Re-Post "The Final Say"

I loved this blog and wanted to re-post it - "Four Ways To See And Release LIFE - The Final Say".  We are invited to choose and release LIFE.  LIFE of our families and marriages, LIFE of our nation, LIFE in our bodies, LIFE for the unborn, LIFE for our future, dreams and callings.  LIFE.  May we continue to take our authority as children of the King of Kings and choose LIFE.

https://www.krisvallotton.com/when-it-all-seems-too-bleak-to-bear-do-these-4-things

"LIVING within YOU is the Christ who floods you with the EXPECTATION of Glory!  This mystery of Christ, embedded within us, becomes a heavenly treasure chest of HOPE filled with the riches of glory for His people."  ~Colossians 1:27

God Holds It All Together

"I remain confident of this;  I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong, take heart, and wait for the Lord."  

~ Psalm 27:13-14

Video "You Hold It All Together": https://youtu.be/hSMJa5tImRU  

"This is what the Lord says . . . I am the first, and I am the last, apart from me there is no God."  ~ Isaiah 44:6

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.  I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost."  ~Revelation 21:6

I Can't Live Without You

 My husband and I, have sort of a running ditty, since we met.  We look at each other and say, "I can't live without you" to a silly tune we sang in our 20's.  

The other day I came across this song and when it starts to play, I just start to cry.  It begins and ends so tender, like a deep and intimate love song to Jesus.  "I can't live without you."  I can't imagine a life without Jesus.  Such a tender Lover.  Such a faithful Friend.  A beautiful Redeemer.  Constant Companion . . . so, so much more. 

"I will never leave you or forsake you." ~ Jesus

Video: "What Can I Do" by Tye Tribbett

You Don't Have to Irrigate By Foot Any Longer

He said to me, “Human one, these bones are the entire house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished. We are completely finished.’ So now, prophesy and say to them, The LORD God proclaims: I’m opening your graves! I will raise you up from your graves, my people, and I will bring you to Israel’s fertile land. You will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and raise you up from your graves, my people. I will put my breath in you, and you will live. I will plant you on your fertile land, and you will know that I am the LORD. I’ve spoken, and I will do it. This is what the LORD says.” - Ezekiel 37:11-14

I wanted to share some Thoughts on the end part of Ezekiel 37:1-14 as it has been my focus the last couple days.  We know that at this time in history, Jesus is opening graves.  He is doing it in the natural (raising people from the dead - https://www.go2020.world/en/node/816) as well as in the Spirit.  When all hope is perished and we feel completely finished, Ezekiel encourages us to prophesy, an opening up of our graves.  Ezekiel goes on to say that God will put His Spirit in us, we will live and we will settle in our own land (He will plant you on your fertile land).  This part about settling in our own land has been on my mind lately.  

Sometimes dreams get put on hold and the circumstances of life can put things in the grave, so to speak.  But I love the picture of God opening up graves and pulling out people, destinies, dreams, hopes, vision, purpose, etc. 

When I moved to Arizona, I stood on our land, in the country, and God dropped a verse into my lap about "land". He begin to speak to me regarding geographical land, spiritual inheritance for regions, etc.  Recently my girlfriend reminded me of those land verses.

"The land you are entering to take over is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you planted your seed and irrigated it by foot as in a vegetable garden.  But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven.  It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end." ~ Deuteronomy 11:11

God is taking His kids into the land that He has positioned them for.  This land may be literal geographical land, or it could be a destiny, purpose and call of God on our lives.  But there is "land" that He is giving us to possess and see fruitfulness.  I love this picture in Deuteronomy of the land God is giving us "drinking rain from heaven and God caring for."  Do you have a a place you know God is calling you to possess, that needs Holy Spirit (rain from heaven) to release a drink too?  Is there a call or destiny from God upon your life, and it's good to know that you don't have to "irrigate it by foot" any longer?  God has got it.  He's got your seed and He is watering it, caring for it, and his eye is continually on it. Ezekiel says, HE will plant you on your fertile land.  Deuteronomy says, He is doing the irrigating.  

