Seeking God First
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Humility - a very misunderstood word. A very misused word. How do you interpret humility? Can you think of an example of when you were humble? How about when you felt humiliated? Selah.

I think the world’s view of being humble is different from what God has in mind. There are plenty of scriptures where we are told God hates the proud but loves the humble. Now of course, I don’t think God hates people, but their actions of pride He despises. So we Christians read these verses and then allow ourselves to be mistreated by others, thinking we’re obeying God’s command for humility. This thinking is wrong.

God revealed a simple way of looking at it with better understanding. Just like His two commands, love God and love others, (Mark 12:30-31) we are to find our humility in God and others. Let me explain. God wants us to come to him for wisdom and guidance to learn to walk in His way, not the way of the world. To do so, we must come to the full knowledge that He is in control and we are not. We must yield our lives to Him.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 New International Version

We are also to think of others first, instead of ourselves. What are the needs of others, and how has God equipped me to help? God desires we have a lifestyle of gratitude and generosity.

“Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. 4 Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.” Philippians 2:3-4 The Passion Translation

If you know Jesus, you have His spirit living in you. His spirit is humble, The perfect example of humility I know is when Jesus thought of others first, in fact, the same people who were persecuting Him. He spoke these words with such a peace, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Walking in His spirit allows you this same humility.

Do you believe you “wear your humility” well? Do you have a peace when you think of others’ needs before your own? Do you need a little help in this area? Here’s the answer…

“Be willing to be made low before the Lord and he will exalt you!” James 4:10 The Passion Translation

Are you willing? Selah.

The More I Seek You - Kari Jobe

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“But the humble of heart will inherit every promise and enjoy abundant peace.”

— Psalm 37:11 The Passion Translation

Power+Might+Splendor=Majesty
Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

There are few words that I reserve only for God, and Majesty (Majestic) is one of them. Could we really use such a word for anyone or anything else?

As He wraps His loving arms around us, we too become clothed in His Majesty. Do you know this all powerful, yet ever so tender love? Do you know the one who freely offers this perfect love? Selah.

Today, let’s look at the One who is truly majestic. Psalm 93:1-5 paints a spectacular picture of our God.

A Friday song, composed by King David after being resettled in the land
1 “Look! Yahweh now reigns as King!
He has covered Himself with majesty and strength,
wearing them as His splendor-garments.
Regal power surrounds Him as He sits securely on His throne.
He’s in charge of it all, the entire world,
and He knows what He’s doing!
2 Lord, You have reigned as King from the very beginning of time.
Eternity is Your home.
3–4 Chaos once challenged You.
The raging waves lifted themselves over and over,
high above the ocean’s depths, letting out their mighty roar!
Yet at the sound of Your voice they were all stilled by Your might.
What a majestic King, filled with power!
5 Nothing could ever change Your royal decrees;
they will last forever!
Holiness is the beauty that fills Your house;
You are the one who abides forevermore!”

Let’s worship and adore our Majestic King!!

Majesty - Kari Jobe

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all.”

— 1 Chronicles 29:11

Pure Love
Photo by Mara Ket on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

I’m excited to move forward on our journey and discover all God has for us as we look at our next attribute - Lovely. As the exercise with Beauty, the first thing we need to do is look at the word. What does it mean to you? How would you describe it to a friend? How do you relate to it? Please take some time to respond in your journal.

In all my previous journey experiences, when I get to the word lovely, it has always made me think of femininity. Something that I did not relate to. Growing up, as you recall, I was the tomboy of the family. Stuck in a role I never wanted, I longed to be thought of as “girly.” Through the work of my journeys, God has blessed me with a new found femininity, a softness, a gentleness. He is my strength, my security, my protection, so I do not have to be so tough and try to protect myself. What a blessing to lay that burden down.

When I look at the root word, it is LOVE. Jesus is love. Jesus is pure, without blemish. Jesus is pure love. Do you see it the same way? Now when I see the word lovely, it makes me think of Jesus and how His love flows from His children. If you think about a person you know who you consider to be lovely, do you see God in them? I know I do.

I read an email this morning from a beautiful woman, Alicia Britt Chole. At the end she made a statement of how we are truly victorious by our love status. Circumstances do not represent our success or failures. They do not determine if we “got it right.” The only thing that we should examine to determine how successful we are is to look at love. She puts it like this:

Love.
Love God.
Be Loved by God.
Love Others Toward God.
God-ward Love Can Make Any Year Victorious.

