All Things Are Possible

Walls will Crumble

2008-10-19T14:08:00.004-04:00

I saw his kingdom hovering over the earth, with great clarity & new eyes as his power & revelation reminded me with certainty that his kingdom reigns over all the earth. Over good & over evil. The Lord reigns; He lives!
How has your love changed me Lord? My love has given you peace in your life. My love has healed you. My love has put your gift of compassion into action, & I am sending more opportunities for you to serve in this way. Be aware of those that distract you, but do not succumb. Search fervently for me, in the assignments I am about to send you & only do those assignments sent from me.
There will be a great turning & continued shaking of the earth. Just as the walls of Jericho crumbled, so will hardened hearts as my Spirit, my Love flows into every home & every heart. And My glory will rest on those who choose to do my will. On those who are Mine.
I saw the Spirit of God observing great & powerful leaders of nations, & he says; "Government is becoming increasingly evil & rotted with corruption, but do not be dismayed, for I am with you. I am closer than you could ever imagine."
At that I saw masses & hoards of angels depart from heaven, descending to earth, ordered to protect his people in these difficult times & times to come.
"Prepare prepare the way of the Lord, for my return is near. And at last you whom are Mine will see--every eye will see me decend from heaven on the clouds in all my glory for my people...my people will see the face of the One they have loved...the One they have trusted & we will embrace once & for all. For all the world to see..."

Lyrics I think would sound great sung by Demi Lovato.lol

2008-09-19T16:23:00.012-04:00

About Self

Im tired of cryin
Im tired of all the useless tryin
...just wanna believe
to the point that Im called naive
tho they dont know i see--
all the eyes that roll (in front of me)
...cuz they don't understand
that half the time I just pretend
for the sake of peace....
& its about time that I be
that I be, the real me

(accompanying music inspired by Camp rock, jonas brothers Demi Lovato, etc.)

Raising a preteen who's above & beyond the average intellectual, reasoning & social limits of ten...I've been pulled into watching more & more of these adolescent-friendly, emotionally driven movies & tv shows like cheetah girls, highschool musicals, camp rock & on...while she evaluates, critiques, justifies & sympathizes with each & every character, & their every move. I listen, amazed as I hear her differing views of rational & emotionally-driven behaviors...from a ten year old whose mind busily & accurately discerns various choices made on the parts of the characters. Much of the reasoning is beyond my immediate scope of preferred simplicity. Lets face it; my kid is a mini-adult. (some say mini-mel, but maybe not so. lol)
But besides all that, (& the fact that there will be no choice where university is concerned, that is for sure, lol)...my point is that no matter the script, the character, the fashion or characters in the movie...its all about Fitting in. Acceptance of self. Acceptance of others...& the good old rule, 'Treat others as you want to be treated'...while of course having some fun on the way. (again, of course:)

Other Christian parents seem shocked at some of our choices with Em. And thats their opinion, although, being a little less vocal about it, might save my blood pressure from rising. These choices I refer to are things so petty & normally non-issue, such as Bratz dolls, PG movies, selective secular music, wearing nailpolish at 8 yrs. & getting an extra ear-hole. Allowing her to attend the school dance, sleepovers & on & on. Ridiculously petty, non-life altering issues. Yes my daughter has heard the word shit. And many others. And probably said some of them at one time or another & so has nearly every other kid. But her soul isn't doomed by that. She loves her God deeply & her prayer life is inspiring. She's led several of her friends to the Lord, brought countless to church, & is the most compassionate, loving spirit I've ever known. "So, uptight, Christian parents, you need to relax. Wake up, your child is not going to join a cult if they want to wear a high school musical t-shirt or pierce their ears." Many people, let's face it; mostly terrible parents themselves, have over the years spouted their advice, opinions & 'answers' to questions I've never asked. So now in the same right, I am going to also share my insights, starting here.

See, this in my opinion, is how it should be: as Christians, we need to pay attention to what our kids are into & go with it....as silly or 'worldly' as it may seem. That said, of course with guidance & gentle correction where need be. Because there's a reason they're interested in these things & there's always a message behind it anyway...& its usually not much different than the message meant for us. Everyone wants to know more about themselves & how to live a good life, with good relationships. Life is life, whether from a godly view or world view, our kids are going to ponder both. I want my daughter to know the difference between the two...before she's out there on her own.

