Church

The Prodigal @ Home

/ Jodie / 2 Comments

Luke 15:11-32

11 To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.

13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.

17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’

20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.[a]’

22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26 and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’

28 “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, 29 but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’

31 “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

Like that prodigal in the parable, I also left my Father’s house as a young child. Blind to sin because of the desire to be my own god, I spent decades wasting my inheritance on immoral living. I ate and drank and wallowed in the mud & muck, just like a pig. Until one day, praise GOD- when I came to my senses, by the power of His Spirit! Conviction cut straight to the heart, piercing between my soul & spirit. I confessed, repented and returned to my Father, where He welcomed me home with open arms.

But my story doesn’t end there.

Since being adopted into God’s family, I’ve also played the part of the older child. The prodigal at home. Distracted by the demands of being about my Father’s business, I inadvertently become disconnected from His heart. As a result, the pouting begins; grumbling and complaining about the pigs who get to party, while I do ALL the work of the ministry! Forgetting about the grace given me, I become self-righteousness and angry. Angry that they seem to be getting all the attention and affection and applause, as if they are my Father’s favorite. Over time, if I ignore that anger long enough, it grows into a root of bitterness that defiles and deceives my own soul.

But, praise the LORD!!!

There’s still good news for that prodigal stuck in the pig trough.

When we:

Get HONEST with Him, ourselves and others (confess)

HONOR our Father (repent, forgive)

He will:

HEAL our prodigal heart

DELIVER us from the pig trough

My fellow prodigals, I believe it’s time to come to our senses again. LOVE must be our highest goal! We’ve become too distracted by the work of the ministry. It’s time to repent and return to our Father’s house- and the heart of the Father. It’s time to confess our sins to Him and one another so that we may be healed. It’s time to humble ourselves, get honest, and ask others in the body of Christ for help. It’s time to submit and surrender to His Word and Spirit as He cuts through our emotions, our minds and our wills.

It’s time for prodigals to come home. It’s time for prodigals at home to come to Him. He’s waiting for all of us with open arms.

Called. Chosen. Commissioned.

/ Jodie / 2 Comments

Matthew 4:19

19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me…

Matthew 22:14

14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Matthew 28:19

19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

A little while ago, a local college student asked to get together with me. She was searching for someone older in the faith to disciple her and wondered if I’d be interested. I agreed to meet with her on campus to discuss the idea over a cup of coffee. As we sat down together at a table outside the library, I soaked in the Florida sunshine as she started a monologue about all the things she was doing for the Lord. At some point during her sermon, I interrupted to inquire about her story. She fumbled to find the right words as I asked a few questions about her relationship with her parents, siblings and our Father, Son and Spirit. They weren’t complicated questions. Just simple things that pertained to BE-ing a disciple of Jesus. The conversation stalled, so she quickly changed the subject to her fiancé. They were planning to enter full time ministry together after graduation. She explained that her man recently found a spiritual father because he was struggling with porn, so she thought it would be a good idea for her to have a spiritual mom too! As we talked about their relationship, she admitted they were having sex, and occasionally they smoked weed together at parties.

As our conversation came to a close, I assured her that I was willing to meet again if she understood what kind of spiritual mother I am. I’m a childlike mom who’s filled with compassion and cares for the broken hearted. I feed the hungry and the hurting, because I’m hungry and hurting… and I’m healed and delivered by the love of the Father, the sacrifice of the Son, and the power of His Spirit! I’m not a mom that continually affirms and applauds gifted kids. I’m grateful for God’s grace and the gifts He’s given all His children, but I preach Bible so that good fruit may be produced. I am called, chosen and commissioned to BE and make disciples who love the Lord with all their heart.

Unfortunately, I never heard from that young woman again.

But she’s not the only kid wandering around in the wilderness here. Many have been called to this land flowing with milk and honey. Many live here as orphans. But a few have chosen to follow Jesus down the narrow road alongside spiritual siblings, parents and grandparents. A few have chosen to sit at the generational table He’s preparing for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

The sad reality is, there are many breastfed babies being trained for service in the Father’s house, but they don’t have a clue where the kitchen is! They haven’t been taught how to purchase, plan or prep a meal. They haven’t been taught to sit and share with their Savior and Lord. They haven’t been taught how to eat His body and drink His blood every…single… day. They’re hungry. And they don’t even realize they’re starving to death!!!

Question is: who’s gonna feed them?

It’s time for parents, like Peter, to strengthen the body of Christ. Yep, I’m talking to you. I know you’ve been guilty of denying Jesus because you’ve feared man, not God. But let me remind you: He’s interceding for you!

