Good morning Donny and the prayer walk community! Donny, what an amazing and beautiful prayer walk my friend. I am feeling so humbled and blessed right at this moment. God has helped and guided me in the last year and half to grow and to be even more so in love with Jesus! Knowing and finally realizing how much Jesus loves me and trusting in that love has allowed me to really love myself.
Many have heard me say I was one who used to didn’t like myself very much and that was true. I tried to gain appreciation through the eyes of others and when they disappointed me, I got hurt and then resentments came that I myself manifested. This was all on me and not God. Even though I’ve let those resentments go and move past them, I still carry it with me because I can catch myself every now and then being very hard on myself. I’m learning and growing each day.
Donny, I shed a few tears just as you did especially at the very end of the walk because I want others to feel the love of Jesus as I do. It’s a passion of mine to want to share that same love with others to encourage and inspire them as however God guides or leads me to do. I took a look at myself this morning while listening to you what you shared and where I’m at now compared to where I was, all I can say is praise Jesus that I’m not the person I was nearly two years ago. I’m the same but with a much stronger love for Jesus. All we need to do is truly open up and surrender it all to Jesus. That sounds like a simple easy task, but with our sinful nature it’s something I personally fail at on a daily basis. I ask for God’s forgiveness and for any others daily and then I repent for those wrong actions nearly daily. I am filled with flaws, but God looks at the heart, and I know He loves me in spite of those.
That love is what I hope I show or bring across to others in the community and to my family and friends outside. Donny, God brought me to this community to help me finally realize all this. God has used you and so many others here to help me confront this once and for all. For that, I am eternally grateful to God and to you and each of you here. I love and appreciate every one of you. Little sentimental this morning but that’s how I know God is with me in typing these words! Thank you and God bless you! 🙏🙏 for each of you!
Reading your words now has brought a lot of memory I feel deeply touched by the words you shared and typed and wrote. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt story Anne how brave you are, how grateful I’m to know you, I love you 😘
Thank you Ness! I appreciate your kind and heartfelt words. I am who I am because of Jesus Christ! He loves you, He loves me, and each one of us! He’s used so many to help me finally to accept and love myself as I am. Loving yourself in the way that God does is the beginning of how I’m able to finally let go and really appreciate and truly love others through Christ! I still fail but God forgives each and every time I or we do. I’m grateful to know you through this wonderful community. I love you too my friend and sister in Christ! God bless you! 🙏❤️🙂
That was beautiful Donny, thank you you gave me such peace this morning listening to you, it’s a lot to take in so I’m going to take the time to think about all that was said, I agree I think for me anyway I’m so much harder on myself than I am with others, I believe when we are judging others we are judging ourselves, I really believe we should not be judgmental or opinionated about others,boundaries yes if this person is hurting you in some way or form, this is a very hard thing to do, anyway I like how you said pray for yourself and for the people we judge ...a lot to think about
Thank you so much for a beautiful prayer walk, Donny. It definitely gave me much to ponder. Most of the time I am harder on myself than I am on others, but I believe I am doing better at loving myself with God’s help. And, I admit that I am quick to seek God’s forgiveness when I mess up, but not so quick to ask God to forgive those whose actions and words disgust me. They are His children just as I am, and they need our prayers.
Blessings to you and continued prayers for your journey.
Donny, I have listened to the past few prayer walks, even though I haven’t responded each one has touched me, gave me lots to think about and has helped affirm my faith in following Jesus. This week’s walk did the same....who am I, well as I thought about what you asked, I realized there have been/ still are times when I’m not true to myself...that’s what I am working on...being me, standing strong in my faith at all times. Continued prayers to you on your journey and blessings.
I thought back; growing up it was instilled in me to constantly think about what others thought; so when I was saved it was really hard to think about me. There are times we need to think about ourselves. I’ve struggled with believing in myself! Even now I struggle with thinking about myself, taking care of myself; especially after my husband’s stroke I poured myself into him and the kids and forgot about me. God’s been speaking to me about that, so with His help I’ve been doing that. So I decided or God and I decided that we would just take this whole week off from baking and school (we homeschool year round cause of the numerous doctor appointments etc that comes up). Well I had plans that obviously weren’t God’s plans; which is what He showed me during the prayer walk. That I needed to rest all the way; not just from baking and school but from all the stuff I wanted to do to organize etc in my house and property. He put me down; I have some major allergy/sinus issues that every now and then flare up and I physically can’t do much till it fades out again. So I repented of chafing at the bit so to speak and charging ahead. What I thought was resting and taking breaks was not what He wanted.
