Grateful Praise

Good Morning Beauties!

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

This morning I woke up with a song in my heart in gratitude to the Lord for all he’s done in just these first 5 days of my journey. He is faithful to join us each day as we meet with him and open our minds to his truth. Here are a few truths I believe with confidence:
I believe God allows me to forget the former things so I can live a new life as his daughter.
I believe God loves me despite my sin.
I believe my generosity is an expression of God’s beauty.
I believe God’s beauty lives in me and overflows to others.

How about you? What truths do you now believe from the first 5 days of your journey? What has God revealed as a new truth, and what truth has he confirmed? Selah.

Let’s take a humble posture as we sing this song in gratitude to our beautiful Jesus.
Gratitude - Brandon Lake

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.”

— Psalm 63:4 New International Version

Overflow

Good Morning Beauties!

At this time of year, I can’t help but remember back to when I was a child growing up in the Catholic church and surrendering my desire for sweets as a way of participating in Lent. This sacrifice was explained simply, Christ gave up his life for me, so I must give up something for him. Even as a child, I could understand that concept.

So now, as an adult, born-again Christian, I look differently at this childhood tradition. My thoughts ponder all Christ has given me - his very life, and his sacrifice compels me to give, not give up.

In light of all Christ has given you, what are you willing to give to him and others? Here’s a few things on my list: my obedience, my time, my rights, my talents, my comfort. What are the items on your list? Selah.

Generosity is BEAUTIFUL! Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians to be generous is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NIV) Please read through these verses and discover some ways we can reflect the beauty, light, and love of Jesus through our generosity.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

The harvest is here. Millions and millions of people are desperate for the hope of Jesus, and we have the amazing privilege of bringing it to them. But here’s the thing - are we living in the spirit of overflow, or are we worn out and dry with nothing to give? Are you trying to give from your own strength or that of the Holy Spirit? Are you being filled with the Holy Spirit, or is there just no time for that? Ouch! Selah.

Beauties, I want to give you a tremendous blessing today in the form of a prayer - a musical prayer. Please take just 10 minutes to open your hearts and “fill up” with the Spirit so you can truly overflow with the light of Jesus to those around you.
Fill Me Up / Overflow - Tasha Cobbs

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else...”

— 1 Thessalonians 3:12 New International Version

Loved Through The Mess

Good Morning Beauties!

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 (NIV)

Ahhhh, God’s UNFAILING LOVE! How beautiful and marvelous it is. His love is greater than any sin, and it covers all our mistakes. God truly loves us above all things, (sin).

Just take a look at this precious little girl. She’s quite a mess! Even so, what’s the first thing you see? I see her bright eyes and confident smile - she knows she’s loved and accepted. She is eager to show her masterpiece to the world - despite a bit of misplaced paint.

God sees you the same way! Despite your “mess,” his love will never fail or give up on you…NEVER. We still want to encourage this child in her creative endeavors, hug and kiss her, and then go clean her up, right?

Why is this truth so hard to believe? Do you struggle with thinking God’s love ebbs and flows right along with your behavior? Do you believe his love is greater when your behavior is good and then diminishes when you sin? Selah.

Don’t believe the enemy!! Remember our John 10:10 verse, “The enemy comes only to steal, kill, and destroy…” He is the Father of Lies and uses his tactics to destroy our confidence, purpose, and relationship with God.

He is a master deceiver, and I recently fell for one of his deceptions. He actually had me believing I was a sluggard. The spiritual meaning of this word is, “a habitually lazy person.” In most of my career, I’ve worked every day of the week and very long hours, equating to roughly 65 -70 hours per week. Right now, I’m in job transition and working part time. It’s certainly not the pace I’m used to working; however, I am volunteering as a board member of a nonprofit, continuing to grow this women’s ministry, building my husband’s home styling business, and am active in my job search. Hardly a sluggard!

Though I fell for the lie, this time, I do fail at times and make a mess of things. My sin causes harm to others and to my relationship with God. Instead of feeling like I’ve ruined everything for ever, I ask for forgiveness and restore what was broken. Let’s look at a great example from the Bible. Here is King David’s plea after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” Psalm 51:1-2 (NIV) The entire Psalm is beautiful, and I highly recommend you read it in its entirety.

The enemy is our accuser, and Jesus is our restorer. What is the enemy accusing you of right now? Write down your thoughts and allow Jesus to bring truth to those lies. If you have knowledge of sin in your life, confess it to Jesus, ask for his forgiveness, and be restored.

