Drink from the Deep

We've moved!

2011-07-07T06:59:00.001-07:00

Hello there! I've been meaning to let you know . . .

This blog has finally moved to it's own website!

drinkfromthedeep.org

I have yet to customize it to how I want it (I've been working on my other blog first - mothering-matters.com). But I'll get to it hopefully soon! (I can only do a little at a time with 5 kiddos here to take care of here!)

Hope to see you over at the "new place"! Let me know that you have joined me - as I love hearing from you!

If you had signed up to receive emails from me at this blog - you will need to resubscribe on the new blog. I will be canceling this service here soon.

Thanks!

Abundant Blessings!

Lori :)

Intimacy - Walking in God's love and light

2011-03-05T13:53:00.000-08:00

Wow! Your Daddy loves you so much! Jesus does too (and don't forget our awesome Holy Spirit!)! I just had to share what was on God's heart for you guys today! It's long - but worth it!

Be blessed today as you go deeper in God's love for you!!

L :)

L - So – what is on your heart today? What do you want me to get across to your kids? I’d love some insight! ;)

G – Insight – yes . . . IN SIGHT . . . looking IN . . . Looking in my eyes – in my sight . . . Look into my eyes and let my love capture you! Let my love overwhelm you and show you just what I see. I want to give you “insight” – MY sight . . . That’s what I want to give you.

L – I want that! :) I’m looking . . . . :)

I see oceans in your eyes . . . rolling oceans and a blue sky. Vast, beautiful, never-ending . . . no shore in sight . . . just rolling waves along the top of the ocean. Then it’s like I go down – the view goes down below the surface. The sky is not visible anymore – but we are going down, down, down – like I’m looking out a small window in a submarine or something. :) We are going down and the light is going away. It is getting darker and darker the deeper we go. But not totally. I can still see some. I can still see the water and some life swimming around – but not as easily. As we go down – it’s like there is a light way below. It’s like people go down – and they expect it to get dark – kind of dark and scary . . .but if they keep going – if they go past a certain depth – then it starts to get lighter and lighter again – because there is a bright white light shining up from below. It’s not like it’s on the bottom – but it’s like the water turns into a big bright white light below. You can descend down to it – and then into it – being overwhelmed and overcome by the bright white light. There’s nothing around you but white light – purity – pure white . . . I don’t think we are in water anymore. It’s more like going through a cloud – but different. It’s light and airy – it’s pure white – no shadows – just white light. Beautiful!

It seems like we get to the bottom – or at least an area where there seems to be ground. You are there Jesus – you are there and you invite me to come and sit with you. There are 2 comfy chairs – plush and inviting. You’ve been sitting in yours and waiting – with an empty chair right beside you – waiting for me to come down and hang out with you – to sit with you. :) I love that! You’ve been waiting just for me. You had nothing else to do but wait for me! Thank you!

I go over to the chair and sit down with you (after taking your hand . . . like I was coming out of the submarine – or in through your eyes Daddy). We sit down – and Jesus doesn’t stop holding my hand. We’re like an old married couple (or young) – just sitting in our chairs holding hands. His right hand is in my left. We sit and look out in front of us. At first it’s just all white still – but as we sit and look – it’s like I can see through it some – to a scene – kind of like watching a tv screen – but not – more like real life . . . or a vision of real life. I see trees. I see people. I see a husband and wife. The husband is not happy. He is upset with his wife. He is angry and I get the sense that he is abusive. The wife is sad, scared, but full of God. In her room at night, she prays, she rests in God’s love, she sits on His lap, in His arms – and is renewed and rejuvenated in His love. It is His love that sustains her. It is his love that keeps her going. It is His love that heals her wounds – miraculously – inside and out. It is God’s love that allows her to love her husband – to love her kids – to love everyone around her. Many people have told her she should leave – get out of there – but she knows – she knows the truth about her husband and who God designed him to be . . . and she is contending for that to be revealed and come to full fruition. Her prayers are moving the heavenlies – they are sending more angels to fight the battle over her husband’s life. Her prayers are powerful and mighty – and they ARE doing a great work in this man’s life – even though he doesn’t know it.

I then see the husband in his room – alone – crying. . . . but not wanting to let his wife know or see. He doesn’t let anyone know or see his tears. He’s a tough man. He can’t be weak. But he’s crying – because he never intended to be this way to his wife. He never wanted to. He swore he never would. He would not be like his father. He was not going to repeat those mistakes. But he can’t seem to help it. He gets angry – and something comes over him. He can’t seem to help it. But he doesn’t want to continue this way anymore. He can’t. It’s destroying him and is destroying his relationship with his wife – or so he thinks.

He cries out to God – not knowing that God has already put angels and other things in place to instantly respond to his cry! Instantly! He doesn’t have to wait long – and God is right there – ready to respond to his cry! He’s been waiting with baited breath for this son of his to say His name – to cry out “Daddy – help me!” He rushes to his son’s side and puts His big loving arm around this precious man who is weeping at the side of his bed. God puts his arm around him and loves on him as he says, “It’s ok son. I’m here. I’m with you. I love you. You will never be the same again. I’m going to take this from you now. You are released. You no longer have to carry this burden around anymore. I release you and I take it on me. It’s mine to take. Thank you for giving it to me. I release you.”

The man feels different. He feels something inside – and he feels lighter on the outside. He doesn’t feel angry. He doesn’t feel sad. He doesn’t feel resentment or bitterness . . . but he feels something new . . . is it love? What is this feeling? He thought he knew what love was – but he now realizes that he didn’t. What is this feeling? It is wonderful! It is satisfying and yet causing him to want more and more and more. He doesn’t want his heavenly daddy to ever leave his side – to leave his presence. He wants to know more, to feel more, to be filled, to be overwhelmed with this love again and again and again! “Stay with me Daddy! Don’t ever leave me!” He cries out to God. “I won’t. Never son – never . . . I will always be with you!” The man smiles and laughs as tears stream down his face. He looks up to the ceiling – to heaven – and says “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much!”

I see the man get up and go into another room where his wife had fallen asleep. He looks at her with new eyes. She seems radiant. She is beautiful. It’s as if this is the first time he has really ever seen her . . . so beautiful, radiant and pure. She is lovely . . . and he is overcome with emotions that this is HIS wife – and that she has stayed with him for so long – through all the abuse, torture, yelling, screaming, hatred, anger and bitterness. He is overcome and kneels down beside her in tears. He leans over to kiss her on the cheek – and she wakes up – seeing his face . . . seeing a new man . . .a radiant man . . .a pure man . . . a man of love. THIS is what she had been waiting for. THIS is what her husband was made and called to be – a man of LOVE – a man of HONOR – a man of INTEGRITY and PATIENCE . . . this is what he was designed to be . . . and she can see it in his eyes now. She sees the transformation. She is thrilled and gently cups his cheek in her hand as she says “I love you hon. I always have and I always will.” Her husband is overcome – weeping, humbled, ashamed, yet filled with hope and joy. “I love you too. I thought I did before – but I know realize I couldn’t love you . . . I didn’t know how. I didn’t have it in me. I didn’t know what true love was. Now I do. And I really DO love you – with all my heart! I will never hurt you again – as much as it depends on me – I will never hurt you again! You are precious to me - and more beautiful than ever!” She smiles and the two of them hug in a beautiful and loving embrace. God has done a miracle. God has healed two hearts and mended a marriage. God has brought the impossible into the possible – and all with His love!

Jesus and I sit there and ponder the scene we just saw (well – I ponder it – Jesus just sits and holds my hand – smiling, happy, content, loving . . . ). Wow God. Can you really do that? I mean – I know you can – but wow! I’d love to see that in real life! To see so many of my friends who are going through difficult marriages – to be restored – that you really will touch the hearts of their husbands – to call them into who they really are through your love! I so want everyone to know who they really are – to fully know your unconditional love that you have for them – to be passionately in love with you –and to not only be healed, but to see through a new set of eyes – to have your vision! I always want to have your vision God. Give me your vision – your promises – your plans and purposes – for my life, my kids, my husband, etc.

G – Listen to my Son. Listen to what He has to say Lori. He has a lot to share with you –a lot of wisdom and insight – because he ONLY did what He “saw” me doing . . . he looked “in” to my eyes, my heart, my world – and saw what I was doing – and then just did that. You will too. So listen to Him!

L – I will! Jesus – what do you want to say to me? What’s on your heart? I need and want your insight and wisdom – definitely! (I see Jesus turning to me – taking my hand in both of his now.)

J – Look at me Lori. Look into my eyes as well. What do you see?

L – I see red – I see love – I see a heart. It’s all red . . . . that’s it . . . all red . . . like the blood you shed, like the love you gave . . . all red. What does that mean?

J – Keep looking. Look INTO that red. There is something there. Come closer and look deep.

L – (I put my eyes up to his eyes . . . I’m just going for it – getting as close as I can!! :)...) It’s as if I can see through the red somewhat – like looking through water . . . and there’s white on the other side – the white, pure light. I see a shadow, a figure coming closer – walking towards the red – towards me. He’s silhouetted right now – but he’s coming closer – then holding out his hand – to invite me to come to him – on the other side of the red – in the white light. I get it . . . through your blood – through YOU Jesus – we are able to meet the Father – to come to the Father . . . to see what you see – to see what our Father is doing. It is through your blood, your love, your eyes even . . . You see the Father – and you show us what you see . . . so in essence it is through your eyes that we are meeting the Father. I want to jump through your eyes and go meet with Him there! I want to take His hand and go with Him – wherever He wants me to go!

J – Then go! What’s stopping you? :)

L – Nothing I guess – except that I am holding your hands. :)

J – You will be holding my hands when you hold the Father’s and you will be holding the Father’s when you hold my hands.

L - :) Awesome! Then here I go – straight into your eyes – through the red – and into the pure light with my – OUR – Daddy! :) Here I come Daddy! I want to walk closer with you – in the purity that surrounds you. I want to walk with you, talk with you, be near you, and be in the center of your love!! I don’t want anything else! Just you!! All of you! Jesus, Holy Spirit and Father! ALL of you!! :)

L – So – what do you want me to tell your kids?

G – Tell them this . . You are beloved and chosen! There is no one like you (each person)! I am waiting for you. I have my hand out – and I am waiting. There is so much more for me to show you, to tell you, to share with you and experience with you – but I need you to come through the blood of Jesus – to be cleansed – and to come walk with me . . . daily . . . all the time.

Deeper intimacy has a cost. It is leaving behind those things that are on the other side of my love – on the other side of Jesus’ blood. There are things that do not pass through his blood –but are washed off and left behind when you walk through it. Walk through and see what happens – and be ok with leaving those things behind. They are not worth the separation between us. They are not worth missing out on the intimacy that I have for you. They are not worth it. They are junk in comparison. They are useless and worthless compared to my love for you and all I have for you. So stop holding onto “junk” in your life – and come closer to me – come through Jesus’ cleansing blood – and meet with me . . . hold my hand . . . let me take you to where I want you to go. I have amazing plans and amazing places to take you to. I have A LOT to tell you – secrets, stories, visions and dreams. I have a lot to say to you – but you can’t hear it if you are not spending time with me.

It’s difficult to hear with a lot of “junk” in the way – clouding your hearing – dampening it and making it difficult to hear clearly. Clear out the junk in your life – in many areas. Ask me what needs to go –and I can help you – show you. You will be amazed at how much easier it is to hear me when you have cleared out things that were in the path and in the way. Just like when a room is filled with stuff – it dampens the sounds someone makes in the room. When the room is empty – you can whisper and it seems really loud. That is what I want Lori – for you – for my kids . . . that they will clear out so much stuff in their lives, in their hearts, in their minds, before their eyes and ears, etc – that they will then be able to easily hear my still small voice! It will be so much easier!

They get frustrated – wondering why they can’t hear me so well. It’s not that I’m not talking. It’s not that I don’t want to talk to them, or that their ears are not working . . . it’s all the things in the way – dampening the sound - physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually – in the way of being able to clearly and easily hear me. I have so much to say to them – for them – for others – for this church – this nation – for my kids and my Bride . . . but they can’t hear it because of the junk in the way.

Challenge them to clear it out. To seek to simplify. To seek to walk through Jesus’ cleansing blood daily. To walk towards purity. Purity is not something they attain – but is someplace they end up being . . . I am pure. I am light. I am holy. Purity is hanging out with me – in my realm – in my atmosphere – with me. It is knowing me, walking with me, letting me lead and guide, and not trying to drag things from this world into my world. My world cannot be cluttered by the things of this world –but my world can totally invade their world and transform it. I need it to.

When my kids walk with me, talk with me, listen to me and are surrounded by my pure white light – it transforms them, gets all over them, permeates them and becomes a part of them. They are becoming holy only because they are hanging out with me – the one who is holy and pure. They can then bring that holiness and purity back to earth – into the lives of others – and transform the atmosphere around them. That is the only way! They can’t sit on their couch, in their chair, lying on their bed and try to drag their world into mine – or try to pull my world into theirs while staying in their “comfortable” place amidst their junk and stuff. They need to leave it behind and come into my world – come be with me. Then they will not just hear what I have to say – but it will become part of them – it will be planted deep – rooted and grounded – and no one can take it away – because it’s part of them. It’s now not just like a piece of clothing they put on (holy clothing) – but it is in them – it is in their skin, their organs, their mind, their heart, their breath, their lungs, their speech – and more. Every neuron and synapse is full of me – full of my holiness – full of my love. They cannot NOT be full of love and walking in love – because I am love – and I am IN them and permeating all through out them!

Call my kids to come to me – to come down deep – to come and meet with my Son – to walk through his blood – to walk towards me and a pure walk with me – to walk in purity.

There is so much in this deep and pure realm – so much that they have never even dreamed of – so much they don’t understand. They are trying to understand it from looking through the water up top – but it just looks dark – dark and scary and unknown. It is dark – at first – but lovely – lovely below. There is a whole world down here – a whole world and kingdom beyond the eyes and blood of my son. I have a whole kingdom to show my kids – and I long for them to come!

I’ve been waiting . . . waiting for so many of them. Some have come. Many are on their way. It’s not a struggle as much as it is a choice – a decision – and then to follow through with it. Encourage them to come – to choose to let go of things – earthly things that cannot fully satisfy. Yes – there are some great things on earth – and I love my kids so much that I want them to enjoy the earth I created for them. But there is soooooooooo much more that I have for them down here with me – down deep. It’s different. It doesn’t even compare to what you see and have on earth. It’s impossible to describe and have someone understand when they are standing at the top of this water. It’s like trying to describe the depths of the ocean and the fantastic creatures that are down there if they have never seen it. They may be able to envision it a little – but not fully. It’s like trying to describe a dream or vision that you see in your mind to someone else. They will see it in their mind in their own way and will not really be able to see it exactly as you see it. You can do your best to describe it – but unless they experience it themselves – they will not fully understand. They think they do – they think they “get it” - that they’ve seen it . . . but they haven’t. They’ve seen their interpretation of it – filtered through their own emotions, experiences, vision, creativity, and more. They will not have experienced the real thing and do not fully understand.

I want them to FULLY understand and experience it all – to experience my love with their whole being . . . not just their mind based on someone else’s experience. That is not the same. It’s like reading a romance novel. It’s not the same. I want them to LIVE the romance . . . with me! I’m waiting. I’m in love and will wait for as long as it takes for them to come to me!

Come my kids! Come my bride! Come to me and experience my true love that I have for you! It’s like nothing you have ever seen, felt, smelled, tasted or touched before! It will encompass all your senses and more! You will be amazed and over whelmed – and transformed before you know it! It (my love) will transform you like no other . . . without you even having to try. My love it just like that.

Do you have to try and get wet when you get in a bathtub full of water? Do you have to struggle to get the water to touch your skin and permeate into your cells? Do you even have to think about it? No. All you have to do is get in the tub with water in it. The water does the rest. It comes around you – close – very close – permeating every cell in your skin. It does it so quickly it seems instantaneous. But to get it soaked in deep – you have to remain in the tub for a while. You can’t just jump in and get out quickly. You have to stay in – to soak. The longer you soak – the more it gets in – the more my love can seep in and start to do it’s job – to transform you. Don’t struggle –but let it come in. Don’t struggle – but let it come in. Your job is to just soak – to choose to get in the water – and then stay there.

Some people get out right away. It feels “weird” . . . maybe too hot, too cold, or too wet. They liked being dry. They liked being comfortable. They don’t want to have to deal with this new environment. It’s strange. It’s different. It’s a little uncomfortable. But kids . . . . it is soooo worth it! Enjoy it! Be like a little kid in the water. Little kids LOVE water – they are drawn to it. If there is a puddle anywhere – they want to jump in it! If there is a bath – they will get in and splash and have fun! It’s ok to have fun while you soak. It’s ok to have fun in the water. You will get just as wet splashing around and having fun as you would sitting still and waiting.

Have fun in my water – in my presence. Feel free to laugh! Feel free to have fun with me! Be a kid – be my son or daughter! It’s ok to be young around me. You don’t have to be “all grown up” and “take a proper bath” with me. Just get wet! Get wet with my love! Let it flow all over you – around you – in you! Stand under a waterfall of my love. Drink from a hose of my love. Take a bath or jump in a pool or ocean of my love. My love comes in a variety of ways – and it’s all good! It’s all me! I know what you need – when you need it . . . and the way you get “wet” might not be the same as your sister or brother or kid down the street! It’s ok. I know what you need, and when you need it. Sometimes you need a soothing bubble bath – to ease the stress of the day. Sometimes you need the laughter and excitement of playing in a waterspout from a hose or fire hydrant! It’s ok. It’s all my love! Take it – enjoy it – get wet – and let it soak right into you! Get wet in my love and soak it up – anyway you can! Where I am – my love is as well! I am everywhere – and I am always waiting to fill you up with more!

So come spend time with me today . . . tomorrow . . .and all the days after that. Leave your cares, worries, and “junk’ behind. Seek after me – after a pure walk with me. It’s not a struggle – but it’s easy. Walking with me is easy – if you stay on my side of Jesus’ blood – his cleansing work. You don’t have to go back to the other side. You don’t live there anymore. You shouldn’t. The enemy and world wants you to believe that THAT is your home. It is not! It is no longer your home. Your home is in my kingdom – my magnificent and glorious kingdom! It is beautiful, vast, never-ending, expansive, marvelous, bright, lovely, happy, full of joy and pure. Come live here with me. THIS is your home. This is where you belong! Not on the other side. You don’t have to believe that lie. You don’t have to be enticed to go back through – to go back to your old “home” and old “life”.

