Thank you to my new friend, Korri

I was doing some reading today on Facebook and one of my teenage friends had the verse below on her 'about' page. 

Friends, I truly believe this verse speaks for itself. If there is an area in your life that you have grown tired of doing good, let's return, repent, renew ourselves with this word and get ready to reap the harvest that is to come. If you haven't grown tired then, by all means, get ready for your harvest is coming! 

Never give up, never give in, fight to win-hey! I have that old cheer running through my head.

Father, we choose today to continue our journey with You to be healthy emotionally, financially, physically, mentally, spiritually, relationally and in our character. Holy Spirit continue to guide us into doing what is good for ourselves and others. Father, do not be slow in releasing the blessing of harvest. I ask You to send full harvest blessings upon those who read this, for Your name's sake and for Your glory.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Galatians 6:9 NLT

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good, At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Seen Any Lions?

Are you struggling with ‘too much’ of something? For the past several months, I have been struggling with too much of something that does not benefit me in any way. It not only doesn’t benefit me but when I operate in this too much I find myself feeling disappointed, unfaithful, swollen, lethargic, heavy, frustrate because I gave into my flesh, irritable, and more.

Gluttony in itself is a very dangerous demon, and the Bible states glutton is “a character trait of an evil person, and it instructs people to stay away from gluttonous individuals. Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat (Proverbs 23:20)”. Dictionary.com states that a glutton is a person who eats and drinks excessively or voraciously and a person with a remarkably great desire or capacity for something: ‘a glutton for work; a glutton for punishment’. There is a good article to read on glutton at http://www.ehow.com/info_8529294_scriptures-deal-gluttony.html?ref=Track2&utm_source=ask

Most people think of food when the word is used, but today I would like to try to open our minds to the possibility of how gluttony works in other areas as well. Maybe your struggle is not eating too much which is the true intent of the meaning of glutton. Maybe your struggle is talking about people, lust, pornography, telling lies, mean/hurtful words or actions, negativity in your mind/mouth/actions, selfishness, money, overspending. Or maybe you struggle with giving to others yet neglecting your family, not being willing to submit to the leader/authority over you, pride, homosexuality, adultery, fear, anger, listening to music that eats at your very being/morals/beliefs, not communicating with God daily, alcohol, or even one I haven’t mentioned.

The reason people fall victim to temptations is failure to make the cut between your thoughts and imagination when it comes to destructive thinking habits. Just having a thought about a temptation is not a sin. However, when you start indulging your imagination about that thought, involving your heart and emotions by picturing yourself engaged in that act, that is when it gives birth to sin. (http://www.takebackyourtemple.com/how-to-be-set-free-from-gluttony/). I would like to add, not only picturing ones-self or indulging our imagination about that thought, but actually engaging our body and soul to fulfill this action promotes that sin to grow.

I know what the above statements are like all too well. I love certain foods. I have said and known that certain foods are dangerous for me. I have stated to friends that I should not go to places to eat like that. Don’t you know that I have been to places like that 4 times in the past month? Oh sure, I could choose to eat something different there and not indulge and I did the first and second time I went there. The last four times though I have given myself over to eating other things offered instead of staying on the right eating path of eating until I was satisfied. I made a conscious choice the last 4 times before I went that I was going to eat as much as I wanted. I had a friend email me several months ago and asked me six questions. I wrote her back and answered them as honestly and humbly as I could. The questions are below and in my next blog I will share the answers I wrote then and the answers to questions 3, 4, 5, and 6 that I am living out and want to live out in my future.

1.     When did you start?

2.     How much exercise do you do and what kind do you do?

3.     How do you fight the addiction itself to food?

4.     Do you think you have conquered #3?

5.     Are you planning this as a lifestyle, or just until you want to get to your goal weight?

6.       How do you handle going out or dinner with people?

I hate to admit these things because it saddens me to know that I allowed gluttony (that lion that lurks on the side of my road to holiness) to take me off and distract me from my highway to holiness God has laid out before me. Yep, as much as I hate that I do it, I continuously I give myself willingly over to temptation to eat more than I need by looking at this ugly lion dangle objects I really enjoy but have no benefit to me when consumed in excess. I often follow these desires to have more food-way more than I need. I am not feeling condemned right now. I am saddened and repentant. Condemnation brings no life to my very being yet conviction causes me to cry out for deliverance in this area once again.

This morning I have been reading a few articles on gluttony and most of them say that in the Christian realm, gluttony is the most accepted/overlooked sin. I walked in gluttony with regard to food for years and my body revealed the results of it. Please take the time to read http://www.takebackyourtemple.com/how-to-be-set-free-from-gluttony/. It is a very good read and it did not make me feel condemned after reading. Actually, I felt very enlightened and encouraged to repent and do better after reading this article. Give it a read and tell me what you think.

Thanks for reading. I pray today you walk ‘too much’ of: Father God, His presence, His security, His strength, His wisdom, His healing, His anointing, His favor, His love, His kindness, His patience, His joy, His Spirit, His self-control, His faithfulness. I pray you also walk in ‘too much’ of His kindness, His peace, His wisdom, His revelation, His knowledge, plain and simple. I hope you walk on the Highway to Holiness He has call YOU to and not even look to the left or the right at the ‘lions’ who are seeking you to destroy all His goodness for you today.

