right beside you – holding you up in the furious wind. You may think your body will not be able to sustain you in the treacherous climate; but, I am here. Your body will not buckle if you operate in my strength.

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14: 14

I will support you. In fact, it gives me great pleasure to fight for you, my child. When you trust in my might and step forward in sheer faith, it delights my heart. You will be like a reed in the wind – shaken but deeply rooted tall and strong.

Listen to the howling of the gales around you and be not afraid. Though they may frighten, commit to memory that my power can conquer all. Place your hands in mine and never let go. Repeat this truth over and over – you are never alone. Call out to me, and I will answer.

“… and be sure of this—that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” – Matthew 28:20

I love you with an everlasting love, child. I have come so that you might have life! Breathe in the life, grace and hope that I offer to you. Command the winds in your life – to be still in my name. They will surrender to your God – for they were crafted by my hands.

Rest in peace. Walk in freedom. Claim these things. Raise your emancipation banner high! You are no longer a slave to sin and death.

Release that burden that pulls you down like a heavy medal around your neck. Leap for joy – because your God sustains you. Remember you were created to choose everlasting life. Choose life – and live fully committed to my spirit.

When I Rise – Give Me Jesus

September 18, 2018September 18, 2018Leave a comment

The sleepy sun rises in the distance – over the hills, meadows and tall buildings. The warmth of its glow tickles our skin and quickly welcomes us to a new day on this earth. Every single day we have an opportunity to make a mark, imprint on a life and breathe his glory in this rocky terrain.

However, what we set our minds on – impacts what air we will expel onto others. Do we start our days with doubts and worries of events in the future? Do we dread the routine of life to miss out on the opportunity that presents itself to us like crackling fire works?

We must start the day with an outlook – one focused through heaven’s spectacles. May we truly ask for the eyes of Christ each morning. I pray for us – in the morning, when we rise – that we seek Jesus.

“In the morning, when I rise – give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus, give me Jesus,

You can have all this world – just give me Jesus. – Songwriters: C.S. Brown

Give Me Jesus lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

It’s a precious time – one so intimate and necessary. A time in stillness and quiet when we can truly listen for our Father and set our minds on things above for the day.

Just as an athlete has a regimen of weights, cardio and diet, our fuel comes from the pages of his promises. We desperately need to be centered in his righteousness.

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. – Proverbs 8:17

He has lined his children’s trail with precious gems. However, they are hidden riches and he calls us to search for them, seek them out – and share them with others.

Seek God – sweet one, from the tranquility of your home, from the stillness of your work-space or in the quiet in your car. Open his words and let them change you from the inside out.

He is waiting to speak to us – and show us the path he has ahead of us.

If we seek, we will surely find.

The Simple Moments Define Us

September 14, 2018September 14, 2018Leave a comment

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. – Luke 16_10 Simple moments. How often do we discard them and seek for the earthquake, colossal happenings in life? We look for the blessings from heaven that everyone will notice. The big events that show up like fireworks in the night sky. The ones that require a parade with confetti and multicolored streamers.

We wish for the moments that we think will escalate our purpose and journey on this earth. After all, didn’t God call us to do big things?

Yes, God did call us to do big and mighty things; but, it’s easy to discard the hours spent snuggling your smooth skinned baby still wrapped in diapers, that spontaneous heart bursting hug from your toddler, that home cooked meal that nourishes your family’s bodies, that quick conversation with your neighbor, or that fragrant vase of wildflowers on your desk sent from your adoring spouse or childhood friend.

These are the little things, right?

We look at these moments as mundane. They are everyday happenings; but, these are the moments that define us. These moments are the pieces of the quilt that determine the elaborate cloth design on our exterior and interior.

What design will you choose?

“…the quality of your life and the character of your person is primarily shaped and defined by the 10,000 little decisions, desires, words, and actions you make every day. Even when we experience a life-altering event, we will have 10,000 little moments to respond to it.” -John David Tripp

We must never ever give up on doing big things for God! Never. He has called us to be giant slayers! However, even King David had mundane moments in the field – looking after flocks of woolly sheep. In these moments his character was formed.

