Are you inspired?

A friend of mine got me to thinking about Inspiration...what does it mean? Is it similar to Encouraging? So, I am going to do a little thinking and wondering and see what happens. Mind you, I am NOT a theologyn. I am merely doing this for fun and to learn something new-another opportunity to stretch and discover new truths and insights. I am not worried about being right here, just exploring the thoughts. Let's go!

Definition of Inspiration:

1. A supernatural divine influence on the prophets, apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a supernatural influence which qualifies men to receive and communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated.

2. The act of inspiring or breathing in; breath; specif. (Physiol.), the drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm; the opposite of expiration.

3. According to my Friend: Inspiration is a version of SPIRITOS: breath of God. It's an image of God giving his spirit to man with a breath of air.

Synonyms: Aspiration, Brainchild, Breathing in, Divine guidance, Inhalation, Stirring


Definition of Encourage:
1. Contribute to the progress or growth of;


2. [verb] inspire with confidence; give hope or courage to

Synonyms: promote, advance, boost, further

One thing that immediately stands out to me is that both words are are result of an external force. It is something you receive from another source into your mind, your soul.

If Inspiration is a breath of God, a receiving of divine truth, a qualifying truth, then how have I been inspired?

If Encourage mean to inspire, give hope or courage to, then how have I been encouraged?

When I think of being inspired by someone or something, to me, that goes deeper than just being encouraged. Encouraged seems temporary whereas to be inspired penetrates on deeper levels of mind and soul. Inspiration comes from the heart and soul of another person into yours, thus being the divine truth revealed? When I have been encouraged, I think of an action, motivation, a purposeful intent for you to take action upon the hope and courage you have received. If I have been inspired, I don't imagine the other person purposefully attempting to influence me in the depths of my soul.

Who or what can inspire us? Certainly God, the Holy Creator of all things.

"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our LORD Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction." I Thess 1:2-5

There are numerous examples in the Bible of encouragement, lives and parables given to us to motivate and challenge us, giving us hope and courage.

"Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers." Acts 15:32

"And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." I Thess 5:14

It seems to me that when you are inspired, it is something that changes you on the inside whereas being encouraged means being equipped or able to do something. Inspiration is a noun-being something and encouraged is a verb-doing something.

I have been inspired therefore I am encouraged...we have been inspired and encouraged by something or someone in our lives whether through a victory or a trial. Certainly the wonderful examples and experiences that have happened to me or that I learned from another have inspired and encouraged me in hopes that I may experience it again and/or for myself. The same can be said about the failures, misfortunes, tragedies and mistakes made. We are equally motivated and influenced by both the good and the bad.

God inspires me through His Word-the life of Christ, God's character give inspiration deep with my soul to reflect Him, receiving His truths into my depths. I am then encouraged to do for Him. He also gives us the Holy Spirit to counsel and encourage us to obey or heed warning from for our good. Friends inspire me through their experiences, both good and bad times, as the truth of God's love in their being, in their soul, reaches unknowingly and touches mine. I have read many inspiring stories of those who have endured and yet maintained an inner strength and foundation just by their "being."

This has been interesting and fun to think about and attempt to disect. I cannot help but to think of all the ways I have been encouraged and inspired throughout my life. I had never thought about the different ways we are encouraged...I wonder if I have been a source of inspiration in someone else's life? Have I encouraged another to "do?" In my failures and weaknesses and moreso in victories seen or shared, have I been a source of inspiration? Only God knows.

I am thankful for the people and experiences in my life who have encouraged me to dig further, trust deeper and receive wider. May God infuse His truth into me, so that I may continue to be inspired to search for Him and be filled with His breath so that I may be inspired and encouraged, to be and do for His glory.

Thorn of my Flesh

God, it hurts so bad.
The pain within burns like a raging fire out of control.
It’s beginning I cannot find and it’s end I cannot see.
God remove this thorn in me.

The source from which it came
I do not know; I admit I was walking aimlessly in the wilderness
This thorn was one of many that I encountered today.
To me, the brush is one of the same.

Lord Jesus, the poison leaking inside me
Is surely going to bring me death
Help me to purify for the thorn consumes my flesh.

