Where you are

Do you believe in meeting God half way? In my book, Living As Children Of Light you will be set free from this mindset. Read why trying to meet God half way will leave you burned out and discouraged. God meets you where you are.

Who You Are

    Have you ever felt yourself come alive? What was the context of that moment? Who, what, when, where and why? This is a great indicator of God's direction for your life. I just had one of those moments today.

    I've always been passionate about deliverance and had a desire to help people with addictions and sexual strongholds, etc. I even created webpages and myspace page (back in the day) and tons of other things to help birth this passion. But a few turbulent seasons later and I didn't even think about it anymore. I guess life started getting in the way.

    Today I happen to catch "It's Supernatural" with Sid Roth. I love that show! I love it because it's always packed full of supernatural testimonies about God doing the impossible. It fills me with faith and hope! Today his guest was an elderly couple teaching on deliverance and something happened inside of me. I felt it, a match was lit and a tiny fire started again. God must be calling me back, calling me to remember this passion that has been neglected and pushed into a forgotten hall closet.

     Since the show, and the renewed stirring of my spirit in this area, I've gone back and read over my old websites and deliverance posts and wow! I had forgotten about the revelation God had poured out of me. That was such a powerful season in my life. I think there are many reasons why it got left behind. 1) I let other people get in my ear. When you let others into your ear you are in danger. Many want you to look like them and their opinions will discourage you and change your God given direction. Be careful who you listen too. 2) I think hurt and pain caused me to grow weak all around, and this got a hit along with other things. 3) I got married, bought a house, health issues, bounced around a few churches...life happened. 4) I think God had other plans for me. I published 3 books (writing, designing, editing etc). 5) There were some people I needed to let go of that were attached to that season, but now I can come back fresh.

        One thing is for sure, I'll be connecting with this passion again with new pieces to the puzzle. It's weird how life will cause you to forget who you are, what you love, and what God's already spoken to you about when it comes to your destiny. But then, God, in His faithfulness, gives us these divine moments where someone's fire helps start ours again. My fire has helped light a few people's fires (praise God), but I'm so thankful that other people have kept their fire ablaze because it has encouraged me and lit my dimming flame so many times as well. We need each other! :-)

       I'm excited to start editing, and working on my old website. I renewed the site address and everything. Go figure the timing! I had been getting notifications that the domain was going to be shut down if I didn't renew it. I had five days left and have been tossing and turning about it. I was about ready to let it expire. Then today, the last day until expiration I end up seeing this couple minister in the area of deliverance. There is no way I could let it expire after that. I'm too energized and pumped and fueled. A forgotten treasure has been pulled out of the closet and dusted off ! Thank you Jesus! God is so powerful and planned, that everything is on His time table. That couple didn't know or even care what day God caused the show to air, or where I'd be at the time, but He had me walk past it and my spirit grabbed hold and had to watch. Also, the Jonie Show was discussing the same topic. God is so detailed that He hits dozens of birds with one stone. Nothing is for nothing. Everything is for something.

    

What can I bring

Dream 5/24/13

I dreamed my husband and I were sitting next to John Osteen. It was John, Me and Chris sitting next to each other at the top of a huge stadium. John Osteen was my husband's spiritual father in the dream. We were overlooking an event taking place. This event was called "The Story" (The Story is a musical production that tells the entire story of the Bible through song from start to finish). As we were watching from above the dream changes and I see John sitting next to another man with darker hair that appeared next to him. They begin discussing the audience size. (When they said this I saw all the seats, some places were full but lots of empty seats too).  John said the problem was that people weren't staying till the end of "The Story". They were getting up and leaving early, that's why there were so many empty seats. Then the dreamed changed again and my husband and I were sitting next to John Osteen again at the top of this stadium. John looks at us and asks us to pray for his voice (because it was sick, hoarse, fading etc). We told him we would and I felt honored and humbled that he was asking us to pray for him.Then I woke up.

