Never Alone: The God Who Sees

This beautiful song and video by Kathie Lee Gifford and Nicole C. Mullens contains a powerful message.

God saw the burdens of Hagar, Ruth, David, and Mary Magdalene. And He sees ours, as well. No pain is too deep for the Great Physician to heal.

Trust Him. He sees.

 

May you be blessed as you reflect on the One Who knows you best.

Joyfully,

Leigh Ann 🙂

Winter Evening Reads

resized_reading_by_the_fire_books_istockOh, wintertide. I try to love you. I really do. My heart bravely endures the 1.7 days of southern snow and sleet each year, and I semi-cheerfully add a layer of long sleeves to battle the onslaught of below-fifty-degree air.

The struggle is real. I mean, I’m a southern gal for a reason. In fact, could we pause for a minute of sincere silence for the joys of flip-flops, shorts, and sitting on the front porch until 9pm?

Thanks. I just, um, needed a moment.

There is a bright spot in these long winter evenings. We can stoke the fire and curl up with a good book, article, or blogpost. So, while we wait for the much-beloved early signs of spring, grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, light a candle or throw a log on the fire, and grab your favorite blanket. Check out a few favorites I’ve enjoyed these past weeks. Happy reading! Continue reading

Christmas Inspiration

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

Jesus-Mary-Joseph-manger-scene

Oh, what a beautiful season—a time set aside to focus on the incredible gift of Jesus. My prayer is that each of us may enjoy a few quiet moments to worship the One Who loved us enough to send His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

I hope you enjoy the following links to inspirational Christmas reads. Merry Christmas from Heart Undivided!

God’s Sacrifice, My Gift by Marcy Martin

Christmas, Purpose, and Love

20 Simple Ways to Offer the Love of Christ this Christmas by Cathy Baker

Joseph, Did You Know? by Sylvia Schroeder

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7).

Christmas blessings and joy,

Leigh Ann 🙂

 

(photo from Bing Images)

Perspective and Praise

Sedona4

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
    Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
    Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set,
    or who laid its cornerstone—
while the morning stars sang together
    and all the angels shouted for joy?

Who shut up the sea behind doors
    when it burst forth from the womb,
when I made the clouds its garment
    and wrapped it in thick darkness,
when I fixed limits for it
    and set its doors and bars in place,
when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther;
    here is where your proud waves halt’?

Have you ever given orders to the morning,
    or shown the dawn its place,
that it might take the earth by the edges
    and shake the wicked out of it?
The earth takes shape like clay under a seal;
    its features stand out like those of a garment.
The wicked are denied their light,
    and their upraised arm is broken.

Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea
or walked in the recesses of the deep?
Have the gates of death been shown to you?
Have you seen the gates of the deepest darkness?
Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth?
Tell me, if you know all this.”

Job 38:4-18

***

Oh Father, Your long-ago words to Job humble me today. I am in awe of Your majesty! I lift my voice in the song of David,

Praise the Lord, you his angels,
    you mighty ones who do his bidding,
    who obey his word.
Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
    you his servants who do his will.
Praise the Lord, all his works
    everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

Psalm 103:20-22

Have a  blessed week as you consider the magnificence of our Creator God!

Joyfully,

Leigh Ann 🙂

(Photo taken in the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona)

Where Do I Run?

fortified tower

Father God, when the world seems to shift beneath my feet, thank you for being my anchor and my fortified tower. I know my only righteousness is in Jesus—in His sacrifice on the cross. When I’m frightened and overwhelmed, and everything in me wants to run, may I fly to You. Thank you, Father, for Your love and for the sacred safety of abiding with You.

Have a blessed week as you take soul-rest in the righteousness of Christ.

Joyfully,

Leigh Ann 🙂

Inspiring Reads

flowers3

Yay, spring! Finally.

The season’s beauty beckons us to leave winter’s hibernation behind. We’ve entered that most exquisite of times—the days grow a touch longer and warmer, yet summer’s heat remains a few weeks away.

Outdoors is the place to be.

But after a busy day absorbing our quota of vitamin D, the evening awaits—and so does a lot of great reading.

Check out the following links to articles and sites I continue to enjoy. Some are new discoveries and others are regular go-tos.

And if you have sites to recommend, let us know in the comments.

Happy reading! Continue reading

The Thread of Hope

God in the Dark Template no copy

As you go about your day, each step is weighted, and placing one foot in front of the other requires intense effort.  A smile may graze your lips, but it fails to reach your eyes.

Your heart carries the burdens of life—disappointment, loss, betrayal. You want to reach for the light. You want to feel healthy and whole.

You long to live. To breathe.

But you feel mired in a never-ending river of muck. Life seems…dark. And no matter how hard you search, you can’t find the blasted light switch. Continue reading

Gentle Rain or a Hailstorm?

stormpic

I gave the last of three kisses goodnight to the sweet objects of my exhaustion and shuffled down the hallway toward freedom. My evening plans centered on a bowl of popcorn and a few hours of mindless television.

The day had been a whirlwind of errands, mounds of laundry, sibling squabbles, and endless cleaning. This mama was clocking out.

As I slipped into my end-of-day sweatpants and t-shirt, my gaze fell on my Bible and devotional journal. With a groan, I surrendered to the stab of guilt and settled in for a few minutes of “quality” quiet time.

(Click to continue)

I’m thankful for the opportunity to write an article for the Just 18 Summers parenting website. Hop on over to Just18Summers.com to read more!

Have a blessed week!

Joyfully,

Leigh Ann

A Reminder of Our Worth

valueGod’s idea of our worth is vastly different from the world’s view. If we’re to believe the messages that pour from print and social media, we need to be smart, strong, thin, successful, and wealthy to have a place of value.

I’m so thankful to serve a God Who loves and treasures us like we are!

When we’ve gained a few pounds and we’re doing a great job of self-recrimination—God sees the deepest places of our hearts and draws us to Him.

When our lives never measure up to someone else’s Facebook highlight reel—God whispers His love and faithfulness and calls us to seek Him only.

When we wonder if we matter, if what we do ever makes a difference—God reminds us that we are His, the apple of His eye, His cherished one, here for moments such as this.

Need more reassurance? Meditate on these verses and see if your heart doesn’t quicken with hope: Continue reading

Merry Christmas!

Gift Rapt1

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end (Isaiah 9:6-7).

***

Have a blessed Holy Season as you worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!