Designed For More
Designed for More Key Verse:“ I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” —John 10:10b (NIV)
Opening Thought: More Than Getting Through If you’re single, it can sometimes feel like life is on pause—or worse, like your best years have passed and you’re just making do. But Jesus didn’t come so you could merely survive this season. He came so you could live—truly live—and embrace a life that is full of beauty, design, creativity, and joy. Even if it doesn’t look the way you imagined.
A Creative God with a Creative Design I’m a creative at heart. I’ve always loved design and detail. But my daughter, Ally—she’s next level. A fashion designer with an eye for beauty that leaves me stunned. Her idea of fun is walking into a thrift store with $20 and leaving with five wildly mismatched, outrageous pieces. They make zero sense to me. But then she disappears into her room, scissors in hand, music playing. And a few hours later—she comes out in a runway-worthy outfit, stitched with purpose and imagination. Something I never would have seen.It’s in her makeup. It’s in her design. I’ve been to New York Fashion Week with her and marveled at what designers create. But honestly, I’m more of a TJ Maxx girl. Sometimes I don’t even know enough to appreciate the brilliance in front of me. And I wonder—How often do we look at ourselves and completely miss the design God wove into us?
You Are a One-of-a-Kind Masterpiece God didn’t just create you to exist. He created you on purpose, with personality, flair, and flavor. You are a masterpiece. Psalm 139:13–14 says you are knit together by God Himself. The Hebrew word “kanah” for “created” means “to shape, to possess, to set in place.” Ephesians 2:10 calls you God’s handiwork—the Greek word poiēma—literally, His poem. You are God’s poetry.His sketch.His signature piece. He designed your laugh. Your quirks. Your story. Your preferences. Your dreams. And just like my daughter sees beauty in what others overlook, God sees something in you that no one else can replicate. He’s not just your Creator—He’s your Designer.
Fitted for a Full Life Have you ever worn the perfect outfit? It fits just right. You stand a little taller. You feel seen. You feel like you. That’s what it’s like when you begin to walk in the life God created just for you—it fits. And what’s wild? He could’ve made this whole world in black and white—but He chose color. He painted sunsets and striped zebras and designed the odd but wonderful giraffe… just to make you smile. He delights in you.He wants you to laugh, to notice details, to savor flavor and enjoy beauty.He made this whole big, breathtaking world… and then said, “Now, let’s add her.”
More About the Personality of Jesus When we think of Jesus, it’s easy to picture Him in the grand, holy scenes—walking on water, healing the sick, calming the storm. But have you ever slowed down to consider what He was like to be around day-to-day? Jesus didn’t just carry power—He carried presence. And it drew people in. Jesus was emotionally attuned.He wept at Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:35). He felt the woman with the issue of blood reach for His robe (Mark 5:30). He didn’t rush past pain—He entered it. Jesus was deeply present.He noticed the overlooked. He stopped for the woman at the well. He lingered with the broken and blessed the children. Jesus had a sense of humor and sharp wit.He spoke in hyperbole, gave nicknames to His disciples, and used clever illustrations. He was not dull—He was sharp, engaging, and magnetic. Jesus was a master storyteller.His parables weren’t just spiritual lessons—they were art. He met people where they were with metaphors from fields, families, coins, and sheep. Jesus was comfortable in silence.He withdrew often to be alone. Silence wasn’t emptiness to Him—it was intimacy. Jesus valued beauty.He received perfume as worship. He saw beauty in acts of love, tenderness, and devotion. The same Jesus who healed lepers and calmed storms is the Jesus who would laugh with you over coffee, remember your favorite story, and sit with you in silence. He is not just your Lord—He is your Delight.
Scripture Insight: Fullness of Life (John 10:10) Jesus says: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The Greek word for life is zōē —real, vibrant, spiritual life that flows from God and satisfies the soul. To the full? The Greek word is perissos: overflowing, exceeding, more than expected. This isn’t about a flawless life. It’s about living in a way that your very being reflects the creativity, freedom, and joy of the One who made you.
Prayer Jesus,I forget sometimes that You are more than holy—You are good, tender, present, and creative. Help me see You for who You really are. Thank You for designing me with purpose, gifting, and delight. Let me walk in the fullness You came to give. Let me enjoy You deeply and be confident in the masterpiece You made me to be. Amen.
Today’s Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits A dessert that feels like joy. Simple ingredients, full of texture and flavor—just like you. Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tbsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes 2/3 cup heavy cream 1 tsp vanilla extract Fresh strawberries, sliced Whipped cream or vanilla Greek yogurt Instructions: Preheat oven to 425°F. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cream and vanilla. Mix just until combined. Pat dough into 1-inch thickness. Cut into circles or squares. Bake on parchment-lined sheet for 12–15 minutes until golden. Split biscuits, layer with strawberries and whipped cream. Enjoy. Linger. Thank God for your sweet, beautiful design. 🍽️ You are not forgotten. You are not halfway. You are made for fullness.