Personal – Page 3 – Amy Linnea

Fairytales

Published on October 28, 2017January 5, 2024 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Once upon a time, there lived a little girl who had a big heart and lots of love to give.

She lived with her sweet parents, younger brother, and 2 kitties.

Her world was her room, which was filled with toys, dolls, and books.

She wanted for nothing.

She had everything.

As she played with her dolls, she dreamed about her future.

Her playmate and her married multiple times in the backyard among stuffed animals as witnesses.

She prayed and asked Jesus into her heart, sang songs at church, and twinkled her toes during dance.

Her fingers began to fly over the keys as music became her companion.

She wanted to be a concert pianist, gymnast, or a fashion designer. As unsure as she was about her job, she knew she wanted to live in a high rise condo in the heart of NYC. Wearing heels to work of course.

Life wasn’t perfect, but it was amazing.

Life was simple. Beautifully simple.

Junior year of high school, she was swept off her feet by a shoemaker who lived in her village.

After years of dating and engagement, she was married during a huge church ceremony with all the trimmings.

She had four beautiful smart children. Life settled down into the mothering role she had always deep down wanted.

She nestled her babies in her lap.

She sang them songs, laughed at their antics, and went on lots of walks.

They collected leaves to press, carved pumpkins, made cookies, and read thousands of stories.

Life wasn’t perfect, but it was amazing.

A few years later, the shoemaker departed, seeking a life elsewhere.

The little girl, now a grown woman, was reduced to tears as she picked up the pieces left.

She was strong for her children and they all worked together to make their home as safe and peaceful as possible.

She knew God was still on the throne and would see them through safely to the end.

Life wasn’t perfect, but it was still amazing.

After awhile, she began to feel lonely. Like part of her soul was missing.

God was there and told her not to worry, that He would take care of it.

And when she least expected it, her Prince Charming rode into town and stopped at her house.

He picked her up for dinner and they were together forevermore.

They became the best of friends and loved the other with all of their heart.

She stood amazed at God’s provision.

God knew exactly what was missing for both her and her Prince Charming.

And He amazed them both.

Looking back at her life, she recounted all of the details God had provided for her.

And as she began to think back over her life, her smile spread over her face.

Even in the darkest of times, God had been there.

He was in the tender care of her parents.

He was in the protection of her shoemaker while he was there.

He was in the sounds of her children as they played and grew into the miracles they were.

He was in the tender love of her Prince Charming.

He was there in the dark of night and light of day.

Every moment of every day.

And life was amazing.

Completely.

And they lived happily ever after.

Always Right

Published on October 21, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2

Is this your attitude?

That you feel you are always right?

100% of the time?

Or most of the time?

I recently stopped at a red light near a major intersection in my town.

The turning lights began directing traffic to turn, and the van beside me also began to drive straight.

Avoiding a crash, it suddenly stopped.

The van’s license plate screamed out to me: Alwys Rit

Wow.

Guess not!

Sometimes life is this obvious to others as to our misinformation.

Other times, it’s not.

Whether we are right or wrong.

The key is humbleness.

Knowing our place before our God.

The van?

When the light turned green for us to drive forward, it just sat.

The driver was completely embarrassed.

Thankfully with God, we can ask Him for mercy when we mistake our desires as correct over His.

And with others too, we can seek forgiveness.

No one is perfect, and we are certainly not always right.

Recognize when you are not.

Confess your sorrow to others when you mess up, thinking you’re all that.

And sink deeply into the grace God offers each and every day.

Isn’t it nice not have to be always right?

Asleep

Published on October 15, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. Proverbs 15:19

We are asleep.

Unaware.

Or maybe our heads are in the sand by choice.

We are consumed by things that simply do not matter.

Things that do not matter from the balcony of heaven.

Facebook.

Email.

Notifications.

Photos.

Image.

Control.

Consuming more and more.

Building ourselves up to be all that and more.

Some of our busyness is godly.

Some is not.

Do we really need to work these many hours?

Aren’t we living in plenty, most of us void of true need?

Why do we place our phones before relationship?

Our television before communication?

When did we move from caring more about our image than praying for our children’s future?

Our children need us to be present.

Your spouse needs you to be mindful.

Why? Because the noise around us is deafening.

It clamors for our attention, little as we now have.

Yes, we need to relax.

Yes, we need time to unwind.

