Sweetest Name I Know

Rouse with Purpose

2010-05-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you have heard the phrase "rabble rouser" before. Do you know what a rabble is? What does it mean to rouse the rabble and what is the rabble anyway?

If you Google "rabble", it will tell you that rabble refers to a disorderly crowd of people, the lowest or coarsest class of people, even a disorderly mob.... Not really a way I want to be described!

So, my question for you is, are YOU a rabble rouser? One who rouses- or gets all riled up- the rabble? Do you want to stir up a disorderly crowd or coarse class of person? Even more important, do you let the rabble rouse you?

I love what you find in the Bible! I found the word rabble- that seems crazy to me, such a common term now in 2010 and it is found waaay back in the Old Testament, used at a time that the Israelites are wandering in the desert for hundreds of years. Did you know that there was a group of non- Israelite people that left Egypt with them, followed and camped on the outskirts? Can you imagine being part of that rabble? It wasn't your Exodus, but you just follwed this big group of people and then you don't ever seem to be going anywhere and there isn't any real food to eat and there seems to be no end in sight? What would you begin to say, how would your attitude be?

The Israelites were already grumpy and tired. I'm quite certain that the rabble being all roused up was not good for their attitude towards this adventure they were on with God. We are on an adventure with God everyday on this Earth. We are in the wilderness many times in our lives. How is our attitude and do we surround ourselves with rabble- do we listen to rabble when it rouses?

In Numbers 11:2, it says "When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the Lord". How often do you pray to the Lord, when people are whining and crying all around you? When a friend comes to you, complaining about their husband, their kids, job, life circumstances...do you join in the rabble or do you rise up and call out to the Lord? I'm not talking about judging them or getting superior to them in their time of need, I'm suggesting that we offer to pray with them right then and claim victory and peace in their life. We all know the devil has- and will- come to steal, kill and destroy, so how can we be a warrior in the midst of our experience and our adventure here. How can we rise above the coarse class and share victories in our adventures?

Separate yourself from the coarsest class and disorderly mob and ask God for your provision. Ask God to be your attitude, your heart.. and then share Him with someone as they fight the rabble. To God be the Glory.

A Story with a Purpose

2009-12-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

"Its the most wonderful time of the year!" With Christmas fast approaching, I know you are all in the mood for this song; Im sure you can hear the tune in your head right now in fact.

Unfortunately, if you are like me, you are in the hustle, bustle, tizzy and stress that the season brings. Unable to stop and be still, unable to remember what it is really all about.

I was blessed the other day to hear the song "O Holy Night" coming from the TV. The words and tune to that song humble me instantly and make want to bask in the glow of His mighty presence. Since then, I am trying to do better and remember each day to focus on Him and his Sons sweet birth. The reason for the Season, right. :)

Christmas is the telling and retelling of the most incredible and miraculous story that there ever was. A mere town girl, blessed with the most precious of all infants. Brought by the news of an actual angel and then coming true ~ in a barn of all places. A place that smelled of poop, my friend Crystal Sparks said today. And, yet, the most Holy birth that will ever be. That story is what we all love to tell and hear. It is the story we love to pass on to our children in hopes it will resonate within their soul, destined to change their life forevermore. It is the most important story we will ever hear, other than the story of this same infants life and then eventual death on the cross.

I read a book today by Richard Morgan that said, " When we share from what feels like our deepest, most intimate and personal place, we paradoxically connect to what is most universally bonding. With this kind of story sharing, we discover that we are telling and listening to both our own and one another's stories simultaneously.

Oh, that is so true! How often have you been sitting listening to someone share and felt your heart tug, your stomach flop with a recognition of your own life? Then, your mind begins to play through that event in your life and you identify with what is being said. You process how your event turned out versus what the other person is saying. You think of it again days later, or even that same night. Sometimes it is a happy connection, full of overcoming, "way to go" feelings. Others are full of "I wish", why couldn't I have handled that better, come out stronger and wiser? I prefer a combination of the two; when you hear someone's story and recognize a similarity and then a way to overcome and heal and find the joy.

You see, once Jesus was born and news of his birth began to spread, stories became much more important. Jesus, in his life, told numerous stories. You might say the story of his life here on earth is one huge compilation of stories. And ultimately, all of his stories call us to do the same thing - Reach out to others with our own stories.

Christmas is a season of story-telling, and it seems to me to be the perfect time to remember, and pass on our own stories. As he lived his life here, Jesus called us all to live and learn our own stories, in the hope that we will tell one to someone, that it will touch them, and resonate within them and cause love and light to be in their life. Then, they in turn will touch another. One huge pay it forward with our stories! How incredible will that be?
What life lesson have you learned, or overcome and who will you share it with in celebration of Jesus and the spirit of the Season?

