Lily Pad Faith

I saw the most beautiful lily pads when we were in Florida this summer- A wonderful example of how God is in the details! If you ever see a pond without lily pads you will know it- it will more than likely be covered in algae, a yucky muck. Lilies act as a biological water filter. They also provide shade for the fish swimming in the hot sun. Lilies oxygenate the water, which is important for pond fish and other pond creatures. Not to mention they are beautiful.
And while we were gazing at this beautiful pond of lilies l saw a little frog “be-laxing” as Selah would say on the lily pad and then jump off and swim under for protection.

And the Lord whispered… I am your covering… I provide protection, rest, I give you breath… I am your filter… I am your hiding place…

I love to be reminded of His goodness and seek Him in the ordinary. The very breath of God in you...can you wrap your brain around that? Job 33:4, Isaiah 42:5

I was also reminded how life was without His covering- and how life can be when we try to do it on our own. Frogs, I mean friends…we have to hang out in the pond with the lily pad! He has provided everything we need and in Him, there is peace- lily pad peace!

The issue is that we frogs put our trust in other things! We cover ourselves with the things of this world… maybe we turn to alcohol, self help books (I have read everyone that was published prior to 1998),we seek other frogs that feed into our fears rather than point us to our covering…we over eat,we under eat, we shop till we drop… and I am just mentioning some of the things THIS frog did to self medicate… there are many other ways to cover yourself in algae!

The issue is this…these other things are only temporary and Jesus is extra- ordinary! His covering will never leave you, He will protect you, heal you, give you peace, rest, and restoration with His very breath…He will give you a new life…whew- that’s good news!

And when trouble and tragedy arrives in your pond- you can always count on Him to be there. Always. He doesn’t put you on hold. He never forgets to return your call. Ever.
You just have to choose to trust in Him.

I tried it on my own for a long time. I just about, literally wore myself out. I didn’t know I had such an awesome covering. Such a hiding place.

Pastor Kevin, our NJ pastor recently shared an illustrated message about Jacob wrestling with God(Gen 32). Jacob said- I’m not going to let you go until you bless me. This has always been one of my favorite accounts because I have wrestled with God too! I want Your blessing God!

What touched my spirit, was when Pastor Kevin explained that as they were wrestling…God hit Jacob's flesh…when He did- Jacob…fell into His arms. Visualize that for a second...

God said… “What is your name?…” “Jacob”(as if God didn’t know, Jacob was probably thinking)…No- God said.. “Your name is now Israel…”

No longer named Jacob- which means schemer, manipulator. God’s blessing, the punch in the flesh- which represents our attachment to the world, our own sinful ways and desires,our "try to do it on our own mentality" …caused Jacob to fall into the arms of the Father with a new name!!!

That is so good to me! Fall into His arms. Accept His covering- stop trying to do this thing called life on your own. We are new creations in Christ…with a new name…a new inheritance…
I don't want to put my faith and trust into myself or anything other than Jesus. I don't want to be covered with algae!
Check this out:

Deuteronomy 32:37-39 (King James Version)
37And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
38Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.

None of our efforts can measure up to the protection of the Father's arms... He is our lily pad and more!

"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says GOD,
"I'll get you out of any trouble.
I'll give you the best of care
if you'll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I'll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!"
Psalm 91:14-16 The Message

Sweeter Than Honey

Psalm 119:103
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Now you know honey is sweet!

I have learned two things from my little Selah. One- everything is better drenched in honey. Everything. The other epiphany – just as important in her little world- all clothes must spin (but that is another post all together).

I just want to encourage you today. His Words are healing balm. Sweeter than anything this world has to offer.

Several years ago, my marriage was in real danger. My mother was diagnosed with the highest degree of cancer. I had a new job working about 60 hours a week and I had a small child. I had little hope.

One of my mentors, Kenny Jenkins, from Covenant Church in Greenville, shared with me that there were unclaimed promises in His Word. He told me to read the Word and God would reveal them to me.

We all walk through trials in this world. The Word does not say if, it says when!

“When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2

I had tried self help books- conferring with friends, secular counselors-focusing on the “positive”. All those avenues led me to the same place, they might have worked short term- but after awhile I was still a mess.

There is a blessed hope. (Titus 2:13).

Now, over ten years later- I can share that I have learned to stand on His Word, not on circumstances or opinions of well intentioned others. His Word will never fail you.

I know this. I have seen it manifested in our lives.

Here are a few of the promises I have realized through the power of His Word which is all powerful(Hebrew 4:12):

A peaceful habitation… Isaiah 32:18
Forgiveness …Luke 17:4, Col 3:13
A peace during severe storms and peace in just day to day living that is incomprehensible in the flesh...John 14:27
Healing from cancer, infertility, insecurity... 1 Peter 2:24, James 5:16… Luke 8:47, Psalm 37:4
Deliverance from addictions! ...Matt 17:20-21
Deliverance from fear… Mark 5:36
Protection …Psalm 28:7, Psalm 91
Power over the enemy …Luke 10:19
Development of faith …Luke 12:28
Assurance that it is all right, even when all things are not right!...Mark 4:37-41

I could go on and on!!! He is your ever present help Psalm 46:1!

There is no other explanation – He is sovereign, His Word is powerful! Read it and see- taste the sweetness that is sweeter than honey!

BEE drenched in the Word!

Praising Him-jananne

Irreversible Change

 
















I shared this in 2008, but was prompted today to reread it myself! The transformation He promises is REAL! Above, is a painting I did for my sister's birthday card, many years ago. All about transformation...

So here is the 2008 post- enjoy!

