It's A Process.....

      I was messaging with someone on face book recently and the person typed 3 words that sent my mind running. My ears perked up, revelation began to kick in and I was like "whoa". The Words were simply "It's a Process". How many times have we heard those words? How many times have we read them? Sometimes, we can hear something and it will simply go in one ear and out the other. Words can pass us by like the wind. But, there are times when words can come and hit us right in the face. Stop us in our tracks and burn our hearts. They come alive and make us pay attention to them. This is exactly what happened to me when I read those words.  I literally had revelation dawn so fast on me that my thoughts could not keep up! If you can imagine something moving at the speed of light, you will get a visual of how I received these words!
    Basically, what DOESN'T have a process? We live in a World of process. Nothing just materializes out of nothing into something. They go through a process.  I LOVE how the Lord designed this physical world as a big parable to the Spiritual word and how He gives us revelation so we can get a better understanding of things. (Make sense?) We can "know" something and "hear" something but when God gives a revelation status to it, it gets SUPER POWERS. (smile!)  My mind was thinking on every process it could process! (smile) I marveled at the word! (Dictionary.com defines it as "continuous action, operation, or series of changes taking place in a definitive manner.) WOW. Can you SEE my hunger and excitement just by reading the definition? Keep in mind, I had heard those words countless times but it was THIS time that revelation flowed like a sentence on steroids.
     The Lord began to deal with me about seasons. For example: Summer into Fall. We don't lay down one hot Summer night and the next morning it is Fall. It doesn't work that way. The calendar may mark a day where it states "Fall begins" but in actuality, Summer was processing into Fall a long time before the calendar declared it. It gradually becomes cooler, the days gradually get shorter and shorter and the leaves gradually turn from a lush green to beautiful fall colors. To take it even further the trees move through a process all through fall, preparing themselves to go into a dormant, winter season. There are processes all around us! Process of growth, crawling to walking, Freshman status to Senior status, graduation. processed hair to natural hair. Whoa. (Had to add that!)
    I can go on and on but, I think you get it. So, the question is why do we get anxious and discouraged when things don't happen for us in the time we feel that it should or the way we want it to? We feel like we are being faithful and moving forward. We are examining ourselves. We feel like we're being led by God but, what's taking so long? Why during these times we begin to feel like we've "missed it"? We get frustrated and try to make things happen in our own strength? Why do we want to just give up? I think it's because we don't understand the process or get weary during it.  At least, that's what my deal was. A while back,  I had some things planned out. In my mind, I had steps set up like dominoes and I was going to knock them down one by one and keep it moving. Let's GO.  I was mentally checking off a list. What I didn't factor in was GOD'S TIMING and PREPARATION for the things I had planned! Sometimes we don't factor in those things He has to FIX in us or around us before we can move forward. (Proverbs 16:9 "A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directs his steps.")   He takes us through a process. There was healing that needed to take place, deliverance, understanding. acceptance. We are moving through the process as long as we are moving forward and cooperating with Him and following His plan.  Physically, I might not be at MY goal yet but spiritually, HIS GOALS are being met in me! We don't need to rush it, fight it and we certainly don't need to give up on it! We need to rest in Him knowing that He is taking us through this process in His timing for our own good and for His Glory. The tree is not telling God to hurry up and change it's leaves from lush green to beautiful fall colors....it just stays planted and allows it's leaves to blow in the wind while trusting God to change it's seasons.  Get this... even when ALL it's leaves fall off in winter and it goes completely dormant, looking dead, it still stays planted. Why? Because I believe that the tree, even in the dormant state with no leaves is being and doing exactly what God would have it do in that season. That's beautiful isn't it? I hear ya' God! I got it. You get it? Stay planted and commune with Him. Enjoy Him. Trust Him without leaning on your own understanding. Move in what He will have you to move in and trust HIM to change your season!

A Funny Thing Happened to Me Today.....

