Eve M. Harrell's Blog: My Week in Writing, page 12

In My Father's Eyes

Mesmerized by the frothy leaf in my coffee cup, my hand shook.  A hundred questions scattered my insecure brain.  As I sat across from this amazing woman of God, I was thankful for the love that our Father placed into her heart.  It was inspiring.  Radiating a hefty dose of salt and light, this woman had a life of experience working with teen girls and I sensed the Lord's press to ask her to mentor me.She said yes.Over the course of several meetings, she shared her great heart for young women.  It was so evident in her eyes how much she loved working with the next generation.I wanted to be like her!When God called me to serve, I was obstinate.  “Nope, already went to High School, Lord, and do not want to repeat!”  Silly ‘ole me.  I’ll just bet God sat back and laughed.  He knew something that I didn’t know quite yet.I too was going to share in the zeal He had placed in my friend’s heart.Wow, what a journey!  Over the course of the last eight years, I have had the honor to mentor six amazing young women and be inspired by over a hundred. Yes, they inspire me!Isaiah 55:10 says, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields see for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:  It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”I love this scripture, EVERYthing the Lord sends comes back to Him.  In the meetings I had with my friend, we talked about how to mentor and lead young women to Jesus.  I have to confess, my confidence in this area was very small.  He saw something in me that even I didn’t see.  I’ve always had a connection with young people, even from my youth.  WHERE DID THIS COME FROM, GOD?  “Daughter, I have placed a calling your your life.  I have a plan, to give you hope and a future.”In my Father’s Eyes, I am the righteousness of Christ.  I am His servant and a servant to His children. I have been blessed with gifts that include teaching, mercy and faith.  All uniquely designed to work in His Kingdom.  By no means am I perfect or even experienced, but He’s growing me with the love of Christ.  When I make a mistake- He encourages me to learn.  When I fail- He calls me to persevere and seek His strength.  When I am uncertain- He teaches me through the truth in His Word.  Keeping my eyes on Him reminds me that it is only THROUGH HIM that I can do anything.  Take my eyes off Jesus and well- complete chaos can be expected.How about you?  Do you know your gifts?  God created you to do great things for His Kingdom.  YES YOU!  I would like to encourage you with three actions:Pray for His discernment and take notice of what comes naturally in your daily life.  Write down what He tells you.Listen to the compliments that trusted friends and family give you.  Write down what they say.Visit SpiritualGiftsTest.com and see what spiritual gifts you have been given.  Align them with 1 and 2 above.I would like to add three words of encouragement shared with me on my journey: When we align with His will, we recognize our strengths AND weaknesses.  When this happens, don’t be afraid or feel disqualified.  Place your weaknesses at His Feet and allow Him to grow and strengthen you.We cannot allow the technicality of our calling to get in the way of our gift.  The gift comes from above.  Remember Isaiah 55:10?  God provides, a purpose is fulfilled and the result returns to Him.  The minute that we grab hold of our calling and make it ours, We are in danger of losing the blessing found in the fruit of our calling.  Daily, we have to lay our calling at the feet of Jesus, thank Him for His blessing and ask how He wants to use us for His glory.I recognized that my natural abilities have been attacked all of my life.  The gifts that God specifically and uniquely gave me have been a hunting ground for the enemy.  The enemy threw out his darts in the form of these lies: - Teaching: “You’re not good enough." - Mercy: “Your struggles are greater than others." - Faith: “You’re afraid of everything, you can’t believe that God will fight for you!"    I HAD TO LEARN that the power of Christ is in us to rebuke the enemy’s lies and keep him from gaining a foothold in our mind. Do you know this truth Beautiful?  We must speak truth to our challenge! Not only did Jesus give us unique gifts and callings, but He also gave us His strength and victory to overcome the enemy’s lies! So how about it?  Can you see your reflection?  Let's go after our callings together!Daughter, in the Father’s Eyes YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image, uniquely designed as a child of God with great purpose and a calling on your life.  You, Beautiful, are a mighty warrior!  Step into the purpose for which you have been uniquely designed and see yourself in the Father’s Eyes!Father, I thank You for the amazing women You have placed in my life to mentor and inspire me.  I lift up each young woman reading this today.  I pray this will serve as encouragement, that You will show her the individual strengths and gifts You have placed in her heart.  Draw her near Lord, allow her to see her reflection in Your eyes.  Help her to see herself as a mighty warrior for the kingdom and give her the strength to turn the enemy away and speak truth to her challenge and her life.  I pray Father that she will courageously step into the calling You have invited her into and allow You to guide her in all that she does.  Bless the work of her heart and her hands as she serves You.In the strong and beautiful Name of Jesus ChristAMENI would love to pray over you!  Contact me below or email me in the box on the right.