I believe there's a way to expose our kids to the world in a way that will prepare them, without fully surrendering them. Because, we do live here...so sheltering them from our surroundings will only prove harmful in the end. Kinda like a deer in headlights...the headlights of sex, violence, drugs, poverty etc. Too many Christian families live in fear; of their children conforming to an evil world or getting hurt by it...so they 'help them' turn a blind eye to the realities of life. With good intentions, these kids are kept safely in a bubble...& we all know kids like that...& there is NOTHING that is safe about it. We train & discipline our children up to know God, & to know/utilize their spiritual armor, while sometimes neglecting to arm them up with experience & knowledge; to be fully aware & aquainted with society's shortcomings, pressures & deceit. I worry for these kids. Because I was one of them. My parents certainly meant well...but it took a lot of heartache & tears from learning the hard way when some of it could have been prevented. If I had been more prepared.

Olivia Newton-John along with ALL fabulous pop music was forbidden in our home. But I found a way to listen to it anyway. Dance was of the devil too. But my friends & I still performed dance routines after school, even in front of the class. Rebellion? Maybe, likely. But not what I'm condoning. Kids are curious. Humans are curious, its our nature.

As human beings, with different countenances & giftings, personalities & interests, its up to us as parents to raise our kids up in their 'bent'. Some kids are affected more dramatically than others in different situations, so I'm not saying that listening to several genres of music is for everyone. Or that every child in a Christian home should have piercings, trendy clothes or take dance lessons.

Like Paul said, "Everything is permissable-but not everything is beneficial." (1 Cor. 10:23) My husband & I enjoying an occasional glass of wine or drink among friends responsibly, is in our opinion, a healthy way for our child to see first-hand how alcohol is meant to be used, so she's prepared to know the difference between that & alcohol abuse.

So many people wrapped up in the clutch of failed tradition & suffocating limitations as parents, aren't getting it--& not looking at the true picture. Real life...so quick to judge & correct. Perhaps it is I, a mother with effective parenting skills (& a great kid to prove it:), am the one who should be giving these rude, 'dillusional spouters' the parenting advice. Give me a call, if you're reading; I'd be happy to teach you a few things.

His creation before conception

2008-08-08T10:23:00.021-04:00

Romans 11:36

"For everything comes from him & exists by his power & is intended for his glory..."
(above fetus, 10 wks.)

Psalm 139:15

"You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb."

fetus hand, 11 weeks>>
Psalm 139:13

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body & knit me together in my mother's womb."

(21 wk. fetus' hand grasping doctor's finger; legally can still be aborted)

Psalm 139:16

"You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a Single day had passed."

Proverbs 16:4

"The Lord has made everything for his own purposes..."

Proverbs 31:8 (nlt)

"SPEAK UP for those who cannot speak for themselves;

ensure justice for those being crushed."

The Greatest of These

2008-07-16T20:45:00.009-04:00

James 1:27 (Amplified)

External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts]
that is pure & unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this:
to visit & help & care for the orphans & widows in their affliction & need,
& to keep oneself unspotted & uncontaminated from the world.

About four years ago, God gave me a reeally cool vision of Chris & I ministering to orphans...I remember sitting with many of them crowding all around in a small room, singing with them (but they didnt seem to notice the fact I'm no Julie Andrews, lol) & Chris was bringing some food in the room...I knew that this was something of the future...my heart was blessed & touched & committed to serving these children, to look into their emptiness & shower them with love they so much needed/lacked, to pray for their healing, & eventually hear them laugh louder & longer...to hold them till they fell asleep. Without orphanages in Canada, I presume this is meant for somewhere much farther, maybe Romania, or central America, who knows at this point.
So my eyes & ears are open for opportunities in this way...esp. in our own city where so many are in distress & alone, children w/o parents or mentors, incl. those 'stuck' in the system. And women/men alone with broken hearts who cry day & night for their deceased.
This scripture brings another to the forefront for me...that once again it's about treating/loving others as WE would want to be loved. If we all really did that, no one would HAVE to tell us they're saved; we would already know!

Mark 12:29-31 (the Message) "Jesus said, "The first in importance is, 'Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord your God with all your passion, & prayer & intelligence & energy.' And here is the second: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' There is no other commandment that ranks with these."

