You soak its furrows and level its ridges; You soften it with showers and bless its growth. You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your paths overflow with plenty. The pastures of the wilderness overflow; the hills are robed with joy.… -Psalm 65:10-12a
Golden suns float to the ground in the crested form of maple leaves.
Beautiful ruby leaves, warm deep browns, and fading jade greens drift in the wind and settle on dewy earth. Their damp designs soak in the water and I sigh.
There’s something so calming and pleasing about Fall.
I’m not sure if it’s the cozy sweet scents of apples, cinnamon, pear and baked goods and bold coffee, or if it’s the relief of coolness that makes the air crisp.
Is it the tweeting of morning birds, bathing in shallow pools from the rains that begin in California?
Or is it the watercolor sky like liquid blue with fluffy pillowy clouds?
Perhaps it is the approaching of the holidays that I enjoy the most, Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Or the bounty of crops that the earth produces before the bareness of winter takes over? My palate waits in anticipation for pumpkin chili, seasoned stuffing, golden brown bread rolls, baked casseroles, tender turkey, an assortment of pies and so much more.
The earth shifts, and so does my soul.
Thank You, Father, for the beautiful seasons You created. For the delight and wonder of watching the earth change every year.
It still captivates me.
You created this world as a gift for your sons and daughters.
Thank You for your good and perfect gift.
Thank You for the ways that You display your love to your children.
Thank You for being such a good Father.
Even as the weather cools, I feel the warmness of your love. Your thoughtfulness. As I think of the way You designed the veins in leaves or the crystals in snowflakes, I think about how You see every intricate detail of our lives.
We are known by You.
Nothing about us goes unnoticed.
You have counted every hair on our heads.
You know the curve of our eye’s lashes, the tenor of our voices, the unshed tears in our eyes, the memories in our hearts, the worries we have about tomorrow and the things we are looking forward to.
You know it all, and You welcome us to cast our cares on you.
You are a Father who looks out for his children.
“Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” -1 Peter 5:7
Book Recommendations
Are you looking for a new book this Fall?
I personally know all these beautiful Christian authors and I highly recommend their stories!
Award-winning Author, Jennifer E. Tirrell is a kinship-adopted orphan who grew up to become a devoted stay-at-home mother. Her writing often includes the natural beauty around her. She uses creation and the Word of God to point both adults and children to the Creator. Her stories are shaped by faith, confirmed by history, and centered on Truth. With boldness and vulnerability, she invites you to merge your roots, purpose, and blessings—and live all-in.
Her debut novel, Jane’s Secret, is a split-time story of mystery, faith, and generational legacy inspired in part by Jennifer’s own family history. Two young women, bound by blood but separated by centuries, unravel a hidden family secret in a thrilling quest for truth that could change everything.
2. Samantha Wooten is a Christian historical fiction and fantasy author who writes stories rooted in timeless values and Biblical truths, often set in distant times or faraway worlds. An adventurous homebody, she delights in spinning tales of faith, family, and derring-do—all while snug in a chair.
Book blurb: Even lighthouses cast shadows. Once a beacon of hope, the lighthouse is now a mockery Caroline can’t bear to face. That’s why she’s determined to leave home behind, along with all its bitter reminders. The only obstacle? A mother whose firm love won’t let her go.
3. Julia Casselman writes contemporary Christian fiction with speculative elements — stories about the quiet nearness of God, where the spiritual world presses tenderly against everyday life and grace arrives in forms people almost miss.
She is the author of the Breath of Eden Series, a contemporary Christian fantasy trilogy rooted in healing, redemption, and the belief that innocence is not weakness and broken people are not beyond redemption. Book One, Songs of Promise, releases October 22, 2026, is available for eBook preorder, and was a 2025 semi-finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. Book Two, Emissary, is complete and under revision, and was a 2025 ACFW First Impressions finalist.
I pray you soak in the beauty of the changing season and our Father’s goodness this month! And may you find yourself lost in a heartwarming novel!
You shall also be [so beautiful and prosperous as to be thought of as] a crown of glory and honor in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem [exceedingly beautiful] in the hand of your God. -Isaiah 62:3
I used to follow royal weddings, especially Princess Diana’s marriage to Charles III and then later with Megan Markle and Prince Harry (I know, cheesy, right?). Something in my heart loved the story of royal kings or princes wooing women who weren’t royalty. I think many women once identified with the classic story of Cinderella as little girls for this reason.
One day, I realized that my interest in the British monarch was getting a bit out of hand. I found myself reading articles daily and watching news clips about this family.
I wanted to know what female rulers were required to do. I wondered where they attended etiquette school. What social graces did they have to learn? I wanted to know who taught them kingdom laws and who taught them how to walk, wave, smile, and speak with feminine elegance.
I especially loved the wedding dresses, and inside my heart, I began to dream of what it would be like to be a princess destined to become a queen.
Then Jesus lovingly intervened (like He typically does when my affections lean elsewhere) and told me that I was living in a love story greater than any royal family. He told me that my heavenly dress far superseded all that I had ever seen and that His love for me was greater than any prince’s love for his beloved. He also reminded me that He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, meaning His wealth, prestige, power, glory, and fame far surpass all monarchs who have existed or ever will exist.
That was all I needed.
My obsession with the royal family ended there.
The ivory idol that was growing in my heart tumbled down when I realized the golden glory of Jesus’s love as my heavenly Bridegroom. It was like I was transfixed on a plastic toy castle, only for Jesus to lift my chin so I could see a glowing palace floating in the sky.
Search Your Heart
What Jesus has for you is far better than anything you can imagine for your life on earth.
