top of page

Exploring Faith With

Dr Chala Baker-SKY BLUE-high-res.png

Redeemed. Restored. Unbroken.

9F60AD6C-C2D7-4DA2-9F25-23EC71D90276 2.JPG

Shouting God's ability to make our lives Beautifully Unbroken

Bible Teaching with Dr. Chala Baker

Meet Our Ministry Leader

Experienced Bible Teacher, Author, & Speaker

From the depths of atheism to acquiring her Doctorate in Biblical Exposition, Chala has crossed wide gaps to learn more about God. She continually seeks Him in order to share with those who are hungry for the knowledge of God and how He can take their brokenness and make them whole--just as He did for her.

IMG_5167 3_edited.jpg

What We Focus On

Understanding Biblical Truths

Inspiring Spiritual Growth

Empowering Christian

Believers

Deeper

Bible Study

Authoritative Speaking Engagements

Begin your journey towards a deeper relationship with Christ today. Join Dr. Baker as she explores the transformative power of the Bible.

Book Now

Let’s Dive Into God’s Word

71m7PrwlilL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg

April Book of the Month

"The Path" by Laurie Beth Jones

Creating Your Mission Statement for Work and For Life

Book Dr. Chala Baker to Speak!

Welcome April!
Who else is excited for Spring and warmer weather? 🙋‍♀️

The website has been updated with Dr. Baker's April book of the month! Check it out! (No commissions are earned from any book purchases.)

www.drchalabaker.org

Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day!

Welcome April!
Who else is excited for Spring and warmer weather? 🙋‍♀️

The website has been updated with Dr. Baker's April book of the month! Check it out! (No commissions are earned from any book purchases.)

www.drchalabaker.org

Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day!

🌿 Weary

I don't know about you, but I have been feeling weary lately. In speaking to people around me, I describe it as "tired" but it really goes deeper than that. Tired seems like a bodily thing, while weary seems to sink into the soul. Yesterday I returned home from a short overnight trip, already exhausted from travel and a long week. Immediately, kids started needing things. One wanted me to order him something on Amazon, one dropped his phone down the stairs and shattered it, one wanted a ride somewhere, and yet another one was upset because she realized she forgot to make herself lunch. 🤦‍♀️ These things seem trivial until you pile them on top of physcial exhaustion and a very busy and stressful season of life right now as some major changes are taking place.

Sometimes life just goes at it hard. While feeling weak and unsettled, imagine how encouraged I was while reading the Psalms this morning.

"The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace." — Psalm 29:11

No matter what storms rage around us, God is our source of unwavering strength. When we feel weak, He lifts us up. When anxiety creeps in, He fills us with His perfect peace.

If you’re feeling weary today, take heart—God is with you. His strength is enough for every battle, and His peace is greater than any storm. Rest in His promises and let His love sustain you.

Maybe you're asking, "How?" How do I rest? How do I depend on Him to lift me up in this time of weariness? Our faith is one of practical application, beautiful ones. Get into His word and repeat His promises. Immerse yourself in bibilical community. TELL THE LORD you are tired and need Him to give you rest! Such a simple thing--yet anytime I tell the Lord that I am weary and need refreshing, He provides! Remember, He came in human form and understands weariness.

Can I pray for you today? Post in the comments!
Wishing you all God's love and smiles.

🙏✨ #Psalm2911 #StrengthInTheLord #HisPeace

🌿 Weary

I don't know about you, but I have been feeling weary lately. In speaking to people around me, I describe it as "tired" but it really goes deeper than that. Tired seems like a bodily thing, while weary seems to sink into the soul. Yesterday I returned home from a short overnight trip, already exhausted from travel and a long week. Immediately, kids started needing things. One wanted me to order him something on Amazon, one dropped his phone down the stairs and shattered it, one wanted a ride somewhere, and yet another one was upset because she realized she forgot to make herself lunch. 🤦‍♀️ These things seem trivial until you pile them on top of physcial exhaustion and a very busy and stressful season of life right now as some major changes are taking place.

Sometimes life just goes at it hard. While feeling weak and unsettled, imagine how encouraged I was while reading the Psalms this morning.

"The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace." — Psalm 29:11

No matter what storms rage around us, God is our source of unwavering strength. When we feel weak, He lifts us up. When anxiety creeps in, He fills us with His perfect peace.

If you’re feeling weary today, take heart—God is with you. His strength is enough for every battle, and His peace is greater than any storm. Rest in His promises and let His love sustain you.

Maybe you're asking, "How?" How do I rest? How do I depend on Him to lift me up in this time of weariness? Our faith is one of practical application, beautiful ones. Get into His word and repeat His promises. Immerse yourself in bibilical community. TELL THE LORD you are tired and need Him to give you rest! Such a simple thing--yet anytime I tell the Lord that I am weary and need refreshing, He provides! Remember, He came in human form and understands weariness.

Can I pray for you today? Post in the comments!
Wishing you all God's love and smiles.

🙏✨ #Psalm2911 #StrengthInTheLord #HisPeace

Help us love people well today, Lord. We want to be the salt that You have called us to be and show Your glory through action.
Love well today, beautiful ones.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles. <3

Help us love people well today, Lord. We want to be the salt that You have called us to be and show Your glory through action.
Love well today, beautiful ones.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles. <3

🙏 Contending with God

In Exodus 17, the Israelites faced a fierce battle against the Amalekites. But their victory didn’t come from their swords—it came from their intercession. As long as Moses kept his hands raised in prayer, Israel prevailed. When he grew weary, Aaron and Hur came alongside him, holding up his arms until the battle was won.

Immediately before this battle, at the beginning of Exodus 17, we find the Israelites "contending" with Moses and the Lord when they want water in the desert. Rather than going to the Lord in prayer for their needs after seeing all that He had already done for them, they become angry, quarrelsome, and unfaithful.

These stories reminds us that some battles aren’t fought in the physical but in the spiritual. When we go to God in prayer, we invite His power into our struggles. When we forget to approach God in this way when we have desperate needs, we become unfaithful and troubled. And just like Moses, we don’t have to do pray or fight alone—God places people in our lives to stand with us in faith.

Let us remember that the Lord is faithful. In addition, let us remember that prayer and intercession are powerful tools as we ask the Lord to come alongside us in our personal struggles and the struggles of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

If you’re facing a battle today, don’t fight alone. Lift your hands, lift your voice, and trust that God is fighting for you!

💬 Who in your life needs you to “hold up their arms” in prayer today?

#PrayWithoutCeasing #VictoryInPrayer #GodFightsForUs #StandTogether

🙏 Contending with God

In Exodus 17, the Israelites faced a fierce battle against the Amalekites. But their victory didn’t come from their swords—it came from their intercession. As long as Moses kept his hands raised in prayer, Israel prevailed. When he grew weary, Aaron and Hur came alongside him, holding up his arms until the battle was won.

Immediately before this battle, at the beginning of Exodus 17, we find the Israelites "contending" with Moses and the Lord when they want water in the desert. Rather than going to the Lord in prayer for their needs after seeing all that He had already done for them, they become angry, quarrelsome, and unfaithful.

