He Wanted Us – And That’s The Most Amazing Thing

February 22, 2018February 22, 2018Leave a comment

You stretched out your mighty hands and made the land beneath our feet. All sensation between my toes in the summer months is from you, Mighty Savior.

Your majestic voice spoke, and this world appeared from the darkness. My life is filled with colors, night, day, oceans and rocky terrain because of your artistic and creative mind.

You formed us. You didn’t have to; but, you did – and you breathed life into our bones.

God, you want us. You do not need us; but you want us.

God didn’t need us. He wanted us, and that’s the most amazing thing. – Rick Warren

You gathered dust and created man. From man’s side you formed woman in your image. What a humbling truth to digest – you want us.

“So God created man in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27

How honored we should feel to be chosen by you to carry out your eternal plan. You, in all your glory, want to live through us and desire to inhabit our souls. You chose us – picked us out; and made us in your image – to do good works for the Kingdom of God.

May we fulfill this calling you have for us, Sweet Savior and proclaim your majesty from the mountaintops and rooftops that our God reigns!

We have a God – that handpicked us. We desperately need him – for Power, O God, belongs to you!

I praise you for giving life and breath and everything else, LORD. May we live each day with your praises flowing out of our mouths – like bubbling fountains.

May the fountain of my mouth sing, ‘All praise, honor, glory, power to you!”

Battle For Your Heart, Mind and Soul

February 19, 2018February 19, 2018Leave a comment

This hollow earth beneath your feet is claimed. It’s a battleground, dear one. A battle for your heart, mind and soul. Unseen warriors stand beside you – both good and bad. They speak over your precious mind; but, you have the choice to listen to the lovely promises being uttered or trust in the depraved words of the forces of darkness.

There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square inch, every split second is claimed by God, and counterclaimed by Satan. – C.S. Lewis

The battle is real, and it is not to be taken lightly, precious one. This war is raging right now. Be vigilant child –arm and prepare yourself. Take up my sword and sheath and march forward.

The clashing up ahead of you might terrify; but, I tell you:

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you He will not fail you or forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6-7

You must lean on me – the Mightiest Warrior – for strength. Because of the blood of the lamb, the end ultimately is victory; but, that doesn’t mean you skip suiting up and taking part in the war. I have called you to be mighty – to achieve the impossible – to walk on water in the midst of the violent elements and dance in the furnace of trials.

Hold up your sword child. This chilling world is not your home. I have placed you here at this moment in time to fight for me, steadfastly stand for my Word and lead others to the never-ending, ever-flowing well of life.

Will you choose this day to recognize the unseen struggle around you? Will you guard your mind child and press on in confidence?

Let the commands in my Book of Life guide you. Listen for my still small voice. I am the lamb that was slain and the living lion that roars in triumph. Though the evil one may have claimed you for himself, you have the power to crush and break his stronghold on your life.

You are God-breathed. March forward dear child and renounce the earthly grasp on your soul; and accept the charge that your Creator has given you!

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.

Raising Beautiful People in a Fallen World

January 25, 2018January 25, 20181 Comment

Today, I watched my little boy put an oven mitt over his hand and mix up an imaginary meal.

Like any mother would be, I was touched to see my son enjoying himself – playing fearlessly in the Children’s Museum and exploring with many fun and creative toys.

He would open the wooden fridge and purposely put a spatula in a specific compartment. Though it was not known to me his reasoning – or anyone else for that matter, you could tell – he had a plan for that metal spatula and it was to be in that freezer.

When he placed that oven mitt on his hand today – a truth hit me like a brick. To some it might be a super cliché truth; but, nevertheless sometimes cliché sayings hit us harder at specific times for a reason.

The truth was: I had never shown him how to put that oven mitt over his hand. He simply had watched me cook dinners with these funny looking mitts on. From watching me he knew what to do.

Sometimes, I overlook the fact that he is still so young. Not even 1 ½ and he gathered enough of what was happening around him to know how to copy me. More and more each day he studies what my husband and I are saying and doing, and he tries to mimic us.

As parents, it’s a scary truth. Little eyes and ears are always watching what we say, do and how we react to certain situations. That’s a serious reality – one we mustn’t overlook.

These little one’s minds are impressionable, and it’s our duty to reflect love, respect, reverence, commitment and so much more into their little lives.

Children learn more from what you are than what you teach. ― W.E.B. Du Bois

It’s funny –a silly, little oven mitt today made me remember to watch my words and actions. But, isn’t that how God works sometimes – through the simple?

It made me remember to slow down and truly reflect on my movements – for little eyes are watching expectantly – trying to figure out this brave new world.

We have been given a huge task by God – to raise beautiful people in a world full of despair. The fibers of our character can knit a masterpiece in our child’s lives or a misshapen garment.

May our little ones pick up more than just how to put an oven mitt on their hands from our lives. Our goal should be to live in such a way that integrity and uprightness is interwoven in the filaments of their hearts.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6

I pray LORD that you give me your hands and feet. I feel elated and honored that you chose me to care for this little one. May he see in my life – someone who is not perfect; but relies on the Master of the Universe for guidance and wisdom. This is my hope and prayer – that he sees and desires to emulate one day. May he see you through me!

God’s Favor Outweighs All Opposition

January 23, 2018January 23, 2018Leave a comment

It should make our hearts truly leap and dance within our chests to know that the God of the Universe selected us. He knit us together for his purpose on earth.

Let that sink in: the Almighty handcrafted you to fulfill a specific purpose on this earth – for such a time as this.

With all the heartaches, rejections and disappointments on this earth, it’s easy to forget just how special you are to the living, breathing God. But, let’s truly focus today on the beautiful fact that we, his children, are winners in the eyes of the LORD.

We are not ordinary vessels; but, sparkling gems to the greatest curator that has ever lived!

When God has selected you, it doesn’t matter who else has rejected or neglected you. God’s favor outweighs all opposition. You are a winner.

May we focus on this charge today. It’s powerful, and God has given us the keys to unleash this positive power on our lives and on others’ lives as well. We simply must believe that we are truly special in his hands. It’s essential to digest that precious truth.

You are not worthless – no matter what anyone tells you. You are invaluable, irreplaceable and treasured.

Let’s unfold that dusty banner of praise that may have been stored in the cabinets of our souls for some time now. Tell the thoughts of despair and rejections to flee – for they are not from your Creator.

“Remember these things, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant, O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me.” – Isaiah 44:21

Wave that banner – and celebrate that you are loved, cherished, adored, remembered and protected in the eyes and arms of the Father of Lights.

Speak to those thoughts that negatively affect your mind. Tell them to get behind you because you were formed by the hands of the one that formed the universe! Let your banner ripple in the wind for all to see!

Almighty God,

I lift a banner of praise up today and magnify your precious name. You are the Creator of all things, and I thank you for breathing life into my body and soul. May my actions and the words of my mouth truly be pleasing to you today and always. Fix my mind on the good and lovely. Work through me and use me to share your light with others.

In Jesus’ Name Amen.

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.

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.