I will confess

"For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord", and you forgave the iniquity of my sin." - Psalm 32:4-5 ESV

     When you are in relationship with Jesus, hidden sin will weigh you down. God's hand is upon us, beckoning us to release it to Him. Confessing our sins brings healing and wholeness into our lives. The beautiful thing is, when we confess our iniquity, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us.
     Never mistake the weight of God's hand upon you as condemnation. The enemy of our soul would love that, but it's a lie. God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness when we confess them to Him.
     The more your relationship with God grows, the quicker you will be convicted. Things you did without a second thought will now cause a second thought and even stop altogether. You will know immediately when you shouldn't have done something. Instead of walking around feeling the weight of your mistake you will learn to repent quickly and move on. Confessing is not something to be ashamed of. It's empowering. The quicker you release it, the quicker you can move on.
    Let God know you agree with Him, "Lord I know I messed up. I know you are asking me to release it to you. I hear you. I agree. Help me do it." God's not scared of our struggles. He just wants to know we agree with Him about it. I've often told God, "I know this wrong, I agree with you. Help me rid of it." God's peace, healing and presence surround the issue to set me free.
      Jason Upton says, "Do you want more of God's glory? Then uncover more of your weakness. What we cover God will uncover, but what we uncover His grace will cover." Powerful! And it's the truth. When we confess our mistakes God covers us. But when we hide our monsters we risk God uncovering them because He wants us free.
       In all things run to God, not away from Him and He will cover you. 

Full Attention by Jeremy Riddle

Unrefined

      Some of the paths God has had me travel over the years have led to my research in "clean-eating". Clean eating is when you go back to the basics, eating foods that are unrefined, fresh, and clean of any chemicals. It's organic. Did you know that regular white salt has almost zero health benefit, but unrefined salt that is cloudy gray, sometimes red or even blue is full of minerals that most American's are lacking? I've also studied many health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, but again, not any ACV. It has to be raw and unfiltered.

     Just as food loses it's nutritional value the more it's processed, so does spiritual content, whether it be books, music, sermons etc. We strip the anointing and power when we over produce it. This is why I've been a fan of raw, spontaneous worship, independent books etc . Things that have been under produced, untouched and unrefined. Every time we run something through our process of refinement we strip it of it's health benefit whether spiritual or physical.

     I've had to be careful about this with my books as well. It's tempting to give into the pressure of over editing. There are so many people telling you what needs to be fixed that it's easy to keep stripping it down more and more until finally you have something boring, smooth and powerless. Everyone is different, but I personally like things that still have a few edges and are unpolished. The only refinement anyone or anything needs is the refinement that comes from the hands and spirit of God. But trust me when I say, what God refines is usually different then what we would refine. We polish things based on political correctness, sales and image. God's process has to do with hearts, not our fan base.

     We are a unique people, created for God's pleasure and purpose. Lets not lose what makes us special by "editing it out", by allowing ourselves to be over processed in the world's system. Though our edges may not fit in with the norm, it's the part of us that carries the anointing, it's the part of us that's capable of making positive change in the world, it's what makes us different.

    What in your life is over processed? What could you possibly leave alone and allow to be organic and exposed for the world and other Christians to gain from?  It's these things that bring about discipleship, growth and fruitfulness, not the smooth, perfectly manicured things we usually take pride in. 

Boundaires

   We can bring out the best in people or the worst. Are we provoking them to anger, or are we encouraging them to joy. When we have healthy boundaries and treat people with respect we bring out the best in them.

     On the other hand when we don't recognize healthy boundaries we provoke others to anger. The reason for this is because the other person feels they need to set up tougher boundaries for us to get the hint. When their sublet hints are not received, frustration builds and they become angry. The anger is an attempt to set up a clear and firm boundary.

     If we begin to see a pattern in our life where people seem to always be lashing out at us and getting angry, we may need to do some self reflecting. Are we knowingly or unknowingly stomping on other people's personal boundaries?

     Maintaining healthy boundaries helps maintain happy relationships.

_____ about it?

Misery into a ministry

      I've heard how God will turn my "mess into a message", "ashes into beauty" and "test into a testimony" countless times through my life. Yesterday, I heard a new one. God will turn our misery into a ministry. As cheesy as these sayings are, they are absolutely true. No doubt about it!

        Our biggest trails, hardest struggles and painful wounds have the ability to become the brightest and most colorful rainbows to the world around us.

        We don't choose our ministry, our ministry chooses us!

Pushing a parked car

       If you can imagine your gifts, talents, destiny, calling etc as a car for just a second. Many of us spend our whole lives in park, in our driveways. Why is this? I think it's because of our ideas about "waiting" on God. One thing is for sure, I'm all about waiting on God. There is no other way, but imagine trying to push a park car.

