My name is arcelia.
I love, worship and revere God. Since 2009 I have been enJOYing the peace with God I have through Jesus Christ. I'm learning to listen and respond to His voice through His Word and convictions of the Holy Spirit in this midst of this chaotic and distracting world. I am a broken redeemed healed vessel, joyously drawing water from the Spring of salvation pouring out in God's strength by His Spirit for His glory.
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." 2 Corinthians 13:14
Garlic is one of my favorite ingredients in food. I absolutely enjoy garlic! The thing about garlic is that when you eat a lot of it, it begins to seep out of your pores. You quite literally carry its fragrance with you. The more you eat, the more you smell like garlic.
This reminds me of what our lives should look like as Christians. We should be partaking of the Bread of Life so often that we carry the fragrance of Christ. That’s the only way to truly bear His aroma. Sermons, devotionals, podcast and commentaries all have their place, but they are kind of like processed food.
If you want the purity of the Bread you must sit still in the presence of God, you must ingest His Word for yourself. When you do, you’ll carry His fragrance wherever you go. Just remember, just as not everyone enjoys the smell of garlic (and it even repels insects), the fragrance of Christ can also repel some. Yet to those who are being saved, it is the sweetest aroma of all.
So may you ingest and digest the Word of God today, and bring the fragrant aroma of Christ into every space you enter.
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” John 6:35
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16
Prayer: May I ingest your Word daily sitting at Your presence ready to be Your fragrance wherever I go so that I might make you known.
Deadlifting is a weight exercise that trains multiple muscle groups at once. It’s the kind of workout where you’re encouraged to train to failure because that’s where growth happens. In pushing through the resistance, strength is built.
Lately, I’ve felt like I’ve been deadlifting burdens. I’ve done it to the point of failure. I know I’m called to the place I’m serving, but that doesn’t make it easy.
I hear confessions, witness pain, and sit with sin, both the kind done to others and the kind they’ve committed. Yes, Jesus bore the weight of the sin of the world. But we still live with the consequences. Broken hearts. Shattered dreams. Lingering wounds. We pick up and gather the broken pieces which feel heavy, even while yoked to Christ.
Jesus said His burden is light, but that word “light” is relative. After all, what’s light to the One who bore it all, can still feel crushing to me.
So, I ask myself, am I carrying it the right way while yoked to Jesus?
Maybe what Jesus meant by His “light burden” is what Paul called the momentary light affliction, because it’s producing in us something eternal. A weight of glory.
When I reflect on the weeks, I’ve spent feeling as though I am deadlifting emotional and spiritual burdens, I realize God is using it to strengthen me for what’s next. That doesn’t make it easy. But it reminds me, it’s worth it.
If you know someone in ministry, reach out. They may be lifting more than you know. Your encouragement could help them carry it to Jesus.
As for me? I’m holding on to the promise that glory outweighs grief, and that rest is found in Christ alone. I am not to be deadlifting burdens but remaining yoked to the One who died for them, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
When I first began diligently teaching my children the Word of God, they were just two and four years old—tiny hands folded in prayer, eager hearts soaking in His truth. Today our son is 19, graduating from boot camp in the United States Army, preparing to serve our country as a linguist. Our daughter, now 17, is preparing to graduate high school while working at the very same preschool where I once served when she was just a toddler. Time is like a river—always flowing, never standing still.
Motherhood has been one of the most rewarding callings God has placed on my life. And now, as I find myself in the middle of a season of transition, I am reminded that I must bend, or I will break. I am deeply grateful for the time I’ve had with my children—for the moments I chose to say “yes” to them and “no” to the distractions that would have pulled me away.
This transition is good. It is healthy. It is necessary. And yet, it is bittersweet. I think of the words Jesus spoke to His disciples in John 16:7:
“…it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”
I see now that it is good for our children to go when their time comes. Their journey forward allows our voices to grow fainter so that the voice of the Father through the Holy Spirit becomes louder and stronger in their lives.
It is good.
Still, transitions often carry a sense of mourning. We mourn what could have been, or we mourn what once was. Yet, God gently reminds us:
“Sorrow may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
As we navigate these seasons, we must teach our children an important truth: Life will always bring transitions. People will come and go—through moves, broken relationships, or even passing into glory. Our homes, our jobs, our projects—they will all change. But through it all, one thing remains constant: God never changes.
Walking through this transition, I find that 70% of my tears are tears of gratitude—thankful for the sacred moments spent in God’s presence with my children, for the times of worship, for the countless prayers whispered together. The remaining 30% is mourning the reality that time cannot stand still. But if time stood still, wouldn’t it become stagnant? Instead, I choose to rejoice, knowing that joy does come and that in His presence, there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
The unity I share with my children is not just in our home but in Christ. It is as Jesus prayed:
“…that they may be one as we are one.” (John 17:22)
To the Mother in Transition, if you find yourself in a season of transition, I am praying for you. I pray you embrace this time with grace. You are not alone. Give yourself permission to mourn, to feel deeply, to process the changes. If you have other children still at home, walk with them through their emotions too—they may not yet have the words to express their own sense of loss. Be patient. Speak openly. Communicate with your spouse, your friends, and most importantly, with God.
