Contagious Joy

Good Morning Beauties!

“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.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

The protection, success, wellbeing of her children brings a mother great joy. She may have to work two jobs and do it all alone, but the sacrifices are worth it. Did you have a mom like this, or are you a mom who knows this joy?

Jesus knew the ultimate joy by giving the ultimate sacrifice, His life. How do these two things co-exist? How can you sacrifice and still feel joy? Selah.

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.” Psalm 51:12-13 (NIV)

Is there any greater joy than the gift of salvation? When circumstances in the world are discouraging and evil, we can fix our eyes on the sacrifice Jesus gave joyfully so we could be reconciled to The Father and live with Him for eternity.

Our joy can and should lead to others knowing Christ. If you hold on to your joy and people see your countenance during difficult times, they’ll want what you have. They will be open to listening to the Gospel message and learning about Jesus. Selah.

Let’s rejoice in our salvation and Jesus today!

Every Praise - Hezekiah Walker

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

— Philippians 4:4 New International Version

Perfect Peace

Good Morning Beauties!

Are you enjoying our look at “JOY” this week? I love thinking about joy and taking time to recall all the things in my life that make me feel joyful. How about you? What can you be joyful about today? Selah.

In my reflection, I always come to God’s gift of grace as one of the greatest things to bring me joy, but also peace. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (NIV)

To know that God’s gift of Jesus leads to my salvation, not striving to be “good enough” to earn it, brings peace. I love what Jesus says in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (NIV)

God changed my view of peace this morning by that last little bit - “instead, be courageous!” My idea of peace has always been a kind of rest. Resting from fear, doubt, striving. I think it’s still all those things, but it also brings a confidence that leads to courage. Love it!

What is the Spirit sharing about His grace and peace to you today? Anything new? There are so many beautiful scriptures about both, find time today to find your favorites. Selah.

This Is Amazing Grace - Phil Wickham

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”

— 2 Peter 1:2 New International Version

Free to Fly

Good Morning Beauties!

Freedom! Such a beautiful word and important part of our life’s journey. We look to our moms for guidance, wisdom, and encouragement to help mature us so one day we will be free to make our own decisions and live as well prepared adults in the world. We often hear the term, “left the nest,” or “flown the coop,” which implies the child is now grown and flying on their own. Perhaps it wasn’t your mother. Which woman in your life has taught you to fly? Selah.

Freedom is also a critical part of our spiritual journey. This 40 Day Journey exists to help free you from the bondage of lies the enemy has told you and walk in the freedom that Christ died to give you.

The verse that reassures me of my freedom is, "So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed." John 8:36. Jesus has already done it...He has already set us free. Do you believe it? Do you trust Him? Selah.

I see this process as a circle. We BELIEVE the Word as Truth....We TRUST our life to Jesus...We RECEIVE the Freedom He has given us...We LIVE in Joy.

Where do you need help today? In believing? Trusting? Receiving? Living? Where is your circle broken? Selah.

I encourage you to spend time praying for revelation and healing of any broken places.

Cry of the Broken - Darlene Zschech

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

— Galatians 5:1 New International Version

The Abundant Joy of The Lord

Good Evening Beauties!

Let’s talk about our next attribute, joy! What’s the first thing you think of when you hear that word? Do you have it? Do you want more of it? On a scale of 1-10, where is your joy level?

When I hear the word joy, I think of a sense of being that’s more than a feeling. I also think of the scripture we all know in Nehemiah 8:10, “…for the Joy of the Lord is your strength.” The scripture verse helps describe what I believe joy is and what it does for us and in us.

Nothing can stop a joyful heart, not the worst day, not any circumstance. A joyful heart is steadfast, focused on the Lord, and constantly reminded of the indescribable gift Jesus gave freely on the cross.

I find my greatest joy when I’m in communion with God, and that happens at its deepest level when I’m writing praise and worship songs to Him. My heart is close to His, and I can’t help but praise Him. Psalm 84:2 in the New Living Translation is a beautiful description - you can find it below. When I’m lost in the magnificence of His presence, all troubles fade away, and I find courage and strength in remembering I serve the Almighty God, Creator of all things. Our time together brings me back to an eternal perspective, and there I find great JOY.

I encourage you to review as many scriptures as possible with the word joy. Where is God revealing your true source of joy lives? Selah.

We know from our foundation verse, John 10':10 the enemy would like nothing better than to steal your joy…don’t let him! Keep your heart focused on Jesus!