Restitution

2008-07-13T13:18:00.005-04:00

And then before you know it, without you having anything to do with it,
Wasted Lebanon will be transformed into lush gardens,
& Mount Carmel reforested.
At that time the deaf will hear word-for-word what's been written.
After a lifetime in the dark, the blind will see.
The castoffs of society will be
Laughing & Dancing in God,
the down-and-outs shouting praise
to the Holy One of Israel.

For there'll be no more gangs on the street.
Cynical scoffers will be an extinct species.
Those who never missed a chance to hurt or demean
will never be heard of again:
Gone the people who corrupted the courts,
Gone the people who cheated the poor,
Gone the people who victimized the innocent.

That is why the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, says to the people
of Israel, "My people will NO longer be ashamed
or turn pale with fear..."
~Isaiah 29:18-22

Thats MY God:) Full of love, mercy & Justice...as I read these promises, peace rolls in & my heart shouts with praise...Hosanna!!!

More Listening, More Fruit...

2008-07-07T14:12:00.005-04:00

This past week has been interesting...eye-opening to say the least. Spiritually speaking, the gates of radical awareness & specific prophetic knowledge from the holy of holies just blasted wide open.

So I'll start backwards with yesterday & my pastor's words about 'receiving' what is ours...that he declares we are all prophetic at Freedom House b/c of the prophetic mantle over that ministry...
I thought about my own 'wow' encounters recently with the prophetic (& how ppl over the years have so annoyingly labelled it as psychic>:? ...no, Psychic=Stupid! & Prophetic=Perfect Peace)...And how much I long to be as fruitful & productive as I can in this way, so others will be encouraged, healed, blessed, even saved!

On the other side of it, there are some in my family who are involved with the occult, to what extent I dont know, but God does, & I get the what if's thinking about "what if"...the lies the enemy has them believing are blown out of the water when the Holy Spirit starts to minister to them through HIS specific knowledge, HIS peace, leading them into HIS truth!! Almost every day I think about this. And then I think...God is calling us...you and me, to speak these words of life into those who can't hear His voice, so he can then touch their hearts & accomplish his will for them & us...

This past month I have heard from God is so many ways, SO specifically, before actual events had occured. He told me that a friend wouldn't in fact be showing up at a festival we were going to...I shared this with my husband, which is what I do now, to encourage him in his walk with God too:) I tell my daughter too, that we ALL can hear from God...we just have to listen, it will happen if we're patient.
So there were thousands of ppl...& I just knew she hadnt shown although she said she was going for sure. She told me the next day they didn't go (b/c her friend couldnt find the baby car seat.)
Same friend...her family was gone away camping for 10 days without her, b/c she just started working as a PSW & didnt want to skip off work.
After the first wknd together, she was enjoying the break from the very busy life of 3 young kids & loud husband (did I just say that? hehe)
I sensed God told me they were coming home early, but didnt say anything to her, b/c she prob. would've been bummed out, lol. So once again, i told my husband & GOD was right again! So, they came home a day early & my friend had to cancel our plans. (Little did she know I had a 'heads up' about our plans that night, lol)

And Again, after my daughter had gone to a sleepover, God told me to gather the family the next day & pray...first asking forgiveness of sins...& reminding my daughter that we need to do this every day. I shared this with my husband, he said ok, we then find out the next day that while God had told us to pray, our daughter & her friend had 3 frightening demonic encounters that night. God is so awesome, what a father, protector, counsellor, teacher & friend!
These last weeks my family, friends & I have been surprised & amazed at the things God has been revealing...& HOW MUCH MORE I want to hear from him, & know his voice with certainty so I can pray/encourage others in confidence that any specific knowledge I share with them is directly from the Holy Spirit, without diluting any part of it.

