Many people have traveled by this well on their journeys through life, but either didn’t notice it, decided not to check it out, or tried it but left for some reason. It doesn’t appear that the well has been used in a long time. You are not even sure if the water is good. The top of the water looks unappetizing . . . . disgusting actually – covered in dust, dirt, germs, bugs and grime. Who would even want to use this well or drink its water? You dip your finger in to just taste it anyways as you realize how thirsty you are, but you only taste the stuff on top. Yuck. You’re not drinking that! But your thirst remains.
You decide to move on. . . . to find something more appealing . . . more appetizing . . . more eye-catching and tasty. You heard there was something better down the road. So you turn your back to the well and head off.
I urge you to come back.
Things are not always what they seem.
There is more to this well than the casual observer and wanderer will ever know.
Let me help you draw up the DEEP water from the well. That is where the best water resides – where the cooler, refreshing, life-giving water is. It is not tainted by the dirt, dust, germs or bugs on top of the water. Nothing has touched this deep water except the bucket and cisterns that are allowed to draw deep into it.
Are you that kind of cistern or vessel?
Are you ready to go deep?
Monday, May 10, 2010
What are you Soaking in Today?
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 :)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Your Father's Love

I can't begin to explain or tell you how much I desire for each of you to fully know and understand the love that our heavenly Father has for each of you . . . all His children! His true and overwhelming love! If you do not know or understand what I am talking about - I encourage you to take the time today to watch/listen to THIS WEBCAST of James Jordan talking about the Father's love (put on by CBN.c0m). It just may change your life!! It was the love of the Father - understanding it and experiencing it - that totally changed my life (in many ways and on many levels) and my spiritual walk with the Lord! It changed my faith from a religion and a bunch of head knowledge, to a relationship and a bunch of experiential knowlege!!
PLEASE watch it today!!!!!!! You won't regret it!!
And if you live in the Virginia Beach area - go to New Life Ministries International to find out more info about the Father's Love Conference by James Jordan starting tomorrow (thursday - 12th) through Saturday! You won't regret going!! (Picture above is the flyer for it)
Go deeper in your Father's love today!
L :)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Red Envelope Day


I learned about this from and event page on Facebook.
You can also find out more on their website - www.redenvelopeday.com
What:
Get red envelopes or postcards (http://www.zazzle. com/RedEnvelopeD ay) and mail them on March 31st to the White House
When:
March 31st, 2009
Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington , D.C. 20500
On the back, write the following message.
This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion.
It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be a part of our world.
We will mail the envelopes out March 31st, 2009.
Forward this event to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died [in the U.S. ] before having a chance to live.
It may seem that those who believe abortion is wrong are in a minority. It may seem like we have no voice and it's shameful to even bring it up. Let us show our President and the world that the voices of those of us who do not believe abortion is acceptable are not silent and must be heard.
Together we can change the heart of The President and save the lives of millions of children.
Barack Obama spoke at a Planned Parenthood Action Fund event, uttering the now infamous line, "Well, the first thing I'd do as president is, is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. [Applause.] That's the first thing that I'd do."
An empty red envelope will send a message to President Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue [The Freedom of Choice Act, which will essentially “undo” every law currently in place to limit abortion in the U.S. (i.e., parental consent laws, parental notification, waiting periods, prohibition of transporting a minor girl across state lines to obtain an abortion, etc.)]. It will be quiet, but clear.
Please read more about The Freedom of Choice Act here:
http://www.lifenews .com/nat4359. html
http://www.barackob ama.com/2008/ 01/22/obama_ statement_ on_35th_annive. php
http://www.jillstan ek.com/archives/ 2008/07/one_ year_annive. html
Friday, February 20, 2009
Catch the Fire!
I know that many people are leary and unsure about all the "manifestations" - the shaking, falling down, laughing, etc that goes on at the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship and the Catch the Fire Ministries. I was too at first. However, I loved what Duncan Smith said tonight at the conference about it! He said "I'm a man that is just trying to cope with God on the inside of my skin!"
Just imagine . . . the God of the whole universe comes and touches you, comes and fills you up with His spirit . . . . . with His indescribable and overwhelming love . . . .
Do you really think that you could just sit there quietly, not moving?
If you have never experienced that kind of love, that kind of power, that kind of encounter with the creator of the whole universe - I can understand your point of view. I didn't get it either. I thought they were all a bit kooky . . . a bit nuts. But as Duncan also said - "I may be a nut . . . but at least I am screwed onto the right bolt! Jesus!"
There is fruit coming from this ministry! I don't judge by appearances - but by the fruit.
Matthew 7:15 - 20
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."
I know that I would be dead today (literally) had it not been for the Holy Spirit coming in and filling me up and touching me (19 years ago) in a way that I had never experienced before! I would be dead had I never learned - not just through books and knowledge - but experientially learned - about my Daddy's love for me (God the Father's heart for me as His daughter)! I needed to FEEL His love for me - FEEL His heart for me - FEEL His forgiveness - be delivered from some things spiritually and more. I couldn't get all that from just listening to a nice sermon or reading a devotional. As a pastor's kid I grew up knowing and hearing all the stories and knowing in my head,intellectually, about God. But I didn't "know" him experientially till I was 19.
I had to EXPERIENCE an encounter with God . . . my creator . . . my savior . . . my Daddy! It is that experience - that LOVE that will change you forever! It will ruin you for the normal. It sure did for me!! I don't want "normal" anymore . . . I want GOD!
Still think I'm crazy?
