Super Bowl Halftime Shows Review

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Halftime show review

I watched both shows.

Alernate Show Turning Point:

Kid Rock stripped it down—no dancers, no gimmicks. Just a man who’s clearly been through some stuff. When he cracked on “until you can’t” I felt it in my ribs. Not because I love him. Because I’ve heard that crack in my own voice at three a.m.

The other artists after him—voices like warm bread, no Auto-Tune, no fog machines—sang like they were praying with their eyes open. Budget low, but soul high.

Bad Bunny:

He didn’t preach. Didn’t curse.

He brought the island home.

Tití Me Preguntó – aunties everywhere nodded.

Yo Perreo Sola – every girl who’s ever said “I dance alone” raised a fist.

Voy a Llevarte Pa’ PR – Celebration of Puerto Rican pride

Die With a Smile – Gaga and him swaying like old friends at a wedding.

Baile Inolvidable – “I thought I’d grow old with you…”

Yeah. That one hurt.

Two shows.

One sold redemption.

The other sold roots.

Both reminded me:

You don’t have to like the messenger

to hear the message.

And maybe—

just maybe—

the same God who let Kid Rock crack

let Bad Bunny rhyme—

got His own message through anyway.

One: redemption.

One: culture.

Both straight from the same mouth.

Both straight from the same Source.

I wanna give props to both messages.

I’ll keep Bad Bunny at arm’s length. His direct disrespect of the things of God does that.

But I won’t keep quiet—
about how loud God can speak
through the mouths of the broken.

Imperfect people are used by God in mysterious ways.

Because Grace? Grace has got better taste in rhythm than any of us.

When we stop demanding people look like us—

talk like us—

pray like us—

and start noticing how God keeps slipping His voice into the cracks of broken people—

that’s when the walls fall.

Not because they repent on stage.

But because we stop needing them to.

We just start listening.

And listening?

That’s the first prayer

nobody has to say out loud.

K. Howard

Can faith that’s not tested be trusted?

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.”
‭‭Job‬ ‭23‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/job.23.10.ESV

Example of Testing of Faith

Job is a prime example of testing of one’s faith in God that produces a faith that can be trusted.

At the beginning of Job’s story we trust a faith full of possessions, both material, like his family, his home, his assets and his intangibles, like a good reputation, respect amongst his peers and loved by his family and friends. We think oh, Job is a man of faith because of what he possesses, even if we don’t say these words aloud or in our head, it’s fair to say that might be the conclusion that most of us come to peeking into his life.

When God Chooses You to Be the Example

How about when we read the conversation between God and Satan?

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.””
‭‭Job‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/job.1.6-11.ESV

If you continue in the story of Job you will find that the only thing Satan had access to is Job’s possessions, God always had access to Job’s life. Which makes me think about how many times I’ve held onto possessions that were actually holding onto me. The temporal things of this world both what we can see and touch, as well as, carry in stature will not get us into our eternal home with God, only possessing a relationship with God can do that.

Imagine living so purely focused on a relationship with God that He chooses you to be tested at the level Job was tested?

Job’s Response During the Test

When Job is asked after he loses everything will he curse God now? Here’s Job’s response:

“Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”
‭‭Job‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/job.2.9-10.ESV

And when one after another, so called friends, the same friends who enjoyed his previous possessions, probably broke bread with him, enjoyed his position but when he was being tested, they got testy.

“As God lives, who has taken away my right, and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter, as long as my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils, my lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit. Far be it from me to say that you are right; till I die I will not put away my integrity from me. I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go; my heart does not reproach me for any of my days.”
‭‭Job‬ ‭27‬:‭2‬-‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/job.27.2-6.ESV

What’s Your Mindset During the Testing of Your Faith?

This mindset is so significant because it reminds us that the temporary life here, is a moment to endure, compared to an eternity where all of these tests, trials and temptations go away. The life that was originally planned for us is reinstated because Jesus made a way for us to come home to live with Him forever.

So now we can see why James says this about tests and trials:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/jas.1.2-5.ESV

How Do We Keep an Eternal Mindset?

