Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Commissioning Statment - United in Armor - God Encounter Weekend

Here it is ladies, the Closing prayer and then our Commissioning statement.

It was important that you were paired up with a women of YOUR era.... as those 30 and younger -- you are in a position in our decade and we want to position you well.  YOU are going to indeed see even more signs and wonders as you continue this journey with God and therefore, you now have 39 best NEW friends and prayer warriors -- don't forget, we are only a phone call away.   

Including ...me.....I did not have the time this Encounter to connect with ALL that joined us.  The HOLY Spirit had me Everywhere, but I thank those that came to me and loved on me.  And I pray that EACH and every one of you don't see me as INTIMIDATING anymore -- please.  
 


Dear Heavenly Father, if ever there was such a time when the women of the world would come together ...well Lord, these women, these blessed, chosen, accepted, redeemed, forgiven, adopted and free women have come together here in Titusville and there has been a great awakening her that we pray Lord...will follow us back to Okeechobee...to our homes...to our lives...to our workplaces...and to our church families.  Lord, we pray we would never let it die, the enemy has been bound, the freedom came with a cost - your shed blood - but we praise and thank you for that Lord.  We have taken the authority you placed in us, in Jesus' name, and we are going to live in our newly found freedom and awakened spirit with liberty and such freedom that can't be contained.  Amen.


Commissioning Statement:

Turn to your sister in Christ -- and repeat after me:

YOU have awakened my sister,
as we trust God,
as YOU walk in this new freedom, 
take heart, you have YOUR armor ON!  
The God Almighty, El Shadday has given you the equipment - 
Take up your armor
notice you are girded with truth
admire YOUR breastplate of righteousness to ward off the firey darts
put on those shoes girl and stand in your peace
spit shine that shield of faith
and place that helmet on your head - you are sealed. 
With armor in check, 
grab that sword, God's word, and
RISE UP. 
Are you ready to battle?  
Cause as soon as you step outside those doors - 
it 's ON! 
YOU will be reminded of life - But YOU God this!  
YOU will be reminded of your past -- But it was forgiven!  
YOU will be reminded of what still need to be done ... But...THAT WAS EASY,,,,, 

I am fully equipped - 
I love God' s Word  - 
I'll live on the truths of God's Word -
I 'll study it with new revelations - 
I'll memorize scripture and hide it in my heart - 
I'll stay on guard  and keep my freedom - 
I can stand tall against Satan's attacks -  
...all of them...even if he uses my child against me
even if he uses my husband...
even if he uses FaceBook...
even if he uses my mother....  

I will trust God to keep me protected.  
I will call upon my best friend the Holy Spirit. 
When the Holy Spirit convicts me of sin -- 
I'll seek forgiveness, quickly.
But I will also repent and sin no more!  
I'll trust the Holy Spirit to intercede for me. 
I'l be lead by the Holy Spirit.
I'll live my life in line with God's will - 
and when something arises within my one, I now will be 
ready to win the battle. 
I'll pray!  
1 John 2.27 says, "as for me, the anointing I received
from Him will remain in me, 
I won't need anyone to teach me, as 
HIS anointing teaches me about all things!  

I am FREE!  
I will remember - 
it is NOT about our church -- it is about a call 
to all Christians in all meetings on Sundays! 
The time is NOW! 
Will YOU allow God to use you?  
I will!  

HE knows YOU will!!  
Good bye - This Encounter Weekend is now Done!  
amen

Friday, March 27, 2015

Getting Ready IV

If you go back in my blog archives  - you will notice a Getting Ready I, II, and III.
If you have read my blog for the past 5 years, you know or have an idea of what is going to transpire this weekend.
If you want to join me in believing God can change lives - read on.

                                                        ***


This week---  these past 3 months have been purposed.    Expecting --
The Lord gave me an incredible God Encounter weekend back in Feb of 2011 and it changed my world and my relationship with Christ.

For the past 8 weeks, several women and my church have been getting ready for something that starts today.   I don't want to make light of it - but I also want to EXPRESS the JOY that is in my head and heart -- God is moving and at work.  

Here is an except from the previous blogs: 

I can't share too many details - or I would have to 'kill ya'.  But My Encounter Weekend back in February of 2011 really changed how I felt about God, it changed how I perceived my current situation,  and it prepared me to begin a healing process.

I remember HOW excited I was - meeting GOD face to face...well, sort of speaking.  Like I said, I can't reveal too much, but basically it is a God Boot Camp, it is a time to dig deep and see WHAT may need to be cast off and what may need to be forgiven and then, God comes in if your heart is open and HE does some corrective surgery.

I have blogged about it before.

Anyway....I still refer back to that experience when I am trying to encourage a new believer.  The ladies that walked me through that weekend are forever friends and they have touched a part of me that will forever be different. They were part of my refining process!


It will be in Titusville.
There will be 18 leaders. 
There will be 23 women who God is going to meet personally and HE is going to ROCK -it.