So, what is your “love status”? Where do you need God to strengthen you? Do you need to feel more of His love? Do you need to love Him more? How are you loving others? Selah.

All About Love - Steven Curtis Chapman

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Jesus answered him, ‘Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.’ This is the great and supreme commandment. And the second is like it in importance: ‘You must love your friend in the same way you love yourself.’”

— Matthew 22:37-39 The Passion Translation

Come Away With Me
Photo by Alina Kovalchuk on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Today is the third time we explore the truth of our beauty. Today’s lyric has emphasis with the word, “yes.” It’s a declaration - YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

In the Bible, God uses the same word, statement, or action three times to create emphasis and importance. Here is a great way of explaining it, “The number 3 biblically represents divine wholeness, completeness and perfection. If there ever was a desire to highlight an idea, thought, event or noteworthy figure in the Bible for their prominence, the number 3 was used to put a divine stamp of completion or fulfillment on the subject.” The Rev. Penny Ellwood, Blue Springs campus pastor, United Methodist Church of the Resurrection.

So, on this third day of hearing “you are beautiful,” do you believe it? What message do you hear instead? Will you bring it in submission to God and His Authority? Will you lay down the lie, and pick up the truth? Selah.

We’re still very early on in our journey, so you may not be believing “full on” in your beauty, that’s expected. Uncovering the lies and replacing them with His truth is the way to transform your thinking. Please pray for God to help reveal where you have been deceived, and then to help you accept the truth.

He loves you so much and wants you to have a blessed life filled with joy, hope and peace. He longs to be with you and give you the desires of your heart. He’s calling you out of the darkness. He says, “Come away with me.” Will you say, “yes”?

Come Away - Jesus Culture

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“The one I love calls to me, ‘Arise, my dearest. Hurry, my darling. Come away with me! I have come as you have asked to draw you to my heart and lead you out. For now is the time, my beautiful one.’”

— Song of Solomon 2:10

True Beauties
Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

It’s only the fourth day of our journey, but I pray you are already believing in your own beauty. Are you starting to be more aware of the lies the enemy has told you through people and circumstances in your life? Those lies have to come to the surface and be acknowledged before God can replace them with His truth.

While looking for a song this morning, I ran across this amazing video. I think it shows how most people feel about their beauty. It’s powerful and moving. You will be blessed. I have to warn you - there is one person who uses fowl language, so I apologize, but it shows how deep this subject goes into our hearts.

People react to being called beautiful - Shea

It’s time to tell that young girl inside she’s beautiful. She needs to hear it. She needs you to believe it.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Listen, my dearest darling, you are so beautiful—you are beauty itself to me! ”

— Song of Solomon 4:1 The Passion Translation

Prayer of Gratitude
Photo by Cristian Newman on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Oh how He loves us!

I don’t know if you’ve noticed yet, but each day I try to ensure the photo, song, and ending scripture reinforce the truth in the lyric of that day. This is how God speaks to me, and I share it with you, Beauties. Today, I sense Him whispering “mercy” in my ear. He loves us above all of our mistakes, everything we think is unforgivable. Yet He does forgive us with His immeasurable love.

You’re probably very familiar with the song, “How He Loves” made popular by David Crowder. I’ve heard it and worshipped God with it many many times. Today was different. God’s mercy really stood out to me, and He gave me the picture of the bending tree as me bending my body in prayer, giving thanks for His great mercy. So beautiful!

As you take in the photo, song, and scripture, what is God speaking to your heart? What lies is He helping you uncover? Will you accept His mercy today? Selah.

How He Loves - Kim Walker

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“But Christ proved God’s passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly!”

— Romans 5:8 The Passion Translation

Princess
Photo by Tai's Captures on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Now that you’ve had time to think about your idea of beauty, let’s look at truths that form your identity in Christ that ultimately create your beauty.

When we become Christians, (believing in Jesus as our savior,) we become part of God’s family. We become The Daughters of The Most High King. 2 Corinthians 6:18 says, “I will be a true Father to you, and you will be my beloved sons and daughters…” We are, therefore, Royalty, True Daughters of the King of Kings - Princesses. Amazing!

