Good Evening,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Inseparable"

“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?”

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31, 35, 38–39
  
My Child,
I am for you, not against you. I want to remind you of some of the wonderful things with which I bless you as my child. 

• The gift of my Spirit as a foretaste of future glory 
• No condemnation 
• Glorious freedom from the power of sin, death, and decay
• Power to walk in my Spirit and please me
• My Spirit pleading for you in harmony with my will
• No obligation to obey your sinful nature
• Affirmation that you are mine
• Eager hope for your full rights as an adopted child and joint heir
• Eternity in my presence

These are just a few of my gifts spawned by my endless, flawless love for you. The most formidable obstacles in the universe will never keep us apart. When you accepted my invitation, I made my home in you. We are now inseparable. What I have joined together, nothing, no one, can divide.

When you take the wrong path, you feel estranged from me. But I will never leave you or forsake you. It’s like when your poor choices make you feel separated from a loved one who is sitting in the same room with you. Their presence does not make you feel close. You feel miles apart, even though you are still family.

That is how it is for us. Sometimes, your misdeeds impede our intimacy, but we are inextricably connected. Lay that thing down. It will never satisfy you. I am right here. In my presence, there is pleasure forever.
I love you,
Abba 
 
My Abba,
All accusations, adversaries, rejection, and confrontation pales in comparison to your advocacy. Thank you that distressing circumstances do not indicate a lapse in your love for me. Thank you that when life gets difficult, it isn’t because you forgot to pay attention. Thank you that when adversity comes, it does not mean you are averse to me. 

Thank you that when I have trouble, it doesn’t mean I am in trouble with you. Thank you that when I feel rejected, I am still your honored child. Thank you that when all seems threatened, you are never concerned your plans will be thwarted in my life. Somehow, you will accomplish all that you desire in and through me.
 
I know you live in me, but sometimes, I can feel distant from you. Experientially, I can feel detached. I do believe no power that exists can separate us. But at times, my sin can get in the way, creating static in our connection. Clearly, not a good choice for me. 

I want to enjoy vibrant communion with you today. Please continually infuse me with a supernatural awareness of the joy that is mine through an intimate relationship with you. Each day, I want to increasingly savor and celebrate that reality. 
I love you,
Mollie


  
Photo: aaron amat
NLT

Good Evening,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Jagged-Edged Hours"

“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. ‘Rabbi,’ his disciples asked him, ‘why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?’
“‘It was not because of his sins or his parent's sins,’ Jesus answered. ‘This happened so that the power of God could be seen in him.’” 
John 9:1–3
 
My Abba,
I have so many questions about suffering and healing. I know I won’t get all the answers in this lifetime. But this passage helps remind me that you can redeem human suffering for your glory. Like the disciples, I can tend to look for cause and effect. Why did this suffering happen?

I want explanations for the unexplained pain in our world. I look for a reason because I think it will help comfort my ache. I also want answers, so I don't feel as vulnerable to stepping into the same calamity. “What are the rules for avoiding that pitfall?” I subconsciously ask.“What’s the formula for a brighter future for my loved ones and me?” 

I don't expect an affliction-free existence. I just want “manageable” challenges — whatever that means. This idea of our pain being used for your glory is a hard one. Am I really willing to sign up for that? I am glad for you to get credit in my triumphs. But do I want to be used to point to your perfection if intense suffering is involved?

Whenever I am sitting quietly in your presence, my answer is, “Yes, in my life, whatever comes, your will be done.” But when pain is suffocating and drags me into the maze of endless days, I wear down. I am tempted to focus on my disappointment in this broken body or the weight of heart-crushing circumstances. Please remind me right then, right now, in the midst of the anguish, how I can bring you glory. I want to be overwhelmed by your beauty, love, and comfort amidst these jagged-edged hours.

The lovely, quiet respites with you are awesome, but I want more. I also want to experience your gracious presence, even as I am falling through the cracks in the ice, broken and bruised.
I love you,
Mollie 
 
My Child,
In this life, you will not fully understand the problem of pain. I did not originally create mankind for it. I created you for pleasure. It is right for you to want to avoid suffering. But when sin entered the world, pain followed. Obviously, I don’t always prevent it.

At times, I allow pain (like an alarm system) as a consequence for sin. You need to know something will burn you to learn not to touch it again. Sin damages you. It is important for you to embrace that reality. You don’t fully see it the way I do. When sin takes its course, the devastation reminds you of the severity of certain choices. What is right becomes more attractive to you. This also makes you more aware of your need for me.

Pain can be the unsightly companion of the freedom to choose. The poor choices people make may terribly wound others. If I had created human puppets, you could not choose poorly. But you could not choose to love me, or each other, either. That is more important than anything else.

There will also be times when neither choice, nor consequence, is the cause of suffering. I have allowed our enemy some influence over Earth for a season. The planet and its people groan due to his impact. There will be a time when this chapter comes to an end. Eventually, I will make all things right.

But in the meantime, you will need to trust in my perfect justice, mercy, wisdom, and love. You will not grasp all the answers now. But I can walk with you through the impenetrable fog of this uncharted territory and carry you when the pain leaves you breathless.
I love you,
Abba 



Photo: stillfx 
NLT

Good Afternoon, 
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie




"God's Green Thumb"

“‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.’” John 15:1–2

Prune: to cut away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness and growth; to remove superfluous or unwanted parts

My Abba,
I do want to be more fruitful. I want to imagine myself as a thriving branch on the prolific fig tree nestled in the bend of our backyard fence. Vivid green leaves playing in the gusty spring breeze and supple branches brimming with countless ripening figs. 

But I have to admit I am not enamored with the idea of you shaping me with your cosmic pruning shears. I have lived long enough to know the pruning process is not all sunshine and fun. I don’t feel an overwhelming desire to rush to the front of the line for pruning.

But as I said, I still want to be a vigorous branch loaded with the fruit of your Spirit. How can I reconcile my desire to walk, talk, and look more like you with my desire to skip the process of pruning?

I want you to work in and through me, even if you have to remove “superfluous or unwanted parts” in order “to increase my fruitfulness and growth.” Please give me courage. By the power of your Holy Spirit, grow me up (make me more fruitful). I am powerless to transform myself.

I know I must abide in you in order for you to do your good work in me. I don’t want to hide and wither. Please keep me flourishing and vital as I remain in you, a branch well connected, pruned, and nourished. 
I love you,
Mollie
 
My Child,
Apart from me, you can do no good that exceeds the limits of your own strength. I don’t want your humanity to fence you in. I want to empower you to shatter the boundaries of your flesh-and-blood potential. I have made you for greater things. And through my power, you can flourish in ways you did not consider possible.

Every time you conquer that seemingly invincible summit … every time you choose to give me that swarming pain that threatens to swallow your soul ... every time you forgive what seems unforgivable ... every time you give up a passing pleasure to walk with me into something glorious and eternal ... it is because you have allowed me to give you what you need to exceed the limits of your own strength. You are practicing my version of willpower (your willingness to depend on my power).

