Broken with a Butter-bean

Twenty-eight years old, destructive in my decisions and broken. 

Pregnant, wearing a scarlet letter. Although my actions had hurt many (and I’m sure continue to do so), I was not demon possessed. I knew of God and felt that He was up in Heaven angry at all the sinners. Including me. 

I tried to go to church the previous year in Duck, NC, a beautiful church castle on the water. Went several times and no one spoke to me. I’m serious. No one. During service one Sunday- they passed around a clip board to sign up for a missions trip to Florida to help those affected by Hurricane Andrew. I signed up- never got a call. 

I was searching. I was in a failing marriage. I was very wounded from my parents divorce and all that went with it. I had an eating disorder that I hid from even my parents and my husband. Broken. Mentally messed up.  I found what I thought was love, in a wrong place. 

I am so very sorry that I caused pain. I know God has forgiven me and I have forgiven "me" too.

That summer I discovered that I was pregnant. During the next 24 hrs I had a least three people that I can vividly remember share that I needed to have an abortion.

I wasn’t wicked. I was broken and in search of love.

What I needed was to know who Jesus really was (and is). And I needed someone- because that’s how His kingdom comes on earth, to show me His love.  BTW- He used several people to guide me and none of them were in a church building. 

Somehow I knew that the life in me was bigger than me.

If you believe in the Word of God- and I do, He shares that He is the creator. Only Him. Somehow I knew that this life, living inside of me was a special gift to a messed up girl.

I am thankful that I made the choice to have Skylar. She had a right to live. I didn’t take that choice away from an innocent little butter-bean with a heartbeat. Thank God. **

So this morning- God show me who to love today. 

An angry political post, an elaborate church building- is that really what God uses to reach the lost and the hurting? 

I don’t think so. 

Sometimes, I think we confuse what is the real evil. 

Let's stop throwing stones, showing off religion, and start following His example. 

Let's stop building country club castles and start building Kingdoms that are made of the church who Jesus calls us to be...


God, show us.



John 13: 34A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.

* Note- my parents both handled the divorce with our family in mind. Forgiveness and friendship has been modeled through the years- but the initial mess of it all and the end to our family as we knew it, affected us all.

** I have known many dear souls that made the choice to have an abortion. I would NEVER judge them or shame them. That was their choice. God never takes choice out of the equation.  I could write more about this- I am definately pro life, both with the lives of the unborn and those sitting on death row. For now- I just wanted you to know my heart and that I would never pass judgement on anyone.

MEAN CHRISTIAN

THERE IS NO SUCH THING

IMPOSTOR ALERT

My mama bear love feathers are ruffled. 

Heard someone use the phrase “Mean Christian” recently. My soul ached. An urge to share hasn’t left me. I haven't written a post in over 5 years, so this urge is urgent and I believe important.

When Jesus takes up residence in a soul, there is change. Maybe not all at once- but His Spirit will not allow “mean” to be on the daily menu. If “mean” is there on a daily basis, THAT IS NOT A CHRISTIAN YOU ARE SEEING OR HEARING.

That individual is not following Jesus. They are an impostor. 

If you don’t see love in operation in their life- guess what. They are not a Christian. 

Love, as I heard a pastor share recently, is simply how you treat others. 

And while I’m parked in love, might as well insert that a heart that operates, thinks, and speaks prejudice- not representing the Kingdom either. 

Acts 17:26 And He made from ONE man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place...

We are all related. Everyone. And news flash- Jesus was not white. 

You are never more unlike Jesus than when you exhibit prejudice. 

Telling an off colored joke, or acting in a mean spirited manner related to the color of someone’s skin, or their nation of origin, or even their religion, is the OPPOSITE of love. It’s rooted in fear- but that’s another post. 

How we, as Christians, treat others matters. It is how other people will know who Jesus really is. 

At the last super, Jesus’ last moments in His ministry on earth- He chose to give us a new commandment. One that superseded everything else.

John 13:34-35

So now I am giving you a NEW commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

Matthew 5:43-48 Jesus speaks clearly to us that we are to love- treat others with kindness, even those that don’t share our same beliefs. Even those we may call our enemies. 

So other believers, neighbors, and even enemies- if we search our road-map for life, aka The Bible, as believers- every human is to be loved.

What will keep a soul out of heaven?

Matthew 7:23 “On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’

Or...a modern day translation that was shared, “We built fancy buildings, we had revivals, we cast out demons from people- especially people who are not as holy as we are..."