In this last week of preparing...God has clearly shown me when to speak up and when to hold my words.  

Psalm 19.14 reminds us that David cried out to God and asked that the words of his mouth be pleasing to God in HIS sight...So, Lord, may MY words be pleasing in YOUR sight...

I hope and pray that I seek HIS counsel on everything.

Ephesians 6.19 says  Thank you Father, that YOU will grant me freedom of utterance so that I may open my mouth boldly to speak that WHICH YOU give me to speak.....


We pray these women will walk away..
...hopeful...
...ready to do the HARD...
...free from worry and/or guilt...
...set free from strongholds that have been on her for too long
...refreshed...
....ready to pray the long haul for an unsaved husband or child
...ready to stand in the gap for a wayward child, niece, or husband
...blessed
....loved and understand HOW much HE does love her
Lord, the list can go and go...I pray that each and every one of these women get so  set free and have such an unique experience with You that they will begin to win souls for Your Kingdom as well and they too ...will impact others.....
Lord, I pray as leaders, we are also touched and taught and we are open to what ALL You have planned....
Lord, I pray that 'us' leaders won't allow our flesh to dictate our minds that we refresh each moment with YOUR word and believe that YOU will do what YOU want to do...
Lord, I pray that I continue to impact others - I want to hear 'well done my good and faithful servant' when I see you....I want the rewards in heaven.  I do.
I want freedom for each of these ladies and I want a fresh word, a direct word for each of the leaders as well...
Now as I close, I pray God that if someone reads this and wants this Encounter as well, that they would seek YOU and seek me out...as they can participate too, in YOUR time and at our next Encounter.  I believe and KNOW,  YOU are going to do great and mighty miracles  this weekend...I can SO believe it will happen, as the Enemy has been attacking like a roaring lion this past week  -- wow and whoa...but with each distraction and disturbance...Victory was claimed.  Do I really FEEL this peace Lord, that ALL is under Your feet -- yes, I do.  YOU have lead us, YOU will continue, and YOU will be doing the work...as we are obedient, we will be blessed.
Lord, for my sisters in Christ...for each one hurting -- that they would believe YOU are the answer.
Lord, for my sister in Christ...that our  prayer for a miracle is in the works.  And Lord, for every detail ...may it be blessed.  IN Jesus name...amen. 


1 John 2.27 ....'the anointing will teach you '...... Believing that EACH women attending this weekend will do JUST as the photo says --

She was stronger - than she ever imagined...
She was closer to Jesus  - than she had ever realized ...
and she was LOVED more than she ever knew.

This week has been full and heavy.  I had the honor and blessing to know a women of God that went home to be with HIM on Monday and each day since - her memory  has reminded me of something. 
I wish in HEAVEN I could be at her funeral today, especially to hear the words...listen to the music and I so wanted to talk to her sisters -- but God knows and I trust that my presence in  to be elsewhere and with that - I just know I will be overwhelmed.  And I am most humbled.

You know how they have those 'photos' and memory frames at funerals?
I so enjoyed  the photo clips at my friends viewing last night  -- she was such a "Jackie Kennedy" of fashion and I enjoyed seeing my student ( her grandson) in those photos and God orchestrated it that I could see how much his Auntie's loved him ....that BLESSED me so.

  But again, you know those photo frames??  The picture above is a card or a painting... THAT is what I want sitting out there as you sign in.

I pray that for all the women that God brings to my path - new friends and old ones... that they would indeed be able to say -- that they drew close to Jesus - everyday.
My friend Mary Ellen did!

- humbled and now I am off to 'start' this Encounter Weekend.







Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Healing a Wounded Heart #2 & Big scary prayers!

My heart was a bit wounded this past weekend.
A sweet woman went home to be with Jesus and her Lord on Monday. 
It was hard seeing her battle to breathe when I had a very short visit with her on Sunday. 
I LOST it.
But...God held.


I want others to experience the JOY only HE can bring.
I want others to believe in something that CAN happen with HIS help.
I want people to have growing faith - that WHEN they get beyond their own hurt and crisis...they will then PRAY it forward and speak life into another.


I really do.  I WANT all that good.

But as we walk in this world and enjoy HIS blessings, we also experience wounded hearts.
Even when we LOVE HIM.... HE allows stuff, as this world is not HIS.... Our world with HIM -- is eternal! 


Psalm 34.18 says:  "the LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit".  

I have a sort of  a continued discussion with a sister in Christ.  She says 'her pain'  was more  devastating.  More crushing.
I say, 'pain is pain'.  I know that when I was rejected and broken hearted -- there were days, MANY days when ALL I wanted to do was GO to heaven --  check out -- don't pass 'go...don't collect my $200'...( that is a reference from the game of Monopoly).

I would never tell her that my pain equaled her pain -- I did not experience what she did.
But now that God has healed and restored the earthquake that fell upon me -- I realize that when another sister in Christ is in pain -- her pain and hurt is real and that she may just want to check out too -- -- it is THOSE women, I want to say -- GOD WILL and CAN heal.