The apple tree does not have to strain to produce ripe, crisp apples. The grape vine doesn’t grit its teeth to produce delicious, juicy grapes. The cherry tree does not struggle to produce mouthwatering cherries. But if the gardener provides protection, good soil, nourishment, water, pruning, and light, the outcome will be a more abundant harvest. You can bear wondrous, supernatural fruit if you trust me as your gardener.

I know what you need to flourish. You are a finite, created being. But you are, also, an eternal vessel where my Spirit resides. Let me tend the garden of your heart. I have the ultimate green thumb. You will be overwhelmed with the harvest.
I love you,
Abba


Photo: v.chursina
NIV

Good Evening,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie




"Caught Up in Your Symphony"

“‘My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.’” John 17:20–21 
 
My Child,
You believed in me through the message of my Son. You are now a vital member of our family. No one can ever take your place. Although our family is large, I will never create another just like you. 

Take up the unique role in our family that I designed for you. By the power of my Spirit, I can accomplish my glorious purposes through you. Sit and soak in my presence, so you may serve in my power.

I desire for you to be caught up in the symphony I am writing. I have perfect harmony with my Spirit and Son. I want you, also, to enjoy that beautiful music with your forever family and me. 

Quickly set aside things that create discord. As my glorious love song rises up in my children, others will be drawn to me. I love you just as I love my Son. I love you perfectly and unconditionally. It is not possible for me to love you any other way. 

Play in the light of my love today. Encourage your brothers and sisters to join in. The world is so hungry for my music.
I love you,
Abba
 
My Abba,
You always know just what I need. I want to be captivated by your music today. Please still my heart and mind and draw me into your eternal melody. The unity you describe in the Trinity is what I want to experience with you and others. I want to be one with you and your children.  

I am thinking about when a young child repetitively hits a single note on a piano. After awhile, it can make the listener feel a bit crazy. Not exactly engaging. But it doesn’t make that one note wrong or “less than.” If that note becomes a part of a chord and is placed in a score with other beautiful chords to create magnificent harmony, everything changes. That note could become part of a work of art that blesses hearts and minds for generations.  

I don’t want to just stand alone playing my one note. I want to be part of your eternal chorus. Show me how to join in your glorious song and enjoy the matchless pleasure of our unity.

With my brothers and sisters, let me enter into the delightful celebration of you, which you orchestrated before the beginning of time. I want to play my instrument in your opus. I know we don’t all play the same instrument or, even, the same notes. But when we play our parts and are in tune with you, your symphony is breathtaking!
I love you, 
Mollie


Photo: pixelrobot
NIV

Good Afternoon,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Waiting Well"

“‘I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.’ And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” 
Hebrews 6:14–15

Wait: stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or until something else happens; remain in readiness for some purpose

Patient: able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious; from Latin: pati, “to suffer”
 
My Abba,
This verse intrigues me. From my limited vantage point, it doesn’t seem like Abraham accepted delays without becoming annoyed or anxious. While he waited on you to supernaturally provide his first descendant, there was the whole “rush to conceive” thing with Hagar. 

Maybe, Abraham mistook your timing as a divine need for some human intervention. That’s convicting.

Thank you for your patience with my impatience. How appropriate that the root of the word patience is “pati,” meaning to suffer. For me, waiting patiently can be painful.

I have been thinking this morning about the world in which I live. It is a culture of fast food, high-speed Internet, instant gratification, express service, and overnight delivery. I am trained to believe the majority of things I want can be had almost immediately. 

I forget my culture can create a ravenous appetite for getting what we want NOW served on a silver platter without much, if any, sacrifice.
 
Just push a button. Make a call. Click a mouse. Get an app. 

But then my culture collides with my personal reality. Unless you intervene, there is no overnight delivery from a neurodegenerative disease. Each day, my wait seems to get more arduous and painful. While I look forward to the day you bring me home and gift me with a new body, I desperately need you to hold me up now. I am keenly aware I cannot wait here without you.

I want to appreciate waiting with you. Please make me more aware of your presence as I struggle with the ache of the wait. When I enjoy your presence, I am able to be content with you, despite the throbbing realities of the present.

Please give me your contagious joy as we wait together.
I love you,
Mollie
 
My Child,
Remember, I am not time bound. I don’t feel the wait like you do. But I can soothe your soul in your ache of waiting. Don’t watch the clock. Focus on my beauty, grace, truth, and love. You don’t have to wait alone. 

Patience is a supernatural fruit of my Spirit. Don’t try to lasso it in your own strength. You will find that elusive.

Walk in my Spirit, looking to me for patience. Then you will be ready for my purposes. If you tie yourself into an anxious knot, you may be distracted and miss our next adventure together.

You know how time flies in the presence of people who delight you. I am perfectly delightful. I can captivate you in a way that will silence the clock.

No matter where you are. No matter for what you are waiting (even your new body). No matter how long you wait. I will not abandon you to the struggle. I want you to wait well with me. Let’s enjoy the journey together, not just the destination.
I love you,
Abba


 
Photo: soloway
NIV

Good Evening,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Obsessed with My Prize"

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 
2 Corinthians 4:18
 
My Abba,
This verse brings to mind a conversation I had a while back with a friend. “I don’t have the awe and wonder you have for God,” she said.

That comment brought up several thoughts for me. I was deeply grateful for the gift of sight that you have given me. I notice (in some infantile way) how delightfully perfect you are. I was grateful that something about the way you and I connect convinced her I experience awe and wonder for you. I was grateful for the way her words encouraged me to keep my gaze fixed on you, my eternal God. Not just for my pleasure, but so others might see it is possible to experience that awe and wonder.

I always want to remember that mug of white rose tea on the table at Kerbey Lane Cafe as we spoke. I said, “Let’s imagine that I believe this mug is the single most beautiful, pleasurable, valuable treasure in all of the universe. And let’s say this mug has the power to transform me into the most glorious version of myself and give me eternal joy. 

“What if I realized that there were obstacles between this glorious treasure and me? I would want to recognize those objects and remove them in order to see, enjoy, and be transformed by this priceless treasure. I would be driven to find and remove those obstacles. That would not be a duty I pursued because someone guilted me into it. I would be on a mission — obsessed with my prize.

I don’t know if my illustration changed my friend’s perspective. But the recalling of it encourages me. Please fuel my passion for what is unseen, glorious, and eternal.
I love you,
Mollie
 
My Child,
You are beginning to notice how much your focus impacts you. It directs, affects, and informs your path. When your gaze is locked on something, or someone, you don’t have the mind space to give attention to much else. The more you fix your eyes on me, the more you see what is important to me. 

The company you keep influences you. When you choose to enjoy my company, my presence changes you, making you more like me. My beauty draws you in and helps you release what is false and not of me.

As you enjoy my embrace, those distractions over there in the shadows will look like what they really are — god-frauds. They caught your attention when you were tempted to see me as dissatisfying, ineffective, slow, or disinterested.

Because I don't part the waters when you want me too, it doesn’t mean I am not paying attention. When I don’t move that mountain, it does not indicate I lack compassion or am somehow inept or short-handed. 

