Category: <span>thoughts by Alisha Ritchie</span>


“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and will all your mind and with all your strength.”  Mark 12:30 (NIV)


Over summer vacation, my daughter loves tie-dying tee shirts.   We anticipate this activity as it has become one of our favorite traditions to do together while staying at the beach.  Finally the day arrives for Abby to use her creative skills by designing a unique shirt she will cherish for a long time to come.

She decides on the pin-wheel design and I help her place rubber bands tightly on the dampened shirt.  Abby quickly picks green and blue, her favorites, as the colors of choice for the shirt and begins squeezing the vibrant colors out of the bottles.  At first, she squeezes out only a small amount of the dye but then quickly decides this isn’t to her liking.

My daughter continues squirting more and more color onto the article of clothing.

Be careful, Abby.  You don’t want to use so much dye that it all just runs together.  Then it will just make a blurry mess,” I warn.

But she doesn’t heed my warning.  Abby proceeds to squeeze, pour, and drop the colors onto her shirt, saturating every available fiber of material.  Finally, she uses every single drop of pigment in the bottle and is satisfied with her creation.  She has so much dye on the shirt it drips heavily as we place it in a plastic bag for safe keeping for the next twenty-four hours.

As it turns out, Abby knows best when it comes to tie-dying shirts.  Her new article of clothing turns out to be a magnificent, saturated work of art.  The blue and green colors swirl perfectly together making wonderful circular patterns all over the garment.  The pigments flow beautifully together creating a sea of endless pinwheels dancing in unison with each other.  It is absolutely gorgeous.

While thinking about the tie-dying adventure, I marvel at how much Abby’s soaked tee shirt reminds me of how I want my heart to be.  I desire my heart and soul to be completely saturated with God’s words by studying, pondering, reflecting, and praying over the Scriptures.

I aspire my heart will be like the shirt, soaking up all the spiritual dye the Bible has to offer.  I want to be totally absorbent, like a sponge of sorts, with no tissue of my heart left untouched by God’s presence and love.  Only then, when I am totally immersed, can I become the masterpiece God created me to be.  As my heart is saturated with God’s words, wisdom, and guidance, I can’t help but drip out His unceasing love onto others by my thoughts, actions, and speech.  A saturated heart for the Lord is surely God’s most treasured work of art.

Is your heart fully saturated for the Lord?

How can your heart “drip” love onto the relationships in your life today?

Heavenly Father, You are my Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, and Friend.  Thank You for giving me a heart that loves You and desires to be close to You.  Place an urgency in me to confess any sin that is preventing my heart from being totally bathed in Your love, kindness, and guidance.   Please help me to live my life so that I glorify You in all I say and do.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

By Alisha Ritchie
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Further Reading

• An Unearthly Love –  by Max Lucado

Giving Fear an Eviction Notice – A Devotional by Karen Woodard

A Love Story – written by a man.  by Norm Miller


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thoughts by Alisha Ritchie Thoughts by Women

“‘ …Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law.  They are not just idle words for you- they are your life.’”  Deuteronomy 32: 46-47 (NIV)


My 13 year old son is an eating machine.

He is 6 feet tall and wears a size fourteen shoe. He has been growing like a weed and doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.  I am constantly asked the question of where my offspring gets his height? I always reply the same, “I honestly don’t know but I’m not complaining because he loves to play basketball”.

Especially during growth spurts, Zack can really put away some food.  He doesn’t discriminate either.  My son will eat meats, sweets, fruits, veggies, breads, you name it- he wants it. There are days that it seems I don’t even step foot out of my kitchen because of his constant state of hunger.  Even after eating a huge meal, my son is still scrounging in the pantry to find more food.  He has an appetite that cannot be satisfied.  In his words, he is starving.  He always needs just a little bit more…

Wouldn’t it be great if I was starving too?  No, not starving from being on the latest fad diet.  But starving to dig deeper into God’s Word.   How wonderful it would be if I had an enormous appetite for studying the Bible and praying.