These stories reminds us that some battles aren’t fought in the physical but in the spiritual. When we go to God in prayer, we invite His power into our struggles. When we forget to approach God in this way when we have desperate needs, we become unfaithful and troubled. And just like Moses, we don’t have to do pray or fight alone—God places people in our lives to stand with us in faith.

Let us remember that the Lord is faithful. In addition, let us remember that prayer and intercession are powerful tools as we ask the Lord to come alongside us in our personal struggles and the struggles of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

If you’re facing a battle today, don’t fight alone. Lift your hands, lift your voice, and trust that God is fighting for you!

💬 Who in your life needs you to “hold up their arms” in prayer today?

#PrayWithoutCeasing #VictoryInPrayer #GodFightsForUs #StandTogether

Helping people experience His love, kindness, and goodness is the greatest. <3

Helping people experience His love, kindness, and goodness is the greatest. <3

💛 Living a Life of Love 💛

Over the weekend, someone I went to high school passed away after a bout with cancer. I knew this person and liked him well, although we haven't been in contact since H.S. beyond FB friendship. What has been eye-opening to me is the many, many messages of support and love on his wife's post about his passing and tributes to him on his own FB page--tributes that are full of stories of time, help, love, and attention given to others. A servant heart.

Jesus didn’t just tell us to love—He showed us how to love. He loved with His time, His words, His sacrifice. He loved when it was inconvenient, when it was undeserved, and when it cost Him everything. There is always a cost to love and we have to be prepared to pay that cost.

Loving others well isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s in the little moments. A kind word. A listening ear. A heart that forgives. A willingness to serve. These things are what will demonstrate what our lives were made of when we pass. When your social media is flooded with the tributes of those you loved well and served well--that is a life well lived, no matter how long or short it might be. Those are the things that cause the Lord to commend His followers when they stand before Him.

May we wake each morning and simply ask the Lord, "Help me love well today." Let’s be people who love like Jesus—fully, freely, and without condition. Because at the end of our lives, the greatest legacy we can leave isn’t what we built, but who we loved. ❤️

💬 What’s one small way you can show love today?

#LoveLikeJesus #LiveToLove #KindnessMatters #BeALight

💛 Living a Life of Love 💛

Over the weekend, someone I went to high school passed away after a bout with cancer. I knew this person and liked him well, although we haven't been in contact since H.S. beyond FB friendship. What has been eye-opening to me is the many, many messages of support and love on his wife's post about his passing and tributes to him on his own FB page--tributes that are full of stories of time, help, love, and attention given to others. A servant heart.

Jesus didn’t just tell us to love—He showed us how to love. He loved with His time, His words, His sacrifice. He loved when it was inconvenient, when it was undeserved, and when it cost Him everything. There is always a cost to love and we have to be prepared to pay that cost.

Loving others well isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s in the little moments. A kind word. A listening ear. A heart that forgives. A willingness to serve. These things are what will demonstrate what our lives were made of when we pass. When your social media is flooded with the tributes of those you loved well and served well--that is a life well lived, no matter how long or short it might be. Those are the things that cause the Lord to commend His followers when they stand before Him.

May we wake each morning and simply ask the Lord, "Help me love well today." Let’s be people who love like Jesus—fully, freely, and without condition. Because at the end of our lives, the greatest legacy we can leave isn’t what we built, but who we loved. ❤️

💬 What’s one small way you can show love today?

#LoveLikeJesus #LiveToLove #KindnessMatters #BeALight

Overlooked?

Have you ever felt like God sees everyone else but you? Like your prayers go unheard, your dreams unnoticed, and your heartache ignored? It’s hard when you’re waiting, hoping, and longing—yet it seems like heaven is silent. It can feel like you're alone.

But can I remind you of something? God is not in the business of forgetting His children. He sees you. He knows your name. He collects every tear (Psalm 56:8), and He is working even when you can’t see it (John 13:7).

Joseph was forgotten in prison. David was overlooked by his own family. Hagar felt abandoned in the wilderness. But God had a plan for each of them, and He has one for you too. It's satan who wants us to feel like we are "the only one" facing a particular problem, but God desires for us to be in community with one another so that we know we are never the only one and we are never alone.

I heard my pastor say it makes no sense that any one of us would be the only person that God ever ignored, overlooked, or refused to hear in all of history. What a peace that truth can bring!

If you’re feeling unseen today, hold on. The God who formed you has not lost sight of you. Your breakthrough, your healing, your answer—it’s coming in His perfect time. ❤️

Overlooked?

Have you ever felt like God sees everyone else but you? Like your prayers go unheard, your dreams unnoticed, and your heartache ignored? It’s hard when you’re waiting, hoping, and longing—yet it seems like heaven is silent. It can feel like you're alone.

But can I remind you of something? God is not in the business of forgetting His children. He sees you. He knows your name. He collects every tear (Psalm 56:8), and He is working even when you can’t see it (John 13:7).

Joseph was forgotten in prison. David was overlooked by his own family. Hagar felt abandoned in the wilderness. But God had a plan for each of them, and He has one for you too. It's satan who wants us to feel like we are "the only one" facing a particular problem, but God desires for us to be in community with one another so that we know we are never the only one and we are never alone.

I heard my pastor say it makes no sense that any one of us would be the only person that God ever ignored, overlooked, or refused to hear in all of history. What a peace that truth can bring!

If you’re feeling unseen today, hold on. The God who formed you has not lost sight of you. Your breakthrough, your healing, your answer—it’s coming in His perfect time. ❤️

Difficulties.

This morning over our coffee my husband and I were having a conversation about the difficult things we'd been through during our marriage--a marriage that started nearly the minute our adult lives did. I told him, "I don't think I'd be the Christ-follower I am if not for the things we've been through." He wholeheartedly agreed.

Beautiful ones, I mean that with all of my heart.

Had I not been through the pain of our affair, identity issues, or my current health difficulties, I would not have learned how amazing God is.
I wouldn't have learned:
✨That He is trustworthy
✨How much He loves me
✨How much better His plan is than mine
✨That He truly brings beauty from ashes

John writes, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (Jhn 1:5 ESV) That verse not only speaks to salvation, but every time that the Lord has overcome darkness in our own lives.

Because I have watched God overcome darkness time and time again, in my life and the lives of others, I know that I need not fear when facing darkness again.

I only need to look for the light.

Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day, beautiful ones.
#light #darkness #lighthouse #Jesusfreak #Jesus #beautifullyunbroken #affair #marriage #life #Jesusismylifehack #PhD #theologian

Difficulties.

This morning over our coffee my husband and I were having a conversation about the difficult things we'd been through during our marriage--a marriage that started nearly the minute our adult lives did. I told him, "I don't think I'd be the Christ-follower I am if not for the things we've been through." He wholeheartedly agreed.

Beautiful ones, I mean that with all of my heart.

Had I not been through the pain of our affair, identity issues, or my current health difficulties, I would not have learned how amazing God is.
I wouldn't have learned:
✨That He is trustworthy
✨How much He loves me
✨How much better His plan is than mine
✨That He truly brings beauty from ashes

John writes, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (Jhn 1:5 ESV) That verse not only speaks to salvation, but every time that the Lord has overcome darkness in our own lives.

Because I have watched God overcome darkness time and time again, in my life and the lives of others, I know that I need not fear when facing darkness again.