It is hard to understand though cause I feel like there is so much to do and for some reason He keeps having me “sit or lay” and trust! But I’m praying and asking God “what are you teaching me through this?” Instead of why? All the time!!
Beautiful park! Reminded me how I need to make more of an effort to stop and “smell the roses”; which I was very intrigued by sunset tonight. It was like fire in the trees but the sun was shining against a cloud in the eastern sky.
I have been judged pretty harshly in my life so I watch so I don’t judge or condemn anyone else. But I was challenged with how do I judge myself? Not very nicely most days and yes I am a child of God; His creation! Thank you for that reminder!
Thank you Donny for another prayer walk.I love watching the creations of God the mountains,lakes, trees and birds in your walk.I always watch you and learn more about the word of God.Just to tell you that I always pray for you to deepen your faith so that you can lead more people to Christ.I always pray for Graham and Kerry to walk with you in the Lord. More blessings to you Donny
Anyone who knows me says that I am a confident and strong woman. And yes, I feel like I am. I like myself the way I am and I am very clear about my identity!
However, there are still areas of my life where I am “dissatisfied”, but in this process God has continually acted with kindness and mercy and of course I seek support to take care of my interior, as well as how I take care of my body.
If you allow me, I will share some verses that are excerpts from a study by the Brazilian Pastor named André Fernandes, these scriptures are a beacon for me when the existential crisis tries to shake me:
1 Thessalonians 1:4 - “You are chosen of God!”
2 Timothy 1:9 – “You are called of God!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “You are a new creation!”
1 Corinthians 3:16 – “You are the temple of the Holy Spirit!”
Ephesians 1:7 – “You are forgiven of all your sins!”
Galatians 3:9 – “You are blessed!”
Revelation 12:11 – “You are victorious!”
John 8:32 – “You are free!”
Ephesians 6:10 - "You are strengthened every day!"
Romans 8:1 – “You are free from all condemnation!”
Romans 8:17 – “You are an heir of God!”
Romans 8:37 – “You are more than a conqueror!”
These scriptures help me to perfect my identity and lead me to look at myself with more love!
Thank you so much for the walk and the proposed reflections, as always they make me think and get closer to God!
Wow, where to begin. Donny I appreciate all the thoughts and devotion you put in these prayer walks. When you first mentioned is there anyone you’d like to know, my answer instantly was “me”. After thinking that I felt guilty and then I asked how can my children and my husband know me when I truly don’t know myself. I’ve always found happiness in pleasing others, I have began trying to learn more about me. My whole life I’ve always said I would never leave home, I didn’t want to travel, I’m afraid of heights, I don’t like crowds, I hated how I looked, there was really nothing about me I liked. Last fall I faced my fear of heights for Cailyn to ride all the rides at the country fair, because if I didn’t she would have missed out. I prayed Isaiah 41:10 over and over, and Donny as you described you felt like God hugs you when you go something good, we’ll that’s exactly how I felt while praying. I felt like God had his arms physically wrapped around me. I’ve realized that I would like to see other places in the world besides “Whiteville”, I love to see all the scenery from around the world. I have started taking pictures including myself because hey after all God made me, and he doesn’t make mistakes. So obviously he wanted me to look this way 😜 Crowds don’t seem to bother me as much as long as the focus isn’t on Me. I’m learning to ask Me are you ok, but honestly if I ever reply fine when I’m not. I instantly break down and cry, that word just triggers my tears. And as a Mom having experienced having a child, the love that you feel instantly is greater than anything you’ve ever felt. The true meaning of love at first sight. You can simply look at your child and feel like you could burst with love. I pray you all feel this feeling one day , I just imagine it’s a small percentage of how much Love God has for us.
What a beautiful location for a prayer walk, a prayer walk filled with thought provoking questions and self reflection. Who am I? For years I was what others expected of me, never really knowing myself, but judging myself harsher than I judged others. I always wanted to be someone other than myself. I would be bolder, more outgoing, more open but when I became that it had unintended consequences for which I was not prepared and resulted in my own “disgust” in my behavior. That moved me into a world of isolation, closing off my feelings. Age, a loving spouse, a very close friend, and an open relationship with Jesus have brought me to a point of knowing myself and accepting who I am. To be honest with myself about my spiritual journey and what really matters to me. My continuing struggle with the desire for the acceptance of man is still present but is overshadowed by an overwhelming desire to spend eternity with God. Who am I? God loves me. I am His child. I must love myself! Thank you, Donny, for your continuing inspiration to examine my spiritual journey. You have a gift. God bless you!
