I Could Still Hear You

“The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me.”John 10:27, AMP

Both my girls are currently purple belts in Tae Kwon Do. This past summer, they trained very hard and traveled to Arkansas and competed on a national level.

There were a lot of athletes, parents, families, and friends in attendance. The competition was fierce and the venue was very loud. There was a lot of excitement as the athletes gave their all in each round of competition.

Momentarily changing gears, last week we celebrated my husband’s birthday and one of our daughters wrote him a letter. With her permission, I included an excerpt below.

"When we went to Arkansas to compete,

and when I was in the ring fighting in Sparring and 

competing in Forms, 

I could hear you cheering in the background. 

No matter how focused I was or how loud everyone else was I could still hear you."

“No matter how focused I was or how loud everyone else was 

I could still hear you.”

Her words immediately reconciled with my spirit and tears welled up in my eyes as my heart was flooded with gratefulness for being given ears to hear! (Matthew 11:15)

In this world we experience a lot of “fights”, emotional “sparring”, and situations competing for our attention. (John 16:33) But, no matter how much focus our current situation requires of us, we can still hear our Father’s voice. As we call out to Him in all situations, He is always faithful to answer! (Proverbs 3:6, Matthew 6:33, James 4:8, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Jeremiah 33:3, John 10:27)

Prayer: Father, we love, worship, and praise You! In the name of Jesus, we thank You for making a way for us to hear Your voice in Your Word and by Your Holy Spirit!

Confession: I thank God for giving me revelation of my words! I bring my mouth into alignment with God’s Word and I choose life, therefore I reap life! In the name of Jesus, I clearly hear my Father’s voice regarding all things, I listen to Him, and I follow Him! (Proverbs 18:21, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Deuteronomy 30:19, John 14:13, John 10:27)

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)

The Great Renovation

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2, NKJV)

Mike and I are currently renovating our townhouse. We are working on adding some color (YAY COLOR!) with new paint, carpet, rugs, plants, and we are doing some deep cleaning as well. Last night we bought special cleaners and a special tool with a scrubber so we can dig down deep and clean the tile and grout. 

The night before last, Mike went head to head with the hard water stains on the glass in our master shower. He got down on his knees and scrubbed the tile. He reached up high and scrubbed the top of the glass. And finally, (God bless his heart) He sat down and scrubbed the shower floor. It was quite a process. (Who knew WATER could set up like CONCRETE?!) 

We were away from home for quite some time and when we returned, we kept seeing large ants (like really large…I am not a fan of bugs) all over our house. We kept wondering, “Where are all these ants coming from?" Well. We (and by we, I mean me) found (Dare I publicly admit this…in writing?!) an ant infestation in our jacuzzi tub! Who does that?! How did I discover this infestation one might ask? 

Well. 

 While I was cleaning our tub (in order to enjoy a very-very-very long salt and oil bath…after not having a bathtub for almost a year. Selah!), I turned on the jets to clean out the jacuzzi tub and…HELLO ANT MONSTER ATTACK!! Thankfully, about 10,000 ants immediately got stuck in the filter but another about 10,000 tried to escape by crawling up the tile on the wall! Who knew ants were so fast?! I grabbed a candle holder, threw the candle out, and used the holder to throw water on the wall washing them down, sending them to their watery grave, HA! Take that ant army!

Needless to say, salt/oil bath mood…O-V-E-R. 

I screamed! I jumped! I wanted Mike! Alas…he was at work. What was I to do?! The only thing I could do…kill ‘em all with my bleach/epsom salt/409 arsenal, while stomping and screaming), turn off the jets, and wait for Mike to come home!

After all, I didn’t want the ants to plug up my filter and burn it up! (Yes, there really was that many ants!) Plus, Mike is much better at these situations than I am. 

(It’s ok. He’s use to it. I once trapped a mouse with a laundry basket and waited for Mike to come home to…shall we say, humanely (yeah thats a nice word) remove the varmint (not a fan of troublesome, wild animals a.k.a. varmints either). So nothing shocks him (Mike) anymore.)

It was quite a crime scene. Dead ants…all over the tub. Floating dead ants. Dead ants on the bottom of the tub. Dead ants still stuck in the filter. And I was suspicious there may have been even more dead ants still “in the system” of my tub. Those places I couldn’t see. I wasn’t motivated to investigate any further. I knew Mike would have the perfect plan.

When Mike got home from work, I showed him the crime scene and told him every detail of my horrific ant attack and I said, “What should I do?” He hugged me, patted my head and said, “You should go sit down and rest while I clean this mess up.” 

And. Then. I heard the angels sing.

Last night, we went shopping for rugs and a coffee table. I found the perfect coffee table for me (delightful squeal)! It is like a trunk, the top has glass and the table has a drawer. In the drawer are sections (ORGANIZATION FIX!), where I can display my ocean finds!

I declare thee, the best coffee table...ever. That is all.

Again. 

And. Then. I heard the angels sing.

While placing our new rug (filled with beautiful colors) on our clean floor underneath our breakfast table, I (all the sudden and quite unexpectedly) noticed how dirty our chair seats were. The difference between the new and the dirty was a little shocking. The seats have been through five years of “breakfasts” and a passel full of kidlets. I’m going to have to reupholster the seats. (Whoop-whoop, more color!)

I stopped and thought for a second. The more new, clean items I added to our home…I saw something dirty that needed to be cleaned. Just when I thought I had cleaned everything that needed to be cleaned, I would see something else that had to be dealt with. Not in an overwhelming way but in a, “Wow, I wasn’t aware of that until now.” way. 

In that moment…the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and said, 

“This is the process I gently walk my people through.” (Isaiah 43:19)

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking around life and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (Romans 12:1-2, The Message)

God...confirming His Word...for today, for now. 

"changed from the inside out"

And. Then. Genice cried.

An extremely thankful cry.

Most gracious, loving, sweet hearted, precious and perfect Heavenly Father…thank You for loving me so much You gently walk me through every crack and crevice of my heart and lovingly and gently remove everything that does not align with Your Word! I pray for every reader and myself as well, may we joyfully and with great expectation look forward to these changes with You by our side! Our confidence is not in ourselves but all our trust is in You! Thank You for freedom and deliverance! Thank You for prompting us and convicting us by bringing to our attention, the issues we are to address, overcome, and walk in freedom from. Thank You for teaching us bring our thoughts into captivity and to meditate on whatsoever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtue and praise! Thank You for renewing our inward man day by day through Your life giving Word! Thank You for setting us up for success in every area of our lives, every day of our lives! We shall hide Your Word in our hearts in order not to sin against You! You deserve all the glory, honor, and praise LORD! Thank You for forgiving us for all infractions, both known and unknown, in the name of Jesus!

Please take the time to read the following, out loud. His living, life giving, life changing Word will take root in your life and change you from the inside out!

Proverbs 3:5, 6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Revelation 3:19

I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

Philippians 4:8

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

2 Corinthians 4:16

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[a] being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Psalms 119:1

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD.

Romans 8:31-29

What can we say about all of this? If God is for us, who can be against us? God didn’t spare his own Son but handed him over to death for all of us. So he will also give us everything along with him. Who will accuse those whom God has chosen? God has approved of them. Who will condemn them? Christ has died, and more importantly, he was brought back to life. Christ is in the honored position—the one next to God the Father on the heavenly throne. Christ also intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can trouble, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or violent death separate us from his love? 

Acts 3:19

Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.