Kelli Rae Hurst

A Peculiar People... Dreams. Spirit. Art. Writing.

[kelliraeh15-blog]

Having a genuine relationship with God may seem like a strange thing because, unlike every other relationship we have where we can see physically and hear audibly the people we are interacting with, we do not see God or hear him that way...usually. But in reality, relationship with God is more real and authentic than our relationships with other humans. You can live with a person for years and not truly or fully know what is going on inside of their head and heart. They may not even know themselves. What they do and what they say may not be an accurate picture of the truth. There are so many barriers and distortions to get through, you may never attain that place of total honesty and transparency. Maybe rightly so. But with God, we bypass all of the human exterior barriers, and we go head-first, directly into what is in his mind and what is in his heart. There are no barriers. He has no distortions. There is only oneness. Maybe that’s why it can be so intimidating. The only buffer is trust. 😶 We have the mind of Christ, and through that relationship we have unhindered access into the heart of the Father. The only barrier left seems to be either misunderstanding or doubting it. . . #thoughts #heart #god #genuine #real #jesus #unfiltered #relationships #human #art #writersofinstagram #mask #facade

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HEART SHELL 💗 I don’t know about you, but my tendency has been to shut down, close off, distance, and put up barriers when things don’t go my way. Can you relate? “...do not HARDEN your hearts as you did in the REBELLION, during the time of TESTING in the wilderness.” God promised to give us a heart of flesh in place of a hardened heart of stone. It then becomes a matter of whether or not we will relinquish that stone to him. 💖 . . #hebrews #art #artist #newthing #heart #mixedmedia #illustration #illustrator #pink #new #healing #watercolor #watercolorpencils #crayola

[kelliraeh15-blog]

loss. gone. torn out. the finality of once was is screaming. frantically searching for a solution, but in familiar blood I’m drowning. drained. empty. a chasm. the hole left inside is absorbing. groping for the salvagable that’s left. all I feel is black and there isn't a sign of a thing. needs. around me. don’t ask me for anything, because I’ve nothing to give. just stay away from me until something changes. reject. it’s what I’m going to do. to anything seeking to fill my interior vacuum. nothing is going to take their place; their gravitational pull on my heart consumed too much space. a shell. that’s how i feel. staring out over the edge of my empty abyss it’ll never hold anything else that could fit. will it? 🖤 Photo: @kelliraehurst . . #loss #grief #photooftheday #filter #purple #energy #write #poetry #love #dreaminterpretation #art #create #illustrate #faith #artandfaith

[kelliraeh15-blog]

Hearing Voices

I recently viewed a segment of a popular talk show where the host began to comment on how another popular figure claims that God talks to him. To her, confirmed by her dialogue, that was the clearest sign of mental illness. "Hearing voices in your head," was her description.

This really bothered me, not for the sake of the person she was referring to who was being publicly defamed, but for her. After spending years intentionally learning how to grow in understanding God’s divine communication and experiencing firsthand the dramatic results of that voice active in my own life, I cannot imagine living without it.

I have found the problem is not that God is not speaking to us or that he only speaks to specific segments of us. It is more often, however, that we are not listening. Or, that we don’t understand that it’s him we are already hearing. Furthermore, some allow doubt to quickly snuff out whatever hope would arise if they were to even question if something they felt, sensed, experienced, heard, or saw was him. I too, have experienced all of these. We must continue to follow him through our doubts and the numerous distractions, interruptions, and dysfunctions that try to get in the way. The rewards cannot be overstated.

"The goal of the enemy isn't causing pain, it's creating separation."  -- Alicia Britt Chole

I am now convinced that God wants us to hear him regularly and naturally. The unfortunate part that overwhelmingly slips us up in pursuing this is the pursuit itself. It takes time and intentionality. Rest assure, there are times when miraculous manifestations occur that anyone with even an inkling of faith would recognize. But, this is usually not the case. God speaks to us in ways that are actually so familiar to us, it is easy for his voice to get lost in what we view as the common. He doesn’t talk in the King James version of English many Bibles use. He does not talk with an overbearingly loud voice. He does not harass, bombard, violate, or make us do anything. He gives us choice. Furthermore, he does not always talk using words. He has the ability to communicate using anything. And he does. This is a concept very foreign to us in our western culture wrapped around science and logic. God’s communication often comes much like it would from a very close friend, family member or spouse. You are so comfortable being around them and they so understand the rhythms of who you are, that communication with them comes without much effort and with little to no force. He knows what you like in your coffee. He knows why you chose that outfit. He knows why you’re being quiet when you get home. He knows how to just sit and chill and watch a movie with you. He knows your style, your “love language”, and whether you communicate better and feel love through acts of service, quality time, hearing, feeling, or by receiving gifts in your life. He knows exactly the words you need to hear at times when you’re needing encouragement, love, or wisdom. But, he is not the type of friend to throw out advice there is no room for. He is always ready for an opening, waiting for us to ask what he thinks.

