Good Morning Beauties!

Congratulations!  You're half way through your journey. What an accomplishment. Your sacrifice and action plan are working. Beautiful!

Today I ask, "Are you ready to take action on the revelation God has shown you?"  We've all heard, "Faith without works is dead," so today I encourage you to run and jump with abandon into your faith and belief about the Truth God has shown you so far in your journey.  

What does that look like?  Here are a few examples from my previous and current journey experiences:  God revealed in my very first journey my value to Him.  He gave me a new name, "Segullah," which means, "Treasured Possession."  I had a bracelet made with Segullah on it, and now wear it every day.  In another journey He taught me I'm lovely, feminine and soft.  With this new Truth, I redecorated my office from blues and browns to a very girly pink, white and gold color pallet. I literally feel like a princess when I walk into the room.  

In my current journey, I was profoundly moved by Day 19.  God revealed the lie of fear in my life and allowed me to see the security and safety He provides.  I've known this Truth in my head, but it dropped to my heart yesterday.  I do not have to live afraid for my life.  So, I took action!  In our building at work we've been discussing what to do should we find ourselves with an active shooter.  I've been really troubled by this notion and have been locking my office door when I'm away and while I'm there.  This new security has driven my office mates a little crazy, I'm sure.  Yesterday I unlocked the door and opened it wide.  It was so freeing!  

What about you?  What has God revealed to you so far in your journey?  How will you put your faith of this new Truth into action?  Selah.

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen. ”

— Hebrews 11:1 The Passion Translation

Good Morning Beauties!

Praise the Lord who is so faithful.  I'm really sleepy this morning, and so I slept in just a bit more than usual.  My extra 30 minutes has caused me to be rushed to complete my lesson.  Have you had one of those mornings too?  Is it happening right now?  Thank you for continuing to come to God, even though the time might be shorter than usual, He is faithful and will supply revelation even in those hurried times.

Today He spoke to me about the security and protection I have as part of His Royal Family.  We can relinquish the lies which cause fear and move boldly forward knowing we are held in the hand of The Father and His Angel Army is but a command away.  

I was held up a gunpoint several years ago, and the lie I hear (and have believed) is that it will happen again, but it will be fatal this time.  What a lie!  This lie has brought fear into my life which has limited my participation of certain activities I previously enjoyed by myself.  Because of the times we live in now with active shooters, the lie has grown even more.

Today God showed me a picture of a Princess behind fortified walls of a castle with an army of soldiers out front beyond the iron gate. We are protected.  We are secure.  We are safe.  Selah.

What is God showing you today?  

Love and Blessings, 
Kendra

“And so I am thankful and glad, and I feel completely secure, because you protect me from the power of death.”

— Psalm 16:9-10 Good News Translation

Good Morning Beauties!

It's time to have a heart check - how's your glow?

In Matthew 5, Jesus gives us a description of who we are and the action to take because of it.  I love the Message Bible's version of Matthew 5:16 and how it describes our "Heaven's Glow."

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."

Your Glow - it matters to The Kingdom!  Selah.

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“Those who are [spiritually] wise will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven...”

— Daniel 12:3 Amplified Version

Good Morning Beauties!

Are you walking in victory today?  What does it look like?  Success? Power? Ease?  Or does it look like Perseverance? Trust through Trials? Faith through Fear?  Can it be Both?  Selah.

Jesus was our Perfect Example of Victory and is the ultimate wearer of the Victor's Crown.  Let's learn from His example.  The Bible teaches us how in Hebrews 12:1-2.  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles; and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  

What does your Victor's Crown look like?  Why not take a few minutes and draw it on today's  page while you listen to this song...

Victor's Crown

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

— James 1:12 Amplified Version

Good Morning Beauties!

You're doing great!  You're more than 1/3 of the way through your journey.  I'm proud of your dedication and devotion to growing closer to the Lord, as well as your courage to let Him reveal Truth to you.

For the rest of this week, we'll look at our 4th attribute, Royalty.  What's your initial reaction to the Truth that you are Royalty?  Do you believe it?

