Faith over Feelings Strong BOLD Prayers Day #4

July 4th.  Wow what a day!   If you are following you know I am in Washington DC and each time I am more WOWED at what God can do and is doing.  

Yesterday was the day to celebrate our Independence.   July 4th.  This city is full of history,  protocol,  rules and guidelines. 

 A friend  was worried about me traveling to Washington DC, much less traveling during the 4th -- I have to admit - my eyes are open all the time-- but there is such a presence of security everywhere we go!  I feel safe and have faith in our protectors -- the police and secret service as well as the military all over.  

Yesterday we had a private party at the Women's Service Memorial and we were blessed to watch the fireworks from the roof of that building with the rows and rows of tomb markers in the background at Arlington.  As I watched the fireworks, which were amazing, I thought :

 Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there

I thought of all the buried around me.  

I thought of family who are serving and who served to help protect my country. 

I thought of the constant controversy between our political parties and the constant barrage of 'hate' towards our President. 

I thought of the many homeless people I saw as we traveled from here to there.

I thought of the women and loved ones who are trusting faith right now instead of their feelings.    

But mostly - I thought of the people WHO died for my freedom -- so that I could enjoy a lemonade on the roof of the Women's Service Memorial and be amazed at the wonder.  

And I thanked God.  

I thanked God that MANY had faith in something and went past their feelings and fought for a cause.  

I thanked God that way back... Abraham had faith and became the father of many -- 

I thanked God that way back ...Moses had the courage to be obedient --

And I thanked God that way back....Jesus prayed and said, "not my will but Yours Father".  

Humbled.  

Very humbled.  

Lord, for those following these prayers.  Lord, for those that can't see their faith through their feelings right this moments -- I pray that they would reflect on what they DO have faith in and just move forward with that.  I pray that YOU would become so real to them -- that they'd go and read that story of Abraham and/or Moses and believe.  I pray they'd even seek the story of Esther and believe that their faith - can move mountains and change their history as well.  May they seek and hear YOU through their feelings.  

In Jesus most historic and heroic name...Amen.  

Faith over Feelings Prayer/Post Day #3 Our past.

So, today I walked over 6 miles.  I am on an adventure in Washington DC.  I had the privilege to visit Mt. Vernon in Virginia which is the estate of General George Washington.  Today I learned they referenced him as "General" as he didn't want to be called Mr. President once he was out of office.  

I walked his grounds, saw beautiful gardens and majestic farmland. I heard stories of how his brother renamed the estate after a British Naval Officer that he adored and when George inherited the estate, he could of renamed it back to Mt. Washington, as it had been in his family for generations, and yet he left it - Mt. Vernon.  Which to the shock of  historians,  was an oxymoron as the estate was named after a British  Naval Officer and we had indeed fought the British in the Revolutionary War and won! 

I also saw his 'fancy' teeth and learned how they made the outside of the mansion appear to be made of sandstone. I saw the bold colors of the guest rooms that Washington picked out himself.  And, I looked out a mirror that George himself looked into as he adjusted his tie before walking out onto his porch in the evening.   Quite interesting for a teacher of upper elementary students and the wife of an American History teacher.   There were many stories.  Many.  

Fascinating.  

I also  learned of how Mt. Vernon came to be a National Treasure and who began a national campaign to raise the funds to purchase Mt. Vernon from it owners, the descendants of the Custis family as George didn't have any direct heirs- only grandchildren of his wife - Martha.   He was apparently sterile from contracting small pox when he was a younger man.  And, I got whisked away with history that was indeed heartbreaking and ground breaking.  

There was a  great deal of  'perfection'  to preserve the past.  There was a lot of expense to preserve the past.  Historians and archaeologists have worked and worked to make this place a true picture of what Mt. Vernon was.  Many of the guides reminded us that if George were to walk on the grounds today - he would approve as it was pretty much like he left it in 1799.  


I thought about that over and over again.  I am most thankful for those that saw the future and knew to purchase the property so it could be something our Nation could be proud of.  I am also thankful for those historians that learn and teach us - as indeed, the past is important.  

