Finish Well

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~James 1:4 NIV

Perseverance has a way of producing an internal acceptance, so that the accomplishment of God’s finished work can and will be seen. 

I can’t begin to tell you how many times that I’ve given up, quit, let go, or even surrendered, all because I was too afraid to step out of my comfort zone.

I was too afraid to fail. . . at anything. . . and at all. 

Negative thoughts and the perceptions simmering deep within me, along with how others would see me in my failure, stopped me from even trying. 

I hadn’t accepted the fact that I was prone to fail, simply because I am human. Yes, I am going to fail. We are all going to fail. . . . at something. It is a part of the human experience.  

I didn’t understand that mercy was always, and will always be waiting on the other side of my failure. It is the permission that pushes me and tells me to keep going. 

Mercy is waiting on the other side of your failures too. God never expected me, or you, to be perfect. He expects us to get up and try again, just as he did. 

Thank you Jesus for not giving up when life was impossible without your death. Thank you for living in perseverance, so we, your children, have the opportunity to finish a life with you. 

In your precious, Holy name, Amen.

Baring His Beauty

Tiffany Thomas 

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Storms

I know the storms are raging 

all around you My daughter

I would want you to keep 

your eyes focused on Me

You are on a threshold of 

A new beginning in Me

Steady your heart

Steady your mind

Know that I go before you 

through every storm 

You are never alone

Don’t look so confused

Don’t let your challenges 

rule your emotions

You should be so hidden in Me

Know that when the waves 

come crashing over you

I will protect you

I will hold you up 

When you feel like giving up

I will be the strong One

while you rest in Me

I will intercede for you

Nurse your shattered heart 

back to life

Building your faith

Restoring your hope

There is always a reason for storms

I see further than you

I want you to take back 

what the enemy has stolen

It can only happen when 

I am your focus

and not your storm

Trust Me completely 

to come through for you

Soon you will look back 

at every storm that was 

sent to break you

You will see the hidden treasures

You will experience deep growth

You will find that every storm

brought you closer to your purpose

It made you fearless

Totally dependent on Me

I will make everything beautiful 

in the fiercest storms

It’s in the unknown that I am found

The challenges that the enemy 

sends to destroy you

Will catapult you into your destiny

If you keep your focus on Me

And not the wind and waves

Trying to distract you

 I am doing a new thing

Give up your plans for Mine

I am coming for a Bride sold out to Me

Even if it means losing everything

to be One with Me

The hurts, losses and chalenges of this world 

is for a fleeting moment

To be with Me forevermore

will be your greatest gain

I test hearts

I turn up the heat in the furnace

You will find Me faithful

As you always did

A new beginning awaits you in your storm

I will be your rear guard

Holding you close when 

the tides break over you

Rewriting your story of 

hopelessness and despair 

To a story of a bride who trusted Me 

with her whole life

Lifting you up over the currents

Hiding you under My wings

when the winds and waves rage all around you

I will calm the storms within

And command them to be still

You will be My water walking bride

Stepping out of your sinking boat

To run on waves with Me.

Ebigale Wilson 

“Storms”

The Journey 

Sign Of The Times

Confession time! 
I recently downloaded this secular album by Harry Styles. 
This song is my favorite for now. 
Enjoy! ~XXOO Michelle Bollom 

Be The Change

              One of my favorite quotes!

 I just love the beautiful images by Nina Brown 

Have a Blessed Saturday ~XXOO Michelle Bollom 

The Storms Of Life

What is a storm? That seems like a silly question, but there are many kinds and they come in all shapes and sizes disguised as illness, job loss, divorce, death and some even have names such as Harvey and Irma! 

 They are usually devastating and life-changing and definitely get our attention. We often ask, “Why me?” or “How could this be happening?” as if there will be an audible answer. Those are great questions and perhaps we will never know the answer until we get to heaven, where possibly we can look back on our life, like a movie, and see the purpose of the storm.  
Rest assured there will be storms in your life, and you may even be in the midst of one now, and as hard as it may be, just trust that you are not alone and God has you in the palm of His hand and He will help you get through it. 

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13. This is the time that you have to be steadfast in the Word, even when you don’t think you have time or can’t find the energy to open your Bible, that is where you will find peace, comfort and the strength to move forward.

We must have faith to believe that God is using every situation for His purpose and trust that it is for our good. “We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan.” Romans 8:28. I love the words by Casting Crowns, “I’ll praise You in this storm, and I will lift my hands, for You are who You are, no matter where I am, every tear I’ve cried You hold in Your hand, You never left my side and though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm.” 

 Music is so comforting and brings peace to your soul and gives you strength to go on. 

James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing”. 

 This verse may seem difficult to understand while in the storm, but once you’ve made it through and look back, you realize that it made you stronger, more compassionate and strengthened your faith. 

Perhaps one day, you’ll have an opportunity to share your experience with someone who is suffering the same situation, and you will be a blessing to them.

Stay Strong,

Deb Hicks

Bowl of Splendor

Listen to this special rendition of the song I mentioned above done especially for all those in Texas that weathered the storms recently. 