Yes, he is capable of all of the things we would imagine an all-powerful and all-knowing deity to be able to do. But, he is the epitome of strength under control. Unlike us, who feel the need to undergird our actions with a form of power to make them acknowledged and effective, his tiniest whisper is infused with real power capable of creating worlds. He doesn’t need a show of power—it is who he is. And he knows how to make himself modest to be able to meet us in the way we can receive.

He is also not weighed down by the things that weigh us down—the need to have our say, the need for vindication, the need to prove ourselves. He doesn’t push his way around. He is the essence of ease and grace. He can be assertive without being pushy; correcting without being harsh; passionate without losing his head. These are unfortunately not qualities we see modeled in our every day lives very often. Most of us do not even have a grid for what a personality without the myriad weaknesses and flaws that naturally go with them look like.

For those who are willing to push through the doubts and unknowns to develop this intimate friendship and create margin in their lives for it to blossom, will find that they actually heard the voice of this friend before, maybe all along. But it was so still, so pure, it lingered like crystal-clear water that has never been disturbed. It's right there, but still difficult to see unless you already know where it is. He knows our surroundings so well, and is so infused into creation itself, that he seems to blend into it. Ask yourself if you’re willing and brave enough to stop and face, confront, the presence of this God who has been there all along, confronting you. The reality is, I know for me, that maybe the most problematic thing for us in doing this is we know that confronting him means confronting ourselves. Can we do it?

We can, because he does not leave us there, alone, to deal with ourselves and all the hidden uglies that try to come out to play when we are quiet.

We cannot continue being blithely unaware of him, or even trying to pretend he isn’t there. The good news is, the pressure is not on us to make any of this happen. We simply begin by asking and listening. Again and again. He may already know our rhythms, but learning his takes practice. And unlike many of the other things we deem worthy of practicing at, the potential outgrowth from this is beyond imagining.

There will be those who finally allow themselves to experience the voice and companionship of his Spirit. I hope you are one of them. And when they do, they will find that it is the realist thing there is.

[kelliraeh15-blog]

Each generation has something unique to offer. Why not ask Him👆🏼what that might be? 🙏🏼 . . #respect #honor #millenials #generationz #igeneration #god #spirit #energy #goodvibes #love #light #peace #dreaminterpretation #creative #jesus #acceptance #instagood #faith

[kelliraeh15-blog]

The Song of All Songs

It never ceases to surprise me the things that tend to come from asking a couple of simple, unassuming questions... to the right person that is.

I started a study recently where I was prompted to ask Jesus what emotion he was feeling that day.  (Find the link and follow along here.)  So, I did.  I immediately began feeling the start of his response... a sense of hopefulness.  But, I also felt that it was more than just the expectation of something good that he was feeling.  As I continued to wait and press into this, I started to realize the feeling was more like a strong, amorous, anticipation and desire for something.

It was passion.

I asked him why he was feeling this.  He was practically gushing.  This is what he said:

 “I am excited for what is happening, going to happen in my bride.  Big changes are coming.  I can see my lost ones turning aside to look at her.  She is going to be so captivating that she grabs the attention of all who wander by and they won’t be able to keep from being moved by the awe and beauty and glory that flows from her.  Light emanating and following her wherever she goes.  Beautiful songs and melodies she sings.  Grace, love, and compassion are the fire in her eyes.  Serene surety, confidence, and peace are steadfast ornaments she wears.  She is radiant with the glow of health and youthful vigor and energy.  She takes on tasks with joy and eager expectation, unconcerned with analyzing potentially undesirable scenarios or outcomes.  She knows she is loved, and it exudes a lightness and reciprocal passion that draws others like a magnet.  Through her flows a river of life to those who are thirsty.

"She is coming, and is here; my passion awakening her.”

 "Wow (ugly crying at this point).  I see how others perceive her.  How do you see this bride of yours?"

 “I am so proud, so glad that she is mine, that I want to show her off to everyone.  I want to shout, ‘Look!  Here she is!  Can you believe it?!  Just look at her!  I get to be with her!’  I am that boy, that youth, giddy as can be at the thought of what married life is going to be like with her.  She is all I want, the one I can’t stop thinking about being with, and every decision and effort in life all perspires out of the intent of all the things I want to do and make for her.  Right now, I can only court her, see her in brief but exhilarating moments and glimpses, eagerly waiting for the time when there will be no separation.