You have been bought with a price – this new home and “world” was bought with a price for you. Your freedom from the old world was bought with a price – with my son’s life. His LIFE! He gave it up so that you could have THIS! He gave up His life so you could have a new one – a clean one – a pure one . . . so we could walk and talk and live together every day! Why not take advantage of that and come on over – come on into my kingdom. Leave your world behind – and come into mine. THEN you can bring mine down to earth to change it. It doesn’t work the other way around. It just doesn’t work. I should know. I designed it this way. :) Come to mine – and you can change yours. Leave yours – so you can come to mine. Bring your friends. Bring your spouses. Bring your kids. Tell them about me. Tell them about my kingdom. Tell them about the glorious things I will show you. They won’t fully understand – but they will be enticed . . . just like when you tell them about something you have seen, or even read online, etc . . . it peaks their curiosity and they want to go find out for themselves. So tell them. It’s not your responsibility to make them go see for themselves. Some will not come. Some will not be interested . . . and some will be interested later. They will hear about it from someone else, then another person, and another – and finally they will be so curious that they will come to find out themselves. Keep telling them about my kingdom – my world – and inviting them to come.

Some people are so overloaded with stuff – carrying it all around, weighing them down, that they will not know how to come into my world. They don’t know how to let it go – put it down – as it’s almost become part of them – grown into them. You have the ability to help them – to help them remove some of the stuff – but also to pour my love onto them that will melt the connections that have been made between their “stuff” and and their skin/body. My love, poured onto these areas – these bondages and connections – will melt the connection. It will separate them from their “stuff”. THEN people can help them unload all their junk. Once they feel lighter, and can see past and over their stuff – they get excited to put some down on their own – to drop it and run – to run into the eyes and arms of Jesus – to let his love and blood cleanse them from all that has weighed them down and dirtied them. Even though they’ve put down their addictions and bondages, they are still dirty from them – seeing the residue on their bodies and feeling bad about it. They don’t need to. Jesus’ blood will wash all that off. It’s not permanent. Neither are the scars that are there from the separation of their “stuff”. His blood cleanses those wounds – heals them up – and when they get in my presence – my light, my purity does the rest. They won’t see them or feel them. Others might know they were there – but they will be amazed that the scars are not there anymore. It will baffle them. :) That’s a good thing. It will spring up curiosity – and draw them to me. :)

God's wound of love for His Bride!

2011-01-19T09:43:00.000-08:00

I love sitting down and talking with my heavenly Daddy. He is my support - my rock - my fortress. But what I really love is snuggling up to his chest - his heart - and hearing it beat - hearing it call out to me . . . "Lori . . . I love you . . . Lori . . . I love you . . . Lori . . . I love you . . . " it beats on and on and on - never ending.

I love that!

I can step away and know that it's still beating that same rhythm - that same song - that same phrase - "Lori . . . I love you . . ."

Did you know that God is saying the same thing to you?

When you get close to His heart - you won't hear "Lori . . . I love you . . . " but you will hear "Tina, Bob, Susan, Joe, Everyone . . . I love you". Whatever your name is - God knows it! He knows it and He loves you! His heart is beating your name - over and over and over again . . . . and it will never stop. "Lori - I love you . . . Lori - I love you . . . .Lori . . ."

Today I got close to my Daddy's heart - and I asked him what was on His heart today.

I love knowing! And you know what?

He loves sharing with me what's on His heart! He loves sharing with YOU what's on His heart.

Many people just don't take the time to listen. They share what's on theirs - on and on with their wish-list of provisions needed, healings desired, etc - but they end it without taking the time to ask God "What's on your heart today?".

I dare you to ask Him!

You will be surprised at what He wants to share with you - what He LONGS to share with you!

I am not "special" in my ability to hear God. All of God's kids can hear Him. The Bible proves that point - John 10:27 says "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me". If you are a Christian, following God and allowing Him to be Lord of your life - then you ARE His "sheep" - and you DO hear His voice. You just need to take the time to listen to what He is saying. :)

Anyways . . . I wanted to share with you what I saw and heard today. Man - God sure does love you guys!! It never ceases to amaze me!

As I snuggled up close to God today and put my hands on His heart - I saw something on it - like a blanket, shroud or cape. It was attached at the top - almost more like a cape. I could push back the sides and touch his heart and see more of it - but I asked him about the covering? Why was it there?

It was covering a wound - a large, ugly tear/gash that was oozing some fresh blood - not much but some. I asked God "how can it be healed? What's it from?"

God - It is healing. It is healed. But it is leaking, weeping, and I can’t let it seep out on others yet. It is a good wound . . . it’s not bad. It is good. It is an open fissure – into my heart – from my heart. There will come a time when this shroud – this blanket or cape that you see - will be removed. You are able to push back the front of it – and you see my whole heart – you see the whole front of my heart – and it looks whole – huge – bright red – lovely – inviting. The back side is different. You can see it Lori. You can reach around and touch the wound – touch the fissure. It’s not a pretty sight. It looks ugly, torn, leaking and not something people would want to come close to. But it is still part of my heart – part of my love. People are scared of it – they would be if they saw it – but it’s not bad. It’s good. It really is. It IS beautiful – because of what it does – because of what it represents.

L – What does it do? What does it represent? I can reach back and feel the warmth of the blood trickling out ever so slow. There isn’t a big puddle of blood or anything – in fact – the blanket/shroud kind of soaks up the little bit that is oozing out. But you can’t tell that from the front. You wouldn’t even know. I think people see this shroud more like a cape or a royal robe. It is a royal robe – attached up high – around your heart – so it doesn’t come off – but it is moveable – at times to cover your heart and other times to pull it back and reveal what’s underneath. You do this as you please – and you allow others to take a peek and pull back the robe as they please. All they have to do is come close. Come close and push it back. See more of your heart. So many people cry out for more of your love – more of your heart – but they don’t come close. They are expecting you to just shove your heart in their face – to pull back your robe and show it – declare it. Sometimes you do – but what you really desire – is for them to come close – like a little girl would to her daddy – to pull back his coat to see what good surprise he has hidden in his jacket – fully comfortable hugging on, hanging on and touching her daddy in a loving way. This is what you desire. To be loved like this – as children with their Father. But I also know that you have another side – a desire for your Bride to come – to touch your heart in another way.

I see your Bride coming up to you – to touch your heart – but she is not just interested in the front – in the “surprise” in what’s in it for her – but she is interested in You – in what’s hiding – in what’s on the other side of your heart. She is interested in putting her hands all the way around your heart and grasping hold – deeply from behind. She is not put off by the blood oozing from the wound. Her desire is to be close – as close as she can be – and to be in the midst of all of your heart – no matter what other people think – no matter what others think your heart looks or feels like. She knows the truth – she knows the joy – she knows the love. She reaches around and feels the back – feels the wound - and she cries – not out of sadness – but out of love – out of the realization that this wound was taken, was caused by love – by your love for her – your willingness to protect her – to fight for her – to champion for her – to do anything for her. You have taken this wound – for her – and yet you have hidden it from her. Why?

G – I have hidden it – but not permanently. It’s always been there. Anyone who would dare to come closer – who was willing to come as close as you are Lori, can reach around and feel it – they will find it. I am not hiding it on purpose to keep it from them – but to allow them to discover it. It’s only for those that are willing to come closer – to reach around –to dig deep – to be encompassed by my love and to encompass my love. It is for the ones closest to me. That is why it is hidden. It’s not for everyone to just see in the open – because they wouldn’t understand – they might even be turned off from it. But those that come close – that learn to completely trust me – that are able to fully embrace all that is Me – that my heart has to offer – then they will be able to feel and see and experience that wound in my heart – that wound of love. It doesn’t hurt me. And it’s not something that I ever want to go away. It is there – as a reminder of what I did for my bride – so that she will always know just how much I love her! I really do! I love her soooo much!!

L – I know you do! But why is the wound leaking/oozing? What is that all about?

G – It’s fresh. This wound is not old and dried up and scabbed over. It’s not an old wound – it’s a fresh one. I want it to always be fresh. It will always be fresh. Yes – my love began a long time ago – but it will continue on for eternity. It is always fresh. I am at war every day fighting for my Bride. She thinks she has to fight for me – but I am fighting for her. I will win – but I am still fighting for her. I have a battle plan like no other! Some people do not understand – some people ask “well why not just go get your Bride right now? Why not end this war today and go get her? Save her now? End this war?” I know it seems like I should – but she is not ready. What bride would want to be whisked away to the altar before she has had enough time to fully get herself presentable – to do her hair, put on her dress, etc. The wedding is such a special time for the bride – and it is for me. There is a GRAND wedding feast and party that will follow as well – and I am preparing it all!
I am giving my bride time to fully get ready – to fully get prepared. But she’s dilly-dallying some. She’s getting distracted by other things – talking on the phone – chatting with friends – even discussing if the hairdo and accessories that she picked out are the right ones. Tell her to stop that. She is focusing on trivial things – that have nothing to do with me and our relationship. Tell her to think about me – to focus on me – to think about what I would like to see her coming down the aisle in. THEN she will instantly know! It won’t be a struggle. It won’t be difficult – because she knows me! She really does know me! And when she does things to please me – and not to please her friends or do what “society” thinks she should do – then it all becomes easier – and then the wedding can begin sooner. Yes – I am waiting for the wedding to start – but I know there is work to still be done. It is being done – it will be done. Keep doing what you are doing to get my bride ready Lori. This is more than just helping my kids and my bride know who they are so that they can enjoy life – it’s about knowing who they are so that they can walk confidently down the aisle towards me – KNOWING that they are pleasing to my eyes – and that I am PASSIONATELY in love with them . . . ALL of them (who they are)– accessories or not! I love them as they are! I need my kids and my bride to be who they are so that they can walk confidently down the aisle – not tripping on things along the way – but to walk confidently! If they trip, yes I would catch them – but they won’t! It will be glorious – beautiful! Just you wait and see! You will love it! It will make you cry Lori! It will make me cry! I can’t wait!

Your heavenly Daddy and future groom loves you soooo much! He really does!

Know that! With everything that is in you!

Believe it! If you don't - take a step of faith and CHOOSE to believe it - because it's true! You were and are worth being wounded for!

Did you hear me?

You ARE WORTH being wounded for!!

Draw close to God today . . . . reach out and touch His heart . . . pull back the shroud that has kept you from fulling seeing and experiencing His heart and love for you. "Draw near to Him and He WILL draw near to you!" (James 4:8a)

Acts 17:24-28 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’"

Proverbs 25:2 - "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings."

Search out the matters of God's heart. He's waiting to show you!!

Come a little closer and deeper today!

L :)

2011 - Love-Laugh-Live

2011-01-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

Wow – the start of a new year!

I love the start of a new year. It’s sad in a way to see the last year go (and go by so fast) –but usually, by November/December – I am looking forward to the new year – to a new chapter – a turning of the page – a new leaf and season.

Of course – today didn’t turn out as I had thought it would.

I had plans to sit down and play with my kids, pray over them, strategize with my hubby (and on my own) and just start the year off right – on the right foot – with a clear head – knowing where I was going and what I was going to do this year. Instead – I spent the day lying around reading a book – not feeling well. My intestines were rumbling and were bloated most of the day (I had been sick with a 24 hour stomach bug a couple days ago – but was feeling much better yesterday). At one point this evening I even complained that I looked pregnant because I was so bloated. My Sweet 6 year old daughter said – “Mom – your belly doesn’t look pregnant.” Oh – thank you sweetie. “It looks . . .” I thought she was going to say “normal” or “skinny” . . . but instead she continued “. . . it looks like a snowman’s belly!” :) Lovely. Thanks sweetie. :) At least I do like snowmen!

So – as I didn’t have a ton of energy, and my belly was keeping me from feeling like running around, I decided to do as my heavenly Daddy has been urging me to do lately . . . rest. I pulled out a book I had wanted to read for probably almost a year, and just read it all day long (with a few breaks to watch a movie with my kids and chat with them and love on them).

Roland and Heidi Baker’s book – “Always Enough” had intrigued me a while ago – and I had heard great things about the book. Well – as I told my 15 year old son tonight (as he moaned about feeling like he was “poor”, about his “horrible” life of no video/computer games (he's been grounded), etc) – after reading this book – you will never think you are poor or that you have a miserable life! Wow – what some of these kids/orphans have gone through – what the people of Mozambique have gone through – what the Bakers have gone through. Yet – the continuing theme of the book is – that there is ALWAYS ENOUGH with God. Yes there is.

He is trying to teach me that. He is also trying to teach me more about LOVE – about pressing into it – about living from it – about being a conduit of His love and more. Anytime I ask Him what I should be doing – he says to focus on “love”. I asked Him the other day about my husband – what he should be focusing on (he had asked me to ask God for him) . . . and I got the same answer – “love”. Hmmm . . I’m sensing a theme here. :)

Well – I wanted to tell you about a part of the book that struck me tonight. It’s a part that just completely describes where I am at right now – what God is trying to teach this stubborn girl. :)

In Chapter 7 Heidi is saying how people ask them how they can keep on doing the tiring work that they do – working with the poor, needy, sick, etc. She says “But we have nothing to gain by slowing down and trying to hold onto our lives. We give ourselves as a fragrant offering of love to Jesus, and in return He gives us His supernatural life.” She goes on to quote Romans 8:35-39. But what she says next is where I am:

“We have His love. We have Him! This is no time to be conservative. This is no time to let our hearts be captured by this world. We cannot improve on His will or His life. Let’s concentrate on what captures God’s attention and spend ourselves as He spends Himself. He knows what is worthwhile to do, so let’s learn from Him and not waste our lives. We will never run dry. We always have His resources, because He died for us. Let’s run the race to win and never stop bearing fruit.”

Wow! That is where I am definitely at right now - what God has been teaching me and saying to me! I've been struggling with what I'm supposed to "do" - but He just keeps telling me to "be" with Him - to rest in His love - to spend time with Him - to deepen my intimacy with Him. I've still struggled with just how all that works - if I spend so much time with Him in His presence - how do I get all the "other stuff" done? "He knows what is worthwhile to do . . ." Wow. . . . . He's also been talking to me about His resources - about there always being MORE than enough for what we need. I'm trying to let go. I'm trying to let go of it being dependent on ME. I'm very capable. God knows that. It's been tough for me to let go in many areas - but I'm getting there. :) . . . . I'll get there. :)

Back to Heidi . . . Two chapters later (Chapter 9), she talks about how “All fruitfulness flows from intimacy”. Wow. This is what God has been trying to teach me. I’m slowly getting it. The vision about resting against his heart (and letting His melody of Love fill me up) helped some the other day. This book has helped some too. I’m getting it – slowly – a little more each day.

In this chapter she says (bold and underlining is mine):

“Let Him love you. It’s so much simpler than we thought. It’s time to be transformed by His love so that there is no fear in you. Be wrecked for everything but His presence. Be so utterly abandoned in His love.

. . .

It’s time to lie down and let God be God. He is mighty, and nothing is impossible with Him. He wants to kiss His Church and transform you with His love.

We are called to be carriers of His glory. It’s not about standing up and being an eloquent speaker. It’s about being so close to the heart of God that you know what He’s thinking. Then you’re not afraid to go anywhere and say anything. The Lord Himself will do anything for radical lovers. He captivates us so that we can never go back. He wants to shatter your box. Often your God is still too small. . . .

Lie down so that He can trust you with everyone. Then when you get up there is revival – when whole nations come to Him, falling on their faces. He changes us with one glance of His eyes, so that we are not afraid to be completely abandoned in His arms. Many want lots of power and anointing, but when you just like down and let Him kill you, it’s a good thing. He wants to love you to death.

We are finally realizing that we have failed and that we cannot bring about the kind of revival this world needs. In the secret place of Your heart, Jesus, we will rest. We will lie down. We will listen, until You tell us to stand up. When you tell us to stand up, we know that nations will come to You.

He’s looking for union, not occasional worship, so that our natures are transformed. We must walk in His nature, and we must die daily.

Some people say, “Just get a grip. We’ve already done that.” But it’s a daily thing, a continual laying down. All fruitfulness flows from intimacy. There’s no other place to get it. To the degree that we are united with the heart of Jesus, God will bring fruit in our lives. To the degree that you are in love with Him, you will be fruitful.

I (Heidi) don’t know anything else. I’m so desperate to stay in this place of abandonment. From this place nothing is impossible. I only have on message – passion and compassion. We’re passionate lovers of God, so that we become absolutely nothing. His love fills us. When it’s time to stand up, God stands up with us. We focus on His face, never on our ministry, anointing or numbers.

All I want to do is love God and care for His people. I find them in the garbage, under trees, dying of AIDS. I’m just really simple. Jesus said, “Just look into My eyes," and every thing completely changed. His eyes are filled with love and passion and compassion. Jesus always stops for the dying man, the dying woman and the dying child. That’s all I know, passion and compassion. He calls me to love every single person I see every single day.

There are so many tired Christians and burned-out ministers. Go, go, work, work, rah, rah. Why? We don’t bear much fruit running around like that. But when you’re filled with His passion, fruit happens.

Just focus on His face. You will only make it to the end if you can focus on His face. Focus on His beautiful face. You can’t feed the poor, you can’t go to the street, you can’t see anything happen unless you see His face. One glance of His eyes, and we have all it takes to lie down. We’re not afraid to die.

We give our offerings, but our offering is going to have to be us. We have to say, “Go ahead. Take me. Take everything.” The deal is, you have to see His face. You have to be completely wrecked by His love so that you will hilariously give your life away. You start to love the people you didn’t think you could ever love, even the mean ones. But you have to see His face.

. . .

We need to be in that place. We’re prisoners of love. Some people say, “Oh, how noble. You’re a missionary.” I’m just a prisoner of love. I don’t have any choice. It is joy unspeakable and full of glory. The whole thing. Every part of it. . . . . One glance at His eyes and you’re wrecked forever.

His call is for all of our lives. He calls each of us to be an extravagant, hilarious love offering to Jesus. That’s the place where I believe the glory comes. This glory of His presence that we are so desperate for, that we so need, that we’re so crying out for, that we’re so longing for, that we sing about, comes as we hilariously, totally and completely give away our entire being before Him. We are the sacrifices He ignites with His love, and His presence just falls. He just comes. He is looking for people who will carry His glory. He really, really is.

