Singing while I walk in those footprints...

Wow, it's been a long time since I first heard this CD.....and it was life changing.  In the course of several months, I acquired ALL of his CD's.  Each one seemed better than the one before.  I had some "favorites" among other music, but nothing really touched me to the same depths as this music.  I am sure that there was a powerful anointing on Terry when he worshiped and as these (mostly live) worship times were recorded.  I have 9 different CD's and I don't think I can choose a favorite one.  I planned and hosted an entire women's retreat weekend using one of these CD's.  It was one of the best weekend retreats I have ever led - or for that matter- been on!  Yes, I love this music.

Now, here's the thing about this music.  Somewhere around four years ago, there was a point when this music was no longer on the market and Terry MacAlmon was not touring.  He had experienced a personal crisis of faith and had stepped down from the ministry.  So, suddenly, all of his music was considered "off limits" and across the board,  it was no longer used in worship.  So, in obedience to my leaders, I stopped listening to this music as well.   What happened to me personally, was that I experienced a dark place as far as worship.  It became so hard for me to even enter into worship, no matter where I was.  This was a difficult, difficult time for me.   One of the hardest things for me was that I didn't really understand why all of this music was so suddenly not good.  Okay, he might have made a mistake, but which one of us hasn't been there?  But does that immediately discredit everything good that Jesus had done in the past?  And where is forgiveness in this ?  After some time, I saw that Terry and returned to ministry and was touring again.  Even after I was told that it was not a good idea to return to this music, I thought I would trust that Jesus would show me if this was not something I was supposed to be doing.  So I began again to listen and worship.

The result was almost an immediate upswing in my spirit.  As a matter of fact, I really believe that it was this music that spurred me to step out and begin this blog.  And it was around that time that I stepped out into some other new and different places also.  So this music represents some powerful footprints for me.  I have walked in them, stopped and then began walking once again.   As I have mentioned before, I may not agree totally with Terry, but Jesus is the central focus of all of his music. That music is a wonderful blessing to me.

One of the most divisive things in the church is how we treat our sisters and brothers who fall, make mistakes, or have some other kind of crisis.  This whole process with this music has convinced me that I need to just keep my focus on Jesus and trust that He will guide and direct me.  And I believe that is a good place for others to stay.  So my encouragement to you tonight is to keep your focus on Jesus!  And that is enough.

Jesus, thank you so much for Terry MacAlmon and this amazing music.  Thank you for speaking to me and ministering to my spirit through the words and melodies of these songs.  Holy Spirit, it is so amazing to know that you will guide and direct us and keep us on that right path.  Thank you for footprints and music and mostly, thank you for Jesus.  Amen

Thought for the day..."What is a church?"

After the last couple of weeks attending various events, (none of which were actually held in a "church" building)  I have been considering...... "What is a church?"  The last 14 or so days have been filled with some of the most wonderful worship times and incredible teachings.  And then there is that incredible experience of the presence of Jesus.  Now I am not saying that you CAN'T have all of this IN a traditional church.  What struck me was that you CAN have all of this without the building.  

These two pictures are 10 years old.  I took them in Kenya and Uganda in 2004.  As you can see, while there were "buildings", these buildings were not exactly what we think of a "church". As a matter of fact, there were several services that were entirely outside, with NO building.   But I can assure you, there was worship and teaching and the presence of Jesus.   In the last couple of weeks, I have been at "church" in a basement meeting room of a large conference center, in a large ballroom of a conference center, and in a living room of a home. 

 

In each of these events, the common denominator between all of the people in attendance was the cross.  It did not matter what denomination you were.  How or when you baptize, or what you think about the book of Revelation.  All that matters is the cross of Jesus.  It is so good to be in a place of unity with your brothers and sisters in Christ. 

 



I know that this is not a new thought.  Lots of people have contemplated this, talked about it, spoken about this, wrote about this.   That is why I almost didn't share this thought today.   But, you see, I have been so blessed in these very non "church" church services.  And I believe that part of the reason is because these events happened.........outside of the ordinary.  

