tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67522210622928978012024-03-20T02:13:34.437-04:00Keeping It Real- An Inspirational BlogIleana Reich- Writer, Poet, Psalmist, Worship Leader, Youth Pastor, Motivational Speaker, Trainer, Coach, & Teacher.Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-22157188162845461752013-04-04T06:14:00.001-04:002013-04-04T06:14:26.828-04:00Lives Speak
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pondering the comments seen of Facebook from atheists and
ones who have encountered them recently, I am troubled by the position of the atheist.
While I understand that God must open (unveil their eyes) to see the truth, It makes
me think about whether my light shines bright enough. Am I making the
difference I can all the time? I’m a teacher; there are times that I raise my voice,
rarely, to get their attention or stop something serious that is happening, but
I am always considering if my tone may have breached our relationship or dimmed
my light. Do I represent hope, as a vessel of Christ? I have high expectations
for myself. True. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sure there are times that one has to raise their voice. Even
Jesus threw over the money tables in the church, though he was making a point
that His house was supposed to be a house of prayer. Yes, I see the balance;
but nevertheless, I always desire for my life to speak. My life can speak many things.
It talks without me talking too sometimes. It’s an open book for many to be
read. I don’t always like what they see or hear, but when I take ownership of
what needs to grow and change, I will become more of a light. If my light
shines brighter, atheists and those who do not know Christ, those who have backslidden,
etc. may be drawn towards Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If we want to make a difference and change the world, by enlightening
people with the reality that God exists, they have to see Him in us so strongly.
This will ignite hope and begin to make them consider your life. Those
thoughts, the living proof of Christ living, working, and breathing through you
and me is the recipe this world needs! There will be less crime and violence if
the church can get their lights out from under their bushels. It starts with you and me. If we can join together in this great endeavor, we can make a difference. No one is perfect, but if you get up every day remember this important truth from the word, you can be more focused on letting His light shine through you by letting your life speak words of life. </span></div>
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Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-59069677321917398762012-07-22T10:53:00.001-04:002012-07-22T10:56:16.141-04:00Psalm of Hope<br />
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Oh God, I have known You in Your courts of praise.<br />
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You join me and sing songs of deliverance over me.<br />
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You lift me up over the natural realm, and I find respite in a spiritual bliss.<br />
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You are the anchor that holds and consoles me.<br />
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Oh God, You are great and holy!<br />
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The Earth is Yours and all its inhabitants.<br />
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You love its entire span, from nature, to creature, to man.<br />
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You do miracles and make men wonder about Your greatness.<br />
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Oh God, I have known you in the pit of hell.<br />
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You redeemed me and saved me.<br />
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Your gift is help each day and the promise of eternal life.<br />
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You are the anchor that holds and consoles me.<br />
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Oh God, I do understand, but my heart is troubled.<br />
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Love ones suffer in pain; there is no sign of rest or relief.<br />
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The trials at hand are shocking, nevertheless, acceptance is setting in.<br />
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Come quickly to our rescue and bring your eternal promise with You or heal.<br />
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You are the anchor that holds and consoles us.<br />
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Oh God, You are great and holy!<br />
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The Earth is Yours and all its inhabitants.<br />
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You love its entire span, from nature, to creature, to man.<br />
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You do miracles and make men wonder about Your greatness.<br />
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Please don't delay.<br />
<br />Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-91635006704296190312012-07-06T17:37:00.002-04:002012-07-06T17:37:29.260-04:00Faith Reality Vs Darkside Reality<br />
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Dear Friends,<br />
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I am at my mom’s hospital bedside writing this entry and feel inspired to communicate to you that there is hope in every valley and dark pit despite what the world falsely promises or what medicine does not promise. No matter what you think you might be seeing remember that Psalm 24 tells that He is with us in “the valley of the shadow of death”. This word “death” can manifest itself in many ways. When it does, you must recognize it and deal with it ASAP. What is your darkness or death that you are facing? It's not to big for God EVER!<br />
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If you have been following my Psalm a Day Summer Youth and Young Adult Bible challenge blog, than you know that my mom is suffering with pancreatic cancer and it is now in the liver and blood stream. Yet, God is with her and with me. How do I know? I just do! There is light in my reality of cancer darkness. I have not shut my eyes or dreams to what God can do. Even if death is ushered in, God is still with us. Death does not stop us from being one with God, finding 100% joy and peace, and or eternity! That’s right; He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. You may remember the old poem: “Foot Prints in the Sand”, written by Mary Stevenson (1936). I love that poem because it describes the faithfulness and love of God towards us.<br />
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One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.<br />
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Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.<br />
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In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.<br />
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Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,<br />
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other times there were one set of footprints.<br />
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This bothered me because I noticed<br />
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that during the low periods of my life,<br />
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when I was suffering from<br />
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anguish, sorrow or defeat,<br />
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I could see only one set of footprints.<br />
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So I said to the Lord,<br />
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“You promised me Lord,<br />
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that if I followed you,<br />
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you would walk with me always.<br />
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But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life<br />
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there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.<br />
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Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”<br />
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The Lord replied,<br />
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“The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand,<br />
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is when I carried you.”<br />
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http://www.poetseers.org/the_great_poets/misc/footprints_in_the_sand/<br />
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Perhaps you are losing your home, lost your job, have been diagnosed with a disease, or lost a friend or family member recently; no matter the circumstance, we have to remember that when we think we are in darkness, all we have to do is look for the light. He is there with us. Jesus is the light of the world; thus, if we are in the light, we are with Him. If you see two sets of footprints in the sand as you walk the beach of life, thank God that He is with you. If you only see one, thank God that He is carrying you. <br />
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We walk by faith and not by sight! Don’t listen to the garbage that the world swings at you, whether subtlety via a friend over a cup of coffee or a message from a TV show. Amidst naysayers, pessimists, worrywarts, and cynics, one can easily be drawn to their darkside. The old and unwise saying, “can’t beat em; join em” does not measure up with my faith or the word of God. When a person decides to become part of a person’s gloomy outlook; if they stick around, they are about to become a loyal team member. This action is dangerous. Remember to surround yourself with people who encourage you in the things of God. Don’t buy what the devil is selling. Here is the truth about your life and how God is always there. Please by this product and stay away from the darkside!<br />
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<br /><br />Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-5749141306380822532012-06-26T09:59:00.000-04:002012-06-26T09:59:41.036-04:00Taking Time to Remember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While preparing to read my Bible with a cup-of-java, I was inspired by the message written on my coffee cup once again; however, today I felt compelled to tell my readers about it! Meanwhile, tropical storm Debby was and still is throwing her flabby arms around wreaking havoc here in North Port, Fl; this weather reminds me of some of the dreary and depressing days I often experienced when living in MI. I couldn’t wait for the limited days of sunny summer. I was grateful when they came and sad when they went. Now living in FL, my home windows are tinted to help save money on the electric bill, making it even darker than it really is both outside and inside, especially on days like today. Was I going to embrace the message on the mug or the gloominess surrounding me? <br />
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Today’s message delivered by the coffee cup is not a scripture, though I often do drink out of mugs with scripture on them. Today's blog is medicinal in nature for relationships! The words inscribed on my mug say, “Sloppy Joe’s Key West” on it. This mug is from a family trip we took about four years ago. We traveled with dear friends as well. Whenever I drink from this cup, I am reminded of the times we had together and the love we share. I have always made it a point to purchase a coffee mug on every vacation we go on so I can remember the precious moments. <br />
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I cannot help but mention the similarity between today’s thought and communion. The scripture often read before we take part of it states, “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:9 NKJV). Jesus set the example for us. He wanted us to remember Him often. He never wanted us to forget what He did for us. When we get distracted and our eyes off the Lord, we can allow poison to seep into our hearts, and before we know, we forgot what we were supposed to remember. This might be the ultimate reason for the condition of being backslidden. <br />
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Sometimes we forget how blessed and loved we are by God and people. Life throws us some nasty weather, which can bog us down, and we can forget the good times. We forget God’s blessings too. Francesca Battistelli sings the song, “This is the Stuff”. The message of this song is that sometimes life throws us so much stuff that we forget we are blessed. We need to remind ourselves that we are blessed. It’s all about our focus and perception.<br />
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I recently heard someone say “you never took me anywhere to her husband”. Since I know these two well, I was shocked by her statement. It was untrue. Years of reminding herself of all of the negative things that had happened to her while being married created such a deep root of bitterness that she could not see the forest through the trees. We need to be remembered of these precious moments to help keep a healthier perspective, as well as to help keep our relationships alive. Pictures function in the same way. <br />