Remember, my thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your ways. Sometimes, the pain of this world tries to herd your thoughts into a pen of despair. Even when you don’t understand the “whys,” I am asking you to trust my character. 

Stay close. The more you are with me, the more you will see me for who I am. That wisdom will help you to trust me for what you cannot see.
I love you,
Abba  



Photo: i.kruk
NIV

Good Afternoon,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Pretense or Peace"

“‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’” John 14:27

My Abba,
The world does not offer lasting peace. When violence comes more regularly than rain, we understand the world is not a safe place. This free will you gave us is definitely a blessing. It allows us to truly choose to love you and others. It would be impossible to have a love relationship if one of the parties were a remote-controlled gadget. But free will is also an opportunity for unspeakable evil. We can choose to love or hate, build up or destroy. 

I know you don’t always step in to circumvent our choices — even if they have horrific consequences. You are God. I am not. I will not stand as your judge, even when I cannot make sense of things.

Thank you that you can give me peace that is not dependent on my circumstances. Again, this Christmas season, the age-old deception is promoted everywhere. But the lights, gifts, parties, and feasting do not do it for me. These pretenders do not give me peace that lasts. I feel disappointed when I again realize they promised more than they delivered.

In the past, I think I held the belief that went something like this: If I do an awesome enough job painting the perfect Christmas scene for my family, it will give us the peace and joy for which our hearts long. (All the holiday movies say so.) But then the Grinch of Reality always makes his entrance, drags us into the bright light of day, and we are disappointed again. 

Amidst this unwieldy, rough-and-tumble life, please continue to remind me that in your presence there is perfect, eternal peace that no one, or nothing, has the power to snatch away.
I love you,
Mollie
 
My Child,
How different would your Christmas look if it were just about the celebration of God becoming human? My ultimate peace offering! 

I, Eternal God, pierced time and space to be born into the world, amidst the muck and mess of human life. (That stable was a good snapshot of things to come.) I came to offer the supernatural soothing of your soul that no one can steal. It always originates with me, your Perfect Peace. No one can force you to give it up. Don’t hand it over.

I came to dwell in your hearts. I can carry you through all your pain, stress, and out-of-control circumstances. Temporal treasures — no matter how amazing — cannot do that. 

Lay all of it down at my feet today, whether it looks wicked or wonderful. None of it will satisfy your deepest longings. You are an eternal creature trying to fill eternal longings with perishable stuff. That is not what you are created for. Don’t settle for the imitation.

I will flood you with my soothing, tranquil relief this morning. Focus on the joy and peace of entering into my glory as I carry you by my love. That will bring you unsurpassed, imperishable peace!
I love you,
Abba



Photo: robertax
NIV

 Good Afternoon,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Longing for Light"

“Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. 

No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:1–5
 
My Abba,
I rejoice that you are the God of my forever. I love that you are not just here today and gone tomorrow. You are beyond awesome, and you will never abandon me. Your faithfulness is impressive to me — especially when a betrayal hits close to home. 

Reading about heaven today gives me renewed stamina to run this race. I love those you have placed in my life, but I have to admit I want to be free of this world’s struggle and pain. I long for the river of life — clear as crystal, flowing from your throne. I long for a healed body, free from disease. 

What will it be like to be free from the curse of sin and death? I truly can’t imagine. But the idea of nothing impeding communion with you sounds magnificent! 

I can’t wait for the day when my identity will be completely immersed in yours. I love the image of your name written on my forehead — your everlasting autograph demonstrating to all of creation, for all time, that I belong to you. Thank you that there will be a time when your light will banish all our confusion and darkness, and we will live fully in the radiance of your presence. 

So today may be a struggle, but the truth about my forever spurs me on. By the power of your Spirit, I can wait and walk this arduous path with you until I get to the other side.

Please, while I am here though, let me enter into the joy of glorifying you, whether that is in trial, tragedy, or triumph. 
I love you,
Mollie
 
My Child,
I am sorry you have endured the bitter sting of betrayal. I know how painful that can be. Remember not to dress me in their garments. I am not a betrayer. I will not break my promises or turn my back on you. That is not who I am. 

You can trust me when I say we will spend a spectacular eternity together. I know, at times, your circumstances can feel grueling. But that pain will evaporate like a drop of water in the blaze of a fierce summer sun at the first taste of eternity.  

Nothing on earth can give you an accurate picture of what heaven will be like. Seeing me face to face will change everything. No bleak chasms will scar the landscape of your life. My light will dispel them all. 

The glorious things you would like to be, and do, will no longer be illusive. No striving, suffering, or sadness. Just unhindered joy, love, and peace. Christ has made a way for you to fully enjoy me and all my gifts — forever. 

That is your future. And it will be worth the wait.
I love you,
Abba


Photo: zhuralov
NLT

Good Afternoon,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Seeing Through Doubt"
 
“Then Jesus told him, ‘You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.’ The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.” John 20:29–31
 
My Child,
I have blessed you with the gift of belief, even though you have not yet seen me face to face. When you receive this spectacular blessing, my generosity (my readiness to give more than is necessary or expected) permeates your heart.

I can then offer you what you need to release that persistent covey of questions demanding explanations for life’s pain. Sometimes, doubt will slip in through the door uninvited and begin splashing graffiti on the walls of your mind. That is to be expected. Your finite mind cannot pin down and sort out my infinite reasoning. Bring doubt to me. I can help you show it the exit.

I have given you trust that I am God. When you allow me to draw you into the glorious respite of my love, you experience me as your One-and-Only. This nourishes your confidence that I am perfectly strong, trustworthy, able, and reliable, even though you don’t see me with your eyes or understand all I am doing. When you put your trust in me, you thrive.Spend time with me in my Word. Life-changing supernatural truth is written there about you, others, and me, so you may thrive in your relationships. As your trust in me grows, you will have an increasingly richer life by the power of my name. 

Your vigor, enthusiasm, and vitality in me will flourish. That is the vibrant life I intend for you.
I love you,
Abba

My Abba,
I need this truth. We both know I am not a spotless woman of faith. Doubt splatter-paints my soul at times. Nothing about that is artistic.

But more and more, as I spend my days with you, I cannot deny your stunning presence. You are endlessly beautiful, and your love for me is irresistible. Your generous supernatural gifts lead me into a more joyful connection with you.

Thank you for the ways you enliven me with your truth. You give me the power not to quit, even when the turbulence of life makes me desperately desire heaven. 

Please give me the trust and grace I need to thrive in the midst of whatever comes to pass today — and tomorrow.
I love you,
Mollie


 
Photo: standret
NLT

Good Morning,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Masquerade"
 
“If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.” 1 John 1:8–10
 
My Child,
I want you to live in the truth. Don’t try to fool yourself and others. There is no need to pretend. You sin every day. Even though I don’t want you to remain in your sin, I love you despite the choices you make. 

See how the light outside your window illuminates your yard. I want you to receive the bright light of my truth into every crevice of the landscape of your heart and mind. 