Don't Let the Storm Weather Your Heart

We are deep into Hurricane Season.  It is barely September and we have already experienced the devastation of two CAT 4 and 5 hurricanes.  Houston is under water, Florida is struggling with heavy traffic and high gas prices as her residents evacuate. The Mayor in Miami is calling Irma a "Nuclear Hurricane" as she barrels toward the US coast. Add to this the states of Montana, Washington, Oregon and California that are facing the loss of home and life from wildfires.  And now Mexico is reeling from a magnitude 8.2 earthquake and 3.3' tsunami.You may be asking:  “What is going on?”Some blame it on global warming, others call it the end of times.  And perhaps they are both right, but we cannot focus on the “what” or even the “why.”  Instead I would like to encourage that we focus on the “WHO”.We aren’t promised a life free from trouble, in fact, just the opposite.  James knew about trouble and shares some encouragement in the book with his name.Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.  James 1:2Joy in a trial?  Really Lord?  (Head turns on a swivel.)In looking at the weather forecast, my faith is tested.  Joy is hard to find.  So many people look in the face of these natural disasters and find themselves afraid, worried.  Many are losing their homes, their lives. Under water, under stress, it’s hard not to ask, “WHY GOD?”I have to admit when the storms of life barrel down on me, it’s hard not to ask “WHY GOD?”We have six months remaining on my son’s sentence.  And truth be told, we are all weathered a bit.  He is tired, discouraged and can only see the day to day monotony and disappointment that has followed him for five and a half years.  We can only see him every six weeks or so and have no phone contact.  We try to send letters and books; but honestly, encouragement is few and far between.I get the question all of the time, “How do you do it?  I just don’t know if I could endure.”What choice do I have?  The thought of giving up is not even an option.  I know that others might, the weight can often be more than we can bear.  But he is my son, more importantly he is a child of God who loves him unconditionally.  If Jesus never gives up, who am I to do so?But I cannot grow numb either.  The storms of life, they have a way of weathering us over time, creating shadows in our life that make it way too easy to hide. I cannot stand in the shadow of the storm.  I have to instead rise above it.  I have to focus on the WHO.  BUT HOW? Father, there is so much pain, there is nothing I can do, OR IS THERE?Tucked quietly away in the book written by the brother of Jesus, James shares the secret to rising above the storm, “The testing of our faith produces perseverance.  And it is perseverance that will make us mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  James 1:3-4PERSEVERANCE- a long word that packs a punch.  Say it three times fast.  Let it soak in, memorize it.  God doesn’t call us to be silent or even on the sidelines.  He calls us to be in the game.  He tells us to be strong, courageous, to wear our armor and TO PERSEVERE.    James is calling us to action here.  Consider him sitting across from you at a coffee house as he says, “So you’re faced with a trial (insert trial here), we all have ‘em, so face it with your helmet on.  Know that you will be tested.  The storm is coming whether we like it or not.  So face the storm like the warrior you are.  The longer you stand, the stronger you become so that you can face the next storm.  And then, at the end of the day, you can face any storm.  ANY STORM?  Yes any storm.  And guess what?  We don’t have to do it alone.  Now it’s time to focus on the WHO.James goes on to say, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  BUT when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”  James 1:5-6God calls us to seek Him, to ask Him and to BELIEVE Him.Once again, this is not a passive action.  This isn’t standing in the storm and allowing it to batter you.  God is calling us to ASK HIM to join us in the challenge.  We are inviting Him and trusting that He will fortify us in the storm.  We are believing that He will face the winds with us head on.  He may call us to evacuate with Him guiding us through the storm.  Sometimes He will place us behind Him in protection.  At other times, He will go behind us and encourage us to step out in faith.  And then still other times, He will hold and comfort us as we face storms that are just too much for us to bear.He is our hiding place.  We can trust Him to guide and protect us in this and every other storm that we face.Are your edges weathered?  Do you too need a fresh anointing of His Love and Grace as you face your storm?You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.  Psalm 32:7Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.  Psalm 91:1-2Will you pray with me?Abba Father, please hold me.  The storm is facing me down.  I cannot do this on my own and truth be told I am afraid and I am worried.  My edges are worn and I am weary as the storm has weathered me down.  But Abba I lay these down at Your feet.  I lay down the storm, my fear, my worry and I give them to You.  I believe God that You will deliver me from the storm.  I believe that You will give me the strength to endure, the courage to stand firm and the perseverance to continue.  I believe that You will guide and direct me through this and every other storm that I face.  I can do all things through You, God.Father, we lift up all who are facing the effects of Harvey, Irma, Jose, the earthquake in Mexico and the fires that are raging.  Please encourage them, protect them and grant them peace.  Grant us all the strength to stand with our brothers and sisters in their time of need.  Help us all to be awakened to Your call and keep our eyes on You.  With all that we have with all that we are God we will not let the storm weather our heart or allow the darkness beat us down.  May we all be reminded of Your great LOVE as You walk with us through these storms.  We give it all to You God.In Jesus' NameAMENWhen The Fight Calls