But you have to be dead in order to carry it. And when you carry the glory, you will carry it out to the poor, the broken, the dying and the lost. You will. That’s the call. That’s the heartbeat of Jesus, that we carry Him out to the broken. But you can’t carry Him until you’ve seen His face. You have to know that holy place.

. . .

God wants to do signs and wonders like we’ve never seen, but we have to see His face. We have to see what He sees and feel what He feels. Otherwise, It’s dangerous and frightening. He can only release His power and anointing to those who will lie down, who will say “Only You” and stay that way every single day.

The only reason I even think of getting on more airplanes is that God spoke to me and said, “Tell the Church it’s time to wake up!” So wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up Church!

This new army doesn’t get tired. You know why? They know how to lie down in His presence. They know how to rest in His arms. They know how to lay their heads on His chest and listen to His huge heart. They weep with Him over the dying, the crying, the broken, the abused and the lost. Do you really think you can work hard and start a revival? Just run out there and get them? You can’t. But when Jesus shows His face and He breathes life into the dry, dry, bony Church, and that Church stands up full of His presence, carrying His glory, nobody can resist anymore!

. . .

(from a vision – about chariots of fire going across the whole world) The Lord said that His glory will cover the earth like the waters cover the sea, and that this revival that began in the late 1990’s will be known not for manifestations, but for intimacy unto harvest.. . . ."

I wasn’t going to type out this much – but I couldn’t help it (I didn't know where to stop!). :) It is sooooo much of what God has been speaking to me – teaching me lately - and over the last couple of years. I just couldn't have said it better!

But - after reading it - I would have to say I am not totally where Heidi is. That’s ok. I’m not Heidi.

I’m Lori – Victorious one – a Warrior Princess of LOVE – carrier and conduit of God’s love . . . and so much more. My life, my mission – is LOVE – in all that entails. LOVE – it’s all about love! That is my message. That is my “main thing” (as in “Keep the main thing – the main thing”).

LOVE!

It is what has transformed me. It is what will transform you – and everyone on this planet. God loves everyone. There is not one single person, alive or dead, that God did or does not love.

We are called to do the same. Can I do it? I am willing to try. I hope so. I know that I cannot on my own – but only through God’s love. It is through Him that I can love. It is really His love that is just flowing through me. That is how I can love. That is how I will love. That is how I will live my life - through His love.

So – my New Year’s resolution for this year is to live my life by this mantra – LOVE – LAUGH – LIVE (instead of Live-Laugh-Love because LOVE should come 1st! It's out of that Love that I can laugh, live and bring life to others!). I want to be a “hilarious love offering to God” as Heidi put it. Lori the lover . . .the Victorious Warrior Lover! :) That’s me!

Who are you? You are definitely not me - or Heidi. so - who are you? What will God have you do through/with His love?

What was your New Year's resolution this year?

Resolve to do DEEPer in God's love this year!

You won't regret it!

L :)

Resting imparts a melody like no other!

2010-12-20T12:01:00.001-08:00

God has been trying to teach me how to just "rest" in Him for this season.

I've been in a season of transition for awhile - feeling like I have been stuck in a "lock" - you know - the kind where a boat goes into, in order to transition from one body of water to another higher (or lower) body of water. I have felt stuck here for awhile . . . waiting . . . waiting . . . not doing much . . . waiting . . . all the while - knowing that there is a huge body of water that I was designed to sail in - to be a part of - to take dominion over and live in . . . my promised land. But for now - I'm stuck . . . in nothingness . . . or so it seems.

However, a lock is not nothingness. It is something. It has a purpose - a very important purpose. The boat needs the lock to get safely to the higher body of water in a quicker way than having to go the long way around to it (or not getting to it at all).

I know that in my head . . . but actually living it out - just "resting" in God's love and not "doing" something . . . it's hard. He's been on my case about just "be"ing instead of always wanting to be "do"ing something for him.

BE with Him . . . instead of striving to DO for Him.

That's hard for me. I've always been a "do"er - a planner . . . but now - I'm supposed to just be a human "be"ing like He created me to be - instead of trying to be a human "do"ing. How do I do that?

So I've been contending for God to reveal more to me about REST. How do I do it? What does that look like - especially when you have 5 kids to take care of and your hand in a bunch of other projects? How long will I have to rest for? When will I get to the big body of water/my promised land? Don't I need to be moving forward towards it - instead of just "resting" . . . whatever that means. . . .

Well - today I asked God what was on His heart. He told me "Write what you see". So I did. Here is what I saw. WOW! Boy did it encourage me and help me to see the importance of resting in/against his love! As a nurse, I do know about rest and how it helps the body and would encourage all my patients to rest to let their bodies heal . . . but sometimes I don't always take my own advice. :) I would also think about how we would get patients up fairly quickly after surgery - to get their blood flowing and moving - to also help them heal (and prevent problems). So -where's the balance?? I'm ready to jump up now God . . . to go . . but you are telling me to just rest??

Well - here you go . . .

- - - - - - - -

I see your (God's) heart . . . huge – pulsating . . . red, but still multicolored – kind of swirly multi-colored – it’s hard to describe. It’s red – but it’s also all the other colors at the same time . . . kind of like it’s alive and moving. So hard to describe.

I see your heart pulsating . . .slow and strong. It’s a good heartbeat. Nothing stops it. Nothing makes it skip a beat. It’s steady and continuous. It doesn’t stop. It can’t and it won’t. It is huge, strong and immovable.

I see someone, really tiny compared to your heart (your heart is just sitting on the ground or something – but upright) – and they are coming up to your heart and touching it – putting both hands on it and trying to push it over. They are amazed that your heart can just stand there on it’s own – with no support – no connections – nothing to hold it up – but yet it does stay up – beating away. This person tries with all their might to push over the heart – to topple it down. . . but they can’t. It doesn’t even budge! They try harder. They put all their weight into it – pushing, pushing, pushing . . . but nothing happens. They get tired and exhausted and sit down in front of it with their back to the heart – leaning up against it. They don’t know

what to do anymore. They realize that they are never going to budge this heart from it’s spot.

As they lean back and rest –catch their breath – they feel something. They hear something. They notice something that they didn’t notice before. As the heart beats against them and vibrates against their body – a song is being played – being transferred straight into their heart. They can almost feel it – and hear it – but not with their ears. . . .they hear it with their heart. It is not audible to anyone standing around the heart or from a distance – it is only noticeable when you are resting up against the heart. The music transfers directly to this person’s heart.

It’s a beautiful tune – a beautiful melody – full of calm, rest, peace, joy, and lots of love. It fills up this person’s heart and they can actually feel their heart getting full – growing – becoming un-shriveled and filling up. Their heart had become dehydrated – shriveled like a raisin. But this melody – it fills up their heart like a liquid – filling in all the dry areas – filling it up completely full . . . so much so – it starts flowing through their veins. Now this melody is flowing through their veins and into their whole body. As it flows – it brings new life and strength into them. The person feels rejuvenated – alive – new. They hop up and are able to run around – full of strength and energy and joy!

They go back to the heart – and as they barely touch it – they are able to push the heart over. But it’s not in a mean or angry way, and it doesn’t do any damage to the heart – but the heart has become as light as a feather – able to be moved easily and definitely able to be carried around (even though it looks silly and crazy to be able to carry around a heart that is so huge!). It is still beating – still strong – but it is movable now – easy to transport and carry to other places. I see this person carrying the heart to new areas, new lands. He sets the heart down and it stands up like it did before – strong, unmovable . . . well – unmovable to other people. He is able to move it – he is able to carry it – but others come up and try and try to push against it with all their might and nothing happens. It doesn’t budge. But this man is able to carry it and move it. Easily – as light as a feather.

The music flows through his veins even when he is not touching the heart. It is still flowing through his body via his heart. He loves that music. It makes him dance. It makes him sing. It makes him joyful and happy. Others see him and are curious. They don’t hear the music – so they don’t understand what he is singing – why he is singing – what he is dancing to. They think he is a bit strange . . . but he shows them.

“Here, sit by this heart. Lean up against it. Just rest. Don’t do anything. In fact – don’t even look towards it – but lean your back up against it. Just lean back and rest against it. You will hear it – you will see what I’m talking about – why I’m dancing and singing and full of joy!”

So they do – they sit down and lean back against it . . . more out of curiosity than anything. There are some that don’t even want to try . . . they’ll just watch others. But they think it’s all a hoax. How can just leaning up against something like this really transfer music into your body. It’s impossible. Maybe they are just feeling the beating of the heart and that tricks their mind into thinking they have music in them. They really don’t – right?

These poor people. They will never get it – until they try it. They will explain it away, rationalize, intellectualize, have theories, research studies, and supposed “eyewitnesses” of people who have experienced it and can prove it’s a fraud. How sad. How terribly sad.

But the people who actually take the man up on his offer – to really rest against the heart – and I mean FULLY rest (not even trying to hear or feel anything – but just sitting there to rest) – they do start to hear it. It amazes them! They get up quickly – but it’s too soon. Their heart has not been filled yet. It was just a little that got in - a drop – and as soon as they got up, the excitement and music quickly faded. “Hey . . . how come it’s not working?”

“Sit back down and rest! Rest till you are completely FILLED and it is FLOWING through your veins! You are still dehydrated – still shriveled . . . there is a lot of filling that needs to happen. So REST! I’ll tell you when it’s time to get up!’ the man says to the people.

Some of them sit back down and fully rest – but others are “too busy”. “Well – I tried.” They say to themselves. “I guess it just doesn’t really work for me.” Some of them even convince themselves that maybe they were already full enough. It was nice music – but they have other music that they dance and sing to . . . so it’s ok. They have too much to do anyways. Maybe if they get some more time later on, then they will come back and rest some more.

How sad.

But those that go back to resting – get completely filled up!! The melody and music starts flowing through their veins as well. NOW they are able to get up and run around – with endless energy – AND – they now realize that they too can pick up and move this huge heart – just like the person that came and showed them! WOW! So cool!

The music is IN them now. It is NOT external. It is IN them . . . wherever they go. They have the melody of God’s heart flowing through them at all times. It gives them life. It gives them strength. It gives them purpose and energy. It directs them and makes them want to go to new territories – new lands. The old life seems dull and boring now. The old music is useless. It did nothing but tickled the ears . . . but THIS music – THIS music actually DOES something! It is ALIVE! It is LIFE! It is eternal and endless and amazing . . . it’s indescribable!

Soon there are a lot of people running around – fully rested, filled and capable of moving and carrying God’s heart around – to show other people – to help others become filled. But it all came when they rested . . . when they stopped PUSHING against God’s heart and love – and instead, chose to REST UP against it – to lean into it – in a place of total dependency. There was nothing they could do to make the music transfer to their heart . . . other than to just rest up against God’s heart.

And now – God’s melody of love will be carried around the world – by a bunch of heart carriers and conduits of God's love – all dancing and singing to the beat and melody of God’s heart! So cool!!

- - - - - -

What do you think? Does it make you want to go rest now?! I want to!

Later on today God showed me something else related to resting that encouraged me. Instead of having to walk and trek through the woods, up hills, down valleys, through the mud, etc - to get to my promised land . . . God told me to "wait . . . wait here."

Why? Don't I need to keep moving forward to get to where I need to be?

Nope . . . A plane was coming! It was going to take me to the next place I needed to be! It was ok to take the plane - and it was also ok to have fun and enjoy the people I am waiting with! Cool!

He said - at some point all the people waiting will all get on their own planes - but for now - wait, rest, have fun, laugh, stop striving (it won't make the plane come quicker), and enjoy where God has put us! :)

Ok . . . I can do that!

Anyone up for some FUN?! :)

Rest DEEP against (and in) God's heart and love today!

L :)

Ephesians 5:18-20 - "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Isaiah 40:28-31

Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
²⁹ He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
³⁰ Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
³¹ But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

God cares even about the "little" things!

2010-10-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

How are you feeling today?
Are you feeling loved? Cared about?

Do you know that God cares about you . . . about EVERYTHING in your life? Even the "little" things? It's true! He does!

Don't believe me? I have proof - that He really does care about what we/you care about! Let me share a few of my favorite stories with you!

Several years ago I was on my way to work after attending an event at my child's school. I had to get back to work quickly and relieve my friend who had stayed late on her shift to cover part of mine. I had not had dinner yet, so I thought I would stop by Wendy's and pick up something to eat on the way. I looked in my wallet and realized that I only had $1 and some change (this was before they started taking credit cards). I knew I could only order a Jr. Cheeseburger. But as I pulled up to order, I started craving a bacon cheeseburger and fries!! Yum! I wished so bad that I had more money to get what I was craving - but I just ordered my $1 menu burger and pulled to the window. I sat at the window contemplating "I wonder if I asked for free fries if the man behind the counter would give me some?" I was gearing myself up to be brave and ask, but then I saw a sign on the window that said something about conversations being video-taped, etc. I didn't want to get the man in trouble, so I kept my mouth shut. I politely said thank-you as he handed me my bag with my $1 menu burger.
I started to pull away, but decided to look in the bag, just to make sure he had my order correct (how could he mess it up?!). As I opened it - I soon realized he didn't give me what I had asked for! Instead, he had given me what I wanted . . . A bacon cheeseburger and fries! I quickly looked back to see if maybe he gave me someone else's order. There was no one in line behind me, and there was no one even inside waiting in line (or eating). It was empty! The man was still at the window, looking out, smiling a funny smile at me - like he knew I had just found out about the fries and burger.

I was stunned. I was happy. I wondered if that man was an angel, or if God had just used that man to bless me?? Either way - I was late. I drove off to work, smiling and thanking God for blessing me with what my heart desired (as silly as it seemed)! Wow! God really did care about me and the little things in my life!

Another time, about 6 or 7 years ago, my oldest son had been playing on a playground near the baseball field where his brother had practice. As any good Star Wars fan would, he faithfully brought his favorite Star Wars figure with him to play with on the playground. It was Luke Skywalker in a Storm trooper outfit - complete with removable helmet. Towards the end of practice, my son told me he couldn't find the helmet. He had lost it in all the mulch on the playground. Ugh. Like a good mom - I helped him look and look, but couldn't find it. Finally, we had to leave, but he was sad and afraid that his helmet was lost forever. I told him that there was something we could do. We could pray. God knew where the helmet was, and if He wanted us to find it - then it would be there next week when we went to practice. So we prayed, and my son seemed happy and content with that.

The following week we went to practice. I have to admit that I didn't have a lot of faith that we would find that helmet in all that mulch a full week later (and a full week of hundreds of school kids playing on that playground). I went to sit down on the bench (near where my son said he had lost it) as I usually did to watch him play and my other son practice. As I sat down, I looked down - and there between my feet . . . was the helmet! It was as if someone had placed it there just for me to find! Thank you God! My precious little boy learned that day that God really does care about him and even the little things in his life!

Last fall, my daughter decided to play basketball. The night before her first practice, we realized that she didn't have any sweatpants to wear. I told her I would take her to get a pair. She told me she wanted Justice sweatpants (like her friend had). I told her - there was no way I was going to pay $25 for a pair of sweatpants to wear at basketball practice (we have 5 kids to feed and dress, and 1 income) - but that we were going to go to the thrift store and look instead.

There are a couple thrift stores that I frequent more often than others, but this night I felt an urge to go to one I rarely go to. I had quickly thrown up a prayer to God before leaving - "God, it sure would be awesome if we could find a pair of Justice sweatpants at the thrift store - in my daughter's size." Off we went to find something that fits . . . hopefully.

As we were perusing the pants rack . . . my daughter had pulled out a couple things, but got sidetracked by the dress and shirt sections. So I continued to look. I pulled out a pair of royal blue sweatpants that looked like they would be her size. I checked the tag . . . yep - size 10. Then I saw the back of the pants . . . JUSTICE. :) God is good! Practically brand-new looking Justice sweatpants, in her size . . . and "just like my friend's!" she said. AND 50% off! :) I sure do love my Daddy and how He takes care of us - and how He cares about the little things we care about!

Ok - this is the last story that I wanted to tell you about (and the one that spurred me on to writing all the other ones down too).

This past week, my 2nd oldest son, who is in 7th grade, was having a school dance. It's nothing fancy - the kids all come in their jeans and favorite shirts, eat pizza, soda, and usually stand around while the music blares. Last year he wanted to leave half-way through the dance as it was crowded, loud and very hot in the cafeteria where they were having the dance. I didn't think he would want to go this year. But he did.

About 3 days before the dance, he informed me that we "needed" to go to Kohl's and buy him a pin-striped suit! :) Oh really?! Why? One of his best buds had one, and they both had the exact same type of pin-striped Fedora hat - and they wanted to match for the dance. I kind of dropped the subject and bascially told him that I wasn't going to be going to Kohl's to get him a pin-striped suit.

10pm then night before the dance (Thursday night) he comes up to me and says "Mom - we need to go to Kohl's! When are we going to go get my suit?" I again explained that, although I would LOVE to buy him one, I don't have the money for a suit right now (plus - I know he would be "bored" with it, or move onto the next fad very quickly). I told him I was sorry, but they would just have to wear their hats instead.

My heart grieved. I so wished I could bless him and see him all dressed up and having fun with his friend like this. I wished I had all the money in the world at my disposal to give my kids all their hearts desire. But I don't. BUT . . . my Daddy in heaven has an unlimited supply of resources . . . all kinds of resources! AND - he loves to bless his kids, surprise us, take care of us, and show us that He really does care about the "little" things in life.

So - the next day I prayed - "God, I know you helped us find those Justice pants for my daughter. Will you do the same for my son - and help me find a pin-striped jacket or suit at a thrift store? I know you can do it. Will you?" I had some errands to run that day, but I kept seeing in my mind's eye - this one thrift store that I rarely go to anymore (a different one than before), and kept seeing me finding a pin-striped jacket there. I was not in that area, so I tried a different thrift store. No luck. Just one that would fit me (way too big for him). I didn't have high hopes that I would find one his size (12) - and pin-striped. I wasn't even finding ANY boys suit jackets at all.

As the day went on, my errands brought me closer to the thrift store I saw in my mind, and I debated on whether or not to stop and look. I almost didn't. BUT, curiosity got the best of me . . . plus, I still had a little bit of time before the kids came home from school. I parked and went in.
As I headed back to the kid's section, I first stopped at the adult rack of suit jackets. Nothing. Not even a pin-striped jacket - just black, brown and blue ones. Man - there is no way I'll find a kid's one.