"Right now she is being made ready by our faithful Friend, the greatest Comforter and Helper.  All this has been arranged by my Father.  He’s picked the perfect bride for me.  She is the one he wants to be part of our family.  Because he loves her, and loves me so much.

"She was made for me.”

 In Jesus’ eyes, it’s all about the bride.

I ask you, is this who we are?  Is this what others see yet?

We are this bride.  All who accept his invitation to be that is.  You and I and millions of others.  The bigger the better.  That may seem strange, but only Jesus has the ability to truly see the collective without breaking his intense focus on the individual.  E Pluribus Unum. Out of the many, one.

"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ...Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."  -- The Bible, 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27 NIV

The bride isn’t quite ready.  There are parts missing and broken.  Wounds that need to heal.  Dirt that needs to be cleansed.  Attitudes that need to shift.  Holy Spirit is preparing her to be all that she can be for the expectant, hopeful Groom.  Jesus is worthy of a committed bride, a complete bride, a loving bride, a bride with nothing missing and nothing broken.  And he wants nothing less for her.

"After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church."  -- The Bible, Ephesians 5:29 NIV

This process began thousands of years ago.  But, I feel very strongly that we are on the cusp of something new.  A jump; a surge; a new season; a transformation.  What is on the inside has to be seen on the outside.  It's going to be, for better or worse.  We need to ask and allow Holy Spirit to do what he was given to us to do—prepare us, change us, equip us.  He loves to do it.  It is his pleasure and delight to beautify us; cleaning us up and knocking off the rough edges.  Clothing us in only the best and adorning us with gifts befitting those most loved and honored.  Not only because he loves us, but because he so loves the Son.

The manifestation of this bride is what will change the world.  But, we need to change first.  It was his plan from the beginning.

Will we let him mold us until this description is what we look like?

The burning cry of my heart is that we allow his passion to awaken us.

"For you reach into my heart. With one flash of your eyes I am undone by your love, my beloved, my equal, my bride. You leave me breathless- I am overcome by merely a glance from your worshiping eyes, for you have stolen my heart. I am held hostage by your love and by the graces of righteousness shining upon you."  -- The Bible, Song of Songs 4:9 The Passion Translation*

Interested in reading deeper into the revelation of this Bride in the Bible?  The Coming Bride by David Jones is an exceptional and eye-opening read.  Get it here

Check out the Passion Translation of the Bible here

[kelliraeh15-blog]

Ever wonder why creatives are often associated with different characteristics or issues that keep them alone? It's almost cliche that creative minds tend to be loaners, melancholies, contemplatives, or misfits. I do not intend to glorify these things, however, there is a principle here. It is really hard to tap into creative energy when we are bombarded by everyone else's stimuli. Just like water to a plant, the creative works of others can be stimulating and inspiring in moderate doses, but drowning and diluting in large doses. If we want to tap into the creative energy that is inside, that is in all of us in one form or another, then there comes a point when we must disconnect from media and other outside voices, and connect to what often times can only be found in the solitary. In the quiet times. In the narrow places. In the spaces where we are confronted with ourselves and with the ultimate Creator and Artist who made us and is ever-present. Tap into Him, often, and watch what happens. . . #disconnect #vision #focus #god #spirit #energy #goodvibes #dream #dreams #love #light #peace #dreaminterpretation #art #creative #jesus #acceptance #illustration #instagood #photooftheday #faith #mystic

[kelliraeh15-blog]

The gift is not greater than the Giver. . . #2018 #presence #harvest #vision #focus #god #spirit #energy #goodvibes #word #dream #dreams #love #light #peace #dreaminterpretation #art #creative #jesus #acceptance #illustration #instagood #photooftheday #faith #mystic #nightmares #nightterrors #wow

[kelliraeh15-blog]

💫It is mystifying to think that God would choose to house the light of his incomprehensible glory, grandeur, and wisdom in beings made of dust and earth. It is the opposite of what we would think fitting. But he is the one who reveals deep mysteries to small children; he uses foolish things to confound the wise; he makes the weak strong and the poor rich; he places the works of his creative genius in plain sight in front of those who will never see it. But in knowing him, all these things are revealed. May our eyes be opened to see the mysteries and treasures he has hidden for us to find through him. As we step into 2018, pray about what he may have hidden in plain sight for you... what the treasure in you, the earthen vessel, looks like. 2 Corinthians 4:7 . . #newyear #2018 #vision #focus #god #spirit #energy #goodvibes #word #dream #dreams #love #light #real #peace #dreaminterpretation #art #creative #jesus #acceptance #illustration #instagood #faith #mystic #instagood