I am weak and my body is failing
God, won’t You reach down Your hands of healing?

Have compassion on me in my time of distress.
My pain is increasing along with my fear.
I have tried to cry but there are no tears.
Won’t you come Lord and give me rest?

Forgive me Father for wandering to the wilderness
I left in such a hurry I took no protection or gear.
I suppose I take advantage of the fact that You are always near.

I can only say I am sorry,
As I anxiously sit here, suffering quietly in pain.
I want to scream and yell for the pain is so great.
But I know Father that Your Healing is soon to come.
My kicking and screaming, what good would that have done?

This thorn in me has surely wounded me good.
It’s stinging pain I will not soon forget.
I wait patiently for the cleansing to begin as I recount
How the journey began.

I will not quickly forget this thorn in me
For I do not desire death to visit me once again.
There is much work to be done here that only I can do.
So as You lay Your hands on me, I ask for relief of it’s stinging bite

But if this thorn You choose to leave
May it be a reminder of the anguish my carelessness can be.

Tomorrow, I shall not so quickly run away in haste to the wilderness outside
My careless adventure has taught me well
If in the wilderness I must go,
Protection and gear will ready me so.
Your marked paths I will stay as I walk along
And the Light You have given will guide me carefully home.

For when I fall and thorns dig in
I will not fear the pain again.
With Your guidance and provisions, I will fully prepare
So that my thorn in my side will not take root in there.

I know it is not much
But it is all I have.
I give You all this poisoned flesh.
Only You can take it and cleanse it deep within.

Wash me whiter than snow
You are the Father who’s power and strength all will know.

But if the scars You will to remain,
May the eyes of others hope proclaim
What a careless walk in the wilderness can bring.

My lesson was learned
For wherever I venture, prepared I shall go.
Flesh and spirit flawed, Your love is unwavering.
Your Grace is enough for me.
For this I know.

“I came to you in weakness and fear,

and with much trembling.” I Cor 2:3

“To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the LORD to take it away from me.

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness."

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

II Cor 12:7-10

He Sees

"I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip-- He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm-- He will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121

Sometimes I need just a little more

Recent crazy Texas weather patterns have nearly killed everything green in my minimally landscaped yard! One day it is hot the next we have a freeze warning! Neither my husband or I have natural green thumbs, so the yard is at the bottom of the priority list! First comes the people who live in the house-cleaning, feeding, maintaining, transforming and disciplining and of course entertaining...then comes taking care of the dog, the house itself-cleaning, maintaining and stocking it and then all the responsibilities as we work outside the house. Then, there is the pool and then...the yard!!

We have been blessed with a large backyard but it makes it more difficult to keep up with watering it. We should probably find a way to enable more hoses to run at one time because the one hose at a time, is hard to fit in the time schedule. So, my yard is currently a crunchy golden color. We have been watering it but I believe the recent winter weather may have actually killed the grass! Time will tell, so I have been out the past several nights watering by hand some of the precious plants and grassy areas where I see a little green patch of hope!

This was the living parable God gave me as I stood there nurturing and hoping. The grass was me. As I walk with the Lord year after year, there are many seasons I experience with Him. Some seasons I imagine I am vibrant, lush, plentiful, fruitful, blossoming and easy to care for by my Master Gardner. While other seasons are harmful, painful, frightening, rebellious, dead, scarce and fruitless. I need more from my Caretaker and Provider.

I imagine He must water me by hand with precision in application in just the right way and portion. There are times in my walk that my dryness needs more living water, a little more grace, mercy, compassion and love. Because God's spirit lives in me, there will always be that patch of hope. It may simply take more time and patience as it is encouraged to strengthen and take root and grow. As the season changes and my heart and soul receive His seeds of grace and love, I absorb His living water into the depths of my roots and I am strong and firm. My nurtured soil easily bears much fruit. Hope, cheer, grace, forgiveness, encouragement, friendship and blessings overflow from the boundaries of the garden.

Thank You Creator of all for having a green thumb to take care of Your creation!

