Dude...it's dead.

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14, NKJV)

My husband is a mountain man. He reads mountain man books. He watches mountain man movies. He looks like a mountain man. In his heart, he is a mountain man. Thankfully, he doesn't smell like a mountain man! He is his happiest when he is in the woods. Either preparing for, or gathering food for, his family and friends. 

He hunts for days on end. Being in his stand well before daylight until dark. To further qualify his mountain man status, he prefers temperatures to be in the single digits and he hunts with a "climber". 

For an informative video on climbers, please use this link. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QD_FgVwJBM&sns=em

Yes...he's THAT tough! 

We are thankful to primarily eat wild game over grocery store meat, as is our family and friends. In other words, if you don't agree with hunting, you may want to stop reading now. 

He has been whitetail hunting at the Lake of the Ozarks. A few days ago, he shot a doe. The weather was cold enough to let the doe lay for a while before processing so he stayed in his tree to see if anything else would come through. Not long thereafter, a 7 point buck meandered near where he was hunting. 

The buck was a legal buck but Mike hunts trophy bucks so the 7 point, being fully unaware of Mike's presence, walked under his tree stand and approached the doe. The buck appeared to fail to determine the doe was dead. For almost an hour, the buck went about "steps" to mate with the doe. 

To the buck, the doe looked and smelled like a doe. From Mike's perspective, he knew the doe was dead. 

The LORD spoke to my heart and said, "Life cannot be conceived with that which is dead." 

If God, operating from a higher perspective than you, tells you a relationship is dead...why continue trying to create life with that which is dead?

Then He brought this scripture to my remembrance. 

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

Dr. Larry Ollison (www.faithman.org) teaches a powerful message regarding this scripture. I will paraphrase. "My life and my death are directly linked to my tongue." In other words, my life and my death is not connected to anyone else's head...but mine. 

Not only physical life and death, but all areas of life and death. For  example:

A husband and wife can have a marriage full of life or a marriage reeking of death. 

A person can be physically alive but dead in sickness, disease or be emotionally dead. 

A millionaire can prosper financially but not be well in their soul. 

A parent can have living children who are dead in sin. 

In order to have:

A powerful marriage,

Walk in divine health,

Prosper as our soul prospers,

Train our children in the way they should go...

We cannot attempt to conceive life with that which is dead. So, it is imperative to connect our words with our faith and our actions. It's simple math. And keep that equation in alignment with God's Word. And here is the key, refuse to waver. (James 1:6)

To elaborate:

We cannot confess God's Word concerning our marriage, say we have faith for a godly marriage, then cancel that out by filling our eyes and our hearts with "Mommy Porn"/vampire love triangles, fantasize about every dude on Facebook/Pinterest, flirt with everyone who comes within a 5 mile radius and/or dogging our spouse at every opportunity. 

The same goes for our physical health. Again, it's simple math. 

Caloric intake + exercise (or lack thereof) = body weight. 

The same holds true for our finances. We cannot make daily confessions concerning prosperity but then pass out cash to everyone standing around us with their hand out as if we are card dealers in a Las Vegas Casino! Or have a "hole in our pocket". Helping others is an admirable quality to have; however, we have to insure we are not interfering with God's plan in their lives as well as His plan for our lives. 

We cannot train our children in the way they should go without including the very critical lesson of seed-time-harvest. 

I hear people say:

"Well...God is in control..."

 "Please say a little prayer for me...*sigh*...

"I opened all the bills, put them on a table and said, "Ok God, these belong to you." 

"All I can do at this point...is...pray." *head hanging low*

Those may be religious, cutesy little catch phrases but they are not scripture based and they won't change the law of seed-time-harvest. We must refuse to victimize ourselves, perishing due to lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6)

God's Word is Light. 

Negative confession and counterproductive actions are dark. 

What communion does light have with darkness?

The buck could not conceive life with the dead doe.

We cannot conceive life with that which is dead, physically or spiritually. 

What are you conceiving? 

Life Changing!

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. (Luke 6:38, NKJV)

Tuesday, I was given the amazing opportunity to volunteer at SpiritFM during their annual fundraiser, Days of Glory.

I started listening to SpiritFM in 2005 when my family initially moved to the Lake of the Ozarks. We had moved to a new town and I had not had time to make new friends. I was home alone all day with an infant and a toddler.

We attended Walk on Water Faith Church and someone mentioned the Christian Radio Station, SpiritFM who advertises they are “Life Changing Radio”. I tuned in and immediately found that to be true.

The transition from Hawaii to Missouri was a very difficult one for me. Some days, without family and friends near, the days at home with two little ones could be very long. Some days, there was a lot of crying going on…some days, that crying was mine!

