The ONLY Resolution you need to make!

In 2008, I resolve to . . . .

What did you resolve to do in 2008? Did you write it down? Make a list? Was it longer than your grocery list? Did you make any resolutions or goals at all?

In years past I have had goals and resolution lists longer than the Constitution and all it's amendments. . . . . ok . . . maybe not quite that long . . . but close! And each year I felt like a big fat loser in looking at how many resolutions and goals I actually kept or obtained in the 12 months God gave me that year. So last year I decided to do things differently. . . .

I didn't make any goals or resolutions! I figured - if you don't make 'em, you won't fail at keeping them! :)

It worked! :) I am happy to report that I didn't fail at keeping any sort of resolutions this year. And I am still the same weight as last year, my house is just as messy, I saw the same amount of friends, and my spending habits didn't change. :)

Is that good? . . . . yes and no.

I do have to say though - it is nice to not feel like a failure at the end of the year. :) But I also would have loved to have felt a little toner, had a few more dollars in my savings account, seen a few more friends, and had my house a little cleaner (but not done by me! hee,hee) - amongst other things.

However, God has been teaching me a lot the past couple years about learning to just "BE". Be in- the moment, the situation, the day, the presence of friends or family, the happiness, the sadness, the good times and bad, etc.


And above all - He has been reiterating to me the importance of the only resolution and goal I ever need to have - not just each Jan. 1st - but every day -

Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

As well as . . .

Matthew 22:36-40 - "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

My only goal and resolution in 2009 and everyday of my life is to be a Lover of God - to seek Him first - His kingdom and His righteousness - and let Him take care of the rest! He can do it! He does it all the time! We just have to trust Him to follow through with His promises when we follow through with ours!

If I am loving God with all my heart - the rest will come . . . I will love myself more (because I will know WHO I am in Christ and how God sees me) - which may lead to taking care of myself more - toning up the gravity-induced sagging areas, resting more, etc. It will lead to loving others more (as I have learned to love myself) - so more time will be spent with family and friends. It will lead to a more balanced approach to how I spend my money (which I've done fairly well at - but there's ALWAYS room for improvement!). It may even lead to a cleaner house . . . . . maybe . . . maybe not. :) It may just take off the stress that I feel about it - realizing that people and God are so much more important than a clean house!! A friend may pass away tomorrow . . . but the messes never will!! They will only continue! So . . . choose people over cleaning any day! That's my philosophy! :) (so - come visit me . . . but expect to be able to write me a note in the dust on my furniture! . . . . ok . . . it's not always that bad!)

I hope you have a wonderful New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!

I know that God LOVES new beginnings! He invented them! If 2008 hasn't been the best year for you . . . look forward with anticipation to a new beginning in 2009! Seek God first and foremost - and you can't go wrong!! Give Him your worries, your resolutions, your goals and ask Him for His! They are always MUCH better than anything we could dream up!!

Go DEEPER in 2009!

L :)

A Setup for the Miraculous - The next level!

Well folks . . . God is good! It is good to trust Him! :)

I can't go into details, but let's just say that God is providing for our needs!! :) He has provided some money towards our furnace issue (which still isn't resolved and we have been living on space heaters), and for our daily/monthly expenses! Did I tell you God is good?! :)

We are still seeking 2nd, 3rd and 4th opinions on our furnace and asking God for His FINAL opinion (of course). I trust Him to meet our needs completely to fix it!!

Praise the Lord!!

Keep trusting Him for your needs and go a little deeper with Him today! He loves you more than you know!!

L :)

To Know Him Better

I have a prayer for you today. My heart is yearning and aching for you to know God better. That is what this blog is all about. I am not just spending my time writing for my own benefit . . . but for yours. I long to see so many people go deeper with God - to really KNOW Him - to really LOVE Him - to really know HIS love.

It's not always comfortable going deeper though.

Dive down deep in a pool of water and your ears start to hurt - the pressure is incredible and painful.

Many people think that going deeper with God will feel the same way. I think that is why so many people avoid it. They are afraid of the pain. They are afraid of what might be lurking deep underneath. What will God find and expose? If He is light, what will that light shine on in the deepest recesses of our heart? Compared to God and His glory - anything and everything will be filthy. That's good news. There shouldn't be any surprises there. We ARE like filthy rags compared to God (Is. 64:6).

As you get closer to the light (or the light gets closer to you) - you will see the dirt even more so. But don't be afraid of it. Don't just continue to live in the dark or be afraid of the light because of what you might find.

We are all "dirty".

But the good news is . . . we can become clean!

It's not through our own efforts . . . but God's . . . Jesus' to be exact. HE is the one that takes our dirt and gives us HIS righteousness!!! (Rom. 3:22, Rom. 10:4, 1 Cor. 1:30, Gal. 2:21, Phil. 3:9)

Wow . . . can you imagine . . . someone saying - let's trade clothes . . . I'll take your filthy rags - and you can have my clean and newly pressed clothes. Keep them. They are yours now. I will also take all the dirt that is on you and put it on my skin. Here - you can have my freshly showered and glowing skin in return. How about your heart? Need a new one? Is yours hurt, hardened, dead? You can have mine!

The choice is yours.

He won't take anything from you without you willingly giving it to Him.

Many of you reading my blog have known the Lord for many years. But this is my prayer for you today . . .

Ephesians 1:17-20
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope of which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms"

Do you understand what that just said?

ASK God for HIS Spirit (the Holy Spirit) of WISDOM and REVELATION . . . SO THAT you CAN know Him BETTER! :) Awesome!

And not only that - but pray that God will enlighten you (open the eyes of your heart . . . not just knowledge in your head - but experience it in your heart) to know the HOPE of which he has called you - AND . . . the His AWESOME power - the same power that rasied Jesus from the dead!!! That power is available to work in you and through you . . . .for those that believe and continue to believe! (I want that!!)

Going deeper doesn't have to hurt like you think. Ask any diver what to do. You must open your ears (let them "pop" open) as you dive so that the pressure doesn't hurt your eardrums. There will be times of pressure build up . . . but that's just a sign to open your ears again/more. You are going deeper!

So - OPEN YOUR EARS today . . . . and let the Lord OPEN the "eyes" of your heart (your mind)! Going deeper can be exciting, thrilling, challenging, revealing, scary, incredible, overwhelming, peaceful . . . . indescribable!

Are you willing to try it?

I challenge you to dive in today. Go a little deeper with the Lord than you have ever dared. Let Him in to places in your heart (and mind) that you have had closed off to visitors. Let His light shine on areas you've kept hidden (consciously or unconsciously). It IS well worth it!

Go Deeper today!

L :)

A Setup for the Miraculous!

Have you ever felt "set up" by God? :)

Have you ever felt tested?

I'm sure most of us have. I know I have.

But I am grateful for it.

Why am I grateful? How can I be grateful?

I am grateful for the increase in faith that has developed out of the testing. I am grateful for the increased peace and patience that has come from it. I am thankful for the increased sense of love, power, mercy, grace, support, provision and more. I am a better woman, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and lover of God today than I was before I was ever tested.

How can I be grateful . . . it's basically a choice. Like most things in life - it boils down to a choice. Will I choose to be grateful, or will I choose to grumble, complain, get angry at God (or others), worry, live in fear, be depressed, question God, and more? When I look at the benefits/consequences of either choice - I like the results I get from the first one better! So I CHOOSE to be grateful . . . to be full of JOY in the midst of trials and testing.

I love the book of James. It starts off with just this topic - "Trials and Temptations".

James 1:2-4 - "Consider it PURE JOY, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Doesn't that sound like the kind of results you want . . . the better "benefits (or consequences)"? I will lack NOTHING! That's the road I want to take!

What have you been tested with lately? Relationships? Finances? Parenting? Work issues? All of the above? Here at our house we have been set up for the miraculous to happen . . . for God's glory to shine! How?