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.” – Luke 16:10

We must cherish the little moments and think of them as building blocks – ones that strengthen character, faith and trust.

The Shape of True Love

February 13, 2018February 13, 2018Leave a comment

Child, look in my eyes – you are my romance. My heart swoons over you, my creation. I cannot help but marvel at the handiwork of my hands. Beautifully crafted, uniquely you. I made you, stamped you with your precise facial features for a purpose.

You are a ravishing beauty – never forget that! I love you with an everlasting love and call out to you daily with poems of wisdom and words of affection. Read my letters, they were written for you.

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. – Zephaniah 3:17

The flowers bloom for your pleasure, sweet one. They were created by my hands to make you smile. I love to see you enjoy life and love others deeply. Stop to smell the buds of spring opening in the shimmering sunlight. They are my fragrant bouquets for you.

Your reflection of my nature is heartwarming. It is glorious when you choose to show my goodness to the world. I carry your picture with me and close to my heart. My chest swells with delight over your desire to pluck precious stones out of rubble.

You should never feel unloved, my love – because you are the apple of my eye. My love for you surpasses the vastness of the mighty ocean. It outweighs the total mass of the planets in the galaxy. My love for you was written in red. It was carried to the cross and completed in death.

The shape of true love isn’t a diamond. It’s a cross. – Alicia Bruxvoort

I am here, sweet one. Risen and alive – pumping love for you. Don’t fixate on the commercialized notion of love. Sweetheart, focus on true love. The kind that never fades, tarnishes or shrivels up. That’s my love.

Walk in assurance today – that you are deeply, madly loved. Feel my arms wrapped around you – my creation. Hold your head up high. You are enough.

When The Roots Are Deep, There Is No Reason To Fear The Wind

February 8, 2018February 8, 20183 Comments

The wind will come, dear child because that’s just a part of this life. This phenomenon of nature was meant to sweep over your body, shake, rattle, and terrify you – but I tell you, “Be not afraid.”

When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.

If you are rooted in me – you will not be shaken. You will stand firm, child. Others will look at you in puzzlement and be amazed. You are strong; but, it will be evident it is not your strength but mine – holding you up in the storms.

Look in the face of the scary storm and smile, sweet one. You were made to climb mountains, scale walls and display my power to this dark, dark world. It’s important to realize and embrace your calling. Do not let your calling go unnoticed or untapped.

You were not crafted to let these trials consume you. No, child – you were crafted to pursue, run the race and lead others to ensure their roots are planted deep in the soil of my grace. I am calling on you to create a mighty oak army established in my truth –ever trusting in my provision.

So, when the winds come, tighten your belt, fix your feet in the solid bedrock of my words. Stand firmly in my truth and let that breeze pass over you. This wind will only bless you more and refine you! You will not be shaken or consumed, dear child – for I am right there with you.

I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. – Psalm 16:8

Stand firm. Look up – I am right beside you.

Little Girl, I Say To You, Arise!

May 5, 2017May 5, 2017Leave a comment

Awake my soul. My heart palpitates with fire-like jolts. Smells around me only intensify with every warm tremble in my chest. Sensing the robust dark coffee in the air, I call out to the heavens in the dawn – ‘Deepen my desire, LORD. Make my soul quake with an untamed blaze!”

I hold out a banner of praise. Fill my mouth and my longings with your power. You are my anthem. May my feet seek to follow the wake of your glorious splendor. Ignite my soul. Open these sleepy eyes – fixated on earthly plunder and worldly gain.

May I wake with one goal in mind – to shine your precious love. Let your spirit pervade my senses. May I truly seek the realm of godliness – to be clothed in a purple robe sprinkled in the dust of your steps. For this is power – this is might. This is strength.