Here are a few verses to memorize and apply to your way of thinking to get you started:

What you prioritize matters:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.6.33-34.ESV

What you rehearse in your mind matters:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/php.4.8-9.ESV

The enemy roars LIKE a lion but is not a lion:

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/1pe.5.8-11.ESV

Conclusion

  1. Get in the word first thing daily
  2. Apply the verses you read
  3. Memorize scripture more than stats, songs and movie quotes.
  4. Know that the enemy has no power. He is defeated. Walk in the victory you already possess.
  5. Possessions are not the problem; letting them possess you is.
  6. Possess God and everything else falls inline.
  7. If you got problems; chances are God’s not one of them. So stop cursing Him instead of cursing Satan who is the deceiver and author of every lie, destruction, negative thought or loss that you have.
  8. Pray first. Make it so natural that the enemy doesn’t get an opportunity to walk into your situation.
  9. Let testing produce what it needs to. Walk it out. God is with you from beginning to end.
  10. Be careful who you listen to. If it doesn’t line up with the word, it’s not anything you need to allow to weigh out your options while being tested.

Thank YOU LORD for the testimony that comes after the test!

Joy

What positive emotion do you feel most often?

“…And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭8‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/neh.8.10.ESV

Joy is the source of all my strength and endurance through the difficulties that life throws at me.

I cannot tell you how many countless times that joy has rescued me from various states of mind. The battlefield in my head fights against depression, regret and condemnation. The joy in my heart tells depression, regret and condemnation to sit down and shut up, because this is temporary.

Joy is a glimpse of eternity. It reminds us that one day, after Jesus returns, there will be no more tears, no more heartache, no more depression, no more regret and no more condemnation.

Maybe that’s why God tells us to be heavenly minded while we’re earthly present? Maybe, if we could just wrap our heads around it, the day after Jesus’s return we clock into eternity and out of the limitations of the clock?

God You are so good. This world has nothing for me. When time passes away and eternity is ever present, these problems we toil over will seem so small. Lord, help me make them small and You BIG, right now. in Jesus name amen!

Friend of God

I am a friend of God

“It is only when you understand the transcendence of God that you see how amazing his immanence is, and what a huge privilege it is to be able to enjoy intimate friendship with God.”

The Bible with Nick and Pippa Gumble, Classic version 2025, day 33

We get to have an intimate relationship and friendship with God.

Transcendence means: God exists apart from, and is not subject to the limitations of, the material universe. He is above and beyond, surpassing and excelling, greatly superior to us. 

Immanence means: it is possible to experience his immediate friendship.

What that spoke to me was, God doesn’t need me, He wants to be in my life, just because of the me He created, to be a deep, intimate friend to Him. He owes me nothing. He gave me life.

The real question is: “What will I do with the gift of life, He gave me?” Knowing that He did not HAVE to create me or you, but He did. Knowing this, leads to the realization that you and I must have a purpose. The meaning of that gift of life given to you and me, is to find out why & then use every ounce of breath we have in our lungs doing exactly that.

Psalms 25:14-15 the Message

Lord, You are my creator as well as my best friend. Help me remember that if and when I lose sight of that. Amen.

#friend #hope #life #bible #truth

Are you lost? Do you want to be found?

When I Fall by Katy Nicole

Are you lost? Christians and non-Christians alike hit seasons in their life when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Good news, feelings are not facts, they’re just feelings and this too shall pass. If you’re anything like me that last sentence made you cringe, a little angry or if you’re willing, gave you a different perspective. Which leads me to my next question.

Do you want to be found? Specifically, by God? Most of us put God in a corner, in our most desperate times, in an attempt to fix the problem ourselves. We fail to realize, God, doesn’t care how you got there, He only cares that you want Him in all areas of your life. Even the messy parts, yes, the really messy stuff that you probably even contributed to, rather indirectly or directly. God just wants to be with you. That’s why He created you. You were created for the sole purpose of being in relationship with God. It was His plan before you were ever born.

No matter where you’ve been. No matter what you’ve done or how far you’ve run, He’s there, waiting to find you. So I’ll ask you again, “Do you want to be found, by Him? Are you aware that you’re lost and need Him?”

“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Dear Lord, I am lost and ready to be found by YOU! Like a wandering sheep, I had no idea how bad things would get apart from You. I just want to be in Your presence, in Your care and lead by You. Amen

#salvation #lost #found #fall

The Struggle is Real but so is God

Shereadstruth.com

Great faith is a product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials,’
-Smith Wigglesworth.