Old Church Choir - Zach Williams

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.”

— Psalm 84:2 New Living Translation

He Cares For You

Good Morning Beauties!

Nothing is more beautiful than the love of Jesus! He knows us intimately and cares for us deeply. Take a look at Psalm 56:8 (NLT), “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Scripture continues in Matthew 10:29-31 (NLT), “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.  And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

My husband and I have recently moved to a new home in a new town outside the big city and even past the first couple rings of suburbs. It’s a friendly community on a lake filled with a quaint downtown area of shops and restaurants - something you’d see in a Hallmark movie.

Even though I’m truly excited about the move, that last day I was feeling very sad and anxious about leaving. My home was surrounded by tall trees and a walking path and I especially enjoyed time on my 2nd story balcony watching the birds dance together and hearing their praise songs to the Lord each morning. My new home is newer with young scattered trees, nothing like the lush “forrest” of my previous location.

Today, as I sat down to write, I cracked open the window, and God met me in that moment. I not only heard beautiful music of my feathered friends, I saw them dancing on the rooftops of my neighbors’ homes. Not only did He provide for my desire, but he went a step farther…I now have a perfect view of the sunrise! What an example of the abundant life found in Jesus!! He knows my very heart. He knows my sadness, anxious thought, as well as what brings me joy. His love is BEAUTIFUL!

What does Jesus take joy in? He takes joy in us, in YOU. You are absolutely beautiful and precious to Him. He is always thinking of you and interceding for you to the Father. What does this blessing and promise mean to you? Selah.

I Will Run To You - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!”

— Psalm 139: 17-18 The Living Bible

Lovely Laughter

Good Morning Beauties!

The past two days we looked at the aspects of Majesty and Humility, and today the Lord showed me how Strength is a common denominator in both. We’re strong in the power we’ve been given by the Holy Spirit, and humility takes enormous strength to put others before ourselves, especially the ones we believe are undeserving.

Proverbs 31 paints a beautiful picture of what we always consider “the perfect Godly woman.” Though her character is outstanding, I’m sure she had flaws the writer left out. Despite her imperfections, we can learn so much from her. Though she is said to be “a radiant bride,” if you are not married, please remember - you are the Bride of Christ, and therefore this scripture still applies to you.

Please take a moment to get to know or re-acquaint yourself with her now. Does your mother look like her? Does your best friend? How have these Proverbs 31 women been an example to you? Selah.

Proverbs 31:10-31 New International Version

Let’s stand in awe of Jesus today….

Lovely - Chris Tomlin

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”

— Proverbs 31:25 New Living Translation

Wisdom in Submission

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

On the surface, it seems that Majesty and Humility are opposites, but in reality, they are quite similar. Both are fueled by God’s power living in us. The power to move mountains and the power to remain silent while being misunderstood, unheard, or unknown.

I love what the Message Bible says in Colossians 3:12, “So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.”

The very best example of Humility fueled by Love comes from Jesus. He was humiliated, flogged, and hung on a cross, all the while remaining silent. It was an injustice of epic proportion, and yet He did not call down Angels to save Him. Jesus endured this torture for us - His Love for us. The first words He did say were, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34. The true definition of Humility came from Jesus.

How well do you wear humility? Do you put others before yourself in the name of Love? Do you readily go to God for His wisdom instead of relying on yourself? Christ lives in us, so we are humble by that very fact. The question is, do our behaviors line up with this Truth?

He gives us the power and ability to act in humble ways, motivated by love. Take time to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Truth about your motivations. Selah.

Enjoy time expressing your gratitude for Jesus today.

Gratitude - Brandon Lake

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”

— Proverbs 22:4 New International Version

Majesty In the Ordinary

Good Afternoon Beauties!

I love how God shows us His Majesty all the time, and it’s up to us to slow down and notice. His creation, including us, is clothed in His glorious splendor. Where has He revealed it to you lately? Grab your journal and write or draw a description.

He is blessing me right now as I write this blog with the Majesty of nature. I sit on my 2nd floor balcony with eyes closed listening to the beautiful symphony just beyond where I’m sitting. Each bird sings his part of the song all the while a constant rush of wind plays softly in the background. This green forrest was barren just a month ago. Now it’s transformed into lush green foliage and beautiful inhabitants taking up residence playing harmonious music. Majesty!

