It has been a dream of mine to share my writings in a published book with others and share what led me to Jesus! I have been blogging for a few years and as I have accumulated my written blog posts, I have felt growth in my walk with Jesus and His people. I have had trials, joys, challenges, health issues, and heartbroken moments and I have learned more and more about the importance of walking with Jesus. I hope to inspire other people to seek Him for all wisdom and guidance. We are all His beautiful people, created in Christ for a mighty purpose.
This book can be accessed through Amazon. Consider a gift purchase of an ebook on Kindle for your reader family and friends or a paperback option. Many of my own friends do not have a WordPress account. If you purchase the e-book, it is amazing: the digital copy has links to the songs I have used to tell stories in many of my posts. If you feel prompted to buy, thank you so much! If you feel prompted to leave a review on Amazon, thank you. Share the link below with friends.
Regardless, You are a child of God and He wants to know you personally, we must reach out to Him. God bless you! Mary
Call me crazy! However, the more I walk this planet, the more I see some pretty unbelievable circumstances. How about you? Do you feel a little crazy?
The foundation of truth found on the Rock of Ages, the Father, theCreator of heaven and earth is unshakeable. God never changes! His Word is alive and cuts through the bone and marrow. ( Hebrews 4:12)
Hebrews 4:12-13 MSG God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it-no matter what.
Hebrews 4:12 NLT For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Find out for yourself what truth is as you personally dig deep into the Bible. Then you will understand the crazy people! I am one of them and glad to be in amazing company.
Crazy People, a song by Casting Crowns, is so well written. It is fun loving and yet serious about who some of us crazy people follow. Enjoy this song! And join the circus led by the Amazing RingMaster, Jesus, who loves you!
His Light shines in darkness: photo by Gloria Flores
Whatever you are walking through today, Jesus promises to walk with you. Jesus is in the Sonrise!!! He is the Bright Morning Star! Call on Him for peace, hope, love, and His angel armies are at the ready!
Revelation 22:16-17 AMP "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you and to give you assurance of these things for the churches. I am the Root (the Source, the Life) and the Offspring of David, the radiant and bright Morning Star." [17] The [Holy] Spirit and the bride (the church, believers) say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take and drink the water of life without cost.
So many attempts by the enemy to unsettle our connection to our Savior Jesus. Our individual fears and worries for self, family, health and provision are places the enemy tries to bring doubt and fear of God, His love and His provision!
The enemy tries to enter the door of our mind and heart bringing boatloads of fear and negative thoughts. He can be relentless but Our Creator is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Stand with Jesus!
Silence is a new worship song by JWLKRS worship. It touched my heart deeply the first time I was blessed to see the music video. Such sweet lyrics that encompass any life circumstance, great lyrics bring a reminder to seek the God who promises to be with you and never leave you.
As a Breast Cancer Overcomer who also survived a near death white water rafting experience, I am in awe of the many times looking back over my life of the goodness of God, His Provision and His protection.
May you feel His Peace and Presence today, He is just a Name away, Jesus, You are our only hope.
When our livesor those we love are challenged with a huge obstacle, it could be health or painful circumstances, we must live in gratitude. God is always good! He will walk through youthe challenge. He is just a prayer request away. He is always open.
Besides prayer, worship Him in challenging times. It brings joy over sorrow. It helps refocus your mind on the stability of His goodness.
Psalm 100:2-5 NLT Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. [3] Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. [4] Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. [5] For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Count your blessings! Embrace the journey perhaps with new exercises. Today, start a new tradition of listing 10 blessings in your journal. Gratitude changes a poor attitude. It brings insight into all the good things often overlooked as we walk through our day.
Our mind has the ability to set the course for our day, our career, and our future. The battle for God‘s purpose for our lives and potential is found first in the mind.
Romans 12:1-2 NLT And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. [2] Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Acknowledge Him! Walk with Him! You will never be alone.
What does it mean to“contend”? According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of ‘contend’ states: to maintain, assert, and strive. Synonyms for contend; to battle, to face off. What a thought our God contends, faces off, battles for His children! We do not fight our battles alone (unless we choose not to accept Jesus). In our action step, we must call out to God, believe He is able, and go to Him as the Commander in Chief who directs His Army for His children. Let me say that again, first, we choose Him, we communicate to Him in prayer, then we align with His promises for our lives and our children.