I think it’s so easy for our hearts to become entangled in the things of this world rather than in our Savior, our Healer, our Redeemer, our Elder Brother, our Friend, our heavenly Bridegroom, and the Lover of our souls.
The human heart is prone to idolatry (to put things and people before God). A study of the biblical books of Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel testifies to this.
Maybe you’ve never been obsessed with royal weddings, but maybe you’ve become too invested in work, hobbies, goals, school, entertainment (television, video scrolling, social media, etc)?
All addiction is a form of idolatry.
We all have something that, if left unchecked, can crowd out a place in our hearts that only belongs to Jesus. I encourage you to ask Jesus if you are putting anything or anyone before him and then take time to listen to what he might say.
Whatever you do, don’t condemn yourself, but invite Jesus to show you how he is better than whatever has too much of your heart.
A Prayer to Turn Wholly Back to Jesus
Here is an example prayer:
Dear Jesus,
You are my wonderful Lord and Savior. I acknowledge you as the Lover of my soul, my living bread and water. You promised me that if I partake of you, I will never hunger or thirst. I thank You for showing me the greatest love when you laid down your life for me.
Jesus, I want to love you with the same love that you have shown me. I acknowledge that you are worthy of all my heart. You saved me. You gave your life so that I can be born again in you and have eternal life.
I ask you, Jesus, to show me any idols in my heart. I invite you, Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth, to reveal the secret things of my heart, things that I might not even be aware of. Show me how I might be acting unfaithfully toward my heavenly Father and toward Jesus. Reveal to me now what has been hidden in the dark. I choose to listen to you now, without becoming defensive, without giving in to guilt or shame, and without trying to rush our time together.
….. take time to listen….
Thank you, Holy Spirit, for showing me what has been crowding out my affection for Jesus. Thank you for showing me what has been in competition with the voice of my heavenly Father.
Abba, I give you these idols now (name the things the Holy Spirit revealed to you). Please forgive me for losing sight of how wonderful you are and for giving to something else what belongs to you. Forgive me for mixing up my priorities. I receive your forgiveness now. Thank you that your mercy is new every morning and that you are merciful toward me (Lamentations 3:22-23, Psalm 145:8).
Father. I ask that you take the place of these idols in my soul. You are my divine Shepherd, and I want to follow you so that I will never be in want (Psalm 23:1). Unite my heart solely to worship you. Lead me into a faithful love relationship with you that leaves no room for idols. Turn my eyes away from worthless things, and revive me in your way (Psalm 119:37).
Jesus, I ask that you show me how wonderful your love is. I ask that you show me how you can fulfill me. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Nothing else can fill your place. Show me how we are united. Wrap your arms around me. Woo my heart to yours. Deepen our relationship. Let me be a woman after your own heart. Fulfill the prayer you prayed for your disciples and make me one with you and the Father, as you are one with the Father (John 17:21). You are worthy of nothing less. Show me how you love me and help me to keep my inner self pure for you.
In Jesus name, amen.
Now enjoy time with him.
A Heavenly Love Story for You
You [Judah] shall no more be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land be called Desolate any more. But you shall be called Hephzibah [My delight is in her], and your land be called Beulah [married]; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married [owned and protected by the Lord]. -Isaiah 62:4
Like many women, I love a good romance story and there’s nothing wrong with this (as long as it is in its proper place). But one thing I’ve learned is that nothing else satisfies us like the love we receive from God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. No other love compares to perfect love (1 John 4:16-18).
This is what my upcoming book, The Sacred Wooing is all about. It is a love story, written to reveal captivating glimmers of the eternal love of Jesus for his earthly bride (that’s you/the church).
May Jesus use this snippet to draw your heart closer to his as you discover more and more how much he loves you (if you’re interested in being a part of the launch team, please see the link below):
Beach Scene
Suddenly, the room changed. A refreshing ocean breeze pulled on the scintillating white robe I wore. Jesus stood beside me, barefoot and gazing upon the waters with a broad smile. Gentle waves lapped the shore. The smoothness of the beautiful beige colored sand reminded me of sheets on a bed. Lush mountains stood like massive emeralds along the shoreline. Tropical flowers and fruit glittered along the mountains like polychromatic gems.💎
Everything here was made from peace, joy, and righteousness. The Father’s Spirit was tangible in everything. The waves appeared like jade glass with aquamarine splashed inside. Every time one rose to meet the sun, sweet laughter like wind flutes tickled the air. 💐
“What are you feeling, beloved?”
A wave rolled in, scattering shiny shells across the sand that gleamed in the sun. ☀️
The wet shore reflected sunlight like liquid crystal.
When I didn’t respond, Jesus said, “I created you to be surrounded by wonderful beauty. Your soul was created to experience and dwell in heaven’s blisses.”
“I don’t feel like I belong,” I murmured.
“Do you think this place is too beautiful for me?”
“No!” That was my immediate response. I knew nothing was too good for Jesus.
“I live in you.”
A small and unexpected gasp escaped my lips. A divine sense of worth filled my soul.
Jesus picked up an oyster and opened it, revealing a large pink pearl. “You are not a beggar, my daughter, my betrothed bride, my treasure.”
Click here to learn how you can join the launch team.
Click here to join The Sacred Wooing Heart to Heart Facebook Community.
If you’ve ever been blessed by one of my books, please consider writing a short review on Amazon or Goodreads (I can’t tell you how much this would bless me as a writer. Even one or two sentences make a huge difference!). 💖
May God bless you and may Jesus lead you into a deeper love relationship with Him!
