Alive - Natalie Grant

 

 

Who but You, could breathe and leave a trail of galaxies and dream of me?

What kind of Love is writing my story till the end with Mercy’s pen? Only You.

 

What kind of king would choose to wear a crown that bleeds and scars to win my heart?

What kind of Love tells me I’m the reason He can’t stay inside the grave?

 

You. Is it You? Standing here before my eyes, every part of my heart cries

Alive! Alive! Look what Mercy’s overcome; Death has lost and Love has won Alive! Alive!

Hallelujah, Risen Lord, the only One I fall before. I am His because He is, alive.

Who could speak, and send the demons back from where they came, with just one Name?

What other heart would let itself be broken every time till He healed mine?

You.

Only You could turn my darkness into dawn; running right into Your arms

Alive! Alive! Look what Mercy’s overcome; Death has lost and Love has won Alive! Alive!

Hallelujah, Risen Lord, the only One I fall before. I am His because He is, Alive.

  

Emmanuel, the promised King, the baby who made angels sing,

 Son of Man who walked with us, healing, breathing in our dust.

The author of all history, the answer to all mysteries,

 The Lamb of God who rolled away the stone in front of every grave.

Alive! Alive! Look what Mercy’s overcome;

Death has lost and Love has won Alive! I am His because He is alive.

Alive!

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It is because of Him and Him alone that I can be strong when I am weak... Alive, when I feel dead... In Him and Him alone I am found when I feel lost, and Saved when I fail.

As I ponder each word it becomes more and more clear to me that His divine plan is for my good. How? I am completely unsure. But, because He loves me, and he wrote my story "with mercy's pen" I can't not believe that His plan is greater. Through death and Life. Through feast and famine, it is good. I praise Him that I have been given the opportunity to rest in the certainty that I am His, and I have His spirit within me to claim wholeness because of what He conquered. He died so that I might live in freedom, especially when my body fails me, or my own plans (that I dream up) fail me. I praise Him for the Mercy I don't yet see. I praise Him for my story, although it may differ from what I expected and wanted. I praise Him for what I don't yet know, and I praise Him for the confidence I have in what I do know.

Mercy writer, Promise keeper, Grace giver, healer , Powerful , Freedom fighter.  These are just a handful of ways to define our Father. 

1 Corinthians 2:9 

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.  

I am always amazed that, when I go to write, God has beautifully orchestrated another side to the story I wanted to tell. As usual I try and read out what I've written to my husband. For me, it's always beneficial to read out loud what thoughts turned into words. You see, I am naturally not great at putting my thoughts on paper. I tend to leave words out, misspell, or add in far too many commas.....But I do it anyway. I love that little part of me! 

Well, after reading and discussing my hearts outpour, it came up that I haven't been the only one considering the lyrics to this song. My husband has been extra sensitive to this song as well. This has been a beautiful reminder to me that I one, I am not alone, and two, through yet another loss God is using our pain to refine us and bring us closer as man and wife and also closer to Him, it's been His mighty way to show us(me) that He is trust worthy when we, or I, start to think perhaps He's not. I am not sure Proof of a sovereign King gets any more real. I am honored that He has given me eyes to this perspective and I pray my perspective grows. 

Through the fire I, we, have experienced some major transformations. All because I simply thought to stop and ponder these lyrics, my pain and suffering was exposed just a little more. 

Psalm 112:7

They won't be afraid of bad news; their hearts are steady because they trust in the Lord.

I was driving home after work and was thinking about my sister in law. Her life's message is often purposefully centered around refinement and sanctification. I was able to apply some of her words to myself and my husband, and was gently reminded how His plan is always purposeful, I was reminded that these two losses have brought a whole new meaning of worship (worship includes: song and any other act that exaults His great name) in my life and how He's used those both for refinement of my intimate worship for His glory. Although my circumstances are extreme, and not at all what I planned or even wanted, I will praise Him for not letting my pain go to waste (it almost makes it seem worthwhile when you're smack-dab in the center of it all). I will stand confident in the dark knowing full well how loved I am by my Maker. I will stand confident while in the dark, so that when I can see the light, it will be a renewed redemptive vision of grace and mercy tangled up in my own story. Stretched, battered and bruised I know full well His plan(s) are good. His promises are true and I've seen this all because my King is alive and living today. Forever.