Have you ever been in love? . . . . . So in love - all you could do is just think about that person all day long. You wanted to be with them every waking moment. You wanted to hug them, kiss them, touch them, laugh and cry with them . . . You just couldn't get enough of them! When you thought about them a huge smile came to your face. And if you were ever apart for an extended period of time - when you saw them again - you couldn't contain yourself - but wanted to run right to them - screaming or laughing or crying and reaching out to hug and hold them tight.
I see some of the same emotions and expressions of love at the long-awaited homecoming of the navy crews on the carriers. I see alot of the same antics at rock concerts. Jumping, screaming, shaking, longing, crying, laughing, etc. People do get a bit "nuts" when they are in love with something or someone.
Well . . . I am in love with Jesus!!! So, yes . . . .I may act a little strange when I get around Him. But I really don't care - because I know how His presence has changed my life!!! I NEVER want to go back to my old life again!
If you are curious as to what I am even talking about here - ie. you've never heard of Duncan Smith with Catch the Fire Ministries, or John and Carol Arnott from the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship (ie - the Toronto blessing) - then watch some of the conference online at CBN.com. They will be streaming it live tomorrow (10am, 2pm and 7pm) and have archived the other sessions from this week. CBN also does a weekly Spiritual Gifts Seminar on Mon, Tues and Thursday nights (Thur is from TACF in Toronto, Canada).
Check it out!
You may just find the love of your life! I pray you do! You will never be the same again!
Christianity is not about religion. It's about a relationship. God doesn't want to be in your life (and you be in His life) because of how much work you will do for him and how loyal you will be. He is in it for LOVE! Just like a marriage. Would you be in a marriage if all your spouse had "contracted" to do was just work hard for you, stay loyal and clean your dirty underwear?! No - you want to be loved, to love them.
It's the same with God! Christianity is about a love relationship with God . . .not religion!
I challenge you to seek after that love! God is ready and waiting to shower it on you (no matter what your past or present situation or life looks like!!! Trust me!!)!
Be brave to go deeper!
L :)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Prayer Alert for America
Cindy has more to say on her website (and in an email I received). I won't paste it all here - but PLEASE go to their website here to read more! These are serious issues that should be of great concern for us as Christians! Please take the time to educate yourself and make a commitment to pray for our leaders and our nation!
America, President Obama and our leaders need all the prayers we can offer up!! If you have never prayed for our country or it's leaders before - now is the time to start!
Blessings!
L :)
Sunday, November 2, 2008
22 Weeks
Movie synopsis:
A young woman is locked in the bathroom of an abortion clinic after her aborted baby was born alive.
A film about decisions, their effects and the echos they leave behind.Based on the shocking World Net Daily article by Ron Strom, on victim's testimonies, and real 911 calls about one of the most controversial subjects of our time, "22weeks" achieves to confront both sides of the spectrum and their perspective to the on going question: "what would you do?"
You can request a screening in your area at - http://www.22weeksthemovie.com/.
Here's the Facebook site for it.
Lori :)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
CBN Spiritual Gifts Seminars
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 :)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Who are you?
Who are you? . . . Do you know?
Are you a mom or dad? A nurse or doctor? An accountant? A salesperson? A grocery clerk? . . . . . Who are you? . . . . Let me ask that again . . . . WHO are you?
I am not really asking what you do. I'm not asking what your position, title or even your family lineage is. I want to know WHO you are?
Do YOU know Who you are?
Do you ever feel like no one really knows who are you . . . the true you . . . on the inside?
Do you ever wonder if YOU really even know who you are? You see the outside, but something just doesn't seem right or you don't like what you see?
Would you like for me to tell you who you are? :) . . . . Well, for 50 bucks I'll do just that! :) hee,hee. Just kidding of course. But I do know someone who CAN tell you who you are - what your REAL identity is . . . your Kingdom Identity!God! Our heavenly Father! (if you don't know Him yet - please read my post - Cleaning up Messes).
Just as we are all created with unique physical characteristics (wonderfully designed and planned by God), we are all created with a unique Kingdom identity. It is WHO we are. It is WHO God created us to be. It encompasses more than just our physical traits, but also the gifts and talents he put in us as He lovingly knit us together in our mother's womb. Some of you don't even know WHAT gifts and talents you have. Some of you may think that you have messed up too much to really ever be used by God or to be who you really are or want to be. Well, the truth is . . . you DO have talents, gifts and abilities . . . and you are NEVER too far gone to discover your TRUE identity and be used by God!
I just read an amazing book - "Your Destiny - Unlocking the impossible promises of God" by Ivan and Isabel Allum.
You have GOT to read it! It has opened my eyes once again, to the promises of God in my life and how He wants to fulfill them. Part of what they talk about is knowing your Kingdom identity (and Kingdom destiny). We may think we have a handle on who we are . . . but to really know the truth, you have to ask the person who created you! Just like an artist knows everything about the art that he creates - God knows us even more intimately than we do! He designed us! He created us! And He has GREAT plans for each and every one of us!
If you are struggling right now - not feeling like you are doing what you should be doing with your life . . . like something just isn't right. If you don't really know who you are, what you are talented or gifted at, what God could possibly do with you here on earth. . . then PLEASE read this book!
If you are struggling with previous promises that you felt God had given you that just haven't "come to pass" . . . then read this book!If you have struggled with prophecies given to you (or others) or want to know what to do once you get a prophecy over you . . . then read this book!You can order at their website - www.ivan-isabel.com
You can also read some the amazing story of how they ended up marrying each other (and more) on their website (and in the book)! Their book is full of awesome, faith-inspiring stories! You won't want to put it down!
So . . . after reading the book . . . let me know . . . WHO you are!
Blessings!
L :)
