Facebook - I am a "Friend" of God!

Today in church we were singing the song "I am a friend of God". I started smiling as I thought about the term "friend" and what it has come to mean in today's society. In fact, "un-friend" was one of the most popular (new) words in 2009. Why? Because of the social networking site Facebook.


Are you a part of the Facebook community? At first I wasn't so sure I wanted to join (I never did get into MySpace) - but then once I joined, I was tickled pink to find not only my current friends and family, but friends all over the world and America - from my time overseas in YWAM (Youth With A Mission), high school, junior high (in sunny FL) - and even elementary school (in the frozen tundra of Minnesota!). What fun to reminisce and see how my friends have changed (or have found the fountain of youth!). I do have to admit though - in the beginning I felt like I was being nosy and spying . . . seeing who was saying what to which friends of mine, etc! It felt so sneaky!

So today in church - I stood there singing my heart out, smiling that I was a "friend" of God! I could see His Facebook page - and that I was one of the blessed few chosen to be one of His "friends"! And I know that He will NEVER "un-friend" me! :) But as I happily thought about being his "friend" - I could feel the sadness in His heart. Was He glad that I was His friend? Yes. Is He glad that you are His friend? No doubt! So where was the sadness coming from?

Are you truly God's "friend"? Do you occasionally check in on Him - find out what He's done or is currently doing - read His posts (the Bible, go to Church, etc)? Or do you occasionally "post" something to Him (pray - or ask others to pray for you) - a request, a praise, a comment, or even a complaint? Do you only connect with Him via "facebook" - at a distance? You might even "chat online" with him once in awhile when you find the time - but how often do you do this in person?

God loves being your friend! But He's not interested in just a "facebook" type relationship. He wants a deeper, more intimate friendship and relationship. He actually would love it if He could not only walk and talk with you every day - but to live with you! To be with you every waking moment of the day! No need to sit down and set aside a special time and effort to "post" something on His facebook page (or hope that He's been checking yours). You would already be in His presence - experiencing all of life with Him - all of your life - and all of His! That's what He wants! He wants so much more than we give Him. He wants so much more of you - because He wants to give you so much more of Him!

So today, take an account of your friendship with God. Is it just a "facebook" type of relationship? Do you spend time in that "facebook" setting just playing games, taking & creating quizes, swapping information and photos with other friends and with God (ie - getting very involved in activities - in and outside of church) - thinking you are increasing your relationship/friendship with God? Are you enjoying just "spying" on your friends and all their relationships and their friendship with God?

It's not that all those things are bad . . . but to really deepen and strengthen any relationship/friendship - you need to get together, in person, with your friend! The intimacy that is shared in personal, close contact - sharing not only facts or opinions, but your heart cries, your joys, fears, laughter, tears - watching how your friend's face reacts to your latest news, feeling the comfort of his/her arms when you are struggling . . . . you can't find that on Facebook!

I challenge you to go deeper with God today. To put aside your "facebook" type relationship with God - and to invite Him in to live with you - every moment of the day. If that's too scary or hard for you to imagine right now - then just invite Him over for coffee! :) You will find, that just spending a little bit of intimate time with Him will leave you wanting more. I don't think it will be too long before you do want Him to move in! :)

As a side note . . . I also want to encourage and challenge you (and myself) to also go beyond Facebook (or email) and get together with some of your friends or family members this week. Reach out to them in a more personal way . . . go out for lunch, set up a playdate with your kids, go see a movie and then out for coffee . . . or just hang out at your favorite spot (beach, mountains, mall). Because really . . . which is more important to you? A clean house (your work, your hobbies, etc)? Or your friends/relationships? Start with your friendship with God - and go from there!

Ditch "facebook" and meet Face to face this week!

Gaze/experience/love/laugh . . . deeply!

L :)

John 15:12-14 "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command."

Tired? Weary? Pink Dandelions?!

I just wanted to share a private conversation I had with God back on Dec. 26th, 2009. It's an honest picture of how I was feeling that day - hiding nothing. The reason I am willing to share it with you today is because it was encouraging me even more today - and I thought that it might encourage you! I hope so! None of us are perfect - but God is - and I'm thankful that He will take all of me - and give me all of Him in return! :)

Take a refreshing sip today!

L :)

L – Happy Birthday Jesus (a day late)!! Ok . . . so I know it probably wasn’t the exact date. :) But I love celebrating your birthday. I just wish it wasn’t filled with so much busyness and stress as well. Of course – all birthdays do that to me – when I am planning a big celebration. It always turns out nice – but it stresses me out through it all. :( I hate that.

I am glad to finally be here at the beach house in NC – though I’m a bit overwhelmed with all the people, commotion, and stuff. I just want to get away – by myself – with you. I have felt trapped at home with kids, etc. for 3 months this fall (sick kids, and then a sick hubby – gallbladder surgery). I feel wiped out most of the time. I just want to sleep – but can’t really. I tried this afternoon – but couldn’t really sleep with the noises in the house (18 people!). Anyways . . . I won’t complain anymore. . . I know you like to hear my heart though.

I need you. That’s my heart. I NEED YOU!!! I don’t feel like myself lately. I’ve felt depressed – though I don’t have much to be depressed about. I don’t know if it’s just that my body is worn out from all I’ve been doing/taking care of . . . or if it’s from not getting to spend time with you like I would like.