Accepted- An Adoption Story

Watching the gold and brown leaves fall outside of her window, she sighed over the thought of another year in this place.  The breeze curved like a loving hand as it carefully set each one gently on the ground.The care of mother nature for every piece of creation never ceased to amaze her as she longed for one of her own, a parent that is.  She longed for a parent to love her.Walking to the mirror, she straightened her uniform for the 100th time.  Noticing a hair out of place, she curled it behind her ear.  “Must be perfect!” She thought to herself.  “This is the one, I just know it!”“What are you doing?  What makes you think they want you?  Don’t get too excited, you’ll just be disappointed, AGAIN.  Why don’t you just give up?”Rolling her eyes at the negative-nancy in the mirror, she replied, “If I just look perfect, they will love me.  I just have to be perfect.”As she walked down the stairs, she thought of all of the hugs, the kisses and the love she would receive.  She was willing to do anything to be loved.  To go anywhere.  This place- well, she was thankful to get 3 squares a day, but truth be told she was just-LOST.  ALONE.  UNLOVEDIf only- that seemed to be the beginning of most of her sentences.  If only she was beautiful.  If only she was smart.  If only she was … lovable.  Then she would be accepted.  Looking down at her spit-shined shoes, she watched as a tear fell to the floor.  She would never be lovable.  Maybe negative-nancy was right, maybe she should just give it all up.  What was life anyway, if she was always asking, “If only.”Looking down the row of young girls, she could see the expectation in each of their eyes.  Each one had her own story.  Each one wanted desperately to write a new one.  Heavy despair began to settle in her heart as she began to compare herself to each of the young girls eagerly awaiting their fate.  And just as quickly, a sense of shame fell as she considered her selfishness over thinking that she was more worthy.All of a sudden, a Light entered the room.  She looked around as she noticed the feeling of warmth surrounding her.  The girls were all giddy in their excitement over this new Arrival.“I wonder who He is?”  Her roommate asked.  “Oh, I hope He picks me,” the girl from across the hall spoke expectantly.Amid all of the chatter, she could only stare.  He seemed to make the room brighter.  Even the lamps dimmed as He walked past.  “Who is this Man that can make even the lamps dim?” She muttered under her breath.The sound of His voice quietened everyone at once.  “Good morning, ladies.  I have been waiting for you.”Each young girl looked at one another with a question-mark in their eyes.  “What does He mean, He’s been waiting?  We’ve been right here.”He walked directly to her and stared lovingly into her eyes.  She began to weep.  She knew deep down that this is the One she had been waiting for all of her life.  “Hello,” she whispered.“Don’t cry,” He said as He cupped His Hand to catch the tears.  Immediately, her eyes met His as she thought of the leaves falling from the tree that morning.“You are the One, aren’t you?” She asked.“Why yes, I am,” He answered.  “I have been waiting for you.  Do you believe in Me?”“Yes, yes I do.”“I knew you when you were formed.  Every hair on your head is known by me.  Every tear you have shed I have captured in my bottle.  I know every step you have and will ever take.  I have heard all of your prayers.”  She looked down at His outstretched Hand and noticed the scar for the first time.  Strangely enough, she began to see her name, as if someone was writing in cursive on His Hand.  “I have loved you since the beginning of time.  Are you ready to follow Me?” He asked.“Follow you?”  She questioned as she looked into His eyes.“Yes, I waited until this moment in time to reveal myself.  You had to be ready.”“But, how do you know I am ready?” “Because, my Daughter, I have called you to Me and you have finally seen what has been around you all along. My child, I have to tell you- the road, it will not be easy, but you will never be alone.  I will never leave or forsake you.  Your calling- it is to be strong and courageous, to stand firm, to love Me and to love others.  You will serve as My Hands and Feet to a dying world- a world that cannot see me.” “But, you have a choice.  To follow me or to stay.  I will accept whatever choice you make.”As she looked down at the other girls who were staring intently at the exchange, she whispered, “What about them?”“They can come too,” He answered.  “When they are ready.  The heart is a fickle thing.  As long as it focuses on the things of this world, it will never accept the FREE GIFT that I have to give.”“FREE?”  She asked.“Why yes, long before you were ever born, My Father and I designed a plan to adopt each of You into our family.  You see, we loved you from the first moment of your creation.  We breathed the breath of life into you and spoke your story into existence.  Darkness invaded your heart and separated you from Us.  For years, you have been seeking that which was lost; that which only an adoption could replace.  I paid the price for your adoption- a price you could never pay. Today I am here to take you Home with Me, and before you ask- I accept you just as you are. But know this, I will not force you into My Family, the invitation is yours to accept.”Her hand immediately found the strand of hair that had fallen as His Hand reached out to hers.“I accept you, just as you are.  Will you follow me?”Her heart leapt as her Hand found His.  Yes, she would follow Him.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                                                                                                                           We all want to be accepted.  In a world seeking perfection, our eyes yearn to fill the hole in our hearts with things that only One can fill.  He sent His Son to redeem that which was lost.  He replaces our loneliness with His Presence.  And He pours His love into a weary heart that longs for it’s Maker. He meets us where we are and He accepts us just as we are.Do you know Jesus?  He is waiting for you.  He has paid the price for your adoption and longs to take your hand in His.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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  John 3:16-17“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “ Abba, Father.””‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:15‬ ‭