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So, I like to vary which mug I drink from. Sometimes I drink from a scripture cup and others times it’s a cup from a spicy get-a-way weekend. I go to the table of the Lord often as well. Either way, taking remembrance helps me to remember how loved I am. If it works for me, it will work for you too! Don’t’ forget the good and happy times; they are life to you!<br />
<br />Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-90219001859156653222012-06-12T23:37:00.001-04:002012-06-12T23:37:58.285-04:00God I Look To You [Bethel Church] Jenn Johnson<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/z1nJrioKNvI?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
When you don't know what to do, you can always look to God to give us wisdom. Our God reigns no matter what! I remember this in both the the toughest and the greatest times. I always look to Him! Be inspired to put your trust in God as you listen to this song. May it remind you of who He is and what the Word says about Him. Jesus we look to you! You are in control!Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-3067629414455470592011-11-13T13:10:00.003-05:002011-11-13T13:17:14.746-05:00Put Away the Finger<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP0QCTnqxGrdby2fNfqRH8Tcyi0j1RlFms-rUYPm6OMkiKclofUnS94uFdVmUAVQ5kvDApFUhrrrTxqEoj0pMHoiD1V723kiUPIlyt3fbeFOunPdoQr2mmh4boIYdk9_FLNWDqUTjz14a/s1600/pointing_finger_-_web_-.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674544641959125170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 105px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP0QCTnqxGrdby2fNfqRH8Tcyi0j1RlFms-rUYPm6OMkiKclofUnS94uFdVmUAVQ5kvDApFUhrrrTxqEoj0pMHoiD1V723kiUPIlyt3fbeFOunPdoQr2mmh4boIYdk9_FLNWDqUTjz14a/s200/pointing_finger_-_web_-.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dear Readers,<br />I have been pondering today’s culture and the challenges that Christians face as they attempt to reach a dying world for Jesus. I have been studying the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%204&version=NIV">“woman at the well” (John 4) </a>and the culture that existed then and today. <strong>Why is today’s culture so resistant to Christ? As we begin to enter the Christmas season, I am reminded that Jesus is the Savior of the world. </strong><br /><br />The Bible tells us that God so love the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). It’s our job to reach them. It’s our calling and purpose. No one is excused from this assignment.<br /><br /><strong>Church attendance in American is statistically declining.</strong> We are losing the churched, and we are not reaching enough unchurched and backslidden people for Christ in the proportions we had hoped for. People are not getting saved in churches in the numbers we had hoped for either. Jesus tells the disciples in John 4 to look with their eyes that the fields are ready to harvest. What do today’s disciples see with their eyes? And what has this off-kiltered focus done to the church’s reputation? Or, have we missed the boat and forgotten that we have to go outside the house of God to reach people? Could it be a mixture of both?<br /><br /><strong>This is purely my observation, but some of the church has tainted or stained the church’s reputation using judgmental behavior and conversation expecting the “unchurched” to be a people who do not swear, wear inappropriate clothing, or smoke and or drink.</strong> This sneering eye in churches has also caused many to run from churches. We expect them to be cleaned up before they encounter Christ. You may argue with me about this, but follow this line of reasoning.<br /><br />When we see someone swearing at their kids in the store, we roll ours and judge them. We snicker and sneer. We have no right to judge them. They do not share our revelation of having a pure stream. What we do when we behave this way is make them run farther from Christ. Don’t tell me they don’t know that we are a Christian. They can spot us a mile away. These are the people who point their fingers. These are the ones I used to run from before I came to know the Lord. People who think this is normal will NOT stop, sneer, and snicker; they walk by as if things are normal. Folks, this is a normal day-to-day occurrence. It is normal for them! They have not had the revelation that we have had. Does this make them garbage and give us the idea that they deserve our snicker, or do we think they do no better and continue to be real and hope for an opening to talk to them?<br /><br /><strong>What people really want are people who are willing to love them and accept them for who they are right where they are.</strong> Christ says to come as you are. Some Christians need to be open to listen to people and not correct them for their language. If you are going to begin to minister someone who has a potty mouth, then don’t bring your kids with you. Don’t get me wrong, if you are in the store and there is a fair amount of common swearing going on between a family, you can refrain from sneering and move your family out of the isle. I would use this moment as a teachable moment and explain later in the car what you encountered. Explain that they do not know any better and pray for them. Tell them Jesus loves them and they should too. While we know how we should behave, we cannot judge them, just love them.<br /><br /><strong>If you are without your children, pray that you can be brave enough to smile and say hello, how are you? Open the door in love. You never know how many people have just lost their job, have been diagnosed with cancer, are in an abusive relationship, and or are suffering from depression. If you can look beyond the language and stop judging, you may be able to reach another soul for Christ. Remember where you came from. No wonder Jesus tells us to remove the pointing of our fingers from our midst.<br /><br />The “well” in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%204&version=NIV">John 4 </a>represents almost any other place outside of the church and its parking lot.</strong> It’s the field of harvest, which is ripe and ready for harvesting. The church and the unchurched meet on common ground at the well and discuss natural things. If the heart is open and the veil is removed, they are able to reach them for Christ. The problem is that many people will not engage in fellowship at the well because of what they have experienced from other Christians. If we want to make a difference we need to less judging and more loving.<br />Food for thought!Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-92230864487830559222011-10-16T17:10:00.004-04:002011-10-16T17:16:15.685-04:00Flyswatter Focused Frenzy: A Simple Lesson in Spiritual Warfare Revealed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiVaQJujjllTAKZV5IL-bE9fPyiP8pDTPNtVl1hhfdyR2BCgSyBCdWUNqWOb4TLFUkixhvINDqYBnCuvrStUFGfrj8h22FyAoFcrVbicDC5EmRkT_Zd-fMztBBlP7_k_HtFP6S4trq1RZ/s1600/fly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664201274404801458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 80px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiVaQJujjllTAKZV5IL-bE9fPyiP8pDTPNtVl1hhfdyR2BCgSyBCdWUNqWOb4TLFUkixhvINDqYBnCuvrStUFGfrj8h22FyAoFcrVbicDC5EmRkT_Zd-fMztBBlP7_k_HtFP6S4trq1RZ/s200/fly.jpg" border="0" /></a> Yesterday I was assisting a group of ladies in throwing a baby shower. There were several flies taking off and landing on our beautiful buffet spread. They were landing on the covered saran wrapped dishes. It was almost time for the event to start, but there was no flyswatter in sight. So, I grabbed an extra thick black graded plastic spatula for the available serving utensils and went to town. Swat! Swat! Swat! I killed each fly on the first attempt. My friends marveled at my adroitness, but I knew on the inside that had this been at home, it would have been swat, miss, swat, miss, etc. I usually get the flies sooner or later, but at home, I have to hunt them down, chasing them from window to window. What was different about this fly swatting showdown, and why did I call myself the “flyswatter diva” that day? If you’re like me and most ladies, you feel like you have to analyze almost everything.<br /><br /><br /><div>That’s exactly what happened. The ladies began to marvel at my skill in killing the flies. I told them it was luck. They compared me to them and their abilities to kill flies at their homes. One lady said she should call me to exterminate their flies at home. We chuckled. I bet they had no idea that I was thinking to myself I was a fly slayer at church but certainly not at home. So, I let this secret out. </div><br /><br /><div>We began to examine the spatula’s design. Was it the thicker gridded design that made the difference? I even said why haven’t they tested this design to the traditional flyswatter plaid, short-weaved, tight design? Yes, this was all in pure fun, but was the lesson for me and for you? What was different about me?<br /><br />When I think back, I was determined to kill those fly on the first swing. This is what made the difference. We were ten minutes away from starting. It was a showdown, and I won. I had no doubt I could kill those flies- one after another- I put those nasty flies in their place. Focused, I waited for them to land and swatted with explicit strokes. You see, I did not want to get any fly guts on the food or table. The ladies were coming in and I knew that if they saw me killing flies on open food etc, they would be disgusted and not eat. I had a mission and little time to complete it! </div><br /><br /><div>I see a simple lesson here as it relates to spiritual warfare in the kingdom of God. God has given us tools and weapons to fight the enemy. Sometimes we play with these tools or use them improperly. God wants us to swat the enemy with full authority in Christ the first time around. No swatting amiss. Instead, determined, focused, and executed swats that are delivered with urgency and authority. Do you believe that Christ lives in you? Do you believe that He has given you authority in His name to fight the wicked darts that come from the devil? If you do, get swatting and winning. Be a devil slayer and swat with fierce intensity. Fight the good fight!</div>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-7743256939314101212011-10-08T12:24:00.002-04:002011-10-08T12:27:40.158-04:00Cobwebs and Dust Bunnies Alert<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhH7G15xlvpkh78mk-m9fRDFxpBguTmfcl07lVE4lihHZ7LsQ31Q3bXKLay-Ge829Vz0kf_uNPwKwct2INtsSWjwzaxrwuz0lDY89Ie9p7W-PbKeb4yUQWh_QJiVuJgVauPTViVQg1M_B/s1600/praying-hands.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661158578111686722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhH7G15xlvpkh78mk-m9fRDFxpBguTmfcl07lVE4lihHZ7LsQ31Q3bXKLay-Ge829Vz0kf_uNPwKwct2INtsSWjwzaxrwuz0lDY89Ie9p7W-PbKeb4yUQWh_QJiVuJgVauPTViVQg1M_B/s200/praying-hands.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Yesterday I got up at 4AM. I couldn’t sleep. I laid there for a long time resisting the urge to get up and clean. I prayed and tried to fall back a sleep. To no avail, I gave in and got up! I hit the deck up and running: dishes, laundry, dusting, etc.<br /><br />Today I got up and noticed cobwebs and dust bunnies about the house. How is this possible? I questioned. I wondered how they got there so fast, or had they been there all the time. Were the dust bunnies magically moving around as I cleaned or responding to the thrush of wind as I walked by? Either way, one truth still remained. They were there, though I had not seen them before, and I had overlooked them.<br /><br />The Lord began to speak to me about this situation. He reminded me of the importance of surrendering our hearts fully to God, which means every part. We need His bright illuminating flashlight shining in every chamber of our heart. When we don’t take the time to do our regular heart maintenance, which is prayer; before you know it, there are cobwebs and dust bunnies everywhere.<br /><br />I hear my skeptical readers saying but there will always be cobwebs and dust bunnies. I actually agree with you. One, God only gives us more than we can handle, and two, healing is like pealing an onion. He reveals things in our heart one thing at a time, so we can handle them. </div><br /><div><br />In short, we always have to be on the lookout for cobwebs and dust bunnies in the natural and the spiritual. When they are found, they need to be handled both carefully and quickly.</div>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-77734801239040640912011-10-02T06:53:00.007-04:002011-10-02T06:58:19.317-04:00We Had a Frightening Porch Fire at One AM<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ2kmmNEVjrWcot8q0fprnQ7UbfSPGgWT3b6cUBGRMACCsKLHzEXi83qLu4bgiXOBh0VUSUIWDl1TQKMGekA2zgh-s1GokCObJYCmwXkqC1VnR7wsSXH_bxilDYoobVu2DHyWIawOy2n6/s1600/blazing+fire.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658846322474982578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 87px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ2kmmNEVjrWcot8q0fprnQ7UbfSPGgWT3b6cUBGRMACCsKLHzEXi83qLu4bgiXOBh0VUSUIWDl1TQKMGekA2zgh-s1GokCObJYCmwXkqC1VnR7wsSXH_bxilDYoobVu2DHyWIawOy2n6/s200/blazing+fire.jpg" border="0" /></a>I was awakened with the following horrifying words this morning at one AM: “Mom, there is a fire on the back porch! GET UP!” My first instinct was to run and see what he was talking about. I saw the fire that was blazing in the garbage can and its connected flames engulfing my serving area outside. Without thinking, I sprinted to get water. My husband began yelling at my son to get a bucket and a broom. First, we put the fire out. Then we moved the items that were being poisoned by soot and water runoff, like our designer bamboo rug and outdoor furniture. The danger ended like that, but we have a lot of clean up to do out there today. After this burst of adrenaline, I could hardly sleep. My mind was going a mile a minute. All I could think about was the fire. The Lord spoke to me about precarious spiritual fires as I reflected on this scary incident.