Here Fido!

"Imitate God, since you are the children he loves." (Ephesians 5:1)

"(as it is written [in Scripture], “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the sight of Him in whom he believed, that is, God who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist." (Romans 4:17, AMP)

It has been a long time since I’ve written a blogpost. I don’t currently blog as consistently as I have in the past and many have very lovingly asked, “What happened?” Mostly, homeschooling seventh and eighth grade happened. These upper grades have been more demanding than previous grades; thus, we are in a new season resulting in prioritizing (Psalm 37:23)

I miss blogging on the wonderful goodness of God! This past weekend, one of my closest friends encouraged me to blog again. And recently I’ve sensed the LORD prompting me to write about “giving place” in areas of our lives.  So, here we are!

First, please allow me to say, we travel a lot and we have the privilege of attending many different churches throughout any given year. This blogpost is not about a church in particular. In other words, this is not about pointing out someone’s faults or shortcomings. It is about using experiences to correct situations in our lives, immediately, so the chance for it to escalate is quashed.

Several months ago, I had an experience that taught me the power of “giving place”. We were in a church service and as soon as I walked into the sanctuary, there was a heaviness. I assumed it would lift as soon as worship service began. The heaviness didn’t lift at all. It seemed to only intensify. I was about to chalk it up to being an issue with me but when the pastor took the platform, the pastor seemed confused and said, “There is a heaviness in here today.” 

Several people shook their heads in agreement.

The LORD immediately and powerfully spoke to my spirit and said, “Don’t ever give place to that. You call those things that are as though they were.” (Ephesians 4:27, Ephesians 5:1, Romans 4:17)

Although the teaching was great, the heaviness increased and intensified during and to the end of the service. 

I learned a very powerful lesson. I saw firsthand how our words affect our atmosphere.

For example, we begin our week early Monday morning with a great attitude and ready to conquer the world! And then “little foxes” dart in and out all day long and by the end of the day (or at times, by noon) leave us feeling, well, like less than a conqueror! (Song of Solomon 2:15, Romans 8:37)

It’s during these times we have to turn to God’s Word and use it to combat everything that attempts to rise against us! (John 10:10, Ephesians 6:12, Isaiah 54:17)

I believe Dr. Larry Ollison (www.faithman.org) teaches it best. I’ve heard him describe it this way:

When our dog is outside and we go to the door to call our dog inside, we don’t say what we see but we say what we want to see. 

We don’t say, “There Fido! Oh! Over there Fido!” 

As Fido continues to run around, we don’t continue to say what we see. 

Most can agree, that would be confusing to Fido 

as well as everyone else who is within earshot. 

Instead, we say and continue to say, “Here Fido!” 

If Fido continues to run around all over the place, we don’t change what we say, regardless of what we see and feel. (2 Corinthians 5:7) Likewise, when the storms of life rage against us, we don’t waver from God’s promises. Instead, we bear down and bring every thought and make it obedient to Christ (because it is not automatic), we align our words with everything God says, and we encamp ourselves with only the ones who can walk in full agreement with us being fully persuaded! (Proverbs 18:21, Luke 6:45, Romans 4:20-21, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Matthew 7:24-27, 2 Corinthians 10:5)    

The easiest and most affective way I’ve found to accomplish these things is to practice His presence! (Matthew 6:33, Romans 8:28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

But what does this look like on a day to day basis?

When faced with an opportunity to overcome (i.e. a battle rages against me), I dig in God’s Word and find a scripture or scriptures that will keep me on track. I turn that scripture into a confession and I write my confession down on a little index card. And then, I speak that confession over myself every time I need it. (Psalm 73:26, Luke 1:37)

For example, let’s say I receive a troubling phone call/email/text/Facebook post. I use John 14:27 which says, “I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.” I write my confession as, “Thank You Jesus for giving me the gift of peace! You gave me peace of mind and heart! In the name of Jesus, I refuse to allow my heart to be troubled or afraid! 

Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for every reader and I thank You in advance for your gift of peace that protects their heart and minds. I thank You for opportunities to teach us to be fully persuaded in Your promises. I thank You for Your Word that is alive and working on our behalf. I pray each reader be changed by what they've read here today and I thank You they are fully persuaded in You and Your promises!

Head-On Collisions

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,  endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3, NKJV)"

I had to drive into town today for a dental appointment. Once I was close to the dentist’s office, I approached a four way stop. A driver of a truck (purposefully and looking right at me) ran the red light. Legally, I had the right of way. Rather than exercise my legal right, I hit my brakes and stopped, preventing my vehicle from crashing into the truck. 

I had the legal right of way but I refused to exercise my right at that moment. Had I decided, by law I was in the right and refused to stop my vehicle, I would've found myself (along with my children) in a head-on collision. 

God immediately spoke to me and said, "Always refrain from exercising your emotional right every-time-possible. That is unconditional love.” (Ephesians 4:32, Proverbs 20:3, John 13:34, Proverbs 29:11)

There is a connection that we so strongly attach to, and that connection is unconditional love. The love that created us. (1 John 4:8, Ephesians 2:10)

While most will agree, it is a mistake to fail to prevent a motor vehicle accident. No matter who has legal right and no matter who is purposefully doing what. However, many willingly drive right into an emotional head-on collision (with their children/spouse/friends/family, etc along for the ride). 