So I am thankful tonight that my definition of "Church" does not include a building.  It includes people.  Lots of wonderful, loving people.  Some of the people don't really know me at all.  To some I am just a face in a crowd.  To others, I am known.  With all of my faults and troubles and prayer needs.  AND with all of my gifts.  When I sit with these people, and share a meal with them, or worship with them, learn and grow with them, I am loved.  I feel that love of Jesus flowing through them into me.  And it is awesome!  

My encouragement to you tonight is to consider expanding your idea of church.  Think "outside of the box" (or the walls).  Find an event that is different than anything you might have previously considered attending.  Look for a meeting or conference or group in your area that includes people from many different churches.  Or better yet, form one of your own.  My home group is a life saver for me.  I know that I can count on their prayers.  And these meetings and conferences are life giving for me.  Take a risk.  Step out of your normal routine.  Go and be blessed.

Jesus, thank you so much for reminding me that YOU are the only thing that matters.   Holy Spirit, give us all courage and boldness to go outside of our "normal".  Help us to seek and find those places where you are.  Draw us to those like-minded people, with whom we can share and grow.  Keep us open and free to learn and grow!   Amen

Bit about my Sunday.......... and a teaser for a couple of future blogs!

First of all, Happy Birthday (Yesterday) to my sweet Gwen!  I love the look on her face in this picture.  She was not so happy about that cake.  Another interesting thing is that the table and hutch shown in this picture, are now residing in Gwen's house!  Even after all these years....(Sorry Gwen, but you are 35 years old! Sigh...) As a mom you can't help but remember and think about the day your babies are born.  While I didn't get to spend the day with Gwen, we were together on Saturday and have lots of family time planned in the month of May. 

So, after a day of usual Sunday things like shopping and laundry, I decided to go to the HUB meeting.  I had seen an email about the guest speaker, but his name was not familiar to me.  I know from past experience that it simply doesn't matter!  These meetings are always so worth it!  First, the worship is always amazing.  It is a time and place to be in the presence of the Lord and rest.  It is also a place to receive.  The guest speaker was Charlie Shamp.  (Click on his name for information and to watch some incredible videos!)  On the Home page there is a note about last nights meeting.  Frankly, I have so much to share, I don't really know where to begin....

The worship was............heavenly.  The minute I walked in, I felt that there was a message that I would hear.  And I was not disappointed.  It started in the worship...

The first prophetic worship song included these words...........
I sit at your feet, I lean back and drink from your cup, I hear your heartbeat, I melt in your peace
Your love is so deep, more than I can stand, its overwhelming.

I will talk a bit more about this song in a later blog, but for now, lets just say I was transported to that place during this song.  Sitting at the feet of Jesus, leaning into him.  WOW!  And then the worship team moved on.

The next worship song began.... This is an "Upside Down Kingdom".  The world is moving fast and you are right on time.   And then in the middle of the set, the line that stopped me and I knew it was an answer to a question I had been asking.....  "You haven't missed your chance".    Yes, this sent an arrow right into my spirit.   The next line I heard (sometime later) was "Let your living waters flow"

At that exact moment I was hearing (in my right ear) "It's not too late" but in my left ear I was hearing "It's dead, it's too late.....just pull the plug".  Okay, I know that it sounds weird that I was hearing a different thing in each ear, but that is how I perceived this hearing.  And then very clearly I heard, YES - PULL THE PLUG!  RELEASE THOSE STREAMS OF LIVING WATER FROM WITHIN YOU!  LET THAT LIVING WATER FLOW!  And just as I was hearing that, Nancy (the leader of HUB) came to the microphone and talked about the living water flowing out. 

Isn't it interesting how you get a totally different message from the same three words?  Pull the plug!  On one hand it means a death and an ending.  But (thinking of the bathtub) pull the plug, just means let the water flow!   A very different perspective.   It really gave me a renewed sense of purpose and destiny..... it was a great affirmation for me.   I have been wondering if the last few years that have seemed as if I have been stagnant had caused me to miss my chance!  I don't know what exactly that means, but I have been feeling that way.  Like I've missed something.  That is, until last night.  It was a wonderful affirming message and it was not just for me! 

