Mixed with Faith

Don't waiver in the waiting. Instead, let it be a time that God speaks to you and encourages your faith in Him and in His promises. Don't forget what His word says- It says that He is well able to do all that he has promised. The Bible is one promise after another.  

Let us take up our faith and receive those promises. When we do this, we are giving life to the seeds of promise that God plants inside of us. 

When God speaks, be bold to believe and ready yourself to receive. The greater always gives to the lesser. Promises mixed with faith are powerful beyond our own understanding.

^{Hebrews 4: 2} For indeed we have had the glad tidings [Gospel of God] proclaimed to us just as truly as they [the Israelites of old did when the good news of deliverance from bondage came to them]; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not mixed with faith (with ^[c]the leaning of the entire personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) by those who heard it; ^[d]neither were they united in faith with the ones [Joshua and Caleb] who heard (did believe).

^{Romans 4: 20} No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God,

²¹ Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.²² That is why his faith was credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).

Beep Beep, Sheep

God's been talking to me a lot about what it means for him to be my Shepherd. If He is the Shepherd then that would mean that I am a sheep. Earth shattering, right? I am to simply be what I am.- nothing more and nothing less.

My daughter calls sheep 'beep'. It's cute. I know she'll grow out of it. But in the meantime, how many of us live as beep beep sheep? Always searching, looking to speed ahead to the next stop light. You know what I'm talking about- the people that floor it and cut you off only to get caught at the next stoplight right in front of you? Kinda makes me laugh when that happens. Anyway back to the sheep. The sheep follow the Shepherd. They respond to the sound of his voice. They are not trying to dart around him or jump ahead of His leading. They just follow with an expectancy that He will guide them and lead them to places of nourishment and rest. Every road has it's bumps. It's my job as the sheep, not to get so caught up on the bumps that I lose sight of my Shepherd. When He gives direction, step out in faith even if you don't have all the pieces to complete the puzzle just yet.

If there's one thing I've learned from having children it's that you cannot make them do two things: eat or sleep. Even though manufacturers of the next magical children's products might say otherwise, just ask the parent of an infant. If they don't wanna do it, they aren't gonna do it. Yes, their natural bodies will eventually force them into both of those things but not without many hours of tears and struggles. At the same time, I can provide them with food that tastes good and an environment that calms and helps them enter into peaceful sleep. But, in the end, the choice is ultimately theirs. They CAN go on for a certain amount of time by their own will and their own strength but it will not be fulfilling nor will it be peaceful. How many of us are starving and exhausted from our own push and striving to gain the things that the Good Shepherd will provide to us if we simply relent and receive? He is faithful and kind to meet us where we are.

 Psalm 23, the psalm of the Good Shepherd, says that he refreshes and restores our soul. I don't have to qualify for this refreshing and restoring because Jesus qualified FOR me, in my place. He took my place of brokenness and curse and gave me His place of righteousness as a gift at the cross. His sacrifice was acceptable in the sight of God. My job is to receive. My job is to let Him lead and to follow. He's gone ahead of me and understands what I'm facing now and what I will be facing. It's HIS job to provide my provision, comfort and times of rest. It's my job to receive it. Time to lay some things down and give Him the honor of taking it. Then comes joy and peace because I'm not shouldering something that was not intended for me. Hope y'all have a great week!

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.

² He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.

³ He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.

⁴ Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with ^[a]oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.

⁶ Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

Seeds of Truth

Lots of changes going on at our house. My small fries are growing and learning. The job of referee has become one that I know well. But, I know they'll get it eventually. Planting the seeds of kindness and devotion to siblings sometimes takes quite a long time before the fruit is seen. Just when I think I might snap at the sound of the next stage 5 meltdown- I look over to see my son praying for our youngest who has been having a tough time getting her front teeth. When I say tough time, I mean awake from 1:30-4 am. I consume copious amounts of coffee. Ok, maybe not copious but it's a lot. I digress. The point is that I know His spirit is telling me to keep going. Even in all the mistakes I make as a parent the seeds of faith, hope, and love are being planted and HE is the one who is watering them. There's no greater joy. 