And keep pressing on.
Sixteen years ago today, I met Jesus Christ, and Deuteronomy 6:4-9 was one of the first passages that illuminated my heart—to teach my children diligently. This week, I watch our son step into the world, and in just two months, our daughter will graduate high school. Only the Lord knows the depth of gratitude I carry to be called their mother. Only He knows the strength He has given me for this calling.
I know I am not done; we are just entering a new season.
But this week, I pause.
I celebrate.
I stack my stones of remembrance—marking this moment with thanksgiving and giving all glory to God.
There is purpose in pain. Many times, I have been challenged with this truth, but God encourages me through His Word and in hidden treasures of this life such as:
Crushed grapes for wine…
Crushed Olives for oil…
Crushed wheat for bread….
Crushed Savior for salvation
All this crushing brings life, but only One brings eternal life: Jesus Christ. It’s because of Jesus I am equipped to press in and press on. I pray you are doing the same my brethren.
“For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”
As a child I was taught the words of John the Baptist, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world…” I would repeat these words in rote memory, but I didn’t understand what it meant. It wasn’t until I was 33 years old, while reading the book of Hebrews and learning about the sacrificial system, that the truth of those words pierced my heart. My mind was opened to understand and embrace the Gospel, and it brought me to my knees in worship before the living God.
The sacrificial system formally began during the time of Moses when God gave him the Ten Commandments, instructions to build the Tabernacle, and the Levitical Priesthood duties. These detailed which animals were to be sacrificed and for what purposes. Among these, the lamb stood out, symbolizing innocence and purity.
One of the most significant moments in Israel’s history involved the sacrifice of a lamb: the Passover. God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to the doorposts of their homes. This act of obedience protected them from the plague that struck Egypt, sparing their firstborn and signifying their trust in God.
The lamb was also sacrificed for:
Daily burnt offering in the morning and evening
The sin offering when individuals wanted atonement for unintentional sins
The peace offering which symbolized thanksgiving or fellowship with God
Raising lambs specifically for Temple sacrifices required shepherds who ensured the animals were without blemish and worthy of offering. In biblical times, shepherds were often teenagers or young adults, much like David.
For approximately 1,200 to 1,400 years, atonement for sin was achieved through these rituals and sacrifices. Then, one night, everything changed. An angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, proclaiming:
“Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
God sent His message to shepherds—those tasked with inspecting and caring for sacrificial lambs—announcing that their search for the perfect lamb was over. God Himself had provided the Lamb who would take away the sins of the world.
Jesus Christ IS the LAMB OF GOD.
The sacrificial system may seem foreign to us in modern times because we no longer make animal sacrifices for sin. It’s a concept that can feel difficult to fully grasp. Yet, this was God’s command in the Old Testament—to offer sacrifices as atonement for sin. These sacrifices served as a vivid reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for a substitute to bear its penalty.
God’s Word tells us, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin” (Hebrews 9:22). This truth points us to the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system: Jesus Christ. His blood was shed on the cross to provide complete and eternal forgiveness for all who believe.
It is through the blood of Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, that we are forgiven and reconciled to God. What the sacrificial system symbolized, Jesus accomplished fully and forever.
It is through the blood of Jesus Christ that death PASSES OVER us.
It is through the blood of Jesus Christ that we no longer must give daily burnt offerings.
It is through the blood of Jesus Christ ALL our sins are atoned.
It is through the blood of Jesus Christ we have PEACE WITH GOD.
This past Sunday, my Pastor posed a thought-provoking question: “Why do you think people, even Christians, become bored with the Gospel?” It struck a chord with me, as it seems many of us have lost our sense of wonder for the Gospel’s beauty and power.
For me, the reasons are many. Sometimes, I get too busy—like Martha, distracted and focused on the wrong things. Other times, my attention is consumed by the brokenness of sinful people and sin itself. I can also find myself slipping into a routine, going through the motions of life without truly acknowledging God, treating each day as business as usual.
But the cure for losing the wonder of the Gospel is: obedience.
Obedience to step out in faith and walk in the good works God has prepared for me. Obedience to abide in Christ, the true Vine, and live a life dependent on His strength and Spirit. This life of abiding in Christ is an adventure. Yes, it is full of trials and tribulations, but in those sufferings, I share in Christ’s sufferings—knowing, through it all, He strengthens me.
Some of the good works God has called me to involve the ministry of reconciliation through Under His Wings. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing miracles—yes, MIRACLES. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. How can we lose the wonder of the Gospel when we push through our fear and step out in faith instead of lingering on the sidelines? I cannot lose the wonder when I live a life that REQUIRES access to the One True God through Jesus Christ by ONE SPIRIT. Just as I need oxygen to live, I need daily faith to remind me that I have EVERYTHING I need for life and godliness in Christ Jesus.
So, just as God asked Adam in the Garden, “Where are you?” What assignment has God given you that requires you to push through fear to faith? Have you stepped out in obedience? Do you truly KNOW God, or do you simply ‘know of’ Him?
I pray that you are experiencing the joy and love found in Christ Jesus. Let us live lives that reflect the reality of the Gospel and the wonder of His grace. As the Moravian prayer declares: “May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering.”