Instead of being gluttons for punishment, let’s be accused of being a glutton for relationship with God, Jesus and Holy Spirit. 

Let us also not be distracted by the lions on the side of our highway to holiness but look to the Lion of Judah Who has good things stored up and ready to give out to us.

FRESH MINT

Ahhhh...life is strolling along at a nice fall pace. Fall is my most favorite time of the year. Although I must admit, I do not care for the rain that accompanies it. I just uploaded some photos on Facebook and they will be available for public viewing until this Friday if you would like to take a look at them just copy and past above: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4924228262936.2199558.1215242366&type=3

I just picked up a couple mint and basil plants to have growing in my house through the winter. It is almost time to bring in my flowers as well. We must be living for our today and making plans at times for tomorrow and that is why I purchased the new plants. I love fresh mint in a salad or water and basil is just plain good in salad or other foods. I love having the fresh ingredients as compared to the dried up ones.

This kind of reminds me of reading my Bible, praying or doing what is right...I would rather have fresh ideas come straight from heaven than dried up ones that don't have as much flavor. Dried up ones might be traditions or practices we are supposed to be moving out of to make place for the new ones...can you think of any in your life that are dried up physically? emotionally? financially? mentally? spiritually? relationally? and in your character? Well, I can and not the ones you need to change (wink) but the ones I need to change.

Just recently, I started taking classes at our churches institute. This may not seem like a huge deal to you, but I have not been in a classroom setting since my few, brief moments in college. These classes are legit with test, quizzes, homework and even credit hours. I was feeling so apprehensive because tests and quizzes just cause me to cringe inside. However, I can and do believe for my friends and husband to do well in their classes and remind them a lot not to forget to rely on Holy Spirit for the answers because He has them all and they have studied. Well, now I have to rely on Holy Spirit in the same way: to help me remember everything I read and study to do well in the class.

In taking the classes I am growing mentally. The Bible states that we love ourselves when we grow in wisdom. There are many types of wisdom we can grow in, and taking a class or two is just one. I keep reminding myself I love myself when I get a little anxiety and apprehension trying to butt into my life.

Anyway, it is fresh and new for me, which tastes good and actually helps me to feel good which I believe helps me to actually see the fruit of loving myself. You probably would not notice a difference in me, but I do. I have been so cautious about taking classes, but when it comes to leading worship, sure that is a no brainer. All I have to do there is plug into God and operate where He has called me and since I have been doing it for years it comes easier. Now taking classes on the other hand, having fresh revelation/homework/tests/quizzes and more now that is a little harder. As I said earlier, fresh is always best.

I was feeling pretty dried up in regards to learning new things, but now, I am sensing and seeing fresh water and oil from heaven poured out on me. That is a good place to be in. I just had the thought of making fresh pesto. You take fresh basil and add it with olive oil (you can add other things too) and walaah you have a tasty treat for bread or a salad. That is exactly what Christ does for us as we seek fresh things from Him, which may include us taking classes and stepping out of our comfort zone. He supplies His oil and then walaah a beautiful 'Christ-like pesto' to go with anything.

I hope you have a fresh day combined with fresh oil from the Lord so you too can be spread out on others and yourself to make a flavorful day.

Want to read something really incredible head on over to:http://garethpeck.com/

Let Us, Lettuce

1 Chronicles 18:20 “Be strong and courageous and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord thy God is with you. He will not fail You or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the temple of the Lord is finished correctly.” That is a big chunk of meat to chew on today. It’s like a big ole juicy steak! Yum!

We can do this! I love encouraging people with those four simple words. We can do this. People encourage me when they say things like, “Wendi, you can do this. God has equipped you with strength and courage so you can do your work today emotionally, financially, physically, mentally, spiritually, relationally, and in your character. God is never failing and is working for you to make sure your temple (everything I am) is finished completely and correctly.

I like to relate the principles in the Old Testament and New Testament to areas in our lives. The following verses I am writing about are not completely written out, would you look them up and enjoy them with me? Do you see how the temple talked about in the Old Testament can so relate to our lives?

21 Leaders, priest and others with special skills of every kind will come and help serve the Lord by ministering to our broken vessels/temples to bring honor to His name. God is sending us help through all types of mediums, means, and people. Though we may be young, inexperienced and the work ahead of us is enormous we are still called to build, construct, tend, guard, etc. the temple foundations, floors, ceilings, rooms and more.

We all have work that needs to be done in most of the areas of our lives so we could say we  are living in the construction zone. Now, that often brings less than favorable thoughts of construction zones. This I know for sure, God is calling us to construct, build, tear out, gut, refurbish, refurnish many areas of our lives and it may often look like a construction zone. It also may take a long time for the project to be complete. I can relate and often resemble this statement.