Repent & return to Him.

He’s called you.

He’s chosen you.

He’s commissioned you to GO, make disciples!

Care for and feed the lambs & sheep. Invite them to breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sit at the table and listen to their stories. Tell them yours. Preach the Word of God to them. Pray with and for them. Pursue their hearts. Prophesy dry bones to life in their mind, will and emotions.

You know where the kitchen is. You know how to sit at the table. You know how to eat the scroll. It’s time to share your leftovers with the next generation.  

Restorer of Homes

/ Jodie / 1 Comment

(excerpt from my new book)

I received my first prophetic word in 2008 during a church leadership meeting. At the time, we were members of a non-denominational mega church plant, but I was completely clueless to the gifts of the Spirit. Being raised in traditional churches, I’d never even heard of prophesy, much less been involved in a Prophetic Presbytery, led by a modern-day prophet. I wondered if we’d inadvertently joined a cult! Silently I questioned,

Is this even biblical?

Are “prophets” for real?

Or is this guy just another clown performing in a charismatic circus?

I was skeptical. But also… a bit curious. My formative years were spent in a Presbyterian church, but after a cross-country move, my family and I settled in with the Methodists. My husband was also raised in the United Methodist Church, so we both had a pretty good foundation of Truth. But, the things of the Spirit were still very foreign to us. I knew that the one true God was a triune God; Father, Son & Spirit. But His Spirit was rarely mentioned in Sunday School or in Services, unless of course we were reciting the Apostles Creed.

I’ll never forget the moment the prophet locked eyes with me. I braced myself for impact; wanting to run and hide, while simultaneously standing in an unexplainable blessed assurance that this moment would change the trajectory of our lives.

He began by reading our mail, as they say. I looked at our leaders, silently asking,

Did you tell this guy everything about us?!

They just smiled at us, like masters watching their apprentices experience the joy of discovering hidden treasure.

The man of God continued.

He mentioned ways we had served the Lord and talked about what that would look like in the future. In due season, he said we would be out of growth room, so the Lord would need to transplant us in order to transpose us into what He wanted. God was calling our entire family to be full of virtue, character and strength; to be an example of humility in the Father’s house. The man also gave specifics regarding our home:

“I feel like the Lord says, “I’ve got a different house for you because I want to turn your house not just into a trophy, but I want to make it a place of ministry.” God’s gonna give you a ministry center where you’re gonna minister to your family. Where you’re gonna minister to other families, and gather the people of God there. At times, you’ll even gather the lost and those that are yet to find Christ. They’re gonna find Him right at your kitchen table, right in your living room. It’s going to be an amazing place of ministry. Just know that God says “I’m gonna give you a place of ministry.” You’ll say, “this is our house, but it is God’s place of ministry and design for us.’”

A few months later, another prophet came to town. Calling us out of the crowd again, another word was spoken over our family. He even told us to bring our toddler up on stage with us! After he spoke to my husband, he paused and stared straight at me,

“Over you, God says, “I’m going to release a gift of prophesy.” Some of what I’ve been doing tonight, you’re gonna do. Ok? Can you receive that? Two anointing’s: One to hear, and one to speak. I’d like to lay hands on you to release that. One of the fundamental doctrines of the church, we transmit gifting’s by the laying on of hands. By speaking the word of prophesy, Father bring it to pass. We release the gift to hear and the spiritual gift of prophesy to speak. Make her a voice in the family, in the church, in the marketplace.”

After these encounters, Acts 2:17 was realized as prophetic words, visions and dreams became a recurring phenomenon in my life. During that season, mature believers in the body of Christ taught me how to become a scribe. They encouraged me to write down every prophetic word, vision or dream in a journal. Then, they told me to prepare myself for the process of persevering in prayer, until all of God’s promises came to pass. They explained that everything must be judged by the Word, contended for in prayer, and confirmed or denied in due season.

Several years into the process, I noticed a pattern emerging. Night after night, when I fell asleep, I repeatedly saw houses that needed to be renovated, remodeled or rebuilt. Initially, I didn’t know whether they were literal or spiritual houses, but eventually, the Lord revealed more of the mysteries that were hidden in my dreams.

The prophetic process proved to be more painful than I originally expected…

Order NOW!

NEW BOOK Available Today!!!

/ Jodie / Leave a comment

For nearly two decades, I’ve periodically written & posted biblically based blogs @ deepintothewater.com

Never, ever, ever did I have any desire to write a book about my life.