Reading my devotions today and this quote has just stuck with me. So many people are struggling with different things (myself included), and I thought it might encourage someone as much as it encouraged me.

What I felt the Lord say in response: “Your test shall become a testimony that leads others to Me! Your trials shall lead you to victory! Your fight, struggle, that thing that is causing so much resistance in your marriage, your finances, your prodigal coming home, is developing a faith in you that you never thought possible. Trust and believe, that though the enemy comes to kill, rob, steal, destroy, I come to give life to the full! Though you experience the troubles, trials and tests of this world, I have overcome this world! Though you may be surrounded by the darkness, I am the light that overwhelms the darkness and the darkness has to flee!”

I’m so grateful that God speaks such words of wisdom and encouragement. It makes me respond with, “Is there really anything too hard for God?” There is nothing I’m going through that God has not been through Himself. His track record is 100% conquered all evil, in His death on the cross. Holy Spirit, help to remind me of that in the middle of the tests, trials, fights, and resistance. The struggle is so real but so are You, God! Amen.

Trust and Believe

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

Nicky Gumble
‭‭‭Psalm‬ ‭9‬‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬, YouVersion Bible App

Many know the story of Jesus calming the storm while in the boat with the disciples. (Mark 4:35-41) What’s interesting to me is that while Jesus was sleeping, they were afraid of the ginormous storm rocking their boat. However, after Jesus turned churning waters, into a sheet of reflective glass with just three words, “Peace, Be still.”, they were terrified of Jesus and of the power Jesus displayed.

It’s like up to that point they understood the storm’s power but had not truly understood the power of the man, Jesus, though they had supposedly known Him, walked with Him and ministered along side of Him.

I want to recognize that Jesus is just as powerful asleep, in my boat (life), though a storm is present, as He can, at any moment, calm the storm around me. To go a little deeper, the storm of worry cannot rock the trust I build in knowing Him, intimately, personally and intellectually. I either believe Him, or I don’t, but trust and believe go hand in hand, in every storm I face.

Lord, help me with my unbelief so that my trust in You keeps the storm of worry out of me. Amen.

Purpose

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/59/1ti.6.12.ESV




K. Howard author of Beautifully Broken
Click here to learn more about
K. Howard

All too often, I desire to learn more, do more and be more, yet in doing so many things and packing my schedule so tight, I retain less, get stressed and accomplish less. Prioritizing what I do around God’s plan and purpose is key to making the most of every opportunity. Even if saying no is part of that opportunity.

Lord, help me fight the good fight of faith for eternal things while balancing life in earthly things. Amen. #k4gsus #thoughts #purpose

Who Am I?


“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why“. 

Mark Twain

“At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.”
Daniel‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

You are greatly loved. Though this passage was written about Daniel, it’s true for us too. So many think that God is on His throne looking to and fro of whom He can punish, no my friends, that’s the devil.

God is right there with you. Waiting for you to do life WITH Him. Everything He created, including you, He created with a healthy, loving, joyful relationship in mind, with YOU. I assure you that regardless of what you have done, forgiveness and a new start, He would gladly give.

I know this because I read where He joyfully laid down His life for all, even the ones that would reject Him, to make forgiveness a viable option for our sinful man. God is not mad at you. God is madly in love with you. He created you to be in relationship with you. The healthiest, safest relationship available to all who would receive it. Will you receive it?

I pray that anyone reading this, encounters the living God today. In all His fullness. That this encounter leads them to repentance. That today is the day of their salvation. That they understand the vision of eternity in mind. We will all face eternity one day but we will all not end up in the same place. Lord enlighten the eyes of their hearts so that see the one true God that you are. No decision is still a decision. Choose this day who you will serve, God or the devil. For me and my house, we will choose God.

Open the floodgates, Lord

Flow

“He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭105‬:‭41‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.105.41.ESV

Can you imagine waters flowing through a desert and how refreshing that would be? I find myself in seasons of desert-like dryness and just when I think I can hardly take it, the Lord, floods me with His refreshing waters of loving-kindness. He restores my soul. He reminds me of His promises to me, that we are in a covenant that cannot be broken.

