Mumbo Jumbo Blarney Vs. The Truth

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!

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.

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!

So, the next time you hear that phrase…. 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!

A Conduit for Christ

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.

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?

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.

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?

What about? Will you be a conduit for Christ?

One Helicopter Parent’s Reflections: A Love Principle After All

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.

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!

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).

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.


http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%2013:%204-7&version=NIV1984
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+22:6&version=NIV1984

Don't Feed The Birds

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.

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 the signs!

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.



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?

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%2010:25&version=NIV
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%201:19-20&version=NIV

Meditate On Words of Hope Today

Dear Friends, Yesterday I ran to the house of the Lord for prayer. My Pastor prayed with me yesterday. As she was praying, the Lord was giving me the same scriptures before she was saying them. So, I felt important both to record them and to share them with others who made need inspiration today!

Psalm 118:24 (NIV) This is the day the LORD has made;We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 59:16 (NKV) But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

John 14:27 (NIV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Romans 8:27-29 (NIV) 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

John 14:27 (NIV) 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

I am going to mediate on these things today! What about you?

Building An Altar in Faith: When the Rubber Meets the Road!

When the rubber meets the road, I am going to stand strong in Him! What about you? I ask this a lot, but I mean it. Where do you stand? Can people help us grow and change? Why yes, they can! We also need people in our lives who will act as an accountability partner to help us face the challenges that seem to appear for many on a minute-by-minute basis.

Sometimes it’s easier to run and give a bad report. I feel like some days I have been up one side of the mountain and down it several times; I don’t know which end is up, but God does and so do the people of God! I need these people in my life that will help me to build an altar to God despite wherever battle or growth initiative I am in; right?

So when the crap is hitting the fan, we can be reminded who is powering the fan and what tools do we have to fight the fan or face it. On the other hand, sometimes God brings the winds of change across our lives; His handiwork is speaking a word most do not like: growth! Another word we do not naturally enjoy either is change. Yet neither are our enemies but both are often feared! Folks, a flat tire is not the end of the road. This tire can be changed.

I read today in Ezra 3 (NIV 2011) about the rebuilding of the altar and worship being restored in Jerusalem. In verse three, I read about the fear that gripped them, though they built the altar at the beginning of the chapter. A lot of time transpired in this chapter, but in the end, God brings them to utter fulfillment and provision. However, they still built an altar and brought offerings both day and night before the promise or initiative was seen. I also read that due to an ordinance by King David that they sang and worshipped (verse 11). He had those on the front lines praising the initiative through. They led shouts of praise. Within this shout was weeping. Weeping for joy, another type of shout of praise, was happening too, but the unified shout sound of praise was so loud, one could not distinguish between the shouts of praise or the weeping praise! This is also illustrates that everyone responds to the move of God differently; either way they were fervent in it. Also, this shout of praise was not like the one in the Battle of Jericho. It was distinct and had qualaties one can learn from and practice.

Again, one can gleam much from the reported principles in this chapter and our own lives. I am not going to sum up or conclude this entry totally. Please write in and tell me how God is confirming this word to you. Where are you when it comes to the rubber hitting the road? Are you bouncing back or becoming stagnant? Consider praise and worship as one tool that you have in your hand to breakthrough! And remember, you have enough tread left on your tire to make it through!

Build that altar unto God; if you are off the road, get back on!

Paradigm Switch: A Pebble Becomes a Boulder in Less Than 10 Minutes!

All day yesterday, I could hear the words “I will not be moved” going over and over in my head. I wondered if God was giving me a song, but He only gave me those few words with a simple melody. I wondered if I was humming a song I knew. I was asking God questions like do you want me to find this song? Is it a Hill Song? I was way off track. God was giving me a gift, and I almost missed it!

I began to think about sticky and gloomy situations lurking over my children, the school system, and my own personal battles. I saw myself as a small stone, but by the end of this significant moment, I saw myself as boulder. I began to sing this melody with fervor and strength in my car! For every situation, I was singing out loud: I will not be moved! I also confessed my fear about every situation, but then I inserted: I will not be moved again and again. I felt an in vigorous spiritual strength sweep over me. I was reminded of what I wrestling with: the Devil. So, I said I am not moving, running, or backing down. I WILL NOT BE MOVED! The Lord was in my battle; He met me.