So, no matter what season you are in now, remember that your Master Garden sees your patch of hope and He is caring for, encouraging and faithful protecting you. If you feel dried up and worthless, seek refuge from the heat and open yourself up to the source of living water which transforms and heals. If your soul is fruitful and prosperous, be sure to protect yourself from the destructive insects and bear much fruit to share with others as your cup runneth over!

Lord Jesus, fill me, saturate me to the depths of my roots with Your redeeming and healing water so that I may produce a harvest of fruit for Your kingdom. No matter what season I am in God, I need You. Sometimes I just need a little more of Your grace and patience, or joy and compassion than other times. Gently but swiftly prune back all the dead branches which weigh me down. Remove the excess. In Jesus Name I pray for protection from all things harmful that destroy all that is good within me. Be my refuge from the scorching heat. Shade me and grow me just as You have planned for me, right here, right where I am. Accept my patch of hope. I trust in You Lord God to be my Master Gardner. Thank You for taking care of me every day, in every season, in every way. You, God, are my perfect portion. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen!

What if it doesn't make sense to me?

"When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, 2 "Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, 3 and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan from right where the priests stood and to carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight." 4 So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, 5 and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." 9 Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day. 10 Now the priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan until everything the LORD had commanded Joshua was done by the people, just as Moses had directed Joshua. The people hurried over, 11 and as soon as all of them had crossed, the ark of the LORD and the priests came to the other side while the people watched. 15 Then the LORD said to Joshua, 16 "Command the priests carrying the ark of the Testimony to come up out of the Jordan." 17 So Joshua commanded the priests, "Come up out of the Jordan." 18 And the priests came up out of the river carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord. No sooner had they set their feet on the dry ground than the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before. 21 He said to the Israelites, "In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, 'What do these stones mean?' 22 tell them, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' 23 For the LORD your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The LORD your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. 24 He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God." Joshua 4


"As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, " 8 and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." I Peter 2:4-11

"Because I told you so," my parents would say. Whether we agreed or not, our duty as children was to act in obedience and follow direction. So it is with God. He is so loving to give us freedom to choose our own ways, but I wonder how often He crosses His arms and says, "Do it because I said so!!! Trust Me, I am the Parent!"

Beyond family names and stories, there is a greater story, a true story, a legacy that we need to share with those God places in our lives whether our children, family, neighbors, friends. As a Believer, you have Royal lines. You are Royalty with Royal privileges. Are we sharing our spiritual legacy with others? With our children? Do they know their heritage? God, help me get this even for myself so I can boldly, accurately and confidently pass it along to my children. Teach me my heritage in You.

Beth Moore shared some encouragement on this scripture that if you do not have long family heritage or legacy to pass on to your children, remember that you are a spiritual seed and we have the spiritual legacy from those who have set the stones before us, so now, we should set UP the living stones for OUR children and those to follow. Let it begin with YOU!

As I am studying this, in this moment, God is revealing something outside of the legacy study from Beth Moore's preaching...I will type it as it falls fresh on me right now...the gathered stones were not for some practical purpose. They were just signs...witnesses. How often do we discount something God may call us to do because it seems insignificant or without purpose? It is so often in the little things, the example or mark set that great faith is later to come. Our seeds blow with the random direction in which the wind of the Holy Spirit flows. Holy Spirit, fall fresh on Your Body.

An illustration of two standing alone in prayer before the crowds or the crowds of many gathered in prayer...is one more precious in His eyes? Does one prayer touch Him more than another? Does one make more sense? Think of the cross, He died for ALL but He also died for the one... that doesn't make sense to us...

Thank You God for Your random, creative ways that always keep us guessing, reminding us that Your ways are much greater than ours. Thank You for being also practical. Grant us patience as we choose to obey or disobey Your instructions. May we be disciplined and obedient to follow wherever You lead despite what we think makes sense.
Thank You for reminding me today that some things don't serve a practical purpose from our human view; however, they may simple be an act of obedience where You God have purpose which we cannot see. God, move me out of the way and remove all that hinders me from obeying You. Praise Your wonderful and marvelous Light that lights our way.
You are "Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." Rev 22:13! In Jesus Name, the Living Stone, my caprock! amen!!!!!

I am on FIRE!

Thinking about God's refining fire tonight as we enjoyed the beautiful Texas evening together. Of course, it wouldn't be as enjoyable without the Smores!!! Yummy!

