Screeching Halt

And He said to them, “ I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven". (Luke 10:18, NLT)

Yesterday, my family and I took stand up paddle lessons. A stand up board is similar to a surf board except it is longer and wider. For momentum, a paddle is used in a similar manner as when paddling a canoe while the boarder is standing up.

Our instructor was excellent and she had us paddling within minutes. After paddling for a short time, I felt so confident I was ready to paddle outside the buoys and go fast! The weather was beautiful, the water was so clear I could see to the bottom, and the tropical breezes were making for a perfect day. I saw tropical fish, turtles and a whale. I was gliding through the water like a boss having a wonderful time when, quite unexpectedly, the fin of my board hit a reef. Instantly, my board came to a screeching halt. I however, did not. I catapulted off my board and landed partially on my board and partly on the reef with a big, "Ummmph!" All the sudden, I became very thankful for the seat-belts in my car and wished I had had one on my board.

I caught my breath and surveyed the damage. My foot was bleeding so I paddled back in. Once back at shore, I saw I had a small knick on my left hand, bruised my foot, and had ripped the skin off several places on the ball of my foot.

While I was washing the sand off at the shower, ("licking my wounds"...add a little whine because I was hurt) I thought, "That's exactly how the enemy attacks us at times." We are going about our lives, having a great time, when all the sudden...Ummmph!

But then the Lord brought to my remembrance, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." (Luke 10:18, NLT) Even though I was still bleeding at the shower, even though my hand and foot was still hurting, my spirit leaped! And I corrected myself and said, "No, this is how we wrestle not with flesh and blood!" I will explain.

For we are not wrestling against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12, NLT)

As we speak God's living, powerful Word, we catapult ourselves into His perfect plan for us! (Hebrews 4:12) His plan for us is perfect because He is perfect!

As we, put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], we successfully stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11, AMP)

With every faith filled word we speak, the enemy's schemes experience a great big Ummmph!

An easy qualifier is:
When we speak negatively, it's death.
When we speak positively, it's life.
(Deuteronomy 30:19, Matthew 12:37, Proverbs 6:2)

But, we mustn't waver. (James 1:6)
We cannot say:
By His stripes I was healed! (Isaiah 53:5)
But I don't feel healed.
God works all things out for my good! (Romans 8:28)
Things don't look good.
I walk by faith and not by sight! (2 Corinthians 5:7)
I don't see how this can ever work out.

That's division. (James 1:6)

I believe God's Word is so powerful, at times it takes our circumstances a little while to catch up to that power. (James 1:5). That's why we hold fast to our confession and waver not. He is faithful! (Hebrews 10:23)

Just like the bruising on my foot, I will allow my flesh (current circumstance) time to "catch up" with God's Word. God's Word never fails. (Isaiah 55:11, 1 John 5:15) Even though it is currently bruised and requires bandaging, (not where I want to be) I will continue to keep my mouth under submission only saying, "Like I've been saying, By His stripes I have been healed and made whole." (Where I want to be.) Imitating my Father. (Ephesians 5:1, Romans 4:17)

His Word can be applied to every circumstance because nothing is impossible to Believers. (Mark 9:23)

Every day:
find "your" scripture
keep your confession
don't waver

Delivering an Ummmph to the negative situation and praising God as He turns it around for your good!

Many of you have written me. I know many have had a hard week, month and some, a very hard year. Today, you are one day closer to victory than you were yesterday. Next week, you will be one week closer to victory than you were this week. Don't give up now. (Galatians 6:9)


Father God, in the name of Jesus, I ask for every reader to allow the eyes of their hearts be enlightened in how to refuse to be divided and hold tight to their confession catapulting their life into excessive abundance, know the hope of Your calling, and walk in the riches of Your glorious inheritance! (Ephesians 1:18, John 10:10) I pray love and kindness never leave them as they bind them around their necks finding favor with You and man. (Proverbs 3:3, 4) And when they've done all to stand, stand! (Ephesians 6:13)

Stand back to back...AND conqueror!

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:22, 23)

I woke up today with another song on my heart!
This joy that I have, the world didnt give to me, ooh ooh!
This joy that I have, hey hey hey, the world didn't give to me!
OH this joy that I have, the world didn't give to me, the world didn't give it,
and the world can't take it away, oh yeah!

Do you know who can take our joy away? Only who we allow.

Did you also know, we can take scripture and personalize it for our specific situation?

Before we go to bed at night, we can find a scripture that fits our needs for the next day. First thing in the morning, when our eyes pop open, immediately begin meditating on that scripture. And meditate on it all day long.

For example, we know we have a lot of errands to run with our kids in tow. And we know, that requires joy as well as all the fruit of the spirit! (Galatians 5:22, 23)

So we prepare ourselves the night before:

Father God, I thank you for Your Holy Spirit producing fruit in my life! I praise You for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23)

Next morning, eyes pop open, meditate on it again!

Faced with an irritable husband on his way to get his blood drawn for a second time because he didn't finish all his medication. SING! "I've for that joy-joy-joy-joy down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart! Where?...everybody sing!"

*Disclaimer: This did not happen at my house. I'm just saying, it could happen under certain circumstances.*

When we are on our 3,928th errand for the afternoon and our kids smack each other, let the best man (or kid in this case) win. Survival of the fittest! Why? How? Because we have maintained our joy!

