Kingdom Kaleidescope

     Anyone that knows me, knows how much I love Stitch. They may not truly know the real reason behind my love for the weird alien creature that is bent on destruction until he finds his "family", but I have a reason. The reason is the Ohana phrase and what it signifies to me. After being rejected by many in my life and feeling defeated and feeling out of control in many areas of my life, this phrase hits home for me. To me Ohana means the world - a once lonely girl - who found Jesus and he is my everything- my family. He never ever leaves me behind and has been the only constant thing in my life - through the thick and the thin. He never judges, never leaves, and never walks away. To me this is significant, because I have been trying to fill what was already filled all along. The deep longing that I was searching and trying to fill with everything else that one could, is only and already filled from Him. I just had not fully realized it until recently, and though I forg...

  My Story as the “Other Son” I grew up in church. I was the one who never rebelled, never “ran away.” While others partied, pushed boundaries, and made mistakes, I was the good kid. I read my Bible, went to youth group, served on the worship team and the kids ministry. People looked at me and said, “That one is faithful.” And honestly, I wore that like a badge of honor. But somewhere along the way, pride started to creep in. I began to compare myself to others. When friends who had messed up came back to God and everyone celebrated their testimony, I found myself thinking: What about me? Where’s my celebration? I’ve been here all along. I wouldn’t have admitted it out loud, but deep down, I felt overlooked. I thought God owed me something for being “good.” My relationship with Him became more about rules, duty, and appearances than about love. Then one day, it hit me: I was the older brother in the story of the prodigal son. I had stayed, yes—but my heart was just as far from ...

Esther and One Night with the King: A Story of Courage and Divine Purpose The story of Esther has captivated hearts for centuries. Found in the Old Testament, it tells of a young Jewish woman who rose from obscurity to become queen of Persia. But more than a fairy tale, Esther’s story is one of courage, faith, and God’s unseen hand working to preserve His people. In 2006, the film One Night with the King brought Esther’s story to life on the big screen. Starring Tiffany Dupont as Esther and Omar Sharif in a supporting role, the movie is a dramatic retelling of the biblical narrative. While not a word-for-word account of the book of Esther, it captures the heart of her journey—her beauty, her humility, and above all, her bravery in the face of incredible risk. The Biblical Esther In Scripture, Esther’s life turns on a pivotal moment. Chosen to be queen after King Xerxes dismissed Queen Vashti, Esther could have enjoyed her position in silence. Yet, when a plot to annihilate ...

  Still Walking: A Story of God’s Provision and Redemption There have been seasons in my life when it felt like everything was slipping through my fingers. I tried to hold it all together — relationships, responsibilities, even my own sense of worth — but the harder I tried, the more I realized how fragile and empty I was. It was in that brokenness that I began to see God’s hand the clearest. His provision didn’t always look the way I expected. Yes, there were moments when He met very real needs in miraculous ways, but more often His provision showed up quietly — in the peace that calmed my anxious heart, in a friend who reached out at just the right moment, or in a verse of Scripture that reminded me He hadn’t let go of me. I’d love to say that I’ve “arrived,” but the truth is, I’m still walking this out. I’m still learning to trust Him more deeply. I’m still growing, still stumbling, still in need of His grace every single day. Yet in the middle of the process, I can see how H...

Speaking the Name of Jesus Over Every Situation There is power in a name. We know this in everyday life—names carry authority, identity, and meaning. But there is one name that holds more power than any other: the name of Jesus. Charity Gayle’s song “I Speak Jesus” beautifully captures this truth. The lyrics remind us that when we don’t have the right words, when the weight of life feels unbearable, and when darkness surrounds us, we can simply declare His name. > “I just want to speak the name of Jesus Over every heart and every mind ‘Cause I know there is peace within Your presence I speak Jesus.” This is more than a song—it’s a declaration. Speaking the name of Jesus is not a ritual or a formula; it’s a powerful proclamation of faith, hope, and authority. --- Why Speaking His Name Matters 1. His Name Brings Peace Philippians 4:7 reminds us that God’s peace “surpasses all understanding.” When anxiety grips our minds, speaking His name is like opening a window to let li...

Where Your Treasure Is In a world that constantly tells us to accumulate, upgrade, and achieve, Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19–21 cut through the noise with piercing clarity. He warns us not to store up earthly treasures—things that inevitably fade, break down, or get taken away. Instead, He calls us to invest in something eternal: treasures in heaven. Earthly vs. Heavenly Treasures Earthly treasures aren’t inherently bad. God blesses us with good things—homes, careers, possessions, and experiences. But the danger comes when these things become the focus of our lives, when we believe that our worth is tied to what we own or achieve. Jesus reminds us that earthly wealth is fragile. Moth, rust, and thieves represent the countless ways our treasures can vanish—through time, decay, or loss. But heavenly treasures—acts of faith, love, generosity, obedience, and service—are eternal. They can’t be stolen or destroyed. The Heart Connection The heart of this teaching lies in verse 21:...