I only need to look for the light.

Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day, beautiful ones.
#light #darkness #lighthouse #Jesusfreak #Jesus #beautifullyunbroken #affair #marriage #life #Jesusismylifehack #PhD #theologian

Happy Valentine’s Day, beautiful ones!

We can know love here on earth and between one another only because He first loved us! God is the ultimate and perfect example of love! Even if you don’t have romantic love in your life today, you can love others!

“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8 ESV

Wishing you all God’s love and smiles on this day of love, beautiful ones!

Happy Valentine’s Day, beautiful ones!

We can know love here on earth and between one another only because He first loved us! God is the ultimate and perfect example of love! Even if you don’t have romantic love in your life today, you can love others!

“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8 ESV

Wishing you all God’s love and smiles on this day of love, beautiful ones!

Burdening ourselves away from God.

Did you know that C.S. Lewis found himself far from God because he placed unrealistic burdens upon himself that the Lord never asked of him?

In his book, “Surprised by Joy” Lewis writes of, “The ludicrous burden of false duties in prayer.” He had placed expectations upon his prayer life that God doesn’t ask of us. Through it, he became so tired of his own faith that he left it behind.

Beautiful ones, walking this faith out is difficult enough without doing things God didn’t ask of us. I bring this up because SO OFTEN I find myself having conversations with people who say things like, “I don’t read my Bible every day, so I feel guilty and I’m moving away from God.”

LISTEN. God asked us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mk 12:30). Are you doing that to the best of your ability in this season of life? THEN STOP ALLOWING SELF-IMPOSED RULES AND GUILT MOVE YOU AWAY FROM GOD.

Yes, get in your word as much as you can. But don’t stress about it. God has a multitude of varieties of grace for us. Do not burden yourself out of a relationship with God. Break that chain!

Wishing you all God’s love and smiles today, beautiful ones! ❤️

Burdening ourselves away from God.

Did you know that C.S. Lewis found himself far from God because he placed unrealistic burdens upon himself that the Lord never asked of him?

In his book, “Surprised by Joy” Lewis writes of, “The ludicrous burden of false duties in prayer.” He had placed expectations upon his prayer life that God doesn’t ask of us. Through it, he became so tired of his own faith that he left it behind.

Beautiful ones, walking this faith out is difficult enough without doing things God didn’t ask of us. I bring this up because SO OFTEN I find myself having conversations with people who say things like, “I don’t read my Bible every day, so I feel guilty and I’m moving away from God.”

LISTEN. God asked us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mk 12:30). Are you doing that to the best of your ability in this season of life? THEN STOP ALLOWING SELF-IMPOSED RULES AND GUILT MOVE YOU AWAY FROM GOD.

Yes, get in your word as much as you can. But don’t stress about it. God has a multitude of varieties of grace for us. Do not burden yourself out of a relationship with God. Break that chain!

Wishing you all God’s love and smiles today, beautiful ones! ❤️

Don’t Box God In!

“Your loyal followers trust in you, for you, Lord, do not abandon those who seek your help.” (Ps 9:10 NET)

We are told that God does not abandon those who seek Him in times of trouble. So why are there so many complaints from people of God doing just that? Ignoring, failing, or abandoning them.

I often find that this happens because we like to box God into our own expectations.

When we are facing troubles we usually have our own idea of how God should solve the problem or how He should show up for us. What happens when he shows up differently than expected? We miss it. 😢 We completely fail to see what He has done because our eyes weren’t open and we were focused on our own solutions rather than God himself.

Don’t tell the Lord how to solve your problem—tell Him about your problem and then keep your eyes, ears, and heart open to receive His solution. It’s guaranteed to be better than your ideas, anyway!

And it will always arrive right on time for your good and His glory.

When we stop ourselves from boxing God in we can prevent inappropriate disappointments in Him and we ALSO get to see how miraculous He can be! Hallelujah!

Wishing you all God’s love and smiles for your day, beautiful ones!

Don’t Box God In!

“Your loyal followers trust in you, for you, Lord, do not abandon those who seek your help.” (Ps 9:10 NET)

We are told that God does not abandon those who seek Him in times of trouble. So why are there so many complaints from people of God doing just that? Ignoring, failing, or abandoning them.

I often find that this happens because we like to box God into our own expectations.

When we are facing troubles we usually have our own idea of how God should solve the problem or how He should show up for us. What happens when he shows up differently than expected? We miss it. 😢 We completely fail to see what He has done because our eyes weren’t open and we were focused on our own solutions rather than God himself.

Don’t tell the Lord how to solve your problem—tell Him about your problem and then keep your eyes, ears, and heart open to receive His solution. It’s guaranteed to be better than your ideas, anyway!

And it will always arrive right on time for your good and His glory.

When we stop ourselves from boxing God in we can prevent inappropriate disappointments in Him and we ALSO get to see how miraculous He can be! Hallelujah!

Wishing you all God’s love and smiles for your day, beautiful ones!

Fostering a reputation.

In Psalm 8:9 King David writes, “Oh Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your reputation throughout the earth!” (Ps 8:9 NET)

Notice that it’s a statement, not a question. If you look throughout the Bible, you will notice that even nonbelievers, both individuals and nations, often know about the Lord. How is this?

The reputation of the Lord is spread by His people. It is always through His human representatives and His work through them that the Lord’s name is spread. For example, when Abraham goes to bury Sarah, the locals call him “a mighty prince among us,” by the locals because of his great reputation as a godly man (Gen 23:6 NET). There are many, many more examples.

This should give us pause. If we are known as Christians, everything we do is not only representing our own reputation, but God’s, as well. This means that we should move in intentionality with how we behave and be deliberate in honing the fruit of the Spirit within us.

How are you honing the fruit of the Spirit in order to be a wonderful display of God’s reputation?

Wishing you all God’s love and smiles today, beautiful ones. May you represent Him well!

#jesusfreak #represent #reputation #shoutHisname #godisgood

Fostering a reputation.

In Psalm 8:9 King David writes, “Oh Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your reputation throughout the earth!” (Ps 8:9 NET)

Notice that it’s a statement, not a question. If you look throughout the Bible, you will notice that even nonbelievers, both individuals and nations, often know about the Lord. How is this?

The reputation of the Lord is spread by His people. It is always through His human representatives and His work through them that the Lord’s name is spread. For example, when Abraham goes to bury Sarah, the locals call him “a mighty prince among us,” by the locals because of his great reputation as a godly man (Gen 23:6 NET). There are many, many more examples.

This should give us pause. If we are known as Christians, everything we do is not only representing our own reputation, but God’s, as well. This means that we should move in intentionality with how we behave and be deliberate in honing the fruit of the Spirit within us.

How are you honing the fruit of the Spirit in order to be a wonderful display of God’s reputation?

Wishing you all God’s love and smiles today, beautiful ones. May you represent Him well!

#jesusfreak #represent #reputation #shoutHisname #godisgood

A Christian dilemma--when we don't know what to pray.

Seems odd, doesn't it? The thought that we might not know exactly WHAT to pray for in a situation? We have a God who has all power and knowledge and yet.......we don't know what to ask for in our circumstances. Seems silly, at best. At its worst, it seems like maybe my brain cells of faith died!