What comes to your mind when hearing this truth? Do you hear negative thoughts like, “You are anything but a princess. Just look at you! Look at all the sins you’ve committed. Look at how you’re living now.” The enemy will shout his lies in your mind so you will not believe the truth. But the truth remains. You are royalty. You are a princess. You belong to The King. Selah.

What name did you grow up believing? Perhaps your grasp is so tight, it’s difficult to release it and accept the true identity God has given you. As an example, in my childhood, my older sister was called Princess, and I was called Poncho Pete. My sister grew up with an identity of beauty and was confident in it. Me, on the other hand, was given the role of the Tomboy in the family, so beauty was far from my identity.

Whatever we grew up believing, we are now part of God’s family and we are who He says we are. We do not live as we once lived or believed what we once believed. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new creation. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new.”

Have you accepted your new life? Your new Identity? What holds you back from living out your royal status? Selah.

Daughter of The King - Tricia Brock

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house. Let the King be enthralled by your beauty; honor Him, for He is your Lord.”

— Psalm 45:10-11 New International Version

Wholesome Beauty
Photo by Katya Austin on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Welcome to the first day of your journey! You’ve prepared, you’ve prayed, and you’re ready. Now I want you to open your mind and heart, and be willing to accept God’s revelations of truth. It’s okay to admit you’ve been deceived by the enemy and are believing lies. There’s no shame in it. We’ve all struggled with deception. The good news is you are free to release the lies and replace them with truth.

Let’s talk about beauty. What does that word mean? How would you define it or describe it to a friend? What does it personally mean to you? Where did those beliefs originate? Please use your journal to write down your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Selah.

When you first think about the word beauty, do you immediately think of physical beauty? Most of us do. It takes time and maturity to see true beauty as an internal expression of the whole person. I’ve found so many of us are still wounded by negative experiences in our childhood about our physical beauty. We’ve carried around the negative talk all these years.

As an example, I’ll never forget when a classmate in 6th grade told me while we were in the gymnasium, “You better watch out, your thighs are looking a little big.” From that very moment on, I hated my thighs for decades! She meant no harm, but the enemy used an innocent statement and tried to destroy a little bit of my self esteem with it.

Sometimes, physical beauty can be turned by the enemy into something destructive. I can think of plenty of intelligent women who were only seen for their beauty; therefore, they were not taken seriously or given opportunities in which they were qualified.

We can’t discuss physical beauty without mentioning the completely false world we live in where already thin models are airbrushed into even thinner magazine covers with every imperfection corrected. That’s just the magazines! What about everyday people on social media? We only post the perfect glances of our anything but perfect lives. It’s all a mirage.

So, what is real beauty? Let’s go to the source, the creator of all beauty. We can find truth in God’s Word. I encourage you to look in your Bible’s concordance and read as many scriptures as you can with the words beauty and beautiful. You will begin to see and believe what true beauty is from God’s perspective.

When you know what it is, you can then apply it to yourself and believe YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. If you have trouble believing it, that’s when you pray for God to reveal beauty indeed applies to yourself, not just to others. He is a faithful God and is happy to show you truth.

More Beautiful You - Jonny Diaz

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Let your true beauty come from your inner personality, not a focus on the external. For lasting beauty comes from a gentle and peaceful spirit, which is precious in God’s sight and is much more important than the outward adornment of elaborate hair, jewelry, and fine clothes.”

— 1 Peter 3:3-4 The Passion Translation

I Thirst For You
Photo by KEEM IBARRA on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

We’ve come to our final day of preparation. Thank you for spending the needed time to access your expectations, discover any obstacles standing in your way, and creating an action plan to ensure your success.

Today, let’s look at your motivation. Why are you going on this journey and what will keep you going when you want to quit? Are you looking for a “feel good” time with God, where your emotions will have some healing? Are you ready to lay down parts of your life you’ve been holding in your firm grasp, and say, “Lord, I’m yours”? Are you wanting a deeper relationship with Jesus in hopes of new freedom? Only you know the answers, and be aware the impact of the journey on your life will be determined by your answers.

For me, God has brought me to a place in my life where my priority, my number one, my everything is Jesus. I long for more of Him. I long to know Him more, even when it’s excruciating, I must have more. I truly hunger and thirst for my Savior King.

