reclamation.

I wrote these words over a year ago, 
and forgot about them. Until two days ago.
God doesn't waste a thing.

I have lost things.

And I want them back.

Maybe you have lost things, too.

Time is short.

And I want my bravery back.

And my innocence, too. 

Please.

I want to look a bully in the eye

and say 

"no"

again and again. 

No.

And I want to think I can do what God has called me to

because I'm wired by Him to do it.

And I don't want to be told that I can't

just because I don't fit a mold

or presupposition

or traditionally-held thought.

That's not good enough.

And, 

through Christ, 

I am.

I want to sit and be

and not have the 

incessant to-do list running

like a ticker tape machine

in my head.

I want to just be. 

And, 

through Christ,

be enough.

I feel God starting 

a reclamation project 

in my soul.

He is taking the ashes

left by others

and building something

new.

And beautiful.

For what He begins,

no one but Him can

declare an end to. 

No one.

Maybe you have ashes, too.

Charred remains of once-beautiful things.

Maybe you've had enough 

of looking into your soul 

and seeing ruins.
And just maybe God would like to start a 

reclamation in your soul.

I know He would. 

He wants the best for you.

And He'll stop at nothing 

to declare you whole and well and beauty-filled.

Today?

Invite the One who reclaims

into your ruins.

And 
ask Him 

to 
rebuild.  

Many blessings,

Deni


To all who mourn in Israel,
    he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
    festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
    that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
~Isaiah 61:3

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
    I will protect those who trust in my name.
 When they call on me, I will answer;
    I will be with them in trouble.
    I will rescue and honor them.
 I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation.
~Psalm 91: 14-16


all pictures taken at Disney's Animal Kingdom
{the most photogenic theme park there ever was}