Death has lost and Love has won

 Alive! 

I am His because He is alive.

Alive!

A little bang for your buck

I love DYI projects! I might like them more than I love Tuesdays!

And what I especially love about this particular one is that it only cost about $17 and took about 1 hour of my time start to finish!

Items you need:

Holiday decor of your choice

Wooden monogram of your choice

1 small can of coordinating colored spray paint 

1 roll (3yards) of 3inch ribbon

1 small roll of ribbon for hanging

Hot glue gun

And one 10" styrofoam round wreath

All I did was wrap the wreath with the 3inch ribbon and fasten with a small amount of hot glue at the start of wrapping and the end of wrapping. Ensuring that the glue was on the back side of the wreath. I layered my holiday/seasonal decor and hot glued it in my desire spot. 

At this point I remember I should have probably spray painted my letter first to allow time for drying. So I paused my project and spray painted! 

Next- which I should have done last- was wrap my other ribbon around to allow for hanging. Because I'm a cheater I tied a loop knot first then wrapped the ribbon and fasted it with glue on the back side of the wreath. 

Lastly I placed my letter and secured it with glue.

Viola! You have a craft! Now, I am well aware these directions are not detailed, and I am well aware my little project is far from perfect or maybe even qaulity. But for under $20 my heart is happy to have a festive fall decoration hanging from our front door to welcome our guests!

This next project was even cheaper. Depending how many different varieties you want! I, however, bought a pack of assorted paper for about $5-8. So you could cheat and do just a few 12x12 pieces of paper for less than $1 each. 

I made 6 coasters out of Modge podge, paper, and 4x4 white tiles and also adhesive cork.

The tiles were about 16 cents a piece. The cork was about $3-5. The Modge podge, if you don't already have it, can be the largest expesense, however, it lasts forever. This go around I chose a sparkle one!

I cut my paper into 4x4 as well as the cork. I hot glued the cork to the bottom of the tile to ensure the stickiness stays. Once dry, I then placed my paper on top of the tile and smeared Modge podge in a generous even amount over every corner. Once dried, I applied a second coat. Let it dry completely before using and be sure to watch for air bubbles and smooth those out as quickly as possible. 

See, easy! Again, not great instructions but these aren't difficult projects. And they surely aren't intended to last forever. 

Happy Tuesday and have fun discovering the crafty side of yourself! You won't regret it!

Climbing over walls

There is nothing more frustrating than waking up in the morning and realizing you have yet another wall to climb, another hurdle to jump.

What do you find yourself staring at in the mornings?  Is it your job, or stress?  Maybe it's anxiety. Maybe, if you are anything like me, it's fear.

Fear.  It stops us dead in our tracks.  It distracts us, and holds us hostage and tricks us into thinking we are at (what feels like) arms length from our Creator.  Fear.  It binds us up, sometimes unable to remember the goodness and greatness of our God. Fear, it can make us slaves.

The good news here, we are not bound up.  We are not slaves.  That is a lie.

Christ came to set us free! Of this truth, I am so certain.  For that freedom I am thankful. 

Here is why I love God's word and what He says about fear:

 Psalm 27:1

 The Lord is my light and my salvation,

whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life,

 of whom shall I be afraid?

This tells me that He owns me.  My Father has got my back.  He bought me for a price I could never repay.  Therefore, I can stand confident that fear does not belong in me (or you).

 2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity,

 but a spirit of power, of love,

and of self discipline.

Ah-ha!  I shall not be timid because I have Jesus Christ my Savior in me!  He has gifted me, and YOU, a spirit of power to walk in Him, confident and sure!  We have the power in us to rebuke fear, to sucker punch the enemy right outta our lives.  Thank you Jesus!

 Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you.

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

This is, by far, one of my favs.  However, I am in love with the book of Isaiah.  His promises are true, always.  He commands us not to be fearful.  To trust in Him at all times.  Easier said than done, of this I am sure.  If we - I -  hide these promises He's given me in His word, deep down in my life and my heart, I can use these tools to fight back.

It's no accident that yesterday, after I started typing this blog, I got a text from a friend (whom I love dearly) wrestling with fear.  It's no accident that I was even more inspired to remind my friends of the power within us from Jesus to fight fear.  It's no accident that last night at prayer night, at my home church, a major focus was on spiritual warfare.  I know that my connection to the body of Christ is of NO accident.  The fact that he planted within me a seed to want to tackle this topic is no accident, either.

