Dear friend of Heartstrings,

Are you thirsty? What are you thirsty for? Do you know you can come to Jesus, the Living Water and find your thirst satisfied. Right now. Why wait?

A memory was triggered for me while reading in Isaiah about chapters 40-44. I saw myself there. From a decision I made in my past. A time of searching for an answer to remedy my hate for how my body looked. I didn't measure up. It was so ingrained in my thinking, this lie, that I was never really comfortable without my masks and just so cover-ups. I was so ashamed that I didn't even run to God Who made me! 

I new from a young age that God made us. That we are fearfully and wonderfully made. You know Psalm 139? Well, I hated that Psalm and felt so agitated to the point of yelling at God for the mistake He designed me to be. I never once looked up to His face or I would have seen the incredible, boundless love He had for me.

I chose the way of altering surgery, to enhance my womanhood. The consequences nearly killed me! I cried out to God for forgiveness. Soon, I accepted His perfect love and still went through some extremely rough years. While going through it though, I knew He was with me and would take me to the other side. Somehow, someday.

To make a long story short, now years later, I want you to believe with all your heart how precious you are. You are made by Him the same Author of this heaven and earth and all creation. What was intended for evil, God will make good. No matter what your circumstances are or if you are still running in the opposite direction of His forever love. His arms are open wide to hold you and comfort you.

I don't know who I am speaking to today. I only know I had to obey. I wish we could sit together and share stories of God's wonderful mercy and grace! Someday. Heaven will be wonderful! All that suffering will be tried on the fire. The dross gone and in its place beauty from the ashes. We are promised the oil of gladness for our mourning and a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness! That also is found in Isaiah. Search it out.

I make this my personal scripture...Isaiah 43:1..."But now [in spite of past judgements for Israel's sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel; Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives];I have called you by your name; you are Mine."

It was not God's plan that I make bad choices. It was His plan though to save me through those bad choices. There will still be times ahead. Deep waters that I must trust Him to go through with me. He promised I would not be overwhelmed. When the fire blazes in my life, as troubles do come, I will not be scorched or burned. 

For the Lord my God is the Holy One. He is able to keep me. He is able to keep you. Do not fear to call out His name people! He is longing to hear your voice directed to Him, not see you chattering your worship to a dumb idol. Pause and think about this!

He made us to set forth His Praises. We still have a short time here to bless the heart of the Lord by telling others His Great Love. Do not sit there till the enemy makes you sleepy. Get up and shine the Light. Offer fresh Living Water to all who are thirsty. They cross your path everyday. Do not assume they are okay. Ask. They, most of the time, tell you what is troubling them if you ask if you can pray for them. Trust God to make all your appointments.

I pray in the matchless name of Jesus Christ that fresh Life and Liberty will fall upon you through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Abundance is...we have a story to tell