Whatever the reason you’re here, use your journal to write your thoughts, emotions, hopes. Your motivation will have you meeting God everyday, even when it’s hard to get out of bed, find time when your kids need you, and when the enemy is hitting you with one thing after another. Your reason must be stronger than all these things.

Below is a beautiful scripture written by King David. Listen to his longing soul…

Thirsting For God
Psalm 63:1-8 - The Passion Translation

1 “O God of my life, I’m lovesick for you in this weary wilderness.
I thirst with the deepest longings to love you more,
with cravings in my heart that can’t be described.
Such yearning grips my soul for you, my God!
2 I’m energized every time I enter
your heavenly sanctuary to seek more of your power
and drink in more of your glory.
3 For your tender mercies mean more to me than life itself.
How I love and praise you, God!
4 Daily I will worship you passionately and with all my heart.
My arms will wave to you like banners of praise.
5 I overflow with praise when I come before you,
for the anointing of your presence satisfies me like nothing else.
You are such a rich banquet of pleasure to my soul.
6–7 I lie awake each night thinking of you
and reflecting on how you help me like a father.
I sing through the night under your splendor-shadow,
offering up to you my songs of delight and joy!
8 With passion I pursue and cling to you.
Because I feel your grip on my life,
I keep my soul close to your heart.

Here is a beautiful song to inspire us in our love for Jesus as we grow deeper in our relationship with Him.

No One But You - Hillsong

Tomorrow we start our journey. I am in prayer for us all, and I invite you to be in prayer as well. What you are about to encounter is life changing and needs to be bathed in prayer.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”

— Psalm 42:1 New International Version

My Sacred Place

Good Morning Beauties!

Welcome to our second day of preparation. As we continue getting ready for our adventure, today we’re going to uncover any obstacles that may prevent a successful journey. Not only will we discover the obstacles, but we’ll create a plan of action to eliminate the roadblocks.

Remember the truth we’ve found in John 10:10. The enemy comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. The purpose of this journey is to find revelation of lies he’s put in your head, and replacing them with God’s truth. He’s mad! He doesn’t want you to know the truth. He will try his best to keep you believing the lies.

What are some tactics he’ll use to prevent you from breaking free from his stronghold? One of the biggest obstacle from talking to other women who’ve been on their journeys and from my own experience is time. There’s just not enough of it - so we must MAKE time. Like it or not, you’re in charge of planning your schedule everyday. The question is, are you willing to make changes, and sacrifices, to ensure you have the amount of time you need to fully participate in your journey experience?

There are many ways the enemy will try to destroy what God has planned for you. Time is only one. What are some others? Write them down in your journal. It’s a brainstorming session, so write everything that comes to your mind, big or small. There are no wrong answers.

Now it’s time to create an action plan. Beside each of the obstacles, write how you will overcome each barrier. For example, since I prioritized spending enough time with God each morning, I have to get up an hour earlier. I’m up now by 5:00 am to begin my day. Part of my action plan is to go to bed an hour earlier, so I may still have enough sleep each night. It seems simple, but it’s hard for me on some mornings, especially on those frigid Minnesota mornings, when it’s too cold to leave my warm bed.

One of the things to help keep you on track is to have a special place where you meet with God. There are no rules, it just needs to be a space designated for you to be uninterrupted, calm, quiet, and able to hear what He’s speaking to your heart. It doesn’t have to be the same place everyday. Some days, I like to leave my sacred place in my home office to go outside and be surrounded by God’s glorious nature. Choose your place wisely.

In the Secret, (In the Quiet Place)

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Yahweh says, ‘Let the people return to me. Build! Build up the road, clear the way, and get it ready! Remove every obstacle from their path.’”

— Isaiah 57:14 The Passion Translation

Transformed and Free
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Welcome to our 2020 New Year’s 40 Day Journey! I hope you are as excited as I am. It is not a coincidence you are beginning the first day of a new century here - intentionally seeking God. I believe He is calling, and you are responding. No small thing to begin 2020.

For those of you who aren’t quite sure what this journey is all about, let me explain a bit. It’s all about transformation. There are many symbols of this life change, but the one I love in nature is how a beautiful butterfly starts as a caterpillar. Our lives are much the same. A caterpillar creates a pupa and that’s where the metamorphosis occurs. There is time of change, growth, difficulty, but something beautiful is created and set free to shine for all to see God’s creation. Butterflies are meant to fly in freedom, and so are you.

