Over-abundance. Excess. “Tis the season”. I used to be the reason for the season. I still am. The more you get sucked into shopping, cooking, parties, decorating, and gifting, – aiming for unattainable ideals of perfection, – the more anxious you become. I can help you with all of that. With each gift you purchase, pray wholeheartedly for the recipient. Pray that they will come to know Me, and find greater comfort, security, and satisfaction through our ongoing relationship. Then, leave that part up to Me and them, – silently, in your heart. I am an over-abundant God, seeking to lavish all with Grace and Love. You can feel free to give material things; just do so with a genuine and loving heart. There is no need for over-abundance. A simple gesture is enough. Don’t worry so much about being perceived as either “cheap”, “thoughtless”, or “excessive”. Aim for simplicity and kindness, and pray for their spiritual rest. I will supply that in excessive amounts to all who come to Me. Let Me be the supplier of holy wealth, with you being a conduit through prayer. There is no pricetag on that.
spiritual
My Good
You are My faithful servant. Serve for ME, – My Good. My Good is when you touch the lives of others – in a passing hello, in more attentive conversations, or in working together on complicated activities. My Good abounds – everywhere! Take some of it in today. I give My Good for YOU, too. I’m not a demanding God who only asks you to serve serve serve. Today you can receive. Any day, you can receive My Good; it’s not selfish to do so. I think you forget that, and that’s where the “it’s not enough” anxiety filters in. Insulate yourself against this by taking time with Me daily, absorbing My gifts to you in the form of rest, quiet time, help from others, and gifts from others. You are talented – so talented, but you are only one person. Others are okay with this – they don’t expect nearly as much out of you as you think or try to meet up to. “Less is More”. You are allowed to DO less in order to be replenished more. I do not ask for your weariness. I ask you to bring joy, and in order to do so you must receive it, so fill your own well first with My Living Water. Receive My Joy today so that My Good can be accomplished. Let it surprise you with how easy it is to find, and how satisfying it is.
Make It Through
Take Me to heart. Breathe me in and start your day with confidence, comfort, and assurance. You can make it through this day. This day is BLESSED. You are My hands, My eyes, My voice of HOPE to people in need. Take joy in this. It can give you energy back. If any resentment lingers, push it out, bury it, and be rid of it. Find reasons to laugh today. I know it is hard – with family demands, overwhelming and exorbitant workloads to be done, and other pressures. As you attend to them, I will attend to you. Hear the bird’s song this morning – joyful, refreshing, new; singing you into this good day. Join hands with Me, your constant Presence reassuring you that together, we will make it through.
Handle With Care
I am in charge. I want you to know you are loving and loveable. I give you this gift packaged uniquely as you. Handle with care. Be yourself, with no pretenses. You and others need a friend like this. Take care of yourself and others. Like Simon the Cyrene, you help share the weight of My cross. I’m grateful for the way you assist others with their burdens. Gather them in and show them love. It’s not selfish or self-centered to do so. Give them your eyes and your full attention. Your kindness, like your compassion, will shine through. Be kind to yourself today – EVERY day – and it will be easier to be kind to others. Don’t beat yourself up every time you eat; enjoy your food. Be healthy and playful today. You are helping others.
This Dance
You are MINE. I will use you for GOOD in this day. All you need to do is stay near Me and allow Me to lead in this dance of ours. Picture us moving joyfully together, and bring this playful spirit into each place you enter. Light and Goodness is in you and all around you. Share this Light with others, and invite them to “cut in” on the dance. Watch with equal delight as we move in the world, spreading joy.
A Reflective Stance
Stop trying to ‘be all that’ to everyone around you. I call you to obedience to My ways, not worrying about the impression you make on others. My ways may call you to be quiet and reflective as I replenish your mind and shift your direction. Open yourself to listening for My word and My guidance. I have many powerful and enriching things to teach you in this process, but I require an attentive student. Learn My lessons of love. For now, that is enough. Later I may call you to act justly or walk boldly, but for now I need a reflective, receptive stance from you. Listen and watch for what I want you to hear.
The Mast
Hold fast. Grip tightly! Cling to Me. Grasp hold of Me with all your might when the winds of turmoil start blowing, or when the demands of the world start overwhelming you. Let Me be the mast of your ship, sturdy and strong in the center of your life. Take My hand in the deep waters. I won’t ever let you down. Immediately I respond to you, always present and always more powerful than any force that tries to tear you down. Let My tender arms enfold you and calm your fears. Let Me shelter you safely amidst any turbulence. Nothing can shake My love for you. Nothing can separate you from My loving arms.
I Remain
I have been calling to you, – singing to you! Sometimes you hear Me so clearly, and other times I am distant background music covered by the noise and busy-ness going on in your head. I don’t fault you for that. It’s human nature to be so preoccupied that you become unaware of Me, and distant from My reassuring voice. Still, I remain. Remain faithful, holy, omnipotent. PRESENT. Loving. Patient. I wait for you, yearning to communicate as One.
Listen for My still, small voice.
You are important to me! Yes, you. I need you in this world to be My hands and feet. I need you to be the voice of tenderness and compassion. I need you to reason with the unreasonable, pardon the unpardonable, and love the unlovable. I also sing to you a love song, greater than any you have ever known or heard. Bring Me your darkest concerns, your ugliest thoughts – allow Me to shed light on them and wash you clean. Let Me bathe you in Grace. Stop striving so hard on your own. You are not alone in this world. Stop, and listen for My song to you. I have never left your side.
Decisions
Listen. It will come to you. That thought, that decision that needs to be made; wait for it, and it will come to you in due time. Sometimes you need to act in faith, trusting Me with the outcomes, and make a decision even without complete confidence on your part up front. Instead of crying out in fear with “I don’t know what to do!”, remember that I do know. As I lead and you choose to follow, I will guide your next steps. Take one step. Maybe even take the leap. Whether the decisions before you are small and seemingly inconsequential, or are monumental and overwhelming, I AM WITH YOU. I will nudge you one way or another; your work is to move forward with trust in My direction and My outcomes. Stillness before movement is good and essential, but eventually I call you to move. I allow and encourage sound reasoning; stagnancy is not part of My holy plan. You can trust My Holy Spirit to be your guide always, – helping you to be brave as you step into unfamiliar territory. Remember, each choice made in faith leads you closer to Me. I am a safe and loving God.
More than Presentable
You must take courage to admit your failings to Me. I watch you trying so hard to “do things right” all the time. I appreciate and value your attempts, because I know you do so out of love and honor for Me. But I long to do different works in you – ones that can only be accomplished in your frailty. Come to Me in all your brokenness. Release your WHOLE life to My care, not just offering what you feel is “presentable”. I will help pick up the pieces. Not one speck of dust from the acts and experiences that have crushed your spirit goes unnoticed or unattended by Me. I love you as you are. I never expect perfection. Your vulnerability, aches, annoyances, and disappointments matter greatly to Me. Release them to My hands, and be confident that I can restore you to a new wholeness. See how I make all things NEW.
Spoken to Me 