For Who He Is...

I don’t know about you, but I came to know the Lord Jesus because of great need in my life…

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand).”    Psalm 91:1 AMP

You know what?  That is okay…yes, for a great while that is okay…our need is fulfilled in His ability to turn our “mountains” into level plains, to heal our sickness (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual), and our need for His love to fill our lives…however…somewhere…

…The Holy Spirit nudges us to love the Lord Jesus…simply for Who He is…not what we can get from Him.  That “somewhere” happened for my not so many years ago…and I never want to go back.  I want to live, dwell, abide, and linger for eternity in the “secret place” of the Most High. 

Yes, life gets in the way, I get distracted…but when my heart, mind, and spirit are in His presence, whether at work, home, church, or at play…the big stuff…the overwhelming stuff that comes my way (and believe me, there has been plenty!), just doesn’t have the ability to bowl me over like it once did…

Yes, all of Psalm 91 is awesome…and its promises are for everyone…but the condition is a daily, deeply abiding in-love relationship with the Creator…what could be more glorious or wonder-filled?

photo: Ann Voskamp

His Banner....

I, for one…don’t think we get how much God loves us. Yeah…you…and me. We just don’t get it…a least I don't always....

“He brought me to the banqueting house,
And his banner over me was love.
Song of Songs 2:4

His banner…His heartbeat…His passion…is us. He never speaks anything over our lives that isn’t driven by pure, unfailing, powerful agape. All the time…unending…nothing we can do to stop it…love.

His banner over each and every one of us is…love. Not… “you loser,”…. “you worthless child”…you…you name it…these phrases that the devil would whisper in our ears and we would agree with.

Nope…not doing it anymore. Not agreeing with those lies. I just spent a wonderful day here in Taiwan, with women from all over the world. We have chosen to believe…and agree with…His Word. King Jesus’ Word. And that word is LOVE. His word also tells us that we are qualified…forgiven…living in His kingdom…of love. Just read about it in Colossians 1.

Yes. This is the truth. His truth. Bought and paid for by His precious blood. And, His sacrifice…and the power of His Holy Spirit within me…are more than enough.

I choose to walk under His banner of love…and it is beautiful.

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photo: Local Milk

(Again, as always...if you were encouraged in any way by this post, please share on your Facebook status and/or go to the title above...go to the site...and click on the heart! Blessings from Taiwan...Sue Bee)

He is Not Finished With You...

The Lord will finish…in you…what He has started…

Someone needs to hear this today.

I don’t know where you are on your Journey in Jesus…but I sense that someone feels like they have “stalled out” on His road. The victories over life, and self, and circumstances are at a standstill. Where is God?

“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”     Philippians 1:6

Don’t worry about trying harder, being better, or getting your act together (you haven’t been able to so far…why keep beating your head against the wall?). It is time to let Him do the heavy lifting. The stuff you can’t change about yourself or your circumstances. There is just one prerequisite:

Run to His presence…Do what you need to: confess, surrender, let go to Him, quite trying. Be willing to change any and everything, but don’t attempt this without His presence and the power of His Word to speak fresh direction to your soul and spirit. Linger. Don’t leave until the burdens start to lift (we leave…usually oh-too-early). Wait. Linger some more. Be refreshed. Isaiah 40:31. Tomorrow…repeat. Then…the next day…repeat again.  And, so on. You won’t be disappointed.

He is not finished with you yet. You can count on this truth.

I Will Worship...

Several years ago I suffered from a series of anxiety attacks. You know sweaty palms, heart palpitations, terror, overwhelming....anxiousness.

It was during a time that our family was making a HUGE transition. Moving from one city to the next with no apparent source of income, housing, or future...except that we knew we had to follow Jesus' leading. I was alone, having moved ahead of the family and looking for work.

The ONLY thing that broke those attacks, and, I mean BROKE their grip was on my knees, ruthless worship of God. Praising, thanking, speaking His worth, glorifying, exalting, lifting up His incomparable NAME, speaking His Word, and praying in the Spirit.

I wasn't even in the best place...my mind was still a battlefield (my addiction), however, Jesus met me where I was.... and praise and thanksgiving kept the enemy at bay, it increased my faith, and filled me with His peace...until the next attack when I started all over again. The Lord was drawing me close and He didn't fail me....ever. We now have an amazing story to tell about that period in our lives.

"Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7

I came to the conclusion... If I were to live in worship, praise, and thanksgiving THROUGHOUT my day, wouldn't that keep all anxiety, worry, and stress with very little hold on me? And, you? What do you think...what do you believe?