God, however, had other plans.

After hearing His still, small voice, I put literal pen to paper and began pouring my heart out in my journal.

8 years later (a significant number for me), I felt prompted to publish some of those pages.

So, welcome to my house! Come on in…the doors open. Allow me to introduce you to The Restorer of Homes.

https://a.co/d/8NQVDsx

Help!

/ Jodie / 3 Comments

Matthew 24:35 

Sky and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

Psalm 121

1 I look up to the mountains—
    does my help come from there?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth!

3 He will not let you stumble;
    the one who watches over you will not slumber.
4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel
    never slumbers or sleeps.

5 The Lord himself watches over you!
    The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
6 The sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon at night.

7 The Lord keeps you from all harm
    and watches over your life.
8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
    both now and forever.

Isaiah 40:3-5

3 Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting,
“Clear the way through the wilderness
    for the Lord!
Make a straight highway through the wasteland
    for our God!
4 Fill in the valleys,
    and level the mountains and hills.
Straighten the curves,
    and smooth out the rough places.
5 Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
    and all people will see it together.
    The Lord has spoken!”

As the cover of my current journal declares, God is Faithful.

Yesterday, after drinking my daily smoothie that contained a new ingredient I’d never consumed before, I noticed that I felt kind of weird. I laid down for a bit to rest while watching Chip & Joanna Gaines do their thing. Grabbing my bottle, I continued guzzling water like I normally do with the heat and humidity of the good old Florida sunshine in summertime. Within a few minutes, swallowing became difficult. I sat up straight, quickly ascertaining that I must be suffering an allergic reaction! Breathing slowly, I calmed my nervous system down and began praying in the Spirit.

“Help me, Lord!”

Peace rushed in.

At the same time, I was still very aware of what was happening inside my body. The swelling in my throat was increasing, so I decided it was time to ask someone for help. I walked into my man’s office, interrupting his work day. “Babe. Don’t panic. I think I’ve had an allergic reaction to something I drank. I’m having a hard time swallowing.” I sat down on the floor as he retrieved my water bottle and the Benadryl. I took two, immediately. I text a nurse practitioner friend, but there was no response. At that point, my throat felt like I’d swallowed a very hairy tennis ball! “Babe. I’m gonna need you to take me to the ER. But before we go, let’s pray.”

He did.

As I grabbed my things, he informed the kids what was going on. I saw the concern in their eyes as we rushed out the door. Fortunately for us, we live literally right down the street from our community hospital. Upon check in, once I told the admin what was happening, she promptly stopped the paperwork and called for a nurse. By the time I turned around, a woman was there with a wheelchair. She whisked me right into an available room, as the team rushed in. Within moments I was undressed, put into one of those fashionable hospital muumuus, an IV was started and my vital signs were being monitored. Asking how I was feeling, the head nurse agreed with my self diagnoses- also noting that my chest and back were covered with a rash. The nurse practitioner assigned to my care immediately ordered more anti-histamines and a steroid which were promptly administered through my IV.

Once the dust had settled, my man smiled at me as he sat there- holding all my belongings in his hands. I saw the care and concern in his beautiful blue eyes.

As the medication and fluids entered my system, the swelling stopped. In fact, the fuzzy tennis ball began shrinking! I was discharged within an hour or so. Armed with a prescription to continue taking meds at home, my man and our kids were now assigned to my care. They came rushing out to the garage before I even had a chance to open the car door! We spent the next few hours enjoying our abbreviated family fun night, eating dinner together and watching one of the gazillion Mission Impossible movies. The anti-histamines knocked me out before 9p.

Upon waking early this morning, I began processing yesterday’s events with the Lord in silence. Thanking Him for being with me; an ever-present help in times of trouble, my heart was filled with gratitude. As we walked through everything that happened, I remembered how He’d been with me in previous trials.

I heard Him validate who He is:

The Way,

the Truth,

the Life.

and I heard Him validate who I am in Him:

His beloved.

He also alerted me to what the enemy had spoken over me yesterday so that I could remain aware of his prowling around, acting like a lion. It confirmed the bible verse Holy Spirit woke me up with early this week.

In that moment, I realized He’d been sharpening my sword- which is the written and spoken Word of God. It’s the only weapon used to cut between soul and Spirit. Like those anti-histamine’s that block the histamine response in the body, only the Word can block the fiery arrows of the enemy.

