RISE UP!

From my side of the street...

2011-10-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

This is for those men and women who were sheltered, raised "Christian", never became a prodigal, never heard or experienced anything else but "Jesus" OR have been so involved inside the "church" walls and regular "fellowship" groups that FEAR, lack of KNOWLEDGE and lack of FAITH has kept you from your calling...

Be sure your Lamp Stand will be taken in some way if you are not SHINING HIS LIGHT, WALKING in HIS will and doing HIS work. Being a true disciple is NOT just about YOU, your "saved" family and friends or those who fit your safe relationship profile. If it was, you would have left the here and now the day you believed...+

These statements are a look into some of the thoughts coming from those who are LOST or in need of HOPE out on the streets right here in your local community. Visitors inside and strangers outside of your "church" doors. From those being put in your path daily...Yes, yours.

Purpose? To GROW UP in TRUTH and SHINE LIGHT on the lies in our life +

From their "side of the street"...
I see your kids and your friend's kids always getting the "lead" parts or the extra special activities. So mine give up trying.

I hear you yell in judgmental correction at certain children with a completely different voice than you use with your "favorites".

I see you snicker at my clothing, so I'm too embarrassed to attend your study group. I don't like to look just like everyone else.

I heard about your explicit jokes from the stage to try to be "cool" and youthful, but it actually "weirded out" those youth who were seeking someone who knows God. They don't want to return.

I see the year books, hallways, local newspapers and church fellowship websites covered with photos in honor of your children because some of your "best friends" are on staff or serving as "mentors".

I hear that your children (when you are not around) roll their eyes and snicker when my kid finally has the guts to mention a stronghold in their life during a "life discussion group"...never to do it again.

I see after being encouraged to, "Just smile at them, say hello.They'll talk to you. They are good people", my children come home ignored time and time again by your children.

I hear that I can send my kids to leadership training camp to get closer to God if I spend my rent money, but I know yours get chosen to go as sponsored "chaperones".

I see your kids spend hours and hours with my kids at school and church and then they never say a word to them when they see them elsewhere.

I saw your spouse scold you for talking to me. I miss our conversations about God.

I hear your home life is "blessed" and my relative, a police officer, gets called to it regularly.

I saw you brag about buying new clothes from the mall and then heard you ask for prayer with your finances.

I see the time you waste in online social networking and on other worldly things in your life and hear that your kids really need you.

I hear about the loss of hope my child feels when time after time you do not reach out to help them because it will be a "burden"... when it was obvious you are placed in a position to do so.

I see the lack of passion and love in what you do and the negative impartation your actions put on those around you.

I see your fake smile and canned words "I'll pray for you".

I hear about your nasty, negative words spoken in my child's presence.

I saw confusion when my child asked why their bible teacher's kids have ipods with all "that kind of music" on it so why can't they?

I heard the rumors stemming from something I spoke in confidence at a life group.

I see your family does not bring a bible to church, has ongoing drama and strife in their life, does not ever show to help out...but claims to know "Jesus".

I heard your teaching on sin and saw your FB pics of your birthday party...BYOB.

I see your "close" relationships with "leaders" in the church that only last as long as long as the back scratching does.

I heard about your "fellowship" event that seemed to miss being posted for the whole Fellowship class to be able to attend.

I see the way you use those around you for personal "resources" but never share any of your own with strangers whose needs are made known.

I see that your leaders only go out of their way to help those who can help them.

I came, I saw, I heard...I moved on.

I SEE someone who needs to know God.

Just sayin'...

Matthew Ch 18

*For those who are prodigals and those who do not know the God of Creation (even those sitting on pews, on stages, running ministries or teaching bible classes) don't let things, ideas or people that are obviously not of God keep you away from knowing Him. ALL "buildings" and groups of people have wolves in sheep's clothing. Are you someone who has seen God through someone at some point in your life and you knew it within the depths of your spirit? Are you a TRUE LIGHT hiding under a bushel because the wolves or backslid leaders (who have no power over you) have scared you out of the churches and they are destroying the work of God in hearts who come seeking Him?

+ Pray and ASK God to reveal Himself to you and those who truly KNOW and are walking with Him. Seek Christ - Yeshua. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. You will know His own by their fruit...

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Gal 5:22-25 (KJV)

Just SAY the WORDS...

2010-08-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: Gen 18:27 (KJV)

YHVH Adonai'

How can you help bring someone to water who is thirsting? Can you make them drink?

Are you a LIGHT of HOPE in someone's darkness or a clanging symbol of confusing noise and condemnation that drives them away?

Want to SEE GOD work in the lives of those prodigals around you?

HE wants us to recognize something for what it is and ASK HIM in FAITH to intervene! Let those in despair HEAR WORDS of TRUTH and LOVE. Don't pass judgment on situations you have never been through.

Is your recognition of the root of someone's problem going to be solved by you...or GOD?

It is HIS WORD and ACTION through it that does the work of the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD. It's not your ability to persuade, manipulate, convince, provide or decide.

The deeper things of GOD are there for HIS children to SEEK and use through FAITH and OBEDIENCE. Seek HIM out and take ACTION as HE leads. GOD does have a process and order for healing. For certain. Don't perish for lack of KNOWLEDGE. If HE wasn't working in your prodigal's situation...they would be dead or healed already! How do you know that their situation is not specifically working on YOU?

PRAY for your PRODIGALS. LISTEN to the HOLY SPIRIT and LEARN how to help. HIS WAY.

SPEAK HIS TRUTH ALOUD. CLAIM IT!

HE is...YHVH (unutterable) "Adonai", HaShem, Jehovah, LORD, GOD

GOD is...Infinite: "hayah hoveh yi'yeh" - "He was, He is, He will be."

GOD is...the I AM. "Ehyeh asher Ehyeh" - I AM that I AM.

GOD is...Creator and keeper of all: "Adonai Elohim"

GOD is...Personal: "Adonai Elohai"

GOD is...our Father: "Adonai Avinu"

GOD is...The most HIGH: "Adonai El Elyon"

GOD is...The ONE True GOD revealed to Israel first: "Adonai Elohei Yisrael"

GOD is...Jehovahjireh who SEES and KNOWS our needs: "Adonai Yir'eh"

GOD is...our Sanctifier who sets us apart for HIS perfect will: "Adonai Mekaddishkhem"

GOD is...Jehovahnissi who is my Miracle and my Banner: "Adonai Nissi"

GOD is...my Maker: "Adonai Osenu"

GOD is...our Righteousness: "Adonai Tzidkenu"

GOD is...The LORD of Armies"Adonai Tseva'ot"

GOD is...my Shepherd: "Adonai Ro'i"

GOD is...the LORD who heals: "Adonai Roph'ekha"

GOD is...Jehovahshalom the LORD of Peace: "Adonai Shalom"

GOD is...The LORD my GOD: "Adonai Eloheikhem"

GOD is...my Rock and my Redeemer: "Adonai Tsuri v'goali"

GOD is...The LORD GOD of David: "Adonai Elohei David"

GOD is...my Hiding Place: "Adonai Sal'i"

GOD is...The Power and Presence who receives worship, commands, decides and rules: "Malakh Adonai"

GOD is...Sacred, Loved, Awed, Respected and Reverenced: "Shem Hameforash"

NOW...PRAISE HIS WORK!

EARS that HEAR

+
Faith
;)

REFLECTION

2010-07-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

VANITY

excessive pride in one's appearance, qualities, abilities, achievements, etc.; character or quality of being vain; conceit:

an instance or display of this quality or feeling.

something about which one is vain.

lack of real value; hollowness; worthlessness: the vanity of a selfish life.

something worthless, trivial, or pointless.

Dictionary.com, LLC. Copyright © 2010. All rights reserved.

The Lord has recently opened a veil for me. I am grateful! HE has done it over the period of about 4 years. I felt it coming, but I was unsure of all of the pieces of the puzzle and HIS purpose in it...until recently.

Not only did HE use those around me, but HE used my own children and my own actions to cause an awakening in me about something that has not only taken over the lives of many I know, but the church and the nation as a whole.

It concerns the spirit of vanity. It is not just a "character flaw", but it is an evil spirit that is destroying people's lives. Especially those who are gifted.

Christians know the plan of satan here on this earth. But even they are oppressed by it and it stays with their generations if it is not recognized and called out by its name. It does not go away. It will take you to what you think is the "top". Then it will drag you down until it destroys you. It is patient.

Just as the Lord spoke the world into existence and Christ spoke healing and resurrection, we have to call evil for what it is, repent, make amends and RISE above the lies in our lives to shine the LIGHT and TRUTH.

