Who created a thousand forests from one acorn?  Who twists the tree with a force of wind? Who bathes the thirsty land with water? Who restores all that was ever lost or stolen? Yes, it tis the Creator of all that is good, of all that we could ever want to see. He chose us to be His glad witnesses.

Tis that time of year when God smiles as He beholds  our joy in the tangerine colors of Fall.  We witnesss yellow leaves all a flutter,  and a sudden fresh wind blows in. The strong hang tight while God causes a gust by His great might. The boughs do bend, as they must.   He calls all to let go, and fall in trust. Trusting the vast significance of the season, we rest as He transforms, and informs.

With mittens in a wind storm, a mellowness does swell up in giddiness. The cold shrinks our fingers, and we let loose with a shout!  With ripened anticipation, we embrace all change as He turns us about. We know the potential within a tiny acorn, ah yes, we too burst in thanksgiving. Matured by the Son, we celebrate the promise of what is to come. With a warmth from within we agree, that He that abides leads —  and all is well indeed as we follow.

My heavenly Father called me by name and said, “Barbara, you are Mine!” As I step into my 74th year, the choice is simple, wisdom chooses NOT to lean on my own understanding. The illumination of holy Scriptures expands my thoughts and ways, as His mix into mine. The Word of God empowers me to walk through the doors He opens. Unexpected opportunities invite me perfectly.  Aligned with gifted skills, my deep sense of passion ignites. His grace at work in Liz, she repeatedly encouraged, “In your next book.” The perseverance of the Divine at work in me enlarges my trust in God shewing me.  Walking in His guided footsteps, hugging the Spirit, my spirit is greatly encouraged. Preach to Self

I am RELAXED during any election as I have been voted a most valuable servant in God’s kingdom simply by speaking the truth. “Jesus is my King!” I declare my retirement from being pulled into any deception. I thank God for creating me with inner and outer ears to hear what His Spirit is saying. Without an ounce of remorse, I choose to place all toxic, hate speech in my rear view mirror.

People pleasing is no longer my focus. What I choose to do is to please God with every action or word spoken.  My 2024 eternal retirement is to silence the world’s influence. Those who are critical of what I do or say,  gracefully I say, God bless you and goodbye.  Folks who are careless with the voice God gives, my ears are shut off from any noise that mocks God. Joyfully, I choose to withdraw from curses to seek words of truth and blessings.  I embrace those who speak salt that comes from the light.  My mouth is freed to speak uncensored beliefs. I trust that my silence will speak for me as I walk away from the crude or rude.  I simply choose to keep a loving distance.

I no longer pretend that I belong to what is considered popular.  It is my pleasure to retire from the overly sophisticated, the dramatic, the entirely too complicated.  I have no solution that can be heard by those who exhaust all the extended mercy of God. I declare myself as His humble servant.  In truth, I admit that I am imperfect. With that truth, I choose to delight my ears with what God says. I love time considering all Jesus did for me, at every sunrise. His Spirit hugs me daily, and I move in His grace.  His mercies are fresh each morning, so my steps tread firm ground because I love His plan for me. I value who He created me to be. My Lord Jesus forgave me much, and He still chooses to never depart from me.  So I choose to forgive myself and let go of any foolish self condemnation. My greatest fortune is God’s unmatched love. He gave me the wisdom to know how to choose when to retreat and when to speak. I choose to ride with Jesus into eternity.

In the audible book “Dream” by Dutch Sheets, these words rang loud in my spirit. “Dream your Destiny” and begin right now. Do it for God’s glory, and for a crown in heaven. Yes, with my fickle emotions settled, I laid my pen to paper. To join God in His dream for me, is a solid decision that brings my Father great joy!

To compare myself with the talents of others is to give the thief permission to steal my joy. I’m glad to be set apart, to be who God created.  Because Jesus chose me, His sufficiency makes me equipped to do that which I am gifted to do. With that truth sinking in, I write! Knowing His eyes SEE me sitting at the desk He provided, well that is enough to assure me to “Just do it!”  His Presence inspires me. His provision is endless. His grace is more than SUFFICIENT.  My name is in the His Book, and God is the Author of my story, now and forever! Praise God!

A child named Barbara Sue is reborn on the 19th of September each year. The above poem celebrates completing my 74th year. Barbie Writes The Author of my story is GOD. I am now writing a book of poetry and things whispered into my spirit. A Seasons Gush pours out to inspire the spirit in others to DREAM AGAIN.

Written Vision