Mothers Day.... from my current perspective

I have been thinking about this post for a couple of weeks.  With Mother's Day approaching, there has been a flood of commercials, store displays and floral reminders that mom's need to be thanked and/or appreciated on this one day.  I decided to begin this blog with pictures of my special babies that made me a mom.  Gwen was two months old in the first picture.  It was actually taken on July 4th and although you can't tell (because the picture was very faded by the time we scanned it) her outfit was blue with red trim.  Perfect for that day.  I also managed to miss blogging for her (gasp) 40th birthday last Saturday.  Somehow I feel as if I aged more than a few years myself on that day.  It is hard to not feel really old when you have a 40 year old!  The second picture is Doug at three months.  Again, really faded but Gwen actually picked out his outfit for the picture.  She loved the clown and I remember she was very specific that he should wear this because it was yellow and yellow was happy.  One thing is certain, I could not be more thankful for these two special people!  

I know that I am one of the "fortunate ones" - those moms that get to see their grown, adult children often.  As a matter of fact, I actually see both of my kids at least once a week.  I know that this is not the norm and I feel the blessing of watching my children parent their own children, up close and real.  I love the times when I get to watch from the sidelines (so to speak) as they deal with some small issue or discipline matter.  Most of all I love to watch them loving on their kids.  Seeing even the older kids climb onto Gwen's lap for a hug or wanting hugs and kisses as she is leaving the house for work can almost bring this grandma to tears.  And there is nothing sweeter than seeing your grown son cuddling with his toddler daughter and watching her run to give him hugs and kisses before he leaves for work.  These are my most cherished "presents" from my children.  And they are not just one day a year.  

For the last several years, I have had a message that I knew needed to be shared with others, through the medium of a book.  Actually, this blog was sort of the beginning of that calling to write in a more formal way.  I have a clear vision of exactly what the book will be, what needs to be included in that book, and the purpose of the book.  I haven't talked much about writing with many people.  I confess that the reason for my silence is mostly fear.  I fear well meaning advice or discouragement.  I fear hearing that it is impossible to accomplish this.  Gwen reminded me today that none of those things matter.  I have a message that I know needs to be shared, and I have a clear direction on how to share it (book form).  Nothing else matters.    I have started this project. and actually have a pretty good framework for the rest of the book.   If I had to sum up the purpose and/or message of this writing in one short sentence it would be........"Your prayers influence your future generations".  

On this mother's day, I am so thankful for my own mother.  I was blessed to have her advice, her love and her laughter for 56 years (she died just short of her 96th birthday).  On my last visit with her, she encouraged me to hold my grandchildren close.  She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all of her heart.  And she prayed daily for all of them.  Her biggest fear was not being a "good mother" since her own mother had died when she was only two years old.  Her legacy - her family - are the evidence that she did not need to worry about this. She excelled at loving us all. 

And I am so thankful for my Grandmother, Nora, my mother's mother.  This photo is a blessing, the only photo of my mom with her mother.  Just look at the love on Nora's face for her little girl.  She knew, in this photo, that she was going to die.  She had already been sick before my mother was born.  Yet I am convinced that she prayed for my mom and her sisters.  For me and my siblings and even for my children and grandchildren.  

God had such an amazing plan for families.  He knew that each family tree would create branches and those branches would hold fruit filled with seeds to grow more family trees. Ken and I spent most of last weekend outside, soaking up the spring weather.  As we took a drive through an nearby Arboretum, I was thinking about God's plan for families revealed in nature.  There were so many little seedling trees scattered under the branches of the towering oaks, pines and birches.  And there were also the remains of the dead and dying trees, right along side of those new young ones.  It was so comforting and peaceful.  It was the affirmation that God's plan will not be stopped.  No matter what the circumstances, no matter what disaster befalls a family, not death or separation,  not rain storm or winter blizzard.  God's plan, his destiny would be seen.  His promises are true and He is faithful to complete his work.  

So there you have my thoughts on Mother's Day.  I receive the best gift I could ever get just being with my children, their spouses and their children.  And I know that my grandmother and my mother have had a direct influence on my life today.  So this "Hallmark Holiday" Sunday may pass by without any celebration at all in my house, but Monday I will be at Gwen's house and Tuesday I will be at Doug's house.  So my calendar is filled with lots of "Mothers Day" and "Grandma Day" and that is all I need!   

No matter what circumstance you are in, far from loved ones or as just beside you, no matter if your mother is no longer here, take a moment and appreciate God's great plan for you.  There is a purpose and a plan for your life that included your mother.  Make this Mother's Day about you and Jesus.  Thank Him for his great plan for your life that included your mother!  

Jesus, thank you for the love and care of a mother.  Holy Spirit, help us all to find your plan as we look around us in nature.  Give us eyes to see your love for us.  Thank you for our family tree and for all of that "great cloud of witnesses" that surrounds you.  Thank you Jesus for grafting us into your family!  Amen  

When a scent brings back memories.... and Operation Christmas Child boxes fulfilling a destiny

This is not the exact picture I was looking for, but it will do.  I think this was taken in the fall of 1994 (Gwen would probably know).  When I stated writing this blog I was actually looking for a different picture of my mom and me, but this one will serve the purpose.  I had one of those really strange experiences this past week.  I put a new "Shower Gel" in the shower and it was one of those seasonal scents that are not really a specific fragrance.  As soon as the hot water hit that shower gel, I was "smelling" my mom!  I can't tell you exactly what about this fragrance it is, but standing there in the shower, I was suddenly missing my mom.  I am always thinking about her around this time of year, since for almost 20 years she would come and stay with us over the Thanksgiving holiday.  We had so much fun and I have so many great memories of being with her during those visits.  As a matter of fact, every time I put up my Christmas tree I think about her.  We always put our tree up while she was visiting so that she had a small part of our Christmas celebrations.  I was just NOT expecting to suddenly be hit with this.

It is funny how these waves of missing just seem to hit at unexpected times.  And it is the littlest things that can trigger the sadness and grief.  Our family is always missing Lucas especially during November.  I am so thankful that we have found a way to not only remember Lucas but also to celebrate his life through Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts.   

Each year we fill boxes with toys and goodies for children around the world.  I always do my boxes for boys around the same age as Lucas would be.  It is easy to think about the little ones who will find joy and hope in these simple gifts.  The best part of these boxes is that the children also hear about Jesus.  As I am filling each box,  it feels like I am helping to fulfill a bit of the destiny that Jesus had planned for Lucas.  In this small thing, children far away are hearing the Gospel message.  Even before Lucas was born, I felt that his destiny was as an evangelist who would carry the Gospel to the world in unusual ways.  So even though his life was only 10 days here on earth, Jesus has given us a way to see Lucas' destiny and his legacy to be carried out.  So many of the Operation Christmas Child stories show that in many cases, whole areas are transformed through these boxes.  Churches are built and lives are changed.  I am so thankful for this meaningful way to honor Lucas.  If you haven't heard of this great ministry of Samaritan's Purse, check out Operation Christmas Child.  Even though this years collection has ended, it is not too late!  You can pack a box "on line"! 

