Where the Spirit of the Lord Is...

there is freedom -- that is very true. Our pastor is teaching on prophesy and the end signs, and it has been so rich and so good and educational, but it has provoked Satan as I knew it would. He seeks whom he may devour. He has been roaming throughout our church for the past couple of weeks reeking havoc and mayhem. Pastor Rick has a 90 days focus for those who lead in Sunday school or other areas where we are going to be reaching out and ministering more than ever before, and we have missions conference during that time too. We have the Beth Moore Bible study on Esther. There are so many rich, growth opportunities in the next several months, and it is guaranteed to stir the embers of spiritual warfare.

My prayer is that everything will encourage Christians to entrench themselves in the Word, be diligent and on their guard, to reach out when the Spirit leads, and to forgive as the Bible instructs.

We had 40 women show for the Monday night Esther Bible study and 25 for the Tuesday morning. Great turnout, and we had a group from the church out of town, so there will be more next week.

I pray that God will remove any doubts any might have about participating. I pray that God will remove any and all obstacles to their attendance and to their doing their daily Bible study. I pray that God will move mightily among the members of our church and spark a revival. I pray that God will put a hedge of protection around our church leadership and their families along with protection of my family as well. For we fight against principalities and He has already overcome.
Thank you, Lord for being the Victor, our champion. Amen.

A 2*4 to the head

A meeting arranged solely by God happened today, and I was allowed to take part. Isn't it awesome when two or more are gathered in His name there He will be also? It doesn't matter whether you are in church, some one's home, a restroom, a restaurant, anyplace you can have a conversation...there He can show up. Today, it happened in Chilli's. A most enchanting lady met me to talk about a program that God had laid on my heart for young girls. She had a similar program she had created herself because of her heart for children. We began with this common thread, and we began revealing the blessings that God has poured out on each of us. We couldn't help but tear up when we spoke of how God had been faithful when we hadn't always felt like it. We noted how there had been times when we had been angry with God and yet He was closer still. It was comforting and encouraging to talk to a sister in Christ and hear of how God brought her through a very difficult time in her life. Like me, she wondered why we are so surprised how perfectly God's timing is and how He knows what is needed or required before we do. Why is that? He has proven Himself over and over again, and yet we are surprised.

As I said at first, God arranged this meeting. He wanted me to meet this lady, but not for the reason I thought. I believe a beautiful friendship has begun, and I believe God put her in my path because she is suppose to play a part in our Beth Moore's Bible study on Esther. I think she has a testimony that the women need to hear. Sometimes God hits me with a 2*4 like today, but sometimes He's more subtle. I'm thankful for the 2*4s. It's refreshing when God puts something so obvious it can't be denied. So often we search for "signs"and hints from God but often times we miss the most blatant of communication. There is no such thing as coincidence. God is not a God of accidents waiting to happen. He is God on purpose and a God who's always on time.

2008 to 2009

Flashes of light, eruptions of noise rattling myself to the core, glitter falling from the sky, sparks of silver, green and red explode in perfectly timed sequences. With each dynamic display of color we say goodbye to 2008 and hello to 2009.

Now, safely into 2009, many look forward and make resolutions of how this year will be different and what they hope to change in the upcoming year. Some look in the rear view mirror thankful that 2008 is over, never to be repeated again. Some living in regret and with regret. Some remembering those who they lost in 2008 and mourning still.

As for me, I'm recovering from staying up till 1 AM, but feel blessed by God in 2008 and am eagerly awaiting what He has in store for me and my family and friends in 2009. In 2008, I went on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy with a girlfriend. It still seems like a dream. It is my goal one day to return to that beautiful country. God worked on my marriage, on my husband, and on myself to unite and make us stronger, more unified. He still has work to do on us in 2009, though. He continues to prepare me for "such a time as this," and I am getting closer and closer to confidently claiming His destiny for me. In 2009, I want Him to use me to effectively minister to my family, to teach my children about His love and His will. I pray that He will use me and my mom as we teach Beth Moore's Esther, and I pray that the growth from this Bible study will spur growth into the birth of a women's ministry at my church. I want to fulfill my destiny in Christ, to live to the potential He has given me. I pray for wisdom and insight and guidance, and I pray that God will bless me and my family and friends.

Thank you, Lord for the privilege of living in the USA. I pray for our government, my church leaders and those who have influence that you will work mightily in their hearts and will control their paths. I lift up my family to you and thank you for blessing me so richly with Patrick, Erin and Pearce and our beautiful home. Thank you, Lord for your grace and mercies that are ever new each and every day and free for me to claim. Open my eyes and my heart to Your will and your way. I love you.