Saturday, November 27, 2010

Peddle Harder

My sweet sister, Kristen.
Falling off a bike is a normal occurrence for people. We’re clumsy, dismiss curbs and try to test the limits on the rough street terrain. Tumbling off a bike hurts. We get bruised and bloody, scrapped and scabbed; but, we get over it. It doesn’t faze us. We’re resilient to setbacks. After all, we are human. On most days we entertain the idea we are unbreakable—a piece of china strapped to the deck of a vessel in a sea storm. My sister carries with her every day the concept of collapsing. She knows she is a glass house; but this does not stop her from strapping on a helmet, wrist guards and knee pads. She peddles long and hard with a fear most never have to carry. You see—Kristen has a tumor which has rendered her legally blind. 

Her lack of vision is camouflaged by her confidence and sheer joy radiating from her smile. Raven hair, her stylish bangs cover something my family likes to call her “battle scar.” It stretches from the center of her forehead to just above the top of her right ear. It’s a reminder of the emergency brain surgery, 10 years ago, that altered her life forever in a paramount way.

I find myself longing to see colors the way others see them, Kristen has said to me. The vivid hues in heavy tapestry and pastel flowers that cover wedding cakes, we take for granted—she yearns to see these colors in the fullest spectrum.  Kristen sees the world through altered eyes and this set-back, some might call it, has in-turn seasoned her heart. It overflows with compassion—a compassion unheard of and unbridled. She is the definition of a hero. She exercises superhuman strength daily.

Believe & Give Thanks

Kimi and Ashley at the Macy's Parade.
Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he, who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.


I cannot explain the excitement I felt watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time with one of my closest friends, Ashley. As each enormous balloon passed, I was overwhelmed with the grandeur and sheer magnificence of the designs. How could something so large elegantly glide through the air? Thousands of people gathered in the heart of New York City on this magical holiday to celebrate this uniquely American holiday. What a feeling—giving thanks for this great nation, standing in jubilation for the formation of this country where one can exercise true freedom.


As the parade was winding down, it was interesting to me that the last balloons were three stars which had the word “believe” written on them. Although, these stars followed Santa and his sleigh complete with reindeer, I could not help but think how fitting these words are for Christians. Believe. Used as magical, fantastical words, these words are more than that in the Christian faith. I saw these balloons as symbols—beacons, if you will—and reminders that God is at work in the hearts of men nationwide not just in the holiday season but every day.


Though some see this holiday season as a break from the grind of work and a reason to indulge in cookies and hot chocolate, the tiny word “believe” carries weight in my heart this season. We have a reason to “believe.” Though, cliché now, Jesus is the reason for the season is a factual phrase. May we come together and believe this season in Christ, his work and presence in our lives.

Believe balloons at the end of the parade.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

More than Peering through the Windows


Surrounded by the dark, I often see illuminated window panes in my life. My body is hidden in the night; however, light cascades on my skin. Desire sets in when I feel the warmth of the Sun. Passion swims in my veins and elation dances in my soul.

God is like the light of the sunbeams. He is the glow of the rays. Camouflaged in black, He wants to expose the crevices of my heart. He wants to make new the wants of our souls. God is the light source. He is the candle in the sunset room.

Reach out to the Sun today. Do not just peer through the windows of the dark room. Find a way to escape the block of space that hinders you. Fly, like an eagle, and find the way to the sunrise of his favor!

Psalm 84:11

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Hope Unseen

I am preordering this book! Should be an inspirational read. This is the story of the first U.S. Army's blind active duty officer. Captain Scotty Smiley has climbed Mount Rainier, won an ESPY as Best Outdoor Athlete, surfed, skydived, become a father, earned an MBA from Duke, taught leadership at West Point, commanded an army company, and won the MacArthur Leadership Award. He and his wife live by thier faith in Jesus Christ.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Elated Dance


I am elated. Dressed in fine linen and crimson jewels, I dance on your arm Father. I look into your eyes and focus on the man who is leading me. My body shakes. I quiver at the sensation of your glowing skin touching mine. I feel devotion. I feel peace. I feel passion.