We are in need of more finances to make our budget work. Our kids are getting bigger, hungrier, and despite all my commands to stop growing - they keep disobeying - either that or their clothes keep shrinking! :) My husband and I have been praying for God to show us how HE wants us to handle our finances and how to bring in more income to meet our needs.

I applied for a job recently but didn't hear anything for 2 weeks. I assumed the position was filled. In that time, God opened up some doors for me to be able to write more - to a larger audience than my blogs reach right now. We knew this was from God and felt His peace in pursuing it. It is not a paid "job" though. But there is still peace to pursue it. God has promised to meet our needs (and then some!)! I also had a dream (that's too long to explain) that I felt the Lord was saying I needed to focus on writing, mothering, etc, and that THAT was my "job". I told my mom and sister that I didn't think God wanted me to get this job I had applied for. But wouldn't you know it . . ..

A couple days later - I had a job offer. I rethought everything. Maybe this was God sending His provision? I accepted the job. It seemed like a good thing - a God thing. In all practicality, it made sense. However, neither my husband nor I could shake that "check" - that Holy Spirit check in our spirit - that pit or knot in our stomach whenever we thought about me working. I knew that I knew that I knew that this was not what God wanted. Was this a test?? (it reminded me of the story of how God told Ivan and Isabel Allum they were to marry each other and Isabel was offered the "perfect job" - but taking it would have meant that she wouldn't be able to marry Ivan. She turned it down and trusted in what God said. You can read the AWESOME story here.) At least we were not being tested like Abraham and being told to sacrifice one of our kids (though . . . that would cut down on our expenses here. :) hee,hee. Just teasing of course!).

I turned down the job. It felt good. I was at peace again. I was ready for God's blessings to be showered upon us because I obeyed! :) hee,hee. (though i was still thinking about whether to take back the few C-mas presents I bought when I thought I was going to have a paycheck coming in.) I did expect God to move mightily in our finances soon! . . . . but . . . .

One day went by . . . . nothing. Two days went by . . . .nothing. Three . . . .and then . . . Brrrr. . . . Our furnace isn't working right. We woke up freezing (again - it's been acting funny since this past winter)! We called a heating and a/c tech to come out right away. Bad news. . . . . . we are leaking carbon monoxide into the house and have to turn off our furnace right away and not turn it back on! It will be between $2000-$7000 to fix or get a new furnace! Yikes! This isn't the "financial blessing" I was expecting. :) Now we are still over our budget each month, our cars are in need of repair, we don't have extra money for C-mas (it's all on a credit card right now) . . . . and we need a new furnace! I think we have about $50 in savings too!

So God . . . . you like to up the ante, eh? It reminds me of the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal - both calling down fire from their god to see who's sacrifice would be burned up. Elijah didn't just call down the fire . . . he made sure the sacrifice, wood and ground were soaking wet first . . . to make it seem impossible for it to ever catch fire. But what did God do? He showed up the other "gods" and burnt Elijah's sacrifice to a crisp! Go God!!

I don't have a clue how we are going to pay for all this. I don't have a clue how we are going to live on the income we have coming in now. But I do know this . . . God has ALWAYS taken care of me! I will continue to listen and obey ALL He commands and asks of me - because I know that HIS way has ALWAYS been better! It doesn't mean it's always been easy . . . . but the end result is soooo much better!! And what great stories I have to tell - of His grace, His mercy, His love, His power, His salvation, His provision and more!

So - where are you in your current struggles? What has your response been so far? How will it change after reading this? Do you trust God enough to choose to "consider it PURE JOY" - despite what the circumstances look like? Even if you don't think you can trust God . . . try it! What's the worst that can happen by choosing to be HAPPY during hard times instead of being miserable? :) Think about it.

I pray a blessing on you today - a blessing of prosperity, of peace, of joy, and of God's incredible love in your life as you CHOOSE to obediently follow Him and decide to trust Him - in EVERY situation (good and bad) in your life. You won't regret it!!

Going a bit deeper . . . .that's for sure!

Lori :)
ps - I will let you know how it turns out . . . but you can bet that God has it all planned out already! I'll have to share some of my other stories of God's provision, power and more later!

My sister just sent this to me and I thought I would post it.

Recipe for Miracles

Ingredients:
1 part of knowing who you are
1 part of knowing who you aren't
1 part of knowing what you want
1 part of knowing who you wish to be
1 part of knowing what you already have
1 part of choosing wisely from what you have
1 part of loving and thanking for ALL you have

Instructions:
Combine ingredients together gently and carefully, using faith and vision. Mix together with strong belief of the outcome until finely blended.

Use thoughts, words and actions for best results.

Bake until Blessed.

Give thanks again

Yield:
Unlimited service

Be Joyful in the Uprooting

September 7th, 2008 –

As I was getting ready for church I asked the Lord what He wanted to say that day. "Mercy" was what I heard. I heard it again during worship at church.

Then she saw a yellow daisy. God's big and gentle hands came and dug it up and put it in a pot. He did this, not only to protect it from the change of seasons and harsher weather, but because He wanted to transplant it to a place on a higher mountain. Until He took it there, He kept the pot close to Him - arms wrapped around it and close to His chest - His heart!

Then He said, "Today is the last day in your comfort zone - the ground you have been planted in and comfortable living in. Don't be afraid of the uprooting. And don't think you will stay in the pot forever. It is a temporary housing to keep you close to me; to keep you indoors out of the way of bad weather; to protect you. When spring comes, I will transplant you to a beautiful field on a mountain surrounded by other flowers (lots of yellow daisies) and grass.

Trust me in this uprooting. Trust me to replant you to better ground - to a better environment. Enjoy the time alone with me while you can. I am looking forward to spending time with you, to seeing you in my house, making it more beautiful just by your presence.

You will not wither in the pot. I have good soil in the pot, soil that has added nutrients that you didn't have in the ground you were in. You will enjoy it. It will taste good. You will be amazed at how it nourishes your body and makes your color brighter and healthier and how much better you feel. Enjoy the time in the pot. I've got you close to my heart! The time will come to be replanted, but enjoy the indoors for now."

The meanings of the following words are interesting:
Daisy: Innocence, Loyal love, purity, a classic symbol of beauty
Yellow: Joy, happiness, intellect, energy
Gerbera Daisies: Cheerfulness

So what was God saying with all this?

In looking back on the past couple months, it becomes clearer to me. At the time I could not even imagine why God was talking about Mercy and what He was saying when He said “Today is the last day in your comfort zone”. Sept 7th the US Gov’t (FHFA) took over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac – of which, Henry Paulson (US Treasury Secretary) and Ben Bernanke (Federal Reserve Bank Chairman) both supported the decision. You can read more about the ensuing drama within our economy all over the web – but here is one site – Global Financial Crisis of 2008 (Wikipedia). This was just the beginning. Suffice it to say . . . our “comfort zone” was quickly disappearing!

We are God’s “classic symbol of beauty”, the love of His life. He desires to see us joyful, cheerful and happy. . . . . even when we are not in our “normal” surroundings and are out of our comfort zone.

Have you been taken out of your comfort zone this fall? Are you experiencing an “uprooting” of some sort . . . financial, relational, emotional, spiritual? If so . . . trust what God is saying to you today. Trust in HIM! He knows what He is doing!! It is for our good! I don’t know how many times I’ve heard this recently (from God and from others who are listening to God) – but He is REALLY wanting to get it through to His children . . . . TRUST IN HIM during this time of uprooting and transition!! Trust Him to take you to better ground, higher ground! Stay close to Him and drink in the nourishing water and satisfying soil He has placed you in – even if your “space” feels a bit confined for now.

TRUST HIM!!

Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Give thanks and be joyful today! CHOOSE to be joyful . . . despite your circumstances! Lean into God and let Him hold you close to His heart!!

Dig deeper today - even when you feel like your pot is shallow!

"We've never seen anything like this in our lifetime!"

