I feel pretty today.

And how thankful I am for that.



These late spring days have brought me a heavy heart and burdened spirit. As days have been growing longer and lighter (something you don't want to miss in sweet Seattle) I've been buried under blankets, books, and the weight of something bigger than me. It didn't happen all at once. Looking back I can see all places the Lord put me and the words that stuck all to bring me to this place.

I'm still a work in progress. We're just getting into the second act on my story. So I claim this promise for myself:

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6

Whatever He's doing in my heart is for my freedom and His glory.

And until then the Lord has been faithful to show me {love and hope} in dear friends that show up at my door with dinner in hand and hugs aplenty. Or days, like today, where I ask him to satisfy my heart - filling all the little nooks and crannies - and He lifts me up on his shoulders to show me that it's all going to be OK.

Isaiah 61

God has sent me on a mission.

I have some great news for you.

God has sent me to restore and release something.

And that something is you.

I am here to give you back your heart and set you free.

I am furious at the Enemy who did this to you, and I will fight against him.

Let me comfort you.

For, dear one, I will bestow beauty upon you

where you have only known devastation.

Joy, in the places of your deep sorrow.

And I will robe your heart in thankful praise

in exchange for your resignation and despair.

[Isaiah 61/John Eldredge]

I went to Paris.

I loved the architecture and the coffee. I had my best 5.5 mile run ever along the Seine and through the Latin Quarter. I got lost and wandered through the tangled streets with friends. And perused the open air markets and local shops with my family. One day I'll be back!

I just remembered how my Grandma used to squeal every time she'd give me a hug goodbye. 

Oh, Grandma. :) We all want to be just like you when we grow up.

Identity

I am loved. 1 John 3:3
I am accepted. Ephesians 1:6
I am a child of God. John 1:12
I am Jesus' friend. John 15:14
I am a joint heir with Jesus, sharing His inheritance with Him. Romans 8:17
I am united with God and one spirit with Him. 1 Corinthians 6:17
I am a temple of God. His spirit and his life live in me. 1 Corinthians 6:19
I am a member of Christ's body. 1 Corinthians 12:27
I am a Saint. Ephesians 1:1
I am redeemed and forgiven. Colossians 1:14
I am complete in Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:10
I am free from condemnation. Romans 8:1
I am a new creation because I am in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved. Colossians 3:12
I am established, anointed, and sealed by God. 2 Corinthians 1:21
I do not have a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
I am God's co-worker. 2 Corinthians 6:1
I am seated in heavenly places with Christ. Ephesians 2:6
I have direct access to God. Ephesians 2:18
I am chosen to bear fruit. John 15:16
I am one of God's living stones, being built up in Christ as a spiritual house. 1 Peter 2:5
I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises by God by which I share His nature.
2 Peter 1:4
I can always know the presence of God because He never leaves me Hebrews 13:5
God works in me to help me do the things He wants me to do Philippians 2:13
I can ask God for wisdom and He will give me what I need James 1:5

I needed a reminder today.