In the Bible, we see many examples of an internal change - a heart change. One that comes to mind is Jacob of the Old Testament. He was a schemer, in fact, that’s what Jacob means. His life was changed so drastically God changed his name to Israel, God’s prince. There’s also a dramatic change of someone we know from the New Testament, Apostle Paul. This Pharisee of all Pharisees, Saul was a killer of Christians, until he met Jesus. His heart believed the truth about Christ and who he was meant to be, and he was renamed Paul. He then became the man of God, second to none,

So, are you ready for transformation? Do you believe it can happen from a simple song and journal? I can tell you from my experience, it can. This journey is my 12th, if I’ve counted correctly, and I can honestly say there has been transformation each time. Some huge and some small, but always change in some fashion. My first journey experience was the most significant, and my name was changed from Despised to Treasured Possession, (Segullah).

How does transformation take place for us? The answer is in our key scripture, “The enemy comes only to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come to give you life to the full.” John 10:10. The enemy has taken from all of us in some manner…that’s what he does. In the journey, we will look at the lies you currently believe and will ask God to reveal truth to replace those lies. Like the butterfly, you will slowly begin to change into the beautiful woman God created you to be, living in full freedom to fulfill your purpose.

Each experience is different. This is YOUR journey, so make it your own. The blog you are now reading is here as an encouragement. Use it daily, when you’re having a difficult time staying motivated, or not at all. The choice is up to you.

Why prepare? That’s rather simple. If you were going on an extended trip, would you prepare for it? Of course you would. Though this experience is internal, you still need to prepare. We will prepare for the next three days. Today, let’s look at your expectations of the journey. You may want to grab your journal and make some notes you can refer back to along the way. Ask yourself these important questions: What do you want to get out of this experience? What are you willing to do to ensure your expectations are met? What are you needing God to do? Selah.

Listen to You Are Beautiful again. This time, picture yourself as a butterfly who has come out of her cocoon and now flies in freedom.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in His eyes.”

— Romans 12:2 The Passion Translation

I Am Free
Photo by Celeste Mc on Unsplash

Good Afternoon Beauties1

Thank you for meeting me here for one more day to reflect on the entire 40 Day Journey. I’ve found it important to look back at where we began and take inventory of all the lies God has replaced with His truth.

If you look at Day 1 and your idea of beauty, how did you define it back then? How do you describe it now? Can you see growth? The revelation I had on my first journey experience is that all true beauty is Jesus Himself, and when we know Him and walk with Him, His beauty radiates from us, in physical expression and in action. Just as Jesus is Love, He is also Beauty.

So let’s look at the other seven attributes again: Lovely, Joyful, Royalty, Righteous, Redeemed, Purity, Child of God. Are you able to go down the list and summarize the lies that bound you and the freedom God has given you in each of these areas? Perhaps He did a mighty work in a few or even just one….but isn’t that victory something to celebrate?!

The Bible says, “Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. ‘If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.’” John 8:31-32 The Message Bible. In what areas of your life can you say God has set you free as you walked with Him during your journey? Are there defining moments you can pinpoint?

Beauties, it has been an absolute privilege and joy to walk on this journey with you. I pray you will hold dear the Truths and Freedom you’ve been given by our precious Savior. Your journey doesn’t stop here, of course, but I pray you have found a closeness with Jesus, and a passionate desire to spend time with Him daily and treasure your relationship.

I would love to hear from you about your experience. Please use the “Let’s Connect” section of the website to say hello.

Here’s one last beautiful song to encourage you on your journey.

I’ve Been Changed - Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Let me be clear, the Anointed One has set us free—not partially, but completely and wonderfully free! We must always cherish this truth and stubbornly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past.”

— Galatians 5:1 The Passion Translation

God’s Perfect Gift
Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Merry Christmas! I pray you are having a glorious time with family and friends in reflection of Christ’s birth and the magnificent gift He is to all of us.

As much as Jesus is our gift, He wants you to know that you are His gift. He delights in you, sings over you, and is in constant prayer for you. You are His beautiful gift!

The Bible says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” The Passion Translation. Jesus is our perfect gift, and we are too!