I headed to the boys racks - and was passing through the pants section to get to the shirts and jackets. I walked by a pair of jeans, but backed up and stopped to look at them. They looked like my son's size, and the type he likes to wear. They were. I pulled them out to buy them, and then saw a couple swim suits that were my youngest son's size. I decided to just look through the pants section for any other pants that might be on sale (the yellow tags were 50% off that day). As I was sliding the pants over one by one . . . lo and behold . . . in the middle of all the pants . . . was a black, pin-striped jacket! I got excited! But - what size was it? . . . . . I started to tear up as I looked at the tag . . . Size 12!! And on top of it all . . . it was a YELLOW TAG . . . 50% off (only $2.50!)!! I'm still getting teary-eyed as I write this!

God cares so much about my son (and me) - that He showed me exactly which store to go to (out of ALL the tons of thrift stores in our area) - to find a pin-striped jacket . . . in my son's size (and probably the only one in this whole area!) . . . just so he can go to a 7th grade, public school dance, and feel "cool" with his best friend!! :)

Isn't that AWESOME?!

Don't we have the best DAD in the WHOLE universe?! :)

God DOES care about you . . . . ALL of you . . . about EVERYTHING you care about . . . the BIG things and the LITTLE things! He really does care!

The other thing I want you to see here too is . . . God does have UNLIMITED resources to meet our needs - and even some of our crazy wants! But those resources don't always come like we think they will or should (ie - getting a raise, finding money in the mail, winning the lottery! etc). His resources are unlimited . . . His ways are unlimited! And He LOVES to surprise His kids!!

I could go on and on with the various ways God has shown me and my family just how much he loves us (through protecting us, providing for us . . . yes - even through winning a sweepstakes - etc - but that's another story!) - but . . .

WHAT ABOUT YOU?!

How has God taken care of you?

What are the stories you can tell of God's provision - of His protection - of His ways of showing just how much He cares for you? If you can't think of any - start paying attention . . . . not just to the big things . . . but the little things. You may find Him in so many surprising places and events that you would not have noticed before!

I could have chalked up all of these things as "coincidence" or "good luck" . . . but that's not what they were. They were heavenly kisses from my Daddy - just to say - "I love you . . . A LOT!"

He says the same about YOU!

Let God love you a little deeper today (and show you how He is)!

L :)

Forecast - An Abundance of Sunshine!

2010-09-01T05:40:00.000-07:00

(photo by Chad Johnson)

Yes -that was our forecast here yesterday - an "Abundance of Sunshine"! I love it! I have never heard that in a forecast before. I've heard "Mostly sunny, Partly sunny, Sunny" - but never an Abundance of Sunshine! It just made me smile!

No matter where you are in this world - you too had an Abundance of Sunshine yesterday (and today, and tomorrow . . . )! You did! I'm not lying! Maybe I should have written it - "SONshine".

God really is everywhere! He is the "Light of this world"

John 8:12 says - "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

See? You will NEVER have a dark day again! It is possible! It's possible to have an "Abundance of Sunshine" every day!

What do you have to do? . . . . Follow Jesus! That's it! It's not about a set of rules and regulations, a bunch of commandments and lists of things you are now not allowed to do. It's about a relationship - about walking and talking with Him (being real with Him) - about what you DO get to do - about just how close you can get to the creator of this world and the savior of our souls! How close can you get? . . . . VERY! As close to the Light as YOU want! He will NEVER push you away, or even run away from you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (and other places in the Bible) tells us this! "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

YAY! Isn't that great news?! Isn't that a great "forecast"?!

So - if you are worried about the "forecast" for your life today (or tomorrow, next week, next month, next year . . . ) . . . . Let me be the first to tell you - It is filled with an ABUNDANCE OF SUNSHINE!

Step a bit closer (and deeper in) to the Light today! You'll see!

L :)

Disillusioned with organized church/religion

2010-08-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

Alive
New
Fresh
Powerful
Real
Authentic
Passionate

These, and many other adjectives, seem to be the buzz-words of this generation.

"I'm not going to church anymore because it's just not alive . . . authentic . . . real. . . etc . . . I'm really discontent and disillusioned with the organized church. I need something more - and I'm not finding it at church."

I hear many similar statements all around me. I, myself, have felt quite discontent over the past few years. It surprised me at first. What was wrong? Was it me? Was it the pastor? Was it the preaching . . . the worship? Was it just this church? Should I go somewhere else? I was ready to leave. I wasn't hurt. No one had stepped on my toes or bruised my feelings . . . I was just feeling really . . . well . . discontented. I didn't like that feeling and I wanted to leave. . . . immediately!

But I didn't. Instead, I asked God - "What's going on here?! Why am I so discontented? Am I supposed to leave this church and move on to another one that is more [alive, fresh, new, passionate, real, authentic, or filled with power, signs & wonders]? What are you saying?"

God showed me a vision of a river. It was flowing nicely - fairly fast - but not too fast. It was still exciting and fresh. The river turned a corner and it seemed to slow down. It turned into more of a lake now. To me it looked stagnant - not going anywhere. It wasn't fun and fresh and powerful like it was before. I don't want to stay here. This is boring. This isn't "me".

I saw a lot of wildlife coming to the water - to drink - to float on - to live in. Little fish were able to grow and thrive in this slower (almost still) water. But they had to be careful of the birds that would swoop down to try and eat the fish near the surface. I then saw down deeper . . . there was a fast moving river down deep below this lake. Down there, the fish were safe from the predators on the top of the water.

There was more to the vision -but what I felt God was telling me was . . . . "Stay where you are. Go deep and stay deep. That is where the river is flowing fast still. Your job is to let others know it's down there. Call them into the deep Lori. Eventually you will leave this lake, but not for now. Stay deep." He showed me that even though the lake seemed to be stagnant at first - it really was teeming with life . . . a lot of new life . . . new life that needed a safe place to grow and strengthen and to be shown the deeper areas. For now - this lake was necessary for the life it was to attract. That made sense. So I stayed. (**That may not be what God tells you in your situation . . . so make sure you listen to Him! He knows you best!!)

However, there is an increasing population of people (the younger generation especially, but I am seeing it in all generations as well) that are feeling discontented with "church". Is this "the devil"? Is this God? Should they quit church? Start their own church? Not "do" church? What should they do? It may be different for everyone - but there is one thing that is constant in this day and age . . .

God is calling to His bride! He is beginning to woo her, love on her, and reveal Himself to her in new ways that we have never experienced before. The atmosphere IS changing, and the discontent that people are feeling is not all bad. It is a hunger . . . a thirst . . . for the deeper waters, the deeper things of God.

But people don't know that. The enemy sneaks in there and starts whispering in their ears (just like he did in the garden of Eden and all throughout history since then) . . . "The church [God] isn't meeting your needs . . . .This isn't what you want . . . This isn't what you need. . . . What you need can't be found here [in the church/God] . . . What you need is somewhere else . . . Why don't you just "try" something else - because 'everyone else is doing it' . . . " He whispers lies that we believe, that cause us to get hurt, that cause us to get angry, that cause us to lose hope that there really is anything out there that can satisfy this discontent, this hunger that we are feeling deep inside.

Ohhhh . . . I hate the devil and his sneaky, wicked, evil schemes! I especially hate it when I fall for them!

But here's the good news . . . . You are HUNGRY! You are THIRSTY! THAT is what that discontent is all about! I know it doesn't feel like it most times. It feels like frustration, anger, disappointment, loss of hope, etc. But why would you have those things in the first place? Because there was a hunger and thirst inside of you that was longing to be filled and satisfied. And I bet it wasn't being fully satisfied by "the church". It never can be. The Church was never designed to fully satisfy you. Religious activities were never designed to fully satisfy. We were led to believe it would [NOT by God though]. . . but it never will. Why not?

Because - there is only ONE thing that will TRULY satisfy . . . GOD . . . and His AMAZING love for us! For YOU! For His Bride!

God is not "the church". Nor should "the church" be exalted to the status of God. The Bride is not the Groom and the Groom is not the Bride. We have been misled. We have been confused. The Bride will never satisfy our needs that only the Groom can fulfill and satisfy! We must be hungry and thirst for the right thing, and we must not put expectations on the Bride that she can never fulfill. (You will only get frustrated, hurt, disillusioned, and . . . . discontented.)

Matthew 5:6 says,"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they WILL be filled."

There are many verses in the Bible about the hungry being filled and the thirsty being satisfied. Go find some! I promise you . . . God WILL (and does) satisfy!

Psalm 107:9 - "For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
Jeremiah 31:25 -"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."

In fact -go read the whole chapter of Psalm 107! Right now! Click on the link and it will take you right there! No excuses now! :)

Psalm 107 gives several scenarios of how people can, and do, wander away from God - but how God graciously saves them "from their distress" (and blesses them, delivers them, satisfies, etc, etc, etc) WHENEVER they call on Him! He'll do that for you too! It's true! :)

Do you feel discontented lately? Do you feel a longing for something else . . . something more . . . something real and authentic . . . something powerful and passionate?

GOOD!

Then you are in the right place and right frame of mind! You are HUNGRY and THIRSTY! So, instead of listening to the "father of lies" and going "into the desert wasteland" trying to find what you need . . . why don't you come to the water source instead! Come to the river! Come into the deep! Come and drink deep . . . because this water WILL satisfy! There is no water and food in the desert (what were we thinking?!). But there is an ABUNDANCE wherever God is! Come hang out with Him - seek HIM - follow HIM - passionately pursue a relationship with Him . . . because He LOVES to satisfy His kids with "fatness" and the "richest of fare"! :)

Come and drink deep today!
Dive on in!!
I dare you! :)

L :)

Frustrations, Fun & God

2010-07-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! Has it really been over 2 months since I last posted something? It's been on my "list of things to do" every day. . . . but as the summer months began and school let out for my 5 kids, it's been a whirlwind of activity here.

On top of planning for a missions trip, we've had Vacation Bible School, swim lessons, a retreat for my daughter, and a crazy adventure-of-a-vacation in the mountains - camping in torrential rain and wind (thank goodness for a laundry room and hairdryer!), living with deer and skunks on our campsite (the skunks would walk around under our feet - not caring we were there!), seeing a bear (from a distance and safely inside my car), touring underground caverns, and even a tubing trip on the river with a rope swing along the way! We definitely had some fun - but it didn't all go as planned. Isn't that just like life? :)

On the way home our precious 6 year old daughter wanted to pray for our trip. She was thanking God for all the fun and adventure we had (even when it didn't seem fun at the time) - and then she said "I had so much with you God on our camping trip!" :) Wow. I was humbled. Out of the mouth of babes. Many of us (adults & kids) on the trip were complaining about the weather, the heat, the complications . . . but were still trying to be thankful for the adventure it ended up being. However, my daughter reminded me of the most important truth . . . that through it all - the rain, the soaked tents and books (and a Bible!), the skunks, the bugs, the frustrations, the times of anger and sadness, and the times of laughter and joy - sharing memories, eating s'mores, and watching my 7 year old put away 3 hamburgers and 2 hotdogs in one meal . . . Through all of it - God was with us! And my daughter had "fun" with God during it all! I did too!

I do have to say that all throughout the trip I was frequently thanking God for taking care of us. We were almost rear-ended in a tunnel even before we left our city (the car missed us by less than a foot as it squealed and veered into the next lane!)! The rain stopped just as we arrived at the campground so we didn't have to set up in the rain. The next day (my mom's birthday!), the sun was out for awhile and the rain held off till near the end of our tubing trip (but we came back to a destroyed tent over our table and everything soaked in my parents' tent) - however, the rain stopped long enough for us to fix things and dry some things out. We ate s'mores under another tent we had - using our propane stove instead of a fire. And guess what? They were still just as yummy! And there was no rain when we had to tear everything down to leave! So . . yes . . .God is good - and I could see his hand of grace taking care of us all along the way!

But like my daughter said. . . God, I did have alot of fun WITH you throughout it all! The majestic mountains, beautiful wildlife, intricate and amazing sites in the caverns, beautiful waterfalls . . . it all constantly reminded me of our awesome Creator! What an imagination He had (and still has)! I am so thankful! He has created such beauty and glory and wonder all around us . . . if we just take the time to stop and look. We could have kept our eyes on the frustrations, but by looking at what God DID (and was doing) . . . for us . . . it made this "adventure" one I'll always remember . . . without too many feelings of frustration.

On the last morning, I met the woman who takes care of the camp showers and store. I wanted to keep to myself . . . my own thoughts . . . just take my shower and go back and pack up. But I couldn't get this nagging feeling that I was supposed to tell her something . . . just how wonderful she is - what a good heart she has - a "mother-hen" kind of heart - that she loves to take care of everyone and is really good at it. I started walking away, but then went back and interrupted her work. As I opened my mouth and just started saying what I felt God was showing me about her - it was beautiful to see her reaction . . . a sweet smile of gratitude - like a little girl being told she is beautiful. It opened up at least 30 minutes of conversation between us - listening to her stories of her family, her life, her eye that was mostly blind and how it happened, etc. Beneath what had seemed like a rough and well-worn exterior was the tender and compassionate heart of a woman who God loves. I was able to pray for her eye, but she quickly had to get back to work. I continue to pray for full healing for her eye (I wished it hadn't been our last day there). I may never know if God healed it that day -but I do know that I was able to share some of God's love on one of his most precious creations! I wouldn't trade that moment for all the sunny days in the world!

As our summer continues and winds to a close, I want to encourage you to do a few things.
#1. Thank God for all He is doing or has done for you! If you can't think of anything - start with His creations all around you (including people!).

#2. Pay attention to the fact that God is ALWAYS with you - in EVERY situation! He is there to laugh with you, to comfort you in your tears, to strengthen you when you are weak, to give rest for the weary. It doesn't mean our life plays out perfectly in all ways - but it does mean that we have a perfect Friend, Father, Comforter, Counselor, etc with us in all our imperfect situations and experiences. Enjoy being with Him. Practice being in His presence (paying attention to Him being there with you).

#3. Reach out to others around you! Love on them. Not out of selfish ambition, or pride - but out of true love. Love for God. When we love God - we can love His children (His creation) so much more! There is a reason that the Bible says that the greatest commandment is to love God 1st - then love others AS we love ourselves. When we love God and understand HIS love for us - we can truly love ourselves and then others. God sure does love you! AND he sure does love your neighbor, parents, siblings, co-worker, and yes - even your enemies! We are ALL made in God's image (EVERYONE!) - and He loves us all! So go share some of that love with others! Find the "gold" in someone around you and pull it out of them! Show them the "gold" that is inside of them. If you are having trouble with loving someone - ask God to show you how HE sees them (what the gold is). It will change you! Treat people according to their destiny (who God says they are)and not according to their history!

Have fun going deeper this summer!

L :)

What are you Soaking in Today?

2010-05-10T10:14:00.001-07:00

I know I haven't posted in awhile - but as I mentioned in a previous post or two - I started taking classes in January. I'm part of a School of Supernatural Ministry here locally, but we are using the curriculum from Bethel's School of Supernatural Ministry out in Redding, California. I also said this before too - but if you haven't checked out this church, what it's doing, what they teach and preach . . . you need to! Their church is not only changing their city - but their reach is spreading across the globe - to bring healing, deliverance, salvation, love and power to the world!

Bill Johnson - head pastor (as well as other pastors and leaders from that church - Kris Vallotton and Danny Silk especially) has written some incredible books that have been rocking my world! They have opened up my eyes to seeing scripture in new ways, to seeing myself in new ways, to finally understanding more about just WHO I am as well as WHOSE I am! It has been setting me free!

Bethel Church broadcasts many of their services - worship and teaching - on ibethel.tv. You can watch some things for free, and then they also have subscription services - 3 different ones - depending on what you would like/prefer.

Most every day I listen to one of their videos - whether it's just worship or teaching. I used to put on Joyce Meyer every day in the morning (tv, or sometimes online) as I got ready for the day - now it's i-bethel. Occasionally I will also put on a webcast from CBN's Spiritual Gifts Webcast archives at CBN.com. I have also listened to Beth Moore as well (You can hear here at Oneplace.com, or you can watch her on LIFE Today with James and Betty Robinsin here. LOVE that lady!).

By doing this - I am feeding my spirit, healing my soul, and training my mind. I also recently picked up the Bible on CD's (dramatized version) from the library and have occasionally put those in while getting ready in the morning, doing chores, or driving around. (I need to do that more.) I have found that I look at/hear the scriptures differently when I'm listening to it rather than reading it. It's opened my eyes to new things!

I do still watch one tv show a week (LOST) - but that's it (and occasionally a movie . . . but not as much as I used to). Why fill my mind with the ways of this world? Why fill up the empty spaces in my thoughts, heart and emotions with things that don't satisfy? It just leaves me feeling empty still and like I've just wasted part of my life. I don't want that. I want so much more out of life. I want that abundant life that Jesus said he died to give me! He DIED so I could have it! If He died for it - then it must be something good!! NO - GREAT! It was worth dying for! (I was worth dying for!)

We are what we think about. We think about whatever we have put in our minds - through our eyes, our ears, our experiences . . . so . . . .

What are you "soaking" your mind, spirit and soul in these days? I would challenge and encourage you to take note of what you are putting before your eyes, ears and in your life. Is it bringing life into your mind, heart, emotions and life? What kind of life do you want to have? That abundant life that God has for you? Go after it! But remember - it all starts in our minds - what we think about! (If you struggle with this - with your thought life - I would recommend Joyce Meyer's book - "Battlefield of the mind"!!)

I posted signs around my house - not only for my kids, but for my benefit. One of them says "What are you soaking in?" and has a picture of a sponge and a brain. Below it is the verse Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers, whatever is TRUE, whatever is NOBLE, whatever is RIGHT, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is ADMIRABLE - if anything is EXCELLENT or PRAISEWORTHY - think about such things."

The other quote I have posted is this:

Watch your thoughts - they become your words.
Watch your words - they become your actions.
Watch your actions - they become your habits.
Watch your habits - they become your character.
Watch your character - it becomes your destiny.

What are you soaking in today?

Soak in the deep water from the Lord today! Be refreshed - and renewed with LIFE!!

I've added links to many of my favorite "wells" that I currently "drink" from or have in the past. Check the "aqueducts" on the right sidebar!