Our battles belong to the Lord, but we have a part to play, my friend. We cannot fight lying down- being passive. Yesterday, when I realized the attack on my body, I sat up. Then I stood. And when He said “GO!” I went. Immediately. THIS is how we fight our battles. We hear and do the Word.

It isn’t enough to sit in the Lord’s presence during a worship service as the highs and lows of the songs sooth our soul. Man cannot live on corporate gatherings alone. Please understand me. We NEED to sit in His presence, alone and together. We NEED to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth as a covenant community and alone. Before we show up on a Sunday morning, or a Wednesday night, we NEED to be full of His bread and water. Like Jesus, we must get up while it’s still dark and go to a secret place to pray to the Father in heaven. Then we must train ourselves to be still and know Him.

Study the Word.

Pray.

Meditate on His Truth.

Once you’ve eaten the scroll for yourself, my friend: get up and do whatever the Father’s will is, in whatever way He says to do it!

Period.

End of sentence!

This blog post is the result of one of those holy moments. Usually prompted by a passage I’ve read, I simply write my response to the Lord in a journal each day. Journaling is just another way to communicate with the Lord. What I sometimes can’t get out of my heart through my mouth, my mind can easily translate through my hand as it scribbles my thoughts (conscience and sub-conscience) on paper. Most of the time what I scribe remains hidden from others. I love that God and I have secrets just between the two of us. But occasionally, He prompts me to transcribe His word and my words digitally, so that I can tell others the GOOD NEWS of the gospel! This is not my story. It’s His. His story transforms lives.

It’s time to sit up, stand up and sharpen your sword, my friend. God is preparing you to be an overcomer. You must be alert and aware at all times. The enemy is prowling around you and your family. Do not be defeated by his lies. God is with you and He is for YOU!

Revelation 12:11

11 And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death.

(Thank you to those who prayed and reached out, when our eldest sent text messages.

And to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the hospital who cared for me.

Grace and peace to all of you!)

Well Being

/ Jodie / 1 Comment

Philippians 4:6-9

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [b]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [c]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of [d]untroubled, undisturbed well–being) will be with you.

There’s a sign in my psychologist’s office that says “Well Being.” Beneath those words is a list of action items that contribute to us being made well:

Serving

Faith

Social

Relaxation

Fitness

Nutrition

Sleep

Fun

Time in Nature

Nine seemingly insignificant words. Simple, small things packed with Spirit & Truth. I’ve read and pondered that list for more than two years. I even took a picture and keep it on my phone as a reminder. And you know what!? Those seeds that have been sown into the soil of my heart are beginning to spring up! They are finally producing good fruit:

I’m serving.

I’m full of faith.

I’m social.

I’m relaxed.

I’m getting fit.

I’m sleeping.

I’m having more fun!

I’m spending time in nature.

And, now….

I’m consuming good nutrition!

Well Being

This month I began a new thing: I hired a nutrition coach. Why, you ask? I needed help. I couldn’t do it on my own. I tried. Repeatedly. And failed.  I’ve been overweight and under active for years. One of my goals in moving to the Sunshine State was eating better and being more active again. Ever since I was a kid, I loved being in the great outdoors, spending time in nature. But somewhere in the middle, I forgot about being well. Amidst the hustle and bustle, the hurry and worry of life, I stopped caring for myself. I stopped loving myself as God loves me: body, soul and spirit.

There are many reasons the Lord called us to Florida. I’m convinced that one of them is this: I needed to get well. And now, there’s no excuse for me not getting my rear end outside (well, except the part where it feels like we’re living on the surface of the sun in the summertime!) The infrastructure in this state is conducive to an active lifestyle in nature that is preserved for its wildlife- and its people.

Last year my man and I started walking daily on the Ft. Fraser Trail near our house to prepare for our trip to Paris. We were so proud of ourselves for keeping up with our friends adventuring through France that we didn’t stop walking when we got home! Moving is not only good for our bodies, it’s good for our hearts as well. We walk and talk to each other and to God every morning.

By partnering personal fitness with the wisdom of a nutrition expert, I’m also learning what my body needs to thrive from the inside out. Honestly, I’ve been embarrassed by my ignorance in regards to food. God’s Word is true – we do perish for a lack of knowledge! But thank the Lord for those in the body of Christ who are helping me in my weakness. I’m eternally grateful for the encouragement I’ve received from so many in our covenant community. By practicing what I’ve learned, my spiritual, mental and nutritional/fitness health is producing good fruit. The peace of God is now ruling and reigning in my life. I am untroubled. I am undisturbed.

This is well being.