Yes, the missing is hard.  But when you can celebrate the memories and also honor your loved ones through helping others, the pain is lessened.  I am so thankful that our hope is found in Jesus.  The Christmas season is a wonderful time to reflect on God's great rescue plan to bring us all back into fellowship with him.  The season of Advent in the church is a time of waiting and preparing.  It's a great time to stop and reflect on the miracle of Christmas.  I recently saw this idea posted on line and I think it is a great one.  The Gospel of Luke has 24 chapters.  Just enough to read one chapter a day.  When you complete this during Advent, you will have read the story of Jesus' life.  I challenge you to join me and read one chapter of Luke each day.  You can read two today to catch up!  It will surely be a Christmas blessing for you.

Jesus, thank you for speaking your destiny for each of us.  Holy Spirit reach out to those who are having a hard time during this season.  Bring your comfort and peace to them.  Give us all insight into ways that we can honor and remember those who have died.  Jesus, bless all of those millions of Operation Christmas Child boxes and bring each one to exactly the right little boy or girl.  Thank you for your great rescue plan.  Amen

One year old cutie pie and a "senior citizen"!

Yesterday was this sweet little Grace's FIRST birthday!  I had the pleasure of spending the day with her while her mommy and daddy work.  I tried all day to get a cute picture, but when you are one year old you are either asleep or constantly on the move - or eating.  This was the best of the blurry pictures that I captured on my phone.  At any rate, we had a really fun day of play.  She is not quite walking by herself, but she can cruise really fast and crawl like a streak.  Doug and Susie have a really interesting gate setup in their larger than a doorway opening to the family room.  The problem with this larger gate is that the dogs have figured out how to push the gate aside to get into the family room.  So Grace, being the smarty pants that she is, watched the dogs and now pushes the gate aside to get OUT of the family room!  So I spent a large part of the day trying to keep the dogs OUT and trying to keep Grace IN!  The funny thing is that she high tails it directly to the dog bed and toys in the living room when she escapes and the dogs high tail directly to Grace's high chair (hoping to find a stray cheerio on the floor) when they get into the family room.

Here it is, another birthday of a grandbaby and I can't help but reflect in a somewhat similar way on Grace as I did to Anna on her birthday just a few days ago.

This is the "name frame" that I completed for Grace.  These words represent the picture that Jesus gave me before she was born for the plan and destiny for her.  I had a really interesting dream that was sort of like Jack and the Beanstalk.  I saw a large vine extending up to heaven. All of the treasures of heaven would be available through Grace.  And just like Jack in that tale, Grace would he able to fight the giants in the land with a weapon of joy and through song.  I saw her worshiping from the top of that vine, with songs that reached all over earth.    And here she is one year old.  I can tell you that this sweet little girl loves everything musical.  She will dance to any little bit of music she hears.  It is really clear that music is in her blood.  There is no doubt to our family, that she has brought joy and laughter to us.  Grace almost always has a smile on her face.   And she has a large group of people that love her.  When we most needed it, Grace brought hope to our family.  I can't wait to see her destiny play out in the years ahead.  

This has been a week of birthdays.  Grace actually shares a birthday with my sister Karen, who would have been 80 years old yesterday.  Sadly, Karen died in 2007 and I've found that I seem to miss her more each year.  I've been missing my mom also these days.  Along with Ken's retirement, I have just been "feeling" old.  At my small group this past week, we talked about how important it was to know and remember that our life is not over because we are over 60.  It is so easy to fall into the trap that there is nothing left for you to do or accomplish as a senior citizen. We talked about finding ways to discover purpose for the years ahead.  I am so thankful for the time that I get to spend with my kids and grandchildren.  Getting a chance to really know them, to know how to pray for them and to have time to enjoy them and be an influence in their lives, is a wonderful part of my purpose.  The key to finding this purpose is to remember that we are always moving forward into the future, therefore, our purpose can and will change.  In other words, DON'T GET STUCK!  Keep moving forward.  

So, there is Grace at 1 year old - with so much ahead for her.  And here I am, over 60 with so much ahead for me.  Yes, birthday's are a great time to celebrate the time that has past and look ahead to the future.  I am thankful for the reminder that it is good to keep looking ahead.  

No matter where you are in you life - young or old - single or married - celebrate!  This day is what we have been given.  Live your life with purpose.  Make a difference where you are.  Smile and laugh.  Make today count.  Walk forward with confidence into tomorrow.  

Jesus, what a wonderful and amazing God you are.  You shower us with your grace and peace and fill us with your love.  Holy Spirit, help us to be present in our life each day.  Remind us to be grateful for the small blessings.  Thank you Jesus for Grace and the destiny you have for her.  Amen

Amazing how quickly time goes by...

Yesterday we celebrated Anna's fourth birthday! Her actual birthday is on Tuesday, so she will have a few days long birthday celebration.   She had a "Shopkins" party at "the gymnastics place" (as she calls it).  Each one of her older siblings has had a party at this spot that provides a large bounce house room, lots of obstacle/gymnastics floor fun, and a foam pit that you can swing and/or slide into.  You can imagine that it is a dream party for all ages of kids.  The party ends with cake in a party room.  It is a relatively quiet finish to the party since most of the kids are just plain tired out!  It was an interesting mix of kids - some from school, some from co-op and then family friends, as well as her cousin, Grace!  It just doesn't seem possible that she is already four years old.  This seems like it was only a little while ago...

She was such a snugly baby!  I was thinking about Anna and how her personality has developed over these four years.  In so many ways she seems much older than four.   I know that is because she has those older siblings.  But some of it is just her natural "bent".  She engages in imaginative play for hours at a time with little people, barbies, her peppa pig figures or her dolls.  Anna is incredibly self sufficient.  Last week she told me that she can reach everything she needed for her breakfast as long as she had her stool.  (She actually said the Ellie stool, since it IS Ellie's stool and has her name on it).  She is fearless and bold in most situations.  I remember that she insisted that she could ride a two wheel bike without training wheels, just because all of her siblings were doing it.  I did a little "interview" with her last week and got these responses to my questions....