One of the tools HE used to open my eyes was Facebook. Funny even the name seems to go with the theme of this word of knowledge God gave to me. I may end up being very lonely for a while after this blog. HE wont let me up on keeping silent in this revelation.

So here it goes...

HE made me notice the amount of pictures of themselves that people post. OMW! How many angles can you possibly get of a face?

Purpose?

HE also made me pay very close attention to the amount of time that people spend posting on that sight. Eating...Reading latest fad book...at movies...watching show...working out...gossip...shopping...sleeping...gossip...shopping...working out...eating...shopping...I like...I like...I like.

Then HE led me to the subject matter of the posts. Out of the heart the mouth speaks.

That is where the veil began to get removed when HE gave me the word and made me search HIS WORD for the answer. James 1 but in particular this scripture...

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4 (KJV)

^{When reading this I was prodded to seek out what the word Joy means. Does it mean just to laugh? Are there different types of laughter?}

^{Yes. There is laughter in joy (happiness, praise). Laughter in mocking or vanity (no fear). Laughter in mourning or fear.}

^{I know that sometimes when I am scared, I laugh. Kind of weird but my dad does it too and some of my kids. I cry when I am happy, sad and mad. So what is in my heart does not necessarily come out in my actions as something that is easily discernible to people that do not know me. It does draws a picture though. Until I speak or write a WORD. That seems to nail it down for some reason.}

^{Though I may be worried, scared, spiteful, angry or even happy, it can manifest as laughing or crying on the outside through my flesh. So I guess it can be confusing to people until I explain what I actually have in my heart through words.}

^{If I am making fun of or glamorizing a trial I may be in, is satan taking the focus off of the real work the Lord is doing and putting it on ME? How clever he is. Putting us in the spot light and urging our ego to trivialize the issues at hand.}

^{If I was a part of a real trial over an issue, would joking my way though it to the judge, jury and audience get me mercy or favor? Or would praising them for their ability to see and help me through it resolve the issue a lot quicker?}

^{In the Bible "JOY" is almost consistent in its meaning until you get to the man JOB. Wow...of all people for it to vary with. Many times throughout his ordeal joy meant calling out in praise, a noise, a song. I don't remember him ever joking or making light of his trials to get him through them? He humbled himself, brought attention to the lesson the Lord was teaching him and sought the knowledge of the Lord as to not perish for lack of.}

^{Yes, I know that humor and denial are ways for some people to deal with fear, hurt, anger and many other issues of life. But what purpose does it truly serve and how does God work through that for healing? It is a temporary remedy. I know it is a door for satan to continue to work.}

^{So as the Lord had me search deeper into uncovering this WORD I was supposed to proclaim to those around me, I began to put it together just how HE asked me to in certain terms.}

^Onward...

^{Making light of, mocking, poking fun at those who are going through trials or the trials that you are going through is an open door for the spirit of vanity. You place yourself above the correcting, perfecting power of the Lord and are far from being humbled.}

^{The Lord let me go down a road of experience. It was one of much physical, emotional and spiritual pain and anguish. 7 years of it. I thought I was tough. I laughed through it, sometimes. But when I professed that I could not go on and would rather take my own life, that is when the Lord humbled me and put me face down. I exalted, praised (sing) and became a voice of HIS glory. It is not through anything else other than that and showing the JOY in HIM that I came out of the trial.}

^{Stuff, things, experiences, travel, support of friends, odd or outrageous dress, adornment, ability, toughness, humor, talent, education or attractiveness cannot truly heal us. Trials are learning experiences that we are being brought through for a very Holy reason. We should cry out to the Lord, repent to the Lord, praise the Lord, seek the Lord, point to the Lord and wait on the Lord. ADONAI!}

^{I cannot think of anyone in the bible who when they were going through a trial of life and death, acted as if it was just one of those things. I do not see where Paul, in prison or under persecution, made jokes about his meals, his ailments, the guards, his helpers or what type of clothes he had to wear. Job laughing about his boils? Christ jesting about the "crown" of thorns or the lashes and blood stains adding style to HIS wardrobe? I think not.}

^{What did the Lord say to me in this?}

^{HE said that through things like Facebook, MySpace, the internet, stages, positions, titles and the Media in general;}

^{A Christian can lead the lost and suffering to the false beliefs, spirits and idols that can pacify the flesh and drag them through their ordeal in blindness. It can also be done through the so called "blessings" of beach trips, dinners out, fancy clothes, hairdos, jewelry, coach bags, spa treatments, Home shopping network, I-phones, Starbucks, food, self pic portfolios, nick-nacks and brick-a-brack etc. etc. with fun and laughs along the way.}

^{Or in the midst of your trial you can turn to and point those who are weak to the ONE who heals, the ONE who IS Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.}

^{There en-lies the "timing" word...Patience. How long will anyone have to endure the trial they are in? How are they handling it? Are they turning it into the "Look at me SHOW"? Who are they helping by the things they are saying and doing through this trial?}

^{Though the trial may seem to pass, the root is still there and it will manifest again until you allow the LORD to bring it to the surface and deal with it through your actions. HE is bringing CHANGE. Permanently. And if you do not allow HIM to work. It will continue until HIS will is done.}

^{Sure, we all want to show how strong the Lord is in our lives. But I think that when we take the focus off of HIS SOVEREIGNTY and act like the trials we are going through in life are not big deal, I think that is when we have opened up our lives to the evil spirits of vanity, greed, bitterness, rejection, unforgiveness and so on. satan works through these spirits to try and do what? Steal, Kill and Destroy...our mind, body and spirit. And our generations.}

^{So, through this I have decided to not only protect myself, but my family and friends also. I was prodded to speak out on this and I finally have.}

^{There is a spirit of VANITY in the church of Christ. It is making its way through the nation of Freedom that is becoming a nation of bondage. Inter-weaved with everything coming through the media and technology.}

^{Millions can now have access to YOU and the goings on in your life and the lives of your generations. Millions can have access to the POWER that has brought you and your family though the many trials in life. Is it laughing my way through it? Or is it the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE of Christ and the Fruit of the Spirit being developed by the pruning away of the dead things in your life.}

^{What does your REFLECTION speak?}

^{No amount of procedures, relaxation, drugs, money or friends with kudos and gifts can get me through life. It is my turn to HIM in brokenness, humbleness, praise for HIS salvation, and revelation that brings me JOY through the trials.}

^;)

^Faith

^{As a child of God, even though our sins are forgiven the evidence of their existence can still manifest as a testimony in the flesh to others around us. Pray without ceasing.}

Vessels

2010-04-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matt 25:14-30 (KJV)

Being a productive vessel of God...

How many times do we fail to provide for the kingdom's purpose when we know we have it to share? How many times are we asked to do the smallest of tasks for the benefit of others and we brush it off as an untimely burden or are scared to take the risk? How many times do we only step out to help when we know it will benefit us personally?

Recently I had a rare donation of expensive baby equipment come through our charity resale shop. The gracious donor was adamant about the donations going to someone who not only needed the things, but who could normally not afford such a luxury. I was ecstatic! Not because of the pricey donation, but the person's obvious leading of the Holy Spirit. Our shop had again been given a few "talents"!

Many people who are not in need seek out "deals" to resale for their own gain. Many people who are the "haves", share with their friends who are also "haves" and never consider seeking out ways to SHARE or grow their blessings with those who "have not".

Included in the donations was a huge trash bag of new diapers the donor's child could no longer wear. The timing was right on! I knew a family who just the day before had informed me that they had to scrape up change to get diapers for their child. It was then that the Lord reminded me of the name of the mission I serve...

SHARING INC.

It has lived up to its name. Not only is the location of the charity shop a sharing action on the part of a couple of generous donors in our community, but it has been a timely touchstone for many a family in need of certain things. The Lord will send something through and "right on time", He will lead a person in need within a day or two to retrieve the blessing. An abundance of "talents" being generated from just a single location donation.

The day after I met the gracious donor at the shop to accept the baby equipment, a young single mother in the midst of turmoil was put in my path. Could I have informed some of my blessed friends of the deals at our shop so they could come by and scoop them up? I had the choice. But as a vessel, that is not where I put my faith.

It is grounded in His voice.

The shop is a vessel. I am a vessel. The donors are vessels. The poor and down trodden are vessels. If you are willing to be a vessel in the kingdom of God, you must be willing to grow and then pass on the "talents" for the kingdom's pupose. The seeds (talents) may change form in the vessel, but the action taken (watering) through the Spirit's lead is the key to those in need seeing the kingdom. It is LIGHT. Don't just bury the blessings that you are given for the kingdom's purpose. Seeds cannot grow without water and light.