Yet, that is exactly the situation I have found myself in recently. When no available outcome to a situation seems to solve the problem, what in the world do you pray for?

When you find yourself in such a circumstance, as I have, I want you to pay attention to two verses. Romans 8:26 and Psalms 37:23-24.

In Romans 8:26, Paul tells us that when we don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit helps us. Even when we're praying for specifics, sometimes what we want is not in line with what God wants for us or what He knows is best. Paul says the Holy Spirit is there to "intercede" for us and help us in this weakness in communicating with God. If we combine that verse with Psalm 37:23-24 in which we are assured that God guides our footsteps, we can see that we are never alone.

Even when we don't know what to pray, we need not fret or wring our hands in distress. The Spirit knows and intercedes for us and God always leads and guides His children. These truths have been massively comforting to me over the last few weeks as I have surrendered my circumstances to the Lord, knowing that all I have to do is ask Him to handle the situation--I don't have to give Him a specific outcome that I'm desiring when no available outcome seems good on this side of heaven.

My prayer has simply been, "You know the situation, Lord. You know better than I do what is best. I hand this over to You, trusting that You will work for Your glory and my good."

When you don't know what to pray, standing on the character of God and His word is more. than. enough.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles, beautiful ones!

A Christian dilemma--when we don't know what to pray.

Seems odd, doesn't it? The thought that we might not know exactly WHAT to pray for in a situation? We have a God who has all power and knowledge and yet.......we don't know what to ask for in our circumstances. Seems silly, at best. At its worst, it seems like maybe my brain cells of faith died!

Yet, that is exactly the situation I have found myself in recently. When no available outcome to a situation seems to solve the problem, what in the world do you pray for?

When you find yourself in such a circumstance, as I have, I want you to pay attention to two verses. Romans 8:26 and Psalms 37:23-24.

In Romans 8:26, Paul tells us that when we don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit helps us. Even when we're praying for specifics, sometimes what we want is not in line with what God wants for us or what He knows is best. Paul says the Holy Spirit is there to "intercede" for us and help us in this weakness in communicating with God. If we combine that verse with Psalm 37:23-24 in which we are assured that God guides our footsteps, we can see that we are never alone.

Even when we don't know what to pray, we need not fret or wring our hands in distress. The Spirit knows and intercedes for us and God always leads and guides His children. These truths have been massively comforting to me over the last few weeks as I have surrendered my circumstances to the Lord, knowing that all I have to do is ask Him to handle the situation--I don't have to give Him a specific outcome that I'm desiring when no available outcome seems good on this side of heaven.

My prayer has simply been, "You know the situation, Lord. You know better than I do what is best. I hand this over to You, trusting that You will work for Your glory and my good."

When you don't know what to pray, standing on the character of God and His word is more. than. enough.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles, beautiful ones!

Sometimes satan likes to send unpleasant reminders that the doll in this picture is once not only how I felt, but how I thought I would live out the rest of my life.

In turn, I like to remind satan that what he meant for evil, God meant and used for good. What satan meant for evil is the entire reason I'm a teacher of the Word of God.

Beautiful one, if you feel like this picture represents you--broken, shattered, in pieces, forgotten, dirty, or irreparable--let me remind you that that there is no amount of broken too broken for the Lord.

There is no amount of broken that our precious and powerful Redeemer can't fix. Sometimes it takes time (because all worthy processes and projects do), and sometimes we get in our own way and impede progress (because we're hurt, impatient, and undeniably human), but one piece at a time, one healing moment after another, God does His mighty work.

Hold tight to the hem of His robe while He gathers your pieces and repairs you, beautiful one. I promise you, He is working if you're turning to Him. His Word promises it.

Wishing you all God's love and smiles today.

Sometimes satan likes to send unpleasant reminders that the doll in this picture is once not only how I felt, but how I thought I would live out the rest of my life.

In turn, I like to remind satan that what he meant for evil, God meant and used for good. What satan meant for evil is the entire reason I'm a teacher of the Word of God.

Beautiful one, if you feel like this picture represents you--broken, shattered, in pieces, forgotten, dirty, or irreparable--let me remind you that that there is no amount of broken too broken for the Lord.

There is no amount of broken that our precious and powerful Redeemer can't fix. Sometimes it takes time (because all worthy processes and projects do), and sometimes we get in our own way and impede progress (because we're hurt, impatient, and undeniably human), but one piece at a time, one healing moment after another, God does His mighty work.

Hold tight to the hem of His robe while He gathers your pieces and repairs you, beautiful one. I promise you, He is working if you're turning to Him. His Word promises it.

Wishing you all God's love and smiles today.

"And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength," (Neh 8:10 ESV).

Maybe 2025 isn't starting out so great for you. In 2024, we woke up on January 2nd with no heat! For someone with neuropathy, that was a bit brutal. Yet, the longer the Lord allows me to walk this earth, the more I realize that while happiness is a feeling that is circumstantial and momentary, JOY is perspective-based.

Let's take, for example, the verse above from the book of Nehemiah, so often quoted. What's going on there? Well, Ezra had just finished reading the Law to the people. They were weeping over their conviction of their own sins after hearing the Law read aloud. Yet, Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites told the people not to mourn or weep, but instead to rejoice! In verse 12 it says they went rejoicing "because they had understood the words that were declared to them."

Perspective shift. They were able to shift into joy because they stopped focusing on their sins and instead started focusing on the God who forgives sins.

Although I sometimes find that life has dire circumstances, a perspective shift will bring me back to joy. A day full of pain from my Spondyloptosis can be draining, but remembering that I can still walk against all odds brings me back to joy. Remembering all the good things the Lord has done in my life and the mere fact that I HAVE the Lord in my life will always bring me back to joy.

And the joy of the Lord in my life is my strength to get through anything that life throws at me. Let us become adept in shifting our perspectives to one of joy.

Wishing you all God's love and smiles beautiful ones.

"And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength," (Neh 8:10 ESV).

Maybe 2025 isn't starting out so great for you. In 2024, we woke up on January 2nd with no heat! For someone with neuropathy, that was a bit brutal. Yet, the longer the Lord allows me to walk this earth, the more I realize that while happiness is a feeling that is circumstantial and momentary, JOY is perspective-based.

Let's take, for example, the verse above from the book of Nehemiah, so often quoted. What's going on there? Well, Ezra had just finished reading the Law to the people. They were weeping over their conviction of their own sins after hearing the Law read aloud. Yet, Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites told the people not to mourn or weep, but instead to rejoice! In verse 12 it says they went rejoicing "because they had understood the words that were declared to them."

Perspective shift. They were able to shift into joy because they stopped focusing on their sins and instead started focusing on the God who forgives sins.

Although I sometimes find that life has dire circumstances, a perspective shift will bring me back to joy. A day full of pain from my Spondyloptosis can be draining, but remembering that I can still walk against all odds brings me back to joy. Remembering all the good things the Lord has done in my life and the mere fact that I HAVE the Lord in my life will always bring me back to joy.

And the joy of the Lord in my life is my strength to get through anything that life throws at me. Let us become adept in shifting our perspectives to one of joy.

Wishing you all God's love and smiles beautiful ones.

Our Savior has come and He is FOREVER our King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Lamb of God.
Thank you, Lord. We praise Your mighty name.

