My Heart’s Desire

Good Morning Beauties!

Preparation for a long journey is vital to the success of the adventure. Thank you for taking time to define your expectations and create action plans for any obstacles on your path. Today we will examine our motivations for taking the journey in the first place.

Why are you on your 40 Day Journey? Take time to answer, because that very answer will keep you coming before God each day despite the challenges. Is it for personal growth? To know God more? To know yourself more? To come out of the darkness? To have a sense of peace? To find the freedom Christ describes in the Bible? Is it all of the above? Selah.

I believe this journey is my thirteenth. I’ve honestly lost track, but I know why I continue….to know more of the God I love with all my heart, mind and strength. I long for Him. Listen how King David describes his longing for God in Psalm 63:

“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.
9 Those who plot to destroy me shall descend into the darkness of hell.
10 They will be consumed by their own evil
and become nothing more than dust under our feet.
11 These liars will be silenced forever!
But with the anointing of a king I will dance and rejoice
along with all his lovers who trust in him.”
The Passion Translation

On this last day of preparation, soak in the goodness of the Lord and take time to celebrate all that He’s going to do for you and in you.

One Desire - Hillsong United

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Prepare your hearts for the coming of the Lord Yahweh, and clear a straight path inside your hearts for him!”

— Mark 1:3 The Passion Translation

Overcoming Obstacles
Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

i’m so glad you’re here today and have decided to move forward in your journey to uproot and overcome the lies living deep within you so your God-given purpose will be accomplished. You are strong. You are brave. You are courageous.

Today we will prepare for the journey by identifying any obstacles standing in our way of success. Once we know what may cause distraction, we must devise a plan of action to overcome the road block on our path. For example, most Beauties who start their journey have to deal with time constraints. Especially if she has children, it can be daunting to think of finding alone and quiet time just for her and God. As we’ve all heard before, “you must make time for your priorities,” it’s so true. We’re asking for transformation here, and it is necessary to make time for the hard work.

Another thing to know is the enemy hates the idea of you breaking free from his grasp. Lies keep you bound, and truth sets you free. He will try anything to keep you believing his lies. The distractions will come like boulders, but how will you keep on your path? Write down the obstacles you can think of and then pray God shows you even more. Beside each one, write down your action plan to keep you steady on course. You will refer back to these throughout your journey, so take time to strategize against the enemy.

All of this “obstacle talk” may sound a little on the dark side and not too encouraging. I completely understand. We’re conditioned to keep things light and positive. I get it. That’s not what this journey is all about. My sole desire is to point you towards God so He can reveal truth to you - truth about you. In that process, I’m going to be honest. Years of believing destructive lies causes great harm, and it takes hard work to “undo” all the damage. I am no counselor, though I’ve gone to many, but I believe in the healing power of God’s love.

Freedom is worth the hard work! What is your idea of freedom? What do you need to be set free from? What do you need to be set free to be? To do? Selah.

No Longer Slaves - Jonathan David and Melissa Helser

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

— John 16:33 New International Version

Beauty Awaits
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

In a time of so much division in our world, we can agree we all want the same thing - to live a life of significance. At the end of the day everything boils down to, “did my life matter?”

Not what you were expecting? Did you think this was a sweet “feel good” ladies devotional? Well, in a word, no. It’s not. This journey experience is about ripping you away from the death and destruction of believing lies of the enemy and revealing the glorious light of God’s truth. It’s about learning to be the person God made and fulfilling the purpose He created you for. Did you notice the word “ripping” above? I used it intentionally because this journey will hurt. I’m not going to sugar coat it. Are you ready? Selah.

My role. Your role. God’s role. The journey is yours, and the active players are you and God. I’m simply a guide to use as you need a little help staying the course. The whole point of this journey is to “point” you towards God so you can learn truth from Him. It’s to build intimacy with your Creator, Father, Savior, Healer, Friend.

The journey is what you make of it. Will you put your whole heart and soul into it? You will reap a grand reward. If you dip your toe in the water, your reward will be equivalent to your effort. It’s up to you. This is your journey.