What will Jesus say? In His words:

“I will reply, ‘I NEVER KNEW YOU. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’”

Which laws? LOVE. The love laws. The law to love that superseded all others. The law- according to Jesus that is more important than casting out demons, performing miracles, or prophesying.

True Jesus following is caring for those who need the most love. James 1:27

And this is HUGE, HUGE I'm telling you....

According to James 1:27

If any man among you seems to be in a relationship with Jesus, and cannot control not his tongue, he deceives his own heart, this man's religion is egotistical and useless.

Pure, authentic religion, undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction- [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.

This is the HUGE part. The "[and]" that is included in most translations is not in the original Greek. Study it.

Therefore- what Jesus is sharing is that true religion, serving others is what keeps us unspotted from the world. Not our ability to try to be holy or perfect.

Jesus shared with us, it’s not in the casting out- but in the LOVE that matters most to him.

That’s not a compromise. It’s a command to act in love.

In this world of quick tweets and short posts, if you have read all of this, that’s a miracle in and of itself- so thank you for hanging in there.

I will share that I believe in every word, from His Word, even when I don’t fully agree with it. I know it is there to protect us. His will =  His best. So I believe that there is one way to salvation and His name is Jesus. I believe He died for me and for ALL (every. single. soul.). I believe His death, His blood that was shed, and His resurrection have made a way for me to be born again into His Kingdom. Nothing I do or say can add to that.

I believe in the marriage covenant between one man and one woman*. 

People who choose the homosexual lifestyle, or have been in the horrible throws of addiction, or those who may not believe the way that I do, etc...  Jesus says- THOSE ARE MY KIDS!!!!

They need the love of Jesus- not a thump on the head from a Bible know it all, or a better than you mentality from an imposture.

The love we show in a real way could be the transformational bridge.

And you know what is sad? Many people who "Christians" deem as on their way to hell demonstrate love in a more authentic manner than some with the best church attendance.

So ending with this- to remind myself what love really is:

1 Corinthians 13 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Lord help us to walk in the Spirit everyday and share who You really are.

* I also beleive that there are individuals who love their partners deeply and  these partnerships should have rights and be treated with respect.

(Originally posted 2009)

Pastor Kevin(NJ)recently preached about Hagar...how she was blinded by her emotions (Genesis 21). She couldn't even see the provision...because she was so emotional.

Been there, done that. Moving to New Jersey...leaving an awesome family of friends in GA, moving farther away from everything and everyone we know and love... I was blinded by emotions for a long time. Making matters worse...on the surface I was Ms. postive and on the inside I was so sad, there are no words to describe. I hid my sadness becuase I didn't think it was justified. There is so much pain in the world...why was I feeling so sad? I wasn't with out Hope- I knew there was His plan... but the saddness at times was almost overwhelming.

Did you know that there is absolutely no cognition or thinking that occurs..not a single bit of info that can sink into your brain without your emotions being involved. Can't happen. Your brain has a filter... the emotional seat- the limbic system. All information comes in through your senses and passes through your brain stem...and through this part of your brain first! I would love to go into details...but for now- let's just think about this.

God made this brain that works by information going in and hitting our emotions first...but then He tells us...

Walk by faith not by sight(2 Cor 5:7).

If you think there is a contradiction here, there is not. What God is sharing is that we have to at times push past our perceptions and we must always trust Him. And you can't trust someone you don't know. We must wire our brains with His Word in order for this to occur. That way...when all hell comes up against you...your reality comes not from your flesh or circumstances- but from the truth of His Word that is wired within you neurological system!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have been given a measure of faith(Romans 12:3), backed up by the living Word of God (Hebrews 4:12)!!!!!!!!!!

We must not let our feelings rob our discernment of His truth. It has a blinding effect!

The enemy is well aware of how our brain works. It is no secret that our mind is his biggest battlefield.

Satan can get in their and try to twist things up in your amygdala(the part of the brain that regulates fear) so that you start concocting all kinds of scenarios that aren't even a reality and it really can mess up processing in your frontal lobe...

So....
when things happen, and they do happen....
get out your battle gear.

First...realize who your in battle with ...it is not your spouse,your children- or even your boss or your circumstance!

Be honset with God- he knows it all. Job was very honest with God- and in the end He gave Job a double blessing.

Remember...when all hell is breaking lose and it looks like there is no way to solve the problem...We walk by faith...not by site (2 Cor 5:7).

