A loving, devoted follower looks like you, too. I need you. Choose to believe Me, and envision this! It’s okay to have opinions, and I’ve given you a humble, Godly voice. Show your willingness to voice them and act upon them as a leader among My people. Are you surprised that I’ve chosen you to lead? Don’t be. You are equipped to be a strong leader for many reasons: first, you care, and are passionate and diligent in your follow-through. Second, you listen well, grasping needs with clarity and sensitivity. People value your opinions because they know you have good intentions. Some may seem surprised or intimidated by the strength of your word and your presentation. My Grace will help soften those edges, but it requires that you turn to Me for help, and trust Me to make the moves. Don’t be discouraged by ruffled feathers. Time makes those settle back into place. Do My work to make amends where needed. You are needed, and you are loved. This is the truth that you must hold on to with confidence as you walk into new endeavors in the days ahead. Don’t forget: I am with you always. I listen. I prompt. I nudge. I hear. Seek My words of Grace to come through you, in you, and with you. A new year ahead: calling you to help build My kingdom.
inspiration
Talk to Me
Asking for Me to talk to you is not weird, or ‘just magical thinking’. I am your Creator, and it’s natural and good to communicate with me often and fluidly. I want words and thoughts to flow easily and genuinely between us. My love for you is REAL. Our connection is true and valid. Prayer is not a fake thing. Try it again, if you haven’t done it in a while. Stop the worldly pace long enough to be still, and know that I am God. I want to calm your anxious thoughts, and soothe your worried mind. I want to listen and help soften your edges. I know the big picture of your life. Bring your thoughts to Me, – every one of them. I am here! Learn to recognize that I am listening, always. Listen for My voice, and learn to recognize My love and tenderness for you. Seek Me with all your heart, and find Me already with you. You don’t have to face the world alone. Talk to Me about it. Listen, and watch for evidence of My reassuring response to you. I am a trustworthy confidant.
Take a Nap
Do you find yourself feeling exhausted or unsettled? Somewhere, somehow, – in the next 24 hours, – take a nap. Carve out time for yourself this way. My design is for you to include times of rest, for it is only in physically slowing down that you can hear Me and gain perspective. I know you crave a slower pace, and less demands on your time. You may be thinking “How on earth am I supposed to just stop and take a nap?!” It may feel like a ridiculous request. I won’t define how long it needs to be, nor will I expect you to fall into deep restful sleep. This may or may not happen as a result, but the point is to conscientiously SLOW DOWN. Be tender and attentive to your need for rest, giving yourself permission for a time out. Use this time of your choosing to quietly observe and absorb your surroundings. Place whatever comes to the surface of your mind intentionally into My hands. Hand it all over, and listen for a response. You need Me in this way far more than you need to be constantly productive. In seeking and in rest, you shall be renewed.
Christmas Gift
I am a God who heals. I see your tender heart and hear the words in your head, so prone to criticizing and berating yourself. Please stop, and turn around to face Me. I don’t look at you with the same critique or harshness you inflict on yourself. My Christmas Gift, – given all year long, – is calling you to see My face of love, tolerance, acceptance, and forgiveness. Let My warmth and Grace overwhelm you! Allow My Spirit to do its repair work, helping you recover from the anxiety that has torn at your soul. Your Spirit must be rebuilt and strengthened in order to sustain you for all I have in store for you. Let Me be the solid frame that encompasses your beautiful portrait. Oh, that you would see yourself as I see you! How different would your self-talk be? You would be singing praise and giving accolades for all the things within that are so full of GOODNESS. I know it is hard to replace those old tapes playing over and over in your head. Bring them to Me. Allow Me to hear, then to help erase them, – projecting new phrases to tell yourself which build up rather than tear down. You are loved, and worthy of love, and capable of many things. You are valuable, just as you are. Please receive My gift to you with trust and acceptance of this beautiful truth.
Light is Coming
The Light is coming. Even though much around you feels dark, encased with worry and fear that you might fail, My Light is there. Wait for it; look for it. My work with you is not finished. I know that some days you feel like you have to drag your feet to take the steps I need from you. You must trust that I see your reality. Though everything around feels like it’s supposed to be “joyful” in this season, the life you are living has its challenges and drudgery. Still, there is Light present. Even if it feels like the tiniest flicker, it is enough to light the way for you. Seek Me. Choose to wear My heart today. That is enough.
Tag Along
True contentment lies in your relationship with Me. There is no such thing as spending too much time with Me. Yes, you must go about your day, but I can accompany you in your every activity, and converse with you all the while. Bring me with you, -conscientiously! Let Me be a “tag along”, if you will. You might be surprised at how useful I am! I can pluck you out of the mire of things that cause you tension, annoyance, and worry. Like a hidden but handy life-preserver, reach for Me when the waters around you start to seem deep. Find comfort in the way I sustain your head above water. Nothing will be too much for you to handle when you learn to rely on my ever-saving Presence. I am here for you, – ALL DAY; every day.
Cut Yourself Some Slack
Why are you always so down on yourself? It breaks My heart hearing you ridicule yourself with berating comments in your head so often. I truly do not want you to be riddled with self-demeaning thoughts like that. Try a little gentleness. Be gentle and tender toward your heart, and cut yourself some slack. You deserve My love, forgiveness, and kindness just as much as the next person: FULLY. It’s okay to weep around Me as you release those hurtful thoughts and wounds. Let me lavish you with love and praise for all of your true worth. Allow Me to help. Ask Me to assist you with creating a kinder self-image; the one I created and intended for you! Let Me implant supportive thoughts to replace your self-berating ones. I love you so much! More than you can believe right now, but that’s okay. My love is here for you whenever you need it: daily, hourly, moment by moment. Tread lightly on that tender heart of yours, for you are Mine, and you are Good.
Be Still
Don’t drown out My voice with technology and unnecessary noise all the time. Take breaks from all that and BE STILL. Allow your senses to calm down from this over-stimulating environment. Delight in silence and Light. Listen for the smallest sounds; take notice of things around you in a new way. Observe this moment. Contemplate how I give you all good things. I accept and love you FULLY in this place. Connect with My Presence in this way, and take an inner peace away with you as you move on to the tasks at hand, knowing you are loved and you are Mine. Be grateful for this truth. Let Me take the pressure off of you. You never have to go it alone.
I’ve Got This
You don’t need to be so afraid. I’ve got this. The day ahead may have unanticipated pressures, but I already know about them and how, together, we will resolve them. Move with Me, deliberately and intentionally aware of My companionship and might. With confidence, speak holy words of wisdom and thoughtfulness around others. When things come up and stressful tension starts to rise, pause, close your eyes, and envision My loving face reminding you, “I’ve got this.” I will help you figure out answers, responses, and next steps. Before you know it, the day will come to a close. All which needs to be addressed or accomplished will have been taken care of for this day by My Grace, and the rest is meant for another day. Pause often. You need Me, and you will find Me already in your midst.
My Voice
My voice is mighty, although you do not always hear it. It is powerful enough to mend your broken heart. It is resounding enough to cover the extent of your concerns. My voice rises above the waters, – ALL waters, – whether they are peaceful and still or rising with torrential waves. Stop. Listen. I call you to recognize first and foremost how much you are LOVED. Dip your toes in this soothing water, hearing My blessed reassurance. Turn to face Me, and find that I accept you as you are. Once you do this, listen for My call to guide you into the day. It may be a simple message, or I may ask for bold and courageous action. Either way, you are fully Mine and I am yours.
Spoken to Me 