What better time of year than Easter to take your journey. Easter and Spring are a time of renewal and personal growth. Should you choose to go all in, dive deep, saturate yourself with His living water - you will be transformed. Only God can bring about such a change, and He wants to…

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor, He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV. Will you give Him an open heart and mind and say, “I’m yours, have your way”?

For some practical instruction, please review the journal from front to back to see what information is included. Reread the introduction portion to understand how the journal is intended to be used during your journey experience. If you need a journal, you can order through my website’s home page or directly though Amazon.com. If you are unable to afford a journal, please reach out through the “Let’s Connect” section of my website, and I’ll send you one.

The instructions are clear about a few things. Pray before starting each day. Listen to the song. Spend time with God and journal. The most important thing God showed me about the process is to meet Him everyday for 40 days. This time frame is significant in the Bible and in Christ’s life. It has special meaning of testing and trial and transformation. Again Beauties, if you want a grand reward…

Preparation Day 1 is to use your mind and heart to ask yourself, “What are my expectations of this journey?” Grab your journal and take some notes. You’ll refer back to them throughout the 40 days. What are you willing to do to ensure a successful life-changing experience? What do you need God to do? Selah.

I love what John writes in 1 John 2:15-17 about our transformation of loving the world to loving God and making our spiritual life our priority and true life. “Don’t set the affections of your heart on this world or in loving the things of the world. The love of the Father and the love of the world are incompatible. For all that the world can offer us—the gratification of our flesh, the allurement of the things of the world, and the obsession with status and importance —none of these things come from the Father but from the world. This world and its desires are in the process of passing away, but those who love to do the will of God live forever.” The Passion Translation

This is the transformation God wants for you. Are you ready? Selah

40 Days - Matt Maher

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

Free to Dance
Photo by Jake Nackos on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Thank you for joining me here one more time to reflect on our entire journey experience. The last 40 days have brought me to Jesus through a challenging time in my life. Each morning, I looked forward with anticipation, even when I had the flu, to spending time in God’s presence as He transformed me yet again.

What about you? How did God change you, your thinking, your beliefs? Are you able to pinpoint a day where He used the lyric to bring the truth you’ve been needing to hear and accept? Grab your journal and write a list of the truths you now believe instead of the lies. Selah.

Take time to CELEBRATE that list!! You have worked hard for this growth. You have moved beyond your comfort level, and dedicated yourself to a life change. Congratulations!

Part of the life change is our new found FREEDOM! When we release the weight of the lies we’ve carried, we are free from the guilt and shame - free to dance in the presence of our King. This state of being is what He has wanted for us all along. Free to love Him and free to love others. (His two commands.)

How will you love Him now? What does it look like in your life? How will you now love others differently than before your journey.? Selah.

Remember the saying we’ve all heard before - we’re blessed to be a blessing. Jesus always freed the captives so they could go free others. Jesus was never selfish and taught His disciples to always be mindful of how they could help others.

If you’ve been blessed by this 40 Day Journey experience, will you tell others? Will you want the other women in your life to share in the freedom you’ve found? Would you consider sharing your story on my website to encourage others? Perhaps sharing a journal with a friend and going through your next journey with her. What is God speaking to you about sharing His love with others you know? Selah.

In closing, I pray you will listen one more time to “YAB" and dance with your King.

You Are Beautiful

Free to Dance - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“So hear me now, Lord; show me your famous mercy. O God, be my Savior and rescue me! Then He broke through and transformed all my wailing into a whirling dance of ecstatic praise! He has torn the veil and lifted from me the sad heaviness of mourning. He wrapped me in the glory garments of gladness.”

— Psalm 30:10-11 The Passion Translation

Reflection of God’s Beauty
Photo by Mohamed Nohassi on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

You did it! You made it through to the end. I know it wasn’t easy, but you did it. Tomorrow we’ll reflect on the entire journey, but today let’s look, one final time, at your beauty. It’s time to silence, once and for all, the lies that say you are anything but beautiful.