As Pastor Brian spoke, I kept hearing the word "receive" & I could see several strings dangling from above our heads with a tag attached to the bottom of each. Each tag would read a different word, one said 'salvation' , another, 'victory', another, 'healing' , 'ministry'...& so on.
The holy spirit was saying, if you Really want something, what do you do? Do you not reach out for it?
I then saw a little boy in a store with his dad, pleading nonstop for his dad to get him a super cool candy. ANd This particular time, b/c he was so persistent, the dad was happy to buy his son the treat. Then I saw Jesus standing next to me in the same way, saying; "And it's the same with you...if you want something, why not ask your heavenly Father for it?" Ask & you will receive...
I then saw Jesus riding on a wave, & lined up along each side were several angels...he said there's a tidal wave coming, & its going to wash over us...though I didnt sense any fear.
>A little later, Steve got up to share what God had shown him. It was a river with a wave & an undertow...some ppl were swimming frantically while others were calm & just went with it. The ppl in the water were those at Freedom House. He said the reaction of those of us in the water was dependant on our trust in Him.
So i dont know what Gods about to do, but I kinda hope it doesnt involve water literally, cause I am not a strong swimmer! Guess I'll just have to trust him; afterall He's the best lifeguard ever! LOL

Unbeatable

2008-06-16T10:07:00.007-04:00

Psalm 146:5 - 10

But happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God.
He is the one who made heaven & earth, the sea, & everything in them. He is the one who keeps every promise forever,
who gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry.
The LORD frees the prisoners.
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads.
The LORD loves the righteous.
The LORD protects the foreigners among us.
He cares for the orphans & widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
The LORD will reign forever.
O Jerusalem, your God is King in every generation!

Friends Forever

2008-06-02T16:24:00.003-04:00

Friends. Without them, life would be so much less joyful, so much more stressful & definately lonely.
While with them, we sometimes take them for granted, fret over petty issues & are always disappointed when we learn that they are human like us; imperfect & likely to have an occasional difference in opinion.
Jealousy is a common guest in any friendship at times; the ultimate test of even the Best of friendships.

But despite all this, I love my friends & I thank God for blessing me with each & every one. I love that a sad heart can suddenly burst with the relief of laughter when Im with them. I love that we can offer different perspectives to eachother, to alleviate confusion & instead have a new revelation of understanding. I love that sharing our personal 'stuff' is better than therapy, & usually leaves us in histarics, & our husbands shocked & perplexed by our shameless openess.
I love that a good friend can detect the slightest hue of trouble beneath a beautiful smile. I love that the second word reaches my girlfriends about some drama, theyre there in a second. And I love doing the same for them.
I love how confrontations & arguments between my friends & I almost always turns into an embrace, & maybe even a tear.
I love how we seem to notice things at exactly the same time. I love to encourage my friends. I love being able to tell eachother that the thong is protruding from our pants, & save eachother from the embarrassment of any one other than our friends seeing it. I love when my friends tell me to never change, that they love me & that I crack them up. And I love how my best friends & I could be apart for months, even years but manage to continue on where we left off as if time had stood still.
Not every one understands me. And I dont always understand others. But my friends have my back & I theirs, & thats all that matters.

"A friend loves at all times & a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17

Rushing Waters

2008-04-12T23:54:00.002-04:00

So, God IS alive & well on college campuses...studies show

2008-04-10T09:08:00.008-04:00

Lord, Save Us From Your Followers

Caught part of an interesting interview on the Today Show this morning...Dan Merchant; a successful Christian writer, Director & Producer has just released a documentary; "Lord, Save us From Your Followers"

His website is found here; http://lordsaveusthemovie.com/

It was viewed at Lewis & Clark college, Portland Oregon, (deemed by the Princeton Review College guide, to be one of THE LEAST religious colleges in the USA.)

Upon filling the auditorium to knowingly view a 'religious film', college students at Lewis & Clark 'erupted in applause & were moved by the films' fresh, idealistic vision on how Christ's followers might interact with the rest of the world.'

The following is an article on USA Today's blog, titled;

"Is God Silenced on College Campuses? Or is the Conversation Simply Changing?"

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/03/post-7.html#more

Thinking & blogging at the same time again...

2008-04-09T12:49:00.005-04:00

Hebrews 13:8-10

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today & forever. So do not be attracted to strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God's grace, not from rules about food, which dont help those who follow them. We have an altar from which the priests in the Tabernacle have no right to eat.