So, I reminded myself on Sunday after my visit with my sweet sister in Christ that was in ICU -- that  God is close to the broken hearted..me and HE saves those who are crushed in Spirit.

 But ...Her Spirit was not crushed.

 She loved the Lord and fought her battle with cancer with the most grace and dignity I have seen in a long time.  I am thankful I have seen few woman that have fought hard.  And I am thankful it has only been a 'few'... I don't want any of my LOVED ones to walk in that path of brokenness, that path of   hurt, cancer, ...nor do I want them to cause an earthquake of such.....



I recalled:

In my most darkest and brokenhearted days -I did NOT want to get out of bed.
I did not want someone to tell me it was going to be 'ok'...I WANTED it fixed and yesterday!
I was TIRED of praying and waiting.
I WANTED answers and I wanted to know - that all would be well.
And on many of those days - I wanted GOD to come from heaven and SMACK some people around - I did -- I wanted JUSTICE...what the hell did I do to deserve this hurt?

This world is broken.  This is not our home.  I never did anything to 'deserve' this...but I was/am a sinner and  mercy is for the just and the unjust.... God showed me mercy.  I needed HIS mercy.

Unfortunately -- the only one that could really help me  was God Himself and He was at work - I just could not SEE it.  So then comes the TRUST factor.

I was 44...almost 45.  I am now 49.   I would of argued with you - I 'knew' Christ and trusted Him.
But I had NO CLUE.  After God allowed a revelation - it took 9  more months before I finally  -- really  -- allowed God to be MY EVERYTHING...NO MATTER what.  It was THEN...that God could begin a 'new' work within another.  I say 'new' work, cause I knew God was working all that time on him as well -- but, it was different now.  When we truly TAKE our hands OUT of the situation and TRUST God - and WALK in that trust...God will let us 'see' a bit into WHAT HE is doing.

 Just TRUST.

So, Sunday, I called upon God - to quickly HEAL her....or take her.  I HATE having to pray that, but in HIS mercy and kindness...I would WANT that prayer said for me.

I would.  

I know God was holding her when I went to visit.
He loves her - just as much as me.  Just as much as HE loves all his children.  Her final healing had to come in Heaven.  

I am so certain she is dancing and enjoying her brother and the others in the great cloud of witnesses that saw her walk and live her life.  She was a Proverbs 31 woman.

  God's will is to restore.  God's will is to heal.

I was blessed with the privilege to stand around a tree at a place called 'Central' and we called upon God on her behalf MANY many MANY times.   When she was diagnosed ( 5 years ago )  and then  a little later when it seemed the cancer was trying to return.

That was about 4 years ago.  I won't forget it, cause I had just returned from a Women's God Encounter Weekend ( and I know I know - I have shared a LOT about this - bear with me - humor me )  and I was ON fire...I had seen some miracles and  physical healings  and I just believed in the power of that anointed touch.  I knew we were going to be praying for her that morning and I felt led to 'touch' her with oil.  I called a friend  on my way to school and asked for the scripture I needed to make sure 'I did it right'.  Anyhow, we met at the Tree, we prayed. I cried.  We believed.   Many prayers were said and God honored all of us and her..... And she was given more time.  I can't remember the exact details, but I cried then too when I prayed.  I basically just looked at her and told God -- she can't die yet...she is needed.  Period.  End of story and I can still see her smiling - she had an infectious smile.

And she did get a reprieve.  I believe she had 2 good years... she came back to work and she retired from the School System.  She was such an assets to all of us that worked with her.  !!! 

I remember one conversation in particular with her, it was shortly after her diagnosis with lung cancer, it was the end of the school year.  June 2010 and I was returning to my classroom to pack up, as it was after 5 and she was heading home.  Every year, it was almost comical, but 'where' was the speech room going to be...???  If Mary Ellen was given a hole in the wall..she made it special for her students.  She was indeed moving again 'that' year to a new spot and she was doing what I was doing - organizing but now heading home.    At that moment, I was an emotional wreck and IN MY own world of earthquakes and 'me' and we began to talk.  As I was concerned about my son, wondering as to WHAT to do.  She shared  a story about her older son and we cried, prayed, and I took her advice - and it gave me great peace.  Then she began to tell me about Psalm 23 and how she was memorizing it and used it as her prayer.....and again, God used her - to teach me.

I am so thankful for that conversation.

I had many more.

I won't share about the pin worms ...and the 'how'...that was one of the first conversations in the Teacher's Lounge one day -- early in my Okeechobee life.   And the story about 'poop'....and several funny stories about her husband and on Sunday as my tears fell and the Holy Spirit reminded me -- I was filled with such a smile.

 As she was around Central  -- she ALWAYS had the most stylish clothes and I would comment on them and want that CUTE  body.   And I told myself, when I 'grow' up - I want to be that classy!!

