He does give us beauty for ashes. The beauty is peace in the midst of the storm, a purpose for all the pain and a freedom from the bondage that so entangled us. 

Today the sun is shining through the window and the sweetest breeze is blowing the house. One deep breath of the fresh air and I am reminded that life goes on for those left behind the death of a loved one. It seems the last year has brought more loss than the rest of my life put together. Not just death but also loss of relationships dear to me and loss of things I can't articulate.

For a while now, God has been teaching me about trading in the ashes of our lives for beauty. He is teaching me about His Word being a healing ointment to our wounds. For so long I have taught women how to use the Word to fight, I have never taught them how the Word heals! I am not sure how I missed that. Anyway, today the peices are coming together and I am getting very excited to see how this beautiful process takes place.  I wish you could see all the notes and scriptures God has given me this week! Talk about healing, wow! He is amazing.

I know several people who read these blogs and they are going through some VERY difficult times right now so I just wanted to encourage you to take some time to get before the Lord and His Word. Write out all the hurts that seem to keep haunting you and then ask God to replace your ashes for beauty.  As you read His Word, write out the scriptures with your name in them- the ones that really minister to your needs. Then trade that first paper full of trials in for the Words of life God has given you. Hold them dear to your heart, turn on your worship music and dance! ( make sure nobody's watching.. lol!  I cant tell you how freeing it is - just try it! Right now! I mean it!

Now... go