This vessel or temple we live in is not just another temple or building, it is for God Himself. 29:2 We have every resource available through God and His fantastic plan for our lives. So many times though we don’t want to start/continue/finish the construction/deconstruction/refurnishing/refurnishing because we are waiting for the same provisions God has given others in our situation. We are all unique vessels. Sure God can use the same provisions and tools to accomplish His purposes in many people’s lives. The key is to listen, hear, obey and do what He has called us to do, the way He wants us to do it. If we should happen to stumble and fall or even completely turn in the opposite direction of His leading then we simply turn ourselves around/pick ourselves up through repentance and seek His help again for sure footing. The way sister Sami and brother Bubba accomplished the will of the Lord for their lives may not necessarily be the complete and perfect will of the Lord for our lives. Yes, dear ones, we can and should glean from sister Sami and brother Bubba’s examples, but ultimately we are to look around our lives and use the equipment, plans, ideas, supplies, and resources HE has already gathered and placed in our treasuries-heart, mind, body, emotions, spirit, character, finances, drive, will and more. Instead of the next ‘get rich quick, lose 10 pounds in 3 days, this drug will cure your every ache and pain scheme or plan’ let’s determine to utilize the resources God has already given us and begin the necessary changes or construction to our temple/body/mind/spirit/finances/emotions/character/etc. – all of us.

God has supplied ENOUGH for us to begin our journey, stay the course of the journey and complete the journey. Enough. (vs.6)

Let us also consider giving willingly to others by contributing precious and vast quantities of wisdom/knowledge/gifts/ears to hear/etc. Some may need these items to begin, continue, or complete their journey. What we generally tend to think about giving is our money. This isn’t my specific point. We need to be open and willing to give away anything God puts His finger on and says, they need _______. Let’s think of ways we can give from the wisdom He has given us and invest it into their lives. Here’s an idea: what kind of words are we able to give to those around us that will aid them along the way to better health emotionally, financially, mentally, physically, spiritually, relationally and in their character? What gift of time, talent, resources, or money can we give today that will be a specific source of comfort or encouragement to those strategically placed in our lives? (Change Your Life Daily, Emotional page, Becky Tirabassi) Let us give freely and wholeheartedly all the materials, ideas, talents, etc. we have for these gifts have come directly from Father to us and not just for US but others as well. (vs. 16) May the materials we have gathered and been given from Father be used for the building/edifying/beautifying of these temples He loves to operate in and through in order to bring honor to His holy name.

(vs. 17) When He examines our hearts I pray He finds integrity, good motives and that we have given our gifts willingly and joyously to Him, others, and ourselves. If we are not doing this then I pray we would be quick to repent, return, rely and recover. (vs. 18) May we always be willing to obey Him and may our love for Him never change in any way except to grow deeper daily. (vs. 19) May we wholeheartedly desire to obey and follow all His commands/directions/decrees/principles and commit to building our temples for Him and through Him. Through Him, all preparations have been made.

(vs. 22) Today let us choose to crown Him King in every area of our lives. Let us also allow Him (23) to take the throne in every area emotionally, financially, physically, mentally, spiritually, relationally and in our character thus allowing Him to prosper Himself greatly in and through us. Let’s once again pledge our loyalty to Him in our ways exalting Him over anger, bitterness, disappointment, hate, dislike, scorn, fear, debt, selfishness, stubbornness, rebellion, as well as refusal to do His will, greed, gossip, slander, false accusations, lust, pride, gluttony and more.

God has so much stored up for us and at our disposal, but we must keep this in mind: what He has stored up for us may not be like what He has stored up for others. One treasure may not seem like treasure to someone else. The treasure He has for us may not necessarily be the kind of treasure we want or even THINK we NEED.

Romans 5:6 Jesus came for us. He knew we would need Him. He also left Holy Spirit here to help us through good times and bad. Jesus came for us even though He knew we would continuously choose to do our own thing and prefer our will to His will. Jesus makes us right before God though and that is something worth shouting about.

Psalm 15:1-5 Today let’s choose to lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from a sincere heart. Let us refuse to slander others or harm our neighbors/family/friends and refuse to speak evil of their friends. Let’s choose to honor faithful followers of the Lord and keep our promises even when it hurts.

‘Let us’ benefits (name a few on the lines below)…

1.       _____________________

2.       _____________________

3.       _____________________

Lettuce (Let us-get it?) benefits (name a few on the lines below)…

1.       _____________________

2.       _____________________

3.       _____________________

I Choose Life

I just read the Living by the Law blog entry at http://kathyshcgfamily.blogspot.com/. I have to say this was most encouraging to me today. I had a situation happen with a close friend and I have been running it over in my mind seeking God's will. Holy Spirit is so great, this is what He gave me and I wrote in my journal today:

I cannot and will not enforce my laws/beliefs/concerns/choices/decisions on everyone around me. This is MY CHOICE. I cannot and will not get frustrated when people choose to do/say/react/think something different from what I believe. I know what helps me to stay healthy emotionally, financially, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I need to continually see/act/live my life as a healthy person - the way God wants and has called me to be healthy and NOT the way others want me to be healthy/think/live/believe/feel/say/react. This has to be my way of life - my life with my new heart (mind, soul, body)...my changed life.