I petition the Lord to bless me with a hunger to know Him in a deeper, more personal way.  To never be satisfied – always wanting more.

I love the passage of scripture from Deuteronomy describing when Moses talked to the Israelites about God’s Word.  He told the people the Scriptures were meant to be studied so they can be applied in their lives and passed on to others.  That’s a good reminder for me also. The Bible isn’t filled with idle words.  Those words require action.  I need to learn more of God’s Word so I can diligently share it with others.

I hope my children will discover the importance of reading and applying the scriptures to everyday life.  Hopefully a steady diet of the Bible, fruits, and veggies will keep them very healthy.  Pray today that God will lavish a spiritual hunger on you also, that will foster your growth and maturity in His grace.  Petition the Lord to mold you into an “eating machine” of His Word.

By Alisha Ritchie
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Further Reading

•  Hunger and Thirst for God – by Charles Stanley

•  Pursuing Shalom – by Allan Mitchell

•  Holy Cravings – by Katherine Kehler


thoughts by Alisha Ritchie Thoughts by Women

Listen and hear my voice; pay attention to what I say.” Isaiah 28:23

For as long as I can remember, Mom’s always had a hearing impairment. It’s so debilitating she got a hearing aid many years ago. While the aid is very helpful, it also has its downfalls.  For instance, when mom is in a large crowd with people talking, she struggles. The abundantly loud noise is overwhelming. The hearing aid cannot distinguish between sounds and just makes EVERYTHING louder. Frustrating to Mom, she elects to turn off the aid in these situations.

There are times in my life when I wish I could turn off the noise in the background. All the voices of the world are a distraction to me, keeping me from completely tuning into God. The key verse provides a powerful reminder to constantly seek to hear God’s voice in my boisterous world.

God specifically tells us to listen and hear. While both words are verbs, they also imply we not only perceive God’s voice but take it into consideration, concentrate on it, take notice while acting on it.

What’s God saying to you today? How can you tune out the bombarding chatter of today’s society and focus on the voice of the only One who truly matters?

Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to hear your voice above the noise of my world. Guide me in all my decisions today and help me to be in continuous communication with you. Help make your voice known to me in all circumstances. In Jesus’ Holy name I pray, Amen.

Thought:  Make a vow of silence for a time today to listen for God’s voice.

By Alisha Ritchie
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Further Reading

•  Harsh Judgments Can Kill One’s Spirit

•  10 Things to Pray for Friends and Family

•  Salvation Explained


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“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”  Isaiah 43: 18-19 (NIV)


I notice the house right away as I drive by.   It is hard not to notice a yard that’s filled with a wide gamut of clutter. Car parts, tools, furniture, toys, and even trash litter the untidy yard.  From what I see in my brief investigation of the front porch, the house isn’t in much better shape.  However, amidst all the mess, I notice a small handmade sign staked in the yard that reads “God makes a way.”  In the depth of all this clutter and disarray, I completely focus on this one item, the sign.

My heart is touched as I think about what the words on the sign truly mean.  My life often gets jumbled with a hectic schedule, relationship demands, my to-do list, and even sin. However, God makes a way for me and directs my steps.  The Lord tells us in Isaiah,

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

These scriptures are a reminder to not dwell on things and circumstances of our past.  Also, have faith God will help us make it through the everyday mundane tasks as well as the huge trials of life.  Sometimes we neglect gaining focus on what needs to be eliminated from of our lives because the jumbled chaos is just too overwhelming.  We lose our compass for direction and wonder where we should go from here?  Find comfort in knowing that no matter how hopeless your situation seems, God is there to create for you a path of guidance through the mess.   Pray for renewed trust in God to navigate through your cluttered life and help you find refuge in His love and direction.  Keep your mind’s eye focused on the yard sign that reads

God makes a way.”