Honestly...the past several years I have lived anxiety free. And, that is with a stage 4 terminal cancer diagnosis, still-birth, family stuff, church stuff, work stuff...just plain stuff.

It is time...to take time...to worship the One and Only...now...and always.

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photo: Disorganized 72

(Please forgive...posts may be a little sketchy the next few days...my husband and I are flying out to Taiwan, but I will continue to post from there as much as I can!! Blessings, Sue Bee)

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

Should you feel perplexed, confused, or stymied about a situation in your life…just know that the Apostle Paul felt the same way at times…however, his trust remained unshaken in the Lord Jesus. CHOOSE to be unshaken in trusting the Lord as well. He’s got your dilemma figured out and will show you what to do.
2 Cor. 4:8

Should you need guidance about which direction to take about something…don’t try to figure it out on your own! Follow close behind the Lord…let Him lead the way. He won’t steer you wrong.
Psalm 63:8

Should you feel hemmed in by your circumstances, walls on every side…Look up! Let God scoop you up in His everlasting arms and give you all that you need. He may have you hemmed for a strategic purpose so don’t try to wrangle out of what you are going through. Let Him carry you safely to your next destination in Him.
Psalm 139:5

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes that will be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

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A Simple Invitation...

Oh...my…goodness...

“He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). 
And he brought him to Jesus.”
John 1:41-42a

Yesterday… I had a casual conversation with a nice young woman at my workplace. No…we don’t really work together much, but our paths cross now and again. One thing led to another…and I invited her to church. She is hungry…and she is seeking…I am pretty positive she is going to come.

Last night…my husband spent the evening with one of the home communities from the church body we pastor. Rachel Lobo has been one of the amazing hosts for this group and Randy, my hubby, told me the group each spoke from around the room…five to seven family units or singles where there. And…each and every one of them had come…because…Rachel had personally invited them.

No joke. People ARE seeking…seeking HIM. They are looking for the real deal…and they are waiting for an invite. They are waiting…for us... to invite them. No pressure…just natural...not forced (so...wait for the right time...but be looking for it, too)…they are waiting for someone…to bring them to the Savior.

Let’s extend…an invitation to them…we might just be pleasantly surprised when they respond.

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(If today's or any day's post touch your heart...please be sure to click on the title above...go to the site...and give the little heart a ping at the bottom of the post! And...be sure to tell your friends and loved ones! Love, Sue Bee)

photo: A Daily Something

A Severe Mercy...

Have you ever been so devastated about a life circumstance…that you were in a rolling, roiling troubled sea…with no shore in sight? 

“For He commands and raises the stormy wind,
Which lifts up the waves of the sea.
They mount up…They go down… 
Their soul melts because of trouble.”

Many years ago…my husband and I made a bad decision (regarding ministry, of all things), not based on His leading…but due to our need. In other words…we who would hope to lead folks in faith, were unwilling to live by faith. We lost just about everything…
 
“They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, 
And are at their wits' end.”

I do believe…that sometimes with God…there is that very thing…that C.S. Lewis would call…a “severe mercy.” We don’t like the sound of that…but let me tell you…His severe mercy…saved our lives.

“Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, 
And He brings them out of their distresses.”

If what you are going through currently…is due to…your own rebellion, selfishness, or faithlessness…bury your head and your heart into Jesus. Confess. Repent. Humble yourself… He is here to save you. 

“He calms the storm, So that its waves are still…
So He guides them to their desired haven.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, 
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!”
Psalm 107:25-31

We are living proof.

www.sueboldt.com
https://www.facebook.com/CrossPointewithSueBoldt
photo: Kate Sloan via Flickr

He...Will do it...

Just a few years ago I kept hearing the whisper of the Holy Spirit say..."I will do it!" 

"He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it."
1 Thessalonians 5:24

I honestly had no clue at the time what He might be referring to. I just kept hearing this phrase, over and over.

About a month into this continual impression on my heart, our son took a drastic turn away from his faith and family. Oh...my....gosh.
Has anybody have their world drop out from under them?

The Lord Jesus is fantastic, amazing, awesome, and wild! He already knew what my husband and I would face and He was telling us that ...HE would do it! HE would bring full restoration. Other brothers and sisters in the faith, not knowing anything, would speak the scripture above to us...a divine echo of reassurance.

You know what? God did DO it! Within months, our son had his own Damascus Road experience (Look up Acts 9:1-22 for the story).