Each new stage is a new chapter equipped with some uncharted waters. The thing about growing is that there's some stretching involved. Sometimes it's an achy, painful stretching. Regardless of the feelings, it's new growth and fresh strength is being born. The areas of my struggles past and present and future, are the battlegrounds of my greatest victories. Those are the areas where God's deepest truths are revealed. They strip away all falsehood and only truth can remain. But, I have to set foot on the battlefield first. I have to rise to the occasion regardless of what it may require of me. Whether it means to referee, teach, wipe, lovingly rebuke, cast vision and identity, or sincerely apologize.  The good news is that Jesus is always by my side and He has already purchased my victory. Something about Jesus, when he points out some area He wants to go with me- It's 100% truth and 100% kindness. I doesn't leave me feeling like he's sucker punched me. Its true, but not mean or harsh. He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me. 

Don't let one negative naysayer keep you from believing the truth that God has put down into your spirit.

^{Isaiah 54: 11} “O storm-battered city,
    troubled and desolate!
I will rebuild you with precious jewels
    and make your foundations from lapis lazuli.
¹² I will make your towers of sparkling rubies,
    your gates of shining gems,
    and your walls of precious stones.
¹³ I will teach all your children,
    and they will enjoy great peace.
¹⁴ You will be secure under a government that is just and fair.
    Your enemies will stay far away.
You will live in peace,
    and terror will not come near.
¹⁵ If any nation comes to fight you,
    it is not because I sent them.
    Whoever attacks you will go down in defeat.

¹⁶ “I have created the blacksmith
    who fans the coals beneath the forge
and makes the weapons of destruction.
    And I have created the armies that destroy.
¹⁷ But in that coming day
    no weapon turned against you will succeed.
You will silence every voice
    raised up to accuse you.
These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord;
    their vindication will come from me.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!

He Is Faithful

My daughter is running around with whatever article she can find from the laundry basket (namely various pairs of underwear-scattering them around the house only to be found at the most inopportune or embarrassing moment possible), the littlest is finding new and creative places she can hide the scrambled eggs that she ate for breakfast (mostly in her diaper) and my oldest is playing happily with his birthday presents.  There are mountains of laundry, bathrooms to clean, dishes to wash, yadda yadda ya. Pretty regular day in our house and for that I'm beyond thankful. With all of the wonderful simplicity, there's an expectancy of big, extravagant things to come. Maybe the areas of regularity in our lives are the areas where God invades and speaks the clearest. A friend of mine reminded me the other day- look at each area of your life in the light of glistening hope. Even the really, really difficult areas. I won't even try to name them. Everyone has them and they all look different.

He.  Is.  Faithful. I don't have anything super insightful to write about. Just that God's been talking to me a lot about his faithfulness. That whatever he speaks and promises to us, He will do. Don't lose hope in the waiting, but let it be a time to get further into his word. Allow the waiting places to be your areas of greatest growth. That's something that I love about God. He gives me something to grab onto, something of deepest substance that is immovable and immutable. My life is constantly changing and growing. I desperately need something that I can hold onto that is faithful and true. Be encouraged. Have a fantastic week.

^{Psalm 89:34 (NewLifeVersion)} I will not break My agreement, or change what was spoken by My lips.

Psalm 89:34 New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁴ My covenant I will not break,
Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.

John 20:29 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁹ Jesus said to him, “Thomas,^[a] because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Just A Few Thoughts

There's one thing in particular I keep noticing the past few days and weeks. I was putting a load of laundry in the dryer the other day and the Holy Spirit said to me, "You cannot force someone to receive the goodness of God."  Huh. Interesting. 
I suppose the same is true of God's grace. We can't force someone to receive it and rest in it. Sometimes I can barely force myself to receive it- But I am thankful that he's taught me that's where my strength comes from. Especially after the past few days. I had been snappy, grumpy, short with my kids and husband. The only problem is that I've got 3 little sets of eyes looking back at me- watching. They're always watching. And then doing what they see me do. Eek. One little "I want you to be happy with me, Mama." Can bring me to my knees faster than just about anything. 

My cup overflows because of His goodness and glory. For that, I am forever thankful.  I am learning to let nothing separate me from receiving God's goodness and grace. God certainly didn't. He gave up His child to die for some filthy, ugly, undeserving person. He must have known that when I take in Christ, it transforms me entirely. If I let it. Not by my own efforts am I changed, but by beholding Him alone will he take me from glory to glory. Man, I needed that encouragement. Have a great week.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18

World English Bible (WEB)

¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. ¹⁸ But we all, with unveiled face seeing the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.

