Every word and event is intentional in Scripture to allow us to know Gods Love for us and His character 

Genesis 11 ; 1-9

Acts 2 : 1-11

As a physician I talk about starting with the essentials - sleep , hydrate and eat well - same goes for spiritual wellness - 

Our situations remind us that we can't do it on our own 

Simple "asks and tasks" for others that the flesh may deter us from can bring blessing thru the Spirit - as I learned one Saturday morning.

From the simplest gesture to "breaking thru a roof" , I will do for others as I would like done for me for the blessings and mercy in return are immeasurable 

Thru the Spirit we see that we are all neighbors thru Christ - despite what our common definition of a neighbor is that man has created 

We have learned this parable of the Good Samaritan ( Luke 10:25-37) How often do  we truly understand the mercy we would want if we were the one in need and do we give that to others?

The rain means different things to many of us - Let it be a reminder to be content in any circumstance 

Philippians 4:11-13

Scripture tells us that friends literally dug and broke thru a roof to intercede for a paralyzed friend in need of healing.

As we look at the relationship between Naomi and Ruth , we understand that Ruth was a faithful daughter but also a caregiver to Naomi which likely required a sense of " mothering"

The God fearing Hebrew Midwives who "mothered" women in labor to help build a nation

We are all mothers - entrusted to care for those around us - we have to have the faith to allow the space for the Spirit to be present and guide 

Many times I try to direct my path alone without asking Him. That is when the Spirit reminds me that I am where I am suppose to be 

We can get used to doing certain things to the point that we don't even know we are doing them . Then there are times that we are moved thru wisdom to do things we've never done or just don't make sense to others .

Many of us can recognize someones voice , but having an intimate relationship changes how you really KNOW a voice 

What is in a name - Scripture shows us that a name is not only descriptive but prophetic of a purpose 

Link to song I Know a Name 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-know-a-name-live/1870678481?i=1870678485

this week we will talk about knowledge vs wisdom ..

Thankful to be a part of the journey of my bonus daughter who the Spirit lead her to her purpose - sometimes your gift finds you more than you find it 

We tend to our gardens and our flower pots and anxiously await for the birds od spring which remind us of Gods provision 

Just like we open the windows and wipe down the walls for a spring cleaning in our house , we sometimes have to refresh our spiritual routine 

When was the moment you truly felt God in your presence ,which may have been different form your baptism day of confession

SO thankful for another journey around the Sun!!  This week we will talk about the renewal we are given thru Him as we are uniquely made for His purpose 

Donate to Mobile Crisis Response 

https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/adaptive-donor-form?formId=5a001c1a-6f64-40c9-a9ba-4fe55cefe4de&envid=p-oyAP9mB4A02lzg5Oo2ZDMQ&zone=usa

Pray at all times ! He gives us peace in the storms and the wilderness

Philippians ; 4 5-7

Goodness of God - Cece Winans

https://music.apple.com/us/album/goodness-of-god-live/1550189726?i=1550189769

There are so many that are in the wilderness - as we navigate leading our loved ones - there may be others that need us along the way 

Too often we deplete ourselves as we nourish others whom are broken hearted

Who are we to judge whom of the broken hearted should receive needed nourishment

How do we show up for those that are broken hearted and walking in the wilderness 

memories of a joyful laugh and the rethinking the song by Coldplay Til Kingdom come

https://music.apple.com/us/album/til-kingdom-come/1123076757?i=1123076933

There are others who are in our path throughout the day that specifically need our fruit - how do we know who they are or what they need 

Don't hold back your gifts - they may spoil if unused and may prevent more abundant fruit of the Spirit 

2 Corinthians 9:6

We sometimes portion ourselves in places where honestly we don't have to bear as much fruit of the Spirit

As we receive our gift and fruit of the spotty it is important to not put conditions on who is to receive it . A fruit tree bears fruit to all - not just to some 

As we become rooted , be prepared and open for the fruit  which may not have expected

 we also need to be pruned to allow ourselves to bear the right fruit for harvest

just like physical dehydration needs water , our spiritual thirst needs quenched 

if we aren't still long enough , how can our roots be planted ?

Meditation from Dwell

https://dwellapp.io/+2YY77

As we finish our Holy Week and Easter Celebrations, what do we do now ?

As we head into Easter weekend - Let us be thankful - for ALL of it ! Let us also have Hope !!!! Sunday is coming - He is Risen !!!

Song - Sunday is Coming - (Phil Wickham)

https://music.apple.com/us/album/sunday-is-coming/1736831870?i=1736831874 

Our sense of touch allows us to connect with the world and each other 

Our sense of taste and smell allow us to be can be a reminder of Gods provisions to us 

Yes ,we listen with our ears but we also need to listen with our hearts as well 

As we are created in Gods image , we have been given our senses to truly appreciate the beauty of the world He has created - our vision to see what is seen and what can't be seen .

Melissa was a Dominican Sister for years before hearing the spirit call her in a different ministry thru music and following the daily joy in the world around her.

Follow her on Facebook for her daily positive posts 

https://www.facebook.com/share/18FpNBNvfF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Personal VLOG link: 

https://eyeofthebeholder.home.blog/2026/02/19/lenten-joy/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQ2jsNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe9gKpd4TV--UJuPJc5D8EYDnoHRrbWbki_8kUDWBx1yPfBF5NyT9If5i87Jo_aem_AEqeoN1e4Nhz74GNX4l4yQ

My grandson reminds me daily the joy of just wanting to be loved and picked up ! Do we show the same joy to our Savior ?