What are you facing today? Whatever it is...let God DO IT! Don't try to figure it out. Be absolutely obedient to what He tells you. Don't try to HELP Him out. If you are in control...He isn't.

Read the verse at the top, again. Let it sink into your soul. Look at the verse prior to it (v.23), you'll see that it pertains to everything in your life...

God will DO IT! (If...you let Him!)

photo: Donal Skehan

He was Invited...

Hmmmm...I am pondering the amazing story of Jesus' turning a wedding upside-down...

"Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding."
John 2:2

Jesus came because He was invited.
He did something no one could/would dream of or anticipate.
He turned something colorless and odorless...into the exquisitely, most vibrant, best...that it could ever become...

I want to invite Him into every detail of my day, today. I don't want to tell Him what to do, (what was Mary thinking....that He would run out to Bevmo?), or how to do it. I want to invite Him to some big events taking place soon...and some little events, too. (Because really...everything we do IS important). What will He do?

He is calling me to lay down every preconceived idea I have and just wait to see what He does.

I want...I need...for Him to show up tonight as I gather with other believers in community. I am inviting Him to come and turn my world upside-down...or right-side up, as the case may be.

What do you need to invite Him to today? Will you let Him do it His way?

You won't be disappointed...it will be over-the-top.

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Turn on the Light...

In a mad dash through the Psalms, this verse caused me to pause. Hmmmmm....

"...To give thanks to Your holy name, To triumph in Your praise." Psalms 106:47b

Praise. God is so worthy of our praise. Absolutely beautiful in holiness...perfect and complete in power...and matchless in His unfailing love...the LORD ALMIGHTY stands alone.

And yet...

In the selflessness of the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, our praise to Him is flipped on its head and it is all about us. WE are the ones who TRIUMPH when we praise Him. In His absolute agape love, everything He does is for us.

Have you ever walked into a completely black...unlit...dark room? You simply need to hit the switch...LIGHT! Darkness flees. That pretty much sums up what happens when we worship and praise. (Ps.149)

I encourage you, sometime before you lay down your head to go nighty-night, find a place where you are alone (with Him). Lift up your hands and tell the Lord how much you love Him, thank Him for your blessings, think of Who He is: Deliverer... Savior... Healer... name those names of His you love. You will be hard-pressed to tell me that something didn't happen for you...a little bit of triumph and darkness fleeing....

Yes...it may be time to turn on His Light.

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photo: Jamie Jones Photography

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

Should you receive some difficult news about a loved...you are not defenseless. You have the Holy Spirit living inside of you…it is time to lean into the Commander of Heaven’s Hosts. Pray what you know…pray what you sense He is telling you…pray in the Spirit. You have the resources of heaven working on your loved one’s behalf…then…battle, stand firm, and…trust.

Should you seem suddenly seem confused about an area of your life, beat it back to God’s Word. Run back to the last thing the Lord spoke to your heart about this situation. The enemy is probably trying to distract you. Enough said.

Should your finances be in disarray? No guilt here…but just a thought….have you been faithful to tithe? Really. No joke. Putting God first in your finances…is a step of faith…and it paves the way for Him to cause the rest of your resources to fall into place…and have the right priority in your heart. Watch and see what HE does!

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes that will be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because Who is in you is greater than anything! 
1 John 4:4

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photo: Black Swan Dive

(Hi there! Sorry for not posting the past few days! I have been sharing with the ladies at The City Church, Redding, CA, at their annual women's retreat. What an awesome time in the presence of the LORD!! HE is AMAZING!)

It's...the Little Things...

Just now…driving in the car…I got to thinking about this verse…

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;”
Proverbs 3:5

For some reason…when I think of trusting the Lord…with anything in my life, I think of that act as a mental assent. You know…I am choosing with my thoughts and actions to trust Him. However, for some reason, the phrase “with all your heart” spoke to me. (I admit…I am a little dense.)

What I am sensing the Holy Spirit saying to me is that I am to trust…entrust…hand over…my emotions and my affections that surround the outcome, the behavior, the person, or the circumstance that I am…trusting the Lord with currently. Wow.
I know…not rocket science. Yet...this added a whole new dimension for me about…trusting Him. Actually surrendering my emotions, for…His emotions about…whatever I am facing. So…

That is a HUGE blessing. Another arena of release and…relief. Where He carries my heart…in His powerful…but gentle hands. Yes…yes, indeed…that is a relief.