2-3 years ago when I lived in her neighborhood -- I  would see  her riding  her bike around town - watching her ride around brought comfort.  But anyway, even with her hair a bit shorter....she was always so beautiful inside and out!  

And, I loved hearing her stories about her family .....her Amish/Minninnite Roots....and I will never forget when I was 'getting' into Christian music ....and we'd begin to talk about spiritual things  how she would give me her Charisma magazines after she was done reading them.  And the day that I put two and two together and realized her brother -n - law was a famous Christian Recording artist.  I had JUST bought his album and was telling her about it and she shared.  I  was flabbergasted.  I was.

( If you know me...I get tickled and LOVE celebrity stuff.  And I am JUST that way ...LOL.  THAT is how God made me.  And so,  just knowing 'his' sister in law -- brought me  CLOSER to  actually meeting him.  Oh my -- Do you think I need therapy?  )

OK - I digressed....   focus Michelle -----
( Mary -- those EXTRA ..... were for you !! ) 

As I said, the Lord orchestrated our steps.   

Little did I think that 4 years later.....I would be typing a blog  and using the  illustration  of her being the 'FIRST' one I anointed with oil.....to remind another -- God restores.

  He heals.

  Cancer won't define her.  I have read many FB comments and such about her and her life and one that is repeated over and over, is how kind she was and she was a lady of grace and dignity.

I was able to talk with her at the beginning of February.  We caught up, etc.  She gave me some really awesome news - a testimony about her son.  Presently - this year, I have a special little boy, young man, in my class.  He is her grandson.  God knew - God knew 4 years ago as we prayed on that day for her and for her son..... that she needed 2 miracles.   If I explained the facts and gave more details  about that - you may read it and think... "that was a miracle?"...but I know it was, as in February, I heard a very proud mother talk about ALL of her 4 children and how she was so proud of them.  And she was especially blessed, because a total stranger...a mother, from another state .....had written her a letter  --

This mother was thanking her for that son.   As that son...had prayed for her son and the results were tremendous.   God moved mountains.  That son, called upon HIS Heavenly Father and HE answered.  That son had made his mother - my friend - so proud.   That son, is the father to my student.  I was so blessed when I could share a VERY GOOD story about his dad -- he beamed.

  As I walked away from her that day in Publix, I looked back.  She looked frail.  I said a breath prayer, "lord, heal her".  I could tell that she was battling the something again and she said that, but like I said, she pushed it off as if it was nothing.  What was MORE important to her -- was sharing about her son and the GOOD stuff within her life.  And we spoke about her Grandson, and I updated her on his progress and future events --  and she said something  to me.  At the time, I just pushed it aside.


But  tonight -  it really struck me...

"I am so thankful he is in your class".   

Humbled.  I am humbled.  God knew.  God orchestrated this.    God had it covered.


I am his teacher, his name is Kayven , for 48 more days.  However, I told him today, that once your are a student of mine - you are always a student of mine.  I will keep tabs on him from this point on.
He recently had some surgery so that he can begin to walk.  I tease him, "you will have to walk your wife down the aisle" and he smiles a sheepish grin.   He came back to school today, as we had Spring Break and he had his surgery and then his Grandma went to heaven.   We made it a 'light' day.  But we talked and chatted too.   I had been praying since Sunday, that when I saw him - I would not LOSE it.  I asked several of my praying sisters to pray for me.  God was there.

The Holy Spirit led and we had some deep heartfelt chats.
I believe the next 48 days are going to be different.
I was reminded today that...as his teacher...as the teacher of the other students in my room -- God placed me there.  He is not the only one with a wounded heart this week.  One of my students was a cousin to the little boy who went heaven last week.   He was the little boy who went missing in Hollywood but was found later.    Life is sad. 

It has been a wounded week.  But.....  I know where the joy is from and I am determined to speak that into my students for another 48 days! 

Trusting is the first step.  Believing  in something that is unseen - is faith.
I am going to speak some BIG prayers -- scary prayers here next.

I know this blog got long.  ( Rachel if you read it to the end...you do deserve a extra piece of chocolate or to sleep in tomorrow instead of getting up to run..just saying.!  )   But this blog is also my way of speaking to others..speaking to God...and it is my therapy.  I pray it will excite another to write or to journal with God.  I pray that it will invoke some good memories of my dear friend. 





Lord, I am humbled- Hopeful...encouraged..and committed to believe YOU are indeed the one that help my friend in that ICU bed.  Lord, I know you will speak to each of her daughters and guide them in to WHAT is next as their have a dad that needs them so very much.  Lord, I pray for her sons...for both of them.  My daugher affectionately nick named her younger son 'jesus' while he was in High School -- as he so reminder her of that LOOK.  I hugged him this weekend and met his beautiful fiance - Lord, lead and guide him .  Lord, for those two girls -- Lord, as they raise their daughters and as they walk in this new 'normal' of their mom in heaven - God I pray that as they grieve and mourn...they are also flooded with Your comfort and healing touch.  Lord I pray also for my student - Kayven, Lord, he is really hurting -- I pray for his dad..I pray for him...I pray for Kayven's maternal grandparents and mom.... I pray that as they each continue to love on Kayven, he will grow in YOUR stature - and I believe he will walk..I believe he will become a great citizen of this community and he may even be that doctor that FINDS a cure for cancer.....in his grandmother's honor....  THOSE are BIG prayers Lord...but YOU said I could call upon you ..YOU said, I can ask -- and I am.  I want a father and son reunited... Period...End of story - ONLY YOU can do it at this point Lord, and so therefore - I ask - move the mountain.   Lord, guide me in this 'grief'...as I want to be a comfort but a wise counsel to both of my students who have suffered a loss this year and to another who lost a cousin a few months ago.  God... I have one more request...