Drink Deep!

L :)

Do you know WHO you are?

2010-03-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

I love thinking about how intricately God designed us – designed me! Even down to my name – having my parents choose the name Lori (meaning – Victorious one!) for me. He didn’t leave any detail undone!

I was watching my cat yesterday, sitting in the window sill, enjoying the breeze coming in from the open, screened in window, but at the same time – longing to be outside – to be chasing the birds she would see in the yard, to be running around in the grass - nibbling on it, exploring, tasting, smelling, chasing, crouching, playing (with other cats), running – free! I could tell it was driving her crazy to be inside – especially with the windows open! It looked liked torture –to be able to not only see the outside world (now that the blinds were open), but to be able to smell, feel and experience just a little bit of what lay outside – but to be stuck inside! She longs to be outside so much, that she will hide out by the door, crouching and waiting for someone to open it so that she can make a mad dash to try and escape – to be free!

I then thought about the last cat we had. She had been a stray – abandoned and left on her own as a kitten. We found her at about 5 months old – barely skin and bones, dirty, covered in ticks. We took her in, cleaned her up, loved on her, fed her (till she was fat!), and more. However, she still remained traumatized. She was full of anxiety and fear – of noises, of us - if we moved to fast, if we tried to pet her when she wasn’t expecting it, or even if we tried to pick her up. But one thing that frightened her the most, was going and being stuck outside. She would be curious – looking out a closed or screened-in window. She would occasionally try to venture outside, very slowly, smelling, testing, watching to see if it was safe . . . but all the while, still very nervous and unsure of herself and of the outside world. Once, she had ventured outside as I was bringing in the groceries. I didn’t see that she had gone out. When I was done, I closed our sliding glass door and started heading towards the kitchen. As I turned, I saw our cat anxiously run to the door and start clawing at the window, pacing and meowing a fearful cry. I opened the door and she bolted in. She had been so afraid that she was going to be stuck outside.

Cats were designed and created to be outside – to be hunters. We see this in most big cats (Lions and Tigers, etc) – out in the wild, free, hunting their prey, enjoying the sun and wind, the shade and stillness of the day, playing with each other, running . . . free. Housecats were designed the same – only on a smaller scale. We have tamed them, raised some by hand, loved on them, taught them to use a litter box, and made them pets, but deep inside – they still know they are hunters, that they have been designed to be outside – to be free – to be chasing birds, squirrels and rabbits. If we allow them to go outside – they will do just that. If we keep them indoors, they may long for the outside, but they will eventually become accustomed to indoor living – to being taken care of, and to being fed (instead of having to hunt for their food). Animals in captivity can become so accustomed to living this way and being taken care of, that if you tried to let them loose in the wild, they would starve to death – not knowing how to hunt for their food and to really live in the wild. Some animals might actually prefer to remain indoors (or in captivity) because of traumatic events/memories of being out in the wild (as seemed the case with our last cat).

What has God designed me to be? What has he designed me to do? Who am I really? What am I capable of? Have I been in “captivity” so long, that I don’t know? Do I still feel like a slave/servant in my relationship with God? Or do I know my true identity – my position as a daughter of the Lord of glory, the King of kings, the creator of this universe? Do I know that I was not only designed to run free – to chase, to explore, to do great things, to enjoy the sun and shade, the wind and calm, to enjoy relationships and “playing” with others – but that I actually have the freedom to do just that?! I do! How about you?

God has been graciously revealing more of Himself, more of who I am, more of what I was designed to do and be, more of my identity – as royalty – a royal priest (and princess), and not a sinner any longer. I am no longer dirty, starving and covered in ticks! I have been brought into his house and lovingly restored – but not so that I will remain in His house as a servant or as a slave – but so that I could be adopted – as His daughter! I have full access to EVERYTHING my Father has – to ALL of His kingdom! It is mine to enjoy – to run free, to experience, to explore, to have fun in! I love that! I love it that God didn’t save me and bring me into His home to just clean me off to make me His servant. He rescued, saved, cleaned, and restored me – and ADOPTED ME! Little ole me . . . is a Princess now! ☺ Woo-hoo!

I also love it how He didn’t just bring me into His kingdom to keep me here either – to keep me “indoors”. He brought me in, to love me, clean me off, feed me and restore me – so that I could then be free to go back outside at any time – to go enjoy all of this life He gave me – to reach out to others still stuck outside and help them come home, to be adopted, cleaned up, fed and restored. Yes – we were created as eternal beings – to live forever with God in heaven one day, but we were also designed and created to live on this earth – not to live here, afraid, full of anxiety (What if we get dirty? What if we get “ticks” or get sick? What if we mess up, or can’t find food, or meet an enemy bigger than us?) – but to live in freedom – running, exploring, laughing, enjoying the company of others, hunting (finding food), fighting off our enemies with victory, and so much more!

We were intricately and lovingly designed this way. But too many of us don’t know it. We are comfortable just being fed, being taken care of, being “indoors”. Life “outside” is just too scary and unpredictable. Yes it is – unpredictable . . . . but it is so full of adventure! ☺

Then there are some who have lived outside for so long – enjoying the freedom, but not realizing the benefits of having a home to go to – when it rains, when you are tired, when you need some support, love, encouragement and more. These people have never been adopted into God’s family – and to them – it looks restrictive and boring. To them it looks like they would have to give up the fun and freedom, and become something else – become a servant/slave, stuck “indoors”. What they don’t know, is that if they truly came in and met their creator – and realized that they were being adopted, cleaned up, fed, restored – they would ultimately be set free . . . more free than they had ever been before! Then they could go outside and not worry if they couldn’t find food – their Father would have some waiting at home for them! They wouldn’t have to worry about shelter or other basic needs to be met. They wouldn’t even have to worry about enemies – because one cry from their lips would bring their Daddy running!

Being adopted into God’s house is not about living under the law (rules, policies, should’s and should-not’s) – but it’s all about living under grace and love! It’s about being free to live in a loving environment, in a loving relationship, where all our needs are met, but where we have the freedom to also be who we were designed to be – every part of us! When you know WHOSE you are . . . then you know WHO you are! And I, for one, am a child of GOD – forgiven, cleansed, restored and set free! . . . .

Me-ow! ☺

L:)

If you would like to know more about just who you are - and see if your perception of your identity is more of a pauper or more of a prince - go to Kris Vallotton's website for an online test. You might be surprised! I know if I had taken this test even just a couple years ago - my score/answers would have been drastically different!

God . . . "in Love"?!

2010-03-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

I just have to share this with you today! You are truly loved!!! Did you know that?!! Man - does God ever love you!! :) Believe it!

Here's part of our conversation today:

L - So . . . what’s on your mind? How are you doing today?

G – I’m doing well – actually. I’m in love!

L - :) oh yeah . . . with who?! :) hee,hee.

G – with my Bride! Oh man – have you seen her lately? She is beautiful! So beautiful! I am excited for the day that we get to be together – fully – forever! I can’t wait! I wish it was today – or tomorrow. But it’s not. I know there is more preparation that needs to be done – but I am pleased with what she is doing to get ready for our big day! I am pleased. I love her so much! Yes – there are things that need to be worked on – but today, I am pleased. I love her so much!

L - :) I love hearing you talk about your bride like that! It makes me happy! So many times we hear about all the negative – how she is not ready – how she needs to clean up this, do that, etc. I know that there are times when you have to share those things – because parts of your bride are not doing what is needed. But it’s so nice to hear your joy and see you smile about the rest of the bride that is getting ready.

G – I’m not just in love with the rest that is getting ready – but with ALL of my bride! I love ALL of her so very much! No matter what she does, or where she goes, or if she trips and falls . . . I still love her immensely!! She is everything to me and I don’t want any other bride! Just her! I chose her, I want her, and I love her!! Man – my love just bubbles over and overflows sometimes – I can’t contain it! I won’t contain it for much longer! Pretty soon I just won’t be able to help myself – and I will have to just let it all out – let it gush all out over my bride!! I just have to tell her!! I know she wants to know – and I know that she knows to a degree . . . but boy, oh boy do I ever want to fully show her!!! I can’t wait! I have to restrain myself right now –because I would love to just let it all pour out today if I could! But I can’t. It’s not the right time. Soon, though – soon!!!! Ohhhhh Lori – Just wait!!! Just wait!! Wait and see! Wait and watch and see! You will love it!!

L – I can’t wait! I want to see it now! I want to feel it now too! I want you to be able to display your love and affection – and bring your presence into this preparation room today!! When God? When will you come and visit your preparing bride? When?

G - :) Soon! . . . Literally – I am having to hold myself back. It takes all my willpower to not just rush to her side right now. She is so beautiful. She is so precious and lovely. She is everything to me! I can’t contain my love for her much longer!! I want to smother her with my love – with my kisses – with my hugs of protection and love. I want to smother her! I want her to have NO DOUBTS whatsoever of my love for her! For now – I am sending her roses . . . a sign. . . a sign of my affections for her. I will send her chocolates, flowers, songs . . . lots of signs of my love. But one day soon – I will come! I will show her my love - not just send her signs!! I can’t wait! :)

L - :) God – you are so cute! I love seeing you in love! :) It makes me happy! It makes me feel loved (which I know I am)! Thank you for sharing your heart with me today! I feel loved! Thank you! Can I share any of this with your bride?

G – Why not?! :) I want her to know!! All she hears are the bad things – the rumors that I am mad at her – that I want to punish her. I don’t . I want to love her! I want to really show her that I love her! I want to be close to her! I want HER! So yes – tell her! Tell her how much I love her!! I want her to know!!

Know that God is in LOVE with YOU today!! He's not mad at you . . . but IN LOVE with you!! Accept that love - and go deeper in your relationship with Him today! Don't run away . . . but run TO Him! His arms are open wide. They are not crossed in front of Him in anger. They are opened wide! Run to Him - run into His arms! He's waiting for you!

There is a day coming, where we will feel and see more of His love - more of His presence. It will not just be in Toronto, or Florida, or some other part of the world - but it will be throughout the world! There is a day coming! Are you ready for it? Are you looking forward to it? Are you making "room" in your life (your schedule, your relationship, your heart and mind, etc) for more of God's love to be poured out?! . . . .I know I am!

Love and be loved deeply today!

L :)

Facebook - I am a "Friend" of God!

2010-02-28T12:55:00.000-08:00

Today in church we were singing the song "I am a friend of God". I started smiling as I thought about the term "friend" and what it has come to mean in today's society. In fact, "un-friend" was one of the most popular (new) words in 2009. Why? Because of the social networking site Facebook.

Are you a part of the Facebook community? At first I wasn't so sure I wanted to join (I never did get into MySpace) - but then once I joined, I was tickled pink to find not only my current friends and family, but friends all over the world and America - from my time overseas in YWAM (Youth With A Mission), high school, junior high (in sunny FL) - and even elementary school (in the frozen tundra of Minnesota!). What fun to reminisce and see how my friends have changed (or have found the fountain of youth!). I do have to admit though - in the beginning I felt like I was being nosy and spying . . . seeing who was saying what to which friends of mine, etc! It felt so sneaky!

So today in church - I stood there singing my heart out, smiling that I was a "friend" of God! I could see His Facebook page - and that I was one of the blessed few chosen to be one of His "friends"! And I know that He will NEVER "un-friend" me! :) But as I happily thought about being his "friend" - I could feel the sadness in His heart. Was He glad that I was His friend? Yes. Is He glad that you are His friend? No doubt! So where was the sadness coming from?

Are you truly God's "friend"? Do you occasionally check in on Him - find out what He's done or is currently doing - read His posts (the Bible, go to Church, etc)? Or do you occasionally "post" something to Him (pray - or ask others to pray for you) - a request, a praise, a comment, or even a complaint? Do you only connect with Him via "facebook" - at a distance? You might even "chat online" with him once in awhile when you find the time - but how often do you do this in person?

God loves being your friend! But He's not interested in just a "facebook" type relationship. He wants a deeper, more intimate friendship and relationship. He actually would love it if He could not only walk and talk with you every day - but to live with you! To be with you every waking moment of the day! No need to sit down and set aside a special time and effort to "post" something on His facebook page (or hope that He's been checking yours). You would already be in His presence - experiencing all of life with Him - all of your life - and all of His! That's what He wants! He wants so much more than we give Him. He wants so much more of you - because He wants to give you so much more of Him!

So today, take an account of your friendship with God. Is it just a "facebook" type of relationship? Do you spend time in that "facebook" setting just playing games, taking & creating quizes, swapping information and photos with other friends and with God (ie - getting very involved in activities - in and outside of church) - thinking you are increasing your relationship/friendship with God? Are you enjoying just "spying" on your friends and all their relationships and their friendship with God?

It's not that all those things are bad . . . but to really deepen and strengthen any relationship/friendship - you need to get together, in person, with your friend! The intimacy that is shared in personal, close contact - sharing not only facts or opinions, but your heart cries, your joys, fears, laughter, tears - watching how your friend's face reacts to your latest news, feeling the comfort of his/her arms when you are struggling . . . . you can't find that on Facebook!

I challenge you to go deeper with God today. To put aside your "facebook" type relationship with God - and to invite Him in to live with you - every moment of the day. If that's too scary or hard for you to imagine right now - then just invite Him over for coffee! :) You will find, that just spending a little bit of intimate time with Him will leave you wanting more. I don't think it will be too long before you do want Him to move in! :)

As a side note . . . I also want to encourage and challenge you (and myself) to also go beyond Facebook (or email) and get together with some of your friends or family members this week. Reach out to them in a more personal way . . . go out for lunch, set up a playdate with your kids, go see a movie and then out for coffee . . . or just hang out at your favorite spot (beach, mountains, mall). Because really . . . which is more important to you? A clean house (your work, your hobbies, etc)? Or your friends/relationships? Start with your friendship with God - and go from there!

Ditch "facebook" and meet Face to face this week!

Gaze/experience/love/laugh . . . deeply!

L :)

John 15:12-14 "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command."

Tired? Weary? Pink Dandelions?!

2010-02-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share a private conversation I had with God back on Dec. 26th, 2009. It's an honest picture of how I was feeling that day - hiding nothing. The reason I am willing to share it with you today is because it was encouraging me even more today - and I thought that it might encourage you! I hope so! None of us are perfect - but God is - and I'm thankful that He will take all of me - and give me all of Him in return! :)

Take a refreshing sip today!

L :)

L – Happy Birthday Jesus (a day late)!! Ok . . . so I know it probably wasn’t the exact date. :) But I love celebrating your birthday. I just wish it wasn’t filled with so much busyness and stress as well. Of course – all birthdays do that to me – when I am planning a big celebration. It always turns out nice – but it stresses me out through it all. :( I hate that.

I am glad to finally be here at the beach house in NC – though I’m a bit overwhelmed with all the people, commotion, and stuff. I just want to get away – by myself – with you. I have felt trapped at home with kids, etc. for 3 months this fall (sick kids, and then a sick hubby – gallbladder surgery). I feel wiped out most of the time. I just want to sleep – but can’t really. I tried this afternoon – but couldn’t really sleep with the noises in the house (18 people!). Anyways . . . I won’t complain anymore. . . I know you like to hear my heart though.

I need you. That’s my heart. I NEED YOU!!! I don’t feel like myself lately. I’ve felt depressed – though I don’t have much to be depressed about. I don’t know if it’s just that my body is worn out from all I’ve been doing/taking care of . . . or if it’s from not getting to spend time with you like I would like.

I went to a friend's church a couple weeks ago. It was a blessing. 2 ladies after church prayed for me – and said some interesting things. One thing was such a confirmation of what you had just said to me recently – about having to let go of something. She used the word “abandonment” – that I would have to abandon something. But that it was “soooo good!” (she said with smiles) With you confirming that so soon – it makes me wonder if you will ask me to let go of something pretty soon. ?? I guess time will tell. Don’t let me miss it. :)

The other thing that was interesting was when they said that I would “find my rest in continuing to go forward” – that as I kept stepping forward, I would find my rest. That I didn’t “miss it” or mess things up this fall (as I had wanted to spend hours and hours in your word, with you, writing the book, etc – but instead have felt like I’ve just been taking care of sick kids, doing household chores – shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc). I feel so tired though – to keep going forward – to keep doing this. Something is just not right – something is “off” – and I don’t know what it is. :( I hate it. My husband senses it too. He keeps asking me “what’s wrong with you Lori?” And I don’t have any answers to give him. I don’t know. ?? I can only make guesses. So –I’ll ask you . . . what’s wrong with me?? Will you tell me? Why do I feel so depressed lately? Why do I feel so short-tempered, critical, etc? Is it just an attack? Are you working something out in me? Am I not eating right? Enough exercise? Too much? What?? I need you – and I need you to help me. I need you today. I especially don’t feel good today – kind of sick (sore throat, headache, sinus stuff, low fever,etc.). I don’t want to feel sick. I rebuke it!!!

So God . . . what do you want to say to me today? Come and be with me right now . . come sit and talk with me – comfort me – heal me – show me – guide me – love me. :) I’m here . . . wanting to be with you. I need you – so much. I can’t make it in life without you!

G – Hi Lori. :) You know I’ve always been here.

L – I know.

G – I never left. I’ve been walking with you every step.

L – I know. I know it in my head –and at times I could feel you near . . . I just am not feeling like the same woman I was a couple months ago – on fire, full of joy, passion, life, energy, etc.

G – I know. What happened?

L – That’s what I’m asking you! :)

G - :) I know. I’m teasing. I have watched it all Lori. I have seen it all. I have heard all your cries, your tears, your anger and frustrations. There ARE things that I want to work out of you. I do want you to see the need for more of me in your life – for more of my power, my transforming power and love. You cannot give away what you do not have. You need more. You need a lot more. And I want to give it to you. Do you want it?

L – of course . . yes.

G – But it comes with a price . . .

L – what kind of price.

G – A big one.

L – what?

G – all of you. You give me all of you – and I will give you all of me. Does it sound like a fair trade?

L – no. :) From YOUR perspective. :) You get all of me – my limitedness – and I get all of you – your unlimitedness – eternal – infinity . . . .

G – sound fair?

L - :) I’ll take it.

G – Good!

L – But what more do you need of me that you do not already have? I feel like I am always trying to give you more and more . . . all . . .of me. What haven’t I given over? What do you still want? It’s yours!