       There are those who slam on the gas and hastily go ahead of God and end up in "la la land", having to take u-turn after u-turn. Then there are those of us who are too careful and never push the gas at all. We may wash our car, keep it safe in our garage, even sit in it, but we never pull out of the drive way. We fear that we may go the wrong way, get a scratch or dent, or even an accident. We are safer in park.

      There is another way - neither racing ahead or staying in park. Taking your car out of park and driving slowly.  As you begin to drive you will start noticing road signs directing you about speed, direction, road closures, street names etc. obey and follow them it's God leading you. When you reach an intersection, pray. Then, continue forward in the direction you believe the Holy Spirit is leading.

       If your waiting for the full pictures before you begin, you will never begin. I haven't met anyone who has been given the full picture. God leads us a few steps at a time. So, drive the speed limit and obey the road signs to ensure safely reaching your destination. God puts signs up everywhere.If you get a flat tire, cracked windshield, run out of gas etc. God's set up "healing stations" along your journey. If you make a wrong turn you can always turn around. The key is to start moving, but keep your eyes on the road and pay attention to the signs.

Originals

      You were made an original. God made you and enjoys you. He enjoys the extroverts and the introverts. He enjoys the intelligent, the whimsical and athletic. He created us different for His own enjoyment and purposes. He does not want to change your personality.

       There is something that God wants to change. He wants to help us develop integrity and good character. He wants us to have a new nature. Not the sinful nature we were born into, but to walk in our new nature. The nature we were given when we were born again, when we came into a relationship with Him.  He wants to help us grow up spiritually, maturing in all things. He wants us to lay down things that will hurt others, Him and ourselves.

      Lets not confuse God creating us an original as Him approving of destructive things in our life. But lets also not confuse God wanting to mature us as Him wanting to change our personality. It's two very different issues. His goal and the goal of the Holy Spirit is to guide us, teach us and encourage us to look more and more like Jesus.

      Extroverts, imagine being at a party with only introverts. Athletes, imagine being at a party with only artists. Whatever you see yourself as, imagine being somewhere with only people the opposite of you. Annoying, right? I'm more of an introvert and thinking about being surrounded by only extroverts forever is not an enjoyable thought. I believe God is the same way. He does not want to be surround by a bunch of one personality type. It would be excessive and frustrating. There is more joy, peace and productivity in variety. He takes pleasure in us the way He created us. In the same way we need to celebrate our differences and embrace each other in the unique way we are.

      Athletic men can't bash artistic men as if who they are is the only and best way to be. Same with extroverts and introverts, intelligent/brainy people and whimsical off beat people.  We have a bad habit in the church of trying to make people look like whatever we are instead of pointing them to Jesus. People end up mimicking and taking after the pastor's personalities because that's the approved way of being (In bigger churches this is not as big of an issue as much in smaller congregations).

     Let's remember, God enjoys those around us. He likes their personality and temperament. He created them. The only things He's changing and maturing have to do with character, love, faith, integrity, and our relationship with Him etc.

God's the potter

     God is the potter and only He knows when to test people or push them out of their comfort zone. Let us leave testing, stretching and molding to Him. He knows what people need. I heard a pastor speak on "testing" others. He said he's learned the hard way never to test anyone, because only God knows what tests people are able to pass. God sees our hearts and knows every detail about us. Only He knows what tests we are ready to take. If we are going to be arrogant enough to act like the Potter (God) then we have to be prepared for people to fail our tests. Only God knows what people are ready for. 

       I believe the same thing is true about pushing people out of their comfort zones. I often hear people say, "I'm going to stretch you a bit". I've even known extroverted people who try and change others to be like themselves. Again, we are not the Potter of other people. We don't have a right to push, stretch or test one another.

         We can encourage people and even push and stretch others in general, but to call someone out, pinpoint them in our thoughts as if we know what they need and dictate situations in their life is arrogant. It's us playing God. It ends up hurting people because we really don't know what others need, why they are the way they are, or what God is doing in their lives in this season. We only know what we see and feel, which is often half a picture.

