Author Archives

Trisha Keehn

Writer

Trisha Keehn is a creative writer fueled by a lifetime of faith. She is part of the Life.Church and YouVersion Bible App creative writing team, and uses her broadcast news background to help companies choose their words wisely. Trisha is a wife, mom, coffee connoisseur, lover of libraries, and a savvy traveler.

Posted on

Why You Can Be Thankful

Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you. – Walt Whitman

When we want what we don’t have, we waste what we do have. To want what is no longer in our life is to waste what still remains in our life.

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything that you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to.

Be thankful when you don’t know something. It gives you the opportunity to learn.

gratitude, positive thoughts, negatives turn into positives, gratefulness, thankfulness, grateful life practiceBe thankful for the difficult times. During those times, you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations. They give you opportunity for improvement.

Be thankful for the challenges. They will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for you mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary. It means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the ‘good’ things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.

If you lost someone, be thankful for the life they lived and the lessons you’ve learned, and the spirit that still lives in you.

Posted on

Your Guide to God’s Provision

your guide to God's provision, God's provision, Jehovah Jireh, God is our providerMaybe you’re like me when you’re going through a struggle, you know you need to turn to the bible, but a blank stare glazes over when you flip through the pages. Where do you start? You know what you want. You’re pretty sure you know what you need, but where in this giant book of ancient theology do you begin?

Recently I’ve been studying the descriptions of Jesus, from Genesis to Revelation. In my research, I stumbled across a list of Jesus’ names according to His character attributes (there’s a book by Tony Evans that also contains this list as well).

For instance, when Jesus was healing, the word Hebrews used for Him meant “Healer”. When Christ was called upon for victory, they called out to Him as “triumphant one”. His name changed for the circumstance, though He was always Jesus.

This happens in our life. Your mother’s name might be Doris. But at home when her care is needed, she is called upon as ‘Mom’. In the workplace though, they may refer to her as ‘manager’ or ‘director’. Her friends may know her as ‘Doris Day’. Depending on how you know a person, and what you need from them, will determine what you call them.

Back to the Bible now, if you can identify what your need is and then pinpoint in the pages of scripture wherever Jesus is showing up clothed in this character reference, that would be a starting place for your spirit.

The character and purpose attributes of Jesus are God’s provision to you.

When you need love, the Lord shows up as Companion. Father. Friend.

When you’re struggling through loneliness, God shows up in Song of Solomon, in Ruth, and in Amos as Lover, Kinsman, and Husband.

What are you seeking in life or asking God to provide for you? The Lord is always several steps ahead of you. Whatever you’re asking for, He has already prepared it to meet your request.

If you’re not familiar with the stories in scripture, below is a list of where the Lord shows up as the supply to the demand. Allow these parables and adventures remind your weary heart that God will always show up as the One you need. Quiet your anxious thoughts and allow the Holy Spirit direct you with His peace. Pray over these stories as you apply the Living Word to your own life.

In Genesis, He is the Creator God.

In Exodus, He is your Redeemer.

In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.

In Numbers, He is your guide.

In Deuteronomy, he is your teacher.

In Joshua, He is your mighty conqueror.

In Judges, He gives you victory over your enemies.

In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your Redeemer.

In 1 Samuel, He is the root of Jesse.

In 2 Samuel, He is the son of David.

In 1 & 2 Kings, He is King of kings and Lord of lords.

In 1 & 2 Chronicles, He is your intercessor and high priest.

In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.

In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.

In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.

In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles but also has the power to do something about them.

In Psalms, He is your song and your reason to sing.

In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life and live it successfully.

In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity.

In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.

In Isaiah, He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sick soul.

In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one on whom you can depend.

In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel-the one who assures that dead, dry bones will come alive again.

In Daniel, He is the Ancient of Days, the everlasting God who never runs out of time.

In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back-even when you have abandoned Him.

In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.

In Amos, He is your husband, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.

In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.

In Jonah, He is your salvation, bringing you back in His will.

In Micah, He is judge of the nation.

In Nahum, He is the jealous God.

In Habakkuk, He is the holy one.

In Zephaniah, He is the witness.

In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies.

In Zechariah, He is the Lord of hosts.

In Malachi, He is the messenger of the covenant.

In Matthew, He is King of the Jews.

In Mark, He is the servant.

In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.

In John, He is the Son of God.

In Acts, He is the Savior of the world.

In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.

In 1 Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.

In 2 Corinthians, He is the triumphant one, giving victory.

