Snuggle Alarm

In the morning, these bright eyes peer over my bed, waiting for snuggle. Long ago, I was blessed to forever hit snooze and ditch the alarm clock. Who could resist waking to precious children wanting to climb under the covers to snuggle and start the day wrapped in love.

As mommy and wife, my days can be filled to the brim of busyness vying for my precious time. The dishes, laundry, and unmade beds scream louder than the secret longings of little boys' hearts. I can rush out of bed to silence the chores and schedule that beckons. Or, I can choose to nurture hearts, create memories, spend time with my Jesus and our boys, and simply snuggle.

This past week, during a time of praise a 5 year old climbed on my back. Dancing gently, he held on to my shoulders and we worshipped together. In that sweet moment, I felt as if I was ushering my son into the presence of the King. Gently carrying my little lamb to the Great Shepherd.

My passion, to carry children around the world to His throne. Set them down in His presence and go and search for the other lost children.

Yet each day it begins. I have a choice. To awaken to my snuggle alarm and capture the day with His grace. What precious moments do you share with the children in your life? Don't let them slip away, cherish them as we lead them into His love.

Under the Table

"But even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs" - Mark 7:28

Hungry for anything ... just a crumb will suffice.

Feeling unworthy. Afraid. The eyes of others scrutinize in my mind.

Dressed in tattered rags next to princely fabrics of extravagant gifts and talents.

I cannot compare.

No longer wanting to sit at His table. I just want my King.

Broken and humbled, I slip under.

A dog, desiring simple crumbs.

The majestic wood hides me from their eyes searching mine.

My King whispers to my heart and joy trickles in my soul.

Crawling past fancy shoes and well worn feet fitted with the gospel of peace.

I reach feet adorned with scars of nail.

Kissing, washing with grateful tears.

All of my affections placed in a bottle,

to break at His feet.

Under the table, clutching just His feet.

Eyes closed tight, the unimaginable happens.

My King slips from His royal chair.

Leaving His rightful place of honor,

He crawls under the table.

Just to be with me.

For days I linger in this place.

Wrapped in His love, and in my unworthy state of heart

Prayers, tears, pain exposed, freedom released.

He beckons me to come out.

Glancing down my tattered rags replaced

Royal garments spun in blood red forgiveness

A place at the wedding feast, set for me, His princess.

Escorted, I am free to take my place

To reign in His kingdom with my King.

Worthy or not, He will meet you. He will hold you. Reach out, grab the hem of His garment. Boldly come in and wash His feet with your tears regardless of those who stare. Climb under the table like me and just sit at His feet. My life this week, a testimony. However you come, He will meet you.

Ransomed Heart

"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you."

- Psalm 63:3

Breaking my heart before Him. He comes.

Asking, He burns His name on my heart with jealous fire.

A new level of intimacy.

Radical abandonment to only Him.

He is taking my breath away.

Captivating my heart, my mind, my all. As it should be.

Smashing idols in my life, too long standing in His rightful place.

Breaking chains of contentment, setting this captive free.

Words fail me.

God, simply overwhelming me with a fresh baptism of His love.

I must go, the lover of my soul is calling me.

Listen, quiet your heart and listen. He is calling your name as well.

MIghty to Save, Heal, Deliver, Restore, Renew ....

"The Lord your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

he will quiet you with his love,

he will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17

A beautiful birthday gift wrapped in God's faithfulness. A trip camping, a dream soon to be realized. The night before a stumbling block set before us.

A seven year old son with a soaring fever, and yes, exposed to H1N1. The power of prayer ... the power of our Lord. Tucked him in bed, trusting in Jesus and nothing else.

In the wee hours, I took the bow of my birthday package. 98.6 No symptoms. Complete healing.

Friends, even H1N1 must bow at the foot of the cross.

A frenzy to pack and get ready to leave in a few short hours. Never realized how much gear you can pack in a walmart plastic bag :) In God's perfect timing, we left and continued to unwrap my birthday present.

Three days, two nights, soaking in God's creation. Crackling fires, gooey smores, Worship with guitar, games with sticks and shovels, sweet fellowship with new friends.

Friends, our God is mighty to save. He is mighty for every need in our life. He heals. He restores. He gives us perfect presents wrapped in His love. What gift do you need today?

It is a delight to intercede for you today. Leave me a prayer request and I will pray. And leave all of us a gift of encouragement, with a comment of how God has been mighty in your life!

Full of Figs

"Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on itexcept leaves."

- Matthew 21: 18-19

This verse grabbed me, soaking in His Word. A familiar passage. A new message.

In this city, our mission field. So many hungry. Scurrying from busyness to overwhelmed.

I soak in my Lord and my life emits a verdant freshness.

They will come. They are.

Hungry they search for fruit. Life giving.

When they step closer, hungry hearts, open hearts, discovering what?

Pretty green leaves don't satisfy. Only His fruit in my life satiates an eternity hunger.

My heart's prayer today, to be a tree full of figs. That this city may taste and see that my Lord is good.

A life full of figs .... my prayer today.

Would you bless me with the honor of praying for you today? What prayer tugs at your heart and beckons to be shared? Leave a comment, this is our battling on our knees day. I will pray and others who come will join me as we raise a chorus of intercession in His name.

In Mommy's Heart

A Mommy day, filled with joy, tears, happiness and hugs.

Yet an emptiness lingers, a longing for all of our children.

My Ethiopian hugs and kisses

Never to develop in my womb, but precious ones you are growing in my heart.

My arms ache to hold you. Wrapped in God's love, I wait to wrap you in mine.

Your fragile life marred by pain that I cannot erase. I will introduce you to the One who can.

Your first steps, I might miss. I will walk with you for eternity.

A child's smiles and giggles I wait for. My joy will be complete when you're home.

Today I do not know your names or your faces. Dreaming of the day when I do.

I struggle in the wait. You my children are worth waiting for.

I love you. Longing to shower you with His.

A Post for Prayer

My favorite post, today. My heart's desire, to partner with you in prayer. Would you join me today, battling on our knees in prayer?

Leave a prayer request as we storm the gates of hell together, warring side by side. Jesus has given us the ultimate victory, let's walk in that victory today as we battle for one another.

And please, dear ones, send me a note when God answers our prayers. I continue to pray for all of the requests left here over the past few weeks and I would love to rejoice with you in God's faithfulness.

Fellow prayer warriors, if you would like to mount an arsenal of prayers, go here and here to continue to war victoriously.