Life is made up of choices. 

I choose life. 

I choose life. 

I choose life.

I will rise above my feelings and desires to lash out and choose to give myself and others LIFE and have LIFE flow in and out of me.

Moment by Moment

1 Chronicles 11:5-12:18

We have countless enemies (thoughts in our minds, evil spirits whispering in our ears and even people who say uncaring things to us). Have you ever heard any of these thoughts, whispers and words?

·        You will never overcome this area in your life.

·        You will never conquer this.

·        You will always be like this.

·        You will not be completely set free.

·        You will never heal.

·        You haven’t changed yet so why bother now.

·        You will never change…permanently. I’ve told you before what you do wrong and you keep doing it.

·        You will always have a fat there.

·        You are going to fail.

            We have ALL heard these words or similar ones at some point in our lives if not daily. However, God…

God, today, in His infinite, matchless power longs for us to capture these thoughts, mindsets, words, enemies, habits, lies and lay them to rest. God desires to attack and demolish these areas head on thus making us the commanders over our mind, will emotions, body, finances, friendships, talents, time, etc. with Him as the King. He expectantly waits for these areas to be cleaned out completely so He may transform these once man-made/self-made and enemy-made fortresses into His fortress where His truth rings clear.

God is so loving, kind, and magnificent to long for us to be wholly His. He not only desires to transform our fortresses but also patiently stands by ready to extend our ‘city limits’ to reach into surrounding areas, capacities, regions connecting with other purposes, plans and people He has already placed before us.

God is prepared to rebuild and reconstruct these areas in our lives. He knows this will take time and He is eager to give us all the time we will permit Him. He knows this will take boundless endurance and perseverance and He has plenty of that as well. He understands the stretching, molding, and recreating process is often difficult yet He says He will make us strong in our weaknesses. He lovingly waits for us to seek Him to manifest and display His love. He loves it when we solely rely upon all that He has to offer us in our lives. He loves becoming more and more powerful within us, which brings glory and honor to His name.

Today, moment by moment, let us make conscious decisions to place Jesus, God and Holy Spirit as King in our lives. When these Three are reigning we are promised strength, wisdom, protection, guidance, love and oh so much more.

The Trinity (Father, Son, Spirit) graciously offer us abilities, talents, power, and so we can be made more and more in His likeness. When our trust and faith are in these Three, they grant us the capability to rise up as warriors to take lands and kingdoms once belonging to our flesh or the enemy of our souls. They assist by granting us the forte to hold our ground in the middle of life circumstances and devastate our enemies, even the falsehoods we ponder and contemplate.

God willingly saves us by giving us great victories because HE LOVES US.

Gatekeepers

Gatekeepers 1 Chronicles 9 & 10

Gatekeepers in the Old Testament held an office of great trust for they were responsible for the room and treasuries of the house of God. I too am a gatekeeper in an office of great trust for I am responsible for the ‘rooms’ and ‘treasures’ in this earthen vessel, my body, soul and spirit, which I live in. I am responsible for caretaking, the upkeep, and the continual pursuing of God’s will for the rooms in my life: healthy living, worship, hospitality, discernment, tongues, interpretation, prophesy, knowledge, relationships, revelation, wisdom and more. I am responsible for taking care of all the coming in and going out of the gateways in my life: hearing, seeing, touching, feeling, thinking, smelling, walking, speaking, expressing, and more. I am NOT saying Holy Spirit, God and Jesus have nothing to do with any of this. I am saying I have responsibilities as well.

So often times I have treated these rooms with contempt, disrespect, desensitization and even lack of care, precaution, or maintenance. My heart’s cry is for God to once again, cut the ‘fat’ from my life. My spirit desires to care and tend for the things of God genuinely and carefully. Yet my flesh does not always desire to be diligent in the preservation of the rooms/gifts/ideas/talents/etc. He has so freely given me. My flesh is weak but I know in my weakness, He is strong if I allow Him to be. I confess my true need for Him to be stronger, for sin to be broken. I need God to stir within me the willingness to return to His direction, repent from doing intentional and unintentional wrongs, rely on Him-not myself, and allow myself to recover, to heal.

Gatekeepers were also responsible to open closed gates. Right now, in the name of Jesus Christ, through the guiding of Holy Spirit Who hears from Father, I open the gates of obedience, right choices, praise, intercession, wisdom, knowledge, understanding, revelation, health, salvation, tongues, interpretation, exhortation, proper time use, prayer, ministry, life, prophesy, discernment, faith, miracles, signs, wonders, healthy decisions emotionally/financially/physically/mentally/spiritually. I also open the gates of speaking/teaching, writing, songs, jobs, helping others, service, ears to hear, eyes to see, full understanding of ALL AUTHORITY we have, repentance, mercy, godly behavior, visions, dreams, victory, rescue, wealth, good news, comfort, release, favor, freedom. I open the gates of beauty, joy, justice, peace of Israel, renewing of covenants broken, righteousness, yearning hearts for God and His kingdom, burning hearts, God’s glory, light that penetrates darkness, rain, reign, honor, splendor, power, might, goods to satisfy our needs and desires, and peace. I open the gates to land possession and repossession, eagerness to see Jesus as King instead of sin, direction, ability to understand the temper of the times and know the best course to take and walk in it. May the gates of skilled warriors that are fully prepared, armed for battle with complete loyalty to God, bust wide open. Open the gates for shields, spears, training, preparation, every kind of weapon to be open and available. I open the gates of single-mindedness, single-purpose, feasts, drinks, supplies, celebrations, words of knowledge; invitations to join the kingdom heard and obeyed, singing, music, musicianship, prayers answered, physical/emotional/spiritual/mental/financial manifestations of God’s kingdom, and spiritual blessings.