I heard it out of Oprah's mouth today on CNN as she was interviewed after Obama's victory speech. Instantly I was reminded of the scripture God had led me to when I was praying on Wall Street almost a month ago:

Joel 1:2 - "Hear this, you elders; listen all who live in the land. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your forefathers?"
(This was said about "the invasion of locusts". Read my post about Wall Street to see more scriptures.)

I wanted to cry last night.

I've had a knot in my stomach ever since 11pm last night.

I get nauseous just thinking about what the next 4 years will entail.

My heart aches . . . no . . . it grieves . . . for all the unborn that will lose their voice even more so these next 4 years.

However . . . I realize that this fear, worry and dread - is not where the Lord wants me to be. He has already told us, time and time again, to trust HIM . . . to let HIM take care of things (financially, politically, etc), and that in the end - we will be amazed!! :)

So - my next respose last night was "Lord - thank you that putting a black man in the presidential office may actually help to bring racial reconciliation to this land to a greater degree". I am also going to be on a mission to pray for Mr. Obama's salvation . . . and if he really is saved . . . to pray that the Holy Spirit falls upon him and convicts him to follow God's will, plan and desires for ALL of mankind - including the unborn! But above all - I am going to pray that GOD's Will will be done these next 4 years!

I tried to watch Kim Clement's live show (about what God had been showing him about the elections) on the night before the election, but they were having trouble with their webcast (too many people trying to watch!). I was watching it today, and was was encouraged and reminded of what God has been saying. That even though the outcome of the election wasn't what I selfishly wanted (though I wasn't surprised at all) . . . God's plans and ways are higher than my own. His thoughts are not my thoughts. I KNOW that God can and will use the next 4 years to uncover the things He needs to expose and to prepare the soil for a greater and better "crop". And I do believe that with Obama as President, many more people will be praying harder, longer and more often than they would have before . . . especially for the unborn (and the possible nomination(s) to the Supreme Court in the next 4 years, etc)! I'm all for more prayer!! :)

I really don't like or get into politics very often . . . and hadn't planned on posting about this . . . but ultimately I know that GOD is in control . . . no matter who thinks they are in control down here. :) My mandate (and yours) now is to pray for my leaders - to pray blessings upon them and that God's will will be done!

I need to go back and relisten to Kim's webcast as he was saying some things about giving a grain offering to allow the water to come, and digging ditches to hold the water that comes (from a place that you least expect). Once again . . . . here is something about giving our grain offerings back to God and God providing in a way we won't expect Him to! Hmmm . . . sounds familiar! :)

To encourage you all, in this time of transition (to a new president and new ruling party within Congress and the oval office) - that you will continue to look to the Lord first and foremost. That you will continue (or start) to pray for our leaders - no matter if they are Republicans, Democrats or Independents. Pray for them. Pray a blessing on them. Pray for Godly wisdom in their lives, thoughts and actions. Pray for salvation for those that do not know the Lord. Pray for their families. Do I need to go on? Just pray. And don't pray "your" agenda . . . but the Lord's. Let HIS will be done and HIS kingdom come!

God is good . . . . all the time!
All the time . . . God is good!

Give thanks in all situations! Yes - even today! :)

Dig Deep!

L :)

22 Weeks

I saw this film last Tuesday (28th)! Watch the trailer below!

Movie synopsis:
A young woman is locked in the bathroom of an abortion clinic after her aborted baby was born alive.
A film about decisions, their effects and the echos they leave behind.Based on the shocking World Net Daily article by Ron Strom, on victim's testimonies, and real 911 calls about one of the most controversial subjects of our time, "22weeks" achieves to confront both sides of the spectrum and their perspective to the on going question: "what would you do?"

You can request a screening in your area at - http://www.22weeksthemovie.com/.

Here's the Facebook site for it.

Lori :)

Life Abundantly . . . . Come Home!

God wouldn't let me go to sleep a couple nights ago until I wrote this out. I thought it was for someone specific . . . but am not sure exactly who it is for. So I am posting it here. Maybe it's for many of you. Even if you don't think it's for you - ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate anything He might want to say to you through this. And then act on what He shows you!

Go Deep!! Live FREE!

L :)

**On Nov. 3rd - God showed me who it was for and I gave it to her. It still may be for someone else out there - so I will leave it posted for now. **


October 30th, 2008

“I have come – that you might have life and have it abundantly. So what are you doing with the life I died to give you? Why are you not living it abundantly? What will it take for you to realize the price I paid for your freedom – and the amount of freedom it provides?"

"Do not be anxious about anything! Trust me. I wish you would trust me more. Why don’t you? Stop listening to the lies of the enemy and trust me . . . for everything! Yes – for finances, health, well-being, family, relationships, jobs, ministries and more. I AM trustworthy. Why don’t you believe?"

"My heart yearns . . . it aches . . . to take care of you like I want to – but you don’t let me. You push my hand away and tell me you don’t need help – that you can do it on your own. But the truth is – I want to help because I LOVE to help you. I love to help and love on my children. Don’t be too independent child. Lean on me. Trust me. Let me help you. But you have to trust. I DO know what I am doing. I’ve been doing this for a long time. :) Will you trust me? Please?"

"I am not pushy and will not force you to accept my help – but I will gently offer. Don’t push me away. Let me show you the best way to do things – and then I’ll let you do it! Watch and learn!" :)

"Tomorrow will come. Don’t be too anxious for it though. Today is a full day on its own. Enjoy it. Learn from it. Relax. Be at peace. Look forward to tomorrow – but not with an anxious heart, but with a joyful expectation that when it comes you will enjoy it as much as you have enjoyed today. It’s not that tomorrow is better than today. They are both equally full of the opportunity to enjoy them. So do it! Enjoy today! Tomorrow may not come – so enjoy the day that you have today."

"I came to give you life – abundant life! Please enjoy it! That was my intent and purpose for coming and dying for you. Not to make you miserable – following rules and laws – but to live in freedom and joy. The boundaries I set are what give you that freedom – that sense of security. Just like a fenced in yard allows the kids to run around without the fear of getting hurt by accidentally running into the street, or having a big dog come and attack them. The fence is for your protection, security and freedom. So enjoy it! Your heavenly Father built it just for you because He loves you and wants to protect you and see you have fun on this earth. So run in your freedom!"

There is a little girl with brown hair running around. Her hair is about shoulder length or slightly shorter. She’s running – trying ot run away from her Father – but not in a bad way, but in a fun game of chase. He catches her, loves on her, wrestles with her, puts her back on her feet, holds her hand and walks back to the house with her. When she realizes where they are going she gets upset and tries to run away in the yard again. She acts as if its for fun like before, but it really is a rebellion – not wanting to go inside the house – wanting to still play outside and “have it her way” – do her own thing – not listen or obey her Father. He gently comes to get her – walking calmly – holding out his hand – calling her name and asking her to come inside with him. What she doesn’t realize, because she is so young (4 or 5) and not paying attention to the world around her – is that there is a big black storm cloud coming. A bad storm. Not just a rain shower – but one that can cause damage – especially dangerous if you are outside in it. A tornado could appear. The warning has sounded. Her daddy is only trying to protect her – keep her safe – love on her some more – so she can live another day and grow up to experience so many wonderful things. They will have fun in the house too. Don’t worry. Daddy has a lot of things planned for them to do together – especially during the storm. It will keep her mind off of what is happening outside.

So go inside little girl! Don’t make your Father chase you. Just go to Him – take His hand and go inside. You will have fun! He has your best interests at heart! There will be other days to play outside – but for now, it is time to go inside. Come on in and enjoy the warmth, the fun, the games, the love, the snuggles and good food. Enjoy it! Life isn’t about staying outside or inside the whole time. It is about following your Daddy and where He leads and when He leads. Watch Him, follow Him, take His hand and stay right by His side! You won’t regret it. Let go of the outside for now. It’s time to come home.

Born Alive!