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. -Genesis 2:7 KJV
"Worship is the place where the lips of God cut dust again."-Jonathan David Helser
I have experienced no greater pleasure or joy than worshipping God. As a middle-aged wife, mother, daughter, and friend, I have had many experiences of love and connection, but nothing compares to what I have encountered in the secret place with God.
There is a place in worship that mirrors the intimacy Adam and Eve experienced in the Garden of Eden. They were naked and unashamed as they walked with their Creator, who not only authored love but is the very definition of love.
The more I have come to know God, the more I realize He doesn’t want us to hide anything from Him. In fact, we can’t hide from Him anyway. Perhaps this is why Adam and Eve were naked (aside from being in a perfect environment where it was never too hot or too cold).
Perhaps this is why babies are born naked?
Mankind was always created to be wholly loved. We were never meant to hide from perfect love. While this is easy to apply physically to babies, it’s meant to apply to our souls as well. God wants your heart. He doesn’t want a pretentious performance. He doesn’t want a shallow relationship. He doesn’t want your words or service if they’re disconnected from YOU.
There is a bearing of the soul and spirit in worship that leads to the deepest, most vulnerable connection. It is a place that surpasses every relational experience on earth. It is a place where a love so amazing leads to joyful service and willing sacrifice. It also leads to effortless transformation as you become one with Jesus.
“What do you think of,” asked teacher, “when you hear the word worship?”
“Singing, hymns, prayers, words of praise…”
“That’s the outward form of worship,” he said, “That’s how worship manifests. But what’s the heart of worship?” … “It’s found in the New Covenant Scriptures. It only appears in the Greek. It’s the word proskuneo. Do you know what it means?” … “It means to kiss,” said the teacher. “True worship is to kiss. And what does that reveal? … A kiss is the most intimate of acts. Therefore, worship is to be the most intimate thing you can experience… So true worship is never done by compulsion, but freely from the overflow of your heart.”
Later, Brenda says, “fulfilling the law changed worship to a continual heart of adoration… we are created with different personalities. Even knowing that, we still tend to judge others by the music they like. There are two camps of ‘official’ worship music — hymn singers versus ‘contemporary’ worship music, and both sides will die on whatever hill they’re standing on.
There is nothing wrong with either one; worship isn’t about the song you’re singing, it’s about your heart. God is constantly doing new things in worship, taking us deeper into him and into his presence… We must always be ready for God to give us a fuller interpretation as he changes us into his likeness, constantly showing and teaching us a deeper revelation of himself… You can’t put God in an old wineskin; he’ll burst out of it. The minute you think you know what God would and wouldn’t do, be careful, he’s bigger than you think.”
Beholding Intimate Worship
There has only been one time in my life when I’ve seen a worship leader express such love for Jesus that I was embarrassed, and that was when Steffany Gretzinger did.
I had gone to a Jesus Image worship conference and just found a seat in the overcrowded stands filled with other worshippers. (I’d like to think of worshippers as Jesus lovers, men and women who are after God’s heart)
Steffany knelt in the middle of the stage as musicians stood and played beautiful melodies with fluid grace. Steffany closed her eyes and extended her arm as she sang. The moment her ethereal voice reached my ears, I was drawn into something incredibly deep. As she rocked back and forth, singing to Jesus, her passion became evident, and it was clear that her focus was not on anyone or anything around her. Her affections were being poured out at the Lord’s feet as if He were sitting in front of her (and I don’t doubt that He WAS). The sheer adoration and passion that overflowed from her heart, expressed through her body and in her voice, made me feel as if I had walked into a private chamber shared by two faithful lovers.
Without thinking, I looked away.
I actually looked away.
I had NEVER had that reaction before! Not with anyone who expressed their love for Jesus.
After a few seconds of realizing what I was doing, I forced myself to look back at her.
Wow.
Her connection to Jesus stunned me.
It blew a hole in my small paradigm of what worship is.
And it gave me a glimpse of what it might mean to embody the greatest commandment to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37)
Please enjoy the video of her singing to Jesus (I was in the audience)
The Sacred Wooing
In my upcoming book, The Sacred Wooing (a story that unveils the bridegroom love of Jesus), I wrote a chapter on the intimacy of worship. Here is a snippet from that scene (you can follow updates on the book by joining the FB community group):
Wind, spiced with the scents of the fragrant garden outside, rustled through the ballroom.
I watched as the hallowed purple, blue, and red curtains floated like banners from their high posts. The blonde tendrils of a woman nearby brushed against her forehead and waved across her back.
I dipped my head. “Somehow, I hoped you wouldn’t become aware of my hidden places.
But looking at you now, I realize you’ve known about them from the beginning.”
“I love you no less because of this. But keeping me separated from any part of yourself will hinder your ability to experience my love. It will also stop you from entering the joy of worship.”
The warm, peaceful presence of the Holy Spirit quickened Romans 12:1-2 in my mind; I imagined Paul on his knees, beseeching the Roman church through his pen to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice and thus embrace true spiritual worship. He’d cried out for them to renew their minds to understand the will of God.
Becoming his bride would mean living a life of worship. What would it be to wholly offer my body—to truly yield to the Father with my every action? Is this what Jesus meant when he said to “love the Lord your God with all your strength?”
A Poem for Jesus
There was a time in worship when I was so elated that I felt I caught a glimpse of Jesus. I didn’t see Him with my physical eyes, but He became so real in my heart that I began to dance. The joy in my heart was beyond description. The pleasure of His close company filled me with bliss and made me twirl. I couldn’t help but express my love for Him.
I pray that you experience the depth of love that Jesus has for you. I pray your soul is lifted by the elation of God’s pleasure for you. And I pray, this creates your own, private worship time with Him.
