Forecast - An Abundance of Sunshine!

(photo by Chad Johnson)

Yes -that was our forecast here yesterday - an "Abundance of Sunshine"! I love it! I have never heard that in a forecast before. I've heard "Mostly sunny, Partly sunny, Sunny" - but never an Abundance of Sunshine! It just made me smile!

No matter where you are in this world - you too had an Abundance of Sunshine yesterday (and today, and tomorrow . . . )! You did! I'm not lying! Maybe I should have written it - "SONshine".

God really is everywhere! He is the "Light of this world"

John 8:12 says - "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

See? You will NEVER have a dark day again! It is possible! It's possible to have an "Abundance of Sunshine" every day!

What do you have to do? . . . . Follow Jesus! That's it! It's not about a set of rules and regulations, a bunch of commandments and lists of things you are now not allowed to do. It's about a relationship - about walking and talking with Him (being real with Him) - about what you DO get to do - about just how close you can get to the creator of this world and the savior of our souls! How close can you get? . . . . VERY! As close to the Light as YOU want! He will NEVER push you away, or even run away from you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (and other places in the Bible) tells us this! "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

YAY! Isn't that great news?! Isn't that a great "forecast"?!

So - if you are worried about the "forecast" for your life today (or tomorrow, next week, next month, next year . . . ) . . . . Let me be the first to tell you - It is filled with an ABUNDANCE OF SUNSHINE!

Step a bit closer (and deeper in) to the Light today! You'll see!

L :)

What are you Soaking in Today?

I know I haven't posted in awhile - but as I mentioned in a previous post or two - I started taking classes in January. I'm part of a School of Supernatural Ministry here locally, but we are using the curriculum from Bethel's School of Supernatural Ministry out in Redding, California. I also said this before too - but if you haven't checked out this church, what it's doing, what they teach and preach . . . you need to! Their church is not only changing their city - but their reach is spreading across the globe - to bring healing, deliverance, salvation, love and power to the world!

Bill Johnson - head pastor (as well as other pastors and leaders from that church - Kris Vallotton and Danny Silk especially) has written some incredible books that have been rocking my world! They have opened up my eyes to seeing scripture in new ways, to seeing myself in new ways, to finally understanding more about just WHO I am as well as WHOSE I am! It has been setting me free!

Bethel Church broadcasts many of their services - worship and teaching - on ibethel.tv. You can watch some things for free, and then they also have subscription services - 3 different ones - depending on what you would like/prefer.

Most every day I listen to one of their videos - whether it's just worship or teaching. I used to put on Joyce Meyer every day in the morning (tv, or sometimes online) as I got ready for the day - now it's i-bethel. Occasionally I will also put on a webcast from CBN's Spiritual Gifts Webcast archives at CBN.com. I have also listened to Beth Moore as well (You can hear here at Oneplace.com, or you can watch her on LIFE Today with James and Betty Robinsin here. LOVE that lady!).

By doing this - I am feeding my spirit, healing my soul, and training my mind. I also recently picked up the Bible on CD's (dramatized version) from the library and have occasionally put those in while getting ready in the morning, doing chores, or driving around. (I need to do that more.) I have found that I look at/hear the scriptures differently when I'm listening to it rather than reading it. It's opened my eyes to new things!

I do still watch one tv show a week (LOST) - but that's it (and occasionally a movie . . . but not as much as I used to). Why fill my mind with the ways of this world? Why fill up the empty spaces in my thoughts, heart and emotions with things that don't satisfy? It just leaves me feeling empty still and like I've just wasted part of my life. I don't want that. I want so much more out of life. I want that abundant life that Jesus said he died to give me! He DIED so I could have it! If He died for it - then it must be something good!! NO - GREAT! It was worth dying for! (I was worth dying for!)

We are what we think about. We think about whatever we have put in our minds - through our eyes, our ears, our experiences . . . so . . . .

