Unraveling the Cords of God's Heart

Studying church history and reading about some of the great men and women of faith always intrigues me. What did they know about God that caused them to have unwavering faith and confidence in Him so that they were willing to put their lives in harms way?  They took no thought for their own comfort and their lives yielded an abundance harvest for the Kingdom of God.

One of the threads that runs through their life stories is their undeniable confidence in the Word of God. They absolutely esteemed  and treasured His Word. They held on to every word He spoke. They believed God's Word and obeyed it. His Word was captured by their hearts and pens. 

Joshua was given strict orders on how to handle God's Word...

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. ~Joshua 1:8

At one time I thought meditating on God's Word meant to earnestly think about it. On deeper study, I realized it involved not only my mind by also my mouth. Read the beginning of Joshua 1:8 again...shall not depart out of thy mouth.

Meditate is defined in the Hebrew as hagah which means to utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise and speak.

One of the ways I do this is to pray God's Word. Speaking and declaring the truths contained in God's Word is one of the ways we can continuously keep it fresh in our minds and hearts. When I pray God's Word lies the enemy has whispered in my ear begins to melt away.

I desperately want to know Him better. His Word is the treasure that revels His heart to mankind. I encourage you to take a fresh look at His Word and become enraptured with Him once again.

 Blessed [are] they that keep his testimonies, [and that] seek him with the whole heart. ~Psalm 119:2

Summer Reading

As the summer rays bend to kiss my growing garden, my heart rejoices over the delightful gift of summer days. With the advent of the summer season, the desire to be outside in the presence of sunlight is something my body craves after being nestled in my home during the long winter months.


To take advantage of these long delicious summer days, I often go through the process of planning what summer activities I must do.  Picnic lunches at the beach with the family, enjoying the sounds of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under a canopy of stars in the night sky at Ravinia Park, and finding a great read are among my top three "Must Do's".

This summer I decided to take the challenge and read the entire New Testament in 90 days. This can be simply done by reading three chapters each day. In celebration of the 400th anniversary of the printing of the King James Bible and the commitment of  William Tyndale to translate the Bible into English what better time than now to read God's Holy Word!

There are other books on my list, but this book is the best! Won't you join me? Please leave a comment if you decide to take on the challenge! Let's do this together!  Click here for the  90 Day Reading Plan Schedule

Picking up my Pen again!

It's been a long time since I've picked up my virtual pen. My illness prohibited me from being near the computer. Currently, I'm able to get on the computer for short stints. Just enough time to share my heart and the incredible faithfulness of my God.


I will continue to write, however, it won't be on a daily basis. When I do venture to put pen to paper, in this case, fingers to computer keyboard, my prayer is that these words will draw you closer to the King of Kings, Jesus  Christ!

Preparation: Vision for the Season

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ~Isa. 9:6

Today we experienced our first snow. It was light and lovely. I watched the snow flurries dance with the current of the wind, as I slowly sipped  my special blend of eggnog hot chocolate. The fire in our ivory-colored wood stove created a warm cozy atmosphere in my home. I felt perfectly at peace....full of bliss.

However, I know this season holds its own unique challenges: maintaining a budget, keeping up with meals, baking Christmas treats, getting prepared for company, laundry, church and ministry activities. Along with the daily commitment to schedules, the emotional highs and lows one may deal with: feelings of loneliness, decreased finances, loss of a family member or fatigue supplies its own spinning plate to our lives.

One of my challenges has been to stay focused on what really matters: my time with the Lord and my family. It's so easy to function off of a "TO DO LIST" especially if you tend to be a planner by nature. My heart so longs to be a good example for my children by putting Christ first everyday.

The scripture in Isaiah 9:6 states, For unto us a child is born... Wow! Think about that for a moment...a child.

One of the things I enjoy most is holding a newborn baby. I like to lay the child right on my chest and feel its little heart pounding. I'm close enough to breathe in that unique "baby scent" that's a mixture of Downy and Baby Magic. I'm there to protect him/her from the harshness this world has to offer. I bask in the moment. My heart echos my sentiments as I hold on to the child for just one last moment.

What then will I do with this child that has been given to "us"? How do I protect this son from getting lost in the ribbon and bows of this magnificent season? For me, I've discovered simple living, determination and preparation go a long way.

Before I make up my Christmas shopping list,  I plan spiritual activities for myself and my family.  I commit not to leave my bedroom without praying and reading my Bible every morning. Each year I purchase a new Christmas book our family can read together in the evenings. One of our favorites is One Wintry Night  written by Ruth Bell Graham.

I also have special  devotional books and audio recordings I use only during the holidays. The devotional times with the children are all centered around the scriptures relating to Christ's birth and we avail ourselves to minister to others.

As I enter into each holiday season, I purpose not to be entrapped with the superficial glitter and miss the joy of holding the child, the King of Glory, who waits for our fellowship daily in his courts. Dedicate at least the first five minutes of each day during this holy season to hold and treasure Him. Get close enough to smell Him!

He wants it all...

What is man, that thou at mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? ~Psalm 8:4

I am still amazed by the love of God. Everyday, He continues to reveal His love to me. My heart simply melts before His Presence as I experienced His incredible love and forgiveness.  I find myself desperately desiring more and more of Him.  

The enemy of our souls (satan) has lied and seduced God's people into side issues that hinder them from embracing God's truth about who He is and the love He has for His people. He earnestly wants all of us, even our broken parts.

This song spoke to my heart yesterday at church. The lyrics are simple, but reflect the heart of God. He wants all of us.

Please take a few minutes and prayerfully read the lyrics to this powerful song. Don't dismiss this, simply because they are lyrics. Jesus used many visual images and props to convey the  message and the principles of the Kingdom of God. If you would like to listen to the song, there is a link available. 

My prayer is that God will speak to your heart as you listen to this song and your heart will respond in total surrender.  We can then say together with the Apostle Paul: 

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ~ Philippians 1:21

Click to watch the video He wants it all

Music & Lyrics By Forever Jones  (A Christian Family Band)

There's a voice that cries out in the silence, 

searching for heart that will love Him, 

longing for child that will give Him their all, 

give it all, He wants it all 

There's a God that walks over the earth, 

He's searching for heart that is desperate, 

longing for child that will give Him their all, 

give it all, He wants it all 

and He says, love Me, love Me with your whole heart 

He wants it all today 

serve Me, serve Me with you life now 

He wants it all today 

bow down, let go of your idols 

He wants it all today (x4) 

There's a God that walks over the earth, 

He searching for heart that is desperate, 

longing for child that will give Him their all, 

give it all, he wants it all 

and He says, love me, love me with your whole heart 

He wants it all today 

serve Me, serve Me with you life now 

He wants it all today 

bow down, let go of your idols 

He wants it all today (x4) 

Oh oh oh, all of you, more of you 

wants it all today (whole thing x3) 

He wants it all today, He wants is all today 

so give it all 

There's a voice that cries out in the silence, 

searching for a heart that will love Him, 

longing for child that will give Him their all, 

give it all, He wants it all