It is hard to remember a promise in the middle of a dry season. We are stretched, tested and tried. Often being brought to the edge of ourselves. Then we notice something? A trickle of water coming through the rock of our hearts, that have hardened, become jaded, disappointments, betrayal closed us off from everything, sometimes, including our promise.

Fortunately, for us, God reminds us ever-so-gently, that we have a promise to focus on IN THE DESERT. No matter what it looks like, feels like or be like, God will fulfill His promises, beloved. Let the refreshing waters of His promise, His covenant, with you, restore your soul. Let His truth flow through the desert places of your heart. Do not let the dangers of the desert, let you lose sight of the floodgates of promise that flow through the desert like a river.

Lord, help me, remember who You are, who I am to You, and the promises that will get me through those challenging times in life. Amen.

Embrace the interruption

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.16.9.ESV

If you’re anything like me, interruptions in your plans can be frustrating and bring to the surface a side of you that you’d prefer no one would see.

I’m really working on welcoming those interruptions to see if I am missing something in the bigger picture, specifically the picture that God holds in His hand. My goal is to give room for a God moment, a divine appointment or an adjustment that brings about a better plan for me and whomever is also a victim (er, I mean, gifted) to these unplanned interruptions.

What if interruptions were gifts from God, not situations taking from us but gifting us something better than we could’ve ever planned in the first place?

Let’s picture how many interruptions (gifts) that we pushed aside to focus on our own plans and agendas, sitting on a table. How big is your pile of unopened gifts? Mine is bigger than I prefer to mention here, however, I thank God for giving me a different perspective on interruptions. I don’t want to miss out on anymore opportunities stemmed from my plans being interrupted. Today, I commit to embracing the interruptions that come my way.

What are some ways that we can make room for God, when we’re hyper-focused on the plans we make?

Below are a few ways from Proverbs to soften our hearts to those unplanned moments:

Who Am I?


“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why“. 

Mark Twain

“At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.”
Daniel‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

You are greatly loved. Though this passage was written about Daniel, it’s true for us too. So many think that God is on His throne looking to and fro of whom He can punish, no my friends, that’s the devil.

God is right there with you. Waiting for you to do life WITH Him. Everything He created, including you, He created with a healthy, loving, joyful relationship in mind, with YOU. I assure you that regardless of what you have done, forgiveness and a new start, He would gladly give.

I know this because I read where He joyfully laid down His life for all, even the ones that would reject Him, to make forgiveness a viable option for our sinful man. God is not mad at you. God is madly in love with you. He created you to be in relationship with you. The healthiest, safest relationship available to all who would receive it. Will you receive it?

I pray that anyone reading this, encounters the living God today. In all His fullness. That this encounter leads them to repentance. That today is the day of their salvation. That they understand the vision of eternity in mind. We will all face eternity one day but we will all not end up in the same place. Lord enlighten the eyes of their hearts so that see the one true God that you are. No decision is still a decision. Choose this day who you will serve, God or the devil. For me and my house, we will choose God.

Sunday, my favorite Day of the Week

I love everything about it. From the moment I wake up, until the final prayer, to the lazy Sunday afternoon with family and friends. It never gets mundane or forgotten. I plan and await its coming every Monday. I love Sundays.

The gift of rest that Sundays allow are much needed in our world of constant noise, chaos and devices. But Sundays, say, “You can keep going in all of that, or sit with me and recharge, rest, and build relationships, with the ones you love. It’s a gift, not just another day, to fill up with tasks and todo lists.”

I get to open this gift, of Sundays, every week. I get to go to Church and surround myself with the presence of God and people that believe God too. Sundays, the gift that keeps on giving all throughout the week. Just when I think the week will consume me with all its demands, there is Sunday, waiting like a peaceful stream, behind a log cabin in the woods. Thank God, for Sundays.

Boundaries, Commitment and Priorities

How do you balance work and home life?

Balance

Finding balance in an overwhelming schedule is challenging. However, I have found that being successful in the process comes down to these three things, boundaries, commitment and priorities. Out of these three things I utilize techniques, within the process, to stay balanced, effective and efficient with my time, energy and resources.

Boundaries are used in many ways to protect as well as provide a separation between what is allowed in our lives and what is not allowed in our lives. A well thought out boundary will keep wandering things from showing up in our plans. Boundaries also have a door, which is the flexible portion of our day. Through this door we can put out things that aren’t working and welcome in help to get things done more efficiently and often times, quicker. Boundaries protect from distractions and the unexpected things that pop up in life.