What are you "soaking" your mind, spirit and soul in these days? I would challenge and encourage you to take note of what you are putting before your eyes, ears and in your life. Is it bringing life into your mind, heart, emotions and life? What kind of life do you want to have? That abundant life that God has for you? Go after it! But remember - it all starts in our minds - what we think about! (If you struggle with this - with your thought life - I would recommend Joyce Meyer's book - "Battlefield of the mind"!!)

I posted signs around my house - not only for my kids, but for my benefit. One of them says "What are you soaking in?" and has a picture of a sponge and a brain. Below it is the verse Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers, whatever is TRUE, whatever is NOBLE, whatever is RIGHT, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is ADMIRABLE - if anything is EXCELLENT or PRAISEWORTHY - think about such things."

The other quote I have posted is this:

Watch your thoughts - they become your words.
Watch your words - they become your actions.
Watch your actions - they become your habits.
Watch your habits - they become your character.
Watch your character - it becomes your destiny.

What are you soaking in today?

Soak in the deep water from the Lord today! Be refreshed - and renewed with LIFE!!

I've added links to many of my favorite "wells" that I currently "drink" from or have in the past. Check the "aqueducts" on the right sidebar!

Drink Deep!

L :)

Do you know WHO you are?

I love thinking about how intricately God designed us – designed me! Even down to my name – having my parents choose the name Lori (meaning – Victorious one!) for me. He didn’t leave any detail undone!

I was watching my cat yesterday, sitting in the window sill, enjoying the breeze coming in from the open, screened in window, but at the same time – longing to be outside – to be chasing the birds she would see in the yard, to be running around in the grass - nibbling on it, exploring, tasting, smelling, chasing, crouching, playing (with other cats), running – free! I could tell it was driving her crazy to be inside – especially with the windows open! It looked liked torture –to be able to not only see the outside world (now that the blinds were open), but to be able to smell, feel and experience just a little bit of what lay outside – but to be stuck inside! She longs to be outside so much, that she will hide out by the door, crouching and waiting for someone to open it so that she can make a mad dash to try and escape – to be free!

I then thought about the last cat we had. She had been a stray – abandoned and left on her own as a kitten. We found her at about 5 months old – barely skin and bones, dirty, covered in ticks. We took her in, cleaned her up, loved on her, fed her (till she was fat!), and more. However, she still remained traumatized. She was full of anxiety and fear – of noises, of us - if we moved to fast, if we tried to pet her when she wasn’t expecting it, or even if we tried to pick her up. But one thing that frightened her the most, was going and being stuck outside. She would be curious – looking out a closed or screened-in window. She would occasionally try to venture outside, very slowly, smelling, testing, watching to see if it was safe . . . but all the while, still very nervous and unsure of herself and of the outside world. Once, she had ventured outside as I was bringing in the groceries. I didn’t see that she had gone out. When I was done, I closed our sliding glass door and started heading towards the kitchen. As I turned, I saw our cat anxiously run to the door and start clawing at the window, pacing and meowing a fearful cry. I opened the door and she bolted in. She had been so afraid that she was going to be stuck outside.

Cats were designed and created to be outside – to be hunters. We see this in most big cats (Lions and Tigers, etc) – out in the wild, free, hunting their prey, enjoying the sun and wind, the shade and stillness of the day, playing with each other, running . . . free. Housecats were designed the same – only on a smaller scale. We have tamed them, raised some by hand, loved on them, taught them to use a litter box, and made them pets, but deep inside – they still know they are hunters, that they have been designed to be outside – to be free – to be chasing birds, squirrels and rabbits. If we allow them to go outside – they will do just that. If we keep them indoors, they may long for the outside, but they will eventually become accustomed to indoor living – to being taken care of, and to being fed (instead of having to hunt for their food). Animals in captivity can become so accustomed to living this way and being taken care of, that if you tried to let them loose in the wild, they would starve to death – not knowing how to hunt for their food and to really live in the wild. Some animals might actually prefer to remain indoors (or in captivity) because of traumatic events/memories of being out in the wild (as seemed the case with our last cat).