This passage could apply to many situations, one of the points being Christ is the same forever;

>so, sometimes this makes me wonder with saddened agitation as to, 'who' are we, [clay in his hands] to attempt to adjust his words/intentions {to suit our needs/wants}? To use bright big billboard signs & propaganda to mislead others (to their church) through 'subtle' hints about achieving sexual gratification?...~well you know what? When we go to church, most of us dont need or want advice on orgasms; we go to church to worship, hear from Gods word & function as a church family, just another example of getting the church's eyes off the name of God in big bold letters & replacing it with something else in big bold letters (yep, sex should do it) what about focus on learning how to handle/live life in these dark last days? with end times prophecy like the mark of the beast upon us, ppl getting more & more cold, selfish, evil...THATS what Christians are talking about behind closed doors...but cant at their place of worship cause its 'too serious' & 'UNfun' to discuss.
--we should know that God's word is all powerful & concrete enough, without our fruitless, humanistic 'alterations'. You take that concrete truth away & enter chaos & confusion.

Though people are people, all from different backgrounds & cultures, the striking & dramatic contrasts/perceptions that exists among Christians everywhere is no wonder confusing to the onlooking secular world. From pro-homosexual 'Christian' churches to self-declared "Christian" anti-abortion violent-loving hate groups, to church bodies isolated & controlled by legalistic bullies who thrive on using guilt tactics at the pulpit, to the ever-growing bodies of Christians who cross that delicate fine line of the prophetic & enter into a realm of subtle witchcraft operations...its enough to make anyone considering the Christian faith a tad perplexed!

We need balance in our walk with Christ...we always have.
& nothing brings it back like God's word:).; no church, no group, no 'fad', no powerpoint & no 'apparent' prophetic word/vision could EVER pull me away from that again...we his people as a whole need to bring it back to STAY.

spontaneous song

2008-04-06T20:45:00.011-04:00

Hallelujah, hallelujah

beyond the rushing waters

ascending mountain crests on skies of blue

flowing into the heavenly places,

my praise is sung to You

~~~~

Hallelujah, hallelujah

~~~

sometimes no words can express like,

hallelujah...

does my heart sing a tune that touches you?

make you smile with love so pure & true,

we'll embrace & dance so free

into forever...

She's Amazing...& she's mine:)

2008-03-18T12:56:00.009-04:00

My daughter is an exceptional gift from God. She's constantly pouring herself into others, while testing/stretching her understanding of this world that we live in. Not a day goes by, do I not hear her cracking jokes & leading her friends into her world of exploration & amazement, creativity. My child is a leader; there's no doubt about it; she's also compassionate, patient & so forgiving, & it is so good to have even a secular educational system fully recognize that, so that she can exercise her spiritual AND intellectual giftings somewhere outside our home. I see her work away quietly on one personal research project after another, on one craft after another & my motherly pride kicks in....as I watch her hand out these crafts, delicately handmade to give as gifts to her friends, family & her daddy & myself & I pray; "God, please dont let the enemy get his hands on this one. Guard her on every side at all times, speaking/breathing your love & wisdom into her heart, & bless her at everything she puts her hands to, every day of her life."

...& He's also The Trail Guy

2008-03-05T23:17:00.004-05:00

Today God gave me a picture of a vast wooded area, filled with intricate, winding paths, extending out into several different directions.

This wooded area was dark & thick with wildlife, traps & deep drops. It also contained areas free from danger & saturated with light. Exploring its interior was a Trail Guide, leading a small group of people/photographers along the unpredictable terrain; the faces on the followers were both apprehensive & trusting of their expert instructor.
I was then situated above this great mass of forest, observing below the exact location of each danger, thinking how much better it would be to have an instructor with an aerial view....& of course, we do!

To me, this picture emphasizes our need to trust Him when we dont know which way to go; to seek Him first & listen for direction (& obey) for promising success; to trust that His plans for us are for good & not disaster, to lead us to a safe place; to protect us from harm, to remember He sees us & is with us even in those dark places.
And its pretty cool how acting on his instruction makes everything just fall into place. If only I'd have gone with His ideas more often! I might just be a few stress lines fewer!

Isaiah 48:17 "This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you & leads you along the paths you should follow. Oh that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river & righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea."

Get UNcomfortable Already!

2008-02-28T17:10:00.002-05:00

As of today, my left hand is bare & ringless :( , while the diamonds from my wedding band are reset into their fresh new beds....it's such an uncomfortable feeling; to go without wearing the only convenient symbol of declaration to the world that I am bound in love & life to one man, my husband Chris.

