You are known.

Sometimes we find that someone is suddenly treating us differently. As far as we know, nothing has changed, but still we are being treated differently. Inevitably it turns out that an action or expressed thought was misunderstood or misconstrued and the person believed there was a slight and their feelings were hurt. It may take some time before we find out what happened, but ultimately, we have been misunderstood. The person did not understand our intention or heart. Thankfully, there is One who never misunderstands and judges us by our miscommunication.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

To be "known by the thoughts and attitudes of [our] heart." Ahhhh....simply to be truly and fully known is our heart's very cry. So today - I will seek to understand and to be understood. What would you want people to know as your heart toward them?

Won't you share?

Do not fear - you're flying with a net!!

As we look forward - hearing the voice of our Creator call us forth, often our heads fill with messages of dismay - "but I can't do that... or I'm too old to try that now... or but that's impossible." Sometimes it's not even a "great calling" but simply the prompting just to speak to a stranger or extend a hand to a neighbor that prompts doubt and fear of rejection. But we are told clearly - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Isn't that amazing?!? It means we go through life with a net. As we teeter on the tight rope in the circus of life, feeling frail and weak at times we receive encouragement from the greatest, most powerful One - I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you.

What an incredible promise! Now - run and fly with renewed courage, strength and hope. I am so grateful that I can live my life from this premise. Join me, won't you? I can't wait to see you soar!

Be Inspired - Listen and Go forth

I love movies that inspire...Twister...Remember the Titans...Save the Last Dance...In Pursuit of Happyness...Seven Pounds (mixed feelings), but when the movie's over, maybe you're left feeling as though you didn't achieve all that you'd hoped or questioning what you can do now to contribute in a meaningful way to the world around you. Don't allow yourself to wallow in regrets or self doubt. Remember your Father has a plan and He wants you to realize even more than you can imagine. For one person, it was planting a few flowers every year until her gift to the world was a hillside of daffodils that people come from miles to see and enjoy. For another, it was teaching students every day with dignity and respect so that they knew these attitributes as their own, and for another writing a song, another just being the best at what they do with joy each day. Today - for you - I pray...that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. (Ephesians 1:17-19)

Close your eyes and listen... really listen to what God wants to reveal and call to you. And encourage those around you to do the same in the love that overflows from your new perspective.