Let’s switch gears a while back then before I thought it very hard to talk about my problems and issues cause I couldn’t trust anyone well to me trust is earned so that didn’t help me out ever since cause with my insecurities I was always thinking like oh what is he thinking of me? What are they thinking of me? What if and stuff... I had a lack of confidence before oh maybe people are right about me that I’m like that and I should listen to every words they say about me and by doing that I will feel integrated or well surrounded but lemme tell you wrong! Before I had to listen my family If I wanna do something with my life even if I don’t feel like it myself I was like a robot programmed or brainwashed like it’s the way it is so be it well no no no no and no and triply no
Now I’m thirty years old and it took time to learn things it’s always good to learn from your mistakes one way or the other you will feel better and you will keep growing and be guided through the right direction thanks to God!
God has helped and guided even when time whee rough I remember the time especially when I wanted to end my life for good cause it was too painful for me to stay alive and many times God reached out to me but I ignored him and I wanted to kill myself I felt a force held me back I couldn’t explain it even to put some words to try to describe this as best as I can but anyway it was strong and massive like a big hand holding me to do and make the biggest mistake of my entire life!
I’m a human being
I’m a child of God
I’m making mistakes that makes us human right?
I will keep making mistakes and yet I will learn but the post important thing is that you will not going to fall in the same path as before and remake and repeat the same mistakes
Oh Ness, thank you for sharing! What a testimony you just shared about your own journey! Let your light shine as God directs you! The past is the past. It’s always a part of who we are and we will never forget it, but if we allow ourselves to do so, God teaches us something valuable about ourselves. We can let it go when we make the choice, believe that God loves us for who we are so that we learn to love ourselves the way He loves us. When we do that, we start loving and appreciating others and accept them as they are. God bless you my friend! 🙏❤️
I didn’t say that I will keep live in the past yeah that’s a fact that I struggled from my childhood if you want specifics I have been through suite a bit and I know without God without his light and guidance I wouldn’t be where I’m now I wouldn’t the person I’m now! That’s what I’m thankful for yeah I witnessed something really traumatic that no kid could possibly go through something like that ever and never as I told many of you about the fact that I had lost a precious friend of mine she was dear to me and she was more than a friend to me I was talking about that time when I almost ended my live over it yeah I was referring to my friend and God reached out for me from doing and making and tossing my life aside on that matter yeah I struggled ok yeah people were rough and bad and mean, threatened me and harassed and abused me not sexually but physically and mentally because of that I’m suffering with mental issues I nearly lost my mind and being crazy forever to overcome me fears and insecurities I had to forgive and give these people who wronged a chance of forgiveness I don’t maintain this kind of power yet God was talking to me like: you have my permission! I give you my power to forgive all of them and each one of them I had to imagined them they were standing in front of and had to look at them in their eyes and say I forgive you!
It was tough but I overcame my fears! I snapped out of it. Even if it’s hard to listen sometimes your intuition or your inner voice or spirit! You have to be in tune with your heart and soul! When God is standing beside you calling out your name and to do something you don’t want to like you are saying to yourself: why but why would I do that well because I’m your Father and mostly cause I said so! Isn’t that great that kind of authority is kinda like massive and surreal having a kinda like a simple mundane conversation with God! It’s fascinating it takes you away for a little while and simply living in the moment and just listen and reflect on the faith and listen to God! What he’s got to say even if it’s tough for you to listen just trust the Lord everything will be fine! Of course!
Oh my what a load for me to think about. I believe you have gotten to know the real me. There have been people in my past I would like to have gotten to know but either they had walls or I did because getting to close and scars show up close. Getting hurt builds those walls. I know of someone recently who I thought was a follower of Jesus and trustworthy. I asked for help from them and was told he was too busy. He made no attempt to contact me later to help. I just withdraw when that happens. I don’t believe outside of my husband there has been anyone who has really tried to get to know me. If they did they wanted to change me so they could accept me their way. I do love them anyway and I pray for them. I haven’t found real people in church. I find them in other parts of my life. I do know when I get let down I step away for a while or altogether. I just recently tried to get to know someone and found they were just using me for their own purpose. Concerning the baby question. My niece and nephew adopted two tiny babies about 4 years ago. I was allowed to love them from afar but not too close. I’m just now getting to know all of that part of my family. Trust is a big one for me since finding trustworthiness to be hard to find. I can say of all the people I have met you and those who follow 3 people to be exact and you I do find them trustworthy. Thank you for your open heart and not holding back anything.