When you feel mad, angry and like revenge or an "I don't care attitude" may be creeping in...Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in me (Psalm 51:10).

If you are worn out trying to solve the problem on your own... For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:6). Call on Him!!! I want life and peace!!!!!

And.. Be led by His spirit!!!!!!! Galatians 5:18 Just speak...Spirit lead me!!!!!

Love you guys- have a wonderful day!!!!! Praising Him for leading my neurons and controlling my amygdala!!!! jananne

Freaky

Wrote this months ago- forgot to post. Actually, I needed this reminder today. Thank You Jesus!

I am a freak. A thankful freak. A forgiven freak. A full of Joy freak. An unafraid freak. An abnormal freak- that is pretty freaky.

Sunday on the way to church Selah asked me if she could do something- I said no. She said, But "so in so" can. I said, On judgement day, I won't have to answer to "so in so". I will answer to Jesus for the covering that I provided for your journey.

I was reminded yesterday- Moses' parents were not afraid to hide him. That is what is says in Hebrews. Blessed my socks off. Wish Selah could have heard the confirmation!!!! When it comes to my kids I will not conform. I am a freak. I warned you. He made me that way and I am so thankful. Partially because I am much forgiven. I am the wretch that was saved. And let me give a little disclaimer- I think God leads us to be freaky in different ways concerning our children. What might not be right for one child or family- may be acceptable for another- at least in your specific point in your Jesus journey. He is the transformer, as long as you are listening to His voice and not your own. Yes there are certain Kingdom absolutes, I'm not arguing that. Seeking His best, His direction, His nudge will never disappoint. Now you may feel a little freaky- a little set apart or abandoned by the in crowd. That's alright. The crowd thins at the cross.

Butter Cream Caramel Chocolates

This past week, my husband was in a car accident and a dear friend sent him some chocolates to bless him. Of course, my little Selah had to sample a piece or two. She really never has been much of a chocolate lover like her mama- but she tasted her first, in her words,"butter cream caramel chocolate".

She begged me to find more.

I couldn't find them- so I gave her some Rolos, hoping that would be close in enough.

I told her that soon, she would have the opportunity to love on some kids in the community. She said- no, I'm good. I'll stay home.

It was one of those moments when Jesus stepped in and seriously took over- so I thought I would share.

So, still holding the Rolos, I said, " Selah- if I offered you a bag of chocolates and you had never tasted them, you would probably pass them up, right?" 'Cause she is one of the pickiest most selective eaters, on the planet.

Yes mom.
But you got a taste, and now you want more.
Yes, please mom!

Well- if we never show people the real love of Jesus,  they will not want more. They will not even know that He is worth wanting more of...

That's why it is important for us to show people, genuine love- cause that is Who Jesus is. We have to tell them about the purest love that has ever been. The LOVE that sent His Son to the earth. The love that allowed Jesus, to die for our sins. The Love that enabled GRACE POWER to resurrect our Savior from the grave, so that we could spend eternity with Him in Glory!

The Love that is our Refuge. Our provider, Our strength. Our shield. Our healer. Our Hope.

Now that is something worth tasting. 'Cause HE IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!!!!

Taste and see that the Lord is GOOD... Psalm 34:8. We got to give out samples- kinda like they do at Sam's.

Amen? Amen.

And lots of folks are asking about Gene. There is no other explanation for him still being in one piece, except that Jesus must still have some chocolates for him to share...

Blue Light Special

Blue lights behind me last night…

I glance down. Not speeding.

I’m on the phone with one of my best buds, Tonya.

I hang up on her.

Blue lights. Yes, definitely trying to pull me over.

I take off my seat belt to reach my driver’s license in my purse on the floor. Oh golly, miss molly, why did I take off my seat-belt? Why, why, why???

God help me. I pass out in situations like this. HELP ME LORD.

State Trooper approaches.  Oh Lord, help me for real. There are TWO STATE TROOPER VEHICLES BEHIND ME.

Good evening sir. Was I speeding? I never speed. My husband wouldn’t even believe me if I told him I got a speeding ticket. A little verbal diarrhea going on here…

Oh no mam. Your lights weren’t on, it's drizzling and getting dark. A little foggy. Just want you to keep safe this weekend.

Whew.

Thank you sir for caring. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. As I grabbed his hand and prayed for him. I was so thankful, I didn’t want to let him go! He was probably a little freaked out at this point, just sayin'.