I was reminded in my car and in a span of less than ten minutes that I could war off whatever is coming my way. I remembered reading in John about the spirit of truth. God was bringing truth to me right in my car. Truth is needed in very situation not fear! I am not talking about the fear of the Lord; we need that! I am talking about the fear that makes you run away with your tail between your legs because you think you have been defeated. Instead, God tells us not fret or be angry about things; it only causes harm! Let the light of God’s words dispel your darkness. Let the spirit of truth come! The devil does not fight fairly; it says He lurks around seeking who he may devour. He looks for the weakest and the strongest. He doesn’t care. He wants to destroy your FAITH. Knowing the seriousness of this all, I need to have a well-ordered, disciplined, strictly-controlled, and well-organized in battle. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us "to be sober and vigilant". The good news is that God has already given us the plan for regimented battle! Be cognizant of what is warring around you!

God gives us strength and wants our battles to be regimented battles. He wants us to use the tools He has put in our hands: Prayer, Praise, and the Word of God. his includes putting on the whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6). Also, Psalms 27 reminds us that the Lord is the strength of our life and no matter what trouble arises: we can be confident in Him! Church, He does not want us backing down. The truth is that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood; instead, we are in an intense spiritual and evil battle. So do not think that warring and wrestling is strange or odd, though they can be tiring. Understand that God has given us provision for battle!

He does not want us to take matters into our own hands solving the problem for God or ourselves. Instead, He wants us to rely on Him. He is looking for a people that know their God. He wants us to wait on Him, be of good courage, and to speak to the mountain. But God wants you to understand that he wants you to be regimented with your wrestling matches and that you should wait for Him for Him to move though you intercede. (Psalms 27:14, 33:20, 37:7, 37:9, 37:34, 40:1, 130:5). Did I contradict myself? No. Remember that you use the tools He gives you and the rest you leave to Him to fix! I included Psalm 30 for you to see how David reports that in prosperity he will not be moved (vs. 6 & 7). If you read the entire Psalm, you can see that He has been through the battle! In fact, the book of Psalm records many of David’s battles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. The more battles you win; the stronger you become. The more battles you avoid; the weaker you become. So, I am going to try to look at warfare in a new way. I can embrace the battles because I am going to win them. Even David reports in Psalms 30: 11 that God has turned his mourning into dancing!

You know what? I am going to wrestle with the tools He has entrusted me with, and I am going to fight the good fight! I am going to embrace the battles knowing that I can be confident in God. I am NOT going to be moved unless He moves! I am a boulder and not a pebble! I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! What about you?


Psalm 30 (NKJV) from BibleGateway.com
A Psalm. A Song at the dedication of the house of David.
1 I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up,
And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried out to You,
And You healed me.
3 O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave;
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.[a]

4 Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.[b]
5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

6 Now in my prosperity I said,
“I shall never be moved.”
7 LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong;
You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

8 I cried out to You, O LORD;
And to the LORD I made supplication:
9 “What profit is there in my blood,
When I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it declare Your truth?
10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me;
LORD, be my helper!”

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Finally, listen to I Will Not Be Moved by Natalie Grant.
I hope it encourages you! Be blessed! Illy

God's Little Cheerleader: That's Me!

Yesterday, I sang the Song No Limits by Martha Manuzzi at Gulf Coast Assembly of God in North Port, Fl. Despite the challenges I had faced in my personal and professional life this past week, I went forward and delivered the song in boldness. I sang and believed the words for myself and the congregation. Thus, I do believe that God is doing amazing things in my life and the Body of Christ. I am looking for these miracles and opportunities with spiritual eyes. I also took the words Valerie Bell delivered to me via the Holy Spirit this past Saturday afternoon. I went forth in boldness. I also felt a new fervor in my prayer life and praise. I have felt it growing over that past few months. If you know me, you have seen it with your own eyes! And, God is so good!

So when I came off the platform after singing, God spoke to me and told me I was one of His cheer leaders. Yes, God has a sense of humor. If you know me well, then you know I always wanted to be a cheerleader. I never made it. This happened for many reasons. One, I did not feel confident enough to parade in those tacky uniforms; I was chunky. Two, I was not bold enough to shout for the team; I was afraid of crowds. Three, there were other things going on my life that inhibited me from making tryouts and practice times; I often had little joy. So, I let the dream go.

I love it: God’s little cheerleader. Thank you Lord. I'd cheer for You any day, and no matter what the weather looks like, I’ll be out there cheering for You! I will also be out there cheering for my blog readers and the congregation that I am blessed to minister to- no matter what!

I hope this encouraged you. I have learned that there is power in praising God. It lifts you! Get out those spiritual pom-poms! Go to new heights in God! What is stopping you?


http://www.blogger.com/www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D1Q2pSEv-beI

God, We Need and WANT You Back!

