HELLO, Recharge Wednesday community!

I am sad to say that this is our last Recharge Wednesday post 🙁

If this is the first time you read about it, please click here for last week’s linkup where I shared the news. Going forward, as we are launching the new Soaring with Him website in July, this blog will only contain our ministry initiative news (which I would love for you to continue receiving!)

Let’s remain connected! My blogs, podcast and columns will continue to be posted at my new website: https://patriciaholbrook.com/blog/ – Would you sign up there to help me start my distribution list (which I’ve had to start from scratch!). When you sign up, you will receive a FREE gift – The mini-course: 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPIRITUAL ATTACKS.

Thank you all, again, for your faithful readership and contribution! And again MANY MANY THANKS to Karen, Debbie and Bethany for their beautiful writing through the years.

May God bless you in your ministry!

With love and gratitude,

Patricia

Here is Karen’s last post:

I’m a fan of summer. Perhaps you love summer, too. While I enjoy something about every season, summer remains my top pick.

Since enjoying this wonderful season is well under way, a top 10 list seems in order to share my favorite things. 

We’ll start at number 10 and countdown to my number one favorite thing.

(10.)  Reminiscing of childhood.

Reflecting on my childhood stirs a mix of memories. When I think of summer, I remember fun and laughter and joy-filled moments. Memory lane reminds me of playing outside with my sisters and cousins. 

Preteen and teen years meant days spent at the local swimming pool and the first time I jumped off the high dive. Another memory leads to number 9. 

(9.)  Catching fireflies.

Called fireflies or lighting bugs, these winged insects start appearing in late June and are seen lighting up around dusk and nightfall. When our grandchildren spend the night, I recreate this childhood favorite by catching lightning bugs and putting them in a mason jar.

(8.)  Connection and community events.

Summer naturally gets us out and about in our neighborhoods, our towns and cities, and attending local events. Examples include: neighborhood yard sales or block parties, music and other festivals, county fairs, and community mission and outreach projects. Also, there are day camps and programs just for kids.

(7.)  A blooming flower garden. 

My front yard sports the cutest flower garden. Encircled with stones, a small tree sitting in the center, the garden showcases several types of flowers. Blooms of stargazers/oriental lilies, African daisies, purple irises, and yellow day lilies. I enjoy weeding, watering, and caring for them to display all their glory. 

(6.)  Outdoor recreation.

No other season provides such great opportunities for outside play time: parks, sports, swimming, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, water games, biking, hiking, walking, picnics, and so much more.

(5.)  Slower rhythm of life. 

Sure, life happens in every season. Yet, for many of us, summer life is slower and more easy-going.

And unless your children attend a year-round school, summer means a break from studies. However, as His children, the good Lord teaches us worth-while lessons when the rhythm of life is slow.

Like resting our weary minds and souls in Him. Or, slowing down and not running through life at breakneck speed.

(4.)  Warm temperatures. 

It’s true, I’m a warm-weather girl. Although sweltering temps and unbearable humidity is not desirable, I prefer warmer temperatures to the frosty digits in the dead of winter. Think about it, have you ever heard anyone say, The dead of summer. Not me. Warmth and the season brings growth and life.

(3.)  Camping.

As I type this blog post, my husband and I are camping at one of our favorite campgrounds in the mountains of North Carolina. Our camp site is beside a small creek. Listening to the water trickle over rocks during the day and especially at night inside our little camper is part of heaven on earth. I hear it’s soothing sound right now. 

We cook our meals. We enjoy a campfire and roast marshmallows. And sometimes go to local attractions. Campers camp in the spring and fall. But summer is a busy and favorite camping season.

(2.)  Trips/vacations.

Our family loves to go on trips throughout the year, particularly in the summer. Though we used to go to the beach in July, the last few years we went in May right before summer officially started and sometimes in early October. But that’s never our last hoorah when it comes to trips. The Smoky mountains is a favorite place to visit Gatlinburg and Dollywood theme park. Just being together makes every trip special.

(Drumroll please.)

(1.)  Long summer days. 

The extended amount of daylight makes my number one spot on the list. In my neck of the woods—east Tennessee—sunset happens around 9:00 PM. This makes for long daylight hours. There are many tasks, activities, work, socializing and more we accomplish when light hangs around longer than usual.

But when my son was young and bedtime came early, he never understood how it was bedtime without darkness. “Mom, it’s not nighttime yet, the sun is still out.” And he had a valid point. In Genesis, God created the heavens and earth. Then, the Lord created light.