This was my youngest first time to fire up his own marshmellow. Big Brother loaded his marshellow and handed him the stick. The closer he got to the fire he could feel the heat and was very hesitant to get close to it.

 And I am thinking to myself, "Come on...I will not let you get burned...I am with you and I will protect you, just trust me. You will be okay." But he could feel the heat and it scared him.

I have been off the blog for a few weeks and I am so happy to be back! It has been an awesome and difficult several weeks. God has been a consuming fire for me, meaning there is a whole lot He is refining me in and it is hard to pin point where to even begin to express all that He has done.

I believe we respond to fire a lot like my little one from two perspectives. In one way, in our sin, we feel a seperation from God (eventhough He hasn't left us), we are out of His right standing and when we are in disobedience or struggle or sin, a lot of times it can feel like Hell. That is exactly how I would describe my season of fear over a year ago. There was no satisfying quench for my thirst, I was overcome and felt pain and terror.

On the other hand, God is a consuming fire and He refines us with it. A wonderful as it sounds, and it is certainly in the end, the refining can be scarey and intimidating and yet beautiful. It can be very scarey to accept a season of refining or pruning. It involves getting closer to the Fire. And trusting that I will not get burned. I can imagine that God is also saying to me as I did my child, "Come on...I will not let you get burned...I am with you and I will protect you, just trust me. You will be okay."

  

"As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace." Daniel 3:5-6

You have to read the rest of this for yourself...

 "Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?" 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" They replied, "Certainly, O king." 25 He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." 26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way." 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon" Daniel 3:13-30

My 10 yr old was thanking God for the fire tonight because it lead to a fabulous Smores treat! I too am thanking my God for the Fire He has placed in my heart and soul that burns for Him and for the refining it has been in my life, molding me and purifying me into something more precious. I pray for courage, strength, endurance, patience and grace each time I approach the Refiner's Fire. 

 "The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken--that is, created things--so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our "God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12: 27-29

God, I want more of YOU!!! 

Psalm 33- Your Strength

For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love. By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; He puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere Him. For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm. The LORD foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance. From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth-- He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You. Psalm 33:4-22

Thank You Lord God, my strength, help and shield with whom I place my hope in-for Your soverign Lordship is over ALL which submit under Your command. There is no battle too great for You, You are the King of Kings. When I find myself in battle, may I depend on Your unfailing love for me to deliver me from my enemies. I will wait on You to call me out of the battleship/boat for Your truth is trustworthy, Your peace surpasses all understanding, Your heart is pure and right. You God are faithful and just. My heart finds calming rest in Your arms and my soul rejoices in Your grand love. My hope is in You, O Lord, my King. amen.

Everything on my Birth-day!

"In Me you have everything! In Me you are complete. Your capacity to experience Me is increasing, through My removale of debris and clutter from your heart. As your yearning for Me increases, other desires are gradually lessening. Since I am infinite and abundantly accessible to you, desiring Me above all else is the best way to live.
It is impossible for you to have a need that I cannot meet. After all, I created you and everything that is. The world is still at My beck and call, though it often appears otherwise. Do not be fooled by appearances. Things that are visable are brief and fleeting, while things that are invisible are everlasting. -God"
Eph 3:20, II Cor 4:18

Lord God, I praise You for the Gift of Eternal Life, made possible for all those who choose to believe in You, through Your Son Jesus Christ. Because You God are over ALL things, whom shall I fear? Whom shall I bring my requests to but You?! You are Everything...EVERYTHING is in YOU!

Thank You Jesus for the Gift of Life and for parents who saw fit to raise me in Your church. As I reflect on my life during my Bday, I am thankful that there is not one moment that You were not there for-good and bad. I pray I have pleased You more than I have grieved You. For there is no one I love more than You Lord God. My heart belongs to You-God, cleanse me. Purify my heart's clutter and debris. Heal the wounds. Pour Your love in the gaps. Thank You for never leaving or forsaking me, for giving up on me when You have been given a million reasons to. Your grace is amazing and overwhelming, I cannot comprehend Your ways.