The wind blows. My hair, tousled by the turbulence of the violent weather, softly lands on my lips. You speak, and my mouth parts. I hang on your words—the Master of the dance. We spin in circles as you whisper in my ear sweet promises. They smell and run smoothly from your lips like sweet honey.

I am dressed Prince of Peace in fine lace. It drapes across my fragile shoulders. Your crown shimmers in the light of the elegant chandelier. Spots of light jump from your skin to mine. We are twirling under the same light source. I look into your eyes, which cannot be defined by a restricted color. I see shades of compassion, harmony, and grace. Your significance, Royal Ruler, outweighs the gold crown that adorns your head.

A shiver shocks me. In a puff of smoke, my breath lingers in the brisk air. Your kindness has heated my body and made me whole. In the distance, I see a bright mirror. I see your reflection, but it cannot define your features because you shine, my Lord, so brightly. I am dancing with the Son. It is you that makes me beautiful. In your presence, I can barely recognize myself. You have clothed me in majesty.

Walking hand in hand, I gaze into the mirror in astonishment. My hair is now brassy and golden in appearance, and my eyes like oceans of turquoise. You turn my body, and I face you.

Lovely One, you say. You are my treasure, my prized possession. I have created you to walk in dignity and strength. You are a banner for all generations. My words flow from your lips like water from a basin. I have anointed your feet Dear One. Dance on in grace and truth. Tread barefoot on the sand surface of my blessings. Do not wash your feet. Continue on the path with my truth fixed to your flesh. You should never question my devotion for I will always love my beautiful creation. You please me daughter.

With winds now raging and rain pouring from the sky, you kiss my forehead. I am enraptured. I am captured by your love. You have overtaken my being. I am yours—mind, body, and soul. In the dance of life, I will never let go of your hand.

-Kimberly Willingham

Jer. 2:2

 Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem:
       I remember the devotion of your youth,
       how as a bride you loved me
       and followed me through the desert,
       through a land not sown.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Your Glory is my Mission



Violent thunderstorms shake my existence.

Waves capsize on the shore in sheer resistance.

Doves, in full surrender, fly with light on their wings.

Eyes, open aglow, I see the goodness He brings.

I’m on my face God, smelling the wet sand.

I tremble at your voice and feel the warmth of your hand.

Precious rubies and diamonds can never compare.

To the grace you bestow when your presence comes near.

I’m a shadow in your radiance—a flake of gold in your crown.

A daughter, full of wonder, pulled up from the ground.

You are the root that provides my might.

Weak without your power, I can’t stand lacking your light.

Like a coiled metal piece, my life in you is a twisted feat—

Gain the world or lose my life and feel complete.

I give it away. My desires and thoughts—my being to you.

You can have me Sweet Jesus. Your purpose I pursue.

Leader of men you have called me to be.

This role cannot be fulfilled if I’m not on my knees.

Surrender. It’s hard; but, I’m surrendered to you.

I want to walk and follow behind the man that makes life new.

Victory and justice you parade in your word.

I’m a believer in this mystery. The gospel I have heard.

I live it in my life. It has become my full reliance.

Seeking you my Father, my companion, my alliance.

I trust you Lord to move in ways unknown to me.

I release my dreams and goals to thee.

May the world blot out my appearance and see you through my eyes.

May the beauty they astound be the God who is faithful and wise.

Melody. Fill my words with the music of Heaven!

I pray the bread I desire will forever be unleavened.

Cleanse me from the darkness of my sinful condition.

May purity abound. Your glory is my mission!

-Kimberly Willingham



Deut. 5:23-27

When you heard the voice out of the darkness, while the mountain was ablaze with fire, all the leading men of your tribes and your elders came to me. And you said, "The LORD our God has shown us his glory and his majesty, and we have heard his voice from the fire. Today we have seen that a man can live even if God speaks with him. But now, why should we die? This great fire will consume us, and we will die if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any longer. For what mortal man has ever heard the voice of the living God speaking out of fire, as we have, and survived? Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then tell us whatever the LORD our God tells you. We will listen and obey."