What is your favorite color ----  pink and purple and I like blue

What is your favorite animal ----- dog cuz I love Chandler

What is your favorite thing to play ---- Peppa Pig

What is your favorite food ----  spaghettio's and cinnamon rolls (only daddy's)

What is your favorite place to go ---- ballet!   I love ballet! But I like co-op also and school

Yes, ballet.  She was so ready to start ballet classes with "Miss Bridget".  She has spent her entire life watching both Lia and Ellie go to dance class and practice dances at home.  I love the video we have of her doing both Lia and Ellie's dances from last years recital.  She not only knew the dances, she knew the names of all the steps.  So when she started "pre-ballet" last September, she was more than ready.  She is anxiously awaiting her first dance recital - on the BIG STAGE, which will happen in late May.  

Watching each of my grandchildren grow, change and become exactly who they are supposed to be is one of the best parts of being a grandma.  I am so thankful for the revelation of destiny for each of my grandchildren.   Before Anna was even born, I felt that she would really be a forceful and strong girl.  It is her destiny to bring everything that is heavenly into our world.  She will shower the world with the love that comes from God.  She will be a peacemaker in truly supernatural ways.  And she will seek justice and truth in all situations.  I simply can't wait to see how Anna grows and changes in the years ahead.  What a privilege to watch as her destiny unfolds.  

In my last blog, "called but not qualified", I described an early calling on my own life.  Each person has a calling, a destiny and plans given by God.  The best and most interesting thing about about being "unqualified" for this calling and destiny and plans is that Jesus ALWAYS provides exactly what we need as soon as we take the first steps towards that calling.   He gives us supernatural wisdom to accomplish tasks that we do not have the "natural" or "learned" ability to do.  Jesus will place us in the exact right places to meet others who will play a part in our walk towards that call.  

There is always revelation given, as we seek it and ask for it, along the way.  There is a certainty in your spirit, when you are pressing towards an accomplishment and you just know it is so far above anything that you could ever do in your own strength.  That certainty is that Jesus has given you the strength and power and wisdom to do HIS calling and complete HIS plans.  One thing is certain, it is always good to have people around you who can encourage, guide and aide you are you are on this journey called life.  And being an encourager, a guide and a helper is exactly what a grandparent can be.  

Today look around you and see the people that Jesus has placed in you life to help you along the way toward your calling. Now send them a message or a phone call to thank them for being there for you. And then stop and think about those who YOU need to support in their walk.  We need each other so much as we live out our days here on earth.  No one can go it alone.  Do it today.  For time is going swiftly by......

Jesus, thank you for all that you speaking to us today.  Holy Spirit, help us to carry out the challenge to see the helpers you have placed around us.  Even more, help us to see those who need us to accomplish their destiny.  Jesus, thank you for your call and destiny for each of us. Thank you for Anna.  Continue to give her courage and boldness to walk out your calling and destiny.   Amen

When there is another generational "shift".....

 This photo is one of my all time favorites.  My mom, my daughter, my granddaughter and me.  I am so thankful that we got that picture when Lia was just a few months old.  So tonight, sitting here at my computer, (thanks to the marvels of modern technology), I experienced another "Generational Shift".  I just watched as Lia was leading worship for a youth praise service at her church.  As I was watching her, I was flashing back to sitting in a pew with my mom, watching Gwen lead worship when she was just a bit older than Lia is now.  And I was remembering my mom watching with tears in her eyes.

I took a couple of screen shots of the video, just to capture this moment.  Besides singing, Lia also played keyboard on a couple of songs. That last picture is Gwen and Lia at the keyboard.  Suddenly, I am the grandma with tears in her eyes.  It is one thing to know that your children and grandchildren love the Lord, it is quite another thing to see them publicly express that love.  I am so grateful that Lia has a place to grow as a worship leader. Right now, she looks like a baby compared to the other youth leading worship.  But in several years, she will be the leader welcoming new youth to the stage.  I love this "mentoring" model that keeps building for the future by bringing the youngest youth into the group.  I can imagine many years watching Lia at the microphone, or the keyboard, or dancing....well you get the idea.  She is a performer for sure. And I love that she is able to grow in her gifting.

On Friday I had the opportunity to watch both Lia and Ellie perform in an musical after a week at "Spotlight" Camp.

Both Lia and Ellie had some speaking parts and both sang at the microphone by themselves.  They sang and danced in many songs.  It was really amazing what they can accomplish in 5 short days with these kids from 6-12 years old.  While Lia looks like she is loving every minute that she is on stage, it was not so much for Ellie.  She has a big smile here, AFTER the performance.  She did so well with all of her songs, dances and speaking part and solos, but she was just not loving it.  Ellie will be a wonderful behind the scenes person.  She will be the one designing the costumes, arranging the hair and makeup, finding just the perfect accessory for the performers to wear.  And mostly, she will be holding a hand of someone dealing with stage fright, she will be hugging someone else who isn't feeling well.  She will be everyone's friend and will make sure that everyone has something to eat and drink.  Because, well, that is just who Ellie is.  Seeing just how different these two girls are, is a great reminder that there is a plan, a purpose and destiny for each of us.  

Just imagine how many more worship leaders, teachers, pastors and evangelists, how many more "good samaritans", helpers, intercessors, greeters, ushers, servers we would have if we started to encourage these obvious gifts of the children around us.   So often adults decide that children need to wait to "grow up" before they can use their gifts.  But I think this is a mistake. Watching Lia on the stage tonight confirmed that for me.  

Yes, it was a night when I felt that shift of the generations.  Looking back, but also looking ahead.  I love that I can get a glimpse of the  amazing working of the Lord as I see the potential in each of my grandchildren.  I challenge you to look around you at the children, youth and young adults you encounter. Look at the adults around you also!   Look beyond their clothes or their hair style, ignore their tattoos or piercings, and see the marvelous gifts and talents that they have.  Encourage them, mentor them.  Give them a place and means to use those talents.  You will be blessing them....but you will be blessed also!

Jesus, thank you for Fellowship of Faith and Boulder Ministry.  Holy Spirit, give us all reminders to look for ways to mentor and  encourage those around us.  Help us to see the unique gifts and talents that you have given to each person.  Keep us from trying to put others into places that just don't fit them.  Jesus, help us all to know that you have a plan, a purpose and a destiny for each of us!  Amen

It's all in the design.............

I spent the last weekend with Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna while Gwen and Tim were on retreat with their church.  Let me tell you that spending three days and two nights with four children is not for the faint of heart.  There was more than one time that I wondered if I could actually get up from my seated position on the ground!  Thankfully, the weather was wonderful and we spent a great deal of the time outside.  It was a wonderful, amazing, time that I was sad to see end.  Anna especially was more than ready for mommy and daddy to be home.  Grandma is okay - but she needed her mommy.  The kids were really good and there were no sickness' or injuries.  Really a miracle when you have four little ones.   A lot of time was spent doing this.......