Merry Christmas, beautiful ones!
Wishing you all God's love and smiles on this joyous day of celebration!

Our Savior has come and He is FOREVER our King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Lamb of God.
Thank you, Lord. We praise Your mighty name.

Merry Christmas, beautiful ones!
Wishing you all God's love and smiles on this joyous day of celebration!

Anticipation.

Can you feel it? In my house there has been a hush for the last several days--an underlying sense of quiet anticipation. It's palpable, tangible, even amongst the busy and coming and goings. It is the combination of waiting with a tingle of excitment.

I feel heavily that this same anticipation was present right before Christ's actual birth. I can only imagine the anticipatory hush that lay over the entire world, seeing as how the earth and spirtual realms knew far better than we did what was about to occur and the ramifications it would have for all of creation. The nervous excitment that Mary must have felt as the birth of the miracle drew near still carries in our human spirits across the centuries.

Stunning. Purposeful. Striking awe into our hearts.

I am revealing in this expectant spirit this Christmas season, beautiful ones. I have always sensed that it was there, but this year I am wrapping myself in it, even as I wrap presents. I am allowing it to create a sense of celebratory excitment in me--for the first arrival of Christ, the one that is to come, and for all the things that He will do in our lives until we are caught up with Him either through His return or our journey home.

Merry Christmas, beautiful ones. May you, too, reveal in the anticipation. The King and Savior draws near. ❤ 👑

Anticipation.

Can you feel it? In my house there has been a hush for the last several days--an underlying sense of quiet anticipation. It's palpable, tangible, even amongst the busy and coming and goings. It is the combination of waiting with a tingle of excitment.

I feel heavily that this same anticipation was present right before Christ's actual birth. I can only imagine the anticipatory hush that lay over the entire world, seeing as how the earth and spirtual realms knew far better than we did what was about to occur and the ramifications it would have for all of creation. The nervous excitment that Mary must have felt as the birth of the miracle drew near still carries in our human spirits across the centuries.

Stunning. Purposeful. Striking awe into our hearts.

I am revealing in this expectant spirit this Christmas season, beautiful ones. I have always sensed that it was there, but this year I am wrapping myself in it, even as I wrap presents. I am allowing it to create a sense of celebratory excitment in me--for the first arrival of Christ, the one that is to come, and for all the things that He will do in our lives until we are caught up with Him either through His return or our journey home.

Merry Christmas, beautiful ones. May you, too, reveal in the anticipation. The King and Savior draws near. ❤ 👑

This year I have seen much lamenting over imperfections in people's lives around Christmas. The lament is as follows; Christmas stinks because of x, y, z reasons.

Christmas stinks this year because.....
*My family doesn't get along.
*My loved one passed.
*The money was tight this year.
*My kid doesn't want to come home.
*That friend treated me terribly.
*There has been a diagnosis.

Beautiful ones, the whole point of Christmas is that the Perfect broke in on the imperfect. 2000 years ago at the birth of Christ, people were facing the same problems that we are today. Yet, the Light of the World broke in on our imperfect, though He was remarkably out of place. He broke in because He held the answers to the pain and suffering we were facing both then, now, and in the future. How would know Perfect without the imperfections around us?

If you are facing an imperfect Christmas, I want to remind you that those kinds of situations are the exact places were God shows His redemption and glory. Christmas doesn't have to have everything in place for us to celebrate Jesus--our sins forgiven, hope personified, and redemption that comes both now and later. Redemption in our lives that goes beyond our wildest hopes and imagination!

Let us take our eyes off of the things that are missing, wrong, or less than ideal and cast them on the Perfect One who promises us abundant life, to work all things for our good and His glory, and life everlasting. Cast your gaze on that which is true perfection--the birth and person of Christ Jesus.

"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine." Isaiah 9:2 NLT.

Even in deep darkness, the promise is light. Cling to that light beautiful ones.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles.

This year I have seen much lamenting over imperfections in people's lives around Christmas. The lament is as follows; Christmas stinks because of x, y, z reasons.

Christmas stinks this year because.....
*My family doesn't get along.
*My loved one passed.
*The money was tight this year.
*My kid doesn't want to come home.
*That friend treated me terribly.
*There has been a diagnosis.

Beautiful ones, the whole point of Christmas is that the Perfect broke in on the imperfect. 2000 years ago at the birth of Christ, people were facing the same problems that we are today. Yet, the Light of the World broke in on our imperfect, though He was remarkably out of place. He broke in because He held the answers to the pain and suffering we were facing both then, now, and in the future. How would know Perfect without the imperfections around us?

If you are facing an imperfect Christmas, I want to remind you that those kinds of situations are the exact places were God shows His redemption and glory. Christmas doesn't have to have everything in place for us to celebrate Jesus--our sins forgiven, hope personified, and redemption that comes both now and later. Redemption in our lives that goes beyond our wildest hopes and imagination!

Let us take our eyes off of the things that are missing, wrong, or less than ideal and cast them on the Perfect One who promises us abundant life, to work all things for our good and His glory, and life everlasting. Cast your gaze on that which is true perfection--the birth and person of Christ Jesus.

"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine." Isaiah 9:2 NLT.

Even in deep darkness, the promise is light. Cling to that light beautiful ones.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles.

The Lord doesn't need your words to hear your heart, beautiful one.

The Lord doesn't need your words to hear your heart, beautiful one.

Wrestling with God: Avoiding the Thinking of a Jaded World

There is a reason that Paul instructs "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind...." in Romans 12:2. Actually, there are many reasons, but after becoming a Christian I quickly discovered that avoiding bitterness and that feeling of being "jaded" is a very large part of why we must bank on the truth of the Bible and not the viewpoint of the world.

You see, after the affair in my marriage, the jadedness of the world gave me lots of information: men were bad, sex was bad, marriage was bad, humans are all jerks, I was utterly stupid for staying with my husband instead of sending him to the curb, and I was worthless and a reject. Some of that misinformation I readily adopted and it became hard to shake even after giving my life to Christ.

As the Holy Spirit began to deal with me on my hurts, questions piled up that I had to wrestle with God on. How was sex part of His good creation when it's used for so much evil? How are men not awful creatures? Why should I see marriage as anything other than the opportunity for someone I depend on to abandon me? How do I stop seeing myself as someone who others think can be walked on when I was treated so terribly?

As I wrestled with God on these questions and depended on the truth of His word, my mind began to be transformed and through it, my heart. Men, sex, and marriage aren't bad. Humans aren't either, and even terrible decisions and actions have context behind them. Each one of these subjects were a separate wrestling match with God for me, with my mind being appropriately renewed on the other side.

Wrestling with God never comes to blows (unlike wrestling matches between my near-9 and 10 year olds!). Instead, it is laying your emotions, heart, and hurts bare before the God of the universe and having Him redirect you--over and over if necessary--until Holy Spirit guides you into the truth and healing on the other side..

Wrestle the jadedness out of your hearts, beautiful ones.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day.

Wrestling with God: Avoiding the Thinking of a Jaded World

There is a reason that Paul instructs "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind...." in Romans 12:2. Actually, there are many reasons, but after becoming a Christian I quickly discovered that avoiding bitterness and that feeling of being "jaded" is a very large part of why we must bank on the truth of the Bible and not the viewpoint of the world.