If we encounter a cranky cashier in the checkout line, smile and shout, "Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy!" (Psalm 47:1) Be led on that one so security doesn't get involved. Do not ask me how I know.

If your flesh screams, "But I don't feel like it." Answer back with, "Big woo." (Thank you Dr. Larry Ollison.) Walk in authority over your flesh. Tell it, "You turn that frown upside down right now in the name of Jesus!"
Our kids don't feel like cleaning their room either but we enforce that. Do some flesh enforcing!

Take every thought captive and override the current situation with scripture. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

"Father God, I thank you for Your Holy Spirit producing fruit in my life! I praise You for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."(Galatians 5:22, 23)

Write it on a card if need be and pull it out in case of emergency!

And when we find ourselves really struggling, we call a friend. Not to complain and go into great detail about our struggle de'jour (that's Okie for dujour) but to say, "I've been bombarded today, please speak the Word over me and agree in prayer with me." (Luke 17:1, Hebrews 4:12, Ecclesiastes 4:12) Email us at Key Tov Blog, we are happy to pray in agreement with you! Or join us on our FB page!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whatsoever-Things-are-of-Good-Report/123471901011836

Whatever means work for you, do not stand alone!




A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12, NLT)

The Rock

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. (Psalm 18:2, NLT)

This morning I woke up with a song on my heart.

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand!
All other ground is sinking sand.

In the nineties, I lived in Alaska. I didn't yet understand Alaska weather and never fathomed the amount of ice and snow I was about to encounter. I didn't have an Alaska car. I drove a cute, little, red, 5 speed on the floor, sports car.

And then...winter came. And when winter came. Oh. My. Goodness.

My transmission consistently froze up and was very difficult to shift. One night, after working really late and while leaving work, my car slowly slid around in the parking and the front bumper of my car lodged up against a large rock. The rock was half as tall as my car. I had slid so slowly that there was no damage to my car. All I needed to do was put my car in reverse, back up, turn around, and drive home.

It was cold. It was dark. It was an area where a half dozen moose could be seen every day. Did you know, moose can be very angry creatures? The news had just reported a woman had been mauled by a bear. I was tired. I hadn't lived there long enough to know anyone to call for help. My transmission was frozen and would not go in reverse. I had all gears...except reverse.

I felt so desperate. I walked around my car looking for a way to push it away from the rock so I could drive forward and go home. I had dress boots on and kept slipping on the ice and snow. I pushed and slid and slid and pushed. The parking lot was empty. I was alone. I got back in my car and with all my strength, I could not force the gear into reverse.

I repeated this scenario many times until I was in tears. I said, "God, what am I going to do?"

I walked around my car again, put one of my feet on the ground (The same ice and snow was still there. And I was still wearing the same slippery boots.) and one foot on the big rock. I gently pushed my car and almost effortlessly moved the car enough to drive it forward and go home.

The Lord spoke to me and said, "See what you can do when your foot is on The Rock?"

Every condition was the same, except, I cried out to God for help. I was really young in the Lord at that time. It was a life changing moment for me. In the cold, dark, icy parking lot, where there were real possibilities of threats, feeling desperate and being alone, after I had tried and tried in my own strength, trying to force the gears, scared from news reports, and having no one to call, God showed me:

He is:

• My Rock!
• My fortress!
• My Savior!
• He is my Shield!
• The Power that saves me!
• My place of safety! (Psalm 18:2, NLT)

He did His part and He enabled me to do my part. (James 2:17 and 2 Corinthians 1:21)

When:

• Life seems cold and dark.
• You've heard the threats, tried with all your strength, and have been slipping.
• You are tired, have no one to call, and you feel desperate.
• An obstacle in your life seems frozen.
• You haven't been able to back up and turn around.

Ask Him what to do. (Matthew 7:7)
He will show you. (Jeremiah 33:3)
Do what He shows you. (James 1:22)
Keep your "foot on The Rock". (Psalm 18:2)

He does it for me, He'll do it for you! (Romans 2:11)

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand!
All other ground is sinking sand.

My prayer for every reader today is to keep our foot on the Rock and come into the knowing that He is the Power that saves us! He is our place of Safety! I declare all negative situations for every reader today be reversed in the name of Jesus! For it is not by might nor by power but by His Spirit! And I declare 2013 to be your best year ever in all areas of your life, in the name of Jesus!

(Psalm 18:2, Job 22:28, Zechariah 4:6, John 14:14)

Please speak this out loud and make this your confession! (Mark 11:23, Matthew 23:37)

I keep my foot on the Rock! I know that I know You, God, are the Power that saves me! You are my place of safety! I thank You, Father, that every negative situation in my life is reversed, in the name of Jesus! It is not by my might, nor by my power but by Your Spirit! I believe and receive, 2013 to be my best year ever in every area of my life, in the name of Jesus! I thank You for it Father, You are good and your mercy endures forever! Thank You for working all things out for my good, I love You Lord!

Merry Christmas, 2012!

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ The Lord. (Luke 2:11, NKJV)

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13, NKJV)


The greatest gift of all!
MERRY CHRISTMAS from our home to yours!

Our prayer for you today is for you to have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is! (Ephesians 3:18)

Every Morning!

Every morning you'll hear me at it again. Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on Your altar and watch for fire to descend. (Psalm 5:3, MSG)

Have you ever noticed how much harder the gym is the morning after eating fried food and a heavy dessert?