This is extra.....God, I know you are  around us and I  believe that YOU are at work.  This week again, You quickened both  my husband and me to pray for several couples..... I pray YOU will open the eyes of the ones who are deceived, and YOU will restore the others...and give courage to the ones that MUST seek some professional and godly help -- I believe.  I believe,  YOU WANT for them -- WHAT I now have with my husband...new soul ties...new love... and revelations that there was LOVE all that time....the the wife of the youth...is HIS will...that the current wife is GOD's will.... that the two married -- should remain.   amen.   GOD....wash them all clean....God that the ones that are NOT in relationship with you - would be miserable...until they SEEK you and if You see fit to use Brendan or myself within this.....then do it and we promise to be faithful to the Holy Spirit as He speaks to us - in Jesus name..


And ONE more...for Pookie ....Lord, I thank you for her and her husband and their commitment to YOU as they battle this 'cancer'... I know you are going to use them both in a mighty way.  Lord, I know that YOU are in control.  Lord, I believe all of us have a mission - I Pray as they  begin the next 'leg' of their marriage and journey that You will just continue to give them a peace beyond all understanding and that all glory and honor are given to YOU.  amen.

michelle

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Choices

Sometimes it is very hard to make a choice.     Chocolate cake or Cheesecake.   If I am at Longhorn Steakhouse - it is the Chocolate Stampede.    If I am at the Cheesecake Factory it would be the cheesecake but then - which ONE? 




Choices.


God's Word says:  Matthew 7:13-14
"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."




Proverbs 14.12 says:  There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.




Proverbs 19.21 says:  Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. 




Proverbs 16.9 says:  The heart of  man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.




Philippians 4.8 says:  Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if ther is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 






And finally:   Proverbs 3. 5-6  states:  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 






Choices. 






I am thinking...sharing some thoughts running in my head today:


It is hard when you are the 'oldest' and you are used to making decisions and choices for others as a kid and then you grow to an adult and those siblings are adults....   they now can make their own choices. 


It is weird when as a kid, you watched adults around you make choices and then you saw the consequences...and yet, as an adult - you fall RIGHT into those same decisions and choices. 




It is hard when you have children and you decide their clothing choices and what they will eat for dinner and then they become adults and you don't have that 'choice' anymore.  They are adults.


It is hard  to watch another within your circle of influence make the wrong choice after you have prayed with them....sat with them...cried with them.....and yet...they still want to make that wrong choice. 
It is hard to sit back and pray for something that seems impossible to fix or it seems impossible to believe that God could bring 'beauty' out of it ....and yet, we are to make that choice, and intercede for that lost one, or for that dear friend, or for even that  'frienemy'.....that seems to constantly sow turmoil within your life.  But yet....  it is a choice. 

In Matthew it does state...'the gate is narrow'.  It is hard, to make the better choice when the ones around you  poke fun of or believe you are being 'too Christian'.  It says the gate is narrow, but why do so many try and squeeze in -- ?? 

I imagine that each person making that 'choice' has lined it up with God's word....
I imagine that the one making the choice to sow discord is hurting in such a way that their choices are  skewed...
I imagine the one making that particular choice -- really believes there is 'no harm done'.  And yet...my spirit is troubled. 

God has brought me to this verse:  Galatians 6. 7-8   Do not be deceived:  God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 

In the Message bible it states: 
  ( I added a few words to make it personal - from God )
Don't be mislead Michelle....no one makes a fool of God.  What you plant, you will harvest.  Michelle - if you plant selfishness, and you ignore the needs of others -- you are ignoring God -- and you will harvest a crop of weeks.  Michelle...then all you will have to show for yourself is weeds.  But Michelle... if you plant in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him...in her...in them...in that....  you will harvest a crop of REAL life... eternal life with Me.    The gate is narrow Michelle, don't learn on your own understanding, You acknowledge your ways in Me all the time, so now LEAN on Me and I will make the path straight!  - God  


Lord,  I am being open and honest here -- some choices have to be made.  You know each one, you know if it pertains to my life personally, or physically.  You know if it is professional  - You know if it is spiritual...YOU know.   You know the ones around me making choices... and you know the loved ones close by that have choices to make as well.  And I am pretty sure that a random stranger could come to this blog and read this prayer and it would  FIT for them as well.... choices.   I am just publically stating right now - make the choice for me...show me clearly what I am to do. A sweet friend once said to me, "Lord show me, I am just a dumb sheep"... Holy Spirit - take over... clearly reveal what is next...clearly reveal what choices have to be made - even the hard ones...and Lord, may my 'enhanced' version of Galatians be my prayer... Lord, that I would see what I sowed... here on earth and in heaven. In Jesus name, amen.   