We must put on the Armor of God ( Ephesians 6; 10 -18), and we read about the importance of each piece of the battle armor. Covering our mind is the helmet, covering our chest ( heart) is the breastplate, God’s truth is represented in the belt, walking in the shoes of peace that have spikes on their bottom to secure the soldier on the battlefield. A fellow Sister in Christ shared this truth regarding spikes on the top and bottom of a soldier’s feet in ancient times. Powerful visual that our foundation must be grounded in our God and faith in Him. The shield of faith is our belief that the power of the unseen God covers us with His protection, the Sword of the Spirit is the Bible, and His Word is alive. Prayer is a mighty weapon, when done unceasingly it is solid gold power.We must share this with our family, friends, and whoever God brings to our minds.
Isaiah 49:22-26 NIV
This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I will beckon to the nations, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips. [23] Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground; they will lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed." [24] Can plunder be taken from warriors, or captives be rescued from the fierce? [25] But this is what the LORD says: "Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save. [26] I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."
Declare: Father God, we are in awe of you, we are not worthy of Your love, yet you give it freely, You see potential in your children, You are a patient Father God. You provide all we need, we minimize your gifts and promises. Forgive our unbelief, our own self-focus takes us from the Illuminated Beauty of being in Your Presence. You are Elohim, the Almighty One, You are Jehovah Sabaoth, You are Jehovah Shalom, You are El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One, the God of the Mountains! You are Adonai, My Great God!
John 1:1-5 NLT
In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He existed in the beginning with God. [3] God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. [4] The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
YHWH is the symbol for the Hebrew name of God, God you are “I AM”, The Self-Existent One! You never change, save us all! In awe and reverence, the Jewish people whisper His Name.
Father, the nations need Your hand, we wait on Your action, and we hope in You alone, Lord of heaven’s armies ready for battle, Your Word is truth as Isaiah 49 shares, You are our protector, contend for our children and us!
You are amazing God, bring Your Light to this darkness attempting to cover our world. Lord, your children need You, alone!
Do you know God commissions His people to a specific calling? It may take years or a lifetime to discover our purpose. But the same God who set the stars in place, can be trusted to set your life in place.
Psalm 47:1-9 MSG Applause, everyone. Bravo, bravissimo! Shout God-songs at the top of your lungs! GOD Most High is stunning, astride land and ocean. He crushes hostile people, puts nations at our feet. He set us at the head of the line, prize-winning Jacob, his favorite. Loud cheers as God climbs the mountain, a ram’s horn blast at the summit. Sing songs to God, sing out! Sing to our King, sing praise! He’s Lord over earth, so sing your best songs to God. God is Lord of godless nations- sovereign, he’s King of the mountain. Princes from all over are gathered, people of Abraham’s God. The powers of earth are God’s- he soars over all.
He set us at the head of the line, sing songs to Him! Seek His plan for your sphere of influence. You may not feel prepared but He will prepare the way if it is His plan.
Comfort zones are okay when you are feeling weary at times, however God wants to give you an opportunity to step up and into your calling. It’s scary to move beyond your safe place. But God is a sanctuary of safety. Praying for revival can be stepping into our calling. Sometimes we called not to wait but to take steps forward in faith. Seeking His direction not knowing the future. It does not mean titles for positions inside a building. It means a supernatural in filling by the Holy Spirit and trusting God to bring awareness, and direction. If He is over all the earth and in authority of all things He will complete the work He starts.
Kim Walker Smith sang Fresh Outpouring years ago, it is a powerful song that reminds followers of Jesus to ask for a fresh outpouring of His Holy Spirit! We can’t do this life alone. He prepares those who humble themselves before Him.
Jesus prepared His disciples, they were a group of men from multiple spheres of impact; fishermen, tax collectors, soldiers, prostitutes, sinners like us who were molded into who Jesus knew they could be. There impact spans for thousands of years and we can make an impact for His Kingdom too.
Fresh outpouring Jesus Culture
Let Jesus pour into your life, His wisdom, His power, His authority by His blood. Receiving life purpose through the Holy Spirit will transform not only you but those whose lives you intersect. Glory to God!
Reach for the Son — Photo by Andre Furtado (Pexel.com)
Guys and gals, some days you can feel invisible, stepped on, and lonely, I studied specific scriptures that expressed being Known by our Father. I want to encourage you as you put one foot in front of the other. You are known by God and He wants you to know Him more!
God knows you, He created you! Psalm 139 is filled with His thoughts on you before you were born and as you walk this earth.
Psalm 139:1-6 AMP O LORD, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me. [2] You know when I sit down and when I rise up [my entire life, everything I do]; You understand my thought from afar. [3] You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways. [4] Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken], Behold, O LORD, You know it all. [5] You have enclosed me behind and before, And [You have] placed Your hand upon me. [6] Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high [above me], I cannot reach it.