On the matter of "trusting people", I have heard "trust is earned" and "it's hard to trust people" and I understand these sayings.
Yet, Even before I was following Jesus I used to look at it more as "I trust people to be 'people'. To make mistakes, fail and not do things as I might want or like."
Now, as a follower of Christ, I keep that view but focus on loving them as Jesus the Christ loves and trusting God to take care of them AND me?
I’m a do me once and careful about a second time. Thank you for the single trust and that I can count on you. Now that I’m older I find people better that I can trust and just care about the ones that are superficial. You’re a dear.
Cindy, I can relate to a lot more of what you shared. When I got hurt or let myself get hurt in the past, I withdrew also. I just didn’t want to be around them. Trusting someone now can still be hard at times, but like you I really try and place it in God’s hands now and pray for them as well as myself. I just want to encourage and be there for others as God guides me to do. God bless you my friend! 🙏❤️🙂
Well my friend I listen to your video twice and Donny I was sobbing , this is a beautiful put together prayer walk. It was the most painful seasons of my life from my past medical. Old wounds from my past began to resurface. I was in a spiral of defeat and I lost who I was. I had a choice to make . One you have too. Will we choose to fight for our minds ,our mentalities,and our lives? Overtime ,I choose to fight for my life by fighting to spend real,time with God.
Not quick or shallow time.
To get up from this place of defeat, I had to get real with God,surrender to Him,and truly fight to make Gods voice the loudest voice in my life. I started planning more and longer time with Him,praying very specific prayers ,and slowly reading through His Word to discover what He says about me.
As I started seeing myself through His lens,my weary soul came back to life.
I don’t know what lies you have been told. But God has some other names for you.
For the one who feels abandoned or alone...you are more than you’ve been told.Jesus calls you His friend (John15:15)
He loves you,and He likes you.
He is with you. He has your back. He’s on your side .He’s in your corner.
Friend of God. That’s your name.
When we choose to follow Jesus for real and follow His ways ,an entirely new life begins. We are not our old names. We are not our past mentalities. We are not our past mistakes. Following Jesus is a brand-new beginning. He shows us a lighter and freer way to live.
During painful season,I wrote in my journal a spoken word piece called “ I Have a New Name “,declaring nine names Gods calls us. It’s a sneak preview of what God says about you.I pray it encourages you.
It’s time to get up from a place of defeat and fight to spend real time with God. You will discover who you really are when you spend real time with the One who knows you best. God’s Masterpiece. That’s your name. Thank you Donny for this amazing prayer walk this week. God’s blessings 🙏🙏🙏
Beautiful, peaceful and serene. Another perfect venue. If only the rocks could talk. You are as usual, passionate and emotional. It tugs at my heartstrings and I'd love to hug you but I'm here and you're there, so my words will have to suffice. I love the message and your soft presentation of the challenge. Who am I? Good question. I try to be honest and non -judgemental of myself and others. It isn't always easy as life never is. There is a lot to me and this just scratches the surface, so will have to contemplate my responses. Take care and many thanks for what you give to all.
Did you see this youtube video yet that Jordan Peterson did with Tim Ballard & Jim Caviezel about the movie Sound of Freedom? It makes your heart shed tears. Ballard said he relies on Matthew 18:6 to give him courage while going on these missions. It's long but so worth watching. Here's the link in case you are interested. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTBGNEliczc
I always enjoy your prayer walks. They can really be just what you need or they can make you think. I am a firm believer in that prayer works. I am in need of prayers. I have a granddaughter that has some challenges. She had a job and it is in jeopardy. Hopefully they can move her to another position that she can handle better. Please keep her in your prayers that she can she can take another position and still be able to work. Thanks in advance for all your prayers.
Good morning Donny and the prayer walk community! Donny, what an amazing and beautiful prayer walk my friend. I am feeling so humbled and blessed right at this moment. God has helped and guided me in the last year and half to grow and to be even more so in love with Jesus! Knowing and finally realizing how much Jesus loves me and trusting in that love has allowed me to really love myself.
Many have heard me say I was one who used to didn’t like myself very much and that was true. I tried to gain appreciation through the eyes of others and when they disappointed me, I got hurt and then resentments came that I myself manifested. This was all on me and not God. Even though I’ve let those resentments go and move past them, I still carry it with me because I can catch myself every now and then being very hard on myself. I’m learning and growing each day.