The Battlefield of the Mind - chapter one! - Interactive Blog challenge !!!

 I read Joyce Meyer's book several years ago.  I picked up a copy of it again.... there are many women that I pray with and speak too.... and I wanted a fresh reminder of this 'mind' in which we battle. 


I find myself, daily, having to remind myself of WHO I am in Christ and that I am MORE than a conqueror...I am HIS! 


I am pretty healthy....I read....I study... and I praise God that I don't have too many vises...like I don't have to have that cup of coffee or diet coke before I can function.  So, I figured I am pretty 'clean' and then -- yet, the enemy can STILL pierce  my heart ....but only if I let him. 


I just reviewed Chapter 1.


The Mind is the Battlefield.

I love how this chapter started with Eph. 6.12.


For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 





Our Enemy is pure and simple -- Satan.
 Not our family....our kids....our jobs....our circumstances...our ....




Jesus called Satan the Father of Lies in John 8.14.



I found this very interesting as I had never thought of it before -- Satan has studied us for a LONG time.
Satan knows what bothers us.  He is willing to invest ANY amount of time it takes to defeat us.  One of the Devil's strong points is patience.





Patience -- really?  That is one thing that many of us women struggle with ....the lack of Patience.  We were given the right amount of patience when God created us...we...maybe..just have not learned how to access it??  !!   Got to think about that!

So we have to learn to TEAR down the strongholds.  Stop and think about those strongholds in your life.



A stronghold is an area in which we are held in bondage due to a certain way of thinking.



For example, perhaps you grew up believing and thinking that dancing was a form of sin and therefore it would lead to condemnation. 


Or, because of  the way you were brought up, you can't believe that you are of any worth -- that is a stronghold --- it fashions how you behave now, how you speak, and how you live. 





2 Corn 10. 4-5 is how we tear those strongholds down.


The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. ON the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 








It is important to acknowledge -- we ARE in a war.  Period.


  Satan is in NO hurry...he will wait us out.

 There is that patience again.




The Word is our Weapon....John 8: 31- 32

 If you abide in My word ( hold fast to my teachings and live in accordance with them), you are truly My disciples.  And You will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.





Lord, that we would understand and realize that 'we' are NOT of this world....and that our eternal home is with You.  In the meantime, we will walk with you, and seek to find you in each and every situation.  Lord, that we would demolish strongholds with Your word and that we would be obedient to take EVERY thought captive and make it obedient to Christ....   as in  HIS word we run too and Your word is a strong tower - our direct communication from You .  Thank you Lord, Amen. 




If you have the  book, please reread Chapter One and place forth your comments and such.  And, or if you don't have the book but wish to interact with this blog -- please do.  Here is your question: 


When has God fought for you?
Share a stronghold you have overcome with HIS word as your sword:
or...WHAT about that work patience....do you agree or disagree that Satan has pretty good patience? 


 Leave comments below in the reply! 
Let's have fun! 

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Verbal vomit.....

.

"Quit the verbal bla bla bla bla bla......bla......"

There was a time in my crisis of faith that I had a 'right' to fuss.  I mean, I was wronged...I was hurt and wanted to hurt others ....I was.......

And I was ugly.  For a good month - maybe 60 days.  I was ugly. Verbally.  Mentally.  I 'vomited' on anyone who would listen and I said WAY too much to my kids.   If you were close - you got an earful.  If you called me - I probably shared WAY TO MUCH.    I never really posted anything on Facebook, but the  bible verses I quoted or put as my status were those  of a wounded soul that needed comfort and love.  I wanted responses -- I wanted comfort.  I WANTED someone to defend me and stand up for me.  I did.

They were more narcissistic in nature.    That is not me.  I don't want to be remembered for that.

Ephesians 4.29  Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

 

I know Social Media is just that - social verbage... We share photos, we share the highlights of our day, and some of us post when we are headed to the store, when we are SO  happy, and when the next GATOR game or soccer game is. I get it.  I do it.

I post for my Wisconsin  family..... I can see photos of my nieces and nephews on FB.  And I post  to share what is on my heart.  I use Facebook to ENCOURAGE and let the loves ones who love me....see what my heart and head are thinking.

 I also look and watch to  see what my Christian friends and old classmates are up to.

 I love FB.

 I enjoy it.

  I am a type of person that will write a card rather than call...I feel freedom in expressing what is on my brain rather than telling it.  I laugh at times, cause someone will say, "oh I don't do Facebook" but when you are with them -- they TELL exactly the same stuff - just in a shorter amount of time -- and they share info about others...and they just give you the verbal info - in person.

