“Do not let your hearts be troubled.You believein God[a];believe also in me.My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going thereto prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come backand take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Prepare is used 226 times in the Bible.
The definition is to make ready for something expected or thought possible.
How prepared are we to begin a new year? Some would say I have enough food to last me a year. Or another might say I am scared of the things that might happen.
I remember Jesus telling His disciples that in this world you will have troubles, but I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) (A good place to start)!!!
As I look back 2000 years ago. Six months before the birth of Jesus a baby was born. His name was John. His assignment in life was to prepare the way for Jesus. And he did a great job. He preached to the people to get right with God. And many did.
When we look at this new year, are we prepared? Does our heart tremble as we think about the future? Or do we stand firm on the thought that the One we love and trust will be by our side every day?
The King is coming! In days gone by when a king was coming through a town. The people would prepare the way/road. They would remove all the stones from the road, they would fill in all the holes, and clean the sides of the road. On the day of the king’s arrival, they would line the road in their best clothes and bow and honor the king.
Today we can say, The KING is coming!!
As we walk our journey with Him, do we need to prepare the way? Do we have stones of bitterness, hatred, or have we wandered off the way? Are there holes in the way from our lack of being filled with Him? He will help us remove the stones and fill the holes with Himself. So we will be ready for this new year.
I look ahead to each new day with excitement. To be loved by Him and to love Him with ALL my heart, soul, and mind!!!
But as it is written, Eye has not seen, or ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Amen. Matthew 28:20
Meaning of wise: having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment. "she seems kind and wise"
The word wise appears 344 times. The words wiser and wisest appear 9 and 2 times, respectively. The word wisdom appears 367 times. The word wise made me think of this question, what is the difference between wise and smart?
So, we need to do a little digging.
Solomon in the book of Kings asked God for wisdom to be a good king. I am curious why didn’t he ask God to make him smarter?
Being wise is making the best choice inherently. Based on experience, background, and knowledge. Being smart is applying general intellectual resources to “think through” a problem and based on findings arrive at the correct answer. They seem to be similar but yet carry inherent differences. I do believe you can be both simultaneously. But you can also be them singularly.
So, now let’s travel back in time and peek into the pages of the Bible. We all have heard the story about three wise men. They traveled from afar because they heard a story and witnessed a beautiful star.
'After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
Matthew 2:9-10
How many of us would have trusted this story? How many of us would have packed up and made such an amazing trip… Would we have said, we are too busy? Would we have been prepared? Would we have the tools to navigate to our destination? Would we have put it off until we felt if we could travel at a more convenient time? We can see this beautiful soul anytime? Maybe tomorrow?
Why do we let opportunities slip through our fingers? Are we smart or wise? Are we both? or are we neither?
Many wise men before us have traveled this road of life before us. They have left us many clues… Why do many of us think we are so smart and we can do life on our own? It may be a lack of experience? Maybe it's a lack of knowledge? Where are we in our walk? Are we seeking a better way of life? Are we searching for our King? Are we allowing God to guide us home? Are we looking for eternal hope? And for a love that we have difficultly understanding?
Have we ever asked ourselves why only three wise men, why not more? Well, we did I find that there is some controversy about when and how many Shepard boys and how many wise men were involved in this magical moment? There are some that claim, that there are also some inconsistencies in when the wise men actually arrived at their destination.
I will not try to prove or disprove either story. I can only say that I consider whoever showed up to be wise enough to be blessed to share what they witnessed and who this tiny miracle truly is.
The wise are few. They inherently are set apart. It is based on their experience, background, and knowledge make the best choice. Even if it is inconvenient. They are humble and secure in their decisions.
So, the question becomes how do we become wiser?
We prepare ourselves, we study and invest the time. So, when the opportunity arrives to travel home to witness this amazing soul... We will be excited to see His face with our own spiritual eyes… We will be ready…We will have the tools. Have we gathered our spiritual gifts to give Him..??
I can not speak for others, I can only chase Him each day in hopes that I can grow in knowledge. I need to continue to work on listening to God's whispers. I can pray that as I learn, that I “think through” life on earth and what our Savoir offers. And that I can be wise enough to seek Him, Love Him, and be ready for the journey no matter far and how long it might take.
It truly is Him… It’s always Him
Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:14
“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning, and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:” Proverbs 1:5 KJV
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise menfrom the east came to Jerusalem,saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11
Meaning of overshadow: 1. To throw a shadow over; to overshade. 2. To shelter; to protect; to cover with protecting influence.