This woman will inspire you! Please take the time to watch it! (pause the music at the bottom of this blog first)





I love it when she said "I'm God's girl! Don't mess with God's girl! . . . You better be nice to me because my father runs the world!"

CBN Spiritual Gifts Seminars

I just wanted to let you all know about a little known secret . . . .

CBN (The Christian Broadcasting Network) has been doing an online Spiritual Gifts Seminar since this summer (2008). It started out just one night a week, but now is up to 3 nights each week (and hopefully more to come)! You can check it out live on Mondays and Tuesdays from CBN, and Thursdays from Toronto, Canada (and the Catch the Fire School of Ministry) at http://www.cbn.com/. You can view archives of the previous sessions as well. Click on the section in the middle that says "Spiritual Gifts" (webcasts).

Whether you watch the program live or the archived version - God is doing miraculous works in people's lives - in person at the events and online in people's own homes! God is awesome!

The wonderful aspect of watching it live, is the ability to interact with other people while it is going on - the people in the chat room as well as the hosts and guest speakers (through calling in, using skype, etc).

Whether you just want to know more about what "spiritual gifts" are, who has them, how to use them, or you want an avenue to use your gifts - or have someone use them on you (for healing, etc) - then this program is for you! I have been blessed on both ends - the receiving and the giving! For a mom who is stuck at home most nights with a quiver full of kids - it has been a blessing to be able to be used by God (and ministered to) from my own home and computer.

This past week, however, I was able to go to the CBN studio and was truly blessed - TWICE! Monday I was prayed over by Cindy Jacobs (she was right on!) and then Tuesday by Duncan Smith! God is awesome!! I am thankful that these servants of the Lord are being obedient to what God has called them to do!

But the question is . . . am I (are you) being obedient as well?? What blessings (healings, miracles, timely words from God, etc) are people missing out on because we are not being obedient? It's not about us . . . . it's about what God wants to do THROUGH us in the lives of others.

Think on that this week. Are you being a blessing to others? What has God told you (or that you feel you should) do that you are not doing? . . . . Step out in faith this week and DO it! I'll be doing the same here!

Blessings!

L :)

I know how you feel

2:35pm – The school bus arrives and unloads my precious cargo. I gear myself up for what is about to walk through the door.

“Welcome home!” I sweetly sing. “How was your day? Come give me a hug. Do you need a snack? Let’s get one before we start homework, ok? I’m so glad you are home.”

Frowns, grumbling, screaming, angry faces seem to be the normal response from 2 of the 3 kids. . . . the boys to be specific. I remain calm and give lots of love, hugs and kisses (to those that will still let me), and continue to speak in my “nice mom” voice. My daughter is usually happy upon returning home, but I spend the next 2 hours, politely, gently and lovingly reminding her and reminding her and reminding her to sit down and do her homework before she goes out to play.

3:10 – I am trying to remain calm as I explain repeatedly why I need the kids to get their shoes on (which they should have just left on to begin with) and not get into the snacks right now as they should have had their snacks a half hour ago and that we need to go pick up their brother from school right now so we can get back in time to finish (or start) their homework before I have to start dinner, or we have to go to piano lessons, or football practice, or cheerleading practice, or church, etc. You would think we had never done this before, that this schedule is something new – yet everyday it’s the same thing. Complaining, arguing, tons of “why’s” and me feeling like I’m dragging the kids to the car to pick up my oldest.

3:25 – We are waiting for my oldest to come out of school, while he is waiting inside for me to eventually wander into school to find him – despite the fact that I tell him everyday to be waiting outside or right by the door for me and to watch for my car as I wait in the pickup line. While in the car we have various “important” and ear drum piercing fights going on - necessary topics like: who gets to sit in what seat, who gets to play with the rubber “butt pad” from my bike seat that fell off, who found this particular feather, whose underwear they found in the car and many other life-changing topics. I keep KLOVE playing on the radio as I try to read one of my Christian “how-to” books.

3:45 – Before we even get back home the fighting begins between the oldest 2 boys. They are like cats and dogs, oil and water. The issues run deep, yet they want me to “fix it” by “making the other one” do or don’t do something. That’s like putting a bandaid on a deep infected wound. It won’t solve the problem. Despite my on-going and fervent prayers, encouragement, advice, etc, they will not forgive each other to heal themselves from the wounds and to tear down the defensive wall between them. I cherish the rare times they actually play well together.

5pm - AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! I’ve had it!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why can’t you just do your homework? Why do you guys always come home mad? Why won’t you tell me what’s going on so I can help you? Why do you guys start fighting with each other the moment you come home? Why? Why? Why? . . . . And for heaven’s sake . . . WHY are you fighting over a rubber “butt pad” from my bike? Aren’t there more important things in life to fight about (good morals, poverty, etc)? Don’t you know that your life would be soooo much better (and mine) if you just decided to obey, and to love each other?! Don’t you know that? Don’t you want a better life??

I have had enough of this craziness. It feels as if I have tried every trick in every book to get to the root of things. I sat before the Lord recently, begging Him for wisdom, telling Him about how frustrated I’ve been with being a mom and trying to maintain a calm, peaceful home when the kids continue to disobey, fight, scream and come home mad every day. Don’t they know how much better their life could be??? Don’t they want a better life?

“I know how you feel Lori” I heard God say. “I have felt the same way about MY kids. It breaks my heart to see them fight amongst themselves, to continue to disobey, to stay mad – full of unforgiveness, to fight over silly things, and more. Don’t they know that their lives could be so much better? I have good plans for their lives. Plans to prosper them and not to harm them. Plans to give them a hope and a future.”

I began to cry. I could feel His sadness. I could feel how I, as one of His kids, have grieved Him. He is so gentle and kind, loving and forgiving, greeting us daily with arms open wide saying “Welcome home”. And what do we do in return? We come into His “home” with anger, resentment, fighting, bitterness, disobedience and more. And yet, we expect Him to take care of us – to feed us, clothe us, put a roof over our heads and love us. And He does. Do we deserve it? No. But He does it anyways. Because He loves us. Because He is our Daddy – a perfect heavenly Father . . . nothing like our earthly fathers (no matter how good or bad they were). Definitely not like the mother I’ve been lately.

I’m sorry Lord. Forgive me. Forgive us Lord. Show us and help us to hear you, obey you, love you and love our brothers and sisters in Christ.

I want to encourage each of you to take this as a word from your heavenly Daddy. He has so much for you – a better life – an abundant life. What are you doing to hinder that? Have you been complaining about your life and how you wish it was better . . . how you wish God would just follow through on His promises? Well . . . .how are you responding to Him? How are you treating your brothers and sisters in Christ? I don’t say these things to condemn or judge – but to get you thinking. I know I have some thinking, praying, repenting to do (as well as some different parenting techniques and loving responses to implement around here!).

God loves you so much! Listen, obey, love and live the life Jesus died on the cross for you to have!

Go deeper today!

L :)

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have lire, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’”
Jeremiah 29:11-13

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of on body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:12-15

Who are you?

This was a post from my blog - Mothering Matters and More.

Who are you? . . . Do you know?

Are you a mom or dad? A nurse or doctor? An accountant? A salesperson? A grocery clerk? . . . . . Who are you? . . . . Let me ask that again . . . . WHO are you?

I am not really asking what you do. I'm not asking what your position, title or even your family lineage is. I want to know WHO you are?

Do YOU know Who you are?

Do you ever feel like no one really knows who are you . . . the true you . . . on the inside?

Do you ever wonder if YOU really even know who you are? You see the outside, but something just doesn't seem right or you don't like what you see?

Would you like for me to tell you who you are? :) . . . . Well, for 50 bucks I'll do just that! :) hee,hee. Just kidding of course. But I do know someone who CAN tell you who you are - what your REAL identity is . . . your Kingdom Identity!God! Our heavenly Father! (if you don't know Him yet - please read my post - Cleaning up Messes).