Donny, I shed a few tears just as you did especially at the very end of the walk because I want others to feel the love of Jesus as I do. It’s a passion of mine to want to share that same love with others to encourage and inspire them as however God guides or leads me to do. I took a look at myself this morning while listening to you what you shared and where I’m at now compared to where I was, all I can say is praise Jesus that I’m not the person I was nearly two years ago. I’m the same but with a much stronger love for Jesus. All we need to do is truly open up and surrender it all to Jesus. That sounds like a simple easy task, but with our sinful nature it’s something I personally fail at on a daily basis. I ask for God’s forgiveness and for any others daily and then I repent for those wrong actions nearly daily. I am filled with flaws, but God looks at the heart, and I know He loves me in spite of those.
That love is what I hope I show or bring across to others in the community and to my family and friends outside. Donny, God brought me to this community to help me finally realize all this. God has used you and so many others here to help me confront this once and for all. For that, I am eternally grateful to God and to you and each of you here. I love and appreciate every one of you. Little sentimental this morning but that’s how I know God is with me in typing these words! Thank you and God bless you! 🙏🙏 for each of you!
Very nice sentiments Anne I am a follower of Jesus I am blessed to have a friend in the same page like you.God bless you always.
Thank you Elisa! Same here! What a friend we have in Jesus!
Amen to that
Amen 🙏🏼 well you made me cry too.
Reading your words now has brought a lot of memory I feel deeply touched by the words you shared and typed and wrote. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt story Anne how brave you are, how grateful I’m to know you, I love you 😘
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Lord is precious!
Thank you Ness! I appreciate your kind and heartfelt words. I am who I am because of Jesus Christ! He loves you, He loves me, and each one of us! He’s used so many to help me finally to accept and love myself as I am. Loving yourself in the way that God does is the beginning of how I’m able to finally let go and really appreciate and truly love others through Christ! I still fail but God forgives each and every time I or we do. I’m grateful to know you through this wonderful community. I love you too my friend and sister in Christ! God bless you! 🙏❤️🙂
God bless you too my friend and sister!
You are very most welcome 🙏🏼
Love you too
That was beautiful Donny, thank you you gave me such peace this morning listening to you, it’s a lot to take in so I’m going to take the time to think about all that was said, I agree I think for me anyway I’m so much harder on myself than I am with others, I believe when we are judging others we are judging ourselves, I really believe we should not be judgmental or opinionated about others,boundaries yes if this person is hurting you in some way or form, this is a very hard thing to do, anyway I like how you said pray for yourself and for the people we judge ...a lot to think about
Thank you so much for a beautiful prayer walk, Donny. It definitely gave me much to ponder. Most of the time I am harder on myself than I am on others, but I believe I am doing better at loving myself with God’s help. And, I admit that I am quick to seek God’s forgiveness when I mess up, but not so quick to ask God to forgive those whose actions and words disgust me. They are His children just as I am, and they need our prayers.
Blessings to you and continued prayers for your journey.
thank you for your prayers.
Donny, I have listened to the past few prayer walks, even though I haven’t responded each one has touched me, gave me lots to think about and has helped affirm my faith in following Jesus. This week’s walk did the same....who am I, well as I thought about what you asked, I realized there have been/ still are times when I’m not true to myself...that’s what I am working on...being me, standing strong in my faith at all times. Continued prayers to you on your journey and blessings.
thank you for your prayers
Wow! It got me! 😍
I thought back; growing up it was instilled in me to constantly think about what others thought; so when I was saved it was really hard to think about me. There are times we need to think about ourselves. I’ve struggled with believing in myself! Even now I struggle with thinking about myself, taking care of myself; especially after my husband’s stroke I poured myself into him and the kids and forgot about me. God’s been speaking to me about that, so with His help I’ve been doing that. So I decided or God and I decided that we would just take this whole week off from baking and school (we homeschool year round cause of the numerous doctor appointments etc that comes up). Well I had plans that obviously weren’t God’s plans; which is what He showed me during the prayer walk. That I needed to rest all the way; not just from baking and school but from all the stuff I wanted to do to organize etc in my house and property. He put me down; I have some major allergy/sinus issues that every now and then flare up and I physically can’t do much till it fades out again. So I repented of chafing at the bit so to speak and charging ahead. What I thought was resting and taking breaks was not what He wanted.
It is hard to understand though cause I feel like there is so much to do and for some reason He keeps having me “sit or lay” and trust! But I’m praying and asking God “what are you teaching me through this?” Instead of why? All the time!!
Beautiful park! Reminded me how I need to make more of an effort to stop and “smell the roses”; which I was very intrigued by sunset tonight. It was like fire in the trees but the sun was shining against a cloud in the eastern sky.