“And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.” -2 Samuel 6:14-15
“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance, to seek him the greatest adventure, to find him, the greatest human achievement.” -St. Augustine of Hippo
The Lord gave me another message. He said, “Go and shout this message to Jerusalem. This is what the Lord says: “I remember how eager you were to please me as a young bride long ago, how you loved me and followed me even through the barren wilderness… This is what the Lord says: “What did your ancestors find wrong with methat led them to stray so far from me? They worshiped worthless idols only to become worthless themselves.– Jeremiah 2:1-2, 5 NLT
The Bride of Christ is the most precious, beautiful, and valuable treasure Jesus owns. His church is his bride. To touch the natural bride of a king evokes severe punishment, for her stature is elevated by the love of her king. She is guarded by the power and authority of her kingly husband. If men, throughout history were punished because they touched a king’s bride, can you imagine the consequences of those who willfully harm, defile, or seduce the bride of Christ? To touch the bride of the King of kings and Lord of lords…the co-ruler of heaven and earth…is infinitely more dangerous. For our King is eternally devoted and sacrificially given over to his bride. You are a part of the precious bride of Christ.
This great and mighty King acts with justice and has a heart perfumed with sweet mercy. This glorious King is chief among ten thousand (Song of Solomon 5:10). He is perfect in beauty, grace, wisdom, power, and holiness. He walks on transparent gold, and His gates are made of pearls (Revelation 21:21). He is worshipped and adored by majestic angels, and creation heralds his praises. He is incomparable and everything the bride could ever want. As omnipotent as He is, He doesn’t force Himself on his bride even though He created her for Himself. He has given her one of the loftiest gifts—free will. He asks his bride to respond to his call for a covenantal relationship, leaving it up to her to say “yes.” He has everything prepared, everything she needs for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). He loves his bride with an undying, selfless love that is wholehearted. But this King has an enemy his bride is unfamiliar with.
Now, picture a husband on his wedding day, dressed up in finery, as he watches the aisle anxiously to see his bride. I’ve seen husbands so overcome at weddings that they cry or almost jolt back in surprise when they see their beautiful bride. Some men jump with joy or break out into a spontaneous little dance. There’s always a special kind of smile on their faces, a smile reserved only for their bride. Now, what would you suppose would happen if some crook came running down the aisle and grabbed the bride’s arm and attempted to drag her away? I bet the groom would start swinging his fists, giving that criminal a good beating until he released the bride. I imagine Jesus has more protective instincts for his bride than a natural husband who would readily defend his bride. Unfortunately, the enemy of the bride of Christ is a lot cleverer than that. He doesn’t often use physical force.
This pretentious swindler has one goal, and that’s to steal from his bride, destroy everything good in her life (including her relationship with the One who loves her most), and kill her. It’s the only way he knows how to hurt the holy Bridegroom.
This villain is running rampant on earth today using an excellent reconnaissance strategy. He has studied humanity since its inception. He knows humans were originally created with a spirit made for connection with the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), but we were separated from our core relationship through the sin he inspired—this has left mankind thirsty for spiritual life. So, he maliciously disguises himself as Christ, the only One who can connect us again to God; without this unity, we can’t be whole. We are hopelessly incomplete with Jesus.
For such men are false apostles [spurious, counterfeits], deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles (special messengers) of Christ (the Messiah). And it is no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light; So it is not surprising if his servants also masquerade as ministers of righteousness. [But] their end will correspond with their deeds. -2 Corinthians 11:13-15 AMPC
He has many evil demon minions who do his dark bidding through knowing or unknowing humans. This swindler has made his way through countless churches and stolen the bride of Christ from her Bridegroom in the most surreptitious way. He comes dressed like her groom. He has known her groom for thousands of years longer than she has. He can quote the bridegroom’s words with such minute subtleties that unless the bride knows her groom closely, she can be fooled by him. Imagine how the King must feel when his prized bride is seduced and deceived by an imposter who claims to be the king she loves?
Lucifer has envied the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for eons. He has tried his best shot to usurp God and be like the Most High…but he failed miserably (Isaiah 14: 13-15).
However, he appears to be consumed with jealousy, for he has not stopped trying to be like Jesus (antichrist). One of his favorite cloaks is religion. He often uses religious spirits to leaven the faith of countless believers. He loves to pervert scripture with a forked tongue. He has been corrupting the Word of God since the garden, where he beguiled Eve. And he’s been slowly choking the bride with suffocating dead works, legalism, condemnation and an assortment of other traps in his cache. The religious spirit has abused the bride and made her believe that the inflicted pain was from God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). He has criminalized God’s reputation in her heart. He has acted like a masterful prosecutor as he defames Christ and the believer he’s influencing. His accusations are calculated. He has successfully smoldered the fire of first love that once burned brightly in her heart. He has left her inner soul a wasteland of bitterness, unforgiveness, shame, anger, guilt, and has loaded her down with unbearable burdens…
~To read the full chapter and purchase the book, click here.
The Sacred Wooing: A Novel based on the Bridegroom Love of Jesus
~I am currently in the process of publishing The Sacred Wooing, a novel based on the scriptural truth that Jesus is our heavenly Bridegroom. To find out more about this project and learn how you can become a part of this journey, click here!
~To join, The Sacred Wooing Facebook group, click here. My intent for this page is to share reminders, teaching, and short devotionals on God’s love with others, using snippets from the book and scripture.
Synopsis:
Heaven is prepared for the most joyful wedding feast, but only one thing is missing—the bride. Noelani, a mortal woman with the divine spark of eternity inside her, is troubled by a cohort of evil spiritual beings plotting her downfall. Battle-worn, she begins to lose her only connection to her kingly groom, her faith.