I have a responsibility to follow His lead and speak out in truth where there is deception.  I have an obligation to fight fear with those who need help fighting.  I have a deep desire to stand with those who need it.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be Strong and Courageous.

Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed,

for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

" When you step out in tenacious courage to attack the walls in your life you will make the devil nervous.  When you bring an extravagant offering of worship to God, when you give a mighty victory cry of praise, the devil gets nervous because he knows the Power of our God to pull down strong holds that keep us bound.  The enemy knows we will be free as soon as we shout to the Lord in worship!"

- Darlene Zschech

Extravagant Worship

I couldn't have said better myself.

A tenacious, explosive cry of Praise.  I want my life to be a continual explosion of praise.  I do not want the enemy to gather a single foothold in my life.  I don't know about you, but nothing gives me more pleasure than knowing my Savior makes the enemy tremble.  It brings me great joy knowing that I have someone, a King, fighting for me (for me!! wow...).  It gives me courage to stand firm in the One who already won the war.  Jesus battled so that I may live.

I want my life to be an example of worship.  I want my life to be a testimony of standing firm and shouting out the Victory of the one who saves us.  I owe it all to Him, the keeper of my heart, the one who knows me inside and out.  The one who loves me. I refuse (from this day forward) to live my life in Fear, when I know full well that it has no power over me.  My deepest prayer is that the body of Christ has an ache to remind eachother of this truth.  I am far too guilty of allowing and validating fear, but no more.  I am standing in a victory cry of praise for, and with, my family. I hope you stand too.


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And because it's Friday:

 

 

It would bring out the inner 5 year old in me to see this plane in person, let alone fly in it.

Congrats Hello Kitty on making your Air time debut! I am shamelessly proud! To see more silly pictures click here.

What's stirring in your heart?

Many times as I sit to write out my weekly Tuesday blog, I find myself speechless. I find myself in a situation where my thoughts and prayers are abundant but my words are few. There's not doubt my Lord specifically planned it this way. It's that weekly subtle nudge to thoughtfully consider my words and how I want them to come across or inspire.

Some days, like today, I find that my words are so few that I struggle to find a 'topic' or I struggle digging out pieces of me to share and expose.

But today, I find that I have a stirring in my heart. A sense of expectation and of patient waiting. I can feel it through my bones a gentle whisper of my Lord prompting me keep my eyes open. To taste and see that He is good. To open my eyes a little more to His story. It's all around me. I am blind, praying constantly to see the light, the bigger picture.

But today, my heart is stirring in such a way, I have no words. The stillness within me is surrendering, and expectant of His will to be done. So maybe The Lord is prompting me, leading me, preparing me... Maybe The Lord is opening my eyes, my heart, all to be transformed by his grace and mercy in his perfect plan. 

Today, my heart feels invaded by the Blood of Jesus and wrapped in his graciousness. Wrapped in his contentment.

 Lord, let me not forget this. Let the stirring bring forth fruit. Let the stirring be purposeful. Lord, let it be for your glory.

What's stirring in you? What's happening in your heart today? 

What a week, what a week!

This woman that I happen to share a birthday with is one of my heroes. Not only is she beautiful, inside and outside but, she happens to be a fantastic Mother. She carries that title well!

Spent a night celebrating with my pops... I loved every bite of the chocolate lush he made me.

My boss helped me feel well loved early Monday morning. She knows me too well, I love flowers!

My man and I spent part of the evening of my birthday at the spot we had our very first date! Then we hopped over to the local Froyo and I spent birthday #3 in a row with a group of my favorites!

That night he made sure to one up my boss and make me feel VERY well loved and surprised me with these babies! I was fully under the impression that these tickets were not in the budget this year.... Boy did he trick me!

Whoop whoop! A weekend in Seattle trips are my favorite, especially with my man!

I bought myself a keepsake for a beautiful reminder of what I lost. African Violets are stunning to me, and they are absolutely precious just like a loss, treasured.

September 11th I was lucky to work at the Spokane Fair and help support our troops and those who have served our country and those who have lost their lives serving our country. This was quite the Honor!

