True Happiness

The Kingdom of God works the opposite of what I may be feeling. God's Kingdom is based on God's Truth. I learned this life-changing principle 25 years ago when I found, through trial & depression & several amazing people God placed in my life, that my true identity comes from God. When my emotions cry out sadness, hopelessness, or fear I then can make a choice to believe them or believe God. God's Word says, "The Joy of the Lord is my strength." Nehemiah 8:10, or "Hope in God and wait expectantly for HIm for I shall yet praise Him, the HOPE of my countenance & my God." Ps 42:11, or "Perfect Love casts out fear,(expells every trace of terror)." 1 John 4:18. These are truths I live by, this is what gives me true life & happiness. I am forever grateful to my Heavenly Father for His Perfect Love for me!

The Promises of God

I am in a season in my life where God is showing His promises of protection, to be true in my life. Psalm 55 is a cry of David's heart when he was hiding from his enemy Saul, and was in fear for his life. "Save me, O God, by Your name: judge and vindicate me by Your mighty strength and power. Hear my pleading and my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth." He expresses his fear by calling out to God in his time of trouble, yet he reminds himself who God is to him, "Behold! God is my helper and ally: the Lord is my upholder...He has delivered me out of every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies." As I go through life, I see the many pitfalls of the enemy and I cry out to God to protect me and like David remember that He is my helper, my upholder & my ally. What great comfort this brings to me in times of fear. Thank You, O God, Jehovah-Sabaoth, 'The Lord of Hosts, The Lord of Armies', my Heavenly Protector!

Denali 'The Great One'

Denali means 'The Great One'. When we were in Alaska, we were fortunate to see the glory of this mountain unfold. It truly is a 'Great One' over 22,000 ft in altitude it's hard to imagine after seeing Denali, that Mount Everest is twice the size! As great as these mountains are, there is another 'Great One' & He is 'EL' the 'Strong One', occuring over 200 times in the Old Testament. El Elohe, 'God of Israel', El Elyon, 'The Most High', Elohim, 'All Powerful, Creator', El Roi, 'The God Who Sees Me', El Shaddai 'The All Sufficient One, The God of the Mountains, God Almighty'. I have cried out to this 'Great One' & He is there for me & in His presence I become as a strong mountain. "O Lord my God, I have cried to You & You healed me...By Your Favor O Lord, You have established me as a strong mountain..." Psalm 30:2&7

Denali Park Swan

While venturing out on an unplanned trail hike, never would I have imagined this hidden beauty so elegant & majestic awaiting my longing heart. Here I was looking for bear, moose & eagle wanting to see the BIGNESS of Alaska yet here was a regal moment & unexpected surprise. The pureness of this swan's reflection showed a true heart of peace, rest & tranquility, unlike my own. Thank you Lord for these gentle reminders that call me back to Your peaceful waters that quiet my soul. "As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." Proverbs 27:19