The long daylight hours of summer remind me how Jesus is the light of the world and in God is no darkness at all. #summer #lights @FridayKaren
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“And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” Genesis 1:3-5 (NIV)

Furthermore, it reminds me how Jesus is the light of the world and in God is no darkness at all. 

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 (NIV)

Also see, Summer Soul Care (Recharge Wednesday).

LINKUP PARTY opens on June 28 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

1. Add your Link.

2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

@FridayKaren shares her favorite summer things. God often teaches us when the rhythm of life is slower in summer: how to rest our weary souls in Him and not running through life at breakneck speed. Share your blog! #blog
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The post My 10 Favorite Summer Things {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BLOG!

We are in the process of rebranding Soaring with Him Ministries and all Patricia Holbrook’s blog posts, columns and podcasts are now available on her new website. The Soaring with Him website will serve solely to host the ministry’s outreach programs and conference and blogs related to this ministry.

If you wish to continue receiving Patricia’s blog posts and columns, please sign up at: https://patriciaholbrook.com/blog/ – scroll down to sign up and receive a FREE gift – The mini-course: 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPIRITUAL ATTACKS.

What if we set our hearts on getting back to the basics of Christianity and not letting anyone soften the gospel message?

Google defines basics, “the essential facts or principles of a subject.” Synonyms include: fundamentals, foundations, and groundwork.

So, what are the fundamentals of Christianity?

According to the Bible, the gospel message is the foundation with these main essentials:

Jesus, the Savior who loves and takes away the sins of the world.

Salvation, eternal life provided through the bloodshed of Jesus.

Eternity, spiritual life after this physical life in either heaven or hell.

Jesus never preached a feel-good message about eternity. Christ taught God’s truth in relation to eternal life and death. And when we know the truth, we also know that no one would want to go to Hell—a place void of God’s lovely, powerful, and holy presence. 

God’s people, let’s stop letting culture sugarcoat Christianity. And let’s get back to the basics of our faith.

Everyone’s born broken and a sinner. 

We need a Savior. 

JESUS saves. 

Accepting Christ as Lord gives us eternal life and abundant life NOW.

God’s people, let’s stop letting culture sugarcoat Christianity. And let’s get back to the basics of our faith. We need a Savior. JESUS saves. Accepting Christ as Lord gives us eternal life and abundant life NOW. @FridayKaren
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Back to the Basics Scripture

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (ESV)

Romans describes every person’s condition and need for saving. Some call these next five verses the Romans Road. They are great to commit to memory for when you are discussing salvation with someone.

 “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (ESV)

 “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (ESV)

 “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (ESV)

 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (ESV)

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (ESV) @FridayKaren
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More Scripture on the Basics

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (ESV)

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (ESV)

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (ESV)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

Salvation Prayer: 

God, I’m a sinner in need of a Savior. Please forgive me for my sins. I believe Jesus Christ died to give me eternal life. Thank You for Your mercy and grace, and for the gift salvation. I accept Jesus as Lord and invite Him to live and reign in my heart and life. In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

Have you made this decision, prayed a similar prayer? If not, contact Patricia at Soaring With Him Ministries to find out more.

Let’s go back to the basics.

Heaven is real. And Hell is real.

But there’s a real Savior who holds the power of eternity in His hand. Jesus. This is Christianity.

Featured image used from filming for Karen’s YouTube Channel, Friday’s Forever.

LINKUP PARTY opens on May 31 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

1. Add your Link.

2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

Join @FridayKaren as we go back to the basics of #Christianity to remember: Heaven is real and Hell is real, but there's a real Savior who holds the power of eternity in His hand. Jesus. Share your blog! #blog #eternity
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The post Back to the Basics of Christianity {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Knowing and embracing facts about God:

• Strengthens our heart.
• Gives understanding and peace to our minds.
• And keeps us focused on spiritual things.

So I believe all the Lord’s children benefit from these absolutes that remind our hearts and minds who God is and what God does. 

Facts To Know About God

(1.) The One true God. Oh, there are other gods. But there’s no other god like our God. “For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9b (ESV)

(2.) Living. Jeremiah compares man-made idols to the living God. “But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God.” Jeremiah 10:10 (ESV) How sad and foolish when we bow to idols without breath or believe in gods who are dead.

(3.) Creator. Genesis 1:1 tells us in the beginning God created…. God existed first. Then He created everything else, all of creation, and humans in His image. 

(4.) Holy. The Blue Letter Bible shares, “God is holy means there is no trace of evil in his character. Only God is holy.” Further, “There is no one holy like the LORD.” 1 Samuel 2:2a (ESV)

(5.) Sovereign. God rules as the supreme authority, doing what pleases Him (Psalm 115:3), His kingdom rules over all (Psalm 103:19). 