I went to a friend's church a couple weeks ago. It was a blessing. 2 ladies after church prayed for me – and said some interesting things. One thing was such a confirmation of what you had just said to me recently – about having to let go of something. She used the word “abandonment” – that I would have to abandon something. But that it was “soooo good!” (she said with smiles) With you confirming that so soon – it makes me wonder if you will ask me to let go of something pretty soon. ?? I guess time will tell. Don’t let me miss it. :)

The other thing that was interesting was when they said that I would “find my rest in continuing to go forward” – that as I kept stepping forward, I would find my rest. That I didn’t “miss it” or mess things up this fall (as I had wanted to spend hours and hours in your word, with you, writing the book, etc – but instead have felt like I’ve just been taking care of sick kids, doing household chores – shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc). I feel so tired though – to keep going forward – to keep doing this. Something is just not right – something is “off” – and I don’t know what it is. :( I hate it. My husband senses it too. He keeps asking me “what’s wrong with you Lori?” And I don’t have any answers to give him. I don’t know. ?? I can only make guesses. So –I’ll ask you . . . what’s wrong with me?? Will you tell me? Why do I feel so depressed lately? Why do I feel so short-tempered, critical, etc? Is it just an attack? Are you working something out in me? Am I not eating right? Enough exercise? Too much? What?? I need you – and I need you to help me. I need you today. I especially don’t feel good today – kind of sick (sore throat, headache, sinus stuff, low fever,etc.). I don’t want to feel sick. I rebuke it!!!

So God . . . what do you want to say to me today? Come and be with me right now . . come sit and talk with me – comfort me – heal me – show me – guide me – love me. :) I’m here . . . wanting to be with you. I need you – so much. I can’t make it in life without you!

G – Hi Lori. :) You know I’ve always been here.

L – I know.

G – I never left. I’ve been walking with you every step.

L – I know. I know it in my head –and at times I could feel you near . . . I just am not feeling like the same woman I was a couple months ago – on fire, full of joy, passion, life, energy, etc.

G – I know. What happened?

L – That’s what I’m asking you! :)

G - :) I know. I’m teasing. I have watched it all Lori. I have seen it all. I have heard all your cries, your tears, your anger and frustrations. There ARE things that I want to work out of you. I do want you to see the need for more of me in your life – for more of my power, my transforming power and love. You cannot give away what you do not have. You need more. You need a lot more. And I want to give it to you. Do you want it?

L – of course . . yes.

G – But it comes with a price . . .

L – what kind of price.

G – A big one.

L – what?

G – all of you. You give me all of you – and I will give you all of me. Does it sound like a fair trade?

L – no. :) From YOUR perspective. :) You get all of me – my limitedness – and I get all of you – your unlimitedness – eternal – infinity . . . .

G – sound fair?

L - :) I’ll take it.

G – Good!

L – But what more do you need of me that you do not already have? I feel like I am always trying to give you more and more . . . all . . .of me. What haven’t I given over? What do you still want? It’s yours!

G - :) I’m glad you say that. I’ll take it! There is more though. You have areas of your heart that you have guarded. You have kept your hands over those sensitive areas to protect them. You haven’t trusted anyone with them – not even yourself, your husband, or even me. I want those areas Lori. I want all of them. Every speck, every part, every hurt, every thought, every memory . . . I want it all. You CAN trust me with them.

L – what areas are you talking about? See – I don’t even really know (I have felt so foggy-headed lately anyways – I’m not surprised). What areas? I want to give them to you. . . .

G – Close your eyes and watch what I show you.

L – Ok. . . . . I see you prying my hands away from my heart some – gently. You are pulling something out of the top of my heart. It looks like a dandelion seed – like when the seeds are ready to blow off the top – light and airy. But the whole stem is like a seed too. ?? what does that mean?

G – See how easy it will be? Just open your hands and let me take it out and blow it away. It’s dead – ready to be released into the wind. When it is – then it will spread far and wide –and cause new plantings – new growth – in places you haven’t even gone – places you haven’t even traveled to. My wind will carry it instead. All you have to do is let me take it out of you and blow it away. Are you ready?

L – but what is it? And if it’s something bad – why would you want to cause growth somewhere else with it?

G – it was bad when it was alive – but it’s dead now.

L – but, if it was bad when it was “alive” – wouldn’t it cause new bad things to grow?

G – no – not this seed. Watch.

L – I see it blowing away – in the wind – high and far . . . for quite awhile. I’m not sure where you are taking it or where it will land. But it’s floating – easily – gently – no struggles. It lands in a very green

grassy area – someone’s lawn. Someone who prides themselves in having a perfect lawn. This seed lands and digs into the ground and starts to germinate – to grow. It’s not detected at first . . . not until the seed had taken root and the plant has grown. There a flower to show that it’s there. It is “announcing” it’s there. “look at me” it says. “Look at me – I don’t belong here! Look at me!”. The owner of the house (someone rich – well to do – someone who doesn’t normally manage his yard –but has others to do it) – he comes out and sees this dandelion. It’s not supposed to be there. How did it get there? Where did it come from? He would call his lawn guy – but instead, he decides to go pick the dandelion himself. There is something about this weed –something about this flower that draws his attention. It’s different. He’s not used to seeing it. Maybe he hasn’t ever seen one. Maybe he doesn’t know what it is? ?? He is curious – so he goes to pick it out of his perfect yard. He picks it up and inspects it. “What is this?” he thinks. He decides to take it to an expert – to get their opinion. What is it? The expert doesn’t know. He’s never seen anything like it before. It’s pink!

Dandelions are supposed to be yellow. This one is pink! Why? Is it really a dandelion? This has caused so much interest, that the lawn owner, and the expert both start doing research, asking around – trying to figure out where this pink dandelion came from. They just HAVE to know! It’s so unique – so different – so . . . pretty even. But it just makes them curious at all costs.

They finally figure out the direction of the wind – estimate the distance it could have traveled. They start traveling the way they think it came from. They start to see more pink dandelions along the way. They ask around –where did those come from? People don’t know – but many don’t care. . . many didn’t even notice. There were so many weeds in their yards already – that they didn’t even notice. So the men continue – they find more and more – until they come to a yard that is FULL of pink dandelions. The whole yard! This must be it. This must be the source. They go to the house – to find out from the owner, where these came from? How did they get to be pink? What happened? And why did they let their yard become full of them? Weren’t they a weed??