One Thing Remains - Jesus Culture

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.”

— Psalm 143:12 New International Version

The Wedding Day

Good Morning Beauties!

“All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the King…” Psalm 45:13-14 (NIV)

You are a daughter of the King, not just any king, but The Most High King, the King of Kings! Take time to grasp that reality. This is truly who you are. Selah.

I love Psalm 45. The Lord brought me to verses 10 -11 years ago to heal some deep wounds. “Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house. The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.” This is such a tender truth spoken from our dear Abba Father. He implores us to listen, to make sure we hear him and believe what he’s about to say. Then he instructs us to forget the past and move into the future in our new life with Christ. Beautiful.

What’s going through your mind right now? Does all this seem a little too unreal? What’s causing any difficulty in fully believing your rightful title of Daughter of The King? Is there anything holding you back from moving forward in your new life with Jesus? Please journal your responses. Selah.

Psalm 45 is a moving wedding song that beautifully describes the King and Bride on their special day. Please make time to read and reflect on the majesty of The King and the honor and favor that belong to the Princess. I promise it will bless your soul.

One day, you will be that princess being led to The King. What a glorious day that will be!
I Can’t Wait - Merchant Band

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.”

— Psalm 45:9 New International Version

His Beauty Abounds on Our Journey

Good Morning Beauties!

Thank you so much for joining me on this Easter 40 Day Journey. If you’re looking for spiritual renewal, hope, and life transformation, you’re in the right place. Our journey is based on the promise found in John 10:10, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” (NIV)

A little instruction is necessary before we dive in to today’s truth. Please know that everyone’s journey is personal, so there’s no right or wrong way to travel on this path. It’s uniquely yours. I will provide a process and thoughts that have helped me along the way, and you can choose to follow them or not. The ultimate goal is to grow in your intimacy with Jesus and know who he created you to be - your true identity in Christ.

The process is simple. Whether you are using the You Are Beautiful Selah journal or another one, it’s important to write thoughts, revelations, and prayers down on paper. Writing things down was important to God, so it is wise to follow his lead. You’ll begin by designating your “sacred space.” Find that special place where you can be alone with God. It may be at a desk, or walking outside on your favorite path.

You’ll want to start your journey each day with prayer and follow these steps: Invite Jesus to join you and provide revelation about that day’s lyric and truth. Next, listen to the song, “You Are Beautiful,” found on the website. Open your mind and spirit to the truths found in the song. Next, grab your journal and answer the question, “What do I believe about this TRUTH?” You may not believe it at all - be honest and write down your thoughts.

The next part is to spend time with God in the way he best speaks to you. Perhaps you hear him reading your Bible, singing praise and worship songs, or being surrounded by his glorious nature. Whatever it is, meet with him and discuss your beliefs about that day’s truth. Allow yourself time to really hear what he wants you to know. Journal your response to the revelation of HIS TRUTH.

You’ll end your time once again in prayer. Write down your prayer as a way of thanking Jesus for meeting with you and showing you the lies of the enemy so you can replace them with his truth. In the many many journey experiences I’ve ventured on, (I think it’s up to about 14 by now) this is the process I’ve found to be most helpful.

This blog is used at anytime during your process. I use it as a guide and encouragement for you as I share revelation the Lord has shared with me. Again, please use it as you want. You may want to join me here everyday, once in awhile, or not at all. Each is completely fine - this is YOUR journey. If at anytime you want to reach out with a question, comment, or prayer request, please contact me through the “Let’s Connect” part of my website. I’d love to chat and pray with you!

Okay, let’s move on to today’s first truth, “You Are Beautiful.” What is your first reaction to this truth? Before we can determine if we believe it, we must define it. When you think of beauty, do you immediately think of physical beauty? If so, when did you first hear a message about your physical beauty? What is your earliest memory? Though we are bombarded with standards of beauty, especially in Western culture, I believe it’s key to go back and understand where we first developed our ideas and beliefs about our own beauty.

Do your thoughts go beyond physical beauty and your first reaction is to inner beauty? I’ve found that focusing on inner beauty sometimes leads to judging behavior. Which behaviors are considered beautiful? Which ones are considered not beautiful? Will this continual judgement help you find your true beauty?

Do you think it’s both physical and inner beautiful - the entire package? Will this assessment always be able to meet your standard of beauty?