(6.) In control. “For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” Isaiah 14:27 (ESV)

(7.) Majestic. “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:9 (ESV)

(8.) Almighty. “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’” Revelation 1:8 (ESV)

Absolutes That Make God, God

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

(10.) Judge. God judges righteously, tests hearts, repays evil, and holds vengeance. (Jeremiah 11:20)

(11.) Most high. In Psalm 83:18, Asaph petitions God not to be silent against enemies, “That they may know that you alone, whose name is the LORD, Are the Most High over all the earth.” (ESV)

(12.) Reigning King. The Lord reigns over all (Psalm 47:8), reigns forever (Exodus 15:18), and sits as King forever (Psalm 29:10). 

(13.) Light. “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5b (ESV)

(14.) Magnificent. Impressively beautiful, elaborate, or extravagant; striking (Google). “God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness.” Psalm 145:3 (MSG)

(15.) Good. God is good and does good (Psalm 119:68); He is good and ready to forgive and abundant in lovingkindness (Psalm 86:5).

All the Lord’s children benefit from these absolutes that remind our hearts and minds who God is and what God does. #blog #GodIsGood @FridayKaren
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Facts About God to Celebrate

(16.) Merciful. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Psalm 103:8 (ESV) 

(17.) Faithful. “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 (ESV)

(18.) I AM. “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM’; and He said, Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14 (ESV). I AM comes from the Hebrew word (hayah) meaning “to be” or “exist” (Blue Letter Bible).

(19.) Omnipresent. “‘Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?’ declares the LORD ‘Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?’ declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:24 (ESV)

(20.) All-knowing. Omniscient. God knows the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30), counts and names the stars (Psalm 147:4), and knows all things (1 John 3:20).

(21.) Eternal. “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17 (ESV)

(22.) Able. God “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Ephesians 2:20 (ESV)

(23.) Unchanging. “For I the Lord do not change.” Malachi 3:6a (ESV)

Facts to Remind Us Who God Is

(24.) Father. “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 (ESV)

(25.) Provider. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

(26.) Shepherd. Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (ESV) God as Shepherd makes me lie down in green pastures, leads me beside still waters, and restores my soul. (Verses 2-3)

(27.) Worthy. “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power.” Revelation 4:11 (ESV)

(28.) Warrior. “The LORD is a warrior; The LORD is His name.” Exodus 15:3 (ESV) 

(29.) Salvation. “Behold, God is my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2a (ESV)

(30.) Peace. “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” Romans 15:33 (ESV)

(31.) Refuge. “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

(32.) Never fails. “Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” Joshua 21:45 (ESV)

Read through these facts from 1-32, saying the fact (in bold only) and out loud. It does a soul good.

Also see, Know Jesus and Make Him Known.

LINKUP PARTY opens on May 3 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

1. Add your Link.

2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

Join @FridayKaren as we embrace facts about God that strengthen our hearts, give understanding and peace to our minds, and help us focus on spiritual things. Share your blog! #blog #GodIsGood
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The post 32 Facts About God {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

God provided an empty tomb for every empty space in our lives.

Does it ever seem like you took a crash course on how to manage current life that you never signed up for? The sinking feeling of emptiness that seems to linger on and on.

I experienced emptiness from an empty womb after I lost a baby to miscarriage, an emptiness from a broken heart when my father died, and plenty of other empty spaces throughout the years. 

Whether it was the loss we experienced during the pandemic, a natural disaster, a family trauma or inner turmoil, you and I know how much empty wreaks havoc on our minds and hearts. 

Still, empty doesn’t define who we are, we were misinformed by the enemy of our souls.

Jesus Steps Into Our Empty

Those daydreams of shining knights coming to save the day and us. The people we hope will swoop in as a hero over our difficult circumstances and life’s unexpected curve balls. The ones we want to fill in our empty. 

They all have cracks in their armor or holes in their capes. 

But Jesus steps in and rescues us from areas in our life marked: Empty found, Rescue needed.

These are our real needs. These are the areas where a true rescue needs to take place. Like how Jesus offers to fill our emptiness with living water and soul refreshing. Such as forgiveness, mercy, and grace for sin. And unconditional love and real peace only found in our Savior.

Jesus offers to fill our emptiness with living water and soul refreshing. Such as forgiveness, mercy, and grace for sin. And unconditional love and real peace only found in our Savior. #Easter #blog
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“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (ESV)

An Empty Tomb for Every Empty Place

Christ willingly emptied Himself on a cross to pay for our sins and fill the emptiness of our souls.

