Excess



The wave of decluttering that has swept, so many people’s homes has not skipped over our house. The picture above was my guestroom and the final frontier after our move over a year ago. I am on a mission, over 6 trunk loads of clutter has left my home since January 1st. My kids expect to make a drop off at Goodwill on errand day. If they haven’t played with a toy in a while, they know it is fair game for purging. I’m finding the drawers and cubbies that have been cleared of the stuff I move and shift to see the things I really use genuinely refreshing. Instant gratification is so satisfying, and completion still seems so far off.

I honestly believe this “trend” is also happening in the spirit. God is calling His kids to release all the mindsets and added doctrine that no longer serves them. The thoughts that don’t produce life, the looping memories that stir up regret and never lead anywhere else.
The Word of God will bring renewal and clearing away. We merely have to choose to bring it in and release what it highlights.

This is indeed the season I find myself in. I’m totally digging my organized knife drawer and simplified sock bin. Even more the clarity and quiet of the picture painted on my heart is like a refreshing breeze laced with the scent of honeysuckle.

Allow the Holy Spirit to enter the stuffed away places and a well-guarded hoard of old memories. He is waiting to bring refreshment!

Ephesians 4:22-23
And he has taught you to let go of the lifestyle of the ancient man, the old self - life, which was corrupted by sinful and deceitful desires that spring from delusions. Now it’s time to be made new by every revelation that’s been given to you.

Don't Pull Away



For anyone who feels like they have fallen short. God wants to remind you there is joy in humanity. Your dependence on God to walk out this life was always the plan. You are seen right where you are.

No, God doesn't want you to give way to sin and open the door to destruction. Even more, God doesn't want you to pull away from His voice because you have stumbled. Instead, God wants you to take His hand and allow Him to lead you in the way of life. To illuminate the level path you haven't perceived before. Allow this stumble to be the momentum into His welcoming arms.

God loves you so very much and has seen every moment from the beginning to end. This did not surprise Him. Your Father has been waiting for this moment to stand beside you. Take His hand.

Acts 3:18-20
But in spite of what you’ve done, God has fulfilled what he foretold through the prophets long ago about the sufferings of his Anointed One. And now you must repent and turn back to God so that your sins will be removed, and so that times of refreshing will stream from the Lord’s presence. 

Come Away With Me



I hear the Father’s voice whispering “Come Away with Me.’”
This is how I start most days. This past year has been one of me seeking God’s heart more and making an effort first thing to get up before the people that need me and seek Him.

For years with nursing babies and busy toddlers to manage the idea of getting up an hour before my family was unimaginable. If you are In a holding, nursing, chasing season, please disregard what I am saying and go lay down.

Mama’s, grandmas and men of God who are not chasing after tiny minions. I can not say enough about the fruit that comes when you prioritize the seeking of God’s heart before you are sought after by the world.

This doesn’t always happen for me. I don’t set my alarm for Sundays. Honestly, there are some nights where sleep is avoiding me and getting up would mean a grumpy short-tempered lady greeting my kids at their chosen wake-up time of 6 am. I sleep in on those days.

I would like to encourage you wherever you are. Make a dedicated time to sit and ask the Father what He is thinking, read the red words and meditate on the things the Holy Spirit strategically places for you to live a life of victory! It will be worth it! 

Psalm 5:3
At each and every sunrise you will hear my voice
    as I prepare my sacrifice of prayer to you.
    Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on the altar
    and wait for your fire to fall upon my heart.

Can They See It???




I stood in my husband’s study and tried to decide on what to make for dinner. Mark talked to me and slowly swayed from side to side with a look of almost wonder on his face. His next statement stopped me in my tracks. “Wow! It’s really coming in!!”  I knew at once what he was talking about. Christmas has come and gone along with a decluttering kick and a virus that stuck around for far too long in our home. It just hadn’t been a priority. I then replied, “Are my grey hairs really that shiny?”
 “You are so full of wisdom it is coming out of your head!” I then went straight to my bathroom for a date with L’Oréal Preference.

It’s not a vanity thing. I am deeply, deeply grateful to be turning 38 years old this week. It’s the fact that I don’t love the glistening distractions around my face and $9 is a cheap fix!