G - :) I’m glad you say that. I’ll take it! There is more though. You have areas of your heart that you have guarded. You have kept your hands over those sensitive areas to protect them. You haven’t trusted anyone with them – not even yourself, your husband, or even me. I want those areas Lori. I want all of them. Every speck, every part, every hurt, every thought, every memory . . . I want it all. You CAN trust me with them.

L – what areas are you talking about? See – I don’t even really know (I have felt so foggy-headed lately anyways – I’m not surprised). What areas? I want to give them to you. . . .

G – Close your eyes and watch what I show you.

L – Ok. . . . . I see you prying my hands away from my heart some – gently. You are pulling something out of the top of my heart. It looks like a dandelion seed – like when the seeds are ready to blow off the top – light and airy. But the whole stem is like a seed too. ?? what does that mean?

G – See how easy it will be? Just open your hands and let me take it out and blow it away. It’s dead – ready to be released into the wind. When it is – then it will spread far and wide –and cause new plantings – new growth – in places you haven’t even gone – places you haven’t even traveled to. My wind will carry it instead. All you have to do is let me take it out of you and blow it away. Are you ready?

L – but what is it? And if it’s something bad – why would you want to cause growth somewhere else with it?

G – it was bad when it was alive – but it’s dead now.

L – but, if it was bad when it was “alive” – wouldn’t it cause new bad things to grow?

G – no – not this seed. Watch.

L – I see it blowing away – in the wind – high and far . . . for quite awhile. I’m not sure where you are taking it or where it will land. But it’s floating – easily – gently – no struggles. It lands in a very green

grassy area – someone’s lawn. Someone who prides themselves in having a perfect lawn. This seed lands and digs into the ground and starts to germinate – to grow. It’s not detected at first . . . not until the seed had taken root and the plant has grown. There a flower to show that it’s there. It is “announcing” it’s there. “look at me” it says. “Look at me – I don’t belong here! Look at me!”. The owner of the house (someone rich – well to do – someone who doesn’t normally manage his yard –but has others to do it) – he comes out and sees this dandelion. It’s not supposed to be there. How did it get there? Where did it come from? He would call his lawn guy – but instead, he decides to go pick the dandelion himself. There is something about this weed –something about this flower that draws his attention. It’s different. He’s not used to seeing it. Maybe he hasn’t ever seen one. Maybe he doesn’t know what it is? ?? He is curious – so he goes to pick it out of his perfect yard. He picks it up and inspects it. “What is this?” he thinks. He decides to take it to an expert – to get their opinion. What is it? The expert doesn’t know. He’s never seen anything like it before. It’s pink!

Dandelions are supposed to be yellow. This one is pink! Why? Is it really a dandelion? This has caused so much interest, that the lawn owner, and the expert both start doing research, asking around – trying to figure out where this pink dandelion came from. They just HAVE to know! It’s so unique – so different – so . . . pretty even. But it just makes them curious at all costs.

They finally figure out the direction of the wind – estimate the distance it could have traveled. They start traveling the way they think it came from. They start to see more pink dandelions along the way. They ask around –where did those come from? People don’t know – but many don’t care. . . many didn’t even notice. There were so many weeds in their yards already – that they didn’t even notice. So the men continue – they find more and more – until they come to a yard that is FULL of pink dandelions. The whole yard! This must be it. This must be the source. They go to the house – to find out from the owner, where these came from? How did they get to be pink? What happened? And why did they let their yard become full of them? Weren’t they a weed??

The owner opens the door. It’s me. (?? Really??) I tell them. . . . these were planted by my Father. It was the red blood of Jesus that stained the dandelions pink. It covered all the yellow – all that symbolized “bad” (the weed) –and turned what was weeds, into beautiful pink flowers! The pink flowers were not bad. They were good. They still had a way of multiplying – and taking over a yard – of going far and wide and affecting others. But this wasn’t a bad thing. It was good. Beautiful. It was God’s design! It was His design to begin with! Light and airy – the good seed would travel . . . and plant new growth. Easy. Not difficult. Easy. The hard part was letting go of what we are used to – a perfect lawn of green grass. . . . . boring . . .the same as all other lawns. And so much work – to keep it perfect. This is easy. Just let them grow – let them overtake the lawn! Easy!

The man and the “expert” are amazed. They are shocked. They didn’t think anyone would ever purposely let their yard become like this. But at the same time – they are not disgusted – they are intrigued. They want to know more. They want to test this out. They want to see what happens – what happens “if” . . . . They ask if they can take some of the dandelions back to their yards – to their neighborhoods, their cities . . . I say yes! Go ahead! Take as much as you want! More will grow in it’s place! So they do. And they go on to spread more and more of these beautiful pink flowers. What started as curses – turned into blessings. What started as sin – turned into joy – into fresh vision – into beauty.

L – God I do want you to take every part of me – not matter how ugly it had started out as – and turn it into something beautiful – something that will self-propagate in other people’s lives – that will transform them completely!! For ALL to see!! I want my life (my lawn) to be totally different – totally unique – totally visible to all I meet – that I am in love with YOU – that I am filled with you – and your love! Transform me Lord – change me! Use me!

G – Lori. I am. You are unique. You are different. All my kids are – they just don’t always show it. They try to be carbon copies of each other. It breaks my heart. I spent time thinking about each and every one of my kids – designing them – their special talents and abilities, their special looks – and then what do they do? . . . try to copy each other. It makes me sad. I want them to be unique –to be special – as I designed them to be. The only way they will ever know how unique and special they are – is to try to copy me – to look at me. I am like a mirror. When they look at me – they will see themselves – just as I designed them to be. They will see all the good I have created in them. They will see all the talents and abilities I’ve placed in them. They will see all the things I want THEM to do . . . . But they have to look at me – not at each other. At me.

Lori – you have been looking at others too much. You do look at me – but you look at others who are looking at me. I want you to look at me. I want YOU to look at me. See me. See all of me. Emulate me. Look into the mirror and let me show you YOU – who you really are – who I’ve fully created you to be. Stop looking at others and look at me! It’s in doing that – that you will fully know who you are and what you are to do . . and then you can walk proudly and boldly in who I’ve created you to be and do!! You will be proud to be YOU – to be unique – to be and do what I’ve designed you to do. Who cares if no one else is doing it? Who cares if no one else thinks a yard full of pink dandelions is beautiful! Who cares? I’m the only one who should care – and my thoughts and opinions are the only ones you should care about. The others don’t matter. So look at me – listen to me – read my word – spend time with me . . . and ignore all the other stuff. It won’t tell you who you are – and it won’t tell you your worth. Only I can tell you your worth! And to me – you are worth millions!! Billions!! More than you can imagine! :)

L - :) I’m so glad! To me – YOU are worth EVERYTHING!! I can’t imagine living life without you! I can’t live life without you! I do want to know who I am – to know who you are – to be able to be fully free to be me – to be me with my family – with my friends – with my neighbors, etc. I want to be fully free. I want more freedom. I thought I was doing pretty good – feeling so much more free. But I guess there’s more. :) That’s good. I want more! I want to be rid of all my petty frustrations – my short-tempers at times, my selfishness, my criticalness, etc. I want to be rid of it all. Does it ever go away completely? . . . here on earth? :) I don’t want it anymore. I’m tired of it. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Heal me. Cleanse me. Transform me. Use me. Renew me. Change me. I’m sorry. Thank you for forgiving and loving me completely!! You are awesome! I don’t know what I would do without you!!

Jeremiah 6:16 – “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

“ancient paths” – the tried and true ways of Judah’s godly ancestors.

Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Isaiah 28:12 - . . . “This is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and “this is the place of repose” . . .

Exodus 14:13&14 - “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (however, in the next sentence, the Lord said “why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.” (Moses then raised his staff and the red sea was parted!)

Lord. . . .I want your rest – your resting place. I want to dwell there. I want you to fight for me. I am willing to “walk in” the good way, the ancient paths – and I want the rest you promised!!! Thank you Lord for your rest – for your peace – for your joy! Thank you for fighting the fight for me! All the time! Everywhere! Thank you for loving me soooooo much! You are awesome!!! :)

Faith & the Eyes (tears) of the Lord

2010-02-16T09:04:00.001-08:00

Many times, as I am waking up (right when my alarm clock goes off) - I will hear something being said - in my dreams, in my spirit, in my mind. Today it was clear as can be - "Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1). Initially this caused me to think "oh no. What is God going to take away or have me do that will require a lot of faith?!" But then I decided to ask my Daddy above instead! . . . He didn't really tell me . . . nothing specific anyways. But later in my time with Him, He did tell me some other things - and now I see the connection!! :) God is so cool! :)

I wanted to share with you what He showed me - as it's not just for me - but for the church - for His bride. He is calling us to a deeper level of holiness - of purity - of simplicity even. I thought that word - Simplify - was just for me for 2010 - but I have been hearing it all over for the last couple weeks - from other prophetic people and ministers. This message wasn't just given to me - but to many of God's kids who were listening. He wants you to know it to!

I know it looks long - but please read it. I tend to hear God through pictures - and the best way to capture that is to write out what I see as I see it. :)

G – Stop for a minute Lori and look at me. Look into my eyes. What do you see?

L – I see water – an ocean? Water – covering half of your eyes – kind of like peering out a porthole in a ship – with the water half-way up – moving and flowing – bobbing up and down – alive. Almost like tears welling up in your eyes as well. I see a drop from each eye leak out – onto your cheeks – slowly rolling down and dripping off your chin/face. But you catch the tears. You catch them and put them in your mouth. You don’t want them to fall to the ground – you don’t want them to reach the ground – to be wasted. They were not meant for the ground – but for people – for other things. So you put them back in you – in your mouth – to be digested and made back into tears. You are eating/drinking your tears. I see more and more flowing out – filling up your hands – as you cup them to hold all the tears – and then drink them back up. Why are you doing this? Why are you crying and why are you drinking your tears? These don't seem like tears of sadness - but more of an overflow of what's inside of you. Why don’t you want the tears to fall on the ground – to be noticed by the world below you?

G – These tears are for my people. These tears are for you. These tears are for others. But the world is not ready for my tears. They would find them an “inconvenience” – kind of like a rainstorm when they don’t want it. They want the rain when they are in need – but right now – they don’t think they are in need. They have been saturated – not with my tears – but with other things – that have taken the place of my tears. They feel satisfied – they feel full – filled up – so they would not find my tears refreshing or needed – but an inconvenience. I cannot afford to let them feel these tears right now – not because I don’t want them to have them – but I’m protecting them (the people) – loving them. I do not want to push them away from me any more than they are.

But I do want them to have these tears – I do want them to have them. What they don’t know is what is in these tears! They are so much better than what they have been filling their lives with. These tears are salty – just like real tears. But the salt is not there to dry things out – but to preserve things. The tears are refreshing – fragrant actually – and will not only preserve things – but bring new life. There is life within these tears – like little microorganisms, floating in the water – and by introducing my tears onto the soil of earth – into the lives of my people – NEW things will be introduced – things not of earth – but things of heaven – things of ME – that are a part of me – part of my DNA. That is what is in those tears.

I WANT to shed them and allow them to fall onto earth – but my people are not ready for them. They don’t even know that the tears exist – they are not even getting ready or looking for the tears to come. I need them to. There are 2 ways that will cause my people to become ready. . . .either they start preparing and cleaning out the “junk” in their life – the substitutes for these tears – and making room for my tears to come – or there will come a drought – a dry spell – a time that will clean out the junk in their lives for them – in a way that will not be pleasant – that will be very difficult. Either way – the end result will be that my tears will come – that I will be able to pour them out on the earth and introduce new growth, new things in the earth. But which will they choose?

It’s like what you are doing now Lori. You can choose to go through your “things” and decide for yourself to get rid of them, and feel good about making those decisions – or a fire can come along and just burn up everything in your house for you. Either way – you don’t have your “stuff” anymore – but one way is definitely more painful than the other – AND you lose more “stuff” with the second way.

L – I understand. What do you want me to do with this information? I see your heart. I see what you are wanting to do – release more of heaven – more of YOU onto this earth in a powerful, creative, life-giving way . . . and I do know that your people are not ready. Some are. Some are preparing. Some have seen the tears welling up in your eyes and are getting ready – clearing out a spot – clearing out as much as they can – because they know that the more they clear out – the more they will be able to hold when the tears/water/rain falls! If they only clear out a little – they get a little. I want to clear out a lot Lord!

I then see others who do see the tears coming – they’ve heard the “weather reports” – and have said “hmm . . . sounds interesting. I’ll believe it when I see it. For now – I’ll just carry around an umbrella. I’m not sure if I want any of these tears/rain right now. I’ll see what it does in other people’s yards/lives first. Then – we’ll see.” Oh God – my heart aches for those people. They will miss it! They will miss the rain. They think it will remain – but it will be a downpour! By the time they have put their umbrella away and tried to clear out space in their life/yard – it will be almost too late. Some will catch the tail end – and get a little of the rain – but others – will get nothing. The sun will come out/return (the “son” will return?) and they will be left with nothing – left high and dry - everything will be dry . . . no growth – but they will be surrounded by green growth – in everyone else’s yards that chose to clear a way before the rains came.

Lord – I want to clear a way – for me – and help others – before the rain comes. Let us feel some of your tears now (as we clear out) like a mist before the rains come. I do see the downpour Lord – I do see the downpour. It is heavy – it is hard – it can do damage to those that are trying to protect themselves – to cover themselves up. It will demolish any type of umbrella or covering they try to put up. Lord help them! Get ahold of them now! Show me how to help them Lord. Show me how.

G – You have seen correctly Lori. There is a time coming soon . . . very soon – when I will release these tears on the land – enveloping the earth like a huge faucet pouring out water – a tidal wave – it will cover the whole earth. But my people are not ready or prepared. I have called many others to help prepare the way – I have people doing it already – getting ready. I want YOU to get ready Lori – get your family ready – get your house ready – get your life ready. I have so much more to pour out – it is coming Lori. So get ready!

L – How do I get ready? Practically speaking – what do you want me to do?

G – Keep cleaning out your junk – physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. Watch what you put before your eyes, before your ears. Watch your gates. Keep them pure – keep them sanctified – keep them cleaned out. Detach yourself from things Lori. They are just things. I can always replace them. Detach. Give them to me. Let me use them for my glory. Everything. I can always give you more. It will be so freeing. Let them go. Let go of everything and anything you hold tightly and dearly to – and give them to me. Don’t I have big hands? Don’t you see how all of your things, all of your relationships, all of your dreams and so much more fits into my hands – with a TON of room leftover?! All that space leftover is where I am going to add all MY stuff, relationships, dreams and more! :) And then give them back to you! Are you ready? Are you getting ready? Do you want it?

Are YOU ready? Are you getting ready? Do YOU want it?

I was curious as to why God would use an image of tears? Why tears? Why not just rain or water? Look what I found out!

Tears provide five functions:

Keeping the epithelium moist, thereby protecting the outer covering of the eye from damage because of dryness
Creating a smooth optical surface on the front of the cornea (which would help you see more clearly)
Acting as the main supplier of oxygen and other nutrients to the cornea
Carrying waste products away from the cornea
Providing enzymes that destroy bacteria that can harm the eye

Normal tears that cover the corneal surface comprise three layers:

the lipid, or oil layer, which is the outer layer of the tear film and helps prevent the lacrimal layer beneath it from evaporating or overflowing the lower eyelid
the lacrimal, or watery layer, which is the middle layer and contains salts, proteins, and an enzyme called lysozyme that actually protect and nourish the eye
the mucoid, or mucus layer, which is the bottom layer of tears. It contains cells called goblet cells that cause the tears to adhere to the eye.

All three layers of tears are necessary for proper lubrication.

Can you see any similarities? Can you see why God would use HIS tears - to pour out on us? To protect, keep moist (from "drying out"), help us "see" clearly, nourish (supply w/ "oxygen" - that which sustains our lives), help get rid of "junk", and fight off the "enemies"! And all THREE layers are needed - oil, water, mucus. (The goblet cells are quite interesting! They actually react to irritants instead of hormones - and the mucus within them is so very dense - that upon secretion it expands almost instantaneously and tremendously (up to 500-fold in 20 miliseconds!). Mucus is there to protect - but in the case of tears - to also help the tears to "stick" to the eyes!

"Eyes" are very important. The Bible is full of references to eyes. It was Adam and Eve's eyes that were "opened" when they ate of the forbidden fruit and sinned. There are many scriptures about finding "favor in the eyes of the Lord". Psalm 33:18 says - "But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love". I could go on and on. There are 509 verses in the NIV that contain the word "eyes"! Do you suppose God is trying to say something about eyes - about HIS eyes - about OUR eyes? Yes! And where do tears come from? Eyes!

I would challenge you to do a word study on "eyes" today. Ask God to show you what He is saying to you about His eyes - about your eyes - and more! As for the verse in the beginning about Faith . . .

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for - certain of what we do not see." - Think about this verse in light of what God said. Are you going to be like one of those "wait and see" people? Or will you take His word (in the Word of God - not just this conversation I'm sharing with you) - believe it - in Faith - and act on it - even though you may not see what you are hoping for or what God has said will happen, etc?! God's truth will ALWAYS trump facts, circumstances, or feelings! Always! :) Yay for that!!!

Get ready bride of Christ! Make your preparations. The wedding is coming! You don't want to be caught off guard!

God is going to be releasing more of Himself (His power, love, miracles, creativity, etc) in the "days" to come! Don't be caught with an umbrella in hand . . . .Get ready to receive ALL He wants to pour on you! You won't regret it! :)

Get ready for the downpour!

L :)

Shifting my armies - Big battle coming

2010-02-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

I have been feeling strongly lately that I am supposed to share this word now. In a conversation with God back on October 16th, 2009 - I was asking Him about certain prophetic words that had been coming out about attacks on the US. This is what I feel He told me to write down . . .

Hear me on this Lori. There IS coming a day that will be painful – not only for the United States, but other nations as well. This is not about the U.S., or about the other nations. It’s about me.

There is a war going on that you cannot see, that has been escalating for years now. It is getting bigger and stronger. Know that I will win in the end, but also know that this war will carry over onto the earth. It will be felt in many ways and in many places.

Those that are watching will see what is going on and will be able to pray, will be able to stay safe. Those that are not watching or that choose to look the other way, will be affected. Keep watching Lori. Keep waiting. Keep praying.