Parenting a Prodigal- Removing the Mask

My pastor spoke directly to my heart yesterday.  He spoke aloud what I have been crying to the Lord for five+ years, but afraid to say in public.I am grieving.He spoke the truth that I could never share aloud.  It was mine and God’s secret, only He knew the tears I have shed over the loss of my Prodigal son.  Why have I been so afraid to share the truth?  Why do I hide behind the mask?  Oh sure, I’ve hinted at it now and again, blogging over the bits and pieces of my heart’s cry and God's comfort through the trial.  But sharing the gut-wrenching cry of my soul?  That was never an option.  Honestly, is it even fair for me to display my pain?  I mean, many women will never hug their child again on this earth, what makes me think that my story is worth sharing?  I should just buck up and wipe my tears right?But, I think God has a message for us all, and His love letter to us lays it all out. . .He sees our tears, in fact He holds each one in His bottle:You keep track of all my sorrows.  You have collected all my tears in your bottle.  You have recorded each one in your book.   Psalm 56:8 NLTAnd when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb.  Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.  Revelation 5:8 NLTWe are never alone- He walks with us through our challenge, giving us strength the entire way.Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:28-41 NIVDo not fear I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIVHe calls us to love and encourage one another.  He created us for community and wants us to walk through life’s trials together.  In fact, my testimony has been written specifically to give God glory and to help another who will walk this same path.Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  Matthew 5:4 NIVCarry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  Galatians 6:2NIVMy comfort in my suffering is this:  Your promise preserves my life.  Psalm 119:50 NIVMy intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God.  Job 16:20 NIVI’m considering writing a sequel to Confessions of a Helicopter Mom.  Or perhaps it should be called a prequel?  That would make more sense.  I have had several women tell me that Confessions was a blessing, (thank you Father!)  But, they wanted to hear more.  They wanted to hear the real life day-to-day struggle of this mom challenged with letting go.That means I have to remove the mask and face the grief and all that goes with, doesn’t it?YUCK . . . .The question is, how much to share? Should I confess the envy I have harbored over those whose students are graduating college, getting married, having children?  Should I detail the worry over the outcome of my Prodigal’s decision?  How about the guilt and shame felt as I’ve questioned every decision I’ve ever made as a parent?  Should I even touch on the fear of walking into a prison and being stripped of every piece of dignity I thought I had?  Perhaps I should share the anxiety over his heart and his safety that I shakily lay at the feet of Jesus every single day? I guess the real question is, can my struggle help someone else who is walking this path?  Perhaps that is the real reason God entrusted me with this task?For certain I will share the moments when I heard His still small voice encouraging me that He was in control and I was not alone.  Oh and I have to tell the stories of those sent my way to encourage and pray over me- the specific friend who taught me to “Be Still”, the one who taught me to pray and trust God’s promises, the one who invited me to a parent support group. I will most definitely share the reminder from a friend that God’s grace is for him and ME!  I cannot hold back the life-calling to pour into students, leading me to consistently pray that NOT ONE MORE be caught up in the enemy’s lie. My story would be incomplete if I didn't share how God built my faith and healed my heart through this journey.  Oh and I must share about this incredible gift God blessed in this intense desire to write.  The Lord is stirring something within me again.  I know I am not the only one that is grieving. Perhaps, it’s time to take off the mask.On this truth I stand- God is holding us all in His Hand.Father, thank You for Your promises.  Thank You that while the world shakes and is uncertain, we can be certain that You will never falter.  Your Word is sure, You are faithful and Your promises are ours.   Today Father, I lift up every mom, dad, wife, husband, sister, brother, son, daughter, every grandparent, and yes every friend that has lost a prodigal.  I pray for their hearts that You will comfort them and grant them peace.  I pray for their strength that You will help them to persevere as they trust You.  And I pray for their faith that You will remind them that You are at work in the wait.In Jesus’ NameAMENPerhaps there are some of you out there that would like to join me in sharing your story?