The girls discovered this Spirograph and spent hours (yes hours) sitting at the table making designs.  Even Anna really loved doing this.  Zeke wasn't interested in this and actually was away at a soccer game during these hours.  This is his first year playing soccer and it has rained every single week - until this game.  And Zeke scored a goal!  Yay Zeke!  I was so thankful that Ms. Lianne and Mr. Dan picked him up so that he didn't have to miss this game.  Ms. Lianne sent me this picture of Zeke having a snack after the game - which they won!  

Lia and I even had time to make a batch of sugar cookies.  She is quite the little baker.  Her dad has taught her well!  She knew exactly how to roll out the dough and was able to really handle all the process.

She wanted to save these cookies for mommy and daddy, so we each only eat a couple!  Ellie was her usual very creative self during this weekend.  She has taken pieces of various boxes and cut them, covered them with paper and made furniture for her American Girl doll. Nothing is trash to Ellie.

She can find a purpose for everything.  She will, however, keep the tape and glue people in business!  And staples also!  Anna spent her time just following after the big kids for the most part.  She does still spend a great deal  of time playing with her "Little People". (Thank you to whoever at Fisher Price thought up this amazing concept)

Anna has quite the collection of Little People and all of the "people" are stored in a bin.  Anna spent several hours sorting that bin and put the animals and people each with their own kind!  The only "grandpa" is the Noah figure from the Noah's Ark set.  Sadly there is no grandma which really bothered Anna.  She looked and looked and never could find a suitable figure to be grandma. (I was thinking she might pick one of the princess figures LOL! She thought this was a really silly idea.  You should have seen her face when I tried to suggest that!).  Needless to say, all five  of us had plenty of fun throughout the days together.  

I was thinking about those designs that the girls had done with the Spirograph.  It's all about how each piece fits together and then exactly where you put the pen that makes each design so unique.  When the girls discovered that the colored pencils also worked, the designs took on a whole new color hue.  Spending some time with each one of these four sweeties helped me to see the unique design that God put inside each of them.   I have mentioned in previous blogs that I had some prophetic words for each of them before they were born and it is so interesting to see hints of those words coming through their personalities - even at this young age.  And these kinds of characteristics are not something that could be "created" by their parents or any other person.  Ellie is the most caring and loving child I have ever seen.  While she is extremely protective of all of her "important" things (think paper scraps that look like trash, old advertising brochures, and other junk mail plus anything that might resemble a useful object to Ellie) she will literally give you the shirt off of her back if she thinks that you need it and/or want it.  She is the first to run to comfort anyone who is hurt or scared. She looks for the one that might be alone and tries to be their friend.  But there is also this side of Ellie that is fierce and strong.  She will stand her ground and not give an inch.  This is part of that unique design that is Ellie.  When you first see Lia you might be surprised to find out that she is on her way to 11 years old. She seems small and somewhat fragile but I have never met a young girl who is as clear about who she is and what God has planned for her than Lia.  Her word as a "little bird with a big voice" could not be more perfect for her.  Let me tell you that that girl has a voice that can be heard a long way away!  Kids are drawn to her and she makes friends really easily.  And she is a loyal and trustworthy friend.  This is a girl that will have the ear of many as she gets older.  She might be small in stature, but she is BIG in her message.  Zeke has that wonderful, inventive, idea filled head of a small boy.  He is nuts about roller coasters and builds then out of any material he can find.  He thinks concretely and imagines that he can build anything that he thinks about.  But inside of that inventor heart is a caring little boy who wants to take everyone with him on his adventures.  This is exactly the kind of person who will strike a path toward Jesus and lead many along with him.  Anna, at not yet three years old just exudes personality.  No matter where you go, people are drawn to her.  It is more than that she is a cute little girl.  There is just something about her, even at this young age, that seems to know more than she should.  And in that, makes you want to know all about the secrets that she has.  She will have a following someday.  

Isn't it amazing to see God's handiwork - right in front of your eyes?  Each of us has that same unique "bent" and if we were to consider what that might be, we would be amazed.  There is a plan and purpose of each of us that is different from anyone else.  There are things that we need to accomplish and places that we need to go that are ours alone.  No matter what age we are right now, we need to accept and understand the unique set of traits that Jesus has brought together in us and then we need to boldly go forth and use these gifts and talents.  Unfortunately, our culture has taught us that we need to try to be "successful" and to fit into molds.  Seeing the wonder of the creator so clearly in these small children has convinced me, once again, how important it is for us to know our destiny!

And more than that, we have to use those gifts and talents.  

In the last few months (okay - years) I have been guilty of becoming quite happy just sitting and waiting until I was sure that I knew exactly what and where I was supposed to go to fulfill that destiny.  It took a couple of pretty clear "kick in the pants" moments to convince me that I need to take that first step out.  Unfortunately, we don't often get an entire road map or route plan when Jesus asks us to step out.  We only get a step at a time.  And then the next step.  I was reminded of this verse from Psalm 119:105 -  

    "Your Word is a lamp for my feet a light for my path."

Just enough light (knowledge and inspiration) to show you where to put your foot and then a bit of light to see just ahead of you.   But the Word of Jesus will be there as we step out. 

Okay, I'm ready to go!  How about you?

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that not only do you HAVE plans for each of us, they are good plans.  And you promise to be there with us as take that first, sometimes scary step.  Holy Spirit, remind us that the light we have is enough.  Give us courage and boldness as we seek to discover what is ahead!  Thank you Jesus for children and grandchildren!  Amen

Today was a milestone kind of day....

Last night, after I had posted my blog, I happened to look at the statistics page for my blog.  I don't always do this, as a matter of fact sometimes it is weeks between my visits to these pages.  The first thing I noticed was that my blog last night was my 600th blog post!  WOW!  I mentioned that to Ken and he was also surprised.  I have been blogging since May of 2013.  So I suppose that over 3 years I should not be surprised by the number, but I was.  And then today these came in the mail............

I decided to have my blog posts printed into a book form to preserve them in a "readable" format for my own library.  I debated for a  long time about doing this since it was not an inexpensive thing to have these books formatted and printed.  But today, I was so thankful that I had actually gone through the process of getting these books printed.  It is really something to hold these very weighty books in my hand and know that every word was put on the page by me!  And this is only 2013, 2014, and 2015!  I am praying that the same format will be available when the end of 2016 rolls around.   I would really like to have a matching set!  Yes, this was a milestone kind of day for me.  Seeing these blogs actually on paper is really something.  I suppose that seems a bit silly, but I am a "book" person and I love to hold books in my hand.  I do have a Kindle and Iphone and Laptop and I do read a lot of material "electronically", but there is just something that pleases me about holding a book and flipping the pages.   Now I can flip through the pages of my life and all that Jesus has given me through these posts.  I have a lot to look at!  

