Uncategorized – denisebalog…Grace filled devotionals.

Dreams to Dream

While my family sleeps, I can’t help but get up and dream.

“What does my eye and heart behold?

A sleeping greenhouse with plants untold.

Tucked inside are dreams of spring;

Planning, planting, and growth to bring.

Your Word is faithful as it speaks to me,

The possibilities are endless,

“Come and See.”

“It shall come to pass…

Old men shall dream dreams.” Joel 2:28

Dreaming my way into this season of light.

Blessings,

Denise

Autumn’s Pondering Look

My kitchen’s prepped and waiting for the traditional baking to begin.

The milk and eggs, set out early this morning, are warming up to room temperature, while the oven awaits my return to turn on to get the day going.

But today, in this season of Thanksgiving, I’m moving slow.

Not quick to turn the page, letting my heart soak in the faithfulness of our Father who has brought us through another year.

“Lord, I’m having a hard time letting this autumn season go.

Winter approaches, clearly, as glistening crystal snow.

Help me turn the page,

Begin a new chapter in the book.

For Autumn’s beauty captivates my heart’s pondering looking.”

“Surely, I have calmed and quieted my soul,

Like a weaned child is my soul within me.”

Psalm 131:2 NKJV

Desktop Breakaway

Have you ever decided enough is enough, your either going to learn to do something totally different or it’s not going to happen, consistently at all?

Well here I am at the crossroads, not the first time either, of what to do next.

My snuggie zone is safe. Plenty of room to stretch out and create on my desktop.

But it doesn’t get the posting done weekly or even close to achieving posting daily.

My goal is in the evening when I am done with the day’s work and evening chores, to use my time before bed to draft up a post from my most favorite “snuggy zone” my couch.

This is where every morning, every morning, I have quite time and journal. Going back to where the day started fresh and rewriting the directions of my heart from His, in hopes of sharing a little dab of my heart. So far, if three days counts as so far, it’s been a nice way to relax for a peaceful night of sleep.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom to share on how you arrange your day to write and post? I would welcome hearing your comments.

Breaking away from comfortable, safe places is hard to do.

I guess one of the crossroad signs should read,

“Writer, willing to learn – This Way”

Thank you friends and neighbors.

“This is the Way, walk in it…” Isaiah 30:21 NKJV

denise

Secured

Anchored – hope secures the soul.

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, Jesus…” Hebrews 6:19 NKJV

Haiku 2-3-2

Listening Heart

“Welcome in His Peace,

Softest flowing light.

For in Him there’s no striving,

Only quietness to the listening heart.”

“He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV

“He’ll calm you with His love

And delight you with His songs.”

Zephaniah 3:17 The Message

Peaceful Heart

“Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness;

Yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Let me not borrow pain;

Nor be another’s sorrow.

Thank You for reminding me,

Even when I sleep,

You’re looking out for all my ways,

And in Your health You’ll keep.

Fix my eyes on Your plans;

Peaceful heart and stable land.

Assured You speak the best to me,

For in Christ Jesus,

I’m truly free!”

“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You;

Because he trust in You.”

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

Home healing from the change of seasons winds.

May you and your household be in perfect peace, and health today.

Blessings,

Denise

In the Fires

Sun sets, tomorrow ignites.

“Wherefore glorify ye the LORD, in the fires, (even) the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.” Isaiah 24:15 KJV

In honor of my friend Susan Michaels who inspires daily with her 2-3-2 Haiku reflective posts.

I pray you would be encouraged by visiting her WordPress site – LightRoom.

Blessings, Denise

Restful Breath

Deep sleep night.

Snuggled in tight.

Warm breath rest.

Waking to my best!

“Go ahead – sing a brand-new song to the Lord!” Psalm 98:1 The Passion Translation

Poem by denisebalogc2021

Photography by mbalogc2021

Creative Eyes

“Painting is self-discovery. Every good artist paints what he is.” Jackson Pollock

Paul Jackson Pollack was an American painter and abstract expressionist. 1912-1956

One of the joys of working in an Primary/Elementary school is to see the kids art work lining the hallway by the Art room.

I’m always amazed at their creativity. The following pictures are 3-D handmade clay figures expressing how they see themselves ❤️ Enjoy!

Peyton’s curly golden hair is an especially nice touch. Yep, I think I see cheer pom-poms 🥰 Go Peyton!

This one reminds me of wild hair “gingerbread” coming in from a windy playground ❤️ I’m so glad you have your yellow boots on because it’s muddy out there!

