May
04

Lion of Judah

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Categories : The Prophetic Voice
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Apr
30

Funny socks…….

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When you first see these socks, what do you think of? Immediately when I saw them, I began to laugh. I began to remember the days when funny socks were actually in (or did they actually go out?). 

So simple but yet so funny and joyful. Unique but yet something to laugh about in those “good ole’ days”. 

What I love about these socks is……. it really doesn’t matter. Wear what makes you laugh. Wear what brings others joy. Today, we can get away with just about anything. If I had my choice, I would wear these whacky, colorful, unique, authentic looking socks everywhere.

We are all created unique in God’s eyes and I think these socks would make Him laugh too. Go ahead and tickle God’s funny bone!

Categories : Reflections
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As I look around and see buds on trees and flowers on dormant bushes coming alive, I am reminded how precious this season is. Winter is over, spring is in the air, and I am encouraged to start new things. New projects, excitement about the days ahead, traveling throughout the country, and vacation, to name a few. Life can’t get much better than this. 

But just as the butterfly travels from flower to flower, yard to yard, with unseemingly little effort, it’s imperative for me to notice how I am living. Knowing that what I do and how I live affect those around me, what are people observing?  Do they see struggle, unbelief, confusion, striving, or negativity? Or, do they see someone passionate about life, ready to spring into action with peace, confident while at the same time resting along the way?

I hope the latter is true as it applies to my life……….

Categories : Reflections
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Mar
29

Faith is…………

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Many of us can say that we understand faith to be something we must have in order to live our lives to the fullest.  In times of trouble and turmoil, faith must be active in order to experience peace and joy in the midst of the storms.  However, there is another kind of faith that is a direct impartation of the Holy Spirit.  It is that kind of faith that we can believe God for what naturally would be impossible. It is wonder-working faith.

In 2003, the Lord gave me a word about writing a book called “Jewels of Wisdom”.  Knowing that it was a word from Him, I  had the faith to believe that what I deemed as impossible, He sees as possible.  With no writing experience, other than journaling for about 17 years, I never have seen myself as a writer.  However, wanting to be obedient to Him and His word, I began this journey into writing.  At times, I would stop and start.  Sometimes for a long time.  Every time I got distracted or off the path, I would be nudged by the Lord to keep writing.  “Remember the word I spoke to you”, he would say.  When  I believed the lie that it was “impossible”, the Lord would encourage me to keep writing. 

Here it is 2010.  I am still writing and still believing.  Doors are beginning to open to actually be published.  Little by little, step by step, I have persevered and pressed in.  I have had the faith, even at times when it waned, that the Lord is faithful to finish that which He has begun.  Psalm 145:13 reads “The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.” NIV

Please don’t give up on God.  Know that He is in everything you do.  He wants you to succeed as much as you want to.  He wants you to fulfill all that He has called you to be.  We don’t see what He sees.  He is timeless.  Keep your faith and keep, keepin’ on.

Categories : Reflections
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First of all, Webster’s dictionary defines Perseverance as:

  • A steady persistence in a course of action
  • A purpose, especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. 

 Another way to say it is: 

  • Resolve
  • Determination
  • Urgency

Little did I know when I gave my first speech in 7th grade on perseverance, that I would actually live a life that caused me to persevere in so many ways.   Today, as I give my first speech in Toastmasters on Perseverance – almost 35 years later, I can definitely see where persevering has definitely helped me to get through many hard times.

As you reflect back on your life, can you say “I am grateful for the obstacles because they have caused me to persevere?” 

Scripture reads that “suffering produces perseverance, perseverance – character, character – hope”. 

I am grateful for all the obstacles that I have had to persevere through.  I am not the same person today.  I can truly say that my life is so fulfilling today and I am hopeful about my future. 

How about you?

Categories : Reflections
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Feb
01

Sing a New Song

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Sweeten up your relationship with this MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT WEEKEND!

February 12-13, 2010.  Begins at 7:00 to 9:30 pm on February 12th. Saturday sessions begin at 9:30 am until 5:00 pm.  Then you can take your loved one out to a movie!

Guys, this is a great way to make points with your honey. Cost is only $25.00 per couple! An additional  love offering will be taken to bless the speakers.

This is not like any other weekend. It is not just information (we all have enough of that), its an opportunity to have fun and learn new tools to communicate.

Go to www.freedomtrainministries.com for more information or call us at 360.923.0587. Deadline to register is February 7th.  Childcare is available upon request.

Hope to see you love bugs there!

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I recently received the rose in this blogpost.  As I have been watching it bloom, I have been totally amazed by its uniqueness and special fragrance.  I don’t believe I have ever seen a rose so beautiful and intricate. 

I believe God looks at us in the same way and loves the uniqueness of each of His creations. We don’t all look the same, smell the same, or even have the same lifespan. But one thing for sure is that we are unique and designed for special purposes.

As we “open up” to God’s will and way, we will always be who we were created to be.

Song of Solomon 2:1-2
“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.  As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters”  King James Version.  Note: This rose is noted for its fragrance

Categories : Reflections
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012 Dancing Waters IIISorrows. We’ve all had them. We’ve known others that have either experienced pain or major loss. We may know someone that is experiencing sorrow right now. But sorrows do not have to stop us. Sorrows do not have to define who we are or even what our future holds. Sorrows and loss are hard but they are not the end of the story. Sorrows only hold a part of the story. 

So knowing that sorrow is shared by all, why do some get stuck and some seem to move on?  I believe it’s because some have learned to trade their sorrows for JOY! Joy can’t be found in the “world”. Believe me, I’ve been there and tried that. It was impossible for me to find joy in people, places or things. 

I have found that MY JOY and MY STRENGTH COME FROM GOD ALONE!  Try it. Trade those sorrows and let JOY be yours today.

Categories : Reflections
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Dec
14

The Narrow Path

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Winter River Road

Winter River Road

Driving around this morning was very interesting. Ice here and there, patches of dry pavement, and then that infamous “black ice”.  Many drivers were following others’ tire marks, some were making new ones, and still others got way off the beaten path. You could even see that many lost control and ended up in a ditch! 

There were so many times in my life that I followed those same patterns.  Periodically, I would follow and stay close to the path set before me.  At other times, I would venture out and make a new path.  Many times, probably more than I want to admit, I ended up in a ditch.

Today, I am so grateful that I know I can count on God to guide and direct my every step.  I don’t have to fear that slippery road today.  I can rest assured knowing that I am in His hands and I willingly choose the narrow path set before me.  How about you?

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WinterWith the temperatures below freezing for the last week and a half, one could look at these days as miserable and unsuspecting.  However, if you take a different look at the situation, you could even say, “this is an adventure”! 

Consider for a moment what “cold” means to you.  It could be an opportunity to wrap yourself in a warm blanket, cuddle around the fireplace, sip some hot cider, and rest knowing that your heart and home is warm and toasty.

What could be an alternative?  Cold weather – cold heart; freezing temperatures – unhealed emotions; frost all around – untouchable by others; self focused – missing the opportunity to love.

If you are cold in any way, let God heal you and warm your heart.  Give Him the permission to use you to help others.  Let your home and your heart be a safe place to encounter the healing touch of a loving God!  He will warm you inside and out!  Ahhhhhhh……..

Categories : Reflections
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