Weak in the Clutch of Despair? Lifelines from Psalm 57

It’s a rainy day in Georgia and unfortunately my mood mourns with the rain.  I love the rain, her comforting drops are a balm to my weary soul.  But today, my heart cries as if the light is gone.  I feel the darkness threaten to drag me down into the depths.Thankfully, this is not a common occurrence.  However, I remember the moments when light appeared snuffed out, day after day.  Today reminds me of that despair.  Today reminds me that there are still those who feel weak in the clutches of their despair.If this describes you, then this blog is for you. This blog is for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. This blog is for those who are in the throes of divorce.This blog is for those who are anxious over the decisions of a prodigal.This blog is for those who worry over the medical report.This blog is for those strangled by the fear found in anxiety.This blog is for those who are uncertain about the outcome.This blog is for those who are crying and do not know the reason.This blog is for those who just do not know where to turn in their despair.This blog is for you if like me; you are weighed down by the burdens of the unknown.I HEAR YOU.  I FEEL YOU.  AND TODAY, MY TEARS ARE FOR YOU.May I lighten your burden today?  May I guide you from your prison cell of despair, even for a day?  May I help you find The One who can bring Light into your darkness?  Can we dance in the rain together as we seek The Light? TAKE MY HAND.I'd like to propose putting on our rain boots, grabbing our umbrella and taking a journey with our old friend David.Even David knew despair.  Yes, David, you know him, the boy who defeated the giant, Goliath?  The man after God’s own heart?  Yes, that David.  But wait a second, wasn't David rescued from the paw of the lion and the bear by The Lord? How could he know despair?In Psalm 57, we have the opportunity to peer into the heart of our hero as he flees from his enemies.  David gave us (3) lifelines in this little nugget that I believe will help us to find Light in our darkness.  Can we learn from this uncertain time in David’s life?I VOTE YES – WHAT DO WE HAVE TO LOSE?  LET’S DO THIS! 1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,     for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings     until the disaster has passed.Know where to find refuge. When we find ourselves in the clutches of darkness, seek the Light. Take refuge in the shadow of His wings. Allow Him to protect you until the disaster passes. Join me in praying a prayer of acknowledgment to the One who has protected me in the past.2 I cry out to God Most High,     to God, who vindicates me. 3 He sends from heaven and saves me,     rebuking those who hotly pursue me—     God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.4 I am in the midst of lions;     I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts— men whose teeth are spears and arrows,     whose tongues are sharp swords.5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;     let your glory be over all the earth.6 They spread a net for my feet—     I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path—     but they have fallen into it themselves.Cry out to your Vindicator- your Defender- your Savior- your Comforter. Cry out to The One who wrote your name on His heart and nailed your sin to His Cross. Cry out to the One who sends from Heaven and saves you. Cry out to the One who pours out His love and His faithfulness in the face of your trial. Join me in praying a prayer of release to He who is faithful. Lay down your trial at His Feet. Release it in the Hands of Jesus. 7 My heart, O God, is steadfast,     my heart is steadfast;     I will sing and make music. 8 Awake, my soul!     Awake, harp and lyre!     I will awaken the dawn.9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;     I will sing of you among the peoples. 10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;     your faithfulness reaches to the skies.11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;     let your glory be over all the earth.Praise Him. Praise The One who is steadfast. Praise Him for His love is great, reaching even to the heavens.  When we pray and praise the One who is faithful, He fills us with His strength, with His comfort and with the perseverance to keep going. Put your rain boots on and join me in giving praise to He who is faithful.Today, I sit at The Feet of My Vindicator as I pray for you, and I pray for His glory to cover us both as we take refuge in the shadow of His wings.Praying for you,His DaughterFather, You are Almighty God, Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider, our Savior, our God.  Lord, today there are so many lost in the clutches of despair and depression.  Abba Father, TODAY I ask that You awaken the dawn in our hearts, save us and send forth Your love and faithfulness.  We cry out to You as we desire Your comfort.  We lay our trials at Your Feet and we ask that You replace our fear, our worry, our distress with Your faith, Your joy, and Your peace. I pray Lord that as we look up and see Your love- that The Light will replace the darkness in our soul.  We love You Father.In Jesus’ NameAMEN

Heaven on Earth

Have you ever wondered about Heaven? I do, quite often in fact.  I have visions of Jesus seated at the right hand of the Father: Jesus looking at His children lovingly.  And yes, I have visions of singing among the angels as we give our God praise. Heaven must be glorious!I once had a student ask me my thoughts on the subject.  She asked if we would sing for eternity.  “But isn’t that boring, Ms. Eve?” she wondered. I chuckled, “No, never boring to me, I could sing for eternity.” (Coming from someone who lost her singing voice.)  But honestly, God gave us gifts of love, laughter, knowledge, fun, music, competitive energy, prayer, creative arts, and a strong work ethic.  If God BLESSED us with each of these qualities, why would we think that Heaven wouldn’t contain all of these things and more? What do we know about Heaven?The Lord’s dwelling place – (Psalm 33:13)God’s throne – (Revelation 4:6 paraphrased)Where Christ is today – (Acts 1:11 paraphrased)Where Christians go when they die (Philippians 1:23 paraphrased)The Father’s House (John 14:2 paraphrased)A better country (Hebrews 11:16 paraphrased)Paradise (Luke 23:43 paraphrased)God has shared with us small descriptions of His dwelling place, but there is so much He has yet to reveal. “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”- the things God has prepared for those who love HIM.  (1 Corinthians 2:9)As we wait, God gives us little glimpses of what Heaven might be like as we experience His Presence and His glory. I have seen a glimpse of Heaven.Don’t misunderstand me, I have no claim to seeing visions of light at the end of a tunnel or prisms of color and light that defy man’s eye.  No, I have seen Heaven on earth.Jesus told us to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10) Jesus gave us the opportunity to see Heaven on earth.I believe that God blesses man with little glimpses of Heaven that serve as a deposit of what is to come.We see it in the eyes of a newborn baby.We see it within creation.We see it as we worship Him.We see it in the love that we share with another.We can also witness Heaven within intercession.  Intercession is described as, “A prayer to God on behalf of another.”  As we intercede, we pray to God on behalf of another.  In John 17:20, Jesus too interceded for the world as He prayed; “I pray for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in You.”Jesus gave us a glimpse of Heaven in His prayer, and yes, it was glorious.This past week I traveled to Southern Wesleyan University with over 400 amazing students for NTS 2017 summer camp. The students have an opportunity to worship, participate in team building, listen to relevant teaching, have fun and yes stand in the gap for one another in prayer. I cannot even begin to explain the beauty of watching a middle school student worshipping; or the power of a high school student on his knees in complete surrender; or the glory shining in a room full of students going to battle for one another in prayer.On Wednesday evening, we had a moment for response.  Eleven students made a decision to accept Christ, and many more found freedom as chains were broken, oppression lifted and hearts revived.  Looking around the room, I saw HUNDREDS of students praying, if not for themselves then for another.  I witnessed God’s grace, and all I had left was a heart full of thankfulness.  I saw our future.  I saw revival.  I witnessed God bringing Heaven to earth in the hearts of the next generation. It was glorious- HEAVEN ON EARTH!Will you join me in praying for our young prayer warriors?  Pray for courage and boldness.  Pray for God’s protection and provision over them.  Pray that they will continue to lift up their requests and that God will hear them, heal their land and grant them the peace that transcends all understanding.Father, thank You for the little visions of grace You give me.  Thank You for allowing me to see Your hand in the hearts and prayers of these young prayer warriors.  Lord, I pray for this next generation that You will grant them grace.  I pray for favor over them, that You will hear their prayers and heal their land.  I pray God that Your faithfulness will continue through all generations to come, just as You have promised.  Thank You for all You will do in this next generation.  May they always see the work of Your Hand and Your Heart.In Jesus’ NameAMENI am always taking pictures of moments in time to remember God's blessings.  But this time, God asked me to put the camera down and enjoy the moment.  So I have included copies of other pics taken during the week for your enjoyment.  God Bless!