Though at the same time, Im fully aware that feeling empty & incomplete from being without such a small accessory is silly...assanine, & it makes me think about COMFORT in general.

How often do each of us settle for whats comfortable?

I remember growing up a shy kid, would almost never approach strangers, probably not a bad thing...but it carried into my adolescent years to some extent, then my 20's. Dont get me wrong; I had some really good friends. But as for hangups, well I had a few...even when I entered leadership at my church. One of the hangups was being noticed; playing keyboard up front, it took my pastor several attempts at convincing me to do it....& helping me overcome this great fear of being the centre of attention. But you know, with lotsa prayer & determination to overcome, I went from hiding in the crowd, to eventually a main worship leader, youth leader, workout instructor, (yeah...thats right...we did Taebo classes at the church after Sunday services, LOL) & it got to the point where I enjoyed it.

I enjoyed any opportunity to allow the holy Spirit to effectively use me. As I opened myself up to Him, He spoke through me, & I'd see how he was touching those that were listening. What an amazing experience, to be obedient to the Lord, ready, willing & able to listen & obey...& the fruits that came out of that obedience were overwhelming. We know the scripture, "He gives us exeedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask for.' How true! God had transformed me from a reluctant & fearful, to 'Overcomer of fear of man'...& using me to speak & sing into others' hearts...& with it dreams & visions, leading me into other forms of ministry as well....

those were years of huge growth, & all I did was take that first step, trust the Lord & simply listened & obeyed as he guided me.

I know of other Christians who struggle in this way & pray for them to overcome as well. Still I've seen others in churches who have their groups/'cliques' of friends, which we all do to some extent; but the sad part is that many are COMFORTABLE within that group only, not even bothering to make the effort of conversation with others in that church body. Years go by, & some people have not even been approached by these other 'comfortable cliquers'. ( God just spoke that to me now, lol, thats hilarious, 'comfortable cliquers'. )

It's sad that people speak of unity in the body, when in fact there is only unity within a third of that body, & that being the clique. Why dont we as brothers & sisters in Christ see this/sense this & DO something to make change? As people come in to hear Gods word & fellowship, they get ignored, snubbed & eventually never go back to that place...If you ask me, it is time that changes take place.

Unity is not Unity unless it involves a Whole group unified. I really sense God saying lately that his idea of unity is not like ours. That he's saddenned with his church today, by the walls put up within his body.

When I've come across these cliquers, I dont even bother trying anymore. It's a waste of time & I pray that their eyes are opened soon, as many people are discouraged by this...no one is above anyone else. not a worship team, not a leader...they have more responsibility of course, but no one including them, are exempt from loving others within the body...equally.

If I could do it, ANYone can...anyone in Christ, who is willing to be obedient....

It's All Good when you think about it...

2008-02-20T19:55:00.002-05:00

Had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine yesterday. She told me that her pastor made it clear that if he were given a donation of 'dirty money', no matter HOW large the amount, the church would most certainly refuse it. 'Really?'
This got me thinking, & I mean beyond the conversation itself & into the next day. Maybe its my "B-S" radar that goes off automatically at times, ...but come on. Are you kidding me?

1.) dont buy it-highly doubt that a large sum of money would be rejected by any ministry, at least in the Western world
2.) if it is true, what a waste of an opportunity to further God's work, help the needy...buy new china for ladies weekly coffee hour...(the senior's would Love it! ) lol
3) what ARE the motives in rejecting a donation? Is it pride? Or an actual, truly deep reverant fear of God...
4) who does this dude think he is, telling my friends & hundreds of others what he knows sounds good, what he knows won't cause a riot among the onlookers in this traditional church; but mainly...would his actions belie his honorable declarations if indeed faced with a hefty donation?
5) To me, it seems to come down to truth, & motive. If a church refuses certain monies out of a pure respect & honor for God, then they get my kudos. But I still hold my position of not seeing what the big deal is...esp when I look at the story in Luke 7:36-50:

"...He went to the Pharisee's house & sat down at the dinner table. Just then, a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume, & stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, & anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him."