Royalty is a noun that quite simply means, "people of royal blood or status."  So what is the root word Royal mean?  The dictionary says, "of kingly ancestry " and "of, relating to, or subject to the crown."  I particularly like a few synonyms of Royal, "Glorious, Magnificent, Majestic, Nobel, Regal, Stately."

Now let me ask you again, do you believe you are Royalty?  The Truth is, you ARE Royalty!  Through the royal blood of Christ, you are a new creation - the old no longer exists, and the new you is Royal.

Let the Truth of your Royal status sink in deep.  Perhaps it would be helpful to complete a word study on your favorite synonym.  Let God guide you in your search for Truth today.  Selah

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”

— 1 Peter 2:9 New King James Version

Good Morning Beauties!  

As we wrap up another stanza of the song with the subject of Joy, how do you see your beauty now?  Do you believe God has created you beautiful from the inside out? 

We've discussed True Joy is from God - it is His!  Perfect in every way, freely given to us. We also looked at how God sets us Free from the imprisonments of the enemy. We are truly "free indeed."  We saw how believing in and receiving God's Amazing Grace provides us the peace we long for.  We finished up by looking at our sustaining Joy through times of testing and trials.

Have you allowed yourself enough time to let these Truths sink in to your heart, your spirit? Perhaps today is a great day to do so.  These Truths have such deep impact on our life in Christ; they create the foundation of our relationship with Him.  Take your time and get every last golden nugget of Truth.  Selah.

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning...”

— Isaiah 61:3 New International Version

Good Morning Beauties!

It's a stormy morning, and we're looking at the word Joyful again.  It's symbolic of the scripture and theme which came to mind as I was spending time with God.  How do we maintain our joy throughout the "storms" of testing and trials?  First of all, we must understand that it's not our joy at all - it's HIS Joy.

Pastor Adrien Rogers wrote a wonderful article for Decision Magazine back in 2009. He explains this very concept perfectly and goes on to discuss the Stability of Joy and the Sufficiency of Joy.  I hope you find the information as inspiring as I did.  Please follow the link below...

Joy of Jesus

Love and Blessings

Kendra

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ”

— James 1:2-4 New International Version

Good Morning Beauties!

We all want peace, right?  Peace in the world, peace with people, and peace in our hearts.  How do we get it? 

I believe peace is a direct result from receiving God's Grace - His unmerited favor. There is absolutely nothing we can do to earn God's Grace, and that's where we stumble.  We still try.  We stress and strive to be good enough to earn His favor, and we fail every time.  This cycle of failure brings anything but peace.  

It's understandable because the world tells us that if we're good enough, we will be accepted and successful.  People will like us, we will get that scholarship, we will get that job promotion, we will get Prince Charming, get the big house, the kids, the all-star Mom status, and finally have everything we've ever wanted, right?

God tells us we're already loved and accepted.  Jesus died for us to reconcile us to The Father, and there is nothing we could ever do to earn it....all we have to do is Believe and Receive it.  

Can you imagine it?  A life free from all the stress of trying to earn God's acceptance?  A life knowing you are already good enough.  No more striving, no more pressure.....just PEACE.

Author Jenifer Jernigan writes in her book, Dive Deeper, "God’s peace, a result of His grace, dispels the war within my heart and mind. The chaos in my life that came from trying to live up to the perceptions and expectations of others was driven out as He restored me to Himself, quieting my heart and mind."

Do you want this kind of peace?  Look no further than God Himself.  Spend time today seeking Him and His Amazing Grace.

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”

— Titus 2:11 New International Version

Good Morning Beauties!

 A huge part of our ability to live a life of joy is to receive the freedom that Christ died to give us.  Freedom -  "The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved."  The enemy wants nothing more to enslave us with his destructive lies.  

Spend time this morning praying God will reveal those places where you need His freedom.  It can be the prison of perfectionism or rejection or people pleasing, or several other things.  When He shows you, will you open your heart and receive His Truth?  His Freedom?

I'm a woman of action, and I always look at something and say, "So what?"  Meaning, I look at revelation and think, "So now what do I go do with this Truth?"  When we receive God's freedom, is it just to keep to ourselves and feel better?  I don't think that's what God had in mind.  Every blessing we receive is in order to bless others.  The Bible tells us, "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."  (Galatians 5:13)

So, if you are ministry minded and wanting to be used by God, it's time to look at those lies that are holding you back from the freedom He has for you.  Open up, let Him uncover and then silence the lies with His Truth.  Freedom will allow you to walk in the fullness of who God created you to be.  

