He Says I'm Beautiful

My entire life I have put my trust in man, I have found significance in people, I have easily turned to the counsel of man before turning to that of my Heavenly Father, and I have let the way people treat me dictate how I feel.
Why do I continually do so when My Heavenly Father thinks so highly of me not because of what I've done, what I've failed to do, what I look like, or anything else but because of who He is and what He has done.
Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus! .

Those who put their trust in mere men will be disappointed in life. Those who turn to people for strength rather than to Me will not find what they are truly seeking.
They are like shrubs that live in the desert with absolutely no means to survive and no hope to continue living. But those that put their trust in and find their significance in Me, the only One Who will never disappoint, will only be blessed beyond measure. They will have true confidence and hope as they walk throughout their days. Joy will be theirs’ and nothing will be able to take that from them.
They will be like trees that are found on the bank of a river with deep roots and a continual wellspring of rich water. Heat never bothers them and months of drought have no effect on their condition.
Think of such a life! It can be yours if you simply trust Me.

Man will disappoint you. It’s a fact of life. But this is what I say: You are so beautiful, oh daughter of Mine… Do you know how often I think about you? You could never count the times in a day that my mind is fixed on you. If you tried, it would be the same as trying to count every single grain of sand found on the face of this earth. That is how special you are to Me. You truly are precious.
Did you know that even before your parents thought of a name for you, I had already called you: “My Beloved One”. I love you dearly. Keep your mind fixed on these truths for, unlike man's, My opinion of you will never change.

[Jeremiah 17:5-8; Isaiah 43:4; Psalm 139:17; Isaiah 60:9]

Come Close To Me

It's amazing how the circumstances of our lives can dictate our moods, our feelings, and our decisions. Sometimes in our difficult situations, we run closer to His presence, depending more on Him, and other times we feel so discouraged that we forget to bring our troubles to Him and keep trying in our own strengths.

This is what He has been saying to me lately about Coming Closer to Him during the trial He has been leading me through for the past few weeks:

You can live as close to Me as you choose. I don't set up barriers between us; neither do I tear down barriers that you erect.
People tend to think that their circumstances determine the quality of their lives. That is why they pour all their energy into trying to control all situations. They feel happy when things are going well [their way], and depressed or frustrated when things aren't turning out as they had hoped. Rarely do they question this correlation between their circumstances and their feelings. Yet it is possible to be content in any and every situation. It's up to them! All they have to do is Trust Me.
So put more of your energy into trusting Me and My love. Enjoy My presence in your life! Don't let your well-being depend on your circumstances around you. Instead, connect your joy to my promises found in Scripture:
I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.
I will meet every single one of your needs according to My abundant riches.
Nothing in all of creation will ever be able to separate you from My Love... Nothing!
I am working My ways in you: the divine Artist creating loveliness within your being. My main work is to clear out debris and clutter, making more room for My Spirit to take complete possession. Collaborate with Me in this effort by being willing to let go of anything I choose to take away - for a time or permanently. I know what you need, and I have promised to provide all of that, abundantly.
Your sense of security must not rest in your possessions or in things going your way. I am training you to depend on Me alone, finding fulfillment in My Presence alone. This entails being completely satisfied with much or little, accepting either as My will for the moment. Instead of grasping and controlling, you are learning to release and receive. Cultivate this receptive stance by trusting Me in every single situation.

[Philippians 4:12; Genesis 28:15; Philippians 4:19; Romans 8:38-39; Psalm 29:2]

What is a Hero?

I feel like the word “hero” is really used far too liberally these days. Many might say that a football player that scores the game-winning touchdown or the goaltender who saves his team from a loss is a hero. What?

There certainly are many different types of heroes. When you hear this word, you might immediately think of the classic heroes of comic books and action movies today with super human powers like Superman, Batman, the Hulk, Spiderman, or Wolverine. Or maybe the first thing you think of is a soldier or war veteran, heroes of battle that have fought for their country. Maybe you even think of the prince in a fairytale who saves the princess after fighting many dragons and obstacles, afterwards carrying her away to his castle where they live happily ever after. Finally there are those that we consider the heroes of our hearts who have fought for us and have won us at last as the champion of our affections.