       Let's learn to enjoy people the way they are. If we want to strengthen and disciple lets be general and not assume we know someone, especially if we don't have a relationship with them. If God wanted you to play such a role in someone's life He'd bless you with the intimate relationship needed to accomplish it. But most times we are taking on the Potter's role based on assumptions and not intimacy and truth.

        Think about your children or future children. Would you want a stranger disciplining them, dishing out tough love or giving them advice that could change their life? Probably not. You'd only want those who had a father's or mother's love to take on those roles. In the same way, we often want to test, stretch and push those we haven't been given a deep love for. Which makes our efforts more about satisfying ourselves and what we want to control in others and not about true discipleship.

He knows your name

 He counts the stars and calls them all by name. - Psalm 147:4 NLT

       This picture blessed me today. It reminded me that God knows the stars by name, so how much more does He know our name. He knows your name! God loves His creation. He loves the plants, the animals, the sky and oceans. The Bible says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 NIV

       I've read commentary that states that the word "world" is not just people, but literally the world and everything in it.  The Bible also speaks of God taking care of the flowers of the fields and feeding the birds. God loves and takes joy in His creation, but He takes even more joy and care of us, His children and heirs.  

        "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." -Luke 12:6 NIV

        When you read about God's love for creation let it show you how much God loves and tends to you, because you are worth more than many sparrows.

Colors, textures and densities

      Have you ever received a divine word from God at a conference or other spirit filled event? I've received a few over the years and every time I always "sorta-kinda" knew it was gonna happen. I knew because God's presence would rest on me before the event in a unique way. It's like I feel His hand and weight of his presence over me. I've learned over the years that this usually means He's going to speak to me through someone or do something unique with me.

      If you've never received a word from God don't fret. 1st maybe you've never gone to an event where people flowed in the Holy Spirit in this way. Try attending and see what happens. 2nd you don't need a word from anyone. God is more than willing to speak to you personally. Usually the words I get confirm what God has already been speaking to me , or help me get over something I'm stuck on and it brings healing and wisdom to a situation. But God's spoken to me personally and done the same things countless times. So don't feel discouraged if you've never gotten a word. I've learned that if you continually turn your ear to Heaven, if you tune your ear to His voice He will go the distance to speak to you.

         The most recent word the Lord blessed my husband and I with was from a John Paul Jackson conference. My husband and I knew God was going to speak to us through John Paul in personal way, but we didn't know what about. Then, John Paul before saying anything said he had a desire to share a quote from his book but didn't know why. It had nothing to do with his message that day. But he shared anyway. He read,  "Having been in God's throne room, I have seen creativity in it's finest form - creativity that embodies true, complete, full worship. I love artistic things. I love colors, textures, densities. I love all these things because I saw them there. A place where He dwells is moving, living, breathing creativity." - John Paul Jackson (7 Days Behind The Veil:Throne Room Meditations)  

        Our spirit rose up and grabbed it. This was a word for us. This season has been interesting to say the least. Many Christians do not understand my husband and I when it comes to clothing, decor and making things visually beautiful. I've always believed it was an extension of God's personality since He is the creator of all beautiful things. And we are both filled with Him.  But religious people would look down on it or label it as something it wasn't. I've actually been discouraged about it. So my husband and I have been praying and John Paul blessed us with this word. Peace filled my heart because God was confirming what we already knew He was telling us, but we doubted because of other's negativity. One word from God will set your heart free from words others have spoken and insecurity that arises. It's not just the word but the confirmation within your spirit. It's the divine moment when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has just spoken to you. It's powerful.

        Do you need a word from God? Do you need confirmation or encouragement? Seek Him in all you do and diligently pursue His presence and voice. When you do He will stop at nothing to make sure you know His heart toward a situation. He's always faithful.

A song in your heart

 

"Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Ephesians 5:19–20 (NIV)

When I first started going to church consistently in my teens, I would hear people talk about having a song in  your heart. I had lots of songs in my heart; I love music. But it wasn't until I was going through a struggle when I realized how powerful having the right song in my heart was. It's the inner voice singing to me, reminding me and encouraging me through tough situations. That's why it's important to pay attention to what we're listening to. What song do you want in your heart? Will it bless you and inspire you to hold on, or is it filling you with anger and sin? I usually have several songs in my heart, but there is usually one that ministers to me in a special way depending on the season I'm in. Right now that song is "Open Up Our Eyes" by Elevation Worship. What song/s make up your heart's playlist?

