Lord – you make the stars. And, I stand in awe every nightlooking up to the sky. Hands raised, I release my life to you. I’ve said itfrom the beginning – Father of Love, you can have me. I need direction andclarity Lord. I see your shining light in the distance and everything within mewants to race to that light. It’s my utmost desire that your beams of warmthand radiance touch my skin. I want to glow with your Light of Love. Not my will– but yours Lord. Not my way – but yours. 

I am a clay vessel, prone to mistakes and cracks. But, God –I crave to be a cistern of your holy water. Your goodness –fills up my lifelike the abundant bread you fed the five thousand. You keep giving and givingyour goodness. And, Lord, I will continue to receive all you have to give me. Iam overjoyed to breathe in your blessings. I long to repay you in some way –for this overabundance! But, you hold my head in your hands and say –Daughter, I’ve already paid for you in full.Just walk in my truth. Love others. Love me.

Who is this Giver of such good things? Does he not see myfaults and flaws? Does he not see me stumble, fall and struggle? Yet He says, “Mygrace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2Cor. 12:9) He makes his daughter – strong and able. He lights a fire in mysoul. And, I will stand for truth, even if it’s fading in this world likeembers after a Christmas fire.

His wind of provision coats my tongue. And, I will speakthough my voice shakes. For truth cannot sit idly by –it is meant to beexemplified! The banner of the Lord will go before me (Deut 31:8). He’spromised this. I want to dance in the parade of His endless direction. He saysto me, “This is the way –walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:12) May I able to recognizehis beautiful voice and follow my Life Leader into the garden of His endlessgrace!

There is so much confidence in knowing that I am a child of the King. God supplies all our needs. I cannot say that phrase enough.Sometimes it’s hard for me to see God fully supplying ALL my needs. But, when Istep back and look at the night sky and all the twinkling lights above my head –I can feel it – the provision of the Lord. It’s so easy to feel insignificant and small; but, God has called us valued and treasured. I am humbled to sit as a ruby in my true Father’s crown. And, I can boldly state, “I am a child of the King.” My riches are found in the bloodstream of Christ and in the power of his name. He is my namesake. He has given me an inheritance that is matchless.

Dipping my fingers into the stream of gems, I can gather a fortune. He has said, “Child, collect my goodness. Gather my resources. They are yours –I bless you with endless goodness because you follow me, you trust me and you place your life in my hands. You give your life to me – knowing that I will not forsake you or leave you. I am your shepherd and you prance in my flock. I will care for you and keep you endlessly. You are my treasure. I will love you always.”

I want to be a blank canvas for my Master – I want him to paint on me a masterpiece of grace. Like the lace on a princess’ night robe, I want to flow with elegance and dignity. I want to be pure white – blameless and of the best quality for my King. A flawless diamond, I desire to shine like the sun. I desire to radiate a light that can never be extinguished. It is God who has given me this passion. It is God who has lit this fire in my belly. Like a firefly, I circle the walls in haste.  My chest explodes with love. His love is absolutely perfect and it invades my body. It captivates my senses completely.

The only way to find your life is to lay your life down. I lay my life down Lord. When I lose my way – find me, God. When I stumble and stagger to the throne room full of sorrow and regret, comfort me Lord. It amazes me how much the Father loves his children. He hugs our hearts constantly and illuminates our minds in a moment’s notice. I want to be trapped in a moment with you Christ. Like Mary, I want to sit at your feet and listen to your voice. Words like honey, I cannot imagine anything more sacred. I cannot imagine anything more entrancing.

You captivate me body and soul. My heart yearns for your love more than anything in this world. I dance in the forest with dew gathered at my feet. Cleanse me with hyssop. God, pour your goodness on me. Cover this child in jewels of provision and guidance. Navigate my feet. Lay a compass on the ground and number my steps. I will walk with boots strapped tightly. I will walk into the darkness – knowing you are the lamp in my anxious hands. When I am weak, you are ceaselessly strong.

You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

Isaiah 62:3

Heart like a pinwheel, I spin violently and wane.

Colors of vibrancy pump through my veins.

Everlasting love resides in this life source,

Ebbing and flowing, it’s guiding my course.