Jesus suffered to comfort us in suffering, beaten and broken to put us back together. Separated from His Father so He connected us in relationship with God—never distant, but always near.

Maybe our life feels empty from a world turned topsy-turvy. Perhaps our soul displays the barrenness of our current situation. 

When everything familiar seems stripped away, remember the stone supernaturally rolled away. 

Jesus Christ rose from the dead, leaving behind an empty tomb, so we are able to leave behind empty from our past or present, and even into our future. 

Christ willingly emptied Himself on a cross to pay for our sins and fill the emptiness of our souls. #Easter23
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“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”  Matthew 28:6 (NIV)

Empty Tomb: Jesus Gave His Life Away to Give Us Life

Made for more, we realize there’s more to this life. Christ came to give us more…to give us what is

and to fill our emptiness.

Jesus came not only to give us an eternal future, but to also gift us with a better present—to redeem our story and redeem our empty. 

Yet, we must keep our eyes on the Savior who is the culmination of the “more” we need. If we immerse ourselves in godly things, in spiritual things, and even in ministry, but miss Jesus, we miss it. We miss our reason for rescue. 

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’” John 11:25 (ESV)

As we celebrate the Resurrection, @FridayKaren discusses how Jesus Christ rose from the dead, leaving behind an empty tomb, so we are able to leave behind past, present and future emptiness. Share your blog! #blog #Easter
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Also see, Do People See Jesus in Me?

LINKUP PARTY opens on April 5 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

1. Add your Link.

2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

The post An Empty Tomb for Our Empty Places {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Do people see Jesus in me? This is a question I often think about. 

Perhaps this is a desire you hold and pray. Lord, let others see Jesus in me! 

Lately, this hope and prayer stays at the forefront of my mind. 

So I completed my own soul-searching, looking in the Scriptures, and asking the Holy Spirit to open my spiritual eyes to how others truly see Jesus in me. 

Because when Jesus lives in us and we allow the triune God to transform us from the inside out, everything about Him radiates in us and our life. 

Then, people see Jesus in us.

Others See Jesus 

(1.) In my salvation. 

It all begins here. Once we have a salvation experience and personal redemption story, we are new creations (1 Corinthians 5:17). Christ is our Savior.

In Galatians 1, the Apostle Paul recounts his life before Christ. He shares an impressive religious resume and all that he attained. Yet, look at how he ends the chapter.

“And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, ‘He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they glorified God because of me.” Galatians 1:22-24 (ESV, emphasis added)

Notice how Paul never wrote that others glorified me because of me. No, God received the glory for the saving work of Jesus in Paul’s life. 

We have a story to share, a personal testimony of Jesus saving our soul and giving us eternal life.

Do people see Jesus in me? When everything about Jesus radiates in me and my life, then people see Jesus in me. @FridayKaren #Jesus
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(2.) When the Word lives in me.

The Word became flesh, Jesus, the living Word (John 1:1 & 14). Even though He lives in us, the Bible reminds us of the importance to meditate on and know the Scriptures. 

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

And Psalm 119 shows us how knowing God’s Word lights our path (v. 105), helps us not sin (v. 11), gives us hope (v. 43), and makes us walk in freedom (v. 45). 

Jesus is our example of knowing and keeping God’s commands. He lives in us as the living Word.

Jesus is our example of knowing and keeping God’s commands. He lives in us as the living Word. Then others see Jesus in us. #Jesus @FridayKaren
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Jesus in Me 

(3.) If I dwell in His presence through worship and prayer.

Spending time in the presence of our Lord and Savior changes us. We worship His majesty, glory, splendor and beauty. We submit to His authority. And we praise Him for who He is and thank Him for what He has done. 

Also, often this means silently sitting before Him with open hearts to hear from Him and asking the Holy Spirit to fill us with Himself. Still further, we let the lyrics to worship songs permeate our beings and we find joy in His presence (Psalm 16:11).

(4.) Through my love.

Others see Jesus in us through love. The depth of this love includes giving grace to others, a merciful heart, and a forgiving spirit. 

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 (ESV)

Love is the difference maker to all those in our family, friendships, work, communities, ministries, and who we come in contact with. 

People See Jesus

(5.) In my words and actions—the crucified life.

Jesus made it clear, to follow Him, we deny ourselves and take up our cross (Matthew 16:24). Taking up our cross is the crucified life. 

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

Carrying our cross, we let Jesus live in and through us, not living for our own interests. So our words, actions, beliefs—everything about us—showcase Jesus Christ for others to see. 