We learn from it.  We need to know of our history so we don't make the same mistakes in the future but so that we also can move forward and grow.  


I thought about the blog today and my prayer for today -- Day #3.... it is important to know where we came from.  

Bottom line - we are all born sinners.  
I believe God's Word and  by His Word -- it says, that I deserved death.  
 Adam sinned. Man sinned.
We are born with a sin nature -- 

This can cause a lot of debate as 'how' can a baby be born with sin?  

THAT and THOSE answers can be for another blog, but today I thought of my past. 

My past -- did help create the person I am today. 

It formed my destiny -- and yet, it also is something that DOES not limit me,  I mean - my past does not define who I am NOW -- a daughter of the most high God-- a friend of Jesus, and my confidant is Holy Spirit.  

I am WHO God says I am.  
I know Jesus went to that Cross for me and for my entrance into heaven through the Savior.  
My past won't hold me back nor detain me....as my past is the past and it is redeemed through the blood of Jesus. 


  

Today, if you are feeling like You don't belong or that God can't possible use your past for His glory and Your future -- I am here to share - God does and God can.   God wants to.  

Very simply put -- 

Lord, for the one reading this tonight - may they check their heart and ask....am I saved?  Lord, have I confessed and repented for my past?  Lord, have you washed me -- clean, through your blood?    

Lord, these are important questions and if the reader is unsure, I pray she or he will seek out some counsel tomorrow -- tomorrow Independence Day -- may they feel the dependence UPON You and may that independently know that they know -- their past is covered and their future is intact with YOU -- IN Jesus Name, Amen.  

Faith over Feelings Prayer/Day #2

I spent almost 3 hours with this little one in the pool yesterday.  

Faith.  She has no fear.  None. 

 By this point when the photo was snapped, she was OVER the swimmies and the floats, she just wanted to GO.  
  And yet, she needed me.  

As I said, she had total faith in her own ability to walk across the pool edge and yet, if the  BIG gator float came close, she was QUICK to announce to us that we were to get it way away from her.  

That caused her fear.  

I thought about this. 

 WHAT do we have total faith in and what causes us fear?  

For some, what I have faith in - causes fear in others.  
For others with great fears -- their fears may seem like ' a hangnail' for me.   

Each of us so different. 
 Each of us with fears that the enemy can seem to 'trigger' and each of us with some amount of faith.  

Praise God HE knows exactly HOW we think.  

Faith to believe our cars will start today. 
Faith to believe the plane that will be taking us north will not crash. 
Faith to believe that as we had off to an adventure vacation -- our home will be here when we get back.  
Faith to believe that God will answer.  

But...faith to believe that my friend's husband's eyes will open and he will see that his marriage IS God's design?  
Faith to believe that lost parents will see the glory of their Savior? 
Faith to believe that a sweet woman of God can heal after her heart has been ripped out and up?  

Yes...  

Faith to believe that God will answer.  

There is the story or parable that Jesus shared - "faith the size of a mustard seed".  
For so many -- they don't even HAVE that amount.  


Lord, today - very simply....that the people reading these blogged prayers in this season would seek YOU today for faith.  I pray they would ASK you to increase their faith and I pray they would think of YOU and HOW faithful  YOU have been. May the video tape of their memory remind them of faithful times and may they see and know -- that no matter what, their faith in YOU -- won't LET them down.  

Lord, for the one who wants to say "screw faith"....
Lord, for the one who questions her faith...
Lord, for the one who is slowly believing her faith is MORE than her feelings...

Lord, be ALL to them....IN Jesus Holy Name... AMen. 

Faith over Feelings - Strong BOLD prayers - Day#1

The Lord reminded me today that I have a voice and that my prayers are heard, so why am I not blogging prayers a bit more?    

That indeed is a good question Lord, why not?  

I admit, I have been busy and the need to blog hasn't  been a driving force- praise the Lord!   And yet, I SO love it and it brings me great joy.  

