* God's Heart Word Block Giveaway *
To celebrate my friend Holley Gerth's latest book "God's Heart For You",
one winner will receive God's Heart Word Block from Blessings Unlimited.
Enter the giveaway at the end of today's post!
In God’s heart, you are…. How would you fill in the blank?
When my good friend Holley Gerth, co-founder of DaySpring (in)courage and lover of all things Nutella, released her latest book — God’s Heart For You: Embracing Your True Worth as a Women — she asked me a question.
How would you fill in the blank to this sentence: In God’s heart, I am… ?
I must admit that the first answer that popped in my head was the Sunday School answer.
Loved.
You can’t go wrong with that answer, right? God loves everyone. Even me. It’s been programmed in my heart and I’ve believed it since forever.
Then I finally got the book in my hands.
I turned to the table of contents, and goodness sakes, I found a list of 40 adjectives that described who I am in God’s heart!
#1. Accepted... (nodding my head)
#2. Wonderfully Made… (uh-huh)
#3. Forgiven… (yes, yes)
… (quietly reading…)
I did a cursory inventory and paused on some I wasn’t too sure about.
Then my heart stopped on #17.
Delightful
Delightful?
I don’t think I can even say that sentence out loud: “In God’s heart, I am delightful.”
What Holley Said
I quickly turned to the Delightful chapter. Here’s what Holley said —
“I frequently ask my counseling clients a simple question: What brings you joy?
Delight, which is a synonym for joy, is powerful.
If you asked God the same question, what do you think He would say?
As amazing as it may sound one of His answers would be “You.”
I’m writing it down. In God’s Heart, I am… Delightful.
Turns out Holley’s book is a treasure trove of food for the soul.
Real food for the soul that satisfies.
Holley weaves each chapter of encouragement with delicious nibbles of Scripture. What I love about Holley is that she digs deep into God’s words and mines the gems, brushes them off and hands them to us, in areas we all struggle with.
What’s really special is how Holley lays her own heart on the line to gently expose the places that are tender and need the touch of God’s heart.
This book made me step back and realize — what she is saying can really be true about God’s heart for me.
I hope you get a chance to read Holley’s book — God’s Heart For You.
It’s perfect for feeding your soul.
God touched my heart through this book, by delivering a word to me.
Delightful.
I’m praying His word will settle deep in my soul and become a living part of me.
A Special Treat For Us
Today, I have a very special treat for us!
I have some chocolate for our soul. I’m talkin’ dark chocolate, good stuff.
Holley Gerth, author of God’s Heart For You, is here to guest post for { Day 20 } of Feed Your Soul.
Sit back and relax. Holley’s here to share heart to heart with us…
“God’s Heart For You” by Holley Gerth
Confession: I still hear the whispers.
The silent lies in the night that come and question…
“Are you really loved?”
“Are you really enough?”
Subtle accusations that seek to take hold of my heart.
Have you ever heard them too?
You would think by now I’d be able to silence them completely. After all, I wrote the book God’s Heart for You about this very thing. Shouldn’t that be enough?
But I’m leaning that God’s mercies are new every morning because that’s how often we need them. And not just every morning but every noon and night too.
Last week Ann Voskamp and I spoke at a DaySpring creative retreat. We shared about manna (bread) from heaven that nourished the Israelites in the desert) and what it means to be fed daily by truth. The Israelites weren’t allowed to gather more than one day’s worth of manna. If they did, it would be spoiled by the next morning.
It’s the same way with what our hearts need to hear. I want to stockpile enough truth to silence those lies forever. But the reality is that each day my heart is hungry again. That’s why I needed to write God’s Heart for You. That’s why sometimes I crave the Word the way I do a hot fudge sundae. That’s why I’m nourished by friends like our Bonnie.
What are the sources of manna for you?
God is always holding out His hand to give us daily bread, more of himself. He promises to be there with what we need to sustain us.
Our role?
Simply to receive it.
Confession: I still hear the whispers.
But now the truth is louder.
So I close my eyes, smile and sleep like one who knows she will awaken to love every day.
~~~~~
What is God’s heart saying to you?
Pull up a chair. Holley and I will be visiting here. We’d love to to hear your thoughts. Click to share a comment.
~~~~~
Visit Holley
Her Blog: Heart To Heart With Holley
Watch the book trailer: Click here (you can post your “In God’s Heart Word” there with me!)
Order God’s Heart For You: Click here
Online: Via Facebook or Twitter.
Holley is an award-winning writer and counselor.
~~~~~
** God’s Heart Word Block Giveaway **
Today, Blessings Unlimited is giving away the God’s Heart Word Block to ONE WINNER randomly selected here at Faith Barista (yay!).
To Enter:
1. Share a comment or blog post by Midnight Wed 10/26/11.
For Extra Entries:
2. Subscribe to Faith Barista and leave an extra comment letting me know.
3. Share this post on Facebook or Twitter (Click the “Share/Save” button below) and leave extra comments letting me know.
~~~~~
** Don’t miss! ** If you are new to Faith Barista, I’d like to invite you to join me on my journey this month — 31 Days to Feed Your Soul. Click to subscribe by email and get each post in this series served up hot and fresh directly in your mailbox.
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To catch up and read the earlier posts in this series —
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*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — FAITH BARISTA JAM! ***
Faith Barista Jam Thursdays — I serve up a topic of faith, you write the post. Let’s encourage each other. Add your voice. Swap our stories.
Share your post by clicking the blue button below “Add Your Link” or just comment directly.
Today’s Thursday’s Topic 10/20: Complete this sentence & share your thoughts: “In God’s Heart, I am (fill in).“
Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real.
Please place the “Faith Jam” Badge in your post and help build the Keep Fresh Fresh Community. Thanks!Grab the HTML Code For the Faith Jam Badge
Next Thursday’s Topic 10/27: All is grace.