You see, after the affair in my marriage, the jadedness of the world gave me lots of information: men were bad, sex was bad, marriage was bad, humans are all jerks, I was utterly stupid for staying with my husband instead of sending him to the curb, and I was worthless and a reject. Some of that misinformation I readily adopted and it became hard to shake even after giving my life to Christ.

As the Holy Spirit began to deal with me on my hurts, questions piled up that I had to wrestle with God on. How was sex part of His good creation when it's used for so much evil? How are men not awful creatures? Why should I see marriage as anything other than the opportunity for someone I depend on to abandon me? How do I stop seeing myself as someone who others think can be walked on when I was treated so terribly?

As I wrestled with God on these questions and depended on the truth of His word, my mind began to be transformed and through it, my heart. Men, sex, and marriage aren't bad. Humans aren't either, and even terrible decisions and actions have context behind them. Each one of these subjects were a separate wrestling match with God for me, with my mind being appropriately renewed on the other side.

Wrestling with God never comes to blows (unlike wrestling matches between my near-9 and 10 year olds!). Instead, it is laying your emotions, heart, and hurts bare before the God of the universe and having Him redirect you--over and over if necessary--until Holy Spirit guides you into the truth and healing on the other side..

Wrestle the jadedness out of your hearts, beautiful ones.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day.

Wrestlings with God: When the House is A Mess.

My kids were off school for nine days over the Thanksgiving break. Our second daughter came home from college for six of those, and we enjoyed our week off and having all the kids home immensely. This was immediately followed by two birthdays; my husband's and our 4th kiddo, Isaiah.

A particular thing that is guranteed to happen when you have nine children at home ranging in age from 21 to 6, a holiday, and birthdays? Mess. My house, that I have worked hard to keep clutter-free, welcoming, decorated, and clean became messy. Dragging two Christmas trees in the house and cooking on multiple days didn't help! Today, as the kids are all out of the house, I've set out to put things back in order. It's ok that it was messy for a time--I'm not stressed about it--I just don't want to leave it that way.

Not only can the house we live in get messy, but our hearts that house the Holy Spirit can get messy, as well. Unaswered questions or things that we don't understand about Him can cause junk to pile up in our hearts and within our faith if we don't handle them. Just like our physical homes, messes that are ignored just grow. The answer? Buckle up and HANDLE the piles of clutter.

A number of circumstances or hurts can make our walk with God messy, temporarily. However, if we ignore the mess and don't wrestle with God over what's troubling us, clutter will only build up, until it becomes a crisis of faith and we don't know where to start. Often, when we don't know where to start, we just.....don't.

Wrestle that mess out with God today, beautiful one. He already knows about it and He can handle it. Through Him, YOU can handle it, too. Sort through the piles in your heart and ask the Lord what to do with each as you gently move it aside. <3 (Jer 29:13; 1 Chron 22:19, 28:9; Heb 11:6) You'll come out with a solid and more functional faith, along with a deeper love for God!

Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day.

Wrestlings with God: When the House is A Mess.

My kids were off school for nine days over the Thanksgiving break. Our second daughter came home from college for six of those, and we enjoyed our week off and having all the kids home immensely. This was immediately followed by two birthdays; my husband's and our 4th kiddo, Isaiah.

A particular thing that is guranteed to happen when you have nine children at home ranging in age from 21 to 6, a holiday, and birthdays? Mess. My house, that I have worked hard to keep clutter-free, welcoming, decorated, and clean became messy. Dragging two Christmas trees in the house and cooking on multiple days didn't help! Today, as the kids are all out of the house, I've set out to put things back in order. It's ok that it was messy for a time--I'm not stressed about it--I just don't want to leave it that way.

Not only can the house we live in get messy, but our hearts that house the Holy Spirit can get messy, as well. Unaswered questions or things that we don't understand about Him can cause junk to pile up in our hearts and within our faith if we don't handle them. Just like our physical homes, messes that are ignored just grow. The answer? Buckle up and HANDLE the piles of clutter.

A number of circumstances or hurts can make our walk with God messy, temporarily. However, if we ignore the mess and don't wrestle with God over what's troubling us, clutter will only build up, until it becomes a crisis of faith and we don't know where to start. Often, when we don't know where to start, we just.....don't.

Wrestle that mess out with God today, beautiful one. He already knows about it and He can handle it. Through Him, YOU can handle it, too. Sort through the piles in your heart and ask the Lord what to do with each as you gently move it aside. <3 (Jer 29:13; 1 Chron 22:19, 28:9; Heb 11:6) You'll come out with a solid and more functional faith, along with a deeper love for God!

Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day.

Thank you all for being here with me! I'm praying that you have a safe, happy, and very blessed Thanksgiving. May God show Himself to you in a myriad of ways today. <3

Thank you all for being here with me! I'm praying that you have a safe, happy, and very blessed Thanksgiving. May God show Himself to you in a myriad of ways today. <3

Nothing matters, yet everything matters.
Dr. Carolyn Weber calls this the "diurnal paradox."

In other words, this is the Christian's daily contradiction. Because truly, nothing matters except Jesus........yet, because of Jesus, everything matters.

We know that everything matters when the Bible tells us that we will account for every idle word (Matt 12:36). We know that everything matters when Colossians tells that we are to work at everything as if for the Lord, rather than other people (Col 3:23). We know that everything matters when Paul tells us in Ephesians to "look carefully where we walk" and make "the best use of the time" (Eph 5:15-17). Or when Hebrews tells us to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Heb 10:24-25).

So, no, nothing matters except Jesus. Yet, everything matters, because moment by moment, no matter what we are doing, thinking, or participating in, we have an opportunity to point towards Him and serve Him.

For the person who may feel that their days and time are altogether unimportant, everything does actually matter when you use it for the glory of God.

I'll tell you, beautiful ones--this thought has been rolling around in my head and it has been a game changer for me. It has literally changed how I live my daily life. Tell me; what little thing have you done that didn't seem to matter, but definitely did because it pointed to Jesus? I want to hear it!

And may the Lord lead you deeply into this truth. May it change how you live every. single. moment.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day.

Nothing matters, yet everything matters.
Dr. Carolyn Weber calls this the "diurnal paradox."

In other words, this is the Christian's daily contradiction. Because truly, nothing matters except Jesus........yet, because of Jesus, everything matters.

We know that everything matters when the Bible tells us that we will account for every idle word (Matt 12:36). We know that everything matters when Colossians tells that we are to work at everything as if for the Lord, rather than other people (Col 3:23). We know that everything matters when Paul tells us in Ephesians to "look carefully where we walk" and make "the best use of the time" (Eph 5:15-17). Or when Hebrews tells us to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Heb 10:24-25).

So, no, nothing matters except Jesus. Yet, everything matters, because moment by moment, no matter what we are doing, thinking, or participating in, we have an opportunity to point towards Him and serve Him.

For the person who may feel that their days and time are altogether unimportant, everything does actually matter when you use it for the glory of God.

I'll tell you, beautiful ones--this thought has been rolling around in my head and it has been a game changer for me. It has literally changed how I live my daily life. Tell me; what little thing have you done that didn't seem to matter, but definitely did because it pointed to Jesus? I want to hear it!