So I encourage you all to sit a moment and take in the message that you haven't missed your chance.  It is not too late.  Pull the plug and let the living water flow out of your belly.   Just meditate on these seemingly little things.  I believe that many of us will feel a new release as we meditate on this message.  

I realize that I haven't even begun to share about the meeting and Charlie Shamp.  I encourage you to come back over the next couple of days, as I share more about the rest of the night! 

Jesus, thank you for HUB and Nancy and all that are a part of that ministry.  Continue to pour out your favor and your blessing over them.   Thank you for Charlie Shamp and his heart for your glory and your presence.  Holy Spirit, remind us all to think about the simple message I heard and help us to take it in and process it.  Jesus, thank you for Gwen and all that she has brought to Ken and I.  Continue to bless her and her family.   Jesus, thank you for your living water that flows from your throne!   Amen

Amazing, incredible, awesome night!

What an amazing night I had last night.  I am writing this post in the morning, rather than at night since I didn't arrive home until after 11:00pm last night.  It was the opening night of this conference.  I am so blessed to be able to attend this event, even if I had to leave "early"- before the end of the session last night, since I have a 40 minute drive home. 

 

Here's the absolutely amazing part of the night.  HUB Ministries found out that there were 12 other major events like this happening around the United States on the same weekend.  As Nancy Magiera said, this is highly unusual.  She found some evidence that throughout history, these dates have included some of the largest revivals ever seen.  She got in contact with the leaders from these other conferences and together they decided to "prefer someone else, rather than themselves".  So last night the conference opened with all of us praying and interceeding for the OTHER events!  And more than that, IRIS Ministries (Rolland and Heidi Baker) - the ministry that is supported by HUB, has a large International event this weekend.  They have invited 7,000 leaders from the top 50 countries that persecute Christians to a large conference.  So, it was possible to imagine being united with people (as Nancy put it) "from sea to shining sea" as well as reaching the nations. 

 

The evening worship included these words............

 

Every eye is on the bridegroom, every eye is on the king

Behold His glory.  We will see his glory.

Lift up our eyes, come let us adore him.

 

Isn't He holy,  Isn't He worthy,  Isn't He beautiful.

 

Yes, I am expectant and hopeful for the rest of this amazing event this weekend.  It is so wonderful to see UNITY among ministries!  It really feels heavenly.

 

Yesterday I came upon this utube video The Christmas Scale.  What an awesome video.  And an amazing reminder ...... Joy to the World, The Lord has come!  So, Come Let Us Adore Him!  Yes, a Christmas message in October!

 

Jesus, thank you for this opportunity to worship and pray in unity with so many of your people around the world. Bless these events, and other events that are unknown to me, happening this weekend.  Thank you for this video and the story that it contains.  Help us all, Holy Spirit, to live and walk in the knowledge that we have JOY, because the Lord has come.  And help us to come together and adore Him!  Amen



Taste the rainbow!

Yes, it looks like a Skittles commercial - but it is not!  I just couldn't resist since that phrase has been on my mind all day today. "Taste the Rainbow" I had another amazing, incredible time with Jesus and the Holy Spirit last night. 

A little bit of a back story.  About a year ago I was at an ecumenical worship service and one of the worship leaders, played a violin over me.  That may sound a bit odd, but let me tell you, it was one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had.  It was like the sound of heaven that penetrated into my soul.  Although it may be hard to believe, I was "HEARING" colors.  I don't really have words to explain this, but it was very real.  I experienced a totally different kind of hearing that night.  And, now during various worship times, I have had the same experience.  Okay - last night.  Well, last night was another one of those nights with powerful, intense worship.  One of the worship leaders was Georgian Banov.  If you don't know who he is, let Google help you out.  All I can say, is he is WOW!  And he plays the violin.  There were 5 people leading worship.  A keyboard player, a vocalist, a drummer, a guitar player and Georgian on violin.  At some point in the worship, everything changed.  The heavens opened and suddenly, that river of living water was just pouring from the throne down onto us. It actually looked like a flowing rainbow to me.  And at that moment, I was aware that I was "TASTING" the colors of that rainbow.  Each color seemed to hit my lips and a flavor would explode in my mouth. 