All seems lost until her powerful groom knocks on her door and invites her to take his hand on a journey that will bring out her deepest fears and cause her enemies to double their attacks. Will her faith endure to the end?
Video Teaching on Being a Prepared Bride for Jesus
You are loved more than you can imagine by someone who died to make his love known to you.
Have you ever thought about this, the Bible begins with a marriage relationship in a beautiful garden between Adam and Eve, and it ends with a divine marriage feast in Heaven between Christ and the church?
I was blessed to be teach at Freedom Community Church on the sacred topic of being a “prepared bride.” I pray that as you listen to this, that your heart may be warmed, encouraged and uplifted by the personal knowledge of the love of Jesus. May my testimony of the way Jesus came for my heart and won me over, be an invitation to allow him to pursue your heart.
Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready. -Revelation 19:7
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. -Romans 6:5 KJV
Good morning, Jesus,
This morning I’m reminded that over 2,000 years ago you woke up on the day of your execution.
Did the birds sing?
Did the light of dusk ripple across the sky the same?
It’s still dark outside my window , & I’m thinking of you.
Of what you must have been thinking & how you were feeling.
And I feel glimmers of your deep humility and the glorious joy you were looking forward to.
I sense your powerful worship as you took every step toward the cross in obedience to our Heavenly Father.
I taste your passionate love .
And I weep and rejoice in the same breath.
I fall upon you in broken worship, in love and adoration.
I kiss the hands that bled for me.
I don’t shy away from your blood .
If I could go back, I would hold you, wipe your bloodied face and kiss your lifeless, tear-stained cheeks.
I hope to hold you now in my heart.
Thank you for paying the price I could never pay. Thank you for dwelling in me now and for showing me how to live a crucified life so that I may be one with you, experiencing eternal life in the face of death.
Song Inspiration :
Lead Me to the Cross
Savior I come, quiet my soul
Remember redemption’s hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as loss
Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees, Lord, I lay me down
Rid me of myself, I belong to You
Oh, lead me
Lead me to the cross
You were as I, tempted and trialled
You are, the Word became flesh
Bore my sin and death
Now You’re risen
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as loss
Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees, Lord, I lay me down
Rid me of myself, I belong to You
Oh, lead me
Lead me to the cross
To Your heart
To Your heart
Lead me to Your heart
Lead me to Your heart
Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees, Lord, I lay me down
Rid me of myself, I belong to You
Oh, lead me
Lead me
Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees, Lord, I lay me down
Rid me of myself, I belong to You
Oh, lead me
Lead me to the cross
Written by: Brooke Ligertwood, Brooke Gabrielle Fraser
Album: All of the Above
Released: 2007
All rights reserved.
I feel so incredibly honored and blessed to worship God in my last trimester. Happy Holy Week!
Every once in a while, I have the sweet honor of introducing a new author to you. Meet Amanda! I personally worked with Amanda at a private Christian school before she became a mother of two darling girls. Amanda has a beautiful heart for Jesus and children. I hope you are blessed by her journey from the mission field to becoming a children’s book author. You can gift her books to precious little ones in your life!
Hi, my name is Amanda Stenberg. I am a military wife, a former teacher, and a stay-at-home mother of two beautiful girls, ages 9 months and 3 years. But my biggest attribute is my love for Jesus. Recently, I’ve been able to add the title of children’s book author to my list of titles as well.
When I was a teenager, I started going on mission trips with my church. Each year was a little different—different location, different people, and a different experience with God. Each year, I also chose a different role on the trip. Every person on our “crew” had a role, including lunch maker, tool gatherer, devotional leader, and a few others.
For the first two mission trips I went on in high school, I chose to be the lunch maker because I knew it would be the easiest job. But as I grew older and my relationship with God deepened, I realized I loved being the devotional leader and bringing others closer to Him. So, I chose that role three years in a row.
I still remember it like it was yesterday. On the final workday at our assigned site during my last mission trip, after we finished building a ramp at a woman’s house in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, our crew gathered on the porch to begin our devotional time.
We had a devotional book that guided us to think more deeply about our faith through Bible passages and reflection questions we could answer aloud or write down. The ages in our crew ranged from 12 to 21 for the “kids,” and up to around 60 for the adults.
We took turns reading from the devotional, and when it was my turn, I began reading the closing prayer. As I was reading, a twelve-year-old girl on my crew started crying. It was her very first mission trip.
In that moment, it was so sweet to see her heart opening and her love for Jesus growing. That day, she accepted Him into her life.
It felt incredibly special knowing that, as the devotional leader, I had been a small part of leading her to Christ.
In June of 2017, after my last mission trip had ended, I decided in that moment that I wanted to write and publish a children’s book one day. I knew it would be about volunteering because there weren’t many books on the topic at the time. I planned for my book to include the different experiences I had on my mission trips, like sorting items at a food bank and thrift store, as well as preparing and serving food at a soup kitchen.
That night, I grabbed my notebook and pen and wrote a rough outline. I even took a picture on my phone in case I ever lost the notebook—which, of course, I did. Fast forward eight years later: thanks to the encouragement of my husband, I became a children’s book author—not just of that book, but also of another about my daughter giving up her pacifier. I also want to give a huge shout-out and thank you to my friend Ashley for connecting me with her editor, Tiffany. Without her, this project probably never would have happened.
Here’s a little blurb on the volunteer book!