When I eat "clean" (lean meats, fresh fruits, berries, seeds, fresh veges) I hardly miss a beat hitting the gym the next morning. But when we go to a party, eat fried food and a heavy dessert, it takes me longer to get in the swing of it the next morning at the gym.

Our mind can be the same way. Letting sinful nature control the mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control the mind leads to life and peace. (Romans 8:6) It is easier to keep the mind clean than it is to clean it up after getting "dirtied".

I go to the gym around 6:00 a.m. because generally it is very quiet that time of day. But during the busy seasons there are a few gym goers. I'm amazed at what people will watch (fill their hearts and minds with) on t.v. at 6:00 a.m.

Yesterday morning, I was alone in the gym when a lady came in and turned on the t.v. to some sort of drama. There's a reason there is a movie genre labeled, "dramas". A word to the wise, avoid all drama. Many have asked, "Well then Genice, what DO you watch on television?" I always say, "Not much."

The drama was a series about a mental ward. Some of the scenes were very ugly. I was thankful I didn't have my girls with me. And I was thankful I couldn't hear the t.v. over the music on my ipod because I'm sure the sounds would've only added to the creepiness. The t.v. was directly in front of the elliptical (where I was) so I mostly stared out the window which was on my right until my neck got tired then I closed my eyes facing forward to give my neck a rest. I considered asking her to change the channel and if I'd had my girls with me, I would have. But I thought, hey...just let the woman workout to her show and I tried to avoid the t.v.

I'm not sure about everyone else, but what I do early in the morning sets the pace for the rest of my day.

Even though I had already filled my heart with godly things prior to going to the gym, for the rest of the day I "fought" the images from the t.v. show that kept popping into my mind. There was only three but they were extremely gross.

Do you think other gym goers would see it as odd if I wore a sleep mask on the elliptical? Don't be concerned that was a facetious-itical question. *grin*

My prayer for every reader today is to fill themselves full to the overflow of God's Word the very first thing every morning! To dig in scripture and ask God, what do You want me meditating on today? To lay out the pieces of their lives on Your altar and watch for fire to descend! I ask all these things in the name of Your precious Son, King Jesus! (John 14:14)

Moving On

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. (Psalm 37:23, NLT)

Earlier this year and quite out of the blue...I kept "seeing" Oahu. I would be busy about my day and the picture would pop up in my spirit. It was a picture of the map of Oahu.

Right after I started consistently "seeing" Oahu, my oldest child started talking about and listing all the reasons we should move to Oahu. It was mostly said in jest with a little bit of seriousness. I didn't share with her, or anyone else, what I had been seeing.

Several weeks later, and almost last minute (I believe it was about three days prior) I received notification about a special healing service being held on Oahu by an evangelist. My spirit jumped and I knew I needed to be there. Initially I had a concern about being able to make late travel arrangements and inter-island airfare had been between $100.00 and $300.00 but discovered online flights were only $69.00. I called Mike, asked his opinion, and he immediately told me to go.

While researching travel arrangements (air, car, etc), my nine year old woke up and told me she had a dream. She said she dreamed, "we moved to Oahu". I found the dream and the timing very interesting.

I went to the service and it was a very powerful service. A man who could hardly walk with his cane, stood upright and walked very quickly across the platform without the cane! A little ten year old girl who had been deaf from birth, received her hearing!

A pastor prophesied over me that we would return to Oahu. That I have "radical faith", Mike and I are "pillars, and God was bringing us full circle, back to Oahu."

A couple months later, Mike started tossing around the idea of us going to Oahu to work. I told him we would do whatever we needed to do and I knew he would make the best decision for our family.

I didn't share any of this with anyone except my spiritual mom. I told her because I wanted prayer agreement. I didn't discuss it with Mike because I didn't want to influence him one way or another. I simply wanted God to work on our behalf. It is my heart's desire to be exactly where God wants us to be and when He wants us to be there. I trust His timing to be perfect. I wanted this move (or the decision not to move) to be all of God and none of me.

Last month, the final decision was made and everything is in place. We depart very soon and will be posting Bible Studies from Oahu! Currently, we are unsure if this is a permanent move or only for a season. We wait on Him! (Psalm 27:14)

Please continue to pray for us and Key Tov Blog as we embrace this wonderful and exciting adventure as He directs our steps!

Flying Solo

Last week, I took several inter-island flights. I flew from Kauai to Maui and from Maui to the Big Island.

Generally when I fly, I fly alone or Mike flies with me. This was the first time I've flown with our girls but without him.

Flying without him showed me just how much I appreciate flying with him. Since I was flying without him, I had to insure we got to the airport on time, return the rental car, uninstall/install a very heavy carseat, make sure our girls were fed, everyone made a pitstop to the potty, get us through security (Including but not limited to a pat down and my 9 year old thought it would be funny to scream, "She's innocent!" Making me burst out in laughter; however, not at all amusing the TSA agent.), get to our gate, and entertain our girls during the wait/flight, etc.

None of which was difficult; however, it taught me just how much he "covers" me.
Generally when we fly, I "zone out", read, nap, and listen to praise music while he does everything else so these flights were quite different. By virtue of our relationship, there are things that never even occur to me that need to be addressed.

It reminded me of how much more my Heavenly Father covers me.