<br /><br />Fire Unaware:<br />Not everyone is aware that there is a dangerous fire burning. They have become so desensitized to what is perilous because they have relaxed their beliefs and fallen away from the word. They are living their own gospel or mixture. Neither is okay with God. This fire becomes a conflagration, which is a great fire. It burns everything it comes into contact with. These fires are the most dangerous and destructive.<br /><br />Thank God we were blessed to have been awakened this morning. We were able to take the tools we had in our house to fight the fire, and we won. When you are in a spiritual “fire unaware” situation, you are the easiest target for the enemy. It’s that sample. How do you become “fire aware”? You keep yourself in the word, you pray, you read your Bible, and you do not surround yourself by those who are desensitized and walking in the same risky lifestyle. You will have to ask God to help you make changes and give you renewed spiritual eyes to remove the people and things (idols) in your life that are unsafe.<br />Maybe you are looking at the aftermath of this fire; you didn’t see it when it was happening, but now you see what it has done. This is a good place to be and perfect ground for got to implant or replant some foundational principles you are lacking. It’s a great time to rededicate your life and allow God to sharpen your spiritual eyes. Aren’t you tired of waking up and asking yourself the question: God, how did I get her? We often blame God for things that we take into our hands. Some have turned their backs on the things of God. How can one blame God?<br /><br />Fire Aware:<br />You may have felt like you have been slapped in the face with the most recent trial that has caused you fear, dread, and or even doubt. It may have caused you to run and let the fire blaze. Remember that we are to not think of these trials as odd (1st Thessalonians 3: 2-4). In fact, we are given a recipe in the word for fighting these types of fires. This is not the right way to fight a fire unless it’s temptation. You fight these spiritual fires by putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6). You can withstand “the fiery darts from the enemy’”! 2nd Peter 1:9 tells is that God will rescue us from trials. In order to be rescued, we need to be aware. If not, then the unaware wild fires will burn and overtake us. Isaiah 43:1-3 tells us also that these types of fires will not burn us and that He will walk with them through us. This is the biggest difference between the two types of fires that the Lord showed me. I’d rather be aware with the proper tools in my hands to fight the fire. I’d rather have Jesus right there with me telling and showing me what to do when I am at my wits end.<br /><br />If you are in a fire situation, don’t panic. He is with you! You will not be burned or overtaken. Don’t walk by your feelings. Walk according to the promises in His word! If you did discovered there is a blaze going on or it has just burnt a pathway around you or through you, turn to God now. He can help you put the pieces back together.<br /><br />Isaiah 43:1-3 (NJJV)<br />The Redeemer of Israel<br />1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, <br />And He who formed you, O Israel: <br />“ Fear not, for I have redeemed you; <br />I have called you by your name; <br />You are Mine. <br />2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; <br />And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. <br />When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, <br />Nor shall the flame scorch you. <br />3 For I am the LORD your God, <br />The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; <br />I gave Egypt for your ransom, <br />Ethiopia and Seba in your place.<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43:1-3&version=NKJV">http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43:1-3&version=NKJV</a>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-30510984912300414342011-09-24T15:04:00.004-04:002011-09-24T15:27:25.934-04:00The Eleventh Hour<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQwpO99tdtxfGoRC5iZECvgyUB8mOrZnXSigtLYfpVm7CCL0bhyphenhyphennbizTXyt_7i28gm7PL-uxgVezlu1xcoTAxrP9wynfwClplhG2JwPo_IQPvsOjhY4yB2RG9EqVrf-rHPR8HdGoWxykN/s1600/eleventh+hour.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656009450786297234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQwpO99tdtxfGoRC5iZECvgyUB8mOrZnXSigtLYfpVm7CCL0bhyphenhyphennbizTXyt_7i28gm7PL-uxgVezlu1xcoTAxrP9wynfwClplhG2JwPo_IQPvsOjhY4yB2RG9EqVrf-rHPR8HdGoWxykN/s200/eleventh+hour.bmp" border="0" /></a> Dear Friends,<br /><br /><div>I woke up with the words "in the eleventh hour" in my spirit. I began to ponder these words and ask God what He was speaking to me. It's Saturday, which is my scheduled writing day. It seemed normal to wake up with a "word" in my spirit. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>My message to you is that in the eleventh hour, God is able to meet your need. He is always right on time, never late, and never too early. You might be thinking right about now that it is near midnight. Where are you God? But the Word tells us that <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+31:6&version=NIV">He will never leave us forsake us.</a> God is not calling you to understand the trial, but to trust Him. Are you banging your head against the wall ineffectively? Remember that His <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2055:8&version=NLV">thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are our ways His ways.</a> His sense of time is not our sense of time. We don't run on the same continuum. Don't even try to figure it out. Trust Him! So, even though it may be your eleventh hour and you are pretty dog tired, God is ready to move. There is no reason to fret though there may be circumstances that normally may move you to worry. </div><br /><br /><div>I know that God will work it out. He says He will never leave us forsake us. We can trust in the eleventh and even in the twelve hour. God is in control and on His throne. So keep praising Him and remember, he is going to work it out! Why not pray right now. God I trust you in the eleventh hour. I know it's going to be ok. I am going to praise you anyway. Thank you for loving me. Even though it might feel like you are not there, Lord I know you are with me.</div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+30:4-6&version=NIV">Psalm 30: 4-6 (NIV)</a></div>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-8246665229804301122011-09-18T15:47:00.000-04:002011-09-18T15:47:24.115-04:00Hope - Hillsong<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NMSd7XQE5yk?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="459" height="344" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br />Dear Friends,<br />As I was preparing to lead worship this week, I began to meditate on the lyrics of this song. I felt led to go to Biblegateway.com and look at the scriptures that had hope in them. I was magically lifted as I began to read. I was enlightened and lifted from a lower plain to a higher plain in God. I was reminded of the many promises we have in His word. Let me share a few of these magical treasures with you.<br /><br />One, the word instructs me to hope in Him all day long. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+25:5&version=31">Psalm 25:5</a> "Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long" (NIV). This is the key: thinking on Him.<br /><br />Two, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+39:7&version=31">Psalm 39:7</a> says, “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you." (NIV). This means I need to look for Him and not to other places to bring me hope. I need to keep my eyes on Him.<br /><br />Three, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+62:5&version=31">Psalm 62:5</a> says, "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him." (NIV). My soul will rest in God because I do find my hope in Him. I might need to call my soul into resting and speak this scripture, but I still have a choice. I can find rest. This is what I am choosing to do!<br /><br />Four, "As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." (Psalm 71:14 NIV). I will always have hope. Jesus came to give us life (John 10:10b). He has an abundant life for us. This means we always have hope. To think we do not have hope is a lie. I believe the word of God.<br />Psalm 119:81 tells us that we can hope in His word. There is always hope!<br /><br />Finally, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+13:12&version=31">Proverbs 13:12</a> says that, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." (NIV). This tells me that if I have deferred hope, my heart will be sick. Why not reach out to God right at your computer and tune in to the hope line. It's taking calls as you read. May He pour His presence over you mightily and restore, revive, and renew your hope in Him.Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-58106802201157869852011-09-10T23:39:00.008-04:002011-09-10T23:54:07.199-04:00Reserving the Right for Free-Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsoiL7wYN3pjA8W1meC0QNxafP1fILo12oIW6OPSK20zNVDvPzY5YjKhgsbcY8vNAeyjoLcrzyPAeETccZs4iKywDnonfPmNDmeX0yiPYzjxjrani3ZzpLkc0fXvfy9F9Xx-Ltx_zDKVs/s1600/grace8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650942164531902562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 136px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsoiL7wYN3pjA8W1meC0QNxafP1fILo12oIW6OPSK20zNVDvPzY5YjKhgsbcY8vNAeyjoLcrzyPAeETccZs4iKywDnonfPmNDmeX0yiPYzjxjrani3ZzpLkc0fXvfy9F9Xx-Ltx_zDKVs/s200/grace8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesv99tl4EwEV2RxgPOhPoi5gsnH6155FrOCxfieUddr0V6SBM-wLIU0QbdO6NdzoKwhUWG9iJbKoHp3-PQapsn2Gw-ZyccKsCsC9QunzbmyKqV7kZLk1DxUFT9VDpF1ZWE1a4oHqOgwVF/s1600/grace2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650942049530957042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 102px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 119px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesv99tl4EwEV2RxgPOhPoi5gsnH6155FrOCxfieUddr0V6SBM-wLIU0QbdO6NdzoKwhUWG9iJbKoHp3-PQapsn2Gw-ZyccKsCsC9QunzbmyKqV7kZLk1DxUFT9VDpF1ZWE1a4oHqOgwVF/s200/grace2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAaZM0IVW0NQYvpDDWGvO-vLc7CZXxn3M7u4BFKGVmc-1MlheivtP5J1X5y7N5MC31F6ura0Q1iZzUXdb6JuloGHIYDZj3RIbyJsMHwa2hrcoeLzlLmfTZsTVX3Pb_JTkJCXU0tKjEG-9/s1600/grace+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650941950715402050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAaZM0IVW0NQYvpDDWGvO-vLc7CZXxn3M7u4BFKGVmc-1MlheivtP5J1X5y7N5MC31F6ura0Q1iZzUXdb6JuloGHIYDZj3RIbyJsMHwa2hrcoeLzlLmfTZsTVX3Pb_JTkJCXU0tKjEG-9/s200/grace+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Dear Readers,</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>One thing I have been trying to do is take the time to smell the roses more often. This means I have to make myself refrain from working and focus on something that is important to me. Even narrowing down what “thing” it will be could steal my joy, and if I am not careful, I try to cram too many things into one day. This week the Lord showed mea new way of looking at free-time.<br /><br />You might have wondered if it ever seem like we make things too hard? I think we do, but man, I have to over complicate things. I guess it's just my way. Being given to detail can be a gift and a detriment wrapped in one package. Thus, I am learning to schedule me time, family time, Jesus time, and whatever other time I feel I need. I schedule it all-even free time is labeled. If you have seen my planner, you'd know why this makes me feel crazy. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>But a revelation hit me this week, and I incorporated free-time with no label. I have reserved this time, thought it may be short, for what I feel impressed to do at that moment. What is nearby me that I am missing in the hustle and bustle of my life? My husband, my granddaughter, my friend, etc….. I think as I begin to do this more I am going to be a person who is full of more grace, faith, and love. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>It’s time to stop and smell the roses more often and open our eyes to the grace, faith, hope, and love that is welcoming us. Don’t you think?</div></div></div>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-64197634916422529882011-09-03T11:58:00.006-04:002011-09-03T12:52:49.461-04:00Overflow Equals Harvest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRpebJcojVpFWqnfZ_QPB9VwdnrTYCylZ7Z84K92Mum5zsD5yxoDlTwuHyUMPffFy1dmeYNJFWdTr6_Vy-8hL_yP4CSMMOprBUeeazZjL7fTtlJclFRliB7TR4EbEx16R8L5e02Ymutn1/s1600/CycleDiagram4opt.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648176538767875298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 179px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRpebJcojVpFWqnfZ_QPB9VwdnrTYCylZ7Z84K92Mum5zsD5yxoDlTwuHyUMPffFy1dmeYNJFWdTr6_Vy-8hL_yP4CSMMOprBUeeazZjL7fTtlJclFRliB7TR4EbEx16R8L5e02Ymutn1/s200/CycleDiagram4opt.png" border="0" /></a>
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<br />This past Tuesday I spoke at Community Life in Port Charlotte, Florida at a Womens Ministry meeting. The Lord was faithful in giving me a the word that overflow equals harvest. He took me to Isaiah 61 and told me to remind these women that He had given us many gifts and garments to break the cycle of worry. Step four: praise, is key to breaking the cycle!