But we must not forget the real reason God has put us here at this time.

To speak life into others around us.

To be on our knees before Him, placing others into His arms.

To continually lay our burdens at His feet.

Our children need us to be in prayer for them.

Their precarious future depends upon it.

We can teach them God’s ways from the crib to graduation, but they must make faith their own.

They must choose God for themselves.

We must place our children before Almighty God each and every day.

God calls us to have fun.

Shopping is, I’m convinced, God-ordained (wink, wink!)

But when we loose focus of our top priority, we are of no use to God.

Our top priority is sharing His love with others.

We can do that through praying with others, giving to others, and having real, purposeful relationships with others.

Be mindful of why you are here.

Shake your fist in Satan’s face and declare that he WILL NOT distract you any more.

Purpose your heart to pray for your children.

Purpose your heart to give of yourself to others.

In doing so, your focus will shift from yourself to kingdom work.

DING, DING, DING….

The alarm has sounded.

It’s time to wake up, people!

Freedom

Published on October 7, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Dear Lord,

Thank you for setting me free-

Free from guilt and shame.

Free from want and greed.

Free from sin and death.

You have set me free from the evils of this world.

Completely.

Fully.

And totally.

Whenever I walk backwards-

Whenever I choose to participate with my flesh-

I willingly walk back into sin.

By my choice.

When I choose my own way over Yours,

I walk back into captivity.

The captivity of sin and all that entails.

But when I choose again to ask Your forgiveness,

Freedom is mine once again.

Freedom from sin through Your perfect and sovereign grace.

Freely free.

Your gift to me.

May I choose it each moment of every day.

Master of My Heart

Published on September 30, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

So, I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16

Is He?

Master of your heart?

Fully in control?

None of us are perfect in this area.

But if you constantly ask Him to guide your thoughts, words, and actions, then He has the job.

Master of your heart, that is.

When trials or mere irritations arrive at your doorstop, if you go to Him for direction, then He is in control.

Right where He should be.

Irritations can disappear when you return your thoughts to His plan for you.

Your reactions to life are filtered through the lens of God.

His peace and love will permeate all you are AND do.

Oops. I don’t think that’s me.

My reactions aren’t exactly stellar when life smacks me in the face.

Well, something else must be the master of your heart.

When it’s not God, it’s something else.

Most likely- it’s you.

We love to put ourselves number one.

Uno.

First.

When we are masters of our own heart, our desires are first.

What we want goes.

Disappointment regularly follows us around.

Irritation, too.

Nuts.

Enough of that!

Fix it.

Submit yourself to God.

He is the author of all things and will gently guide you into the fullness of life.

Place God as the master of your heart.

Go to Him with all things.

Contentment and peace will follow behind your every step.

Repeat Surrender

Published on September 23, 2017December 2, 2017 by amylinneaLeave a comment

We must continue to surrender.

Surrender to God afresh moment by moment if that’s what it takes.

And trust that He will, in His time, defend you, righting the wrong.

Or, in the mean time, provide you armfuls of grace.

Overflowing and abundant grace to walk the road stretched out before you.

With God at your side.

When your hands are tied,

When there is nothing you can do,

God will step in.

It’s times like those that God is able to prove Himself to be enough.

That, my friend, is all that you need and more.

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Blessed By Trusting God

Published on September 16, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

Do you see God walking on the sea with you..

Through all the waves and rolling thunder..

And splashes of rain..

Unconcerned and certain all is well?

Even if you cannot see the seashore, nor know which way is north, God does.

His ways are higher than yours.

He longs for you to trust Him through the process.

Through the waves and calmness of the sea.

Don’t live day after day, wishing all of life’s issues were solved.

If you do, you’ll miss out on the blessing of trusting God with all of yourself.

You’ll miss the peace which passes all understanding, guarding your heart and mind.

God longs to have you now, so He can use you mightily through the process.

It’s easy to trust God when you can see the shore.

Even easier when the sun is shining, birds are singing, you’re looking great and your family is all singing the same tune.

It’s easy then to trust.

But it’s also easy to trust the wrong thing- yourself.

Watch out, because you might think you had something to do with the blue sky and harmonious waters.

The beauty in a storm is the child-like faith we cling to.

Necessary because there’s nothing else to do.

Peace is the reward.

Peace that comes knowing we can do nothing, that God can and will do everything.