Prayer: Lord, help others see Jesus in me. I pray that after being in Your presence, others recognize I have been with Jesus. And Jesus is seen in me from the inside out. Help me meditate on Your Word, tell my Jesus-story, love others deeply, and live the crucified life each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Featured image from filming for our YouTube Channel, Friday’s Forever.

Also see, Praying for a Friend.

LINKUP PARTY opens on March 8 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

1. Add your Link.

2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

Do you ever wonder if people see Jesus in you? My friend @FridayKaren shares how when Jesus lives in us, He transforms everything in our lives from the inside out. Share your blog! #blog
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The post Do People See Jesus in Me? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

“He loves me, he loves me not.” I plucked the white daisy petals, deciding the outcome of my childhood crush. A hope in love.

Years later during a Sunday church service, daisies on my dress stirred those memories as I waited for my pastor-husband Mike to call me to the platform. He had asked me to share the long journey of praying for my father to come to Christ. First we watched the Billy Graham video “Hope for America—a Message of the Cross.”

Hope in Love

As I waited for my cue, the white-and-yellow daisies on a background of black seemed to blossom on my dress. The Lord put in my heart an image of plucking flower petals and suggested the daisies that represented a young girl’s hope—hope for love—still covey a message of hope…hope found in the kind of love that goes to the cross.

As a young girl, I longed for love—especially from a father.

Starting in childhood we form beliefs about love. Beliefs about God often shape what we think about love. In The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer writes, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. ~ A.W. Tozer @karenfriday #rechargewednesday
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There may be unbelief in God’s existence. We may believe there is a God but form wrong thoughts about Him.

• God is a cosmic cop watching our every move, ready to bust us for every wrong turn and slap us with justice.
• God is a disciplinary father-figure punishing us for poor choices with stern consequences.
• God is like our earthly father who abandoned us physically or emotionally—perhaps both. We cannot count on him.

You see, abandonment confused my notions on love. And I wasn’t sure what I thought about God. When my dad came back, I spent every other weekend with him. A self-proclaimed atheist, he often said, “People think there is a God, but there isn’t.”

But my mother introduced me to truths about God, and we attended a small-town church in Virginia. At sixteen, when I came to Christ, I started praying for my father to not only believe in God but to accept Christ as Lord.

Though I prayed fervently, I still found it hard to visualize my father coming to Christ. He seemed so hard-hearted…so unreachable.

God So Loved

Sill, I knew Scripture confirmed “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13 NLT). And I knew “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV).

But, when I prayed, inserting my father’s full name into these Scriptures, they became promises. Believable promises opening my faith eyes. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

Finally, sixteen years later, my father accepted the message of the cross. He realized God existed—a God who loved him and wanted him.

Hope in God’s Love

My father passed away five days before Christmas. The holidays that year were bittersweet. My family would not be going to his home for our traditional Christmas night Mexican feast.

A lover of spicy food, he started the tradition knowing that by Christmas night, his kids and grandchildren were ready for a change from the usual holiday foods. Now, my father celebrated with a his own feast in heaven. A sweet image.

God is not the earthly pictures we paint. But, there is a God. He is love. Love originated with Him and from Him. He loves us.

God is not the earthly pictures we paint. But, there is a God. He is love. Love originated with Him and from Him. He loves us. @KarenFriday #rechargewednesday
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And His love is not based on some whimsical hope of the last flower petal landing on “He loves me.”

Instead, there’s a message forever ingrained on my heart. The hope of true love is found in the cross.

Plucking petals from a flower, we can never say about God, “He loves me not.” It is always, “He loves me, He loves me. Jesus loves me, God, You love me, You love me, You love me, You love me!”

And He loves you!

Also see, A Grand Valentine Invitation.

LINKUP PARTY opens on February 8 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

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2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

Join @FridayKaren to discuss how our beliefs about God and love are connected. God is not the earthly pictures we paint. He is love. And the hope of true love is found in the cross. Share your blog! #blog #love
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The post Daisy-Petal Hope {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

“I really need a friend.” 

Have you ever thought you could really use a friend? Maybe you prayed for the Lord to send you a friend in a new city, job, group or church.

Since our family spent over thirty-five years in full-time church ministry and lived in different towns and states, friendship became somewhat of a lifeline. So I usually prayed for at least one friend at each new place.

Have you ever prayed that the Lord would send you a friend?

Early in our marriage, we moved to a small farm town in a new state. Our daughter was only eighteen months old at the time.

Gracious ladies from the church brought us dinner for a few nights and I unpacked boxes while our daughter napped during the day. 