 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. - Colossians 3:16 NIV

I pray these lyrics empower you and minister to you in your struggles. Sing them and believe them!

"Greater is the one who's in us
Greater is the one who calls our name
He will never fail
Stronger is the one within us
Stronger is the one who fights for us
He will never fail
You will never fail

For Your love endures forever
Oh Your love endures forever
Open up our eyes, surround us with Your light
Your love endures forever

Mighty is the one who's for us
Mighty is the one who's strong to save
He will make a way
You will make a way

For Your love endures forever
Oh Your love endures forever
Open up our eyes, surround us with Your light
Your love endures forever

Our God is fighting for us always
Our God is fighting for us all
Our God is fighting for us always
We are not alone, we are not alone

Our God is fighting for us always
Our God is fighting for us all
Our God is fighting for us always
We are not alone, we are not alone
We are not alone, we are not alone

For Your love endures forever
Oh Your love endures forever
Open up our eyes, surround us with Your light
Your love endures forever"

Prayer

This morning I came across this and it reminded me of my Prayer Paves Roads blog. Check it out if you haven't. I love how God shares revelation with everyone. It's all about relationship. Build some highways, and pave some roads with your prayers.

Share less, Believe more

     How do you live a radical life? How do you stay in faith about your situations? Tune out the world! We must learn the art of "selective hearing". Even Christian can discourage us without meaning to, by simply trying to be "realistic" and "state the facts". I've learned to keep a lot to myself, not because I don't want to share, but because I don't want other people's opinions to affect my faith.

       I don't want someone to "state the facts" because God can change the facts. I don't want someone to be "realistic" because the spiritual realm is more real. God is supernatural. He brings the super in this natural place. My mind can worry, think of all the risks and be real enough on it's own. I don't need to hear it from others. So, I keep certain things to myself.

       I can't tell you how many times I've shared a situation, and what I was believing God to do with such excitement, only to hear a Christian say, "make sure you have a plan B" or "Well worst case scenario you could always..." and when I tell them they've discouraged me they say they were only being "realistic". Talk about draining all my enthusiasm and anticipation on God. So becareful what you share and guard your treasures.

      You and God are a majority. You don't need tons of people to believe in faith with you. If you can't resist and have to share make sure it's someone as radical and crazy as you are, otherwise you risk them popping your balloon.

       
      

Shake the dust off your feet

     God knows the who, what, when, where and why for each of us. He picked you for HERE and NOW. When we live knowing this it changes what we expect and tolerate. This is our season! Our whole life is one big divine appointment! We were born for this! We should expect open doors! It's our time! The Bible says God knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper us and not harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future (Jer.29:11). It also says He predestined our time and place. We were born for such a time as this.

     If we really believed and understood that our life is on purpose and not by chance, we wouldn't stick around and waste time in places we didn't have favor. We wouldn't hang around people who didn't receive us with goodness and gladness. The apostles knew this well. If a city or town did not receive them they moved on and shook the dust off their feet (Matthew 10:14). 

     It's not hard to tell if a person, or group of people's hearts are hardened toward you. Our problem is in thinking time will change them and one day we will be accepted. This is usually not the case and we waste days, months and even years in places we really aren't appointed to be, when instead, we could move on and land in a place that has an open heart toward us. It's nearly impossible to move forward, bloom and be productive when you're coming up against hardened hearts. Only God can soften and open hearts. 

       The biggest life lesson and spiritual lesson I've learned is to quickly recognize hardened hearts and have the courage to get out of there. I've wasted many years waiting around as if time would change someone's attitude toward me but time does not change hearts, only God can. 

      If this is your season, if God predestined your time and place, then surly He has a path for you which consists of open doors. The problem is we stick around in places and with people for far too long. If we'd be courageous enough to keep seeking God and shake the dust of our feet, we'd find doors that truly are open to us and people who truly do want us around. We all have a set of open doors in our life, but we have to be willing to leave hardened places behind. 

       Don't be discouraged by hardened hearts. Look at it as direction. Look at it as God's goodness. Hardened hearts allow you to recognize closed doors. Therefore, you can move on with your life. It's a blessing. 

          Learn to shake the dust off your feet.

       
       

Divine Plan

Higher,Wider,Deeper