May you be encouraged today that God is doing a new thing!  It is upon us.  He is handing out lands and territory for His kids to possess.  He is "planting you on your fertile land." He is doing it. There is something of your "own" that He has assigned to you, and as you partner and yield to Him, He is about to make fertile and  irrigate.  

"For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills. When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you."  ~Deuteronomy 8:7-10 

Photos compliments of John Weldon -  taken of the geographical land in my backyard

Inhale the LIGHT - Some Spiritual Thoughts on COVID

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.  I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” 

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet.” ~ Ezekiel 37

 A scripture that has been going around in my head this week is Psalm 103:2-5  "who forgives all our sins and heals all your diseases."  Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.  Jesus took up our infirmities and healed our diseases.  His heart is to heal ALL disease and sickness, of body and of mind.  If we are not healed yet, then we are just waiting, asking and seeking for the full manifestation of Psalm 103.   

Yesterday I blogged some of my personal physical journey through COVID. Today, I would like to share some spiritual thoughts I have about this sickness.  COVID really attacks a persons lungs and breathing.  When I was miraculously touched in my lungs it was such a comfort (my prayers have gone out to those who have suffered through this pandemic and are on respirators).  In this season Jesus wants to spiritually breathe into us.  COVID, in the natural, is trying to take the breath out of many in our nation and nations of the world, but Jesus is about to breathe His life and His Spirit into many!!

COVID goes after our lungs - our breath.  We are in a divine time where God wants to breathe over us with healing spiritually, as well as physically and cause us to come alive to His purposes for us on the earth.  He wants to redeem and restore what the devil has stolen.  He wants to pour out His healing, restorative, life giving breath of His Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28). 

 I have prayed Ezekiel 37:1-14 at different times, but now more than ever I believe we are on the precipice of a move of God where God breathes LIFE into sick, dead, diseased and dry places.  "I WILL MAKE BREATH ENTER YOU AND YOU WILL COME TO LIFE, then you will know that I am the Lord."  It's interesting how this verse ends with "then you will know that I am the Lord".  I think when places are dead and dry, we need a God intervention, a miracle that is beyond human effort . . . that is THE LORD.  

When I was sitting up in my bed, trying to breathe, during my bout with COVID, I needed a God intervention.  I needed to know that He is the Lord.  At the time, I did not want cough medicine, I did not want an action movie to get my mind off of my discomfort, I did not want to snuggle with my husband - Nope!  I needed a God intervention.  I needed Him to BREATHE into my lungs and clear them up . . . and God did!  This is just a spiritual picture of what He wants to do in our nation, in our families in our own lives.  

So, if we are tempted to look at COVID through the lens of just sickness, remember there is always a spiritual element at work, for our fight is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12).  May Jesus breathe on you and our nation today.  Speak over your own body, soul and spirit to COME ALIVE.  Speak over the body, soul and spirit of our nation to COME ALIVE. Face to face, mouth to mouth.  Let the Spirit of God breathe on us.  May we come alive to God's purposes for us on the earth. For us, and our nation to walk in God's design and destiny.  

Video Come Alive:  https://youtu.be/DKJe7nFuHrY

Awake, Arise, Inhale the LIGHT!

I will put my breath in you, and you will live. I will plant you on your fertile land, and you will know that I am the LORD. I’ve spoken, and I will do it. This is what the LORD says.” - Ezekiel 37:11-14

Personal Journey With COVID

Well, we think COVID has hit our little household a few times over this past year.  Our son became pretty sick in February.  I remember he was in the back seat of the car after church, running a fever and  telling us he was having problems breathing.  We moved the car in the direction of Costco to get some Robitussin cough syrup or something that would clear the congestion and we laid hands on him and began to pray for his airways to clear up . . . this was before anyone knew what COVID was.  Then we think our daughter had it the next week and in the course of her "cold" she said, "Mom, I think I need to go to the doctor as I may have pneumonia".  So, I think our family got hit before COVID was widely recognized.  

I've been dreading the thought of getting COVID, because, I think all sickness is awful and would never want any person sick.  But, I also fight claustrophobia and so the thought of struggling to breathe is terrifying.  Well, a couple weeks ago, it seems I got hit with COVID as well.  High fevers, congestion in my lungs, no taste, cough, awful taste in mouth, no smell, exhaustion, etc. I went to a couple locations to get tested and they were not doing testing, so I gave up and figured I have so many of the symptoms, I'm sure this is what I am fighting and I will self quarantine.  