Join Lyla and her family as they discover the joy of helping others in Lyla’s Volunteer Adventures! 💕
From serving in the food kitchen to collecting food from the church farm for the local food banks- this heartwarming story shows kids that even small acts of kindness can make a BIG difference in their community. 🌱📚🥫
📖 Perfect for ages 3–8 (or younger & older)
🎨 Beautiful watercolor-style illustrations
✨ Inspires compassion, generosity, and family bonding
🌍Empower your child to see themselves as a helper in the world.
But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” -Mathew 19:14 NLT
A few years ago, I operated my own state-licensed home daycare. I used to pray for the children in my care. One day, I felt the Holy Spirit quicken me to pray for one little girl in particular while she napped. As I prayed, the presence of God filled the room, and He spoke to her while she slept. She woke up and shared with me what He told her. I will never forget how God showed her how much He loves her and how that took her fears away.
God wants to speak to His children, no matter how young (or old) they are. I hope this encourages you to keep praying for your loved ones. We have a wonderful Father in Heaven who longs to connect with us.
Here is a quick video of me sharing about this experience.
Until next time, I pray that the love of the Father, the life of Jesus, and the presence of the Holy Spirit will fill your days.
There is something so beautiful about enjoying a private worship session with the Lord.
While I was listening to “The Lamb of God” by Jesus Image, my spirit was stirred by the Holy Spirit, and I began worshiping Jesus with tears streaming down my face. His presence and his love are priceless.
May your heart be awakened by the precious presence of God’s Spirit, and may you have your own personal experience worshipping Jesus. ✨
Can you see Him coming?
He’s brighter than sunshine.
More beautiful than light.
Blazing through the darkness.
Matchless One descending from His throne to come to earth.
The stars are His stairs.
He catches the eyes of all men.
His majesty arrests the heart.
His holiness pierces the soul.
His eyes, a blazing fire.
His approaching glory a torch of heat.
The lights of men are so dim.
Insignificant.
When He comes we shall bow!
Oh mighty King!
Rightful Lord!
Stunning Savior!
Beautiful One!
I fall to my knees.
Rightly casting the crown off my head.
Laying it before your feet like the cloaks laid before You as You entered Jerusalem on the donkey.
I throw my hands in the air.
Worship gushes from my lips
Praise erupts from my throat.
I cry out!
Lover of my soul!
Mighty God!
Everlasting Father!
Wonderful Counselor!
Prince of Peace!
There is none like You!
I weep and rejoice in the same breath.
Everything about You causes me to react.
I am made for You.
I am Yours!
Sweet Jesus!
Worthy of it all!
I am speechless by your majesty, too in awe of You to speak.
Yet I cannot remain silent.
I love You, Lord.
Lord of lords
King of kings!
My God.
My God.
My God!
Recent Testimony:
As some of you may know, my husband and I are expecting our third child (we are in love with this dear baby already). In November, I drove to the E.R due to signs of miscarriage. After many tests it was discovered that I had a subchrononic hemorrhage and due to the earliness of the pregnancy, there was nothing to be done. I was told to take things easy and rest.
Last week, not only did I get a sneak peek at my beautiful girl, but the ultrasound tech said the hemorrhage is completely healed /gone!
Thank You, Jesus for your faithfulness! And thank you to everyone who prayed for me! I am truly SOOO grateful.
I have been resting in this scripture:
“There will be no miscarriages or infertility in your land, and I will give you long, full life.” -Exodus 23:26
Thank You, Father God. I know You are the Creator of life. All life is a gift from You. I remember praying for my future children for years before I was ever married and when I was in Bible college (before I started dating my husband), the school worship leader gave me a hug and prayed for me. She said, “I don’t know why… but I feel like telling you that your womb is blessed. I’ve never felt the urge to say that to anyone.”
Little did she know that I had been speaking and praying blessing over my womb for years. And God was kind enough to assure me that my prayers were answered by speaking to her.
He is faithful and true
You can hold on to His promises. You can trust His character. His nature is good despite life’s storms and losses. I hope this encourages you.
For my book of poetry, modern psalms, and heartfelt devotionals on developing a rich relationship with God, click here (Visions of Celestial Love is free with a KU subscription).
*For more, you may follow me on several platforms:
My greatest prayer for you in 2026 is to focus on the One who loves you most and who holds eternity in his hands. His love heals and redeems every bit of your history. His plans for your life are perfectly good! May you behold him. ❤️
Your eyes will see the King in His beauty. -Isaiah 33:17a
Your eyes, like honeyed glass, hold all the sweetness of love the world could never offer. Every glimpse of you causes me to catch my breath.
Your deep love is a sauna-sized ocean, more soothing and therapeutic than the warmest embrace. I could wade in your waters for eternity.
Your compassion is the hottest and most welcoming fire, crackling with undying grace. I desire to sit before your flames, linger near your light, and lean into your voice. Nothing brings me more delight than your nearness.
You are faithful love.
You are sweet peace.
You are solace for my soul.
You are a haven for my worries.
You shower me more than a steady rainfall.
You are oxygen to my lungs and blood to my body.
You are beauty to my eyes and sunlight to my inner garden. You cause all that is good within me to grow.
You are hope during my night.
How you have captivated me forever, my Savior and King.
How you have wooed me into eternity, my divine Bridegroom.
How you have delivered me, my Redeemer.
How you have me, Jesus!
Are you ready to taste of the sweet delicacies of God in a deeply reviving and personal way? For those who want to drink, for those who want to eat and be refreshed and renewed, Visions of Celestial Love is a feast between you and the King of Heaven, who loves you more than anyone else. He invites you to dine on wholesome, good, savory food and delicious, zesty, fruitful drink. He awaits you with a sparkle in His eye. He is ready for your company. He delights to have you as a guest.