The owner opens the door. It’s me. (?? Really??) I tell them. . . . these were planted by my Father. It was the red blood of Jesus that stained the dandelions pink. It covered all the yellow – all that symbolized “bad” (the weed) –and turned what was weeds, into beautiful pink flowers! The pink flowers were not bad. They were good. They still had a way of multiplying – and taking over a yard – of going far and wide and affecting others. But this wasn’t a bad thing. It was good. Beautiful. It was God’s design! It was His design to begin with! Light and airy – the good seed would travel . . . and plant new growth. Easy. Not difficult. Easy. The hard part was letting go of what we are used to – a perfect lawn of green grass. . . . . boring . . .the same as all other lawns. And so much work – to keep it perfect. This is easy. Just let them grow – let them overtake the lawn! Easy!

The man and the “expert” are amazed. They are shocked. They didn’t think anyone would ever purposely let their yard become like this. But at the same time – they are not disgusted – they are intrigued. They want to know more. They want to test this out. They want to see what happens – what happens “if” . . . . They ask if they can take some of the dandelions back to their yards – to their neighborhoods, their cities . . . I say yes! Go ahead! Take as much as you want! More will grow in it’s place! So they do. And they go on to spread more and more of these beautiful pink flowers. What started as curses – turned into blessings. What started as sin – turned into joy – into fresh vision – into beauty.

L – God I do want you to take every part of me – not matter how ugly it had started out as – and turn it into something beautiful – something that will self-propagate in other people’s lives – that will transform them completely!! For ALL to see!! I want my life (my lawn) to be totally different – totally unique – totally visible to all I meet – that I am in love with YOU – that I am filled with you – and your love! Transform me Lord – change me! Use me!

G – Lori. I am. You are unique. You are different. All my kids are – they just don’t always show it. They try to be carbon copies of each other. It breaks my heart. I spent time thinking about each and every one of my kids – designing them – their special talents and abilities, their special looks – and then what do they do? . . . try to copy each other. It makes me sad. I want them to be unique –to be special – as I designed them to be. The only way they will ever know how unique and special they are – is to try to copy me – to look at me. I am like a mirror. When they look at me – they will see themselves – just as I designed them to be. They will see all the good I have created in them. They will see all the talents and abilities I’ve placed in them. They will see all the things I want THEM to do . . . . But they have to look at me – not at each other. At me.

Lori – you have been looking at others too much. You do look at me – but you look at others who are looking at me. I want you to look at me. I want YOU to look at me. See me. See all of me. Emulate me. Look into the mirror and let me show you YOU – who you really are – who I’ve fully created you to be. Stop looking at others and look at me! It’s in doing that – that you will fully know who you are and what you are to do . . and then you can walk proudly and boldly in who I’ve created you to be and do!! You will be proud to be YOU – to be unique – to be and do what I’ve designed you to do. Who cares if no one else is doing it? Who cares if no one else thinks a yard full of pink dandelions is beautiful! Who cares? I’m the only one who should care – and my thoughts and opinions are the only ones you should care about. The others don’t matter. So look at me – listen to me – read my word – spend time with me . . . and ignore all the other stuff. It won’t tell you who you are – and it won’t tell you your worth. Only I can tell you your worth! And to me – you are worth millions!! Billions!! More than you can imagine! :)

L - :) I’m so glad! To me – YOU are worth EVERYTHING!! I can’t imagine living life without you! I can’t live life without you! I do want to know who I am – to know who you are – to be able to be fully free to be me – to be me with my family – with my friends – with my neighbors, etc. I want to be fully free. I want more freedom. I thought I was doing pretty good – feeling so much more free. But I guess there’s more. :) That’s good. I want more! I want to be rid of all my petty frustrations – my short-tempers at times, my selfishness, my criticalness, etc. I want to be rid of it all. Does it ever go away completely? . . . here on earth? :) I don’t want it anymore. I’m tired of it. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Heal me. Cleanse me. Transform me. Use me. Renew me. Change me. I’m sorry. Thank you for forgiving and loving me completely!! You are awesome! I don’t know what I would do without you!!

Jeremiah 6:16 – “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

“ancient paths” – the tried and true ways of Judah’s godly ancestors.

Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Isaiah 28:12 - . . . “This is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and “this is the place of repose” . . .

Exodus 14:13&14 - “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (however, in the next sentence, the Lord said “why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.” (Moses then raised his staff and the red sea was parted!)

Lord. . . .I want your rest – your resting place. I want to dwell there. I want you to fight for me. I am willing to “walk in” the good way, the ancient paths – and I want the rest you promised!!! Thank you Lord for your rest – for your peace – for your joy! Thank you for fighting the fight for me! All the time! Everywhere! Thank you for loving me soooooo much! You are awesome!!! :)

Faith & the Eyes (tears) of the Lord

Many times, as I am waking up (right when my alarm clock goes off) - I will hear something being said - in my dreams, in my spirit, in my mind. Today it was clear as can be - "Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1). Initially this caused me to think "oh no. What is God going to take away or have me do that will require a lot of faith?!" But then I decided to ask my Daddy above instead! . . . He didn't really tell me . . . nothing specific anyways. But later in my time with Him, He did tell me some other things - and now I see the connection!! :) God is so cool! :)

I wanted to share with you what He showed me - as it's not just for me - but for the church - for His bride. He is calling us to a deeper level of holiness - of purity - of simplicity even. I thought that word - Simplify - was just for me for 2010 - but I have been hearing it all over for the last couple weeks - from other prophetic people and ministers. This message wasn't just given to me - but to many of God's kids who were listening. He wants you to know it to!

