Treatment Plans

Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12, NLT) 

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:14, NLT) 

During a routine dental exam, my children were referred to an orthodontist. We were told the orthodontist would create a treatment plan for them that we agreed with and at the end of plan, they would have beautiful teeth. 

I thought, hmmmm...treatment plans. That is how we fight the good fight of faith and press on, we build a treatment plan! 

A few days later, I saw a post by Pastor Nick Van Rensburg on the Christian Family Church Hawaii Facebook page. After reading his post, I was inspired! Blessed! Invigorated! I wanted to share it with you so I asked for permission to use it in this blog post.  Thank you Pastor Nick! 

While we are on Oahu, Christian Family Church is our home church. You can find Christian Family churh at the link below.

 (http://www.jesushawaii.com/Family_Christian_Church_Hawaii/HOME.html)

Time to Get Serious

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee.... I [will] remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. (Psalm 63:1,6)

If you're going to live in divine health, there are going to be times when you'll have to be downright extreme about the Word of God. Times when you may be facing a sickness so severe that you need more than just a few moments in the Word and a quick prayer to receive your healing. 

I want to tell you, in very practical terms, what I would do in a situation like that. 

- The moment I woke up in the morning, before I did anything else, I'd take Communion. I'd say, "Lord, I dedicate my body all day today to the service of my Lord Jesus Christ. I take Jesus' pure blood shed for me." 
- Then I'd put the devil in his place. I'd say, "I rebuke you, Satan. You're not going to put any sickness and disease on me today. Regardless of the symptoms, regardless of what my body thinks about it, by the power of Jesus through His Spirit, I have overcome this sickness because He that is within me is greater than he that is in the world." 
- Then, all day long, I'd thank God for my healing. I'd choose some teaching tapes that would fill my mind and my spirit with the anointed Word of God, and I'd listen to them throughout the day. In the afternoon, I'd praise God and receive Communion again to remind myself that the blood of Jesus is in my veins, that I'm part of God's family. 

You don't have to wait until Sunday to receive Communion. Jesus just said, "As often as you do this, do it in remembrance of Me." And if you're facing a serious attack of the devil, you need to remember Him all day and all night. You need to consider Jesus until thoughts of Him push the thoughts of that sickness right out of your mind ... That night before bed I'd receive Communion again, then I'd praise myself to sleep. If I woke up in the night, I'd reach over and get my Bible and read all the healing scriptures and make the devil sorry he woke me. 

When the devil launches a serious attack against your body, don't mess around. Get serious about the Word. Put yourself under its constant care and it will take good care of you!

Saturate'cha!

But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. (Malachi 4:2, NLT)

Last Thursday, we were all so excited, we packed up and went on a camping trip in the mountains. It’s cold in the mountains! Thankfully, God blessed us with a cabin or Mike never would have convinced me to camp. I’m a country girl but I’m not that country!

The primarily living quarters of the cabin (living room and kitchen) face the west and all the bedroom windows of the cabin face the east. We had a fireplace in the main living area of the cabin. We shut all the bedroom doors, except the ones we were using, in order to conserve heat. Once we were awake, we shut all the bedroom doors and huddled around the fireplace.

Our first day at the cabin was very foggy, like Seattle foggy. So foggy, that visibility was just past the cabin's railing on the porch. That's approximately three foot visibility. That's foggy. Have I ever mentioned, I'm a sunshine girl?

The first morning, I was sitting in front of the fireplace and noticed the sun shining beneath all the bedroom doors. I got up, went into the cold bedroom, put my face next to the window, and faced the sun in order for the sun to shine down on my face.

The heat, light, and the warmth reminded me of our favorite Christian rap artist, Mynista. And one of his songs where Pastor Mark Hankins gives the intro:

“C’on there’s healing, in His wings.

What’s that mean, in His wings?

Well, actually that’s translated in His being by some translations.

That means you just get out and let the 

Sonshine of His love and of His Word and of His Spirit

just saturate’cha, Amen!”

I pray that for every reader! 

C’on! Get out and let the Sunshine of His love, His Word and His Spirit just saturate’cha, Amen!

You can find Mynista's music at this link, enjoy!

http://www.mynistamusic.com/

Tsunami Evacuation!

In 2010, after living in Hawaii for over a decade, we experienced our first tsunami evacuation. Below are the top 10 things I learned. 

10.  Always keep my toothbrush and a bra handy!

9. Always thank God for technology and for living in the great, blessed United States of America where people we don't even know put their lives on the line every single day to protect us!