He is in control, we are not.

Cling to Him in the storm and quiet.

Purpose your will and thoughts to trust Him completely.

Even if you cannot see the shore.

Photos by Ben White & Samuel Rios on Unsplash

Not My Monkey

Published on September 9, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

Not my monkey,

Not my circus.

Love that.

Means- it’s not my problem, said in an extremely funny way.

Whatever it is that threatens to pull me down….

Whatever it is that seeks to destroy my peace…

Whatever it is that begs to steal my joy…

It’s not my monkey, not my circus.

It’s not my issue, so I will not care.

I will choose to focus on God while I throw yet another issue at His feet.

The problems I think exist are not mine.

They are God’s.

My irritations I think plague me are not mine.

They are God’s.

They are God’s when I choose to fling them back to Him.

When I decide they are not my monkey, not my circus.

When I first discovered this phrase (thanks, mom!), I applied it only to things beyond my control.

Things that literally should not involve me, but genuinely bothered me.

After awhile, I began to realize this phrase covers really everything.

Everything that takes my peace.

Why?

Because God is in control.

I am not.

When we choose to rely on God and submit daily to Him, we rest in the knowledge that He alone holds our future in His hands.

And when He holds us and our future, we can stay in peace.

And peace evaporates when either a monkey or a circus intrude, wrecking havoc.

So, I began to repeat that phrase whenever I became irritated.

Irritated at whatever life threw me.

Because I trust God fully, He is in control.

And when He is in control, I am in peace.

This life is not my monkey, not my circus.

It’s God’s.

Ups and Downs

Published on September 2, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. Daniel 2:21

Life is full of seasons.

Well, yes, seasons, but those are akin to the phases of life.

I’m speaking of ups and downs.

Highs and lows.

The rain and the desert.

Hills and valleys.

There are times in our life when we know what we are doing and times when we don’t.

Times when it’s easy to trust God and times when it takes everything we have.

And sometimes we fail.

The 23rd Psalm speaks to these phases beautifully.

Up on the mountain God leads us to rest, fills our souls and guides us down His godly path.

When life takes us into a valley, He never leaves our side.

In fact, there is nothing to fear.

The absence of fear.

So much so that He leads us out of the valley back up the mountain to safely dine in the presence of our enemies.

And Goodness and mercy follow.

In the highs of life, God walks with us, guiding us to Himself.

In the lows of life, He never leaves our side, leading us to redemption.

The Lord is My Shepherd.

Is He yours?

Psalm 23:6

Published on August 26, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

When I follow Your lead,

When I want nothing, because You provide all things,

Goodness and mercy will be with me every single day.

Your favor will be with me when I choose to have You on the throne of my heart.

When I move over and submit to Your ways, the mercy of God will stay with me all my days.

God’s mercy and favor in my life will follow me when I let the Lord, who is my Shepherd, lead me all the days of my life.

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Eternity with God.

When we put our trust in our Shepherd to lead us through life, He will lead us through it all: every hill AND valley.

But we never need to fear, because He provides all we need.

He prepares our souls for trials, walking with us through to the other side.

His protection extends to defending us in front of our enemies.

Forever dwelling with Him.

I want nothing less.

How about you?

My Shepherd Celebrates Me

Published on August 19, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Psalm 23:5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

What?

I am safe with my enemies?

Not only that, but I am feasting in front of them?

You defend me and have the final say.

You right every wrong.

Enemies cannot stand in the way of Your goodness and mercy.

Satan cannot foil Your plans.

Lord, let my enemies see Your goodness before it is too late.

Before they are only allowed to watch us feast, not entering in.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

You cover me with every good thing.

Nothing is too precious to spare.

Even Your Son’s life for my salvation.

My cup runs over with Your blessings.

The abundance is almost more than I can take.

To think I am in Your thoughts.

You lead me to sweet spots of safety, down the path of righteousness.

You restore my soul and keep me safe in the valley.

There is no fear as my soul rests in You.

Your plans for me far outweigh my human thoughts.

I am humbly blessed.

My Shepherd Protects Me

Published on August 12, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.

Because I have trusted,

Because I have trusted my Shepherd, who has led me onto paths of righteousness,

And who has led me to peaceful places of plenty and rest,

Because I have wanted nothing else,

I can rest in the knowledge of His protection when I am suddenly surrounded by hills and death.

