The Lies We Believe

Every day we’re faced with the choice of what we will believe about ourselves. There will be voices of lies and truth. What we choose to listen to can and will change the trajectory of our life. I ask, “What will you believe about yourself today?”

There is greatness inside everyone of us that God wants to manifest. Purpose and plans that lead to peace and an abundant life. However, if we’re listening to the wrong voice we will never get there.

I came across this picture while searching for quotes on Pinterest. If you take a few minutes and take it in you will see the powerful message it tells. In a time where we’ve excessive bullying at all levels I can’t help but ask, “What lies are you believing about yourself?” The reality of this picture caught my attention as I see so many with potential caving into the lies of others and the media who seek to steal their hopes and dreams while creating confusion over their identity and so much more.

I pray today you will not listen to the voice of lies and will listen for the voice of Truth. The voice of One who sees your beauty and potential. The voice of the One who looks at you with love and acceptance. The voice of the One who came to speak life and not death. May it be that you believe in all you were created to be and so much more.

“The Lord your God is in your midst. A victorious warrior He will exult over you with joy. He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3:17

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What Does God Say?

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

Are you tired of how others and the media say you should act, should look and how you should feel?  Do you find yourself trusting the words of others more than God’s?

And why is it we feel the need to be strong all of the time and never show emotion. It’s as if the expectation is for a bunch of robots to show up so no one feels threatened.

Can it be the expectations of others are what we wear everyday…expectation of perfection.  Are the voices in your world telling you if you’ve not done anything spectacular then you’re not worth celebrating?

Hmmm…maybe if we remain conformed to the ways of the world we will wake up looking like the world, and then we can keep our true self hidden.

Now I’m not suggesting we wallow in the hard things of life, or stay stuck.  Not at all!  There is a season to mourn and a season to celebrate.  We’re shaped by the experiences of every season in life.

Ladies, our emotions are a gift from God.  They allow us to be an extension of His love so others may see his miracles lived out in us. In our every win and loss God will develop in us deep compassion and conviction for what matters to him.  He will move us to change, and to be the change the world needs.

Today, may you see and believe just how fearfully and wonderfully you were created by your Heavenly Father:

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 of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand –

when I awake I am still with you.
Psalm 139:11-18

Onward,
Lorna

There Is So Much More…

GRACE

The wise, kind spirit that sees all and understands all.  It believes in us even when we don’t believe in ourselves.  It embraces our journey and has the highest hopes for us.  It shares our sufferings and inspires us to endure to the end, arise and move forward.  It is humble, patient and gentle.  It rejoices in Truth and the lessons of life; It speaks on our behalf.  It is the heavenly spirit that celebrates growth.  The Father of the Prodigal Son was full of grace.  (Luke 15:11-32)

Shortly after my move to Newport in 2014 I decided to make my way over to Balboa Island which soon became a favorite place of mine.  Surrounded by cozy beach homes with roof top views of beautiful sunsets, and the smell of the fresh ocean air. As I made my way over to the S Bay Front anxious to see the boats coming in after a day out at sea I came across a little store with cards.  The picture of the heart drew me to the post cards and the quote above referencing the book of Luke.  I must’ve read this post card 10 times before purchasing it, and I’m not sure how many times I’ve read this Scripture.  I just know it’s too many to count.  But this particular day it tugged at my heartstrings and I knew I had to have it.  I had to have it on my desk to read every day.  Another reminder of the grace lavished upon us by our Heavenly Father.

Interesting how I’ve always thought of this Scripture being solely about the ungrateful son that took his dad’s wealth, acted foolishly and denied the father’s love and his heritage for the things the world could temporarily offer him.  And, I’d think to myself, “Oh, those kids when will they learn!”

Of course being a parent I could relate to the experience with the son in Luke.  I too had experienced the rebellion of kids who I love dearly and sacrificed for.

But this day it was different.  As I stood reading the post card synopsis of Luke 15: 11-32 I heard God’s soft voice whisper, “I do this for you.”

The gentle whisper of God reminding me of who I am in him and how much he loves me.  My heart was touched as I stood there realizing how Jesus’ words written by Luke were for me.  They were reminders of my own rebellion toward my Heavenly Father.  A reminder of the times I too insisted on my own way, choosing not to wait on God.

It was his grace covering my sin.