There are places you don’t want anyone to see because you have deemed them too shameful. But you know I see it all, even, better than you do. Is there someone more important than me you are looking to impress?

If I see it all, there is no need to posture for other humans, who are full of flaws, also. Their shortcomings may not look like yours, but trust me, they have their issues.

Remember, I have made provision for all of your offenses. That is why I came to earth. Because I love you, I traded my perfect record for your tarnished one. It is my desire for you to be free from anything that hinders the way you (or others) experience my love.

I no longer count your failures and flaws against you. They have been erased because you received the gift of my righteousness through Christ. 

Enjoy my glorious freedom today!
I love you,
Abba
 
My Abba,
I want to stop investing in the masquerade. I sometimes put on the righteous mask for you, sometimes for me, and sometimes for others. But I recognize all these pretense parades are foolish.

This pattern reminds me of my kids when they were toddlers. They would cover their eyes and exclaim, “Mommy, you can’t see me!” This childish behavior looked so much cuter when they did it, than when I try to do it with you.

Maybe it feels threatening to my self-esteem (confidence in my value) to admit my flaws. This is an interesting deception considering the truth I claim to believe: I am sinful and everything good about me is a gift from you. 

Why then do I feel the need to play dress- up? Am I striving for a better opinion poll? What will that get me? Am I looking for the praise of other sinners like me? Am I trying to trick others into believing I am better than I am?

If in my weakness you can show yourself strong, then I am trying to mask your strength when I pretend to be strong on my own. I sometimes attempt to disguise the chasm of my lack, instead of allowing you to transform it into a reservoir for your glory. 

You can pour into me, and I can become a display of your splendor. Or I can hide and preserve a painful hole in my heart.

Please give me the clarity to see my choice. Then I can ask for the grace to choose your strength amidst my weakness. I want to be free of all that hinders my (or anyone else’s) experience of your love.
I love you, 
Mollie

 
Photo: alphaspirit
NLT

Good Afternoon,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Seize the Day"
 
“Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. ‘People of Israel,’ he said, ‘what is so astounding about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power and godliness? For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of all of our ancestor — who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this.’” Acts 3:12–13

Opportunity: a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something

My Abba,
At this point in Peter’s life, it seems he was always seizing opportunities to speak truth about you. He saw an opportunity after you healed this man and jumped right in. I love how Peter posed these two questions:

1. Why are you so astounded?

2. Why are you looking at us like our godliness or power accomplished this miracle?

His questions point to the truth in this situation. If you can speak galaxies into being, it should not surprise me when you give a crippled man the ability to walk. If it does, then maybe I am thinking the person, through whom you worked the miracle, had the power. Please show me when I slip into that deception.

Make me sensitive to the opportunities you give me to glorify you and your Son, Jesus Christ. I know you created me to point to your perfection, and that is how I want to live my life. What an extraordinary pleasure it is to bear witness to your power and grace as you do the miraculous — rescuing the brokenhearted, freeing people from devastating patterns, restoring damaged families, and drawing people into eternal relationship with you. (I see those miracles as having more enduring impact than, even, physical healing.)

Please don’t let me be sideswiped by the tyranny of the urgent today. I want to be consumed with the priority of living for your glory. Please give me firm boundaries for the “busy” in my life. Create in me a heart that craves your truth and lives to speak that truth — with my mouth and my life.
I love you,
Mollie
 
My Child,
You know Peter did not always boldly proclaim the truth. Remember, before my Spirit filled him, he denied my Son repeatedly. He cowered in fear with the others.

But my Spirit transformed him into a truth teller. No matter what other spiritual gifts I give you, I always want you to proclaim the truth about my love, power, and grace to others.

When I work miracles through an individual, I don’t want you to be confused about the source of the power. I give people the privilege of being conduits for my power. Everything beautiful, strong, creative, good, and honorable in that person is a gift from me.

When I do something wonderful and supernatural through someone, gratitude and praise for me, the Giver of those gifts, should rise up in you. If you are tempted to worship the vessel I am using, your heart is misdirected. 

And when you are the vessel I am using, be vigilant to never take credit. You may not be inclined to do this in public, but pride can be stealthy. I will shine my light on those out-of-the-way secret recesses in your heart where some pride might loiter in the shadows.

Practice gratitude. Gratitude vanquishes pride. If I use you in some way, it is your sacred privilege in our partnership. Seize that opportunity (the circumstances that make it possible) for you to glorify me and live as a grateful witness to the wonders of my love.
I love you,
Abba

 
Photo: Afzal
NLT

Good Afternoon,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie




"Power to Cling"
 
“But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.” 2 Peter 3:13–15a
 
My Abba,
Thank you that you endure all our failings and love us still. Thank you for your patience. Since most of us are not living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in your sight, relationships can be pretty challenging. Sometimes, I feel like I am trying to run a race with high hurdles, while continually busting my kneecaps on one hurdle after another. I want you to make all things right, new and beautiful — today. 

But thank you that while we wait, you are drawing people into eternal relationships with you. That is worth everything — even a painful race to the finish line.

I want to understand more about what “pure and blameless” looks like in my life. I know you have made me pure and blameless eternally by Christ’s sacrifice. But what does it look like to walk that out day by day? I want to exhibit outward evidence of my eternal inner transformation now.

My mouth seems to be the point of greatest spiritual contention. A tenacious battle persists for control of that territory. I realize I have the power to build up or tear down others with my words. I want you to be victorious in my speech.

Whatever is in my heart overflows in my speech. My mouth remains my faithful informant. It keeps me in touch with the realities of my heart.

I thank you for that. My mouth tells me the truth about where I am with you. When my heart is polluted, I spit sewage. When my heart is dry, I spit sand. (Neither option is attractive.)

Please transform me. When your living water refreshes me, I am privileged to be a conduit for your life-giving flow. That is what I want to be. In that place, I experience the great joy of being the vessel you designed me to be.
I love you,
Mollie
 
My Child,
You cannot imagine the glories of the new heaven and earth I have planned. Your keenest imagination is only a spark in the dark. This vapor of your present life is not all there is.

I want the suffering to stop, too. But despite my desire to relieve all temporal pain on earth, the priority of establishing eternal connection between my people and me is much more crucial. I know sometimes it doesn’t feel that way when pain has you, and those you love, in a chokehold. 

The only way to thrive in this life is to cling with all you are to all I am. (And I can give you the power to cling. Just ask.) 

You never expected your babies to cling to you unaided. You held them as they tried to hold onto you. And even when they arched their backs and thrashed about, you didn’t drop them. In my perfect strength, I will hold onto you, whether you are quietly clinging to me or wildly flailing.

I am pure, unending Life, Love, Joy, and Peace. Don’t believe the world peddling lies with haughty confidence. True life with limitless love, joy, and peace is not found in anyone else’s arms.