We located forty verses that speak about the word “overshadow”…
As I sat in my cold dark room, I became mesmerized by the soft glow of the golden light that spilled so softly on the table by my side… There
I began to think about this word that my friend placed gently in my lap. “Overshadow” is such an ambiguous word.
With those thoughts rumbling in my head, I was drawn to the shadows that danced on the walls of my room my mind drifted to a time so long ago…
It’s that pivotal day when a tiny life was conceived, a life that would change the world…
“The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.So, the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35 NIV
And as I my heart opened to the scripture before me the words [ the power of the "Most High” ] resonated with my soul…
What causes God to speak to us in such a powerful and profound way? Why are only a few chosen to feel Him in an overshadowing experience? Is there significance?
I like you have so many unanswered questions? As many of you already know I had a Holy Spirit Encounter that changed many things in my life…
When I read the scripture in Luke 1:35.
I began to question could my experience be called “overshadowed by God..?
Now don’t miss understand I am not in any way comparing myself to such an amazing soul we know as Mary the Mother of our beloved Christ…
I can only try to understand what must have gone through her mind? What and how did she feel? Was the change she felt immediate? Or did it grow along with her unborn child?
I do not have the intimate details about Mary's amazing moment in time…
But I can share my thoughts about mine… I was driving on a dark lonely road … I was not looking for God I thought my life was on track… When suddenly I felt a love like I have never known. I felt a warm feeling in my soul and a warm light filled my car… The moment was surreal ... my heart began to race and I became bewildered and confused because I was not sure what had just happened. I pulled my car over and sat there for a while….
I was not like Mary chosen to save humanity nor was I asked to carry such a beautiful precious soul we know as Emmanuel.
But I can say my soul's rebirth happened that day…
Did He overshadow me? or did He love me beyond my understanding? I will let you decide… As I stand in awe and only whisper...
It’s Him! It has always been Him.
He is such a lover of souls. His presence is what we crave… it’s a yearning of the heart that will never be satisfied until our eyes can gaze upon His beautiful face!!
"God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile." "God will meet you where you are to take you where He wants you to go."
Meaning of journey: an inner journey is a journey of self-exploration with the ultimate goal or consequence of knowing oneself better or improving oneself. Imaginative. The inner journey is a passionate inquiry into our soul and personal field of experience.
The word journey is in the Bible 8 times, 6 in the Old Testament, and 2 in the New Testament.
When I think of the word journey, what is the reason for the journey? What is the final destination? What are the dates? And what do I need to take with me so I am comfortable?
But as I traveled with this word tucked nicely in my suitcase of life... I realized the pilot had plotted to change my flight plan. The destination and the dates will remain the same... But He said He wanted to give me the most memorable time. One that would blow my mind and defy my imagination... He shared with me that it was a trip of a lifetime...
I must admit I was not looking to meet Him or go on this journey? I ask myself many times, why me ?? I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was on a lonely road in Triune, Tennessee, when I felt a LOVE that I could not describe. And I had no idea where it came from. And I will add that I truly was unprepared for what was about to unfold.
I did not know this pilot that came so swiftly into my life. He was a well-groomed handsome man with chestnut color hair, blue eyes, and the most amazing smile. When I looked around for others, to my surprise, it seemed that I was the only traveler ready for this trip. He smiled and gently placed a ticket in my hand. And said are you ready?
The moment the ticket touched my hand, I felt a rush of love that I could not explain... It made my knees buckle, and I felt light-headed and amazingly wonderful. I could not wait to share my experience with everyone I knew... But then, He grabbed my hand and said don’t be afraid to follow me... And away we went... We made many stops, and I met some truly amazing people as He guided me at every turn.
He taught me many things about love, life, who He truly is, and what He wants me to be when I grow up... He has this amazing charisma and winning charm. And as days passed to months, then to years. Much to my surprise. I found that I just wanted to talk to Him all the time.. His wisdom, His compassion, and His Grace are beautiful things to feel.. Each day, I trusted Him more and more ... I am not sure the exact moment it happened, but somewhere in time, I gave Him my heart as He gently spoke words of love to my soul... I felt love beyond my understanding. It’s like no other love on earth. But I felt a spiritual connection that ran deeper than this life. It’s a love that leaves you at a loss for words... It gives you a burning desire to introduce Him to everyone you know...