I think “Alondra”was thinking about lunch because it looks like her lunchbox ❤️

I love the peaks in the background especially since we live in a fairly flat location ❤️ I think I see a “steering wheel”. Maybe Leo is planning a trip to the mountains!

I couldn’t see the student’s name on this picture, but I love the fly away curls!❤️

As I stood looking at their clay figures expressing their unique selves, I couldn’t help but be encouraged to see how beautiful they see themselves and each other ❤️

I’m not sure if Elena is jumping or doing a cheer, but the details of her face in the clay is beautiful ❤️❤️

My personal favorite (I think I see myself this way), Red, White and Blue through and through ❤️🇺🇲 Go Edger!🇺🇲🇺🇲❤️

“We are the clay and You are the Potter. Each one of us is the creative work of Your hands.’ Isaiah 64:8 The Passion Translation

“To see through a child’s eyes, is a daily chuckle and a full face smile ” quote by me❤️

I hope you enjoyed a “seeing” my daily world ❤️

“And if you tenderly care for this little one on My behalf, you are tenderly caring for Me ” Matthew 18:5 The Passion Translation

Blessings and have a great day! Denise

His Unfolding Joy

“When viewed from the perspective of Scripture, history is more than the recording of the events of the past. Rather, what has happened in the past, what is happening now, and what will happen in the future is all evidence of the unfolding of the purposeful plan devised by the personal God of the Bible.

“All circumstances of life – past, present, and future – fit into the sovereign plan of God like pieces of a puzzle.”

Quote by Robert Lightner, theologian, Dallas Theological Seminary

“Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by it’s horns.” Genesis 22:13 NKJV

Reading this verse, I have heard it taught, and believe, that “Isaac” and the “ram” are both pictures or shadows of Jesus Christ. (The Son and the sacrifice).

“…you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Genesis 22:12 NKJV

“And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 NJKV

Reading further, my eyes landed on the words in verse 23 of the 24 verses in Genesis 22.

“And Bethuel begot Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother.” Genesis 22:23 NJKV

STOP. “Lord, why would Holy Spirit choose to finish one of the most important chapter’s in Scripture, Abraham offering up his son Isaac, with telling us how many children Abraham’s brother Nahor had?”

“Look again.” I heard Him speak to me.

“Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked,”

“Rebekah!” “LORD, Abraham saw Rebekah in the future! Isaac, his beloved son, married Rebekah, who bore Jacob, who bore the twelve sons, who bore David, who bore Jesus!”

“Rebekah is the Bride!” The Bride! Abraham saw the Church, the Bride of Christ!”

This revelation changed everything for me. It deepened the significance of the love Christ has for us, His Church. Jesus saw us from the beginning. He, “lifted his eyes” and saw His Bride. The cross “behind him,” and His Bride in the future. We are in Chapter 22 of Genesis ❤️

The Bride, Jesus willingly offered up His life for His Bride.

“Looking into Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame…”Hebrews 12:2 NKJV

Jesus, yesterday, today and forevermore! “The sovereign plan of God. “

“I am by Beloved’s, and His desire is towards me.”Song of Solomon 7:10 NKJV

Pencil and Prayer

“Good morning Lord. Now that I’m here how do I separate writing and prayer?

Both are written on my heart, but where does the line begin and the prayer start?

Search me, O Lord, and find me new. For I bring this pencil and paper in dedication to You.”

Dedication – Strong’s Hebrew #2598 – chanukah. It was used to show something was officially in service.

“Oh LORD, You have searched me and know me. You know my rising up; You understand my thoughts from afar off…and are acquainted with all my ways ” Psalm 139:1:2 NKJV

“You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence.” Psalm 139:4 The Message

“You know every step I take before my journey begins. You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness You follow behind me.” Psalm 139:5 The Passion Translation

May you be blessed to know the kindness of the Lord Who prepares the day ahead and hears the dedications written in our hearts.

Blessings, denise

Good Hope

“Where are the promises of Your song?

They seem to be distant like a long ago storm.

Remembered in name but gone all the same;

Where are the notes of Your horn?”

“Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven!

“For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.”

“When the choir of angels disappeared and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another,

“Let’s go! Let’s hurray and find this Word who is born in Bethlehem and see for ourselves what the LORD has revealed to us.” Luke 2:14-15 TPT

“You are wearied in the length of your way; yet you did not say, ‘There is no hope.’ You have found the life of your hand; therefore you were not grieved.” Isaiah 57:10 NKJV

“I created the fruit of the lips, “Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near.” says the Lord, “And I will heal him.” Isaiah 57:19 NKJV

Poem by denisebalogc2021

Photographs captured by denisebalogc2015 – Prestonwood Christmas Program, Dallas, TX