In my very first journey, it was on this day, Day 40, I had my “ah ha” moment with God. He brought me full circle and showed me everything was culminating to this truth - Jesus is marvelously beautiful, and I simply reflect HIS beauty when I live my life for him.

The great mystery is Jesus lives in us, and moves in us. Our inner life, our behavior, and even our physical appearance all reflect the Lord. We reflect His love, the fruit of the Spirit, and all the attributes we’ve learned about during our journey: beauty, loveliness, joyfulness, royalty, righteousness, redemption, purity, and being a child of God.

It’s all about JESUS! It has always been about Him since the beginning of time. Our Savior, our Lord, our Everything! Let’s take time today in celebration of Jesus and how much He means to us. We can never tire of lifting up the Name of the One who sets us free and gives us new life. Selah.

Beautiful One - Tim Hughes

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Now let Us conceive a new creation—humanity—made in Our image, fashioned according to Our likeness. ”

— Genesis 1:26 The Voice

Peace of a Child
Photo by Japheth Mast on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

What’s so great about being a child or “childlike”? I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t necessarily happy as a child. So why are there references in the Bible to become like a child? What does that look like to you? Selah.

The photo above and verse below portray a “carefree” life. There’s no striving for Earthly wealth, position, or status. There is an ease about life knowing that all your needs are already met by a Father who adores you. He is more than your provider, He’s your defender, your strength, your best friend, your counselor, your all in all. He is faithful, trustworthy, merciful, and dependable.

When we look at who God is and how much He loves us, fear, anxiety, guilt, and shame fade away and we stand confident before Him. Please take time today to express how you see yourself standing before God. Write words, a poem, a song, paint, draw, dance….whatever makes sense for you. Selah.

Who You Say I Am - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”

— Matthew 18:2-4 New International Version

Treasured By Daddy
Photo by Vikas Shankarathota on Unsplash

Good Evening Beauties!

Today’s lyric is one of my favorites in the entire song. The attribute of being valued to God brought tremendous healing to my life on my very first journey experience. I’ll never forget it! He gave me my new name, “Segullah” which means “God’s treasured possession” in Hebrew.

I’ve found a beautiful devotional message on being valued by God. Please enjoy it, meditate on it, and bring God into your prayer for any wound needing to be healed.

FathersLoveLetter.com

“For you are my treasured possession.”

Exodus 19:5 NIV
”Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.”

We determine an object's value by what we are willing to pay for it. You may only be willing to pay $1.00 for a cup of coffee, so that is what its value is to you. Some people are willing to pay incredible sums of money to own pieces of art, while in others eyes these paintings wouldn't be worth the wall space that they would take up.

The value we place on things is very subjective. As the saying goes...one man's garbage is another man's gold. If how much we are willing to pay for something determines its true value, then we must be incredibly valuable to God, for He paid the highest price that could be paid for our redemption the life of His only begotten Son.

God demonstrated His love to us and proved our worth to Him by offering the highest payment He could possibly pay. The God who made all the precious jewels, the gold and the silver, has chosen us to be His most treasured possession. Our worth is not based on what we think of ourselves, or by our own good deeds, but solely on the astronomical price that God was willing to pay for us to come home.

We are of greater worth to the Father than the most stunning treasures imaginable, because of the price He was willing to pay. May we never forget the value of the gift the Father gave us when He sacrificed His beloved Son. Jesus truly proved that we truly are His Father's most treasured possession.

PRAYER
Father, help me to be able to comprehend the incredible value You place on my life. I receive the love gift of Your Son Jesus as the price You paid in order to purchase my redemption. I acknowledge that my worth does not come from what I do, but simply because of Whose I am. Because of Jesus, I am accepted as Your child and am Your most treasured possession. In the name of Your beloved Son Jesus I pray, AMEN.

You Say - Lauren Daigle

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

Living Water
Photo by Ameer Basheer on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

The love of God - what can compare? It is life giving, healing, merciful…everything we need. Once touched by this love, your life is forever changed. Do you know it? If yes, do you want more of it? If not, seek Him and His love and He will be found. Selah.