Take My Hand

Daddy, I don’t know.  The rocks look slippery.  What if I fall?Daughter, if you fall, I will be here to catch you.  Take my hand and trust me.My heart pounds when I read Psalm 73:23- “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.”  The psalmist is crying out to God at the beginning of his prayer, “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.  But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.”As for me…How many times I take for granted that life is unpredictable, and completely out of my control.  I too can find myself tempted with envy over those who seemingly have no struggles; those whose bodies are healthy and strong.  Those free from burdens, free from illness.In Psalm 73, we read of a man who, like most of us, struggles with the day to day question, “Why do I have to go through this?”  “Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.  All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.”Have you asked the question:  WHY GOD?Yes, why?  God, why are so many bad things happening around me?  Why do I have to wait?  Why am I being sifted in this season?  Why am I suffering?  Why do I have to watch the ones I love suffer?  So many questions, I don’t know what else to do except lay them at Your Feet, God. I am tired and weak.  But Father, You are strong.As we peer into the cry of our Psalmist to the Lord; we begin to see the understanding shine within his heart.  He recognizes that everything isn’t quite as it appears.  In fact, he sees through the shell of a seemingly perfect life into the destiny that awaits those who are far from God, he sees their destruction.It troubles him deeply.We see the grief in his heart over questioning God’s plan.  And in a moment of glory, I imagine him looking up at Abba Father as he is reminded that God is always with him, holding him by his right hand.  Guiding him with His counsel in preparation to take him into glory.I am this man today.I don’t know what comes next or even when this season will end.  But I do know that my Papa God will hold my hand through it all.  And until the day He takes me into glory, I will continue navigating the rocks of life with Him by my side.  His plan truly is perfect.  His purpose for me is so much greater than what I could ever imagine, so I trust.  I trust as I step into His plan all the while intentionally pointing others to Him; because the thought of witnessing the destruction of those far from God is more than I can bear.  I know that this is His Heart too as His Word says that He desires for all to come to Him.  If He was willing to struggle, die even; I accept that my struggles are a mere drop in the river of life.Thank You Abba Father.  Thank You for holding my hand every day.  Through both the good and the bad, You continue to strengthen me, grow my faith and walk with me over the rocks of life.  Father, I may be weak but You are strong; and in Your strength I will persevere as the world crumbles around me.  You call me Your Daughter, Mighty Warrior, courageous.  You believe in me so I can believe in myself.  Help me Lord to lay my struggles at Your Feet and leave them there.  Help me Holy Spirit to recognize that one matters to You and that my struggles are nothing compared to a lost sheep.  Help me to see through Your Eyes and recognize that the rocks of life, while slippery, cannot keep me from fulfilling that for which You have sent me.  You are my refuge.In Jesus’ NameAMENBut as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds.Psalm 73:28Are you in a season of wait and unpredictability?  I would love to pray for you!  Leave a comment below if you are on a desktop, leave a comment on my social media site or feel free to email me @ eharrell@adaughtersjourney.net .

