I once knew a man named Charlie...

Seasons in life bring opportunities. Each opportunity is a window where God can expand our hope as he expands the foundation of our life creating something sound, something stable that we can build upon. Because we can dream all day long and become little more than a dreamer if we allow ourselves to stop there. Therefore, every encounter, every relationship, whether for a moment, a year, a decade a lifetime—has the power to shape and mold who we are destined to be.

I’ve been reflecting this week. I’ve been recapping a lot of circumstance that God has gotten me through to His Glory, but still remains to my Wonder. It’s ok to reflect this way time and again, it’s good for the soul to probe ones own heart. But it’s not good to live there. So after my reflecting and wondering and asking God a few questions I determined that the only fruit of it all may be a changed me. I am not the same person I was 20 years ago. I’m not the same person I was 10 or even 5 years ago. I like the woman I have become so I choose to celebrate the most painful moments of my life and hope.

Continue to hope that God has something to do with that changed life in all you pursue.

It has come to an end of an era in my life, but I will look heavenward with a smile in my eyes. My Redeemer lives and I take with me an incredible foundation and abundant Hope. You can do the same. You’ve been heaven made and there are ever more friends, opportunities and blessings to create. So put a smile in your eye, and cherish...cherish all of it. If you don’t like where you are right now, wait another minute. God is still on the Throne and He isn’t falling or failing. He’s coming because He loves you, and love rescues every time.

Settle your heart. Settle...be at peace.

Be at rest.

Close your eyes and meditate on your promise.

Maybe you don’t know God so well and aren’t sure of His promises to you. That’s alright. He knows you. So close your eyes anyway and create or meditate for a moment on my words. What do you dream after? What does your soul crave? What is something you’d love to do or a place you’d like to go? There may be seeds of Promise contained within those passions. Now, send up a simple prayer, just you speaking to the Infinite Sovereign, “Almighty, show me your love and lean into my soul, I want to know you and your promises for my life some more.” It’s that simple. He knows you and won’t leave you alone.

Keep believing.

Keep hoping.

Keep moving forward.

Here is a scripture to bless your soul. Heart, mind, body—it’s all connected.

Psalm 23 reads:

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

I declare a blessing to shower over you right now. May Incredible Hope cascade your soul. I pray this instant your heart would leap with the absolute warmth that heaven can bring. Don’t look back, the past was used to build you and now you’re going to break through!

I pray you would know today how adorable you are...