Today I open these gates and so many more upon your life, the lives of others and myself.

I also shut, block, lock, obstruct, conceal and hinder all gates that are contrary to the above open doors in the name of Jesus Christ.

It’s time for us to open the gates and shut the gates daily. It is our responsibility. God will do His part we must do ours.

As gatekeepers, we are to BE on guard as well. If you have time, would you do a word study on BE. (I will be sharing a word study I did on that little word soon.) Though it is small, it packs a powerful punch. That little word is life changing or can help you to change your life with Christ beside you all the way. Guard the gates, we cannot just open them and leave them at any time. If we do leave the gates unattended we can repent, receive forgiveness, and refuse to give up any more ground. We are to guard these treasures/gates close to our hearts.

As gatekeepers, we also need to complete a daily, if not moment-by-moment, check in and out list of the things entering and exiting our lives. Check ourselves inside and out and care genuinely for the various utensils/gifts/talents/abilities and more He has given us. We should be daily checking and caring for the furnishings, supplies, bread (Bible), spices, incense, thoughts, etc. We can do this. Check everything in and out, so as nothing is misplaced, stolen, executed, or destroyed.

We can ask ourselves “is there anything that was once alive or had some life in it that I would like to have back?” If the answer is yes, let’s examine our hearts, motives, actions, words and more to find where we have been unfaithful, disobedient or where/when even consulted others without even consulting the Lord for guidance. Let’s repent, return to the original journey, rely on Him to get us back on track, refuse to stay in the wrong behavior, and allow ourselves to recover.

Let’s BE QUICK to return, repent, rely, and recover. 

I'm So Proud of You!

What's inside

is coming outside

cuz' I got Jesus pride

watching your stride

bein' His bride

walkin' by His side

rollin' with His tide

arms open wide

knowin' He's your guide

in His vine you abide

like it's a ride

all because He DIED!

BURIED

ROSE

ASCENDED

COMING BACK AGAIN

PROVIN' SATAN LIED!!!!!!

For my sister, Angela Dilley, who has been completely smitten with Jesus, God and Holy Spirit.

I really do forgive...now TRUST that's a different issue...

A friend asked me this question above...my response is truly me being real...no fluff...

Forgiving myself and God...oh yes...those are toughies. To me though forgiveness is not the issue as much as the trust that has been broken and knowing it may or may not be restored. Forgiveness though hard, it very rewarding. Well, that is what I have found and I have also found it is the most beneficial for my life. When I am able to forgive myself and God I am able to truly love His people, all of them. I'm still learning in this area.

This was especially hard for me when Keven _____________ years ago. I was mad/angry/full of rage at God and Keven and everyone knew it. Years of healing...still healing but the forgiveness is there. Forgiveness was always there. Trust was not. It is now. 

I know there are some areas I just simply cannot be trusted with so I have put a lock and key on them. One example would be, sugar. I have NO self-control when it comes to that. I have years of experience, pictures, past health issues and more as proof. I cannot be trusted. I can be forgiven and am, but trusted with it, no way. So I do my best to keep myself - or should I say - avoid every appearance evil (it's evil in my life). Yep. The only thing that has the minutest amount of sugar in it is my Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing and I only dab my fork, tap it on the side of the container and then poke my salad. It is just a danger for me. I have found with sugar out of my life I no longer crave the things of that type. Oh thank You Jesus. This isn't a lifestyle for everyone...it's God's lifestyle change for me. I did have pineapple at Thanksgiving and oh my, that was a delight to my whole being, a party in my mouth! woot! I desired it for days. I didn't have anymore though. I can have more but I know it will cause me to hunger and thirst after it...I prefer not to hunger and thirst after it...I want to hunger and thirst after other things of more value to God, others and me.

It's a journey. It's a process. It's about bringing balance into every area of our lives-emotionally, financially, physically, mentally and spiritually (EF PMS!). We can do this. He is our help. We can do this.

I have a Plan

Have a plan. 


Remember in the Bible when it says without a vision people perish? The PRINCIPLE of that verse can be applied emotionally, financially, physically, mentally and spiritually. 


i.e. You have a vision of being healthy. Seeking God every day for the plan to make this vision come to pass and utilizing what you have already learned will help is the best way to go. Stick with the plan so we don't have to feel bad/condemned. Yes, alter the plan when necessary but then get right back with the plan asap. The longer we are away from the original plan/design the harder it is to walk back to it. We start questioning, was that really the plan? and then it comes to, what was the plan? what plan? and on and on.