‘);
It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!
~~~~~
Heart image photo credit: findstuff22via Photobucket.
211 Comments
I never thought about God’s heart that way – that He might delight in me. What a wonderful thought. I also like the manna parallel. It reinforces why this discipline of daily Bible study is so important. We can find nourishment new each morning.
Bonnie and Holley – I’m blown away by your life-words on a daily basis. My soul is fed and my heart refreshed.
His voice of Truth is definitely growing louder and clearer. Today, God’s heart says He validates me. Oh, to let all of me live in that and let everything and everyone else be unexpected.
It’s 12 a.m. and my spirit is dancing and cheering! Thank you so much.
Thank you.
The Bible does not say that I am enough. Only that God is.
In the moments when such an idea appears to me, “Am I enough?” or “Do I have enough?” — If I am honest, the answer is “no.” But that leaves my view incomplete. He does not offer me competence, as though it could mold the life I yearn for: instead, he generously shares his presence.
Sometimes the question we ask is incomplete, and that starts the trouble.
In God’s eyes I am perfection!
Love that I’m reading this early this morning! Last night, I was just “shouting from the roof tops!” of miracles, provision and blessings he has provided me JUST YESTERDAY!! And today I shall dance & share again…my joy & this devotional w/ all my friends. I’m a witness! I feel him..& his delight in me. I see it..all His miracles w/in the last 24 hrs! Oh taste & see that the Lord is GOOD! [so much better than the richest, darkest, sweetest chocolate]!!
GRATEFUL…tears of JOY! Thanks to you both for sharing your souls & words.
Blessings BEYOND MEASURE to you both!
Hey, sisters! You two serve MANNA to my soul every day! I have already purchased NINE copies of Holley’s book….sharing it w/ everyone!!!….and Bonnie’s 31 Days to Feed Your Soul is keeping me going through a very difficult season. God IS enough, and I am slowly learning that He, somehow, crazily, amazingly, thinks that I am enough! Wow! Blessings on you as you continue to share the talents and words with which our awesome God has blessed you both!
Thank you, Tara! Wow, that makes me smile!!
Sounds like a book I need to read.There is that verse that I can’t recall now where it says God delights in us. I think it’s one I need to print out and tape up somewhere prominent.
Bonnie, thanks for sharing your heart and this book with us. I don’t think I can say that sentence out loud, either.
Holley, I so appreciate your transparency. So many of us struggle with those lies, even as the One who sustains us is readily available. (Do men go through this, or is it more common in women?) Thanks for being here today!
Its beautiful and inspiring! I love it!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’ve never quite seen myself as delightful in God’s heart. Such a revelation to me this morning, and it came at a moment when I really needed to hear it! This was the manna I needed to quiet the whispers of lies this morning.Thanks again, so much!!
I am glad to know that I am not alone in my need to try and stockpile truth in order to silence the lies forever.
Holley and Bonnie, you offer a great gift when you are honest with us in the ways you question God or struggle with different areas in your lives. And then when you follow your honesty with how God meets you in that struggle, your gift then becomes a tool in my hand to uncover the Truth in my own life.
I was blessed to have reviewed “God’s Heart for You” (through (in)courage) last month on my blog. I *loved* it. Holley is a master at capturing the reader’s heart and pouring God’s love and truth in Scripture all over it – all in concise devotions! It’s a great devotional to have on hand.
Bonnie – “Delightful” was one of those that almost took me by surprise. I hardly consider myself delightful, and yet, God does. Doesn’t His opinion matter more than my own?
Holley – Thank you for your words and sharing them here!
To think that God delights in me is almost too much to fathom. I have let Him down so many times.Going through some anxious times right now, I really needed to hear “I am enough”. Bonnie, I have loved this series. Are you going to put all these posts in a book?
I loved this post, so encouraging. What a great giveaway. I am already a follower !
I’m leaving an extra comment as explained above. I shared about this post on Twitter! (I’m @Keep_Tha_Faith)
Thanks for all you do, Bonnie!
This has been such a feasting exercise. “Loved” popped into my head first, too, but that can break out into so many other wonderful things. And to think God feels that way about us??? It’s wonderful.
Thanks, Bonnie, and thanks, Holley! You both have set a good table for us today.
I can’t wait to read Holley’s book. It’s on the way in the mail. Both of you have written such wonderful things that God has used to encourage me so many times. I’ve never thought of “Delightful” but the word that came to me when I first read Holley’s posts on her blog was – In God’s heart, I’m Special.
May the Lord bless the both of you for all you have done to encourage all of us! Thank God for technology… Hugs from Sunny Singapore
If I were to be completely honest, his post was quite overwhelming to me. I sat here with tears rolling down my face trying to really take it in that I’m in God’s heart. me…lil ol me…full of sin, flaws, and fear. I believe Him, I believe “in” Him…and want to feel love and joy again after sitting in regret, grief and numbness too long. So He DELIGHTS in me??? wow….now that’s a thought to mull over for a while. This book looks amazing – thank you for the opportunity.
Would love to be able to read this DELIGHTFUL book. I know it will have truths that will nourish my soul.
Thanks,
b†
@madreminutes
Hello, I’m subscribed 😉
I’ve happily tweeted @designsbylindar
Holley’s truth that she still hears the whispers is important, because so often I think we tend to want perfection–perfectly drowning out the lies and perfectly receiving His Truth. That’s tough for me.
God tells me I am unique. It’s especially important for me to hear that because I tend to think I’m “average”–just lost in the sea of forgetfulness. Yet, I know it’s not true.
Reminding myself that I am uniquely created–a treasure–is what leads my eyes to see that the chains are unshackled and lying at my feet, and I can live free!
I just wanted to echo Amy’s message. From time to time, I, too, feel so very ‘average’. It seems that the bar is always just out of reach -but I need to remember that God doesn’t look at us that way. To read your words, Holley, about us being ‘delightful’ in God’s eyes was eye-opening. I’d never heard that before. Thank you for the way you encourage each person with depth.