And may the Lord lead you deeply into this truth. May it change how you live every. single. moment.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day.

Yesterday I walked around with my sunglasses on my head most of the day.

This would have been fine and nothing out of the norm, except that it wasn't sunny.
In fact, it was storming. 😂

It was as if, through the wild winds, spouts of rain, and threat of tornadoes I had to stay prepared, lest the sun suddenly pop out at any time. Foolish, right?

As I laughed at myself a little and prepared to take them off and set them in their proper place, I pondered LIVING like that--living like the sun/son would pop out at any time. Living with expectation. There's a direct correlation between expectation and the level of intent we have in our lives. Intent follows expectation.

In addition, we live prepared for so many things, but we do we live prepared for God's work in our lives? For His revelation on our souls? For His direction? For His very arrival? And are we running our race well?

In my opinion, it's a worthy pondering, indeed. Maybe even every time you look at the sun.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles for you day, beautiful ones.

Yesterday I walked around with my sunglasses on my head most of the day.

This would have been fine and nothing out of the norm, except that it wasn't sunny.
In fact, it was storming. 😂

It was as if, through the wild winds, spouts of rain, and threat of tornadoes I had to stay prepared, lest the sun suddenly pop out at any time. Foolish, right?

As I laughed at myself a little and prepared to take them off and set them in their proper place, I pondered LIVING like that--living like the sun/son would pop out at any time. Living with expectation. There's a direct correlation between expectation and the level of intent we have in our lives. Intent follows expectation.

In addition, we live prepared for so many things, but we do we live prepared for God's work in our lives? For His revelation on our souls? For His direction? For His very arrival? And are we running our race well?

In my opinion, it's a worthy pondering, indeed. Maybe even every time you look at the sun.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles for you day, beautiful ones.

In part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the worry over food and clothing (Matt 6:25-34 NLT). He states that even the wildflowers are of concern to God, so certainly He will care for His children (Matt 6:30 NLT).

Verse 33 is of incredible interest, though:
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need" (Matt 6:33 NLT).

Throughout the entirety of the Bible, the Lord is concerned that humankind, especially those who profess faith in Him, should take care of the impoverished. Yet, in this verse Jesus indicates that there is something more grave than financial poverty--poverty of the soul.

All poverty should be of concern to us--but poverty of our souls is the most dire form of deprivation. To be apart from God is to be a pauper with eternal circumstances.

Seek to move ever closer to Jesus. May we all avail ourselves of this particular form of poverty.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles, beautiful ones.

In part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the worry over food and clothing (Matt 6:25-34 NLT). He states that even the wildflowers are of concern to God, so certainly He will care for His children (Matt 6:30 NLT).

Verse 33 is of incredible interest, though:
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need" (Matt 6:33 NLT).

Throughout the entirety of the Bible, the Lord is concerned that humankind, especially those who profess faith in Him, should take care of the impoverished. Yet, in this verse Jesus indicates that there is something more grave than financial poverty--poverty of the soul.

All poverty should be of concern to us--but poverty of our souls is the most dire form of deprivation. To be apart from God is to be a pauper with eternal circumstances.

Seek to move ever closer to Jesus. May we all avail ourselves of this particular form of poverty.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles, beautiful ones.

"Fill my cup or leave the table?"

The fact is, Jesus presents this question to all of us, right at the beginning of our understanding of Him. Will we allow Him to fill our cup, or will we walk away from the table that He so courteously invites all of humankind to?

Yet, let us not be so immature as to think that He doesn't continue to ask us this question throughout our walk with Him. As we continue to work out our "own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil 2:12 ESV) this question is presented to believers on all manners.

If you are facing illness-will you allow God to fill your cup or shall you leave the table? If you are facing marital destruction-will you allow God to fill your cup or shall you leave the table? If you are facing financial distress--shall you allow God to fill your cup or leave the table? Will you press in to God and let Him fill the the empty cup in your heart when life gets hard? Or will you fail to perservere and leave His table no wiser and far more desolate than before.

God is a gentleman, and therefore the choice is yours.

But may I encourage you to choose to allow our Servant Savior to fill your cup, every time?

Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day, beautiful ones.

"Fill my cup or leave the table?"

The fact is, Jesus presents this question to all of us, right at the beginning of our understanding of Him. Will we allow Him to fill our cup, or will we walk away from the table that He so courteously invites all of humankind to?

Yet, let us not be so immature as to think that He doesn't continue to ask us this question throughout our walk with Him. As we continue to work out our "own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil 2:12 ESV) this question is presented to believers on all manners.

If you are facing illness-will you allow God to fill your cup or shall you leave the table? If you are facing marital destruction-will you allow God to fill your cup or shall you leave the table? If you are facing financial distress--shall you allow God to fill your cup or leave the table? Will you press in to God and let Him fill the the empty cup in your heart when life gets hard? Or will you fail to perservere and leave His table no wiser and far more desolate than before.

God is a gentleman, and therefore the choice is yours.

But may I encourage you to choose to allow our Servant Savior to fill your cup, every time?

Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day, beautiful ones.

STOP INDULGING THOSE WHO ACCUSE.

Let's talk King David today. Even as a young man, he knew when it was time to remove himself from a conversation, rather than argue or defend himself.

In 1st Samuel 17, David arrives on the scene of the battle where he will ultimately defeat Goliath, he has a rather unsettling conversation with his eldest brother. In verse 28, Eliab accuses David of being at the scene of the battle because he is filled with "evil," "pride," and "deceit". It's important to note that David does nothing to incite his brother's angst against him.

This exchange follows: "'What have I done now?' David replied. 'I was only asking a question!' He walked over to some others....." (1 Sam 17:29-30 NLT).

Notice that David does not entertain Eliab's accusations. Rather, he REMOVES himself from the conversation.

Some of you are staying in conversations where you are being accused, run-down, or slandered. Perhaps you are directly in the conversation, or maybe you are at the fringe. You feel you must defend youself, but the appropriate thing to do is TAKE YOURSELF OUT OF IT. The accusations against you are affecting your spiritual health. DO NOT ENTERTAIN THEM ANY LONGER.

Now, I'm all for personal responsbility. If someone makes accusations against us, we should all consider carefully if there is truth to them and if we need to change something for the glory of the Lord. Let's not be quick to write off ACTUAL bad behavior in ourselves. But in this instance, Eliab was acting out of insecurity--jealousy against his brother--and David well knew it.

People will act poorly towards you out of their own insecurities. We must be discerning enough to try to make peace with our siblings in Christ when they feel wronged, but also discern when it is time to remove ourselves.

Beautiful one, God is telling someone today that they need to back away from accusations, conversations, and tables where gossip and slander is happening against you. King David knew not to entertain such ridiculous verbal spoilage. May God also guide you in such wisdom, that you might serve Him better.

Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day!

STOP INDULGING THOSE WHO ACCUSE.

Let's talk King David today. Even as a young man, he knew when it was time to remove himself from a conversation, rather than argue or defend himself.

In 1st Samuel 17, David arrives on the scene of the battle where he will ultimately defeat Goliath, he has a rather unsettling conversation with his eldest brother. In verse 28, Eliab accuses David of being at the scene of the battle because he is filled with "evil," "pride," and "deceit". It's important to note that David does nothing to incite his brother's angst against him.