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Fairytale Renamed


Love is a song sung in melodic tune.
Love is a chord played and then imbued.
My Love fills all my deepest needs.
He chills my body wholly.
Smile, like an angel, his actions speak boldly.
I’ve been told since childhood love is not a game.
It’s a sacred romance—a fairytale renamed.
'I love you' is not just a phrase to be shouted loud and clear.
It’s a weighty promise that seeps inside the ears.

-Kimberly Willingham

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
-Jeremiah 31:3

Friday, April 23, 2010

Catapulted Needs


Catapulted Needs
You catapult my deepest needs.
They elevate like sprouted seeds.
Blooming bright and ravishing,
My flower opens—soft, serene.
Elegant Lord, touch me with passion.
Splash me with water. Dress me in fashion.
You are the gardener, and I am the flora,
Dependent on you, my sweet aurora.
In resplendent colors, you light up the dawn.
With eyes open, I’m no longer withdrawn.
You opened the curtains to a life full of joy.
New mercies and blessings on me you employ.
Uproot me from the rocky soil.
Replant me with warm, wet oil.
Season me with rich, think spice.
Your true provision knows no price.
I will grow tall, like a mighty tree.
For you alone, I’ll bend my knee.
Purposeful Price, my flame you ignite.
I feel your power. You fuel me with light.
Kimberly Willingham

Isaiah 58:9-12
Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Unafraid…Staring Life in the Face

She waddles in silence to the water screen that keeps her safe. Nothing is visible but cool, green water. Hands plastered on the thick glass, she waits, looking inside for some kind of living form. She longs to see colorful fish or silky, grey dolphins gliding through the water in elegance. The water ripples. She gasps in anticipation. What could it be? She would soon see the giant that the water wall is guarding her from.

A much unexpected swatch of white fur becomes visible. This is not the friendly dolphin she has been expecting. A grizzly face, with sharp teeth appears. Her little heart trembles; but, she does not step back from the glass case. Her eyes are locked to the creature. Her hands grip her white T-shirt, creating moist impressions from the sweat on her tiny hands. Yet, she is unshaken. It becomes apparent to the onlookers; she is unafraid of the beast behind the wall. She studies his clumsy movements and stares him in the face.

Life circumstances are sometimes unexpected. It is human nature to back away from the problems that present themselves to us. We, like little puppies, crawl backward with our tail beneath our legs. God did not create us to be afraid of life. He created us to conquer it, to stare it in the face!

Like this little girl, though heart trembling and hands sweating, she did not step back from the scary creature that appeared before her. She stood her ground and looked at it in the eyes. We were created with a spirit of power not one of timidity. In Christ, we have all the backing the world! We have armies of strength fighting for us daily. However, we must choose to stand our ground, to be surefooted. Times will be rough, there is no safeguard for the world caving in; but, there is a ever-living hope and security in the One that sacrificed all for us! Stand tall. Walk unafraid in life, staring it in the face!
Kimberly Willingham

Job 11:16-19
You can be sure you will forget your troubles.
They will be like water that has flowed on by.
Life will be brighter than the sun at noon.
And darkness will become like morning.
You will be secure, because there is hope.
You will look around you and find a safe place to rest.
You will lie down, and no one will make you afraid...

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Strength Training



Muscle man, strong man, for what are your biceps?
They are nothing but temporary.
Does this power reside in depth?
Do you lift weights to cover your insecure being?
Do you train and sweat without His vision seeing?
Running is futile without a centered mindset.
Called body builder, you must not live in regret.
Lift your iron bars in the presence of God.
Be led by His Word and the guidance of his rod.
I pray that beads of sweat roll down your rippled back,
As you work with effort and meaningful muscle you stack.
For power is powerless and strength is dead,
Without the Lion of Judah’s claws of thick lead.
When working in Christ, we are armored in steel.
When walking in his footsteps fearless confidence we feel.
Warrior working toward strength, climb the mountain knowing,
When living a life sacrificed, your muscles will be showing!