     This morning when I got up, I realized I didn't have any bread to make my sandwich for lunch....Well, ok. I already knew I didn't have bread. I was just too lazy to stop by the store on my way home yesterday. (and the day before)  Anyway, I went to a fast food restaurant.   I decided to get a small burger, fry and a sweet tea. I got down the road and the sandwich was hot but didn't have any taste, the fries were hot, but bland and kinda hard. And, get this all you southern folks...THE ICED TEA WAS NOT SWEET. I could kinda deal with the blandness of the food because to be honest, I really didn't have a taste for it anyway. But, the tea was a deal breaker. UNACCEPTABLE.  I realized that I had gotten unsweet tea by mistake. I hadn't driven far and I literally said out loud to myself..."Now, this whole meal CAN'T be bad. I gotta change something!" I turned around, drove back to the restaurant and poured the unsweet out and got the sweet tea. When I got back in the car, I decided to put a little salt on my fries and on my burger. As I was doing all these things, it was as if my actions were "speaking" to me. I was like...wow. I started eating again and, my meal was MUCH improved. The salt bought out the flavor of the food and the tea was now sweet. It was like that whole meal had "come to life".
     Life can be hard. Sometimes we are dealt some hard blows. We get "unsweet tea" by mistake.  We make a bad decision. As a result, life can seem bland and bitter and we can end up being hard from it all. We're living, warm blooded creatures..but, inside we could just be "blah". And, somehow, we just accept the "blah". But, it doesn't have to stay that way. That's good news! We can make it better! What's that "deal breaker" that will make you turn around and say "Somethings got to change!"  What is that unacceptable thing that you know you need to change?  It starts with a decision and changing our perception of how we see where we are, what we are going through or have been through. We must decide to make some positive decisions that will change our lives for the better and make a conscious decision not to stay in the "pit". The fact that I changed a tasteless burger and fries to a good lunch with a small pack of salt and the fact that I decided to turn around and get the sweet tea instead of deciding to keep the unsweet tea spoke volumes. Just doing those small things bought about a positive change.
    I know, you're thinking..."How she get all that out of a burger?" My answer to you would be.. ."Read the title of my blog again...I did say A funny thing happened to me today".
     Back to my story. :)
     What started out as bland and hard didn't stay that way. It doesn't matter how long you've been in a pit! If you're breathing, a change is a decision away!  I encourage you to get a pack of salt. Meaning, give your life flavor.  If you feel stuck and in a rut, depressed, down, go be a blessing to someone else.  Be thankful.  Begin a hobby. What is it you like to do? Find out the things that make you happy and DO THEM! I give you permission! (As long as they are positive and healthy) Pour out the negative thoughts, bitterness and hardness of life and put in the sweet things. Choose to smile more, love more and above all things, forgive. Let go of every weight. It's not worth it because, you're meant to soar and you can't do that weighted down!  You were meant to FLYYYYYYYY.  ( I see you lighter already!)  Life is too short to accept the bland in life when only a decision to turn, add a little salt, replace the unsweet with sweet can make it better...
     You can't see me right now. But, trust me. I'm smiling.
 

"Smitten"

 Webster defines "smitten" as "affected by something overwhelming". "awestruck". I am smitten for Jesus. I'm awestruck by His Love. I am wonderfully ship wrecked and ruined for all else. I simply must have Him.

I must breathe Him.
I must have His Mind.
I must have His Spirit.
I must please Him.
I must chase Him.
I must dwell in Him.
I must know Him.
I must take refuge in Him.

All of Him.

I may not be perfect but there is nothing. Absolutely nothing like dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. There is no safer place than being covered by His feathers. There is no greater peace than running into that "place" when all around you life is raging. His peace covers you. His love envelopes you. It is REAL. It is Liberating. It is a place that your problems become small and He becomes HUGE. Your issues seem mediocre and insignificant when you stand in the presence of His Glory because it is THERE that you know.....HE CAN HANDLE IT. Not matter how big or how small. Even in light of what becomes small...it matters to Him because it matters to you.  HE has the power over ALL things. Why worry when you have HIM? It is a place that you want to dwell and never come back but, you know you must...if only to share with others that this place is real. It is true and it is accessible for anyone that calls upon and believes on His Name.

I dare you to try Him. I dare you to become "smitten".

Difficult Day....

     Today was a difficult day for me. We all know that all days will not be filled with sunshine and goodness but when a "rough" day comes along, it is still unexpected and it seems as if we have to travail our way through. God is faithful and His Arms are always open to us when we have our difficult days. He just wants us to run into them.