Be a productive vessel. Listen to the Lord and take action. We should plant seeds with willing vessels that will work for the kingdom as a LIGHT of the ONE who provides for those who seek Him.

Are you a willing vessel that resembles God?

Who am I to judge?

2010-02-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 1 Cor 12:14-26 (KJV)

My 5 yr old son asked me last night if I thought he was cute. We were at a middle school fundraiser pre-talent show spaghetti dinner. Some one must have told him he was and he was seeking more approval. I told him that I thought I heard everyone in the lunchroom saying that he was. He just grinned.

As the talent began to show itself on stage, a thought struck me.

We never grow up.

The talent varied. Some obviously natural. Some paid for. Some...not available (but sweet). But the core foundation of it all seemed to be the stumbling block of of "approval".

Even ones who would have gotten harsh comments from "Simon" on American Idol (hate that name), had the guts to go up in front of hundreds of people just to be judged. You can say that they do it just to show their gifts. But I disagree. When you are young, you want to be accepted...somewhere. Many kids float from clique to clique until they land where they feel comfortable. If you listen to rock music, then you will find the rockers. If you are on a sport team you will find the jocks. If you are a brainiac, then the nerds invite you to their clan. A gossip... the divas welcome you with open arms ;)

As I sat there I thought about the class rooms that these kids and my at risk kids are in for 8 hours a day, five days a week. My RISE kids get constant condemnation. Not only from their peers, but from the churches and their own teachers. How do I know? Because they tell me. ALL the time. It seems to be a huge burden on their heart.

You can't get one of them on a stage. They can't even get acceptance from the adults around them who are supposed to be there to care for and guide them in times of need. Why in the world would they want to subject themselves to an even more pronounced stage of judgment?

In fact, many of my at risk youth are more talented than most of the kids who were cheered for at the talent show. I have seen some of their work. They do it for themselves as a release. No cheering needed. Just an expression of who they are. But many times, because of their eclectic attire and their "in your face" (protective) attitudes, people are scared to get to know them. So the frady cats either lash out at or avoid them.

They are still children.

Rarely does anyone have the guts to approach them in a caring manner and try to help them. Now correct me if I am wrong, but don't most teachers do what they do because they care about children? Don't most have a degree that involved some form of psychology and/or religion?

Can't they recognise the signs of a child in distress? Shouldn't they feel led to try to help?

But what I hear from most of my RISE kids is that most teachers hate them. They downgrade them in front of the class with returned sarcastic comments. When I tell the kids to pull their teacher aside and ask for help, they say I already did and they will not help me. I tell them to go to the guidance couselor and they say, "...they don't help either. They just call DSS".

But amazingly, I see changes in the kids just from the short time we have been with them. I show them I care. I mention their gifts and give them opprotunity to show them. Even if I have to trick them into doing it ;) I give them leadership positions in things we do with them. I have them help me with something. I put them to work.

What is wrong with many of our teachers? Are they bitter? Have they given up? Don't they understand the impact that they have in the life of a youth who is in a life and death struggle? Because that is what it is...LIFE or DEATH. They will see that youth in the newspaper one day, in some form or another.

They are all watching a child drown.

Eventually the teacher will see their spirit give up and the child will go under. Watching it happen, without lending a hand. That is how I feel everytime an at risk youth (who is out of control) comes my way. I have to reach out. Now don't get me wrong some of the kids choose not to grab a compassionate hand. But most will. Only the ones who have given up on life already, refuse to take hold of help.

That is when I dive in.

On talent show dinner night I saw Patience, Self righteousness, Kindness, Pride, Goodness, Prejudice, Perseverance, Faithfulness, Ego, Joy, Envy, Courage, Self Control and Love.

We never grow up.

;)

Faith

*Throw a life preserver when you see an at risk youth drowning. Don't scream at them to learn how to swim. Props to the teachers who still have a heart.

Walk by FAITH

2010-02-11T10:48:00.000-08:00

True LOVE.

It is Valentines week and for some reason I have been "thinking" about my husband all week long.

I have determined that He is...AWESOME.

Now I have heard that most married women do that all the time. They are always thinking about what their husband is doing.

Contemplating...

Is he thinking about them? Is he going to ever give them any genuine affection? Is he ever going to fix the broken things around the house? When is he going to start spending quality time with the kids? Why does he spend so much time with "the guys"? When will he stop watching tv all the time? Will he surprise me this week? Is he wanting someone else? Does he even love me?

I have to confess...I rarely if ever have those thoughts. I do. But I could not tell you when if you asked me. And personally...I would go insane if I had to do that now with four kids to think about too.

I am BLESSED.

Now it was not always that way. I was a "fixer". In the past, I chose boyfriends that needed guidance. A way out of a bad lifestyle. Someone to inspire them. Rich and poor.

Bad idea...

The young girls that I work with each week are doing the same thing. They are choosing the "bad" boys. They are trying to LOVE them into goodness. But in the wrong ways. Mostly physical. Either sexually or through service. They are always buying them things, doing things for them, trying to get them to be with them all the time so they don't get into trouble with their friends. Pushing them to try to like "girly" things (chic flicks and shopping) so they can feel romantic. Etc. Etc.

It does come naturally. We are made to want to nurture. But many try to nurture their husbands like they do their kids and then they get bitter because their husbands don't act like men. Sometimes we shoot ourselves in the foot when we do too much. We do get the whole package ladies. We get someone's son that they planted seeds in. What garden did you choose to work in?

I used to do the same thing. I worked...for short periods of time in gardens, pulling weeds. Until the next new maiden came along. Then I was "old news" and bossy like their mom. At least that is how the guy felt.

My husband is ALL man. Food, jokes, sports, sleep, lovin'...etc. etc.

Not in that order and a mixed bag on the quantity ;) He claims to be pretty simple. He is. The high maintenence males remind me of two year olds. Sorry if you have one. No offense.

Something was different about my husband. He was raised Christian...and he showed it. He was nice. He seemed to always be concerned about what I wanted. He was a hard worker and always made sure we were provided for. He went out of his way to ask me what I needed and then he gave it. He would tell me he loved me and how beautiful I was (still does 16 yrs and four kids later). I did not have to do anything to gain his attention even many years into the relationship. He wanted to be with me. Not just for affection. He wanted to give me affection. In my LOVE language.

He noticed that I liked to work in the yard. He bought me plants. He noticed that I loved to eat seafood. He would bring home shrimp and make dinner. He noticed that I loved chocolate. I get a Hershey bar almost every night on his way home from work and Godivas if I hint at it ;) When I was down, he would lift my spirits.

Now don't get me wrong. We have had a rough road. Marriages that last will see tough times. But we both have grown tremendously for the better.

I was not a very responsive player in this LOVE game. When I came along he had gotten damaged goods and I was bitter. I just knew that all of the things he was doing did not work. I had done the same for others and it failed. So this must be a trick!, I thought. He was going to turn into one of those other guys eventually. Any day now the ball was going to drop and I was going to be let down again.

I would try to ignore the gifts, the words...the actions. No "thank-you's" came from me and many times no response to his actions.

But He stayed the course.

That is one thing I could not do in prior relationships. I could not stay the course. I did not have it in me. I did not have the strength to stick around after being hurt, lied to, unappreciated, used and abused. Though I wanted to "fix" the broken, but I did not have the power or the knowledge.

My husband told me one day, "I do this for you because I LOVE you like Christ loved the church. That is why I do what I do".

It is not my husband that was showing me this "LOVE".

It is GOD in him.

One of the greatest things that God has shown me is how to give LOVE. HE did it through my obedient husband. And my husband will be blessed for it.

That is how we learn to LOVE. We serve HIM.

I love you Gary. Your time is here!

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: Eph 5:25-29 (KJV)

;)

Faith

*Footnote: I can just hear the guys reading this saying..."Wow do I have a great wife! She does everything for me and I don't hear any complaints". Really? Ask your wife how she feels about your LOVE for her. And when you do, respond like Christ would. If you can't, then I would check yourself. You may be on the very WIDE road. It is a lonely place and it leads to destruction of the soul.

My little OAK.

2010-02-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

Possibility.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 1:1-3 (KJV)

On the way to the orthodontist today with my teen son, I was led to have a discussion about his responsibility to begin to take action in his daily choices. He got his braces off after four years and it has given him a new attitude. I joked with him and said he looks like a used car salesmen. He is all into himself now due to the attention from all of the girls on how good he looks. Uggg!

He has so much POTENTIAL. He likes everything and everone. He is drawn to the down trodden, the hurting and the confused. Dangerous ground for a young person. He is just like me.