red,  was so sweet  - like the best candy you have ever tasted
orange,  was extra spicy - but it did not burn my mouth
yellow,  was smooth and buttery - like melted butter
green,  was a surge of savory herbs - freshness just filled my mouth
blue,  was a minty burst - that increased in flavor
indigo, was so salty - like the best salty snack
violet,  was like rich dark cocoa - soooooo good

There were so many surprises in these tastes.  I expected that blue would be like the water that I always associate with the color.  But no, it was so minty.  And I was surprised that there were TWO purples in this rainbow.  I actually wrote "light purple and dark purple" in my notes last night.  I have used the "proper" terms of indigo and violet in the list above that describe the rainbow colors.  Again, I was so surprised at the salty taste of the light purple.  I don't know what I would imagine light purple would "taste" like, but salty was a surprise.  I spent lots of time in the dark purple.  It just filled my mouth and I was overwhelmed by the intensity of all of the flavors. 

And the phrase I was hearing was "Taste and see that the Lord is good!"  And I was doing exactly that!  Tasting and understanding in a new way, how good He is!  And, of course I thought of "Taste the Rainbow" but this was so much better than Skittles.

So my encouragement to you tonight is to expect the unexpected.  Let yourself enter into worship when you have the chance.  Put on those CD's and worship at home.  Or in your car.  Sit back and let the sounds take you to new heights and into depths of your spirit.  There is very clear scientific evidence that music activates different areas of our brain more than anything else.  And I know that the Holy Spirit uses music to reach us at times when we have shut ourselves off.  Or put up walls to keep others out.  Or those times when we are just so immersed in our daily struggles that we forgot who we are and WHOSE we are.  Let that music reach you and listen for the voice of Jesus speaking to you through the Holy Spirit.  And listen for the colors.  And wait for the tastes.  I am sure that this is not just for me.  It's something for everyone.  There is so much more!  And I can't wait!

Jesus, thank you for, once again, the unexpected.  Holy Spirit thank you for using those musicians to reach me last night.  Thank you for those amazing men and women who stand aside and let you, Holy Spirit, do whatever you want.  Jesus, please share these colors with everyone.  It is so amazing.  Yes, you are so good!  Halleluia!  Amen

Didn't realize I needed an Oasis!

I've had quite a couple of days.  The weather has taken a wonderful turn to autumn coolness.  For me, however, no central air conditioning means a VERY stuffy head and sinus pain like you would not believe.  Even my hair hurts.  Because this is all allergy caused, I am sure that in a short while, I will be celebrating the first frost.  And I mean REAL heavy frost.  I do not have to check the weather forecast to know when the frost has come.  My head tells me! 

Okay - here comes some more truth-telling. To go along with my general fogginess of thinking, today I am feeling a mixture of several emotions, all of which are directed at me, myself and I.  I have had  very clear revelation of some opportunities that I completely missed out on.  And I sort of feel like one of the people standing by the side of the road, watching that very fast moving "super sonic highway".  And today, I am not ON that moving walkway.  I feel stuck on the side. 

Last night I experienced some amazing worship.  And when you are in a place where everyone around you is looking for the heavens to open up, you can be assured that they will open.  Here is a sampling of some of the things that we were singing and I was "hearing" very clearly...

• I will remind myself of all you've done. Your love came down and rescued me.
• I sing out and that reminds my soul that I am yours.
• I am drinking it in as one who has been in a desert and I've finally hit an oasis.  It is oasis of the  river of living water.
• It is an oasis of glory and peace and joy. 
• As certain as the sunrise, as jarring as an earthquake, as cleansing as the rain is His grace.
• When you have tried everything in your own strength and failed, look up, listen and behold. 
• I will remind myself of all you've done. 