When I cannot see the next step, I will fear no evil.

Why?

Because my gentle all-knowing Shepherd is right by my side.

He never leaves my side.

Through the sunny skies and days of dark, He is always there, guiding my every step.

Your rod and staff, they comfort me.

He gently prods me to keep moving, even if I am frozen with fear.

If I am about to stumble off the path, He catches me and gently brings me back to His side.

Because He has proven Himself faithful over and over,

Because He has provided for my every need and I want nothing,

I can trust Him in the valley of the shadow of death.

The valley won’t last forever; however, when in the midst, it seems like it.

He will lead you out.

Keep trusting Him.

He is faithful.

My Shepherd Leads Me

Published on August 5, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3

He restores my soul.

Wow.

My soul is completely brought back to life.

Made new.

Fully brought back.

After my Shepherd leads me into everything I need, He also restores my soul.

I am refreshed from the inside out.

He fully equips me for my mission on earth.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

His choice for me is righteous.

His plans for me are good.

Even though I do not know where He will lead me, I know I can trust Him.

He has been faithful to fulfill my needs and will continue to do so wherever we are.

He leads me to accomplish godly matters in His name.

We are necessary to show others the goodness of God.

My Shepherd leads me into goodness, restores my very soul, leaving me to want nothing.

Only when we take His hand.

My Shepherd’s Care of Me

Published on July 29, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea5 Comments

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

My Shepherd, who guides me, tells me what to do.

I must listen and obey.

And look where He guides me?

To relax in a sweet safe spot, where there is plenty.

Notice He’s not telling you to lie down in a smelly dump.

He’s instructing you to relax in a peaceful paradise.

Some of us don’t like to be told what to do.

Especially by an authority figure.

But if we trust God, our Shepherd who is leading us, we must listen.

We must listen and submit to Him, because He is God.

He knows the beginning from the end.

He loves us so much and wants to lead us into everlasting life.

So obey, we must.

He leads me beside still waters.

Allow Him to lead you.

Remember, when He is your Shepherd, you do not want.

You do not want anything else, because He has provided for you.

He brings you to green pastures and still water.

Peace and calm.

Will it always be like this on our journey in this life?

No, not even close.

But before we get to a valley, He fills us up with strength for the journey.

He prepares us, because He knows all things.

God began filling me up years before my divorce.

My desire for devotions and prayer became a flame that sustained me during the valley.

When God is leading you beside green pastures and still water, simply enjoy.

He might be filling you up for a valley or to minister to someone else.

Or maybe it’s just time for a rest.

Enjoy, my friend.

Photos by Daniel Seßler & Martin Sanchez on Unsplash

My Shepherd

Published on July 22, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my shepherd.

My leader.

My protector.

My defender.

My guide.

The Lord, who created me and all living things, helps me along life’s path.

I can rest, knowing He is guiding me if I put my trust into His capable hands.

I shall not want.

When I trust my Shepherd, all of my needs are provided.

All physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are kept within His strength.

I lack nothing. Absolutely nothing.

It’s when I begin to focus on myself or the world that I suddenly become unhappy.

Thoughts pop into my head that breed discontent.

But when I focus on my Savior, I shall not want.

The perfect Provider has anticipated my every need.

And it’s set before me, sooner then my very need arises.

It’s hard to shove the thoughts from your head which bring mistrust.

Lay everything at His feet.

And trust He’ll help you with anything and everything.

Victory is His and He will not fail you.

Because our Lord is our shepherd, we shall not want for anything.

Point of Life

Published on June 3, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

So, what is the point of life?

Why are we here?

What is our purpose?

I’m asking because I’d really like to know.

Do you ever feel as if it just doesn’t matter one bit what we do?

We can pour years into a marriage and they can up and leave or pass away.

We can pour our very life into our children and they can grow up and walk away- from you and every value you placed into their heart.

I’m wondering about material things too.

Yes, I love a nice place just like you…

But it’s all completely temporary.

I think back to my size 4 self who thought it wasn’t enough.

5 pregnancies later and my mom body will never recover.

I can work hard for yet another masters, because I love education.

But I can’t take that with me either.

My only thought about this age old question of ¨what really does matter¨ is this:

It’s not about us.

Our desires.

If you look at my list up there, you’ll see it all points to me.

When we focus on ourselves, when we put all of our life eggs into the one basket of self, we will be disappointed when our basket of eggs is broken.