Though he has the spirit of God within him, He is tossed about like leaves in the wind right now. Reminds me of when I was pregnant. I was a hormonal freak!

I talked with him about the "acorn". I said, "How do you think that an acorn becomes a giant oak tree"? He thought about it and said, "It grows". "But how does it KNOW to become an oak tree?" I asked. We both agreed that God made it that way. It has the information...the potential to become and oak tree. Not a sunflower or a rose bush.

But how does it actually get there? It has to be planted. Grounded. Rooted.

It has to be placed in soil. It cannot be placed in a pool, a bowl of jello or anywhere else. The enviornment for it to be able to release the energy (the information) has to be able to feed the acorn what it needs to be able to do its perfect job.

Sure, you can put it down in the sand on the beach and it may sprout. Kind of like a potatoe does on its own in a humid enviornment. But it will eventually rot away. Potential lost.

But if you put it in the correct nurturing enviornment, it will become something GREAT. If it is a tomato plant and you plant it where rice patties grow, will it florish? NO. It is meant to be a tomato plant.

I told him that his dad and I have spent a lot of time, love and energy in nurturing our acorn- Him. Pretty soon, we will not be furnishing most of his basic nutrients. He will carry his acorn along with him as he goes to college. Can the soil we have prepared be contaminated? YES.

His acorn is his mind, body and spirit. Right now, his soil is church, home and school. I asked him if he waters and fertilizes his acorn with good things during the day at school? He asked (of course), "What do ya mean"?

I talked about how for the next 8 years he would need to know about science, history, math and other important things in school. If you already know that...wouldn't you want to water and fertilize your acorn with the information needed so your acorn could continue to florish? If you do the bare minimum, then your acorn will become an oak, but how strong will the branches be? How GREAT will that oak be?

Meeting him where he is in "Teenville", we talked about the monotony of daily tasks. We know we have to brush our teeth, eat and get dressed. If we know that, shouldn't we prepare ourselves to be able to do it with good things? If I am going to grab a shirt and pants out of the closet and have to put them on everyday anyway, couldn't I prepare myself to look good easily by just making the right clothing choices when I purchase clothing?

If I like to read, play video games or get on the computer, shouldn't I choose the current subjects that I already know that I have to have information on daily? Should I waste my time and potential by reading trash or fictional topics that serve no purpose?

If I am drawn to want to help friends through their issues and I know that they always have tough questions, shouldn't I read the WORD ahead of time to be able to produce the answers they will need to see the truth?

Ready in season and out.

Then he said, "Well, why do I want to act like I am greater than everyone else"? I felt like I was in a racquetball court ;) So I told him that it is not about being better that anyone else. It is about becoming the GREATNESS that God has put within you. Not placing yourself in situations where you cannot or will not nurture your acorn.

I have many acorns in our mission for at risk youth. Most are not in the nurturing envionment that my four children have been placed in. I try to water and fertilize those precious acorns in the desert whenever I see them. If they let Him, God can transplant them to where they need to be.

But even if our children grow up to become great oaks, they still can whither. Many oaks have been pruned heavily and grown greater for it. Some great oaks have been taken down because of the stagnant water and contaminated fertilizer they choose to use. But if we remain in the WORD and follow the voice of the Holy Spirit, His soil will nurture and He will prune us as we seek out pure water and fertilizer for our acorns. We will not be taken down.

There comes a time when we have to let go and let our children learn to listen to the voice of God themselves and seek out the things that will continue to nurture their acorns of potential. Then they must choose to use the right water and fertilizer.

Christ can nurture our children 24/7 when we cannot be there. Make sure you have planted your little acorns in the right soil. Then have faith and pray...and always have a water can and bag of fertilizer ready.

;)

Faith

"MONSTERS" ?

2010-01-18T15:00:00.000-08:00

While sitting at Chic-Fil-A today with my four kids, I had an epiphany ;) My youngest was the "life of the party" in the tunnels of the play area. He was growling and chasing the other bigger kids.

He was the MONSTER... and he was GREAT at it!

Then I started reflecting back on my own childhood. I was one who liked to be chased. Others like to get caught. It made me think of a point that was brought up the other day in our bible study about judging others in their personalities.

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

1 Cor 12:1-11 (KJV)

Though there are limitations to what we should allow kids to do, we should not stifle their God given personalities. During bible study, we talked about how for some reason the church goes out of its way (in what seems to be fear and doubt) to suppress their youth. They are constantly calling out to their congregations for volunteers to help with the lights, the media, the cleanup crews, the baby rooms among other things. Rarely do I see them take the youth/teens and TRAIN them how to minister through helping.

Mary was 12-14 years old when she married Joseph. She raised Jesus.

The current "Disciples of Christ" constantly judge each other in what each other should be doing and how it should be done. The wrong people are put in positions that are meant for specific Disciples. Many would argue that God puts leaders in positions of authority. Why does He? Can leaders be left to listen to their own ego and place people in certain roles outside of consulting the Holy Spirit? Certainly. Does it work out?

What happens when that is the case?

They become stumbling blocks and the mission crumbles in vain. Only to be passed off to another eager Disciple to learn from and GROW through.

In the mean time...

Our youth leaders (not just in the church buildings) should get our kids working and growing in Spirit by using their obvious gifts NOW. Being careful not to just focus on their friend's kids or the regular "favorites".

When the cliques come into play, it reminds me of when I was in elementary school. Teachers would choose team captains. Everyone else would line up and then each team captain would choose all their friends and leave the shy, new, disliked or unknown kids standing in embarrassment...being taken in as a last resort as just another body. Ever read about Leah? I think many youth are misled through exclusion, peer pressure, bullying etc and they sit by the way side because God's people are functioning in the flesh and not by God's WORD or prodding. Isaiah 61

Be assured that HIS word does not return void. The Creator of the Universe will not allow man to mess up His plans. But does He give us control of the timing through our actions and freewill? Will we have to answer for our lack of faith in action for the good of others who need HOPE? I think the WORD gives us that answer doesn't it?

There are also natural talents and gifts are within us even before a profession of faith (Romans 12:6-8), not including the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit that come with salvation (1 Corith 12 and Eph 4). Making all of our kids try to be the same by using condemnation for being outspoken, high strung, eccentric or very physical is killing our Peters, John the Baptists and Pauls among others.

All four of my children have very obvious gifts and differing personalities and have since birth, as do the at-risk teens I minister to. A major goal of the adult Disciples should be to help ALL of the youth discover and nurture their God given gifts by placing them with a Godly mentor who has the same gift. If we do not, the world will certainly oblige them in using that gift to mislead themselves and others.

RISE UP!

;)

Faith

The MARK.

2009-10-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

Does God approve your marketing strategy for your ministry?

Are your Glamour shots up to par?

Do you have the right "friends" aka: resources in the business/mission field?

Is your motto "cool" enough?

Have you taken the right leadership courses to prove you can teach the WORD?

Does your outfit match your theme?

Are you a part of a collaboration that has networking influence for the kingdom?

Have you missed the MARK?

Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty. 11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. 12 For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: Isaiah 2:10-12 (KJV)

I have just been reflecting on what has been presented to me recently in listening to people discuss what they are learning in their churches. Again I have no bias but what is presented to me through the Spirit. At least I try not to.

I attend many different places and love many different things about each church/gathering. But, what I cannot stand is the OBVIOUS attempt of leaders, or "climbers" I call them, to market their version of God. Many youth are still unsatisfied and many have professed their lack of growth in knowledge...again. Wonder why?

They are being starved by "leadership" that fails to provide meat.

I know we each start out with our own ideas about God and His strategy of witnessing through us. We want to be different because prior witness techniques seem to be failing (even though for some reason it worked on us?). We start to place blame on the lack of informed people in the church and think that if we could just make it more interesting the lost would come join us.

We dont use real pictures of ourselves in our outreach ("marketing"). We have special pictures made to set the mood for those who may be enticed to come hear what we have to say. We tailor our advances to what is hip in the media, but we put the "might be enlightening" stamp on it. If the crowd does not seem to be growing fast enough, we offer to help provide for their needs with activities, social events and entertainment in "party" style.

We think the youth can not possibly want to learn about the Creator unless we appeal to their appetite for fun. We mistakenly assume they will seek guidance and time with God through scripture at home (if we just tell them to). We think we should never make church or worship seem like a learning enviornment choc full of life saving information that is right at their finger tips in a book.

It may just drive them away, never to return...

Just like it did us.

*Don't fall for the lie. The WORD does not drive people away. Be sure that false light and self-centered focus will be revealed when another disciple comes to see it through the Spirit. Focus on Jesus. He exalts your mission righteously. Any other way and it will be burned away by the truth. Get ready.