Why is it one of the only times someone hears about God in school is thorough the word moment of silence or in the “Pledge of Allegiance” when they recite the words one nation under God? The answer is simple. Funtrivia.com reports that “The Engel v. Vitale case (was) argued before the Supreme Court on April 3, 1962, and was decided on June 25, 1962.” The Supreme Court declared prayer in school unconstitutional. Their main support and argument for their position is in the 1st Amendment where the words “separation from church and state appear”. Since our founding fathers crafted the Constitution out of a desire to worship God with freedom and to be separate from an unholy union with Britain; the Supreme Court interpreted it to mean that God should not be in school. The current state of our nation and schools is in disarray; we need God back in our schools!

Yes, God is part of American’s history and is mentioned from a historical perspective in history class. But when it comes to celebrating a holiday, one cannot have a manger in schools. Sure you can have a wreath, a tree, candles, etc, but nothing that really represents Christ. While I’m on my soap box, let’s not forget that teachers can talk about any other religion but Christianity in a class discussion unless it is history class or regarding a text. If students bring up Christ, we are not allowed to share our thoughts. My mom is dying of cancer; can we pray for her I have been asked? No, I have to respond.

Teachers see the brokenness of students’ everyday all day long. If they don’t, they are turning their heads. Our hands are tied. We can’t say God loves you, or pray and think about forgiving your friend. Or, I know you heart is broken, but that teen boy or drug you are on is NOT going to you’re your heart: Only God can! God has a plan for you life; suicide is not your option. What about praying for the kids who are suffering from depression? Nope, we can’t do it! My heart is breaking as I see society falling apart. Everyone is too busy to see the symptoms saturated in their own children’s lives.

America’s said, via the voice of the Supreme Court, we don’t want you in our schools; we don’t need you in our schools. Forty years later one can see that this is far from the truth. Look at the mess we are in. Keep in mind that the standardized test movement started in the early seventies. We saw riots and gang violence rising and infiltrating our schools in the eighties. In tandem, society has also taken a turn for the worst. The divorce rate, teen pregnancy, crime, and financial ruin are on the increase at an alarming rate. America has turned away from their first love: God. Many have forgotten what it means to be an American. We live in a country where Muslim extremists can burn a United States flag with police protection, but we cannot talk about God in schools. What is wrong with this picture? Wake up and smell the coffee. Christians are becoming the silenced voice. It’s time to take a stand and get God back in schools and in our lives.

Reflections on Waiting: Six Principles Revealed

In searching out the word: wait today on BibleGateway.com, I found that there are 159 references (wait, waiting, waited). That’s a tremendous amount, and I went digging for truth today, I found some!

While the above picture looks peaceful and positive, there are negative connotations associated with this word. I don’t want to wait to save money to buy an outfit; I don’t wait to wait in the fast food line. Face it, we are accustomed to not waiting for things. We don’t have the patience to wait for things anymore because we have been conditioned in a fast passed society who expects things to be given to them now. On the other hand, we feel that we need to deliver things right away too. The pressure to keep up at times is overwhelming.

There are positive consequences to waiting though difficult to endure. When you seek the Lord for an answer and you wait to move until you get it, you are sure to be walking in safety because you waited. Never mind putting decisions into your own hand; it is better to wait. It is also better to wait because God is in control; He knows what is ahead, and we don’t. So, you want to buy that house, but what you did not know was that there is a clandestine mold problem growing under the tiles in the bathroom shower and hidden up the walls. He wants to save you the time and money for these repairs, which you don’t have. He has something better for you. How would you know that? You wait until He speaks to you to put in an offer on a house. That’s how. We don’t always have the why, but the principle of waiting is crucial in not only understanding but in practicing. Whatever situation you are waiting in right now, rest assured that God is on the throne. Wait on him and be of good courage (PS 27:14). There are six principles in the Word on waiting that I found this morning. I hope they admonish and encourage you.

1. Be still. I know it’s hard but that’s what you have to do. Wait for Him to act! Psalm 37:7 (NLT) says to “be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” Thus, He also tells us not to worry. We can trust Him!
2. The Lord is waiting for you to come to Him. It says in Isaiah 30:18 (NLT) that “the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.
3. There is a blessing that comes to those who wait (IS 30:18)!
4. Wait for an answer! Psalm 38:15 (NLT) says, “For I am waiting for you, O LORD. You must answer for me, O Lord my God.
5. Waiting can be exhausting! There are signs that you are waiting, but it doesn’t mean you won’t make it because of them. Hang in there and wait! Psalm 69:3 (NLT) says, “I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me.
6. God will strengthen you as you wait; the rescue party may not have been sent yet, but remember He is in control! It says in Psalm 59:9 (NLT) that “You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress.” Even the seas wait for God’s instruction (IS 42:4 NLT).