I have no idea what this new year for me brings but I am thankful that You have already walked ahead of me and been where I am going. I cannot see what You see, but I do pray Father, that You would show me and guide me each step of the way, and if I get off the path marked for me, would You graciously reign me back straight. I am thankful that every tear that has been shed, and every tear to come, You are there. For each trial I face and have faced that Your soverign hand is holding mine. For the victories won and those yet to be won, thank You Mighty Fortress for Your strength, power and victory-in Jesus Name.

There really is none like You and it is in You I thank for giving me another bday to reflect on who You are and why I am here. Help me trust You and walk where You lead for I am nothing without You! Thank You for the Death and Resurrection of Your Son Jesus and for Resurrection to come. I need You for each breath of life, bring me closer to You and help me rely on You for Everything! amen

Work Work Work

It has been a while since my last post, but I have been "working." No, didn't get a job, just working in the Word and on my heart and mind. I am in a wonderful Bible Study which prompts you to really look inside your thinking and ask Why...Why you do what you do...Why do you think they way you do. And it takes time and energy to work through the thoughts processes. Some things I can answer without hesitation while other things, well, I would either rather not admit to self or others...or I have to figure out where the root begins. Once you find the root, then you have to figure out how to dig it up and that can exhausting. But, one day at a time, one piece at a time.

Like life, I believe we go through different seasons in our spiritual walk too. Seasons can be weeks, months or years. Lately, I feel seasons by the weeks. It used to be by the years and I didn't see as much growth compared to these ever changing seasons in my walk. Maybe it's the constant change and pruning that occurs. Refreshment and change comes in with each changing season.

There are times I am in the Word, authored books, worship through music, worship in remembrance with writings, bible study, podcasts, applications/tools. God is not confined to one deminsion and I used to relate to Him in a ritualistic rountine...just through church and bible study. We put so much emphasis on having a set "Quiet Time" alone with God that we need to heed caution that it doesn't become rountine and ritualistic. God can be found in any moment becuase He is every where! I was talking recently with a friend about this and I believe that if you are struggling with something it may be necessary to develope rountine and build in the accountability. This to establish good habits, replacing the bad/old habits. Then, as you grow those spiritual and emotional muscles, you will be stronger to get outside of the rountine and have the strength to search for Him.

For years, I was only accountable while involved with a bible study group. Slowly, I began to get back in the Word from desire for the living water and refreshment, and often, for help! During my stormy, unstable season over a year ago, my time with God was ritualistic and I needed that. Day after day, like a prescription that must be taken at the preicise time of day, I took God into my heart, mind and soul. The stronger I grew, the less I had to depend on the prescription. I became healthier and healthier, finding myself strong enough to journey out to find Him.

Today, I am make a conscious decision to seek after Him every where, every time. I look for signs, I listen for His voice. I feel His promptings in music, frienships, nature, applications, bible study, church, concerts, fellowships and even in the stillness of the night. He is EVERY WHERE! I am learning also to hear call of The Holy Spirit which sometimes quietly, but mostly loudly and boldly prompts me to interceed for another and I counted a joy and blessing to pray over another. This is new for me and so much "fun." To be included in something greater than I is such an honor. It is also scarey, not frightening scarey, but just the unknown part of it, not knowing sometimes why you are prompted to pray, you wonder if the other is okay, sometimes you know and when you know why, you really hope you are wrong, unless of course it is a blessing or encouragement you are standing on for them. That is especially great!!! We cannot fathom how mighty our God is, how powerful He truly is! Father forgive me for confining you to the address of my house and my church, but show me Your permanent address in my heart.

It was not until this last year that I recognized His omnipresence. He can be found outside the walls of your church. Each of us are His church; therefore, He is with us always. We have the great privilege to be in union and fellowship with the God of the Universe 24/7.

Forgive me God for confining you for so many years to an address. Thank You for making residence in me!

So, I have been in a season of working things out recently and I feel God is saying Enough for now. It's time to get back to some worship time, a time of refreshment and rest. My strong will wants to "fix" everything wrong with me NOW, quickly and efficiently but that would be a strive for perfection which I will never acheive. God wants me to be right where I am today, looking towards Him for the next right step to guide me in the right direction for tomorrow's journey with Him.