Where have you overlooked your Majesty? You may feel ordinary, but isnt’ that who God uses so He may receive the glory? Where is your life glorifying God? Selah.

Majesty (Here I Am) - Delirious

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Praise the Lord, my soul. Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.”

— Psalm 104:1 New International Version

Pursued by Perfect Love

Good Morning Beauties!

“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 (NIV)

Are you holding on to labels and titles that don’t belong to you? “I’m the strong one, everyone depends on me.” “I’m the Tomboy, I don’t have time for girly things.” “I’m the rejected one, who could possibly love me?” I know so many beautiful Christian women who are still believing the lies of the enemy.

What would it mean if you allowed Jesus to pursue you - the real you - the one He created? What does that look like for you? He is after your heart, just like a groom longs for his bride. Jesus wants all of you, every part of you. Are you willing to stop and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal all the ways Jesus is pursuing you? Selah.

As you spend time with God, here’s a song that will help prepare your heart for your groom, Jesus.

I Can’t Wait - Merchant Band

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“You are altogether lovely, my darling, and no blemish is in you.”

— Song of Solomon 4:7 Tree of Life Version

The Unshakable Truth of God’s Word

Good Morning Beauties!

Does circumstance dictate the way you see yourself? Do you only believe in your beauty when others accept you? How’s your confidence level when you’re rejected by others? Do you still feel beautiful? Selah.

The Lord has shown me time and time again my worth and value to Him. He says I’m beautiful, and I believe Him. But on some days, in certain situations, I sense my confidence lessen and doubt starts creeping in. Can you relate? What do you do during those moments of doubt? Selah.

Let’s praise our beautiful Savior today as we pray to have a fresh revelation of His glorious love for us.

From the Inside Out - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.”

— Psalm 16:8-9 New International Version

Woman of God

Good Morning Beauties!

Proverbs 31 Woman

We are blessed to have these very special women of God in our lives. These women who have taught us, supported us, encouraged us, and comforted us. Who are these women in your life? Your grandmother, mother, sister, best friend, teacher, boss, mentor? Write their names down in your journal and thank God for them. Take time to pray for each one today.

God has given us these beautiful women to help us through life’s challenges and celebrate our highest moments. As great as these women are, He has given us someone even greater to help us in even greater ways - Jesus! The enemy may have stolen or destroyed healthy relationships with loving women in your life, but remember the second part of John 10:10, “but I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” Jesus brings life! The life of freedom to be who He created you to be.

Be aware of where your mind takes you as you think about these things and how those thoughts impact your feelings. Journal your thoughts, feelings, and prayers. Selah.

Let’s worship our Beautiful Jesus and thank Him for the beautiful lives He’s given us.

Beautiful Beautiful - Francesca Battistelli

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

— Matthew 11:28-30 New International Version

Free From Condemnation

Good Morning Beauties!
”Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” 1 John 4:18 (NLT)

We are loved above all things. What does that mean to you? What does your mind think of first? How about your heart? Selah.

For me, I think of two things. First, as perfect as God’s creation is, He loves me above it all. The care He takes for a delicate flower can’t compare to the tender care He has for me. Second, despite all my failings, He still loves me above them all. Hallelujah!!

Do you ever feel a spirit of condemnation? Tormenting thoughts in your head saying God is disappointed in you? These are lies of the enemy! The Word directly speaks to these lies and says the Lord does not condemn those who believe in Him.

Take time to journal some of the condemning lies in your head and pray the Holy Spirit will help you take them captive so they won’t travel to your heart. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

I pray you will allow the Spirit to do a mighty work in you today and set you free from any condemnation and to bring the realization of God’s perfect love for you.

No Condemnation - Anthony Evans

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”

— Romans 8:102 New Living Translation

God’s Family

Good Morning Beauties!

“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)

Yesterday we celebrated our beautiful mothers, and today we switch gears and celebrate our father - our Abba Father. We are His daughters. This truth provides a couple of titles for us - Princess to the King and Sisters in Christ. We have an Earthly family, and being born-again believers, we have our Spiritual Family, the one God has invited us into.

What does being adopted into God’s family mean to you? What does the truth of belonging, being included, being accepted mean to you? Journal your thoughts and feelings of your initial response, then spend time with God to discover what he wants you to know about your place in His Royal Family. Selah.

I Belong To You - Hillsong

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

Good Morning Beauties!