Extending Grace and Forgiveness Even When It’s Hard Something God has been dealing with me quite a bit lately is forgiveness, and not just with others but also extending forgiveness to myself. The other things is realizing that I can continue to forgive,  but until I see the person as God sees them instead of the hurt they caused - I still have a ways to go in forgiveness. I know I don't want to hold onto that unforgiveness and I am working towards the goal of letting go and seeing as God sees. Forgiveness is one of the most challenging yet life-changing acts we can practice. It’s easy to talk about grace and forgiveness when everything is going smoothly, but when someone has wronged us deeply, extending that grace can feel impossible. Yet as followers of Christ, forgiveness is not optional—it is essential. Why Forgiveness Feels So Hard When we’ve been hurt, our natural instinct is to protect ourselves, seek justice, or even hold onto the pain as a reminder never to tru...

Biblical Truths from Star Wars: Finding God in a Galaxy Far, Far Away I was recently rewatching the Star Wars movies and thought about what Biblical truths we could learn from movies like these. We can find analogies and truths from different things in our lives.  And before you think Star Wars, really? It is not my kind of thing, but that is ok. I hope you read this anyways and glean from it something that will help you further your walk. Star Wars may take place “in a galaxy far, far away,” but its themes hit close to home. Beneath the lightsabers, starships, and droids, the saga echoes timeless truths that mirror the biblical story. While George Lucas didn’t set out to write Scripture, many of the lessons woven into Star Wars align with what God’s Word teaches us. Let’s look at a few of those truths: --- 1. The Battle Between Light and Darkness In Star Wars, the Jedi and Sith represent the constant struggle between light and darkness. Similarly, the Bible reminds us ...

  No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper (Isaiah 54:17) Isaiah 54:17 (KJV): “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” Understanding the Promise Rooted in the prophetic promise of restoration, Isaiah speaks to Israel's future redemption: God assures His people of divine protection and vindication. Scholars explain that “no weapon formed against you shall prosper” means that even if adversity arises—whether physical or spiritual—it will ultimately fail because God is sovereign. GotQuestions.org Enduring Word Defending Against All Attacks Whether it's an actual weapon or the harmful words of accusation, nothing can prevail against God’s servants. As the verse confirms: “every tongue … thou shalt condemn.” That is, God gives His people authority and truth to overcome slander or judg...

  Miracles Can Come Out of Painful Places Some of the greatest miracles in Scripture didn’t come in palaces, pulpits, or perfect conditions. They came out of prisons, pits, storms, and fiery furnaces. Painful places often become the very ground where God reveals His power and glory. Take Paul and Silas for example. In Acts 16, they were beaten, chained, and locked in the innermost cell of the prison. Humanly speaking, it looked like their ministry was over. But instead of collapsing in despair, they lifted their voices in prayer and praise. “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:25) It was in that midnight hour—when hope seemed dim and pain was fresh—that God moved. Suddenly, an earthquake shook the prison, chains fell off, and every door flew open. Out of a place of pain came freedom, salvation, and revival. Pain Can’t Silence Praise Paul and Silas had every reason to complain, yet th...

When Childhood Teaches You to Carry What Wasn’t Yours Introduction Childhood should be a time of wonder, safety, and discovery—but for many, it becomes a crash course in survival. Some of us were taught, directly or indirectly, that we had to take on burdens far too heavy for little shoulders. This unspoken lesson is often called false responsibility—the belief that you are accountable for other people’s emotions, actions, and wellbeing, even when you are not. It’s a hidden side effect of childhood trauma. And while the situations may vary—growing up in a home affected by abuse, addiction, mental illness, neglect, or chaos—the result is the same: a child forced into adult roles long before they’re ready. --- What is False Responsibility? False responsibility is not the same as learning healthy responsibility, like cleaning your room or feeding a pet. Instead, it’s being made to believe that your value depends on how well you can keep everyone else happy, calm, and together....

The God of Peace Will Soon Crush Satan Under Your Feet Scripture: "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you." — Romans 16:20 (ESV) --- Introduction Romans 16 is often seen as Paul’s list of greetings—a conclusion to a deep theological letter. Yet, tucked in the middle of his closing remarks, Paul delivers a powerful, hope-filled promise: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” This isn’t just poetic language—it’s a divine assurance that no matter the battles we face, the victory belongs to God, and He invites us into it. --- The God of Peace in a World of Chaos It’s striking that Paul calls Him the God of peace right before talking about crushing Satan. We often associate peace with stillness, gentleness, or the absence of conflict. But here, peace comes through victory over evil. God’s peace is not passive—it’s active. It’s the kind of peace that removes the source of chaos, sin, and sufferi...