8. An "emergency kit" (water, flash lights, batteries, can goods radio, etc)...really is a good thing to have on hand...packed, ready and close to the door!

7. Actually know where the evac route is and how to get to it!

6. Actually know what sound the emergency sirens make so I don't have to repeatedly ask Mike, "what is that terrible sound??!"

5.  How great Mike and I work together as a team...we woke up in the middle of the night to sirens, dressed (partially!) grabbed kids and were driving (what we believed to be) the evac route in less than 5 minutes! Mike took charge and I'm a great worker bee! I didn't know where he was going but we were all together so I was in!

4. ALWAYS have your prayer warriors watch'n your back! While I was snoozing away, my friends and family were burning up my Facebook and text, praying!

3.  We were all together, safe and  God was working things out for our good! 

2. My family and friends is what I love and appreciate most in this world and they all moved up in my list of priorities!

1. Last and most importantly, as I stood in my home w/ emergency sirens blaring and police driving the streets of our neighborhood announcing over a loud speaker, "we advise you to evacuate"...I realized, the most important thing to remember is He who abides in the secret place of the most high, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty! Thank God for ALL His promises! They are numerous and He is always faithful!

He said. She said.

These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. (Titus 2:4, 5 NLT)

Today, I was visiting with a newlywed couple and I wondered about their struggles. I wondered how I, being married for fifteen years, could help them since they are just starting out on in their marriage.

First, I asked them to tell me two things that are important. 

She said:

To know we don't go through things alone. 

To be encouraged not "check out" when things don't go as planned. 

He said:

To pick my battles and ask myself, "Is what I'm upset about right now going to matter in a week?"

To refuse to take my anger out on my wife, especially when I'm frustrated about work or something that has nothing to do with her.

When I initially asked the question, I wondered if I might be biting off more than I can chew. What if they ask a question and I don't have an answer? I left the conversation thinking, training to love, be wise and pure, to work, do good and be submissive is an easier command then I had originally thought!  Training is truly just using God's Word because He left no stone uncovered. 

For example:

She said: To know we don't go through things alone. 

God's Word: Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. (1 Peter 5:9)

She said: To be encouraged not "check out" when things don't go as planned. 

God's Word: So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galations 6:9)

He said: To pick my battles and ask myself, "Is what I'm upset about right now going to matter in a week?"

God's Word:  My dear brothers, take note of this.  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (James 1:19, 20)

He said: To refuse to take my anger out on my wife.

God's Word: And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, (Ephesians 4:20)

What part of God's Word can you use to encourage someone today? 

On Guard

Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23, AMP)

Yesterday, we took the morning off and had a leisurely family breakfast at a nearby favorite spot. A celebrity's family was on the property as well, filming a documentary. Out of respect for their privacy, I won't divulge their names and location. 

Security was heightened and the resort staff seemed a little less casual than usual. Body guards we were walking around the property using 2 way radios and ear pieces. I saw the camera crew and they had really great equipment!

All the "buzz" made me think, "This is an idea of what guarding our heart looks like!" We must guard our hearts as closely or closer than this family is being guarded!

We must stay alert and vigilant like heightened security and watch out for the enemy! (1 Peter 5:8, NLT)

We cannot become casual in the area of guarding our hearts. We do not copy the behavior and customs of this world.  (Romans 12:2, NLT)

We must secure all boundaries and act like body guards to insure our hearts are not infiltrated! 

Click this link for mood music!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii1tc493bZM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Alrighty, I got caught up in the moment and was pulling on some comical theatrics! I majored in Criminal Justice in college, it just comes out! 

God hasn't given us a spirit of fear. He has given us a spirit of power, love and a sound mind!  And He has given us really cool "equipment" like prayer, authority, and His living Word. 

The name is Fulton, Genice Fulton.

The Lines on My Face

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength. (Proverbs 17:22, NLT)

I have a friend who is in his mid sixties. He is very comical and always makes me laugh. Somehow, he can even make me laugh at a stump. When I'm with him, if I'm not laughing at what he says or his antics, I'm laughing at his infectious laughter. 

One day while we were visiting, I noticed the many lines on his face. He has laugh lines from low on his cheeks near his chin all the way up to his temples! I thought, every one of those lines on his face are a result of decades of laughing! No wonder he has always been so healthy!

I don't remember anything that was said the day the lines on his face made such an impact on me but I do remember thinking, when I get lines on my face, I hope they are all laugh lines. 

What will the lines on your face reveal?