“May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering.”
This was a call from two missionaries that sold themselves into slavery to share the Gospel to slaves in the West Indies. This became the call of Moravian missions.
The mission has not ended.
There are many today fighting with hard hearted and rebellious hearts. Their hearts are hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
The sin committed against them. The sin they committed against God and others.
They need to experience the Gospel. They need to see how much they have been forgiven so they can extend that same forgiveness and release the bitterness they are holding. They need to begin with receiving forgiveness for their sins.
How do they experience this Love of God? Through God’s children, His vessels of mercy and grace. God’s kindness leads to repentance. This does not mean we allow them to continue in sin, but we love them through it and remain in the throne room often to pray in agreement with Jesus Christ who is interceding for them.
We humble ourselves through the fight and remain in Christ allowing His strength to work in and through us for His purposes. Even when they hurl insults at us and break our hearts. That’s sharing in the suffering of Christ. We must not fight in the flesh, but we must pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus and experience His power through our weakness.
God does not wish anyone would perish but all would come to the knowledge of the truth. Do you believe that?
Who are you fighting on your knees for beLoved? Do not stop sowing God’s Word and watering them with your tears….keep the faith and remain steadfast.
Psalm 126:5-6
“Those who sow in tears shall harvest with joyful shouting.
One who goes here and there weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”
The other day I was sharing something very important to me about God to someone I felt would understand. They have an Apple Watch. Do I need to finish the story?
I left the meeting feeling not fully heard or understood. I also felt like an inconvenience, a box to be checked, a speed bump preventing them from their day. It hurt and made me sad. I was offended and angry. When I recounted the offense to my husband, he told me to stop. He did not jump into the tornado of my offense. I saw I have a choice; To continue being offended or forgive. Our Pastor just preached on Matthew 5:21-22 “The devastating Consequences of Anger & Contempt.” How anger and contempt are seeds to murder. I dared to pray and ask God for help to forgive this small offense and forgive me for defiling others in my anger. The next morning, I realized I may not have an Apple Watch, but I have done that to others…to my own children. I have done it with my phone, my laptop, even my journaling. It pierced me to think of the times I made my children feel unseen. Then I realized the times I sat alone with the Lord reading the Bible and journaling, only to interrupt with a “quick check” of my phone, just as this person did with their watch. Then I realized the Truth.
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We all need grace and forgiveness I am thankful God helped me to obey Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has forgiven you.” I desire to forgive because I have been forgiven for so much and I do NOT want to grieve and ignore the Holy Spirit who lives in me. The gospel is a supernatural truth and I need the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to share with others, why would I want to ignore and deny His power?
I’m learning un-forgiveness is a HUGE barrier to experiencing the power, gifts and fruit that God freely gives to those who walk in repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Who do you need to forgive? Don’t ignore that nudge in your heart to take that first step.
Do you remember that ‘fun’ game of musical chairs? I never thought it was fun because I hated how someone was always left without a seat feeling like an outsider. How is that fun? What were we trying to cultivate in our hearts? The fastest gets the seat. Did that build or tear down relationships? This version of musical chairs still happens throughout our life, and it destroys relationships.
I’m understanding more about the value of the prayer that Jesus Christ prayed in John 17 “That they may be One, as You and I are one…” There’s security in belonging. There’s security in unity. There’s security in being in a tribe. You have identity. We are meant to have identity in Jesus Christ.
Our society chooses to identify in other ways too. We identify with favorite sports teams, we are encouraged to have school pride, and we even identify with the things we do such as public school or homeschooling. It doesn’t end there either. If you homeschool then it’s whether you homeschool with this curriculum or that. It doesn’t pose a problem, until we end up overidentifying with these things instead of focusing on the identity and unity we have in Christ.
As I reflect, it’s been like this for so long. I had to choose which group I would hang out with in School: the military base kids, the dancers, the athletes, or the scholars in the library. I was a floater. I hated to choose because I didn’t want anyone to feel left out. It’s painful to watch the youth go through this same scenario as they walk into a room and immediately cling to their friends while ignoring others.
Adults do it too. When I was pregnant the questions were if I would have a natural birth or c-section, bottle or breastfeed, cloth, or disposable diapers. Other questions included if I would work outside the home or stay home? Homeschool, public school, private school or unschooled? It’s healthy to have community and encouragement around these topics however, when we begin get offended when others don’t choose our convictions, we can begin to exclude people. We begin to lose the ability to know how to treat others that are not in our ‘identity’ group and ignore them.
This should not be the same for Christians. I can understand how the world clings to the things and identity of the world, but Christians—our identity is in Christ, not in what we do, but in who we know. Our unity is Jesus Christ. And when we meet people that are different from us and do not know Jesus Christ, we have an opportunity to introduce them to the One that has a seat waiting for them….
Glorify God. Magnify Christ. Edify the Brethren.
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”John 17:3
“And you were dead in your offenses and sins, in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all previously lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together [j]with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him inthe heavenlyplacesinChrist Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace, you have been saved through faith; andthis is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:1-10
Altar of Heaven 