In Galatians, He is the liberty, setting you free.

In Ephesians, He is the head of the church.

In Philippians,He is your joy.

In Colossians, He is your completeness.

In 1 Thessalonians, He is your hope.

In 2 Thessalonians, He is your glory.

In 1 Timothy, He is your faith.

In Titus, He is God our Savior.

In Philemon, He is your benefactor.

In Hebrews, He is your perfection.

In James, He is your power behind your faith.

In 1 Peter, He is your example.

In 2 Peter, He is your purity.

In 1 John, He is your life.

In 2 John, He is your pattern.

In 3 John, He is your motivation.

In Jude, He is your foundation.

In Revelation, He is your coming King.

May the Father take you by the hand and guide your thinking as you read from His manuscript He left for you. May the Author’s hand weave threads of His Truth through the fibers of your bones and may Hosanna in the Highest show Himself to you as you dig deeper into His heart.

In Jesus’ name, I lift up ever heartache and troubling mind to you now, Father God, and ask for the leading of your Spirit. You are the Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, and we call out to you by that name, asking you to untie the knotted up struggles that we’ve wrestled with. We trust the Bread of Life; you will never let us go hungry or thirsty when we believe in the Almighty name of Jesus and the loving, providing hand of God. So it’s in the name of the Most High that we pray, Amen.

Posted on

Comfortable Keeps You From God

prayer changes things, prayer heals, prayer is an invitation, prayer is powerful, www.trishakeehn.comMark: You prayed and believed your whole life. Never done anything wrong. And here you are. You’re the nicest person I know. I am the meanest. You have dementia. My life is perfect. Explain that to me!

Mina’s Mother: Sometimes the devil allows people to live a life free of trouble because he doesn’t want them turning to God. Their sin is like a jail cell, except it is all nice and comfy and there doesn’t seem to be any reason to leave. The door’s wide open. Till one day, time runs out, and the cell door slams shut, and suddenly it’s too late.

(Movie Quote from “God’s Not Dead”)

More than a quote though, that’s the honest truth. Whatever you’re facing, draw even closer to God. This wasn’t meant for you to brave alone. It’s an invitation to lean on something more powerful than you and watch a story of His glory be told. Sometimes what brings Him the greatest glory won’t be in healing you, but it may come from drawing in just one more witness to the hand of God being leaned on and lifted up.

Posted on

What You Need When You Need It

Whatever God tells you to do, He will help you to do.

We don’t have to live concerned about having the courage to do the things He hasn’t called for us to do.

A couple years ago I took a solo backpacking trip for about a month through the country of Italy. I hadn’t done something like that before and had no training, but I also wasn’t scared because it was a journey the Lord called me to and I trusted Him to give me what I needed to make that happen.

Recently my mind has been going back to that adventure as I finish up the writing of a manuscript I started back then. My head shakes with disbelief. The courage that girl had doesn’t sit naturally in me. That was a supernatural, God-ordained courage.courage, God gives you what you need, when you need courage God will give it, no fear, www.trishakeehn.com

Incredible courage isn’t something you can cultivate. God gives you what you need when you need it.

If you’re unsure about the Lord’s direction over a particular idea or plan in your life, pray about it and keep your eyes open.

Look for those swinging doors and don’t discard the one’s He slams shut. Sometimes we get caught up in our own desires and it’s easy to trail-blaze through the frustration and pry open what was meant to stay closed.

Don’t let your courage get caught up in the details. Bravery is trusting in something you cannot see because you believe the prayers and promises in His Word.

It takes audacity to walk away from a dream, knowing God has something better. It takes a Holy Spirit fearlessness to walk on His Word into the unknown. When your focus is on His lead, you can’t go astray.Peter didn't walk on water, Peter walked on the Word, Peter walks on water, Jesus said Come, courage takes stepping out on His Word

There was a prophet who opened my eyes to a familiar story (Matthew 14:22-33) with this bold statement: Peter didn’t walk on water, He walked on the Word. The stormy seas weren’t pulling Peter out of that boat and hoisting him to his feet. But when Jesus said, ‘Come’, Peter stepped out on the Lord’s command.

Courage is stepping out on God’s word, come. Listen for His Spirit to speak it and be ready to step out into some stormy seas on His command.

I pray for you now, that as the Spirit stirs up some supernatural courage in you for the season of adventure just up ahead, that your ears will perk up and your eyes will be peeking around the corners for His hand guiding you in the direction of His will.