And last but certainly not least.... This cutie was the messenger of PINK news that will be welcomed come February. I couldn't be more happy for my bestie and I cannot wait to love on that sweet babe! Congrats Mr & Mrs. Stewart!!!

This one week was full, busy, and amazing! I am praising Jesus and welcoming another year of refinement and worship! 

Tuesday.... Part III

It's Tuesday once again!

 I have come to love dearly the day after a birthday. The new found freedom of a new age. Two silly numbers. These two numbers can tell us a lot about each other. Are we young, or are we old? Are we wise, or do we have a lot to learn? Are you full of stories and experience, or are you just starting your journey?

I am fond of my two numbers, and I grow more fond of them each passing year.
Here's a small recap of my last two numbers and the one I am just encountering:

Age 25 9/9/12
I started that year recovering from a fairly in depth surgery. (to read more about that click here)
we got good news, and we got bad news.
I got engaged to my favorite person. (YAY)
I met a new doctor.
we did some tests. I got more bad news. (to read more about that click here)
we saw my favorite singer in Concert.
I got a promotion.
we began to accept our future.
we got Married. Best Day of My Life.
we went on a fantastic honeymoon!
Came home, got settled into our new home.
A life of joy and bliss.
7/24/13- I lost a baby at (*only*) 6 weeks. Tubal Pregnancy.

Age 26 9/9/13
I start this year with a flu/cold
Still, slightly, recovering from a surgery due to the Tubal Pregnancy.
Emotionally drained
Happily Married to an amazing man.
Filled to overflowing with gratitude and utmost praise, honor, and thankfulness for my circumstances.

I've been debating when and how I would write part three of my infertility posts. I wrote, and rewrote my story trying to decide what I could share, how I could write to really capture my thoughts. Telling myself it was worth it. Telling myself it was healing for me.

That was a lie.

Writing about my deepest darkest secret in me isn't what I imagined it would be. It wasn't healing. It isn't healing. I realized that the only healing that could be done was going to be done by my Father. The one who created my inmost being. The giver and keeper of life and salvation. Only He provides healing.

Psalms 139:13-18

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

My frame was not hidden from you, when I was made in the secret place, 

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me

 were written in your book before one them came to be. 

How precious to me are your thoughts, God! 

How vast is the sum of them, they would out number the grains of the sand -  

and when I awake I am still with you. 

I wanted to write a tale telling of wholeness and hope and a shiny bright future. I quickly realized that it was my facade. I wanted a story that I could hide behind, and put on my face, and let the world know that I was just fine.

I wanted a resolution, and I wanted reasons and explanations. I have quickly realized that some times my Father doesn't give those to me, and that is okay....

Here is what I have learned:

The foundation of life is strictly God's love. There has never been nor will be any pre-qualifying characteristics that must be met in order to receive this love (thank you Jesus). This love is based off the mystery of the Trinity.  The mystery of a relational God who, had risen from death to life and now lives in us, chooses to create redeem and/or sustain creation. Regardless if we are capable of reciprocating.

Because of this, I can know for certain a baby, at any stage, is a person. Not based on biological development but because I have chosen to believe that he/she is loved by the foundation of life, of reality. Loved deeply by the one who created love, who is love, and loved by the one who grants love. Any lost little one is deeply and profoundly loved by God; a personal, real God.

This is what's healing for me:

Knowing full well that I can define my loss. That this one was called by name by Him who gave life. That this little one was profoundly loved by something bigger than me. That is what heals me. Day after day. Some days I can feel it with everything in me and that I am not a slave to this burden. Some days I forget far too easy. Some days I just don't care what the truth is, I will have my pity party and I will choose darkness over light. Am I proud of that? Certainly not. I will admit that not every second of my thoughts, emotions, or attitude properly reflected Jesus. I struggled immensely with the idea that I may never have children. I struggled immensely that Gods plans were surely, infact, better than mine.  However, I am human, and surrendering a battle over and over day after day minute after minute until you find yourself on the other side is quite the task.

"What is found in God, is never lost. What is found in God is Never Truly Lost."
- What Was Lost, a Christian Journey Through Miscarriage
by: Elise Erickson Barrett

Jeremiah 29:11

 "For I know the plans I have for you" Declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

You may have noticed that I have added in *only* 6 weeks... I am not a professional, and I am not here to tell anyone how to process. However, for many days, many weeks I referred to my loss as ONLY 6 weeks. I constantly downplayed my grief acting as if 6 weeks isn't enough time to become attached to anything. I fully own up to my discredit to myself. However, if I had the chance to have a 'do over' I would remind myself to claim those 6 weeks as a victory. To claim those priceless 6 weeks of symptoms and aches and excitement and nerves when I told someone the joyful news. I would tell myself to Celebrate those 6 weeks. Own it.