I am shifting things in the heavens. I am shifting my armies to fight this battle in a more strategic way. But this shifting will be felt. It may feel like it leaves gaps in some areas. But those areas will wither away. The enemies left behind will leave and move on to join the larger battle at hand. Those battles are not what I want to focus on anymore. They are not “worth it” in a sense. There is a bigger battle coming, and I am positioning my troops in preparation for this battle to arrive. It is not here yet. It will be soon. Very soon.

But keep watching. Keep praying. Keep warring with me in this heavenly battle as I need your help. I need everyone’s help – everyone to pray. This is a battle that will affect EVERYONE – and so I need EVERYONE to pray. It’s not about the U.S. It’s not about other nations. It’s about me and it’s about the battle to come.

I will protect the U.S. from many attacks and many things that are to come – IF my people pray. I do not like to see my children suffer – so I will protect them. But I need the prayers. I need people to watch. I need to be able to tell people how to pray, when to pray, where to pray, how to fight and win this battle. There will be casualties. There will be fatalities. There will be wounds and amputations. BUT . . . we will be victorious! But I need your help!

Keep your eyes and ears open. Ask God to show you what's going on - how to pray . . . and GET READY for the battle to come! As God said to me a couple years ago - it is more dangerous to stay behind than to join in His army to fight the battles ahead. If you stay behind - you are unprotected. The army has left town. . . . . .

Pray deeper today. Get ready!

L :)

Pull back the curtains!

2010-02-11T05:33:00.000-08:00

I feel like God wants me to share with you a recent conversation with Him (2/4/10). This is a word - not only for us as individuals - but for the church as a whole. Here it is . . .

L – Ok God. Here I am – ready to write. What did you want me to write? What did you want to say?

G – Listen carefully. What do you hear?

L – Physically or spiritually?

G – Spiritually

L – Peace, joy, love, patience, kindness . . . :) The fruit of the spirit.

G – Yes – but what else?

L – (open my ears Lord) Rain?

G – What kind of rain?

L – Gentle rain – like a gentle spring rain – tapping on the window panes. I can’t see it – but I hear it – just outside – tap, tap, tapping – inviting me to come see.

G – Well –go look!

L – I pull back the curtain . . . . but I don’t see what I expect. I am scared – suddenly scared – like there was something outside the window – hideous and evil – that was imitating the gentle rain – it was imitating it – allowing me to feel peaceful that there was a gentle rain just outside the window – but there wasn’t – it was a lie – it was something evil. When I opened up the curtains though – it ran away. I was scared and shocked at first because it wasn’t what I was expecting to see. I was expecting to see the gentle drops of rain falling and sliding down the window glass – expecting to see the wispy clouds overhead – sending down the nourishment for the grass and trees. I was expecting to smell the clean freshness that the rain brings with it. However – it wasn’t any of the above. It was dark, ugly, hideous, and full of fear. IT was full of fear – and of evil. But it was more afraid of me – once it saw me – once it saw that I saw it was there – it ran – bolted – away from the window. I didn’t see where it went –but it went away fast and far. Now there is nothing outside my window. No light – but no darkness really – just nothing. Grey. Nothing. I close the curtains again (they are burgundy/scarlet velvet. ?? hmmm. . . ) So God – what was that?!

G – There is coming a temptation to man – to my church. It’s a temptation to feel comfortable – to be comfortable in your surroundings and in what you hear and expect. But things are changing. The winds are changing. What is outside those windows and behind the curtains – are coming. If the curtains are closed – if my people cannot see outside – they will be caught unaware. They will “feel” as if everything is ok. They will “feel” and “hear” that it sounds alright – it’s normal. “This is what to expect this time of year – this springtime. We always get these kinds of rain showers this time of year. Don’t you just love to hear the gentle rain?” (they will say) But tell them it’s not. It’s a lie! They won’t believe you . . . unless they look for themselves.

OPEN UP the CURTAINS Lori! Open up the curtains – BEFORE this comes. If the curtains are open – the enemy won’t even bother with that window. He can’t be sneaky and trick them with the window exposed. HE will be exposed. He loves the dark – He loves the shadows – so keep your windows exposed. Pull back the curtains and let the light in!

Yes – this is the springtime (coming up) –the time for rain showers. And yes – rain will come – but not yet. This year will be different. The rain will not come at the usual time or in the usual places – it will be different – because I have a different crop to harvest this time – this year. It’s a tougher crop – that requires a lot more water – and so I am gathering all the water I need to dump on this crop at just the right time. I can’t spread it out too thin – but I have to deluge this crop – to soften it – to loosen it – and to keep it SOAKED at all times. I can’t take the chance that it will dry out even in the least! In doing this – the water will reach way down deep – to the deepest parts beneath the very thick crusty exterior – the thick crust on top. Underneath all that crust and dry earth, is fresh, soft, and tender dirt . . . and seeds . . . LOTS of seeds!!! No one knows they are there – but they are – and there are LOTS of them!! They were planted there years and years and even generations ago – by your fathers and your father’s fathers. They’ve been waiting – underground – hidden – waiting for this time – for someone – something to be able to reach them. And I CAN! I WILL! I am so excited about this Lori – soooo excited about this. But the enemy is on guard and wants to lull my people to sleep – He wants to lull them into thinking that the rains will come as they always have – that they don’t have to do anything to get ready – “Sure – the rains will come. They always have. I’ve never had to even think about whether there would be rain in the spring. It’s always there and has always happened.” they will say. But tell them this. . . .GET READY NOW!!! There is no more time to waste. You must get ready NOW.

The months are coming down to the time when I will need my workers to be ready – ready with their buckets, ready with their rain gear, ready with their picks, and hoes, and other tools to get the water that is coming deep down into the ground. Help me soak this ground – help me till this ground – help me break up the hardened areas and get the water deep, deep down to where it needs to be. I NEED this harvest to come! I need this harvest to ripen. I need those seeds to be watered. But who will do it – especially if they are comfortable in their houses, behind their closed curtains, doing as they please. The enemy is sneaking up. OPEN YOUR CURTAINS! I came and ripped the curtain (the veil) in the temple – I didn’t do that so that the curtain could be closed again! OPEN your curtains! See the world as it is now! Don’t rely on “what you hear” and on what you think you know (is associated with what you hear) – see for yourself! Open the curtains NOW!

L – God – Help me to keep my curtains open. What does that mean? Does that mean that I am to keep my eyes open to you? To others around me? To what exactly? How do we keep our curtains open.

G – Lori – my people have shut me out. They live their lives as if they are on my side – as if they have included me in their lives “Yes – I love God. I go to church. I’m praying about this . . . or that.” But they don’t even invite me into their homes. They go in, shut the door and close the curtains. This is dangerous (and it makes me sad). I want to be a part of their lives – ALL of their lives. I want to walk and talk with them, teach them, laugh with them, heal them, and so much more. But they have shut me out.

So . . . . have you shut your "curtains"? What do you need to open up - to God? What to you need to ask God to show you? Are you looking outside your "house" - your comfort zone - your church? Have we (as the church) tried to close the veil/curtains to the outside world - happy and content in our "house"? There is a world out there that needs Jesus - and WE are the representatives of Jesus to them! Are you willing to do that - to be His representative - even to those that are "hard and crusty"? Are you willing? Are you ready? If not . . . I would encourage you to GET READY! Open your curtains! OPEN THE CURTAINS CHURCH!! Stop being lulled by your comfort and routines - stop being lazy - stop being selfish - stop being distracted - and open your curtains to see what is really going on outside! The enemy is out to kill, steal and destroy - and He will do whatever is necessary to keep God's children from knowing what's really going on! Open the curtains and let God show you! Do NOT close what God has already opened!!

Open your eyes and ears today to the deeper things of God!

L :)

Are you IMMUNE to ARREST?!

2010-02-05T13:29:00.000-08:00

Hello there! I hope you are doing well! I've missed sharing with you for the past few weeks. I've been trying to get caught up with alot of household things - reorganizing, simplifying, etc! But I've missed you!

I just wanted to share some thoughts with you today about what I am reading in Exodus. No - this will not be boring! :) Yes - it looks long . . .but trust me . . . it's easy to read -and well worth it! :) Take a chance! What do you have to lose? 10 minutes out of your day? :)

Great! I'm glad you are joining me for this journey! I love having company! :)

(ps - please excuse any problems with fonts, sizes, etc. . . I was having issues after copying and pasting from a word doc. Thanks!)

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Exodus 15:3 – “The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.”

*This was part of the song that Moses and the Israelites sang after God delivered them at the Red Sea. I love it! Go Mighty Warrior! :)

Exodus 15: 8 – “By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up. The surging waters stood firm like a wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.”

Exodus 15:10-12 – “But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? You stretched out your right hand and the earth swallowed them.”

*Again – more of the song that was sung after God performed a miracle. What amazed me was the simplicity and ease of what God did versus the outcome that happened. He “blew out his breath” from a “blast from his nostrils” and then He “stretched out” his “right hand”. Stretching and breathing. Not too difficult. But the power that comes from God breathing and stretching – killed a whole army of Egyptians and saved hundreds of thousands (or a million+) Jews!! AWESOME!! I love knowing that God can do that for me as well! Keep breathing and stretching God! :)

Exodus 15:13 &17 – “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. . . . You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance – the place, O Lord, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, your hands established.”

Wow! God doesn’t just redeem us and that’s it. He wants to lead us, guide us, bring us in and PLANT us ON “the mountain of (His) inheritance”!! HIS PLACE! His temple! His sanctuary – that HE made – HE built, HE established with His own hands. He doesn’t want to leave us in the desert after freeing us and redeeming us from captivity – He has a better place for us to go to . . . HIS place! And it’s not just going to heaven when we die. It’s here – it’s now.

What is His sanctuary? What is His mountain of inheritance? For the Israelites – it was Mount Zion. It was a literal place – a place where the temple was built – where God “resided” – where Jerusalem was. But Mt. Zion (or Zion) is more than just a physical place in history for the Jews. It is a spiritual place – in the present and in the future – for all of God’s children! It is the promised land that He has for each of us – designed and built with His own hands. (Jer. 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you – to give you a hope and a future.”) He has GREAT plans and a wonderful “promised land” for each and every one of His kids (that includes YOU . . . if you are one of His kids)! Don’t you want to go there?! :)

To be planted is not just temporary. It’s (usually) permanent. God isn’t just taking us to His house to show us around – He wants us to live there –to grow there, to flourish and remain there! He has built a “sanctuary” for us! Webster’s Dictionary defines sanctuary as this:

a. A sacred place, such as a church, temple, or mosque. b. The holiest part of a sacred place, as the part of a Christian church around the altar.

a. A sacred place, such as a church, in which fugitives formerly were immune to arrest.

b. Immunity to arrest afforded by a sanctuary.

3. A place of refuge or asylum.

4. A reserved area in which birds and other animals, especially wild animals, are protected from hunting or molestation.

WOW!! Isn’t that cool?! He’s not just taking us to some stuffy old church or boring religion . . . He’s taking us –first of all – to HIS place – to the most holy and sacred of places – the most intimate of places. And what is the most holy, sacred and intimate place you can think of? Being in a close and intimate relationship! He is bringing us in – holding us close – AND . . . PROTECTING US! Don’t you love that part of the definition? He is bringing us to a place where we are IMMUNE to ARREST! We are protected from “hunting or molestation”! It’s a place of peace. It’s a place where we cannot be touched by the enemy -who is still out to steal, kill and destroy us . . . and would LOVE to arrest us if he could!

He unfortunately convinces many people that they are still under arrest – that they do still need to be in chains or handcuffs – that they are not really free. Yes – they may be walking around the streets “free”, but their hands are cuffed, they are dragging chains behind them – attached to all sorts of things that weigh them down, that keep them from going very far – that keep them attached to what is behind them.

If you are one of those people - I need to say this . . . . STOP IT!! You ARE FREE!!!!

You do NOT have to walk around with those chains or handcuffs anymore. Jesus went to your trial for you! HE took on your crimes. You were exonerated – your record doesn’t show that you’ve been cleared of previously convicted or committed crimes . . . your record shows . . . (get this!) . . . NOTHING!!!

That’s was “justification” means . . . it means just-as-if-I’d never sinned!! So you got to walk out of that courtroom – FREE, while Jesus stayed behind, cuffed and in chains and ready to stand trial for all that you’ve ever done. You look behind as you are walking out and you see his face. It’s not sad. It’s one of peace and love. He is happy to do it for you. He wants you to be free. Don’t be sad. Be HAPPY! He wants you to be HAPPY – to be free! The last thing – no not even the last thing – he NEVER wants you to even touch those handcuffs or chains again! They are not yours! They are His! So STOP IT! Stop putting them on. STOP wearing them. STOP dragging them around. They are NOT yours!! (Do you hear me?!)

ACCEPT the freedom that Jesus bought for you! It is not spiritual or religious to go around dragging your chains and feeling like you are “paying” for your sins. Your sins have already been paid for!! End of story! No questions asked! It’s a done deal! Can you accept that deal? Can you accept that awesome gift?? Just imagine!

Imagine that you were in Jesus’ shoes. You decided to take the place for someone – maybe your son or daughter, a friend or relative. You decided to have their record totally cleared and erased, and YOU would take on all their guilt and punishment. You did it because you love them so much – because you want them to have a better life – you want them to go out of the courtroom – FREE – and enjoy the life they are being given.

What if you saw them leave, but as they left, they picked up a set of handcuffs and chains? What if you saw them outside the window of the courtroom and they had already put on the handcuffs when they ran into an old friend. People around them started saying to them - “Hey – didn’t you commit this crime? Why aren’t you in chains? You should be. I can’t imagine having the audacity to walk around as if you hadn’t committed that crime! Who do you think you are?? You’re not anyone special. You are a criminal. In fact – maybe I need to take you back into the authorities and have you arrested. You don’t have the right to be walking free.”

What if you saw your loved one agreeing with them – falling for the lies that they were saying (because – it did make sense – it was logical and rational)? I know it would break my heart! I would want to scream at the top of my lungs through the windows for them to hear . . . “Run fast!! Don’t listen to them! Drop those chains and handcuffs! They are NOT YOURS!! I have yours on! Don’t you see?! Don’t you remember?! I HAVE YOUR CHAINS AND HANDCUFFS ON!!!”

Then your loved one walks away. He/she walks down the street and gets into the car – with difficulty – having to slowly drag the chains behind them, then load them into the car. It takes so long and is so heavy that they later decide, it’s just too hard to go anywhere.

“It’s too hard to go outside – not only because of the heavy chains – but because of what people will say. There will be those that knew me before – who knew the “real” me – and will see the chains and think nothing about it. They were used to seeing me in chains. In fact – they accept them because they have a lot of their own. They help me add some more links to my chains, add on some heavy balls to weigh it down even more . . . just for the fun of it. ‘Let’s see who can carry around the most weight!’ It’s as if it’s a game to them. But I don’t find it fun. I don’t find it enjoyable any more. I used to – when I didn’t know anything else. But I don’t anymore. I got a taste of freedom. I felt the lightness in my step, the ease at which I could walk, the freedom to go anywhere I wanted, as fast as I wanted, without a care in the world. I could smell the sweet aromas in the air – and follow them to their source. I could feel and enjoy the warmth of the sun, without wanting to curse it because it was making me all the more hot and sweaty as I struggled to drag my chains. It actually warmed me as I ran in the cool breezes. I knew what that was like. So now – this “game” is not so fun. But I am stuck. I don’t know how to get out of these chains now. I don’t know that I will ever be able to get outside and enjoy life again. I also don’t like going out with my chains, because there are those that know I’ve been set free – and now they are looking at my chains – judging me for still having them. Some of them are totally free – and I’m jealous – envious – wondering why I didn’t stay that way. Then there are some that “say” they are free – but I still see the handcuffs – I still see some small and even large chains. Those people seem so hypocritical. Though, some of those people are nice to me. Some of them really do want to help me – but I just think they all want to judge me and send me back to jail. So why bother. How can I really tell which ones really want to help me anyways? And forget about going to church. I can’t go back in there now. What if the people there see my chains?”

Your heart breaks as you see what your loved one is going through. This isn’t what you signed up for. This wasn’t the plan! Why doesn’t your loved one just drop the chains?! They are not really permanently attached – he/she only thinks they are! It’s a lie. It’s a scam! They are really FREE! You ask for a phone call – to be able to talk to your loved one. You dial the number – but no one answers. On the other end, your loved one sees it’s you calling. They are too ashamed to pick up the phone and talk with you. They don’t want you to know that they are not really enjoying this life you paid for them to have. Sometimes you call and they don’t even hear the phone ring. They’ve put the phone away – turned it off possibly – because they just can’t bear any more guilt and shame in knowing that they let you down – that they just “couldn’t” grasp hold and continue to hold onto that life of freedom that you gave them. They occasionally keep trying to come back to the courtroom – to another court – to be tried again for their crimes. The police keep telling your loved one that that’s a good idea –“yes – you should turn yourself in and pay for your crimes.” But each time they bring you before the judge – He looks at your record as says “Why are you here? I don’t understand why you think you need to be here, to be in chains, or to pay for any crimes. You don’t have a record. So take off those chains and handcuffs and leave them here in the courtroom. They are not yours and you do not need them.” The police seemed shocked and surprised – but they encourage you to take off the chains and handcuffs. But you don’t. You choose not to. You just don’t believe that the judge knows what He is talking about.

How long will you keep doing this?

How long will you continue to walk in unbelief and be weighed down by your chains?

Would you like to see your record?

Let me show you.

Romans 5:6-11 "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

⁹Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! ¹⁰For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! ¹¹Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

Romans 3:21-26 "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. ²²This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to ALL who believe. There is NO DIFFERENCE, ²³for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴and are JUSTIFIED FREELY by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. ²⁵God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate HIS justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— ²⁶he did it to demonstrate HIS justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”

YOU (yes YOU!) have been “JUSTIFIED FREELY”! Remember – justified means “just as if I’d never sinned”! No record!! BUT – to attain that freedom – to have those chains fall and stay off – you have to have FAITH – BELIEVE – which means . . . you have a CHOICE! Do you keep the chains on . . . or will you let them go – and believe (no matter what if “feels” like or what people tell you) that you don’t HAVE to wear those chains anymore. They are Jesus’ chains! Let Him have them and carry them. He’s strong enough! In actuality . . . . He already carried them . . . then threw them in the face of the jailer – the one who wants to keep you in chains!!! (Satan)

So – Are you ready to go to Mount Zion today? Are you ready to “be” like Mount Zion today? Make a choice today!