The story behind this blog is really a simple one.  I felt that I had something I was supposed to be sharing - somewhere/somehow - and I couldn't figure out the where or the how to share!  I had been feeling a strong call to go to the nations and yet I was in a place where that didn't seem really possible or probable.  I simply did not have a platform to share my thoughts, my revelations, and my words or the things that Jesus was speaking to me. I remember telling someone that I felt like I had duct tape over my mouth.  My very first blog is titled "Feeling Stuffed and it isn't Thanksgiving".  I started this blog as a way to vent - more or less.  Here is the thing.  Little did I know that somehow this blog would go around the world and reach people in the nations.  I had been feeling called to write but really didn't think I should be writing a book or a story or a devotional.  I couldn't figure out who might even want to read anything that I had to say.  I guess that I had to get "stuffed" enough to just begin to put words on a page.  I am incredibly thankful that I live in this era when blogging was so simple.  I had decided that blogging might be good, but had put it off for several months because I couldn't come up with a "catchy name" for my blog.   Finally Gwen told me to just use my own name and be done with it!  Wasn't that good advice? I could procrastinate no longer.  And so it began.  

At last count I have blog readers in 178 countries.  That fact alone stops me in my tracks every time I think about it.  My blog is not one of those "viral" blogs that get millions of hits.  But I know that Jesus is sending my blogs to exactly the people who need to see these words and be encouraged and inspired by my daily life and struggles. And let me tell you there have been plenty of ups and downs in these blog posts. I promised total honesty when I began this blog.  So nothing has been left out of my posts.  There have been births and deaths and lots of grief and tears as well as laughter and joy.  Times when my faith was low and things seemed dark, yet Jesus was always there. Just like my life, it always comes back to Jesus.    I do not "promote" my blog, but somehow the Holy Spirit is doing the work of spreading my posts in ways that surprise me and leave me in awe.  I certainly did not think that I would be reaching the nations while sitting in my chair at home, but that is exactly what is happening.  It puts a new spin on the term "missionary" doesn't it?

When I was four years old, I had a dream that Jesus told me to share his story with everyone.  When I was eight someone told me "someday you will be a missionary".  As an adult I heard the message that I was called to go to the nations.  But I really never thought it would look like this. And I feel as if there might be even more on the horizon.  It leaves me a bit breathless....and filled with hope and expectation! 

So that is my thought for today.  Expect the unexpected.  If you have had a dream or a vision in the past and you can't quite imagine how or when that dream or vision might come true, just be open to whatever comes along.  Keep your focus on the giver of those dreams and visions, JESUS, and believe me, you will be amazed.  I can assure you that there is a plan and purpose for your life and Jesus is all about you fulfilling your destiny!  Don't limit yourself and be open to new things and new ways.  I am sure glad I was!  Keep on dreaming!

Jesus, thank you so much for your continued prompting to share your story with the world.  Holy Spirit, it is amazing how you bring each of us, exactly what we need, when we need it.  Keep us filled with hope as we hold on to those dreams as we wait for your perfect plan and perfect timing.  Thank you Jesus for who you are and your great sacrifice for us.  Thank you for always being with us. Amen

A bit of "it's hard to believe"......

On Saturday we celebrated Anna's second birthday (she really turns two on the 30th).  It was the usual house full of kids type of birthday party!  We took a moment before the party to take this picture.  Anna was having none of it!  This was the only picture without her screaming!  So, it will have to do.  You might notice the penguins...that was the theme of the party.

It just doesn't seem possible that this little one is actually two years old.  It is really hard to believe how fast these two years have passed.  

I had a couple of interesting experiences over this past weekend.  Looking back on them, it is a little hard to believe, but I can assure you, this blog is about truth telling!  So, here goes..........

On Sunday morning, Ken and I were having breakfast at a local cafe.  We go to this particular place almost every weekend.  There is a really nice manager that we have befriended and a sweet waitress who always gives us service above and beyond what is expected.  As we were finishing our meal, I glanced up and just behind Ken's chair, I saw a waitress holding a tray filled with drinks, collapse backwards, hitting her head on the floor.  The people nearest to her, rushed over to her and it was clear that she was having a seizure.  Someone called 911 and it was a LONG wait for the fire engines and ambulance.  I spent the time urgently praying for the waitress.  By the time the paramedics arrived, the girl was alert and talking.  It was quite a relief to see that ambulance pull up to the door.  We could hardly believe that we had witnessed this emergency during breakfast.  

Now I spent some time kind of beating myself up because I did not rush over and pray for that girl.  I was certainly praying, but there was this question in my mind that I did not do enough.  

Then on Sunday night I attended a meeting and the speaker was a missionary to China.  I have heard him speak before, but last night I felt like he was speaking directly to me!  I can't tell you what anyone else heard, but I got the message very clearly......  you know what you are supposed to be doing....what your destiny is.  So why aren't you doing it?  It's time to take the plunge and go to the next level.  Don't say that you can't do it (whatever it is).  You have to take the first step.  

There was more, but that is the part that, well, stopped me in my tracks.  As a matter of fact, I had been hearing a very similar message myself.  After I got home, I happened to hear this message Lance Wallnau - "The Midnight Watch".   It is a hope filled message that says that Jesus will be sending us each a gift in the form of a person that will be strategic for us to fulfill our destiny.  

It's worth listening to the entire message from Lance.  This gift might be financial, it might be a connection, or it might be wisdom that will help us move forward towards our destiny. 

Pretty interesting, right?  So I'll be waiting expectantly for the person that Jesus is sending to me.  In the mean time I will worry less about what I did or did not do!  Yes, it was a weekend of hard to believe things.  It certainly left me with plenty to think about!  

Jesus, thank you for grandchildren that help us see joy and wonder in the little things.  Bless all the firefighters and paramedics who respond to distress calls.  Give us all wisdom when we are faced with emergency situations.  Holy Spirit, help us to take that first step towards our destiny.  And reveal that special person who will help us towards our goal!  Amen

Feeling a tug back to Africa......

I mentioned in my last blog that a couple of opportunities have come up for me to connect with ministries in Africa.  I have to admit that I have been praying for direction and wondering just how I might get connected in the right place.  Then, as so often happens, it has all apparently been arranged for me!  So over the last few days, I have been remembering my time in 2004 in Kenya and Uganda.   And I was thinking about this sweet girl.