So, I am being very thankful today.  In spite of my nose and my head.  In spite of the feelings of "stuckness".  I am thankful for the oasis of the presence of the Lord in the desert of my last couple of days (and the last couple of years).  I will remind myself of all that Jesus has done for me.  I will sing of His mercies and goodness and grace.  And I will celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit.  And I will celebrate the change of seasons. 

Jesus, thank you for understanding that we would need the change of seasons to remind us that you are ALWAYS  on the move!  Holy Spirit, thank you for drawing me to exactly the right place at the right time so that I can hear your message.  You are a great and amazing God that even planned those very real Oasis' in the middle of the deserts. so that we would know there was a place of rest and refreshment in the middle of dry and dark times.  Father, direct the many out there who feel as if they are stuck and in that dry place, to the oasis of your flowing living waters.  Thank you so much for all of the people  you have placed in my life.  Bless them mightily today!  Amen

Awesome night..........around the world

I just drove home with the remains of a very bad thunderstorm ahead of me.  The lightning was just lighting up the sky.  Over and over the clouds were illuminated by streaks of lightning .  For me, it felt as if Jesus was just affirming everything that I had heard, seen and experienced tonight. 

I am so thankful for HUB Ministries.  HUB stands for His United Believers.  When you step into these meetings, you may not know a soul, but you are totally at home.  The worship is amazing and the diversity of speakers that come to these meetings makes every week an adventure.  Tonight's speaker was Pastor Sam Babu from India and the worship leader was Apostle Lisa Nelson from Eagle Rock Ministry.  However, the main speaker tonight was the Holy Spirit. 

The worship is well..........different.  It's not singing songs.  It is hearing the heart of Jesus poured out through the worship leader.  And this is in response to the cry of the worship leader.  Here is a bit of what we were hearing tonight.........

Break down my defenses, awaken my senses.
Your love is relentless, pursue me, overtake me. (Us to Jesus)

My head on your chest, I feel every breath
Breathe your heart into me, till I see. Till I feel it.
I want to be like you Jesus.     (Us to Jesus)
 
Holy, Holy, Holy is the lamb. 
Your blood speaks of better things
at the mercy seat.        (Us to Jesus)
 
Bless the lamb, He reigns, we call out.   (Us to Jesus)

Awaken those things you thought had died.
Courage to rise out of the place you were in. 
Never out of my hand, never out of my plan
You are released to speak, get under the blood (Jesus to us)

draw us higher to a new thing. (Us to Jesus)

Take my hand. I will draw you to a new place.
In the new place you will find secrets.  Your eyes won't be blind. (Jesus to us)

Open my eyes so I can see your glory. (Us to Jesus)
 
New ability to breathe.  Can you breathe the signs of the times?
You are the light in the darkness.  Release my glory.
You have been saved for this time, for the world to see,
my sons and daughters in liberty.
Stretch out your hands. I am releasing faith for this time.
Arise in authority, expose the lies of the enemy.
You look like me.  You have captured my heart.
I will send you again and again.
You will be astounded by the awesome things you will see.
Healing and miracles and my restoration.
I am strengthening your knees to run with my vision.
I am strengthening your knees to run with heaven.  (Jesus to us)
 
There is honey soothing every part that is in pain
I am polishing your shield and raising your sword.
Raise it high and stand against the enemy.
Stand in me, Stand in my authority.
 
Speak, Release, Speak what you see.
Release what you hear from me.
 
Come away with me.  Fly on my wings.
Fly into your destiny.
I have chosen you and I give you my life.

Breathe in me.  I will set you free.    (Jesus to us)

I want to share about the words that I bolded above.  There was a "surprise" addition to tonight's meeting.  Apparently during dinner tonight, the HUB leader, Nancy Magiera, met a man from Sweden.  He is a worship leader. So he was invited to join the worship team.  His name was Fredrick, but I never heard a last name.  I don't think I have words to describe how seamlessly he fit in with the worship team.  You know you are in the presence of the Holy Spirit when things just flow.  And when Fredrick sang, my spirit soared.  I felt that new place and the going higher. 