I have been judged pretty harshly in my life so I watch so I don’t judge or condemn anyone else. But I was challenged with how do I judge myself? Not very nicely most days and yes I am a child of God; His creation! Thank you for that reminder!
Thank you for sharing
Thank you Donny for another prayer walk.I love watching the creations of God the mountains,lakes, trees and birds in your walk.I always watch you and learn more about the word of God.Just to tell you that I always pray for you to deepen your faith so that you can lead more people to Christ.I always pray for Graham and Kerry to walk with you in the Lord. More blessings to you Donny
thank you for your prayers. I appreciate you.
Anyone who knows me says that I am a confident and strong woman. And yes, I feel like I am. I like myself the way I am and I am very clear about my identity!
However, there are still areas of my life where I am “dissatisfied”, but in this process God has continually acted with kindness and mercy and of course I seek support to take care of my interior, as well as how I take care of my body.
If you allow me, I will share some verses that are excerpts from a study by the Brazilian Pastor named André Fernandes, these scriptures are a beacon for me when the existential crisis tries to shake me:
1 Thessalonians 1:4 - “You are chosen of God!”
2 Timothy 1:9 – “You are called of God!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “You are a new creation!”
1 Corinthians 3:16 – “You are the temple of the Holy Spirit!”
Ephesians 1:7 – “You are forgiven of all your sins!”
Galatians 3:9 – “You are blessed!”
Revelation 12:11 – “You are victorious!”
John 8:32 – “You are free!”
Ephesians 6:10 - "You are strengthened every day!"
Romans 8:1 – “You are free from all condemnation!”
Romans 8:17 – “You are an heir of God!”
Romans 8:37 – “You are more than a conqueror!”
These scriptures help me to perfect my identity and lead me to look at myself with more love!
Thank you so much for the walk and the proposed reflections, as always they make me think and get closer to God!
Thank you for sharing the scriptures
Wow, where to begin. Donny I appreciate all the thoughts and devotion you put in these prayer walks. When you first mentioned is there anyone you’d like to know, my answer instantly was “me”. After thinking that I felt guilty and then I asked how can my children and my husband know me when I truly don’t know myself. I’ve always found happiness in pleasing others, I have began trying to learn more about me. My whole life I’ve always said I would never leave home, I didn’t want to travel, I’m afraid of heights, I don’t like crowds, I hated how I looked, there was really nothing about me I liked. Last fall I faced my fear of heights for Cailyn to ride all the rides at the country fair, because if I didn’t she would have missed out. I prayed Isaiah 41:10 over and over, and Donny as you described you felt like God hugs you when you go something good, we’ll that’s exactly how I felt while praying. I felt like God had his arms physically wrapped around me. I’ve realized that I would like to see other places in the world besides “Whiteville”, I love to see all the scenery from around the world. I have started taking pictures including myself because hey after all God made me, and he doesn’t make mistakes. So obviously he wanted me to look this way 😜 Crowds don’t seem to bother me as much as long as the focus isn’t on Me. I’m learning to ask Me are you ok, but honestly if I ever reply fine when I’m not. I instantly break down and cry, that word just triggers my tears. And as a Mom having experienced having a child, the love that you feel instantly is greater than anything you’ve ever felt. The true meaning of love at first sight. You can simply look at your child and feel like you could burst with love. I pray you all feel this feeling one day , I just imagine it’s a small percentage of how much Love God has for us.
thank you for sharing Heidi.
Wow, you are such a deep thinker, Donny.
I need time to digest all that you spoke about.
What a beautiful location for a prayer walk, a prayer walk filled with thought provoking questions and self reflection. Who am I? For years I was what others expected of me, never really knowing myself, but judging myself harsher than I judged others. I always wanted to be someone other than myself. I would be bolder, more outgoing, more open but when I became that it had unintended consequences for which I was not prepared and resulted in my own “disgust” in my behavior. That moved me into a world of isolation, closing off my feelings. Age, a loving spouse, a very close friend, and an open relationship with Jesus have brought me to a point of knowing myself and accepting who I am. To be honest with myself about my spiritual journey and what really matters to me. My continuing struggle with the desire for the acceptance of man is still present but is overshadowed by an overwhelming desire to spend eternity with God. Who am I? God loves me. I am His child. I must love myself! Thank you, Donny, for your continuing inspiration to examine my spiritual journey. You have a gift. God bless you!