Jesus said to him, "Simon, I have something to tell you"
"Oh? Tell me."
"Two men were in debt to a banker.One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty.Neither of them could pay up, & so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?"
Simon answered, "I suppose the one who was forgiven the most"
"That's right" said Jesus. Then turning to the woman but speaking to Simon, he said "Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet but she rained tears on my feet & dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time she arrived, she hasn't quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins, & so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal."
Then he spoke to her: "I forgive your sins."
That set the dinner guests talking behind his back: "Who does he think he is, forgiving sins!"
He ignored them & said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

Jesus had his feet washed with perfume that was purchased by performing sexually immoral acts. But by using that money to bless him, serve him & love him, He responded to her by forgiving her many sins. That says freedom to me...

We have a Defender!

2008-02-14T17:27:00.003-05:00

Every now & then, we all have those moments of misery when life treats us unfairly. When false accusations & harsh words are thrown at us. When life as we know it is just too big a burden for our shoulders to carry any further, & we dream of better times. How perfect would it be, to travel far far away & give our tired brains & broken spirits a much needed rest, our hearts some time to heal.

So today while considering such ponderings with my dad, he said the words I had earlier heard the Lord speak into my heart; that He is our Defender. A Protector. A Provider & a God who says he prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies..annointing our heads with oil, as our cup overflows. He shines his face on us & his light all things, exposing the darkness; to be bold & confident in these things; to give our cares to him, for he cares for us. To cast our burden on Him & he will give us rest.

We aren't meant to barely scrape by in life. Or run away from problems; we can stay right where we are, amidst our conflicts/situations & be victorious! We are meant to hold firmly to a God who only wants the best for us...an abundant life. Prosperous. Joyous. Rested. Confident & assured that He is our Defender.

Psalm 56:9 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!

Isaiah 51:21-23 "...your God has taken up his people's case: "Look I've taken back the drink that sent you reeling. No more drinking from that jug of my anger! I've passed it over to your abusers to drink, those who ordered you, 'Down on the ground so we can walk all over you!' And you had to do it. Flat on the ground, you were the dirt under their feet."

The Road Travelled

2008-01-30T22:43:00.000-05:00

Something that God said to me last week really stood out & ever since, I understand it more clearly to an even greater depth throughout various situations around me. Those words were;

"Never forget where you came from. Never forget the distance I have carried you. For this would not be to your benefit & pride may result; thus inhibiting my plans to use you."

It really made me think...how this makes sense on so many levels. To not dwell on the past of course, but rather...remain in a position of thankfulness & surrender to God for all HE'S done, not only to bring HIM glory, but to remain humble; & ready, willing & able to serve Him (& others who struggle with the very things that He has delivered me from.)

As I & my loved ones -even those not yet living for God--look on my past, we marvel at how God has intervened in my life in such miraculous ways. To glance back, gets less & less painful as my heart is continually flooded with praise & gratitude for His grace. I will never forget what He has done for me & my favorite part is I get to give HIM all the credit:)

Rx for divine health; (heart/sight/hearing/brain function/energy levels)...& SO much more can be yours for the low price of....PRAYER!?

2008-01-28T12:55:00.000-05:00

IT's true. whether physical, spiritual,emotional...or all of the above, even scientific research today PROVES prayer to significantly improve overall health; http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21763278-1702,00.html

24/7 prayer rocked the walls of Freedom House once again last week...& one would think 'how disciplined..' however the word discipline isnt a personal fav. because it implies that we have to force ourselves to do something we dont want to do, or wouldn't do otherwise. Do we want to ~by nature~ take time out of our busy schedules to talk to someone we can't see; & not always see the results right away?
Or on the other hand, listening to someone talk about someone we dont know. Depending on the story, it might engage us for a few seconds or so...but no doubt about it; it can be down right dull, flat, boring & then some, to listen to someone go on about someone you have never met.
Brutal.
THats where I believe the connection needs to come in. How does this person affect my life? How could this person afftect my life in a really good way? What is this person capable of doing that no one else possibly could?
So the name of Jesus & all that He is & has done for us & has to offer us, peaks our interest; a connection is made.
Then would be knowing. You get to know him now. You have come to trust him as Your personal savior & friend. You begin to see all the ways that he blesses your life. The changes are good. Circumstances remain, yet there is new hope, based on what you know of him.
Now we enter passion. Your'e amazed by him. youre in awe; in love with him & you long to be closer to him. You long to please him & love him, like he loves you. You long to hear from him & talk to him.