THE COOL THING - the cool thing is that at the height of being sick, I was struggling to breathe and feeling claustrophobic, my husband came into my bedroom laid hands on me, my parents began to pray and my girlfriend began to pray and immediately my airways cleared up!  Come on!!  Go God!! That was the end of that.

THE NOT SO COOL THING - the not so cool thing is that I still cannot smell anything.  I talked to my Aunt who had COVID and she said for some people it can be a many months, before they fully regain their smell.  CRAZY!  Well, this is no little thing . . . I mean, I put on new perfume the other day and could not even smell a trace of it.  I can get close to our dog, talk in his face, and be all lovey with him, and not smell his breath (this is actually a joy).  I can go into public bathrooms and not pull out my poo pourri,  because everything smells just fine around me.  ha!! :-)  TMI.  

OTHER NOT COOL - the other not so cool thing is that I've been gaining weight.  You would think I would lose, and I did initially and then I started to gain.  Could not figure it out, until this weekend.  I'm a foodie and I love to eat.  When I cook I throw in spices and do not follow recipes.  Well, when I cannot taste I am constantly looking for something that is spicy or sweet (these two I can taste a bit) to fill the void of no flavor and I tend to keep eating till I find it.  This will DEFINITELY have to be curbed this week.  I am going to hit it hard today.  I mean I live in Arizona and I am still in a bathing suit in October.  ha! :-)

On another note, I have some spiritual thoughts about COVID too, but I will just have to share those in a blog tomorrow.  Until then, these are some silly, some miraculous and some personal journeying through COVID in my house.  Super thankful that I'm on the other side.

Rise & Rebuild

https://youtu.be/Yl_O25SzIzM

 Video:  "Rise & Rebuild" by Christy Johnston

“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. strangers will shepherd your flocks; will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God.  You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast.  Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.  And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.”  ~ Isaiah 61:4-7

#CancelNetflix

I am deeply disturbed by Netflix's release of a new movie, "Cuties".  This movie follows the life of an 11 year old girl and her "coming of age".  I believe it is completely exploitative and we as a family have cancelled our Netflix subscription and encourage others to do so also.  Just because young girls are being sexualized and objectified and exploited in our culture, does not mean it's right! Don't get me started . . .  Eleven years old is the age that many girls are sex trafficked in the U.S. and other countries because predators are becoming more and more desirous of younger ages (as well as much younger than eleven).  It's this kind of film that normalizes and fuels the feeding ground for exploitation.  Please take a stand and do not look the other way and pretend this is "normal" if you have a Netflix subscription - I invite you to unsubscribe and let Netflix know why you are doing so.  You are amazing!  You can make a difference!  Let's be a part of creating a culture where kids and can be kids and where predatory behavior  is not normalized.

“Cuties” is filled with bare-midriffed young actresses portraying 11-year-old girls gyrating seductively, twerking and otherwise trying to look sexy in the incessant videos they film on their cellphones. The viewer cannot escape the reality that actual young teenage girls are being paid to do these things on film. These actresses are being sexualized in order to make a point against their sexualization — an irony apparently lost on many of the film’s reviewers. This ought to go beyond simply making viewers uncomfortable. It ought to provoke outrage."~ Deseret News

https://youtu.be/jGpE7mp_SWo

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjUvLIzO7Yk

 https://www.jonnyshannon.com/blog/how-medias-sexualisation-has-affected-our-teens

 https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-remove-cuties-from-netflix-charge-them-with-distribution-exploiting-minors

I love partnering with A21 and here is what they are doing for our kids:

https://www.a21.org/content/banc/go2vpc

Happy Future! Destiny Hope

I was glancing at my blog and realized that between social media, COVID, and not blogging much, I had forgotten to put a few pics of my graduated girl up for you all to see . . .

 

 It's your road and yours alone.  Others may walk it with you but no one can walk it for you.  Jesus lead you in this journey, Destiny Hope, onto the paths of Life . . .