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photo: Delta Breezes

Time for a Check-Up...

It might be time to have a little “forgiveness” check-up…

Just as we should…but don’t often do…have a yearly check up with our physicians to check…you know…vital signs…and physical stuff (do you like that medical terminology?)…we might be needing us to have a little…heart check-up.

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:14-15

These are pretty heavy words from the mouth of our Savior…forgiveness…our completely forgiving every person who has…wounded…hurt…offended…abused…us…is really more for…us.

When we don’t forgive someone…or start to allow the Lord to remove the layers (for often…deep wounds…family or church…wounds…take time to heal), we bottleneck the outpouring of His love in our own lives. And, that brings us to another point…

Is there someone reading this who needs to…forgive the Lord?
That happens, you know. It is not right, but it still may happen. I just heard about someone today that didn’t understand…why something had happened in their life. If that is you…don’t run from Him. Don’t stomp off and be mad, sulk, give up your faith . Would good will that do? It is most likely the enemy or human failing…that has caused your hurt.

 Though you may never know that until you run into His arms…talk honestly and listen honestly. Relying upon His unfailing Word and finding comfort in the fullness of His presence. 

Take it from one who knows…

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photo: Rocco Palermo via Flickr

Words for the Struggle...

I've come to believe that God loves a good struggle.

As we walk this in this fallen, broken, sin filled world...we will have struggle. That is a given. However…our God Who loves us beyond reason is all for milking our trials for all they are worth to bring us into His embrace, breaking the powers of darkness, and growing us up into mature sons and daughters who know how to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth.

"And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed."
Genesis 32:28

The Lord invited Jacob into a wrestling match with Himself just as Jacob was about to face his enemy...the enemy wasn't the issue, God has something greater in mind...think on that...Jacob encountered God in the struggle. God wants us to encounter Him, too.

In the midst of heartache, loss, quandary, confusion, and hurt, Jesus calls us to see Him face to face...get a death grip on Him...and not let go until He reveals Himself in our situation. I mean, really, really, until...He reveals Himself to us. When we have a fresh revelation of Who He is...well....the circumstances in our lives that once seemed daunting...just fade away.

Wrestling with God is not for the faint of heart. Like any wrestling match, it is up close and personal. It cannot be casual or relaxed. Sometimes it is bloody and messy. Maybe that is why we shy away from His invitation.

However, prayer is the wrestling mat and faith is how we grasp Him. Not letting go until He shows Himself...the key. For intimate knowledge of Him is His goal and the struggle itself produces kingdom warriors that shake the nations in Jesus' Name.

Feel free to share with someone...in a struggle...

Complete...

I really don’t know what more needs to be said…

“…and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”
Colossians 2:10

I recently heard another Christian lament…what I had thought…and lived in…for so many years. It was this…it is our western culture that causes following Jesus to be difficult at times. You know…the trends…the sparkly toys…the relationships…the…the stuff we are constantly thinking about that would…make life satisfying…whole…complete.

If only (this person lamented) we lived in a third world country…where stuff…and temptation…and seductive sparkle didn’t capture our eyes…our hearts…our lives. Christianity would be so…much…easier…

I am here to tell you…and believe me…I lived years in dissatisfaction, partial living, and feeling oh-so-lacking, to state this truly! A heart lost in Jesus’ love WILL be…satisfied…more than satisfied. WILL be ever coming into greater wholeness…more than you ever thought possible…and will find itself…complete. So complete that you find yourself loving others freely without expectation, that worldly sparkle will start to fizzle, and trends will come and go…but you will not be shaken.

Ahhhhh yes…Lord! May I only be completely…complete in You!

photo: Sit on My Front Porch

(If today's post touched your heart...be sure to click on the title - go to the webpage - and leave a comment! I would love to hear your thoughts!)

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week...

Know that God is on YOUR side...He will fight for you..
.
No...that doesn't mean that you get to be...well...mean, impatient, frustrated, bored, or insensitive. It means that when you are struggling with someone or something...the Holy Spirit inside you will fight for you to be able to overcome any challenge with His beyond-reason love. Romans 5:5

No...it doesn't mean that you will always get your way. God will fight for you to experience trusting Him that HE may have a better plan, a sweeter idea, or something not even on your radar yet. Heb. 3:5-6

It DOES mean...that the Lord won't let you fight your battles (relationships, circumstances, past, and future) on your own. And, there will be times when He asks you to recuse yourself from the battle altogether and let Him do the heavy lifting. Hearing His voice in this means you need to draw near to hear His whisper...for surely He will speak to you. 
Is. 43:1-2

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes that will be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because Who is in you is greater than anything! 
1 John 4:4

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In the Hollow of His Hand...