This song is an "oldie but goodie" from my friends at Hillsong.  I hope you will sing and dance to the incredible gift we've been given - the gift of Freedom.

Free to Dance

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

— John 8:36 New international Version

Good Morning Beauties!

Welcome to our third attribute - JOY!  What immediately comes to mind when you think of Joy?  Have you experienced much joy in your life?  Is this something you long for or already possess?

The word Joy is a noun and means, "a feeling of great pleasure and happiness."  In Christianity, it is much more than a a feeling...it is our strength!  Knowing God and knowing He loves us, we can be confident in every situation we face.  He is our security and is ever faithful to those who love Him.  This Truth is where our joy comes from.  It is not fleeting like a feeling, it is in our very soul and comes with the freedom we find in Christ.  

The word Rejoice is a verb.  It is the action shown of the word Joy.  My mind always thinks of Paul who said, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)  Now consider, Paul was in chains and in prison when he said these words.  What a picture!  The joy of the Lord surely was Paul's strength; strength to proclaim the goodness of God while he was suffering.  What an example he is to us.

Is this the joy you know?  What is God saying to your heart about His Joy today?  Do you trust him enough to let go of all anxiety and instead choose Joy? Selah.

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let joy overflow, for you are united with the Anointed One!”

— Philippians 4:4 The Passion Translation

Good Morning Beauties!

You're doing fantastic!  How do you feel, now that you're a quarter of the way into your journey?  Each day as you take time to spend with God you express your love for Him and commitment for a deeper relationship.  You've opened your heart for Truth and Transformation from the One who knows you best and loves you most.  Beautiful

Before we move on to our next attribute tomorrow, what did you hear from God about your beauty in loveliness?   Make sure you've heard all He has to say.  Selah.

I encourage you to return to Day 1 as a way to examine your progress.  Recount the lies that have been exposed with the light of His Truth in just these first 10 days.  Hallelujah!

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“Be willing to be made low before the Lord and he will exalt you!”

— James 4:10 The Passion Translation

Good Morning Beauties!

What are you learning about "lovely" this week?  What has God revealed to you about the Truth of this attribute? 

I'm learning though we may seem "soft" in our appearance and actions, our soul (mind, will and emotion) can be very strong as we trust in the Lord to obey His instruction. 

A perfect example is Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the Bible.  A humble 15 year old girl who is told she is to bear the Christ.  We've all heard the story of how her pregnancy cast shame on her and her future husband, Joseph.  The townspeople were out to stone her for what they thought was fornication.  Do you think she thought far into what may happen when she told the angel, "be to me according to your word"?  Or do you think she blindly said, "yes" to whatever the Lord would ask of her?  Selah.

Mary would also trust God to provide her strength as she bore and raised Jesus.  The ultimate challenge to her obedience was watching Him die on a cross.   Humility and Strength...Mary was indeed Lovely.   

Do you have a "Mary" in your life who you can look to for an example of humility and strength?  How do you see her soft and strong sides?  Perhaps you could reach out today and let her know what an encouragement she is to you and your walk with God.

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

— Luke 1:38 English Standard Version

Good Morning Beauties!

Yesterday we looked at the grandeur of "Majesty" and today we take a turn and look at "Humility." What appears to be a contrast is really not, though at first glance it seems they are completely different. 

We tend to think Majesty is expansive and strong and define Humility as shrunken and weak.  Nothing could be further from the Truth.  Humility is an inner confidence which refuses to display all of its greatness.  It bows to the authority of God, knowing He is the source of all its strength.

The greatest example of Humility I've ever heard is while Christ was being mocked, flogged, and forced to carry His own cross up to Golgotha, He remained silent.  He was God and had the power to call upon an army of angels to release Him, yet He remained silent.  Humility. 

What motivated such humility?  Let's continue with the story.  The first words Jesus spoke after He had been tortured is, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing."  (Luke 23:34) And there's our answer...Love.  Love motivated His humility.  His perfect love for us.