Welcome to our Mother’s Day journey! I’m so excited to celebrate mothers today and to ponder the similarities between our loving moms and God’s love. I think of unconditional love that allows a mother to overlook bad behavior and deeply love her child. I also believe moms will lay down their lives for their children - no greater love. We love our mothers and thank God for them!

I want to be sensitive to those Beauties who have not been blessed with a loving mother for whatever reason. Mother’s Day can be especially tough. I pray you will grieve and process through those emotions with your Abba Father. It’s helpful to remember the loving women God has brought into your life to love you and care for you. Let’s celebrate them today.

A good place to start our journey is to ask, “What is beauty?” How do we define it? It has many aspects; consider external and internal beauty of a person, the beauty found in nature, the beauty of a song, of a painting, and the list goes on. Create your list of things that help define beauty for you. Since we’ll be discovering what Jesus wants us to know about our own beauty through the 40 day experience, it’s important to take time and journal about your current ideas and beliefs.

Next spend time with Jesus and listen as He speaks to your mind and heart. What does He want you to know about your beauty? There may be some lies planted in your mind long ago by the enemy. Will you allow Jesus to reveal them to you, no matter how painful? The revelation will lead to your transformation. Are you willing to open yourself up to Jesus for this process? Selah (Stop, think, and ponder these things.)

As much as our mothers love us, there is one who loves us even more - God. Let the truth of this song wash over you and bring you into a deeper relationship with Jesus.

How He Loves Us - David Crowder

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“ How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! ”

— Song of Solomon 1:15 New International Version

Our Beautiful Journey Begins

Good Morning Beauties!

Welcome to the 2023 Mother’s Day Journey! I’m so glad you’re here. Have you brought your mom with you, or perhaps that special woman mentor in your life? Whomever is on this journey with you, one thing is certain, Jesus is right there with you too.

There’s a reason you’re here. God has something magnificent planned for you. Let me begin by saying I admire your courage, strength and dedication to grow deeper in your relationship with God. We have a promise about our desire to seek God in Matthew 7:8, “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (NIV)

I believe this 40 Day Journey experience is a “narrow gate” which leads to the Truth of God few people find as written in Matthew 7:13-14. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (NIV)

How can we possibly navigate through this world without knowing who we really are? Without knowing the Truth, the enemy fills our heads with lies. Our belief in them leads to our destruction. God desperately wants you to know the Truth about who you are and who He created you to be, which will lead to a life of love, joy, and peace. A life of fulfillment. A life He died to give you.

As you can see, this journey is significant, and with anything of great importance, we must approach it with great intentionality. We must prepare for our journey. We will take time today to pray, search our hearts, and look at our expectations, obstacles, and motivations.

Let’s start by defining our expectations. What do you want to accomplish? What do you want God to do? What are you willing to do, to give, and to surrender in order for you to consider it a successful experience? Selah. (Stop and ponder)

Take time this morning to pray and ask God about these things. Find a place in your journal to write down your answers. You will want to refer back to them during your journey.

Next, we need to plan for obstacles along the way. Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal anything that may stand in your way of a smooth journey. I know from personal experience, as well as hearing from several women who’ve taken this journey, having a busy schedule is a big obstacle. Like with this example, we have to create an action plan to overcome road blocks.

Take charge over anything standing in your way! You have the power to make your schedule. What will you do to allow for more time to spend with God each day and journey with Him? What sacrifices might need to be made? Is it worth it? Like your expectations, please write down a list of obstacles standing in your way, and beside each one, write down your action plan to overcome it with victory.

Lastly, we’ll look at motivation. Why do you want to take this 40 Day Journey? What’s calling you to a deeper relationship with God? Has something changed? Do you find yourself in a valley and want to be brought out, or are you in a mountain top place in your life where you want to grow even closer to God? Is it somewhere in between?

I love Psalm 42:1-2, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” (NIV) King David, often quoted as “the man after God’s own heart”, wanted to be in the presence of God and in deep relationship with Him more than anything else. Is that where you are? Longing for God? Longing for Truth?

Please write down your answers in your journal. Trust me, you will want to review your motivations, your “why” on those mornings when it’s hard to get out of bed and get to your journal. Let it remind you of all the reasons you’re taking the journey.

All of our journeys will be different, but we can all agree that today, as we begin, there is an uncertainty about where our journeys will take us. That’s okay. Do not fear. Though the experience is unknown, we do know the one who is leading us, and He will be with us to love and care for us the entire way.