EXPOSED!

2009-09-22T19:13:00.001-07:00

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
Eph 5:8-14 (KJV)

I have decided to go ahead and expose some of my testimony. This prodding was brought about by witnessing others (who may have less colorful testimonies) have to deal with a little light being shined on their past in the midst of personal and ministry growth.

I have always tried to be "real". If someone asks, I do try to tell them the truth about my past. I do not give details to amuse people or give a platform for gossip. They get it wrong anyway ;)

But as our mission grows for at risk youth, I will have to fess up: How I got to where I am? What qualifies my knowledge? And...Have I really "changed"?

Let me play "devil's advocate" as to go ahead and take all the ammo away from anyone who wants to stop RISE from sharing the WORD in the Upstate to at risk youth.

If you search, you will see that I do have a record with law enforcement. The worst is a criminal domestic violence charge in 1994. I was in the midst of a divorce from an abusive unbelieving spouse. I defended myself in an argument. We both went to jail. I divorced with no children. I lived and learned. I have had many abusive relationships in my life. I was a "fixer" who liked bad boys.

Only God can fix a heart.

As a new Christian, I had moved up to SC from Atlanta after returning from the Gulf War and losing my mother to cancer in 1992. That was the beginning of the transformation.

The Lord was working hard to expose the darkness in my life. This in turn required my reactions. Some were in the flesh. Others were actually being prayed about by me and followed.

Ahhh...the gift of Discernment. One of my most cherished!

Running a local grassroots mission of HOPE that is in the process of growing has its personal drawbacks. You will be put under the microscope eventually. People want to know if you are real. Some want to help. Some want to hinder.

Why would someone want to hinder a mission of HOPE? Many reasons. Jealousy, greed, spite, power and unbelief. Can God really take someone from darkness and use them to shine a LIGHT?

Ask a BELIEVER.

Keep the FAITH.

;)

The OTHER side...

2009-09-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

*Due to requests and necessity, I thought I would begin to write my testimony and then put it in book form. As it goes I will be very transparent and very reserved. Why hold back? Because God does not gain Glory in gory details about my sin. It is written for the youth I seek to pull out of the hands of evil forces. The Lord's will be done.

The OTHER side

But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark.
Gen 8:9 (KJV)

I did not know where to start this testimony. God gave me the image of a fence and the title. He told me to start. I put it off for about 2 years. So as I get ready to turn 39yrs old. I thought I would begin. This is for all of the youth. They are all "at risk".

I suppose the best place to start is to reflect on my four children. My oldest is now 14yrs old. He was such a precious baby. He was by the book a "Gerber" baby. Big blue eyes, white blonde hair and always happy. I could not believe that God would allow something like that to happen. Give me a child? I could not even run my own life, much less a child's! Leaving the hospital I felt as if I was stealing someone's life.

It was then I new what unconditional love was. I had never felt it. I did not deserve such a gift! I was 25 and had never really known what LOVE was. How could I love someone that did nothing to earn or deserve it? How could I love someone I barely knew? How can I love someone when I did not know HOW to love? Why did I feel this overwhelming emotion in my heart and nothing was done to make it happen? It was evidence of God's hand on my heart and my life.

So now as I watch my own four children grow, I see the potential I had. How choices I made at very important times in my life caused me to change direction. To go down good roads and bad.

I wrote a poem about my life the year after one of my mission volunteers was murdered. She was killed by an ex-convict who had a horrible childhood. Ironic? No. God's hand in my mission stirring my fire for intervention. God knew my friend was on her way out of this world to be with Him and He let me meet her. I saw His ways work in it. I got closer to Him through it. The scripture He gave me for those days was:

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Heb 13:2 (KJV)

But my "life" poem does not do God justice. It is short, choppy and does not shed a lot of light on HOW He has worked in the life of a person who was so close to death by their own hand.

My heart is about to bust right now thinking about all God did to show himself to me. I am still here. Alive. He guides my life now. I am thankful everyday.

I just had an old friend from high school "Facebook" me. I like to call it "TellAllBook". LOL! Too many people like to use it as a diary. Not smart.

Anyway, my friend asked me to pray for him. He explained that he had not been home in 11 days. He is still dealing with addiction at 39yrs old. Since middle school. He said he felt dead today. I gave him advice on what to do to begin to stop the chaos. I will also pray for intervention. When I do, it usually happens.

My heart hurts for him. I also deal with an addictive personality. I am high strung and extreme all the time. In the past it was in all things. Now I try to let God lead that wild horse called "me". I know what my friend is going through. Many of my friends from Atlanta and abroad have overdosed, died in car wrecks, killed others, went to prison, broken loving relationships and committed suicide. Wasted lives. Destruction and death.

But when you decide to turn your life over to God and LISTEN to Holy Spirit instruction in ALL things. You LIVE your destiny!

I pray that this book will not only Reveal, Inspire, Secure and Empower youth, but it will CHANGE lives that are on the brink of self destruction.

So here it goes...

To be continued.

Hope and Despair

2009-07-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: 3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. 4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem. Gen 35:2-4 (KJV)

When you make the CHOICE to let the Lord into your life, how fast does CHANGE happen?

I would say that it is gradual. Growth is gradual and it is CHOICE. In the 18 years that I have been allowing the Lord to work on me, I have grown in so many ways. Little by little.

In HIS timing, my choice to LISTEN.

CHANGE is PERSONAL.

Where I may be growing, another Christian may have already "been there". Where I have grown, I cannot judge others in their walk.

I have seen evidence in the hearts of many of the youth I have been spending time with in the RISE program. One of the first things I noticed is a broken heart. WEEPING. Some of their testimonies resemble someone who is 40yrs old. Heartbreaking.

Sometimes backlash followed, but when I continued to spend time with them and stand on the Truth, they grew.

Then the calmness of the Holy Spirit followed. Many who had been very outspoken in a negative way, loud and out of control with scattered emotions...would suddenly stop to LISTEN.

In turn, I have had those who would listen to "logical" counsel, until I read scripture. They would physically plug their ears and say that God has only brought them "hell". Very telling for me as a Christian. Evidence of a force more than just personal choice. I fight back with Prayer in all situations.

But when do we "lock down" in what we will tolerate in a ministry atmosphere? When do we pick apart someone who continues to come with no violence or foul disturbing actions? If they have actually recently professed that Christ is Lord, when do we stop them from attending our worship time? How long do we wait for visible change?

My questions are easily answered I believe. How long does God wait on us and what does HE tolerate?

;)

Faith

Yadda,Yadda,Yadda...

2009-06-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

Its ALL about getting closer to God.

I have been in a dilemma recently. I talk too much.

Or do I?

Anyone who knows me knows that I talk way too much. Especially about my mission. Not gossip.

Sometimes people avoid me. Sometimes they call me just to hear me rant about what's going on in the world. To hear things they want to say...but can't. Many times I have been "used" as a mouth piece in a business meeting to "go off" on an issue they want covered, but can't mention themselves.

The look on people's faces are humorous at times.

I go on...

But recently I have been in a "Listening" stage. Surprisingly I found it peaceful.

My dilemma in this "gift of gab" has been when to speak and when to be silent. This may be unbelievable to those who know me, but I am a introvert. I do not like to reveal too much about myself or my doings. I am a private person. At home I am quiet most of the time.

But when it comes to how God works in my life, I am out of control. I cannot be silent! Yes, it turns some of those laid back Christian's off. But what they do not know is that most of the time, it is God led. For what ever reason, He will not give me the discipline in public.

Yet.

I have even prayed to be still and listen, to not speak. And then what happens...

Explosion!

Yes, I have left many meetings embarrassed in the flesh.

But in the Spirit. I am secure.

Something has been revealed to me through seeing myself in the rebellious youth I am surrounded by each week. I even see this "mouthy" attribute in some of them. If they can begin to use their voices for God, they will minister to many. If not they will torture themselves for life.

When the Lord urges us, we should not hold our tongue. Not everyone will want to hear you, not everyone will understand. But there will be purpose in it. Even if it does not manifest at that moment.

The key is that you have to be able to discern HIS voice.

In the last few years, God has placed some "talkers" in my life. Even strangers who just randomly come up to me and feel led to fill my ears with long dialogue.

At first, I felt sorry for them. I thought they were nutty. I knew what people must "think" about their incessant chatter. OMG! Is that me? But in the midst of their noise, I heard HIS voice.

A WORD.

A WORD I was looking for.

As this veil has been lifted for me, I have learned to be secure in who I am and my purpose. I have learned that I need not change who I am, but how and why I react the way I do.