John 21:25 And I suppose that if all the other things Jesus did were written down, the whole world could not contain the books. 


WOW! Imagine with me doing so many wonderful things in a matter of 33 years that the world couldn't contain the books describing everything you have done. THAT my friends is more than I can imagine. Jesus did this to bring glory to the Father of heaven and so others could be with Them forever. 


I am reminded of something Jesus said in John 14:12, "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father." That is absolutely astonishing. We are to be doing the same things and greater things than Jesus and the world will never be able to contain the books telling about it. So, maybe we should get to writing books like my friends Timothy James McSwain, James Sheets, Cheryl Mason Thompson, Adrianna G Blanco, Pastor Kathy Sconyers Hill, Sandra Pavloff Conner, Todd Williams, and more. 


Maybe you do not want to write a book, how about an email/blog/letter/text? Tell the world what He is doing in your life. Let's bring glory to His name in EVERY possible way imaginable and when we can't imagine anything else, let's allow Holy Spirit to open our eyes to more incredible ways to share with others of the works/love/life of Christ in our lives.

My Birthday reading...

Luke 8:40-9:6 (change your life daily bible-nlt)

Prayer:

(40)Father God, there are people who have been waiting to receive Jesus with open arms and we need You to guide us to the other side of the lake (lake-where they are) to minister to them. God direct the YWAM teams to who has been waiting and who will receive Jesus with arms wide open. Oh, God meet their needs, wants and desires emotionally, financially, physically, mentally and spiritually. Father, show the YWAM teams and we Your children, Your special treasure, where the crowds are that will receive Jesus today. It was not just one or two people who were waiting for Him but crowds of people. We will go to the crowds and to the few. We have Your precious gift, Your Son, Jesus, to give to this world and so we willingly surrender our will to Yours to “Go, preach, teach, give, baptize, share, love, and more”.

(43-46)So many people in our lives are hemorrhaging physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and financially. God, please help us to be as full of You as Jesus’ was (and still is), that Your healing power would flow in, through and out of us to minister healing to those who are hemorrhaging in every corner of their lives. Help us deliberately touch people’s lives and open our eyes to see those who are deliberately touching our lives for words of encouragement, healing, support, love, affection, and more. We don’t need to feel this happening; we just need it to happen, for the glory of Your name. We need You to do it through us. We are willing to give You out of us to those You want.

(49-55)God, we as people often see things as dead, but help us to continue our journeys to go into the homes/lives of those who are hurting and speak these words “Don’t be afraid. Just trust Jesus and all will be well.” Cause us to take others by the hand and say, “Get up”. Now God, You have to do all the healing for we cannot. We are Your vessels, work in and through us. At the moment we speak “Get up”, may life return to these dead areas and for there to be a standing up and living in these areas like never before.

(1)You have called us and given us power and authority to cast out demons and to heal all diseases. You are the same God yesterday, today and forever.

We are to be telling everyone about the coming of Your kingdom and to heal the sick. (2)Father, we have been so lax in telling EVERYONE that Your kingdom is coming and healing the sick. I think we want the sick healed but we forget we should tell everyone – that means EVERYONE about the coming of Your Kingdom. Forgive us. Help us to purpose in our hearts and minds daily to do this. Remind us daily, Holy Spirit, to take advantage of the time we have on this earth to share with everyone about Your coming kingdom. Oh Father, how I long for this to be more than just a prayer to You. I long for change like this in every area of my life into a living, breathing, walking, talking example of Who You really are. I want to be doing this word. (6)Begin us anew in sharing the Good News with our circuit of friends, co-workers, people we meet on the streets and who we do business.

Psalm 71

(5)I have trusted You from childhood, though I have often faltered and You have been faithful. You have been with me from birth; from mom’s womb, You cared for me. No wonder I am praising You! (7)May my life be an example to many how You have been my strength and my protection. That is why I will never stop praising You. I declare Your glory all day long.

(9)I thank You that though we grow old You do not set us aside. You will not abandon them when their strength fails. (12) Hurry and help them Father. (14)I will continue to keep on hoping in Your help. (15) I will continue to tell everyone about Your righteousness and proclaim Your saving power. I am overwhelmed by how much You have done for me. I praise You. (16) I will tell everyone that You alone are just and good, help me to do this. (17)You have taught me from my earliest childhood and I have told others about the wonderful things You do. (18) Thank You for never abandoning me. I will proclaim Your power to this new generation and Your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

(20) You have allowed me to suffer hardship but You always restore me to life and lift me up from the depths of this earthen vessel I live in. (21) You continue to restore me to greater (and Your kids) honor and You comfort me. (

(22)I praise You with music because You are faithful to Your promises. I sing for You. (23)I shout for joy and sing Your praises, for You have rescued me and are still rescuing me! Woohoo!

NEW LAND!!!

I am so thankful for the ‘good land’ of health, journaling, Bible Study, prayer, healthier attitudes, and more I am living in. When I speak of land, I am talking about areas of my life that need to be changed, are being changed, and are changed and made new.