David Crowder Band After All (Holy)

A few thoughts

I have learned that when I allow myself to be even more honest with Jesus and when I allow myself to be completely UNDONE in his presence, something remarkable happens. He puts me back together. One touch from him, one kind word (or many) change it all. I'm not saying it's perfect instantly, but it's different. Redeemed.  It puts me at rest to know that when I ask Him to change a part of me that's rough or ugly, He takes that seriously. He's the most faithful person I know to take my mess and transform it into something of Him.  He is heart oriented. It doesn't matter how you worship as long as you worship in spirit and truth.

I feel like it's time we believers begin to honor God by speaking the truth about his truest nature. His kind heart, his ferocious passion to see His creation living a life of Freedom.  Free to look at Jesus with unveiled face. Free from the burden of works to earn right standing with God.  Because of Jesus I am free to enter the rest of Christ's finished work. You don't have to be cleaned up before you come to Him- let Him wash you with his blood and the water of his Word.

He's so solid and nothing escapes him. I don't particularly like the saying "the devil is in the details." Mainly because my eyes have been opened to the goodness of God by his dealings with the "details" of my life. My GOD, he is kind. The biggest truth taken away from this week and weekend. Jesus Christ didn't suffer, die, and rise again to make us safe- He died to make us FREE.Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed. 

 He. Changes. Things.

Praying for endurance and clarity for the days to come.

For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) (Romans 5:17 NKJV)

^{John 8:36} So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.

Dreaming Big

You know what I love about knowing the creator? Knowing that with Him all things are possible. Nothing I ask could shock him or be too much for him to handle. He won't get offended or tell me that I've overstepped my boundaries when I step out in Faith. In fact, I think he likes it. I think the Holy Spirit gets excited when we start asking for things that are bold and push the limits of what we know to be 'possible' by human standards. He shares His glory with no one. I really do think He means it.

I used to limit my dreams within what seemed possible or reachable by my own human ability. You know, big but not too big. Wouldn't want to come off as having lost touch with reality. But I'm beginning to wonder, where's the fun in that? If our dreams are supposed to be big, and the creator of the world has His grip on me- then lets kick it up a notch. Or ten.

The bible doesn't say 'the things that are possible for you are those that are just within your reach or just a smidge beyond that. God will only give you a tiny bit of his grace and power to get the rest of the way.' Nope. It says ALL things are possible with God. To me, it's exciting. Have a great week!

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27 NKJV)

Convicted of Righteousness

God has showed me lately to look for his provision and his kindness at all times. That even in times of transition and circumstances that feel temporary- He has gone before me, making preparations and meeting secret desires of my heart even in the times where He feels the farthest. Nothing is temporary to God because he sees the fullness of my journey. He sees the beginning of it, and the end.  

He has dropped inside of me a deeper understanding of who He is, and I have come to have a better understanding of who I am in Christ because of it. As a young Christian, I was held captive by wrong ideas or teachings about God and how He works. As I began to understand his crazy love and his truest nature, the more free I become. 

God said to me the other day, In the middle of a temper tantrum and pity party ( it was super attractive. NOT). The Holy Spirit said to me- YOU are the righteousness of God in Christ. Why are you acting this way? Why are you continuing to view this other person in the light of the Law and not Grace? He didn't condemn me. He simply convicted me of my righteousness- my truest identity. You know, it's tricky. Sometimes we conduct our relationships in the same path of condemnation and law abiding instead of in the new revelation of who we are in God's grace.  We keep records of past wrongs, withhold trust or affection or love. This is a toughie sometimes because our relationships and our behaviors develop patterns. But, Thank GOD for his Holy Spirit- leading me into all truth and helping me to walk in my new nature. The link below has been so encouraging to me. I'm also thankful for my Husband, who has been beyond patient and kind in walking this life with me. We are both being transformed from glory to glory, let us remind one another of our righteousness only. Knowing that Jesus settled the score and that he condemns us not, that's where the power comes to live a life free from old patterns of sin. That's when we can see him for his truest nature. 

Jesus loves me wildly and dealt with my sin at the cross so that I can live with His Spirit inside of me leading me into all freedom.

Graham Cooke- Your NEW Nature Part 1 

Graham Cooke- Your NEW Nature Part 2 

^{1 John 4:17} In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world.

^{2 Corinthians 3:17} Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom).

¹⁸ And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.

Into The Wilderness

^{Hosea 2:14} Therefore, behold, I will allure her [Israel] and bring her into the wilderness, and I will speak tenderly and to her heart.