Or is true beauty something we already possess because, as Christians, we have Jesus living inside of us, and he personifies beauty? Think of the most beautiful person you know….is it the their physical appearance, their behavior, or the spirit of Jesus shining through that person making them truly beautiful? Selah. (Stop and ponder these things.)

Jesus, our Savior and King is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Let’s take time to worship him today. Here’s a song to help us get started….
You’re Beautiful - Phil Wickham

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.”

— Psalm 45:11 New International Version

We Praise the God of the Impossible

Good Morning Beauties!

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8

What a glorious day to begin our journey together. I’m always partial to the Easter journey because of the significance of transformation in the Spiritual realm, in our own hearts, and in the Earth. God does the impossible, right? He brings colorful buds to what appears to be a dead tree, delicate flowers push through a cold and hard ground, and we emerge from our homes out into the sunshine of Spring, (Especially in Minnesota.) We see renewal all around us in nature, and we sense it in our spirits too. This year, let’s go beyond the feelings and allow Jesus to come in and dramatically change us. Let’s open our hearts and trust him to do the impossible.

The greatest transformation known to man is that of Jesus. He was raised from the dead, walked out of that tomb, and ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of The Father. Hallelujah! This Easter journey will be a time of celebrating and praising our Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ.

This morning, Jesus led me to read Psalm 9 - Praise for victory over our enemies. How perfectly fitting for our Day of Preparation. We can declare at the very beginning our victory over the enemy who will try everything in his power to keep us from the blessing and freedom God has for us. Please take time to read the entire psalm. As you read, take note of the verses that he illuminates for you. I loved verses 9-11. “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done.” Selah - stop and ponder these things.

Okay, so just how do we prepare for our journey? Well, first off, please understand it’s vitally important. The enemy has lied to us for a long long time, and he’s mad that you want to eradicate your mind of his filthy lies and replace them with the loving truth from God. It will be a fight for sure, so we must prepare.

The first thing to do is write down your expectations for the journey. What do you want to accomplish? What are you willing to do to ensure success? What do you need God to do? Take some time to write your thoughts in your journal - I like to use page 4.

The next thing you’ll find absolutely necessary is to write down any obstacles you believe will prevent you from having an optimum journey experience. How do you think the enemy will try to derail your progress? For each obstacle you list, right beside it, write an action plan to overcome it. Allow the Spirit to help you with this process. Pray for revelation. Remember John 10:10, “The enemy comes only to steal, kill and destroy…” He won’t make it easy for you, so you must be ready and armed with a great plan. You may want to use page 6 in your journal for your action plan.

The last, but certainly not least, part to prepare is to look deep inside and determine your motivation. Why are you going on this journey? Different from expectation, your why is determining you want a life change. What are your reasons? Why now? What reason will get you up everyday when you’d rather stay in bed? What will make you want to run to Jesus, build intimacy, and allow him to speak truth to you? Take some time as you ponder your answers. Page 8 is a good place to write down your responses.

Today is a great day to be still before God, knowing he wants to remove any darkness and fill those places with his marvelous light. He wants to turn your mourning into dancing. He wants you to believe in who he’s created you to be. Are you ready for transformation, hope, and renewal? Selah.

Here’s a wonderful praise song that he brought to mind while reading Psalm 9. Lift your arms and voice and praise the one you loves you and gives you the VICTORY!

All The Heavens - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

— Romans 12:2 New International Version

Walking A New Walk

Good Morning Beauties!

Thank you for meeting me here again for our Day of Reflection. This day gives us the opportunity to look back at our entire journey as an experience and assess our growth. Are you up for it? There’s no right or wrong way to examine your journey; there’s no correct formula.

Here are three steps you may find helpful, but please feel free to create your own method.

Step 1: Simply allow yourself to look back from Day 1 and remember what you had first believed and determine if you now have new beliefs. You may want to write down your findings to help guide the process. Do you want to look at each attribute individually, or consider your journey as a whole? It’s up to you. Which Truth had the greatest impact on your life? How has that Truth changed you?

Step 2: How did the 40 Day Journey process work for you? Were you able to following the prescribed flow of prayer, song, listen to God, journal, pray? Did you use the Creative Pages to slow down and hear from God? Did you find this blog helpful and encouraging? Did you discover the best way for you and God to find intimacy and grow closer in your relationship?

Step 3: Looking back at your Day of Preparation, did your overall journey experience meet your expectations? Did your action plans keep the obstacles from ruining your journey? Did your motives for completing the journey keep you engaged throughout the entire 40 days? What worked well and what didn’t where these preparation steps are concerned?