[kelliraeh15-blog]

"...God speaks through dreams and we can expect to receive dreams, visions and deeper revelation starting at Christmas time." - @dougtaddison 💭🎁 . . #christmas #christmasgift #god #spirit #energy #goodvibes #word #dream #dreams #love #light #real #peace #dreaminterpretation #creative #jesus #acceptance #illustration #instagood #vision #faith #mystic #nightmares #angel #nightterrors #instagood #wow

[kelliraeh15-blog]

I've been on a writing hiatus for the holidays, and this is my latest creative outlet...makeup. It may seem vain and pointless, but if you're anything like me you need some form of creative expression at any given time. We were made to create! (🙌🏼) What's yours go-to creative outlet? 💄 🌈 #vision #focus #god #spirit #energy #goodvibes #word #dream #dreams #love #light #real #peace #dreaminterpretation #art #creative #jesus #acceptance #illustration #instagood #photooftheday #faith #mystic #nightmares #angel #nightterrors #instagood #wow

[kelliraeh15-blog]

It's not just me It's me and He One One Spirit together I am the glove The skin and hands and feet Filled to the fullness What I do affects Him What He does affects me There is no distance Not a particle between For we are one Fantastical harmony . . #vision #focus #god #spirit #energy #goodvibes #word #dream #dreams #love #light #real #peace #dreaminterpretation #art #creative #jesus #acceptance #illustration #instagood #photooftheday #faith #mystic #nightmares #angel #nightterrors #instagood #wow

[kelliraeh15-blog]

Selling my books at the Christmas Bazaar...👍🏼🛍 Come see me if you're in the area! 😁 . . #christmas #christmasshopping #focus #god #spirit #energy #goodvibes #word #dream #dreams #love #light #real #peace #dreaminterpretation #art #creative #jesus #acceptance #illustration #instagood #photooftheday #faith #mystic #nightmares #nightterrors #instagood (at Fellowship of Praise)

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Gettin' breakfast 🍳😆... Omg I can't believe how slow I talk!! 🤦🏻‍♀️Anyway, I did this video for a giveaway that Streams Ministries is doing. And I just absolutely love them so much I would do this for nothing! Maybe this will give you some idea of where the seed of my inspiration for why I do what I do has come from. ❤️ #streamstestimony @streams_ministries @hav1luv . . #vision #inspiration #god #spirit #energy #goodvibes #word #dream #dreams #love #light #real #peace #dreaminterpretation #art #video #jesus #acceptance #illustration #instagood #photooftheday #faith #mystic #nightmares #angel #nightterrors #instagood #wow

[kelliraeh15-blog]

😱 I have a super special guest writer on my website this week... Vince Hurst!!! Vincent has had this message stirring in him for a little while now, myself as well, and thought fitting to share it with you all. 'NO MORE HOCUS POCUS!' @from_the_secret_place Link in bio... 💙💙💙 . . #god #spirit #energy #goodvibes #word #dream #dreams #love #light #real #peace #dreaminterpretation #art #creative #jesus #acceptance #illustration #instagood #photooftheday #faith #mystic #nightmares #angel #nightterrors #instagood #wow

[kelliraeh15-blog]

No Hocus Pocus!

As we enter the Halloween season I thought this title would be kind of catchy.  That said, the story behind this blog post has absolutely nothing to do with Halloween for those wondering.  I’m using this title to draw attention to something I’ve heard referenced in sermon cd’s, conversations, and books I’ve been reading.  “Prayer Formulas”.  First, I must preface this post by saying I don’t feel the need to police every message ever preached or book written.  We who are of the Spirit have the Spirit of Truth inside of us and are well able to discern between what is true and false.  I simply wish to bring a different perspective to the idea that there are such things as “prayer formulas” and whether they work. 

Now some of you have no clue what I’m talking about, however I’m certain you’ve come across this ideology.  If God didn’t answer my prayer did I miss something?  If my children end up wayward was there a door I forgot to close?  If God didn’t heal this sick person did I not quote the right scriptures?  If Holy Spirit didn’t move on this situation did we not fast enough?  And so on and so forth. 