This verse is very special to me. It was one of the first verses of my truest identity that I received. It kind of makes me laugh. Because I'm almost 30 and there are times where I feel like I'm just now realizing Who God really is.
God loves to speak to me when I'm doing things in my kitchen.You could say that it's because that's where I spend a lot of my time. But, I think it's because the kitchen is a picture of nourishment and service to ones family. Jesus' heart is that of a royal servant King. His heart is to see our souls nourished in his true nature.

God leads you into the wilderness to speak tenderly to you because it is a desolate place. A place where idols starve and we come to the end of our self efforts. He will share his glory with no one. There is a grandeur to his glory as well as a tenderness that is unmatched. When you leave yourself- your own efforts-He brings you into his heart and wraps you in the robe of his glory, provision,  favor, righteousness. And as he begins to reveal his truest nature to you- in the midst of this your identity, who He created you to be, will be seen. Leave your place of striving and rest in his unearned favor. In the arms of Jesus, who paid your price. Not because you deserve it, but because He deserves it. He took our place at the cross, so that we can take his place of Righteousness.

So if you feel as though you've been lead into the wilderness, then get excited. Lift up your eyes and ready your heart to hear his voice. Let the idols that suck away our time and provide false security starve and die and get ready to see rivers burst forth in a dry and weary land. Have a great week!
 

^{Hosea 2:14} Therefore, behold, I will allure her [Israel] and bring her into the wilderness, and I will speak tenderly and to her heart.

¹⁵ There I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor [troubling] to be for her a door of hope and expectation. And she shall sing there and respond as in the days of her youth and as at the time when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

Runaway Dog and Pajamas

You know, the Holy Spirit is funny sometimes. This morning I woke up early with the littlest, fed her and went to put her back to bed. As I layed her down and walked out I felt him prompting me to put on my jeans and get dressed for the day. I paused. Naaaaahhhh. I don't want to move around anymore and risk waking up a sleeping baby. I'll just put them on when she gets up. Pajamas and coffee it is. 

The morning moved at breakneck pace as usual. Getting kids up, feeding them breakfast and tackling the kitchen. It had thundered and rained earlier in the morning so I waited to let our dogs out until after it was over. We have two schnauzers, one is named Ruby. She is notorious for freaking out when there's anything resembling thunder or rain. Shakes, pants, hides. We have tried everything to help this poor dog. Knowing the storm had passed, I pulled her out and forced her to go outside. For the love of my carpet, of course.

 I went back to the kitchen and continued loading the dishwasher when my son came running up announcing that Ruby had gotten out of the backyard. Yet another thing she's become notorious for. I grabbed my phone, bolted out the garage telling my children to "Watch Mommy from the window!" in as happy of a tone as I could manage. Maybe if they thought it was some fun game they would refrain from doing something like removing all of the items from the pantry and hiding them around the house.

There I was, y'all. Running across soaking wet yards in my tshirt, lumberjack plaid pajama pants, flip flops and my hair in a bun bouncing like crazy as I yelled "Ruby!" and wildly clapped my hands. Oh boy.

Say it with me. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

My children watched from the window as mommy hunted up their precious Ruby. As amused as they were, I wasn't. Not until I came back inside and He said to me, "Hey, remember how I told you to put those jeans on this morning?" Yes. Yes, I do. :-) After all, He is the God of details. Nothing escapes Him. And His grace is huge- because right after I retrieved the dog and came inside, it began to pour again. Have a great day!

Reunited and now in need of a bath.

Proverbs 19:12

The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass.

 

^{Matthew 18:12} “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? ¹³ And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. ¹⁴ Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
 

White-Knuckling God's Promises

 I've been avoiding details about the past 2 years because some of them really were not fun to walk through. But, God said it's time to use this testimony to encourage someone that might be going through something similar or is simply facing a difficult time in their life. He has been speaking to me a lot about overcoming through the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. That's where the power lies. In the sacrifice that Jesus made to bring us into his family and in the testimony of our changed lives. To God be all the glory. 

In June of 2011, I sat in my favorite chair drinking a cup of coffee when my phone rang and our little world was shifted entirely. The kids were asleep and it was my husband calling. I always love getting to hear his voice in the morning. I answered, excited to talk to him and asked him what he was up to. He told me that he was walking to his car because he had just been laid off.  Uhh... Didn't see that one coming.