What has God designed me to be? What has he designed me to do? Who am I really? What am I capable of? Have I been in “captivity” so long, that I don’t know? Do I still feel like a slave/servant in my relationship with God? Or do I know my true identity – my position as a daughter of the Lord of glory, the King of kings, the creator of this universe? Do I know that I was not only designed to run free – to chase, to explore, to do great things, to enjoy the sun and shade, the wind and calm, to enjoy relationships and “playing” with others – but that I actually have the freedom to do just that?! I do! How about you?

God has been graciously revealing more of Himself, more of who I am, more of what I was designed to do and be, more of my identity – as royalty – a royal priest (and princess), and not a sinner any longer. I am no longer dirty, starving and covered in ticks! I have been brought into his house and lovingly restored – but not so that I will remain in His house as a servant or as a slave – but so that I could be adopted – as His daughter! I have full access to EVERYTHING my Father has – to ALL of His kingdom! It is mine to enjoy – to run free, to experience, to explore, to have fun in! I love that! I love it that God didn’t save me and bring me into His home to just clean me off to make me His servant. He rescued, saved, cleaned, and restored me – and ADOPTED ME! Little ole me . . . is a Princess now! ☺ Woo-hoo!

I also love it how He didn’t just bring me into His kingdom to keep me here either – to keep me “indoors”. He brought me in, to love me, clean me off, feed me and restore me – so that I could then be free to go back outside at any time – to go enjoy all of this life He gave me – to reach out to others still stuck outside and help them come home, to be adopted, cleaned up, fed and restored. Yes – we were created as eternal beings – to live forever with God in heaven one day, but we were also designed and created to live on this earth – not to live here, afraid, full of anxiety (What if we get dirty? What if we get “ticks” or get sick? What if we mess up, or can’t find food, or meet an enemy bigger than us?) – but to live in freedom – running, exploring, laughing, enjoying the company of others, hunting (finding food), fighting off our enemies with victory, and so much more!

We were intricately and lovingly designed this way. But too many of us don’t know it. We are comfortable just being fed, being taken care of, being “indoors”. Life “outside” is just too scary and unpredictable. Yes it is – unpredictable . . . . but it is so full of adventure! ☺

Then there are some who have lived outside for so long – enjoying the freedom, but not realizing the benefits of having a home to go to – when it rains, when you are tired, when you need some support, love, encouragement and more. These people have never been adopted into God’s family – and to them – it looks restrictive and boring. To them it looks like they would have to give up the fun and freedom, and become something else – become a servant/slave, stuck “indoors”. What they don’t know, is that if they truly came in and met their creator – and realized that they were being adopted, cleaned up, fed, restored – they would ultimately be set free . . . more free than they had ever been before! Then they could go outside and not worry if they couldn’t find food – their Father would have some waiting at home for them! They wouldn’t have to worry about shelter or other basic needs to be met. They wouldn’t even have to worry about enemies – because one cry from their lips would bring their Daddy running!

Being adopted into God’s house is not about living under the law (rules, policies, should’s and should-not’s) – but it’s all about living under grace and love! It’s about being free to live in a loving environment, in a loving relationship, where all our needs are met, but where we have the freedom to also be who we were designed to be – every part of us! When you know WHOSE you are . . . then you know WHO you are! And I, for one, am a child of GOD – forgiven, cleansed, restored and set free! . . . .

Me-ow! ☺

L:)

If you would like to know more about just who you are - and see if your perception of your identity is more of a pauper or more of a prince - go to Kris Vallotton's website for an online test. You might be surprised! I know if I had taken this test even just a couple years ago - my score/answers would have been drastically different!

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!!! :)

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 :)

Shame - Read my lips. . . .NO Condemnation!

