Inside Out

Bright morning sun has me squinting hard as I bend down to peer through the open window of a car now coasted to a stop beside my dog, Lucy. “What's going on?” my neighbor asks. I pause considering an obligatory response then plunge forward in a current of honesty. “Walking in anger and unforgiveness.” He doesn’t miss a beat, “That’s all of us.” Trials are a test – not pass or fail but to improve strength and reveal weakness. I’ve…

Strong Tower

The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Grace and peace multiplied. In His great mercy, He allows us to be born again. Living hope. Resurrection from death to life. Imperishable inheritance kept in Heaven. Unfading. Faith guarded salvation. Joy in trials. Steadfastness produced through testing. Glory to God. His Word lights my path. Labor of love. Hope that holds.…

Heaven’s Hope

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 Beloved, do not fear. He wipes away every tear and death is no more. Mourning, crying and pain are gone. Former things passed away. My Father’s house has many rooms. He’s prepared one just for you. It’s beyond imagination. Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame. He is…

Same Sex Attraction: A Battle with Shame

Today, I give you a gift in the form of a post written by guest blogger, Sam Renee Bartee. God connected Sam and I through Instagram where I discovered her blog and devotion to Christ. Reading her writing humbles and inspires me – I pray I live my faith boldly and proclaim Him fearlessly the way Sam does. This is a post you want to read and share. I hated myself - every part and portion down to the last…

Broken Chains

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 Be. Still. Know. Be still and know. He is God. Stop striving. Come to Me. Trade worldly burdens for easy and light. Everlasting love. Broken hearts bound. Soul’s rest. Captives set free. Life eternal. Tears wiped away. Pain no more. [bctt tweet="Come, all who labor and are laden heavy." username="Liz_Petruzzi"] The enemy kills, steals and destroys. Christ gives peace, hope, love, joy.…

The Shepherd’s Voice

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” –Jesus, John 10:27 It seemed like a good idea - friends cheered me on. I was ten and agreed to walk my neighbor’s giant dog. The neighborhood fraternity wanted to go roller skating – right that second. “Just put your skates on….he can pull you.” A plan destined for disaster. Within minutes I was cruising down the blacktop – until the dog saw a squirrel. He went…

New Song

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 The Lord is my strength and my song. My salvation. The God I praise. Night presses long. He promises joy in the morning. Walks with me through shadows and valleys. Upholds me with His righteous, right Hand. He is my strength and shield. Help in time of need. Rock of salvation. He rejoices with gladness. Quiets with His…

Jesus Wasn’t Plan B

And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. Genesis 3:22-23 It was the shot heard around the world. A moment that changed everything – one with…

Mountain of Peace

I am beyond excited about this post - it features the beautiful photography of Theresa Flaminio. I met Theresa on Instagram where her amazing images captured me. (I am in love with her photos of wild horses) For anyone who doesn't believe you can form real friendships through social media, you are wrong. Theresa has become a treasured friend and I'm excited to share her talent of capturing God's creation. I've included a link to her Instagram at the bottom…

Surf’s Up

“Surfing alone among sports, generates laughter at its very suggestion, and this is because it turns not a skill into an art, but an inexplicable and useless urge into a vital way of life.” -- Matt Warshaw, Former Professional Surfer Judgment. An opinion pronounced. Pronounced with disapproval. A teeter-totter where I'm up and you're down. Many cite judgment as the reason they avoid church and Christians in general. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came…