Recently, Selah and I were studying irreversible change. We made applesauce to understand this concept. Selah tried to mash the raw apples and just got “frustrating”, as she would say. Then we placed the apples in a pot and added some heat. She was able to mash the apples and after adding cinnamon and butter, we had delicious applesauce.
As we enjoyed our applesauce, I couldn't help but think how we are constantly being “irreversibly changed” to be more like Him (Philippians 1:6). We need some mashing and some sweetness, from the love and heat of the Son!
I can imagine that those apples got really hot over that fire. Do you know that fire is a symbol of God’s power, presence and protection (see: Psalm 104:4, Jeremiah 20:9, Matthew 3:11, Luke 3:17 and Daniel 3:6)?
Are you over a flame right now? Sometimes He allows us to go through fire to be changed, to glorify His Kingdom. Getting hot, really hot, is not a lot of fun. It is not comfortable, you may not “feel” His presence and you may just feel the Son-burn!!! But you can be assured that He is there (Hebrews 13:5). We are often put in situations that require His strength, beyond anything we could do on our own. Sometimes it is a process of burning away what does not belong (Luke 3:17). My pastor shared recently that faith never dulls feelings. You can have tremendous faith- but your flesh may still be hurting. We must stay in the Word- it is life, make it a priority. Surround yourself with Scripture on index cards, sticky notes and carry a Bible with you everywhere! Search His book for promises. Stay connected to people that encourage you, not those that feed into or stir up fear or negativity! Continue to praise Him with every breath you take. I am sure there have been many people whom I have crossed paths with recently who think I talk to myself- but I have a praise in my mouth at all times!!!! Have an attitude of praise on your lips, in your step and in your spirit. That is a choice, not something that just happens. Death and life are in the tongue - so speak life from His Word into your situation (Proverbs 18:21). Do not believe the lies that the enemy will whisper or shout to you. If you are in a Goliath situation, praise will break the enemies hold! Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world (1 John 4:4)!!! You will eventually see how His power, presence and protection carried you through the fire, when you do, be sure to give Him the glory.
A dragonfly is born colorless underwater. Once the dragonfly comes out of the water and emerges into light (and heat) of the sun, it changes and becomes colorful. Don’t you want to experience the transforming power of the Son?
Once we believe that Jesus died on Calvary for our sins and we ask Him to come into our hearts and reign as Lord of our life, you can be assured that you will change. Remember, it is a process (Philippians 1:6). Surrender daily! The end result will be beautiful and sweet. That is His promise.

Be Patient, James 5:7

I painted this pumpkin several years ago- and just today touched him up! As seasons are changing...I am in a season of being patient, as my husband and I discern God's will for the next move for our family.

When we have a vision that involves God's plans, we cannot expect to be able to achieve it on our own. Whew. God we need you.
And somehow I know that whatever His plan is for our lives- it involves sharing His love with others.

 "But life is not worth anything unless I use it for doing the work of telling others the good news about God's mighty kindness and love." Acts 20:24 TLB

How can you do that in your everyday walk? Use what gifts He has given you! Be available to the adversity and sometimes, inconveniences, that come from following after the True Prize! We are not all called to pastor! In everyday living, whether you are a student, a teacher, an athlete, a doctor, a grocery store cashier...God has gifted you in a special way to build His kingdom.  If you are not sure what your dream is, spend more time with Jesus! He has a plan for you! God knew you before you were formed(Psalm 139)- He predestined us all to be in a relationship with Him, if we chose. You are so special to Him that He knows how many hairs are on your head (Matthew 10:30)! Seek His dream for your life- trust Him and with His help- be patient as your God sized dream comes true!

So, as my family and I wait to find out- whether we are staying in Georgia or moving to NJ, Florida, or Nashville...we are thanking Him for all things!!!

Praising Him Patiently! jananne

Garment of Praise

How many of us ask, "why"? Why did I get that doctor's report? Why is my child struggling? Why is the economy in a mess? Why do I feel like everything is falling apart? Why did my husband lose his job? Look at the women in the painting, Garment of Praise, Isaiah 61:3.

Recently my friend Tonya shared with me how the Lord spoke to her heart about the Why? He told her, turn your why into a Y of praise. I didn't know then, how much I would appreciate that message. See, our sweet Jesus has a remedy for everything. He has given us the garment of praise for our heaviness(Isaiah 61:3). The enemy cannot inhabit your praises. Only Jesus!!!! Read 2 Chronicles 20 and discover how King Jehoshaphat turned on the praise! Notice something else in that account(this is a true story, you know!) In 2 Chronicles 20:12, this king admitted, we don't know what to do, the enemy is too big for us to deal with! Can you relate in 2008!!! And then added, "BUT OUR EYES ARE ON YOU GOD!" Praise, prayer,fasting and faith led King Jehoshaphat into victory! His enemies turned on each other! GOD FOUGHT THE BATTLE FOR HIM! When your arms are lifted up in praise, they cannot hold the weapons of anger, bitterness and un-forgiveness. Let Him fight for you- He'll win every time.

Keep your arms lifted to Him. Praise Him continually. I have started keeping praise music on in my house all the time- even at night- I might turn the volume down- but there are praises to Jesus going through my home 24/7. I also am learning how to have an attitude of praise. I cannot complain about a circumstance if I am living in continual praise (see Philippians 2:13).

So praise Him no matter what the circumstance may look like, Jesus is working behind the scenes. And remember, He will take the road that brings Him the most glory- that is our delight and our comfort.

Praising Him-jananne

Encourage One Another

I am so thankful to the Holy Spirit, who teaches me daily, inspires me hourly... The painting, Encourage One Another, is a favorite of mine. We all need sheltering trees! Friends in our lives that will get down on their knees and lift us up to our King Jesus! This painting was inspired by the Holy Spirit as I was encouraged by one of my dearest friends, Sarah, who encourages me often with His Word and her intercessory prayers.
Be blessed as you encourage others! jananne