God . . . "in Love"?!

I just have to share this with you today! You are truly loved!!! Did you know that?!! Man - does God ever love you!! :) Believe it!

Here's part of our conversation today:

L - So . . . what’s on your mind? How are you doing today?

G – I’m doing well – actually. I’m in love!

L - :) oh yeah . . . with who?! :) hee,hee.

G – with my Bride! Oh man – have you seen her lately? She is beautiful! So beautiful! I am excited for the day that we get to be together – fully – forever! I can’t wait! I wish it was today – or tomorrow. But it’s not. I know there is more preparation that needs to be done – but I am pleased with what she is doing to get ready for our big day! I am pleased. I love her so much! Yes – there are things that need to be worked on – but today, I am pleased. I love her so much!

L - :) I love hearing you talk about your bride like that! It makes me happy! So many times we hear about all the negative – how she is not ready – how she needs to clean up this, do that, etc. I know that there are times when you have to share those things – because parts of your bride are not doing what is needed. But it’s so nice to hear your joy and see you smile about the rest of the bride that is getting ready.

G – I’m not just in love with the rest that is getting ready – but with ALL of my bride! I love ALL of her so very much! No matter what she does, or where she goes, or if she trips and falls . . . I still love her immensely!! She is everything to me and I don’t want any other bride! Just her! I chose her, I want her, and I love her!! Man – my love just bubbles over and overflows sometimes – I can’t contain it! I won’t contain it for much longer! Pretty soon I just won’t be able to help myself – and I will have to just let it all out – let it gush all out over my bride!! I just have to tell her!! I know she wants to know – and I know that she knows to a degree . . . but boy, oh boy do I ever want to fully show her!!! I can’t wait! I have to restrain myself right now –because I would love to just let it all pour out today if I could! But I can’t. It’s not the right time. Soon, though – soon!!!! Ohhhhh Lori – Just wait!!! Just wait!! Wait and see! Wait and watch and see! You will love it!!

L – I can’t wait! I want to see it now! I want to feel it now too! I want you to be able to display your love and affection – and bring your presence into this preparation room today!! When God? When will you come and visit your preparing bride? When?

G - :) Soon! . . . Literally – I am having to hold myself back. It takes all my willpower to not just rush to her side right now. She is so beautiful. She is so precious and lovely. She is everything to me! I can’t contain my love for her much longer!! I want to smother her with my love – with my kisses – with my hugs of protection and love. I want to smother her! I want her to have NO DOUBTS whatsoever of my love for her! For now – I am sending her roses . . . a sign. . . a sign of my affections for her. I will send her chocolates, flowers, songs . . . lots of signs of my love. But one day soon – I will come! I will show her my love - not just send her signs!! I can’t wait! :)

L - :) God – you are so cute! I love seeing you in love! :) It makes me happy! It makes me feel loved (which I know I am)! Thank you for sharing your heart with me today! I feel loved! Thank you! Can I share any of this with your bride?

G – Why not?! :) I want her to know!! All she hears are the bad things – the rumors that I am mad at her – that I want to punish her. I don’t . I want to love her! I want to really show her that I love her! I want to be close to her! I want HER! So yes – tell her! Tell her how much I love her!! I want her to know!!

Know that God is in LOVE with YOU today!! He's not mad at you . . . but IN LOVE with you!! Accept that love - and go deeper in your relationship with Him today! Don't run away . . . but run TO Him! His arms are open wide. They are not crossed in front of Him in anger. They are opened wide! Run to Him - run into His arms! He's waiting for you!

There is a day coming, where we will feel and see more of His love - more of His presence. It will not just be in Toronto, or Florida, or some other part of the world - but it will be throughout the world! There is a day coming! Are you ready for it? Are you looking forward to it? Are you making "room" in your life (your schedule, your relationship, your heart and mind, etc) for more of God's love to be poured out?! . . . .I know I am!

Love and be loved deeply today!

L :)

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 :)

Today is a day to Fight!

Yesterday was a good day!