Still, I’ll never forget the Sunday when a young woman approached me after a service. “Do you need anything? Let me know if you need anything.” Her sentiments seemed honest and heartfelt. 

I politely thanked her and continued with: No, we are fine.

But as I started to walk away, I felt the Lord nudging me to turn back around and tell her I needed a friend. With the Lord helping me to be brave, I walked toward her: I thought of something I need, I really need a friend.

You know what? We formed a wonderful friendship and kept in touch when my family moved again. It was a God-thing.

Created for Friendship

The enemy wants us to believe the lie that we are “fine” without friends. Or, that you and your family have each other and you don’t need friends in your community.

The enemy wants us to believe the lie that we are “fine” without friends. Or, that you and your family have each other and you don’t need friends in your community. @FridayKaren #friendship
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But it’s not true. God created us for relationship and community. First, the Lord desires that we are in relationship with him. Have you found a friend in Jesus?

Next, God intended for us to be in relationship with people. This includes family and friends. 

It’s a good thing for a husband and wife to be friends—even best friends. Yet, the Lord never intended it to stop there. Instead, God wants women to make connections with other women and men with other men.

Praying for a Friend

Perhaps it never occurred to you to pray for friends. But we need friends as much as our kids have this need. Here are some examples of when to pray for friendships. 

1.     When you move to a new neighborhood.

2.     Your family moves to a new town.

3.     If you go back into the workforce or start a new job.

4.     If you attend a new church.

5.     You homeschool your children.

6.     When you work from home.

7.     If you are in ministry or missions.

8.     A friend moves away or exits your life.

This list is not exhaustive, but gives you some ideas of when to pray for friends. 

Listen to your heart, it will know when you need a good friend.

Specific Prayers When You Need a Friend

Here are a few specific prayers.

Lord, thank you that you have called me friend (John 15:15). Help me to cherish my relationship with you above all others. Please send me a friend in our new town who is in relationship with you so we can mutually encourage and build each other up. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Heavenly Father, let your light shine through me and become a friend to a woman who desperately needs one. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

God, you created us to do life together, you created friendship. Direct my steps to the friends you want in my life. I desire to sharpen someone else as they sharpen me (Proverbs 27:17).

Lord, your word describes friendship as kind, honest, loving, forgiving, and how the “righteous choose their friends carefully” (Proverbs 12:26). Give me the desire and wisdom to strive for this kind of friendship, wherever I am. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Reflect on if you need to pray for a friend in an area of your life or if you need to pray to be that friend to someone.

Also see, Never Underestimate Prayer.

Featured image courtesy of Adobe Express.

LINKUP PARTY opens on January 11 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

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2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

Join @FridayKaren to discuss how God created us for relationships and community. First, the Lord desires that we are in relationship with him, then with other people. Share your blog! #blog #friendship
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The post Praying for a Friend {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Do you love to hear a good story? I enjoy stories passed down through generations and in literature. And I’m especially fond of stories told as first-hand accounts of actual events. But what about the Christmas story?

Have you read the Christmas story in the Bible? How have others told the story? 

I wonder how Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus, felt and experienced the birth of the Christ child. Or, what it was like to see Jesus grow into a man and fulfill His mission. 

Perhaps Mary’s thoughts went something like this.

Christmas Story : First Breath of Grace

He took His first breath. The first breath of grace. Wrapped in a swaddling cloth, though adorned with royal titles. Wonderful. Counselor. Prince of Peace. Holy King. Immanuel. The Ancient of Days.

The Lamb of God created the star placed in the heavens to announce His arrival. The light of the world.

I held Him in my arms, so overjoyed. Barely minutes old and seemingly fragile. But this baby embodied the fullness of the Godhead. Such power later demonstrated when He cast out evil spirits and even raised the dead to life again.

I  studied every feature as mothers do when handed a newborn. Gazing intently at Him, I saw the goodness and greatness of God.

Christmas Story: Child to Man

Looking into His eyes, they would one day see into the hearts of men. I watched His mouth when He yawned or cried, wonderful, powerful and life-giving words He later spoke. Commanding even the winds and waves to obey Him.

Placing my hand on His chest to sense a strong heartbeat. The day was coming when His heart—broken and betrayed by many—offered forgiveness to all.

I held His hands and noticed His little fingers. The same hands would gently caress those who needed comfort and healing. Touch eyes restoring sight. His hands stretched out to give us love and life, pierced by nails.

I examined His feet. Yes, five toes on each one. I’d felt them kicking inside me. These feet carried Him to speak to the masses, walked on water and were pierced with nails.