It was such an exciting time. However, He wanted me to slow down my pace so we could make the most of each moment. He handed me a book that seemed old and worn but beautifully bound.. and He said.." I wrote these words for you ... read them, study them, and hide them in your heart... They hold the keys to life.. they are your road map and many clues to your final destination.." Many call it the Bible... I call it a gift to humanity.
Like any normal child, I was excited about this trip and asked how long it would take to get there ?? He said it takes a lifetime... I then blurted "What is the place called? " He said, Heaven. I then asked, "How long will I be there ?" He said eternity..
I asked who will be there? He said all of your friends and family are invited !! I asked what about you? Will you be there? He smiled ... and said, “Of course I live there with my Father, and my good friend the Holy Spirit.
I said it sounds amazing! I again eagerly said, “When will we get there? “ He said don’t be in a rush... You are not finished with your journey. There are many chapters still that need to be written ... I will continue to hold your hand, I will guide you .. and above all else, I will LOVE you... We hugged. He smiled and said now go. Grow this gift of love and prepare to write your life's best chapters.
I can only say since we met six years ago, I have been on the most amazing spiritual journey of my life... I am so happy that I found Him.. But, I truly must admit He found me.
It was Him, It is Him, it will always be Him
They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 3 John 1:
For I know my plans for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
A beautiful love story of enormous sacrifice between a mother and child…. She carried Him to term… and nurtured Him as a child.. wiped every tear, chased every fear… His smile must have melted her heart…
And then she had to open her arms and let Him go….
She stood by and watched Him take His last breath…. He was God's gift to the world and was only hers for a limited time… How many mothers can understand her pain??? How did she cope ?? She must have been devastated. Only He had the power to mend her broken heart…
“From Mary, we learn to surrender to God’s will in things. From Mary, we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary, we learn to love Christ, her Son, and the Son of God…Learn from her to be always faithful, to trust that God’s Word to you will be fulfilled and that nothing is impossible with God.”- St. John Paul II
Meaning of Mary, mother of Jesus.
The name Mary is in 46 verses...
As we approach one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays, known as "Christmas." I would like you to indulge me for a moment as we stop and give thanks to a woman who gave the world such a monumental gift...I say woman, but she was only a child, maybe in her early teens...Who was she? Why did God favor her so? He trusted her to fulfill a prophecy that had already been put into motion since the beginning of time...
I struggle with trying to understand her unwavering commitment, her faith, and her love.. at such an early age.
Would we have the strength to say yes, Father, your will not mine... I will carry the shame when others do not understand; I will be your living vessel. I will deliver forgiveness and a love that goes deeper than most people can comprehend. I will do my part to save all of mankind.
Was she even aware of the magnitude of this moment when she became God’s own chosen mother on earth...
Let’s travel back in time... Let me set the scene. God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee. To deliver a message of the highest importance... This message can be found in Luke 1:26-38.
The angel told her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. You will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and name him Jesus. He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High.
How many of us would have been so unafraid? How many of us would have only asked one question? Mary asked the angel, “How can this be? I’m a virgin.” The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy child developing inside you will be called the Son of God.
Mary answered, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let everything you’ve said happen to me.”
UNWAVERING FAITH... such responsibility... such Love and commitment at such a young age.
How could she share this news with her parents? Imagine a young unmarried girl telling her parents, family, and her fiancé I am pregnant... With God's child... ???
How many of us would believe such an unbelievable story??
While trying to understand this moment my mind traveled to Him... This beautiful innocent baby had been placed in her womb for the most incredible mission that man could even begin to understand. What did she feel? Did her emotions run away with her?
I have been blessed with children and I know the feeling of a tiny life growing within... What an amazing God-given miracle... What excitement and joy when you feel the baby move for the first time... But what do you feel when you know you are carrying the Son of God??? Are these feelings magnified? Or are they what every new mother has felt. Excitement, Love, Apprehension maybe fear?
Will the delivery be painful, Will my baby be healthy? Will I be a good mother?? Every child born is a miracle from God but to be singled out to carry God's own Son... What a larger-than-life, heaven-sent responsibility!!!!
Have you ever witnessed childbirth? I have had the amazing privilege of photographing such a miracle... The love that filled the room that day could only be from God...
I wish I could have captured this beautiful moment that happened so long ago... I can only close my eyes and envision this moment in time... Childbirth is a painful bodily experience...But soon, birthing pains are all forgotten, all the questions disappear and you are caught up in the beautiful moment of seeing the angelic face before you... all activity around you seems to fade into the distance ... You hear, see and touch nothing but this precious new life... and time seems to stand still for just a few moments...
