Does Your Life Feel Cracked?

 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well. (Psalm 139:14, NKJV)

A few months ago, I leaned down to pick something up in the church parking lot not knowing what it was. On further examination, I realized it was a piece of jewelry. But, there was a problem. The bracelet had a crack directly in the center. I'd never known jewelry to do that before-just crack right down the middle. But there it was. That got me thinking about our lives. We go through things in life that make us fragil-it may make us crack under the weight and pressure. But, my friend Carolyn Knefley said it best. She says: "Teacups are like lives, some are beautiful while others cracked, but they're all worthy just because they were made." Though the bracelet wasn't a teapot, it's the same principle. Do you feel like your life is cracked? Let me encourage you ladies, God made you, so you're worthy. It doesn't matter what you're going through, it doesn't matter how bad the pain. You're worthy just because you were made.

Father, I ask You to give each reader the strength to get through what she's going through. No matter what the pain, no matter the discouragement, calm her heart. Calm her fears. Most of all Lord, remind her just how worthy she is. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

An Identity Crisis

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9,

NKJV)

"The royal air is here!" Those were news reports several years as Prince Charles and Kate welcomed their first child into the world. The media-both national and international were on the edge of their seats wondering when the big moment would finally arrive. And when it did, every news network and magazine reporter were there to capture it.

Have you ever felt like you weren't as important as the world's definition of royalty? Let me encourage you with some fantastic news. God says you are more important than anything going on in this world! Ladies, you were so important to the Lord that He sent His son to die

for you! In this verse, we're reminded of a few names that God has for us. He calls us a royal priesthood, a chosen people! Did you get that? He chose you! My sister, what is it you're struggling with today? Your identity is only found in one person, one place. Jesus!

Father, I pray for each reader. Help her realize her identity is only found in You. Show her that as special some people may think worldly royalty is, You see her as so much more. In Jesus Name, Amen.

A Shining Light

By Jamie Britt
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Mathew 5:16, NKJV)

"You have stage 4 ovarian cancer."

Those are words no woman ever wants to hear. But, those are the words my dear friend Shirley Lee

heard 5 years ago. She immediately had surgery and began aggressive chemo treatments. Ultimately though, the surgeries and treatments still didn't save her life.

I first met Shirley at a retreat last March. Until I was told by someone else, I never had a clue Shirley had cancer. That's not something she immediately shared. It's not that she was in denial about it, she just didn't want everyone focusing on that one thing. She didn't let the cancer define her, she let Christ define her. Shirley was a perfect example of this verse. She did let her light shine. When you were around Shirley, you knew the presence of God was in the room. She exuded it. What is it you're going through today? Is it cancer? Job loss? Marital problems? Let me encourage you, be like Shirley. Let your light shine. Be like the shirt someone had made in her honor that says "Shirley shines." Today, shine that light and shine it brightly. By the way, Shirley didn't lose her battle to cancer, she won her victory crown!

Father, thank You for Shirley and her life. I ask that You minister to each reader right where they are. Lord if they're facing what Shirley faced, give them the strength to shine Your light to the world. In Jesus name, Amen.