  And I admit, sometimes, I don't make conversation cause I already KNEW that info....as I saw it on FB, but most often, FB gives me the chance to follow up and actually make conversation when I see the person at the grocery store, or elsewhere.  As I said, I like Facebook.

I figure if you don't like me -- or what I post - you will just delete me, block me, or put me  on the list where you don't see my posts in your newsfeed.  And THAT is OK.  I do that too.  There are people that I have 'off' my newsfeed - but I go and check in on them.....as I can't handle WHAT they are posting ....but the Holy Spirit has not released me to block or delete them.  I figure -- God knows.

But with the good -- comes the bad.

At the time of my 'earthquake' or crisis of faith,  I noticed a few other women that got quiet.  Or they were quiet.   So...

I got quiet.

I think being quiet says more.  There are posts that I read and I want to kindly tell that person -- did you reread that?  Is that showing the lost the light of Jesus in you?  I have this ' HALT'  acronym in my bible.  I got it from Beth Moore or Carlie Huckabee...unsure which one - both are EXCELLENT bible teachers and wise women.  But, it says..."halt" ...before you speak - ask yourself, is it being said or written while you are hurt...or angry?  Are you lonely  or tired?   ......WE can't let our emotions control what we do and say.   One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control.  We need to show self-control, especially if we claim to be a JEsus FREAK one moment ...and then allow the enemy to use our words or our actions to remind another LOST soul...we really are NO different than them.  

Anyway -- as stuff got BETTER in my life, I was delighted to watch the responses to the better posts and to certain phrases.

God wins is one such phrase. 

 "God wins"  --THAT is what I had to tell myself ...to believe that NO matter what I was going to BE OK -- no matter what the circumstance or outcome of my personal crisis of faith would be.....and no matter what-- GOD does win.  HE wins daily when we allow HIM to work within our lives.

So back to -- the verbal vomit. 

Please don't use FB to get your affirmation.  It just does not look good. 


Ephesians 4:30 - 32 says  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one anouther, even as God in Christ forgave you.  

I know someone has maybe wronged you -- I know you may be hurting.

Hurting people hurt others.  Getting beyond a betrayal or a major offense is hard.

 But....allow GOD to shine through and if you will be obedient and LET HIS goodness and grace come forth OFF that status...instead of the hurt.....YOU are going to be rewarded - I bet instantly.

God knows it will take time.  God knows triggers will flare up and you will need to walk through them.  Most 'hurts' did not build up and happen within a few days -- many took YEARS before they were released or revealed...so it may take a good year or several months to allow the hurt to heal.  But....moving forward and making sure you are OPEN to forgiveness and extending grace and mercy is a daily obstacle.  Only GOD can walk you through that --

As God wants you to be a light - in the darkness.


Humbled and grateful that you spent the time to read to the end of this...and I pray - Lord, for the one who needed to hear this...I pray it is received in love and with grace and mercy.  I would never wish to harm that one.....In Jesus name, Amen.

Monday, March 9, 2015

short blog - prayer for a warrior this eve --





A.W. Tozer says:  "True faith is never found alone: it is always accompanied by expectation. The man who believes the promises of God expects to see them fulfilled.  Where there is no expectation, there is not faith.  We need a fresh spirit of anticipation that springs out of the promises of God.  We must declare war on the mood of nonexpectation, and come together with childlike faith.  Only then can we know again the beauty and wonder of the Lord's presence among us." 







That is a powerful quote.  In therapy, the Life Coach and other counselors told me often...'lower you expectations...cause then you won't be disappointed'.  That made sense too.

If I don't 'expect' flowers on my anniversary -- then I won't be heartbroken when none come......
If I don't 'expect' the toilet seat to be down when I head into my son's bathroom -- then I won't get upset when I fall into the toilet cause I expected the seat to be down.  Make sense?

I think the 'low expections' advice for good for that time in therapy .....and I am sure, that I will share that again with a student or a woman in crisis....but TONIGHT....

I am going to EXPECT like A.W Tozer shared...and besides these expectations are TIED to GOD...HE never disappoints...HE never fails....and HE is God!


Lord, I am going to EXPECT that YOUR promises  will come true for a woman reading this and for her family.  You Lord, promised in Isaiah - that you have come to BIND the brokenhearted.....you  came Lord to proclaim FREEDOM for the captives and release from darkness the prisoners.   Lord, she has a husband that NEEDS to hear from you - smack him over the head...may he see that he needs you.  Lord, she has children that MUST call upon You.  Lord, she has raised them, there are more yet in the home...she has spoken truth and life into them......but it is NOT her job to save them...that is YOURS.  She has believed a lie that she could 'pull' them into you -- God release her of that -- show her that YOU have EACH of them...and that YOU can be trusted.  Lord, within ...her finances....the  health of her daughter...we need a miracle.  Lord, within her heart -- it hurts so much.  Lord, in Isaiah 36 the King of Assyria is taunting the captives....those under King Hezekiah.  Those post people were beyond....they were at the END of their rope.  Lord, it says  that those people that loved you -- were eating their own excrement and drinking their urine...they had HAD enough ....and yet... they still believed in YOU.  King Hezekiah went to Isaiah and asked....as they were like in the day of 'birth' with no strength to deliver.  God.... that is her head and heart -- I heard it  today.  But tonight - I have EXPECTATIONS that as we pray together and AS  we believe together....   it will be like vs. 6 -- "do no be afraid".  ....that as we - each day, seek you and walk this out...that YOU will bring clarity to life decisions.  You Lord, will open spiritual eyes...and there will be a trust in You - that has NEVER been experienced.  In Jesus name...amen.  