Greater Love

His love is an ocean,

It’s unending;

Man writes love in the sand,

But God’s love is stronger

And washes it away,

Keeping me safe

From pain trying to destroy me;

Man can’t satisfy my soul

Only God can;

This world is broken,

But I don’t extract love from it

Cause it’s corrupt

And doesn’t last;

God’s love is real

And lasts forever,

I can’t deny it;

Without His love 

I’m climbing and falling

Off the cliff into gravitating depths of darkness;

With His love

I’m jumping off the cliff,

Into His deep love waiting for me 

Cause I want to be submerged

In His goodness and mercy,

Be in His total presence;

To bleed an ocean of love 

To those around me

Who don’t know Him,

But are craving for something more

Than this world has to offer;

God’s love is deep

Man’s love is surfaced

Only one is eternal 

And doesn’t fail;

I can’t fathom it,

But I’m not suppose to

I need only accept it;

His love is greater 

Than the world’s 

And for that, I am thankful;

Without God’s love

I would be unlovable,

Enslaved to darkness

And death,

A victim forever,

Paying for my own sin,

Alone,

Unseen and unheard,

Hopeless,

Worthless; 

His ocean dissolves fear,

Giving me peace 

And filling me up with His truth;

I know who I am 

And whose I am;

This world has nothing for me,

But His love for me

Enables Him to be all that I need Him to be;

He’s my good, good Father,

My deliverer,

Strength when I’m weak,

Peace in the storm;

He gives me

Fearlessness,

Confidence,

Patience,

Hope,

Love,

Friendship,

And life;

I love because He first loved me

~Bethany Anne 

Up

WORTHY THOUGHT: Our bad choices can cause us to drag our heads down in disappointments, shame and fear. 

To God be the glory, He can lift up our heads. 

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, And He heard from me from His holy hill. -Psalm 3:3-4  

Sometimes in our decision-making tends to make us look down at the dirt. Remember, He brought you a Savior to look above. 

In country of Keyna, in East Africa, the children are taught to approach their elders with lowered heads. It is not until the elder recognizes the child by the touch of their hand the child may lift his head and look up. 

God’s son, Jesus Christ, has the power to touch us and lift our heads in order that we may once again walk with humble heart before Him as a result of His abounding mercy and glorious grace. ~Dr. Johnny Hunt

~ Angela Lipe-Pattengill 

I Will Be With You

“And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” ~‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Have you ever questioned, or told yourself, “I’m not good enough, worthy enough, smart enough,” to accomplish this or that? 

Personally, I have. I can honestly say, as unfortunate as it is, my rooted insecurities have directed much in my life. More sadly, many of the conversations, that I have with others, reveal to me that I am not alone. 

Moses was a man called to do the work of the Lord. He heard from God himself, yet he doubted his ability to complete God’s mission. He feared failure, he feared what people would say, and he actually pleaded for God to choose someone else. Can you relate?

God, so gracious, didn’t give up on Moses. He said, “I will be with you.” God is just as gracious with you and with me. When he calls us to submit to his work, it is for his purpose alone. It is not for you or for me. He uses broken people, wounded people, to penetrate the hearts of others. The only qualification that is needed is to be chosen by the Lord. 

Is there anything stopping you today that is hindering the work God has called you to? 

Lord, thank you for choosing a sinner like me. Thank you for trusting me to work for you. Protect me, I want to feel comfort knowing that you are beside me. May all that you direct me to – be completed – so that Glory will be given to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

 ~ Baring His Beauty

     Tiffany Thomas 

Come Away

You have met her

I know you have

She is a breath taking portrait of 

the One she represents

When she enters a room

All eyes are on her

Not because of her beauty, but

His presence that flow’s from her

She is as gentle as a lily

Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense

It clings to her wherever she goes

She is as beautiful as a sunset over the ocean

She is a women of faith

Wrapped in His joy

She glows with His glory

She is entangled in His love

She knows her Bridegroom intimately

She made the secret place her

dwelling place

Where she is changed daily into 

His image

She knows when to speak

She knows when to be silent

He trained her to be fearless

He made her strong

He shares with her His secrets

In turn she shares, His heart with His bride

She is His gentle warrior daughter

She knows when to fight and when to retreat

Knowing that her King goes before her

He is her keeper

The One who never slumbers nor sleeps

She trust in Him

To do the impossible

While she shares His heart with all that she meets

She brings hope to the hopeless

Wisdom flows from her lips

She has a child-like faith

that sets her apart and warms Papa’s heart

Every time He looks at her

She amazes Him with her passionate love for Him

A quiet love, a gentle love

Yet it has the capacity to move

mountains

She is captivated by the love of 

her King

Her identity engraved in Him

He said to her “Rise up, my love, my fair one, 

And come away

She willingly obeyed

And with one look of her eyes

She has ravished the heart of 

her King.

~ Ebigale Wilson 

   “Come Away” 

    The Journey 

http://www.restoredministries.org 

The Great Unknown

So many are living in a place of The Great Unknown right now. 

Today, let me encourage you to listen and watch this amazing video. May it stir your soul and give you the hope to trust wherever it is you are called or led-you will be made stronger in the presence of our Savior. 
              ~ XXOO Michelle Bollom