Just as we are all created with unique physical characteristics (wonderfully designed and planned by God), we are all created with a unique Kingdom identity. It is WHO we are. It is WHO God created us to be. It encompasses more than just our physical traits, but also the gifts and talents he put in us as He lovingly knit us together in our mother's womb. Some of you don't even know WHAT gifts and talents you have. Some of you may think that you have messed up too much to really ever be used by God or to be who you really are or want to be. Well, the truth is . . . you DO have talents, gifts and abilities . . . and you are NEVER too far gone to discover your TRUE identity and be used by God!

I just read an amazing book - "Your Destiny - Unlocking the impossible promises of God" by Ivan and Isabel Allum.

You have GOT to read it! It has opened my eyes once again, to the promises of God in my life and how He wants to fulfill them. Part of what they talk about is knowing your Kingdom identity (and Kingdom destiny). We may think we have a handle on who we are . . . but to really know the truth, you have to ask the person who created you! Just like an artist knows everything about the art that he creates - God knows us even more intimately than we do! He designed us! He created us! And He has GREAT plans for each and every one of us!

If you are struggling right now - not feeling like you are doing what you should be doing with your life . . . like something just isn't right. If you don't really know who you are, what you are talented or gifted at, what God could possibly do with you here on earth. . . then PLEASE read this book!

If you are struggling with previous promises that you felt God had given you that just haven't "come to pass" . . . then read this book!If you have struggled with prophecies given to you (or others) or want to know what to do once you get a prophecy over you . . . then read this book!You can order at their website - www.ivan-isabel.com

You can also read some the amazing story of how they ended up marrying each other (and more) on their website (and in the book)! Their book is full of awesome, faith-inspiring stories! You won't want to put it down!

So . . . after reading the book . . . let me know . . . WHO you are!

Blessings!

L :)

The Day of the Lord is coming . . . are you ready?

In my quiet time with the Lord, the Lord asked me to write something down. I wasn't sure why He was having me write this down as I had no avenue to really share this - but just trusted God to show me the time and place in which to share it.

Be encouraged and be challenged! Go a little deeper today!

Lori :)

June 5th, 2008

The day of the Lord is coming. He is coming with a vengence and with power. All those before Him will be forced to worship the one true King. Al those before Him will know who is King. But do not fear, those of you who are called His children - do not fear - because you are children of the King. He is your Father. The day of His return will be one of great joy for you! You will be united forever with your heavenly Father and Savior. What a glorious day it will be. But for those that do not know the Lord - who do not know Him as king, ruler of this world, savior and Father - that day will not be joyful. For on that day you will be forever separated from the love of God. You will realize and know that He is King and Lord - but it will be too late.

"Know that I am God - NOW! Do not wait! What are you waiting for? I have been calling your name since you were young - since you were in your mother's womb. Many of you have sensed it - but did not know it was Me. I am telling you today . . . it is ME! I am calling you - I am wanting you. I want you to know me, to love me, to know my love for you and to live with me for eternity. Do not doubt. Do not stray. Turn to me and I will be there. I will answer. I know that some of you have tried - but keep trying. I am not hard to find. I am all around you. I am with you everyday. Open your eyes and see. Open your ears and hear. Know that I am God and that I love you. I do not want you to be lost in the field when I come to harvest - I want you to be firmly planted - so that when I do harvest - you will be with the wheat and not the weeds that I toss into the fire. Plant yourself in me. Don't uproot. Stay planted. I know that it may seem like it is taking forever for harvest time to come - but stay planted. I will be harvesting soon. But you must remain in me."

Praying on Wall Street - Grain, Wine & Oil

October 10th, 2008

Bear with me as I walk through things (out loud . . . or in this case – in a blog) that I sense God saying to me and taking me through. I may be wrong at times – but my heart is right, and my desire is to know God intimately, to walk and talk with Him, to do His will for my life, to “say what He tells me to say”, and to see people (and a nation) changed for God’s glory and for their freedom!

Today I went to pray on Wall Street. I was planning on doing some sight-seeing in New York as I visited my sister for the weekend, but I could not shake the feeling that I was, instead, supposed to go pray on Wall Street. So I obeyed.

It was crazy down there. Tons of people, at least a dozen news vans and crews, and several police cars. There was this sense that everyone was waiting around to see what would happen that day. We had seen a week of record losses in the stock market, and people were saying TGIF – Thank God It’s Friday . . . because at least the stock market can’t go down for 2 days over the weekend! The market was crazy today – the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped over 700 points in just the first few minutes of the trading day – but somehow managed to recover to close down “only” down 128 points.

As I sat on the steps of the Federal building across from the New York Stock Exchange, I opened my Bible and felt led to read from Joel. I’ve heard many people talking about this being a Joel 2 time – about declaring a holy fast and calling a sacred assembly – to pray for our nation. It’s been awhile since I have read Joel – so I was curious as to what God had to say.

I was shocked to find what I did. I cried. My heart ached. It was as if God had written these words for today! It starts off in verse 2 saying “Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your forefathers?”. That seems to be all I’ve been hearing on the news lately too. But what surprised me in Joel, was all the discussion about grain and drink offerings – the grain, wine and oil – as well as talk about the locust invasion (that’s another story regarding the dreams and visions I have had about locusts). I just love it when God starts to tie together things . . . . so randomly it seems – but really it’s not. :)

I am not going to write out the whole first 2 chapters of Joel (please go read them for yourself) – but these are the things that stood out to me.

Joel 1 – An Invasion of Locusts
Vs. 10 – “The fields are ruined, the ground is dried up, the grain is destroyed, the new wine is dried up, the oil fails.” (this is after the locusts have come and destroyed everything – “my great army that I sent among you” Joel 2:25)
Vs. 12b – “surely the joy of mankind is withered away”

A CALL TO REPENTANCE!
Vs 13 – A call to the priests and ministers to mourn – put on sackcloth “for the grain offerings and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God.”
Vs. 14 – “Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly, Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.”
Vs. 15 & 16 – “Alas for that day! It will come like destruction from the Almighty. Has not the food been cut off before our very eyes – joy and gladness from the house of our God?”
Vs 19 – “ . . . for fire has devoured the open pastures and flames have burned up all the trees of the field.”

Joel 2 – An Army of Locusts
Vs. 3 – “Before them fire devours, behind them a flame blazes. Before them the land is like the garden of Eden, behind them, a desert waste – nothing escapes them” (the locusts) (*see previous prophecies about CA – San Fran – etc.)

REND YOUR HEART
Vs. 12 – 14 – “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing – grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.”
Vs 15 & 16 – declare a holy fast and call a sacred assembly. . . .

THE LORD’S ANSWER
Vs. 18 – “Then the Lord will be jealous for his land and take pity on his people. The Lord will reply to them: ‘I am sending you grain, new wine and oil, enough to satisfy you fully. . .”
Vs. 24 - 26 – “Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten . . . my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God who has worked wonders for you . . . “


After reading over these 2 chapters in Joel, I began to pray. This is a summary of what the Lord and I talked about.

“God have mercy! I know you’ve been slow to anger. I know there needs to be a correction and cleansing. Protect your people. Withhold your wrath – let it not be as severe as it was going to be. Protect us Lord. Forgive our nation. Forgive our greed. Forgive our leaders. But bring repentance Lord! Prepare the soil of this land Lord for a mighty mover of God. Prepare the soil for new growth – for revival Lord!”

I saw a picture – The Lord is tilling the ground – a large field. It has good dirt in it but it has not been tilled in a long time. Weeds and other plants have grown there that do not belong. The Lord is tilling – uncovering hidden things beneath the surface. Hidden things that would do damage – release toxins into the soil. He’s uncovering them to get them out – to renew the soil and make it healthy. It will take awhile (?4-5 years) to till this land. But once He is done - fairly quickly (?within 6 months) the new plants/new growth will be in full bloom – HUGE – AMAZING! People will say – “Why did we not till the ground sooner? Had we known this is what it would produce – we would have never let the weeds grow. We would have let the Lord till it. What were we thinking?”