Ok - here's my first attempt at putting an audio file on my blog! You will probably want to go down and hit "pause" on the music player so that you can listen to this. I will also see if I am able to post it so you can download the file - and then put it on your ipod or mp3 player to listen to on the go! Here I go - diving a bit deeper into the world of technology! :)

This teaching was one that the Lord recently allowed me to do at our church's Women's Immersion Weekend - all about our Identity in Christ. I was one of 4 speakers. In preparing for this topic, the Lord showed and taught me alot - and has really opened my eyes to why so many of us struggle with our identity in Christ . . . our identity in general!

I hope you are able to take the time and listen to what God wants to say to each and every one of you! He loves you sooooo much! :) Don't doubt it! If you do . . . please listen to this teaching!! Listen to it with an open heart and mind to what God would want to say to YOU. If you do - I know you will feel the love of God . . . for you!



To download the file and put it on your ipod or mp3 player - go here.

Drink a little deeper today!

L :)

Have Peace? . . . Are you Free?

"There is no peace unless we are free!"

I had never watched the Academy award winning movie Joan of Arc (with Ingrid Bergman), but felt compelled to check it out at our library the other day. Sad to say, I really didn't know much about this heroine - but felt like I should.

I cried off and on the first 30 minutes or more of the movie!

It wasn't the acting, the script, the cinematography . . . it was the eerily similar calling and revelations in her life compared to mine (except - hopefully - not to burn at the stake!). Hers was to help set the people of France free from the English who had invaded her country. Who was she? Just a young (teenage) peasant farm girl. How could SHE lead an army to fight winning battles to bring freedom to her country? Who am I - a SAHM (Stay at home mom) of 5? How can I bring freedom to my nation, the church, and people around me?

She could, because God told her to! (and I can because God told me to!)

She could, because God was on her side - leading and guiding and empowering her. (I can - and YOU can because God is on our side!)

The timing was right. The people needed someone, something fresh to lift their hopes and lead them in a new way . . . a God-centered way! Joan even told the army they had to be GOD'S ARMY - no cussing, drinking, girls, gambling, etc! Go Joan!! That's what our nation and church need as well as each of us . . .to get back to God - to live HOLY lives! No more compromise!

There is so much about the movie that I liked! If we are truly to live a FREE life, see our nation freed up from all that comes against it/us . . . then we have GOT to listen to what God has to say! We have GOT to listen to what He is telling us to do. And then we have GOT to DO IT! Whether or not we think we are qualified or trained . . . if HE thinks we can do it . . .then we CAN DO IT!

At one point in the story, the king decided to let his greed get the best of him, and instead of continuing on in fighting off the English (and the Burgundians) - he took a large sum of money in agreement to a truce. He told Joan she couldn't continue to fight in Paris, but instead, she was to come and live near him and enjoy the peace. I loved her response to him . . .

"THERE IS NO PEACE UNLESS WE ARE FREE!"

We have been tricked. We have been lied to. Some of you may know the truth, like Joan, but many, many others don't. They see peace and think "life is good". Is it really? Is this what God intended for you? For us? For this nation? For the church?

What, in your life, have you agreed to declare a truce on (spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc)? What, in your life, have you found yourself saying "well - it's not like I think it should be or want it to be . . . but it's good enough. It will have to do."? I'm not talking about decorating your house, or anything trivial . . .I'm talking about living in FREEDOM!

Are there areas of your life that you don't feel totally free, but maybe for the moment there is some illusion of peace? ie- dealing with anger, depression, financial troubles, challenges with your kids or other family members, guilt, shame, regrets, busyness, physical infirmities, and more.

Did you give up "fighting" for your freedom too soon? Did you ever start?

Is there an area that you know God has been speaking to you about - to do something, to fight against something, to allow Him to heal you, to say something He wants you to say . . . .?

Spend some time today with the person who can TRULY set you COMPLETELY and 100% FREE! He can show you the way, give you the skills, and lead you in victory! Get in His word (which is full of instructions on how to fight for and live a free life)! Spend time in prayer! Get to know this "General" that can not only lead an army and a nation into victory and freedom through a teenage girl . . .but can lead YOU into victory and freedom in ALL aspects of your life!