Which leads us to the next thing, to maintain balance, is commitment to the goal. Whatever isn’t part of the goal has to be considered a hindrance to end result and must wait until after the goal is met. Commitment to yourself, your family and your work will develop our next technique.

Prioritizing, is probably one of the hardest for me because I often think everything is a priority. As if I’m some kind of super human that can get everything done, never say no to volunteering and always being available for every human in my life. In order for me to prioritize I go through this thought process:

1. Does this take away from my needed downtime?

2. Does this sacrifice time with my family?

3. Does this give me energy or does it drain me of energy?

4. Does it maintain the balance I am fighting for or will it cause imbalance?

Allow me to put this in perspective. If I’ve scheduled some down and an alert pops up or someone asks me to run an errand or really any plethora of things the people we love asks us to do, it’s important to give myself that time. Otherwise, I become rundown, burnt out and sometimes even sick from not taking rest when I need it and when I schedule it.

When something or someone takes time away from my family specifically, mealtimes, bedtime, before school time or vacation time; I actually get offended. I already have to divide my work life from my family life, there is no make up time for supporting my husband at his office event, helping my kids through every stage of childhood, listening to them, going to their events, volunteering at their school and taking them to birthday parties. Truly consider how short 18 years is and you’ll learn to prioritize, real quick.

Never do anything that pulls more energy than it gives. That’s it. That’s the self-guided rule for prioritizing, and when to say yes or no.

That last one is tricky. Some things will cause imbalance but they’re one time, never to happen again, events. If they give you more energy than they take, then be flexible and enjoy it.

At the end of the day, it comes down to this, decide how your day is going to go. It’s your God-given day, treat it like a gift because tomorrow is not promised.

K. Howard, Author of Beautifully Broken

What is your career plan?

My career path has been a twist and turn of events, changing the course when necessary and adjusting the course as needed. As a young girl, I always loved writing but my career path was limited due to our financial situation.

I chose the career of beauty and fashion through becoming a stylist. 25 years of provision, memories and on-the-job training to hone my entrepreneurial skills.

Then, I fell two-stories and broke my back. This, tragically brought my career to an abrupt end. Which I really could’ve used while I was going through my divorce.

I dabbled in the hospitality business for about five years. I loved the people but the rest of it was a whole lot of work with very little compensation for the work.

Circling back, I found myself at the keyboard, pouring my heart out to God, while I divorced the person who I once loved that became our worst nightmare. As I shared these daily thoughts with my social media audience, these writings started to engage others and help them through their struggles. Though all of our struggles were different, we all shared these common themes: a need for hope again, a place to process these trials through our faith and to stay the course until we were out of the storm, raging inside of us.

Beautifully Broken ministered to me while I was writing it through grief, tragedy after tragedy, financial devastation and the unknown.

The cover with the ceramic piece that represents the Japanese art of Kintsugi. This is the general concept of highlighting or emphasizing imperfections, visualizing mends and seams as an additive or an area to celebrate or focus on, rather than absence or missing pieces, according to Wikipedia.

I’m a momma to 4 beautiful daughters and Nana to 8 grandchildren. I started my writing journey, as an outlet, at the age of 9 when I lost my daddy to a careless murder. I have experienced a journey through life that has not been easy, to say the least. Yet each challenge became a breeding ground of opportunity to share my life’s testimony to God’s amazing grace; reflecting my freedom from the chains that bound me, my victory over unforgiveness, and the God-given ability to overcome many struggles, through the outlet of writing.

As a faith-based author my goal is transparency and intentionality to share my heart with purpose, and given the opportunity, to capture your heart, challenge your mind, and stir your emotions with each stroke of my pen.

My motivation behind the project?

To allow my journey to answer these questions about your journey:

1. Who is God to you?

2. Who are you to God?

3. Why does that matter?

I believe that if we can answer these questions with conviction and confidence, we can maintain our faith through the most diffficult of times.

My hope for the reader/audience?

My prayer is that at the end of this 40 day journey of devotions and journing, the reader would exchange the weight of their worries for the gift of salvation and freedom to clock into an eternal purpose. To allow their creator to repair the brokeness in their lives with His unconditional love.