I love the transformative power of God’s love. One of my favorite examples in the Bible is of the Samaritan woman Jesus found at the well. Here is a woman with much sin, but once she had revelation of whom she was talking to - the Savior of the World, she ran back and told everyone in her town about how Him. She had been washed clean and was no longer the town’s blemish. The story is a beautiful story of redemption and can be found in John 4:1-42.

Jesus was very personal to the Samaritan woman, and that’s what He wants with you - a deep personal relationship. We try to do acts of service for Him, but the truth is, he just wants us to be. Be with Him. Be present in our conversations with Him. Will you “just be” with Him today as He speaks to your heart about how much He loves you? Selah.

He Knows My Name - Francesca Battistelli

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. There is no power above us or beneath us—no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!”

— Romans 8:38-39 The Passion Translation

Father, You’re All I Need
Photo by Liane Metzler on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Have you ever been lost? As a child, it can be a terrifying experience. It’s an overwhelming feeling of panic and danger until you find your parent. The feeling of love and security washes over you like a warm blanket, and you feel completely safe once again.

We can feel lost as adults too. Life’s circumstances swirl around in our mind until we’re dizzy. We feel impending danger and the fear becomes a stronghold and causes us to forget who we are and whose we are.

Sweet Beauties, remember you are a Child of The Most High God! He is your Abba Father, your Daddy. Whenever you feel lost, He will gently take your hand and lead you to His promises - green pastures, still waters, smooth places.

Father is all the security and strength we’ll ever need. He brings all He has for each one of us. He is an ever loving and ever faithful Father. You can trust Him with your life.

May I recommend you look in your concordance today and look up every entry in the Bible that references the word “child” or “children.” You will find truth after truth about God’s love for you. Are you ready to open the floodgates of His love? Selah.

Child Of God - Katheryn Scott

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! ”

— 1 John 3:1 New International Version

Uniquely Beautiful
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Looking out my window at the freshly fallen snow, I watch the birds fly amongst the branches and squirrels run and hop from one tree to another. God’s creation is awesome! As much as I’m enjoying His creatures, He’s showing me He looks at His children and feels the same way.

In the vast universe, God has made you unique and special. He knows your name and every hair on your head. He’s collected every tear you’ve cried and has heard every song you’ve given Him in your praise. Soak in this truth today. Selah.

Let’s give our Glorious God praise with all our hearts!

Lift up a great shout of joy to the Lord!
Go ahead and do it—everyone, everywhere!
2 As you serve him, be glad and worship him.
Sing your way into his presence with joy!
3 And realize what this really means—
we have the privilege of worshiping the Lord our God.
For he is our Creator and we belong to him.
We are the people of his pleasure.
4 You can pass through his open gates with the password of praise.
Come right into his presence with thanksgiving.
Come bring your thank offering to him
and affectionately bless his beautiful name!
5 For the Lord is always good and ready to receive you.
He’s so loving that it will amaze you—
so kind that it will astound you!
And he is famous for his faithfulness toward all.
Everyone knows our God can be trusted,
for he keeps his promises to every generation!
Psalm 100 The Passion Translation

Shout to the Lord - Darlene Zschech

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Let the skies sing for joy! Let the earth join in the chorus. Let oceans thunder and fields echo this ecstatic praise until every swaying tree of every forest joins in, lifting up their songs of joyous praise to Him!”

— Psalm 96:11-12 The Passion Translation

His Glorious Creation

Good Afternoon Beauties!

Well, this flu bug is holding on, so the blog is coming out a little late today. I hope you all are feeling healthy and energized as we’re fast approaching the end of our journey. You dedication is to be commended and applauded. I hope you are giving yourself credit for the hard work you’re putting in to your journey experience.

I love this photo. To me, it ties in what we’ve discussed over the past few days about purity. The center represents our hearts and how God purifies us like gold. The white petals are the light breaking through the darkness. The total picture is God’s perfect creation on display for His splendor. Can you see it? Do you believe this is how He sees you? Selah.

Have you identified places of guilt or shame during our discussion on purity? On my second journey experience, God revealed deeply hidden shame I was still carrying around from things I had done in my teen and early 20’s. Things done out of the pain I was in. Truth set me free from the bondage of the guilt and shame. What do you need to be set free from today? Selah.