I was at a turning point in my life. I had just truly began to understand relationship over religion and I had many questions regarding faith. I started playing SpiritFM 24/7. It was this radio station and their staff who helped feed me spiritually during that transition. God mightily used SpiritFM to change my life. During the day and oftentimes during the night while awake with one or both of my little ones, a phrase from a song, or a teaching, or something a SpiritFM DJ would say strongly impacted me. The staff and volunteers at SpiritFM became my friends and family, a source of support and encouragement.

As my children, grew an amazing thing happened. They quoted what they heard on SpiritFM! They repeated the songs and pretended to be SpiritFM disk jockeys!

Once I saw the impact of this radio station on me, my husband and my little girls, we started playing SpiritFM on our boat dock through outside speakers so we could plant good seeds in boaters! Everyone who drove their boat past our house heard SpiritFM, day and night!

We also started playing SpiritFM at our business locations and witnessed amazing changes. One employee in particular, was going through a very difficult time. He had been on antidepressants for years. After listening to SpiritFM for 8-10 hours per day, he started saying things like, “I am blessed and God bless you!” Soon thereafter, he was taken off the antidepressants! He often told me how having a workplace playing SpiritFM for their customers and employees really blessed and changed his life!

After witnessing the positive impact of SpiritFM on my family and those around me, Mike and I decided it was time for us to give back. We made a pledge to financially support SpiritFM. Our initial pledge was $15.00 per month, which at the time, we thought would be a challenge because we had moved a family of four from Hawaii, started a new business and had just built a new house. But, you know what? God was always faithful to provide the amount of the pledge and even more. SpiritFM is a ministry we believe in because we see the fruit in our lives as well as the lives of everyone who listens.

SpiritFM sows into our lives in a powerful way. In return, we sow into SpiritFM who is not just a Christian radio station but also available for teachings, prayer and encouragement. It’s a true partnership!

Even though we have moved away from the Lake area, we continue to listen to and support SpiritFM via their website at www.spiritfm.org.

Please do me a huge favor. Listen to SpiritFM at their website and consider making a pledge to support them. I believe as you give, it will be given unto you good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom!

Tsunami, 10/12

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39, NLT)

October 27, 2012 was a very busy day for us. We woke up early, made the 45 minute drive to Kohala and spent the day at the swim meet finals. Once finals were over, we returned home to do laundry and pack. We were leaving for our trip to the mainland the next day. We were ahead  of schedule and things are going so well when all of the sudden...I heard the Tsunami siren. 

Hoping it wasn't...I asked Mike' "Is that the tsunami siren?" 

Knowing it was, He said, "I think it may be." 

I got angry, personally, I hate demonic activity. Tsunamis are not an "act of God".

(James 1:17, John 10:10) 

And I don't really like the sound of the tsunami sirens! I think they should be changed from that blasting, screaming sound to a nice, calm, granny voice...saying something like, "Aloha, this is your friendly tsunami Tutu siren, sweetly advising you to calmly prepare to evacuate." See? Isn't that much nicer? Besides that, did I mention, we were leaving for vacation the next day? And I refused to be robbed of my vacation! 

I digress, please forgive me. 

Mike began gathering information as I began to speak, "Peace, be still !" to myself. As one can ascertain, I needed it!

I started to get some things together, preparing to evacuate.  I could feel myself getting tense. I was so tired from our long day and had so much to do, laundry/pack for our trip/clean the house...plus, we were leaving for vacation the next day...I didn't have time for, nor was I in the mood for, an evacuation! My list of things to do did not include stopping what I was doing to organize an evac! Mike walked up to me and said, "I know you don't like chaos but we are going to work all this out." Then he gave me a good plan. He is so akamai! 

Mikea, my nine year old, came and said, "Momma, I know God did not give me a spirit of fear but I'm feeling a little fearful right now." I was able to console her by explaining we were all together,  we were safe, we had a plan and by speaking, "Peace, be still!"

Mike and I decided to walk the dog and reevaluate the evacuation order in 1/2 hour. While we were walking, we continued to speak to the storm and say, "Peace, be still!"

On our walk, we were approached by three different families in our neighborhood who were vacationing and not familiar with our area. We were able to tell them where the evacuation route was, where to wait, when they would most likely be allowed to return and calm them by speaking, "Peace, be still."

We finished our walk, went back home, re-evaluated and being led by the Spirit, decided not to evacuate while still speaking, "Peace, be still!"

The Pacific Tsunami Center projected the first wave in Hilo to reach seven feet and increase from there. Typically, it is the third wave that is the highest as the wave gains momentum. However, when the first wave hit Hilo, it measured at eight inches. A direct result of  faith filled believers standing in agreement speaking, "Peace, be still."