I look forward to reading your book!
God bless you and Bonnie!
I have a coworker that the word :delightful” is one of her favorite words. I really enjoy being around her to her that “delightful” come out of her mouth to describe anything good or positive. Honestly, though she has used it to describe people, I never really took it to heart that it could ever describe me in God’s eyes especially since I look at myself and only see the flaws. I really need to ripe off these lenses to actually take stock of how He sees me. Perhaps I could even come to give more grace to those around me that I don’t always see the good right off the bat.
Thank you so much for that word I can mull over in my head and hopefully settle into my heart. Delightful. It is starting to feel good on my tongue…
Sometimes God surprises me — I am always quick to think he forgets me, then something happens and I know that is not true. I have been (and still am) going through a very tough time right now, and I am probably one of God’s worst headaches right now, but he won’t let me go and sometimes that irritates me, but I have to trust. Trust is hard, especially if you are alone. Thank you God for all you give me, have for me, and intend for me to have!
God is blessing you, even (especially!) through your struggles. You are not God’s headache, you are his blessing. My response to the question “What is God’s heart saying to you – He is saying I am at peace.” At peace with my circumstances, at peace with trials and tribulations – at peace with his love and acceptance – and at peace with the future He has in store for me. God’s love to you……
Isaiah 49:15-16 – Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually before Me.
This scripture always comforts and blesses me when I feel alone.
In God’s heart I am…. and that is enough.
When I first started reading the thought that came to my mind was… In God’s heart I am redeemed. I too was really touched to read on and see that I am delightful in God’s heart!! Its not something that I would have realized on my own. One of my favorite verses is where it speaks about how God sings over us. The Lord of all creation takes time to sing of me…..wow!! It helps put our lives in perspective, when we realize we are worthy to God we find the strength and courage to walk boldly in His will for our lives. Thank you ladies for helping remind us that we are delightful in God’s eyes and that He will daily give us the manna to feed our souls!
Love and blessings to all of you!!
It’s hard for me to imagine I am delightful in God’s heart and I sure would love to experience things from His perspective.
Thank you so much for sharing this. In God’s heart I am…delightful. I keep repeating this to myself. What a joyful thought. I want to come to embrace it more.
You ladies… Have touched the depths of my soul!!! You are a rich blessing one motecwsys than one!!!
Love you both, thanks for always being obedient to the lord!!
I agree with the post above, its difficult for me to think of myself as delightful in God’s heart. Now I have something new to think about and ponder on! Delightful…. me?
Can’t wait to read this book! Adding it to my wish list now!
I like that…In God’s Heart I am Delightful. Beautifully said!!
Thank you for this post! Such a sweet and beautiful reminder. I find myself discouraged and down on myself when I haven’t stock up enough manna, but need to focus on those small yet significant moments throughout the day that I share with the Lord. I am slowly learning who Jesus is and what it means to have a relationship with him. I’m loving your book Holley and thank you for sharing your wisdom and your truth. It is comforting to know I am not alone in hearing the whispers. Thank you!
Would love to read this book. Thank you for the chance to win. God bless!
I am a subscriber: koinonia572001@yahoo.com
I shared on FB: http://www.facebook.com/marla.yuhas/posts/231149953611697
Thank you for reminding me that I am DELIGHTFUL! What a delightful thought. smiles
I shred on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/nanatide/status/127059952337563649
You should always keep Faith no matter what. You are always worthy! Thinking and believing otherwise is not an option.
I love the thought that God’s mercies are there for me whenever I need them – morning, noon, or night. What a wonderful reassurance!
I love the smidges of ourselves we discover as we grow with God. In my post today I talk about genuine happiness and I certainly don’t see the subject today in the same way I saw it 15 years ago. Thank goodness for growth and wisdom to change.
God’s mercies are new every day, and I need to remind myself of that sometimes
It is so awesome when I receive a message from God, like I did today reading this.
Wow – God delights in me,,,,little ole me,,,,I feel cherished!!!!
I shared on fb here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bonnie-Gray-Faith-Barista/111464062264718#!/ebpatrick
I shared on twitter here: http://twitter.com/#!/ErinPatrick
~Erin
I know this might sound weird but for me I keep hearing that I need to have that child like faith. As a child I never questioned it I just knew that God was in my life protecting me and loving me. I was abused my whole life and never had my mom hug me or tell me she loved me. I was 3 or 4 sitting in the grass picking it and I felt Gods love for me and at that moment I knew I was not alone that love carried me through many years of abuse at the hands of my parents. So when I start to feel alone or hurt I hear that voice telling me to have that child like faith. Holley I am thankful I came across your blog and I’m looking forward to getting your books.
When I think of how the Israelites could only gather enough manna for the day- it makes me think of how I try to “store” up tasks, food, to-do lists, gym, ect…and worry for the next day. I need to think of today as the day the Lord provided me with. HE provides me with enough for each day. His mercies are new each morning. :)))
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! So often I am just so sure that I am NOT enough. You have spoken to my heart today and I will now be listening louder and anxiously await the daily manna He has for me.
You both always stir my heart – today more so than ever…
Love being reminded that God will give me just what I need for today!
I love your thoughts about God’s view of us. Amazing! I never thought of myself that way. I will be sharing your thoughts with other friends in my life.
Thank you! Would love to be able to read your book!
In God’s heart I am… SAFE. I know that sounds so simple, but it is really quite deep! I have learned this so gracefully through my walk & journey here. I AM Safe. HE IS SAFE which causes me to be safe, in ALL areas. Emotionally, I’m safe, I’m loved regardless & seen as beautiful regardless, my heart is KNOWN to its fullest. Physically, I’m safe, I’m protected by His Host / His angels!! In so many areas, with HIM, I am safe.