Where are you going mam?

I’m on my way home.

Ok- Keep your lights on.

His message- I sincerely believe from the throne zone, KEEP YOUR LIGHTS ON! It is drizzling, getting dark out there, and a little foggy.

To be honest, I didn’t even see the fog.

It wasn’t even all that dark.

I usually keep my lights on auto. That's where they belong my husband tells me. He's right.

That State Trooper spoke in love, and gave me a verbal warning. And I received it- a little deeper probably than he intended.

Keep your lights on, shining brightly- as you are traveling home.

Direction, protection, projection, revelation.

Only Him.

Got it. Love You Lord.

And Tonya… I called her back! Nothing like a conversation filled with laughs, Jesus and blue lights!

Isaiah 60:19 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.

My Mama Nailed the Windows Shut

When I was growing up my mama nailed the windows in my bedroom shut, not so much because she was scared I would sneak out- but she didn’t want anybody sneaking in!!!  

Well- she did her best, but unfortunately, a lot snuck in.  She taught me right, but I did wrong!

In my heart, I was not surrendered to Jesus- nor did I comprehend the love He had for me, nor did I know anything about the power of the Holy Spirit or even that He existed…  I made a lot of bad choices. A lot.

I wanted things to be different for my daughter…

In our culture, waiting until you are eighteen to date or court is not common. Saving your kiss until you have found your prince doesn’t happen much.

No, in this bachelor-bachelorette driven society (I was right there with ‘em- I’m not judging, just sayin’….) it  is not the norm. Choose your favorite flavor then change your mind- cause it is all about YOU…or not.

It is weird, strange and peculiar that girls and guys wait. Really for anything. Whether it’s a donut, or a cheeseburger or a relationship. We are all in it for instant gratification. We want it now and we want it hot!!!!! Think Krispy Kreme…

Now- from the start. Let me share that I am now a bonafide, freak, of the Jesus kind and make no apologies for that. Your beliefs may be different. I am not the judge-  my Daddy Jesus is, I’ll leave that to Him. I love Him and respect Him more than words can express.  I have seen His life transforming power in my life.  So- now you know where I am coming from and you can choose to read on if you would like.

We are raising our daughters to court instead of date. There are lots of books on the subject of courting- but starting very, very early, I shared with my oldest that she was a rare treasure, a peculiar treasure. I shared that someday, she would be married to a wonderful, God fearing, God loving man and he would want her whole heart and her whole body. Not just pieces. I told her that every time she gave her heart away- it would stay and that she needed to guard it carefully, prayerfully.

We dreamed together of her wedding day- how special it would be to give her heart to her husband with Jesus at the very center! They would become one and do great Kingdom things together! 

We talked often about how to keep her heart and actions pure.

This meant as parents, we had a job to do and it wasn’t a normal one.

WE PRAYED! PRAYED PRAYED!!!

AND PROTECTED, PROTECTED, PROTECTED!!!!

We did not let Skylar mingle in mixed company, without an adult for a long time! She was 17 before she was able to go, IN A GROUP, with mixed company anywhere without an adult.

I always checked at parties to make sure adults would be with the kids.

Only on 3 occasions was she allowed to ride a lone in the car with the opposite sex. These were all very close friends- but not boyfriends and the circumstances warranted the ride. I remember a young adult male sharing with us after I told him she couldn’t ride with him that he was thankful, “I wish my mom and dad had cared that much for me. I probably wouldn’t have done some of the things I regret now.”

Yes- even movies had to be group events and a parent had to be there. When we moved to NJ a group asked her to go to a corn maze. An older teen church leader was going to be there- but not an adult I personally knew. She didn’t go.

It was not always easy for her. At times it was down- right hard and horrible.

There was a time she deeply cared about a young man but THEY( my hat’s off to him too), prayed and fasted and both got a red light from the Lord. I remember them both crying- but they didn’t have the nod from God so they didn’t move forward.

There was one other gentleman she was fond of- but Jesus was in that too. Sometimes rejection is His mighty hand of protection- because He has something else in mind!!!!!!

In September of last year, she had the opportunity to meet a young man she had been praying for. They had so much in common. Both had very similar callings. They both wanted to go into ministry, specifically missions. He shared that a family member of his lived in panama and had helped a village…Skylar saw Him through the eyes of her Savior.