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing
Where to begin! Where do I start
Let’s switch gears a while back then before I thought it very hard to talk about my problems and issues cause I couldn’t trust anyone well to me trust is earned so that didn’t help me out ever since cause with my insecurities I was always thinking like oh what is he thinking of me? What are they thinking of me? What if and stuff... I had a lack of confidence before oh maybe people are right about me that I’m like that and I should listen to every words they say about me and by doing that I will feel integrated or well surrounded but lemme tell you wrong! Before I had to listen my family If I wanna do something with my life even if I don’t feel like it myself I was like a robot programmed or brainwashed like it’s the way it is so be it well no no no no and no and triply no
Now I’m thirty years old and it took time to learn things it’s always good to learn from your mistakes one way or the other you will feel better and you will keep growing and be guided through the right direction thanks to God!
God has helped and guided even when time whee rough I remember the time especially when I wanted to end my life for good cause it was too painful for me to stay alive and many times God reached out to me but I ignored him and I wanted to kill myself I felt a force held me back I couldn’t explain it even to put some words to try to describe this as best as I can but anyway it was strong and massive like a big hand holding me to do and make the biggest mistake of my entire life!
I’m a human being
I’m a child of God
I’m making mistakes that makes us human right?
I will keep making mistakes and yet I will learn but the post important thing is that you will not going to fall in the same path as before and remake and repeat the same mistakes
Thank you for sharing Ness. I'm glad you are still with us 🙂
You are very most welcome 🤗
What an awesome prayer walk you have just shared us Don! 🙏🏼
Thank you 😊
Yeah I’m still here and not going anywhere else but here I’m and blessed to be here with all of you guys a part of this journey and community!
Feel so good to be here amongst you guys! God bless you, Amen 🙏🏼
Thank you again, Don 🙏🏼
Oh Ness, thank you for sharing! What a testimony you just shared about your own journey! Let your light shine as God directs you! The past is the past. It’s always a part of who we are and we will never forget it, but if we allow ourselves to do so, God teaches us something valuable about ourselves. We can let it go when we make the choice, believe that God loves us for who we are so that we learn to love ourselves the way He loves us. When we do that, we start loving and appreciating others and accept them as they are. God bless you my friend! 🙏❤️
I didn’t say that I will keep live in the past yeah that’s a fact that I struggled from my childhood if you want specifics I have been through suite a bit and I know without God without his light and guidance I wouldn’t be where I’m now I wouldn’t the person I’m now! That’s what I’m thankful for yeah I witnessed something really traumatic that no kid could possibly go through something like that ever and never as I told many of you about the fact that I had lost a precious friend of mine she was dear to me and she was more than a friend to me I was talking about that time when I almost ended my live over it yeah I was referring to my friend and God reached out for me from doing and making and tossing my life aside on that matter yeah I struggled ok yeah people were rough and bad and mean, threatened me and harassed and abused me not sexually but physically and mentally because of that I’m suffering with mental issues I nearly lost my mind and being crazy forever to overcome me fears and insecurities I had to forgive and give these people who wronged a chance of forgiveness I don’t maintain this kind of power yet God was talking to me like: you have my permission! I give you my power to forgive all of them and each one of them I had to imagined them they were standing in front of and had to look at them in their eyes and say I forgive you!
It was tough but I overcame my fears! I snapped out of it. Even if it’s hard to listen sometimes your intuition or your inner voice or spirit! You have to be in tune with your heart and soul! When God is standing beside you calling out your name and to do something you don’t want to like you are saying to yourself: why but why would I do that well because I’m your Father and mostly cause I said so! Isn’t that great that kind of authority is kinda like massive and surreal having a kinda like a simple mundane conversation with God! It’s fascinating it takes you away for a little while and simply living in the moment and just listen and reflect on the faith and listen to God! What he’s got to say even if it’s tough for you to listen just trust the Lord everything will be fine! Of course!
Amen 🙏🏼
Amen sister! I agree 100%! With God all things are possible!
Oh my what a load for me to think about. I believe you have gotten to know the real me. There have been people in my past I would like to have gotten to know but either they had walls or I did because getting to close and scars show up close. Getting hurt builds those walls. I know of someone recently who I thought was a follower of Jesus and trustworthy. I asked for help from them and was told he was too busy. He made no attempt to contact me later to help. I just withdraw when that happens. I don’t believe outside of my husband there has been anyone who has really tried to get to know me. If they did they wanted to change me so they could accept me their way. I do love them anyway and I pray for them. I haven’t found real people in church. I find them in other parts of my life. I do know when I get let down I step away for a while or altogether. I just recently tried to get to know someone and found they were just using me for their own purpose. Concerning the baby question. My niece and nephew adopted two tiny babies about 4 years ago. I was allowed to love them from afar but not too close. I’m just now getting to know all of that part of my family. Trust is a big one for me since finding trustworthiness to be hard to find. I can say of all the people I have met you and those who follow 3 people to be exact and you I do find them trustworthy. Thank you for your open heart and not holding back anything.