I remember that we saw her walking along the road as we were driving to the church (I use that term very loosely since it was just a small mud hut).  She was holding the smallest child in her arms and had that slightly bigger child strapped to her back in that scarf you see wrapped around her.  When she finally showed up at the meeting (after we had been there about an hour), she told the translator that she had come because she heard that we might have pencils.  She badly needed a pencil to go to school.  This little nine year old girl had walked a LONG, LONG way to come to this meeting, in the hopes of getting a pencil.  The hope of a pencil was enough for her to carry her younger siblings, over dusty, dirty roads and through rough fields, a far distance, on a very hot day.   As you can see in the picture, she got her pencil!  

So much about this trip changed my life.  In some ways it was reaching that destination.... finally getting to that promised place from my young childhood when a missionary had stamped my bible and declared "someday you will be a missionary".  In reality, it was just the beginning.  I began that trip believing that I had a message to share with the children (which I had) but I ended that trip knowing that my heart and deep desire was to speak that same message to the ADULTS so that they would understand the heart of Jesus for the CHILDREN!  Over the next few years, that desire to impact the children by reaching the adults, grew and deepened.  But I never really had a platform to share what was so firmly planted into my spirit.  Years went by, and I began to lose hope and to doubt that this was even something I was supposed to do!  The dreams continued to come.  That feeling that there was more ahead, well, it never left me.  I had left a part of my heart in Africa.  And Jesus was not letting me forget it!

When I returned from Africa I realized that my "eye sight" had changed.  I had a totally different view of my world.  I saw the wealth of our country in a new light.  The amount of resources that were available around every corner.  The quality of our educational system.  The opportunities our children have.  How much water we have and how much water we waste.  How good our internet access is and how good our cell phone service is.  But I also had a very different view of the church in America.  I couldn't imagine children walking miles to hear a speaker from another country.  I couldn't imagine the adults sitting in the dirt for hours listening to unknown people sharing about Jesus.  I had seen so much generosity and sharing from people who had so very little.  But whatever they had, they were willing to give.  Yes, I learned many, many lessons on that trip.

Yes, I am feeling a tug back to Africa.  I can't forgot those faces and the warm hugs I received.  I can't forget the joy.  Mostly, I know that Jesus is calling me to share the message he has given me and it seems that it needs to be shared in Africa.  I would be quite happy to share this message right here at home, but it doesn't seem that any doors are opening for that.  So for now, I will just be taking a few steps towards that new connection and will see where that leads.

I want to remind everyone reading this blog, that there is a destiny and plan for all of you that was set in place, even before you were born!  It is an exciting and wonderful path that is there, just for you.  And along the way there might be ups and downs and turns.  There might even be what looks like dead ends.  But you can count on Jesus to direct you and to turn you exactly where you need to be.   This is also a reminder to not give up on your dreams.  You just never know where those dreams will take you!

Jesus, thank you so much for giving me a new shot of hope in the past week.  Holy Spirit, thank you for reminding me of all of the ways I was touched by my trip to Africa.  Help us all to remember and hold on to the call and destiny for our lives.  Give us courage and boldness to walk out the path that opens up for us.  Help us to dream and think outside of the confines of our small world.  Thank you for the new things you are bringing into my life.  Amen

 

A glimpse of the path ahead..........

This was one of those really rare, first week of Novembers.  It was WARM (like close to 70) and sunny and just a wonderful late Indian Summer days- that is, until today.  True November weather showed up today in lower 50's and windy and cloudy.  But I really enjoyed this week outside.

During my day with the twins we went on a long walk (while their mom spent the entire day collecting piles and piles of leaves from their many, many, many oak trees.)  Their street is amazing on any day of the year, but on this fall day it was lovely.

Their street dead ends into a forest preserve and when I reached the end of the road, I first saw a coyote cross the road, several feet in front of me.  Once the coyote crossed over into the trees, I walked a bit further.

And just as I got to this spot, a very large deer jumped out of the woods and ran across the road.  It seems really amazing that we live in a very crowded suburban neighborhood, yet so close to home you can step into nature.  Or have "nature" simply cross your path.  

Then, to continue my outdoor adventures, Gwen and I took the kids to a small, nearby animal farm.  When Gwen and Doug were little we often visited this wonderful park that includes an old railroad caboose.  It is small enough that the little ones can easily walk the entire park and they have lots of farm animals to see up close.  They have two coyotes and they don't look nearly as shaggy or scaring when they are in a pen! There was also a deer standing right next to the fence!  Not as surprising as seeing a deer leap across your path, but still very neat. 

Anna was interested in all of the animals and we had fun looking at the chickens! (Anna was a chicken on Halloween!)  She was a bit obsessed with the cow and several times took off running to get back to that pen.  It was just a great way to spend several hours outside in November.  I am very aware of how blessed I am to be able to spend my days like this. It is a wonderful gift.

Over the last couple of months, I have been really seeking direction and guidance from the Lord.  This week there has been so much encouragement to not forget the destiny that has been spoken for you.  So I have been revisiting the things that directed me in the past.  But there has also been a strong reminder that Jesus doesn't want us to just camp in one place.  Everything about our Christian life is a WALK.  Over and over we are reminded that you have to step out and go.   And through out the Bible, people ended up in situations that were not what they expected.  So this is a great time to keep walking and while remembering what we THOUGHT we were supposed to do, we should also be expectant for the very new thing that Jesus is doing.  

In the last two days I have received two very interesting emails.  The first email concerns a ministry to children in Kenya and the second email concerns a ministry to children and families in Uganda.  Hummm. After a trip to Kenya and Uganda in 2004, I have often said that I left a piece of my heart in those countries.  Each of these emails represents the potential to connect and move in ways that I had never expected.  Even if neither of these opportunities work out, it is still a huge encouragement to me.  

I am doubly grateful today.  Grateful for the amazing week outside, walking on those leaf covered roads and paths.  And I am so grateful for the reminder that Jesus is guiding me along the path into the next destination along the way.   And I am so thankful that Jesus knows my heart and is preparing that spot to answer the desires of my heart.  

Jesus, thank you for the wonderful weather of the last week.  Thank you for time to spend with my family.  Holy Spirit, keep us all expectant for the new things and the new paths that may be ahead for us.  Remind us of all that you have shown us, but help us to be able to imagine a change for the future.  Thank you Jesus, for your love and care.  Amen

Destiny and reaching for goals......

I found this picture yesterday and the timing was perfect!  This is Gwen and Doug at Great America on the Ladybug ride.  Today, Gwen and Tim took their kids to Great America and Gwen sent me this picture of them on the SAME RIDE!