BUT, the two couldn’t court or date. Too long to get into here, but they fell in love across church chairs over  a period of 10 months,  patiently waiting for His timing. I don’t think I could have done it!!!

A look- a prayer, many Scriptures prayed over each other, time for them both to mature solo in their relationships with Jesus… but no contact- except with their Daddy Jesus. Fasting, prayer, praise…hope.

And suddenly God started revealing His plan for them to court and to begin to carry out His kingdom come.

At 18 and a few months my daughter had her first date. He came in, I took lots of pictures, of course, and as a family we prayed!!!

This sweet prince, surrendered to the cross and filled with the Holy Spirit was worth the wait….you see, His Daddy is a KING- so he really is a prince and she really is a princess!!!!

When the King is in it, things are not normal. It is peculiar….and that is just the way this mama prayed it would be.

I can’t live seeking the approval of man- I just want to please my Savior. I don’t always get it right- but He knows our hearts and seeking Him…you just can’t go wrong. 

Things might not always be easy or comfortable, you may be misunderstood or even persecuted.  But praying His Kingdom come, His will be done  and following His leading, His peace will NEVER disappoint.

Update-God has and will always allow, love to be a choice.  If something doesn't work out, that doesn't mean it wasn't God purposed. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. His ways will always be higher than ours and individuals always have choices. We just have to trust God- always, He really will never disappoint! This courtship did not end the way we thought it would- but God, I believe honored my daughter's heart for HIm and provided her with the very BEST for her journey!

Choking on a doorknob...

Long ago, when my daddy was a little boy, he was picking blackberries and noticed a huge snake lying in the blackberry shrub branches overhead. He ran as fast as he could, got a hoe and cut the snake wide open. Dad was surprised to find a porcelain doorknob in the snake’s belly!

His neighbor had placed an oval, white porcelain, doorknob in the hen’s nest so the hen would lay more eggs or know where to lay them( I am not a farm girl- but I think that is somewhat accurate).

That snake came and got that egg…I mean doorknob, right out from under that hen without her even noticing! It was so slick- so sly, it thought it had taken her young chicken!

How can that happen? I mean- she is sitting right on her egg- doorknob thingy and she doesn’t feel a six foot snake slither under her and take her baby?  Really?

The Word says that our adversary has come to kill, steal and destroy.

He, the devil, the big snake himself, has a tendency to go after what means the most to us.

Remember he is deceiver, but we belong to TRUTH.

The devil is not so crafty. Not so smart. Nope. Not at all. The deceiver had been deceived. Swallowed a knob and not an egg.

Hear me mamas and papas. The devil cannot take what is yours unless you give him permission. And I know you won’t. You may even get snake bit in the process but don’t stop feeding the fire which is eternal! Keep pressing in with prayer. Fast, pray and praise like never before!!!!

Remember that the devil has been disarmed and an open display was made of that on the cross of Calvary!! Colossians 2:15

He may think he has succeeded, but he will end up disappointed because you and your chickens, I mean children are covered by the Anointing- which is a fancy way of saying the power and presence of God through Jesus Christ and His Spirit!

The devil cannot destroy what Jesus knit together.

Us chicken mamas got to stick together. Got to stay focused. Stay alert. We are the keepers of the home. And even if we get a surprise attack- our prayers, His presence and our confessions of His Word over our kid's lives will have covered our baby chicks.

Recently, without going into details, one of my eggs, ahem, chicks- were threatened. A serious, war time threat. This mama had already been told by our sweet, one of a kind Holy Spirit to speak Psalm 91 over her chicks the week before.  I look back and thank God that He really does go before us. I remember thinking- this is kinda silly, things are going so well, why do I need to speak Psalms 91 over my girls??? So glad I did. Thank You Jesus for Your prompting!

This was a surprise attack- out of nowhere. My family was dressed in the battle gear of Ephesians 6 from head to toe. Seriously serving and pursuing His will in our daily steps. Joy filling the atmosphere. I was living in thanks- so much so I had tears of serious joy rolling most of the day…

And  then whap.

The snake.

The attack.

But I was prepared and I continued on. Not even believing what was going on around me. Somehow Jesus got my heart beating again- because I’m pretty sure it stopped a few times. I shared with only a few folks who are Spirit filled, Word believing, Jesus marching saints what was going on. This is so important. The world doesn’t need to know all your business. I couldn’t afford to give the devil any more ammunition. I needed life speaking sisters who would pray believing for His best.