He never leaves or forsakes me! (Hebrews 13:5)
He rebukes the devourer for me! (Malachi 3:11)
He always hears me! (Psalm 91:15)
He always answers me! (1 John 5:14)
He always desires good for me! (Jeremiah 29:11)
He protects me! (Psalm 28:7)
He knew me before I was born! (Psalm 139:13)
He withholds nothing good from me! (Psalm 84:11)
He loves me enough to send His only Son to rescue me! (John 3:16)

Thank You Father, for always covering me!

My prayer for every reader today is to realize His covering and thank Him daily for covering us, in the name of Jesus! (1 Thessalonians 5:18, John 14:14)

Outside the Hedge

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Over the past month, Mike and I have been bombarded with a lot of “stuff”. Thankfully, all of which has been indirect through work, extended family, and close friends. We’ve helped with divorce court, child custody, and we also had to replace a manager, which was long overdue but never easy.

And although none of it directly affects us (our children or our marriage…thank God) the "stuff” affects us indirectly and has a very real impact.

Mike came home about an hour early from work yesterday. Our girls were outside playing so we put everything aside, actually sat down together and really talked. As I listened to Mike, I thought, we haven’t done this in almost two months….how DID that happen?!

My day was very uneventful (praise God!) so it didn’t take long for me to catch him up. He had quite a bit more to deal with than I and as I sat listening to him I thought, “He looks so tired.” And not the kind of tired that a quick nap would alleviate but weary, the type of weary from carrying heavy burdens.

We love our extended family, close friends and the people we work with (employees, customers,and suppliers alike). When we love people, we mourn when they mourn. (Romans12:15) We have a heart to help others and we praise God for allowing us to be light in dark places. (Matthew 5:16) But we have to be mindful to not allow the enemy to distort gifts God has placed in us and become imbalanced; thus, robbing us and others of those gifts. (John 10:10, 1 Peter 4:10)

We threw together a very easy dinner and went to bed early. At 4:00 a.m. God woke me up and said, “You’ve got to get back inside the hedge.” (Psalm 91)

THANK YOUFATHER!

• Thank God there is a hedge!
• Thank God for telling me to get back inside the hedge!
• Thank God for showing me how to get back inside the hedge!
• Renew our thoughts and attitudes with His Word! (Ephesians 4:23)
• Stay in His will! (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 
• Rest in Him!(Matthew 11:28)

My prayer for every reader today is to stay in the hedge! Protect your heart and mind and stay close to the vine bearing much good fruit, in the name of Jesus! 

(Proverbs 4:23, John 15:5)

If only I had Listened...

But He said, “ More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
(Luke 11:28, NKJV)

Last Friday my oldest child, Cortni, came for a weekend visit. We hadn't seen each other for over six weeks because I was on the mainland for a month and then on Kauai for two weeks. For us, six weeks is a very long time. We were really looking forward to our visit.

I was tired and preoccupied from flying alone with my youngest two girls, working off island, etc. Once we landed, instead of coming home, I went into town to run errands which only increased the fatigue and preoccupation.

Once Cortni arrived, we took my dog for a walk. I was wearing a pair of worn out flip flops. They were a little hard to walk in because the toe part was stretched out. God said, "Change your shoes." it wasn't an audible voice. More of a "sensing", a leading of the Holy Spirit to change my shoes. I thought, "My walking shoes are packed, the dog is already on the leash, and Cortni is already waiting for me outside."

Yes, I walked out the door failing to heed God's voice.

About 20 minutes into our walk, I "heard" God again say, "Go change your shoes." Again, I reasoned/whined, "We aren't going to walk long. I'd have to go all the way back home to change shoes. Why do I need to change shoes anyway...their just shoes!"

I didn't really intend to be outright disobedient to God, I wasn't breaking one of the ten commandments! I wasn't arguing with God. It was more of a ever so slightly prodding that I ignored.

Cortni and I were both tired from the week's events and didn't intend to walk long but it took longer for us to catch up than we thought so we kept walking...and walking...and walking. We ended up walking for several hours.

I was too tired and too preoccupied to stop long enough to do one simple thing, simply obey the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit. Sadly, my reasoning and excuses completely drowned out His voice.

Later that night, it occurred to me why God had told me to change shoes. My ankles and knees were aching so badly, it took several hours to go to sleep. Having to pinch the shoes with my toes to keep them on while I walked had tweaked my ankles. The next morning, I could hardly walk.

We hosted a party on Sunday. Instead of enjoying our guests, I was in a lot of pain. I also had a photo shoot, which was done...in pain.

Simple math: Failure to listen = PAIN!

Today is Monday, I'm currently laying on the couch with taped ankles doing the ice-heat-ice-heat routine.

As I sat here wishing I were walking the beach waiting for the sun to set instead of laying on my couch with my ice pack and heating pad, I thought, "If only I had listened..."

As soon as that thought popped into my head, this one followed, "How many times have I thought, if only I had listened..."

God is always with us. (Hebrews 13:5)
He tells us what we don't know. (Jeremiah 33:3)
He cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)

Since God cared enough about the shoes I was wearing, how much more does He care about the more significant and more permanent areas of our lives?

Who we seek counsel from. (Psalm 1:1)
Who we marry. (Matthew 19:6)
Who our friends are. (Proverbs 13:20)

What could have been a three minute task has turned into a three day task. All I had to do was dig my shoes out of my suitcase but instead, through disobedience, I am dealing with taped ankles and the ice-heat-ice-heat routine. In other words, PAIN!