At times, we find ourselves facing a dilemma when others may purposefully tempt us to drive into an emotional head-on collision. During these times, our right is very obvious to us and many of those around us. We have a choice to make. Either stand up for our right, or avoid an emotional head-on collision. (Psalm 17:3, Psalms 141:3, Proverbs 21:23, James 1:19, Proverbs 16:23)

I am in no way suggesting we should never stand up for ourselves and/or a worthy cause. But I am suggesting, be led by God’s spirit, always choose life, and refrain from exercising our emotional right every-time-possible! (Galatians 5:16-26, Deuteronomy 30:19)

The LORD has had me parked on the following scripture for months. Please read it very slowly and allow every word to fully penetrate your heart. 

"So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation], with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another [a]in [unselfish] love. Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful]." (Ephesians 4:1-3, AMP)

That Belongs To Daddy

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. (2 Corinthians 1:20, NKJV)

My husband likes to drink water from large disposable Starbucks cups. Over the years, no matter what type of (nice or cheap) glasses/tumblers/water bottles I've purchased, he reverts back to the same type of cup. These cups are in his truck, his office, and our home.

This morning, our youngest daughter picked up one of the cups fully intending to use it. Our middle child (defensively) said, "That is Daddy's cup." My youngest smiled really big and said, "Then I can have it!" 

And then, she just took it. 

She didn't wait until she felt like she was good enough. 

No hesitation, no doubt, no fear, just joy.

The Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, "It is that simple. If only adults would have the same reaction and approach Me the same way."

She knows her father so well, that she knows anything that belongs to him also belongs to her. She knows her father has such a heart full of love, he would never think of withholding anything good from her. 

How much more does our perfect Heavenly Father give us good gifts, withholding nothing! (Matthew 7:11, Psalm 50:10-12, Romans 8:32)

God's Word is full of promises and as part of His Kingdom, all His promises belong to us...His children (to His glory)! (2 Corinthians 1:20, 1 Peter 4:10, Romans 8:17, 1 Peter 2:9, Galatians 3:26)

Whatever you need from Him today, you (yes...you) can have it!

Just believe. (Luke 8:50)







So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. (Matthew 7:11, NLT)

For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. “If I were hungry, I would not tell you; For the world is Mine, and all its fullness. (Psalm 50:10-12, NKJV)

Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? (Romans 8:32)

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. (1 Peter 4:10, NLT)

And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. (Romans 8:17)

However, you are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, people who belong to God. You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of God, who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9, GWT)

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26, NLT)


But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed." (Luke 8:50)

Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:9, NLT)

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1, NLT)

What Are Your Plans?

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)


We have been so abundantly blessed by the outpouring of cards, texts, and emails since publishing our book, "Wholeheartedly!" Your love, support, and encouragement has been way beyond anything we could've ever ask or thought!

Yesterday, we received a card in the mail that included the above scripture. I kept reading the scripture repeatedly. This scripture left me with a list of questions for you today!

• What is your vision for your life? 
• Have you established a mission statement for your professional and personal life?    
• What are your five top accomplishments last year?
• What plans do you have this year that really light a fire under you?

In chapter twelve of our book, "Wholeheartedly!", we discuss vision and mission statements. Below, please find a few excerpts from our book.

"One day while homeschooling my girls when they were really small, the LORD impressed upon my heart to develop a Mission Statement for our family. I needed a clear, concise, easy Mission Statement that my girls could attach to. The LORD gave me, “To Bless Others” and it became our Homeschool Mission Statement." 

And, we had a situation at work and we discuss it in chapter twelve of the book as well.

"We began experiencing a lot of discord and division at our business locations. I couldn’t pinpoint what the problem was."

Please read chapter twelve of Wholeheartedly! to learn how God worked that situation together for good!

Whether you are a homeschooler with two students or own a business with five locations, we believe a mission statement is a step in the direction of obtaining goals!

Wholeheartedly! isn't only about recipes and giving up refined sugar. Wholeheartedly! includes tips and plans for living the abundant life in all areas of our lives! (John 10:10)

God has plans for you...very specific plans. And His plans always-always include goodness! Since you are reading this right now, perhaps it is time for you to establish a mission statement for your life. 

Wholeheartedly! is available right now on Amazon in paperback as well as Kindle version. We pray Wholeheartedly! will encourage you and help you reach your goals!

Wholeheartedly!

We are very excited to announce, 
we have just written and published our first book,

Wholeheartedly!

Wholeheartedly’s purpose is to be:

• quick
• short (approx. 150 pages)
• lay out simple plans
• give practical ideas for complete success for clean living
• contain tips and tools for the why, how, when, what, and where of living the excessive abundant life!

Pre-order your signed copy directly through us now for a shipping date of March 10th, 2016!

Pricing is as follows:

Paperback
$12.98 plus shipping

Kindle
$9.98

Mahalo!"

Whatever you do 

[whatever your task may be], 

work from the soul 

[that is, put in your very best effort], 

as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, 

knowing [with all certainty] 

that it is from the Lord [not from men] 

that you will receive the inheritance 

which is your [greatest] reward. 

It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve. (Colossian 3:23-24, AMP)