 Luke 10:19

John 14:12

Hebrews 4:12

Your Race is Set!

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1 NKJV)

I read this scripture today and I saw something I've never seen before. 

"the race that is SET BEFORE us" Does this mean, we aren't just haphazardly bouncing from place to place but we have a race that He has set before us? 

What happens "in the natural" when a race is "set"? The Ironman was just completed on the Big Island. The Ironman is one big race! I've never been involved in setting a race so I am unsure of what all goes on behind the scenes prior to race day. I do know, for the Ironman,  there are parades, community events, highway and street closures, road blocks manned by police (do not ask me how I know that *grin*), store and bank closures, flights, hotels/resorts are booked, and there are no rental cars available. Triathletes fly in from all over the world to compete with local triathletes. There are Ironman Tshirts and memorabilia available for purchase everywhere we look. 

To further elaborate:

An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run, raced in that order and without a break. Most Ironman events have a strict time limit of 17 hours to complete the race, where the Ironman race starts at 7:00 AM, the mandatory swim cut off for the 2.4-mile (3.9 km) swim is 2 hours 20 minutes, the bike cut off time is 5:30 PM, and all finishers must complete their marathon by midnight. The name Ironman Triathlon refers to both the original Ironman triathlon and the annual Ironman World Championship. Also called Ironman Hawaii, the world championships of the event, held annually in Hawaii since 1978 (with an additional race in 1982), are now preceded by a series of qualifying events. Ironman Triathlon became known for its grueling length, harsh race conditions, and television coverage.

Thank you Wikipedia!

So, experiencing the sights and sounds of Ironman and witnessing the preparations I COULD actually see made me think of "the race that is set before us".  The race that is set before us is no small event. 

• He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing! (Ephesians 1:3 NKJV)
• He has commanded His angels to keep charge over us in all our ways! (Psalm 91:11, NIV)
• His race is perfect! (Jeremiah 29:11)
• We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses! (Hebrews 12:1)

He has set the race for you!

Dumpster Diving!

For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. (Luke 8:17, NKJV)

When I fly, I remove all excess cards: credit/debit/library, etc from my bag. I strip my purse/wallet/Daytimer down to the bare bones, taking with me, my driver's license and one credit card. We are business owners. We have five locations on four different islands...that is a lot of cards. Once I return home, I put them all back in my Daytimer. 

I flew interisland last Friday (removing the cards, as usual) and was going to put all the cards back in my bag on Monday. Except on Monday, they were nowhere to be found. The last time I remembered seeing them was on my kitchen countertop. I did remember throwing a shopping bag away full of what I believed to be trash. Yes...gasp. I immediately contacted Mike and asked him to pray. 

Replacing them wouldn't be as easy as making a few phone calls and having them replaced because to be honest, there are so many cards I didn't know what cards were missing. No...I didn't put them all in a copier and make a copy to put away for safe keeping; however, now I know why people suggest we do that. *grin*

I had removed rewards cards, gift cards, library cards, insurance cards, I.D. cards,  etc. Even my blood donor card! To compound the issue, we are in the process of changing banks (business and personal), so I literally have two sets of all our banking cards. How can so many cards go missing you might ask? Well, I keep them in card holders that fit in my Daytimer. They weren't all loose cards, there were four sets of cardholders. After I looked in all the obvious places, I got a little nauseous at the thought of someone dumpster diving and getting every card I own except the one credit card and my Driver's License that I had taken with me.

I was a little dizzy as I started trying to make a card list from memory, girl's ortho rewards cards ($10.00 replacement fee), owner's beach card key ($75.00 replacement fee), several gift cards...what if they were accidentally thrown away? Mike had taken out the trash at least three times since Friday and the trash man came on Monday morning! 

To accompany the nausea, a headache attempted to ensue, then I quickly said...nope, not going there. I determined, "I will not be mentally tortured!"

I said to myself...well then, if I did throw them away, God will somehow make them be somewhere else...safe and intact. After all, Jesus said, "All things are possible to him who believes." That's me...I'm a believer, not a doubter!

 I started proclaiming:

"Thank You God for working all things out for my good, I love You!" (Romans 8:28)

"I thank You for sending Your angels to keep charge over me in all my ways! That includes finding my cards...intact and unharmed, right now in The Name of Jesus!" (Psalm 91:11)

Then I called my cards forth saying, "Cards, you listen to me! I call you forth in The Name of Jesus! Make yourself known to us right now! Nothing, including you, cards...shall remain hidden!" (Matthew 21:22 & Luke 8:17)

My girls said, "What are you doing Mommy?" I told them. They got excited and said, "Yay! We will help you!" Our house was buzzing with excitement and speaking The Word, waiting to see God's glory be made manifest!"