Breaking The Cocoon of Defeat

Watching the sun lower over the horizon, her thoughts lingered over the events of the day.  The feelings of rejection were strong.  “Why didn’t they pick me?”  She asked her reflection.  “This happens all the time, I just don’t understand. God why am I so unlovable?”Waking up to the blaring alarm, she worried about the busy day ahead.  The feelings of stress encroached.  “Finals, she groaned.  God why do I have to take finals? I’m just going to fail anyway!” Thinking over the recent disagreements with her husband, she dreaded the future.  The fear of abandonment growing, she prayed, “God, does he even love me anymore?  Maybe I should just leave.”The stack of bills grew as the first of the month loomed in front of her.  Her anxiety created an erratic heartbeat that she couldn’t seem to control. “How can I ever pay these bills, God?  I don’t even know where the money will come from.”I wonder how many times a day God hears prayers such as these?  How many times a day does God hear a weary soul with tired eyes ask, “Why?”You’ve kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book. Psalm 56:8 (MSG)Our God is not an uncaring God.  He knows every hair on our head and holds every tear in His bottle.  He hears every prayer and He wants us to remember:“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)And while every story is different, the answer is always the same.The challenge is never greater than the Victor.  You, my friend, are not defeated!It’s difficult to feel victorious in in the midst of our challenge. The cocoon of defeat wraps us up until we cannot breathe.  But our Victor gave us victory at the Cross when He said, “IT IS FINISHED!” (John 19:30 NIV paraphrased)Yes!  At the Cross, He not only defeated sin and death, but:He defeated rejection and gave us acceptance,He defeated stress and gave us strength,He defeated fear and gave us faith,He defeated anxiety and gave us peace.No longer do the challenges of this world have the power to wrap us up in a cocoon of defeat.  So Mighty Warriors, break free from the cocoon that binds and CLAIM the victory you have been given in Christ!HOW DO WE CLAIM VICTORY?Let go of rejection.  Stop living for acceptance and live from a state of acceptance.  Your Father has called you His own, a child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made in His image and designed with a purpose to give you hope and a future.  See yourself through His eyes and live in His purpose, allowing rejection to deflect off you and onto Him.Let go of stress.  Stop allowing the stress of the day to penetrate your heart.  Guard your heart and persevere through the tasks he has given you. Soak in His promise that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! Let go of fear.  Stop allowing emotions to control your actions. Instead speak truth to your circumstance.Let go of anxiety.  Stop allowing circumstances to steal your joy. Ask God to supply all of your needs in Christ Jesus.  In a moment of anxiety, give it to Him and ask for His peace.Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  (Hebrews 12:1 NIV)  (PS- Make it personal Beautiful, yes ACTUALLY have a ceremony of "letting go" of whatever hinders.)The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives inside us, but we must claim it!  We must cling to the promises He has made on our behalf and live as if we believe them.  Does this mean that we will never face a challenge?  No, but it means that the One who goes before us will prepare us for the battle as He fights on our behalf. It means that we must allow others to come alongside to encourage and stand in the gap for us.  It means that we must not live defeated lives but rather live in the same power that overcame the grave.His promises are real, Daughter, and they are yours.  Claim them and find victory in Jesus!Father, our burdens are great, but You are greater.  Lord, we ask that You infuse us with courage to give you our burdens.  Please strengthen us for the challenges ahead reminding us that we are Your Beloved Daughter in whom You are well pleased.  Please pour Your Love into us and replace our fear with faith.  Please supply all of our needs and remind us that we do not have to be anxious. Thank You for taking our burdens and hearing our requests so that the peace that transcends all understanding will be ours in Christ Jesus.  We Love You Lord and we thank You for giving us the victory so that we too can live the life to the full You came to give.In Jesus’ NameAMEN

A Dog's Purpose

Have you ever wondered the purpose of a dog?Hollywood and Youtube pull on our heartstrings as they represent the beautiful story of the love of a Dog for his human on screen.Dogs are called “Man’s Best Friend” for a reason. History shares stories of valiant dogs who stuck to the side of their human as they went into battle; while others loyally risked their lives to bring food home for their human family.  Even today we read stories of brave dogs who serve alongside their human on the front line in war and police actions; while other stories speak to the loyalty of a dog to his little human as he saves a life.  I wonder if, in the garden, God initially chose the dog to be Adam's partner initially?  Perhaps the dog asked for family?  (Just my many ponderings that I will ask God one day.)Researchers from Japan have determined that the timeless bond between humans and dogs is due to a surge of Oxytocin-the hormone associated with trust and love that is considered responsible for maternal bonding.Sounds so cold and clinical, but I think they are on to something.When my sons were placed in my arms, I looked into their eyes and I saw something I will never forget:  Pure – Unconditional - Love.  I was looking into the heart of my Father who had placed this beautiful bundle in my arms.  Science calls it maternal bonding.  I call it Love.Interestingly enough, I experienced this same Love when I looked into the eyes of my fur baby Max for the very first time.If I may, I feel it necessary to be transparent here.  I did not want dogs when my husband first asked me.  He had been searching for months while attempting to soften me up to the idea of dogs.  But with two sons who were in baseball, orchestra and band, the thought of adding another family member was a bit overwhelming for this mom.In July, 2005 everything changed.  Tony showed me the picture of a beautiful Basset Hound with big feet and floppy ears, and the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen.  If there was ever a chance that "puppy love at first sight" existed, it was in that moment.So, I relented.​​Within a couple of weeks, Droolus Maximus was flown into Atlanta to meet his new family.  Tony picked him up from the airport and drove him by my office so I could meet him.  As he opened the door and allowed me a peek; I once again looked into the eyes of Love.  Our fur baby was home with his forever family.And this momma was smitten.​​With ears that touched the ground and feet the size of an adult human hand-our sweet puppy made friends everywhere he went.  Fifty-two pounds of cuteness that could stand almost as tall as a human but only 12" off the floor.  Once the initial cuteness had broken through; the boom of his bark would always surprise his new friend.  Everyone knew Max's bark, and quite often his bow.  The thing that most people did not know was that Max was very close to human himself.  He waited to eat, and he always ate slowly.  If he had opposable thumbs I am certain he would have asked for a fork.  Another fun fact about our fur baby was that he was a gentle(dog) that considered my modesty something to be respected.  He was a protector and most loyal to his family.The best thing about our beloved Basset was his love.  He loved to snuggle, to hug, to kiss and when his momma was sick he wasn’t far away from her.  In the last year of his life, he spent every night on her side of the bed (to his own peril a couple of times) in protection.  Dinner time was the best as he refused to eat without his pre-dinner hug:   Human crouched down as Max slowly walked in front of said human and sat down.  Human would then wrap their arms around his broad chest at which time he would back into the hug and snuggle his snout into their neck. I so wish I could have caught that on camera, but like every other man in my family Max did not like having his picture made.So many wonderful memories: Max tasting snowflakes,Max chewing his beloved duck,Max playing chase in the front yard with his human brothers,Max tramping through the creek with his sidekick Belle (after they had escaped their humans btw),Max running to meet anyone who came home,Max bringing his beloved duck as a prize to those who arrived through the front door and Max waiting patiently for the yummy chicken to fall from the sky.A year ago we knew this day would come, Max was walking up the back stairs and lost complete function of his back legs.  Shortly after, the vet gave us the news that Max had prostate cancer.  We were living on borrowed time, but God was so good to give us another year with him.  While slower, he miraculously healed to almost normal and seemingly in no pain (or so we hoped).  Today; however we had to return our borrowed time to the Timekeeper as Max finally succumbed to GDV.He will be missed.Max was part of our family and having to say goodbye was heart-wrenching; but, as we all know this life is temporary.  And my prayer is that we will see him again.God gives us such a gift in our fur babies.  What is their purpose?  They teach us how to love, to love unconditionally.  And just like our Heavenly Father, they loved us first. So today, please do me a favor?  Hug your fur babies tight.  Look into their eyes and see the Love of your Father.  Enjoy every moment you have left with them.  They love you so very much.And please, feel free to leave comments below about the love that your fur baby has for his human.Max, thank you for the amazing dog that you were.  Your heart filled our own with more love and joy than any human deserves in a lifetime.  You were a very good dog and have earned your furry angel wings! Father, thank You for the incredible blessing in Max, thank for continuing to show us unconditional Love through him and for giving us such wonderful memories.   Thank You for answering our prayer that he would not suffer.  We Love You.   Please hug my fur baby for me in Heaven.In Jesus’ NameAMENR.I.P. Droolus Maximus - May 2005 - May 19, 2017