I am a new and excited fan & follower of this website. What annointed words there are here. It’s so delightful. God’s heart is truly expressing Himself / His Being / His Spirit through this ministry and through all of the women on here. Thank you for this site and thank YOU Lord for revealing yourself to us.
Today I needed to share coffee with the girls, I can’t because I have to go to work, but I get to enjoy cyber coffee with women from all over.
Today I needed to hear that I am delightful, that what I do does not go unnoticed.
Thank you for your blog. Thank you for allowing God to share coffee with me so that I could feel part of something bigger than me.
I would love the word block. It gives me comfort to look up and see things of God in my home.
I am in desperate need of replacing truth with the lies of the devil. Your posts bless me daily.
Subscribe to faith barista
When I first realized that I am delightful in God’s heart, that really changed a dimension in my relationship with God.
Thanks for the beautiful reminder!
My life has changed since I’ve become introduced to Dayspring, (in)courage, and Holley Gerth. The inspirational messages that I receive from these entities are so wonderful and have opened my heart!
Thank you for these thoughts. It speaks to something I’ve been working through lately. I think I’m just about to come out on the other side of it. These words may help me with those last few steps.
I like the manna parallel – hadn’t thought of it that way before. It reminds me that I not only need to gather good into my heart everyday, I need to let go of the bad from yesterday. Those bad experiences spoil, too. Spoil my day. Spoil my joy. Spoil my opportunities to glorify God.
While I read, one of the questions got me. What gives you Joy? I automatically went to my grandson and my kids. That has to be exactly where God goes. He delights in us, his joy comes from us when we just sit at his feet, praise his name in worship, share His Son with others, show kindness to people we don’t even know. WOW! That’s where that comes from when His Spirit lives inside of you.
My first thoughts: “Precious in His Sight.” Psalm 139:17 “How Precious also are thy thoughts unto me , O God.! How great are the sum of them!” Remember the little Sunday School
song, “Red & yellow, black & white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world. God is reminding me that I need have the simple faith of a child, to rest in Him as “Abba” Daddy, my Father, and that I am truly still precious in His sight
This is a challenge for me—to ask God to show me how HE sees me, not believe that how I see myself is the same as what HE sees…
Thank you so much for your encouraging words. A reminder of yet another reason we are to spend time with Him each day.
Holley, thank you for reflecting God’s heart, my sweet friend! <3
Just subscribed to your blog—looked through some of the archives and am so glad Holley linked to you so I can read you regularly as well!
when I saw the first post asking “In God’s heart I am …..” my first thought was “DADDY’S GIRL”. I have spent most of the year reading books by Marc Stibbe on the Fatherhood, learn how you and I are choosen, adopted, wanted, loved and cherished. From that came Daddy’s Girl. FYI this is also the name God gave me for my ministry, Daddy’s Girls Ministry.
Delightful is not how I have ever seen myself but it is such a huge push of faith to believe that I delight His heart. Thank you for all that you share of yourselves that so minister to the rest of us!!!!!
Must be a reminder I really need right now… I heard a similar message on Sunday in church. Thanks for helping me realize how important this one is for me right here, right now.
I am always encouraged by Holley’s words. I would love to win this book to send to my sister. She, like a lot of us, could use this encouragement every day. thanks
Thank you so much for the encouragement & blessing you are to me (& so many others) on a regular basis. What a wonderful reminder that God is DELIGHTED in me!! WOW!! A reminder that I need to DELIGHT in HIM more & more!! I’ve been meaning to order Holley’s book…& I’m definitely going to give it as gifts this Christmas too! Just been “introduced” to Bonnie – Thank you – will be following you too! May God bless both of you daily.
“It’s the same way with what our hearts need to hear. I want to stockpile enough truth to silence those lies forever. But the reality is that each day my heart is hungry again.”
I appreciate this thought. We need fresh “food” daily. God has been dealing with my friend and me about our hearts lately and praying for our hearts and others’ hearts – praying His Word/Promises for our concerns. It’s so neat when we receive so much confirmation.
Thank you for what you shared here! God bless you!
I am learning every day through hard times and good times that GOD truly does see me as delightful and not a mistake. So many situations have defined who I thought I was and who I thought I would turn out to be. So, I am learning every day with God’s grace that I am delightful and I am more than enough for what He has called me too!!!
Just subscribed to you by email. Looking forward to your “blessings” from the Lord.
Thanks for the reminder that I can subcribe. I did, and I look forward to getting those emails! I love not missing post. 😉
This was a well needed read today, thank you!
Feeding on God’s manna. What a “delightful” post from both of you! “God’s mercies are new every morning” is one of those scriptures I cling to. I don’t have my copy of Holley’s book in front of me right now, so I don’t know if this is one of her words, but in God’s heart I am His is my word. For me, that says it all. Thank you for the chance to win the wonderful print.
I subscribe to the Faith Barista.
I need some major dark chocolate, although I prefer milk chocolate. A dear friend of mine moved away a few month ago and has passed away. She struggled with Christianity. She was a loving person, yet I do not believe that is how you enter the Kingdom of God. Any words of wisdom or reference for God’s words would be appreciated!
Blessings,
Thank you for your posts & honesty. Sometimes when I read them I feel like you have dipped into my mind and have written from the thoughts I am currently having. I find your posts very helpful on my own journey. Am looking forward to reading your book and seeing how God revealed His heart to you and will to mine. Hugz & God Bless!
Thank you as always for the encouragement. It’s good to know that I’m not the only one who feels she is never enough. But, in God’s eyes, she is delightful! Thanks again!
So often I beat up on myself for needing more “manna” each day…I think that I was supposed to get it once and not need to anymore! Thank you for this encouragement that we all actually need to eat every day!!!! So, kinda like when I forget to eat and feel hypoglycemic, my down feelings could just be telling me that I forgot to gather manna today! In Gods heart, I am cherished, even with my forgetfulness and confusion.