Perseverance, Purpose; Purpose, Perseverance

2009-03-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

It doesn't matter how tough we are, trauma always leaves a scar. It follows us home, it changes our lives. Trauma messes everybody up, but maybe that's the point. All the pain and the fear and the crap. Maybe going through all of that is what keeps us moving forward-- It's what pushes us. Maybe we have to get a little messed up ...before we can step up.
Okay, so I watch Grey's Anatomy and this was the closing on this weeks episode. In my humanity, it resonated deep within me --as dark as it reads, I believe for many of us it hits home.
I have had some conversations with close friends lately about this stench all around us that continues and even seems to grow--of death and destruction and pain and loss and sickness. Is this the end times- or- has it always been, but I'm just old enough to get it now-or- is it just the technology that allows us to see and hear and get instant information about all the trauma as it happens?
Where do we fit in all this or more importantly: how can we go on, how do we fight through? I love the statement above"maybe it's what keeps us moving forward, it's what pushes us."

I love the Lord and his faithfulness. When I opened my bible today and read James 1 this is what I found: (note that it is to the 12 tribes, scattered among the nations- that's all of us, baby!)

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Sweet perseverance, given to us, allowed us by the great God Almighty! I am beginning to "get it." See, I think as kids, we just want to be teenagers, and as teenagers we just want to be out of the house, college, work, something. Once we get out of the house, we want a family, a spouse, a fancy career, a house, car. But, still nothing satisfies completely and you begin to realize that all of these next levels doesn't bring the ultimate joy or satisfaction. Especially once you begin to experience trauma and grief, losses of all kinds. I'm not just talking about death, but all of it. Name one thing that has ever made you mad or fearful or frustrated and you've got it. Name one thing or person that has ever had it's hold on you.

You know what I did after I read that verse this morning? This is funny! I journaled a prayer to God that I did not like or want all this testing in my life! see vs 3.
Oh, guess what kind of day I had??? Full of tests! :) Oh, I love Him and his sense of humor and his sweet faithfulness to me. At the end of this day, I still have his love and his comfort and his peace and his promise to walk me through, push me through every testing thing that ever happens!

One of my very favorite verses lately is Psalm 119:75-76
I know, O Lord, that your laws are righteous and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort according to your promise to your servant.

That verse could be a book for me really. I mean I have really messed up over the years, but I make choices now to step up and persevere. I want to thank all of the people that help me persevere and hold me accountable to persevere in Him! I will continue to persevere longing for that completeness and maturity in Him. And, I'm quite sure that I will continue to NOT LIKE being tested.

Although it can be fun to look back on and realize, "whoo, I made it through.. and did okay!"

Sweet Father

2009-03-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

So, I have to share something that God keeps bringing to mind. It is a very personal moment that I cherish over and over. My husband, so very wonderful, recently had a vasectomy reversal. This has been an very hard decision for him to come to. He lost a daughter 4 years ago and the pain that a baby stirred in him is often unbearable.
So, along those lines of thought.... We were so very fortunate that God led us to this awesome Christian doctor that performs these reversals as a ministry to families. He performs them in his office and the wife (that's me!) gets to sit at her husband's head and comfort him throughout. Right before he began the procedure, the doctor prayed over us. As he finished the prayer, he ended with "Come quickly, father."
It was the sweetest, most incredible moment right there in that room. Holding Steve's hand at his most unselfish moment. The future unknown but certain.

The possibility of a baby coming to us quickly.... the Christian standpoint of sweet Jesus coming back for our souls.... but, the sweetness that stays with me ,as I journey through this life, is how often he comes to us in our need, in our pain, our longing. He provides the strength to hold on, the courage to go farther and longer. The joy to love, even when we have lost. The freedom to forgive. He comes quickly whenever we call.

Revelation 22:20 (New American Standard Bible)
20 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly " Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Talk about Purpose!

2009-02-18T12:04:00.000-08:00

1 Thessalonians 5:18
The Bible says in everything give thanks, which often seems hard to do -- especially when things don't go exactly as you wanted. I love another version that I found today that says: In everything give praise: for this is the purpose of God in Christ Jesus for you.
So, today we are praising Him for being faithful to our family always and giving us more time with our precious little girl! Victory indeed, my friends!
Praising Him, being thankful for Him and his love, not just what we want out of this world. I could focus on the bad, but I choose to focus on what He gave; and how no matter what, he will always provide for us, time and again. He always has and he always will.
Amen! Jesus, sweet Jesus. Thank you for a voice to praise you with, a story to tell, a life to learn how to seek more of you and a family and friends to love.