Here is one of the most pure worship songs I’ve ever heard. Please use it in your time with God as He heals you from any wounds.

Lord of Lords - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“If we walk step by step in the light, where the Father is, then we are ultimately connected to each other through the sacrifice of Jesus His Son. His blood purifies us from all our sins.”

— 1 John 1:7 The Voice

Perfect in Every Way
Photo by Janine Joles on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Today is the day when perfectionists are set free! Do you realize you are already perfect in God’s eyes? It’s true. It’s as if Jesus is standing between you and God, so when God looks at you, He sees the Perfect Jesus. Does that make sense? Can you grasp the concept? Selah.

Have you ever wondered why the need for perfection? I have! Most of my life I’ve strived to be perfect. Since the time in Kindergarten and my desperate need to be number one in the class. Yes, it started for me that early. Lori Snow and I would go back and forth in holding the title. I’m sure it drove Mrs. Carpenter a little nuts.

The need followed me into adulthood and presented itself as top performance in the different positions I held. I had to be number one. But why? i believe it was the need to be accepted by others. If they see flaws, they won’t like me, I’ll be rejected and alone. But, on the other hand, if I’m successful they will accept me. Who doesn’t like a winner?

This analysis is just hitting a few top layers, because there are deeper layers. What does my story bring up in you? Can you relate to any of it? Our desperate need for love and acceptance - the human condition.

The great news and truth is God loves you and accepts you with all your imperfections. What you would call imperfections He calls something unique and special He designed for you. Wow! Have you ever thought of it that way?

So Beauties, today is the day to let go of your need to be perfect and rest in the truth that you already are to the one who created you. Selah.

Perfect - Phillipa 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

Victory Over Darkness
Photo by Ivana Cajina on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Darkness. We’ve all had our share of it. It’s a place of loneliness, hopelessness, and perhaps even despair. The enemy is King of darkness with his purpose to only steal, kill, and destroy. Has he succeeded? What parts of your life do you keep hidden in the darkness with your guilt and shame? Selah.

You may be thinking, “What a bummer way to start today’s blog. I came here to be encouraged.” Beauties, we must first recognize the dark places and give them to God before we can be free of them. Enter - His marvelous light.

God created you with your freedom in tact, and He wants to restore you to that beautiful place. It takes being honest with yourself and Him. I remember a moment in time when I got really mad at God. I was going to church, earnestly seeking Him through Bible studies, and leading a worship dance team. I was doing all the right things, but was still not living a free life. My spirit knew it, and in frustration one day I exclaimed, “I don’t get it! Your word says, ‘where there’s light, there is no darkness.’ but I still have darkness!”

My honestly propelled me forward into my healing. A few months later He called me and met me in Australia where He changed my life forever. He filled my being with His love and light and answered my prayer.

What is your story? Can you remember when God turned your darkness into light, your mourning into dancing? Are you in need of that kind of transformation right now? Cry out to Him with an honest heart and He will answer. Selah.

Marvelous Light - Christy Nockels

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light.”

— Job 12:22 New International Version

Purity of Heart
Photo by Johen Redman on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

We are entering the last ten days of our journey together. Perhaps the most revealing days are ahead. Let’s take time today for reflection. Are your expectations being met? What do you want God to do? What are you willing to do to ensure they are being met? Are your action plans eliminating, or at least minimizing, any obstacles to your success? Are you still motivated to meet with God every day and spend time with Him so He can reveal truth to your heart? Selah.

Our next attribute is “Purity.” This one is difficult to accept for those who still feel guilt and shame over past or current sin. Remember as we’ve already discovered, your sin is forgiven and forgotten by God once you repent and make Jesus the Lord of your life. It doesn’t mean you have to have perfect behavior, who can do that?

Here are a couple of definitions of Purity to consider: ”freedom from adulteration or contamination” and “freedom from immorality”. How do you define it? What definition are you trying to live up to?