So the Lord has begun tilling. It doesn’t feel good. We will be shocked and surprised at what He uncovers. But be at peace! It is for good – not evil. It is time. Let the Lord till!

“Lord – thwart any plans of the enemy that are not part of your plans!”

Picture – 2 large angels standing guard outside the front of the NYSE on either side.

“Keep the enemy out Lord!”

I then asked Him about the grain and wine pictures from the other day. “ Tell me more Lord.” I saw just a few specs of grain and a little wine this time.

“Because my people have not returned their grain and drink offerings – I am taking away their grain and wine. I have new oil to pour out – but can’t. My people are not ready – not ready to accept it. Get them ready!”

How?

“Tell them. Prepare them. Encourage them. Correct them. Say what I tell you to say - in doing so you will create holes in their hardened exteriors. These holes will cause them to become like sponges. THEN they will be able to soak up ALL the oil I have to pour out on them. Then they will be ready. They are not ready. But make them ready. Show them their need for these holes. They see it as damaging to who they are. I see it as vital for them to grow and be who I want them to be. Show them Lori.”

How do I show them?

“Be transparent. Show them your holes. Show them the oil you’ve been able to soak up because of those holes. Don’t hide your holes. Show them. Then they will see and know that I am God and that what you say is true.”

OK Lord. Just lead and guide me!

“The new wine and grain that I have will be worth the wait – worth the pain – worth the suffering. Hold onto that Lori. It IS worth it! Trust me. Hold onto that!”

Does this mean that I (and my family) will suffer?

“Hold onto that Lori. I will always be with you. NEVER will I leave! Keep following me and being obedient.”

I will Lord!

So . . . as I said before . . .bear with me as I walk this journey. Walk it with me! I guess I need to start praying about “how” and “what” I am to be more transparent about. ?? I know He will show me. Of course - just sharing this private conversation with God is a start. :)

I hope and pray that if you feel like your “exterior” is “hardened” – that you will allow God to speak into your life so powerfully that it will drill holes right to the core of your being! Once He has drilled to the core . . . to your heart . . . He can then continue the healing process by pouring in His oil . . . to soak deep into you – into the areas of your life that you thought you would never see again – much less anyone “go there”! God is not afraid of what is on the inside. He already knows. So let Him “drill”! Take it from me (a girl with many “holes”!) . . . it is worth it! You will never regret it!

And as for the wine and grain . . . . just be at peace and know that once God is done tilling this land - that the new wine, grain and oil will be better than before . . . IF we obey the Lord! So - obey Him . . . give Him your grain and drink offerings - even in these tough times . . . and be at peace knowing that He has all things under control! (But please don't stop praying for our nation . . . especially for repentance!)

Drink Deep today!

Lori :)

God Loves You! . . . . yes . . . YOU!!

Oil, wine and grain

On Sunday, during worship at church, the Lord showed me a picture.



He was holding a wooden bowl filled with oil. He was holding it out for His people. The people had been reaching up and dipping their fingers in the oil, but He wanted to pour it out on them instead. He was ready to pour it out . . . but were the people ready? He said that the oil would never run out – it would never stop flowing as long as His people allowed Him to pour it out on them.

At one point I was praying over my children (frustrated because they were fighting with each other) – and I saw myself reach up and push on the back of the bottom of the bowl – to tip it forward and spill it out onto my children . . . onto my family. I WANT that oil Lord! Pour it out on me! Pour it out on my children! Don’t stop! Let that oil be used to light a fire in our lives . . . a fire that never ceases or is able to be quenched! Pour that oil Lord! We want your anointing oil upon our lives – to do great and might things in your name – to give you glory and to make you famous!

As I went to the word of God today to look up more about oil – I came across verse after verse that talked about oil, grain, and wine . . . all used in offerings onto the Lord. The Israelites did this to consecrate themselves and the “Tent of Meeting” unto the Lord so that God would meet with the Israelites and talk with them and consecrate the place with His glory. It reminded me of the vision yesterday about the wine and grain room. Was there more to the meaning of that room? What is God trying to say with these 2 visions – the oil and then the wine and grain?

Lord, help me to offer up my "oil and grain" as a “grain offering” and my "wine" as a “drink offering” unto you every day. I want to be consecrated for your glory and I want my household and house to be as well. Come meet with us and talk with us. I give you all I have. It’s yours. Come be with us and show your glory!

Exodus 29:40-42
"With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter of a hin of wine as a drink offering. Sacrifice the other lamb at twilight with the same grain offering and its drink offering as in the morning—a pleasing aroma, an offering made to the LORD by fire.
"For the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD. There I will meet you and speak to you;"


Leviticus 2 – The Grain offering
Notes in my Bible – It was the only bloodless offering, but it was to accompany the burnt offering, sin offering and fellowship offering. . . . The Hebrew word for grain offering can mean “present” or “gift” and is often used in that way (see Gen. 43:11 – notes say: “a gift” – a customary practice when approaching one’s superior, whether political, military or religious.). The sacred gifts expressed devotion to God. . . . . Olive oil is often mentioned in connection with grain and new wine as fresh products of the harvest (Dt 7:13 – “He will love you and bless you and increase your number. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land – your grain, new wine and oil – the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land that he swore to your forefathers to give you.”) Used extensively in cooking, it was a suitable part of the worshiper’s gift.

God has not only poured out his new wine into us, and is not only wanting to pour His anointing oil on us, but He is wanting us to return our wine and grain offerings (which includes the oil in it) to Him as part of our worship - as a gift to Him - as a sign of our devotion and love to Him. Have I been giving those firstfruits back to Him? Not just my money/tithe (though I know that is included), but my talents, giftings, blessings, everything? Have you? What do you have to give back to Him as grain and drink offerings?

God was sad that his wine and grain room was empty. He loves to pour out His blessings . . . and He loves to receive your gifts . . . so that He can continue to bless you – to meet with you – to walk and talk with you . . . and to give you that wine of Elijah! Let us offer up an “aroma pleasing to the Lord”!

Go Deep!

L J

"When someone brings a grain offering to the LORD, his offering is to be of fine flour. He is to pour oil on it, put incense on it and take it to Aaron's sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the fine flour and oil, together with all the incense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. The rest of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings made to the LORD by fire.”
Leviticus 2:1-3

My Daddy is taking care of it!

As I watched the stock market go on a roller coaster ride today (mostly going down the hills) - I was reminded of what God showed me last week. I wanted to share it with you - to encourage you to stick with your heavenly Father during these troubled times. Be at peace . . . and full of JOY!

L :)

A week ago, during the worship time at my church (before the pastor prayed for the nation's economy and before he spoke on "Knowing the Unshakable") God showed me a picture that has stuck with me all week and gave me great peace. I KNOW that He is saying this to all His children, especially during these frightening economic times - with fear being spread all over the TV news programs each night.

God was on His throne. He got down off His throne and sat on the floor in front of it - sitting crossed-legged. He was inviting His children to come and sit in His lap. He was coming down to their level. They came and sat on His lap, feeling comforted, protected, at peace - no worries. Their Daddy would take care of everything. They didn't need to leave His lap - just sit and let Him take care of them.

The peace of God just flowed through me that night. Then my pastor started talking about the bad economic times, and I could feel the fear wanting to rise up in me . . . but it didn't. I CHOSE not to let it. I CHOSE to let my Daddy "take care of it"! The peace returned, and with it - Great JOY! It was so wonderful to be sitting there, happy and at peace when chaos surrounds us right now. It felt so good. I knew that the peace and joy would remain - as long as I "chose" to stay on my Father's lap and let Him take care of it all - trusting Him, despite what the circumstances looked like.

THAT is what God is wanting from us during this time. To come and sit on His lap, trusting Him, letting Him comfort us, enjoying our time with Him, and being at peace because we KNOW that our Daddy is TAKING CARE OF IT!