Purposeful Victory

2009-02-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

I am actually only able to post on this blog because of the love and mercy afforded me by the Holy One. :) I also think that God has a great sense of humor and I rejoice at the thought of knowing that people are actually reading my blog and even if they don't like or agree, He may deposit something in them that begins to change and mold their hearts! Truly, this is what I want all who have misjudged God, or been unsure of His goodness to know: that regardless of your choices in life, your path, He just loves you, he forgives, he waits for you to seek him.

While I speak of "purpose" here, Star's purpose was perhaps the most mighty of all. Hers was a glorious and smiling life, full of love, His love . I do not actually have the pain of the loss of her, I only watch the pain of my incredible husband's loss of her- her father. What I write of in relation to her, is really my observation of his grief. My pain is his pain, and that I feel mightily. But, I must say that to have the love that we have and to be able to support and minister to one another as we face this life (and all those that oppose us brought by Satan's attempt at destruction) is a battle that we both are thoroughly enjoying! If anyone had told me 3 years ago, that we would have the amount of friends that truly love us and stand by us and that we would have been shown God's love and strength so endlessly and FAITHFULLY, I could never have conceived it this mightily! We have more good and true friends now than we have ever had and most importantly, accountability and love in Him! God has used our union for His good and will continue to do so.
God is so gracious and merciful! Remember that, chew on that. Look it up and understand what it means. We are forgiven and we are loved. Loved by the Almighty, the healer, the provider of all.
I have been so blessed as I have learned to listen and hear him when he talks to me. I pray that all who read this site will begin to cultivate a relationship with Jesus, so sweet. I speak supernatural wisdom over you, an enlightening and infilling of his love. Real healing love.
God has told me to expect a victory this week. I have claimed that Victory in Him and I am proclaiming it to all of you. Steven and I and our family are loved and protected. May the God of truth reveal his truth to you.
If you want to pray with us, petition him for favor and his authority to reign. We will continue to seek him, love him, stumble along the way~ as no one is perfect. No weapon formed against us shall prosper! Can I get an AMEN!

Romans 5:1-8 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Thank you, Jesus- we praise your Holy name.

Star's Day

2009-02-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

Today is just hard, there is no other way to start off. It is numbing, it is somber. Steve just stays busy which is best really. She would be 8, she has been gone 4 years. There is no recovering other than the love and peace that the Lord offers you. Other than crawling in His lap, sobbing on the floor, not wanting to go to the cemetery because she is not there.
Beth Moore preached on Esther video the other night about "If ________, then _______?" We allow ourselves to be bound by fear of so many things. Guess what phrase is in the Bible more than any other? "Do not be afraid, fear not" Because really, when it is all over, when the worst has happened and we are still here on this earth surrounded by people and life moving forward, what choice do we have but to pick ourselves up, dust off and go on. If the worst happens, after we have cried our eyes out, beat our heads on the floor, all we can do is allow God to love us, to heal us, to carry us through. And he does, while we are laying in bed with the covers over our head, going through the motions numb with pain, he is there. He carries, he provides, he endures, he is, Oh God you are. Thank you, sweet Jesus, that you are. Love your family today. Sing an extra song, extra hug or read an extra book to your little ones.

2009-01-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

I must thank our God of blessings, healing and hope praise and glory in this day!

Guard with Purpose...or else!

2009-01-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

Read the following below that I found on abible.com. They are the varied and many ways that God is insuring us. Providing a policy on our daily earthly mindset-- suffering or jubilee. I know that I have written about this before, capturing every thought. It is the same as guarding your heart, though the capture speaks to less vigilance, I think. Or just a different form of play, perhaps the capture is offensive, while the guarding is DEFENSIVE! We must continue to protect the glorious love that God has given us, the peace that passes all understanding. If you put down your guard, you will give up your peace my friend.

I have been looking back over a very painful Beth Moore study (When Godly People Do Ungodly Things). The title alone is tough and I think most of us say, nuh-uh, not me! Such a painful study that I just dropped it right in the middle one day - just stopped doing it- knowingly, yet at the same time denied that it was what I was doing. Crazy, right?! :) I have studied other things since then, but almost been haunted by this one.

The peace I have lost as I allowed thoughts to penetrate and eventually just run right over my guard- the ones I quit capturing- have become too painful and I must, once again, muster up my strength, wait - I must allow my beautiful Father to strengthen me. I don't know about you, but I am still trying to do it all myself! Can anybody relate? :)

So, what are these thoughts you ask, what is so bad, what has she done? Well, what are your thoughts, what beats your guard down? Guilt from being a parent, not calling your grandparents enough, fear of finances, lack of tithing (those two are always hand in hand it seems!) don't read your bible daily, is it pain- someone's death, work too much or not enough, worried about other people and what they are doing or who they are doing it with or really big: maybe God answered a prayer and you don't feel ready for it. The list is long of what can occupy our mind if we let it!