Whatever you are going through, it is better to wait. He will answer eventually. Tell yourself right now: I am waiting for You to move on my behalf. I am going to trust you!

References:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+27:14&version=NLT

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37:7&version=NLT

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+30:18&version=NLT

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+38:15&version=NLT

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+69:3&version=NLT

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+59:9&version=NLT

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+42:4&version=NLT

Lord I Believe, But Help My Unbelief!

"I Have to Believe" by Rita Springer reminds me of God's faithfulness. That I can look to the hills and heaven where my help comes from! This is one of my favorite scriptures. Psalms 123: 1-3 says "(1) I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? (2) My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (3) He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber." I have to be strong and not slumber! I have to trust! I have to remind myself of the following things:

For one, He can move my mountain and your mountain too. Even when it seems like the sun will NEVER shine and that gosh darn situation will not move; by faith and in Jesus name it will! You know what I am talking about: those dark days.

Two, I am reminded that I can put on my garments of praise and sing Him a song no matter how dark or sad that it is. This takes me right into His presence. He meets both me and you.

Three, there is nothing too hard for the Lord. When I walk in the valley of despair and it looks grave, it's never too hard for Him. He created us, the heaven, and the Earth. What is one of our situations in comparison to the above? When we look at it that way, our situations seem much smaller but not insignificant to God.

Four, He wants us to rely on Him. That means I can depend on Him to be there- no matter what! I am NEVER alone and neither are you!

Yep, I have to believe that He is here and willing to bring me up right out of these ashes. So, what about you? There is no doubt in mind that He heals, saves, rescues, loves, blesses, sets me free, watches over me, knows my heart, and understands me! This is just the tip of the iceberg! How about you? Think about it! Don't you have to believe too?

If your not inspired yet, click on Rita Springer's song "I Have to Believe", sit back, close your eyes, and let Him touch you!

Thorns, Thistles, Prostitution, & Assignments: An Unexpected Journey

After writing the poem below, I am still reminded of God message through Hosea, which was one of repentance, encouragement, and love. Also, despite the thistle and thorn bushes amongst us, we need to be concerned about the soil of our heart. What is it receiving, and how is it reacting to the trials and things that surround us and or attack us?

Remember to "Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until He comes and showers His righteousness on you."(Hosea 10:12 NLT).I don't want bitterness rooted in me, and yet, some wounds from people reoccur. It seems almost to test the decisions I make. Will I let the cares of this life corrupt my heart, or will I be a tool for Christ? Will I let Him use me? Will I walk the unexpected road: Thorns, Thistles, and Assignments? I will, and I will pray for rain until it comes! Jesus, make it rain! In Jesus name! He is with you in your journey!

Enjoy the song: "Rain Down" by Rita Springer. This is my prayer today! Rain in my heart Lord and shine through the thorns and thistles that nag at my soul as if to capture it and separate me from Your love. Let Your rain shower on me, Lord! It's supper time; I can taste it! Can you? Press in!

Thorns, Thistles, Prostitution, & Assignments: A Poem
Sometimes things are difficult traveling an unexpected highway.
Hosea married Gomer, a prostitute, and named their children:
God-plants, not-loved, and not-my-people.
God used his life to show Israel the pain their actions caused.
Hosea did not deserve this request and charge;
Yet, he accepted the thistle & thorn bushes making him a tool in God’s hands.

Sometimes life is thorny, and we walk an inconceivable & tedious road.
Jesus puts in the heart of every little girl grand hopes and dreams.
To marry, be loved, have children, grow old, just to name a few!
If one focuses on life’s stings, they could miss the significance of their journey.
He planted us in peoples’ lives to be Christ to His people.
Our fragrance is His love that we bring to everyone’s lives around us.
Like Hosea, we can be God's tool amidst the barbwire and pickers!

Beach Encounter: He Never Disappoints!

Yesterday I went to the beach yesterday to sit still and listen to God. I also went to read the scriptures. I wanted to hear God speak to me about some situations in my life. At times I felt the the waves were His words talking to me with each thrust towards me on the shore. He never disappoints! He spoke some amazing things to me yesterday. He told me to “think big!” He reminded me that I echoed this out during a song while leading worship earlier that day; I spoke it prophetically. Ironically, I came to the peacefulness of the beach to hear Him more clearly, and He lovingly reminded me that I was hearing Him even during worship! He also gave me some creative ideas and a few lyrics for some songs. He also confirmed the projects I have set my heart to doing in order to bring Him glory. So, keep your ears open and listen; He is speaking. We need to be open and willing to hear! Most importantly, we MUST be willing to do whatever He asks of us!