Cling to me today. I will cling to you. The rest is details.
I love you,
Abba

  
Photo: atamanenko
NLT

Good Afternoon,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Skywriting"
 
“They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.” 
Romans 1:19-21
 
My Child,
Since I created humanity, I have used creation to reveal myself to those I created. I want everyone to experience me through the beauty of what they can see in my handiwork. The vibrant stars I sprinkle into the black bowl of a midnight sky. Powder blue waves waltzing across ivory sand. The blaze of the sun dazzling the sable horizon at daybreak. I want my invisible qualities — my power and divine nature — to be made more tangible through these glorious displays of my splendor. 

Relationship with me is what all people were created for. The problem is this: despite the ways I reveal myself, many refuse to treat me as God. They even concoct foolish imaginations about what I am like. Because of this, their minds become dark and confused. 

They think they are profoundly wise, but they have become foolish. Instead of worshiping me, the one true infinite, glorious, perfect God, they give their deepest devotion and admiration to created things.

I do not force them to stop this. I allow them to pursue what their hearts desire. I always give them choice. Love requires choice. But as a result, some completely turn from the truth about me and invest themselves in lies. 

Although I deserve their love and worship as their Creator, they devote themselves to what I created for them to enjoy. They tumble head over heels into deception and reap more and more darkness. This breaks my heart.

Now let’s talk about you. I want you to understand that it makes me sad when you choose other things over the life you can find in me. 

You make an idol for yourself (or of yourself) whenever you buy the lie that something or someone other than me is worthy of the highest place in your heart. I don’t want to see you hurt, disappointed, and broken by your poor choices. Choose to worship me alone. I am never a poor choice. I am worthy of your endless adoration.
I love you,
Abba

My Abba,
After all these years of relationship with you, how do I still get things upside down? I want to be immune from this inversion of priorities. Please help me. Make me increasingly sensitive to your truth.  

The more I, and others, go down the twisted road of deception, the darker it gets. Lies can be attired masterfully as beguiling, compelling truth. What is significant to you becomes trivial. What is trivial becomes our passion. Lifeless things can seem worthy of our utter devotion.

I want a heart that breaks with what breaks your heart. I want a heart that rejoices with what brings you joy. I want your priorities. Your passions. 

Now, I am imagining those airplanes that write messages in the sky. That is what I desire for you to do each day. Please write your words of life across my sky.

Give me your gift of sight. I want to recognize and appreciate you as my God — first and foremost in my life. Then everything, and everyone, else will take their rightful place in my heart.
I love you, 
Mollie


 
Photo: mihajlovic
NLT

Good Afternoon,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Deep Roots"
 
“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” 
Ephesians 3:17 

My Abba,
The more I trust you, the more I experience the reality of you making your home in my heart. I realize you are always there. But the more I welcome you into my daily rhythm, the more I enjoy your presence. 

I don’t want to tuck you away in some remote parlor (my formal living room) where I only invite special guests but never spend much time. If I relegate you to the fringes of my life, I will not take pleasure in your company the way you want me to. What a loss.

The truth is I don’t want to dress up in my Sunday best and slip in superficial visits with you sandwiched in between my “important” commitments. I want to focus on you and your words so my roots will grow down deeply into your love. I know our relationship will not thrive any other way. 

I want the kind of relationship that is free from parlor talk. I want authentic communication. Honest-to-God response. Genuine connection. I am picturing an intimate conversation with the only One who fully knows me in front of a lively fire on my well-worn sofa in my flannel robe with a warm cup of peppermint tea. You lovingly nourish me with your truth and grace. I feel fully at home with you.

I know that vibrant connection will keep me strong. When I am grounded in your love, the inclement weather of this life does not uproot me. Though these storms are fierce, I want to be like that oak tree in our yard. Grounded, strong, and majestic! The winds come, but it just sways gracefully. 

Please make me like that. As the winds blow, I want to gracefully sway – held fast by your strength, my roots driving deeper into the solid rock of your love.
I love you,
Mollie

My Child,
You have struggled, at times, to feel rooted. But I am your forever home. Each day, your roots can grow ever deeper in my love. I am your stability, your place to feel grounded. 

I am your constancy – the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I am not tossed about by circumstances. You don’t have to be, either. I am your safe harbor.

I want you to be rooted and grounded in my love. Remember, my love is infinitely greater than the galaxies. That infinite love will sustain you when everything else withers, diminishes, and dies. 

What I have in store for you will defy your imagination. We can be on an amazing adventure and at home together - — all at the same time. Remember, home is where I am. Stay close. Watch what I do. I will amaze you.
I love you,
Abba


 
Photo: sondem
NLT

Good Afternoon,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Pools of Blessing"
 
“When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs where pools of blessing collect after the rains!” Psalm 84:6

“Immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy.” 2 Corinthians 6:10

My Child,
Because I will go with you through the painful valleys of your life, my presence can transform your sorrow into something supernatural, beautiful, and life-giving. I can cause eternal beauty to blossom from the broken ground of your heart. 

If you will let me, I can sow my peace, comfort, love, truth, joy, and endurance into those deep fissures of pain. Your tears are not wasted. From the wellspring of your sorrow, I can create refreshing springs and pools of blessing to revive and encourage you and others. 

Please allow me to redeem your grief. I am the God of creation and recreation. I can create something glorious from what is formless and void. But I can also reanimate the ruins of your life to create a stunning display of my splendor. 
I love you,
Abba
 
My Abba,
Once again this morning, you have given me a precious glimpse of your beauty. My circumstances pale in the light of your love. I still hurt, but as the song says, “My afflictions are eclipsed by your glory, when I realize just how beautiful you are and how great your affections are for me.”* 

I love the imagery of you creating reservoirs of refreshment from my tears. What a redemptive picture! I, also, find comfort in Paul’s comment on the mystery of suffering while experiencing joy in your presence — “immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy.” I can’t fully comprehend how I can mourn my circumstances and rejoice in you at the same time, but I know it happens. 

I guess you experience sorrow and joy at the same time as you walk with us in this world. All in one moment, some of those you love are suffering atrocities while someone else is giving birth to the beautiful baby for whom she fervently prayed. 

Some are brutally persecuted while others reach their greatest pinnacles. Some are perishing while others receive the gift of eternity with you. That is hard to wrap my mind around. But if you experience joy and sadness simultaneously, I feel less troubled by this emotional paradox in which I walk.

I choose to trust you today to engage in profound recreation in my life. I know one spring rain can cause the desert floor to burst with beauty. Take the arid landscape of my circumstances and create a supernatural oasis where we can drink from your fountain of delights.
I love you, 
Mollie



*paraphrased excerpt from “How He Loves” by David Crowder Band 
Photo: pawel opaska
NLT/MSG

Good Afternoon,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"What Are You Drinking"
 
“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” Romans 2:4
 
My Child,
I don’t want you to sin. I desire only what is good for you. Sin is not. I want you to imagine two water sources. While they both may look fine for drinking, one is pure, delicious water, and the other is polluted. 

One problem with polluted water is that it may or may not look polluted. You, also, may not fully grasp the adverse effects until much later. I can see what will happen down the road if you drink the polluted water of this world. It may depend on how contaminated it is or how often you drink it. But anything other than my living water will have a negative impact at some level — at some point.