I can only wonder, As she gently kissed His beautiful face... Did she think I am kissing the face of God... or at that tender moment was the newborn baby her precious beautiful baby boy and her gift from God?
All believers are given the miracle of God's own Son... to dwell within... He is our gift from God ... Do we cherish Him? Or do we feel shame and apprehension when we share His message with friends and family? Do we feel excited and overjoyed when we feel Him within our very soul? Are we set apart for a purpose? Do we have faith enough to be His willing vessel! Will we care for Him as He grows in our hearts and becomes a part of our very existence?
There is a miracle of new life that happens within each believer. As you feel His presence in your daily life things of this world will fade into the distance ...You see His Face and He will become as precious to you as a newborn babe...
And your heart will whisper ...
It’s Him, It has always been Him. My precious one...My gift from God...
He WOWs me!
So when that day comes, you will know that I am living in the Father and that you are one with me, for I will be living in you. Those who truly love me are those who obey my commands. Whoever passionately loves me will be passionately loved by my Father. And I will passionately love him in return and will revealmyself to him.”
Some things in life are just unexplainable… Music has played a major role in my spiritual journey… It started in Nashville, TN, where Music is a significant part of the culture. It was there an artist from my hometown in Florida shared her unpublished music with me… When I listened to these lyrics, I felt an unexplainable stirring in my soul, and before I even knew what hit me, the Holy Spirit blew my soul wide open on a country road in Triune, TN. He then placed my feet on the most intense, incredible journey of love…. With each day, I discovered more about the Trinity… And together, they taught me more about myself than I had ever known… a scary yet delightfully heartfelt.. life-changing experience.
The link below is a playlist created by Spotify… My songs of 2023. These songs hold so many memories… Memories of a Bible word study… Memories of meditations... Memories of people, places, and things. But primarily, they hold sweet Memories of a love story written between me, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit… This music has no specific artist, genre, or order, but these songs have taken me places only my soul could have traveled…
There, I have felt a heavenly love that has no descriptive words… It is a love that must be regarded with a passion and understanding that only God can offer...
It’s Him! It’s always Him.
I know for a fact He will use all the creative gifts available to speak to our thirsty souls… The question becomes, are we looking? Are we listening??? Are we opening our hearts?
Close your eyes, think of Him, and listen with your soul…
Click here to listen to the songs that came to me without searching.
“At the center of the Universe is a loving heart that continues to beat and that wants the best for every person.” – Fred Rogers
The meaning of center is the point from which an activity or process is directed or on which it is focused.
We located the word center in the Bible 51 times…
This word could have taken me down many avenues …
The center, the core, the heart? When we are centered, we are in balance, and our strength is at its peak...
As I unwrapped this word, it landed firmly in my heart, and my mind had no choice but to follow… ... I yearned to discover more about this word center.
Are we centered? What is our center? Our core?
I then questioned is our heart our center? Is our soul our center? Can one live without the other? Is our heart only pumping to keep our bodies alive? The question then becomes, do we have a spiritual heart and mind? Or do these organs only exist when we are physically active? Does our spiritual and human essence coexist, or do invisible threads hold them together?
So many questions? If our hearts stop beating with time. Why is God after our hearts? Our physical nature has a shelf life… So, is it safe to say our soul carries our spiritual heart and mind? These physical and spiritual elements make up the center of who we are…
When God is after our hearts…! He is after the complete package… the center is where all of the elements God gave us come together.
I then ask you, when you surrender, do you give Him all?
Mind, body, and soul, physical and spiritual?
Is He the center of all living things, great and small? Does our spiritual persona yearn to coexist with Him in the center of His great love for eternity??
I will be so bold and say yes!!
Our spirit is drawn to Him. This is the pull we feel to belong to something or someone greater. This desire has been embedded in our molecular makeup at conception. He placed that homing gene in our DNA. He yearns for our return.
It’s Him! It’s always Him !!!
When will we realize He is the center of our world… both our physical and spiritual…
One day, we will willingly surrender all… The center of His love is beyond my human understanding… but in the very core of my existence… my soul hears and feels His sweet voice …
I love Him for the gift of Him. There is nothing in the universe that can compare!!
In the same way, you and I can put Christ at the center of our lives and become one with Him as He is one with the Father (see John 17:20–23).