Wow, I really needed that today!!!
His love for me is enormous, gigantic absolutely amazing! In the midst of those moments of stupidity, doubt and unbelief and just being a knucklehead at times, relying on me instead of Him, He loves ME. He must laugh and cry, over me. Even as I sit here wondering what I will write; as I wait with some fear of the unknown, a little doubt that the results of the mammogram I had this morning, one year after lumpectomy, will be clear! He still loves me even in this wait that seems to trigger so many emotions. Grace. No matter what and where I’ve been He continues to love me through ALL that I’ve been through even those moments where I seem to crash and burn. Grace. Yet, I’m up, I’m horizontal, I’m breathing, I’m perservering and the call just came!! Grace. My mammogram is CLEAR! Of course it is, because He’s my Healer. Woo Hoo! Relief! He does provide ALL that we need to get through ALL that we go through. Love is “CLEAR”.
Love, Loree “Live Out Loud For The Lord” 🙂
I love reading what you have written, I have now subcribed to your blog also!!!!
Learning to wrap my heart around this, seeing is one thing, for me accepting and believing is another. I’m a work in progress!
This is my first visit to your website and I thank you for putting the Word out there for us to see, ingest, use and be reminded how much and how many ways God loves us. Thank you for sharing and for the encouragement in an otherwise negative world.
How do I walk in what God says about me without listening to the lies that daily spill into my thoughts….”I am not good enough or I am not loved unconditionally cause I keep messing up?” ……well I agree with God’s heart in that I am first and foremost His daughter, a daughter of the King of King’s, my Heavenly Father, Abba Father. He is my Creator and He continues to mold me. I am just a “lump of clay” that wants to continue to stay in His Hands, but sometimes I find myself climbing off the Potter’s wheel and trying to mold myself and it is at this point that He “gently” picks me up and places me in the same position of being formed into whatever He chooses me to be. Even though the molding process is hard and painful at times, I am honestly finding myself wanting more and more to stay in His hands, accept His truth over me and allow His work in me. He is The Potter. Therefore, when those lies come, I pray that I will remain on His wheel and HEAR His voice and feel His gentle touch as He does His work within me…..whatever that may be. I am praying for all of you other beautiful daughters of the King! You are all so lovely in His sight and therefore lovely to me. Walk in blessing precious Women of God! He really does delight in you….yes, you!
Delightful!!!! Yes, I love that! And yes I hear the whispers, the lies, but like you Holley the truth is louder. It is so wonderful what God can do with a healed heart. I’m still a mess and a bit broken and always will be, some. Until! :). I have a healed heart, new eyes and so much joy! Delightful, I just love that word. The lies, I can ignore.
Love you girls. Praying God blesses you BIG!
Caryn
I needed this today because I am in a very difficult space with regard to not being able to bridle my tongue. God is convicting me and comforting me at the same time ~ with His presence. Thank you for your words, so well spoken.
Thank you for your blog and information. It is a blessing!
This was very good! I really connected when I read the part about how you desire the word like a sundae! That’s how it is sometimes!
I know I delight in the Lord, but to realize and accept that He delights in me…..WOW! Makes me smile, warms my heart, and fills me with the overwhelming desire to know Him even more 🙂 Thank you, ladies!
I’ve been hearing a LOT lately about the “daily portion” thing – this really is speaking to my heart!!
Here’s the extra comment/entry letting you know I subscribed 😉 God bless all!!
Wow! I never thought of God ever thinking I was delightful … the first word that came to mind was sinner. Your shares have certainly been bringing different view to me … like the hot fudge sundae.
I would love to absorb myself in this book. TY for all the beauty & shares you bring into my life. So glad my friend Sandi told me about you.
Have a beautiful weekend ~
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon
delightful to realize that i bring God joy/delight – thank you and God bless you for sharing such uplifting, faith inducing ideas!
So looking forward to reading your book, Holley. Had to special order it and it has finally arrived. I’ve been struggling with some deep wounds lately … and wondering how to get beyond all this. I read the Word, but it somehow just doesn’t seem to penetrate beyond the pain (like it doesn’t apply to me anymore) … maybe I’ve put up the blocks as I try to ‘protect’ myself from any more pain. Don’t stop writing … I love your columns … I look forward to them, their encouragement! Thank you, Holley!
Thank you for the opportunity to subscribe (and gain another chance to win) — it is done 🙂 The Heart to Heart blog has been a huge blessing to me and to many of my loved ones I have shared it with … I am excited for yet another opportunity for Soul Food from Faith Barista … even better than the flavored coffee I love from the coffee bar! I am a Christian and a scrapbooker and a lover of books and words so will be thrilled if I win the word block that will reinforce all the ways God loves and cherishes and delights in us … a reminder of His truly AMAZING grace!
thank you both Holley and Bonnie for so eloquently expressing the truth and challenging me to expand my heart each day.
Love,
Bonnie
Thanks so much for your encouraging thoughts! On this cool, crisp autumn day I am basking in God’s sunshine because of your sweet reminders!
I purchased this book and it is wonderful. Thank you for your blog writings and book.
Thank you for these refreshers. They always bless me. I often print them off, and hang them on my children’s bathroom mirror, so they will be encouraged as well!
God showed me that if the joy of the Lord is my strength -then when I
Do what brings the Lord joy my strength will increase.
“simply receive”
Lately that’s what I have been hearing from God. I need to pry that lid off of my cup and lift it up so He can fill it.
My fill-in-the-blank is “useful.” 🙂
Good reminder! It’s so easy to give the “right” answer I learned in church…but to be reminded today if I actually believe that it’s true?! Wow!
Already subscribed to your blog (which I love!:)
I am new to Heart to Heart – love it! so timely are your words it is like you are speaking to me persoanlly. Thank you!