Earlier this week, God gave me the privilege of showing a woman in crisis my prayers for Marriages and directed her to read and pray.  I asked her to take 40 days and really pray for her marriage and trust God.   She is doing exactly what she knows God wants her to do -- to pray for her man...to be his help mate,  and to encourage him.  Yet....there is SO much more she wants.   I could hear it in her voice.  Often, many women quiet their desires and true feelings.  They mask it -- I have been there.  It is just easier to be quiet and keep the peace. 

 But God...

She wants a leader in her home.  She wants that cherry on the top of her Sundae and doesn't want to have to manipulate to get it.   Been there as well.  There was a long season when I felt I was the spiritual leader of my home,  but it was also a time that the enemy was able to convince me of much because I wasn't where I needed to be -- in HIS Word.    So, I would try my best to manipulate stuff -- and it always ended up with tears or failure.  

But God's grace....

  When I think of  couples that have been married for many many years, I have an array of different ones to seek for examples, inspiration, and  advice.  Some great. Some not tainted by sin and others so full of grace and forgiveness that bleeds out.   Some just hanging on by a bare thread and others -- enjoying their time with God and yet, there is still this 'fantasy' of that PERFECT marriage.    I watch people -- don't we all?  Do you notice those couples in the restaurants on their phones and ignoring each other.  Or do you see a couple that draws you in? 

 Honestly - there is NO perfect marriage because we are NOT perfect.  Only Jesus was ....but goodness -- there are some that I have seen -- that come close.   Those draw me in.... I watch them and I can get lost in comparison at times...as "I want that".  

But  faith... 

On some days, my own marriage can come close,  to that image that will draw me in,  and on many other days -- it is a humble reality that we are just two broken, needly people -- but praise God, He heals.  Praise God His mercies are new every morning and we are set free and able to indeed show love like Jesus did.  

 As I write  this blog, this  evening -- these 40 days of prayers are for the one who has to trust faith over her feelings or maybe even for a man reading this that must trust faith over his feelings.   I had to trust my faith in a very hard season and it took OH so long - and yet, it was OH so worth it.... Our faith delights the Lord!  

Let's see how the Holy Spirit speaks -- 


Before I start -- the photo of of my precious mother in law/love who I have had the privilege of knowing for almost 40 years now!  Her kitchen is a safe haven where she has fed and entertained many.  It is a kitchen that has invited guests to her home over the years  so that God could be shared and people could be loved.    It is a place where her sweet tea is created and consumed in gallons by my children and it is a place that glows with the touches and antiques of many years of love.   It is a place where you can hear the Word of God.  


Faith over feelings -- these prayers are going to focus on this.   Faith to me ...illustrated - could be that warm kitchen - that glow ....  


Lord, today I believe you stirred something in me.  I have a few more questions and I am testing a few theories as well.  You KNOW I am about to embark on a wild vacation and sitting and writing prayers is going to be a hard task and yet I know that I know -- indeed -- you want my fingers typing and praying.  

So, I will start with this simple prayer --


Lord, I pray that the one reading this will continue with me for 40 days -- and as she or he reads the statement that we must seek faith over our feelings and 'faith' it until we feel it... goodness Lord ------ THAT can only happen if they SEEK YOU and humble their own hearts to believe that it is possible.  

There is a sister hurting because of a phone call - 
There is a mom hurting because of a loss - 
There is a mom worried her actions will cause repercussions upon her children - 
There is a mom full of pain because of choices - 
There is a wife that has made some hard choices in the belief that she can't save her husband - 
There is a wife handing onto the fact that YOU have promised her SO much more  - 
And there is a young momma ....just trying to be ready, as ready or not -- YOU are coming soon.  

There are more women - more mommas and more wives that could be mentioned -- BUT YOU know Lord.   You know HOW you created them for SUCH a time as this.  

You Lord can help them, cross over -- where FAITH is MORE than their feelings and for each of them I call upon this eve ...............................Lord, be with them -- IN the mighty name of Jesus, Thank you LORD, Amen.  