Or if our basket looks broken, yet is not, because it doesn’t meet our standards.

So why did God even create us?

For love.

For Him.

If we focus on God and what He wants us to do, we will be content.

From the balcony of heaven, will it matter the color of my dining room?

Will it matter if I drive the car of my choice?

No.

How can God use us for His purposes so we can be content?

To give hope to others.

To heap love, too.

We live in a broken world.

But God’s redeeming love surpasses all else.

His never ending mercy and undeserved grace creates security.

Safety.

When people have no hope, they don’t feel safe.

When people don’t have love, they have fear instead.

And they’re not content.

So, what is the point of life?

To generously love others through the power of God.

If we can minister God’s love to others, we will be content.

Ask God who you can bless.

Ask God to be His vessel through which His love can pour out onto His children.

Because the one thing you can take with you to heaven is a friend.

Trust and Lean

Published on May 27, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord.

You mean trust in my own strength, right?

No, trust in the Lord.

But I know what I want.

Need.

So does God.

In fact, He knows best.

He wants your best, sees your future, and will bring all things into fruition if you trust.

Trust in Him, not in yourself.

With all of your heart.

All of me?

Even that corner that wants to do things my own way?

Yep.

Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart.

And lean not on your own understanding.

I cannot trust my own understanding of my very own life?

But I know me better than God.

You do?

God created the mind with which you think.

He created your heart that beats, producing life.

He understands you more than you understand yourself.

So lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways, acknowledge Him.

All my ways?

Even when I want to go my own way, because I feel it’s best?

When I want to go down pity’s path?

When I want to follow my sour mood to worry’s house?

Yes. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him.

And He will direct your paths.

Well, I do want Him to direct my paths.

When God directs my paths, He brings His perfect peace.

When I follow my own path, not trusting in Him, worry and dread are my companions.

But when I trust in the Lord with my whole heart, and trust not in my own way, God will walk with me and peace will be my companion.

Remind yourself how faithful God has always been to you.

And begin again, trusting Him every step of the way.

Give Me Jesus

Published on May 20, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

When everything else is stripped away…

Give me Jesus.

When life doesn’t go according to plan…

Give me Jesus.

When you stand aghast at life swirling seemingly out of control around you…

Give me Jesus.

When you simply cannot comprehend what God is doing…

When you want what He has taken from you…

When your heart is bleeding from the pain of life…

Give me Jesus.

His peace and love will bring you comfort as you remind yourself Who is still on the throne…

Who knows the beginning from the end…

Who holds your heart in His hands…

Who died to save you.

Jesus.

Just give me Jesus.

Submit

Published on April 15, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

For the love of God, stop.

Stop acting like you can control life.

Stop pretending you are actually in control.

God is.

He is the author of life.

He numbers our days.

Do you want your numbered days to be filled with worry?

Dread?

Mere panic at the thought of losing control?

Or do you want your numbered days to be filled with the transformational peace of God?

It’s your choice.

Daily, actually.

Yes, God gives us authority to make decisions.

To control our tiny corner of life.

But first, submit to God.

Ask Him how to order your day.

Talk to Him about your every step.

Then the peace of God will guide you.

Will you have trials?

Yes, but you’ll have joy in spite of it, knowing God is still in control.

He knows the beginning from the end.

He is the author and finisher of life.

And He loves you.

Completely.

Without reservation, He loves you.

Submit to God Almighty, who created you and the world in which you live.

Submit to God Almighty, who knew you needed a Savior and provided for you a way to eternal life.

Submit to God Almighty, who wants to lead and protect you, enveloping you in His perfect peace and love.

For the love of God, submit.

Photo by David Beale on Unsplash

My Rock

Published on April 8, 2017June 29, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2

Jesus is the Rock upon which I stand.

He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

He is evermore.

Everlasting.

Secure.

Safe.

He stands tall, unmovable, unshakable.

Even on stormy days, He stands fixed.

On my own, I waver with the wind.

My own strength fails me over and over.

Lies creep into my brain, training me to believe Satan’s identity of me instead of God’s.

There is more.

There is life.

Renewal.

Redemption.

Restoration.

When I hold onto Jesus’ hand, clasping His hand in mine –

His strength becomes my own.

His peace floods my soul.

His identity for me becomes my own.

Stormy days still come.