Thank you for sharing.
On the matter of "trusting people", I have heard "trust is earned" and "it's hard to trust people" and I understand these sayings.
Yet, Even before I was following Jesus I used to look at it more as "I trust people to be 'people'. To make mistakes, fail and not do things as I might want or like."
Now, as a follower of Christ, I keep that view but focus on loving them as Jesus the Christ loves and trusting God to take care of them AND me?
I’m a do me once and careful about a second time. Thank you for the single trust and that I can count on you. Now that I’m older I find people better that I can trust and just care about the ones that are superficial. You’re a dear.
Cindy, I can relate to a lot more of what you shared. When I got hurt or let myself get hurt in the past, I withdrew also. I just didn’t want to be around them. Trusting someone now can still be hard at times, but like you I really try and place it in God’s hands now and pray for them as well as myself. I just want to encourage and be there for others as God guides me to do. God bless you my friend! 🙏❤️🙂
Well my friend I listen to your video twice and Donny I was sobbing , this is a beautiful put together prayer walk. It was the most painful seasons of my life from my past medical. Old wounds from my past began to resurface. I was in a spiral of defeat and I lost who I was. I had a choice to make . One you have too. Will we choose to fight for our minds ,our mentalities,and our lives? Overtime ,I choose to fight for my life by fighting to spend real,time with God.
Not quick or shallow time.
To get up from this place of defeat, I had to get real with God,surrender to Him,and truly fight to make Gods voice the loudest voice in my life. I started planning more and longer time with Him,praying very specific prayers ,and slowly reading through His Word to discover what He says about me.
As I started seeing myself through His lens,my weary soul came back to life.
I don’t know what lies you have been told. But God has some other names for you.
For the one who feels abandoned or alone...you are more than you’ve been told.Jesus calls you His friend (John15:15)
He loves you,and He likes you.
He is with you. He has your back. He’s on your side .He’s in your corner.
Friend of God. That’s your name.
When we choose to follow Jesus for real and follow His ways ,an entirely new life begins. We are not our old names. We are not our past mentalities. We are not our past mistakes. Following Jesus is a brand-new beginning. He shows us a lighter and freer way to live.
During painful season,I wrote in my journal a spoken word piece called “ I Have a New Name “,declaring nine names Gods calls us. It’s a sneak preview of what God says about you.I pray it encourages you.
It’s time to get up from a place of defeat and fight to spend real time with God. You will discover who you really are when you spend real time with the One who knows you best. God’s Masterpiece. That’s your name. Thank you Donny for this amazing prayer walk this week. God’s blessings 🙏🙏🙏
Beautiful, peaceful and serene. Another perfect venue. If only the rocks could talk. You are as usual, passionate and emotional. It tugs at my heartstrings and I'd love to hug you but I'm here and you're there, so my words will have to suffice. I love the message and your soft presentation of the challenge. Who am I? Good question. I try to be honest and non -judgemental of myself and others. It isn't always easy as life never is. There is a lot to me and this just scratches the surface, so will have to contemplate my responses. Take care and many thanks for what you give to all.
I appreciate your 'virtual' hug 🙂
You are most welcome!!!!
Donny ~ Why the tears? xoxo
I felt a burden for those who don't treat themselves well and for those who don't treat others well. God created ALL of us in His image.
Ah, yes! Thanks for sharing. xoxo
Did you see this youtube video yet that Jordan Peterson did with Tim Ballard & Jim Caviezel about the movie Sound of Freedom? It makes your heart shed tears. Ballard said he relies on Matthew 18:6 to give him courage while going on these missions. It's long but so worth watching. Here's the link in case you are interested. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTBGNEliczc
Donny ~ this is an even better interview about how Jesus was involved in making this movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvmiziZNDdw
I always enjoy your prayer walks. They can really be just what you need or they can make you think. I am a firm believer in that prayer works. I am in need of prayers. I have a granddaughter that has some challenges. She had a job and it is in jeopardy. Hopefully they can move her to another position that she can handle better. Please keep her in your prayers that she can she can take another position and still be able to work. Thanks in advance for all your prayers.