Embracing Him as a mother tenderly draws her child close, snuggling Him near to my chest. Yet, His embrace offers us more warmth and security than any earthly mother ever bestows.

How ironic I nursed Him to sustain His physical life, whereas He is the very Bread of Life.

I delighted in watching Jesus grow from child to man. There was no one like my Jesus: His smile, voice, presence and spirit. Possessing great compassion, humility, love and tenderness.

Christmas Story: Calvary’s Cross

Then, I found myself at the foot of the cross sobbing. Why, son?

“Though he was in the form of God…he emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men…he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:6-11 (ESV)

Besides being His mother, I also welcomed Jesus into my life and heart. I worshiped Him as Lord and Savior. And He desires that you welcome Him into your life and heart. 

Because His Holy Word shouts, “Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah” Psalm 24:9-10 (ESV)

(Mary, the mother of Jesus)

“Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah” Psalm 24:9-10 (ESV) #Christmas
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The Lord of Hosts

The Lord of hosts came that first Christmas night in Bethlehem for all who are willing to welcome His glory into their hearts and lives.

Lord, we swing open wide the gates of our life and the door of our heart for your grand entrance as we worship you, the King of glory. 

Featured image courtesy of Adobe Express.

Last week’s post by Patricia Holbrook: The Best Christmas Gift You Can Give.

LINKUP PARTY opens on December 14 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

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3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

Join us as my friend @FridayKaren looks at how Mary, Jesus' mother, might describe the Christmas story from that first night in Bethlehem throughout her Son's earthly life. Share your blog! #blog #Christmas
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The post Mary’s Christmas Story {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

It’s that time of year. We know how the season is supposed to go down. Besides pumpkin pie and turkey, we are encouraged to cultivate attitudes of gratitude. Something accomplished by growing grateful hearts.

Such as these attitudes:

Count our blessings.

Be thankful.

Express our gratefulness.

Show our generosity.

And when we look at this list, do we think of our lives, our family, and more importantly, our God? 

So how do we cultivate attitudes of gratitude in all the areas of our lives, for the people in our lives, and for the God who gives us life? 

Even further, are gratitude, generosity, and thanksgiving possible January through December—not just during November or on Thanksgiving Day?

And where do we start? Let’s use the list in the introduction and unpack each one.

(1.) Count Our Blessings: Growing Grateful Hearts

Everyone brace yourselves. This is going to blow our minds! The Lord provides:

• Basic needs. 
• Our people: spouse, children, extended family, friends, and Himself in the three persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Skills (jobs), talents, spiritual gifts, and identity in Christ. 
• Life: eternal life, abundant life, and life itself…the very breath in our lungs.
• Every spiritual blessing. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:3 (ESV) While it’s not an exhaustive list, these include: amazing grace, never-ending mercy, unconditional and undying love, unsurpassed peace, real hope, authentic faith, unwavering truth (the Bible), overflowing joy, God’s fullness for our emptiness, and the Lord’s goodness, kindness, and compassion. 

If we counted our blessings, really made a list, our mouths may gape open and our hearts fill with gratitude. So, go ahead, make a list. Count your blessings. 

(2.) Be Thankful: Growing Grateful Hearts

Psalm 100 exclaims a thankfulness to the Lord. Look at verse 4, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” (ESV) The psalm paints a picture of thankfulness for God’s goodness and mercy in our lives and so much more. 

And thanksgiving often changes our perspective. Whether life is going great or we are walking through hardships. Thanking God for all He’s done and all He will do cultivates a grateful heart.

Whether life is going great or we are walking through hardships. Thanking God for all He’s done and all He will do cultivates a grateful heart. #thanksgiving @fridaykaren
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(3.) Express Our Gratefulness: Growing Grateful Hearts

Recently, I told a friend I was grateful for her friendship. Yet, when was the last time I expressed those same sentiments to family members and to the Lord? Some examples: 

• Spouse, “Honey, I’m so grateful you’re in my life and for all you mean to our family.”
• Children, “I thank the Lord He allowed me to be your mother. You are special to me.”
• Friends, “Your encouragement in my life and my Christian walk means more than you know. I’m grateful for you.”
• God, “Lord, I stand amazed at Your craftsmanship in me as Creator, Your faithfulness and care to me as Father, Your voice and direction to me as Guide, Your revelation and wisdom to me as Truth, and Your redemption and protection for me as Rescuer and Deliverer. Thank You, Lord. I’m so grateful.”

(4.) Show Our Generosity: Growing Generous Hearts

Our gratefulness directly affects our generosity. Years ago, as I reflected on gratitude, God spoke to my heart. 

Grateful people are generous people. Generous people are grateful people. 