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<br />Once we break the cycle at whatever part in the cycle , we take our thoughts captive, and we get to praise, thanksgiving, and joy; the result is overflow. That we means we get beyond ourselves and our problems. We begin to truly trust God with our problems- no matter how big or small! How else will we get to doing the work of the harvest.
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<br />The overlfow spills out to others around us. This overflow brings about harvest if we begin to tell others what God is doing and what He will do as we trust Him. In short, overflow equals harvest.
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<br />We have all been commissioned by Christ to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Don't be intimiated by the word preach. Just go out and tell others what God is doing. Your words may bring them out of a miry pit and the sinners prayer is the next step.
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<br />If you are interested in reading more about this, below is the book mark that I gave out and the scriptures for that night. Enjoy!
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<br /><strong>The Bookmark</strong>
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<br />Breaking the Cycle with
<br />Prayer & Thanksgiving
<br />1. Denial
<br />2. Question
<br />3. Fear & Worry
<br />4. Panic
<br />5. Praise
<br />6. Joy
<br />7. Thankfulness
<br />8. Overflow
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<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+63:4&version=31">Psalm 63:4</a>I will praise you as long as I live,
<br />and in your name I will lift up my hands.
<br />© Ileana Reich
<br />Harbinger Ministries 2012
<br /><a href="mailto:Illyguana@hotmail.com">Illyguana@hotmail.com</a>
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<br /><strong>Opening Scriptures:</strong>
<br /><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah61:1-3&version=NIV">Isaiah61:1-3</a>- What we have been anointed to do and give</strong>
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<br /><strong>1. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2018:24-26%20%20&version=NIV">John 18:24-26</a> -Denial- It happens, but we can stop it!</strong>
<br /><strong>2. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2022:1%20&version=NIV">Psalm 22:1</a>- Question- It happens, but we can stop it!</strong>
<br /><strong>3. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%203:6&version=NIV">Psalm 3:6</a> , Psalms <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2056:4&version=NIV">56:4</a>, and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%201:7%20%20&version=NKJV">2 Timothy 1:7</a> Fear- We don't have to fear!</strong>
<br /><strong>4. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2031:1&version=NIV">Isaiah 31:1</a>- Panic can make us do all sorts of things!</strong>
<br /><strong>5. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2042:5&version=NIV">Psalm 42:5,</a> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%2022:1&version=NIV">2nd Samuel 22:1</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20149:3&version=NIV">Psalm 149:3</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%208:2&version=NIV">Psalm 8:2</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2066:17&version=NIV">Psalm 66:17</a>, and Isaiah <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2061:3&version=NIV">61:3-</a> Praise is a powerful decision.</strong>
<br /><strong>6. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2069:30&version=NIV">Psalm 69:30</a>-Thanksgiving leads to joy</strong>
<br /><strong>7. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2028:7&version=NIV">Psalm 28:7</a> and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2095:1&version=NIV">Psalm 95:1</a>- Joy leads to overflow</strong>
<br /><strong>8. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%202:6-7&version=NIV">Collissians 2: 6-7-</a> Overflow</strong>
<br />
<br /><strong>Closing Scriptures:</strong>
<br /><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%203:10-17&version=NIV">2 Timothy 3:10-17</a>- We are equipped and should do what we have been taught.</strong>
<br /><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%202:6-7%20%20&version=NIV">Colossians 2:6-7 </a>-Thanksgiving is pertinet to overflow.</strong>
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<br />Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-28967707880870364452011-08-13T09:17:00.000-04:002011-08-13T09:17:21.776-04:00Yolanda Adams - The Battle Is The Lord's<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jYoEU0pQMoU?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div>
<br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes we grow fatigued sauntering through our daily state of affairs. The chin splints of trekking through life are killing us! We loose our energy and chutzpah (nerve) to keep fighting and running. I must clarify that that there is a place for battle, but it is important that we seek the Lord and know when we are to battle with weapons in our hands, like when the Children of Israel crossed over the Jordan river, or if we are to stand and see the salvation of our God, like<b><span style="color:black;background:white"> </span></b><span style="color:black;background:white">Jehoshaphat did when he defeated Moab and Ammon without lifting a finger in battle! </span><span> </span>Nevertheless, we always have to dress for battle and be ready and that is tiring enough!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>You may have heard the old cliché and chiastic structure, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” This implies that we need to sprint through our daily struggles like tough bring home the bacon woman fighting our battles with a spatula and masher in our hands. As you can see, this quote implies that we need to muster up enough vigor to do it ourselves. This is the world’s thinking and is contrary to what the Bible says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13- NIV). Our success is grounded in Christ who strengthens us, and this is, my friend, is where victory presides!This is why we can get dressed for battle and arm ourselves!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ephesians six tells us who our enemy is, how to dress for battle, and ironically, after doing all of that, we are instructed to stand. <span> </span>For example, there have been situations with my husband where I refused to listen to God’s gently urging to let him figure it out on his own, to let God handle it, and to let go. It took me a long time to figure out that pestering him was not going to work. I can be stubborn and that makes me a slow learner sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I had to learn to trust that God would give me the strength to stand still and wait.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>So, I think we can agree on the standing and having to wait sometimes, but what do we do while we are staring down that scary hill looking down at our ashes, such as arthritis, depression, muscular dystrophy, floaters, thyroid disease, etc.?<span> </span>We have a choice to see what God sees, or we can look with natural eyes. I am not telling you to visualize something into happening; I am telling you to see yourself as God sees you. He sees you as a whole spirit being. <span> </span><span> </span>In 2nd Chronicles 20:17 it says to “stand still and see the deliverance of God.” Take the word for truth and see your deliverance today.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>So I was reading 2 Chronicles 20 in preparation for worship service tomorrow and just about interrupted King Jehoshaphat’s plight. I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall. Since I cannot, I read it very closely to learn about how he handled his predicament. <span> </span>Let’s take a look at 2<sup>nd</sup> Chronicles 20 and trace the steps of King <span style="color:black;background:white">Jehoshaphat:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">He called a fast in his kingdom when he heard a great enemy was coming (V 3). If you are looking at a giant, fast. That’s the first step. If you have a special medical diet, talk to your doctor and ask what you can fast from. You may have already been told not to eat certain things, and this is a fast from those things. Turn your fast and action towards God.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">He gathered his people and told them to seek God (V 4). Gather your friends to seek God with you. They can do it in their own homes. If you do not have many friends or are a shut-in, call your church to pray for you!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">He prayed (VS 5-12). It’s time to pray. I don’t mean the quick get it over with I’m busy prayer, “Jesus, heal me. Amen”; I mean take the TIME to pray and seek God. Read His word and pray about the promises you read.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Jahaziel prophecies to the king and tells him not to fear, to stand still and see the deliverance of God (VS 14-17). I write a lot about fear. I think it’s because it’s an easy crutch to fall back on. Sometimes the words “I’m afraid” jet out of my mouth without me even thinking it. I have to correct my speech and let the devil know that I don’t believe his lies. There are times that I do recognize that I am fearing a situation. <span> </span>In those cases, I take that thought into captivity and deal with it. I give thanks God! I am learning to stand and wait for the Lord to handle my battles. So much emotion is wasted when we worry and get flustered!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">They worshiped God (V 18). This is simple and something we can all do. Worship Him because He is Lord. That’s it!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">They praised the Lord (V 19). When I read this scripture, I see people jumping, shouting, routing for God like they are at a football game and the team’s quarterback is about to make a touchdown that will win the game. They see the touchdown and crazy like praise breaks out! This is the kind of praise the Lord inhabits. The Lord does not desire to inhabit the praises of wimpy, lazy, half-hearted, shallow praise that we have been guilty of offering up during worship service from time-to-time. He is looking for a people who will be thankful and give it all they’ve got!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">They believed the prophet and were thankful (V 20). We must believe God before we can thank Him. Because the people believed God, they were able to thank Him. Do you believe that God will deliver you? If you do, than a spirit of thankfulness and praise should break out of you!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color:black;background:white">They got dressed, sang, and praised God the next morning. <span> </span>They approached battle with praise on their lips and the battle was won (VS 21- 22).</span> <span style="color:black;background:white">Once again they gave it all they had. They approached the battlefield but knew that God was with them. The stood there praising and waiting. Their shouting was so loud, that Ammon and <st1:country-region st="on">Moab</st1:country-region>’s people did not see the ambush, which was the people of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Mount</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Seir</st1:placename></st1:place>, whom God sent after them! All of them died in confusion and not one of Jehoshaphat’s people were touched!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">This tells me that the battle is truly the Lords. I am going to do to do a lot more standing and waiting, while seeking, praying, and praising. I have learned first hand that these are things that I can do with Christ’s help!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2020&version=NKJV">http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2020&version=NKJV</a></p></div><div>