When All I Can Do is Pray

Inspiration is a writer’s dream. Look into the eyes of any Creative soul and you will see a yearning just beyond the gleam in their eye.Tell me a story . . .Can I take a picture . . .I’ll write you a song . . .Deep down inside each of us inspiration brings our heart to life and allows us to share in the creative energy that God has blessed.  What we sometimes fail to tell you; however, is that even in our own life, inspiration through a storm is key to a fresh page.  Do we only see the inspiration after we have weathered the storm?  HMMMM . . .Within the beauty of our own story, the breeze found in the wake of the storm leads us to witness the beautiful rainbow left behind.Sweet inspiration, what a beautiful palette she brings!My calling this year is Peace.  Every year I seek for God to give me a word, something that He wants me to work on within my heart.  This year the word is peace.What’s the old adage, “Be careful what you wish for you might just get it?”  Asking for peace is a good thing, right?  Well yes, but remember that the rainbow doesn’t come until AFTER the storm clears.This means that this writer must weather the storm first to find her peace.(Insert Deep breath here. . . .)In every season of growth, God brings me through the storm with grace.  Always teaching me just what I need to know to persevere through the squall as it passes by.  Once upon a time I would have hidden in the bowels of the ship with my head between my legs.  Or perhaps I would have run for cover thinking that I could beat the storm. But this is the thing, the storm always comes back around.  If I don’t learn to weather it the first time, then I won’t know what to do the 2nd, or the 3rd, or the 4th time she passes.  So what is God teaching me as I seek peace? Seek Him in the storm.As many times as I persevere through my muse of inspiration, I always come back to this same place.  The temptation of fear is great in this one.But my friend, I am encouraged, because fear does not write my ending, Jesus does!In every storm, I find it easier to trust Him.  No longer do I find myself cowardly hiding or running, but now I look for Him.  A very wise Pastor once told me, “When you are in the storm, ask God to show you His location.  He’s always with you, it’s only that you cannot see past your circumstance to recognize Him holding you fast.”So in my storm, I look for Jesus.  I ask Him, “Where are you in this?”  It’s all I can do, pray that is.  And guess what, the answer to my prayer always comes in a rainbow.  Oh sure, sometimes I cannot see the fullness of the rainbow as I surrender control.  But I know that in surrendering my burdens to Him, He will reveal her fullness in due time while giving me the strength to move forward.The inspiration from the Glory that He shines through my storm becomes my greatest muse.  As my story is being written, my Faith is being built.  So I continue to pray, not because I am powerless but because He has given me power through prayer!God is so good!Are you going through a storm?  Don’t hide, seek Him and allow Him to hold you fast.  Please comment below, I would love to pray with you!Father, thank You for Your little blessings.  Thank You for not giving me more than I can handle, but just enough.  Thank You God that all I can do is pray and trust You to hold me fast as the storm rages.  Thank You that “All that I Can Do” becomes “All that I do.”  You are my Hiding Place God, my strong tower where I will dwell.In Jesus’ NameAMEN