Just to know that God loves me is overwhelming… when I read all the adjectives on just how much He cares for me is amazing… To be a delight is something almost too good to be true… but I’m ever so grateful!!!
Oh, this is good! I’m learning, through my struggles of the last year and a half, that He is the one who makes something beautiful out of my mess. And, so I am learning to say, “In God’s Heart…I am…BEAUTIFUL.”
Thank you again. I could say your lines are part of the manna we receive everyday. God bless you. It’s a joy to read you.
Well, as always, Bonnie, “you are delightful” to all of us! No question there!
And thank you so much, Holly! I love the analogy of “manna” with our need for God’s love. It’s so true. We need to keep coming back to the well everyday or we run dry! Beautiful!
I love your daily posts, Holley. All of these “words” that I am in God’s eyes are so good to hear, even if I have heard them all before. But, today’s word, Delightful, touched me in a way the others have not. I am single, after a divorce more than 20 years ago. My sons are grown and have families of their own. So, I live alone. My mother has Alzheimer’s and isn’t able to give affection like she used to and my father is not a demonstrative person. I don’t get warm fuzzies and hugs very often. Today’s word feels like a warm fuzzy and a hug from you and from God. It feels good. Thank you for sharing it. Michelle
Thank you, thank you! For the beautiful and encouraging words.
In God’s heart I am…significant!
I worship God with all my strength by dancing. I’ve not taken lessons, I just dance to the inner rhythms I hear from the Holy Spirit. A woman from church encouraged me to share this “gift” with others. No, this is just between God and me, I thought. I’m not polished or professional, my practice isn’t precise. No, I’ll just hide my gift under a basket. Suddenly I stopped, did I just really think that? Conviction settled gently around my shoulders and I began to see that God delights in and is worshiped when I share my simple unpolished gifts with others. So I danced at the gathering a week ago, and, you know, no one booed, no one criticized or judged. Those who felt moved commented positively: It was worshipful, it was transcendent. I feel like God delights when I use God’s gifts boldly. It makes it just that much easier to not listen to those tempting lies the next time. I choose to be delightful; to see myself as God’s delightfully, gifted daughter: watch me now, Daddy!
Thank you for this post. Holley’s book sounds encouraging.
Email subscriber
Wow, manna from heaven. To renew the spirit and joy anew everyday. Just what I needed today. I am a nurse and have the privilege of working in a home where we are free to pray and share our faith. Satan really doesn’t like this and has been roaming about seeking to devour us. The onslaught has been fierce. Sometimes I get discouraged. Thank you for giving me just what I needed today.
In God’s heart, I am loved every day and perfect in every way.
I look forward to receiving the daily email from Bonnie, I just signed up! The emails from Holley are like getting a hug every day from a friend. Now I will have a new friend! Thank you Holley for introducing us to Bonnie.
Delightful? Gosh with the battering of the work world,I feel like a small, dark piece of ash. But your words today reminded me of who I REALLY AM: Delightful! I know how delighted I am when my little 3-yr old grandaughter dances for me. Imagine God’s delight when I dance for Him.
Mmmm, wondrous.
Thank you Holly and Bonnie for reminding me that I am enough. I’ve been struggling with all the lies that the enemy would whisper to me. But God has been there for me every step of my way since my divorce. I am a testimony that no matter how deep the pit your in, His is bigger than my problems and that I AM ENOUGH for him! Thank you so much ladies for the reminder that we are all loved by God!
The first thought I had was “known.” Then later another came, “In God’s heart I am…celebrated.” My Bible reading this week included Luke 15, about celebrating the finding of the lost, so I guess it’s not heretical. 🙂 Encouraging post! Thanks for sharing this.
Daily manna is my need
Feed me, Lord, this I plead
Hunger left within my soul
Leads to overeating I cannot control.
I have subscribed to faith barista
I say the Lord’s prayer twice every night, once with my son and once before I go to bed. However, I get so in the habit of just repeating the words that I forget to really ponder their meaning.
“Give us this day our daily bread” = help me to seek the nourishment that my heart and soul needs each and every day.
My prayer is that everyone who seeks Christ remembers to look beyond the words and seek life-sustaining meaning.
– Leslie Kolkemo
Dear Holley,
I’m always so encouraged by your words. I am fed by them just as I am fed by the Word of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. But, my faith walk has been so broken, so meandering and I feel so much like an unworthy woman of God. The accusations drown out the whispers of the Lord most times. Yet, I cling to faith and hope against hope that God’s whispers will sound louder and stay with me longer each time I dare come near Him. Reading your messages shores up my hope at least for an hour or a half-day or maybe even a long night when I am feeling so unworthy. Thank you.
I am blessed in that God does say something new to me each morning–His mercies are truly new each day! I don’t know how I’d make it through a day without Him and His grace and love and mercy and peace and joy and strength and… presence! Right now, this week, God is reminding me that I am strong in Him… life circumstances have been a bit rough, but we (God in me) can handle them…
Just subscribed to Faith Barista–more encouragement and challenges coming my way!
I am now a follower of Faith Barista and look very forward to following her blog! The giveaway block is soul food, I really like it.
Hmm I am reminded I need to live in the moment, this moment, this speck of time and be all that I am in it…
I’ll add the word “Radiant”…that word popped up a couple of times, like little love notes from Him 🙂
To be thought of as being delightful to God!! Now that is AWESOME!!
Just subscribed to Faith Barista!
Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments! I love being here at Bonnie’s place with all of you!! 🙂
I’m LOVING this book by Holley! Every day, she slaps me upside the head (can you tell I’m Southern?) with more truth about how I’m “–” enough for God.