The enclosed picture was taken during this special moment!

Dealing With Worry is Easy: Laud it Away!

What are you worried about today? Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all He has done.” Is is that easy?

The truth is we worry though we pray; we give it to God, but we pick it right up again. For example, I awoke this morning from a restless sleep, and I was still worrying about a plethora of things. How will my students do on the FCAT this Tuesday? How will things work out with my children, extended family, and friends’ challenges; when will they find that the Lord can meet all their needs, despite whatever fire they are walking through? I was praying, which was still in worry, about a dear friend. What about my husband’s cough, asthma, and high blood pressure? What about the book I am writing and my blogs? Will He use them? I was concerned about my foot, which is still not healed. Why this, and why that? These are just a few of the steams that were running directly from my heart to the Lord. I felt like they were bouncing off a mirror and right back into my heart!

These words were prayers, but they were jam-packed with worry; they lacked praise and thankfulness. I received no sense of rest that things would come together. I was not settled! I had been up most of the night thinking and wrestling with all this stuff. I fed my flesh by eating bagels and nuts, and I turned to Facebook, reading posts and commenting. I fed my spirit; I read and prayed. I even sent my dear friend a message of encouragement. Yet, I did not feel His peace completely over it all. I finally fell asleep!

So, like I said, I woke up with worry and chains attached to me. I was bogged down. I persevered and began to read the Message Bible. I needed to prepare for leading worship tomorrow. God move me forward as I prayed. Shake off this worry and turmoil! Lead me to Your water. My cistern is full of fret; consume my fire of worry with Your life giving spirit. My lips are dry. I thirst for You. Oh God, get me beyond myself.

As I began to seek the Lord, I found the following scripture: Philippians 4:6 -7. It says, “Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (The Message). I forgot that prayer streams require praise and thanksgiving; otherwise, they are shaped in worry. I never praised God for taking care of any of it and or for answering my prayers. I never thanked Him. I had moments of meeting Him, and He quickened some scriptures and a song title for me to send to a friend, but I never got into His secret chamber. I guess I didn’t hear Him say, “Take your jacket off and stay a while; come in my child.” Man, I missed out. He has and had peace prepared for me; I really did miss out.

I am also perplexed by the fact that maybe I am used to carrying worries; so, I choose to carry them. I am being honest. When truth began to illuminate my heart this morning, He reminded me that worry is not what I was created to do. If I carry this worry water, I will eventually have physical symptoms. Meaning, He will get my attention some how, but He will also point me in the right direction! It says in 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) that “you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” You must be wondering that if I am walking in His marvelous light, then why I am surrounded by so many problems? Peter reminds us not to “be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12 NLT). He also tells us that we will suffer with Him. Suffering means discomfort, trails, and pain. Furthermore, in 1Peter 5:10 (NLT), He declares that “after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you...” I don’t think the way He does. I do not understand what “a liitle while” refers to, and it is difficult to assign an allotment or time frame to how long the trouble or troubles, for that matter, will last. In fact, it seems like it has been a long time of suffering and not a “little while”. Yet, the Bible tells us to count these trials as joy (James 1:2 NKJV). Does this mean to find joy in suffering too? The answer is yes if I want to share in His glory (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).

I guess we are back where this whole thing started: Philippians 4:6 (NLT), “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Yes, we all worry, but the Lord tells us HOW to deal with worry. I thought why not try it: Ok Lord, I will shape my prayers with praise. I will enter into Your chamber room, and let you consume my worry. I will praise and thank you in these struggles. My lips will speak of your awesomeness. I will look for Your goodness in the land of the living, and I will thank you for answered prayer. I trust You, and I will not leave your chamber until I have found and embraced Your joy. Amazing! I prayed that and now I am settled.

Why don’t you take a moment and “give your cares to the Lord" (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)? You can’t give or get rid of them unless you shape your worries with praise and thankfulness. He will renew you and give you rest! What are you waiting for?

Are You Ready to Walk on Water and Take New Ground?

I am walking in a “give it all you've got, and go for it thinking”. I was cognizant of it today when I saw the sign: Faith Blvd. This road sign is a symbolic representation of the stretching that is occurring in the natural and the spiritual. Thus, I am moving out of my comfort zone and right out on Faith Blvd.