GRRRRRR!

Lessons learned:

When He speaks to me about change, just shut up, and change. (James 1:22)
Hear, listen, then immediately do. (John 10:27)
Changing from my ways to His ways result in being blessed. (Luke 11:28)

My prayer for every reader today is to hear and do!

Human Nature

From time to time, I ask friends and family to write a blog post. Enjoy today's post from my dear friend, Kristin Hoover. Mahalo Nui Loa Kristin!

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14, NLT)

I do not claim to be a Sociologist. In fact, the only lasting impression from my university Sociology class, was the numerous pair of cute boots my professor would wear. However, after being a stay at home, mom of five children, I have noticed a few things about human nature.

My #5 just turned six months old. He is sitting up and playing with toys, and putting every thing in his mouth....yes, even Baby Jesus from our Fisher Price plastic nativity. Just like his other siblings, at first he is excited when surrounded by toys, but soon grows weary of same toys. However, if you put the same toy on the outer limits of his reach, the fun no longer is in the toy itself, but in reaching and refining abilities to obtain what catches his eye. This, I believe, is a critical point that pushes development onward to mobility.

If extrapolated, the desire for reaching beyond our comfortable zone to obtain something deemed as better, seems to me, the same motivation that fuels our capitalist society. Some may consider it greed, or discontentment, but in observing, it seems more along the lines of ambition and the push to excel.

In practical application, when this child becomes older, if everything is just handed to him, perhaps he will lose interest in the push for refining skills in obtaining his full potential. Mirroring our capitalist society, a parent should help a child refine their skills, work hard, and enjoy the reward of their labor.

Stretching. Reaching. Refining. Becoming. Finding our full potential in Him.

Kristin Hoover

In the Wake of Tragedy...

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14, NLT)

I just read a blog that stated "this nation cannot be saved unless the church wakes up." But who is the Church?

We are the church. (1 Corinthians 12:27)

But what do we need to do to wake up?

Here's a thought:
Instead of watching and rewatching horrific events provided by the media in order to spike ratings,
Then posting and reposting on social media, the pure evil we've been subjected to,
Asking and re-asking, where God was during this and other tragedies,

How about we read and reread God's promises through His life giving Word. Then use media to glorify Him, teach about His goodness, bringing about a heart change and thus changing our country instead of confusing God's lack of protection with evil works. (Isaiah 5:20, NLT)

By the way, God's Word plainly tells us where He is during tragedy. (Psalms 34:18)

Here's another thought.

Turn off the television and social media and keep it off instead of reliving and meditating on the terrible report. (Philippians 4:8)

And then:

Go visit a Long Term Care Facility or a nursing home and glorify God in the way you smile and visit with a patient while they tell you all about their childhood.
Visit a children's hospital and read books to the children.
Bake cookies and deliver them to your local fire department, police department, or emergency room.
Ask a young mother if you can fold her laundry or rock her little ones while she takes a walk.

The things we can do to glorify God are endless!

Please understand, I do not in any manner, downplay this tragedy.

I spent most of yesterday morning and throughout the day, praying for these families. They need our prayers. Not just until the media finds the "next big horrific event making the current event pale in comparison". But every time God brings them to our remembrance over the next coming months and years.

I understand the sadness.

It was through tears roaring down my face as I prayed for these babies, teachers, families and community and even the shooter. (Romans 12:15, Matthew 5:44)

I understand the anger.

Trust me, if I allowed my mind and heart to "go there", I could deliver up 101 ways in less than sixty seconds on how to deal with people who hurt babies.

But where is the line? Why is it unthinkable for a school or theater shooter to kill innocent babies but our government forces taxpayers to fund the mass murdering of literally millions of unborn babies in the most horrific act imaginable to mankind?

Some scream, "gun control"! Can those "screamers" honestly be serious? I suggest, education on the matter. If you are in favor of gun control, please discuss that law with the Mexican Mafia or any of the gangs that currently reside in the U.S. Or basically anyone who currently dodges the gun control laws.

Gun control is not the issue. Heart control is. Which leads us back full circle to the Church.

Let's recalibrate and do what God has called us to do. Insure the meditation of our hearts, the words of our mouths and the posts on our Facebook and Twitter are pleasing in His sight. (Psalm 19:14) Keep our eye on the prize and finish this race in all we do, glorifying Him! (Hebrews 12:1, 2)

Martha versus Mrs. Fancy

"Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42, NLT)

While on a recent vacation to the mainland, I was greatly blessed with an opportunity to have an extended lunch with my previous women's bible study teacher and dear friend.

Years ago, I nicknamed her, Mrs. Fancy. It rhymes with her name and I call her Mrs. Fancy because she is always so "put together". She's a very snazzy dresser and always has the best selection of cool shoes!

She has been retired from a huge corporation for many years; however, she has not retired from life. She's is as sharp as a whip and as busy as ever. But, I noticed she's a different busy than I have been.

She is very gracious and one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. She moves slowly, not because age restricts her, but because she has her priorities in order. She seeks Him first in everything she says and does.

I watched her every move and wondered, "What is this that she operates in that is so full of peace and influences me to slow to her pace?"

At that thought, I sensed a pulling of the Holy Spirit telling me to "slow down" and "be with me".