What I am fixated on is that as children of light we are to shine! As people who have received the spirit of wisdom and walk in an intimate relationship with the creator of light, we should reflect it. I want the deposits God has placed in me to be evident at a glance. The highest compliment I can receive is a stranger knowing I am a child of God by my love.

I want to challenge you to assess your heart. Allow the Word of God to fan the flames of passion and hope you received with salvation. Let your love shine, let your smile and joy flow freely. Next thing you know someone will look at you with wonder too!!!


2 Corinthians 3:16-18
But the moment one turns to the Lord with an open heart, the veil is lifted and they see.  Now, the “Lord” I’m referring to is the Holy Spirit, and wherever he is Lord, there is freedom.
We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Hold On To Hope



I just finished this fantastic book by my friend Nicole! Her life has been transformed, and she has been set free from Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Self-harm, Alcoholism, and Depression to name a few.
I read a detailed account of her abusive and dysfunctional upbringing that left wounds so very deep. The life brought by Jesus and the knowledge of His complete freedom made available on the cross is without a doubt the true Gospel! You will rejoice right alongside Nicole as you hear how the labels placed on her no longer apply and she is living a full and free life!
This is not just someone’s story, but there are detailed teaching and references to the knowledge that set her free and what the Word of God says about healing for everyone from every diagnosis.
Don’t hesitate to get it for yourself or someone you know who needs Hope!!
I mean it.  It can be found on Amazon.

P.S. Go follow Nicole. You will be encouraged daily by this wise and joyful lady!!

Come On Out And Talk



 There is someone on the verge of tears tonight. You have been soldiering on all day. You have comforted those who needed you and gotten done what was asked of you, but you are breaking. The burden of your aching heart is almost too heavy.

The Lord wanted me to remind you that He is longing to hold your heart tonight. He wants nothing more than to comfort you and allow you to take the first real deep breath you have taken all day.
The thing is you have to stop and turn to Him. Talk to him quietly, talk to him loudly, pray in tongues, sing a song you haven’t been able to shake or just open the Word of God and read. He will meet you.
It’s time to come out and talk.

Matthew 11:28-30 TPT
 “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways, and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.”


Redeemer



I know what it is like to have sickness humble you to your core. As I depended on my mom to bath and feed me at 19 years old. The self-awareness and esteem found in trying new things never came to me as a teenager. In the spirit, I grew, and my roots still hold till this day. But for a decade after my healing manifested God restored my unique personhood and belief that I could learn and grow in daily skills and everyday affairs.

You see chronic illness doesn’t just rob you of physical activity. It robs you of the everyday experiences that grow us as humans.
I want those of you who have watch days, weeks and years slip through your fingers to know. You don’t have to keep a tally of all that has been stolen. You don’t have to make a list of the experiences and skills you want to acquire when your life is restored.
Our God is the Redeemer, and He will make sure you are repaid and the seasons that were lost will be repaid in abundant abounding life!!

Just when I think “This must be the full payback” I hold in my hands another part of God’s goodness I forgot I ever longed for. Our God is faithful! Our God is Redeemer! He can be trusted with the dreams you have watched die. Hand them all to Him and don’t stop perusing wholeness. You won’t regret it. I promise. He promises!!

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Royal Family




This is my precious daughter who knows she is a daughter of the King! She said to me as I was tucking her in. 

“Mama, we have to tell people they are part of the royal family. So they can know who they are!!”

Yes, we do!!!

Romans 9:14-17
The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit. And you did not receive the “spirit of religious duty,” leading you back into the fear of never being good enough. But you have received the “Spirit of full acceptance,” enfolding you into the family of God. And you will never feel orphaned, for as he rises up within us, our spirits join him in saying the words of tender affection, “Beloved Father!” For the Holy Spirit makes God’s fatherhood real to us as he whispers into our innermost being, “You are God’s beloved child!”

And since we are his true children, we qualify to share all his treasures, for indeed, we are heirs of God himself. And since we are joined to Christ, we also inherit all that he is and all that he has. We will experience being co-glorified with him provided that we accept his sufferings as our own.