I mentioned earlier that I had written about this before, except now I seem to be on the "not doing a great job at it" category and so I deem this my struggle (currently!). So, now I encourage you to take a look at the scriptures below and apply it to whatever season you are in. If it is a struggling season, can you think back to how it started, what happened that you obsessed over and let it permeate your thoughts and your day and your mood? Whether it was very small or something tragic, where have you allowed it to take you? Have you allowed Satan to seduce you into something that you can no longer breathe in? It is time to come up for air.

I think the last verse is my favorite in an ironic kind of way. I am extremely passionate and emotional. It is something that I would not trade and my husbands favorite (though sometimes tough) thing about me. BUT, it can be my stumble, my fall. I want the course of my life to be determined by Him and Him alone, sweet Jesus, the lover of all, the healer, the Holy One. I pray He blesses you in this day, this hour, this season.

Proverbs 4:23: What You Plant And Grow In Your Mind Determines
Your Destiny.
Prov 4:23 (KJV) Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of
it are the issues of life.
Prov 4:23 (NIV) Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the
wellspring of life.
Prov 4:23 (TEV) Be careful how you think; your life is shaped
by your thoughts.
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) Above all else, guard your heart, for it
affects everything you do.
Proverbs 4:23 (AMP) Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance
and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of
life.
Prov 4:23 (CWR) Above everything else, guard the affections of
your heart; the emotional attachments you make determine the course
of your life.

The stick figures above should serve as a reminder to always use Christ as your filter for what you take in... through other people or at all!

Rising up with Purpose!

2008-10-24T08:33:00.001-07:00

Oh my, I think I might be overwhelmed. I want to be clear upfront that I am thankful for how faithful God really is- even when it hurts so bad! Change can be painful, reflection of yourself can be painful.
I was talking with a new friend the other day and I made the comment that I analyze everything, flip it in and around in my mind and wonder why I do or say the things I do. Why others do and say the things that they do. She asked me "why?" And, I thought, "because I want to know what it is about myself, and others, that makes us react to people in certain situations and how -for me- I can improve on that." I look at people that are always caught up in the same crazy, unhealthy, emotionally draining behavior and don't want to be that person. I want to change, I want to react differently. But, that means I have to allow God to work within me. To reveal to me what I am just down wallowing in, what desires of the flesh I continue to engage in. Whether it be control, materialism, anger, pity...
You see this whole past week has just been incredible to me. God revealed to me (yes, just for me!) in a scripture last Saturday what I have been needing for a long time.
In the past some of you were like that, but you were washed clean. You were made holy, and you were made right with God in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinithians 6:11
Now, he didn't just wash me clean last Saturday. He did that the moment I asked him to forgive me - But, I have not been listening all along, I just have not been walking in it!
I really cannot convey the freedom and joy that came over me in that moment and all week long as I have reflected on that passage. That is my heart's desire for all who read this page- that God will speak freedom into your life and that you will begin to walk in it. Because, you see, that is what he revealed to me just a little bit after I got that scripture. I have been bathed in His holiness, I have been annointed by Him.......... I just have to pick up my mat and walk in it.
(Jesus speaking)"Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, "Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'?" Mark 2:9
Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have , but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Acts 4:6
"Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat." Immediately Aeneas got up. Acts 9:34