By Alisha Ritchie
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FURTHER READING

We Plan – God Directs
Cling to the Lord

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughts-about-god.com/four-laws/


thoughts by Alisha Ritchie Thoughts by Women


“…Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10 NIV


The lights in the den flicker on and off twice, then total darkness settles over my house.  The alarm system makes the familiar fading beeping noise signaling power is lost.  No electricity is being transported to us on this hot, summer morning.

Dirty dishes wait by the sink to be loaded in the dishwasher.  Dust on the floor beckons to be vacuumed up.  Bacon and eggs are yet to be fried on the stove.  All this will have to wait.  No power equals no housework for me right now.

I grab my Bible, devotional book, and pen and walk to the dining room where the large window is casting bright sunlight onto the table.  I snuggle into the chair and spend the next thirty minutes delving into God’s Word.  My devotion speaks of God as the Healer of our brokenness-in our bodies, minds, hearts, lives, and relationships.  I read Scripture from James and Matthew and then talk to God, really talk to Him, pouring out my heart and soul, my worries and praises.

As my quiet time comes to a close, I feel rejuvenated.  My spirit is sparked, charged, as I am ready to take on the day.  It’s almost as if I have become electrified by being in God’s presence.  I am keenly aware of God’s power inside of me, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and saved me from the powers of Hell.

How awesome and ironic it is to think that I had to lose power to gain power from God.  I had to lose the electrical current flow to my home to realize how desperately I needed God’s power flow to me that day.  Having no electricity enabled me to take the time to be quiet and still for a little while, just soaking up God’s love and presence as I learned more about Him.  By spending time in prayer and studying the Bible, He equipped me with the energy, encouragement, and love needed to face the day.  By being power-less, I became power-ful, through Him.

God has a unique way of getting my attention sometimes.  I am so thankful He cares enough to continue to pursue me and guide me in the right direction, even as I am surrounded in complete darkness with countless chores to be completed on my to do list.  He shows me there is always time to be still and know that He is God, in all circumstances.

Heavenly Father, You are my Creator, my Friend, my Redeemer.  Thank you for the many blessings You give me daily, especially the opportunity to talk with You and share my desires, burdens, and requests.  Guide me in resolving to make spending time with You each day a priority.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

By Alisha Ritchie
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Further Reading

•  HE IS! A great poem

•  God is Bigger than all my Problems

•  Salvation Explained


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We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.  This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.”  1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT

I look down at my hand on the steering wheel and notice the beautiful pearl ring on my middle finger.  As I gaze at the special jewelry, memories of my recent Florida trip rush to mind as I think about the fun times my daughter and I had searching for oyster pearls.

Quickly becoming a tradition, Abby and I have discovered the excitement of picking out oyster shells at Sea World.  Divers, disguised as mermaids, plunge to the bottom of a huge glass tank and we point out the exact shells we want them to retrieve.  Once on dry land, the oysters are cracked open to reveal the beautiful treasures beheld inside.

I must say that my Abby is extremely lucky and has picked out shells that have yielded large white pearls, twin pearls (which is extremely rare) and even a blue pearl.  Anticipation and excitement fill the air because we do not know exactly what we’re going to get.  It’s like we are partaking in a little mystery as we await the cracking of the shell.  And so many times, we have been surprised by the perfect jewels we have received with this fun activity.  On our last trip to Florida, Abby and I had matching pearl rings made to always remember this fun tradition we partake in together.

The Bible makes no secret about the precious treasure we behold as Christians.  It is no mystery that God has blessed us with power through the Holy Spirit, as stated in
2 Corinthians 4:7.  Though we as humans may be weak, just like the oyster shells, who can be cracked and busted, God has entrusted us with the salvation message to tell others. The miracle is God’s power dwells within us to help us render His treasure to those we come in contact with, have relationships with, do life with.

Be encouraged to offer the gems within you to someone today.  Do not be timid or shy about communicating your faith to others.  Draw confidence from knowing God is with you every step of the way to provide strength, courage, and opportunities to share your heart.

Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with the inner-dwelling Holy Spirit who gives me strength and courage to share Your story with others.  Help me to never take Your gift of salvation for granted or the price You paid for my debt of sin lightly.  Guide me in seeking out others who need to hear Your message.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

By Alisha Ritchie
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Further Reading

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

What is Wrong with Society Today?

•  Salvation Explained


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But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed.”  2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NIV

My heart sinks as I pick up tiny pottery pieces off the cabinet.

“Another chip off my favorite piece of pottery,” I gloomily think.  Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time my earthenware has suffered damage.  There’s no way to fix this.  I have tried in the past to glue the bowl back together but it always ends up breaking again, many times taking a new piece of clay with it.

I sit the bowl to the side and think of how much I love the pottery.  It was a wedding gift almost twenty years ago, my very first piece to start my collection.  I think back on the times I have tried to repair it and have even searched the pottery market to replace it.  With no success, I realize now is time to retire the piece, placing it in the back of the cabinet.  It’s now just an old, weathered, fragile memory.

I’m reminded of jars of clay Paul speaks about in 2 Corinthians.  He compares me, as a believer, to a fragile pot of clay.  It is interesting to understand that in Biblical times, clay jars were not prestigious.  They were ordinary, common, easily broken, and often discarded.  They were used for carrying water or as trash containers.  The clay jars of long ago did not hold expensive liquids.  Only gold, silver, and well cured ceramics were used to house the valuable items.  They were considered more reliable, sturdy, and impressive.

As humbling as this sounds, however, I’m reminded that as a clay jar, I hold a precious treasure. 

The Spirit of God lives within me- the same Spirit that fed a crowd of 5,000 and rose Jesus from the grave dwells within me.  With this treasure is the message of salvation which God has entrusted to me, a mere, weak human.  He places His most precious gem in me so that others will see and experience the blessing of Christ rather than being impressed with anything I could ever be or do on my own.

Though I am feeble and may crumble, He still uses me to share His message and provides power to carry out His work.  He is continually with me, never leaving or forsaking me.  Therefore, when I go through tough times, as I’m jostled, bumped, scraped, or even cracked, my contents spill out.  The Spirit and Presence of Christ saturate the area, sharing His valuables with others.  Through these difficulties, my jar of clay is beautiful as it leaks out hope that only Jesus provides.  The cracks and imperfections are used to point those around me to Christ.

Be encouraged that even if you are facing hard times, God has a plan for your life. 

He can and will use your weakness and fragility for His glory.  Whether your clay jar is being tested or retired to the back of cabinet like my old piece of pottery, spread the inner dwelling Good News  right where you are today.

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross and allowing Your Holy presence to dwell within me.  Help me to use the struggles and weaknesses in my life to share what You have done for me.  Give me strength and courage to demonstrate and tell others about the beautiful hope You alone have given me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

By Alisha Ritchie
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thoughts by Alisha Ritchie Thoughts by Women

 

Homey Hiding Place

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”  Psalm 32:7 NIV

My heart feels like it is breaking into a million pieces.  I fight back tears as I load my SUV with suitcases from the weekend trip to Boone.  The luggage is heavy but not as ponderous as my burdened heart feels at the moment.

How could this trip turn into such a disaster?” I think quietly to myself as I replay the weekend’s events in my mind.

The mountain trip was supposed to be a time of relaxation and fun spent with my parents, siblings, and their families.  But this had been far from the tranquil paradise I had imagined.

The vacation started with me and my family getting lost on our way to the cabin nestled in the woods.  We made several wrong turns, thanks to our GPS, and traveled many miles out of the way.  We were horribly late arriving to the destination.  By the time we finally pulled into the driveway of our weekend home, our faces could no longer mask our stress and anxiety.

The next day, we set off on our river tubing adventure.  However, mother-nature decided not to cooperate by sending a torrential downpour.  We were chilled to the bone as we drifted down the winding river for two long hours.