Declare WAR on COMPROMISE today! And start living as God wants you to live!

Because - there really is no TRUE peace unless you are FREE!


Fight Deeper today!

Lori :)

Jesus loves me this I know . . .

We ALL know the children's song "Jesus loves me"! We probably can't even count the number of times we have sung that song throughout our lifetime . . . 100 times? 200? 1000? More?

Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong.
They are weak, but He is strong.

Yes . . . Jesus loves me.
Yes . . . Jesus loves me.
Yes . . . Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so.

I had an interesting conversation with one of my sisters recently. She has been struggling with severe anxiety and depression for several months now, but the Lord has been graciously healing her and is slowly bringing her out of the deepest valley she has ever experienced. She is a woman of the Word - knowing more scripture than I do or could hope to! She has always loved digging into the Word of God and getting to know what it really says and means. Part of her healing process (and just surviving some of this valley) was quoting scriptures every day . . . many times a day . . . that pertained to what she was dealing with. She came to a point where she truly understood the meaning of what Jesus said - "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4).

But even though this has been a great source of strength in the past - she came to a point where she just wasn't "feeling" the same relief, peace and comfort that she used to when meditating on and quoting scripture. She wasn't "feeling" the love of God - that Jesus loved her. What happened to the "feelings" that had been associated with these and other scriptures in the past? Why wasn't she "feeling" better. Why weren't the scriptures "working" anymore?

We are "feeling" beings. God beautifully and creatively designed us to be like Him - full of feelings - through our emotions, thoughts, senses and more. These feelings are a blessing and a gift! They allow us to be passionate about things - people, hobbies, friends, spouses, animals, places, etc. They allow us to connect relationally with people - and with God - to be empathetic, to laugh together, cry together, get mad at injustice. However, we can also struggle with this blessing - this part of our created makeup. It can put us into the deepest of depression, the most bitter taste of anger and resentment, the painful place of being unjustly wounded.

So what do we do? . . . . Just stop feeling? Try to control it? How do we keep our feelings in check . . . balanced? Why wasn't my sister able to "feel" better when quoting the scriptures? Doesn't the Word of God have power?

Here's what I am learning (and yes - I am still on this journey too!). This is why I love that children's song we all know by heart.

We were created with body, soul and spirit. These are not separate parts - but are intertwined, overlapping with each other.

Our body encompasses all our physical characteristics - how we look, walk, our hormones, senses, etc. This part is easy for us to see and understand - right? (well - maybe not all of it is easy to understand! :) . . . PMS anyone?!)

Our soul is our mind, will and emotions - the thoughts we think, the internal feelings we feel, the decisions we make. If we are living by our soul - we are living by our emotions (as they go up, down and all around!)

Most of the world lives by/out of their soul. Our society is definitely soul-based. Commercials, advertisements, restaurants, politicians and more - all try to reach us on our soul level ("Buy this - it will make you happy. You need this to make you feel good. Go here . . . do this . . vote for me because . . . You can have it your way - right away - now!" etc). Our society is set up to meet our need to "feel" good . . . to help us get addicted to things that will only temporarily help us feel good. They are VERY good at knowing how to do this and wooing us into their traps. So is Satan! :)

Am I saying that we can't ever do anything that makes us feel good? NO! By no means. Let me continue . . .

The 3rd part of our makeup is our spirit. This is one of the most neglected and misunderstood aspects of our lives. This is why so many of us struggle, day in and day out, with living a peaceful, joyful, balanced life. We have been trying so hard to live just out of our body and soul, and occasionally out of our spirit. We take great care to feed our body and soul (Yes - you are feeding your soul more than you realize!) - but do we do the same with our spirit?

Our spirit is the part of us that, as a Christian, has been redeemed! When you accepted Christ into your life - accepted that free gift of salvation - your spirit was saved and redeemed! It was made pure and righteous before the Father because of what Jesus did for you! Praise the Lord for that!