The Blue Room - Where do you meet Jesus?

This is the blue room. 
 It's the bedroom in the upstairs of some sweet friends. 

 Friends that the Lord brought to us, my husband and I, when we prayed for some 'peeps' to hang out with on a cruise.  

A work related cruise that had several events and we wanted to spend our time with some like minded people. 

God cares about our smallest desires as well as the ones we feel 'He can't answer'.  

But...HE does.  He literally brought them to us.  God orchestrated  the story, but basically, I was playing  " Reckless Love"  by Cory Asbury.   Well, I thought someone was telling me to turn down my music and it was God, prompting my potential  pal to speak to me and we struck up a conversation.   

My point, Bren and I had prayed before he took a walk.  And afterwards we were comparing what we prayed for once the other had left, and each of us had prayed to meet a couple we could hang with.       

We have stayed in the Blue Room a few times and we are trying to make sure we get to their home soon and repeat the process.  Everyone needs time to be refreshed.  I mean - God did create a day of Sabbath.  God didn't intend for us to WORK this hard.   Let's face it, Chick-f-lay is certainly blowing every restaurant out of the water with sales and I truly believe it is because its owners have honored the Sabbath and close each Sunday.  A day we are suppose to rest and honor our Lord.  

  Each time I look at this photo - it makes me smile.  As this Blue Room isn't blue as in sad.  It is gorgeous.      It is filled with beautiful antique  pieces  and memories from their daughters as they grew.  

But when my husband and I go to THIS Blue Room - it is to refresh.   It becomes our safe haven.

  We are intentional when we visit these dear friends -- we want to soak up what Jesus has been telling them and we want to sit and  soak in HOW  they love Jesus and each other after 40 years of marriage.  We admire HOW they communicate with Him, rely on Him,  and we want to partner with them in prayer for much of what God wants for us.  It really is an awesome thing.  

And yet, God wants us to be intentional with HIM - everyday.  Everyday, I should find and carve out time to renew and refresh with my Lord.  As when I do -- people can see HOW I love Jesus and people may want to SOAK me up more.  


I do believe that God wants YOU to have a Blue Room as well as the intentional time with Him.   He wants you to have a spot to refresh and renew.  So where can it be if you don't have a weekend get away?  

There is this little thing about a prayer closet.  It could be your bathtub.  It could be on the back porch -- it could even be in your car.  I have a daughter that retreats to her car in a parking lot at times -- just that is where she can find a few moments of quiet. It may means you set the alarm for an extra 40 minutes in the morning and begin to wean yourself off a certain TV show that takes up 40-200 minutes of time within the week.  

Believe me - I am writing and speaking to MYSELF.  
I have had to change some things - like DELETE a certain program that really WAS NOT making my life better or even enlightened.    

I realize this may be something unattainable at the very moment, but I do believe God wants to meet you.  In a Blue Room....in a Red Room.... anywhere.   He wants more of you.  I know HE wants more of me.  

A sweet friend made the comment yesterday, "I felt the Lord said, I want you spending less time working those fingers as you scroll and more time on those knees."

I have thought of that ALL day and asked God several times .... "that was for me - wasn't it?"   

 Routinely, I  usually am digging into a bible study -- that keeps me held accountable and it keeps me in the word.  My husband can just sit and read.  He usually goes from one of the book to the other.  

  I want a plan.   By the way, You Version Bible app is the best to help you with that.  It is FREE!  

But I can just sit and read too.  I will read Psalms a lot and turn them into prayers and when I begin to read in James or even in John,  I follow Priscilla Shirer's plan of action. 

When I was shown this about 5 years ago -  it was 'freeing' to me,  because as she teaches about it, she reminds you that you can stay on one chapter for 5 minutes or 5  months if you have too.... not to really 'set' a timeline, but just take it one day at a time.  


So, with that -- I will pray. 


Lord for the one who is reading this tonight - may she or he ask that same question..."am I spending too much time on social media or in other "non - eternal stuff"??