I got encouragement. I received revelation and strength.  

Restoration- that’s what my Carpenter Daddy is famous for.

And the attack- well, I am certain the devil choked on that porcelain egg.

My chicks are safe and in His care.

And we are marching on towards the prize.For HIS GLORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Fear Factor

The fear factor-I hear it's back. We haven't had television in awhile, but I remember their hook, "Do you have what it takes to face your fears?"

Sooner or later, you and I will be faced with that question...when we go through...not if, the Word says Isaiah43:2.

A friend asked me last night for any thoughts I had on fear. Wow. Yes. actually, currently God has been teaching me a lot about fear…

We have two primary actions…some may say emotions,but every action we walk out comes from either fear or love.

We know that God is love. Jesus tells us that we are to love as He loves. His perfect love casts out all fear.

So- why are we afraid? Why do we walk one step in worry, anger, jealously, envy, hate? All rooted in fear.


I have heard pastors share that sometimes fear is "false evidence appearing real".

Sometimes it is.

Other times it is very real evidence...

Living with abuse, a doctor’s report, cancer that has invaded the Lord’s territory. A tragic accident. Betrayal- your spouse had an affair…your husband deserts you with absolutely no warning signs. A job loss. Physical pain that will not go away…even though you have faith in Your Healer, Jesus Christ. A child dies. A spouse dies….all of these mentioned have occurred in the lives of those I love in just the past year alone.

These circumstances are REAL. THEY HURT.

How do we walk in love during these real circumstances?

I am convinced that it begins with a choice and a clear understanding of Who has authority over His Kingdom and His children!

God’s will is not always carried out here on earth. We live in a world that for the most part is far removed from His presence. But that doesn't leave us hopeless- because our Savior already has the VICTORY!He is our HOPE!

I witnessed and heard a brutal rape a few years ago. To make it even worse a young child was present. I physically froze. You know those dreams you have and you can’t move…well that was me- at least physically. The only part of my body that could move was my mouth and the Spirit took that over. I have no idea what I was praying- if I didn’t fully believe in speaking in tongues before that night, I sure did at that moment. The police showed up within a few minutes.

Only by His Spirit was I able to live out that moment in love and not fear. That was supernatural. All I can say is that I begin my day asking for His Spirit to lead me according to Galations 5. I get dressed in my battle gear and only then am I ready for the day.

Sometimes...fear is very False Evidence Apprearing Real. Just recently my youngest daughter was experiencing chest pains. Like turn pale, headache-grab chest kinda pains. Long story short, we were referred to a cardiologist. I knew it wasn’t her heart. I had already chosen not to walk this out in fear. For the next few days the devil put everything he could think of in my path to change my faith into fear. She started asking me questions about heaven and dying young…out of the blue, and she had NO idea that she even had an appt with a cardiologist. I didn’t even mention it to her! We went to the library and as we walked into the kids section, there appeared a book about a kid with heart issues… and I could go on and on… Turns out, Selah has a strong, vibrant 100% healthy heart! The ultrasound was just confirmation.

When we are faced with the unexpected, we must reckon with our flesh that is so prone to act in fear and establish by His power and His Word that we will take captive in obedience to Jesus Christ, EVERY THOUGHT AND EMOTION!!!!!! 2 Corinthians 10:5. And STAND believing that He will give you His peace that passes all understanding.
A heart controlled by fear is toxic and leads to all kinds of diseases and unhealthy relationships. We must guide our mind, will and emotionswith His Word and His truth! God has given us peace(Psalm 91:1, John14:27).
I've found that staying away from quick fixes- soft addictions (continuously living on facebook, hours hooked to a tv and “un-reality” shows), venting constantly horizontally, especially with folks that feed your fears!!! etc… helps keep my mind on good things (Philippians 4:8-9).

And consider purging your house of anything dark. Get rid of it if it is even questionable. Nother post, nother day- but I thought I would mention.

Spend some serious time alone with Him. In His Word…singing praises to Him…being still….listening to Him.

Worshiping throughout every moment with a thanks in your heart and on your mouth. In all things I will give thanks! He promises when we do- His peace will guard our hearts Phil 4:7.
Rocky has his theme song… I have one to- it is Revelations 21:5!!!!!! And I speak that He makes all things new according to His Word!

I’ve recently had two mammograms come back questionable- an MRI scheduled for Monday. I can honestly say, by His grace power- I have walked this out knowing that He is enough no matter what.