We had an almost 2 year old and a 5 month old. I stay at home with our kids. I had that moment of sheer panic running through my veins, but the sound of his voice is what broke my heart almost in two. My husband is a hard worker. No one out works him. And he's been given a gift to do the work he does. He came home, I hugged him. We cried a little bit and then did our best to focus on God. We know that God is for us, who can be against us? The next few weeks were about prioritizing our lives. What was essential and what wasn't. We were covered in prayer, prophetic words and encouragement. Our hearts were expectant but our knees were slightly shaky.

6 weeks later, we had a job offer and had "temporarily" landed with my parents in Texas while our house was on the market. When we arrived in Texas, we had 25 dollars between the four of us and bucketloads of hope.We thought for sure we would be there a short time, 3 months- tops. One year later, our house had not sold. But, it had been broken into and many of our things were stolen.  That sucked. There's no other way to describe that one. It felt like it was insult added to injury. We were away from our dear friends, our own space, and were living in the temporary. It was hard. It was really hard. And sometimes those bucketloads of hope felt like barely enough to fill a teacup. But we dug into God's word and white-knuckled the promises of God.

Through a job loss, a foreclosure, two new jobs, a move, and car accident that left us with one vehicle-I can tell you that God is still good. His heart towards us is that of a kind and loving Father. He protected us in many ways that we were only able to see later. I don't know why our house didn't sell when we needed it to. I don't know why Scott lost his job- But I do think He was protecting us. I don't know why the person that ran into Scott took off without stopping. But I do know that God's hand covered over my husband that day, and he walked away without a scratch on his body. Scott and I believe everything that happened is and was being turned to work for our good- as much as it hurt in the process. 

We can look back now and say that we wouldn't have traded that time in our lives. It has brought us closer together as a couple and as a family. I can honestly say that there's nothing short of sin that our family wouldn't do for us. I have abundant admiration for my husband. I learned so much about him in this relatively short period of time. He loves me sacrificially and with a servants heart, as Christ loves the church. I am completely convinced that the past almost 2 years have changed the face of our marriage. In a really amazing way. I've also learned the importance of rest during times of chaos. When chaos screams in our face, that's when God wants us to rest in Him. He is our shepherd leading us beside the still waters. That doesn't mean that there aren't wolves or lions roaming around looking for a nice fluffy sheep to devour. It simply means that HE is with us, and he will beat back the darkness as we commune with Him. He will protect us as we rest and drink deeply from the still waters of his heart.

Here's my point in writing all of this. It's not to gain sympathy or air out the things we've walked through- It's to encourage those of you that are walking through something that is much bigger than anything you've been through before. Grab a hold of Jesus, keep watching for his Glory to appear. It always does. Dig into his word, speak it out over yourself and let it sink down deep into your heart. As the 23rd psalm says, Jesus prepares a table for you in the presence of your enemies. That's not just for show. He intends for you to sit down and eat with Him in the midst of whatever you're facing. Trust Him with whatever situation it is, fan into flame the spirit that lives inside of you. And if it's barely burning, then come alongside a brother or sister and let them help spark inside of you what God has planted. God bless!

John 20:29

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Psalm 23 
A Psalm of David. 
¹ The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. 
² He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.

³ He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.

⁴ Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with ^[a]oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.

⁶ Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

Just a few precious memories of what life was like right before we started on this different road. God has blessed us like crazy. I'm so thankful. 

 And here's a recent one of our precious family of 5!

Hillsong Live- His Glory Appears 

Thank you to our friends and family for encouraging and loving us when we needed it most. You are a blessing.

Jesus, The Author of Truth

This world is full of counterfeits. Things that appear to satisfy the soul. Things that appear acceptable and right in man's eyes. The only way to know truth is to know the author of truth. Jesus Christ. 

There's so much I feel that the holy spirit has been highlighting to me lately about life and how we choose to live it while we are here on earth. Mostly, I feel him telling me to have an eternal perspective. To allow my eyes and heart to filter all that I see and do through the eternal filter of Jesus. It's now, more than ever, so apparent to me the weight of our decisions here in this life. I talk a lot about God's grace and mercy covering our mistakes and wiping our sin away. I talk about it, because it's so important to me. I believe it is the fountain of life to our souls. It is the living water that refreshes and renews our minds. Without God's grace, we can so easily step back into acting and living like the dead people that we crucified with Christ the day that we accepted Christ as our Lord. The power of our testimony and the blood of the Lamb is how we overcome, friends. Jesus has overcome this world. He's overcome any addiction, disease, bondage, and shame. He overcame the world so that we might rest in his finished work. 