   Lord, I pray they can answer that with the assurance that they are aligned and in tune with you.  I pray that they will position themselves to hear from you and that as they do, You will make the rest fall into play.

  I pray a craving of Your Word over their heads and hearts, that the more they read, the MORE they want of You.  

Lord, Your Word is alive and active  - and Your Word brings life......

Lord, that the one reading this would have the courage to share it with another or even that they would make some changes to really SEEK You-- as then they will find you.  

May they also find this plan of studying-- Priscilla's WAY...helpful. 

 In Jesus Name, Amen.  

One Notch Above Cautious -- the sequel.

When life is going along, someone may ask, "how are you?" and you reply -- "fine, just fine!".
When a trial comes it either stops you in your tracks or it totally breaks you and when asked, "how are you?" you may just reply --  "fine, just fine!".  But the tone and texture of your reply may speak more than your words.

I wrote this BLOG back in August of 2011.


 Today, I know there is someone that is in the middle of a trial.   She has seen some GREAT victories through faith and prayer but there is a LONG way to healing.  

She has seen some breakthroughs and the HOPE she has in a victory within her family is not in her sight as of yet -- but she has faith!

In that time period of my life, when one asked me "how are you?", I would reply, "one notch above cautious!".

So, this is an OLD blog from 2011 -- but I believe someone needs to be reminded as they continue to pray to believe that this season will pass and they too will be one notch above cautious!

And as I read through it -- I rejoiced at WHAT God has done and that some specific prayers were answered.  

So, as you read this OLD Blog...there are some updates.  THAT, I believe can give the one reading this  HOPE.  

We need to encourage each other -- as God will win!  You will win!  

**************************************************************************
Back to 2011 --

It is funny -- no it is God's timing,  that today I just sort of  went  one notch about cautious.
What does that mean? Well, for so long there has been a trial, a problem, an event, or just a big old plain elephant in the room. So many things, events, people, and just STUFF involved. One goes through SO many emotions that you almost become RAW at one point and then HARD and vow NEVER to be hurt like that again!

And then you really RE-evaluate and think -WHAT DO I want?

What I wanted?? -- more of God.
I wanted to be in the CENTER of HIS will and I wanted to hear those prophetic words, "well, done my good and faithful servant Michelle".


So choices had to be made.

James 1.12 says: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Blessed is the woman, hurt, that perseveres under trial, because when she has withstood the test, she will receive the crown of life that GOD has promised to those who LOVE HIM.

Blessed is Michelle . . it is hard to sometimes really believe that GOD loves me as much as HE loves Jesus. It is hard to wrap my mind around it.


And so, I have been cautious with my heart. I am cautious, I have good reason. But, when I really reflect and think -- I broke God's heart too. I loved HIM but I really did not WANT HIM . .nor did I really understand HOW to love HIM the way I was suppose to, nor did I understand HIS true grace and mercy. 

 But now . . .

I believe I can say that I have experienced HIS grace and mercy and so therefore, I must give it. Period.

To give grace and mercy .. sometimes it takes extreme patience.
 Patience is to have the ability to endure, but it does stop there.
Patience must also have the capacity to be wronged and not retaliate. In other words, patience is love persevering and love waiting. We are not only to be patient in the way we face difficult situations but in our relationships as well.

Easy to say, HARD to LIVE.

Job Stood firm.

I remember the day I had a revelation -- God loves me like HE did JOB. God has allowed this trial in my life .. this journey .. this hurt . .because HE wants to see if MICHELLE will stand firm. I chose that. I have. I tired. I failed but I tried again. I choose this each day I wake up.

And with that, I have become cautious. People say and act a certain way . . .but sticking around long enough and listening and watching sometimes shows one's true heart.
That is why, I would say . .I am one notch . above cautious.

God's restoration power is at work, God's healing is at work, but it is not complete as of yet. 

The smile on my face, praises GOD for the glorious miracles I see and hear and witness, but I realize the ENEMY is still fighting mad and won't stop! Together, and I am claiming this, together, my husband and I can defeat the Enemy's schemes for our family and friends and I am so anxious to watch how God brings this about.