I learned a very valuable lesson that day and I've been incorporating it into my everyday life.

In the hustle-bustle of our modern fast paced world, our priority holds just as true today as it did in Martha's day...Jesus!


My prayer for every reader today is to slow down, spend time with Him, and keep Jesus in the forefront of everything you do! Weighing every task against temporary and eternal will keep priorities in order!

Like a Boss!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV)

Since we are in Christ, we are a new creation! All things have passed away! How many? ALL! All things have become new! How many? ALL! We forget the former things and we press onto what lies ahead! (Isaiah 43:18) Who defines us? The Word of God defines us! Not the mirror, or a magazine cover, or Hollywood, or the world, or anything/one else!

You are made in His image! (Genesis 1:27) The God of Earth, Heaven, the sea and everything in them LOVES YOU and is faithful to YOU! (Psalm 146:6 and Lamentations 3:23) If someone in your life attempts to "recall" how you were...just smile and say, "Nope...I'm new, thank You Jesus!" What if we did something stupid yesterday? Make amends to the best of your ability, then take it to The Father! His mercies are new every morning, GREAT is His faithfulness!

If you say, "Uh, well...I don't FEEL new." We walk by faith, not by sight! (2 Corinthians 5:7) COMMAND your flesh to line up with The Word of God! Exchange not feeling new with BOLDLY proclaiming, "I AM NEW!!!"

If you don't currently believe you are new, repeat this out loud to yourself everyday, ten times a day or 100 times a day or 100 times an hour until the revelation of why Jesus came drops from your head down into your spirit, then you will KNOW, "I. AM. NEW!!!"

Don't allow yourself to be robbed from even one part of your full redemption package! If we purchased a package from a department store, would we be cool with taking home only a 1/3 of it? Shoots no! We would demand the FULL package. How much more, must we refuse to be robbed of EVERYTHING Jesus provided in His full redemption package?! Why accept the gift of salvation by faith but not all other gifts Jesus provided?

Walk it, Talk it, Be it...like a boss!

911

For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:11, NKJV)

Yesterday, I had a lengthy conversation with my oldest child, Cortni. She was with her youngest child who was home from preschool because she had been sick the night before. We made Christmas plans and plans for an upcoming shower we are giving for our friend. 

During our conversation, my phone battery ran down so I plugged in my phone and turned it off to charge. While my phone charged, I gathered things together to take my youngest children for an afternoon on the beach. Suddenly, God dropped in my spirit, “Pray for your kids.” I immediately prayed for all my kids.

Once I turned my phone back on, Cortni told me after she and I had gotten off the phone, she heard someone attempt to open her door by rattling the door knob. Thankfully, the door was locked.

Cortni ran to the baby’s room. Not wanting to overreact, she called Ryan thinking it may be him coming home from school and maybe he forgot his house key. But it wasn’t him, he was at an appointment. He hung up and immediately dialed 911. Cortni heard the door rattle again.

Thank God for the police department!

Thankfully the police arrived very quickly. While she was waiting, she received two phone calls from dispatch insuring she was ok. The police interviewed the neighbors but wasn’t able to find the person who tried to enter Cortni’s home.

Cortni and I discussed what possibly turned the would be intruder away. I said, “I would not be surprised if the person was met by a huge warrior angel!”

She said, “Funny you say that. When I went to bed, I had to control my thoughts on a serious level. I fell asleep with a vision of angels surrounding my house with their arms linked together not allowing any space between them to let anything in.”

Praise God for providing us with our very own angelic security system!

The Hawaiian Net Fisherman

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. (Philippians 3:12-14, MSG)

This morning on my beach walk, I walked past a net fisherman. He was standing on a rock wall casting his huge net into the water.

Upon my return home, I walked back past him. This time, he wasn't on the rock wall, he was in the rough surf. I wondered why he would leave the security of the rock wall and get into the rough water.

Then I noticed, he was attempting to untangle his net from rocks where he had been throwing his net.

I was concerned about him because he was elderly, was in water over his head, was having to tread water, was caught up in rough surf, and was dangerously near the rock wall as well as close to other large rocks.

I watched him for a few seconds. I wanted to make sure he was ok and I was watching for opportunity to help him.

As he freed part of his net from the rocks, the rough surf bounced him around as he treaded water, the water hit the rock wall, bounced back and slapped him in his face. Over and over and over.

He shook the water off his face, continued to tread water and removed whatever part of his net was caught on the rocks by the most recent wave. Over and over and over.

I thought, "There has got to be something I can do." I asked him if he was ok. He shook his head yes. I asked if I could help. He shook his head no.

He wasn't at all rude but I could almost read his face which seemed to be relaying, "Do not jump in this water, I don't want to have to save my net and you!" And, "I'm kinda busy here and don't have time to rescue you!"

The fisherman had extraordinary focus. In the midst of all the turmoil, he was extremely calm and patient. His demeanor never changed. His face never looked worried or scared and he maintained his focus...his net...the prize.

I immediately thought, "Man...I've got to up my game in the focus department."

I learned a very valuable lesson from this net fisherman.