<br /></div>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-50077917973081970292011-08-05T19:18:00.002-04:002011-08-05T19:23:05.808-04:00God's TV<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBSoIsfTcypa_3zKS3tTzkpVKaMjqj0acNr2Fns0gh2Qfo7v6Hhmj88aC05nVZ_EJ_VrGdMqg5WUrkXrDOBoF-vIutgAF8zOM5dfNIKISS06A2JevEbVZzj2iL6R8U64WzJYQxhl8A8F7/s1600/TV.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBSoIsfTcypa_3zKS3tTzkpVKaMjqj0acNr2Fns0gh2Qfo7v6Hhmj88aC05nVZ_EJ_VrGdMqg5WUrkXrDOBoF-vIutgAF8zOM5dfNIKISS06A2JevEbVZzj2iL6R8U64WzJYQxhl8A8F7/s200/TV.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637515920679490370" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">I was inspired at the sunset on beautiful <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Englewood</st1:place></st1:city> beach a few weeks ago by my friend Jacqueline Anderson-Moore. She read her poem she had written called “<i>God’s TV”</i>. <span> </span>This idea resonated with me, and I took it further. I have been writing about watching less TV, and I am not missing it one bit! I have new outlook on life. Look at the following God TV channels I have:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>The God Channel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Exercise channel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Music channel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Family channel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Bible Channel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Romance and marriage channel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Grandma Channel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Worship and Praise Chanel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Cooking Channel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Fishing and Beach Channel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Read a Book Channel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The R & R Channel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Sunset Channel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Nature Channel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Friend Channel</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>These are just a few! I meant a young woman today for lunch, and we talked about what we do with our time. If I tune into the boob tube, aka TV, look at all of the things I am missing out on! It’s food for thought. Isn’t it!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-48646845100619587722011-07-15T15:17:00.000-04:002011-07-15T15:18:36.627-04:00Taking a Seek-cation<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(127, 127, 127); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; "><i>Dear Readers,<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; "><i>I am taking a vacation with my husband, but will return in two weeks. I have no idea if I will have internet access via my laptop. <span></span>My goals while I am gone are the following</i>:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; ">Jesus Time<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; ">Rest and relax<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; ">Walk the beach<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; ">Hubby time<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; ">Work on my book<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; ">Eat healthy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; ">Read some books and His word<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; ">Pray<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; ">Listen to the CD: R.A.W </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">(Revival, Alive, Within) by Steve Swanson</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">Brainstorming with Don on our new couples blog</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><b>I am a firm believer in pressing in and feeling refreshed in the Lord.<span> </span>It’s time like these when we are busy that I have to <span></span>stop, get away, set myself apart, seek God, and listen to Him. So friends, though I am not too far away, we are far enough away where we can do just that.</b></i></span><span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; color: rgb(127, 204, 255); "><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: rgb(92, 17, 1); ">Psalm 27:8</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: black; "> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: black; ">My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />Your face, LORD, I will seek (NIVV).<o:p></o:p></span></h3><div><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: black; "><br /></span></div><h3 style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; color: rgb(127, 204, 255); "><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: rgb(92, 17, 1); ">Matthew 6:3</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: black; "> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: black; ">But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (NKVJ).</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: rgb(92, 17, 1); "><o:p></o:p></span></h3><h3 style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; color: rgb(127, 204, 255); "><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: rgb(92, 17, 1); "><o:p></o:p></span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; ">In Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></p><div><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; ">Ileana Reich</span></div></span>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-46992125076093653292011-07-13T08:19:00.004-04:002011-07-13T08:27:24.070-04:00Heaven On Earth: Christine's Electrolysis in Port Charlotte, FL<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9XY5qNwPzMiMMlt3MfY2WmS4Du6kZWyOTKEBYQANB4BCXitKSeni3ZsBq4dwxVPzCmyu6m0Dlao-RJ6zi9yXNEti12XR1wad8Iv9Wnc8g7tQiQz3y2cIhf9e1NlseJ3DC0mwn9ssda_7/s1600/facial+4.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9XY5qNwPzMiMMlt3MfY2WmS4Du6kZWyOTKEBYQANB4BCXitKSeni3ZsBq4dwxVPzCmyu6m0Dlao-RJ6zi9yXNEti12XR1wad8Iv9Wnc8g7tQiQz3y2cIhf9e1NlseJ3DC0mwn9ssda_7/s200/facial+4.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628812295024647858" /></a><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">Last weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting </span><span class="pp-place-title"><b><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&rlz=1C1CHKZ_enUS438US438&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1366&bih=634&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Christine's+electrolysis+port+charlotte+fl+review&fb=1&gl=us&hq=Christine's+electrolysis&hnear=0x88db542cb1f42f61:0x7ae4c8ee21342bec,Port+Charlotte,+FL&cid=539410992536967143">Christine's Electrolysis</a> </span></b></span><span class="pp-place-title"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">in Port Charlotte, Fl.<b> </b></span></span><span class="pp-place-title"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">I have heard other friends talk about their peaceful atmosphere over and over. Not to mention the repetitive ravings about their super customer service and competitive prices. So, I had to experience it for myself!</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;"> There are three words to describe my experience: Heaven on earth! </span></span><i style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-weight: bold; ">You might be wondering just about now why<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am writing about this</i> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; "><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">in my inspirational blog, but the owners attend my church and through their business and ministry, I was touched!</i></b></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="pp-place-title"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">I had many options to choose from, such as a laser hair removal, European facial, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">paraffin was mask peel-off, chemical peel, back facial, body sugar scrub, facial and body waxing, eyelash and or brow tinting, and make-up consultation. With this amazing list and one hour of time blocked of in my planner, I narrowed it down to a micro-dermabrasion service and mini facial. To top that off, I had the most unique thing done: Eyelash tinting! People in public were making complements on my think eyelashes. I had </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">no mascara on, just the eyelash tint. It was great not to have to get up and put it on.</span></p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBf1c6hu5pHI8JIY2fZAO83ASHTGoPdEdV63VXrA5FDu6zX6-RTWKgyeb_cRx5o0xulV969fT-HgyvKqKeRlt6jMywQDhXbIIQCArTb4AsY-npvwyGD2meMH4UaHUAMaAqdNAEKriHRpt/s200/facial+1.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628811976243522674" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="pp-place-title"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Christin</span></span><span class="pp-place-title"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">e’s Electrolysis also houses the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"Comic Sans MS""><a href="http://local.yahoo.com/info-14565249-florida-school-of-electrolysis-port-charlotte">Florida School of Electrolysis and Skin C</a></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"Comic Sans MS""><a href="http://local.yahoo.com/info-14565249-florida-school-of-electrolysis-port-charlotte">are School.</a></span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS""> Whether you have a professional technician or student in training working on you, I assure that your experience will be well worth it. The owners, Christine and Ron, and their professional staff are knowled</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">geable about their services, are hands-on with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">their training and procedures, and have high standards about the services they provide. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">On the other hand, if you are thinking about a new career, what a well-run, quality driven, respectful, and peaceful establishment to train in!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS""><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">Please contact Christine @ 941-764-7000 to make an appointment, ask questions about prices and services, and even register to get your new career in motion today!</span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_autBzzQV5OYqiQkoVOr3JJ7tRtUoXYRF-CWlYDu6YkE3b_LoRDKrinG1jaP3b7uASrVhHgnKJ_0IPXDDUJE-aXFq_9F5EdMmupoToHW_QqN8xcFS34p9SwJgri9BgBkXtMJWXPmN0Nk/s200/facial+9.png" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 145px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628811574830389442" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">The Location: 17843 Murdock Cir # 7A, Port Charlotte, FL 33948-4000</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; "><br /></span></p>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-88928327021640657022011-07-10T07:00:00.005-04:002011-07-10T18:38:23.140-04:00It's Coming: A For-Couples-Only Blog<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63b_8h3CGS6Rb3XBHZq6bop5Gibor4WrQXS-2gF5ZIHEAr_9nOIeR8Tm4DA9nyVz_vLxIorGpR23j3-WzDVZEBi3GAugEHkG6WZcOFfmTwV635DDeaBqbTy8JCDQI3K2xtGLek-aBA4yQ/s1600/Pictures-0018.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63b_8h3CGS6Rb3XBHZq6bop5Gibor4WrQXS-2gF5ZIHEAr_9nOIeR8Tm4DA9nyVz_vLxIorGpR23j3-WzDVZEBi3GAugEHkG6WZcOFfmTwV635DDeaBqbTy8JCDQI3K2xtGLek-aBA4yQ/s200/Pictures-0018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627677280093465106" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">Dear Readers,</p><p class="MsoNormal">I excited to announce that my husband and I will be writing a <b>For-Couples-Only blog</b>! While I wrote about this in my book’s introduction in March and held it in my heart, the idea was birthed yesterday in car conversation. God is good!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><!--?xml:namespace prefix = o /--><o:p></o:p>We plan to pair this blog with our marriage class that we will be teaching in the fall as part of our life group at Gulf Coast Assembly of God in <!--?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /--><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">North</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Port</st1:placetype></st1:place>, Fl. It will be based on the book <i>His Needs Her Needs,</i> by Dr. Harley to start, but will continue on after the class ends. It is our desire to bring hope and faith to couples and allow for reconciliation, forgiveness, healing, and new health/life in the couples we touch.</p><p class="MsoNormal">While I cannot get my husband to include the cliché “keeping it real” in the title like the other three blogs I write, we will be able to reach an audience that may not otherwise come to class and or enter a home. In fact, we may be able to reach the unchurched by doing this blog. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Everyone can improve their marriage. Joining this blog or class does not necessarily mean you have a failing marriage. It means you are going to take a step and enrich what you already have. It means you are going to take time for one of the most important relationships you have next to God and your children. Think of it like an investment. the more you put in; the more you get out of it! The more you will grow!</p><p class="MsoNormal">Also, people who miss class can get the notes from the blog. Comments can be made. People can contact us via email. Another option is Skyping with people who need marriage support. We hope to help support couples work through issues in their marriage, as well as assist them in growing and enriching the marriage they already have!</p><p class="MsoNormal">We plan to write each week about something the Lord puts on both of our hearts from a his and her perspective in addition to our course notes. In short, we are really excited about this blog. You do not have to attend the class to read the blog; however, you can join, read, comment, grow, and follow this blog.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><b>Our class plans to take place on Mondays from Sept. 9th to Dec. 12th and meet @ <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">2800 Pan American Blvd. North Port, Fl </st1:address></st1:street>@ 6:45 PM. </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>If you want me to email you the blog link once it is created please email us. If you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to email us. If you plan to attend the course in person, you can register for this course by by emaling me now at <a style="color: rgb(203, 41, 212); text-decoration: none;" href="mailto:illyguana@hotmail.com">illyguana@hotmail.com</a>. Spots are limited!</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">There will be no cost for this course. We will ask each couple to sign-up on a snack calendar and evenly take turns providing an inexpensive snack.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-70871480957580157582011-07-07T08:47:00.006-04:002011-07-07T09:12:57.909-04:00What in the World Did I Eat Last Night?