As long as HE leads...we should listen.

It ain't about US. Seek out HIS purpose in your relationships.

LISTEN.
;)
Faith

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 1 Cor 14:26 (KJV)

Triumph through the valleys...

2009-05-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

Triumph Through the Valleys

Alive
Wide eyed and screaming
Lost…Loved

Investigative, curious
Creative, funny, independent, talkative
Churched, truthful, friendly, strong…Searching

Yelled at, teased, beaten, smart, confused, brave
Unguided, sexually abused, accused, insecure
Tempted, experimenting, deceiving, secretive…Searching

Misled, hurting, unreachable, runaway, lonely
Sinning, raging, fighting, alcoholic, homeless, hungry
Married, clinging, striving, soldier, scared…Searching

SAVED

Questioning, learning, changing
Mother less, angry, backsliding, tired
Addicted, attacked, abandoned, jailed
Divorced, goal setting, unfocused, failing…Calling

Receiving, unthankful, self-centered, damaging
Mommy, blinded, detouring, wife, abusing,
Grasping, injured, paralyzed, struggling,
Shutting down, crying, begging, giving...Listening

FINDING!

Praying, waiting, responding
Reading, following, guiding, thanking
Praising, thirsting, quenching…Sharing

Wide eyed and screaming
Totally secure…Loved
Alive

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:
but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."
Luke 9:24

My life testimony.

How many Bibles can you count... in church?

2009-05-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

The new choice in a WORD spreader.

This is something that was placed on my heart a long time ago. I have noticed it through the years as I have attended different churches, different denominations etc. I consider myself a Southern Baptist. I do have many churches I deal with due to my four children's needs, our mission work and our own choices. Yes, I pick a church based on where the Lord tells me to attend. I do tithe to His church where He tells me to.

At one church I am building a mission class on Wed. nights for local at-risk youth. On Sunday mornings, I go to a contemporary church plant I was led to go see by the Lord a year ago. I am still attending my original church on Sunday nights for an addiction/stronghold support group I learn from for my ministry platform. I also attend night service there to hear the word and great worship music. Total, I am in a "church building" about 10 hours a week. I always have my bible at church. It contains the WORD. On average, I spend at least 6 hours or more each day in the word in some form.

As the years have gone by I have wondered why they only have hymnals in the pews and not a few bibles too? You could look at it in many ways: They don't want them taken. Why not? Wouldn't we want someone to be that desperate for the word? The church does not have the money to replace them. Could God supply the missing funds? Maybe they want people to seek out the word for themselves at the local bookstore.

I know that most youth don't carry them. My own kids are made to. They get aggravated. They will get over it. I don't think they will quit brushing their teeth when they get older out of spite either.

Proverbs 22:6

As technology has grown I have noticed that in schools, theatres, movies, meetings, funerals, courts and churches, they do not want cell phones on. I can see why. It disturbs the flow of information. I take notes, but that is all I can do on a piece of paper. I can't look up the sale at the local mall, check out my email alerts, re-do my web page or blog. Get lost in the web pages and then look up to see everyone standing to leave but me.

Oh that's right, I would not do that...and neither would a bunch of youth. NOT.

What draws unbelievers to church and keeps them there?
The power of the WORD and THE HOLY SPIRIT working in THEIR life.

When I go to church on the sabbath day set aside for worship of the Creator of the universe, I am still and I know He is God. I am in His WORD during worship, not mine.

I have not tried to text or blog at the same time I try to thumb through and read my bible. I also know that anything I get in my worship time, I can relay after I have spent time with the Father in Worship.

In my youth group on Wed. we catch the kids texting (and other things) to each other in the pews. I wonder if it is the WORD. Duh...no. The Pastor there does an excellent job each week to remind them of the boundaries in respect of GOD's worship time.

Most Christians confess to not being in the word daily. Is downloading the word online the same thing as having the written word available for yourself? What happens when that battery goes dead? What happens when those files get lost? What happens when the new technology is incompatible with the old and you have all your files of God's personal word to you through the years lost in time on a junk drive?

I like to do research on what is "up" with God's people...I went to view a very large church full of all ages. There had to be at least 2000 people for the one service I went to. As I was leaving, I felt led to ask my teen son to count the bibles. He got defensive...because he just luuuved the music. I explained that if there are this many people and you do not see bibles, there is a problem. Especially with the church being more than 10 years old. Even if most had not been believers, eventually with a crowd that size you would have some mature disciples leading by example. We counted 8 bibles as hundreds of people poured into the parking lot. Maybe they all had those pocket Gideon's version.

I also like to be still and pray in silence to be open for the Holy Spirit of the Lord to move. I wonder why we don't hear a mention of the village musical group with tambourines, flutes and drums Jesus asked to serenade His prayer time?

In my young girls group I recently noticed that three of them have started to bring their bibles. I always have mine and I always open it in class. The Pastor always has his and he always asks the congregation to get out their bibles and if the do not have one to ask him or one of the deacons for one. It is expected. I think God has expectations in personal discipline too.

If I do not have a cell phone to text or a lap top to share the word, will someone give me one?

Our sabbath day is a time of worship of the Lord. A personal worship. Our "networking/witnessing" should be done before or after any worship service. The youth always follows by example. Do I want to conform to the technology ways of the world and let my kids text their 20,000th message in church?

I want them to learn to WORSHIP, PRAY and LISTEN.

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10 (KJV)

To do or NOT to do.

2009-05-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:15, 24)

Sitting in with a small group of girls Wed. this scripture came to mind. Many had differing comments on a question I had asked.

"What "things" break your heart?"

We were speaking on Joy or lack of. The answers to the question centered around boys (of course), bullies and of all things their school Guidance Counselors. A couple mentioned that you cannot tell the counselors anything because then the whole school knows about it and you get taken away.

That has been a reoccurring them in my heart lately. A lot of the youth I deal with have the same answers when I ask them if they have ever been to the guidance counselor. Most say "no" or that they don't help anything. I don't understand? There are some deeply troubled youth at all schools who just need an ear and a few GUIDING words. They don't have to be religious to help.

Because youth DON'T know what to do, but they THINK they do.

In today's times that is a very dangerous situation to be in. Life changing in many instances.

The kids that desperately need to have an adult mentor can't even get it at school. What does public education want to educate us on? Many of the most educated people in the world fail miserably in life because they have no "life skills" or have an addiction that cripples them. As a matter of fact there is one in the news today. A local rich guy who has no moral or social skills, is an alcoholic and sits in jail for murder among numerous other legal issues. What is his deal?

Grades and "good" families aren't enough.

If there is a counselor available at school 5 days a week for 7-8 hours a day and there are about 15 kids per grade that need crisis intervention, how hard would it be to speak with those youth on an individual basis about disparaging issues in their life that are keeping them from succeeding?

Though it was 24 yrs ago, I can say that had I not been in a fight in the school yard and a couple of other incidences, I would have never been to the Guidance Counselor. I had so many other harmful issues going on in my life she probably would have fainted when she heard them, had she ever asked past the incident. I will say that it should have been obvious by my roller coaster grades, my dress and the "crue" I hung out with that I needed intervention. Never had a conversation for guidance unless something happened and I got caught.

Today, I can walk down a hall or look in my kid's annual and pick out the exact ones that are crying for help. My sons says "How did you know that?". I tell him God tells me ;) Some do fly below the radar and you have to watch their actions or grades but for the most part, those who need help display it visually as a teen.

The point is, most kids do not know what to do and what not to do. They have no foundation, no advice from a loving parent or caregiver and no idea of what self-control or self-discipline is and the consequences today of not having it. Though this RISE class is supposed to be 6th grade girls, the ages are scattered due to hold backs and failings. The range is 11-14yrs old. I will have to change the group up a bit due to life subjects that need to be covered.

The innocence of the ages become apparent through conversation and action. So do the affects of corruption. I know where they are coming from. To be playing with barbies and jumping rope one day, then smoking or doing drugs the next.

Such a lost sense of self. I lived it for many years.

I remember praying a lot as a child to god. Not the God, but a creator I just knew had made all things not man made. I would hear the still small voice of warning when I was going to do something wrong, but I would do it anyway. I had not been raised in church, though my family professed to be Christian. We were CEOs-Christmas/Easter only patrons.

I would picture Jesus, the one from the Nazareth movie I loved so much that came on at Easter and Christmas. But I did not hear enough truth to be able to get any real guidance. Had I known that the WORD had the answer, I would have missed out on a lot of heartache, physical pain and dead end roads.