Last night I compiled a new worship CD and have already been enjoying the worship time with hands lifted and hearts open. It is time for me to focus some more attention to praising and worshiping the King of Kings and My Rock ETERNAL!! I am still working and thinking but the seasonal change for right now is moving into the rembrance of who He is and the Greatness of who He is.

For me, it's a new kind of Spring Break...a time of emotional rest and spiritual refreshment. I pray that as you enjoy your Spring Break with your kids this week, you will also take time to check your calendar and take a break for some R&R with your Daddy God! Your Rock Eternal who just wants to hang out with you and enjoy some precious fellowship for a bit. Enjoy! Receive it! Soak it up! Be amazed by His Love!

Flesh of my Spirit

He gives us His God flesh to be His touch here on Earth. Most of my life I have lived Just Me&Him and He is ALL I need, but I can't tell you the treasure it has been to tangibly feel the touch through a hug on a bad day, or the laying on of hands in time of prayer, the voice of God through encouragers. We need eachother, that's why God made Himself flesh, to touch, talk, help us humans while we walked here on the earth. He knew we needed more than just a spirit walk, we needed to be encouragers and love one another, and felt it important enough to make it His second greatest command.

It has been pride for me not to ever ask or reach out to receive, only give. Pride that my need wasn't great enough, I could handle it alone. But over the course of the past year, a few precious friends have called me out of my strong will and independent spirit and have challenged me to get my heart out of the lock box and allow a little flesh touch. Nope-not easy-not comfortable, at first. Now, I wonder Why did I wait so long?

God uses people, Believers and Non-believers alike, things and circumstances-good and bad- to reveal Himself to us. We are His hands and feet here on earth. Not only to spread the gospel making disciples but also to love one another. It was in my toughest, most desperate time in my life where I found Him and I am so grateful He sent His God-flesh spirit (friends) to pick me up out of the pit and help me walk back to Him. They labored with and for me. Flesh can hurt us but flesh covered spirit can heal.

Here's the thing, in my season of fear, my friends wouldn't have know (many still don't know) if I hadn't humbled myself, setting the pride aside and asked them for help, still only sharing the little that I could, not fully understanding or admitting the truth to even myself. How could they have mentored me, prayed over me, fought the warfare on my behalf if I hadn't revealed the need?
I am not excluding God's sovereign spirit. This is not to say that the Holy Spirit wouldn't have interceded on my behalf and prompted their spirits eventually. He will do that in our hearts, prompt us to pray for someone, not knowing why. 

My husband had twin sisters and it was interesting how in their younger days and even now they feel each others emotions or thoughts. In many ways they are one. Our spirits are one in the body of Christ so why do we think it strange to feel something about someone else. I think because it is just rare. How often do we settle our own spirits down enough to ask for revelation of our own spirit's need much less if there may be another's spirit that needs encouragement?

Our prayer is often Lord Bless my family and friends today. There is nothing wrong with this, it is a good start. Imagine following with, God make my spirit sensitive to my brother or sister who's spirit is weak and allow mine to encourage theirs through the power of the Holy Spirit who intercedes on our behalf to You Lord God. I submit to You, my hands and my feet to encourage in the way You instruct. Our battle is not against flesh and blood it is of spirit and principalities. Show me the battle plan and equip me to fight on their behalf. 

True healing comes from and through Him, not earthly, material things, objects or people in and of themselves. Sure, laughter, hugs, flowers, a pat on the back maybe a little chocolate and some shopping-(hee hee) might fill a temporary void. But a God hug, a God word of correction or praise, a God plan delivered through the Spirit realm has power, power to heal, power to restore. God is Healer.

I encourage you as you continue your walk of Self Awareness and Discovery that you not only look towards your own spirit's needs but take the time to step up for another. Someone out there needs a God hug! Won't you be that hug? If you are the one who needs a little spirit back up, won't you humble yourself and ask. God will tell you who to go to because He directs our paths so that all things work together for His good!! AMEN! Thank You Lord for being all-knowing and all-seeing! You are a Mighty God.

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecc 4:12
 
"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction." II Timothy 4:2

"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other." I Thess 4:7-9