Our Race

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1, NLT)

My girls are on swim team and we are right in the middle of swim season. It has been an exciting season!

Our team has an amazing coach. He is the perfect balance between fun, encouragement, perseverance, and discipline. We go to practice three times per week. Coach is on the pool deck where he has a higher vantage point and he can see the areas my girls need to work on and improve. During practice, Coach encourages them to practice their stroke, perfect their skill, build strength and endurance.

In between practices, we are in our pool, daily. Mike and I encourage our girls to listen closely to what Coach tells them and to swim according to his instruction. 

Their team uniform is sleek, high speed, low drag. They also wear a swim cap. No jewelry, etc is allowed because they don't wear anything that will weigh them down. 

One of the most moving things I've ever seen is their teammates standing on the pool deck screaming their names and cheering them on to finish! They scream, "Go! Go!" and "You can do this!" They start screaming as soon as the buzzer sounds and they don't stop screaming until after they help them out of the water. And then, they hug them, pat their backs, and tell them how great they swam. Even when they don't swim perfectly. 

Race day is not instruction day. Race day is not the time and place for practicing, building, or perfecting. When race day comes, there is no time for instruction. Race day is the result of everything they've done (or not done) in the days prior to the race. We are all there to cheer them on. But the one who swims the race, is Mikea and Gracie. They stand alone at the lane they are assigned. They alone cross the finish line. 

Our lives are much like swim team. For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NLT) God is our Ultimate Coach! He gifts us apostles, prophets, evangelists,  pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11, NLT). They are gifts from God and should be treated accordingly. God placed them in our lives to help us practice, perfect, and build us up. We are surrounded by huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith. And we are surrounded by amazing friends! Both stand on the sidelines of our lives and cheer us on until our race is finished! They all hold our feet to the fire and expect us to hold tight to His instruction! Everything we do (and don't do) contributes to how we run our race. We must train daily according to His Word, strip off every weight, consciously refuse to be weighed down, and run our race with endurance! 

Snippets

Behold, I give you all authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm you. (Luke 10:19, NKJV)

I read something today that tempted me to get irritated. Please don't fall for stuff like the following snippet...it totally undermines the wonderful goodness of God.

"If you are going through something difficult, it's because God is preparing you for something great!”

There is one reason we go through something difficult. John 10:10 & Psalm 34:19.

However, the end result for us is the end of John 10:10 and Psalm 34:19 and that is this "But I have come to give you life in excessive abundance" and  "But God delivers us out of them all".

And by the way, God is ALWAYS preparing us for something great! Because He is great! He doesn't have to drag us through difficulties (Isaiah 5:20) to prepare us for greatness (2 Corinthians 2:14). 

Another popular one is, "Everything happens for a reason." I can almost hear the long drawn out sigh before and after that statement. 

Dr. Bill Hanshew addresses that very well. You can find his response at the link. 

http://www.cfaith.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13758:everything-happens-for-a-reason&catid=48:leadership-&Itemid=67

The point I'm trying to make is this...instead of putting our confidence in a not so cutesy saying, let's put our confidence in God's Word! (Hebrews 4:12), believe everything God said (Mark 11:22), and walk in our authority (Luke 10:19).

Faithful

"The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' (Matthew 25:23, NLT)

Today, we received a good report from one of our Facebook followers. She gave us permission to post this because she is so excited about everything God is doing in her life! We are so excited she is including us! The information has to be posted anonymously because of it's nature.

Here are a few things she said to us:

• God IS moving in my life!
• He has done alll this for me!
• Thank You for alll you have helped me to accomplish this last year!
• I am so blessed!
• Blessed way beyond, Glory to God!

Last year, she contacted us for prayer agreement for finances and wisdom for guidance. She was fighting extreme discouragement and needed help financially. She was alone, very ill, unable to work in her field, needed to move to a nicer area, needed a new car, and had spiraled deep into despair.

She began faithfully following Key Tov Blog and putting her faith to work (James 2:14-26). A few months ago, a friend of a friend asked her to do some work for him. The work was her heart's desire, caring for others, which just happens to be what she has been trained and is experienced in! She agreed but refused to be paid because of her deep loyalty to her friend. A few days after the work was complete, she was handed a check for a very sizable amount. The payee refused to take no for an answer because he was so grateful to her for a job so well done!

A few weeks later, she was given another job offer for the same pay in the same line of work that she's done all her adult life!