So, as I've been walking in His healing and freedom this week, He has been revealing to me other areas that I continue to stay on my mat about. I keep allowing myself to live in the condemnation of things past. Just really wallowing around in it. Instead of staying in His ever flowing water, I keep jumping out onto the bank and flopping around! This is really painful and as I encounter people and situations and want to react differently or better- more like Jesus would- I get frustrated. I want to be peaceful, calm and loving. But, ooh Satan is bringing up feelings of defeat and frustration. The closer I get to this freedom, this peacefulness, the more Satan trys to stir me up. I want to attain this:
You, Lord, give true peace to those who depend on you, because they trust you. Isaiah 26:3
Oh, sweet Jesus, ABBA Father, how I want that peace. And how defeated do I feel when I can't control my own anger and emotions and attain it?
I came across a scripture this morning that I just love, because like many (scriptures) it gives understanding and wisdom and confirmation to what I am experiencing. It lends promise to the peace that I seek.
~~~Ok, so hang on tight, because this is deep and tough.~~~
So I find this law at work. When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For my inner being I delight in God's law, but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making a me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. Romans 7: 21-23
Whoa, isn't that defeating sounding. It is like "Arrrgggh, stop this madness inside of me!" Right?
It even says next: What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? vs.24
Man, have there been some moments of wretchedness this week, in this life.... Am I speaking to anybody here? Where do you feel wretched? Where are you wallowing, flopping? Okay, now wait because the next verse lays it out and brings the hope.
Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! vs. 25 (new Chapter)Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free (!!!!) from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2
Friends, do not despair, do not frustrate. Rise up and walk. Take your mat and go to wherever He is calling you. Physically stand up and shake it off, right now and walk out of that.
Because I need to share with you the thing He revealed to me before the thing he revealed to me. The thing before the thing!! Okay, I just like the way that sounds..sorry.haha. But, it's true, the first scripture he brought to my mind was "I am allowed to do all things," but not all things are good for me to do. "I am allowed to do all things, but I will not let anything make me its slave." 1 Corinthains 6:12
That scripture follows the one were He made me see that He had washed me clean. Isn't that just beautiful and glorious? HE washes us clean, makes us holy
and right with Him! And, then we are allowed to do all things, but can choose to be a slave to none of it!
slave (slAv) n. 1. One bound in servitude as an instrument of labor. 2. One who is submissive to a specified influence. 3. A person who works extremely hard.
No thanks! I dont want to work extremely hard just to be bound. I want to be free, I crave that peace. The paralytic was not free- he was bound, no walking, no nothing. Don't be paralyzed- fight for your freedom. Rise up and walk in His love, His glory, His authority today!
I am not overwhelmed anymore, I am overjoyed!

PS I don't know about you, but I am addicted to all that He has in store for me.
Amen!

Refueling for a Purpose

2008-10-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

I sat at a country roadside gas station this morning. You can fill your tank, get a cup of coffee, buy livestock feed with minerals, get milk or bread or just sit a while and visit with your neighbors. As I watched, cars and trucks pull up, pull in, people get out, go in, come out, drive away- I thought how we are like that with God. God is like this huge all encompassing, everything- you-need convenience store. Stop and Go, Super Handy, EZ Mart. HE is all, everything, BUT how often do we treat him like he is there for when we need to refuel ourselves? Like He is there only for OUR convenience... Just dip in and then hurry off in our own agenda, our own waywardness.
My bible fell open to Hosea 14:4. "I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them.
Oh glorious day! He loves us freely- even when we're being wayward!
I think we feel like he won't love us, I think we don't "GET" His mighty love. Remember, HE IS Love. Love is not something he does when he is pleased or happy with us or done being mad, like a friend or family member. HE just always does. HE is always waiting on you to pull up, get out, go in to Him ..... and then stay for a while. Sit and drink your coffee with Him. Visit with Him, need Him, long for Him. Then, I can promise, you won't be pleading with yourself to make it just a little farther to the station ahead....
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God and God in him. 1 John 4:16
Don't let Him be convenient, let Him be your purpose, let Him really LIVE in you!

Fighting for a Purpose

2008-10-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

I have a young friend who is experiencing a major trial in his life. His friends have turned their backs on him and are just tearing him down on a daily basis at school. It has become unbearable for this young man. A stand-up kid, full of character, strong, yet beginning to allow the defeat to consume him. I am reminded of my own feelings of defeat when this world is coming at you full throttle. I happened upon Psalm 69 this morning and am always wonderfully amazed and comforted to find in His word, where others have gone before us in struggle.
Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs on my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal. vs. 1-4
How often have we all felt that way, that it is too much, that everyone is against us, that the deck is stacked. It is too unbearable to go on. We must seek Him in these moments, in these seasons. He is begging us to call out to Him. I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me. Save me, O Lord from lying lips and deceitful tongues! Psalm 120:1-2 Oh yes!!! Father save us from the gods of this world and the people that satan inhabits.
God has shown me in my own life, recently, that He is prepared to do battle with us. In the story of Elisha against the Arameans, God sends his chariots of fire to swarm around Elisha in his battle. 2 Kings 13-17 Everyday, all day, we are covered with His mighty authority and protection here on this earth! We just have to ask. The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands. Psalm 68:17
