good morning!

I am not a morning person.  It's true.  I don't mind the morning, it just doesn't come easily for me.  So, I've tried to get really creative in my attempts to wake up and get going each day; one of the greater challenges I face!  Recently, I've taken to using songs in my iTunes library as my alarm, but picking the right song is tricky.  Do I go with a lively favorite or something a little softer to ease into the day?  No matter what song I choose, it seems to pretty much end up on a list of "I Don't Like These Songs Anymore".

Fortunately, I think I've finally found the perfect song!  Not long ago I stumbled upon "Let them See You" by the JJ Weeks Band, a beautiful song with a message that speaks to my heart and soul, and reminds me of my daily purpose.  It is a very peaceful way to start my day, feeling grounded and connected.  It's amazing that something so simple has proven to have such an impact on giving me not only a wakeup call, but also a daily inspiration.


To see a video of this song, you can click the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJhK39RVmQ8

Photo: thank you Miss Daley Smith

He's got this

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."  Prov. 3:5-6

I lost my daddy 4 years ago today in a senseless tragedy.  It's something that I definitely can't "lean on my own understanding" and make sense of.

Last night, as I was straightening up before I went to bed, I came across a card that my dad had given me.  Inside was a priceless treasure... a handwritten note from my daddy to me.  I could hear his voice as I read the words, "Dear Denise, I'm so very proud of you."  My heart and mind went back in time as I read on, "God bless you for what you mean to me."

Again and again, God brings me back to His promises, and this one has always been prominent in my life. Unfortunately, I try to understand everything and make sense of things in my own mind.  But, God reminds me often (yet gently) that I don't need to understand everything, that I just need to acknowledge that 'He's got this' and let Him direct my steps.  Today, I will cling to His promise!

new life

It's April 8th, which could seem like an ordinary day, but does have historical significance for me.  Four years ago, it was a day of tragedy and loss. But today, I choose to celebrate new life. New beginnings, new hopes, new excitement, new adventures. I don't let go of the things I have always loved, but I embrace the new things I have been blessed with. 

I will rely on God's promises for me.  

“I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you.” Ezekiel 36:27