Dictionary.com has defined a hero as “a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength, a champion, someone who fights for a cause.” How many guys today truly fulfill this description when it comes to a girl’s heart? - one who will fight for their cause – her heart. How many guys are willing to truly fight for the girl or do they typically tend to run when things start to get difficult or more than they expected? Christopher Reeve has said that “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” I would think that this strength would be found in his love for her that keeps him going, that keeps him fighting until he has won her heart. This is the type of man that I want to give my heart to – one who has fought for me and who hasn’t let obstacles stop him or slow him down, but, on the contrary, have pushed him harder and increased his valor and his love for me. He is the one who will truly be my hero.

Rest

Trust Me and refuse to worry, for I am your Strength and Song.
You are feeling wobbly this morning, looking at difficult times looming ahead, measuring them against your own strength. However, they are not today's tasks - or even tomorrow's. So leave them in the future and come home to the present, where you will find Me waiting for you. Since I am your Strength, I can empower you to handle each task as it comes. Because I am your Song, I can give you joy as you work alongside Me.

Keep bringing your mind back to the present moment. Among all my creatures, only humans can anticipate future events. This ability is a blessing but it becomes a curse whenever it is misused. If you use your magnificent mind to worry about tomorrow, you cloak yourself in dark unbelief. However, when the hope of heaven fills your thoughts, the Light of My Presence envelops you. Though heaven is future, it is also present. As you walk in the Light with Me, you have on foot on earth and one foot in Heaven.

[Exodus 15:2, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Hebrews 10:23]

Only Love

An attempt at poetry. I wrote this when I was sixteen.

Always running, always searching
Searching for love from the empty hearted
Why do I continue
Continue running from my Only Love?

I’m longing for one love to hold me tight
I’m longing for one love to comfort me in the night
Why do I continue
Continue running from my Only Love?

My heart is too often open for taking
My heart is so tired of always breaking
So why do I continue
Continue running from my Only Love?

You alone will never fail me.
You alone can fill my need.
You alone will always love me
You alone can my True Love be

There You are…
You’re standing with arms open wide
You’re right there - right by my side
So why do I continue
Continue running from my Only Love?

Why do I continue when I know
That You are the only one
Who will never let me go?
That’s why you sent your Son
To me Your love to show.

So I’m running back to You
Begging for help to see me through
‘Till that glory day when You call from above
And I can be forever with my Only Love.

The Father and The Child

This is a poem someone very dear sent to me during a struggle in my life. It will always be special to me.

The Father and The Child
by Cynthia Heald

The Father spoke:
Are you ready, My child?
Yes but I have nothing to bring except myself.
You are all I need.
Surely I must bring something; I do not feel prepared to travel.
Do Not concern yourself with preparations. Your journey has already begun.
But I am fearful.
There is no need to fear; I will always be with you.
Will You give me what I need?
I will provide for you.
What will You provide?
All that is essential for your journey.
And what is essential?
I will show you along the way. For now, you have what is necessary: the desire to draw close to My heart.

The Child spoke:
Father; the journey is harder than I thought it would be. I am weary.
When My Son traveld here, He became weary also.
Why is it so?
Because My kingdom is not yet established.
Am I nearing the destination?
You have come far, but there are still many roads to travel.
Will those roads be any easier?
The closer you come to My heart, the more intensely you will experience My love and understand My ways. You will become more concerned about what is eternal and less concerned about the difficulty of the journey.
Sorrow still walks with me.
She travels with you by My design. She is a carefully chosen tool in My hand to accomplish My will for you.
Sorrow has become more of a friend. I no longer fear her presence. But Joy never leaves me! She has settled deep within me. Will she always accompany me?
She will never leave you as long as you keep your hand in Mine and let Me lead you to My heart.
Then she will be with me forever--for I have no other desire than to know Your heart.

The Father spoke:
And what do you know of My heart?
I know that Your heart is the only worthy destination.
How have you learned this truth?
By walking daily with You.
How are your companions, Joy and Sorrow?
Now that I have a better understanding of Your heart, I realize that Sorrow keeps me dependent upon You and Joy enables me to stay on the journey.
You have learned well, My child. So you wish to continue the journey?
Oh, Father; I only pray that I remain faithful and obedient. I want no other journey--I seek no other Joy.
You will find Joy in loving and serving others.
It is hard for me to love and serve. How can I do it with Joy?
By taking My yoke and learning of Me.
As long as I am yoked to You, Father; I know I can do anything.
Hold My hand tightly, My child. For this part of the journey, you must receive My rest and learn to live for all that is eternal.
Why must I hold Your hand tightly?
Because I am ready to place you as a laborer in My harverst, and I do not want you to be so busy in your service that you loosen your grip or let go.
And how do I labor in Your havest?
By bringing Me glory.