I am marveling in our wondrous, Almighty God...  

"Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His HAND, or with the breadth of His HAND marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?" Isaiah 40:12  

The opening question is what is speaking to my heart right now....Who has measured the oceans...in the hollow of HIS hand? Who has used the length of HIS mighty fingers to measure the untold galaxies, immeasurable light years in distance? The galaxies that know no end?

 And yet...I am reminded of the prophet's words a few chapters later...  "And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His HAND He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me." Isaiah 49:2  

This amazing, unfathomable God not only holds all of the oceans and stars in His single palm...HE HOLDS ME!!!

 In the shadow of His Hand He has hidden me...my heart, my mind...my life. Someone needs to hear this today...our God holds YOU..tenderly, carefully, purposefully, and powerfully in the cup of His eternal hand.

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A Fragrant Outpouring...

There is an event that has been talked, taught, and...sung about…

“Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.”
John 12:3

Can anything more be said? And yet...

We have to know…that Mary’s gift…was not only monetarily of great cost…but the oil had to have been…the treasure of her heart. We women…(guys, don’t check out, here!)…we have deep emotional attachments to…things. Right or wrong…we…do.

Possibly this was a treasured gift from Mary’s father…or mother. Maybe the aromatic oil was paid for with pennies Mary had saved since she was but a wee one…for her wedding consummation day. A treasure hidden and tucked away. Something Mary would steal glimpses at…waiting…for the special time when her heart would be released to dab a little…behind her ears. Possibly this oil…was meant to last a…lifetime.

Whatever it was to Mary…it was hidden deep in her emotions. Its outpouring, an act of greatest love…adoration…and sacrifice. Because if Mary was going to give something for the Savior’s benefit…it would be given with all that she had…in her…heart. And pour it out…she did.

And the gift back? An inescapable fragrance that filled…the room…the atmosphere…that lingered long with those it came in contact with.

That is what a surrendered life is…and does…it leaves an indelible impression on the lives it touches. I want that to be me…Lord.
2 Corinthians 2:14-15

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Our Bridegroom...

I love that My Bridegroom rejoices over…me…

“For the LORD delights in you, And your land shall be married…
And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
So shall your God rejoice over you.”
Isaiah 62:4b-5b

In this beautiful passage of Scripture we are told that the God of Angel Armies…rejoices over His church…we His bride…think of it… 

I have just been to too many weddings were the groom looked as if he was going to bust his buttons to get the ceremony over with and…run down the aisle with the woman of his dreams…

Our God…is like that with us…even with our stains, our pettiness, our...our…our stuff…He is crazy about us. The Scriptures tell us that He even dances over us...

Some of us reading…who are married…or divorced…have known what it is like to have ‘first love’ of our spouse lose its luster….But no…our God for us…He is as passionate and fervent about each us as He was the moment of our inception…His unfailing love has not failed toward…you…toward me. (No wonder angel’s rejoicing abounds so when a lamb returns home! How glad the Father is!)

How about stopping for a moment now and quieting yourself. Exchange some genuine heartfelt words with the One who loves you with such abandon. He is crazy about you…you know…but it might be time to remind yourself of this truth.

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photo: Nicole Franzen

His...Poem...

Here is...some crazy...wonderful news....

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”    Ephesians 2:10

Paul’s use of the word “workmanship” – the Greek word “poiema”…yes…where we derive our English word “poem,” tells us that the Master Artisan has created something of exquisite, delightful beauty…and that is...you and me

Yet, without Him, our lives are without measure or meter, without rhyme or reason…however…as we are hidden in His love…ohhh…how much potential we hold.

Honestly, in the past, I loved taking “tests” and classes, dabbling here and there, trying to figure "who I was." I despaired of ever knowing and I always...repeat ALWAYS...wanted to be someone else. Are you trackin' with me here?

However, it wasn’t until I made living in His presence just about my only priority (I say "just about" because I am not perfect in this!) and believing His Word my daily strength (not always perfect in that, either), did I know and start to fulfill my “destiny” in Him.

Yep, that’s the truth. And…yep…you and I are the Master Artisan’s favorite poem. Let’s let Jesus write each word and phrase of our lives.

Can you even begin to imagine the possibilities?

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photo: The Wedding Chicks