And will continue the rest of my days.

But holding onto God and clinging to Him changes everything.

His anchor keeps me grounded.

Grounded and rooted in love.

His love.

Choose to grasp His hand and dwell in His love.

Choose.

Then once you have chosen Him,

Choose to stay.

Always.

Clothed With Him

Published on April 1, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.

We are nothing without Him.

Mere shells devoid of purpose or real change.

With Him, everything changes.

When we are clothed with His mercy, we give others compassion.

When we are clothed with His love, we give others significance.

When we are clothed with His forgiveness, we give others freedom.

When we are clothed with His peace, we give others rest.

He continually pours out His blessings to us, so we can spread His character to the ends of the earth, blessing others with Himself.

His mercies are new every morning.

His precious ways are counted among the saints.

Taste and see how God is good.

So very good.

Allow Him to fill you up with His goodness.

Every morning.

Watch His good news spread to the thirsty souls near you.

Photos by OC Gonzalez & Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash

Peace

Published on March 25, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

God wants me to be at peace and rest about everything?

Yes, because He commands us to not be anxious about anything.

Even my children?

Yes. Even my marriage?

Yes. Even the uncertain future with our broken world?

Especially, yes.

When God asks us to not be anxious about anything, He knows we are unable to do that in our own strength.

He provides the road map to peace.

With absolutely every piece of your busy life, pray about it.

Seek God’s face about each aspect of your life.

Thank Him for all He has done and will do for you.

When you pray and seek His will with a thankful heart, His peace will wash over you.

His peace, which passes ALL understanding, will arrive.

Not only will His peace arrive, but it will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.

He will guard your heart against fear.

He will guard your mind against lies.

When you fully submit your requests to God with a thankful heart, He will blanket your heart and soul with a peace which passes all understanding.

When you choose to give ALL of your worries to God, thanking Him for all He is, His peace will take over.

His perfect peace, which we cannot possibly understand.

When you give up control,

When you submit your will to His,

When you thank Him from the top of your head to the tip of your toes for all He has graciously given to you,

He will come, bringing His perfect peace.

He will come.

He wants to come.

He cannot wait to give you His peace.

Keep submitting and thanking, following His will for your life.

Every single day.

You will become radiant with His peace and what a witness that will be of Himself.

The world needs peace.

Only the peace of God will last and what if you, reflecting His perfect peace, could literally show the world a glimpse of God’s saving grace?

What a witness you will be.

Quiet Your Heart

Published on February 25, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29

Quiet your cluttered mind.

Remove the noise of life.

Stop running around with your endless lists.

Be quiet and be still…

Focus on God.

Look back at His faithfulness to you.

Read your list of details or blessings.

Believe in your heart the truth.

That beyond a shadow of a doubt, God is real.

Then you will know..

God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

He was and is and is to come.

He created all things.

He holds the world and all of you in His hands.

That He is God…

So, be still and know that He is God.

Rest and trust.

Be.

Stay the Course

Published on February 11, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Those words were whispered to me today.

Stay the course.

Trust in God´s plan.

Knowing and believing He is in control.

Even when you´re confused about what to do…

Keep pursuing God.

When hope seems to die regarding your precious child…

Stay on your knees.

When bricks continue to fall on your head…

When life becomes too overwhelming…

Rely on God´s strength.

Allow God to flood your soul with His continual peace as you faithfully pursue His plan.

Stay the course.

God´s plan will unfold.

He will defend you.

In the mean time, stay the course.

Photos by Marcin Kolodziejczak, Salomon Riedo, & niko photos on Unsplash

Still Loved

Published on February 4, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Revelation 22:21

I am trying, Lord.

I am trying, yet I am failing.

It seems as if I am failing, yet I know I am not.

I am trying to be who You want me to be.

To everyone I love.

To everyone I meet.

To whomever You place in my path.

But I seem to fail more than I succeed.

My needs jump right in front as top priority more times than I would like to admit.

Why can I not keep You first in my life?

When I look at others, why do I let myself block the precious view of You?

You are in my husband.

You are in my children.

You are in my students.

You are in the lady at the corner market.

You have given me countless opportunities to serve You every day.

Yet, no matter how much I want to serve You in my actions, I fail.

Falling down to serve myself.

My needs first.

I will keep failing and be filled with disappointment when I do not keep asking You to fill me up with Your wisdom.