Declare this, O Lord, You know it all, Your hand is upon me! Help me in my unbelief, when I feel alone, remind me, You are with me! Help me to find security in you alone!
Psalm 16:5-10 NIV LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. [6] The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. [7] I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. [8] I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. [9] Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, [10] because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
Declare, At night when I sleep, fill my heart with your instruction. I want to rest in You! I want to learn to praise you more and fret less.
Psalm 16:11 NIV You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Lord, guide me to the path of life! Fill me with joy over fear, I want to have Your Presence above all things. Materials, money, and the enticements of the world can’t hold a candle to you. They leave me empty, I want my life to be filled with being known by You.
Psalm 86:1-7 MSG Bend an ear, GOD; answer me. I’m one miserable wretch! Keep me safe-haven’t I lived a good life? Help your servant-I’m depending on you! You’re my God; have mercy on me. I count on you from morning to night. Give your servant a happy life; I put myself in your hands! You’re well-known as good and forgiving, bighearted to all who ask for help. Pay attention, GOD, to my prayer; bend down and listen to my cry for help. Every time I’m in trouble I call on you, confident that you’ll answer.
Psalm 86 is even more personal, a one on one conversation with our Father, Savior Jesus and the Holy Spirit! He bends to hear our prayers. We may not believe we are worthy of His attention. Reach out to Him again and again, repent for sins that may be an obstacle in hearing His voice.
Psalm 91:14 ASV Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
His love is upon His children! He wants the best life for you. It begins with believing Jesus is your Savior, saying aloud, I want you Jesus to guide my life, forgive me of my sins, I repent turn away from the things I have done against you, I want you to rule my life, You are my God and guide me to a more abundant life. amen!
Football is a visual of offense and defensive strategy. It can easily be a metaphor for life. Quick responses to offensive and defensive actions can impact the game and our lives. Who is our coach?
During the playoff games, Logan Wilson, number 55, is the Cincinnati Bengals player who knocked down the ball at a crucial time. Wilson loves Jesus (A personal friend shared this truth, she is a relative of Wilson).The final minutes of the game can be exciting and life-changing. This weekend, Wilson’s defensive play caused the opponent to lose the game. One team won and the other team lost.
Our decisions in life can be played in a similar way. Are we receiving the pass of temptation with open hands or deflecting the pass for better things? Are we being led into impulsive sin by pride, anger, or bitterness or are we deflecting those prompts for a better response? Do we allow the audible of the still small voice of God to penetrate the roar of the crowd? It really is a matter of seeking wisdom to direct our steps for a long journey, not just one game.
The future is not in our hands at the end of the game. But where we put our trust matters. Seeking Jesus first, not being afraid to share His love with others matters, and being willing to listen to His instruction takes effort and we can be amazed at the results.
In the strength of God, we can knock down the enemy’s attempts to bring loss and an uncertain future. We get the choice of victory in life. This victory isn’t only physical like success on a sports field, it’s emotional in providing a sound mind, peace, and clear direction. It is in a spiritual connection to the Master Quarterback on the field, Jesus! He really has the best insight. It can guide us into eternal peace and relationship.
The Lord has plans, however, we must be discerning in the game of life, to be patient with the plays called. We must be on the offense and the defense with the Word of God as our playbook. We must seek like-minded teammates that hold us accountable to the Word. We want to get to the endzone and celebrate a heavenly touchdown. Think of the family of God all together whooping it up. Think of the roar of the crowd in the heavens, with angels and saints making a joyful sound, it will probably blow our minds.
Just as Logan Wilson had to fix his eyes on the prize at the time, the football, we must fix our eyes on Jesus! No longer do we have to be spectators in life. See an opportunity to receive the pass of salvation. Get real with Jesus!
Colossians 3:1-4 MSG So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ-that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. [3-4] Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life-even though invisible to spectators-is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too-the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
Every day is an opportunity to toss off old habits and begin a new path for a better life.
I used to think our God as a judging punishing unforgiving God. However, my time digging deep into His Word has opened my eyes, heart and soul for amazing wisdom.
We may have had a religious experience from a parent or person in authority that was not following Christ. We must seek God on a one on one personal relationship. He wants to reveal the hidden wisdom.
How do we imitate God when we don’t know what He says? Just as a new sport or hobby requires instruction from someone who excels in its results. It is even more valuable to seek our Father God and His priceless, timeless instruction.