Many people tell of miraculous transformations right then and there - they were set free from smoking, drugs, addictions, emotions - all sorts of soul-issues. But for many of us - that didn't happen. For many (if not most) people in the church, we have still continued to struggle with our feelings, emotions, addictions, sins, etc. Why? Because our soul was not redeemed - it was our spirit. Our soul still likes many of those things. Our soul still leans towards temptations. Our soul still has issues with emotions, thoughts, feelings, past wounds and experiences. Our soul is also never satisfied. It can be demanding, pushy, bossy, easily hurt or offended and more. It is the voice we hear in our head - loud and clear when we are faced with decisions on a daily basis. It is very self-centered! Many of us are still trying to live out of our soul. So where is our redeemed spirit in all this?

Our spirit is very different from our soul. It is gentle, tender, quiet. It doesn't demand things of us. It is not self-centered or self-demanding like our soul. It doesn't get hurt as easily. It is God-focused and is all about pleasing God! It is our spirit that connects with the Holy Spirit - that helps us to live with the fruit of the spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is living by our spirit that can help us have the kind of life we desire - a satisfying life - filled with decisions, actions and feelings that please God - and living in the love of God (our wonderful heavenly Daddy).

Romans 8:5&6 says - "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace"

So how do we live by the Spirit (and from our spirit)? It's a decision . . . it's an awareness. We have to have our "minds set on what the Spirit desires" and let our mind be "controlled by the Spirit" to truly have life and peace. It is a decision. It's not a feeling.

Too many people are trying to live their lives based on their feelings. We need to change the way we think and start living our lives based on a decision to live by our spirit - to connect with the Holy Spirit (who was sent here to HELP US!). How do we do this?

It's a decision. Will you CHOOSE to have an awareness of God standing right beside you all day long? Will you CHOOSE to live your life to please God and make HIM happy - or to please yourself (your spouse, your boss, your friends) happy? Will you CHOOSE to filter all your decisions in life based on that premise - that decision?

It won't be easy in the beginning - especially if you are used to living by your feelings of the day, of the moment. But it can be done. And just like any other habit we have - with time and consistency - it does get easier! :) It's also alot easier if you are feeding your spirit - "soaking" it (like a sponge) daily (possibly several times a day or throughout the whole day) with the Word of God, worship, and more!

So what does this have to do with "Jesus loves me" you are still asking?

Jesus loves me this I KNOW (not FEEL)
For the BIBLE TELLS me SO (not because I FEEL it).
Little ones to Him belong. (That's US!)
They (we) are WEAK, but HE is STRONG! (Praise the Lord!)

Yes . . . Jesus loves me! (Not because I feel it . . .)
Yes . . . Jesus loves me!
Yes . . . Jesus loves me!
The BIBLE TELLS me SO! (. . . but because it's TRUE and I CHOOSE to believe it!)

So - my challenge to you today is . . .

Live by the Spirit! Allow your spirit - your gentle, quiet, tender spirit to connect with the Holy Spirit today - and then LISTEN to it! Tell your soul to fall in line with your spirit! :) Let's be a people who are spirit-led instead of soul-led. Let's grasp hold of the truth that Jesus really did die for us to have an ABUNDANT LIFE - full of peace! Let's make a DECISION to honor what Jesus did by CHOOSING to do and believe what He said in God's Word! Let's choose to feed our spirit each and every day . . . all throughout the day!

And it's not based on feelings . . . but on choosing to believe and walk it out.

You can do it! It's an awesome adventure and journey to begin and live! Let me know how it's going for you, and let's keep encouraging each other to live by the Spirit instead of our souls!

And don't forget to have FUN doing it! :) (Trust me - there are AWESOME "feelings" and emotions to experience while living in/by the Spirit!)

As for my sister and why the scriptures didn't seem to be "working" at that time . . . she realized that God was starting to teach her this wonderful principle . . . to base her decisions on the TRUTH of the Word of God . . . not on her "feelings" associated with the Word of God! God is so good! :)

Choose to go deeper today!
Change the way you've been "swimming"!

Lori :)