I know it looks long - but please read it. I tend to hear God through pictures - and the best way to capture that is to write out what I see as I see it. :)

G – Stop for a minute Lori and look at me. Look into my eyes. What do you see?

L – I see water – an ocean? Water – covering half of your eyes – kind of like peering out a porthole in a ship – with the water half-way up – moving and flowing – bobbing up and down – alive. Almost like tears welling up in your eyes as well. I see a drop from each eye leak out – onto your cheeks – slowly rolling down and dripping off your chin/face. But you catch the tears. You catch them and put them in your mouth. You don’t want them to fall to the ground – you don’t want them to reach the ground – to be wasted. They were not meant for the ground – but for people – for other things. So you put them back in you – in your mouth – to be digested and made back into tears. You are eating/drinking your tears. I see more and more flowing out – filling up your hands – as you cup them to hold all the tears – and then drink them back up. Why are you doing this? Why are you crying and why are you drinking your tears? These don't seem like tears of sadness - but more of an overflow of what's inside of you. Why don’t you want the tears to fall on the ground – to be noticed by the world below you?

G – These tears are for my people. These tears are for you. These tears are for others. But the world is not ready for my tears. They would find them an “inconvenience” – kind of like a rainstorm when they don’t want it. They want the rain when they are in need – but right now – they don’t think they are in need. They have been saturated – not with my tears – but with other things – that have taken the place of my tears. They feel satisfied – they feel full – filled up – so they would not find my tears refreshing or needed – but an inconvenience. I cannot afford to let them feel these tears right now – not because I don’t want them to have them – but I’m protecting them (the people) – loving them. I do not want to push them away from me any more than they are.

But I do want them to have these tears – I do want them to have them. What they don’t know is what is in these tears! They are so much better than what they have been filling their lives with. These tears are salty – just like real tears. But the salt is not there to dry things out – but to preserve things. The tears are refreshing – fragrant actually – and will not only preserve things – but bring new life. There is life within these tears – like little microorganisms, floating in the water – and by introducing my tears onto the soil of earth – into the lives of my people – NEW things will be introduced – things not of earth – but things of heaven – things of ME – that are a part of me – part of my DNA. That is what is in those tears.

I WANT to shed them and allow them to fall onto earth – but my people are not ready for them. They don’t even know that the tears exist – they are not even getting ready or looking for the tears to come. I need them to. There are 2 ways that will cause my people to become ready. . . .either they start preparing and cleaning out the “junk” in their life – the substitutes for these tears – and making room for my tears to come – or there will come a drought – a dry spell – a time that will clean out the junk in their lives for them – in a way that will not be pleasant – that will be very difficult. Either way – the end result will be that my tears will come – that I will be able to pour them out on the earth and introduce new growth, new things in the earth. But which will they choose?

It’s like what you are doing now Lori. You can choose to go through your “things” and decide for yourself to get rid of them, and feel good about making those decisions – or a fire can come along and just burn up everything in your house for you. Either way – you don’t have your “stuff” anymore – but one way is definitely more painful than the other – AND you lose more “stuff” with the second way.

L – I understand. What do you want me to do with this information? I see your heart. I see what you are wanting to do – release more of heaven – more of YOU onto this earth in a powerful, creative, life-giving way . . . and I do know that your people are not ready. Some are. Some are preparing. Some have seen the tears welling up in your eyes and are getting ready – clearing out a spot – clearing out as much as they can – because they know that the more they clear out – the more they will be able to hold when the tears/water/rain falls! If they only clear out a little – they get a little. I want to clear out a lot Lord!

I then see others who do see the tears coming – they’ve heard the “weather reports” – and have said “hmm . . . sounds interesting. I’ll believe it when I see it. For now – I’ll just carry around an umbrella. I’m not sure if I want any of these tears/rain right now. I’ll see what it does in other people’s yards/lives first. Then – we’ll see.” Oh God – my heart aches for those people. They will miss it! They will miss the rain. They think it will remain – but it will be a downpour! By the time they have put their umbrella away and tried to clear out space in their life/yard – it will be almost too late. Some will catch the tail end – and get a little of the rain – but others – will get nothing. The sun will come out/return (the “son” will return?) and they will be left with nothing – left high and dry - everything will be dry . . . no growth – but they will be surrounded by green growth – in everyone else’s yards that chose to clear a way before the rains came.

Lord – I want to clear a way – for me – and help others – before the rain comes. Let us feel some of your tears now (as we clear out) like a mist before the rains come. I do see the downpour Lord – I do see the downpour. It is heavy – it is hard – it can do damage to those that are trying to protect themselves – to cover themselves up. It will demolish any type of umbrella or covering they try to put up. Lord help them! Get ahold of them now! Show me how to help them Lord. Show me how.

G – You have seen correctly Lori. There is a time coming soon . . . very soon – when I will release these tears on the land – enveloping the earth like a huge faucet pouring out water – a tidal wave – it will cover the whole earth. But my people are not ready or prepared. I have called many others to help prepare the way – I have people doing it already – getting ready. I want YOU to get ready Lori – get your family ready – get your house ready – get your life ready. I have so much more to pour out – it is coming Lori. So get ready!

L – How do I get ready? Practically speaking – what do you want me to do?

G – Keep cleaning out your junk – physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. Watch what you put before your eyes, before your ears. Watch your gates. Keep them pure – keep them sanctified – keep them cleaned out. Detach yourself from things Lori. They are just things. I can always replace them. Detach. Give them to me. Let me use them for my glory. Everything. I can always give you more. It will be so freeing. Let them go. Let go of everything and anything you hold tightly and dearly to – and give them to me. Don’t I have big hands? Don’t you see how all of your things, all of your relationships, all of your dreams and so much more fits into my hands – with a TON of room leftover?! All that space leftover is where I am going to add all MY stuff, relationships, dreams and more! :) And then give them back to you! Are you ready? Are you getting ready? Do you want it?