The power of the devil is the law and condemnation. Jesus fulfilled the law, that we might walk in this life with his Spirit- guiding us into all truth. Yet, we still have choices here on this earth. We choose to step into things that we know aren't good for us. Or we choose to step out of them with His help. Proverbs is full of God's loving appeal to his children to choose life. Choose His way. Not because you are proud or perfect- but because He is your father, he knows the things that are good for you and what's not good for you. And He empowers you to do so. It doesn't mean that it will always feel comfortable, but it will produce a harvest of peace. 

I often tell my children, that Mommy and Daddy have boundaries and discipline them because we love them. I love them too much to not instruct and guide them. My precious, wild haired beauty pulled a sharp knife from the dishwasher when my back was turned. Because she's small and I am her protector- I stopped her and removed it from her hand as quickly as possible. She doesn't understand that it can hurt her. To her, it's shiny and pointy and might fit really great inside that slot in the wall over there. However, we are not 2 years old and our Father knows that.But He loves us enough to tell us what's life to our soul, and what's dangerous. Jesus chose death, so that we can have life- and have it more abundantly! He tells us clearly in his word, the things that are good for us and the things that will lead to harm or utter destruction. Listen. Open your ears, open your hearts. Seek his wisdom, hear his instruction. And then act upon it. He promises that if you seek and ask for wisdom, he will give it to you. Be bold in the asking and quick to receive.

^{Deuteronomy 30:19} I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live.

John 10:10
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Proverbs 3:5-8

Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁵ Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

⁶ In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil.

⁸ It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones.

James 1:5

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Grace For the Mommies

I held all three of my children in my lap this weekend. My soul was flooded with the goodness of my God. I could feel the weight of them sitting on my lap and my arms felt their little hands as they reached out and touched me. I love being a Mama. I've had a baby on my hip or in my tummy or both for the past 31/2 years of my life. I wouldn't change one SECOND of it, friends. 

There's a lot of things I'm reading on the internet lately that talk about 'mom guilt'. Not doing enough, working too much, working too little, organic or generic, spending too much time on the phone, not getting anytime for yourself, being too strict with discipline or being too lax with consequences, being too harsh on our husbands or not serving our families enough. Goodness, it's very hard being a mom and wife, or being a woman for that matter. But the Holy Spirit is so sweet to remind me of something. I'm in Christ and washed in his blood. His grace abounds towards me. He knows the areas that I fall short and when I screw up before the words even leave my mouth. He loves me anyway. Not like a 'Oh, I guess I'll love you but I'm not happy about it...' No it's an 'I created you and wove you together in your mothers womb, I put together a beautiful plan for your life, all of heaven stops to take notice when you are received into my family by the blood of my Son, the great I AM goes before you and comes behind you, pillar of fire by night and cloud by day, your feet won't swell, your sandals won't wear out and goodness and mercy will literally HUNT you down all the days of your life' kind of love.

Spend time with Jesus. Allow his Holy Spirit to speak love, identity, and vision into your heart and your life. Relax a little. Be kind to yourself. And follow His leading. He won't steer you wrong. I think it's time we all started to be a little more Jesus conscious and a little less sin conscious. I'm not saying that if you have a sin issue (congratulations, you're human) or something you're struggling with that you shouldn't take it to Jesus and allow him to work in your life. I'm saying be aware that you are now proclaimed the righteousness of God in Christ. The prophets of the new testament convicted those they were around of their new standing, their new righteousness that they received by being Christ followers. The Father sees you spotless, white as snow and the Father sees the price His son paid as completely satisfying. He sees it as good, and therefore He sees you as good. You are his favorite.  When you are in the King's presence, remember your sins have been put away as far as the east is from the west when you are in Christ. He literally remembers them no more. Rest, friends and mommies. Enjoy your blessings and enjoy your time with the Lord. And enjoy your kiddos if you have them. Have a wonderful day. 


Romans 8 Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.

^{Isaiah 54:10} For though the mountains should depart and the hills be shaken or removed, yet My love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.