If you choose the tainted water, it will sadden me because it is not my best for you. But I have made provision for those times. Christ is your advocate who lived a perfect life and gave it up to pay for the poor choices of his loved ones. He, also, came to demonstrate how to choose well. He always chose the pure living water of my love. 

The delight I offer you arises from the wellspring of my kindness. Drink and see I am good!
I love you,
Abba

My Abba,
It is absurd that I ever see your invitation of life as a set of needless restrictions that burdens me, depriving me of pleasure. I have chased after so many things that promised pleasure but were polluted.

Now, as a parent and grandparent, I can imagine what it would be like to buy, at great cost, a beautiful, pristine, spring-fed stream for my children and grandchildren to have a healthy source of water. What if I encouraged them daily to drink from those waters, but they kept trying to satisfy their thirst at a bacteria-infested, muddy livestock pond instead?

It would break my heart because I would know they would eventually get sick. I would do everything I could to stop them. I can imagine how devastated I would feel if they drank the dirty water anyway. 

What if despite my sacrificial provision for them, they saw me as demanding, narrow-minded, and controlling? What if despite my love for them, they thought I was ruining their lives by trying to get them to do something they desperately needed, but didn’t want to do?

If I, as an imperfect parent with finite love, would feel that deep pain, I can grasp (in a small way) the sadness it brings you when I choose dirty water. Please enlighten my heart and help me choose your living water today. 

Let me follow you to your river of delights!
I love you,
Mollie



Photo: m.pelin
NLT

Good Afternoon,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Make Us One"
 
“‘And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do.’”

“‘I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.’” John 17:14b–16, 20–23
 
My Child,
You belong to me and were created to bring me glory. Don’t entertain anyone else’s false claim to you. You are mine and protected by the power of my name. You are joined to me.

The world will hate you because I am in you and it hates me. Because you don’t belong to this world, you can feel like an outcast if your overwhelming desire is to fit in. I don’t need you to fit in. I want you to be set apart for my service. I made you holy (set apart) by my sacrifice for you. I took care of that because you couldn’t do it for yourself, no matter how hard you tried.

Just as the Spirit, Son, and I are one, I want you to be one with us and others who know me. Because I bless you with my radiant beauty (my glory), you are united with others who follow me and carry my glory. That unity will show the world I am God and have the power to supernaturally knit together human hearts with the magnificent threads of my love.
I love you, 
Abba
 
My Abba,
Much of my life, I felt like an outsider trying to be acceptable enough to earn my way in. Thank you for bringing healing to my heart as you have shown me my grace-filled place in your forever family. And thank you for reminding me it is futile to try to gain the acceptance of people who reject me because I belong to you. I would never trade their acceptance for the indescribable joy of belonging to you, the God of the Galaxies — the King of Kings — the Lord of Lords!

What other belonging do I need? I rejoice today that you have made me yours and created me to bring you glory. Give me the power to point to your perfection.

Thank you for your protection from our enemy. I know I am joined to you forever and I can never be taken away from you. That is the greatest way you protect me — by protecting me from an eternity apart from you. Thank you for making me holy by your sacrifice so that I can always be with you. 

I want to live in unity with the others who love you and carry your glory. I cannot do this apart from the power of your Spirit. Despite our redemption, we are still an unruly band of misfits who would probably not be interested in each other unless you intervened. Cause us to be drawn to your beauty in each other. Give us the unconditional love for one another that you experience in the Trinity. 
I love you, 
Mollie


Photo: rawpixel
NLT  

Good Afternoon,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Worshiping the Giver"
 
“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.” Romans 1:25

Worship: to show reverence and adoration for God; to treat (someone or something) with the reverence and adoration appropriate to God
 
My Abba,
I usually think of this passage as referring to people who don’t have a relationship with you at all. But when I look at these two definitions, I see I may be looking too far from home. I can be guilty of worshiping created things instead of you, the Creator of all. 

I show what I worship by the way I set my priorities. What takes precedence? What consumes my thoughts? To what do I give myself? For what, or whom, will I sacrifice?

At times, I allow people, possessions, accomplishments, or entertainment to become my priority. I realize those priorities can be positive until they take precedence over you and consume my thoughts, time, and energy. Then, I give myself to them in a way that is inappropriate and depleting. Please forgive me.

When I elevate something, or someone, above you in my heart, I am engaging in false worship. But in that moment, I am deceived. I don’t call it what it is. Please transform me.

I want your gifts to continually lead me to you, the Giver. I don’t want to be like the spoiled child on Christmas who won’t come to the dinner table to spend time with the family who gave her gifts because she is obsessed with the new toys under the tree. Please set me free from the worship of anything, or anyone, else but you.
I love you,
Mollie
 
My Child,
Your Christmas analogy is a good place to begin. Christmas is meant as a celebration of Christ. But it has been distorted. Instead of focusing on the greatest gift of all — Christ coming to mankind — the swapping of gifts between people is lifted up above this glorious reality.

The created is worshiped above the Creator. The gifts are center stage. The Giver is forgotten.

This is a good picture of the propensity of people to do this every day. Our enemy will attempt to cement your heart to any gift that distracts you from me. I want you to be more alert to this insidious strategy that can hijack your heart.

You were created to receive from me. I desire for you to be thankful for the gifts I give. But I want them to point you to me. Otherwise, the very gifts I give you will become idols — lifeless things that you have lifted above me in your heart.

We can enjoy the good things in your life together. I designed you for that pleasure. Stay close to me as you indulge in the lavish blessings I will share with you today. The gifts I give are displays of my splendor. I can show you the best ways to enjoy them — for your good and my glory.
I love you,
Abba 


 
Photo: Gino Santa Maria
NIV

Good Morning,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"No Fairy Tale"
 
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3–7 (emphasis mine)

Heir: a person legally entitled to the property or rank of another on that person’s death; a person inheriting and continuing the legacy of a predecessor
 
My Abba,
Thank you so much for entering into relationship with me through your divine provision. Thank you for not leaving me to my own devices. Thank you for reminding me that you loved me when I was foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved, envious, and hateful.

Not exactly an attractive relationship profile. Especially since you happen to be perfect. I don’t think we would be considered an obvious match on one of those dating websites. Thank you that I did not have to enhance my image and embellish my accomplishments for you to choose me. I am no prize. But you are!

You brought everything to the table. I brought nothing. All you ask me to do is accept your offer. What an amazing transaction!

I am imagining my husband telling me about a business arrangement structured in such a one-sided way in his favor. That would be considered an outlandish fairy tale. And yet, you have provided for me in that way.

Please continue to press this delightful truth into every crevice of my heart and mind. I want to live as an heir carrying your legacy.
I love you,
Mollie
 
My Child,
When I adopted you into my family, I made you a rightful heir of living hope and eternal life through Christ’s death for your sin. I have given you an unparalleled legacy. I have washed and made you new by my Holy Spirit, whom I poured out generously.