There is freedom in knowing the truth about who we are in Christ, and how much God really loves us. He is for us not against us. We have His favor and mercy not His condemnation. He wants to bless us not punish us. On this majestic day, will you accept the gift of God’s love and the gift of His Son? Selah.

Please celebrate Christmas BIG today, and here’s a special song to bless you.

Angels We Have Heard On High - Various Artists

Please join me here tomorrow for our Day of Reflection, where we’ll put together the entire 40 Day Journey.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.”

— Luke 2:13 The Message Bible

Christ is Born
Photo by Shelby Miller on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

We are children of God because of another child who came into the Earth. Christians all over the world celebrate His birth tonight - Jesus. Born of a virgin in a lowly manger as the Angels gathered the shepherds in the fields. He was fully man and fully God, and He came to bring sinners back into union with the Father. What a beautiful picture of God’s love being poured out through His Son.

Jesus’ life had purpose. God has also given your life purpose. You were created in this time in history and in the place you’re planted to fulfill the amazing plan and purpose of your life for God. Do you know the plan? Are you surrendered to complete it? What’s preventing you from giving everything you have , everything you are to fulfilling your destiny? Selah.

I pray you have received more of The Father’s love these past few days, and that your heart’s desire is to share it with everyone you can. Sharing the Good News about Christ is our universal Christian calling. You don’t have to give sermons or know every word of the Bible to share the love of Christ. What are you naturally good at? How do you enjoy serving others? What special talent do you have? These are the perfect ways to share the love of Jesus. What will you do today to share His love? Selah.

On the special occasion of Christmas Eve, I want to share a special song. Enjoy!

Hallelujah - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

— Isaiah 9:6 New International Version

God’s Treasured Possession
Photo by Nick Owuor (astro.nic.visuals) on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Today’s lyric will always hold a special place in my heart. On my very first journey experience, God used the truth of my worth and value to Him to heal a deep wound. He also gave me a new name, “Segullah,” which means Treasured Possession in Hebrew.

When you read the scripture below, what part touches your heart? What do you think? What do you feel? For me, I love the part that says, “The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth…” God is Almighty and yet so very personal for His children.

Do you feel chosen? Special? Treasured? Are you able to receive this truth through His love for you? Selah.

In His Eyes - 1 Girl Nation

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession.”

— Deuteronomy 7:6 New International Version

Father’s Love
Photo by Teambrand on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Soak. Today, let’s soak in the Father’s love and be transformed. It will take slowing down, even in our breathing pattern. It will require intentionality. It will be necessary to say “no” to a few things. It will also be worth it!

Steven J. Cole wrote a Bible study on Bible.org for the beautiful scripture referenced below.
Please take time today to read, journal, and be still before God. It’s the best present you could give yourself this Christmas. Afterall, Jesus is the greatest gift, and He is LOVE.

1 John 3:1 - Steven J Cole 2006

Here is one of my favorite songs in a video that shares several real life stories of the transformative power of God’s love. Be blessed!

He Knows My Name - Francesca Battistelli

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that He has lavished on us! He has called us and made us His very own beloved children.”

— i John 3:1 The Passion Translation

The Father’s Love
Photo by Liane Metzler on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Welcome to the last, and I believe the most important truth to believe…you are a Child of God! We spend our lives reaching for that next title of importance. Society has taught us to do so. It starts in school where we strive for “A student” or “Star Athlete” or “Most Popular” or “Cuma Sum Laude.” It continues when we begin our careers. We like titles of authority. “Manager” or “Executive” or “VP” or “Pastor.” These titles will never hold a candle to the best title we will ever have - “Child of God.” What are the titles you thought important growing up? What are the ones you strive for now? Selah.

What does the Bible say about this position? The Gospel of John tells us we are, “children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:13 New International Version. We must think in the truths of the supernatural. The story of Nicodemus in John 3 describes Jesus’ answer when asked how to be born again - as Children of God.

Our title brings love and devotion from God, our Father. Authority also comes with it. We have rights as heirs to God’s Kingdom. There is simply too much Biblical wisdom to express in this platform, but I encourage you to get your Bible and do some digging. I know you’re busy, I know it’s Christmas, I know, I know. This is your life we’re talking about. Your freedom in Christ. Your future. Open your heart like never before, and let God rip out the lies, and overflow that same space with His loving truth. Selah.