- humbled and expecting God to move....
Hang in there.... - michelle 

Friday, March 6, 2015

Passing through the Waters....seeing the LIGHT of God!

Isaiah 43.2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.


Almost 5 years ago, our lives were very different.  My life was very different.  I was on a roller coaster and just trying to get off, or back on...or even get to a new 'ride' but that was then.  Four years  ago, I was preparing my 4th graders for Florida Writes, trying my best to tweek any quick lessons and trying to make a child WANT to write. I had decided to apply for a new job and make some changes.    Four years ago,  Hunter had just returned from Costa Rica and he spoke about the orphanage and how it affected him.  Today, he is almost 4 credits sky of being a Senior at FAU.   Four years ago, Taylor had just turned 20 and I was taking my classes at church to go to my Encounter Retreat Weekend.  Four years ago, things were very different.  Three years ago, we had just moved in our 'healing house' and I marveled at what God was doing in front of me.  Two years ago, I had the opportunity to help lead some women and see them experience freedom at a God Encounter Weekend.   A year ago, I had the awesome privilege of doing the same thing...  and presently, I am preparing for another gift from God...the chance to work with 18 other women and watch God show up at a God Encounter weekend....coming at the end of this month.   Four years ago, our lives were very different --  And they were good.   They are different today -- but oh so good.  Even with struggles.... there is Joy in this journey. 


 This morning, God reminded me of something special that happened to me  years ago at my Encounter weekend.....heading to the Encounter was hard, as there were so many unanswered questions, thoughts, and hurt, but coming home from it -- there was a true Encounter with My Lord.

The verse in Isaiah...passing through the waters...That has been happening for the past several years and God NEVER once....left me.  HE was there with me all the time.    I think back and can get overwhelmed by thoughts, problems, and hurts...and HE says, I will NOT let them overwhelm you... and HE kept HIS promise.  I did not get burned...scorched...and the flame did not kindle upon me.

Even today, as we begged heaven for a miracle in a young woman's life.... I pondered and thought -- about the wonder of God and HOW ...as we pass through these waters...HE will never leave us. 


God  spoke to my heart today in several ways.  He  answered prayer, I saw and witnessed confirmations on situations that I was in prayer for, and HE brought to fruition an idea that was birthed those 4 years ago when I first got to 'be a part' of a leadership team at a God Encounter Weekend.    I believe the time is now ...for women of all our little community to unite and be that body of Christ...that bride of Christ... 

 God showed me what I had to do 'next' and he gifted me with a passion for wanting to SHARE this with others.... it is not about advancing a 'church'...it is about HIS Kingdom and HIS Glory. 

Its not about me...its about HIM.  The precious and priceless beauty of that...is that God makes me feel so loved...it is like I AM the only one on the EArth...   THAT is how close HE is.  HE can be that for YOU too....  but you must seek HIM. 

So, as a reminder --

Whatever YOU may be facing or experiencing right now in your life,  DO not give up.....Hang on.

At the beginning of my Encounter Weekend, I spoke to my Small Group leader  and made my list of hurts and what I wanted to hear from God and 'learn'....HE had HIS own plan.  HIS plan was MUCH better than mine or what I expected.

At the end of my Encounter Weekend, at a prayer time I was slain in the Spirit...that had NEVER happened to me before.  I have seen it happen, I have heard people talk about it - but if it was going to happen to me or be real...I had told God -- HE would have to do it.  HE did.  I went for prayer, I lifted my palms up to show I was submitting to whatever God had for me and my Prayer Warrior  began to pray.  All I heard was, "Father God..."  and I felt the bottoms of my feet lift up and I was down.  And out.  And I saw the most beautiful light...yellow light.  At first I asked God - 'what is this?'  But I felt peace and calm and tranquility.....I believe I got to see the light of God -- for a brief moment, just a brief moment, but HE reminded me of that Encounter today.  HE reminded me...HE is with us.. always...

There is more to this story - but, that is all I am suppose to share ...I am to encourage someone...somewhere.... HE will NOT let you pass through the waters alone, call to HIM today ...

Don't give up.

God wins.

Submitted in Christ -- michelle

I have posted/blogged about the upcoming Encounter Weekend.  If you are interested, please contact me.