The universal goal is change. We are asking God to reveal the lies we’ve been believing and replace them with His Truth. The battle is waged in our minds. Transformation occurs when we trust God and allow Him to change our thoughts. Are you ready for this kind of change? Selah.

Let’s pray… Dear Lord Jesus, we come to you today in great anticipation of all you have in store for us during our 40 Day Journey. You have created each one of us, perfectly and wonderfully. May we come to know the truth of who we are in you, Jesus. Reveal to us the lies and deception we’ve believed and replace them with your truth. Lord, take back what the enemy has stolen and give us newness of life so we may pursue you and our purpose. Holy Spirit, help us to surrender our control and bring comfort and peace to us during our journey experience. We welcome the change you have for us - from glory to glory. We love you, Lord, and we lift up our prayer in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Glory to Glory - William Matthews

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.”

— Romans 12:2 New Life Version

The Journey Continues

Good Morning Beauties!

We all just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Sunday; now it’s time to celebrate your own new life. Today is the day to look back throughout your entire 40 days and reflect on your personal growth. It’s a time to examine all the ways God has changed you by speaking truth into lies you once believed.

It’s helpful to, once again, consider the steps of your preparation and answer a few questions. There are no right or wrong answers, just honest ones. Look back through your journal and notice any changes from the first few days until the last few. Where is the growth? Selah.

Were your expectations met? How was it different than you expected? Looking back, what would you do to improve the success? Selah.

What were some big distractions? How were you able to keep them away from your time with God while you continued your journey everyday? Did your action plans work? Selah.

What about your motivation? Did your hunger and thirst for God keep you coming back each day to spend time with Him? Did you find your heart longing for more of Him, or did the constant bad news of the pandemic cripple you to move forward with Him? Selah.

I pray this 40 Day Journey experience has made a positive impact in your life. If so, please consider going again. Our life’s journey continues everyday, and sometimes we need a resource that keeps us close to God. I hope you found this journal to be a resource for you.

If this experience has been a good one, would you please tell your friends and family? I believe the enemy has done so much harm to women to keep us bound. He knows our strength and is afraid of the power through God we have to change the world. Let’s help break the chains of every woman we know and set them free to walk in their God given purpose.

Please also consider sharing your story about how God used the 40 Day Journey in your life. It’s another way of encouraging each other. You can contact me on the “let’s connect” section of my website. I’d love to hear from you and hear how God has changed your life.

If you or your friends need a journal, I’m happy to send them one. I want to make sure everyone has a chance to have a copy of the journal, as it’s an important piece in the experience.

As we end our time here on the blog, go back and listen again to the song that speaks truth to your heart. Quiet the world, and go to that safe quiet place. Let Him sing this song over you as you thank Him for all He’s done to bless you and make you whole.

You Are Beautiful

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Praise for God’s Love
1 Praise the Lord, O my soul. And all that is within me, praise His holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, O my soul. And forget none of His acts of kindness. 3 He forgives all my sins. He heals all my diseases. 4 He saves my life from the grave. He crowns me with loving-kindness and pity. 5 He fills my years with good things and I am made young again like the eagle.

6 The Lord does what is right and fair for all who suffer under a bad power. 7 He made His ways known to Moses and His acts to the people of Israel. 8 The Lord is full of loving-pity and kindness. He is slow to anger and has much loving-kindness. 9 He will not always keep after us. And He will not keep His anger back forever. 10 He has not punished us enough for all our sins. He has not paid us back for all our wrong-doings. 11 For His loving-kindness for those who fear Him is as great as the heavens are high above the earth. 12 He has taken our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. 13 The Lord has loving-pity on those who fear Him, as a father has loving-pity on his children. 14 For He knows what we are made of. He remembers that we are dust.

15 The days of man are like grass. He grows like a flower of the field. 16 When the wind blows over it, it is gone. Its place will remember it no more. 17 But the loving-kindness of the Lord is forever and forever on those who fear Him. And what is right with God is given forever to their children’s children, 18 to those who keep His agreement and remember to obey His Law.

19 The Lord has set up His throne in the heavens. And His holy nation rules over all. 20 Praise the Lord, you powerful angels of His who do what He says, obeying His voice as He speaks! 21 Praise the Lord, all you armies of His who work for Him and do what pleases Him. 22 Praise the Lord, all His works in all places under His rule. Praise the Lord, O my soul!”

— Psalm 103 New Living Translation

Resurrection Power

Happy Easter Beauties!