The scenery on Faith Blvd. is not much different than the road I was on prior. The crucial idea here is that I am on the right and prepared road. It does not mean I will know what to do at every turn or when each turn will occur, but in this moment, I am “walking by faith and not by sight” ; I am skipping along on Faith Blvd. (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV). I am embracing today though I consider the same worries I used to; I am no longer bound by them. Like I said, I am confronted with the same problems, chaos, demons, and distractions on this road, but I also see the same opportunities to minister, encourage, bless, and serve.

What’s different? Well, now that I actually took the turn, I am on the road. There has been a paradigm switch. I see things more vividly; my choices are clearer. I am also tuned in with the creator of this road; we commune together as we did before, but now I really trust God and lean on what He says on His road. It’s a new day and a new season in God.

When I know what He has told me to do, it is easier to think about “walking on water or taking new ground”. To me, this means sitting down and writing the book about praise and worship that he told me to scribe in the early 1990s. I wrote the introduction today, and I started walking down Faith Blvd.

What about you? Are you on Faith Blvd., did you get off Faith Blvd., have you retreated, or are you thinking about getting back on and embracing the journey? There is nothing you cannot handle with God. He is with you 100% of the way. It’s time to embrace this “give it all you've got and go for it” mentality. What have you got to lose? Faith Blvd. is calling you!

A Shower of Edification & Gifts

Just recently I attended an event: IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVE-Learn the principles of love for healing and the prophetic touch for your community. I went to learn how I can do just that. While there, I received a deeper impartation of the gift of healing, words of knowledge, & prophecy. However, something I did not expect to happen... did!

As the Kingdom of God advances, the enemy roars louder and more often; I want to have every tool possible to break the chains that have been nearly cemented on His people and myself. I was reminded of the gifts of the spirit in 1 Corinthians 12: verses 7-11 (NKJV). It stated that “(7)…the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same[b] Spirit, (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” So, I understand that though God gives these gifts to men; each man may have some and not all of them. They also may have a deeper measure of one gift over another. Yet, in each one there is purpose.

Again, that day I received a deeper impartation. I find this essential for warrior living! Walking in these gifts, like the disciples did, is what I believe God is trying to compel His people to do. Numerous Christians are caught up in God making their lives better. Don’t get me wrong; God is in the fixing business, but He wants us to get beyond ourselves, get out there, and start walking in His gifts. When we do just that, we will be able to look back and see that He has taken care of everything.

So what happened to me this wonderful day? God confirmed some things to me. Knowing these things beyond a shadow of doubt, has freed me. I was edified and encouraged. I received the following words:

1. Music and leading worship is not the only gift! Let the gifts come out!
2. I will write and publish a book in 2011.
3. The Lord will give me Psalms with melodies, sounds and rhythms together that will reach an audience that has not been reached.
4. These songs will be simple and creative.
5. Healing will happen when I am leading worship.
6. I exhaust myself in the Lord, He strengthens me. This is the pattern.

Yes, the above is all confirmation. The Lord has asked me to write a book about taking His children into the high mountain of praise; I see how many of these gifts will operate in the writing and reading of my book. Though it was in the early 1990’s when I first heard, I am just now putting my hand to the plow. It never left my heart -I played with it off and on- then I put in on the shelf. He has also impressed upon me to use my voice and writing to put together Psalms and songs. Yep, you guessed it. I put that on shelf too. Doubt was the wall of my cessation. I could not go over it or under it. I have been asking myself these thought provoking questions: Who am I to do these things, how will I write this book and songs, who will read or buy this book and CD? Forget promoting the products, speaking, websites, and blogs, I didn’t need to worry about any of that. The devil had me stopped in his sticky tracks. It was time to go through the wall! It’s not about who I am or what I can do; it’s all about Him and what He is going to do!

I have been trying to get beyond myself, hear from God, and open my life to Him so He can move. He has used many people, objects, His word, and His voice to confirm what He is asking me to do for Him right now. I have been distracted with many things. Now I am like a mother bird getting food for her babies. I won’t stop doing it because I know that He has put food for the nations inside of my being for His people. I am prophesying to the ones He is sending me to reach: The saved, broken, chained, and lost. So, going to this conference made sense. I knew I heard about all of the things listed on the conference itinerary before I got there, but I knew God had something special planned just for me! You see I went, expected, and He showed up. I had no idea He would minister to me in such a dynamic way. God is good! He confirms; He speaks!

Reference: Bible Gateway

I Corinthians 12: 1-11

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2012:%201-11&version=NKJV

Romans 12:6

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012:6&version=NKJV

Pregnant at 43!