Though our group sessions are better than nothing, the kids today need and ear. A daily one. Schools need to step it up on their mentoring activities. There is nothing wrong with pulling certain students aside, telling them they are special, acknowledging their gifts, helping them write out a personal life plan that takes into account their environment and letting them vent... to a friend.

I do not understand the apathy going on in schools now days. I do know that some schools and juvenile facilities have started to reach out to local churches again. The secular way of only psychology based intervention has failed.

Our churches are full of mentors that need to step up to the plate and open their hearts and their doors to the at-risk and troubled youth. Satan is getting them while they are young and keeping them for life.

We have the power to stop that. It begins with a word.

TRUTH.

;)

Faith

Lighthouses

2009-04-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

We attempted our first working event including the youth last week.

Many were amazed.

Though I knew in my spirit that they would succeed, there was a tinge of worry.

I know how satan works in the lives of the youth and I thought there may be an attempt to sabotage their efforts. He failed. I had already asked for protection from his tactics.

The kids were willing and ready for anything we asked them to help with. No one would have ever guessed they are the non-conformist, the rebels, the "at-risk".

They worked harder than most adults.

I know their spirits. I have the same.

Throw me a challenge and I will take it. NO FEAR.

There is a problem with most at-risk youth intervention strategies now days. No challenge, weak, afraid to require hard work, worried about hurting people's feelings.

It is Unbiblical.

If anyone was to ever look beyond the dark makeup, attitudes and negativity, they would see stars burning bright with potential. Creative, brave, intelligent souls just looking for sparks to light their fire.

When the event was over, I had so many compliments on the youth's perseverance and manners. I wish we could have had a reality tv crew there to film them and show their teachers at school who think they are a lost cause what truly motivates them.

I will say that I made a mistake on one very important thing. I did not pray WITH them before the event. I prayed for them. I want them to know that they should pray in ALL things they do. I need to lead by example instead of just being an intercessor. I will be sure to mention my mistake to them.

At the end of the night when I was dropping them off at home, one of them went in to wake his parents so I could tell them how great they were. Then he said, "When is the next event"? I wanted to cry for joy.

The WORD always prevails! He is working in their hearts.

There are 438 occurences of the word work in the bible. Important?

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Col 1:10 (KJV)

Starving to death.

2009-03-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

I decided to blog about lack of food. Spiritual food.

The reason is because for the longest time, I have seen professed Christians...starving themselves to death. Some know God, but do not KNOW Him.

Some do not even know they are starving.

Maybe they found that place in life where they first decided to let God into their hearts. They felt change. They felt different. They began to want to know more, but were scared to leave that comfort zone. So they stayed there.

BORING

*I may be saved, but I am still a risk taker. That defines who I am. Now I have an awesome road map and field director.

But at some point, they had to see a different side of where they are in their walk. Maybe they became aware that something was missing...again. They knew it was not God. They had just come to a stagnant point in their spirit.

Could it be that the place of fellowship where they began their walk in the spirit is not filling their craving for a closer walk anymore. What should they do?

Well, when it happens to me, I take a look around and ask: Is my fellowship providing the spiritual food that I need? Are there those who walk very close to the Lord among my fellowship? Is my time in fellowship spent in PRAYER and WORSHIP of the Lord? Do I leave knowing that I have grown in HIM somehow? Am I doing anything to help provide growth in the word within my fellowship? Can I use my gifts in my fellowship or is church just a basic "hang out" and chat time for everyone? Am I being called to stay or leave?

My point. Those who walk with the Lord need to be fed. If you are not pulling away, but the people you are around seem stagnant or unwilling to grow, you should pray for the Lord's guidance in where you should be. You will get His answer in peace.

Live in it.

We also get to a point in our walk where we need to overflow on others. We grow from it and so do those we touch. You may be required to get filled through one fellowship and also go where you can overflow and minister to others in another that may be lacking. That my friend is true evangelism! Very rewarding.

You may be told to move on to grow in an area where the Lord is calling you. Or it may be just a timing issue and you are waiting for the Lord to move upon the fellowship you are currently in.

Waiting on the next step of God...not you.

What I have seen is this, those who really want to grow in the Lord will do the following things:

Begin to feel the hunger for more of Him.
Seek growth in Him where they are.
Feel torn when they cannot find it.
Push to get it where they are.
Find their "spot" where they are.
Stay and be unfulfilled in their walk or Leave to get it.

Speaking of starving...many young people are beginning to hunger for TRUTH and are getting some of it in the vast amount of new contemporary churches that are popping up in the USA. But if these fellowships fail to provide the meat for growth in the spirit, these youth will stall out, get bitter or fall away. Just like before. Many of these churches are not empowering the youth in need, they are seeking out those who are already talented and nourished to help run the "machine".

Those who see others that seem to be starving for more substantial nourishment in the WORD, have an obligation to provide. When do we leave it up to our children to know how and when to feed themselves without regular intervention?

When it becomes obvious they can and do.

Until then, we should take care of and help nuture those put in our path. When we do, the Holy Spirit sends us what we are ready for.

But just a little reminder...He will also test us and show us we are not ready by letting us wander around in the BIG (or small) desert. We must be aware of HIS will.

;)

Faith

11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: 12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.
Amos 8:11-12 (KJV)

"SUCK-UP"

2009-03-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

That is what one boy called his friend after he had deciphered most of the scripture in RISE class Wed night. It was pouring down rain and we did not have as many middle school boys this week. Maybe about 19. I moved on to Joy from Love in the fruits of the Spirit.

My most obstinate young man was ON FIRE!

I could not believe the gift he has in interpreting scripture from the KJV. He normally gets his attention by causing chaos at school...I can tell. But for the last few weeks, he has really listened in RISE.

My little red head skater boy I just love, helped me bake cookies. He was the only one there early enough. Then some others came by to rob us of the cookies that were done. I gave them one and ran them out of the little church kitchen. It has an oven from the 80's that only burns things in the middle of the pan ;)

When they were asked in the group to describe an action that produces joy in others, I reminded my red head about us baking cookies and the smiles we saw on every one's faces. The others said "WHEN!?", in sorrow that they had missed all the action. "Tough guys" baking cookies. You can't get any sweeter than that.

We went on to read many of the scriptures that include "joy" in the bible and had other discussions. We closed in witness prayer.

The two young discerners approached me and I told the one who is quick to understand scripture, that he has a gift. His buddy called him a "suck-up". I explained to him that he too had answered some of my questions correctly. He smiled. I then asked the other one (aka-Peter I called him), if he was saved. He said no and his eyes welled up. I told him he needed to think about that, let the Lord speak to his heart and then we parted ways. I can't wait to see him make that life changing decision and know it is true!

I am so excited at what the Lord is doing in these kid's hearts. These are the ones that are right in the hands of evil. Not just sinners, but ones who satan will try to drag down to the depths of depression, loneliness, crime, addiction and all that comes with being an "at-risk" youth.

Just as I do for my own children, I am willing to fight him for them. He has no power over me. The SAVIOR lives in my heart.

Peace,
Faith

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Psalms 51:8-13 (KJV)

WORSHIP

2009-03-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I did not teach the boys. The church had a special guest who sang and performed some funny skits for the youth.

I have to say that I felt kind of weird at first. I am one of those serious worshipers who loves to watch others perform, but I am terrified if you put me on a stage to do anything artistic.

Some of the new "contemporary" churches I have been in recently look more like a concert stadium or theatre. They have sort of the same type of things going on, but you don't really feel like you are in a "church". This church I am helping is a mill hill church from the 80's and it looks like a church.

Beautiful stained glass, a choir area, a baptismal, pews and yes...those fake ferns and flowers ;)

They do not have a huge dark auditorium with stage lighting, graphics and smoke machines. They don't look "cool". But the youth there do. They all wear the stuff the youth is into today. They have the cell phones and I-pods. Our kids are even a little bit more eclectic than normal. Picture...Cindy Lauper, Madonna or Alice Cooper.

They got to HEAR the WORD of God and sensed the sweet Holy Spirit.

Before the performer, some of the youth were up front and were singing and praising. The congregation was up on its feet and doing the same. The tough, normally silent young men were caught mouthing the words to the upbeat music. Even the "I'm too cool to move" girls were making up praise motions and following along.

A few youth came up front to speak with the pastor and the helpers during closing invite and prayer.

It was fun. It was reassuring. It was WORSHIP. This little church is on the move!

Some confirmation. During and after the event, some of the roudiest young men I normally teach asked me if we were going to have class. I said not tonight, maybe next time. They looked disappointed.

That was a good feeling. It tells me they are wanting to hear more of God's WORD.