• Maintain extraordinary focus in the midst of turmoil (Matthew 6:33)
• Maintain calmness (Deuteronomy 31:6)
• Be patient (James 1:4)
• Don't allow my demeanor to change (Philippians 4:13)
• Never worry (Philippians 4:6)
• Never be scared (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Maintain focus on my prize (Philippians 3:14)

Lord, God Jehovah, thank You for this Hawaii net fisherman and the lesson You taught me while watching him recover his net. I pray for every reader right now and ask for You to give them a revelation of Your unfailing love and supernatural focus for today and the days ahead. No matter the season they are currently in, mountaintop or valley, I pray every reader walk in the acknowledgement of the vastness of Your great love and a focus they have never had before today. In the name of Jesus, continue to teach us to maintain our focus on You Father and to always seek You first! 

It's Too Late...

It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there’s no one to help, tough! (Ecclesiastes 4:9, MSG)

This morning I took a long walk on the beach. When I ran out of beach, I extended my walk along a rock wall on the ocean. The wall was approximately three feet in height and had been built to keep the surf from washing up on the park. The big surf rolled in and hit the wall sending big splashes over the rock wall leaving puddles of water along the path.

On the path, I saw a fish that had been caught up in the rough surf and thrown over the wall as the surf rolled in. I walked up to the fish, planned to pick him up and throw him back over the wall into the water. But I was too late to save the fish. He had been out of the water too long. He had most likely jumped and flopped but was unable to get himself back in the water because the rock wall was too tall. And he had no one to help him.

I envisioned the process that landed him in his predicament. I had a mental image of him as the rough water caught up in the surf, and threw him over the wall.

It occurred to me, at times, we get caught up in processes that land us in predicaments. The water of life gets rough, we get caught up in storms and rough “surf”, and at times, we get thrown over the wall and we are a "fish out of water"!

Thank God for the praying friends He places in our lives to help us up when storms of life toss us around! They come alongside us and help when we fall down!

Today, my prayer for you is to be surrounded by friends who lock into covenant with you and weather the storm through to victory so that you are never a fish out of water!

Hard pressed, Crushed, Perplexed, Persecuted, Struck down

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8, NLT)

Ever felt:

• Hard pressed
• Crushed
• Perplexed
• Persecuted
• Struck down

 I generally don’t, but this week, I certainly have. Earlier this week, I had a dream. I was at very elaborate event and someone handed me a baby that I didn’t want to deal with. Just as they parents were out of my sight, the baby pooped his diaper and made a huge mess. I was looking for the parents but couldn’t find them. I finally found someone to hold the baby while I was cleaning up the mess. Once the mess was clean, I was thankful to be done with that and I turned around to leave but then saw there was poop all over every floor as far as I could see to the extent it looked like someone had walked in and spread gravel all over the very nice floor where the event was being held.

That has been my week…cleaning up poop. Not literally, although, literally might have been easier and faster. Today is only Thursday and so far this week, I’ve met with the Kauai police department, mayor’s office, prosecuting attorney’s office, department of family services, indirectly dealt with family court, dealt with work situations, while still maintaining our homeschooling schedule. I'm very grateful, by and through prayer, I've been met with amazing favor with each office.

Fear not! I didn’t go off the deep end and create a mess that resulted in my week chocked full of “meetings”. I am helping to clean up messes made by others.

I was standing very tall at the beginning but being hit by wave upon wave, day after day…tempted me to get tired and weary.

But! My good report today is the Lord my God got my attention this morning when during prayer He shouted, “PERSPECTIVE!” No mealy mousing around! Tears may flow for a moment, but joy-joy-joy comes in the morning!

He reminded me of His perspective. What I see is temporary, but what I don’t see is eternal! (2 Corinthians 4:18). I am seated! (Ephesians 2:6)

Thank God-Thank God-Thank God for my pray-er partners who stand alongside me “keeping my back”! They faithfully stay in covenant with me every step of the way!

I pray over each reader today to be reminded of His perspective! 

You are seated!

Not me or Mine!

A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. (Psalm 91:7, NKJV)

How do we practically apply Psalm 91:7 to every day life? 

Here's how:

A thousand marriages may fall at my side, And ten thousand at my  right hand; But death and destruction will not come near my marriage! 

A thousand bank accounts/investments/finances/businesses may fall at my side, And ten thousand at my  right hand; But death and destruction will not come near my bank accounts/investments/finances/businesses!

A thousand people with health issues may fall at my side, And ten thousand at my  right hand; But death and destruction will not come near my health! 

Or my husband! 

Or my children! 

Or my extended family!

Or my pastor! 

Or my church!

Or my friends!

See how critical it is to link up with and stay in covenant (agreement) with a "Word" person? Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces. (Proverbs 13:20, MSG)

How do I know this works? Because God told me it does! 

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. (Mark 11:24, NKJV)

Unsaved. Saved.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV)

I've been working on a project on my laptop over the past several days. I have many hours invested in this project. I save my work, a lot. 

As I enter data, a little red sign pops up that reads, "unsaved". I click the save button and after a few seconds a green flag pops up that reads, "saved".  My work is online so if something were to happen; for example, electrical storm or equipment crash, my project would still be safe. Storms or crashes couldn't affect my project. Once I'm completely finished with the project, I will purchase it from the online provider. 

During this process, I believe the LORD has shown me, we are His "work" And He has invested His Son. We had an unsaved sign but now we have a saved sign! In the storms and crashes (afflictions) of life , we remain safe in Him! He bought us with a price! 

(1 Corinthians 6:20, Psalm 34:19)

I pray right now for every reader to fully comprehend, you are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand! I praise God that you walk in them!