I fully recommend to anyone who faces a circumstance where they preface their title, or claim with an *ONLY* (only 6 weeks, only a few months, only...) or you are/ it was *JUST* a (house wife, stay at home mom, student) that you own it. Claim that fame, and give all the Glory back to Him who knows how many boogies you wiped, how many times you've swept the floor, burnt dinner, cried for months, days, or years. Give the Glory back to Him who breathed life into that belly of yours for 9 fulls months or 4 days! Give the Glory back to Him who provides you to be home to wipe those boogies, butts, and counter tops! He knows and wants to celebrate it with you. Regardless of how much time you were given, whether its years or minutes, a wife title, a student title, or a transition time.... Celebrate who you are right this moment. Because He who called you, knows you full well. Because He who called you placed you in that title, in that circumstance. He who called you, Calls you by name.

Someday I might spill out all the tiny details I planned on sharing, the amount of blood work, the ultrasound, and phone calls. I could tell you the countless hours of tears, the confusion, the actual physical pain. I might even splurge on details about how we chose to tell a few people, and later I came to regret telling anyone at all.  Now, certainly now, I am sure that I am meant to tell my story. I am meant to share my hurt, express my pain, expose my heart. The purpose, I am not aware of yet. But God has promised us, me, that our sufferings are not in vain. They are always for our Good and His Glory. Although I don't believe at times that this is for my good, I choose to trust that it is for my good and part of his promise of  Refinement, Restoration, and depending on His sufficiency.

So, what I had planned for Part III, it doesn't apply. I don't have a resolution, or a closing statement of wholeness, or healing or even a final outcome. I couldn't even tell you what's next, how our story is starting to unfold. It is a divine mystery and one that my husband and I eagerly pursue. A divine situation that has brought me closer to my husband, a divine situation that was meant to destroy me, but instead brought me back to my knees in front of my Father, waiting, asking to be filled up again. I can tell you that without a doubt, I am on one of the most amazing journey's a girl could ask for. And, I can tell you, this wont be the first time you hear about it! I have not been called to be silent about the greatness and goodness of our God.

Xoxo
-Morgan B

Birthday Season

It is with great joy I enter into September! 

My husband and I joke that it's actually called 'Birthday Season'! Most of whom we know have birthdays packed into the front end of September.

First up we had an Aunt, whom I have only gotten to know over the past 2 years, but she is a supportive, hard working, sincere gal with definite spunk! Her humor and sincerity is my fav quality. I enjoy her quite a bit and am looking forward to deepening this relationship over the coming years!

Next we have my dearest mother in law. 

She has intensely blessed my life and has spoke wisdom and light into my life as well. I am incredibly blessed to have another example and mother figure like her. I loved her from the very moment we met (again) and I knew that this was a mother I wanted to be around and learn from. 

Squeezed in the center is my new sister in law whom I absolutely adore to the max. She is a brilliant mother, a genuine soul, and a joyful woman inside and out. She is stunning, from her heart to her eyes! Her energy and joyful heart is a true gift from God, and it definitely shows! I love watching her care for her children and the family around her and I am deeply blessed to be learning from her. I am excited that I am lucky enough to have her family be one I have inherited through marriage!

Before we even have a chance to catch our breath we throw in, yours truly and my twinsie's Birthday. I am über grateful to share this day with my bestest friend, my womb mate, and companion! There is a special bond we share that nothing, NOTHING, can separate. She is also a fantastic mother, a workout freak, motivating, inspiring, and strong willed. She was blessed with beautiful children, a wonderful hubby, and a life full of adventure and growth! She has always been my hero and that's still the truth to this day. I am also certain it will never change. 

Last, but certainly not least, is one whom I admire. My other new sister in law. This woman has greatly impacted my life and I am sure she doesn't even know it. Her strength, her dignity, and her hearts desires are all Jesus centered and God filled. Her courage to speak truth has inspired me and encouraged me. She is sturdy, and faithful, and thoughtful. Her words are not taken lightly, they are thoughtfully and prayerfully considered. Her honesty and transparency is something of which I hope to resemble someday. 