I'm sure you've noticed, humility is difficult.  It hurts.  It causes us to die to self.  What then motivates our humility through the pain?  What motivates your humility?  Selah.

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

— Colossians 3:12 New International Version

Good Morning Beauties!

It's a glorious Lord's day...birds are singing their praise, a gentle wind moves through the trees, and the sun is peaking through the clouds.  Awesome!

Don't you just love the word "Majesty"?  It's a special word we do not give to many things.  If you think about it, the adjective is given to Godly creation or God Himself.  Majestic mountains is a popular one. Let's look at the definition to discover why.  "Supreme greatness or authority; sovereignty." Dictionary.com also lists, "Christ in Majesty, a representation of Christ as ruler of the universe."  And there's our answer.  Who or what else can compare?  Nothing.  Christ is ruler over all, and He alone can claim the title of Majestic.

Our salvation provides for us to live with God in Heaven for eternity.  It also allows for the indwelling of the Spirit.   We now have Christ living in us! (Colossians 1:27)  In this regard, we can truthfully declare we too are clothed in His Majesty.  The One who rules all things, is alive in us!  What does that mean to you?  What does that look like?  What lie does this Truth replace for you? Selah.

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty.”

— Psalm 104:1 English Standard Version

Good Morning Beauties!

Welcome to our second stanza and the second Godly attribute ... lovely.  What do you think of when you hear that word?  What pictures flash through your mind?  For me, "lovely" has always meant "soft, fragile, delicate." All things I never considered myself...until I started my 40 day journeys.  Through my journeys, God has shown me Truth about this word;  lovely is also strong. 

If we look to Webster's Dictionary, here is what we find, "delightful for beauty, harmony, or grace."  What is something that has all these attributes?  Ballet and the Ballerina.  Did you think the same thing?   When watching a ballerina dance, we see beauty, harmony, and grace.  A great ballerina makes every move seem effortless. 

The truth is far from it....it takes much effort and strength.  The ballerina must place all her weight on her toes.  They hold her up and allow her to move.  Have you ever wondered how on earth she can jump and leap and land on her toes?  She has a strong foundation holding her up which allows the rest of her to glide across the floor like a soft, graceful butterfly.  We have strength holding us up too - JESUS!  He is our firm foundation who we can place our trust.  We find our strength in HIM who allows us to be the lovely women He created us to be.  

What is God showing you about your loveliness today?  Selah.

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.”

— Song of Solomon 2:14 New International Version

Good Morning Beauties!

Well done!  You've successfully completed the first stanza of the song and studied what you believe about your own beauty.  If you look back at Day 1, has your belief changed at all?  Did God speak to you and reveal His Truth where you were believing any lies?

Yesterday we spoke about the Beauty of Jesus.  The Bible says Christ lives in us, so it only makes sense that the love of Christ freely flows out of us to the world; and that my friends, is where our True Beauty comes from.  Selah.

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“So God created mankind in his own image...”

— Genesis 1:27 New International Version

Good Morning Beauties!

You're doing great!  On this 7th day of meeting with God, I pray you already see the beginning of transformation.  He is so worthy of our time, our love, and our lives.

In conducting a Bible search this morning, it would seem the Bible contradicts the idea of beauty.  Physical beauty is appreciated in the Bible.  Throughout the book of Song of Solomon, the Bridegroom describes the beauty of His Bride in great detail.  He often greets her with, "Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful!"  Inner beauty is also commended as in 1 Peter 3:3-4, "Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

So which is it, outer or inner?  I believe it's both.  I believe the heart of a person shines through their eyes and their countenance, and their whole being.  We all know Jesus is beautiful.  His unfailing love flows out of Him, and He is the perfect example of beauty.  Here's how the Bible describes His physical appearance in Isaiah 53, "For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not." Selah.

What is God speaking to you about the Truth of your beauty?

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”

— 2 Corinthians 4:16 English Standard Version

Good Morning Beauties!

We have a beautiful topic today, perhaps the most beautiful of all - the LOVE of God for us. Do you know this love?  It's perfect, unconditional, and constant...and it's for you.  Throughout your journey, God wants to reveal more and more of His love for you.  All you have to do is open your heart wide and receive.  