As I told Gwen, I can see an amazing "side by side" Scrapbook page in the making!  I am sure that there is "method in the madness" of the operators of these parks.  They took this ride away many years ago.  But they know that it is time to bring it back when those kids of long ago now have children of their own.  Just so moments like this can be captured!  

But this is not the real reason for the blog today.  You know that I have been doing cleaning and sorting and organizing and I came upon this a couple days ago....,

This is dated March of 2010.  The purpose of these papers was to write a personal vision statement and goals.  Some of it was filled in and some was not.  It was pretty clear that I was having a hard time completing this even then.  And there are a number of things filled in, and sadly, I am no closer to them now than 5 years ago.  As a matter of fact, I think I have less focus and direction towards these goals NOW than I had then.  I think it is time to do some reevaluating!  

I have always said that the message I feel most pressed to share is that there is a destiny and plan and purpose for each person.  The thing is that you have to be pressing in to Jesus and listening and sensitive to the nudge of the Holy Spirit to know your destiny and plan!  And you also have to be constantly in touch with Jesus since that plan and destiny might change over time.  And even as I am writing this paragraph, I realize that I am speaking to myself.  This vision from 2010 does not HAVE to be my vision in 2015!  Isn't that good news?  If there is some goal that you set for yourself at some time in the past, and you haven't quite attained it yet, don't fret!  There may well be a different goal or some tweeking of that original goal that applies right now.  

There was one goal on those sheets of paper that I know I am moving towards....just not exactly how I thought it would happen.  I had written "Go to the nations, share the Kingdom message of Jesus' plan and destiny.  Make connections in the body of Christ to expand a platform to share this message, to bring glory to the Father."   And for each of you out there reading this blog, you have taken me closer to this goal.  It seems that each day I am adding to the number of different countries that are reading this blog.  Yesterday it was Georgia and Argentina that popped up.  Two countries on different continents.  I believe that these two countries brought the country total to 91!  And I have not left my house.  I have connected with people through this blog, that I would never have encountered.  I have had the privilege of "talking" back and forth with people (some who speak very little English) through email and comments.  I have been able to share Jesus without ever seeing people face to face.  But I have the assurance that writing this blog is exactly the correct thing for me to be doing!  I just need to remember to stay close to Jesus and listen carefully so that I can reach those other goals!

Jesus, thank you for your personal plan and destiny for each of us.  It is really amazing that we can each hear your voice.  Holy Spirit, thank you for prompting people to read this blog.  Help us to continue to work towards our goals.  Jesus, thank you for reminding me that my legacy is in my children and grandchildren.  Thank you for picture memories that bring smiles!  Amen

Sometimes you get a message through a deer......

You may be getting sick of me comparing Anna with Gwen, but alas, it is a mother/grandmothers prerogative!  Anna had her one year check up yesterday and got weighed and measured.  Now we all know that she is a peanut (which has been true of all of Gwen's kids), but this morning Gwen and I were comparing Gwen's stats at one year with Anna's.  Guess what?  They were almost identical.  No wonder that Anna reminds me so much of Gwen.  The top picture of Gwen was taken a couple of days after her 1st birthday.  And the bottom picture is Anna at her 1st birthday party - a day after her birthday.  You might not see much resemblance in these two pictures, but to me....wow. Anna looks a lot like Gwen did.

On to other things.... during the last couple of days I have seen so much "wild life" while driving that it is just silly.  Last week I saw a large herd of deer off in the field next to the road.  Then I saw an injured deer on the side of the road.....just sitting there looking around.  I saw three hawks on a pole this morning on the way to Gwen's.  On the way home this afternoon, I saw a coyote on the shoulder of the road,,,,and it was in a residential area - not a forest preserve.  Then Ken and I decided to go out this evening and we saw a large hawk sitting on a sign.  The capper to all these animal sightings happened at the car wash....yes the car wash.  After the last snow/salt event, Ken decided to get a car wash.  There was a LOOOOONG line, three cars deep.  As we were waiting to get up to the pay area, I saw a flash of a deer just beyond the pay station.  Ken didn't see it.  When it was finally our turn to pay (and then wait some more for our turn) suddenly, a deer was right in front of the car, just beyond the fence of the car wash.  It was leaping around and stayed right in front of us.  The woman in the car next to us actually got out of her car to take a picture of the deer.  Needless to say there were many people in line behind us who were not so happy about that!   All of this is interesting since I live in a very populated area....not out in the country.  I got to thinking that there is most likely a message in all of these sightings.

I thought of Psalm 42:1..... "As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after You, my God".
I wonder if the deer at the car wash was after the water!  Each of these different times that I saw the deer, the hawks, the coyote,  it was a reminder that I should be looking to Jesus for all that I need.  Those deer and that coyote might have been looking for water.  Or they could have been looking for food.  The hawks where looking for a snack, that's for sure.  It's very easy to just keep on driving and not even notice what is right outside your window.  And it is very easy to forget who actually provides the food, the water and everything that we need.  I shared that I have been in a bit of a struggle in the last couple of weeks.  I know that I have forgotten to just be "longing for Jesus" instead of looking for answers to unanswerable questions.  Today I heard a song that reminded me to just be "seeking the face of Jesus".  So I guess I have gotten the message.  It is a good thing to just be longing for more of Jesus.  Nothing can be gained by wallowing in the depths of wondering and questioning.  Quite honestly, I don't think that there is any answer to the questions that I was asking that would have satisfied me or made me feel any better.  What does bring comfort and peace and calm to my spirit is just drawing up close to Jesus.  Even when I have to remind my soul to LONG for God!  Sometimes we all have to talk to our soul to do the right thing... ("Bless the Lord, oh my soul").

So tonight I am thankful for seeing the deer, the hawks, the coyote, and more than that, I am thankful for the reminder to just draw up close to Jesus and stop the questions!  I am also thankful for yesterday's wave of mercy that helped me to look around me and see the message that was right in front of me.  It is good to breath out and rest in the presence of Jesus.

Stop.  Look around you.  Don't miss what is happening just outside of your window.  Be still.  Stop questioning. Close your eyes.  Let Jesus draw you up to him.  Be blessed.

Jesus, thank you so much for reminding me that being in your presence is really all that I need.  You are responsible for everything else that I need.   Holy Spirit, help us all to stop and look around us for your message to us.  More than that, help us to quiet our minds and to be still before you.  Thank you  for the reminder that our destiny is also carried on in our children and grandchildren.  Thank you for the deer Jesus!  Amen

A few odds and ends from today.....