The Child spoke:
I'm nearning the end of my jorney, aren't I Father?
Yes, My child, but there are still a few more roads to travel.
It has been a good journey. Thank You for holding my hand.
Have you lacked for anything?
No, nothing. I must confess I was skeptical that all I needed to take on the journey was a willing heart. I didn't realize then when You have my heart, You are all I ever need or want.
What have you learned from your travels?
I've learned that being a woman who pleases You has nothing to do with my family, my friends, or my circumstances, but everything to do with how much I love You and how deeply I abide in You.
How would you describe your journey?
As a journey that frees me to become all You created me to be--as a journey of great inner Joy.
What have you learned about Joy?
Joy has always been deep in my heart, but she is quiet. I've learned that I must be still to hear her; otherwise, I listen to louder voices that silence hers.
How has Joy served you?
She has faithfully been with me in all of my journey--my trials, my suffering, my obedience, and my serving. I understand now that she always accompanies Sorrow--but her most precious gift to me is her tears as I experience Your presence.
How has Sorrow helped you?
Father, I know I said in the beginning that I didn't want Sorrow to go with me but she has taught me much. Without her, I would never have wept over my sin. Whenver I was deeply hurt or grieving, she took me straight to Your heart. Without her, I would not have known how others felt. I would not have known how to love or serve them. And as You said, it has been Sorrow that taught me the meaning of true Joy.
And what is true Joy?
True Joy is knowing and experiencing Your heart.
In the past, I know I would have had a list, Father. But now, I want only one thing--and that is to bring You glory.

Once more, the child stretched out her hand. The father knowing the great love His child had for Him, took her hand and they continued on their journey.

His Way is Wisdom

“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:1-6

Recently, I’ve been facing lots of decision. One in particular that has been constantly on my mind is: what college will I transfer to next year? I’ve been fasting and praying about all these questions that I've been asking God about and it comes down to: “How will I know? How will it be crystal clear to me that this is Your will?” He keeps answering, “Get wisdom.” So, I then posed the question, “How do we ‘get wisdom’”? and “What is wisdom anyway”?

What is wisdom anyway?
Wisdom has been defined as “understanding the fear of the Lord and finding the knowledge of God, knowing God and doing as He commands, and living a disciplined and prudent life in the fear of the Lord.” (Kevin DeYoung, Just Do Something)
The Proverbs 2 verse above tells us not only to pursue wisdom but also how to pursue it – “look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure.” We are to search for it with earnest longing because it should be as precious to us as silver and gold.
Why is wisdom so precious? Well, think about the alternative! The opposite of wisdom is folly; therefore, in getting wisdom, we are avoiding foolishness.

How do we “get wisdom”?
There seems to be a three step process laid out for us in these verses.
1. Accept my words
2. Turn your ear towards wisdom
3. Call out for insight

1. Accepting God’s Words – how do we do that? Well, we first have to know what ‘His Words’ are! Spending time in His Word will help us with this step. Read, read, read. One of the key ways that God speaks to us is through His Word. But when you read, remember, you are searching for treasure, “as for silver and gold” the Proverb says! Keep your eyes and heart open!

2. Turn your ear towards wisdom. One particular way that God speaks to us is through the wise counsel of other believers. One way that God can give me insight, personally, is through the wise counsel of my parents. Proverbs 19:20 tells us: “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” I cannot tell you how often God has spoken to me, cautioned me, prepared me, and blessed me through the counsel of my parents. They’re usually right, too.

3. Call out for insight – this is prayer. We fast and pray. This is how we speak to God. Even Jesus lived a life of constant prayer to God. Ask what you will (Matt 7:7). He wants us to come to Him. He waits anxiously to hear our voices crying out to Him in prayer.

So seek wisdom. Walk in it. Study the Bible, listen to the wise counsel of other believers, and continually live in prayer. This should be our way of life.

“The way of wisdom is a way of life. And that makes you freer than you realize.” – Kevin DeYoung

Never Satisfied?