How did writing this impact me?

This project started with my own difficult season that I was journaling through. I was reminded over and over again that God is cheering me on through all of life’s challenges. He can take what is broken and make it beautiful.

Beautifully Broken is a 40 day devotional that breaks down what we believe, the impact of sin, forgiveness, who God is to us, who we are to Him and why that matters.

Whether you’re new to the faith, struggling with your faith, in the middle of a difficult time or returning to your faith, this devotional will help you be more confident in what you believe and why.

If you would like to join my journey:

Email me at: kelliann@fromthedepthsofkell.com on how to receive a signed copy of Beautifully Broken

or

Click on this link to order from Amazon:

Beautifully Broken: Maintaining Faith During Difficult Times: 40 Day Devotional

https://www.amazon.com/Beautifully-Broken-Maintaining-Difficult-Devotional/dp/197365170X

Don’t label me

What are your favorite brands and why?

I like uniquely designed things that enhance the positive attributes of my body shape, my personality and my style.

It’s not about whose label is on the inseam, it’s about how a piece of clothing, jewelry or cosmetic makes me feel when I wear said items.

So don’t try to brand me with someone else’s label. Just let me shine on in my own identity. (giggles a little) So I guess my favorite brand is me because I’m a one of a kind design.

The Will to Live

What gives you direction in life?

Though life has brought about its various challenges, my faith and family gives me the inspiration and will to live.

There have been seasons in my life that I felt like my life was meaningless and a heavy weight on my shoulders. Not that I want to die or anything but simply that I want the situation or season to pass and pass quickly. Some of those seasons bring a lump to my throat and silent tears roll down my cheeks because the pain is not the kind that one just gets over.

My faith in a God of whom I’ve never seen helps me navigate through those tough seasons. Though not seen, He is ever present with me, from the mountain tops of celebrations to the valleys of despair, He has moved mountains and filled valleys with waves of living waters.

The tangible parts of my journey, the victories, the defeats are that though I may face these seasons alone, I am never lonely. My God is a lamp onto my feet and a light at my path. Though I may only be able to see the first feet or so that the light shines, it guides and directs me in a way that I can trust and believe.

The Chosen Few

List the people you admire and look to for advice…

I mainly pray for wisdom and direction from God. However, when I need a human, I go to my husband first, as he usually has the most insight in the situation because he’s going through it with me.

I have 3 adult children, all daughters, that are my best friends now. We often share with each other what’s happening and ask for feedback and lots of prayers for each other.

My sister, and a few friends, also pray for each other and offer feedback and support.

Not only do I admire each one them but I also respect them and appreciate how willing they are to listen and be there for me when I need them.

To say I’m blessed is an understatement.

Thank God We Can Choose

Do you vote in political elections?

Lady Liberty

In my opinion, many Americans have never known what’s it’s like to not have the privilege of voting. Many, also, do not educate themselves well enough to vote. I’m amazed at how many people get and rely on social media memes to collect information or be influenced by how they vote.

I vote. I educate myself by reading each candidate’s website and by looking at their track record, if they have one. I vote based on my convictions, as well as, the impact of that political person’s worldview.

Free and fair elections are what guarantees our freedom to pursue happiness and participate in what’s known around the globe as, “The American Dream”.

Yes, I vote. It would go against my and my country’s interests, to not vote.

Dear Kelliann…

Write a letter to your 100-year-old self.

What a legacy we have, four beautiful, loving, God-fearing daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You have lived a full, though challenging life. You have prepared your heart, mind and soul to run to your heavenly father’s arms. All of your prayers, studies, servitude and love for God will come to fruition soon. Everything you ever worried about will make sense as soon as you are absent from the body and present with Christ.

Soon, you will rest for all of eternity. Soon, there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more sorrow, death, suffering, sickness or disease.

Soon, very soon, you will be reunited with many loved ones but most importantly, you will see the one you have worshiped your whole adult life, face-to-face. Joy, beyond comprehension, will be yours for all of eternity. True love will wrapping you in His loving arms. You will see that not one hurt was wasted.

You have waited 81 years to see what has been unseen here, in this world. The supernatural will become your reality. What a glorious day that will be.

Love,

Your 54 yr old self

P.S. It was all worth it.