Are YOU ready? Are you getting ready? Do YOU want it?

I was curious as to why God would use an image of tears? Why tears? Why not just rain or water? Look what I found out!

Tears provide five functions:

1. Keeping the epithelium moist, thereby protecting the outer covering of the eye from damage because of dryness
2. Creating a smooth optical surface on the front of the cornea (which would help you see more clearly)
   
3. Acting as the main supplier of oxygen and other nutrients to the cornea
4. Carrying waste products away from the cornea
5. Providing enzymes that destroy bacteria that can harm the eye

Normal tears that cover the corneal surface comprise three layers:

• the lipid, or oil layer, which is the outer layer of the tear film and helps prevent the lacrimal layer beneath it from evaporating or overflowing the lower eyelid
• the lacrimal, or watery layer, which is the middle layer and contains salts, proteins, and an enzyme called lysozyme that actually protect and nourish the eye
• the mucoid, or mucus layer, which is the bottom layer of tears. It contains cells called goblet cells that cause the tears to adhere to the eye.

All three layers of tears are necessary for proper lubrication.

Can you see any similarities? Can you see why God would use HIS tears - to pour out on us? To protect, keep moist (from "drying out"), help us "see" clearly, nourish (supply w/ "oxygen" - that which sustains our lives), help get rid of "junk", and fight off the "enemies"! And all THREE layers are needed - oil, water, mucus. (The goblet cells are quite interesting! They actually react to irritants instead of hormones - and the mucus within them is so very dense - that upon secretion it expands almost instantaneously and tremendously (up to 500-fold in 20 miliseconds!). Mucus is there to protect - but in the case of tears - to also help the tears to "stick" to the eyes!

"Eyes" are very important. The Bible is full of references to eyes. It was Adam and Eve's eyes that were "opened" when they ate of the forbidden fruit and sinned. There are many scriptures about finding "favor in the eyes of the Lord". Psalm 33:18 says - "But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love". I could go on and on. There are 509 verses in the NIV that contain the word "eyes"! Do you suppose God is trying to say something about eyes - about HIS eyes - about OUR eyes? Yes! And where do tears come from? Eyes!

I would challenge you to do a word study on "eyes" today. Ask God to show you what He is saying to you about His eyes - about your eyes - and more! As for the verse in the beginning about Faith . . .

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for - certain of what we do not see." - Think about this verse in light of what God said. Are you going to be like one of those "wait and see" people? Or will you take His word (in the Word of God - not just this conversation I'm sharing with you) - believe it - in Faith - and act on it - even though you may not see what you are hoping for or what God has said will happen, etc?! God's truth will ALWAYS trump facts, circumstances, or feelings! Always! :) Yay for that!!!

Get ready bride of Christ! Make your preparations. The wedding is coming! You don't want to be caught off guard!

God is going to be releasing more of Himself (His power, love, miracles, creativity, etc) in the "days" to come! Don't be caught with an umbrella in hand . . . .Get ready to receive ALL He wants to pour on you! You won't regret it! :)

Get ready for the downpour!

L :)

Shifting my armies - Big battle coming

I have been feeling strongly lately that I am supposed to share this word now. In a conversation with God back on October 16th, 2009 - I was asking Him about certain prophetic words that had been coming out about attacks on the US. This is what I feel He told me to write down . . .

Hear me on this Lori. There IS coming a day that will be painful – not only for the United States, but other nations as well. This is not about the U.S., or about the other nations. It’s about me.

There is a war going on that you cannot see, that has been escalating for years now. It is getting bigger and stronger. Know that I will win in the end, but also know that this war will carry over onto the earth. It will be felt in many ways and in many places.

Those that are watching will see what is going on and will be able to pray, will be able to stay safe. Those that are not watching or that choose to look the other way, will be affected. Keep watching Lori. Keep waiting. Keep praying.

I am shifting things in the heavens. I am shifting my armies to fight this battle in a more strategic way. But this shifting will be felt. It may feel like it leaves gaps in some areas. But those areas will wither away. The enemies left behind will leave and move on to join the larger battle at hand. Those battles are not what I want to focus on anymore. They are not “worth it” in a sense. There is a bigger battle coming, and I am positioning my troops in preparation for this battle to arrive. It is not here yet. It will be soon. Very soon.

But keep watching. Keep praying. Keep warring with me in this heavenly battle as I need your help. I need everyone’s help – everyone to pray. This is a battle that will affect EVERYONE – and so I need EVERYONE to pray. It’s not about the U.S. It’s not about other nations. It’s about me and it’s about the battle to come.

I will protect the U.S. from many attacks and many things that are to come – IF my people pray. I do not like to see my children suffer – so I will protect them. But I need the prayers. I need people to watch. I need to be able to tell people how to pray, when to pray, where to pray, how to fight and win this battle. There will be casualties. There will be fatalities. There will be wounds and amputations. BUT . . . we will be victorious! But I need your help!

Keep your eyes and ears open. Ask God to show you what's going on - how to pray . . . and GET READY for the battle to come! As God said to me a couple years ago - it is more dangerous to stay behind than to join in His army to fight the battles ahead. If you stay behind - you are unprotected. The army has left town. . . . . .

Pray deeper today. Get ready!

L :)

Pull back the curtains!

I feel like God wants me to share with you a recent conversation with Him (2/4/10). This is a word - not only for us as individuals - but for the church as a whole. Here it is . . .

L – Ok God. Here I am – ready to write. What did you want me to write? What did you want to say?

G – Listen carefully. What do you hear?

L – Physically or spiritually?

G – Spiritually

L – Peace, joy, love, patience, kindness . . . :) The fruit of the spirit.