Millions of people today spend a lifetime searching for love, acceptance and success without really understanding the need that compels them.
It must be understood that this hunger for self-worth is God-given and can only be truly and completely satisfied by Himself.
Our value is not dependent on our ability to earn the fickle acceptance of people, but rather, it's true source is the love and acceptance of our Heavenly Father.
He created us. He Alone knows how to fulfill all of our needs. (Phil 4:19)

In Scripture, we find God supplying all that is essential for us to discover our worth and our true significance.

First and foremost, He tells us how important we are to Him:

You are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.

-Is. 43:4.

While people will come and go based on their feelings, on situations, and as a result of their human nature, He will never leave or abandon us:

I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down or relax My hold on you! Assuredly not!

-Hebrews 13:5

Again, it must be understood that our hunger for love, acceptance, and self-worth is given to us by God and can only be truly satisfied by Himself.
When His love and acceptance are our primary focus and we continually dwell on these truths, the yearnings for the approval of man will fade, and our joy will be more complete as we bask in His unfailing love for us.

By Your Side

by Tenth Avenue North

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life

I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go

My hands are holding you

All I Really Want

Psalm 142

I cry out to the Lord;
I plead for the Lord’s mercy.
I pour out my complaints before Him
and tell Him all my troubles.

When I am overwhelmed,
You alone know the way I should turn.
I look for someone to come and help me,
but no one gives me a passing thought!

Then I pray to you, O Lord.
I say, “You are my place of refuge.
You are ALL I REALLY WANT IN LIFE.

Hear my cry,
for I am very low.
Rescue me from my persecutors,
for they are too strong for me.

Bring me out of prison
so I can thank You.
The godly will crowd around me,
for You are GOOD to me.”

Let Him Hold Your Heart

C.S. Lewis once stated, "To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will possibly be broken."

Every girl everywhere today wants someone to come sweep her off her feet and steal her heart away.
So often, her heart is too open, and, therefore, too often easily broken.

No relationship ever delivers what was dreamt it could. Fantasy eventually collides with reality, and reality bites ... and sometimes hard.
Occasionally, the heart that was given away is found on the ground, shattered in a million pieces.

The broken one cries out in pain, "I gave you my heart, and you broke it!"
And there was no avoiding it - Every girl everywhere today is eager to give her heart away.

So how does one guard the heart to avoid brokenness again?
The answer is clear: you can't!

The loving father's natural instinct is to protect - especially when it comes to the heart of his beloved daughter.
However, again the answer is the same: he cannot guard his daughter's heart.

It is humanly impossible to guard the heart - male or female.
He Who created the heart and created love can alone guard the hearts of His creation.

Every painful thing experienced in relationships is meant to remind man of his need for Christ.
He hears the tears falling on the pavement. He understands the pain of loss, hurt, and confusion. He hears the cries of a broken heart.

He longs to hold that heart and renew, reshape, and remold it for His glory!
And He can use the brokenness and the shattered pieces of the heart and mold them into a beautiful, mosaic masterpiece.

Let Him Hold Your Heart.

In Philippians 4:6-7, we read: “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will Guard Your Hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Powerful Quotes

"What matters supremely in the last analysis is the fact that He knows me. I am graven on the palms of His hands. I am never out of His mind...He knows me as a friend, one who loves me; and there is no moment when His eye is off me, or His attention distracted from me, and no moment, therefore, when His care falters." - J.I. Packer


“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will possibly be broken." - C.S. Lewis


"'The very circumstances, new and peculiar as they are, in which you
are placed, God can convert into new and peculiar mercies, yes, into the richest means of grace with which your soul was ever fed. the very void you feel, the very need you deplore, may be God's way of satiating you with His goodness." - Octavius Winslow


"God never withholds from His child that which His love and wisdom call good. God's refusals are always merciful... severe mercies at times... but mercies all the same. God never denies us our hearts desire except to give us something better." - Elizabeth Elliot


“Christians do not say, ‘I do not understand you at all, but I trust you anyway.’ Rather, we say, ‘I do not understand you in this situation, but I understand why I trust you anyway. Therefore I can trust that you understand even though I don’t.’
Faith does not know why in terms of the immediate, but it knows why it trusts God who knows why in terms of the ultimate.” - Os Guiness