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.

Love means a name is safe in your mouth...

Recently I received an email of children's definitions of love. This one stuck out to me.

'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.' Billy - age 4
Wouldn't it be great if we (believers) became known as those with whom your name is safe; that in the midst of this world we were able to convey scripture by living it out? But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief. (Job 16:5)

Would those that know you say their name is safe in your mouth?

Today - encourage and let the love of the Lord flow through you.

Give thanks- Wonders are all around

As a little girl on a trip to Texas to see family at Christmas, I was thrilled to see my first fireflies. At first just a few, and then, they seemed to fill the night in front of the car's headlights. It was amazing the way the shining little little lights danced in the headlights and then it appeared as thought we were being engulfed by a swarm! A dear friend had a similar experience when he awoke to a surprise and ran to tell his parents about the pretty white carpet someone had placed in their yard.....You guessed it, both were "first snow" experiences.

It is amazing all that God has created and how - even now when snow falls, I feel the child-like wonder rise up in me again. I want to skip and run from window to window to see it and declare - It's snowing!

Give thanks to the LORD of lords, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. To Him who alone does great wonders, for His lovingkindness is everlasting; to Him who made the heavens with skill, for His lovingkindness is everlasting; To Him who spread out the earth above the waters...who made the great lights...the sun to rule by day...and the moon and stars to rule by night, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Psalm 136:3-9

Enjoy this day... with thanksgiving and purpose!

Bless someone on purpose today

In response to all He has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good. Hebrews 10:24 (TLB)

Today we all rest warmly in the knowledge that we live with a roof over our head and I can imagine a bounty of blessings that are beyond the imagination of others in our country and world. So today – whether your wealth is of joy, love, monetary, gratitude – show it. Live it out ON PURPOSE.

There's often someone struggling with packages in a store - a door held open with a smile would be a gift at that moment.

What about the person with the stressed look and one item in the grocery store who had the unhappy luck of finding no free lines - surely they are on their way somewhere and fretting being late. Wouldn't a welcome switch in line be a gift?

How about helping your neighbor with the lights or what about the neighbor you've noticed normally celebrates big and there's no sign this year....wouldn't a beautiful wreath and a "how are you?" bless them?

ON PURPOSE - Let's outdo one another showing love and compassion for others and each other.

Seek to Have Beautiful Feet

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15

Amidst the turmoil of our times, when people turn on one another rather than working together toward a common goal, it is wonderful to hear good news. Today, I was blessed to hear such news....to know that a friend is a friend indeed. How wonderful to make another feel as grand as I today. I would love to be that bearer of good news to another. I'm going to look for new ways to share good news every day!

Let's seek to have "beautiful feet."