We always love to hear from you!

How has this scripture changed your life?

To do. Or not to do. That is the question.

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. (James 1:22, NLT)

Have you ever wondered how astounding life in excessive abundance would be if we all just did what God told us to do in His Word? (John 10:10) To cover all our basis, I will add, have you ever wondered how astounding life in excessive abundance would be if we all just refused to do what God told us not to do in His Word?

We must maintain the balance:

Do what He said to do. 

Don't do what He said not to do. 

What are you doing?

Full of "It"

Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. (James 3:11-12, NKJV)

I have a theory. We are all buckets. Some people have bucket lists; however, I'm writing more along the lines of, we can only hold...or be full of...any given thing at one time. Some will argue that no one is all good or all bad. We will save that for another post for time sake. 

For example, before Jesus, my bucket was full of bitterness, unforgiveness, and strife. If I didn't have enough strife in my life...I took strife from family and/or friends. I thought I was so noble to always be fighting for a cause...whether that be my cause or someone else's cause. In every conversation, I'd listen intently to the person speaking, then I'd side one way or another and be ready for a fight. I had a lot of "friends" in those days. Mostly because I was surrounded by people who "ran things off in the ditch" then refused to clean up their own mess. At that time, that was ok with me because, after all, I thrived on my current "cause". I was on a fast road straight to hell, living a life of hell, and thought I had everything and everybody all figured out. That's self deceit with a side of self deceit. I wasn't a "bad person", after all, I was most likely fighting for someone or something...based on my opinion of right and wrong. Living like that resulted in being chronically ill with headaches, sleeping problems and infections: upper respiratory, ear, sinus and kidney infections. And all the while, wondering why my life wasn't going well.  *Big Doofuss Alert*

After accepting Jesus, and developing a relationship with Him, it seemed like every time I turned around, I was seeing what a huge doofuss I had been. As I learned to depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. (Psalms 34:14, NLT), my "bucket" began being emptied of bitterness, unforgiveness, and strife. As He taught me to speak His Word and literally use it to change my life, not only did I become well in my mind and emotions but my body also began to thrive. That made room for love, forgiveness, and peace resulting in life in excessive abundance! Praise God, as I yielded (and continue to yield) to His Word, He was (and continues to be) faithful to dump out funk and replace it with life! 

One of my favorite sayings by Joyce Meyer is, "I'm not where I need to be, but thank God I left." I thank God for teaching me to operate according to His law of love so I no longer have to be full of "it". 

Stand Up!

A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. (Psalm 91:7, NKJV)

Or I could rephrase that to fit this Christmas season. 

Though a thousand at the mall may flip out at your side, though ten thousand at the restaurant/airport/on the highways...though friends &/or family members are flipping out around you, these evils will not touch you.

"Dying" isn't always physical death. We, as born again believers, don't have to let our joy die. We are commanded to pursue peace. (Hebrews 12:14) We have been given the option to choose life. (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Be purposeful in joy. The joy of the LORD is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) Abide in joy in the checkout lines, restaurants, red lights...in other words everywhere we go. 

Refuse to use what so many around is doing (no matter what time of year it is) as an excuse to flip out. Is it acceptable to us for our children to "jump off a cliff" just because those around them are?

When does light shine the greatest? When surrounded by darkness. 

We are in this world, but we are not of it...so let your light so shine bringing glory to Him who sent us! (Matthew 5:16)

Stand up, stand out and shine! 

Mahalo Nui Loa!

Thank you all so much for being so patient with me as I took the last month to renew, refresh and replenish! It was an amazing time of spiritual growth and change. He has a good plan for me and He is revealing His perfect plan more every day! (Jeremiah 29:11)

My Father

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13, NLT)

Today is Thanksgiving. All month, my friends and I have been daily posting all we are thankful for on Facebook. Today, I am thankful for all my girls (all 5 of them). Each child is fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) Each child teaches me different life lessons.

I am blessed by each child individually as each one ministers to my heart in a way only they each can. (Psalm 103:1)

So is my Father!

When my children bicker and verbally attack one another,  my heart is deeply hurt. (James 4:1)

So is my Father's...

I know each child's voice. (John 10:27)

So Does My Father!

When one of my children walk up behind me and wrap their arms around my waist giving me a big bear hug, I know which child it is without looking. I know each individual child's hug. I know each individual child's love. (1 John 4:7)

So Does My Father!

When one of my children are tired, and they lay down with me and put their head on my shoulder, they know they can rest peacefully on me. (Matthew 11:28) I've shown them they are safe with me. (Psalm 91:2)

So has my Father!

When one of my children are hurt, that one voice among many on a playground rises above all other voices when they cry out.  I can hear my child's voice in a crowd of children. (1 John 5:14-15)

So can My Father!

When one of my children operate with a thankful heart, I hear their thankful heart speak through their words, attitude, and their lives. (Psalm 100:4, NKJV)

So Does My Father!

This Thanksgiving Holiday, I pray over each reader right now, let everything we think, say, and do...glory Him who sent us, in the precious name of King Jesus!

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Psalms 103:1

Bless the Lord, O my soul;

And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

James 4:1

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?

John 10:27

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

1 John 4:7

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

1 John 5:14-15

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Matthew 11:28

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Psalms 91:2

I will say of the Lord, “ He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.”