Another word from God was given to another member of our church - that so beautifully captures God's heart in this matter.

God said - "Stay in my field, where I can protect you and provide for you. Lay at my feet. It's a humble position to lay at my feet waiting for me to spread my skirts of love, protection, and provision over you, even as Boaz did to Ruth. My field is the place where I have called you during this season, the place where I have the authority to protect you, to provide for you. It is the place where I have commanded provision for you, though it is lowly. Even as Ruth was faithful to remain in Boaz's field, content to glean behind his handmaidens, so you must be faithful to continue in my word and will for you during this season."

So . . . are you going to stick close to God and let your Daddy take care of you?! :) I sure would!

Elijah Wine

This morning in my prayertime God took me down a hallway to show me something. He opened up the 3rd door on the right. It was the "Wine and Grain" room. The wine racks were empty and there was no grain.

God said "I have poured out my wine on my people. They have drank it and used it, but did not multiply it to refill this rack. They used it for themselves, but not for what I designed it for."

When I asked him where the grain was, He said "my people have not brought it in. I am waiting to fill this room with grain, but no one is bringing it in." (I asked Him "No one?" . . . and I had the sense that there were other rooms that were full - but this room wasn't . . . and it was supposed to be).

I then saw one bottle of wine left on the rack. Under it was a label - it said "Elijah" on it. I asked Him what it was for. "It is for you. I want to pour out my 'Elijah' wine." I went to the Bible to read more about Elijah. I read the stories of Elijah (and Ahab and others) - of the great signs and wonders that God did through Elijah - how Elijah cried out to God for God to move - for these signs and wonders (raising a boy from the dead, setting the altar on fire, bringing rain, etc). THAT is what God is wanting for today - these days we are in. He wants to see us do great things - to do these signs and wonders and more! The people of this world need the Christians to be filled with this Elijah wine - to step out in faith and show the glory of God to bring people to repentance!

Look at the posting for today on The Call's Facedown 40 day fast! It's all about Elijah and Jezebel! I feel like God is wanting to pour out this Elijah wine to counteract and fight against the spirit of Jezebel that has seduced our nation for far too long. I could go on and on about it - but the article on The Call says alot. So does this article by the IHOP-Atlanta - it talks about both the spirit of Elijah (Malachi 4:5-6 - turning the hearts of the fathers to their children and vice versa) and the power of Elijah (the signs and wonders) being poured out in the last days.

Another prophecy/article that I received today in my email was from Elijah List - by Barbie Breathitt. I swear this woman is talking just to me and has been watching my life lately! :) God has perfect timing - doesn't He? :) Barbie also is talking about signs and wonders and asked God when we were going to see more of them. God said to her "Whenever you begin to do them"!

I encourage you all to keep praying . . . keep digging in deeper . . . in God's Word and in God's presence, love and power!

Blessings!
L :)

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:5-6

“And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Luke 1:16-17

Visions of a Wall and of San Francisco

I feel that I need to share these visions. Recently God told me he was going to be expanding my visions - not just for my family, friends and church - but much larger . . . for this nation . . . and others as well. I wasn't expecting it to be so soon or like this. I am trying to be obedient in "saying what I (God) tell you to say". And I know that with this knowledge comes the responsibility to interceed! That's good! I can do that!! :) I encourage you to join me in intercession!

When typing out these visions - I knew nothing about San Francisco . . . nothing about previous prophecies or things going on there. Since writing this - I have watched God.tv, read Wendy Alec's prophecy about San Fran from June 2008 and read some other things on Elijah List. Here is another prophecy about the West Coast. And the full version of the SF prophecy and other ones.
I encourage all of you to pray for San Francisco . . . and California! God wants to bring revival to that state! Put on your armor and battle for the people in CA (and San Fran especially).

The Call is coming to California on November 1st (view the video promo here). They are calling for 40 days of prayer and fasting before the event (there's 26 days left). I encourage you do join in! "As California goes . . . so goes the nation".

Go Deep!

Lori :)


October 4th, 2008 (8:30am)

2 nights ago I was reading a prophecy (several of them) on the Elijah List, and was overcome by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The prophecies talked of economic hardship in America and of a terrorist attack that would put our country in 40 days of mourning. As I was reading these – I saw a big wall crumble (like Jericho). I went to go write down what I saw – but ended up having to deal with my oldest son being up and on the computer playing games when he wasn’t supposed to. So – this morning, I asked God to show me again what it is He wanted to show me.

There’s a big wall that crumbles. I don’t see that anything hits it or anything – it just crumbles (like Jericho). There is a person (maybe a few – but definitely this one person) that is standing on the top of the wall as it collapses. He is up there to kind of “ride” it out – to not get crushed as the wall falls. It works. He doesn’t get hurt at all.

Then water comes. Kind of like the tide coming in. It slowly comes in and covers the wall up completely. Again – the person/people who were on top of the wall are careful to not drown – they float with the water as it comes in. They are not trying to get away from it – just trying to survive and “flow” with it. They succeed. The water recedes . . . but then comes back again. It does this over and over. Each time it does, more of the rubble from the wall is washed away until finally it is all gone. The man/person is now standing on dry, smooth, clean ground. He takes a seed out of his pocket and puts it in the ground. It instantly shoots up a plant that is tall – kind of like a huge beanstalk. He puts more seeds into the ground – and they all do the same thing – shoot straight up – very high (?to heaven? The clouds?) – it’s as if these stalks are going to be the framework for rebuilding . . . not a wall . . .but a building this time. It is green, alive, and healthy. It reaches to the sky – tall and strong.

I felt like all this happened in NYC . . . Wall = Wall street?

The vision then switches San Francisco. A very bright and blinding light shines out of the sky and then a huge meteor/fire ball comes out of the sky and heads straight toward the city. It comes from the West (over the ocean) – slams into the city and then gouges out a huge cavern as it travels East along the ground through California. Again – water comes in and fills the cavern/hole. But it’s not like a tide. This water stays. It becomes a lake. . . . calm and peaceful – encouraging new growth, new life – with the animals that come around it and live in it. It is a beautiful place.

“A time is coming upon this land where you will see my hands at work. I cannot stay my hand of protection on this land while the people continue to live in sin as they do. I have new things I want to do here. New growth . . . better growth . . . .to create a better land. What I want is a nation at peace. A nation that enjoys the beauty that I created. . . .the simpler things. I created a garden of Eden once. I will create one again. Not on this earth, but a new earth. But until that time, I do still desire good things for my people. However, my people have become greedy, selfish, have lost their focus. I want to restore order and peace. But to do this I must tear some things down. Stay on top of what I am about to destroy. Do not get caught up in it. Stay up high and ride out the collapse. Do not be afraid of the water that comes to cleanse, to clean up the mess. Just float. Be at peace. Relax. Then you won’t get swept away or drowned. Float, relax and be at peace. It’s not a strong wave that is coming, but a gentle tide. It washes away the mess with power, but appears and feels gentle as it does. Stay on top. Just float. You will be amazed at the process and at how the ground will look once the water is gone. I will leave dry ground to walk on – to build on. Use the seeds that I have already given you to rebuild – something new, like you have never seen before. This is what I have for you. Do not be afraid. Ride out the collapse. Stay on top. Float in the tide and relax. You will then be able to survive and experience all the beauty I have for you when it’s done. The land will be yours. . . . yours to plant in. . . . . yours to inhabit. . . . to enjoy. So be prepared to plant and see the marvelous things that I will do with those seeds. You have never seen anything like it or have ever imagined it could happen. The stalks will create your abode – your garden – your protection – your sanctuary – a place for us to walk and talk and live – a good life. Keep your seeds close. Keep them dry – in your pocket. Do not sow them now. Just wait.”

