Permission Granted

I was in my twenties when I realized it was OK to be me. Up until then, I tried so hard to fit into the expectations of those I love. I trusted they really knew me; knew what was best; knew what I should do and how I should act and where I should live and what work I should do.

The more I tried to fit in - the more emotionally lost I became. I resisted who I was. I wanted to be smarter, prettier, more successful, more athletic, and fully engaged in relationships and people groups. When I realized everyone was unique and different, including (and especially) me - something snapped and I was flung into a journey of trying to figure out me and give myself permission to be truly me. There were many errors. Many. Thank God I have lifelong friends who always loved me through every season.

Do you need permission? Are you different like me? Did you not quite "fit" into your family or church or people group? 

So here it is - delivered by an older one who wishes someone had said this to me many times until I got it. You have permission to be you - unique, beautiful, created for purpose, and treasured by your Papa - your Creator in Heaven. You are loved and worthy for blessing and love and relationship and goodness. You can be whole and wholly offer yourself to the universe of wonder and miracles. So step forward - be brave - take that risk - stand for who you are - and, yes, love yourself in all your imperfections and goodness.

Ephesians 2:10 - "I am God's workmanship."

October 29 - Is it Time for a New Dream?

Change of Seasons in Denver
Photo by Bess Tracy

Have you been putting a Band-aid on something that is requiring major surgery? Is it time to take a new direction? To make a change? Is it time to let go of an old dream and make room for a new dream?

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 - We have become His poetry, a recreated people that will fulfill the destiny He has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it! (The Passion Translation)

September 5 - Unique You!

Just as each bird has its own special song, each human has a special imprint they make. Your voice, your appearance, your thumbprint are uniquely yours. Your destiny and purpose are unique to you. Today you will have breakthrough into a greater awareness of your calling.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

August 16 - The Great Price

God wants you to remember the price He paid for your freedom. It keeps you humble and in that humility is great strength to survive this amazing life and destiny He has given you. 

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Ephesians 2:10 - We become His poetry, a recreated people that will fulfill the destiny He has given each of us, (The Passion Translation)

2 Corinthians 3:17 - Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

November 27 - BE YOU and bless others!

No one can fill your shoes. And you cannot fill another’s. You can, however, walk side by side and help each other on the journey. Your big heart will help you see another’s needs today and you have an amazing ability to make them feel loved and understood because you listen well.
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.