--- Trusting God in the Waiting Waiting is one of the hardest parts of our faith journey. Whether it’s waiting for a prayer to be answered, a door to open, or a dream to come to life, it often feels like nothing is happening. The world moves fast, and we’re conditioned to want results instantly—but God’s timing is rarely the same as ours. The Bible reminds us, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, ESV) Waiting isn’t wasted time with God. It’s an active process where He works in the unseen—shaping our hearts, strengthening our faith, and preparing us for what’s ahead. 1. Waiting Tests Our Trust When we don’t see immediate results, it’s tempting to doubt God’s plan. But faith isn’t faith until it’s tested. Waiting forces us to decide: will we rely on what we see, or will we trust God’s character and promises? Think of Joseph, who wa...

The Names of God: Holy and Worthy of Reverence Introduction Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself in many ways — through His creation, His Word, and His mighty acts. Yet one of the most intimate and powerful revelations comes through His names. Each name carries weight, meaning, and a glimpse into His character. The Bible reminds us that His name is holy and to be honored above all else: “Holy and awesome is His name” (Psalm 111:9, ESV). When we understand the depth and holiness of God’s names, we move from simply knowing about Him to truly knowing Him. --- The Power in a Name In biblical times, a name wasn’t just a label — it revealed identity, purpose, and nature. God’s names tell us not only who He is, but also how He moves in our lives. They are not to be spoken lightly or treated casually. Each one is a sacred declaration of His glory, faithfulness, and power. --- Some of the Holy Names of God 1. YHWH / Yahweh (The LORD) The covenant name of God revealed to Moses i...

.              God is Within Her – She Will Not Fall Psalm 46:5 is one of the most comforting and empowering verses in Scripture: > "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns." (ESV) This verse is often quoted to encourage strength, resilience, and faith—especially for those going through seasons of struggle. But to truly grasp its depth, we must understand the context in which it was written. A City Under God’s Protection In its original setting, Psalm 46 describes the city of God—Jerusalem—secure because God Himself dwells there. This wasn’t about bricks, walls, or gates; it was about the presence of the Almighty. As long as God was in her midst, she could not be shaken, no matter how fierce the attack. This truth is not just about a city in ancient times—it’s a promise for God’s people today. When God dwells within us, His strength becomes our stability. God’s Presence Brings Stability Li...

.        Small but Mighty: Life Lessons from Ants and Bees Have you ever stopped to watch an ant carry something many times its own weight? Or admired the dance of bees as they buzz from flower to flower, working tirelessly? These tiny creatures may be easy to overlook, but they carry powerful lessons about diligence, community, and purpose. 1. Ants: The Power of Preparation and Persistence Proverbs 6:6-8 (ESV) says: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest." Ants teach us the importance of planning ahead and working even when no one is watching. They don’t need external motivation to stay productive. Each one does their part, knowing the survival of the colony depends on their diligence. In a world filled with distractions and instant gratification, the ant reminds us that success and sustainability come through steady, intent...

🕯️ Keeping Oil in Your Lamp: Staying Ready in a Waiting World Have you ever found yourself running on empty—physically, emotionally, or spiritually? Jesus told a powerful story in Matthew 25 that still echoes today: the Parable of the Ten Virgins. In this story, ten women are waiting for the bridegroom to arrive. Five of them were wise and brought extra oil for their lamps. The other five were foolish and brought none. When the bridegroom came unexpectedly, only the ones who were prepared could go with him. The others were left outside. This story isn’t just about a wedding—it’s about readiness, faithfulness, and spiritual vigilance. 🌿 What Does It Mean to Keep Oil in Your Lamp ? Oil often symbolizes the Holy Spirit, anointing, or God's presence throughout Scripture. To keep oil in your lamp means staying connected to God, nurturing your faith, and staying prepared for what He may ask of you—today, tomorrow, or years from now. It’s about not waiting until the last mo...

Finding Direction in the Middle of Insecurity, Anxiety, and Fear Have you ever felt stuck? Not just physically—but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually? Like you're standing at a crossroads, unsure which way to turn, paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong move? You’re not alone. Many of us live under the weight of insecurities, anxieties, and fears that whisper things like: "You're not good enough." "What if this fails?" "What if you make the wrong decision and mess everything up?" These thoughts can be suffocating. And worse—they can leave us feeling directionless, even when we deeply desire to move forward in life, in faith, or in our calling. But here’s the good news: > God is not confused about your direction. --- 📣 You Don’t Have to Walk Alone When life is foggy, our natural instinct is to panic or retreat. We want clarity—right now. But God's guidance is often revealed step by step, not all at once. Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)...