This is the point we need to be at; becuase this is where prayer, while a supernatural experience, has become a natural one; while we love this supernatural God, we naturally are drawn to him, and because we were created as social beings, we long to connect, to really fully understand what he is saying to us.
ITs at this point, that we are healthy children of God. Fed. Connected. Tuned in & still hungry for more. THere is no one having to force us to come to him. we just do. because we're his & he is ours.

So for people who aren't saved; who are lost without Jesus, it frustrates me to no end, to see Gods people push them around, like their commanders in some bootcamp, telling the lost they need to repent & be 'disciplined.'
THese people know they need supernatural intervention in their lives & situations (in most cases anyway). SO why dont we instead stop judging, less barking, be more understanding of where they're at...the Word says "they will know we are Christians by our love" but unfort. the term Christian is thrown around too loosely & known for being uptight, boring & judgmental...

while some just preach till they're blue in the face, while failing ta notice that, well...no one's listening! (the dog tied to the fire hydrant doesn't count:/ ) Basically, we have to know when to just shut up! & Listen more; its at this point the lost will allow us to take them by the hand & connect them to Jesus...the One they need to meet.
Never by force.

Either Way

2008-01-15T13:43:00.000-05:00

"I want GOd to bless this team so much people will talk about what He did. But it means we gotta give him our best in every area. And if we win, we praise Him. And if we lose, we praise Him..."

"With God, NOTHING is impossible!"

~Alex Kendrick, as football coach Grant Taylor in "Facing the Giants" 2006

He's the Devil in disguise...

2007-12-22T10:32:00.000-05:00

Just came across this pic the other day...& everytime we look at it we howl. At the time I wasnt laughing though..this jackasss for a Santa showed up a half hour or more late, was miserable as sin & smelled of Jack Daniels.

I remember wanting to take my baby & leave....but her dad insisted it would be fine, we'd stay closeby....cause our daughter just couldnt miss out on getting her pic with Santa. So Em left him a special treat--a puddle of urine on his suit! Ha! My girl rocks.

...what is it about Christmas that turns our minds into jelly? For-going all common sense for the sake of...just what exactly? is it working?

Society has almost completely lost focus, & instead welcomed insanity:s

"Happy Birthday Jesus, we need you more than ever!"

Open Floodgates!

2007-09-23T22:34:00.000-04:00

God's been hanging out a LOT at our church these days...24/7 prayer, right round the clock, no structure other than [prayer]-time slots, no limits, just welcoming him to move freely, his terms, not ours, not a committee.
Just a buncha people crying out to God, longing to bless him through worship, thanksgiving, open to hearing him & responding/obeying, sweat droplets of intercession...heaven's floodgates swinging open & his glory raining, no, pouring down, within that room on Market Street.
A sure way to walk into an unmistakeable, invisible wall of Gods very presence before you [so thick] you could cry or, stand/sit/dance/kneel speechless & just soak in it. He had so much to say to me that during the time I was there to pray I ended up mostly listening, & it was impacting--in other words I cant describe it but to say he spoke clearer than ever...so aware of him right there literally, so purely, undeniably that I could feel his presence flowing into my bones, through me, stirring up... To many if not all of us involved, he spoke so many words of knowledge, prophetic statements/pictures which he also gave/confirmed to others in the group shortly after.
These are days to expect the unexpected i guess. no, for sure. Days to throw off every last stitch of religious garb we can, praying that he will free us from whats left so to enable him to open our eyes to the things of the Spirit; things we have not yet seen or heard. To prepare us for what lay ahead.

Renewed Again

2007-08-28T12:02:00.000-04:00

Not all of us have time to gaze at trees, fields, flowers in their beautiful detail, under a rich blue sky painted with clouds & color...animals eating off the land after the earth is softened by the rain...

but it's good to take the time, to engage with the reality of God's creation, laid out perfectly for

each of us to enjoy...it's often that I feel drawn to take that extra look, busy or not & each time I do I find myself in awe once again, of such an infinite loving Creator of which no words can describe with the accuracy He deserves.

It's during those quiet moments I hear him the clearest...the sweet gentle voice of His Spirit dancing around me, ministering to me, captivating new places of my heart...