Shortly thereafter, in my "see-er" (I don't know how else to explain it.) I saw the middle console of my car. My initial response was, "That can't be...I'd NEVER leave all those cards in my console of my car parked at the airport!" I searched my memory. I could not remember ever placing them in my car. 

I also had emptied out my small make up bag that was in my purse. When I left, I left all my lipstick, nail clippers, etc on the kitchen counter. Which is where they were when I put them back in my purse. So it only made sense for the cards to be with the make up items since that is where I cleaned out my purse. Neither Mike or my girls remembered me putting the cards in the console.

I sensed so strongly that the cards were in the console even though I rarely even use the console for anything. I said, "Mikea, can you please go look in the console of my car." She did and GLORY be to GOD, there they were!

Incidents such as these are not at all odd or foolish! (1 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV)

Am I saying I accidentally threw my cards away in the shopping bag and God miraculously placed them in the console of my car? To be completely honest, I still don't remember where I put the cards after I removed them from my purse; however, if He did work it out that way, I would not be surprised. After all, Jesus called to a dead man in a tomb and He came forth! (John, 11:43, 44) Some may say, "Uh, well, yeah...THAT was Jesus!" To that response I'd have to say, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father." (John 14:12, NLT). In light of Jesus' statement, I'd have to conclude cards in the console is completely doable. 

His Word is alive and we speak His Word to change our circumstances! (Hebrews 4:12 & Romans 4:17)

We would love to hear from you!

How do you use God's Word to change your circumstance?

Ouch ... .....

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13, NKJV)

We are currently on vacation. It's ok to post that, we have friends watching our house and dog. *smile*

We have been having the time of our lives catching up with family and friends. We've been spending our days at the park, going to football games, and hanging out at friend's houses. We are meeting up with friends at church, going out of town with friends, shopping, and hunting. Every day has been a new adventure! We are having a new reunion every day! 

Yesterday, while texting a friend to finalize our schedule, I intended to text, 

"I  am so excited, and looking forward to seeing you!" 

But instead, autocorrect texted, "I am so excited, and looking forward to seeking you!"

I sensed God asking, "Are you this excited, and looking forward to seeking Me?"

Ouch... .....

During all our packing, traveling, and running around catching up with everyone, the lion's share of my attention had not been turned to Him. 

RECALCULATING! 

http://keytovblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/recalculating.html 

Junk Food...

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11, NKJV)

Yesterday, we had a very full day. We are on vacation, spending time with family and friends that we haven't seen for a year. Mega-excitement fills the atmosphere! 

We started our day at our Grammy and Poppy's house where milk and cookies flow...in excessive abundance! Grammy had also prepared harvest bags for our girls full of Jr. Mints, m&ms, and I'm convinced....every other form of chocolate available to mankind. There was lots of squeals and giggles as Poppy played hide-n-seek with our girls. 

From there, we joined up with friends at a football game where some of the sugar was balanced out with goldfish. Then counterbalanced with canned peaches. 

After half time, we met up with some other friends to pick up some items and take a few minutes to play and catch up with them.

My girls are generally in bed at 8:30 pm. On our way back to our condo, at approximately 9:30 pm, Gracie said, "Oh...I shouldn't have eaten all that stuff...now I need a green smoothie!" 

Combine this with the fact that my girls have only seen their dad about 20 minutes per day the last two days because he has been hunting. Limited time with him results in an unraveling at the seams in very short order.

All that sugar, all that excitement, and all that time away from their father, resulted in a bed time melt down. There was crying and gnashing of teeth! They were not disrespectful in their meltdown. Just weepy and whiny. After a few minutes, sleep overruled Mikea's meltdown and she went to bed.

Gracie had  quite a bit more endurance. I allowed her to sit up with me so we could discuss her day and decompress. I heard every excuse from, her "sister had been mean to her" to the "mattress hurt her back". After half hour or so (that felt like an eternity), of rocking and talking, I said, "I know what you need.  You need to go spend some time with your father. He will make everything better."

She went in the room where he was and crawled up next to him. I couldn't hear what was being said but about ten minutes later, her world was anew and she came  bouncing back through the front room, smiled and said, "I'm going to bed now!" 

There is just something about time with our Father. Taking time to talk to others is great, but nothing resolves an issue(s) like time with our Father.

 If I allow the "junk food" the world has to offer to fill me instead of His presence, it doesn't take long for me to have a meltdown. Time with my Father always makes my world anew!

What about you? 

Are you full of the junk food of life?

Time in His presence will make your world anew!