I pray you have a greater knowledge and belief in who you are in Christ, and that you will experience greater freedom in your daily walk; freedom to be your true self and to fulfill your God given purpose.

If you have had a positive experience, I pray you will consider sharing your story with other women in your life. Jesus asks us to share what we've seen and heard as a witness of His ministry. I pray that you will also consider sharing about your journey on my website to encourage others to take their own 40 Day Journey with God, so they can also be set free from lies and deception into the glorious light of Love and Truth.

It has been a privilege and honor to have been a part of your journey of healing, restoration, and growth. I’ll continue to pray for you and the blessed future God has in store. All joy and peace to you as we move forward in praise and adoration of our King for all that He's done and all that He's going to do.

Kiss of Heaven - Darlene Zschech

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”

— Romans 6:4 New Living Translation

Reflection of His Beauty

Good Morning Beauties!

Welcome to Day 40! Congratulations, you did it! Your dedication and desire to draw closer to God and know His Truth is to be commended. I’m proud of you, and I hope you are too.

Please join me here tomorrow for our Day of Reflection, where we’ll take a look at your entire journey experience, but for today, let’s focus on the last lyric of the song, “And you are beautiful.” We’ve heard this same lyric several times throughout your journey, so how is it different today? What is God saying to you about your beauty that who haven’t quite received yet? Selah.

On Day 40 of my very first journey, He spoke to me about Jesus’ beauty. God revealed He is the True Beautiful One who simply reflects His Beauty through me.  You may be saying to yourself, "Of course!  This is a no-brainer," but the Truth traveled from my head to my heart, where I allowed it to resonate with my soul.  There is now the realization I’m already the Beautiful woman He created me to be for the purpose of showing the world HIS Beauty.  If we walk in guilt and shame of the lies from the enemy, how will God receive His glory?  Just as the Father was revealed to us through Jesus, we have the amazing privilege of revealing Jesus to the world. Hallelujah!

“My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.’” Song of Solomon 2:10 (NIV) Yes, now is the time to come out of the lies and darkness, once and for all, and step into God’s glorious life He has for you.

Take a moment to pause and worship the One who created you, the One who loves you and the One who has given you a purpose.  He is so worthy of our praise! 
Beautiful One - Tim Hughes

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”

— Psalm 27:4 New International Version

Children of God

Good Morning Beauties!

We are almost to the end of our journey together, so please don't coast to the finish line. God has so much to say in these last two days. Let's soak in every last drop He has for us.

The word freedom keeps coming to my mind today when I think about being a child of God. He protects, so we can take risks. He loves, so we can make mistakes. He provides, so we can feel secure. We are free to be the women He created us to be. Strong, confident, loving, kind, game changers, and in this freedom we are to praise him, not just for what he’s done for us, but for who he is.

What word is prominent as you discover your true identity? Write down the word and how it relates to your title as Child of God. What action does it compel you to do? Selah.

Let’s praise God for loving us and choosing us as his children!
Children of God - Third Day

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

True Treasure

Good Morning Beauties!

Today’s lyric remains one of my favorites, and one that has brought the greatest healing to my life. I’m excited to share some thoughts about the impact of this Truth, and I pray you will be blessed as I have been.

Let’s look at this beautiful word. Treasured, “to keep carefully (a valuable or valued item.)” The synonyms are quite beautiful: cherish, hold dear, place great value on, prize, value greatly, esteem; adore, dote on, love dearly, idolize, worship, keep safe, be devoted to, think very highly of, appreciate greatly; preserve.

My greatest struggle growing up and even into my young adult years was not feeling valued. The enemy had used people and circumstances to convey the message I was not worthy of love. As you can imagine this message created massive insecurities as I tried to navigate this world and relationships with the people in it.

My life changed when I truly received the perfect love of Christ. Knowing that He loved me and died to save me relieved my heartache and allowed me to live a new life - a life filled with security, grace and blessing. For the first time, I felt cherished, adored, and valuable.

What a precious thought…that we are treasure in God’s eyes. When we look into a treasure chest, we see pieces of beautiful pieces of gold. God sees us, me, YOU! How does this Truth make you feel? Do you believe it? What lies can now be abolished knowing that you are truly valuable to God, your Abba Father? Selah.

Take this song on your journey today and let Jesus speak these words to your heart.
Beautiful - Mercy Me

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.”

— Deuteronomy 14:2(b) New International Version

One in Love

Good Morning Beauties!