^{2 Corinthians 5:17} Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. ¹⁸ Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, ¹⁹ that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
²⁰ Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ²¹ For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Setting Up House

 My home is very important to me. I believe it is part of what God has charged me with in this life. As keeper of the home for the majority of the days, it affects me very deeply when I feel as though it's being threatened. If  I'm on the phone too much, or the TV is on for too long, I notice changes in my kids. And in myself. It's  yucky. It feels yucky. It feels like chaos, disorder, constant input. For me, it makes it hard to hear God. How can you when it's never quiet? 

I was talking with my sister today about my grandfather, honoring his memory. It became very clear to me, the importance of the legacy that we leave our children and grandchildren. Money, possessions, titles- those things we cannot take with us when we die. Our legacy is about what we leave behind us when we go. Our behavior and choices today become our legacy that they will remember tomorrow. Be purposeful in loving and living.

I want my children to remember their mommy as one that loved Jesus and loved them enough to discipline and limit the things that threaten the peace or focus of our home. This weekend, I will unplug yet again. The phone, computer, and TV will be turned off. I will spend time with my husband, serving him and laughing with him. He makes me happy. And I will hug my children, smell their hair, hug their necks, and definitely rock them a little longer.Before you know it, they won't be able to fit in my lap anymore. But for now, they are little and I will let them be that way. All of these things not by my own strength but by God's good grace. Have a fantastic weekend!

Proverbs 14:1

Amplified Bible (AMP)

14 Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

Battle in Identity

These are some of the things I've been learning recently. I pray that they encourage you. 

The areas of your identity in which God speaks strength and creativity over, are often the areas that are most vulnerable. Think about it, He creates us with a plan and a purpose. And when we are willing, he speaks his innermost heart to ours- calling us up to be as Heaven sees us. Gideon was in hiding, the least of his tribe when God called him up and out as he saw him, Mighty Man of Valor. What an awesome encouragement. Often times, when God reveals our true identity, who He's created us to be, and His purpose for us, it is met with some serious opposition. 

The devil is already defeated because we have the name of Jesus. We are in Christ, Covered with his Blood and filled with his Holy Spirit. Firmly equipped to fight from His Victory. Only when we begin to step into our identity- our battle field of success and harvest has been pointed out from the Lord above. If the devil can muddy our battle field with discouragement, illusions of defeat, temptations of passivity, and lies that God has or will give up on us then he wins a battle. All he can do is attempt to pull you down in the mire, bog you down with negativity. Because in the end, he has no true weapons of his own, only those we abdicate to him. 

I remember hearing a preacher one time talk about how our sins and mistakes can cause the anointing that God has placed on our lives to lift. If our mistakes cause his anointing to lift, then it would never come in the first place. Before Christ gave himself up as our savior, people were subject to the law. You broke one, you broke all of them and you were completely separated from a Holy and Just God. But then Jesus came, lived, died and was raised again. We are forever in God's grace and mercy because of Christ. Regardless of our mistakes on our battle field of our true identity, The God of Mercy is there. Cheering you on, comforting you, and further revealing his mysteriously wonderful plans for you. God has promised to NEVER leave us or forsake us. I think He means it. 

Let your heart seek God's love for you in all situations and circumstances. 

Isaiah 54:17
But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord. 

1 Corinthians 6:11

Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹¹ And such some of you were [once]. But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and you were justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God.

Lessons From The First Born

Ever have those moments where a realization of reality hits you in the face? The first time I remember it happening was with my first born. I was pulling out of the driveway after visiting a friend and I looked down at my passenger seat. There sat a pair of shoes we had bought him for the winter. So adult looking, yet tiny.

 Man child. I was the Mommy to another little person. A person completely dependent upon me. I was responsible for teaching him and guiding him. Encouraging him in the Lord and raising him up. Holy moly, y'all. I think it was one of those 'gird up your loins and prepare for battle' kind of moment. I knew there was so much adventure ahead of us and a huge learning curve. Hold on tight.