“ For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.  For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:5-11 (NIV)

Oh the good news of Easter! Is there anything more beautiful than the life of Jesus resurrected from the darkness of death and the tomb? What an amazing love story! Not only did Jesus conquer death, but He rose again to give us new life. A life that is simply beautiful.

The resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead is given to us, so we too can live a life of authority over darkness. No longer slaves to fear, doubt, anxiety, guilt, and shame, we command the enemy and his demons to leave. They have no place in our lives - our newly resurrected lives. Selah.

If the same power that raised Christ lives in you, please believe this truth - Nothing can stop the resurrection power living in you from accomplishing everything Jesus died to give you. Nothing can stop you from living your life in freedom! Nothing can stop you from making your dreams a reality! Nothing can stop you from ___. You fill in the blank. Selah.

Today we celebrate the risen life of Jesus, and also our own. How will you celebrate your new life? Selah.
Resurrecting - Elevation Worship

Please join me here tomorrow as we reflect on our entire 40 Day Journey experience.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“God raised the Lord from death. He will raise us from death by His power also.”

— 1 Corinthians 6:14 New Living Translation

Forever Reconciled

Good Morning Beauties!

“ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (NKJV)

The Father will do anything for His Children, as long as it leads us back to Himself. The purpose of blessing is always to bring us into a deeper relationship with Him. The truest blessing is Jesus! The ultimate victory is reconciliation to the Father. It has always been about us returning in beautiful harmony to the Father.

Please take some time to journal about your understanding of what Jesus did on the cross and how it helped to bridge the gap between you and the Father. What does reconciliation mean to you? Selah.

Last night I attended our church’s Good Friday service, and I still carry the images with me today. The love of the Father was on full display as my eyes and heart witnessed the suffering of Jesus on the cross. It was a picture of God’s Perfect Love - The Perfect sacrifice of His Perfect Lamb. It was PERFECTION on display.

As we consider the truth about our rightful place as a Child of God, ponder what that means in your life. What has the Holy Spirit in the past few days taught you about your title? Selah.

Please take time to celebrate the truth of what Jesus has done for you and the fact that you are, indeed, a Child of God.

Who You Say I Am - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“‘In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.’ Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

— John 14:2-6 New King James Version

Journey to The Cross

Hello Beauties!

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NLT)

There is no greater love than this…Jesus died on a cross for us, for me, for you. The indescribable display of love is two fold, right? The love of Jesus to lay down His life for us, and the love of God the Father. He loved us so much He gave His one and only Son to save us. We will never know a greater love.

He is so magnificent, and yet He treasures us! Shouldn’t that be the other way around? Are you perplexed by what appears to be a mistake? He’s the one who should be treasured by us. It’s not a mistake! You are dearly loved and treasured by God. What do you think about this truth? What lies make it hard to believe? Can you uproot them and hand them over to the one who died for you? Selah.

On this special day we remember the great love of Jesus as He went willingly to the cross. As you ponder His great sacrifice, how did it appear on your life’s journey. We all come to the place of encountering the cross. We must make a choice to believe what Jesus did for us there or not. We can also believe all the freedom found in this sacred place, or we can choose to walk on by, leaving the cross behind. Leaving the love, mercy, grace, peace and joy found in the cross is to live in darkness, void of His light. What will you choose? What will you help others choose? Selah.

Let’s praise and honor Jesus our Savior and King. He deserves nothing less.

Jesus You Gave It All - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.”

— Deuteronomy 7:6 New Living Translation

Lavished Love

Good Morning Beauties!

“ Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9 (NLT)

Today’s lyrics are powerful words! The Bible tells us that Jesus is called Beloved by God the Father, and that is what we are as Children of God...His beloved. His cherished, His darling, His precious.

It's time for a heart check. Is this how you feel? Do you know this love? The love of The Father?

Let's look at the words, "so adored." Not only are we adored by God, but SO adored. It's that lavishing love on us we read about yesterday. Overflowing, abundant, extravagant. We are loved and respected deeply. He holds us dear and is completely devoted to us.

This perfect love of God changes lives! I know, because it changed mine. It wasn't until the cerebral knowledge of His love dropped to my heart that I KNEW His love and was changed forever.

Please enjoy this video today. It's a powerful song with amazing stories of how His love has changed lives.

He Knows My Name - Francesca Battistelli

Love & Blessings, 
Kendra

“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”

— 1 John 4:9-10 New Living Translation