If we are in a situation and don’t know what to do, He has given us a teacher- His sweet Holy Spirit is there waiting- has promised to teach us all things- just ask. He will show up!

You know, at the end of the day- there is our Promise. We have such a gift in Jesus- eternity with Him. If that is settled- then it is all, already gonna be alright.

Love you all. Praying for you. Send me prayer requests- I’ll agree with you!

Scriptures to speak: Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 41:10, Proverbs 3:25-26, 2 Timothy 1:7

Selah's lipstick...the stain that remains

THE STAIN THAT REMAINS

Previously shared with my NJ sisters at their Spring retreat 2011

It was Good Friday and Selah wanted to wear her new dress to our communion service…

I asked her NOT to get her new “lipstick” on her dress (her favorite shade- red as a rose).

I looked down as we were worshiping and saw IT. A huge oil mark on her new dress from her “red as a rose” lipstick. Well- I almost threw a fuss, yes, right there in church- and even worse- it was Good Friday and we were about to take communion...

And God spoke to me…THAT’S HOW I DESIGNED IT. THE TWO HARDEST STAINS TO GET OUT ARE OIL AND BLOOD.

What was God saying to me…

Number one-He wants the oil stain to remain!!!!!

And I’m not talking Wesson……when His oil gets on you- it stains! You are marked and set apart. Because we are under the blood- we are anointed with His Spirit.

Anointed- being set apart for His purpose, to be endowed with enabling gifts and grace, being filled with His Spirit. (2 Cor 1:21-22, 2 Cor 12:4,7-11, James 4:6)

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NKJV)

Ephesians 5:18 shares that He wants us to be filled with the Holy Spirit to influence others for the Kingdom.

His Kingdom comes through us…as we remain stained by the oil of our sweet Holy Spirit!

He tells us in Acts 1:8, you will receive My grace power when the Holy Ghost comes upon you then you will be My witness in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth! We gotta operate in the power supply of His oil!

I desire to walk in His anointing!

Lord please stain me with Your anointing! Your Spirit- Your glory- soak me, saturate me in who You are …leave a stain that remains! In recent battles, I encountered so many Kingdom warriors that continuously had a bountiful eye- always looking to be a blessing! Prov 22:9.

I saw the stain of our sweet Holy Spirit in others.

I had an acquaintance(now a close sister friend), who did not know last year that my husband was in between jobs. She dumped out her pocket book one day and told me that the Lord told her to do it. One day after home school group I found food in my front seat- still don't know how that happened because my car was locked and I had the keys with me! God is good!

Another friend gave us a gas card, just when our tank was empty. Still another friend sent me a card with Psalm 100 written on it- and a $100 bill.…

God placed mighty women in my life who spoke life over me when there was not much of me left! They were oil stained!

You know...you can speak the Word of God- but without His Spirit being in it- you can beat somebody up with the Word.

Satan used the Word….but he didn’t have the anointing! There was no power.

In Genesis the Spirit moved, God spoke and there was life. It is the same today. The Holy Spirit must be in the equation. When we feed on His Word and soak in His anointing we are power filled! Ready for action!

When we are under the control of the Spirit, our prayer life is transformed, and we pray with the heart and vision of a righteous man (James 5:16).

When the Holy Spirit is in control, we are of the same mind with God. We are humble before God and man (Phil. 2:1-8).

When we are filled with the Spirit, we have the mind and thus the attitude of Christ (Phil. 2:5).

We reproduce His likeness (Gal: 5:22-23).

When we are under the influence of God’s presence, nothing really matters but Jesus Christ.

For if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25).

Living, walking in the Spirit is the opposite of your will or your flesh. We have the Grace power to reckon with our flesh and tell it that Jesus now has the authority in our lives! Roman 6:11

“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:8).

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God” (Romans 8:13,14).

Saturated in oil for your light to shine- just like an oil lamp!- Purpose filled light!

For You will light my lamp Psalm 18:28

And most importantly...point number two... there is supernatural stain removal with the Blood of Jesus Christ.

His blood won every battle you will ever be in. If you have accepted Jesus as your personal Savior - HE HAS WASHED THE SIN STAIN AWAY and the power of death has no hold on you!

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain- He washed it white as snow.

Heb 10:19 And by the blood of Jesus we have boldness to be in His presence!!!!!

So go soak in His presence- take a sweet Holy Spirit oil bath!!! Love you all- praying for each of you!