Suddenly I became overwhelmed with gratitude over the thought of God celebrating our growth!  Just as we celebrate the growth of our children, He too celebrates ours!  He rejoices in Truth and the lessons of life we so gingerly learn!  Without them, how would we know of his deep love for us. He believes in us even when we don’t!  He desires us to arise and move forward!  He say’s to us, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Ah, how wonderful it is to be called a daughter of the Most High King!

Onward,
Lorna

Post Card/Picture created by: Larry Martin

Merry CHRISTmas!

“Though you may not see him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.”

1Peter 1:18

May the miracle of Christmas fill your heart and homes with love to…

and change the world!

Onward,
Lorna

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A Thankful Heart!

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself. Psalm 89:1-2

It is with an over flowing heart of gratitude to God for all that he has done and continues to do as He showers us with love and makes himself known!

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Love Is the Greatest

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or clanging cymbal…

Love is patient and kind,

Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.

It does not demand its own way.

It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance…

Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-

and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13

God bless you and your day.

 

Thursday Night’s NightCap!

Have you seen the Disney movie “Up”?

This movie came out in 2009 and is one of my faves! If you’ve not seen it then I highly recommend that you do!  Yes, I know it’s Disney and why would us adults watch a Disney without the kids?  I believe this movie was especially made for adults and then they added some humor for the kids!  “smile”

In this movie you will meet Carl and Young Ellie who fall in love and stay in love. They grow old together. They begin their life together with hopes and dreams but then life happens. Before long they discover things break, house repairs are needed, and disappointments are inevitable.

But you know what I love about Carl and Ellie the most is how they love each other in spite of all life throws at them!

The first time I watched this movie I was reminded of how I don’t want to grow old alone. (Not to mention the thought of having to ride up and down the stairs on a motored chair when the day comes where I no longer can walk up and down them!)

But truly this movie pulls at the heartstrings in many ways as Carl and Ellie begin their life adventure as a couple working side-by-side to build a home and a family.  Before too long they’re faced with the realities of life that sometimes bring sorrow that so many have experienced.  One is that Ellie finds out she is unable to have children. But what they do next is a life lesson for us all!  They dream new dreams and plan new adventures. Now use your imagination and go with me on this one!  Ellie creates her Adventure Book and the two of them continue on with life making adjustments as they go.

The beauty this animated film displays is we all will struggle at times and we may discover things don’t always end up the way we’d planned. Life goes on and so must we.

Let’s face it, we’ve all experienced what it feels like to deplete our savings and our emotions for the unwelcome emergencies of life!

I look at Carl and Ellie as another couple to leave us and our kids an example of what it looks like to love, work together, and live out “until death do we part.”

And yes, even when Carl was grumpy and life became mundane!

Finally they come to the end and Ellie passes leaving behind her “Adventure Book” which eventually motivates Carl to continue on with life.

I hope you will take the time to watch this sweet and fun movie that reeks of hidden treasure!

Tonight let’s raise our glass to Carl and Ellie!   Let’s also toast you and me as we look forward to a future of love that inspires and keeps us committed to going the distance.

Happy 4th of July!

Freedom: the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.

The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.

As we prepare to spend the day celebrating may we be mindful of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. How blessed we are to live in America the Land of the Free and the Brave!

We’ve seen and read over the years and most recently how people have been fighting for their freedom to live the life they feel is right for them.

We know freedom can mean different things to different people. But the bottom line is this, we’re FREE to express what that means to us because of the men and women who sacrificed for us and the freedom we live in today. We live in a country that was built on the principles and character of God.

A country that offers freedom to love, live, choose, worship, dress, work, freedom of speech, and so on. And life goes on. We fight for causes pulling at our heart-strings and those which keep us up late at night.

We choose what we feel is right and best for us. We speak out for the things we feel strongly about. We dress to express. And we worship what feels right for us and offers the inner peace we long for and were created for.

And yet, many find themselves missing “something”. In all the freedom one can find they are searching for more. More purpose. More love. More freedom.

It’s my hope today as you celebrate the 4th of July that you will be mindful of how much God loves you. The intent for life on earth from the beginning of time was to bring freedom to love, live, choose and experience peace. Freedom is not a new concept to life, it was present from the beginning of time. (John 8:36)     

“You my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”      Galations 5:13& 14