I think that we forget to ask, we trust in ourselves and not in our Father. There is not a battle that we can win without Him.
At the same time, He will comfort us during these trials, these battles. ..the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles... 2 Corinthians 1:3
Still we must ask him, seek him. Further in Psalm 69-- But, I pray to you, O Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters. Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly for I am in trouble, Come near and rescue me; redeem me because of my foes. vs 13-18
The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands AND He is the Father of compassion and the God of comfort able to give immeasurably more than you or I can even ask for. It is all there in His word, just waiting for you to take hold. Will you?
Just call on His strength, His protection and His grace. Tell Him, "it's time, Father, I need you now". Then, do not seek the retribution that we desire. God will deliver swiftly to those that incur it. Even Elisha asked if he should kill the Arameans after he had them captured. God answered that he should give them food and water so they may eat, drink and return to their master.
After the battle is over, become the peacemaker. You will rest easier here all your days on the earth. Find someone today to stand and do battle for. All this young man needs is one of God's warriors to take a stand with him. To love him here on this earth in his time of trouble. 1 Corinthians 2:3 ..who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. Will you?

Purposeful Capture

2008-09-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, Isn't God good, isn't he faithful and amazing?!
If you are not sure, I can tell you yes with certainty. In one of the toughest weeks of motherhood and marriage I can say YES, Lord you are mighty, you are glorious, you are worthy of all praise!
I sat with some wonderful friends -that HE has blessed me with- last night. We were talking about our specific needs and struggles and my list is long currently. Child with surgery, (2nd) husband reliving deep loss and pain, court custody (battle --and I mean spiritual!), ex-spouses that harbor extreme hatred and resentment toward us. That is all just this week... :)
One of them asked me how do you deal with it all? Now, mind you, we all deal with it --all every week. The older I get and the more I experience; the more I love and the more I lose; the more I allow God to work in my life, the more I realize that every single one of us are living it. Constant, continual, no way out.
Except through HIM.
My wonderful husband and his strength, authority, gentleness and faith came to mind almost immediately, but what followed was what another lovely sister spoke to me a few weeks ago. Capture every thought.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10: 5
If you will read before that (vs. 3-4) it is speaking about the spiritual warfare, the battle right above us that actually comes to life right here within and among us.
How often do we come across a thought that only furthers our pain, stirs up our anger, consumes our jealousy, our need to control. How often do images conjure up in your mind that you get lost in and come out the other side needlessly bound instead of immediately seeking Him. Then, how many times have you acted or reacted because of those thoughts? It is never good, or productive or positive. Am I speaking to anybody today?! ;)
I am around people that have lots of "drama" or are always negative, that are consumed with their anger and pain. I cannot live that way, I cannot be bound by all of that.... or I will not have anything left to give. To my children, to my husband, to my friends. We are called to love and we cannot truly love if we are stirred up in what Satan and our enemies are pouring out.
Do we all have bads days? Do we all need to vent? Absolutely! We are humans here on this earth -- We live in this world! vs. 3 We are subjected to all of the spiritual battle around us. That is what the scripture is talking about.
Capture that thought in your head, don't have that argument with yourself, don't give into needless suspicion, paranoia, animosity. Stop and tell Him to take it. You dont want it, you cant do it- oh, Lord take it!
That is how you win the battle. Not allowing Satan to stir it up in you, not make you react, not get depressed, not lash out, not imagine unneccessary untruths.
Instead, begin that relationship with sweet Jesus, where you hear Him when He calls to you! I have decided I would rather have an argument with God in my head when He is asking me to do something that I dont want to do, than have an argument with myself about something that drains me emotionally or keeps me fraught with anxiety. Can I get an Amen!
Seek Him and the freedom that he offers.

Perfect Purpose

2008-09-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

Oh great God, what a glorious and beautiful almost Fall morning! Thank you for the beauty that surrounds us everyday.

I was talking with a friend the other day about life and our less than perfect choices we had made. We both felt as though society and the church as a whole had done a number on us over the years. We felt that we had been told that if we did bad things, then we would be bad people. Bad enough that we had no place (or no right, maybe) to serve, to minister, to share what we now know to be true in Christ. As I began to write this, I had the overwhelming sense that it wasn't so much society or church, but satan. Satan will use all those choices to continually lie to you about how unworthy you are - how "BAD" you are.... That is why our church leaders tell us not to make those choices, rather they tell us to seek the Lord's purpose for our lives. Because, of course, if we are seeking HIm then we are less likely to do something stupid(!) and more likely to be full of His wisdom.

I do know that I wasn't ever told that I was bad for making a bad choice, but that is how satan uses us and twists everything for his evil benefit.