Kimberly Willingham

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (The Message)
“Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Devotion is Written in Red

My heart is weary. My soul is weeping—
To see the faces uncertain and broken hearts seeking.
They cry, “We need hope.” Yet they look to a man
Don’t they see You, Jesus? You are where it all began.
How mistaken, to think flesh and mortal blood can save lives,
From this outwardly, frail body, sin derives.
What change do we want, other than to walk in the truth!?
Let us detach the blindfolds that hinder us in youth.
Marching onward, not for mortal man,
But a purpose with a calling for God’s mighty plan.
Would Jesus love the upheaval of the sanctity of life?
God is direct, he is clear. He’s concise.
Though t-shirts with logos can show support from the population,
These tangible rags can do nothing for the nation.
Although the historic Jesus is pictured with halo on head,
His love and devotion was written in rich red.
I will stand for the truth and will not let deception blind me.
Forever I will stand in the forefront and look closely to see.
I want to bow in the presence of what’s right,
And follow the white lamb of light.
Celebrity and fame are things I desire not—
Because I realize that my life has been bought.
I was purchased with a price, and I stand in great debt—
To my Savior, the God of all morals, whom my soul has met!
Walking in truth, I will shout from the rooftops—
Esteem is not purchased through rhetoric, but by his blood drops.

-Kimberly Willingham


Daniel 10: 18-19
Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. "Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong." When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength."

Friday, March 26, 2010

Authoritative Femininity

A beautiful white dress with combat boots…this is an oxymoron if I have ever seen one! Does this picture look odd to you, or does it incite a passion inside your soul? For me, it draws the fire inside my heart into a sweltering blaze! Why?

 As ladies, we are generally seen as fragile, submissive, quiet, and reserved. We are expected to be defenseless, weak, and doting. Does this woman look feeble to you? To me, she looks like a good mixture of authoritative femininity. She is delicate because she is draped in white-the symbol of purity and her soft hair hangs across her slender face; however, her black boots with thick laces signify strength. They are an indication that the pavement under her feet is not always as smooth as the dew-kissed grass.

She is prepared. Covering her supple feet, she marches onward. Onward---for her destiny awaits her. As the virgins in Matthew 25 saved oil for their lamps, so their light would not go out, a woman of this nature clothes herself with priceless character traits. Proverbs 31: 25, 26 says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”

Being a woman does not mean we have to crawl into the corner and crouch in the shadows while the sunlight is filtered to a masculine soul. No, God has made women for a special purpose. He has created us with a unique DNA code—one of compassion, grace, and—strength. One of the most beautiful things to see in the face of a woman is sweet innocence converged with heavenly power.

Strap up your boots dear daughters and lace up your milky gown. Twirl in the provision breeze of the Lord. Let your hair be swept away by the wind. Unpin the clasp that holds back your beauty. Seek pure splendor and unequaled radiance will be gained.

-Kimberly Willingham


For the Lord says, “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
(Proverbs 31:29)

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Life as a Canvas

I love this painting. Recently, I have started to think of my life as a canvas. It’s actually alarming to note the comparisons of life and a blank canvas. We are born into this world with nothing. We are an unwritten story, an unpainted picture. Our skin is fragile like the canvas. Life is fleeting and delicate. We are only given ONE life here on earth to live. So, needless to say, what we paint on our canvas reflects our hearts and determines our future…


Now, there are different types of painters. Monet painted in pastels—soft colors with serene scenes. Van Gogh painted in unique brush strokes. He used bold colors and made an intrepid statement. Picasso saw the world through distinctive eyes. He created a picture of conceptual vision and unusual interpretation. God has given each of us a paintbrush…and whispered, “My Child, paint a picture to bring glory to me.” I think it is beautiful to look at this little girl and imagine the struggle and effort it took her to rip through her canvas and begin to paint a masterpiece.