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1O5KYgrKNqbdxdjJbkGEeo3OiWIsGQz0Bf_NeoOpXWo9Re2oQB53aWwY3MpQnOcJRnIqksT0DtLuappF4nNL8AtHQuTSruRe-t0mwzxSpjG4pu98M5CYLyISLODzz0We4pczwNo6IOAr9/s1600/180775_1572423115852_1393762461_31344045_6133222_n+%25282%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1O5KYgrKNqbdxdjJbkGEeo3OiWIsGQz0Bf_NeoOpXWo9Re2oQB53aWwY3MpQnOcJRnIqksT0DtLuappF4nNL8AtHQuTSruRe-t0mwzxSpjG4pu98M5CYLyISLODzz0We4pczwNo6IOAr9/s200/180775_1572423115852_1393762461_31344045_6133222_n+%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626593363749198930" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"" >Excuses, pretexts and/or fabrications, is that all it is? Or, is there a deeper reason? These are the thoughts I awakened to, and oh boy, did they get me going: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">What in the world is going on in my head? What did I eat last night?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"" >Was it the comment I heard yesterday from a close church friend who said, “It was so good to hear the Pastor’s voice; it was nice to know that someone cared.” <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I considered this as I talked to her. I had Facebook messaged her a quick note this week, but was this what prompted these streams of thoughts, as I lay sleeping and now awake? Was it my other good friend’s comment from school who said yesterday, “Illy, it is so good to hear your voice; I just needed to hear it. It’s been so long!”? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Am I too busy for people?</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">That’s silly. It had to be my subconscious working on overdrive while sleeping. I am a good friend…….</i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"" >I got to thinking about one of my favorite Bible verses “…speak Lord your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:9 NKJV). This is when Eli tells Samuel that if he hears that voice again, tell God, speak, I am listening.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He wasn’t sure what it was that he was hearing, but his mentor tells him it is God trying to get his attention. The God I know still acts and speaks in the same way He did back then. The word says that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever more” (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV). Should I expect anything less? No, and neither should you!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"" >Traveling back in time as I lay there dozing in and out, I remembered a book I read by Pastor Patricia Gruitts’s book: <a href="http://www.peterpat.com/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Understanding the Master’s Voice</i>.</a> Each week we studied principles or ways to hearing God’s voice, which were all grounded in the Word. I am reminded of the wealth of teachings I had a <a href="http://www.mtzion.org/">Mt. Zion</a> and the synergy of a large body that was compelled to serve God and move together in one purpose- a force to be reckoned with- to make a difference in this world! These were powerful days when I allowed God to build me one nail at a time for such a time as this when the tools are on my belt, and I am using mentoring nails on other people (Esther 4:14 NJKV). <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"" >I was about fifteen years back in my journey now, but I went back even further; this was serious. I was now thinking back twenty-five years. I remember a weekly homework exercise called Hearing Ears, which I encountered while studying the ministry at Mt. Zion Church, Clarkston, MI. Every Saturday morning I had to come in and turn in one of these slips before class started. Man, I used to sweat over these, but I learned to hear the voice of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Hmm…. So God, people need to hear other people’s voices, and they need to hear yours</span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> (I thought). This is the earth shattering point of this blog today?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">I wonder if I if should just scrap this blog entry right now. This is a ridiculous place to end up</span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I never get up thinking I am going to write this or that today exactly, or this is going to be the point of my writing. I get up, pray about what is on my heart and mind (the topics for each blog), and then I ask God to direct my thoughts and key stokes. Because I need to trust that He directs my steps, I won’t delete it. Here it is: Everyone knows that we need to hear people’s voices and God’s voice, but why then all of the excuses? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"" >Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4 NKJV). The mouth of God implies that one can hear something coming out of His mouth. God speaks through His word, people, nature, and in our spirits. We will never hear these revelations if we do not open ourselves up to these experiences. We also will never hear if we are too busy with distracting stuff and even worse, getting off track, running from God, and going our own way because of any of it. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"" >I learned about a running prophet in a heap of trouble who thought God had forsaken him named Elijah in Ministers Candidate School way back in the late 1980s.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It says in1 Kings 19:12, “After the earthquake fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, and after the fire, a still small voice”. This is when God gets his attention: “Elijah, what are you doing here?” This is when his world stopped spinning. This was “the moment” when time stopped. This same time-stopping miracle moment can happen to us and does happen to us if we are willing to stop and listen. However, I need to clarify.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"" >Yielding to hear God is not the same as stopping and hearing. When we stop to hear God, we are waiting for Him to give direction. When we yield in prayer as a routine measure, it is a mere pause. If we are not careful, we keep our plans, thoughts, baggage, and agendas. We can carry on in our will or plans for the day even though we have prayed. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"" >You might be thinking I don’t have time to pray and seek God and listen. That could take hours. Yes, there is some truth to that. But God can speak to you in your car, while on your way to work. He can whisper to you as you order via the Wendy’s drive-through. You can choose to give the cashier the twenty dollar bill you were going to use to buy treasures at Goodwill. You can’t hear that if you are not open. Our minds are running a mile a minute. Slow down, breath in, and listen; you will be amazed what you hear as you stop and listen for that still small voice.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"" >I also have to address a touchy area for many shipwrecked, bruised and abused Christians, back sliders, and once in a while church attenders. Forgive me if I step on any sacred cows or soap boxes here, but there are many reasons why people don’t go to church. I am sorry that many have been hurt in God’s house; not all churches are bad, though this, all, or any of the above may be one of your excuse. But the Word tells us that “<span class="apple-style-span"><span>God is greatly to be feared in the <b>assembly</b></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span>of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him” (Psalms 89:7 NKJV). As I peruse Biblegateway.com and search the word assembly, I learn a lot about why I should go to church. I know several people who no longer go to church. My heart breaks for the good things they are missing! I have had to many people tell me I don’t need to go to church to hear from God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; " >Though we have a responsibility to hear and eat His bread at home, we go to church to get fed and listen reverently. This is where the Hearing Ear slips come back into this text, as what I am hearing in the house of God should be a near parallel to what I am hearing at home: A word of enrichment, elaboration, and confirmed revelation. I remember getting to the place where my Hearing Ear slips were on topic with my pastor. So, we come to church to hear the Word of God and grow. We then take that confirmed word out and share it with others. Yes, we come to praise, worship, encourage others, but if we understand that we come to hear the Word of God and we want it, then we would come more often, take sermon notes more often, and tell others more often what we heard in church. If your excuse is that your church is dead, is that a real excuse? Not really. Pray and ask God what you should do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; " >What about people speaking into your life. Should it be just anyone that you listen to? The Bible tells us that iron sharpens iron (Psalms 27:17 NKJV) and faithful are the wounds of a friend (Proverbs 27:6 NIVV). We want seasoned people with Godly wisdom speaking into our lives. Again, we need to take into consideration what we are hearing and not devising a rebuttal before they finish.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is another possible time-stopping moment where we have the opportunity to be changed if we listen. We may not take all that they say right there, as we should pray about it and then look for a confirming word to come via personal Bible reading, a radio broadcast or podcast, Sunday’s message etc. Nevertheless, one should always consider the source. I also feel led to say that if a person is not a Christian, I will NOT ask them for advice. I am looking for a pure unadulterated stream. There is too much “I” and “me” in people’s message out in “the world”. There is little talk about taking up the cross, seeking God, and living your life for God. These are not the tantalizing ideas that tickle our hearts and ears.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Go back to the word. You have been deceived (1 Timothy 1:10; 2<sup> </sup>Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9). For example, you are married but your husband is not meeting your needs sexually. God wants me to feel satisfied- this is worldly thinking that seeks your own desires- I should go elsewhere. It’s not an affair; it’s just the sex. No, go back to the word. Please! What is a marriage covenant? What about 1 Corinthians 13:3-5? There is another trap we fall into quite easily where we go around seeking what our ears are itching to hear and spinning our cause until we hear what we want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3). Step back, and go to the Word for the truth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; " >What other excuses are there? Is it selfishness? I’d rather sleep in. I have to work later. I understand that people go on vacation and miss church. That is not what I am saying here. If you come to church and hear a confirming word, you are going to be more blessed than you are now. Why settle? God has great things in store for you (1 Corinthians 2:9 & Jeremiah 31:17 NJKV). If you’re running from God, you can keep running. But remember that He loves you and He will keep wooing you. If you are a shut-in or sick, you can hear the word from the internet, I-phone, or TV and receive life. God does provide a way, but the best way is face-to-face connections with saints and Christ. This is where people who are plugged into Christ engage in corporate worship and open their hearts to God. It’s glorious to hear the sound of thunder (corporate worship) and watch it rise up to heaven as people lift their voices and hands in a surrendering stance. If you have no idea what I am talking about, you need to get to church that is plugged in to God. I call it a direct connection church where you leave differently when you came in. <a href="http://www.gulfcoastag.net/">My pastor praise this every week: “Lord may we leave here changed”</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; " >I need to address training your children in the way they should go (Ephesians 6:4 NKJV). The need to be hiding His Word in their hearts early and learning to hear from God too (Psalms 119:11). We have a responsibility to train them both at home and at church (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV; Deuteronomy 18: 11-21 NIVV). We have all kinds of things that we want to instill in our children, but what does the Word tell us? What should be our top priority? But I am so busy and we need family time might be your excuse. Is going to church as a family, family time? Is talking about what you heard and learned over a meal is great family meal-time conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The answer is yes! If your spouse does not go with you to church, they may be blessed by your conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; ">So wherever you are on the topic of hearing from God, let this blog challenge you. There was pun intended in the title: What in the World Did I Eat Last Night. Feed on God and His word. Finally, please, pray and talk to God. Why not allow the slightly exposed disagreements or even temper tantrums you may have had while reading this text help you see them the excuses they really are? Admit the excuse, correct it, be freed, and walk in new life? Why stay chained in familiarity, dysfunction, and unhappiness? I do not write these words to</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "> condemn you. Think and pray about it. That’s all I ask</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; color:black">. </span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-40862874085822760842011-06-30T10:00:00.006-04:002011-06-30T10:15:53.867-04:00A Stiff but Drinkable Cup of Take-an-Account<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKWO5ZxSsWY26XVRKRufbNnp-dgQyKTUdc8xCAvVPCEbw59cQznXjRdRejAVVY9nTGG7H6KL3jBEeOfQJN8zAQ9CQrTGaP5gOmODn46fBkzdlI7qAfuUpSNxp6v5RIj7DY71wF-AoeOSJ/s200/david+5.