    This morning I left my home a few minutes later for work than I usually do. When I got on the main highway which is 30 seconds from my door, I noticed traffic backup. An accident had just happened across the street. I suddenly felt overwhelmed with sadness and I began to cry and pray and cry out to God in words only He would understand, not sure what was going on within me. I felt His presence all around me and I ended in worship. 

    A few hours later my daughter I received a text telling me that the entire school was in grief because in that very accident a much loved classmate had gotten killed and several other students were taken to the hospital. A few minutes later she sent another text that a boy from another school that she knew had passed away from a freak accident that happened last week. She was overwhelmed and I was. Praying and texting her words of comfort I felt as if I understood why The Lord had me pray as I did earlier this morning. But, Just before lunch, I received a text from my sister that a very good friend of ours who had been dealing with illness was in critical condition and the family had been called in. How much more Lord? We all went to college together. It was the 6 of us. We had some awesome, wonderful times. We rode with each other to our hometowns. We laughed together, cried together, hung out together, had slumber parties. But, in recent years, had drifted apart only speaking every now and then or liking posts. I prayed, I cried, but I knew. My prayers then changed to comfort for the family, friends, loved ones. Even though I knew that THIS day, she would be in the presence of the Lord, it still did not stop my tears. The call of confirmation came on my way home from work. Still tears. Yes. Today was a difficult day. As I reached home and my daughters and I sat around the dinner table to discuss our day, I was mentally and emotionally drained BUT, STILL trusting in the one who knows what is best. I had no clue how much pain she was in. The agony she experienced. The sleepless nights. But, her Savior did and He called His baby home. To Peace. To a painless awesomeness with Him. So, I share that experience to anyone whose had their world rattled by death or grief that God is a comforter. He is our strength and His Words are true. He just wants us to come to Him with our pain. He is ready and waiting.  Even as I type and fill my ears and my heart with Words and songs of worship, I feel my strength or better yet, His strength come to me again and I pray the same for the family.

Lamentations 3:22-23King James Version (KJV)

22 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

I THESSALONIANS 4: 13-18

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others who have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so will God bring with Him those also who sleep in Jesus.

15 For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord: that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who are asleep.

16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first;

17 then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

     

Don't You Care That We Perish?!

 I seem to remember writing a blog about this before or hearing a sermon about this or, it could just be a revelation that is resounding so LOUDLY with me that is just seems so familiar!  Read this scripture: (Mark 4:35-41)
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Wind and Wave Obey Jesus

35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”[d] 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”  

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    Most of the time, we focus on the wind and the sea and Jesus saying "Peace Be Still" but have you noticed what the disciples said to him when they found the Savior sleeping when they were going through a storm? Lord! Don't you care that we perish? Sounds like they even had an attitude!  Doesn't that sound like us when we are in the midst of the storm and the Lord seems to be chilling? "Lord, Where are you?" "Lord, do you hear me?" "Are you there Lord?" "How much longer I have to go through this Lord!".."Don't you see that I'm dying here.....UGH!!!!" (yes, we can get that dramatic..well..I know I can). We even get offended and sometimes angry because it seems that Jesus is in the stern fast asleep while the waves of life are beating us down. But, TAKE HEART! Jesus wants us to just trust Him. There was a reason why He was asleep. Notice in this version of scripture, they called him "Teacher".  Even with Him sleeping during the storm I believe He was teaching them and us that you can still have peace and be at rest in your spirit when everything seems to be going wrong.  Additionally, He wanted them to use their faith. To stand up in the power and authority that He had given them and learn to rebuke the wind and rain themselves! if you look closer, not only did Jesus rebuke the storm, he seemed to rebuke the disciples! The tone of this scripture sounded like a teacher who passionately wanted His pupils to GET IT.  Basically saying "I'm on board. I got you but I want you to learn to use the power and authority that I've put within you. Why is it that you are still afraid?" I believe that during those times in over lives when Jesus "seems" far away, He really is right there waiting for us to stand up in Him and to take command of our situation with the power He has given to us. It is a lesson to help us to grow stronger in our faith and trust in Him.  So, the next time you feel like the wind and the rain of this life is beating you up...remember that Jesus is still on the ship with you...He just wants you to exercise your faith. 

A New Direction

    I was debating on whether to post this "vision" on my blog but...hey...why not. I guess I will because I seem to be getting so many confirmations. I was in church on Sunday and we were in praise and worship. I had my eyes closed. All of a sudden I saw a person walking down a road/ path and then make a right turn. I kept seeing this over and over and hearing "course change", "redirection".  I pondered on this.