Our conversation was ultimately about how we want to convey-- to get across the fact-- to make people understand that God will always show up! God is never going to be too tired or out of town. He is never going to change His mind and decide to be mad after all or share that secret even though you asked it to be held in confidence. He is never too busy or has someone else in His office. He will always arrive, on time, no matter where you are at or what you have done. He will just love you and most of the time bring some people along to show you His mercy and His grace. So, that we who are not perfect here on Earth, will understand just how much He does love us, and it is OK that we aren't perfect.

My absolute awesome realization, as of late, is that He knows my part in His future-- in my future-- here on Earth! 1 Thessalonians 2:11 ...urging you to live lives WORTHY of God, who calls YOU INTO HIS KINGDOM and glory. He has such great things in store for me! I just have to keep seeking Him and being obedient when He speaks or I will miss all the fun and all the freedom.

Purpose of Repentance

2008-08-23T05:49:00.000-07:00

Oh, most Holy, ABBA Father, I come to you and ask for your forgiveness for rebellion and laziness. I ask that you continue to draw me near to you; all along convicting me when I am not obedient, when I choose not to listen and act. Thank you for your mercy, for your goodness, for your faithfulness. I am in awe, amazed, that you still love me, LORD. Thank you, LORD. You alone are worthy of all the honor, all the glory, all the praise.

Okay, so I don't know about you, but I can't believe that summer is over. I mean, seriously, where did it all go?? I remember my last post clearly and I am hugely horrified that it has been so long. We were driving to my daughters Kindergarten Graduation and I couldn't get the words out fast enough (the post). I love those moments- when God is just pouring out of me - it is a physical burning that is so powerful and I feel in those moments He is so real, so Almighty. HE IS.
So, my prayer a few lines back, while really rather personal and private, is so real and to Him. I knew when I began this blog journey that I would always be real, always just an open book. See, in my realness, you may see yourself and know that there is someone else out there striving for Him, all the while stumbling along! I am still just a work in progress and will forever be!
I have been laying in bed this morning trying to trace the summer and where it went and what happened to me along the way. I remember being engrossed in this incredible study and HE was speaking volumes to me. Lots of conviction! Lots of healing and a-ha moments, too. But, one day I came across a page, some content that I did not want to face. And, I just stopped. Haven't been back in that book since. Satan has used it to keep me down. He has lied to me all along. Always does, though, right?!
I spent a lot of time this summer doing a prayer therapy that brought about so much healing and realization into my life, my years and my choices. Along the way, God really showed me my rebellion and how great it has always been. My desire to be in control of things and when I am not, then I rebel against them and that person or entity.

"Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the Lord." Hosea 5:4

I have continually sold myself out to things of this world, people of this world, seeking to be filled by them instead of turning to God and His love. As God began to show me that I believed I was not worthy of His love, of His healing, I got really mad. I analytically know that God loves me, but I don't believe that He will love me!!! How awful is that.. Prideful, probably, too! I didn't quite know how to deal with it all. I did not feel worthy to return to the Lord with all of my deeds. So, I just kind of shut down. I allowed Satan to tell me that it was okay to wallow in it and be sad and mad about it. I allowed my job to consume me and keep me busy.
I went overseas for 2 weeks this summer, which I will share all about at some point. During this time is when God brought me to the book of Hosea and I saw so much of myself in (the story of) Israel. He was very faithful in bringing things of the past to light during my trip. Isn' t it incredible --the myriad of ways that HE is faithful?! Through that, I began to yearn again for His wisdom to reign down on me. I began to crave His love and ALL that HE offers us in this life. I am nothing without out. Miserable and unhappy and unworthy without it.

Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. Hosea 14:9

I want wisdom! I do not want to stumble....but, I will. The key is not to wallow in it. That, in itself, is where the sin lies. Not bringing it to Him and seeking forgiveness, picking up and getting on with being purposeful for Him. This is my desire, my hearts cry. To be pure in Him, in thought and deed.

Oh, LORD, precious and true, I pray wisdom for all who read this and desire it for their own lives, Father. Reign down on us with your love and mercy and grace when we fail you! Give us discernment in those areas that we are weak, LORD. Be faithful to us in your conviction of our deeds when we are not honoring or seeking you. Thank you for your love and all that you are and all that we are promised in Heaven. AMEN.

Our Purpose

2008-05-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

"I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God (to the other towns also), because that is why I was sent."Luke 4:43
There it is, our purpose over all the earth. "How do I do that?" you ask. We must go back before we can move ahead and see it clearly! We are to "preach" His kingdom by sharing what He has done in our lives. The only way that we can really understand it, and have the excitement to "get it," is to have experienced His incredible mercy and grace, be so full of it that we want to share it with other people!
Even further back is our sin, our stronghold, our weakness that has separated us from Him.
Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God, your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.
What is getting in the way of His plan for you? Something is, because we’ve all got it! We are human, not perfect. I heard someone say that the other day and I loved it. Yes, I suppose we are striving for perfection, striving to be like Jesus really, but more attainable, we are striving to be humbled to God, to be surrendered to God, to be in awe of Him and his magnificent glory and all that it promises us.