I am believing that we, both, together can make a difference for HIS Kingdom and I want that. And I believe that God will reveal even more to my husband and do a mighty miracle with everything we have encountered and endured.

**** Insert today -- May 19, 2019 ...I do believe that my husband and I, together, did defeat the enemy's try to sabotage our marriage and our family.  I read this today, and thought back to that DECLARATION.  I did not SEE stuff that would guarantee me to believe that -- but I prayed and declared as if I WOULD.  Praise God -- this has come into fruition!   

Back to  2011 -- 

Every trial must come through HIS love but every trial has a purpose.

 Every pain, every ordeal contains a seed of victory and there is a promise for every problem you and I will ever face. (I am stealing this from Mary Southerland)

Scipture says: " The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger, I trust in HIM with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy." Psm. 28.7



Patience pays off in many ways, but one of the greatest rewards of patience is joy, a deeply - rooted confidence that God is in control.


I can say, this deeply rooted confidence. . that God is in CONTROL . .won't be shaken from me - ever . . .HE will do what HE says HE will do.

 Today, as I finish updating this blog for today -- May 19, 2019.  I have to add this in -- I wrote this blog and prayer back in June of 2011,   after a very 'turning point' weekend.  A weekend that I had prayed for, a weekend that changed the destiny of our marriage,   a weekend where I felt the outcome would be THIS...and yet, it was THAT.... ! 

 The enemy continued to do his best in trying to defeat us and yet...God won.  As I read this prayer today back to myself, I just praised the Lord as to WHAT HE had planned.  So, as I post this blog today, I pray that it will give the right one hope, it would maybe make the right one rethink what she is doing or what he is doing, and I pray it may even remind another that her healing is coming ....slowly, but that God is in control.    The original post /prayer is in purple.  I would use that color to remind myself that those words were ROYAL... and that I had a priestly inheritance.  So, I will leave it be, and interject a few UPDATED praises.  ( In black )   - May the time YOU spent in reading this -- not prove to be in vain.  And if it helps you - I would challenge you to share it or maybe even comment, as my hubs and I would be glad to stand in the gap and pray for you as well.  - Michelle 



Heavenly Father, thank you for the revelation of the Encounter Weekend for both me and for my husband. Thank you for that day, that particular day when the gifts you bestowed on others spoke directly to him. 
Lord, thank you for selling the house ( I know you will do that.) and allowing us to move forward in a new direction with a new purpose and a new calling for you. ( Our house sold in 5 weeks - God was directly moving us. I wrote Thank you even before we had an offer -- speaking it out - declaring!)  

Lord, thank you for the little mini-tidbits of miracles and the hurts that have been healed with small gestures and comments.  ( I couldn't comment on those mini -tidbits of miracles as they were personal, but over and over since the beginning of this fateful trial -- God has blessed me at the right time with the right people or the right things or the right stuff to move me forward.  He knows WHAT makes me tick and what will speak to me -- and only me and HE knows that because HE formed me.  I often remind others of this...and yet, we can forget easily.  )  

Lord, I would never say it was because of 'me' but it is because of YOU that I have the ability to give grace and mercy because I sit here humbled that you waited this long for me. I have  the love for the manual-- it  is here, the mind set is here, you  are the master and  are at the top, and the ministry will come.   ( This is a direct reference to a prayer /words spoken over me by Tim Tebow's mother back in September of 2010.  I held onto it - and believed it as the manual or God's Word WAS NOT my manual for many many years and the trial we faced....brought me to His Word.  THAT was  a good thing.)  