Finally, my sister and I got into a heated argument.  Harsh words were spoken, and even though apologies were given, her comments continued to haunt my thoughts and heart.

This weekend has been one disappointment after another.  Nothing has gone right and all I want to do is go home.  I desire to be in my own house, away from the problems of the outside world, where I feel safe.  I need to be in my place of security, the only place I can take cover from the troubles, heartaches, and storms of the weekend behind me.

As much as I love being at home, however, nothing compares to the hiding place the Lord provides for my soul.  The world is a cruel location for a Christian.  Sometimes it is difficult to navigate through life.  Many times the obstacles and hardships prove to be too much for me to bear.  Failures, fears, and insecurities threaten me in every direction, causing me to want to shrink away unnoticed-to go to my hiding place in the Lord.

By abiding in Him, He provides peace for my weary, tired soul.  This is the place where His loves warms me…almost as if He beckons me to come in, unpack my bags, snuggle by the fire in a comfy blanket and sip hot cocoa.

The Lord’s hiding place is full of mercy, love, and grace.  He gives rest for my heart, body, and mind so that I gain enough energy to carry on.  He is my refuge from the billowing storms of life that surround me.  No matter the circumstances I go through, God is the anchor providing safety and stability in the shifting world around me.  In Him, true peace can be found.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me a hiding place in the safety and shelter of Your presence.  Help me to remember You are my help in difficult times, always freely providing your endless love, protection, and peace.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

By Alisha Ritchie
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deavotional on how God loves us

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  For He chose us in Him before creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.  In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will- to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.Ephesians 1:3-6 NIV

I whisk the tablecloth off the round table to throw it in the laundry. My heart skips a beat as I see six little words written in red marker on the wood surface.  I had long forgotten about the messy scribble my 7 year old daughter had written many years ago but there it was- her precious words “I love you Mom Dad Zack”.

I wonder to myself, “How could I have forgotten about this treasure, a piece of my daughter’s heart, written with such pride and love?”

The scene comes rushing back to mind as I recall scurrying around to tidy up for a holiday party.  In efforts to make the house look more presentable to my guests, I had covered the old kitchen table, now used in our sun room as a work/craft table, with a colorfully patterned fabric tablecloth.  At the time, the marks, scribbles, and even etchings, didn’t seem too appealing so I tried to disguise and hide them under the cloth.  I was sure my guests would not fully appreciate my sweet daughter’s doodles and words as I did.

So there they remained for weeks and months- hidden and forgotten, until just now as I was pleasantly surprised on laundry day.

Sometimes I try to disguise my heart and soul.  I try to cover up the real me in attempt to look presentable to others.  My insecurities, failures, and sins make it hard to let others get to know me.  Afraid of not being accepted and appreciated, my feelings, fears, and vulnerabilities get pushed down deep.

Deeper…

Deeper still.  I don’t want others to see the messy me- the scribble and blots on my heart and soul.  I try to hide the imperfections that make me ME.

But they can never truly be concealed.

The Bible reminds I cannot hide from my Father and I am loved no matter how messed up I am.  God knew long before the earth was created that He would love me through every sin, every mistake, every time I grieve His heart.  He has called me Holy and set me apart as His child.  He blesses me abundantly and overwhelmingly with His unselfish grace.  I am not just accepted but cherished.  God thinks of the mistakes and magic marker scribbles of my life as valuable as He uses them to teach and form me into the beautiful masterpiece I was created to be.

It’s OK to let others see your imperfections and flaws.  We all have them and God certainly knows all about them.  Today, ask the Lord to use all parts of your life, the beautiful and not-so-beautiful, to bring Him glory.