Ephesians 5 has many great nuggets of wisdom. I am breaking it down to show manageable steps. I found it helpful for today. I think you will too.
Ephesians 5:1-20 NLT Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. [2] Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Key warnings from scripture:
3] Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4] Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes-these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.
If you have past or present sin that feels like a conviction as you read verses 3-4, pause now and talk to Jesus, ask forgiveness, repent (He will help you turn from these habits if you let Him rule in your life). Speak gratitude to Him for this amazing gift and wisdom.
Why do we need conviction for our sins over condemnation? Conviction is a heart poke to insight a reflection of our choices with the purpose of drawing us back to our Savior Jesus and His plans. Condemnation or shame is a tool the enemy uses to keep us afraid to reach out and stuck from a loving God.
5] You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. [6] Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. [7] Don’t participate in the things these people do.
When we worship things or people in this world, it is sin. Our God is a jealous God for a reason. If other things are an idol, He is not first in our life. You may ask, how can I be a child of the Light of Christ? We make the step of faith to Him. Step into His Light of grace, mercy, and truth. We do not have to stay in the dark.
8] For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! [9] For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
Our commitment to walk with Jesus as Lord gives us the tools for a better future and a life walking in life over death (separation from God and limited life). If we are parents, we are called to direct our kids to Jesus. My walk with Him has deepened as I have led and made mistakes in the process but return to the only place for wisdom. Our kids can grow with us.
10] Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. [11] Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. [12] It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. [13] But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,
Our time in His Word, the Bible and with His like minded people can change the trajectory of our life. Individually though, we can find His steps for a growing life with God, awake O sleeper:
14] for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
Alarm sounds! Wake up sleeper
This is a wake up call! Do you hear the alarm? It is for our benefit to heed the advice.
15] So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. [16] Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
17] Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18] Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19] singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. [20] And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Begin today, if for the first time, or return now to the Jesus of your youth, He is the best friend you will ever have. Jesus will not ghost you. He wants to share His best.
Do you have a favorite part of the Christmas story? I love the story of women in Jesus’ life. God blesses women too. He loves them and He has plans to use our lives in the tapestry of His love. He just needs our permission to guide our lives.
Luke 1:38-55 NLT – Mary Visits Elizabeth ³⁹ A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town ⁴⁰ where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴² Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. ⁴³ Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? ⁴⁴ When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. ⁴⁵ You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise ⁴⁶ Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. ⁴⁷ How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! ⁴⁸ For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. ⁴⁹ For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. ⁵⁰ He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. ⁵¹ His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. ⁵² He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. ⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. ⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. ⁵⁵ For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”
Amazing to read that God blessed an older woman, Elizabeth with a son later in life, John the Baptist, and Mary, a young teen with the Christ child. God has plans for all women. He loves them. He honors them.
We each have an amazing Creator God that loves us. When we allow ourselves to be used as His instruments even vessels for life, He is there.
Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth and God’s gift in His Son. His life changed the world forever. He is Immanuel (God is with us!). Jesus came as a baby, walked on earth, He understands human weakness yet did not sin, He took on humanness to gain understanding and compassion for our plight.
He allowed Mary a front seat of honor. She pondered things in her heart. She was blessed as a humble personal witness. She was chosen as we are to have a personal relationship with Jesus. So many sweet stories of Mary and Jesus’ relationship from the first wedding experience miracle of Jesus turning water to wine at Mary’s request. From watching Jesus as a child, at the temple teaching elders from His wisdom to observing Jesus and His disciples build the Kingdom of God and watching their battles with others. She must have been overwhelmed by worry for her Son Jesus especially as times became harsh and evil, especially at the arrest and crucifixion, yet the Prince of Peace was living at her side. How amazing!
Jesus is present with us when we call on Him to be our Savior! Christmas reminds us to slow down and ponder Jesus. He is Immanuel, God with us. He is joy, love, new beginnings, and hope in a chaotic world. He is the Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords. Even at His death on the cross, Jesus comforted Mary and directed John, his faithful disciple watch over Mary (at His death on the cross). What a provider and love from Christ from the beginning of life on earth to His resurrection. He is Immanuel! What an amazing gift of love!Open the free gift of love, and open your heart and mind to the Savior.
Be amazed that Jesus came for you and He wants to be your Savior! Our trust in our God will give us the ability to overcome any hurdle. Reread Mary’s song of praise above. You don’t have to be a mother, just be a vessel and let Him mold you into what He already knows and believes you can be!Merry Christmas!
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 