Thank you so much Holly & Bonnie! Holly’s blog has definitely been a source of manna for me, and now I’ll be getting even more, from finding Bonnie through Holly 😀 I can’t tell you two how much I needed this food for the soul today. The whispers have become increasingly blaring and annoying as of late – Thank you for turning the volume down on Satan and turning the volume up for God! So thankful for this post today 😀
Touching, thoughtful message. Thank you!
I am enjoying your 31 days posts and am already a subscriber.
I can’t believe this is the word for today – Delightful. It’s my birthday and my wonderful ‘sister’ friend gave me a birthday card that was unbelievable. The word on the front that ‘jumped ‘ out at me as I read it was “delightful”. There was so much more about this amazing card that I could say, but there is not enough space here… 🙂
What a great thought about our wonderful God!
I am just realizing how God feeds me each day – I know about daily prayer (actually all day long prayer) and about daily Bible study . . . have done such for years. However, I am realizing that I don’t have to get fed just three times a day, or once a day, or . . . I truly need Him all the time. How can I just be “getting this”?
Those little whispers have been screams for me… I feel lost/spent today. But as you remind, ‘God’s mercies are new each morning’. I look for tomorrow and God’s mercy. Thank you.
subscribed… excited for this.
There is so much truth in these thoughts! Yes, God
does give us each day the strength we need for that
particular day’s journey. I have been experiencing
that alot this past week as I moved my 93 year old
Mother from one Nursing Home to another. It seemed
so hard to face, but God gave the peace and comfort
and strength we all needed to get through and be
thankful for the grace we are now receiving from
this new sunshine-filled space that Mother is in.
God is a good God!
Delightful…how wonderful. My first thought, after loved, was that I am CHOSEN.
I have been following your blog by email for a while now, yours was the first blog I ever read, and I thoroughly enjoy it.
Always encouraging.
“Delightful”…I am just going to let this soak in for awhile… Thank you!
Oh thankyou for reminding me of how i fit in God’s heart. I am part of the puzzle of this world He made and he delights in me, just as I am ! In God’s heart I would want to be “Full of Grace”.
Thank you all.
It’s always so encouraging to discover how God thinks of me. The way I see myself is completely different and usually I tend to think that God God sees me in the same way as I do. That’s pretty discouraging. I can’t even imagine how I can be so special in His eyes..
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
You are such an encouragement to me. I live in Australia and so look forward to your thoughts and words for the week and to be reminded that I am delightful in God’s sight
bless you
Wendy
Oh I need this book. I need to be reminded of how God sees me!
Oh how lovely. I am reminded of a worship day I went to some years ago, which was based round Zeph 3:17, where it tells us that God will take great delight in us – and what’s more, will rejoice over us with singing. To think of the creator of the universe actually rejoicing over us and singing about it is quite awesome. I too love the manna parallel – thank you so much for that. I am always trying to go about things in my own strength, forgetting that I need to come to my Father each morning for my daily “manna”. Why do we always try to do it on our own!!
God’s heart is saying to me – Trust. Give it all over to Him.
Amen!
This sounds like one amazing book!
-Colleen G.
In God’s heart I find His Peace for my spirit. I carry His Peace with me throughout the day, which enable s me to act in love rather than react in fear. Thank you for bringing God’s words of encouragement,and more of His love to my heart.Teasie Witte
The first thought that came to me was, In God’s Heart I am at Peace. Peace is essential in our walk with Christ. This comes from an awareness of His presence and love for me. No mater what… when I’m ugly, unkind or selfish.. He loves me still and this brings me Peace. “My peace I give you. Not as the world gives.”
I signed up to receive Faith Barista 🙂
-Colleen G.
When the voices rise like the tide I have to remember more than ever that I am loved by Him and drown out those voices with His Word.
There are days that I do not feel I am delightful in God’s eyes. It is in those times I must have the faith to believe it even if my mind or mood tells me otherwise.
God’s faithfulness in every single area of our lives astonishes me and I just wanted encourage you all to continue to seek God and he will be found.
It truly brought me joy just reading that God delights in me! I have always struggled with feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, but to hear that God sees me as more than enough brightened my day! I need to take it one day at a time and not worry about fixing myself, but know that I am a work in progress and that I am cherished by the One who made me! Thank you, Jesus, that your mercies ARE new every morning!
GOD told me I am “Unforgettable” – ever since I was a little girl, the enemy lied to me that I was forgettable, but the other day when I saw Holley’s book, I asked the Holy Spirit what HE would say about me… and I heard a gentle, quiet “You are unforgettable….” – YAY GOD thanks for Your SOZO that HEALS us all…
Really enjoyed the blog post. It is a good reminder that God loves us and gives us all that we need each and everyday;)
Knowing that God delights in me helps on the toughest of days.
I subscribe to Faith Barista!
First time subscriber. When Holly suggests, I try. smiles. What a blessing your book is and it does go straight to the heart. Keeping it real! Laying out our hearts bare for the Maker to touch/heal/restore and fill.
It is interesting that I read this today..I have been at a teacher conference and one of the speakers talked on this and God said I am his daughter and that really touched my heart. That I can be his daughter with my flaws and strengths and he is my father forever. Blessings on this post made my day to think of God delighting in me
Delightful — I love that idea, that I am delightful to Him. Thanks, Bonnie.
I hear the whispers often too…but I am really learning to let the Truth be the frequency I am tuned too!
Thank you for your confession…makes it easier to confess mine.
I am subscribed! Thank you, Bonnie for your sweet opportunity!
Here’s my tweet…
http://twitter.com/#!/lindseyfoj/status/127600340911669248
You know, I’ve noticed too that the manna is ENOUGH for one day, and yesterday’s doesn’t satisfy today! I’m hungry for it today, even if I overate yesterday!
The taste is never boring – it’s just whatever my soul needs at the time of eating. There are sweet and sour nuances that challenge and surprise the finest taste buds.
The nourishment is totally healthy and enriching – everything required to grow and be strong is included.
It’s the ultimate in ‘fine dining’ – in its making and its presentation.