Picture with me if you will, flowing streams and pools of water with springs that gush forth in valleys and hills, full of ripe grapevines, a bountiful table set with beautiful delicious food (and not just food we eat but ‘food’ like – joy, peace, kindness, love, clear thoughts, creative ideas, etc.), a land that is lacking nothing. This land, my friends, is waiting for you and I. This land may be where you and I are at in certain areas of our lives. This land may be in the form of a new friendship, job, exercise, journaling, Bible reading, ministry, home, routine, eating habits, responding and not reacting, or more. We may also be right on the verge of stepping across the boundary line of our new lands.

We need to not worry and try to force our way into the lands in our lives that need change. We must be aware and acknowledge they need change. Once we have done that we can take the next step and ask (I ask God, for my help comes from Him-He has the best ideas and the best plans) ourselves what we can do to implement change – one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time. We must choose to celebrate (I prefer calling/texting a friend and then telling them of my little success and they ‘woohoo’ with me and celebrate with me).

Some ‘lands’ (habits, attitudes, mindsets…you get the picture right?) we get to enter right away but others may be conquered little by little because we need to settle in with the new land-cultivate it, survey it, measure it, find its ‘sweet spots’ and more. We must be willing to take the land quick. We also need to be open to take it slow and carefully. This way we can adjust to the new land and all it offers, so it settles deep within our heart, mind, will, body, spirit and emotions. Let’s take this journey together, shall we?

Let me add this one tiny thing (NOT SO TINY MIND YOU), we must be careful that in moving into our new land of health, new attitudes, new routines, and new habits that we do not forget the One who has given us the land and the ability to conquer it. It is His Spirit Who guides us in our decisions, if we let Him and ask Him to. It’s through reading His love letters to us (Bible) we hear and know His plans for us. It’s through prayer and growing in healthy relationships we learn even more and we are sharpened to be used to our maximum capabilities. It’s through journaling, writing down a plan of action in the areas of our lives that need to be changed (financial, mental, emotional, spiritual and physical) we document change, things that need to be changed and more.

Once we have ‘settled’ into our new lands or new life, thoughts, eating habits, etc. we must be so careful not to become proud and forget where we have come from – slavery. Yep, slavery. When we are at the point in our lives that we feel we are in so deep or we cannot change that is slavery. Slavery means to be dominated by another person, attitude, life style and more. Slavery is total subjection to a master. I can think of several areas I have PUT myself or should I say sold myself into slavery: overspending, eating, pride, selfishness, hate, anger and that is just to name a few. (I rejoice I have been made aware, asked for forgiveness with God and others, am turning around and have an action plan!)

We must remember. We must remember we have been led (or are being led or will be led) out of that darkness and not in our own strength and energy. I have many times in my life often forgotten or just flat out wanted to do what I wanted to do and chose not walk in these principles . . .arg . . .but I have found this one thing to be true: when I turn from doing what is wrong and do what is right, then ask for forgiveness, God forgives, heals, restores and helps me to conquer those lands again and more. He does all this SIMPLY BECAUSE HE LOVES ME and not only me, but you too. He chooses us and desires to LAVISH ‘His love’ on us. That, my friends, takes my breath away.  

Is there any area in your life that just doesn’t seem to be lining up with what inside you says is right? Would you mind breathing a prayer right where you are?

God, I see I need change. I need Your help to change. Be the change in me. Wendi says I can hear You, so please speak loudly and help my ears/heart/mind/spirit/emotions/will to hear what You are saying, and not the other voices that would try to overwhelm me. Thanks God. Amen.

Windows

I was thinking about some friends of mine today and that they are getting estimates on new windows for their living room. They need the new windows because the old ones are just about ready to fall out of their home, literally. The cost of new windows or repairing windows is incredibly expensive. My friends could go on and not replace the window. If they do not replace it will they have to consider if the cost of the window simply falling out of the house leaving a HUGE, GAPING hole would be worse than simply investing into a new window.

Some of us need new windows, maybe a new eyes view. We need new windows to be able to see better into this world and into God’s kingdom. The Bible talks about how we need to count the cost, Luke 14:28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?”

We all have areas in our lives that need repairs and much handiwork from God. The estimates for the repairs can seem to be very costly or they can be very inexpensive. We can rest in the fact that God desires all of us to be transformed and that He has enough grace, strength, power and money to make the changes HE desires.

As we choose to get, invest in, save for, or spend ourselves on, our new ‘windows’, our eyes and views in our household will be open to see differently in the natural and in the spirit. In addition, if there are any windows that need to be repositioned or just taken out completely (windows to bad attitudes, negativity, selfishness, anger, gossip, gluttony, fear, pornography, lust, greed, etc.) we need to be willing to allow the Lord to reposition or take out the window to the improper views. When we allow repositioning of the windows or even the extraction of the windows, it allows our ‘living room’ to be repositioned as well. God is looking at you and I waiting to bust open wide and reposition HIS LIVING room in our hearts. Woot!