From Lust to Love

https://youtu.be/KQNdqzw8dO0

by The Greater Love - Ashley Little's Story - From Lust to Love

This is my friend, Ashley's story out of homosexuality. Over the years, on this blog, you have probably seen pictures of my friend, Ashley peppered throughout family times and friend moments. Her story was just published this past week and I know it will encourage those of you who have loved one's trapped in a lifestyle of homosexuality or maybe you are longing for a way out yourself. We love Ashley and celebrate her journey and are super thankful for what God has done in her life. Here is her website that is full of testimonies: https://www.thegreaterloveaz.com/ 

 Ashley also teaches "Aligned and Equipped" classes in churches and discipleship schools/mission organizations.  

Unashamed

Laura Gallier

For all you parents are there who are looking for excellent resources to train your kids in their sexuality, here is one of my favorite authors and teachers one the subject, Laura Gallier:  http://www.lauragallier.com/

All of Laura's books that I have read on sex and dating have been excellent, I only wish I would have found them years ago. She also has a book on purity for elementary kids - I have not read, but I'm sure is a good resource for parents with younger children. 

We recently completed her "Unashamed" series and I loved it (http://www.lauragallier.com/books/).  It covers topics such as sex, dating, pornography, gender identity, family, etc.  She comes from a refreshingly relevant point of view for teens and a powerful Biblical perspective. I highly recommend it for parents, families and youth groups. 

My Year of Jubilee!

50th Birthday Cake

Jasa Girl

Happy 50th Birthday to me!  I turned
fifty this month and my girlfriend, Jasa, had such a beautiful, dreamy, girl party for me. It was totally me! All creamy, yummy, girly, and beautiful.  There was amazing food, hand crafted cake (thanks Jeremiah) special drinks (all my favorites), gorgeous flowers, lights, etc. So touched by all the friends who helped her pull off such a beautiful evening.

SURPRISE:  Your Aunt Is Here!!

Patricia

My Aunt RuthAnn, from Arkansas, surprised me and was at my party which was was totally awesome.
And one of my spiritual mentors/friends, Patrica came as well as my girlfriend, Jewell (flew in from California) along with many other treasured friends.  It was such a sweet celebration.

Girl Party

Jewell all the way from Cali

My prayer partner (of 15 years) Jewell, flew out for the weekend from California and she took me shopping and totally spoiled me.  We had a lovely family BBQ on my birthday and of course my husband spoiled me with gifts and dozens and dozens of roses.  I also shared a few other birthday celebrations with other friends and loved ones over the days before/after.  I felt totally spoiled.  I have so many more pictures with precious friends I would love to share, but not enough space - so if I snapped a photo with you, know you are loved and cherished even if your face is not on this post.

Romantic Birthday Table

Jubilee 50!

My "Jubilee Girls"

The Bible talks about the year of Jubilee being the year where all debts are canceled, restitution is made and its the  year of release.  I love it!  So, a couple other friends of mine (Jubilee Girls Mari & Andrea) turn fifty this spring and we are claiming this our year of Jubilee.  Yipee!!

I Think Jasa and Girls Worked TOO Hard!! :-)  Hee Hee!!

Jasa's Work Crew 

Birthday lunch with Mother, Sister-in-laws & Nieces

Jasa Girl Went ALL OUT!  Such a Celebration! 

Birthday lunch with Girlfriend, Karla

Such A Beautiful Cake

Party Set-Up - Sweet Des

Felt a Little Silly Turning 50 :-)

My Aunt Ruth & Cousins

Birthday lunch with Girlfriends, Pat & Amber

Beautiful Table at my Party 

The Jubilee year contains many of the pictures of our salvation.  Just as the land, the people, and all the property was released, so we too have been released from a debt that we could not pay (our sins).  We were once slaves to sin but now we’ve been released, once held captive but now set free.  Christ’s blood has atoned for our sins and satisfied the wrath of God that was due us (Rom 5) and as the land was given rest, we too have entered into His rest from all of our works for we could never save ourselves by our own works because salvation is fully a work of God.  If you are not saved, then maybe you have asked what some had asked Jesus “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?”  Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (John 6:28-29).  ~ Jack Wellman