Tag Archives: peace

Ponder It

25 Tuesday Jan 2022

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I recall many moments a sweet friend would give me an encouraging word and tell me to “ponder it.” She would always use that word…ponder. I had to look it up because it’s not a word I had ever used. The definition is to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply. Honestly, I was hesitant because quiet is not my style. Being an external processor I talk things out. My friend on the other hand is the epitome of quiet. She would say very little, but when she spoke you listened. Was I not suppose to talk about the things God has told me?

I’ve come to learn what she meant. What quiet looks like on the inside. How to process in the quietness of Gods presence. How to take what the Lord spoke and let it simmer in my heart like soup cooking over a low flame. Allowing time for the full flavor of it to get down deep where my heart becomes convinced. Considering the words before I speak them knowing how powerful they are. That both life and death are an option by what I speak to myself. Guarding the door of my heart carefully as to not let thieves come in and rob me of the truth.

I’ve come to learn there is a time for everything. A time to speak and a time to listen. I pray you hear me today and consider what the Lord has spoke to you. Keep the words close. Don’t allow others to bring their thoughts before you have your own. Don’t let the dream or vision get cloudy or muddied by opinions. Hold close to your heart what the Lord said and consider it a secret until the appointed time. Just like Mary and my friend Beth, believe in Him who has promised and it will come to pass. ❤️

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Comfort and Joy

24 Friday Dec 2021

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The other day I woke up singing “oh tidings of comfort and joy” and for some reason it hasn’t left my heart as it’s still singing in me. I was sure there was a reason so I started to dig a little deeper.

“Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.” Jeremiah 31:13 NIV

The verse speaks of what God will give us in place of something else. He is so good at that. He offers us what only he can give for what has impaired our hope. Our joy. Our healing. Our restoration. Our peace. Our mourning and sorrow can be felt by Him. Our pain is his pain. Our sorrow is his sorrow. He knows all to well the ache of the human heart in times of suffering. He promises to deliver and comfort us from the hand of things stronger than us. Anxiety. Grief. Disappointment. Pain and even death. God is the only one who could do a trade like that. This is what the angel spoke of “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. You and I are apart of “all” people.

He will give us comfort AND joy. I wrestled with this because of the grief in my heart lately. I desperately needed something and he saw fit to bring me both. The song in my heart confirmed it. He was saying “I will do this for you. I see, hear, and know you. My hands are stronger than the ones that threaten and consume you. I am Immanuel, God with you. Your comforter. Your Father. Your peace. Your joy.”

I don’t know where your heart is today, but I do know Gods heart towards you. It’s full of love, grace, mercy, comfort, and joy. He’s more than enough to fill the empty and broken places in you. This Christmas is more than the tangible gifts, it’s about the intangible that will heal and bless your soul. What a gift!

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

Peace over you and yours,

Emilie ❤️

The Reason 12/3/15 

03 Thursday Dec 2015

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Today, right where you are, let these words settle in…You are the reason Jesus came. 

I know it’s been said so many times before. We can say it so flipidly it becomes a slogan without conviction…Jesus loves you. It’s true though…he really does. This Christmas I want you to consider the personal gift you were given when Jesus came so many years ago. Why he came. Yes, the story is timeless and never loses its splendor but it’s more than just a story; he was more than just a baby born in a manger. He is Emmanuel, God with us. I love that! Jesus is with me; he’s with you! What a gift!! To have the presence of Jesus with you always is a guarantee that you’ll never be alone. A friend forever. An advocate always fighting for you. He offers freedom. Healing. Blessings. Everything he has is available to you. Jesus is yours!  Talk about the gift that keeps on giving! 

My prayer to you this Christmas season is that you fully capture the reason of Jesus’ birth…you. That you would get a glimpse of the love the Father has for you and make it personal. It is personal. If you would have been the only one he would have lived, died, and rose again just for you. He loves you and longs for you to know it and to live from a place of absolute security in it. There is no end to his love and favor. Even after all the lights, trees, and decorations are gone he will still be with you…in you…for you…your personal gift of life, hope, joy, and peace all year round!  

Merry Christmas!! 

Prisoner 12/1/15 

01 Tuesday Dec 2015

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I woke up this morning and I felt such a heaviness of sorrow. I had a bad dream and it almost ruined my day. I hate that! Immediately flashbacks of the past went scrambling through my mind and now the tears came flooding in. Not a great way to start the day out. 

As I layed there and gathered mysef I began to think of how grateful I am to be where I am today. Full of hope. Full of peace. Things were not always this way. I would have stayed there in a prison of fear. I would have allowed my thoughts and emotions to keep me bound. It seems like a lifetime ago that I was so wounded. I’ve learned to express my hurts and emotions to Jesus and not allow them to control me. Once I’ve exchanged turmoil for peace I can face the day with expectation of good. In my mind it’s not such a fair gift exchange but it is the way Jesus works. 

You see, once we get a taste of the goodness of God we are forever changed. He is no longer just a name on a page or stories in a book. We no longer cling to lies because truth has proven itself true. When doubt threathens to swallow us whole, his voice rescues us. When our past comes back to haunt us, he reminds us of who we are in him. We have been captured in a love so real, so strong, that it won’t let us go…ever! 

