Name It!

I have a practice that affirms me. When God allows me the privilege to journey to His oceans and seas, I purposely plant my feet in fresh sand, walk to an isolated space on the beach, stoop down, and write the words, My Journey Matters. I usually sign and date it, take a photo, and sit (or stand) in meditation. In that isolation, shut off from distractions, I recall my spiritual journey, assess my “right now” circumstances, and then embrace a newfound perspective of my now and my later. Most importantly, I thank God for leading me to this seemingly sacred conversation between Him and me. I thank God for reminding me to speak life and to name our encounter before I left that place.

Our predicaments may change from day to day. But our mindset and our speech must champion the willful fight within. We must give voice to our God-inspired dreams and determinations. Whether it’s I can – I will – I am – I shall. We are wise to honor our overcoming with words that affirm who we are and whose we are.

This series is purposefully named My Journey Matters because I’m living the manifestation of these words in thought, word, and deed every day. Even with the highs and lows, God is relentless in His whispers to me that all of it matters, and that the journey is for my good. I love how God, in my lowest moments, reassures me of his promises, sealing those encounters with the sign of His rainbow. Naming it works! Name your encounters with God. Name your becoming adventures and your overcoming. Watch God position your journey to bless you and someone else needing a breakthrough. He knows what He’s doing.

“Rain and snow fall from the sky. But they don’t return without watering the earth that produces seeds to plant and grain to eat. That’s how it is with my words. They don’t return to me without doing everything I send them to do.” -Isaiah 55:10-11

The featured photo for this writing is from my recent travels to the Bahamas.

Yes and Amen

Here is another jewel along your journey. View it here on Youtube: https://youtu.be/t137oMbkaAw

“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” – 2 Corinthians 1:20

A Renewed Life!

Some things need to be said, again and again. “We’re not promised tomorrow.” These words can cut deep in hindsight and in pressing through. However, these words are lived, rather than mourned, when we embrace the “right now” moment God is allowing us to experience, for what will later be revealed as gathered parts of a whole that will all work together for our good (Romans 8:28).

We are inundated with reminders in our news, communities and families that indeed tomorrow is not promised. Yet, we must fight the urge to feel helpless or hopeless. We must succumb to a “a-ha” moment that illuminates a “yes”, eyes wide open, to a new perspective of our present moments. The Bible reminds in Romans 12:2 that a new perspective is a transformation, a renewing of the mind that allows us to figure out what God’s will is – what is good and pleasing and mature (Common English Bible).

Love more and despise less. Look to the sidelines rather than the spotlight. Walk in the beauty that is your story and refuse to wallow in comparisons. Run toward the weary, the mistreated and left behind. And resist the adversary in all of its forms of deception and hostility. Let’s run our race like God is watching. Let’s run our race like our tomorrow depends on it.

Amazing Grace

Feed your promises, not your unbelief. Your promises require your undivided attention, a significant helping of God’s word and an insistent belief that God is able. God then hydrates your promises with drops of heaven’s grace. How amazing is His grace!