“To actually read someone’s journal raw, unedited, and unfiltered is a real blessing. I also loved the scriptures at the end of every chapter. The author’s pursuit of God is relentless, extremely honest, and deep.”- Book Review
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? -Psalm 42:1-2 NIV
Have you ever felt dry on the inside?
The scent of strawberry marshmallow and the sight of golden accent lights greet my senses like a pleasant smile. Outside, the sky is a cool gray-blue, and the crisp, cool evening ushers in the approach of Autumn.
As the world around me quiets down, I turn my attention to my heavenly Father. In this turning of attention, in this still place, the ache inside of me is finally heard.
For months, I’ve been at a loss for words. My inspiration has felt dry. What once thrived like a watered garden now feels like a desert.
No poetry, bubbles from my soul like a warm spring. Inside, I sense the same familiar conflict that has troubled me for far too long. And yet, I long to feel the presence of Jesus and the Father’s Spirit inside.
Lord, where are you?
I yearn to meet you here again.
I hunger to dine with you in deep, intimate fellowship, where my heart is fed from your table of love.
I crave the peace that comes when my mind is filled with your thoughts.
I desire to meet with You, Jesus, in a way where the Word becomes flesh once again in the deepest place of my soul.
I know only You can satisfy. Nothing on this earth can quench the place of eternity in my heart, except You.
My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” -Psalm 42:3 NIV
Lord, I want to minister to others, to the person reading this right now, to the students that I teach, to my own children, and my husband… but I feel depleted and void of your resting presence.
I know I’m not alone in this.
I’m not the only person who has struggled to draw near to you and yet feel like there’s an insurmountable distance separating you from them.
Even someone as close to you as King David often poured out his heart in psalms, asking for your presence.
But Father, through it all, I know your Word is true.
I know you hear my every cry. I know you see my heart’s desire for you. I know you love me beyond my current understanding.
I know you will never leave me nor forsake me.
You are a Father who loves at all times.
And so, my prayer is not just for myself, but every child of yours who longs for a heart-fellowship with you.
Dear Father,
I come before your throne room of grace in Jesus’ name, and I thank you for the love you have proven through your Son. I thank you that you never wanted to be separated from us, so you gave us your Son.
I thank you that your Word says that if you did not spare us your Son, then how will you not with him freely give us all things.
Please help us to receive your soothing grace, your healing peace, and the beauty of your loving presence. May we fellowship with you deep inside our hearts. May you open our eyes to the ways that you continually watch over us. May you help us to wait upon you and know that you are God.
We trust ourselves to you. We acknowledge that you are our life, our hope, our strength, our joy, our truest love, and our only God. We trust you to help us to walk by faith and not by sight (or by our feelings).
Thank you for every promise in your Word. Thank you for all the miracles in our lives. Thank you for every blessing you’ve ever given us. Thank you that you are omnipresent, whether we discern your presence or not.
We praise you and we thank you for your faithfulness to us, for putting us in your Son, Jesus, and for sealing us with your Holy Spirit. We love you, Father.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
“Ashley presents us with a true cornucopia of modern psalms, personal testimonies, and short stories. She has set out to reveal and unravel some of the most complex heart issues mankind faces in our quest of understanding what true intimacy with God really looks like. Prepare to have your soul massaged and worked on as you read Visions of Celestial Love.” — Jeremy Minard
Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, and might set free those who all their lives were subject to slavery through fear of death. -Hebrews 2:14-15 BSB
Are you afraid of death?
This week, I received a text from a dear friend whom I’ve known since I was a little girl. She said that her mother had gone to Heaven and specified the time in the evening when she took her last breath on this side of eternity. It was a surprisingly short text considering the news.
She had written earlier asking for prayer for her family because her mom was “so ready to see Jesus.”
The night before, my mother-in-law echoed a similar statement as she sat across from me beside my sister-in-law while my husband sat next to me.
“I’m not afraid of dying,” she said calmly, “I know where I’m going.”
I investigated her warm, dark eyes and saw she was serious.
Her words reminded me of my late grandmother’s. A flash of memory crossed my imagination to the fateful conversation I’d had years ago, as I stared at my (then) last living grandmother.
I was holding my newborn, and my grandmother’s weathered countenance took on a bright enthusiasm as she recalled her vision of Heaven. She talked about glorious gold and colors too vivid to put into words. She spoke of how beautiful everything was and how Earth was a “trash heap” compared to what she’d seen in Heaven.
Her smile became dreamy, and she told me she was ready to see Jesus. Although I was dazzled by her courage toward death, the selfish part of me shrank. For as long as I could remember, her prayers had canopied over our family.
“Don’t leave us just yet. We need you.” I said nervously,
The fearlessness of my mother-in-law, my late grandma (who passed away shortly after our discussion), and my friend’s mom made me realize what a beautiful thing Jesus has done for us!
Through his resurrection, He has taken away the bitterness of death.
Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:
“Death is swallowed up in victory O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. -1 Corinthians 15:54-57 NLT
Jesus has paid the price to defeat one of our greatest enemies.
As children of God, we don’t have to fear death.
In fact, we shouldn’t fear death.
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” -1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
I didn’t see fear of death in my mother-in-law’s and my late grandmother’s eyes. More than anything, I saw anticipation. They were looking forward to seeing Jesus.
I can understand that.
The reality of seeing Jesus has the power to take away the fear of death.
Nothing is lost in eternity.
Christ has redeemed those who put their faith in Him, and we can trust that, as our King, our righteous Judge, and our Redeemer, He will ensure that nothing is lost. We can entrust everything and everyone we love to His care. We can have complete confidence in His power to save us, even from death.