Child of God - Kathryn Scott

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“But those who embraced Him and took hold of His name were given authority to become the children of God!”

— John 1:12 The Passion Translation

Beauty of Uniqueness
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

I found a great article which speaks about our uniqueness as a beautiful gift from God. Please take a moment to read it and let the truth wash over you.

“You Are Unique” by Ted Griffin

“Just as every snowflake is unique, every person is unique because God created him or her in his image—a simple reminder of God's love during the winter season.

Millions of snowflakes fall every year around the world, and yet no two snowflakes are alike! If a hundred artists spent a year designing as many snowflakes, they couldn’t come up with the same variety. Every single snowflake is completely unique.

Equally astounding is the variety of human beings who have lived, now live, and will live on the planet Earth. God has created each one of us as a unique creation!

Believe it or not—no one else is just like you. Your physical appearance, your voice and personality traits—your habits, intelligence, personal tastes—all these make you one of a kind. Even your fingerprints distinguish you from every other human being—past, present, or future. You are not the product of some cosmic assembly line; you are unique.

But the most important fact of your identity is that God created you in His own image (Genesis 1:27). He made you so you could share in His creation, could love and laugh and know Him person to person. You are special indeed!

The Bible reveals God’s total interest in you as an individual. The psalmist wrote in one of his most beautiful prayers, “I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). God knew you even before you were born. Then, and now, He has plans just for you, plans conceived in love.

As we appreciate God’s constant concern for us, we really begin to grasp the awfulness of sin. He loves you and me so much; yet how often we go our own way, turning our backs on Him. God’s designs for our lives are then blocked; His mercies do not come to the unwilling.

But even when we turn from Him, we are precious to God. He continues to love us even when we pay no attention to Him. He still sees us as individuals with great value (Psalm 139:17-18). God is not an unfeeling, cold-hearted ruler of the heavens. He feels our pains; He shares our sorrows. He cares, and He considers each one of us important enough to love.

In fact, He loves us so much that He gave His only Son to die for our sins. The Bible says that this is love: “not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation [full payment] for our sins”

(1 John 4:10).

Because you and I are special to God, He wants to forgive us and give us a full, meaningful life. Can anyone be more special than that?

Yes, you are valuable to God! If you have never trusted Jesus Christ for your salvation, you can pray something like this today:

Lord, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die for my sins and rise from the dead so that I can know Your forgiveness and live with You forever. Right now I ask Him to be my Savior so that I can live as the unique creation that You intended me to be.”

Are you encouraged? Is there a portion that you find hard to believe? Pray for God to silence the lies preventing you from accepting the truth. Selah.

New Wine - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

— Psalm 139:14 New International Version

Washed Clean
Photo by Brandon Morales on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Are you ready to let go today? Let go of your darkness? Your need for perfection? Your need to please? Are you ready to believe the truth? The truth that says you’re filled with light. You’re flawless in God’s eyes. You’re fully acceptable. Selah.

God transforms us! Only He has the power to take our sin and make something beautiful. Here’s what scripture tells us, “Come now and let’s deliberate over the next steps to take together. Yahweh promises you over and over:  ‘Though your sins stain you like scarlet, I will whiten them like bright, new-fallen snow! Even though they are deep red like crimson, they will be made white like wool!’” Isaiah 1:18 The Passion Translation

Please take time to listen to this song, perhaps a few times. It’s packed with truth and healing for your soul.

Clean - Natalie Grant

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.”

— Ezekiel 36:25 New International Verion

Perfection Beyond the Mess
Photo by Senjuti Kundu on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Is your life a mess? Does it seem unorganized, chaotic, and not at all what you planned? Today’s lyric will encourage you!

No matter what’s going on in our life, our external and internal life, God sees us as perfect. He looks beyond the sin, the mistakes, and the shame, and sees perfection. He sees the child whom He created without error.

Will you hand Him the lies that say, “He’ll never love you, look at all you’ve done.” “You perfect? Ha! You’re filthy.” Will you open your heart and say, “No more! God, I accept your perfect love”? Selah.

Perfect - Philippa Hanna / Ed Sheeran

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Every part of you is so beautiful, my darling. Perfect is your beauty, without flaw within.”

— Song of Solomon 4:7 The Passion Translation