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624012544124173474" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKWO5ZxSsWY26XVRKRufbNnp-dgQyKTUdc8xCAvVPCEbw59cQznXjRdRejAVVY9nTGG7H6KL3jBEeOfQJN8zAQ9CQrTGaP5gOmODn46fBkzdlI7qAfuUpSNxp6v5RIj7DY71wF-AoeOSJ/s1600/david+5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKWO5ZxSsWY26XVRKRufbNnp-dgQyKTUdc8xCAvVPCEbw59cQznXjRdRejAVVY9nTGG7H6KL3jBEeOfQJN8zAQ9CQrTGaP5gOmODn46fBkzdlI7qAfuUpSNxp6v5RIj7DY71wF-AoeOSJ/s1600/david+5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">Vacation Revelations:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> A Stiff but Drinkable Cup of Take-an-Account was Brewed.</b></span></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">I woke up this morning in a new place, literally. I began to peruse an unfamiliar kitchen, sh</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">uffling about </span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">making coffee; I had to read the direc</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">tions on the coffeemaker to ensure that I did not ruin our friends’ essential appliance. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">That’s right. I need a cone filter (I thought).</i> Both this trivial and normal thought brewed, but many other complex ones were perking and stirring my heart for a much needed </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">makeover. Removed from my normal elements and familiar patterns, God began to expose some hidden areas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>On day one of our home-away-from-home getaway, I began to question the very basic a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">ctions of my everyday life and existence. Yet, I carefully drank this cup of coffee that He poured for me this morning. I slowly, purposefully, and difficultly considered every sip.</span></p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIihJl3yurZjT-kuzej7ZReCMoElVNT9ulvz2R8xYy3i3SnASWxhCUQm19wdsiA_gHkn3dXIbUjO8ze2ZBN8ddomXMmza5f6btNGjBHgpsQMsuI3HAx5rJOAiQVIbRhvByRt79DLU-38q/s200/david+4.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624013563890746338" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">The Bi</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">b</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">le tells us to search our hearts and take an account. I didn’t wake up thinking these thoughts, but I was open to let God speak to me and deal with my heart, which w</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">as </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">heavier and stained more than I realized. S</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">imple day-to-day repeated patterns, actions, and conversations reveal the pitter-patters of our heart: How big, how small, who they are directed to, who they are not directed to, who they are directed to sometimes, and how they are held back or diminished. It was a strong and bitter cup of coffee, but it went down like medicine. </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">Va</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">cation </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">Go</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">d</span></i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">; this is what I am thinki</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">ng: </span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Resting, the thing I do little of and need desperately to do more of; ah yes, this was on my to-do list and NOT this inward deep-sea heart diving expedition.</i> In short, d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; ">ay one’s vacation headlines read: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">A Stiff but Drinkable Cup of Take-an-Account </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px; "><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">was Brewed.</b></span></p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJAynQ133ycRmSW9e6MfJ0gCdB4NWLU34XE0YlgoLPq9yMyJwWJtAW7iCBlddc3mq3P919p_cU_GLq0V0etM-RkVSl-q9BbXW6E8GexAXwiRNTmy_lENEepfZHL1LUXojyF7_g1OA0GnZ/s200/david+1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624014738311782018" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">After getting to know the coffeemaker, I began to examine my actions. My heart beats with grandeur love pumps when I praise Jesus or thank someone, which is a worthy and appropriate focus and task, but is my heart pumping out these splendorous love bursts to the people and family around me on a regular basis? Are there chambers in my heart that are still bruised th</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">at keep me from loving others the way God intended (1 Corinthians 13)? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Does God expect me to be perfect</i> (I thought)? Of course not, but He does ask us to take an account. Excuse me while I grab a tissue; this is a tough one to write and a terribly difficult cup of coffee to drink!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">I thought about how nice it would be to have breakfast when my husband came back from fishing. How delightful it would be to sit and eat a breakfast he has prepared for the two of us! To clarify, yes, he has done most of the breakfast cooking over the years; I don’t cook breakfast well. I did enjoy cooking meals, and I belonged to two supper clubs. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">But where is my love for cooking meals? </i>I pondered: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Lost!</i><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">What else it</i> <i>lost </i>(I thought)?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">Though I was never one to cook breakfast because the smoke alarm would go off every time, I remembered how things used to be. How I used to be. How I used to love whole heartedly despite arrows and darts that would come from every direction. Though I thought I had dealt with bitterness, it appears that the root was not surgically removed, or the wound was so deep that it is time once again to go digging in my heart garden. Dissecting this vivid moment and my motives was and is no easy thing to do. Why would anyone want to go there? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">I want to go here Lord because I want to be more like you and less like me. I want my life to line-up with the Word, and though this is a hard task, I am all in Lord (I thought and cried).</i> These eye-opening thoughts took me back to the days of my youth, otherwise known as the early married years, which exposed and leaked some secrets I had buried. I went back to the kitchen for a warm up. As a write this piece, I feel as if time is frozen; I am parked here drinking this cup of coffee revelation. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Lord, please change me and soften my heart. Let the results of this moment bring glory to You; let me be changed (I begged, pleaded, prayed, and thought).</i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">As the years go by, my husband does more cooking; I do less. I am not saying that you should judge your relationships by the amount of time you spend cooking or how you divide up these responsibilities, but I am saying you need to take an account.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As I stated earlier, my family discovered early on that I was not gifted in making tasty delicious breakfasts on the weekends. I could never get it quite right! But I am reminded that I need to judge my actions and look inward and dissect my relationships, especially the ones close to me, which is my family, my first ministry before anything else, except seeking and serving God.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">Yes, this is a hard cookie to swallow or cup of joe to drink on any day of the week. But on day one of my house sitting vacation at our friends’ home; yes, I took a bite of this cookie. Hmm. It’s going to be a long vacation. My body may do some resting, but if I allow God to peruse my recent surge of weeds in my garden, I just may have a flowered heart garden ready to be posted in one of those well-manicured garden magazines. I hear my husband walking in.......<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%">I posted this on both of my spiritual and inspirational blogs because I felt both readers would be blessed. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-38295590531636437242011-06-18T05:53:00.003-04:002011-06-18T05:57:04.923-04:00And So the Story Goes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1mVO7GN5LQxgF5cadiKKktsdLSK2suT0NHJbkpAtraOi4G6dzfAajtcMxV_v_McQFgm9K6OJfxn3mBd5M7aV9u_64w9KEjVjxBkJg7tA9QNBpWYgTnR98uNaVCMzxGFYHFXTBTXclnLY/s1600/aaaaabbbb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1mVO7GN5LQxgF5cadiKKktsdLSK2suT0NHJbkpAtraOi4G6dzfAajtcMxV_v_McQFgm9K6OJfxn3mBd5M7aV9u_64w9KEjVjxBkJg7tA9QNBpWYgTnR98uNaVCMzxGFYHFXTBTXclnLY/s200/aaaaabbbb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619496154334053618" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">I was mediating on something that God put in my spirit yesterday morning, ironically, right after a loud outburst: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">You are called to praise and worship Me and to lead others into the high mountain of praise.</i> I was corrected and put on some worship music; I apologized to my husband and God. Then I went to Biblegateway.com and began researching. I knew I had found scriptures to support what I have felt called to do many other times, but it was time for fresh oil! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; ">I first began to think about the <st1:place st="on">Red Sea</st1:place> and Moses’ song of triumph, as well as Miriam’s song of praise and victory. I thought about the Battle of Jericho and how the praisers and musicians led the way. They were on the frontlines! I remembered when the rituals of the Ark of the Covenant were set up in the first book of Chronicles vaguely, and that the measures or procedures were put in to place for ministers to praise God. There was even a schedule to it, but honestly, I could not remember exactly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I went to my husband, a good reference, and I went to my NIV Thompson Chain Bible.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; ">When I was reading in Exodus, I read about Moses, a Godly leader and past murderer, who received from God. I remembered that he was called by God to deliver God’s people. No sooner did the leader disappear when he was at a meeting with God, that they were all back to the same no-good-idol-worship. They decided to make an object to worship, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+32:1&version=NIV">which was a golden calf</a>, and break into celebration; instead, they could have danced, praise, and celebrated God. That was an awesome lesson in itself, but I was not supposed to park there. I needed to dig deeper!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; ">I was led to Isaiah 61: 1-6 and was reminded of the words spoken and inspired via the Holy Spirit that televangelist Jimmy Swaggart preached about some twenty years ago. I had a God moment. You know one of those powerful encounters where you know the God is filling the room, sweeping over you with his presence, where your legs bring you to the ground, and you bow and worship Him moments. The Lord reminded me of the altar I had made in my living room that day. When I said yes, Lord, You have anointed me to preach the good news, help and heal the brokenhearted, to tell the good news, to set the captives free, to comfort, to give the garment of praise for heaviness, and so on… Yes, I answered His call that day! Funny thing is that I did not see that day as a defining moment or a drawing a line-in-the-sand moment, but looking back, it certainly was. It set the ball or “call” in motion.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; ">I was meeting with a dear friend yesterday talking about my journey with God; I told her that he made himself apparent to me at specific times in my journey. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As I write this, I see my life as simply a tapestry of His work, a quilt if you will. I can remember turning points in this journey and the squares or patches on my quilt have victory songs, times of mourning, times of pressing, times of training, times of joy, times of thanking, and so much more. It has been that in those quadrants of life, though they bleed over and blend, that I have answered His call. He has shown me how to live and be <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2061:%201-6&version=NKJV">Isaiah 61:1-6 </a>to a dying, hard-hearted, broken, diverse, and unique people: God’s people!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; ">Yet, in all of this, I am STILL reminded that I praise and worship God because one, I am commanded and called. Two, because I love Him with all of my heart and am called to worship Him. Three, I am to be at my father’s business and that is to remember, thank, praise, and worship Him only!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; ">I am reminded of when King David appointed those to minister before the Lord, which at the time the Ark of the Covenant housed the spirit of God. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%2016:%201-4&version=NKJV">1 Chronicles 16</a>: 4 tell us that “he appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to commemorate, to thank, and to praise the LORD God of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>”. That’s right, He has appointed me to give honor and remember Him, to thank Him for all that He has done, and to praise Him for who He is! It’s quite a responsibility and should not be taken lightly. Yes, He is putting me and the team before the people, but never to perform; instead, to honor, praise, and thanks. These three encompass our worship to Him. It’s a winning combination that leads me straight into the throne room of God. This is where He is teaching me to take His people, which are my people too. This is where He is asking me to go.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; ">As I have learned and submitted to the threading of the needle, the quilted lessons are bringing out an unstoppable strong powerful praise. Why He has given me praise to praise through the battle. I have learned to look to Him and praise any how. The latest lesson has really released my praise. The devil cannot take my spirit from me. My life with God is eternal. While trials and sickness are difficult, I remember that God is my refuge. When I have no fear and trust Him with abandonment, I have come to a greater place with God. Not a place of title as a worship leader, but a place of closeness with God. You see the story line here is not Ileana Reich: Woman of God.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; ">The story line and plot that unfolded in the pages of Biblical history is the same powerful and true pattern of my quilt. If you examine both, one can read the threaded words of a God who is the King of all of His People. He is higher than all other gods and idols. He is the main character of my quilt and your quilt, not you! He is the Redeemer and Savior of all of mankind. This is His story, and He has called me to tell it. He has appointed me and threaded me into life’s quilt, which belongs to Him. What an amazing journey! Thank-you Lord! </span></p>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-30715888642388932082011-06-11T12:03:00.004-04:002011-06-11T12:11:22.580-04:00Mumbo Jumbo Blarney Vs. The Truth<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7IOiSkkLgik05Bpn7fqgjx9Qgz0ovmoPeqiZborbCf_vyjA5aZfxTazQpDYqpwceT0NDBx3yBdTL6EaTfXORDYkmO2XPAFfAgbwQ1ORwbHoLqHC6SCIzGLder-RKaSJvx4tszJzYfRSf/s1600/aaaaabbbb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7IOiSkkLgik05Bpn7fqgjx9Qgz0ovmoPeqiZborbCf_vyjA5aZfxTazQpDYqpwceT0NDBx3yBdTL6EaTfXORDYkmO2XPAFfAgbwQ1ORwbHoLqHC6SCIzGLder-RKaSJvx4tszJzYfRSf/s200/aaaaabbbb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616994302107656690" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">Keep it positive is a phrase I hear often; honestly though, when I hear this saying, it irks me. What does keeping it positive really do anyway? It’s a Band-Aid with no adhesive; it’s encouragement with no true fix or hope! It’s a gamble! It’s also a pack of lies!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Why do we sit and listen to this new age mumbo jumbo and take it? I guess I realized today that I have become complacent in some of my thinking or when I am considering the thoughts or points of others. The Bible does tell us to test what we hear and to line up how we live via the word of God and not me, you, Buddha, a spirit guide, etc. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Remember the old cliche “put your money where your mouth is”? Well, how dare I say “be positive; it’s going to work out” with no true substance or hope for the days ahead. I need to remember to tell people that I serve a God who is able to do all things. He is a mighty God. I can be positive because He is faithful. That’s a sure thing. No one gambles on sure things! Stop the blarney or the words we revert to when we don't know what to say, or we to fearful to tell the truth!</p><p class="MsoNormal">So, the next time you hear that phrase…. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>be bold and tell them about Jesus! Be bold and tell them that "this is the day that He has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it". It's a reason to hope. It's a sign that He is with us everyday and that we awaken and breath His life that He has bestowed upon us! He is alive! He moves! Look for Him; He is the one true Hope!</p>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-35370801283822595472011-06-04T08:10:00.004-04:002011-06-04T10:53:02.553-04:00A Conduit for Christ<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsJvwcZm7xNnYOFq2LFba4bRoL3ko4zIl7p1pMJU68CoOmqPVp8NZVc_Mot5eNwUUQkbpMR7fKcBIaK5w6NfaQJOFkHnvZuDBNHjJ8J0lznEdeFTusuiWTaVxj2mJkJTm3uLCMnKgijWp/s1600/conduit.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsJvwcZm7xNnYOFq2LFba4bRoL3ko4zIl7p1pMJU68CoOmqPVp8NZVc_Mot5eNwUUQkbpMR7fKcBIaK5w6NfaQJOFkHnvZuDBNHjJ8J0lznEdeFTusuiWTaVxj2mJkJTm3uLCMnKgijWp/s200/conduit.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614375122150742866" /></a>Last week I heard my pastor say that “we needed to be a conduit for Christ”. The word conduit resonated with my spirit. The mention of that word has taken me on a personal journey the last few weeks.<br /><br /><br /><div>The first thing I thought of was what does that exactly mean? I remembered teaching a 9th grade text feature lesson with a diagram that had the word: conduit on it. I knew it had something to do with a connection electronically to make something work. But what did that have to do with Christ?<br /><br />I looked in the thesaurus and I found the following words: mouthpiece, instrument, agent, and tool. This began to shed some light. I pondered the meaning of each word.<br /><br />If I want others to come to Christ, I need to be his mouthpiece. If I want to draw men to Christ, I need to be an instrument that He can use. If I want to follow and obey the Great Commission, I need to be His agent-on- assignment here on Earth. If I want to love others and help them to find Christ, I need to be a tool for Christ’s use. I have to allow Him to shape me and mold me. Some days I may have to morph from a screwdriver to a hammer. Ouch, one week He may insist I am a nail. Nevertheless, in whatever situation I find myself in, will I be a conduit for Christ?<br /><br />What about? Will you be a conduit for Christ?<br /></div>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-50746500135730188542011-05-01T19:42:00.003-04:002011-05-01T19:47:42.072-04:00One Helicopter Parent’s Reflections: A Love Principle After All<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhq_02v1y7B0eiCmWfxDoizuGfcmLGpgD1TzRPR4kk2hxeuO6d3yTJhy0onPKNy5FTKOBff5825hRD7PwvoP4XPb24JpJKRMPaRnmXP6uiH8NdDe-M0l-ArF3ftGhRfzhkUX1y5fEhos7/s1600/IMG_1929.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601898192603523314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhq_02v1y7B0eiCmWfxDoizuGfcmLGpgD1TzRPR4kk2hxeuO6d3yTJhy0onPKNy5FTKOBff5825hRD7PwvoP4XPb24JpJKRMPaRnmXP6uiH8NdDe-M0l-ArF3ftGhRfzhkUX1y5fEhos7/s200/IMG_1929.jpg" /></a><br />Yesterday, we ate out with dear friends; our topic of conversation went from discussing God, educating today’s children, to parenting. I became aware of a new type of parenting style called helicopter parents or hovering parents. I went home pondering the implications of this new style, though I am convinced that it has been around for years! I just never heard of it until last night.<br /><br />I have been on all sides of the parenting spectrum, raising three children beyond high school, and I have also learned that each child needs different things. It’s hard to know which child needs what and when. No one is given a parent manual when they give birth. Sure there are books that can be read, there are parenting programs like 3-2-1 (more of a discipline method), and then there are the ones you observe watching your own parents and friends. I wasn’t satisfied. So, I went to the word to consider if the hovering parent is a love principle after all!<br /><br />Thus, we can look to 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 for answers. It says that “4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (New International Version 1984, ©1984).<br /><br />A hovering parent is one who watches out for their children. They are patient to see them grow. They give unselfishly and keep no record of wrongs. This can be a hard one to swallow. But the Bible tells us to forgive seventy-times-seven! I am not saying that boundaries are out the window, but a hovering parent knows and trusts God. They believe that they will eventually find their way. The strongest evidence I can find is that love protects. This is the heart of a mother. Hovering parents stay strong because they trust and hope. It means that they will find their way. Yes, I am responsible to train my children up in the Lord. Yes, I need to pray and know when I need to be a helicopter or a drill sergeant.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%2013:%204-7&version=NIV1984">http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%2013:%204-7&version=NIV1984</a><br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+22:6&version=NIV1984">http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+22:6&version=NIV1984</a>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752221062292897801.post-22194505289047596522011-04-24T21:12:00.004-04:002011-04-24T22:07:52.611-04:00Don't Feed The Birds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFKeNpOc0AgGfL68_bKIBYAzcNqVqJNuldcAg6_lY7vRhS6YuPARoS-w_WBwZUiSATt7wXLna6nHkRvbUGGNRFTT5oJRlEP9z1DQ7VLhz_2izMxu1c9jnbu_iG0XL1sJsuGGEijQxi8k/s1600/birds1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 160px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599321604330046610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFKeNpOc0AgGfL68_bKIBYAzcNqVqJNuldcAg6_lY7vRhS6YuPARoS-w_WBwZUiSATt7wXLna6nHkRvbUGGNRFTT5oJRlEP9z1DQ7VLhz_2izMxu1c9jnbu_iG0XL1sJsuGGEijQxi8k/s200/birds1.jpg" /></a> Do you remember when you were a teenager and you could not wait until you could do whatever you wanted to do? I mean move out of your own house and be the boss of yourself. No more school or parent rules! You would dream about sleeping in, putting off cleaning your room and whatever else you did not want to do on the weekend or any day of the week for that matter. Freedom from unnecessary rules was all you wanted.<br /><br />Well, I was at a beach restaurant a few weeks ago eating key-lime pie with a close friend. I read the sign: Do not feed the birds, which was adjacent to three grown men. You guessed it. They were feeding the birds. What about those poor birds? They are going to depend on people to feed them and themselves. The sign is there for their good. Now that I am older, I understand that rules are for my good! I thought to myself, just because you are grown up does not mean that you should not follow rules. Yet the reality is that we do get to choose. It tells us in Isaiah 1:9 that if we are willing and obedient, we will eat the good of the land. If not we will be devoured by the sword. Folks, they are consequences for everything. If you keep showing up to work late, you may have your pay docked or you may get fired. If you sleep around, you may get an STD. There are consequences for everything! But they are blessings when are obedient and live our lives right. This is the flip side to following the rules or signs around us! God gives us many signs. He uses His word and people. He can speak to us in many other ways, but we have to looking and reading <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UC1_NHQQYXaqnDoX1uMwArnNZ_ScaEBUjMlG8uGT2Z_YD9u4VtA_YPPebrcOOdz5aKAeP6L6zYR38-wvdWMrAAG-54ER05hqSn2ZjTff4AWWL5VSMrKmYzmG7MgI9Vmc3vL6_sbQ-Vc/s1600/birds+3.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 227px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 340px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599321755637191826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UC1_NHQQYXaqnDoX1uMwArnNZ_ScaEBUjMlG8uGT2Z_YD9u4VtA_YPPebrcOOdz5aKAeP6L6zYR38-wvdWMrAAG-54ER05hqSn2ZjTff4AWWL5VSMrKmYzmG7MgI9Vmc3vL6_sbQ-Vc/s200/birds+3.png" /></a>the signs!<br /><br />As I get older, I also see that rules are there to provide protection. You see, if I feed those birds, they are more apt to poop on me and or the eating area making it unsanitary. It’s just like in the Bible where it tells us not to forsake getting together with the congregation. I understand that as an adult there is no rule that I have to go to church. But when I don’t, I am less apt to grow, commune with God, and get to know good Godly people.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 160px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599322165689193746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1cj19h756cmZmLx6dYvdIXjUAAeZyI9Mbgv7Voe2Ms7-6f0GB_SQUOCrH4Y09ip4u_Xm_eUS1vgdC_QRabOZ3Jt6blljQGh2FRSIYz96xtuASx6jT3I84UgoJeHV1RjtG8RWlXRbTGw/s200/birds+2.jpg" />No matter what age you are, remember you have a choice. You can choose to feed or not feed the birds. The choice is up to you! What is God speaking to you? What signs is He sending you?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%2010:25&version=NIV">http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%2010:25&version=NIV</a><br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%2010:25&version=NIV">http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%201:19-20&version=NIV</a>Ileana Reichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596247827964855648noreply@blogger.com2