I look to the heavens, where is my help Lord?

I’m waiting for direction –a flashing fire sword.

I know you come quickly and your power abounds.

Unfolded heart, can you hear it pound?

This love, like an ocean, inside of my soul,

Consuming every inch of me like burning coal.

You always wash over my life and engulf my deep passions.

You rain over my being and love me with compassion.

Your daughter has cried alone in the night,

Seeking for your hand –for you are my delight.

I’ll walk in step with your promises. All I want is you.

You have opened doors before me – and simply said, “Walk through.”

I’m thankful for the blessings – the gold you’ve given in place of wood.

I’m ready Lord Jesus to stand on the good.

Like a fig tree, ripe for the glean.

I stand planted in the sun. Come harvest. I’m green.

Tears have become conduits of emotion and desire.

Lord, I’m ready to walk out on the cable wire.

You’ve made me strong –rock solid in trust and truth.

I want to soar with joy once again in my youth.

Brighten these horizons –light the sky with your face.

I want to bask in each morning wrapped in your illuminated embrace.

-Kimberly Willingham

“The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.”

- Psalm 85:12

Violent warpath drenched in crimson pools

Broken swords and spears – once employed to rule.

Plunder scattered, ruined, and now useless to men.

Combat horses wander in the distant forest of sin.

Pictures of loved ones haunt onlookers in mass –

Lifeless bodies line the dew- covered green grass.  

The remnants of battle smell of deep, dark death. 

Though the sun is shining after, metal has stolen breath.

Breakthrough. I see it. A Savior— clothed in light.

He splits the uneven road with his robe brilliantly bright.

Like the ocean’s surface, sun kissed by rays of heat.

This Warrior’s armor flickers – his aroma smells so sweet.

With one touch of his hand, the eyes of the dead awaken.

The plunder stricken path has been fearlessly shaken.

The General of Heaven has raised soldiers from death to life.

He’s saved mankind from the violence of the wicked knife.

Like armies of angels, toes dipped in gold and robed in brilliant white,

We will follow this Commander of Eternity – into the shadows of the night.

-Kimberly Willingham

Ruth 1:16

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.Your people will be my people and your God my God.

My heart races – my life’s stitched together by strings.

Hanging from a balance beam, winds have bruised my wings.

Tottering, I’m torn but not destroyed.

Aching, my heart’s injured but not void.

This world stings me – it sets me on the chopping board.

Through trials and tribulations, I call out to my Lord.

God, my feet are weary, shaking from harsh conditions. 

Eyelashes coated in frost, I need to see the mission.

Melt away this ice that coats me from within.

Feet of boots a featherweight – ignite my dance with harp and violin.

Will you split the grey skies with your radiant existence?

God, call forth the stars, hidden in the Milky Way distance!

Shroud me with the colors of the sunset and bathe me in the rain.

Place a new song in me. Direct my passion to praise your name.

I will follow the trail of illuminated dust – written in the sky.

I will trust the rustic integrity traced out in your eyes.

Like Columbus set sail on an adventure based on devotion,

May my life reflect a wheel – by your words I’m set to motion!

You are the navigator – the Captain of my ship.

I’ll hold the compass, while you direct the steps of  my trip.

With eyes like fire, my Commander-in-Chief terrifies my foes.

When waters slap against me, I’ll stand strong in repose.

Kimberly Willingham

Amos 5: 8

“Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name…”

My body is sand. It’s illuminated by truth.

Shining in the darkness – kindling in my youth.

Crumbling on the outside, but renewed from within,

This burning body – is more than just skin.

A ruddy, fragile pot – placed upon this earth.

Granted life, by grace, temporal form re-birthed.

Once a vagabond, stinging with blood stains.

The Maker of all things has alleviated my pain.

I no longer walk on the sand banks of my sorrow.

Clinging to his hope, he brings promise for tomorrow.

Like a horse galloping through the pasture, my life is refreshed.

I can dance in blissful moments – truly catch my joyous breath.

Sights, smells and sounds around me are powerful, they’re pronounced.

My God has fought the war for me. All iniquity he’s denounced.