Song - Every Day - by Dave Matthews Band 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/everyday/270571926?i=270571939

There is a way to do it all everyday - to be thankful, grateful,remember, and keep your hearts intentions clean - we can simply pray

Philippians 4 :4-7 

Just like we work to keep our physical space  - Cleaning your spiritual house a little everyday can keep you in step with the Spirit 

Setting reminders to remember Gods faithfulness to us and to be thankful as a part of our day to keep us on our path 

Link to Tim Ross The Basement "Are you drifting"

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-basement-with-tim-ross/id1632851388?i=1000755995305

Bible verse - Deuteronomy 6: 5-9 

What is the difference between being thankful and grateful - being both can set the tone for your day 

God gives us not only what we need but who we need .. thankful for all those He has put in my life !

Humble me - by Norah Jones 

Link to The Leaders Cut with Preston Morrison :

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leaders-cut-with-preston-morrison/id1680852632?i=1000754842694

My failed marriages -- yes plural - humbled me in a way to realize I am not a perfect partner and the need for Him in my relationship 

DO I work to seek validation form others ? or Do I work understanding that it is thru the gifts I have been given for my purpose ?

Sometimes we need a timeout as we can be humbled thru our relationships with our children

There are many ways that God Humbles us .. and lets us know we are not in control ..but should be faithful and prepare 

Scripture this week - Deuteronomy 8 : 2-10 

We all need Rest!!! Sometimes God gives it to us in a way we need more so than in a way we want ! 

Traveling to a new place can be exhilarating and a reminder of how vast the world is and that we are uniquely made . Don't let the Deceiver make you believe otherwise 

Traveling where no one knows who you are can be a great test of ones integrity and how we truly walk with the spirit 

As much as one has to pack themselves to leave , there is also the process and preparation of leaving home. 

Traveling reminds me of how we need to prepare and pack lite for we do not know when the day is coming .

The perfect place to Let God Be God

What steals our Joy ? How we walk thru our ordinary day with Spiritual Vision can reclaim our joy and allow us to SHINE

How do we choose joy - intentionally and consistently - even in those times of tension.

How do we rejoice for each day God has given us ? Even if it is filled with sorrow.

Everyone one of us have a testimony  - a story of our walk of faith - just like all those who were tasked to rebuild the wall in Nehemiah - every story is unique and matters

Katie Jasmon uses her "shine " and God given gifts to support others as they navigate their mental health with counseling which is faith based

Her Go to Scripture with Clients  : Mark 4 :35-41 

Link to Living Hope Counseling center 

https://livinghopecounselingcenter.org/

"Even a Blind man knows when the sun is shining"

Self Control to exude the fruit of the Spirit is just as powerful as avoiding the impulse of temptation and the flesh . Exude kindness, gentleness ,patience etc even when you don't need or have to - 

We see many moments in Scripture the lack of Self control - much like the character Veruca Salt in that childhood movie Willy Wonka.Lets make sure we aren't like her but also we aren't encouraging others to be like her 

Stepping off the path of least resistance and forging a new path as you walk with the spirit takes self control - restraint and resolve 

We can get the nudges from the Spirit anywhere and anytime .How the words of bartender reminded me of a beautiful story in scripture .

So how did I get here - 4 am making podcasts in my closet or kitchen table - Listen in on my journey to all of you 

Too often we are waiting for the AHA moment of what is our purpose - which may be in the small , in the daily , and the ordinary 

Patience in a scarcity mentality is hard - Daily Manna even now assures us of His provision

Too often we concentrate on the transactional aspects of Lent as well as in our relationships with Him and each other - Lets concentrate on the transformation of the season

Forgiveness sows the fruit of Peace

Lent is upon us - there are many ways to recognize these next 40 days - what is your plan ?

Heather is an instructor with Revelation Wellness 217 at Cherry Hills Baptist Church where she intersects physical and spiritual wellness .

here are the links 

Revelation Wellness 217 - at Cheery Hills Baptist Church 

https://www.facebook.com/revwell217/

and to Revelation Wellness national organization

RevelationWellness.org 

Interview with Leigh Steiner who practices as a Doula for end of life transitions - Leigh talks about her journey and the practice of using her gift to help others during this difficult time 

For more insight into Leigh and her impact on our community link the article below :

https://www.illinoistimes.com/special-issues/leigh-steiner-reflects-on-our-town-16984373/

Now we need to Listen - but what exactly will we hear ? How will we know ? 

Now that we are still , lets seek a relationship with the Spirit to be guided in our gifts 

The first thing we need to learn is to Be Still ...

What is it to be the Lamp upon the Lampstand  - in scripture 

How do we make people feel when they are in our presence - and what essence of us do they take away with them

Be intentional and practice on the daily - no matter how it is received

Are we nurturing our fruit of the Spirit with the Sun /Son and water /the Living Water 

Our inability to truly see ourselves as God has created us to be began in Genesis 3 

 our perception of our gifts may not be Gods true gift he has given us

This little light of Mine ! Introduction to SHINE