I created you and know you. The real you. The beloved one you don’t even fully know yourself. I love you with my flawless, infinite, forever love. I could never base my love on your flaws and assets. I love you whether you are naughty or nice. But now that you have the Holy Spirit to empower you, I don’t want you to live in the prison of sin from which I rescued you. I want much more for you than that intolerable survival.
 
I want you to live each day from my well of living water. I want to pour out my Spirit in you without measure. I am always ready, willing, and able to supply everything you need to live this life with me.

Let me renew your heart, mind, and body today with my endless love. This is no fairy tale.
I love you,
Abba


 
Photo: Paut-Fluerasu
NIV

Good Afternoon,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie

 

"Staycation"
 
“Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God.” Psalm 95:6–7a

My Child,
Come away with me. Step away from your chores. For a moment, lay down your responsibilities. Put aside the mind clutter. Leave those commitments over there, for just awhile.

Don’t try to juggle all the weighty stuff of this life while you bow down before me. You are distracted by those things that fidget and squirm like needy children trying to capture your attention. Put them down. Think of our time each day as a short vacation.

When you go on vacation, the idea is to leave behind the things that take away from rest and relaxation. You put a lot of thought into how to get the most pleasure from your vacation. I want you to plan purposely for our time and jealously guard it the way you would when delighting in a special holiday at the seashore.

I am always perfect rest. As you enjoy my presence, you find inexplicable joy. Is there any other time when your heart feels so peaceful and exhilarated all at the same time?

As you worship me, you put yourself in a position to receive all the amazing gifts I have for you. It is difficult to accept what I offer when your arms are full.

Come away with me. Just for a while. Sit and soak up my splendor. Breathe in my beauty.
I love you,
Abba
 
My Abba,
Thank you for this invitation to worship you. Thank you for asking me to enjoy a daily furlough in the most glorious place in all the universe — past, present, and future — the sanctuary of your presence.

When I bow before you, you bring my heart into delightful admiration. I enjoy who you are (and who I am through you) as I savor the endless, iridescent waters of your matchless grace. Wave after wave washing over me.

Sometimes, I am overwhelmed and weep. Sometimes, I smile. Sometimes, I am challenged. Sometimes, I simply rest. But when I get a glimpse of your beauty inviting my heart into your glorious respite, I am never left earthbound.

Transform me again with the magnificent light of your love.

My heart, mind, and body will be renewed. And I will return without jet lag, missing luggage, or a sunburn. How can I lose?
I love you,
Mollie



Photo: p.koch
NLT

Good Afternoon, 
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"The Moment He Knocks"
 
“Be dressed for service and well prepared, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.” Luke 12:35–36
 
Ready: in a suitable or right state for an activity, action, or situation, fully prepared; available for immediate use; keen or quick to give; in need of, eager, or having a desire for; inclined, willing to do something, in such a condition as to be likely to do something
 
My Child,
As you ponder these definitions, I have some questions for you to consider, also.

Are you ready to serve me? Have you spent time with me, allowing me to get your heart and mind prepared? In your own strength, you will not cultivate the sensitivity to my Spirit needed to serve me well. But I can create an eager responsiveness in you if you are willing.

Are you available for immediate use or too busy or distracted with your own schedule and agenda? Being available for immediate use by me takes cultivation of a tender heart, focus, and planning. The world, our enemy, and your flesh can steal your availability without a moment’s notice if you allow it.

Are you keen or quick to give yourself to me and what I have for you? Do you truly want to glorify me more than you want the lesser things? In the times when you find yourself playing in the mud with your trinkets, call my name. I will lift you up, wash you off, and show you the path I have for you.

Do you realize your endless need for my presence? Do you hunger and thirst to participate with me in my kingdom purposes? I can position your heart and mind so you are inclined and willing to walk in my ways. Are you ready?
I love you,
Abba

My Abba,
These truths remind me of those recurring nightmares I have in which I am not prepared for the test, dressed for the speech, or ready to turn in the paper. Convinced my night musings are reality, I wake up distraught.

Obviously, being dressed for service and well-prepared is something I need to explore.

Sometimes when you invite me to participate in something you are doing, I think I am ready. I have noticed, though, if there is a special event, I am better at the preparation. It is the daily readiness I lack. Everyday rhythms can sing my readiness to sleep.  

So what are the things I do to be well-prepared to serve at a special event? 

1)  I ask for you to speak into my process, guide me, empower me, and give me your wisdom, peace, and everything else I need to be ready.

2)  I listen, think, and plan.

3)  I set aside as many things as I can that do not help me focus and get ready.

4)  I enlist the help of others.

Please give me the power to make these practices part of my daily routine. Although I know you are always with me, wake me up to your glorious presence and purposes each day. I want to be ready to open the door and let you in the moment you knock.
I love you,
Mollie



Photo: horoshevych
NLT

Good Afternoon, 
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Exposed Thorns"
 
“Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 
2 Timothy 3:12 

Persecution: hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs; persistent annoyance or harassment 
 
My Abba,
This is not a verse quoted often by Christians who want to live healthy and wealthy in a well-tended rose garden. Believers who live in relative “safety” are prone to think of persecution as something limited to what evil people do to our brothers and sisters in faraway countries. 

Or in a broader sense, we think of cruelty perpetrated on those with less power because of religion, race, class, or gender. But this says, “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

Although there definitely seem to be seasons and regions where persecution is relentless and dire, I don’t think our enemy only harasses those in openly oppressive countries. I think he uses, not just humans, but disease, devastation, abuse, and many other losses as he persecutes those who love you. I believe he can treat all those who truly commit to you with hostility, persistently annoying and harassing us. 

This truth helps me make more sense of my life. Sometimes, my circumstances just seem stifling and aggravating like the feel of coarse wool stuck to hot, sweaty skin. Other times, though, life can feel excruciating as in, “I don’t think I can draw another breath with this knife in my belly.” But I have experienced the transcendent, unrivaled gift of your presence in all those moments. Thank you for never abandoning me in the heat of the battle.

Please give me everything I need to live for you in the midst of persecution. Because thorns can grow everywhere, even in a rose garden.
I love you,
Mollie
 
My Child,
Our enemy is an equal opportunity oppressor. He does not restrict his persecution of the saints to those in specific times or regions that allow, or encourage, overt persecution of my children. No believer is exempt. 

His tactics can be blatant or covert, depending on what he thinks will be most effective. His strategy is to try to dishearten, distract, and disempower, so my children will feel weak, weary, and abandoned. He utilizes a “whatever it takes” approach.

Whenever those who love me step onto the front lines, there will be hostile resistance. That should not surprise you. I have warned you about the tenacious nature of tribulation. Just remember I am always greater! 

You need my protection. My power is infinite. His is not. Ultimately, nothing can separate my children and me.

You are mine. Bring all your needs to me. I will not always give you an exemption from everything he hurls your direction. But I will give you what you need to walk through it gracefully if you are willing to lean fully on me. 

Bring me your envy when you see those prosper who don’t belong to me. It is not in our enemy’s best interest to oppose them. He wants them to pledge allegiance to anything but me.