I believe we most often think it has to do with our sexuality, especially when we refer to Christian Purity. We hear and use the phrase, “I want to remain pure for my husband before our marriage”, and we wear purity rings as a commitment to remain a virgin prior to marriage. While remaining sexually pure as God has instructed us is important, I believe purity of heart is even more important.

I love great teaching, and the best is that of Jesus himself. His glorious Sermon on the Mount gave us the gift of the Beatitudes. Jesus declares, “Blessed are the Pure in Heart, for they shall see God.” What is the condition of your heart today? Do you hold any bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, or envy that is preventing you from seeing all of God? Selah.

Jesus didn’t come to correct our behavior, but to purify our hearts. It’s always about the heart with Him. Will you join me in praying this verse of scripture? ”Create a new, clean heart within me. Fill me with pure thoughts and holy desires, ready to please you.” Psalm 51:10 The Passion Translation.

Clean - Natalie Grant

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

— Matthew 5:8 The Passion Translation

The Beautiful Cross of Christ

Good Morning Beauties!

The attribute of Redeemed is always highly emotional and deeply moving for me. How about you? Were you able to take a good look at Truth, despite the difficulty, and accept it as your reality? Were you able to gain a new sense of freedom? What did God reveal to you during the past few days that made the greatest impact? Selah.

The point of this 40 Day Journey, is to believe we have received the eight attributes of Christ, and our beauty flows from them. You may question the beauty of redemption, because the cross was a torture device, and anything but beautiful. If we look a little closer, we find it’s the result of Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection that is truly beautiful. His love poured out to us through His sacrifice on the cross is magnificently Beautiful.

I’ve found a song that describes the beauty of the cross so well, in fact, that’s the name of the song. I usually include it on Day 30 as an encouragement. This morning, while looking for the song, I discovered an interview of the singer, Jonny Diaz. The link is provided below along with the song.

As you spend time with God today, I hope you find the article interesting and up lifting. I hope you are moved by the Truth in the song. More importantly, I pray you have found a deeper relationship with Christ, who has redeemed you from the enemy, once and for all.

Jonny Diaz Interview

Beauty of the Cross - Jonny Diaz

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“You, Lord, took up my case; You redeemed my life.”

— Lamentations 3:58 New International Version

Intentional Creative Pages

Good Evening Beauties1

Thank you for your patience with me in posting today’s blog. I’m still battling the flu, but will not let it stop me from coming to God for wisdom about my redemption.

The past few days have been intense as we examined what Jesus did for us on the cross. The greatest love of all was displayed for our salvation. Thank you, Lord!! Hallelujah!

Today, I invite you to celebrate His love for you and the fact that you are redeemed. I love what Psalm 107:1-3 says in The Passion Translation about the joy and thanksgiving we find in our redemption, “Let everyone give all their praise and thanks to the Lord! Here’s why—he’s better than anyone could ever imagine. Yes, he’s always loving and kind, and his faithful love never ends. So, go ahead—let everyone know it! Tell the world how he broke through and delivered you from the power of darkness and has gathered us together from all over the world. He has set us free to be his very own!”

In your celebration, I also invite you to take time to color one of the artistic pages in the back of your journal. The one above is what I colored in one of my first journey experiences. I remember how it slowed me down to just listen to God, and it was amazing! He shared new thoughts and reminded me of other Truths that I had learned as a child. It was a beautiful time with my Savior. What does He want to say to you today? Selah.

For me, celebration always includes singing and dancing! Here’s a song to help us, The Redeemed, praise God in thanksgiving for what He’s done for us.

We The Redeemed - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us. God has great wisdom and understanding...”

— Ephesians 1:7-8 Contemporary English Version

Love’s Sacrifice
Photo by Ricky Turner on Unsplash

Good Afternoon Beauties!

Today is too important to give in to the enemy’s schemes. I may have the flu, and I may have had issues with my internet connection this morning, but we must look at Love’s perfect sacrifice. Yesterday we looked at why God sent His Son to save us. Today we will look at the extent of what Jesus was willing to do to rescue us.