G – Yes – but what else?

L – (open my ears Lord) Rain?

G – What kind of rain?

L – Gentle rain – like a gentle spring rain – tapping on the window panes. I can’t see it – but I hear it – just outside – tap, tap, tapping – inviting me to come see.

G – Well –go look!

L – I pull back the curtain . . . . but I don’t see what I expect. I am scared – suddenly scared – like there was something outside the window – hideous and evil – that was imitating the gentle rain – it was imitating it – allowing me to feel peaceful that there was a gentle rain just outside the window – but there wasn’t – it was a lie – it was something evil. When I opened up the curtains though – it ran away. I was scared and shocked at first because it wasn’t what I was expecting to see. I was expecting to see the gentle drops of rain falling and sliding down the window glass – expecting to see the wispy clouds overhead – sending down the nourishment for the grass and trees. I was expecting to smell the clean freshness that the rain brings with it. However – it wasn’t any of the above. It was dark, ugly, hideous, and full of fear. IT was full of fear – and of evil. But it was more afraid of me – once it saw me – once it saw that I saw it was there – it ran – bolted – away from the window. I didn’t see where it went –but it went away fast and far. Now there is nothing outside my window. No light – but no darkness really – just nothing. Grey. Nothing. I close the curtains again (they are burgundy/scarlet velvet. ?? hmmm. . . ) So God – what was that?!

G – There is coming a temptation to man – to my church. It’s a temptation to feel comfortable – to be comfortable in your surroundings and in what you hear and expect. But things are changing. The winds are changing. What is outside those windows and behind the curtains – are coming. If the curtains are closed – if my people cannot see outside – they will be caught unaware. They will “feel” as if everything is ok. They will “feel” and “hear” that it sounds alright – it’s normal. “This is what to expect this time of year – this springtime. We always get these kinds of rain showers this time of year. Don’t you just love to hear the gentle rain?” (they will say) But tell them it’s not. It’s a lie! They won’t believe you . . . unless they look for themselves.

OPEN UP the CURTAINS Lori! Open up the curtains – BEFORE this comes. If the curtains are open – the enemy won’t even bother with that window. He can’t be sneaky and trick them with the window exposed. HE will be exposed. He loves the dark – He loves the shadows – so keep your windows exposed. Pull back the curtains and let the light in!

Yes – this is the springtime (coming up) –the time for rain showers. And yes – rain will come – but not yet. This year will be different. The rain will not come at the usual time or in the usual places – it will be different – because I have a different crop to harvest this time – this year. It’s a tougher crop – that requires a lot more water – and so I am gathering all the water I need to dump on this crop at just the right time. I can’t spread it out too thin – but I have to deluge this crop – to soften it – to loosen it – and to keep it SOAKED at all times. I can’t take the chance that it will dry out even in the least! In doing this – the water will reach way down deep – to the deepest parts beneath the very thick crusty exterior – the thick crust on top. Underneath all that crust and dry earth, is fresh, soft, and tender dirt . . . and seeds . . . LOTS of seeds!!! No one knows they are there – but they are – and there are LOTS of them!! They were planted there years and years and even generations ago – by your fathers and your father’s fathers. They’ve been waiting – underground – hidden – waiting for this time – for someone – something to be able to reach them. And I CAN! I WILL! I am so excited about this Lori – soooo excited about this. But the enemy is on guard and wants to lull my people to sleep – He wants to lull them into thinking that the rains will come as they always have – that they don’t have to do anything to get ready – “Sure – the rains will come. They always have. I’ve never had to even think about whether there would be rain in the spring. It’s always there and has always happened.” they will say. But tell them this. . . .GET READY NOW!!! There is no more time to waste. You must get ready NOW.

The months are coming down to the time when I will need my workers to be ready – ready with their buckets, ready with their rain gear, ready with their picks, and hoes, and other tools to get the water that is coming deep down into the ground. Help me soak this ground – help me till this ground – help me break up the hardened areas and get the water deep, deep down to where it needs to be. I NEED this harvest to come! I need this harvest to ripen. I need those seeds to be watered. But who will do it – especially if they are comfortable in their houses, behind their closed curtains, doing as they please. The enemy is sneaking up. OPEN YOUR CURTAINS! I came and ripped the curtain (the veil) in the temple – I didn’t do that so that the curtain could be closed again! OPEN your curtains! See the world as it is now! Don’t rely on “what you hear” and on what you think you know (is associated with what you hear) – see for yourself! Open the curtains NOW!

L – God – Help me to keep my curtains open. What does that mean? Does that mean that I am to keep my eyes open to you? To others around me? To what exactly? How do we keep our curtains open.

G – Lori – my people have shut me out. They live their lives as if they are on my side – as if they have included me in their lives “Yes – I love God. I go to church. I’m praying about this . . . or that.” But they don’t even invite me into their homes. They go in, shut the door and close the curtains. This is dangerous (and it makes me sad). I want to be a part of their lives – ALL of their lives. I want to walk and talk with them, teach them, laugh with them, heal them, and so much more. But they have shut me out.

So . . . . have you shut your "curtains"? What do you need to open up - to God? What to you need to ask God to show you? Are you looking outside your "house" - your comfort zone - your church? Have we (as the church) tried to close the veil/curtains to the outside world - happy and content in our "house"? There is a world out there that needs Jesus - and WE are the representatives of Jesus to them! Are you willing to do that - to be His representative - even to those that are "hard and crusty"? Are you willing? Are you ready? If not . . . I would encourage you to GET READY! Open your curtains! OPEN THE CURTAINS CHURCH!! Stop being lulled by your comfort and routines - stop being lazy - stop being selfish - stop being distracted - and open your curtains to see what is really going on outside! The enemy is out to kill, steal and destroy - and He will do whatever is necessary to keep God's children from knowing what's really going on! Open the curtains and let God show you! Do NOT close what God has already opened!!