I pray that every hindrance holding you back and every burden keeping you down, won’t have any weight on your obedience to step out when the time is ready. Lord, help us to focus on trusting You and letting the plans fall into place as You see best. We love you and we are ever grateful to be called yours, In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Posted on

Kindness: The Beginning of Wisdom

Theodore Rubin, kindness, wisdom, psychoanalysis, kindness is the beginning of wisdomWe make destinations out of our dreams and then reach for recognition. The accolades solidify our success.

But if the source of light goes out, the world won’t see the work anyhow.

God is light. God is love.

So share more smiles and be kind to hands reaching out today. Lock eyes and be generous with your love.

When we get to the end of this life, the only thing that lasts is the love we leave in all the footsteps following behind.

Posted on

What Goes Up Will Come Down

blessings, praises, rain, what goes up, will come downIf He never did another thing, the very Truth that He saved my soul is enough for ceaseless praise.

But then He went further and gave a family who loves me, friends who would die for me, and a job that fills my hands with something to do.

If He never healed the diseases inside… If He never sent a spouse to share life with or a sweet child to care for… If He never answered another prayer, the life He’s already given is enough to fill all of time with praise.

When your praises go up, He sends a rain of blessings pouring down.

Posted on

Beware of Convenience

convenience, God things don't come easy, Discipline takes work, trishakeehn.comBeware of what’s convenient.

I’ve never known the devil to offer something that takes work.

Don’t pass up what you need for something you want.

Relationships. Your job. Discipline with your money and health.

What looks easy now will require work to clean up later.

Don’t settle. Stay true to your convictions.

Posted on

Life in a Slower Lane

I always wanted to save the world; every homeless man and all the hungry children. My parents thought I’d outgrow it. I never did. I also wanted to be a crime-solving detective so I took investigative reporting for a test drive and found I’m an activist at heart.

Death will shatter walls of insecurity and take away the excuses to wait another day to do what you want to do. My brother was just a year younger than me. Losing my best friend as a teenager unveiled the deep seeded strength my soul found in God; a faith that had been nurtured morning after morning through searching the scriptures for the mystery beneath it all.

be kind, love yourself, trishakeehn.comMy aim is to inspire myself to move forward every day. From the overflow, I hope to inspire female confidence in others. We are so conditioned as women to hate on ourselves and reject compliments. Many of us have been taught that men validate a woman’s self-esteem so we’re left empty when there’s not a ‘he’ in our lives. We have to start by encouraging ourselves and then strive for healthy female influences to fill us. Then maybe we would find our attention in loving others.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned is to let whatever I do today be enough. If I run two miles and don’t lift weights afterward, it’s okay. I know that I’m enough. Successful enough, smart enough, pretty enough, healthy enough.

There was a time I trusted every single person and was teased for being so naïve. Too many lies and lessons later, I’ve learned to listen to my intuition and the Spirit’s leading. My heart still feels open and I’m ever madly in love with people, yet by the grace of God, I’m also more rooted in reading situations and have come to understand this heart needs protecting.

Thus, over the years, my skin has thickened and my heart softened.

Leaning into love a little more, I’m more obliged to let a man open my door than do it all on my own. And I bask in this sweet gesture. Saying no to someone who offers to help is closing a door.

Doing what I fear helps crack open the seed that helps me grow. I read somewhere that a human’s greatest fear is being alone. When I watch the world spin over the axis of careers, material, and relationships, this conclusion is certainly true for my own life. Taking the leap into living alone, traveling as a party of one, and remaining content as a single woman has been the biggest journey of faith for me.

I’m a believer in the impact of healthy habits, not just physically but emotionally as well. A morning routine of quiet time over coffee has a profound effect on my life. It is essential and helps me to live in the moment. live, laugh, love, trishakeehn.com

I’ve gotten better at slowing down and being more mindful of myself. My pride used to thrive on crushing it at work, crushing it at the gym, but leaving my mental health at bay. Getting up at 5 a.m. helps me claim the first part of my day in solitude without competing demands for what keeps me grounded.  This is my sweet spot. There’s morning runs or afternoons in weight training. Monthly massages have been a game changer.

My focus is to commit to few demands, narrow the numbers and deepen each one as far as we can go together. Primarily, I look for shoulders wearing interesting layers and vulnerable souls who demonstrate strength over their emotions.

If we were to spend a dreamy day together, it would begin over coffee, unraveling our hearts in the Word. The sun would smile brightly and we would nod to how marvelous He has made this life. I just imagine in the end, that the moon would find us around a fire laughing at how crazy and adventurous this life really is.