In less than a year, we have seen her:

• Become faithful to His Word.
• Put her faith to work. 
• Move to a nicer area.
• Get a new car.
• Return to her line of work which has always been her heart's desire.
• And now she is thrilled to be planning a vacation to Hawaii next year!

She has been faithful in little and He keeps giving her more! As we see His work in her life, we all celebrate together!

Here is the really good report, He did it for her and He will do it for you! (Acts 10:34) 

What is Your Good Report for Today?

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8, NLT)

We are so excited to be gearing up for our next giveaway! Other than the Bible, there is one book that completely changes my life. Please notice, I said, "changes" because I keep re-reading it! 

Breaking the Cycle of Offense by Dr. Larry Ollison. 

You can check out the details at this link. 

http://www.walkonthewaterbooks.com/wowbooks/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2

Since this life changing book is one of my all time favorites, we are giving away a signed copy in the month of October! 

In order to participate in our free drawing, all you have to do is post a good report on our Facebook page and then "share" your post from Whatsoever Things are of Good Report's wall from now until September 30th. Please use this link to find our Facebook Wall.

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

Each "good report post" and "share" gets another entry in the drawing. Only one post (entry) per day is accepted. Please help us increase our likes and share this post! 

We will announce our winner on Oct 1st!  

What is your good report for today?

A Rant, Grrrr!

Facebook rants seem popular these days. The ones I find especially lacking are the ones directed toward people who do not have access to the ranting person's Facebook; for example, "Dear drivers on my way home." Huh? And "duck lips". I won't even go there. And political arguments...2 Chronicles 7:14. I'm not saying we should be ignorant in politics (or anything else) but there is only One who can heal this great nation and that is not Facebook. 

I have much more to say about Facebook rants; however, God's Word says it better than I ever could so I will leave it to Him. 

The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. (Psalms 24:1)

The earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord. (1 Corinthians 10:26) Personally, I believe that includes technology. 

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. (Proverbs 18:21)

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:17)

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Meditate Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8, NLT)

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! (Deuteronomy 30:19)

What's on your Faceboook?

Recalculating!

My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. (Proverbs 3:1, NLT)

My closest friends know I am completely convinced the Allstate Mayhem guy is my long lost brother. I watch his You Tube videos repeatedly and they never cease to make me roll with laughter. Me and my girls reenact his scenes. Many of our private family jokes are because of his antics.

If by some slight chance you don't know who the Allstate Mayhem guy is, you can meet him at this link!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h0Qvc6_MfQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

When life gets a little mayhemish, I remind myself to recalculate by realigning myself with His Word! He offers the greatest protection of all!

RECALCULATING!

Let it Reign!

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. (James 1:17, NLT)

Jesus Culture has a great song entitled, "Let it Rain". 

They sing about God opening up the floodgates of Heaven and raining down on His people. What rains down from Heaven? Whatever is good and perfect!

As much as I enjoy this song, I view the song a little differently. God has already provided. 

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. (2 Peter 1:3, NLT)

So, I suggest this. Instead of let it rain, let it reign. 

Let it reign!
Open the floodgates of Heaven, let it reign!
I feel the reign of your love!
I feel the reign of Your Spirit!
The heartbeat of Heaven is here!

Refuse to allow anything to stand in between you and everything good and perfect God has provided for you! 

Let it reign!

How Do We Do That?

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)

So many times when someone asks me for help, I give them scripture and they finish the scripture before I do. 

Many know scripture; however, 
many do not know how to apply scripture. 

They say, “Genice, I know scripture. I can quote scripture all day long. But I’ve never been taught how to apply scripture to my everyday life.”

In order to learn how to apply God's Word on a practical level, we go to the basics, and build on a strong foundation.

Operating according Matthew 6:33, "Seek first His kingdom". When we seek Him first, which is dedicating every aspect of our lives to Him first, (relationships, finances, health, etc) so many issues resolve themselves. So many things just fall right into place

Seek Him first. 
How do we do that? 

Luke 10:27 gives us our command in very basic terms. We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.

To condense that, love our Lord with our all.

And we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Which brings the question, how do you love yourself? 

What is your opinion of you?

Loving God and our neighbor as we've been commanded.
How do we do that? 

We walk in the Spirit not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. 
How do we do that?

By renewing our minds daily
Some days daily is once a day. 
Some days daily is all day long. 

He gave His Word TO us FOR us so,

 wisdom says take full advantage of His life giving Word!

Then we take all the above and tie it together with prayer! (1 Thess 5:17)

• Seek Him first
• Love
• Live in His Word
• Pray