When I first wrote these lyrics, I was thinking about the good things God created.  He loves me above them all.  It was during my second journey when He showed me He also loves me above all my failures, my sin.  How many times do we think we've decreased His love for us by our mistakes?  "I'll try harder to be better so He'll love me more." Now, of course, this thought isn't on our tongues, but it's in our hearts as a belief.  My dear sisters, that is a lie!

How do we silence the lie that says we must try harder to earn God's love?  By replacing it with Truth.  God's love never changes and it never fails.  Nothing can separate us from His love...nothing.  

I've included a beautiful song that speaks to this Truth.  Listen closely to the words and know He loves you.

Your Love Never Fails

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.”

— Romans 8:39 The Message Bible

Good Morning Beauties!

Can you picture it?  Being the Daughter of the King of all Kings?  It's hard to fathom, am I right?  What does that look like to you?  What is God speaking to you about this Truth?

Yesterday we started the conversation about being a princess.  By definition, a daughter of a king is a princess.  So, do you believe this Truth about yourself?  What does it look like when you walk it out and live in it each day?

God speaks to us in several ways, so we have to be listening at all times.  He spoke to me through nature a few years ago about this very subject.  I am blessed to live with the Mississippi River Park in my back yard.  It's gorgeous and full of His magnificent creation.  To get to the river, to my favorite spot, there is a path that cuts through a dense group of tall trees.  These beautiful trees overhang the path from both sides, creating a canopy. 

I've walked this path several times, but on one particular morning, God spoke about my royal title, that of His Princess.  It was if the trees were bowing as I walked down the regal road with my royal status.  I felt special, but not superior.  Further down the path, it was lined with yellow dandelions on each side.  As I walked, it became a processional through God's splendor.  All of us being created by the same True God.  All of us praising Him in unison.  Birds singing, wind rustling the leaves, the river flowing. 

He showed me, indeed, I am His Princess, and a far departure from the "tomboy" from my past.  What lie is holding you back from believing in your True Royal status?  Selah.

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“She is led to the king, followed by her virgin companions. A procession of joy and laughter! A grand entrance to the king’s palace!”

— Psalm 45:13 The Message Bible

Good Morning Beauties!

Welcome to Day 1 of our journey together.  I applaud you for your courage and determination for a deeper relationship with God.  You won't be disappointed.

Beautiful - what does it mean to you?  Do you automatically think of a perfect princess like Barbie or a Christ-centered Saint like Mother Teresa? I've used this comparison before because it speaks to the range of where our thoughts of beauty exist. We can think first of physical beauty, or perhaps we immediately think of inner beauty.  There are no right or wrong answers, just honest ones.  I think it's important to know where you fall on the spectrum and know the reasons why.  Selah.

It's been said that girls are nurtured by their fathers to develop a sense of confidence and security about who they are, and that our fathers are the first male figure to make us feel beautiful.  Some fathers have done a better job than others.  Some fathers have not done a good job at all.  Whatever your experience as a child, you are now a grown woman and can know with all certainty that you ARE beautiful.  

Our Abba Father God, translated as "Daddy," wants to speak Truth to you about your beauty.  Inside and out, He says that you are beautiful.  Perhaps today is a good day to look in the back of your Bible at the concordance and look up scriptures that speak of your beauty.  The word is Truth and the word is alive.  Will you open your heart and receive the truth He has for you?

I've shared below a very special scripture Abba Father spoke to my heart years ago.  Every time I read it, I find love, comfort, and joy.  It helps wash away hurtful memories of being cast as a tomboy, and often mistaken as a boy, to reveal the beautiful princess I truly am.  As a child, I had to be strong and take care of myself, but now I have the freedom to "soften up" and trust the Lord will take care of me.  It's a whole new mindset of who He made me to be...my True identity.

How about you?  Do you need to see yourself in a new way?  I pray you will lean in and hear from God just how beautiful you are. 

Love and Blessings, 

Kendra

“Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear; forget your people and your father’s house. The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.”

— Psalm 45:10-11 New International Version