I was listening to a sermon series on prayer this week that was a couple of hours in total length and let me first say there were great little nuggets that I took away from it.  At the same time there was an overall message that God was not moving and people were not seeing results in their prayer life because they were praying the wrong prayers for the situation.  Statements like, “See, you were praying the prayer of hope when you should have been praying a prayer of faith and that’s why God wasn’t moving in this situation.”  Or, “There are situations that God will only move in when petitions are made at this certain time of the morning.”  What?????

""Prayer is not saying the right words at the right time in the right way; that is a spell and witchcraft.""  -- John E. Thomas

Let me say this, when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1) the first words out of His mouth were Our FATHER.  Concerning prayer, and honestly everything else, we must always see God through the lens of a loving father.  That’s who He is.  It’s not just his nature, it’s his very being.  Now some argue from this scripture that what we call the Lords Prayer is a formula and strategy for an effective prayer life, and there are entire books and sermons written on this.  As I said, I would like to offer a different perspective.  I believe Jesus was pointing directly to relationship.  Jesus teaching us to first call on our Abba Father was an intentional lesson.  It is through the understanding of this child/father relationship that everything concerning prayer will become lucid.  People are desperate for a formula.  Something they can put in a bottle or down on paper and revisit when the occasion arises, but Jesus, as with everything, is standing pointing to the Father and saying it’s all about your relationship with Him.  Who is He to you? 

""Prayer is about stewarding our heart space.""  -- John E. Thomas

Next Jesus goes on to teach us about honoring Father, recognizing that He is our provider and protector, and that He alone has the power to forgive.  All pointing to Fathers character, all showing our fathers good nature.  Not laying out a strategy.   And when all of that is said and done He goes on to tell a parable on persistence and wraps it up with ASK, KNOCK, SEEK (Luke 11:9-10).  And if that wasn’t enough emphasis on relationship He drives it home with a final question. Verses 11-13 If a son asks for bread from ANY father among you, will he give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?  Or if he asks for an egg, will he give him a scorpion?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!

Now let me say this, as a father of two young girls I cannot wrap my mind around the idea that my babies would have to know some secret access code to my heart.  How ludicrous!  These are my children.  They don’t have to beg me for anything and in fact I hope they don’t because that’s obnoxious, and borderline offensive.  I have provided their every need and a lot of their desires for their entire life.  Am I different today than I was yesterday?  If they’re hungry I feed them.  Maybe not pizza every meal but they eat.  If they need new shoes I buy them.  Maybe on clearance at Target but hey they have shoes.  If they want time with me I give it abundantly.  If they want to share their heart with me I’m excited to hear, and if they are naughty and in need of correction and forgiveness I am there with open arms and no hesitation.  Nothing is going to separate me from them, and at the same time there is nothing they could do to cause me to love them more.  There is no formula for my love, acceptance, affection, provision, forgiveness, or anything else.  They are mine and I am theirs PERIOD.

""Intercession is not about words; it's about longing and the desires of the heart being released.""  -- John E. Thomas

I’ll finish with this.  Jesus said, “use not vain repetitions as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matt 6:7)   It was the Pharisees who prayed formulaic prayer (Matt 6:5-8).  Jesus said don’t pray to be seen of men, but seen of your FATHER.  Don’t pray to be heard by men, but heard by your Father.   The final point I’d like to make is this, if prayer were a formula then God would not be sovereign.  Hear me out on this, to make prayer a formula that either A works, or B doesn’t work is to give all power to the one stating the prayer and not the one answering.  In my opinion it is taking a sacred and Holy communion between God and man and turning it into a game of “Simon Says”.  Stripping the almighty of His omniscience and making him slave to the will of man, a genie in a bottle.  God is sovereign.  At the end of the day He alone chooses how situations are handled, how prayers are answered, and whether healing is administered.  It is our obedience, faith and unquenchable love for the Father that moves us to press toward Him regardless of His response.  And Honestly, he provided the answer to every mortal need 2,000 years ago when He allowed His son to hang on a cross so every person on earth could dwell with Him eternally.  No Hocus Pocus required. 

Just a peek into my prayer life, I like to start most of my prayers with the endearment Awesome Father.  Just a simple reminder of the one I’m approaching and His extravagant love for me.  A catalyst for my faith and a thorn in the enemies eyes as I dive into the deep waters of our prayer time.  Love and Blessings!

[kelliraeh15-blog]

Red Riding Hood 💃🏻🐺 . . #trickortreat #costume #makeup #energy #goodvibes #word #dream #dreams #love #light #real #peace #dreaminterpretation #art #creative #illustration #instagood #photooftheday #mystic #nightmares #angel #nightterrors #instagood #wow