I am on facebook and no..I don't believe everything everyone posts but I've seen so much confirmation to this one "vision" that I had that I know that God is up to something. My prayer for this and for you is that we don't miss ANYTHING God has for us in this season! PRAISE THE LORD!

Everything about you is getting ready to change. It's a new season and a new era and God is taking you in a different direction. Prepare to shift out of the old and into the new to possess what He has for you. It's your time and it's coming quickly. Isaiah 43:18-19

HIT THE RESET BUTTON!!

  This is to all my "busy" people out there.....! (imagine music playing in the background as I say this...) Have you ever been so busy that you can't keep up with yourself? Have you ever put your purse in the refrigerator? Put the eggs in the pantry? Put the salt and pepper shaker in the microwave? Put the ham or turkey you just made your sandwich with in the oven? LOL! These questions might sound crazy..but it's real! For a period in my life I was doing crazy stuff like that. We would find stuff in the strangest places. The kids would laugh at me. Matter of fact when they couldn't find something, they knew where to look! In the kitchen cabinets or the microwave! Funny but not funny!  My mind was all over the place, I was wide open and so busy( and at that time, stressed)  I could barely think straight. Are you walking around snapping at the kids, kicking the dog and find yourself absent minded as all outdoors?  Can't remember stuff. Matter of fact...where are the kids? LOL. TIME TO HIT THE RESET BUTTON. You TOO busy! Get somewhere and SIT DOWN.  Matter of fact....HAVE SEVERAL SEATS.
     I remembered that period of my life this week. It was NOTHING like it used to be ( I wasn't doing all that stuff in the 1st paragraph) but just enough to remind me that it's just time to get it together. It was time to reset.  I'm sure we all have this happen at one time or another. It seemed like the whole month of August was just BUSY. On the heels of that, the kids went back to school. There are orientations, paperwork and I was also dealing with some other personal issues that seemed to come one issue after the next. I had a wonderful labor day weekend but it was also BUSY. It was in the AM before I went to bed for several nights. WHEW. Wonderful for all you that hang like this, but I can't. Not anymore. I wasn't so much as stressed as TIRED. The stress I have learned to leave with God but my behind was TIRED. (the stress part is another blog post)
     Well, earlier this week I had senior night at my daughter's school. Work has been extremely busy and stressful and I was pooped.  As I sat in the auditorium listening to information about senior pictures, rings, classes, financial aid, colleges, meetings, MONEY, I just began to get really agitated. I was already tired and irritable and it felt as if my mind could not absorb anything else. I was shutting down and I knew it.  Ever been there? I wanted to get up and leave but that wouldn't have been right. I pressed to come. This meeting was so important so I just silently sat there and prayed.I  was fighting against snapping on my daughter b/c in my head, she was being irritating. It won't her. It was me. The only thing I heard was "You're tired. You need to SLEEP." Just shut it down. I had been running and I knew I had not had the proper rest and it was catching up with me. For days, all I kept hearing was "sleep". Simple, right? Some people find it hard. As I sat there in that auditorium, all I could think of was sleep and I determined when I got home, that would be "what's up". I wasn't doing ANYTHING but going to bed. I even shut my thoughts down.  It was time to hit the reset button. When I got home, I prepared for bed early and blissfully slept all night long. I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and had a wonderful day. Things did not seem as "hard" to get accomplished and my mind was sharp.
     So, I said all that to say this. If you have a computer and that computer starts tripping, getting hung up, start acting "slow" or just stopped working all together, what do you do? We reboot, We reset, we SHUT IT DOWN. 95% of the time when we bring it back up, it's back to normal.  When God spoke the earth into existence, He even rested on the 7th day!  What makes us think we are any different? What are we pushing toward? What are we trying to do? What are we striving for?  What are we sacrificing in our lives for the sake of a goal? Yes. We are to work toward our goals but God gave us balance and  when we neglect our families, our bodies, our spiritual lives just to
" work" (whether it be at our jobs, our businesses, CHURCH, or anything we've made an idol), we are out of balance. I know about this because I did it for a long period in my life so, I knew the warning signs. Do you know the warning signs that it's time to hit your reset button? A fuse is no good BURNT OUT.