“But it was because of our rebellious deeds that he was pierced and because of our sins that he was crushed. He endured the punishment that made us completely whole, and in his wounding we found our healing.” Isaiah 53:5 The Passion Translation

We’ve heard about Christ’s sufferings, His wounding, but can we really know all He endured for us? I’m not so sure. The bible tells us He was so badly beaten, He was unrecognizable. Take a moment to think about that. Selah.

Each time I’ve taken this 40 Day Journey, I’ve always come back to this music video. It provides the truth of Jesus’ sacrifice in song and action. It will be very difficult to watch, but I pray you will watch it. There is a deeper level of love you will receive as He reveals all He did to ensure you would be together for eternity.

The Day He Wore My Crown - Sandi Patty & The Passion of The Christ

Selah.

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Christ suffered and died for sins once and for all—the innocent for the guilty—to bring you near to God by His body being put to death and by being raised to life by the Spirit.”

— 1 Peter 3:18 The Passion Translation

The Perfect Sacrifice
Photo by Daniel Sandvik on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Do you feel worthy of the amazing sacrifice Jesus made to save you? Are you able to see the beautiful woman He sees and wanted to rescue from the grip of the enemy? Do you ask yourself, “why me?” Not “why do bad things happen to me”, but “why do you want to save me?” Selah.

I know people who are unable to receive God’s love and forgiveness because of the guilt and shame (from the enemy) declaring they are unworthy of His love. I pray you are not in this state of mind and belief. If you are, please know this truth - God sees past your sin and looks upon you as perfect - you’re His creation, and He’s delighted in you.

Psalm 139 says, “You formed my innermost being, shaping my delicate inside and my intricate outside, and wove them all together in my mother’s womb. I thank you, God, for making me so mysteriously complex! Everything you do is marvelously breathtaking. It simply amazes me to think about it! How thoroughly you know me, Lord! You even formed every bone in my body when you created me in the secret place, carefully, skillfully shaping me from nothing to something. You saw who you created me to be before I became me! The Passion Translation

What an beautiful description of you! God knows how special you are and knows the plans He has for you while here on Earth and once you return to Him in Heaven. You are cherished by God. Can you see now why He sent Jesus to die for you? Selah.

Lamb of God - Vertical Worship

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“For you know that your lives were ransomed once and for all from the empty and futile way of life handed down from generation to generation. It was not a ransom payment of silver and gold, which eventually perishes, but the precious blood of Christ—who like a spotless, unblemished lamb was sacrificed for us.”

— 1 Peter 1:18-19 The Passion Translation

Rise Up Redeemed
Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

Today our journey takes us to one of the most significant attributes of our beauty - our redemption. Stay close to God for the next few days as He takes you deeper into real relationship with Him. The truth revealed in these lyrics will surely kick the enemy in the gut, and the lies binding you will be defeated.

The word redeemed is sometimes misunderstood, so let’s take a look at the definition. “to free from captivity by payment of ransom.” Merriam Webster Dictionary. Here’s the perfect example of redemption found in Ephesians, “Since we are now joined to Christ, we have been given the treasures of redemption by his blood—the total cancellation of our sins—all because of the cascading riches of his grace.” Ephesians 1:7 TPT

There was a payment to be made to cover our sins so we could be reconciled to The Father. Jesus paid it with His precious blood - His very life. Do you know a greater love than this? Selah

We The Redeemed - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy He redeemed them.”

— Psalm 106:10 New International Version

Confident Calm
Photo by Diana Simumpande on Unsplash

Good Morning Beauties!

We come to another day of contemplation and reflection of your journey. Please look back at your journal entries and account for all the ways God has exposed the lies of the enemy and revealed truth to your heart. I’m sure there are many times of transformation.

God has spoken the word “confidence” to me this morning. Part of our beauty is the confidence He gives us through His truth. Never in our own strength, but in His, we can be victorious in every battle that comes our way. Where do you need His confidence today? Selah.

Confident - Steffany Gretzinger

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Because you are close to me and always available, my confidence will never be shaken, for I experience your wrap-around presence every moment.”

— Psalm 16:8 The Passion Translation