Truly, I am confident that God has carefully planted me in this family. I am honored and exceptionally blessed to be surrounded by so many courageous women! I love celebrating the lives of each individual one and know full well that the plans The Lord has for you are good. In fact, they are great. 

Psalm 139:13

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb.

Ecclesiastes 11:8

However many years a man shall live, let him enjoy them all.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are Gods handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

I especially like this woman.... She is one of my favorites, ever.

These people are some of my favorites ever too. I love them wholeheartedly, and love love love watching them surrender daily to Gods plans!

These guys, really know how to live out Gods love and compassion. Plus they are a HOOT to be around! Yup, I adore them too, a lot!

These two I love dearly, especially him. But, this momma, I definitely admire. A whole lot. 

My heart is sad I don't have a picture of the other wonderful woman who had a birthday, but I do know for certain in the coming years I will gladly gather many photos of this amazing family for my memory bank!

 

I know I have said it far too many times, but I can't help but over express how full of gratitude I am that I got invited into this family, and I can't express enough how greatful I am to have the family I got started with.

I cannot stress enough how deeply these women have impacted my life this far. I am excited to strengthen and deepen each of these God breathed relationships. I am also excited to see how God uses each of these individual ladies in their own personal lives. It is a huge blessing, and one that I do not take lightly, that I get an almost front row seat watching these transformations and redemption stories! 

Thank You Jesus for these wonderful blessings! Thank You Jesus for creating such wonderful, unique, beautiful women. My deepest prayer is that they are filled with more of you, and know full well of your deepest love for them. 

Xox

-Morgan 

Definition: You

Who are you? What defines you? When asked about who you are, how do you respond?

I am SO guilty of forgetting frequently who I am and what I am made of. I tend to define my value on insignificant circumstances or trials, or even worse, material things. I am not suggesting that enjoying those blessings The Lord gave to you or myself is bad, but for me, I have a heart that tends to wander and a prideful heart that thinks on occasion I could find my worth in such things. This flaw I must always bring to mind and allow Him to transform me daily. 

As year 25 comes to a close and year 26 starts (which I am most certainly thankful for each year passing) I like to reflect back and see how I have changed or what deepened my relationship with Jesus. This year I was refined a little more (okay, maybe A LOT), and I learned the importance of drilling in my head where my value comes from. With out that foundation I would have certainly crumbled this year. 

You see, I thought for certain my circumstances defined me (especially when fighting through some tough stuff). I thought my past defined me. I thought for sure, that this definition of me that I created in my mind would be what people see of me or think of me. My Father proved to me that what I once was I am free from. My father proved to me that what I face, He already fought. My Father proved to me that what I think of myself, certainly is not how He sees me. For that, I am so grateful and totally undeserving. 

I am a daughter of the Most High King. A Co-heir with Christ. 

Purchased with the blood of Jesus. Paid for in full because He loves me so much.

And guess what?.... You are too. And He loves you with that same love. 

Wow.

So, after battling out another year I have learned that not one mistake, not one terrible circumstance, not one loss and devastation defines who I am.

So, define You? 

Who are you? 

Who do you belong to?

Where do you find your value?

I am His.

Ephesians 1:4-5

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons and daughters through Jesus Christ in accordance to his pleasure and will.

Ephesians 1:7(a)

In him we have redemption through his blood...

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, and the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:21 

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

1 Peter 1:18-20

For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless lamb of God....... And he did this For You.

Matthew 6:30

If God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith.

I love His truth, because quite frankly, I cannot and will not survive without it. I refuse to be swallowed up by darkness of forgetting the beautiful creation I am. Oh, how carefully we were crafted. My desire is to cling to that truth so that I can love others with that same desperate love He has. 

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.(psalms 139)

How precious are His thoughts about YOU.

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Side Note (because I love, love, love Tuesdays) : these beautiful women joined me for an early morning coffee date. My socks were blessed off with amount of amazingness that morning. God is good and he uses people so wonderfully.

This gorgeous woman has been the kind of friend a girl couldn't live without!

And this man, thank you Lord for this man. He's who reminded me where to find my worth in those dark moments when I couldn't remember. I love him.