I am pregnant and 43 years old; pregnant with a book, pregnant with speaking, pregnant with Psalms, pregnant with a worship and praise ministry, and pregnant with His Word. Pregnant, pregnant, pregnant, and its' painful, exciting, and scary all at the same time!

Being pregnant at this age takes a toll on my body; yet, I rejoice that these pregnancy pains, aka creation pains, are wildly and vividly moving in and through my spirit. Praise God, new life is coming forth! The stretching is uncomfortable. Moms you know the struggles that can occur during pregnancy. The funny thing is that once your baby is born, you eventually forget the trials of pregnancy and the labor pains. You faintly remember the struggles, such as nausea, swollen feet, and back aches. Despite the trials that occur during pregnancy, you anticipate the birth! The excruciating pain of pushing is quickly forgotten. Knowing these natural concepts helps me to look forward to what God has for me! I am embracing these new children.

In Romans 8: 18 -21 (MSG) is states, “That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what's coming next.” As sons of God in this Earth, we wait with anticipation for so many things. This scripture gives me such hope and comfort that while I labor in this spiritual pregnancy, the new seeds will come forth. “Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.” I wait for you Lord to bring it to pass. I trust you through this pregnancy; I am obedient to the steps you are asking me to take, both big and small. This is my prayer in the struggle. I know good times are ahead! Jesus, your Word is alive in me.

I am encouraged as I read on in Romans 8 verses 22-25 (MSG). It states that “All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.” Praise God, in the spiritual my places are being enlarged.

I see the signs of stretching and am learning to do things I never did before. I am growing in the area of using technology. This is just one area I am mentioning as an example; I am also making myself sit down and write. I am getting ready for God to use me for a greater purpose beyond myself. I have had a paradigm switch. I am pregnant with the “Word”. It’s time to speak it! I have been frantically making lists and being obedient. I am also pregnant with a book. It was prophesied this past Sunday by my Pastor, Keith Jones, “Publish that book!”

What more do I need to hear? Things have been difficult; should I think them as odd or strange? No. Also, I could easily grow weary, but as I read on in Romans 8, I understand that “God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” I love this! He knows our pregnant condition, and He is going to work something good- it says every detail- it’s time to trust God! When I don't know what to do or say, I can pray and God prays through me when I don't have the word. This truth and event brings me such peace.

You see it says that “God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.” He was shaping me before eternity began; He knows me by name. That’s enough for me! He is going to complete what He has begun. I don’t have to worry or fret. In fact, He wants me to rest. This is not easy for me to do, but I am learning to do it. He is showing me that all I need to do is be obedient and trust, and He will do the rest.

What are you waiting for you?

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:%2018-30&version=MSG

Leaps of Faith

"I am never doing that!" I remember when I said those words to my husband; his heart sank in his chest, and I had accidentally hurt him. I was stubborn, and I thought I knew it all.

Honestly, I never entertained moving from Michigan to Florida though my husband asked me to do it off and on for ten years. You see, I was NEVER moving to Florida. Now that I did it, I know that I made the right decision; I realize that God uprooted me and planted me into a new house of God and an up-and-coming community: North Port. He knew where my physical and spiritual address would eventually preside. Yet I was stuck in my microcosm, and I could not see beyond the safe and secure walls of my Michigan church family and its vision. I was planted, and I did not see that I had stopped growing. I saw a lot of fruit on my tree. I was satisfied and walking in this fruitfulness, but He had and has so much more for me to discover.

It took me ten years to be ready to move to sunny Florida; God knew how long I needed. He used my husband to introduce the idea, and he begged me for years. Once he let go and let God, I was freed. He trusted God that it would happen. He was the head of our family; he received the vision, but I needed to hear from God too. I was like Abraham's Sarah; she needed to hear that she was having a baby from God and not just her husband in her old age. She laughed when her husband told her because it did not seem likely or possible. She had her life figured out; I guess I thought I did too!

The word “move” first came from God in January 2003. I heard it in the bedroom, and I pondered moving to a new house. This interpretation landed us right back into marriage counseling.

On July 3rd, 2003, I heard the clear words "Move to Florida". How could it be any clearer? Mind you, I was pregnant with this seed for a long time; the seed came spiritually through my husband. I had uncertainty and fear about moving. I needed to know for sure that it was what God wanted for me and our home. I did not want to be out of the will of God, on a temporary tangent, or worse yet, walk away from God because I moved away from my somewhat paradise life in Michigan.