I’m an earthen vessel. I’ll fearlessly shine my light for Him.

Building a fireplace in every human chamber, my life will not grow dim.

With his hands he places to my mouth – a piece fiery of coal.

My Father will forever be – the candle scorching in my soul.

The God of all the heavens reinforces this vessel – weak.

He pours blessings on my life and anoints my lips to speak.

-Kimberly Willingham

Isaiah 6:6-8

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand alive coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged.” Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

Lion you call with faith of old,

Lion you roar with mercy untold.

I’m hidden in the weeds, I’m looking for you.

Looking for your eyes – they blaze bright blue.

Slapping branches back, these twigs sting.

Where is my Commander, my Protector, my King?

My ears are filled with your cry of strength.

I see your form, your figure – you’re at arm’s length.

Reach, you beckon me. Stretch out your hand.

I need you to make the choice to follow me not man.

Feel my fur, sweet child, I’m gentle and kind.

Yet my body is infused with power, claws defined.

I will pounce on your adversaries. Stand guard while you sleep.

Give beauty for ashes and endless joy when you weep.

You can lean on me. I never grow tired.

I promise to give you your dreams – all you’ve desired.

I’ll examine your heart, child. Replace gall with delight.

I’ll strap to your body – white wings designed for flight.

You will soar overhead, sweet one. I’ve chosen to honor you.

So, you will survey the heights and rest with me in the dew.

I will never leave you nor forsake you. You will carry me in your heart.

Eat my truths, beautiful. May these promises never part!

Though absent in body, right now, here on earth’s soil,

I give you my signet ring, crown and bathe you in sweet oil.

In the last days, you will hear my familiar roar.

Let my light dispense darkness. Shine it from the open door.

-         Kimberly Willingham

“You would not have called to me unless I had been calling to you,” said the Lion.

-         C.S. Lewis, The Silver Chair

Looking to the light above,

I ask, what does it mean to love?

What does it mean to give yourself away –

To place earnest emotions on display?

Heart. It’s a pumping muscle, but it’s emotive as well.

Feelings echo through my body, like a weathered conch shell.

My appearance, covered in a veil. It’s muted by the lace.

Can you see my eyes? The questions written on my face?

I’m covered in this shroud. Vulnerabilities intact.

Is it time to piece together my soul, abstract?

Like Picasso’s paintings, emotions and fragments run wild.

However, identifying love’s worth, I trust again, like a child.

Swelling in my bones, joy bubbles in my veins.

All insecurities dissolved, only certainty remains.

Will you lift the veil, sweet lover of mine?

My heart will cling to yours like an ivy vine.

Eyes open, assured, illuminated by the daylight,

Dependence develops wings, in this truth – I take flight.

You tell me – Beautiful, love is not a shooting star.

It’s not a fleeting flash – or a song strummed on guitar.

Love is written in actions. It’s displayed in the day to day.

It’s not there only in the colors – it’s present in the grey.

Love will die, but rise again with power.

It will stand tall in twilight and serve as the watchtower.

Love is selfless. It will climb a brick wall.

It will rally the troops with a fervid battle call.  

You see, Dear heart, love is not a meek emotion.

It’s a passionate crusade, dedicated to devotion.

-Kimberly Willingham

Zephaniah 3:16-17

“On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

You have been a King since infant state.

Raised as a prince, royalty innate.

Blessings carried like cargo from colossal ships,

Precious words flowing from your mother’s lips.

What a treasure – wrapped in wool and held secure!

Coddled in comfort and esteemed initially mature.  

You have been told since birth – you are great.

Crowned with supreme honor and jewels ornate.

Because of your Father – you are a King.

Clothed in fine linen – complete with signet ring.

Your Father died for you in battle, thick blood flowing.

Relation is deep – rooted affection brightly glowing.

However, you baby King – are in line to receive power.

This earthly kingdom is ready for your prominence hour.

Look to your Father’s glory – written in the skies.

He will speak words of wisdom – the sun resembles his eyes.

So, grow in bravery and speak in courageous tones.

Because, God, your Father, can assemble dry bones.

– Kimberly Willingham

Psalm 2: 10-11

Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.