Then Pastor Sam spoke about revival that is happening in his church in India.  And it is happening to the children.  He had a video of the children encountering Jesus.  I don't think I took a breath during the entire thing.  It was amazing.   And then he spoke about how the revival happened.  The short story - the Holy Spirit showed up and the children had individual encounters with Jesus.  And he talked about the river of living water that must flow from us. 

I do feel like this night was just for me.  But I bet most people who were there felt the same way. That is the most awesome part of this all.  Jesus has a way of reaching each of us, exactly where we are at.  Jesus knows that anytime I hear John 7:38 (the streams of living water verse) used in a meeting - I know that the Holy Spirit is speaking something to me.  The worship leader from Sweden, well that was just another special touch for me.  I have been thinking about my Swedish roots.  So, tonight was about a group of people in Chicago assembled together, worshipping with a man from Sweden, then hearing a message from a man from India.  It was a round the world trip.

Jesus - thank you.  Holy Spirit - Thank you.  Help me to reflect on everything that was spoken tonight.  Bless all who were in attendance.  Thank you for HUB, Jesus.  Bless all those who have a part in making these meetings happen.  Thank you for Pastor Sam, Apostle Lisa, Fredrick and Nancy.  Jesus, will you just give them even more of you?  Amen

Putting things in order

I had an amazing day yesterday with my daughter and grandchildren.  One of the many things we did during the day was organizing and cleaning up toys.  The recent move into a much larger house has given the kids a dedicated play space. Needless to say, the kids are loving having this spot to really discover toys that have been packed away for some time.   I loved watching Zeke, who is two years old, line up his cars by the car ramp.  I was thinking about the very exact way that he aligned each small matchbox car.   Oh how I love spending time with my grandchildren!  Even if it is just a day of helping to put things in order.  

Today I've been meditating on being in alignment with the plans and purposes Yahweh has for us.  You know how when your posture isn't good- when you don't stand up straight - your back starts to really bother you?   Well, while on vacation, my back was really hurting!  I could not identify anything that I had done to cause this and I was very frustrated.  I never get back aches!  And now, on vacation..............  well I was not happy.  Needless to say after several days, I caved and bought a heating pad.  It was so worth the $15!  My back relaxed and other than a couple of twinges, hasn't bothered me since.  But today I had to take a closer look at this event.  On Tuesday evening someone prayed for me that I would come into proper alignment in my walk with the Lord.  The prayer also included petitions for wisdom and revelation for me.  Well, I feel like I have been out of alignment and I have had a "spiritual back ache".  I just have not felt exactly right and there has been this little niggling unsettled feeling.  Has anyone else been feeling this?   I didn't identify it, but now I know what is going on! 

So.... I am not waiting until this gets worse!  I am going to apply the warmth and healing of Jesus.  I intend to focus on worship and praise and just being in the marvelous presence of Yahweh.  In the natural it was the heat that helped the most.  So I am going to apply the spiritual heat and rest in the knowledge that Yahweh wants the proper alignment for me even more than I do.  Looking back on some of my posts, this was exactly what Yahweh was speaking about in the coffee bean.  I just didn't hear it to the depth that I needed.  I am excited to see and hear what is revealed in the days ahead.  Because I am anxious to put things in order and know that I am in the process of getting into proper alignment.

Yahweh, thanks so much for giving us real life lessons in the practical, everyday things.  Thank you for prayers from other people that open our eyes.  Jesus, be that spiritual heating pad that will help me to relax and know you are working on that alignment.  Open the doors and make the connections that will help to bring things into order.  You are a God of order and you have a place of order for each of us.  Keep my ears and eyes open, Jesus so that I can absorb all that you have for me!  And I pray for anyone else who has been feeling "out of place".  Help us all to rest in you!  Amen