Stay close today. My magnificence prevails over every minefield. Depend on my direction, strength, comfort, grace, and peace to navigate what is up ahead. 
I love you,
Abba



Photo: janroz
NLT

Good Morning,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Honeysuckle on the Wind"
 
“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.” 1 John 4:9–12

My Child,
There is not a way for you to fully grasp the joy of our endless communion in the Trinity. Before Christ came to earth, the Spirit, Son, and I enjoyed an indescribable, uninterrupted glorious intimacy. While Christ was on earth, there was a temporary, sacrificial interruption of that perfect communion. But our love for mankind compelled us to make that choice. 

It was the only way in our perfect economy of justice that my holy math would work. I provided what was needed to satisfy the part of the equation only I could satisfy. I needed a perfect substitution. Your sin plus my holy payment for your sin is the only combination of two variables that results in you spending forever with me. 

But that required my Son to leave the flawless symphony of the Trinity for a season. You should never take that for granted. Your freedom came at a high price. Not just your once-and-for-all freedom, but your daily freedom. When you are entertaining a certain sin, remember you have the choice to rely on my power to resist that path because of my sacrifice for your escape.
 
I love you infinitely, and I want you to walk in that love. I live in you and want to express my love through you. You do not find some people in your life very lovable. That is where my miraculous power truly shines. I will love them through you. 

Open your heart for my infinite, unconditional, perfect love to flow, not only to you, but through you.
I love you,
Abba
 
My Abba,
Thank you for your perfect love. I realize I have only a slight hint of the magnificent reality of your embrace. I think the way I now experience your love is something like catching the faint fragrance of honeysuckle on the wind as a child when I walked near the fence that wore it like an ivory spring shawl. Distinct and delicious, but nothing like burying my face in the blossoms.

One day, when you welcome me home, I will bury my face in your beauty. But thank you that even in this life, I am more and more keenly aware of your exquisite fragrance as we walk together. What a bright future I have when I consider the possibility of an increasingly deeper experience of your love, grace, truth, kindness, joy, beauty, and all of your other dazzling qualities!

I want to walk as a child defined by your matchless grace. I want my life to be a visible expression of your love. Thank you that you give me the power to shed my natural tendencies and baggage and reach for you instead. Please make those choices glaringly clear to me. I want to walk so closely by your side that the perfume of your presence wears off on me.
I love you,
Mollie

 
Photo: e.sergeev
NLT

Good Morning,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Relaxing Clenched Fists"
 
“The man replied, ‘I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.’ When Jesus heard his answer, he said, ‘There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.” Luke 18:21–23
 
My Abba,
As I meditated on this passage, I wondered what would be considered “very rich” in our world today? The answer I found makes me recognize how numb I am to the wealth I wade in. It appears that an average median household income worldwide is about $10,000. Although the statistics I found are a few years old, they are still convicting. 

In light of this sobering reality, I started noticing the extravagant ways I live as a “very rich” woman. I used running water this morning — hot and cold. I have indoor plumbing with a functional toilet, shower, and dishwasher. I didn’t have to build a fire to cook my breakfast this morning. I had access to healthy food I took out of a refrigerator, which kept it from spoiling overnight. 

Rain does not leak through my roof. The temperature inside my home is pleasant because I have a heating and cooling system. My washing machine is laboring for me while I type on my computer.

So how is it that I still wrestle, at times, to surrender discontentment to you? That embarrasses me. I want to think I am too spiritual to struggle with materialism. I want to believe I am clearly more committed to treasure in heaven than on earth. But how would I feel if you asked me to sell everything and give the profit away? Like the man in this passage, would I be distraught because I believe my possessions make me happy?

I have to admit I am wiggling a bit under the weight of these questions. Please give me a grateful heart for all your provision today. Spiritually. Emotionally. Physically. I want my heart to be content like yours.
I love you,
Mollie
 
My Child,
The first step to having the freedom to lay down what you desire is to actually recognize what you desire. You cannot experience my contentment by pretending or burying desire.

It has taken you some time (and healing) to get here. You can’t relinquish the wants you don’t know you have. Realizing your desire is a healthy step. I want you to acknowledge your desire and then honestly release it to me. If it is eternally useful, I can keep it in your life. If not, why would you want to hang on to something that will fill your tiny hands with what is perishable and fleeting?

I did not create you to clutch earthly things. Clenched fists will leave you with cramped hands. And many times, you will destroy what you seize in your hungry grip. What you envision as the perfect possessions will never give you the joy you can experience participating with me in my plans and purposes.

Keep your hands relaxed and wide open. I will fill them with unimaginable treasure that will never fade or fail.
I love you,
Abba

 
photo: stillfx
NLT

Good Afternoon,
I copied below my "love letter" exchange with God. You can find this one and others at mollieaxtell.com 
I hope they encourage you!
Bless you,
Mollie



"Not a Spectator Sport"
 
“Then when they were alone, he turned to the disciples and said, "How privileged you are to see what you have seen. I tell you, many prophets and kings longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.’” Luke 10:23–24

See: to perceive with one’s eyes, experience, or witness; find good or attractive qualities in someone; discern after reflection; be a 
spectator of

Privilege: something regarded as a rich opportunity and bringing particular pleasure
 
My Abba,
This truth grips my heart: “How privileged you are to see what you have seen.” I realize I don’t fully appreciate the immensity of this privilege of sight you have given me. Experiencing your good qualities and discerning who you are after reflection is not something I want to take for granted.

When I think of privileges (rich opportunities that bring particular pleasure), a few ideas dash to the front of my mind. But as I recount my privileges, I want to recognize the spiritual sight you have given me as the greatest gift of all. 

You have allowed me to experience (see) your grace, truth, and love. I have witnessed (seen) your Spirit moving to utterly transform my heart and the hearts of others. 

I know I only get a glimpse of your glory. But that sight is enough to sweep me off my feet. Just a taste of your infinite beauty almost overwhelms my finite frame. At times, I am left speechless, transfixed by wonder.

That privilege of sight is priceless.

I ask you to deepen my love for you. Make me more keenly aware of what a matchless opportunity it is that your presence dwells in me.
 
After more than 40 years of relationship with you, I realize there is still infinitely more to see. I know the eternal celebration of you is a party that will never end. Please continue to open my eyes to the privilege of spiritual sight. The closer I get, the better you look.
I love you,
Mollie
 
My Child,
You are prone, while you live in the short-term housing of your mortal body, to be captivated by temporary privileges. I understand that. But by the power of my Spirit, you have an opportunity to realign your heart and mind with reality.

Here is reality: Prophets and kings longed to see what you are immersed in every day — Christ living in you. But only I can keep your heart in alignment with that truth. Our enemy, your flesh, and this world offer a maze of deceptive detours every day.

I don’t want you to just watch me like a spectator in the bleachers enjoying the contest from a distance. Relationship with me is not meant to be a spectator sport. I want you on the field participating with me in the heat of the battle. 

I want you to enjoy my perfection firsthand. The more you experience me, the more clearly you will understand this one privilege eclipses all else.
I love you,
Abba


 
photo: Iegven Oynshchenko 
NLT