I pray for my husband, Lord, do not allow the Enemy to steal what YOU have revealed to him and Lord, continue to restore, continue to bless, and continue to show me the wondrous mysteries of YOUR love through him. Lord, I thank you for the patience you gave me, for the healing you provided, I want to be way above  "one notch than cautious" . .but you know my private prayers and you know how fear can still creep in   ( that FEAR -- can creep in daily and even almost some 9 years later, that FEAR can still show its hurting/ugly head.  Praise God, I  can run to a mentor and prayer warrior to vent and seek for prayer;  Praise God she points me back to HIM... THAT God will WIN...and that FEAR is NOT allowed.  God won.  Fear is defeated!)  . .. . but I believe, I know . .YOU are GOD and you want this more than we do. Amen. I love you Lord. - Your grateful beautiful daughter - Michelle

I am grateful Lord for WHAT you have done and HOW you continue to heal and work within us.  Lord, we both - only wish to glorify YOU.  We humbly seek you and know, that when you ask us to move - we will follow.  Protect us Lord, even now...so far removed from "one notch above cautious" but not blinded to how the enemy can so quickly throw a dart or cause doubt.  May our lives be love song....may the fruit from our marriage and our testimony truly show to others around you that GOD CAN WIN.  Amen.  And may the one or many that read this today -- feel and know YOU want this for THEM as well.  IN Jesus' Precious and Strong name - AMEN. 

I need you more --

In a blink of an eye -- life flashed. 
Right in front of my eyes, never knew that the fear could cripple my chest.
In the blink of an eye, the light left. 

And I wish I knew why...  I need  YOU more -- more than ever before, Yeah I need you  more.  
Prepare for the worst, hope for the best ....Won't you steady my heart Lord for whatever comes next?  

So holy it is, so holy this moment is -- I Know I NEED YOU more.  
Just a little closer, a little clearer, our souls are nearer tonight -- Our souls are nearer tonight.  

This song bring a flood gate of tears to my head, my eyes and as as the tears drip down, off onto the journal page in front of me and I see puddles of tears....

I need YOU more -- more than ever before.   - For King and Country -Need You More

In the blink of an eye -- our lives can change so drastically.  

A friend is watching his daughter fight for her life in a University Hospital - 

A mother is trying to walk out a HARD situation as her son is ready to meet Jesus - 

A wife is being obedient and totally trusting that her husband will finally seek the program needed to bring freedom from addiction - 

A woman of God being courageous and beginning a bible study with women who need love- 

A wife who is no longer married, but feels the sting of divorce and adultery tearing her up - 

A mother who continually speaks life to her sons in prison -

A young mother walking the balancing act between a daughter and a "step daughter" that truly she loves just like her own -- but parenting with others is hard - 

A young mother  just trying to make sure her fears don't explode all over her daughter so she grows up in fear instead of freedom - 

A mother seeking chemo to attack another type of neurological condition but hurting from after-effects-

  A Grandmother raising two grandchildren trying to seek Jesus as their parents continually choose death instead of life - 

  A ... 
A ... 
A....  there is MUCH in this day -- the burdens are TOO hard to bear unless we CAST them onto Our Lord ... His shoulders are BIG enough and His shoulders WILL carry our burdens.  


There is a kind of love -- and GRACE that only comes through Jesus and the freedom we can have through HIM. 

Last night I was reminded that "when  the PROXIMITY of Jesus and seeking Him  above everything and anyone --is the most important thing in our lives -- it  will lead us into the anointing" - Lisa Harper. 

  Being with - seeking - running to Jesus in EACH and every moment brings peace through out the turmoil and hardships.  It allows us to sleep otherwise we'd carry these burdens and indeed -- die.  

Freedom is found in that liberating message -- 

Many times, when the burdens are just too hard, I use my prayer language to pray.  I do.  Its mine.  Its between me and God.  I don't know exactly WHAT we are conversing about, but scripturally  - I know I am speaking EXACTLY what needs to be said to HIM ...my Creator - my God, my Lord. 

So, I can't really share those prayers -- but I can share this one: 


Lord - be IT for her ... be IT for him... be IT for them... I know YOU are RIGHT there -- but may they SEEK YOU - may they NO longer be bent over in anguish but arise and stand upright - knowing that INDEED...  YOU are RIGHT there.. and claiming healing, claiming prosperity, claiming truth be realized, claiming that YOU will WIN! 
In Jesus name.  
Amen.