It’s made with perfectionistic care, to cover every last detail, to make it THE BEST!
It’s to be savoured, eaten slowly, digested undiluted, allowed to seep into every crevice of the soul.
Thank you, ladies, for getting me meditating on MANNA: the original and authentic food for the soul. I’m sure there’s LOTS MORE.
Why is it so hard to believe that God takes delight in me, his child?! Thank you for reminding me that God actually takes pleasure and delight in me.
It is so hard for me to imagine the way God really sees me. What keeps me going is that I know He sees ALL of me, and He loves me still.
God’s heart is telling me to keep moving forward on His path set for me no matter how many obstacles get in front of me. To take each obstacle one at a time and keep pushing through the day. And at the end of the day, when I think I didn’t move an inch, to focus on the little miracles that moved me a mile.
Thank you for all your encouragement.
Cindy
…that I am loved, all the time. A concept I cannot wrap my mind around, but that’s what His Grace has been whispering to me the last few weeks.
I subscribe through email–I found you through the 31 days of… and I’m so glad I did!
Shared on FB:
“Kimberly Davis
LOVE this post,(and not because of the giveaway, though that’s pretty darn awesome too) part of a 31 days to feed your soul series….”
Thanks for offering up faith filled words. I am working on Craving God more, and both Holley and your words help on that journey. Thanks for them. Blessings to you both.
Terri S
Madison WI
Thanks so much for the encouragement and excellent analogies! I’ve been receiving Holley’s devotionals for awhile and thoroughly enjoying them. Now I would also like to add messages from Bonnie! Blessings to both of you for your faithful testimony!
Answering like another Sunday School teacher, my word would have to be “loved.” You see all my life I thought my mother didn’t love me and at some point in time, I realized that God loved me with a love that was enough for what I needed. What comfort and joy I found that day!
My soul is hungry! Thanks for the reminder…I need to be aware of those “hunger” signals…. loneliness, fear, insecurity…. And then run to God’s word and his presence instead of anything else that I may try to distract myself with. Thanks!!!
How encouraging to find such uplifting messages on my computer. Events in my life have been difficult in the past few months especially. I know God cares about us and the sorrow we are confronting. Glad to have the reminder that He delights in me and doesn’t just “put up” with me.
In God’s Heart I Am His Child
I am calling upon all of you to pray for my dear friend Candice and her son Ryan that has a Heroin addiction. He told his mother he just feels it is “his destiny” to die from it and he has accepted this. She has already lost her other 19yr. old son 10 years ago to menengitis and now is losing her sole living son. Please she is beside herself as her son does not know Christ and we are asking for Divine intervention. We know what our Lord did for Saul who became Paul, I know and trust he can do the same for Ryan and pray and besceech him to do so. Please put Ryan on your prayer request list and also pray for him yourselves. In Jesus Holy Name I pray.
It’s one of my daily practices to read the encouraging and uplifting words from Holley. Keep up the good work. You are delightful!!!
Thanks for the reminder that we are enough! your blog brings timely messages just when I am sinking down and need a hand up. blessings to you
Would love to win this book
i love the idea of this book and would love to get my hands on it.. what a great reminder~
A great reminder…
I subscribed to Faith Barista – so excited! =)
I am excited to have just found this blog!
I would love to win the book. It sounds wonderful.
I have read some of Brennan Manning’s other books — he is awesome. One of my favs is the one he wrote about Rich Mullins, the late, great christian singer, author of “Awesome God.” I could read that book again and again. I am excited that yet another one of Manning’s great works is available today!
I, personally, had a very loving Father, who loved God with all his heart. My husband, on the other hand, experienced some of the very things you mention that Brennan Manning also encountered. It takes years to overcome those very things sometimes and, with God’s grace, my husband has made progress in doing so. Only God can help heal those that suffer silently, much of the time, Thank you, Jesus, for your neverending grace.
By the way, I subscribe to Faith Barista!
I bought your book, and then before I’d read very many pages I had to give it to someone who needed it more! God has fashioned our hearts alike so your words reach out to a generation of women who need just these reminders of truth so they can reach out to others and those can reach out to others . . . until every person knows the Truth, Jesus.
I’m anxious to read Manning’s work, because I’m pretty much broken pieces right now.
I love, love, love Brennan and all he’s stood for and written, receiving deeper and wider revelation of grace all the way. Have been praying for him as I’ve checked his website and facebook page. Oh I’d love a free copy of this, his final flourish.
Thank you Faith, David and Brennan Manning! What a great book to read…”All Is Grace”.
Blessings!
Susan G
I read the Ragamuffin Gospel years ago and loved it. Would love to get his memoir. The post about him is intriguing and I would love to read the whole story. Thank you for the consistent encouragement and uplifting posts. I am blessed trough you.
Shared your post today via facebook!
I’m so glad that Brennan wrote about God’s Grace, and shared with us his life and thankful God’s Grace is bigger than we are! Just shows how much God Loves Us All!
Sounds like a fascinating book…and one that could bring healing. I will be looking for it as a possible gift for a friend who is walking through a very dark place right now as she looks back at woundings from her father when she was very young…
Would love to read this book.
Hoping to win All is Grace.
I subscribe by e mail.l
This week Father reminded me that I am not a victim and that I need to put away the victim mindset I have. Of course what usually accompanies the victim mindset is self pity, and that combination was drying me out. I kept rehearsing the past and revisiting the pain of the past and declaring pain and death over my life. This week I heard God whisper to me, victim mentality, so I rose up and prayed against that. I want to embrace God’s beautiful, glorious future for me.
[…] I already have a copy of sweet Holley Gerth’s faith-inspiring gift book, but in case you had your eye on it, you can use the discount code to enjoy it too. […]
I am so thankful that God loves me and that His mercies are new every morning, and that His faithfulness endures forever.