I did what any conscientious Christian would do: I put out my fleece that day. The word was confirmed by a very sweet girlfriend. You see, I had to know beyond a shadow of doubt that it was what God wanted me to do. But saying yes took all the faith in the world. I had an opportunity to listen; the windows of heaven were open to us. Would I leap? And once I did, my husband leaped with me.

He opened every door that needed to be open and closed doors that needed to be shut in three weeks time. We were moved, our house was rented, we had an apartment, and we both had teaching jobs. We started teaching on July 26th. That is a miracle. While many people thought our moved was planned, it was not.

So, I am here today and praising God. Things did not happen overnight. We moved across the state three times. I cried for friends; I cried for God. I was looking for God to plant me in a place where I could grow and be a blessing to others. I wanted to use my gifts, but I knew I had some fears I needed to overcome. I wanted to move forward; I thought I was stuck. We are finally planted and growing in an awesome church: Gulf Coast Assembly of God (GCAG). We have true friends. We are loving life and making a difference.

What would have happened if I moved prematurely? I think it would have been a disaster even though he would have gotten me back on track. We can go the hard or easy way. He gives us a choice. In fact, we can even suffer and say no, but he keeps wooing us back. For His plans are good for us; He knows what will ultimately satisfy. We think we know our hearts, but we do not.

I want to impress upon you the importance of listening for God and looking for Him in everything. I am reminded of the Battle of Jericho. The victory came easy because of obedience. They were told to walk around the city for six days. On the seventh day, they marched first and waited for the word: shout. They gave the victory shout at the appointed time. Thus, God had everything aligned on the seventh day; if they had done it any sooner, they would have failed.


In short, you don’t have to spend hours in prayer to hear from God; He speaks to us, and He speaks in His word. His sheep, that's us, know His voice. He uses circumstances and people to speak into our lives too. When He does speak, move and take the leap of faith. He also want us to be obedient. If you have heard from God and when you look back, you can be sure you heard right. There is no need to question, just trust. You can know that God is and was with you every step of the way. You can look to Him for hope because He is with you right where you are; this is the secret to standing: know where you are placed and trust! When it’s time to leap, do it and trust! It’s really much simpler than it sounds. On that note, I’m keeping it real!




*I am enclosing this photo of two close friends I have come to know and love in North Port, Florida! I met them at GCAG! It is so good to laugh again.

Emily Dickenson and Me: Coming Out of Secret and into this World

Emily Dickenson and Me: Coming Out of Secret and into this World
By Ileana Reich
I have often compared my dark poetry and life to Emily Dickenson life. I researched her works and life in college. I have always wondered why she kept her poetry concealed. I can infer a lot of things. Instead of being a closet alcoholic, she was a closet writer. How many of us have done the same thing? Emily is one of the most intriguing poets I have read. Her life story is very unique. I have found a lot of similarities between our lives. She has inspired me, yet from her grave.

Emily wrote most of her life. Since I have been writing poems for almost 30 years, I see this as the first safe comparison. I have often wondered why I have only allowed a few people to see them, and why she died without letting anyone read them. I first started writing poetry and songs when I was 13. I had several of my first teenage written poems stolen from an apartment storage area when I was 18, and I was devastated by this. I was writing about death, eating disorders, faith and hope in God at that time. I was a Romanian Greek Orthodox at that time, which is a traditional church. Emily was raised in a traditional Christian home too. I kept writing all the way though adulthood, just like Emily too!


Also, Emily wrote about Nature, Death, and Love; I do the same. We both buried our poetry in a drawer. I did not want to wait until I died to allow it to be published. My work is very personal to me, and often the dark things I write about are real world experiences for me. This makes me very vulnerable. This may be why Emily didn’t get her work out there. It is much safer to keep things quiet. I think Emily had fear of rejection and acceptance. Also, what she was writing about was not traditional in nature, and it could have shocked her community. I cannot worry so much about that. Since I feel compelled to get it out there. I have to trust God on this. I also think that by getting my thoughts and feelings out there, others can be possibly be freed or helped. It also helps to know that you are not alone.


I find that I write when I am sad. Often things in the present remind me of a trauma that I had in the past, this brings what happened subconsciously right up to the forefront of the moment. I once heard this referred to as a body memory. I am trying to live in the now. I think that lately that is what I have been writing and struggling with. How does one make those body memories go away and stop coming back on their own? Did I give them the rights to do that? This sounds like another poem coming out of me.

I do believe that there is hope in Jesus and without Him I would not be alive. I hope more poems of hope and faith pour out of me. I know this will happen as I am freed!


I have an awesome link to Emily Dickenson’s poetry in my 'links of value', and my poetry can be found in the archives on this website.

(C) Ileana Reich 2008