I woke up for church and hopped in the shower as usual. I wasn't terribly excited about going to church. Lately it had has felt like . . . church . . . like religion. . . not like the living, active, exciting, ever-changing relationship and celebration that it used to be. I don't want church. I don't want to start off with a hymn, sing 3 worship songs - 1 slow, 1 upbeat and 1 multi-cultural, then sit down, watch and listen to the announcements, give our tithe, say hello to everyone as we shuffle off the kids to their classes, then sit and listen to the pastor preach a good sermon, but end on time so as to keep the scheduled list of events going smoothly. That's what it's felt like lately - at least for the last 6 months or so. I wanted CHURCH - the bridegroom - the body of Christ - living, loving, rejoicing, weeping, warring, healing, ministering, bringing freedom . . . What has happened to God's bridegroom? We are being lulled to sleep. I can't live like that anymore.

So, I was in the shower complaining to God about it, asking Him what this discontent was all about. . . . was it just me (which I don't doubt it could be)? Was it the church? Was He getting me ready for a change? A move? What?

I may have said this before - but I am no longer willing to live a normal life! 2009 will be a year of intentionally living a supernatural life every day (or as much as I can)! My heart's desire is to see everyone living like that - living not only in freedom and peace, but influencing other lives, warring over evil, bringing in the harvest, and more! I want that for my family and for all those around me.

After my shower, all I could do was lay on my bed and cry and beg God to change things. Bring life back into the church (not just our church - but churches in general - His bridegroom) - show us what YOU want us to do - don't let us stray too far as we plan our services and schedules - but help us to do what YOU want us to do.

God then placed a sword in my left hand. I wanted to switch it to my right (my dominant hand. I can't use a sword with my left hand God!), but He said "No." My right hand was for holding onto his left hand while He held His sword in His right hand. He was a little ahead of me and to the right as we held hands.

"Fight when I tell you to fight and stay when I tell you to stay (rest). But TODAY is a day to fight!"

"There is a war going on in the heavenlies. Spirits are set against the church and the battle is thicker and deeper than before. Today is a day to fight! Pick up your sword, hold my hand and fight with me. I know you feel inadequate (with the sword in my left hand) - but you are to depend on me. I am training you to fight - for bigger battles are coming!"

"Today is a day to fight! Pick up your sword and fight!"

God led me to Psalm 27:1-6 -

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.

3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

God was calling us to war today - to bring forth praises . . . to worship Him! As we did this, it would bring the angels to fight the battle with us!

Today was a day to pick up our sword even when we feel inadequate - and to hold onto and trust God to lead the way - to fight the battle with us - to train us so that we will become better warriors for the days ahead!

As God led, I shared the word with my church - though, for many in our church, it was more of a word of rescue. People need to be rescued before they can stand to fight. And people did. They came forward - took that step of faith to take up that sword and hold onto God's hand! PTL! I know God was rescuing people and handing them their sword today!

Then my pastor went on to preach a sermon about living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit! :) (Wow! Isn't God awesome??) His initial scripture was in Acts 2 - about the last days and God pouring out His Spirit on ALL people. I looked over to verse 25 and this is what David said about God - "I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken . . . " (read the verses following it too. They are good!)

God - I am soooo thankful that you are holding onto my right hand and leading me - especially leading me in the battles that surround me. Lord - revive your bridegroom! Holy Spirit - release your presence in our lives each and every day and help us to live a supernatural life . . . to really LIVE - not just exist! Help us to impact those around us and to do what you have called us to do. Send your angels to war in the heavenlies for us. Show us how to fight with them. We want to reclaim what you desire for your church! Continue to show us Lord!!

Today is a good day to fight!!

Go for it!!

L :)

Raise up an Army!

I received an email yesterday from Mike and Cindy Jacobs (that I will post below). After reading it and then hearing more news today about the executive order that Obama signed today (purposely on the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade), I just cried and my heart became heavy for this nation (again). It just hurts. (Here's another article on the executive order and other plans)

I spent the morning praying for Obama, our leaders, Washington DC and our nation. First of all - here is the email from the Jacobs and their ministry at www.generals.org.