Next week I want to work with the girls. They are in desperate need to know how God can work in their life. Out of the blue one girl confessed to me last night she does not get drunk anymore and has been clean for 6 months. She is 14. I wanted to hug her and cry. That was me 25 years ago.

God is able...if we let Him.

Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25

;)

Peace,
Faith

...a pin drop

2009-03-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Last night I was with the boys again. They vary in ages from 12-16yrs old, but they are all in middle school. This time I had a special friend with me who the Lord placed in my path for a very specific reason. She is a helper to the mission.

Anyway, We were supposed to talk about LOVE again, the first of the fruits of the spirit. But the Lord had placed a random scripture on my heart about two days before. I looked it up, it was a good one, but not included in the lesson I had written. I was waiting to see if it was really needed. HE was all over me to use it as soon as I got there. HE would not let up.

YOU COULD HEAR A PIN DROP.

The boys, most who attend a local alternative school, are on contract or suspended, were just like little kids listening to a BIG SECRET. It was Amazing!

After my helper read the scripture, I asked which one of them knew what it meant. It was silent. Then the rowdiest, most obstinate of the boys raised his hand and said, "It means that when you give your heart to GOD, you start your ETERNAL life".

I almost jumped out of the chair. I pointed at him and yelled, "YES! That is exactly right." He had the biggest grin and his eyes shined!

Then we talked about how the fact that they were there tonight hearing the words of God. HE is calling to them to begin their LIFE. Their DESTINY. Their REAL life.

I let them know that we are looking for change. GOOD change. When you let Jesus work in your life, there is CHANGE. We let them know that their grades will begin to change, their hearts, their attitudes, their focus, their habits.

That was what God had wanted out of that particular scripture. A veil to be lifted. It was set to follow up (unknowlingly by me) on what the pastor had told them in the sanctuary earlier.

So we moved on, talked about LOVE and loving others like God loves us. One of my cute , long-haired, blonde skater boys raised his hand and asked..."Did it hurt?" I was confused. I asked what he meant. He replied, "When you fell from Heaven".

It cracked me up! Then one of the older ones said he had a pick-up line for LOVE. His was "Heeeey there Baby". I told him that won't work ;)

Boys will always be boys.

But the Lord worked in their hearts last night. You could see a room full of hard, abused, loud, mean, young men melt at the thought of true LOVE.

GOD'S LOVE.

Watching HIM work,

;)

Faith

Here is the scripture:

Matthew 16:"24-27

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

The Face of the Future

2009-03-04T20:27:00.000-08:00

I broke down in front of a room full of teen boys this week. Professional? Well, due to the attitude and disposition of the audience, it was unavoidable.

See, when I am with people, I have this weird thing that happens. I see the little child in them. I see it in adults too. I see their unrealized hopes and dreams. I see their broken hearts. Their regrets. Their pain. No matter what the age. From toddlers to Seniors. It has been happening for about 10 yrs.

Not to say that I do not see potential, I do. Even above the sometimes blatant sin they are in the midst of. It is a God thing. Some of you understand what I mean. Yes, I am one of those...

Anyway, it had been two weeks since I had been with the guys. I am in the midst of writing an intervention program for our wayward youth. They are the ones who look like they just came from a satanic ritual. One's I used to hang out with when I was young.

Thought they talk and look tough...they cry, they hug, they are reaching out. They have purpose. They are precious. Jesus is there.

They are in the hands of satan at this current time in their lives. Drugs, abuse, poverty and sex are rampant in their lives and in their family's life. I can rarely teach without shedding a tear at some point. You can hear a pin drop in my class most of the time. And it is not because I talk so much! The Holy Spirit moves in rather quickly on most nights. Only a dead person would not feel HIM.

The boys are in such dire straits. Many have been kicked out of school, live with people other than their biological parents, have done drugs, have had sex, have been abused, have been in jail or juvy...are desperate. How could I not shed a tear when I look at them. The girls too.

Most of the time when the class starts there is a heaviness in the room. A bad chaotic vibe. I try to pray it away before I speak with them. Otherwise, it is a fight. A spiritul fight. The air is heavy.

Tonight the focus was love from the fruits of the spirit. I got some chuckles, some snide remarks and some open hearts. But the converstation took the inevitable turn like it does with these boys. It went to the fact that in about 4 yrs., they were going to be men.

I had to "get real". That is when the tears came. They have a choice. Men who are losers or men who were actually using their gifts for God in their destiny. Men with no job, men in jail, men on welfare, men on drugs or sucessful men who know and walk with God.

Sadly I know that many of them will bring much pain on themselves in their choices. I told them that none of them would be a famous rap star. None of them would probrobly be a famous NFL player. Someone said, "How do you know"? I said, "I just do. But please seek me out and prove me wrong if you are and donate to our charity".

To look into their faces, see their tattered clothes and broken spirit...is crushing. Most have NO ONE to push them. Most have already given up on them.

It reminds me of when I was about 15. I had been so rebellious up to that point, my parents threw up their hands. So life was a free for all. I left home right before my 16th birthday and bounced from place to place looking for "me". Only to be empty. Never finding it until I was in the military. I did not care for anyone, no one seemed to care for me. I was on my own. Just like many kids are today. Even those with parents at home.

I ended up in the Gulf War, heard from God, accepted him. Grew from there, though it took many years. Many times He reminds me that is where my life began. Saved right where the Garden of Eden was at one time. How cool!

The guys like to hear that story. It gives them HOPE.

Well, I wrapped up the night with a few words on abuse and what to do if it is happening to them. One 16 yr old raised his hand and said, "Yeah, if it is tell him (a male helper), he knows how to handle it". That was good, but sad. It let us know he had an issue he had dealt with.

When I got home I was distraught. My heart hurt for those boys. I know that statistics say most of them will not make it.

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14

I find my comfort in TRUTH.
;)
Peace,
Faith

The PEEP HOLE...

2009-02-25T05:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I am back to open the attic. I have such a long drawn out weird testimony. I thought, "How do I even start this"?

Then it came to me. Kinda Funny. "I can use shows as examples and then I wouldn't be rambling on and on and they will get the picture".

So here it goes...

I was a military brat who grew up between Colorado, Germany, Hawaii and Atlanta. As a child my life was a combination of country living, military base housing, tropical island exploration and big city trouble.

Though my family was always taken care of, my life had been a little chaos beginning from the age of about 10. I had ran away at 14 yrs old for about a month or two. My parents divorced when I was about 15...totally expected. I left home at 16. Reality show at its worst.

Some of the shows or movies that can sort of wrap it all up...Waltons, Little Darlings, Desperately Seeking Susan, Urban Cowboy, Private Benjamin, Real World MTV, Coyote Ugly, Housewives of the OC (minus the millions and the multi-husbands), Brady Bunch (but they are ours).

Weird yes. Sad too. But God had a wonderful plan in my chaos.

If you want to take the trip, watch the movies. In order.

I will be back to begin the story of the mission I am on. The details of my path will be woven into why I do what I do each day. It is going to be very telling. I am a little embarrassed to bring it to light, but this is a witness blog for those who can draw from it.

If we do not go into the darkness and tell what Christ has done for us...who will know?

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Transperant...

2009-02-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,
I wanted to keep this blog pretty honest. So, even though most things will be positive, some will not. I will try not to throw anyone under the bus around here in the south. Unless they desrve it ;0 As far as worrying about who thinks what, I report to the one and only. I have no worries.

I wanted to write this from a mother of four perspective. A mother who was put on a mission for God because as He informed me one day..."No one else will do it for these children". I was one of those children.

I liked that. He knows I am a risk taker. He watches over me and my family, so we have all we need. They are His too. We are in this together.

My husband says that I am not a "normal" person as far as energy is concerned and that most people can't keep up with me. Yeah, Yeah...I was diagnosed Bi-Polar with all of the stuff that "they" say comes with it back when I was 25. I was considered "wild", even as a child. Been down the medicine road. Threw that stuff away 3 yrs ago at 36 so I could be me. I wanted to live my life like I was meant to through God. I like to say I am one of those race horses that has to run. God has turned that to His advantage.

But I will say that I have learned that only God can keep me from a destructive path. Only He can guide me down the race track. If not for Him, I would be one of those horses that tears up the fence and breaks its leg. Then it has to be put down.

When I return, I guess I need to start with a little bio. That is what set the stage for the local mission I am on. I'll be looking back at the bread crumbs that brought me to this next step on my path. It will be interesting.

Just a hint...the "wild" child reference is the tip of the iceberg.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Cor 5:17 (KJV)

Peace,
;)
Faith

*PS.

Feel free to share your mission road. It inspires all who read it. There is supernatural purpose in fellowship. HE works in it.