First of all, here is a sweet picture of our little Lucas!  Isn't he just the cutest!  I know that I am the grandma and that skews my judgement, but he is really a cute little pumpkin!  I picked out this little outfit right after Lucas was born.  I just loved the little penguin and the bib that went with this says "My family loves me"!  Yep, we sure do!  Again, thanks for all the prayers for him.  When you have any kind of issues in your own family, you really appreciate all of the people who stand with you and cover you in prayer.  

As I said in my last blog, we finally decided that Ken would create the numbers and letter that we needed since we couldn't find them anywhere.  So yesterday Ken cut them out and today he finished them up.  This was more than a couple of hours of work!  Each of these had to be sanded before they were ready to be installed. Of course this also required more than one trip to the hardware store.  Does anyone ever finish a project without multiple trips to the store?  That never happens in our house.

So here is our finished - finally - house!  With all of the trim installed and the address clearly shown.  I feel like we can finally breathe out that this project is done.  Now we have to move on to all of the interior work that needs doing!  Sigh..... all in good time.

Time.... that brings me to tonight.  And another little bit that is swirling around in my head after an incredible worship time at a meeting tonight.  Here are the words I wrote down from the worship...

Your destiny is eternity.  Don't be afraid to step into eternity.

It's a new thing...your can't avoid or escape it, its all around you. 

Move with the lamb into the realm of eternity.

You were created for the realm of eternity...step into eternity

Finally home.  You are my eternity.

Looking into your eyes Jesus...  eternity is in your eyes.

Looking into your eyes.  You and me, me and you.

Eternity

Could it really be this close?  Inside of me?  

Eternity. We can touch eternity.  

Wow.  That puts time into another place.  Doesn't it make you just stop and think?  I have to admit that I got stuck on that first line.  Here I've been in a big struggle, trying to figure out what my destiny is, when all along it is so simple.  My destiny is ETERNITY!  It is all about my relationship with Jesus.  Being with Him and seeing from his perspective.  Just moving into the realm of eternity. And then stopping and thinking about the fact that we have been CREATED for the realm of eternity.  Doesn't that make good sense.  If we are made in the image of God, then we HAVE to be created for eternity.  He IS ETERNITY!

Yes, I will be thinking about this and spending time looking into the eyes of Jesus. So that is the few odds and ends that have been on my heart and mind today.  I am so thankful today!  Thankful for a big house project complete!  Thankful for a sweet baby joining our family!  And thankful for the revelation that our destiny is eternity.  Yep, quite a good day!

Jesus, thank you for working so many things out for me today.  Holy Spirit, thank you for the reminder that you bring eternity into me!  What an amazing gift!  Thank you for showing me how to let go of deadlines, calendars and schedules so that I can focus on eternity.  Help us all to grow in understanding of our true destiny.   Amen

Adding to the family circle......

This picture is Ken with Gwen and Doug, just after Doug came home from the hospital.  I couldn't help but think of this picture today, after I took this photo!  

This is Ken with Doug and his new son, Lucas Jacob Rowley!  He was born on November 1, 2014, 7lbs 6oz and 19.5".   Susie and Lucas are both happy and healthy!

What a wonderful day this has been!  I was pretty sure that Doug and Susie were having a boy, but they had not found out the gender of the baby before he was born.  I have to say it is a bit funny to think of "Lucas Rowley" since that was our boys name when I was pregnant with Gwen!  A few weeks before Doug was born, Ken suddenly announced that he did not like the name Lucas!  So there was a mad rush to come up with a boys name that he would agree to.  Needless to say, we ended up with Douglas and I have always been happy with that name.  But hearing Lucas Rowley, just brought back that memory.  It is really interesting to see Doug as a dad.  I just can't wait to get to know Lucas.

Just yesterday I saw a post about the increasing awareness of our destiny.     I loved this post!  I believe that in the days ahead I will be seeing a bit more of the destiny for this new little one!

Awaken to Destiny! by Veronica Kilrain

You’ve heard the voice of the Lord calling you into destiny. Dreams placed in your heart have laid dormant becoming a distant memory of the past. Destiny seems delayed and you’ve near on given up believing those dreams.

Hope is here! Holy Spirit says, “I am re-kindling and re-firing the hopes and dreams of your past! Are you prepared to trust Me and walk with Me like a child? I have great plans for you, plans to prosper you and to work through you in ways to date you’ve not yet seen! I am breaking off disappointment as the Word goes forth from my prophetic voices in this hour! My Holy Spirit of fire is burning away thoughts of old which have hindered the revealing of My Glory in your life. Heaven’s heart beat will be heard in yours as you wait upon Me with expectation!”

I saw the number 60 which represents completion of the flesh. You’re at the end of yourself -it’s a beautiful place to be. Surrender is key! Refreshment and hope are yours as you open your heart again and dare to dream big!

God dreams are always big dreams! They need to be in order for him to fulfill them in you. He’s the God of more than enough and he’s ever increasing! Dormant for decades- the dust is being blown off dreams!  Now is the time for re-fire! He is refueling and rekindling dreams in you.

Deep calls unto deep!  God is calling you into his presence in greater intimacy.  Wholly focused and yearning for him. No longer satisfied with a little taste. Hungry for a feast! Filled to overflowing with Holy Spirit power! He’s calling you into a deep encounter with His presence. In his presence is the fullness of joy and at his right hand pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11) As you wait and rest there will be a supernatural strengthening. The Holy Spirit will breathe life on those past dreams as you pick them up in your hand and give them back to Him.

There is a fresh awakening of past mantles to be picked up in this hour. Those of 100 years ago. Inquire of him what he has for you to operate in this fresh season.

Esther’s are coming forth in this hour! Women and children who are sold out to Jesus and not afraid to say so! They will release freedom with holy ghost power in this hour. The goodness and kindness of God will be demonstrated and the true nature of God’s heart will be revealed in this hour. Millions of hearts will be radically saved as their eyes are opened and they receive the gift of Salvation. Jesus will be revealed in all His majesty and all His splendor and there will be a great awakening as the global harvest is pulled in by faithful hearts. Multi -faceted colors will shine off the people of God revealing Christ as the light of the world. The transforming power of the  love of God will be a splendid display of the Glory of God.

There’s a great invitation to feast at the table of God. To be wined and dined with him. From this intimacy you will release the sound of Heaven that will awaken millions of lives to destiny!

What a great thing that we can be awakened to our destiny!  I am praying that each of you reading this will take a minute to think about the post above.   I plan to meditate on this, and then see what the Holy Spirit brings to me for Lucas!  

Jesus, thank you for your care and presence during the birth of Lucas.  Thank you for blessing Doug and Susie with this new precious boy.  Holy Spirit, I know that there is a destiny and plan already in place for Lucas.  Thank you for helping us all grow in understanding of our own destiny.  Thank you for joy and hope that comes with a new baby!  Amen