Years ago, the fear of death haunted me like a shadow. I had just given birth to my first child shortly after losing four people I loved. Two of these were my teenage cousins, who had both been murdered in their home. I can’t properly describe the deep pain I felt in my heart. I was in my last trimester when I received this news, and I remember sobbing in the bathroom, running the water to drown out my cries.
Shortly after that, fear began to follow me. It tormented me day and night. I didn’t realize it was a spiritual attack at the time.
I fretted about Eden’s safety when she was a newborn (I’m being very vulnerable). I was also afraid of dying and leaving my baby, Eden, and my husband.
But more than anything, I feared dying alone. I dreaded facing the ultimate enemy on my own. I feared my loved ones facing this enemy alone as well. Death takes away the presence of the ones we love, leaving us alone with our memories. This, to me, was the biggest fear… until Jesus addressed this.
I woke up one morning before sunrise. A deep blue shaded the sky, and the atmosphere was peacefully still as my family slept soundly. The cold autumn air outside seeped through the windows, and I moseyed over to the piano downstairs before playing the keys. I could sense the nagging fear, stealing my peace. I prayed to Jesus, and He spoke to my heart.
“You will never be alone.”
I paused and knew He was speaking directly to my fear of death.
“There will never be a second of your life when I won’t be with you. Even in death, I will be there. I will be there when you close your eyes to this life, and I will be there the second you open your eyes in the next.”
His comforting presence enveloped me like a warm, heavenly blanket. His love melted away the fear that had frozen a place inside of me for months. The assurance of His constant presence gave me a peace I can’t fully put into words.
Since that day, the enemy has not been able to shake me with the terror of death. Jesus has truly set me free from the slavery of fearing death.
I know that I can face death because the Resurrected Conqueror loves me wholeheartedly, and He will uphold me.
He offers you this same gift.
Now, I look forward to seeing Jesus! I can honestly say, like my grandmother, I want to see Jesus.
Once, while I was worshipping at a dear friend’s house, whom I call “my second mother,” I felt so aware of eternity that death became as insignificant as a tiny ant. My friend and our mutual friend praised Jesus, and His holy Presence filled the room. Sometime during our late-night worship, I looked at my friends and wished I could be their age. They are in their early seventies, and I’m in my early thirties. I wanted to be their age because I knew, if things progressed naturally, they would go to Heaven first. I felt jealous (in a good way) that they had faithfully served God throughout their lives and were nearing the end of their race through life.
In that sacred moment, I wished I was older so I could be with Jesus sooner, but I hesitated because of my love for my family and my desire to fulfill God’s will for my life; I also knew that my husband and children wanted and needed me to stay with them.
I know that might seem crazy to people who don’t know the Lord. It may even seem out of place to some Christians, but as Paul said. “I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.…” –Philippians 1:22-23 BSB
I tasted the transcendent power of Psalm 73:25. “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”
And in that heavenly moment, I valued Jesus more than my own life on this earth.
(I hope you understand what I’m saying. I’m not looking for death or condoning the early end of my life. Rather, I have peace in the face of what I once dreaded. I pray to live a long life and fulfill God’s plans for my life on this earth, while keeping my eyes heavenward)
Like my late grandmother, my mother-in-law, and my friend’s mother (who passed this week), I understand where I’m going, so death has no real power. I know Whom I want to see more than anyone else: Jesus, The Life. And I dream of seeing His beautiful face!
As a newly saved teenager, I used to wonder if I was truly saved and going to Heaven. Instead of just trusting the scriptures, which assure us that we will be with Jesus forever, I wanted to hear it directly from Jesus, so I kept asking, “Am I saved?” (Jesus was gracious enough to help me in my unbelief).
One day, He whispered in my heart, “Yes, you are saved.” Not two minutes after He spoke that, an angel appeared in my room. I sensed his presence, and he told me the same thing, “You are saved.” Then he “disappeared.”
Before I even had time to process the angelic encounter, my cell phone rang, and I answered it. It was a Christian friend. “Yes?” I greeted.
“Ashley!” My friend exclaimed, “I was just talking to God and He told me you and I are saved!”
I could barely speak. Father God had given me three confirmations in under ten minutes!
I know I will be with Jesus forever. My future is secure.
I have a blessed sense of peace about eternity.
You can feel this way, too.
You are a favored and loved child of God.
Jesus died and rose again to defeat every enemy that would ever hurt you.
Dear one, no matter who you’ve “lost” or what grief you feel, He is there with you, and He is there with those you love, regardless of where they are. Through Jesus, we are united, even when death temporarily separates us. One day, we will all be together physically.
Not even death can separate you from those you love. If they are “with” Jesus, He will take care of them. You can trust His saving power. We can trust everyone we love into His hands. He is the Resurrection. He is the Life. He is our Redeemer. Nothing good will be lost.
The things you believe you’ve lost while battling in this world will be restored. Everything God intended for you to have will be redeemed. You will lack nothing good. Every cause of your pain will be washed away.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. -Revelation 21:4 NLT
I pray the Holy Spirit will use these words to bring your heart eternal comfort and peace.
You are secure in His hands.
xoxo
Enjoy this devotional video I created as an invitation for you to soak in the unconditional love and healing peace of God.
“When I read Visions of Celestial Love, it is as if I am brought down to my knees to worship. What the Holy Spirit has done in and through Ashley, He is also doing in me. What a wonderful experience. It is very rich. Thank you for sharing the treasure.”—Riko Suci Alam, CEO of Ligar Jaya and owner of Clove Garden hotel in Bandung Indonesia.
, & I’m thinking of you.
that bled for me.
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Lead Me to the Cross 