Open your eyes and ears today to the deeper things of God!

L :)

Are you IMMUNE to ARREST?!

Hello there! I hope you are doing well! I've missed sharing with you for the past few weeks. I've been trying to get caught up with alot of household things - reorganizing, simplifying, etc! But I've missed you!

I just wanted to share some thoughts with you today about what I am reading in Exodus. No - this will not be boring! :) Yes - it looks long . . .but trust me . . . it's easy to read -and well worth it! :) Take a chance! What do you have to lose? 10 minutes out of your day? :)

Great! I'm glad you are joining me for this journey! I love having company! :)

(ps - please excuse any problems with fonts, sizes, etc. . . I was having issues after copying and pasting from a word doc. Thanks!)


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Exodus 15:3 – “The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.”

*This was part of the song that Moses and the Israelites sang after God delivered them at the Red Sea. I love it! Go Mighty Warrior! :)

Exodus 15: 8 – “By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up. The surging waters stood firm like a wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.”

Exodus 15:10-12 – “But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? You stretched out your right hand and the earth swallowed them.”

*Again – more of the song that was sung after God performed a miracle. What amazed me was the simplicity and ease of what God did versus the outcome that happened. He “blew out his breath” from a “blast from his nostrils” and then He “stretched out” his “right hand”. Stretching and breathing. Not too difficult. But the power that comes from God breathing and stretching – killed a whole army of Egyptians and saved hundreds of thousands (or a million+) Jews!! AWESOME!! I love knowing that God can do that for me as well! Keep breathing and stretching God! :)

Exodus 15:13 &17 – “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. . . . You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance – the place, O Lord, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, your hands established.”

Wow! God doesn’t just redeem us and that’s it. He wants to lead us, guide us, bring us in and PLANT us ON “the mountain of (His) inheritance”!! HIS PLACE! His temple! His sanctuary – that HE made – HE built, HE established with His own hands. He doesn’t want to leave us in the desert after freeing us and redeeming us from captivity – He has a better place for us to go to . . . HIS place! And it’s not just going to heaven when we die. It’s here – it’s now.

What is His sanctuary? What is His mountain of inheritance? For the Israelites – it was Mount Zion. It was a literal place – a place where the temple was built – where God “resided” – where Jerusalem was. But Mt. Zion (or Zion) is more than just a physical place in history for the Jews. It is a spiritual place – in the present and in the future – for all of God’s children! It is the promised land that He has for each of us – designed and built with His own hands. (Jer. 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you – to give you a hope and a future.”) He has GREAT plans and a wonderful “promised land” for each and every one of His kids (that includes YOU . . . if you are one of His kids)! Don’t you want to go there?! :)

To be planted is not just temporary. It’s (usually) permanent. God isn’t just taking us to His house to show us around – He wants us to live there –to grow there, to flourish and remain there! He has built a “sanctuary” for us! Webster’s Dictionary defines sanctuary as this:

1. a. A sacred place, such as a church, temple, or mosque. b. The holiest part of a sacred place, as the part of a Christian church around the altar.

2. a. A sacred place, such as a church, in which fugitives formerly were immune to arrest.

b. Immunity to arrest afforded by a sanctuary.

3. A place of refuge or asylum.

4. A reserved area in which birds and other animals, especially wild animals, are protected from hunting or molestation.

WOW!! Isn’t that cool?! He’s not just taking us to some stuffy old church or boring religion . . . He’s taking us –first of all – to HIS place – to the most holy and sacred of places – the most intimate of places. And what is the most holy, sacred and intimate place you can think of? Being in a close and intimate relationship! He is bringing us in – holding us close – AND . . . PROTECTING US! Don’t you love that part of the definition? He is bringing us to a place where we are IMMUNE to ARREST! We are protected from “hunting or molestation”! It’s a place of peace. It’s a place where we cannot be touched by the enemy -who is still out to steal, kill and destroy us . . . and would LOVE to arrest us if he could!

He unfortunately convinces many people that they are still under arrest – that they do still need to be in chains or handcuffs – that they are not really free. Yes – they may be walking around the streets “free”, but their hands are cuffed, they are dragging chains behind them – attached to all sorts of things that weigh them down, that keep them from going very far – that keep them attached to what is behind them.

If you are one of those people - I need to say this . . . . STOP IT!! You ARE FREE!!!!

You do NOT have to walk around with those chains or handcuffs anymore. Jesus went to your trial for you! HE took on your crimes. You were exonerated – your record doesn’t show that you’ve been cleared of previously convicted or committed crimes . . . your record shows . . . (get this!) . . . NOTHING!!!

That’s was “justification” means . . . it means just-as-if-I’d never sinned!! So you got to walk out of that courtroom – FREE, while Jesus stayed behind, cuffed and in chains and ready to stand trial for all that you’ve ever done. You look behind as you are walking out and you see his face. It’s not sad. It’s one of peace and love. He is happy to do it for you. He wants you to be free. Don’t be sad. Be HAPPY! He wants you to be HAPPY – to be free! The last thing – no not even the last thing – he NEVER wants you to even touch those handcuffs or chains again! They are not yours! They are His! So STOP IT! Stop putting them on. STOP wearing them. STOP dragging them around. They are NOT yours!! (Do you hear me?!)

ACCEPT the freedom that Jesus bought for you! It is not spiritual or religious to go around dragging your chains and feeling like you are “paying” for your sins. Your sins have already been paid for!! End of story! No questions asked! It’s a done deal! Can you accept that deal? Can you accept that awesome gift?? Just imagine!