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me unconditionally.  Thank You for seeing me, knowing me, and wanting me, despite my clutter and dirtiness.  Make my life a living testament to Your glory as You work all things for good.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Alisha Ritchie

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devotional on being still

Be still, and know that I am God…”  Psalm 46:10

Abby, come quickly to the garage.”  I knew she would be so excited to see the chunky caterpillar crawling on the floor.  As predicted, she was thrilled by my discovery and wanted to keep him.  Minutes later, our little friend had a new home in a plastic container filled with grass and leaves.

Abby awoke early the next day to check on the critter.  To her surprise, the caterpillar had encased himself in a cocoon in the top corner of the plastic box.  We were so excited because we knew it would only be a matter of time until a beautiful moth would emerge from the cocoon.  It is so fascinating to watch God at work in the life cycle of insects and how He transforms them into new beings.

Now, my daughter and I are waiting. And waiting… And waiting…  We check the plastic container several times a day to investigate for signs of change in the cocoon.  Sadly, the encasement is dormant, no activity has been detected.  It is hard for us to be patient and continue to wait.  We are ready to see the beautiful designs on the wings of this new creature.

The moth has reminded me that sometimes in life, I have to learn to be still and wait on God.  Many times I pray diligently for specific areas of my life and I sense God telling me to wait- wait on Him for His perfect timing.   I have faith God has good things in store for me.  I’m reassured God will help me grow and mature, just like the moth is growing and maturing right now in its cocoon.  I need to pursue an attitude of forbearance and wait on the perfect timing of my Savior, for He knows what is best for me.  Maybe you have a “moth” that you are waiting on in your own life.  Do not lose hope.  Waiting is rarely ever easy. But find hope in reflecting on what the moth begins as and then to the wonderful transformation that entails.  God wants to help us become beautiful beings in His sight.  We just need to trust Him to complete the metamorphosis.

By Alisha Ritchie

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“For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb…My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.”  Psalm 139:13,15

My mom and mother-in-law have given me several quilts and tapestries as heirlooms to cherish.  Each quilt was lovingly made by adding stitch by stitch and square by square together to produce a beautiful piece of art.  When the thread and scraps of material are separate, they don’t have much meaning.  But when the weaver or quilter forms them together by sewing and stitching in a pattern, they become so much more.  An elaborate fabric that tells a story is produced.  And this elaborate fabric is also made into something very useful.

I can’t help but think that each of my experiences are like squares or pieces of the quilt of my life.  It seems each experience I’ve had, the big and the small, all work together intricately to form the pattern of my existence.   Every friendship I’ve had, every disappointment incurred, every moment of happiness, every time I’ve felt God’s presence, every choice I’ve made, all have been formed by God to create my life tapestry.

I often wonder what my life tapestry will look like as I get older?  What designs, patterns, colors and themes will my tapestry behold?  How will my fabric look different from others?  Will I be able to distinguish those times when I struggled from the moments of rejoicing by a change in the pattern or variation in color?

The Bible reinforces that God is the Master Weaver.  I know God knitted me together in my mother’s womb and wove me together in the depths of the earth.  How precious I am to Him that created me, that He took such care to form me?  Even more so now, I am cherished by Him as He continues to work in my life, piecing all my experiences together for His good, for His purposes.  Whether there is sadness or happiness, when I choose to let God have His will in my life, He forms all of it into a wonderful tapestry for His glory.  He turns my life into something useful for Him and His kingdom.

Eventually my days on earth will come to an end and my tapestry will be completed.  I hope the fabric of my life will be even more beautiful than the quilts and weavings I have as heirlooms now.  But most of all, I aspire when the Master Weaver reflects upon my tapestry, He will experience great joy and pride for the life I lived for Him.

Make a choice to abide in His will and watch as your beautiful story is woven into your incredible tapestry by the Master Weaver.

Lord, please design my life into the beautiful tapestry or quilt you desire it to be.  Let me live inside Your will so that Your purposes will be accomplished.  Give me peace when struggles and disappointments arise in life, that I may know you are weaving it all together to form my life’s story that points to You.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Alisha Ritchie
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