Dear Intercessors,

Yesterday we had a transition in our government. I rejoiced to see the first African American president. I loved the unique love displayed across what has been a massive racial divide.

Today, I thought that I would check and see what the new government policies would be for the White House. I went on the official www.whitehouse.gov website and looked at the sections on Civil Rights and Family and was absolutely shocked and grieved at what was posted.

Here are just a few of the points:

1. Support for the LGBT Community (lesbian/gay/bi-sexual/transvgender)
2. Expanded hate crimes bills. These are the type of bills that stop all "hate
speech", such as pastors preaching against homosexuality from their pulpits.
3. Support of Full Civil Unions and Federal Rights for LGBT Couples
4. Opposition to a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage
5. Repeal "Don't Ask-Don't Tell" policies in the military
6. Expand adoption rights for same sex-same couples
7. Expand Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research
8. Opposition any Constitutional to overturn Roe v. Wade
9. Increased funding for abortions

For this reason, we are calling upon intercessors every where to make your way to Dallas, Texas, April 16-18, 2009 to Raise Up An Army to fight for righteousness in our land.

We are in desperate times and the hour is late to work to save the nation. We must be informed and know both how to pray as well as mobilize our concerted voice for biblical values.

Engaged in the battle for the nation,


Cindy and Mike Jacobs


This is what I sensed the Lord saying to me during my prayer time this morning.

Picture - A wall around D.C. (representing our nation). Something inside is slowly eating up/destroying everything within the walled city (like an infection that kills you from the inside out, or a bug infestation, etc). It was leaving the city empty - with nothing to support the walls from crumbling in on itself.

The Lord said - "Let me fill it - with myself -my presence." It will fill it up completely and support the walls from the inside. But He needed access into it - a hole in the wall - like a hole into a balloon or something - to be able to pour a liquid in that would expand and put positive pressure from the inside - supporting the outside structure from collapsing. We are to create that hole for Him.

How do we do this Lord?

"Pray. Speak the truth. Fight. Love."

What's going to happen to our nation? What are you going to do?

" Watch and see. I am stirring up something new".

Picture of God stirring a big black kettle/pot.

"It is cooking now and not quite ready to come out of the pot - but when it does - it will explode out and cover everywhere - it will go far. There is something hiding in the pot as well - something you don't normally find in soup. But I have hidden it there because I didn't want anyone to find and see it yet. I will pull it out and show you and others who are watching me stir the pot, but will put it back in till the soup is ready. When the soup explodes out of the pot - the item in the pot will remain and then grow and expand to fill the pot with something new - not soup - it is something no one has seen before or would expect to be in the pot. It is a new food with an unusual taste. Compared to what it look like (I see an off-white-yellowish substance - kind of firm, but moldable - smooth, yet rubbery, but can be cut into like soft butter, but stronger than butter) -the taste is indescribable - like nothing anyone has tasted before! Those that are near the pot when it explodes will be able to taste it first. They will then be able to take and pass some to those near them and it will continue to be passed on till more and more people want to come to the pot themselves.

So, watch and wait. I am stirring - but watch and wait for me to show what I have hidden. It will give everyone hope - especially when they see and feel the soup explode. Most will be afraid - but those who know about the secret "ingredient" will be excited - because something better is coming!!"

Dig Deep today!

L :)

Be Joyful in the Uprooting

September 7th, 2008 –

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

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

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

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

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

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

So what was God saying with all this?

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

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

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

TRUST HIM!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

I wanted to cry last night.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dig Deep!

L :)

Life Abundantly . . . . Come Home!

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

Go Deep!! Live FREE!

L :)

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


October 30th, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CBN Spiritual Gifts Seminars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings!

L :)

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

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

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

Lori :)

June 5th, 2008

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

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

Praying on Wall Street - Grain, Wine & Oil

October 10th, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

“Keep the enemy out Lord!”

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

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

How?

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

How do I show them?

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

OK Lord. Just lead and guide me!

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

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

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

I will Lord!

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

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

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

Drink Deep today!

Lori :)

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