My friend, I want to encourage you today in the Lord. Are you sick – and tired? Physically, emotionally or spiritually? His strength is sufficient! Ask Him for help to get well, and be well, beloved. Begin by worshipping Him right now, in Spirit and Truth:

PRAY (v 6)

PRAISE Him! (v 6)

Receive His PEACE (v 6)

PRACTICE what is preached (v 9)

Lay down, Cow!

/ Jodie / 1 Comment

Psalm 23:1-2

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
 He makes me lie down in green pastures…

When we moved to Florida two years ago, I became obsessed with cows. It seemed random at first. For heaven’s sake, we had cows in North Carolina and in California where I grew up! Yet, for some strange reason, I began squealing like a little girl every time we passed a pasture in Polk County.

Turns out, my actions weren’t random. Or strange.

I’ve especially been drawn to heifers, cows and calves. Recently, I learned from a friend that I am NOT a heifer- as some wrongly assumed. I’m actually a cow, thank you very much! A heifer has not given birth to a calf. This cow has delivered four! Armed with this newly acquired knowledge, I started to embrace the fact that I had been led to engage with these bovines. My friends who own cattle have since given me access to talk to and pet their animals- and pray over their land whenever I ask. Others have invited me to their home, which overlooks a neighbor’s herd to take pictures or just sit and stare at these magnificent creatures. Hey. Don’t judge me!

Cows are a picture of what I prayed for. What I’m trying to tell you is, this crazy infatuation is really from the Lord!

Allow me to explain…

Polk County was once home to the greatest number of cattle barons in the state of Florida. Lots and lots of land. Lots and lots of cows!!! Bartow was named the county seat after a baron donated a large tract of land to ensure the regions governmental authority rested in his hometown. How did the Bullard’s come to reside in the county of Polk, in the city of Bartow you ask? Well, it wasn’t my plan, I can tell ya that. MY plan was to live in Lakeland. The covenant community we’re a part of is there. Most of our friends are there. The parks and lakes and walking/biking trails we use are there. The majority of restaurants and shops we frequent are…you guessed it, THERE. The “tow” as locals have nicknamed it, was definitely not on our radar when shopping for houses online. But, His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are definitely not our thoughts. After being awake all night with explosive diarrhea, hearing the Lord said “I gave you what you wanted” (Psalm 106:15) we withdrew the first contract we made on our dream home- a beautiful hacienda in Haines City. Immediately, my man and I prayed, “your Kingdom come, your will be done- give us the house YOU want!” Turns out the seventh offer was the one He wanted. In July 2021, we finally closed on our home in Bartow, in a city and neighborhood we did not want to live in. But did I mention that our subdivision was formerly a cow pasture!? We literally heard (pun intended!) cows mooing each morning from the old homestead directly behind us, as we sipped coffee on our lanai. Unfortunately for us, those cows have since moved on to greener pastures.

In the spring of this year, the Lord told me it was time to LAY DOWN. After a bit of a struggle, I finally relented. Since obeying His voice, I began realizing what He’s been trying to teach me all along. Psalm 23 gives the analogy of Him being a good shepherd and us being good sheep, willing to be lead- regardless of where He goes. In this season, He led me to LAY DOWN; to rest…in green pastures. Cows LAY DOWN in green pastures every day. Each afternoon or evening, as we drive down Eagle Lake Road towards home I see heifers, cows and calves lying in the grass chewing their cud. After grazing all day, they rest and regurgitate what they’ve ingested. The same, as it turns out, happens with me. Every morning, in the secret place I hear my Shepherd’s voice in Scripture, Silence and Solitude. Then I start mooing about all the things and listen for His leading. Sometimes I know immediately where we’re going. And other times, I get up and go about my day, chewing the cud. As I do, Holy Spirit reminds me of passages I’ve read or visions, dreams and encounters with Jesus I’ve experience alone or corporately. He brings to remembrance that I must pray in the Spirit, asking Jesus what He’s asking the Father. In due season, at just the right time, I hear from heaven and a piece of the puzzle will find its place in the portrait I see Him painting.

Today was one of those moments that connected the dot to dots. God has literally given me what I asked for:

To know Him as Shepherd

To go where He leads

To LAY DOWN in green pastures

To restore my soul

My friend, I’m here to tell ya that this cow has tasted and seen the goodness of the Lord! I’m leaning on my Shepherd. I’m finding my voice in the pasture. And in due season, I’m gonna come up outta this place SHOUTING to every heifer, cow and calf that will listen,


    Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!

(Isaiah 40, John 1)