Personally, it is surrendering to Him, when I want to give in to the anger, the frustration of the things that I have no control over. As you will learn about me, I am divorced. For me, that means a neverending dynamic with my son’s father. I have realized greatly in the last months that I have a control problem! I thought it was everyone else - haha. When I can’t control what directly influences my son (and my stepdaughter), it drives me almost to the point of insanity. And, then I allow that to consume my day or my week. God is asking me to surrender that to Him and I am trying- having a hard time letting go of the control. :)
Satan, on the other hand, keeps turning up the heat! Woo, I mean does he ever. He keeps tempting me to get mad, get frustrated, get resentful- that is the biggest I think! Then, I am not joyful for the Lord, not spreading what HE has done for me, what freedom HE has given me in His name. I am consumed, depressed, anxious-- and that is what is spread to others, not Him and His light.
On this earth, we tend to look at others to measure our success or even to justify our actions. I have the greatest scale ever:
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan (where he had just been baptized) and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God tell this stone to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: Man does not live on bread alone." The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours. Jesus answered, "It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only. Luke 4:1-8
See, when I allow myself to be consumed with anger and bitterness, then I am worshiping it- not our God and all that He has for me! Everyone gets upset, but does it control your next thought, your next decision, your next move in this season of your life?
Can you believe Satan tempted Jesus? That would take some big nerve, but he did it- 3 times if you read the rest of the passage....So, what makes you think he wont tempt you. If he’ll do it to Jesus for 40 days, he will do it to us all day every day. Where are you weak? That is where he’ll attack- watch and see!
The glorious ness in all of it is that once you recognize it, you can see it coming and you can surrender it to the Lord. Then, He will give you that peace, He will take it from you! You will be Victorious with God and then you can "Preach it!" Use your story to share God’s love and power and to alert someone else to Satan’s schemes.
LORD, I pray right now for you to reveal a weakness to the person reading this! Give them discernment to hear you and then prompt them to call on you in their time of need. Amen!
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Realizing the Purpose

2008-05-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

I cannot contain this wonderful excitement in this incredible journey!
God uses people to reach us and He used so many people along the way to reach me. As I began to feel that peace He was creating in me, that renewing of my spirit, I began to crave more of Him, desire Him fully in my life and what His purpose was for me.
I have recently been enlightened (although it seems like common sense) that "when we quench the Holy Spirit within us, by refusing His authority over us, He retreats his activity and fullness in us, sometimes to the point that we may not even sense His presence."Beth Moore Ouch!
I have anguished a lot in the past year asking Him to show me what He wanted me to do in ministering to others. But, let me tell you I have quenched Him in me often! And, then I'm thinking "God, where are you- I'm not feeling you..."
I mean, seriously, what would you do if everytime a friend of yours asked you for advice or input in their life and then you gave it to them and they turned around and blatantly ignored it! At some point, you'd move on, quit giving the advice, right?! :)
He began to show me that I had to completely renew my mind from all of my past. Psalm 130:3-4, 7 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O LORD, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. O, Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with HIM is full redemption. In order for Him to truly renew a steadfast spirit within me, I have to allow Him to redeem me from my own record of sins that I hold onto. It is not enough here on earth to just ask for forgiveness; we must allow Him to take away what Satan wants to keep bringing up!
He desires for us to be obedient in that process and I have begun to do it. It has only been since then that I was clear enough to hear Him to begin this journey of a "blog." He sent me someone as an example, as an inspiration, unexpectedly, of course! He is such a fun and great GOD! HE makes me laugh all the time- at myself!
What area of your life do you need to renew? If you are like me it is OH SO MANY! LORD, may all who ask this question, give them an answer- something concrete for them to seek from you! AMEN! Hallelujah!

Seeking with a Purpose

2008-05-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

So, I remember being in a state of funk last year and really wanting it all to just change. Tired of being depressed, not loving my job, just craving more out of life. I had only just begun to start spending time with God.... actively seeking to know Him- for Him to know me. I came across a scripture~ Create in me a pure heart O GOD! (emphasis mine) and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Psalm 51: 10-12

I mean, Can I get an AMEN! Yes, LORD -- That is what I am talkin about! I wrote it on a note card and stuck it in my visor in my vehicle and so everytime I pulled it down to look in the mirror (which is a lot apparetnly!) I saw it. I prayed that scripture often over myself and guess what? HE did it, oh yes He did. Some of you are not surprised. And, I am not really either, but it is just so incredible to think about and "get" in that lightbulb kind of moment.

He is a GOD full of promises and one of them is if you ask for it, you will recieve, if you seek it, you will find it. Matthew 7:7-8 I asked our Holy of Holies for peace, to be sustained in Him, to be renewed, to have JOY and HE gave it to me. Jehovah Jireh the great provider is faithful!

What are YOU seeking right now, what do you need in your life? HE will meet it, but you have to desire it truly with all your heart and you have to ask for it! HE knows what you need, HE is waiting for you to spend some time with Him so that He can show you all that He has for you in this life!

My prayer over this spot is that all who enter here will be filled with the Holy Spirit, that God will speak to you and that you will "GET IT" His love, His mercy, His joy, and OH His Grace! If only for a moment may you experience the majesty and wonder of His beautiful face~