These 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 a lavishing kind of love… overflowing, abundant, extravagant. We are loved and respected deeply. He holds us dear and is completely devoted to us.

A tangible way Jesus loves us as we live here on Earth is through the love of other believers. “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” John 13:34 New Living Translation

The Lord has been gracious and kind to bring beautiful devoted friends to my life. Honestly, it can be quite overwhelming - the blessing of so much love. The Lord is close to us and knows every desire. He sees our painful places, and gives us healing. He brings our chaos and anxiety into order and gives peace. His love is all sufficient, so whatever we need, he’s right there with his endless supply.

I’ve included this special song with extended video so you can see a few real life stories of how God’s love brings restoration and transformation. I pray it blesses you as he reveals a deeper knowledge of his love for you today.

He Knows My Name - Francesca Battistelli

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

— Zephania 3:17 New International Version

Adopted by Abba Father

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

We are now at the final attribute on our 40 Day Journey…Child of God. Can you think of a better title? I believe the full revelation of this truth leads to drastic life transformation Let this truth flow from your head to your heart today. Will you allow yourself to claim this truth as your own identity? What’s stopping you? Selah.

Let’s see how John describes the manner in which this truth is even possible. “But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name—  who were born, not of blood [natural conception], nor of the will of the flesh [physical impulse], nor of the will of man [that of a natural father], but of God [that is, a divine and supernatural birth—they are born of God—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].” John 1:12-13 The Amplified Bible

I’ve often heard our new life in Christ described as “taking off” the old self and “putting on” the new self with a robe of righteousness. Can you imagine the transformation? - handing over the dirt and filth of sin and receiving the pure white and spotless robe of forgiveness, acceptance, freedom?

How do you describe being born of God? Write down your thoughts as you ponder this great blessing. If you’re struggling to accept this truth, go to God in prayer, and he will reveal where the enemy has lied to you and has a stronghold in your belief system. Pray for God to demolish the stronghold so that you can fully grasp his love for you and your true identity as a Child of God. Selah.

Take time to worship your Abba Father and cry out to him. He sees your deepest parts.
Child of God - Capital City Music

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. And so we should not be like cringing, fearful slaves, but we should behave like God’s very own children, adopted into the bosom of his family, and calling to him, ‘Father, Father.’”

— Romans 8:14-15 The Living Bible

Oh How Beautiful

Good Morning Beauties!

I woke up this morning to birds singing, not my alarm clock. The first thing I saw was a pale pink sky peaking through the forest of winter bare trees. It was glorious. In that moment, I knew I was part of his beautiful creation, and my heart immediately started praising Jesus, the creator of all beautiful things.

What are some of your “pink sky” moments when God’s presence is all around, and you feel at one with all his creation? Do the lies of the enemy fade during those times with Jesus? Selah.

As you begin the final days of your journey, I pray you will allow yourself to celebrate the beauty of Jesus and how his beauty makes you truly beautiful. I pray you will lay down your burdens at his feet, even if temporarily, and allow his healing balm to meet you while praising him. Get up! Sing and shout to the one who has given you life and paid such a high price to give it to you. There’s nothing like the unfailing love of Jesus, and that’s what he’s freely given to you. Celebrate Jesus!!!

Beautiful Saviour - Planetshakers

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.”

— Psalm 27:6 New Living Translation

Refiner’s Fire

Good Morning Beauties!

Have you heard the term, "Refiner's fire"?  It refers to God using difficult circumstances in our life (the fire) to refine us like gold...pure gold.  The process requires intense heat to remove the impurities.  Do you know this process?  Take time to journal what you've learned from seasons of "heat" in your life.

Let me encourage you with Truth.  God will not abandon you to the flames.  He is right there beside you, praying for you, rooting you on to victory.  He wants you to win!  "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10

The purification process isn't easy, in fact it's difficult.  God asks us to die to ourselves so He can increase.  Die to pride, bitterness, selfishness, and the list goes on.  Filling up with His love, grace, mercy, kindness, peace, joy....then we will be the vessels He can use mightily in the world.  What do you need to burn today in order to make room for more of Him?  Selah.

Are you ready to do the will of God, no matter the cost? Ponder your response as you worship him.
Purify My Heart - Jeremy Riddle

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“If you stay away from sin you will be like one of these dishes made of purest gold—the very best in the house—so that Christ himself can use you for his highest purposes.”