I love to look through new or clean windows…how about you? Do you need a new window or one cleaned up?

Lamp, Lampstands, Exact Details

I am reminded of a song The Donut Man, Rob Evans, used to sing on the video The Donut Repair Club, “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds, and praise your Father in heaven. Mathew 5:16”. That is my prayer for every day, that His light may shine through me and people would be drawn ever closer to my Father.

Numbers 8: 1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 “Give Aaron the following instructions: When you set up the seven lamps in the lampstand, place them so their light shines forward in front of the lampstand.” 3 So Aaron did this. He set up the seven lamps so they reflected their light forward, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 4 The entire lampstand, from its base to its decorative blossoms, was made of beaten gold. It was built according to the exact design the LORD had shown Moses.

(vs. 2) Today, Father, I set You, my Lamp, in me, Your lampstand. I ask You to shine forward through me. I set Your word up in this lampstand (body, mind, spirit, emotions, will, and finances) and ask You to beam out through me and others who have placed You as their Lamp. Your Word IS a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and the paths of others. (vs. 4) Now God, I know You’ve made us beautiful lamps for Your glory, and we are covered with beauty, though we may not be wearing gold. Your lamps and lampstands were covered with gold. Cool. The gold was beat to make it more decorative and lovely. Hmmm…Sometimes, it seems like I am so beaten up. What I am finding joy in with this verse is that when the pounding or beating comes from You, this world, or the choices I make, You are making me more decorative, beautiful and lovely for Your glory! That is something that get me excited! I also rejoice because You have built and are building me to the EXACT design of YOUR heart, not my heart, but YOURS…woohoo! You never stop creating in and through Your kids.

God I know You are not only doing this in me but You are doing this in all Your kids who are willing to let You move in and through them.

I love You God,

Amen.

TREASURE (I'll tell you good bye)

I woke up this morning and heard the first two lines of the chorus below singing over me (you know, like in my head)...then I got the verse...I got out of bed and started working on it...it is now recorded...woot...

Verse 1

You are treasure in my life, Your smile always captures my eyes

Your words are full of tenderness, Your hands are soft and warm

Chorus

I'll tell you good bye when I'm leaving

Hello when I walk through the door

I love to hear your stories

Of Jesus' love and more

I'll carry your love forever

You'll always be near to my heart

I love you, my dear Aunt Frannie

I'll love you when you depart

From this side of life

Verse 2

Your beauty transcends the ages

For it comes from deep within

You give of yourself so freely

Like Jesus, you teach true livin'

Chorus

Bridge (sing 3x)

I'll hold your hand tightly

Kiss your head lightly

Sing sweet songs to you

Chorus

Verse 3

Your heart longs to be with Him

On this earth, you're getting so near

You continue to share His love hoping

All will know and hear

And be His children

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Beauty - Inside and Out...

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight...acknowledge (recognize Him, allow Him, accept Him, confess Him, grant Him). I know if I truly acknowledge Him in all my thoughts and all the words that come out of my mouth, my tones and words would be much sweeter to listening ears, my expressions would be more full of the grace of God, and I wouldn't be tempted as much if I just said before speaking to others, "God, I'm going to say or do this to this person or what do You want me to say or do for this person." 

So many times, I do not acknowledge Him and thus my path often leads me to cavernous places without a bridge to cross over to the other side. Sometimes I do acknowledge Him, but the Word says in ALL my ways acknowledge Him and straight will be my path. Sometimes I can understand fully why there is a huge cavern in my path because I didn't acknowledge Him.

This morning I woke up and opened my Bible to my daily reading and a scripture from yesterday's reading jumped off the page and hit me like a Mac Truck. Matthew 23:17 Jesus was talking to the Pharisees and teachers of religious law being like white washed tombs - beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity...

I would just like to look at the principle of this word: beautiful on the outside but on the inside filled with dead people’s bones (motives, thoughts, attitudes) and all sorts of impurities. I'm not feeling condemnation but am receiving some revelation that I soooo need to acknowledge Him in all my ways so He can make my paths straight and not bumpy, jagged, or without a bridge.

A.d.i.o. S.a.p.a.h.

Above
Down
Inside
Out


Set
A-
Part
As 
Holy

Juhssssss a lil' suhmpin' sumpin' from Holy Spirit for a friend...

Imagine with me if you will

 you and I in a lovely row boat 

with our parasol's and

1800's style dress and

lace gloves

rowing around casually

in the center of a lake

surrounded by several willow trees

just ever so sweetly blowing in the breeze

I gaze out to to the right of the boat and

begin to sing lightly

"You are so beautiful to me, can't you see?" 

tears flood both our eyes 

as we sit

thankful for the love we have for each other

 

Ok, now imagine with me if you will

how it really went down

you and I in a metal boat

orange life jackets on

floating out in the middle of the lake

because we dropped the oars

a couple hours ago

in the lake full of duck scum

and neither of us want to jump in

but we realize the boat is leaking

filling with water QUICKLY

but we both just laugh

(out loud)

tip the boat over

head for shore

by Wendi Ann Peck on Saturday, January 28, 2012