Imagine that you were in Jesus’ shoes. You decided to take the place for someone – maybe your son or daughter, a friend or relative. You decided to have their record totally cleared and erased, and YOU would take on all their guilt and punishment. You did it because you love them so much – because you want them to have a better life – you want them to go out of the courtroom – FREE – and enjoy the life they are being given.

What if you saw them leave, but as they left, they picked up a set of handcuffs and chains? What if you saw them outside the window of the courtroom and they had already put on the handcuffs when they ran into an old friend. People around them started saying to them - “Hey – didn’t you commit this crime? Why aren’t you in chains? You should be. I can’t imagine having the audacity to walk around as if you hadn’t committed that crime! Who do you think you are?? You’re not anyone special. You are a criminal. In fact – maybe I need to take you back into the authorities and have you arrested. You don’t have the right to be walking free.”

What if you saw your loved one agreeing with them – falling for the lies that they were saying (because – it did make sense – it was logical and rational)? I know it would break my heart! I would want to scream at the top of my lungs through the windows for them to hear . . . “Run fast!! Don’t listen to them! Drop those chains and handcuffs! They are NOT YOURS!! I have yours on! Don’t you see?! Don’t you remember?! I HAVE YOUR CHAINS AND HANDCUFFS ON!!!”

Then your loved one walks away. He/she walks down the street and gets into the car – with difficulty – having to slowly drag the chains behind them, then load them into the car. It takes so long and is so heavy that they later decide, it’s just too hard to go anywhere.

“It’s too hard to go outside – not only because of the heavy chains – but because of what people will say. There will be those that knew me before – who knew the “real” me – and will see the chains and think nothing about it. They were used to seeing me in chains. In fact – they accept them because they have a lot of their own. They help me add some more links to my chains, add on some heavy balls to weigh it down even more . . . just for the fun of it. ‘Let’s see who can carry around the most weight!’ It’s as if it’s a game to them. But I don’t find it fun. I don’t find it enjoyable any more. I used to – when I didn’t know anything else. But I don’t anymore. I got a taste of freedom. I felt the lightness in my step, the ease at which I could walk, the freedom to go anywhere I wanted, as fast as I wanted, without a care in the world. I could smell the sweet aromas in the air – and follow them to their source. I could feel and enjoy the warmth of the sun, without wanting to curse it because it was making me all the more hot and sweaty as I struggled to drag my chains. It actually warmed me as I ran in the cool breezes. I knew what that was like. So now – this “game” is not so fun. But I am stuck. I don’t know how to get out of these chains now. I don’t know that I will ever be able to get outside and enjoy life again. I also don’t like going out with my chains, because there are those that know I’ve been set free – and now they are looking at my chains – judging me for still having them. Some of them are totally free – and I’m jealous – envious – wondering why I didn’t stay that way. Then there are some that “say” they are free – but I still see the handcuffs – I still see some small and even large chains. Those people seem so hypocritical. Though, some of those people are nice to me. Some of them really do want to help me – but I just think they all want to judge me and send me back to jail. So why bother. How can I really tell which ones really want to help me anyways? And forget about going to church. I can’t go back in there now. What if the people there see my chains?”

Your heart breaks as you see what your loved one is going through. This isn’t what you signed up for. This wasn’t the plan! Why doesn’t your loved one just drop the chains?! They are not really permanently attached – he/she only thinks they are! It’s a lie. It’s a scam! They are really FREE! You ask for a phone call – to be able to talk to your loved one. You dial the number – but no one answers. On the other end, your loved one sees it’s you calling. They are too ashamed to pick up the phone and talk with you. They don’t want you to know that they are not really enjoying this life you paid for them to have. Sometimes you call and they don’t even hear the phone ring. They’ve put the phone away – turned it off possibly – because they just can’t bear any more guilt and shame in knowing that they let you down – that they just “couldn’t” grasp hold and continue to hold onto that life of freedom that you gave them. They occasionally keep trying to come back to the courtroom – to another court – to be tried again for their crimes. The police keep telling your loved one that that’s a good idea –“yes – you should turn yourself in and pay for your crimes.” But each time they bring you before the judge – He looks at your record as says “Why are you here? I don’t understand why you think you need to be here, to be in chains, or to pay for any crimes. You don’t have a record. So take off those chains and handcuffs and leave them here in the courtroom. They are not yours and you do not need them.” The police seemed shocked and surprised – but they encourage you to take off the chains and handcuffs. But you don’t. You choose not to. You just don’t believe that the judge knows what He is talking about.

How long will you keep doing this?

How long will you continue to walk in unbelief and be weighed down by your chains?

Would you like to see your record?

Let me show you.

Romans 5:6-11 "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

⁹Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! ¹⁰For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! ¹¹Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

Romans 3:21-26 "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. ²²This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to ALL who believe. There is NO DIFFERENCE, ²³for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴and are JUSTIFIED FREELY by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. ²⁵God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate HIS justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— ²⁶he did it to demonstrate HIS justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”

YOU (yes YOU!) have been “JUSTIFIED FREELY”! Remember – justified means “just as if I’d never sinned”! No record!! BUT – to attain that freedom – to have those chains fall and stay off – you have to have FAITH – BELIEVE – which means . . . you have a CHOICE! Do you keep the chains on . . . or will you let them go – and believe (no matter what if “feels” like or what people tell you) that you don’t HAVE to wear those chains anymore. They are Jesus’ chains! Let Him have them and carry them. He’s strong enough! In actuality . . . . He already carried them . . . then threw them in the face of the jailer – the one who wants to keep you in chains!!! (Satan)

So – Are you ready to go to Mount Zion today? Are you ready to “be” like Mount Zion today? Make a choice today!

Psalms 125:1&2 -"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which CANNOT be SHAKEN but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore."

Hebrews 12:22-24 - "But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, ²³to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, ²⁴to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”

Make a choice today – Go deeper (& Higher!) You won't regret it!

L :)