— 2 Timothy 2:21 The Living Bible

Uniquely Perfect

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. The lies of the enemy told me, “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 much deeper ones. 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

“You’re beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless.”

— Song of Solomon 4:7 The Message Bible

Marvelous Light

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

Pure In Heart

Good Morning Beauties!

We’re beginning the last ten days of our journey. WOW! I hope you are proud of yourself and what you’ve accomplished in the first thirty days. What did you discover about yourself in the past month? What can you celebrate and where do you need grace to see improvement? Selah.

Today we start our seventh attribute - Purity. What do you immediately think of when you see or hear the word Purity or Pure? I think of Jesus and His Pure heart. He has allowed me to meet a few people with a pure heart, and I’m always drawn to them.

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 in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires.” Psalm 51:10 The Living Bible.

Clean - Natalie Grant

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.”

— Matthew 5:8 New Living Translation

In Every Season - Praise Him

Good Morning Beauties!

It’s a beautiful morning to reflect on our journeys. I don’t know about you, but I’m still celebrating my redemption from Jesus. It’s his absolute perfect and unfailing love for me that makes me want to sing and shout and let the whole world know he’s the glorious hope we all search for - that piece of our heart that’s always missing until we find him.

I often hear the term, “season of life.” In fact, I had a wonderful time with some friends last week and we commiserated with each other about growing older and how our minds are not as sharp as they used to be. Can you relate?

Despite the pitfalls of the aging process, we all agreed it’s wonderful being older and wiser. God tells us to get wisdom, so it must be valuable. Can you also relate to the blessings that accompany each year?

Our life’s journeys will all be different, but we can all rest assured knowing Jesus is our Savior and will always be with us through all of the twists and turns we’ll face as we take each step.

What are you facing right now? Do you believe, with God’s help, you’ll make it through? Can you identify the lies the enemy is telling you? Write them down and then beside each one write what the Bible says - the truth about who you are and how Jesus will strengthen you and give you all you need. Selah.

This song is special. One of the ladies singing it had just lost her first baby, Max, about 10 days prior to recording it with the worship team. Can you imagine? Her voice teaches us to praise God in the glorious times as well as the devastating times - in every season he is with us.

Desert Song - Hillsong

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens...”

— Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 New International Version

Beauty of The Cross

Happy Lord’s Day Beauties!

After seeing the horrors of how Jesus died on the cross yesterday, how do we consider it beautiful today? This is a question you must ponder and answer for yourself. Again, how is it possible to look upon that torturous device and see beauty? Selah.

As you ponder, I 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 truths I had learned as a child. It was a beautiful time with my Savior. What does He want to share with you about the the cross? Selah.

Another great way to ponder the beauty of the cross is to listen to the truth found in this song. I invite you to grab your journal and write down all the Spirit shares with you.

The Wonderful Cross - Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.”

— Luke 1:68 New International Version

Beautiful Savior

Good Morning Beauties!

Today’s lyric is difficult to look at, I won’t lie. From yesterday, we know that Christ died for our sins. He became the sacrificial lamb for us. Today we will look at how He died for us. What Jesus went through to save us. It won’t be easy.

Scripture describes the passion of Christ in Isaiah 53:1-9.

“But, oh, how few believe it! Who will listen? To whom will God reveal his saving power?  In God’s eyes he was like a tender green shoot, sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground. But in our eyes there was no attractiveness at all, nothing to make us want him.  We despised him and rejected him—a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we didn’t care.

Yet it was our grief he bore, our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, for his own sins! But he was wounded and bruised for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed—and we were healed! We—every one of us—have strayed away like sheep! We, who left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet God laid on him the guilt and sins of every one of us!

He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he never said a word. He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter; and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he stood silent before the ones condemning him.  From prison and trial they led him away to his death. But who among the people of that day realized it was their sins that he was dying for—that he was suffering their punishment?  He was buried like a criminal, but in a rich man’s grave; but he had done no wrong and had never spoken an evil word.”

On this day, Day 28 of each journey, I share a special video. A very meaningful song plays over graphic scenes from the movie, Passion of the Christ. It is extremely difficult to watch, but I ask you to watch anyway. The Truth about what Jesus endured for you, for me, for everyone, is not to be missed or ignored. I pray you will be changed by viewing and better understanding the Love God has for you.

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

Love and Blessings,
Kendra

“Christ also suffered. He died once for the sins of all us guilty sinners although he himself was innocent of any sin at any time, that he might bring us safely home to God. ”

— 1 Peter 3:18 The Living Bible