“As for San Francisco - My judgment is coming. I have had enough of the sin, the vile mocking of who I am and what I created. I cannot stand to watch it any longer. I am sending down my retribution to a people that have mocked me, that have spit in my face, that have turned their backs on who I am and what I have created. I will tolerate it no more. The fire that comes will cause destruction. Complete destruction – burning everything it touches and creating a wide cavern in its place. I won’t leave it like that – all burned, charred and lifeless. The water will come – from the west (the ocean? – but it is fresh water) – and fill in the hole that was created. This water will bring new life – will encourage new growth around it – will bring new animals to the water – to drink and receive refreshment to sustain life. The green plants will expand out from the lake – the life will go out from there and expand more and more. People will hear about this beautiful lake and want to see it for themselves (I see people coming from the Northwest especially). They will want to come and take some of the water back home with them – to prove to their families that there really is new life there – to start their own patch of new growth where they live. This water can do that. Wherever it goes, it will start creating new life – new growth. So encourage people to come. To taste. To take the water back with them. To start their own little lakes of new life and new growth.
I know the destruction will be scary. It won’t be fun. But look forward to what I will do afterwards! You will be amazed! It will take time, but it will be beautiful.”

Weak . . . or Wounded Warrior

I had a dream one night, earlier this year.

I was at a pool party with church folks. People were eating and swimming. My ex-boyfriend (from High School) was there in the pool and I was happy to see him. I had missed him. (I was out of the pool.) Then he got out of the pool and had to leave. All of a sudden my mom, carrying a plate of food, jumps into the pool (fully clothed). I looked and she was rescuing a couple of kids. I think it was Lauren (my niece) and one of my kids. They were ok. Then my youngest son got in and was standing at the bottom of the pool looking up expectantly as if he wanted someone to rescue him too. I think I got him out – but kind of scolded him because he could have drowned.

A little later my mom and Lauren (and others) were leaving and my mom said that Lauren knew why God had let her fall in the pool . . . “to make me think”.

Then my husband was talking to the people around the pool and he said “Well, you can either live life weak or a wounded warrior . . . but we all have to go through the forest.” All the people agreed with him as if it was a deep spiritual thought or statement.

Then I woke up.

There are times in life where God allows us to go through tings that are “overwhelming” – where we feel like we are going to “drown”. In the end – those situations really cause us to think – about our lives, about what God might be doing/saying, etc.

My sister really did almost drown when she was 3 years old. I saw her at the bottom of the pool and alerted my dad who jumped in fully clothed and rescued her. When she came up she said “I tried to get out but I couldn’t”. She had been holding her breath – motionless at the bottom of the pool. Over the years of her life she has thought a lot about and analyzed to death what happened when she almost drowned. Even though that was a traumatic event for her, I know that her life has been enriched because of that experience and all the thinking it caused her to do. She would be a very different person had it not happened.

There are things in my own life where God has done the same thing – not a physical drowning – but other ways that I thought I was overwhelmed, “drowning”, or going to die . . . and they too have made me think more – draw closer to God more – question things – analyze – and especially . . . Pray!

Just this past week I actually did see my old boyfriend (after 17+ years) - at his mom’s funeral (not the happy pool party like my dream – but definitely surrounded by church folk). I only saw him briefly and then he was gone - but since then I have been dealing with emotions, thoughts, old issues, memories, etc (related to him – and to other things around that time period). It’s as if God was picking up a pebble in the bottom of a puddle of water – and even though it is small and seemed insignificant – picking it up naturally stirred up all the dirt and junk around where the pebble had been. So the pebble is gone – but I have to deal with the swirling “dirt”.

I’ve definitely been “thinking” a lot this past week . . . . and praying! It’s a good thing – despite the overwhelming, “drowning” feeling that has accompanied it. I know God is doing something awesome in me! He is cleaning out this old “vessel” to be used by Him – so that when He fills me up with His pure water and then pours me out for others – that none of my clay will crumble in the water. People will only taste the pure water (God) . . . not this old clay pot!

The quote spoken by my husband at the end of my dream seemed really odd. I didn’t see why people thought it was deep and profound. But now I do.

We all have to go through the forest - the adventure we call “life” – or an adventure in life. The vision of going through a forest is something that God used in my life when we were adopting our youngest daughter – it was a journey through it – something new, not sure where I was going, kind of scary, etc. And it’s not always easy to go through a forest. We can get lost, there can be thick brush, but there can be times of beauty and ease in walking through it as well. At first I didn’t understand why he didn’t say “weak or a warrior” – instead of a saying “wounded warrior”. It would seem that weak and warrior would be the opposite ones.

God has been calling me more and more lately to be a warrior for Him. We all need to be. But some people, when they get hurt, their self-esteem is bruised, and they feel as if they are weak (either because of the hurt, or because no one ever told them of the strength and power that they posses as a child of God - they have believed the lies of the enemy.) – and they trudge through the forest – not feeling as if they can really make it. They are just “weak”. . . . However, a warrior – even when he is wounded – does not give up easily. He is a WARRIOR and he knows it! So even though he may feel “weak” or wounded – he will continue on through the forest. God knows that no one will go through this life without any wounds. I think that is why my husband didn’t say just “warrior”. We all have wounds. But we don’t have to be “weak”. We can be a “wounded warrior”. And thankfully, God LOVES to heal us of our wounds!

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Psalm 147:3

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” Isaiah 53:5

Water from the Well

I am a "water-er". God called me to this . . . to water. I’ve known that for almost 20 years. I haven’t fully understood what it means. . . . what it looks like - but in those 20 years, God has slowly been revealing His plan to me and for me. I have tried to be faithful throughout the years to water where He needed me to. The way I’ve watered and what I have watered with and who I have watered has varied over time. But “who” I am has never changed. Watering is what I am to do!

What does that mean to you? How can I bring water into your life? What am I talking about with this “Well” and the “deep” water?

This water can do many things – different things to different people depending on where they are on their journey. One thing is for sure . . . GOD is the ONLY one that can draw those "vessels" into the DEEP water that is down this well. He is the only one that can bring it out into the light and release it into the world – to be shared – not kept to yourself. What could one person do with all that water?

So that is my mandate – to share the water from the deep part of the well. . . . the lessons that God has taught me in the deep - the words of God that He has filled me with as I went down deep with Him. It seems dark down there sometimes. I have felt alone on the journey down – especially having gone through all the muck and junk on the top of the well. But – WOW – the water below it is so refreshing! It has given me new life! Everything tastes better with this water! Life is better with this water! Nothing has ever been the same! Why did I ever doubt?!

Can I give you some?

Will you take a little and just taste it for me?

What does it taste like at first? Smell it . . . hold it in your mouth . . . swish it around . . . . . swallow it. Then what does it taste like? Any different? . . . . .Keep tasting.

Some of you will just plain refuse to taste it. You cannot possibly imagine that anything from that disgusting well could taste good or be good for you. You will walk away and not even try. Please come back. Please just try a sip. I won’t force you to try it . . . but I will ask. What do you have to lose? What do you have to gain?

Some of you will swish the water around in your mouth to fully taste it. You will evaluate and criticize it – not wanting to believe it’s really drinkable, good-for-you, or even better than the water you have at home. You may even spit it out as it tastes so different than the water you are used to. Pure, filtered, un-tainted water can feel and taste that way. But keep your cup of water. Keep tasting it frequently. Keep coming back for more water to sip. Taste it with other “foods”. Compare how it makes the food taste in your mouth. Does it enhance the food? Or make it taste sour? Taste again.

Some of you have tasted this water before – but maybe only one sip. You never knew where to get more. You’ve been thirsty, but you forgot the way to the well. Let me show you. I’m not the one who will really lead you to the well. We have an all-knowing Guide! I’m just following Him.

Some of you will gulp it right down. You will want more! And some of you won’t want to wait for me to bring you more. . . . You want to go to the well yourself! Do it! Let God help you draw up that water! But remember . . . it’s not just for you. You have to share it!

So who’s thirsty? . . . . . Are you?

You are being called to draw DEEP into this well! You will never regret it!

"With JOY you will draw water from the wells of salvation"
Isaiah 12:3