Your holiness shakes me to the core. You say to me ‘little girl, arise.’ You wake me from my eternal sleep and breathe breath once again into my body of bones.

He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”). – Mark 5:41

How I am this privileged to trust and follow such a magnificent King? I want to sit at your feet for all time, LORD. The beauty for ashes you have brought into my life is unimaginable.

Hands in the air – fill me with the presence of you. My prayer is this – to house the goodness of your nature in my soul. Make the darkness of depression flee in seven directions from my life. It is you I want to exude through my interactions, quiet thoughts and personal aspirations.

Death once encompassed my life – you brought me back for a reason. Elevate my soul with visions from the chambers of your heart. May my eyes see the priceless glory of your affection, and may I walk through this life with the weight of your riches pressing on my spirit.

Hope, Refreshment, New Life – Around Every Corner

April 21, 2017April 21, 2017Leave a comment

Pastel blue robin’s eggs – a creamy blue to the naked eye. These petite life vessels are quite fragile. They are tiny homes to little mouths that will need to be fed by the nourishment from the earth. The wingspan of the mama will protect, shelter and guard the bodies of her sweet baby birds.

The spring air brings with it such hope and refreshment. New life is around every corner. Flowers, aromatic and vibrant, burst forth from the moist ground – reaching upward toward the rays of the warm sun.

Daylight brings with it sweet anticipation. May we open our arms to the sky and expect the rain to descend upon the thirsty ground. The Maker of Heaven and Earth will water his creation with provision and blessings – it is coming!

We are, like those delicate eggs, dependent – for sustenance. Gaining strength day by day, this grit comes not by our power or might – but is made perfectly complete in Him. It is by his spirit says the LORD!

LORD, may we be filled with the fragrant wind of new life! Embody our actions and mind.

He builds his lofty palace in the heavens and sets its foundation on the earth; he calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land—the Lord is his name. – Amos 9:6

Makeover our temples – and illuminate us. It is my desire to be a walking lamp-stand. I want to shine like a string light proudly fashioned in a pitch black backyard. A little strand of jovial intimacy but also sheer brilliance.

As the earth brings forth newness of life – may this season usher forth in our lives a fresh sense of urgency to shout your name from the rooftops! Miracles happen to those who put their trust in the Mover of the mountains.

Transplant the highlands, Sweet Jesus. This child opens her will and sacrifices her way – for yours! Like ivy on a colossal oak, may my soul cling to your precious promises! Mighty are you GOD of ALL.

Reading is Real. Classic Book Inspired Coffee Mugs Under $20

November 14, 2013Leave a comment

Get these coffee mugs here

Books warm the soul. I love the C.S. Lewis quote, ‘Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.’

The art of reading has simply died, and this is sad. I read a blog post yesterday titled, “18 Things Everyone Should Start Making Time For Again” and making time for real books was #6 on the list.

I love what the author says, ‘Actual hard copy books that you can scribble notes in and mark off sections of and smell ink through and hear the sound of turning pages and bending spines while you read.’

I do not want to knock the kindle or the iPad – but doesn’t it feel different to highlight and write things to the side of those tangible pages? Flipping through old books is one of my favorite things to do. It is neat and inspiring to read old notes to yourself or once illuminated thoughts.

Thinking back, I can remember crying through ‘Wuthering Heights’ and seeing my salty tears stain the pages – even to the point of leaving wet wrinkle marks. I cherish that book to this day. My Bible is marked with multicolored highlighters, pages are earmarked and notations abound but I would not have it any other way. This makes life real to me – not just a virtual world.

I think a challenge to me and to you should be to take time to read. Pull out a highlighter and mark that book up. Think on a special phrase or Bible verse. Write in a notepad or to the side of the page what it means to you. You will look back and appreciate the time you carved out to do this.

Be human. Don’t live in a virtual world. Engulf the classics. Sit in a reading chair with a cup of coffee or tea (maybe one that reminds you of your favorite childhood book) and drink in the words. Words impact people and people impact the world. Be a World Changer!