Author Archives: Barbie

Barbie is a wife and mother to four children. She works full time while juggling faith, family and ministry. She enjoys a good cup of coffee, reading, writing, painting and spending time with family and friends. Visit her blog, My Freshly Brewed Life, or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

The Sun Will Rise Again

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I have been praying and asking the Lord what He would have me to share with you today. I believe I am suppose to share this piece of art which I did a couple of weeks ago. When I was painting it, I heard simply, “The sun will rise again.” I was sensing His overwhelming peace at the time, resting in His promises of hope and healing, as I reflected on His love towards me.

Tonight He gave me these words for you. I pray they might encourage you on your life’s journey.

The Sun Will Rise Again
by Barbie Swihart

Beloved One,
I know not the ache in your heart.

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Reflections From Psalm 23

No matter where my journey takes me in life, Psalm 23 has been a constant companion. It brings me comfort in my greatest times of need, and reminds me of the care and protection of my Good Shepherd.

I would like to share with you a few of my reflections. I pray that they will minister to your heart in your time of need.

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The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)

The Lord cares for and watches over me, and provides all that I need. He is my Caretaker, Shepherd, Overseer, Guidance Counselor, Daddy God, Father, Provider and Giver of all things.

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Pregnant With Promise

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These words have stuck out to me in my Bible reading this week. In context, this is Elizabeth speaking to Mary. When Mary came to visit Elizabeth, the unborn child in Elizabeth’s womb lept for joy as soon as Mary’s voice reached her ears. Elizabeth told Mary she was blessed, because she believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.

Advent is nearly over. I’ve been waiting, reaching, hoping, trusting, battling to stay full of faith in this season. I’ve been waiting for the Christ child, He who is coming, but has already come, and will continue to come again and again to my tired and weary soul.

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Savoring The Season (and a Giveaway!)

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Christmas is my favorite time of year. It’s so much more than brightly wrapped gifts, and twinkling lights. It’s more than the carols that we sing and the perfect photo opts.

Growing up, Christmas meant family. When I was younger, my family and extended family would all gather at my parents’ home. We would sit in front of the fire, feast on sugar by way of candy canes and freshly baked cookies. We sang carols, played board games and just enjoyed being together. It wasn’t important if there were a lot of gifts under the tree. It wasn’t important if we were dressed to a tee.

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Carried Along By Waves of Grace

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Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
(Psalm 42:7)

Grace – the unmerited favor of God, the conditions or fact of being favored by someone.

I long to walk throughout my day knowing that the grace of God is with me, holding my head high as I realize his unmerited favor upon my life. What does it look like to walk in His grace? I picture a ballerina, gliding ever so gracefully as she dances, never missing a step, yet all the while leaning into her partner for strength and support.

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The Wind Is Speaking. Are You Listening?

Seasons change. If I had it my way, I would forever live during Spring, where there is new birth and the promise of the warmth of Summer. But with each passing day, I see signs of Fall, as the leaves change color and are making their way to my driveway in record number. And although I don’t mind the Fall, I will turn a corner and walk straight into Winter. And with Winter comes storms. And when the storms come, you will find me inside, under a blanket, sipping a hot cup of cocoa and enjoying a warm fire. I will do everything within my power to avoid a storm.

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Meet Me At The Edge Of The Cliff

I originally wrote this a couple of years ago for my personal blog. I’ve been praying for the right season to share it here. I hope it will bless and encourage your heart today.

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She stood at the edge of the cliff. With the sun beating down on her face, she could feel the cool breeze as it brushed against her checks. The smell of evergreen filled her senses as she took a deep breath. She stared ahead of her, eyes fixed on the other side. Her heart filled with passion, longing and desire. Yet she stood, at what seemed like the edge of all things.

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Remaining Steadfast Through Uncertainty

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I’m currently struggling through a season of uncertainty. It’s not just one thing, but several things that are threatening to move me out of a place of security and into a place of full dependance on God to bring me through. I believe that He will. I know that He promises to never leave me nor forsake me. His plans are to prosper me and not to harm me.

But every now and then I fall out of trust. I doubt His plan while worrying about where the next dollar will come from. I fret over change and the unknown. It’s uncomfortable.

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