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…

When Walls Crumble and Fall

September 20,1989 “If your baby lives he will be severely disabled. He won’t walk or talk or acknowledge you.” The doctor left and I sat without expression. When the words finally sank in, I cried without comfort. Prayed and asked why. It was the destruction of a dream. The dream of the baby and life I planned. When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God…

Lose to Gain

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes from faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith Philippians 3:8-9 Success. Financial security. Home ownership.…

I’m A Skunk

There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. Mark 7:15 Without a doubt my greatest challenge and sin are the words I say. Words said in anger. Words said to make a pointed point. Words said to punish. Words said carelessly without thought. Wounding words I can’t retrieve. Things I say to impress and elevate self. Gossip and slander.…

Abide

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. John 15:15 Apart from the vine, I can do nothing. Remain. Be still. Listen and follow. I cannot grow or bear fruit disconnected. Continue and persevere. He strengthens me. Fear not. [bctt tweet="With God all things are possible." username="Liz_Petruzzi"] Let me not become weary. The harvest is coming. Patient endurance. In my weakness, He is strong. Constant prayer. Blessed are those who remain steadfast. Steadfast in Christ. Suffering produces…

Mary Knew

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 A young girl, a teenager. A teenager in a culture where girls pregnant out of wedlock were at best shunned and rejected. Most commonly, they were stoned to death. A teenager doing her best to live an honorable life. “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And…