Planted In The House of The LORD

March 5, 2018March 5, 2018Leave a comment

Outstretched and extended, my roots prod deeper and deeper into the rich soil of your goodness. They yearn for your splendor, provision and peace.

The grass withers and the flowers fall; so, it is my desire to stand firm like a mighty oak tree – planted secure in the House of the LORD.

The winds cannot move an age-old mighty oak. They might attempt to rattle the sturdy structure; however, it’s trunk alone is vast, and its root system stretches out for miles.

Just a small seed at my conception, may the shell of my exterior crack and my root system encompass vast quantities of distances – branching out far and wide.

Secure the stem of my soul to the water source of your mercy and grace. Unshaken, fixed and fortified – this is my fate when I tap into the aquifer of everlasting life.

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord,

Shall flourish in the courts of our God. – Psalm 92: 13

With the wellspring of life fueling my growth, energy and delight, I can flourish into a mature tree. Fully developed, I can stand firmly fixed with your power working through me. Braided down deep in the soil, my soul is interwoven with your everlasting truth.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. – Isaiah 61:3

Brandish your glory through my sturdiness. Let it be evident for all to see.

In the storms of this life, it is my prayer that my root system is not shaken but only implants itself greater into the enriching soil of your harvest.

Make me into a mighty oak for the exhibition of your power, this is my prayer.

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.

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.

Find A Nature Walk Near You

July 28, 2014November 3, 2014Leave a comment

Me and my puppy on a nature walk!

I have fallen head over heels in love with walking. But not just any walk – nature walks. There is something serene and absolutely beautiful about walking by a flowing creek or pathway of tiny rocks. Seeing squirrels scurry from tree to tree and hearing birds crisply chirp in the distance is awe inspiring.

Living in the city has really opened my eyes to the beauty in nature. It makes me miss the big open Texas skies and sunshine.

However, thank goodness for technology because there are certain websites and apps that can now help you locate beautiful places in your areas to walk/hike (even if your abode is in a high-rise in the middle of the city).

The American Heart Association has an awesome website: Start Walking Now. Just got to this website and you can enter in your current location and viola – there before your eyes are commonly walked paths with mileage numbers. Pretty great! You can select the intensity level along with the type of walk you would like to go on ie: mall, nature walk, airport…etc.

Trails.com is another good link. Simply choose your state and enter your city and limitless trails and bike paths pop up. It is super easy. You can even customize the website to whatever activity you enjoy the best like biking, hiking, rafting…etc.

Map My Walk is extremely easy to use as well. You can also get this on your phone! Again, just enter your state and city and trails pop up with distances. This interface is really easy to look at and it displays the current weather conditions for the day.

Adding a nature walk, even if it’s just for the weekends, is a great prescription for your health.

Walking in nature can have positive impacts on disposition and memory—researchers have found that students with moderate to severe depression demonstrated a significant increase in both mood and short-term memory after a walk through a natural setting, as compared to a walk through the city.

Also, natural elements like plants, trees, water and sunlight have been said to absorb negative energy.

Start walking in nature today. You really have nothing to lose.