This exchange follows: "'What have I done now?' David replied. 'I was only asking a question!' He walked over to some others....." (1 Sam 17:29-30 NLT).

Notice that David does not entertain Eliab's accusations. Rather, he REMOVES himself from the conversation.

Some of you are staying in conversations where you are being accused, run-down, or slandered. Perhaps you are directly in the conversation, or maybe you are at the fringe. You feel you must defend youself, but the appropriate thing to do is TAKE YOURSELF OUT OF IT. The accusations against you are affecting your spiritual health. DO NOT ENTERTAIN THEM ANY LONGER.

Now, I'm all for personal responsbility. If someone makes accusations against us, we should all consider carefully if there is truth to them and if we need to change something for the glory of the Lord. Let's not be quick to write off ACTUAL bad behavior in ourselves. But in this instance, Eliab was acting out of insecurity--jealousy against his brother--and David well knew it.

People will act poorly towards you out of their own insecurities. We must be discerning enough to try to make peace with our siblings in Christ when they feel wronged, but also discern when it is time to remove ourselves.

Beautiful one, God is telling someone today that they need to back away from accusations, conversations, and tables where gossip and slander is happening against you. King David knew not to entertain such ridiculous verbal spoilage. May God also guide you in such wisdom, that you might serve Him better.

Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day!

"My time has not yet come," (Jhn 2:4, 7:6, 7:30, 8:20).

Jesus knew the importance of God's timing, but do we?

Although I don't know that humans have ever been wildly patient, considering patience has to be listed among the fruits of the spirit, it definitely seems to become more of a problem as society speeds up. After all, who doesn't love two day delivery?

Yet, when we expect things to happen on our own time rather than God's time, it becomes problematic. Jesus repeatedly tells people in the Bible that his "time has not yet come." In each instance, he is indicating that God has a particular time frame mapped out for something to take place, and Jesus refuses to operate outside of that time frame.

Beautiful one, God's timeframe is the best timeframe. I don't know why He's delaying that prayer, that goal, or that season. Maybe you're afraid of missing your moment or missing an open door. Let me tell you that there need not be any FOMO with God. If we can trust that God is good, we can trust that His timing is not only good, it is perfect. Prayers will be answered, doors will open, seasons will change, and moments will happen exactly when God needs them to for your growth to occur.

You didn't miss it. You're not missing out on anything. That season will change. The goals will come. Stay the course. God isn't ignoring you. He's arranging everything to fall into place just so, in order to facilitate the best for you and the most glory for Him.

If Jesus knew it, we should, too.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day beautiful ones!

"My time has not yet come," (Jhn 2:4, 7:6, 7:30, 8:20).

Jesus knew the importance of God's timing, but do we?

Although I don't know that humans have ever been wildly patient, considering patience has to be listed among the fruits of the spirit, it definitely seems to become more of a problem as society speeds up. After all, who doesn't love two day delivery?

Yet, when we expect things to happen on our own time rather than God's time, it becomes problematic. Jesus repeatedly tells people in the Bible that his "time has not yet come." In each instance, he is indicating that God has a particular time frame mapped out for something to take place, and Jesus refuses to operate outside of that time frame.

Beautiful one, God's timeframe is the best timeframe. I don't know why He's delaying that prayer, that goal, or that season. Maybe you're afraid of missing your moment or missing an open door. Let me tell you that there need not be any FOMO with God. If we can trust that God is good, we can trust that His timing is not only good, it is perfect. Prayers will be answered, doors will open, seasons will change, and moments will happen exactly when God needs them to for your growth to occur.

You didn't miss it. You're not missing out on anything. That season will change. The goals will come. Stay the course. God isn't ignoring you. He's arranging everything to fall into place just so, in order to facilitate the best for you and the most glory for Him.

If Jesus knew it, we should, too.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles for your day beautiful ones!

Mountains and Marvels.

My husband and I have been Jeeping through the mountain passes in Colorado a couple of times. The top of Imogene Pass at 13,114 ft. above sea level is not only gorgeous--it will make you realize how small you really are.

It will also make you realize how big God really is.

I love these verses and Solomon's words in 2nd Chronicles when Solomon is done building the temple. "But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God..." (2 Chr 6:18-19 ESV).

As Solomon stood before the newly built temple, he knew that no matter how magnificent it was, it was not big enough, or good enough, to hold the person of the Lord. First, he marvels that the Lord would even want to dwell with Israel on earth. Then, he marvels that God is so big, so much, that there is no containing Him. It is a powerful moment where the king of God's chosen people seems to realize that even the greatest things on earth cannot compare to our Lord. It's exactly how I feel on the top of a mountain.

After being astounded at the magnitude of the Lord, Solomon begs for such an immense God to listen to him. It is in the moments of "smallness" that we truly realize that we should have no business approaching the Creator of the universe. Who am I to do such a thing?

But the beautiful thing, beautiful ones, is that we can approach the mighty God! He is oh so precious and powerful, and all of that might and power is full of love and care for YOU. He does incline His ear to listen to us (Ps 116:2)! He does care about the details of our lives (Ps 37:23-25)! There is nothing He can't handle and nothing He won't handle if you lay it at His feet. <3

What was God's response to Solomon's prayer? Fire from heaven. Because He hears His beloved and delights in their words to Him. May you believe it and turn to the God who loves you with all of your needs, desires, and wonder for Who He is.

*Pic in my stories of my husband and I on top of a mountain.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles.

Mountains and Marvels.

My husband and I have been Jeeping through the mountain passes in Colorado a couple of times. The top of Imogene Pass at 13,114 ft. above sea level is not only gorgeous--it will make you realize how small you really are.

It will also make you realize how big God really is.

I love these verses and Solomon's words in 2nd Chronicles when Solomon is done building the temple. "But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God..." (2 Chr 6:18-19 ESV).

As Solomon stood before the newly built temple, he knew that no matter how magnificent it was, it was not big enough, or good enough, to hold the person of the Lord. First, he marvels that the Lord would even want to dwell with Israel on earth. Then, he marvels that God is so big, so much, that there is no containing Him. It is a powerful moment where the king of God's chosen people seems to realize that even the greatest things on earth cannot compare to our Lord. It's exactly how I feel on the top of a mountain.

After being astounded at the magnitude of the Lord, Solomon begs for such an immense God to listen to him. It is in the moments of "smallness" that we truly realize that we should have no business approaching the Creator of the universe. Who am I to do such a thing?

But the beautiful thing, beautiful ones, is that we can approach the mighty God! He is oh so precious and powerful, and all of that might and power is full of love and care for YOU. He does incline His ear to listen to us (Ps 116:2)! He does care about the details of our lives (Ps 37:23-25)! There is nothing He can't handle and nothing He won't handle if you lay it at His feet. <3

What was God's response to Solomon's prayer? Fire from heaven. Because He hears His beloved and delights in their words to Him. May you believe it and turn to the God who loves you with all of your needs, desires, and wonder for Who He is.

*Pic in my stories of my husband and I on top of a mountain.
Wishing you all God's love and smiles.

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow Chala on Instagram

@dr.chalabaker.speaks

Contact

bottom of page