Do you wonder what she is painting? The idea that is echoing in her mind and running through her fingers? I can tell you…it will be unique. Just like everyone has a different face, our painting will never be the same. A separate vision has been given to each of God’s children. He is waiting for us to commit the time and patience it takes to complete a masterpiece. Will you take up the charge to paint your canvas? Will you create a priceless work of art through your life? God has given you the tools and endless colors of paint. Paint sweet child, your master is waiting to say, “Well done. Beautiful work. You have pleased me!”

-Kimberly Willingham


"I dream of painting, and then, I paint my dream." -Vincent van Gogh


Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures. -Henry Ward Beecher


Psalm 139:13
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Your works are wonderful. I know that full well.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Jehovah Shalom

John 14:27
PEACE I leave with you; My PEACE I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have PEACE. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

In Jesus there is peace everlasting. When turbulent storms made the disciples afraid on the Sea of Galilee, the Calmer reached out his hands and said, "Peace be still." Not only can He calm the physical storms around us, he calms the storm in our private lives. In his word is all the peace and comfort we need. He says, "do not be troubled, neither afraid." He is our watchman--our gaurd.

Pray Today:
Jesus, you are my peace. I look to you and my heart grows calm. Like a dove, you fall upon me and grant me inward solace. You are pure, white and clean. You walk on the raging water and lift me out of the pit of fear. May I always look to you in times of choas and joy. You are my peace, Lord.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Scripture Yoga

I ran across this book today on Amazon.com. I am a Christian that regularly practices yoga and have been doing so for a few years. It always bothered me that yoga is centered in New Age philosophy. However, when I practice it, I find that if you don't think of it as an "enlightenment" practice but as a way to better your body and focus your mind on things that matter in life, it actually destresses and relieves the body of built up tension.

 In this book, the author combines yoga flow series with psalms in the Bible. It's like a morning meditation for Christians. Instead of chanting, "I am one with the planet." This book teaches you to recite encouraing biblical truths like, "Oh Lord, source of my being. Your majesty fills the earth."

If you are a yoga practicing Chrsitian, I would highly recommend this book. What a beautiful way to start each morning in movement for the Father of All.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Jehovah Rapha

There is rest in the shadow of God's mighty wings. He is a healer.  I picture the blind man in Mark. He cried out to the Great Physician in the disapproval of others saying, "Son of David, have mercy on me." He wept bitterly . Jesus called out to him, "Be of good comfort, rise," and asked him, "What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?" The blind man said, "Lord, that I might receive my sight." Jesus proclaimed, "Go thy way. Thy faith has made thee whole!" (Mark 10:46)

The Bible says he was immediately healed and recieved his sight. Jehovah Rapha literally means "the God who heals." His hands, marked with holes of suffering, can touch his children with healing power. We have to present our requests to God and believe he is able to heal us. As Isaiah 53 states, "By his stripes we are healed."

Thank you Lord for breathing your healing power into our bodies. We are made complete in you. Unashamed, we call out to you...for we are feeble without your power.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Love Song for a Savior

Old School--but such a WONDERFUL song by Jars of Clay!
May we truly sing a love song to our Savior. His love for us outweighs the oceans and stands taller than the highest mountain. We are held in the palms of his vast hands. He breathes life in abundance upon us daily. Oh God, may we love you with an everlasting love. We love you because you first loved us!


1 John 4:19
We love him, because he first loved us.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Zion Mountain

Psalm 125: 1-5

A Pilgrim Song

Those who trust in God

are like Zion Mountain:

Nothing can move it, a rock-solid mountain

you can always depend on.

Mountains encircle Jerusalem,

and God encircles his people—

always has and always will.

The fist of the wicked

will never violate

What is due the righteous,

provoking wrongful violence.

Be good to your good people, God,

to those whose hearts are right!

God will round up the backsliders,

corral them with the incorrigibles.

Peace over Israel!

Open Arms

You hold me in a loving embrace. Open arms, I feel secure in your care. Lover, you beam with approval at my state of being. I am always secure and confident in you. Walk with me Father today and always!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Heaven is the Face

Steven Curtis Chapman sings his new song in the K-LOVE studio. He wrote this after his little girl was tragically killed last year. He sings..."Heaven is the face of a little girl..."