That little man child has taught me a lot about myself. I am forever grateful. He is brave. I have to remind myself to allow him to be brave, daring, bold.  As a mommy, it's my tendency to remind him to be careful and take care of himself. And yes, it's my job to guard over him. In the end, it's the Lord's job to protect and guide him. He has recently been experiencing some fear when it comes to storms, mostly the sound of thunder. I comfort him as much as humanly possible. In the end it's the Heavenly Father that protects him and provides a peace to his soul and a guidance that foresees far more than I will ever be capable of. The mornings that he wakes up and proudly announces to me that he heard the 'boom boom rain' and Jesus kept him safe and brave are moments of sweet victory. And we celebrate. Not only is he brave, he's so kind and compassionate. Whenever I'm having a hard day, he notices in a way that's very unique to him. He'll come touch my hand, hug my neck, kiss my cheek, or simply throw himself onto my lap and with a sigh say 'I love you so much, Mama.' He called me Mom the other day for the first time. Slow down, buddy. You don't need to start that until you're around 8 or so... ;-)

My first born has taught me so much. From my labor and delivery to our 3 years of raising him thus far- he has demanded the persistence and pressing in of faith that we all need along our walk with Christ. Their hearts are worth it. My Joshua's heart is worth the extra effort. Your heart is worth the extra effort. Would Jesus have lived a magnificent life, died a horrible death, and been raised to life eternal you weren't? Press in and watch Him meet you. 

Lord, help me to show him your majesty and thank you for our beautiful victories. Thank you for simple, child like faith as seen through the eyes of our precious ones. Be brave, be bold, be persistent in your pursuit of Jesus with faith knowing that you will always find Him, and He will always meet you where you are. 

Joshua 1:9

Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁹ Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

A God That Never Sleeps

I have been amazed the past few weeks at the generosity of God. My prayers have been pitifully simple. Beautifully simple. One day, things just felt like they were completely falling apart around me. All I could muster was "Jesus, help." He brought a continued flow of peace, understanding.

I think it's quite profound that we can approach God with boldness and in our own simplicity he meets us, in his absolute holy power, with gentleness and blessing. Not even one single groan or sigh falls short of the throne of the Most High God. Being a parent has a wonderful way of helping to put things in perspective when it comes to the way that the Father cares for us. If my child is restless in the middle of the night, I know it. If they move around and groan in their sleep, I move in to check on them. Touch their forehead, move them back to their pillow and cover them back up. Not even their unconscious unrest will escape a mommy or daddy.

As imperfect as we are as humans, we still would offer even our physical bodies up for our children. Yet He is divine and His love is perfect. And He never sleeps. I can rest easy tonight knowing he's there to comfort and move me back to the cool side of my pillow when I'm in need. :) Happy Tuesday.

So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. (Romans 8:26 AMP)

Remembering A Sweet Friend

 Bethany Jill Wood certainly left her imprint on many hearts. She is a gentle, kind woman. She's also hilarious. There's an easiness about Beth that I absolutely love. She always welcomed me and made me feel so comfortable and at ease when we were together. Beth is loyal, someone your heart can safely trust. Her birthday is coming up in a few days and she's been on my mind. I was reading over some of the conversations of ours that I had saved over the years. No matter how much time had gone by, we could pick right back up. Encouraging one another, telling one another how thankful we were to have a sweet friendship, blessing one another with prayer, pointing to Christ.

The morning that I had heard that she had passed away, I sought Jesus in worship. That was all that I could do. I worshiped Jesus for being my payment, my grace, and for receiving Beth into His majesty. I closed my eyes and I could see her. Beautiful. She is with Him now. And she's perfect. Perfectly whole, healthy, happy. This I know in my head, but sometimes my heart aches. It aches for the things that I would have loved to see her do here on earth. It aches for her Mama, not even able to imagine how much she must miss her. Miss her smile, her voice, her beautiful and hearty laugh. When Beth smiled, her whole face smiled. 

I stood in my kitchen, crying a little bit as I read our notes to one another. My 3 year old son came up to me, saw the tears, and asked me "Mama, what's wrong?" I told him I was just missing my friend. He asked me where she was and I told him she is in heaven with Jesus. He nodded and a second later said, "Mama, Jesus hug me. He helps me."  

There it is right there. Jesus meets us in our moments of deepest need. He helps us, lifts us, walks with us, and sometimes He carries us. In all of our exchanges, she talked of how blessed she is and pointed her vision towards Christ Jesus. I know my dear friend is with Lord Jesus. He reminds me often that He is the redeemer. He makes all things new. 

Her life and her story has taught me much. Mostly, it taught me to say I love you more. Hug more. When God gives you encouragement to give to someone, give it. Boldly. And when you love, love deeply as my Sweet Beth did on earth and does in Heaven.

Forever in my heart, dear friend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGlTzH9xkXQ

^{Ephesians 3:14} For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,^{[c] 15} from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, ¹⁶ that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, ¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— ¹⁹ to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.