This love, again, reached out to me this morning reminding me that in all his splendor and glory, he has always been Emmanuel, God with me. Through every moment of my life. Good. Bad. Rich. Poor. Sickness and in health. I am bound by his faithfulness to me and he won’t ever let me go…never! 

A Good Father 11/4/15 

04 Wednesday Nov 2015

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Good morning friends!! 

I woke up this morning singing a song about what a good Father God is. Seeing God as a father can be very hard for some; it was for me. We tend to look through the lense of our personal experience with our own dads. If our experience has been bad or even non existent it will be a challenge to see God as he really is. 

I love the movie “Father of the Bride.” I can not watch that movie without crying. The way George Banks loves Annie just melts my heart. He wasn’t perfect, in fact he was hilariously cheap but his love, admiration, respect, and devotion is what I imagined a dad’s love should be like. 

No matter what your experience has been I’m hear to tell you that our God is a good Father. His word says it. His actions prove it. His track record is flawless. He can be trusted. He doesn’t withhold good from you. He will always keep his promises and meet your every need. His plan is not to harm you but protect you. He stores your tears and knows the very number of hairs on your head. There is not one moment of your life that he has left you or forgotten you. He sees you. He ears you. He is for you and his heart will always be to give you all of him. 

Lord I pray today that you heal every broken part of us that keeps us from seeing you as you really are…our good Father. Comfort those of us who still grieve over the loss of our father and relationship. Bring peace and quiet the noise that drowns out your voice. In Jesus name…Amen! 

Looking Back  10/14/15

14 Wednesday Oct 2015

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Good morning friends!! 

Have you ever looked back to another time and place and tears just streamed down your face because you remember so well the memory? 

I wrote this 2 years ago right after my son left for boot camp {Marines}. I had lost my dad to cancer less than a year earlier and had just moved to a new city a month prior and was feeling so alone and depressed. There was a lot going on in me. I was missing my dad terribly. I couldn’t breathe without my son and living in the middle of nowhere with no friends, no family, and no hope {even as I write this I’m in tears}. I cried a lot privately {still do}. I was trying to be strong for everyone; keeping it all together. We had already been through so much on our journey and I couldn’t be the one to falter in my faith with all the questions I had let alone have the answers for the ones everyone else was asking. This girl had to fake it and be happy and man what a burden that was to carry. 

His plan is not always what we think it will be. There are many surprises along the way and if we are not careful and hiding in him we will be caught so off guard that we will think we went wrong somewhere or that he left us. His promise to us is to make ALL things work for our good. No matter what the “all” is it can be used if we allow him to use it. He also promised to never leave or forsake us. This one is a biggie for me. The feeling of abandonment is a common tool the enemy uses to isolate us. Don’t fall for it…he is a liar! 

I can remember writing this and feeling so at peace. I love those moments where his voice can be heard so clearly. I was trying to be strong and bear the load that he alone was meant to carry…my questions, my disappointment, my grief, my sorrow, and every other broken part in me. The message was loud and clear…I can NOT but He CAN! 

What are you trying to do that has you overwhelmed? Are you carrying a load that is too heavy? Feel like you’re drowning? Trust that even though your waters may be turbulent right now or even muddied God is still in control. 

 Have a good day friends!! 

Not Today!! Encouraging Word 10/4/15 

04 Sunday Oct 2015

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There I sat getting ready to eat breakfast with my family when the phone vibrates…an angry text. Usually, my default reaction would be to respond quickly without a moments hesitation…not today. I whispered a silent prayer and left it there. 

I have come to a place where my peace is more important than someone’s piece of mind. I had a choice to either let it get me mad and ruin my breakfast or I could consider the source and enjoy my French toast {which by the way were delish}. 

I refuse to fight a battle that is not mine. I rely on the Holy Spirit to help me pick and choose wisely. So many times I’ve fallen prey to the trap of someone’s else anger and paid the price, dearly. I am so glad I have a friend, a helper, who guides me into all truth in every situation. Don’t neglect the still small voice. It is always in your best interest to pay attention and be obedient even if it is to…be quiet {ouch}! 

What a friend we have in Jesus all our sorrows and griefs to bear…oh what peace we often forfeit oh what needless pain we bear…all because we did not carry everything to God in prayer. 

“Not by might, nor by power, but my Spirit,” says the Lord. Zechariah 4:6 

Help Me Jesus 

01 Tuesday Sep 2015

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Good morning y’all 😀 I woke up with a full plate on my mind. Thoughts of all there was to do today and I was immediately tired {did I mention I just woke up?}. My favorite new quote is “fail to pray plan to panic” isn’t that so true?! So, Help me Jesus!! As I start my day and get busy steady my heart and emotions today. Remind me that I am only human and simply can’t do it all.  Give me grace for every moment I get ahead of myself. Give me strength to have self control when I feel my patience slipping. Go before me and prepare secret surprises of joy and blessing. Allow me to be a blessing to those I may come in contact with today. Awaken my heart to your presence and abundance of who you are. I am deeply loved. I am more than enough. I will not lose my mind today! In Jesus name…Amen. Now go and have a great day my friends!! 😁