Your strength.

Your love for every person.

We only have one opportunity for each momentary interaction.

One chance to look at the other person and see You.

May You remind us to love others with Your love.

May You remind us to speak life into others with Your love.

May we bless others through Your love as You have blessed us.

May we see others as You see them.

Your precious child.

And may we see ourselves that way as well.

Loved by you, flaws and all.

Walking Towards Whom

Published on January 28, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Who are you walking towards for comfort?

Jesus?

Or Satan?

We are all walking towards one or the other.

Walking towards Jesus will give you life.

You may have momentary sorrow as you empty your selfish needs before His feet.

But that choice, choosing Jesus, will bring peace.

Life.

Walking towards Satan will bring death.

Maybe not immediate, and the feeling will be almost satisfactory.

But that choice will certainly bring death.

The absence of peace.

Regret in the morning.

Our choices in life bring us closer to one of them.

Our choices in life bring us closer to either Jesus or Satan.

Life or death.

Every time.

To whom do you walk towards….?

Fresh Start

Published on January 3, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24

Do you ever wake up and declare this is the day?

This is the day I will become saintly.

Who God made me to be.

I can remember declaring this as a young girl.

Several times.

It would be my new fresh start:

From this day on, I will cheerfully obey my parents.

I will dutifully keep my room clean and treat my brother as a human.

I will keep my mouth shut and opinions to myself!

But on our own power, they are doomed to failure.

Doomed, actually, from the start.

They last mere moments.

However, when covered by God and His strength through us, we are destined for glory.

His glory will shine through us, touching precious souls.

I love fresh starts.

Declare today a fresh start.

Purpose to live for Him.

Cast every thought to God, focusing your mind on Him.

Lay every desire at His feet and let Him guide your steps.

Invite Him to do a mighty work in you, so you can be all that you can be and more.

Amen!

Photos by Mitchel Lensink & Charlotte Rush on Unsplash

Bless Your Mommy Heart

Published on October 22, 2016June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Psalm 113:9

As mothers, we wear our emotions on our sleeve.

We break our backs for our children, desperately crying out to God for their redemption.

Even if that’s not you and instead you have nieces or nephews or care deeply for other children, we all deeply love.

Sometimes, as soldiers, we become solitary, holding all the burdens in our tired hands.God wants to walk alongside you, helping you every step of the way.You can trust Him completely.

A gentle reminder from God for you this day:

I love your children even more than you can possibly imagine.

They are mine.

I see them.

I know them.

I know their deepest sorrows and greatest joys.

I recognize their desires in life and I am present with them always.

Letting go of them is not easy, but as you do, remember I am God and I am their Father.

I hold them in the palm of My hand.

I will never leave them or forsake them.

When you lift them up before Me in prayer, rejoice that I am already working.

Rest, knowing I love them even more than you are able.

Their joys and sorrows are mine.

And as their future unfolds, I am already there.

Personally Yours

Published on July 27, 2015June 6, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Make a list of your blessings.

I know you can, even if you are in the deep dark pit.

Physically write them down.

You’ll need to refer to the list often until you can remember them on your own.

If you honestly believe you have zero blessings in your life, if you can’t see the beauty past your own nose, just look harder.

You can start small: sunshine, flowers in the spring, hot coffee, the beach, newspaper on my doorstep, my grandmother’s quilt, pearl earrings, the color pink.

See, it’s not so hard.

Write down things that make you smile.

That’s how you know.

When you are down in the dumps, look at your list.

Jog your memory of how God has blessed you.

His faithfulness to you is written all over your blessings.

And remember all those details too?

Of How He’s been there for you in daily life?

Have you written them down as well?

These two lists will help you when you are pulled down into the pit of worry or despair.

In those moments, pull out your blessings or details list.

The process of worry will begin to reverse in your mind.

Little smiles will erupt on your face as you choose to remember God’s faithfulness.

That in turn will provide peace for your future.

God’s faithfulness to you needs to be continually on your mind.

And then, worries which creep into your brain, will become less and less.

The effects of worry will slowly die away.

Purpose your mind and surrender daily to God, choosing to remember His faithfulness.

It’s there for you to take.

To notice.

But you have to reach for it.

And when you do, He will be faithful always.

To the very end.

Photos by Glenn Carstens-Peters & Cathryn Lavery on Unsplash

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