It proves true with me. When gratefulness rises in my heart, I’m more generous with my money and time and service to others. Likewise, when my generosity bubbles over on others, gratefulness swells in my soul. 

Therefore, we ask ourselves if we are generous with our time, money, service, love, spiritual gifts, and forgiveness. 

Do we show acts of generosity to our family, friends, neighbors, community, and the least of these—hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and imprisoned—as defined in Matthew 25?

Yes, it’s that time of year. But let’s ask the Lord to help us in growing grateful and generous hearts all year long.

Also see Sincere ThanksGiving Through ThanksLiving.

Featured image courtesy of Adobe Express.

LINKUP PARTY opens on November 9 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

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2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

Join @FridayKaren for how we cultivate attitudes of gratitude in all the areas of our lives, for the people in our lives, and for the God who gives us life.  Share your blog! #blog
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The post Growing Grateful Hearts {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Have you ever looked for real hope? What if we knew where true hope lives?

Pointing out the window to a community in the country, I exclaimed: “Teresa, my friend from high school lives there.” Another friend and I were traveling during the early morning hours to attend a conference near the town where I grew up.

It’s interesting to know where friends or people we meet live and work and worship. 

But what if we knew hope’s address?

Because life’s hurts, heartaches and injustices often leave us feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Or, our dreams hunger for fulfillment.

Still, true hope lives closer than you think. Let’s find out hope’s address. 

True Hope Lives Closer Than You Think

Google defines hope, “A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.” 

All humans hope:

I hope to lose weight.

My friend carries many hopes in her heart.

The pastor said not to give up hope.

We hope our brother pulls through this illness.

Yet, sometimes things happen differently than we wanted. Hope exists in many forms. But when we cling to false hopes, they soon fizzle and leave us empty-handed.

Women often come to me looking for authentic hope. Did I pray enough? Where is God? Will He come through for me?

These are women in tough places. Hearts broken by tragedy. Languishing dreams with no pillow to lay their heads. In the same way, I relate to times of hard circumstances. Perhaps you can relate as well.

There’s something I want you to know. You are never far from hope. 

Finding Where True Hope Lives

Friend, I want true hope. I’m guessing so do you.

This desire stirred my heart to search for the long-lasting kind. A quest more than just, Come out, come out, wherever you are! Hope with roots in something other than this world. So, I turned to God’s Word.

“For whatever was written in the former days was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 (ESV)

You see, once we tap into the source of real hope, we make another discovery. True hope lives really close by.

The God of Hope

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 (ESV)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 (ESV) @FridayKaren #blog
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God’s powerful actions, the work of His hands, brings hope into our lives.

First, God fills us with His joy and peace, so that we abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

With help again from Google, abound means “exist in large numbers or amounts.” Synonyms include, “abundant.”

The verbs fill and abound illustrate the abundant life Christ promises believers. Leaving the grandeur of heaven, for our sake, Jesus became poor so that we—joint-heirs with Him—become rich. We overflow with abundant hope.

True Hope Lives in Us

When Jesus lives in us through the Holy Spirit, He brings hope near. It’s not just around the corner, off in the distance, or on the other side of glory. And hope is not something we muster up in our own power.

But hope’s something we possess—a gift from God. Our spiritual clothes contain deep pockets with blessings, never short-changed on peace, joy, love, grace, mercy, comfort, or hope.

Hope is something we possess—a gift from God. Our spiritual clothes contain deep pockets with blessings, never short-changed on peace, joy, love, grace, mercy, comfort, or HOPE. @FridayKaren #blog
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We hope in Jesus. Jesus is our hope. He’s the essence of authentic hope.

Our driver’s license displays our picture, describes a few of our physical attributes and notes our address. Likewise, our Christian ID card contains descriptive terms: beloved, child of God, saint, in Christ, chosen and free. Others say; Oh, she looks like her Father. Hope lives in her. 

Does Jesus live in you? Is your name written in the Lamb’s book of life? If you answered yes, then stop looking for hope’s address. Hope lives wherever the presence of Jesus dwells—in you.

Dear brother and sister in God’s family, cling to this: Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

Walk forward in the Holy Spirit’s power, believing hope abounds in you, because it does.

Also see, The Voice of Hope.

Check out our YouTube Channel, Friday’s Forever.

LINKUP PARTY opens on October 19 at 6 am!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

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2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

Join my friend @FridayKaren as we discuss the search for real hope and how hope lives closer than you think…wherever the Spirit of the Lord dwells and in you if you belong to Christ! Share your blog! #blog
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The post Where Hope Lives {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.