Psalms 125:1&2 -"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which CANNOT be SHAKEN but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore."

Hebrews 12:22-24 - "But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, ²³to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, ²⁴to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”

Make a choice today – Go deeper (& Higher!) You won't regret it!

L :)

Glass? . . . FAIL! Me? . . . PASS!

2010-01-15T09:35:00.000-08:00

"You cannot always help what happens TO you, but you can help what happens IN you."

"The kingdom WITHIN you will become the kingdom AROUND you."

"You are not a product OF your environment, but you are a product of the WAY YOU RESPOND to your environment."

- Kris Vallotton

These were the words that I starred and underlined in my notes last night as we listened to Kris Vallotton speak about "The Process of Developing People". He had so many good things to say - about making mistakes/failing (not morally), understanding that when we work with people - it will be messy, how to develop the structures (prepare the "soil") within us so that our spirit will accept the teaching ("seed") God places in our life, and so much more.

In fact - he even said that in order to pass this class - we will have to FAIL 3 times! :) Yes - you heard me right. If I don't fail 3 times - then I fail the class. :) Why? Because if I fail 3 times (or more . . . and we're not talking moral failures here) - then I am taking risks . . . I am stepping out of my comfort zone to do what I've never done before - to reach for the impossible (or just the difficult) - to create an opportunity for God to show up with miracles, power, glory and love! :) Pretty cool, eh?

So - today - I give you permission to FAIL! :) Try it . . . it's not so bad. I'm still alive! And what's the worst thing that could happen . . . you might actually succeed! So you pray for a woman in a wheelchair and ask her to get up out of it . . . what's the worst that could happen? She might not be able to get up. That didn't change anything. She couldn't do that before. But what MIGHT happen . . . she just might get up and be healed!! :) Why aren't we risking that?!

So -if you see me fail along the way . . . be happy for me . . . and don't judge me for my mistakes. I'm willing to take risks to see what I've never seen before, to do what I've never done before, to go where I've never been before! Are you?

I heard another familiar saying this week - "If you want what you've never had, you will have to do what you've never done."

Are you willing to do that?

What do you want? (in life? to do? etc)

My son recently told me - "Edison didn't fail 1001 times when inventing the light bulb. His invention of the light bulb had 1001 steps!" :)

I started off this blog post with the quotes by Kris Vallotton. I didn't know they would be tested in my life so soon! After our meeting last night (and thankfully - after a good time of soaking in God's presence!) I went outside to get in my car. I was watching my surroundings instead of my car, and when I opened my door I was surprised to hear something falling out of my car - like chunks of ice . . . . . . But it was glass. My driver's side window had been smashed - pried into along the side of the window and busted - I'm assuming, to get in and steal things without making too much noise while cracking my window. I wasn't the only one. The Pastor's car had the same damage. The strange thing is, though . . . nothing was taken (not that I had anything to take . . . a couple car seats, Psalty's Family Chirstmas tape . . yes . . TAPE . . I don't even have a CD player let alone a GPS or anything worth value. I even have a VCR (yes - those are still around) in my van! Who would want that?! Had they fully looked at my van without 2 hubcaps, a scary spray paint job on the front hood, etc - I don' t think they would have bothered. I guess it all looks better at night!). It didn't even look like they had opened the door as a good amount of the glass had still been in the window. So, either they were scared off (good chance - because the fire dept sirens went off during our meeting), or they were just vandalizing our 2 cars (out of at least 10 cars) - but doing it quietly?? - and only doing the one window?? Who knows?? Who cares? Really. What's done is done.

The thing that amazed me though - was the peace in my spirit and the joy actually. We stood out side (for a looong time) waiting for the cops to come and fill out a report - and we laughed and joked about the situation - especially in light of what we just learned! ACTIVATION/ APPLICATION TIME! :) I think I passed this time!

I don't attribute the peace or joy to anything I could muster up . . . it was truly the "kingdom of God within" becoming the "kingdom of God around me". I had been resting in His peace and presence - accepting His peace and joy - and letting Him fill me up.

When you soak a sponge in lemon juice - what will you get if you squeeze it? Lemon juice. If you soak it in water . . . you will get water. Sometimes we have been soaking in lemon juice (the world), but have been trying to replace it with water (God's kingdom) - and it's coming out a watery lemon juice mix instead. That's ok! It's better than just the lemon! Keep soaking in the water, and eventually - it will be mostly or all water that comes out!! But sometimes we have been soaking in lemon juice but expecting water to come out. The sad thing that I see in the church and in so many people's lives (who say they are Christians) is that when times get tough (ie - squeezed) - it's not CHRIST who is being squeezed out of them. It looks more like the sour lemon juice! We are known by the "fruit" people see in our lives - not just in the good times - but in the bad as well (especially). We can't put on airs and pretend that "it is well with my soul" . . . it has to come from within. If you are not soaking in God's presence, the kingdom of God, etc - you can't expect it to come out of you in those hard times.

So . . . my challenge for you today is this:
1. FAIL! - Take risks in your relationship with God, in living out your Christianity, etc!
2. Soak in more of God today! Drink DEEP! Take in God's word - meditate on it - put on some praise music and sing (it's helps get rid of depression, anger, and more! "Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness"! You have to PUT IT ON . . . that's an action . . it doesn't just "happen". It's a choice!), spend some time in prayer - just letting God/Daddy love on you. Listen to Him. Talk to Him. Love on Him. Accept His love. Stand on the TRUTH in God's word instead of the FACTS of your situation. Truth ALWAYS trumps facts!!

Drink Deep and let that water flow out of you in the hard times!

L :)
ps - Update - I just had to share this with you . . .
Ok . . . I just finished thoroughly cleaning out my van (glass, dirt and cookies crumbs!) - and I found out that something WAS stolen (unless the guy from church removed it when cleaning my car out).

I had to laugh out loud! Under my front seat I always keep my bright blue and black reusable Walmart bags. I have them all inside one of the bags. I had just gone to the store that morning, and had stuffed them back under the seat that afternoon.

So - some thief got a disappointing surprise when he grabbed that bag and ran - thinking he probably had my GPS or something good . . . only to find that all he really had was 6 more Walmart bags! Well - now he has something to put his loot in that he steals! :)

Just had to share!
Lori :)

What are you feeding?

2010-01-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life:

"A fight is going on inside of me," he said to the boy.
"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is guilt, rensentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."

The grandson though about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

- American Indian Proverb

Which one are YOU feeding today?

Drink Deep!
L :)

Set up for a Miracle?

2010-01-09T21:05:00.000-08:00

"The first step in a miracle is difficulty . . . for a GREAT miracle . . . it's IMPOSSIBILITY!"

Are you set up for a miracle? For a GREAT miracle?! . . . then give thanks! (I know that seems to go against all you've been taught, been shown, or ever known . . . but it's biblical!)

James 1:2 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

Phillipains 4:6&7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Don't you want that? Peace . . . . that surpasses anything you could understand? A miracle?

Keep trusting God . . . put your faith in God . . . and leave it there!

May 2010 be a year of miracles for you (not that I'm wishing difficulties on you! :) . . . not at all!)!! Let God take care of you! Get to know Him . . . His amazing love for you!! He loves taking care of His kids - better than we could even imagine!!

Ephesians 3:20 - Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. . .

Drink deeper still!

L :)
ps - that quote was from the movie "Faith like Potatoes" - based on the real life of Angus Buchan (a farmer from S. Africa). If you haven't seen the movie - go rent it today! (and watch the special features with the real Angus Buchan!)

ARISE Bride of Christ!

2010-01-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

At our church's morning prayer – Pictures during worship:

God and I walking arm in arm. Instead of me being on a “leash” (where God never lets go of me, but gives me freedom to wander) walking separately from God, or even walking hand in hand – we were walking arm in arm (I was on his left side). This way he was able to support me – keep me from falling if I started to trip on a rock or something. By keeping very close to him, I was better supported – able to be held up. – Yes – I want that Lord! I want to be closer to you this year – to be arm in arm with you! Pull me close – and don’t let go! :)
We were singing “how deep . . . how wide . . is your love for me”. I was standing arm in arm with God looking at an expanse of ocean/water. I couldn’t see the other sides or bottom. Yes – how deep and wide is your love God! But God said – “No. It’s not that Lori. Look up.” I looked toward the sky. His love was as deep and wide as the sky – the universe. It was limitless . . .without end! Even though I can’t see the other side of the ocean, or the bottom – I still know there is an end – there is a limit. Yes it’s big – very big – but it has limits. The universe does not. God’s love does not. His power does not. Wow! I’m sorry God that we have put limits on you – on your love – who you can love, how you can love, what your love looks like, what you can do through your love – and more. I’m sorry Lord. Forgive us!
I was hugging God (my Daddy) – and he told me to look. He took me outside and showed me a beautiful sunrise. “This is for you.” . . . and then he showed me a beautiful sunset “This is for you too”. One of our pastors then got up and said that God was saying today – “Arise” – that we were to pray for the church to Arise – for the Bride of Christ to Arise! Wow – God’s presence was great! His love was great!
I got up to pray and saw God nudging his Bride awake from her sleep – every so gently – with his love. “Arise. Wake up. I want to show you the sunrise. Yes, there is work to be done in the daylight, but I want you awaken now – to see the things that I’ve created just for you. Beautiful things. Don’t wait until it’s fully light out – but wake up now.” I could sense that his bride has been asleep – comfortable in bed. She may be somewhat awake, or waking up – but not wanting to get out of bed. “I’ll wait until it’s light out” she says (till we see God’s glory in full all around us). But God wants us to come with Him NOW – to get up while it’s still a bit dark out – to show us His glory right now – in all it’s splendor and beauty! He has great things for us. He doesn’t want us waking up too late and having to rush to catch up with the “day”. He wants us to arise early – spend time with him enjoying the beauty of the day – and get ready for the rest of the “day” ahead. He wants to show us – not only the sunrise – but the sunset. The culmination of the “day” – the end result.

Lord – I definitely want to be around for the “sunset”! I definitely want to be awake for the sunrise! Keep nudging me awake! Keep calling to me with your love. Allow me to see all the beautiful and wonderful and amazing things you have for me to see – in this world, in your kingdom, in and through your glory, and more. I want to see all that you have for me! Awaken your church – your Bride – Lord! I am so sorry that we have been too comfortable slumbering. We know the day is approaching fast . . . . but we are too comfortable in our beds, under our covers. Get us up Lord!! Wake us up!! But do it with your love! Awaken this nation with your love! Awaken this world with your love! It is your love that transforms, saves, delivers, sustains, and sets us free! Without your love – there is nothing!! Nothing would be here without your love! Thank you for your love God! You are AWESOME!!!

I felt the Lord saying to me -

A day is coming where there will be great work to do for the Lord – where He will require much of us. Will we be caught off guard – trying to adjust to the sudden brightness of the day? Or will we get up now – let our eyes adjust to the slowly increasing light from the sunrise – so that by the time the bright noon sun has come, we are fully ready and not “stunned” by the light.

A day is coming when God’s children will be called to bring His light into the very darkest of places. Many are doing it now. However, many are still enjoying the night. God needs you to come into the bright light of the day in order to bring that light into the dark recesses around us.

Why are you still sleeping? Why are you still trying to enjoy the sunrise and the light from the comfort of your “bed”? Wake up you slumbering bride! Wake up! God is calling you. He doesn’t have a clanging cymbal or loud alarm clock –He’s gently calling to you and nudging you awake. But you are not listening. You are not responding even when you do hear. Wake up! Get up! Stop procrastinating or the day will be upon you! You will be caught off guard! Get up! Get going! TODAY is the day to get up and get going! Meet with God. Stick with God. Stop trying to still enjoy the light and the day by being lazy in your bed – in your darkened room. You can’t have both anymore. Put off your bedclothes and be clothed in His righteousness! Take His robe that He is offering – his clothes – his garments. Take them and put them on and wear them! Today is the day to stop being lazy and procrastinating and waiting for the sunlight to reach you in your bedroom. Get up – get out – and go find the sunlight – find the sunrise! It’s there. You just have to get up and look! Stop being lazy! Stop making excuses – “tomorrow I will. Not today. I’ve got too much to do. I’m too tired. I’m not interested. I’ll get around to it eventually. There’s always another day. . . . “ No there isn’t! You are not guaranteed another day. Your neighbor is not guaranteed another day. Your family, wife, spouse, kids, mom, friend . . . are not guaranteed another day. So get up! Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness – and ALL these things shall be added unto you! Get up and seek! And you will find! Get up! Get up! Get up!

Arise Bride of Christ! Arise!

Thank you Lord for how Deep and wide is your love for me!!

Enjoy His Deep love today!

L :)

Declare War on Compromise!

2010-01-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Are you ready for a journey with me this year?!

I have signed up to be a part of a School of Supernatural Ministry -locally - but through/with the curriculum from Bethel Church in Redding, CA - Bill Johnson's church. If you haven't read any of his books . . . GO GET ONE! They will change your life - they way you think - the way you live! And the proof of what he teaches in in the pudding . . . . his life, his church, and the students at his school are living it out! They are living radical, transformed, supernatural lives for God - and touching the lives of people where ever they go - even in Walmart!!

So - I wanted to include you in my journey through this school. Part of our "homework" is to read - 3 chapters of the Bible a day, as well as several books. I wanted to share with you what God is showing me. Bear with me. I'm not sure what this will look like - or how theologically "perfect" I will be - but it will be me . . . and God . . . and you! :) My heart's desire is to love God with all my heart, soul, strength and mind - and then love others as I love myself! I can't love others if I don't love myself - and I can't love myself unless I love God and know His love for me! So, in order to reach people with God's love - I need to know it, experience it myself - firsthand. You do too. And one way in which He shows us His love is through His love letters - His word - the Bible. We get to know more about Him - who He is, what He is like, what He is NOT like, and more.

So journey with me this year - and let's see what God has to say to us - to me - to you! Will you? :) Let me know what you think too - what God is saying to you! Read along with me - 3 chapters a day. I even went to the library to get the audio Bible on CD (dramatized version!) to listen to as I read along in my Bible (or online at Biblegateway.com). And if you want - you can also read the books that I am reading. Currently I am reading Bill Johnson's book - "When Heaven invades Earth".

Here we go!! . . .

Genesis 1-3

1:6 – “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.”

(Ok – so I have to ask this first . . . though it’s not what I wanted to talk about! Was Adam with her the whole time that Eve and the serpent were having their conversation? Was he just not listening or paying attention? :) Or did he hear it all, but didn’t decide to participate until his wife convinced him? Hmmm . . . . )

I was struck by this verse – mainly because I can see how the enemy still uses this tactic today – in my life and in so many people’s lives.

How many times are we presented with something in our lives that looks good, sounds good, tastes good, seems good for us, etc . . . and yet it goes against what we know God has told us not to do? . . . . And how many times do we “take a bite” after reasoning that it must be good for us . . . just look at it . . .just smell it . . . it will make me smarter . . it will increase my salary to provide for my family (so I can give more to my church too) . . . it will save me money so I don’t have to buy that item – I’ll just copy it . . . it makes me feel good inside when I drink/eat it . . . I feel all happy when I watch/listen to it . . . what could be wrong with that?! Plus – we have something that Eve didn’t have or couldn’t say – “Everyone else is doing it!”

Oh how we are deceived! And oh how sad it is that we don’t realize what we’ve done immediately afterwards like Adam and Eve did. Why not? Why did they? Why did they realize right away that what they had done was wrong? Their “eyes were opened” (vs 7 – “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made covering for themselves.”). How were their eyes opened? Were they blind before? No, of course not. But they now saw something they had never seen before . . .their sin . . their nakedness. This was something that was new to them. However, in the world we live in . . . we see and experience it everyday - don't we? We've become numb/blind to some of it. So how can we become more aware - how can we become more sensitive to our sin and grieving the Holy Spirit?

Spend time with the Lord, in the presence of God - the Holy Spirit. Get to know Him, His ways, His commands, His love, His power and more. It's like wearing a dirty shirt. When you are in a darkened room, you don't - and can't - really see the dirt or stains on your shirt. It might even feel or smell clean. However, start shining a light on it, or step into a room that has better lighting, and you start to notice the stains, the dirt. You are amazed that you never saw them before! You are embarrassed. How could you have walked around with such a dirty shirt on and never know it. When you start walking with the "light" of this world - you will become more aware of the dirt and stains that had been on your shirt. But when you accept Christ and his forgiveness - He gives you a NEW shirt! :) Stay in the light. If you do - you will quickly see and realize if you accidentally (or intentionally) get your new shirt dirty - and you can deal with it quickly then. If you wander back into the darker room - you won't be as aware (you might feel/smell clean there - but it's a false sense of purity.).

Adam and Eve had a life that we all, deep down – in our spirits, desire. We want to walk and talk with our Lord all throughout the day – to have an intimate and personal relationship with God in a tangible way. They lived with Him, ate with Him, talked and laughed with Him – every day. It was all they knew. They wouldn’t have even thought about the tree in the middle of the garden – the forbidden fruit. Why should they? They had all they needed. It wasn’t even a consideration. But the enemy threw a thought in there . . . he planted a seed in their minds. Once he saw that the seed was definitely planted (when Eve responded to him and told him that God said they couldn’t even “touch it” or they would die – which God never said not to touch it) – then Satan watered that seed. “You will not surely die!” He got Eve thinking about it more – allowing that thought to take root and grow. Look how good that fruit looks. Why would such a good God keep something so good from you? He would want you to have it! And it’s not just good to eat, and good to look at – but it will give you wisdom, so you can be more like God! Don’t you think that if God really loved you that He would want you to be more like Him? Why is He keeping that from you?

Satan got her thinking, doubting, analyzing, being introspective and rationalizing . . . which all sound like good things (God gave us a mind didn’t He? So why not use it?!). However – as good as it all sounded, looked, etc . . . it still went against what God had said. And just THAT fact alone – made it “not good” – made it wrong – made it a sin. It doesn’t matter how “good” something looks, feels, tastes, seems, etc in our own rationalizing mind . . . . if it goes against what God has said – then it is wrong – it is sin – and it leads to death.

How many times have you compromised in your life . . . this past year . . . this month . . . today? How many times have you said – “It’s not that big a deal. . . . . It will help us out in the long run. . . . It’s just this once. . . . . It won’t affect me. . . “ etc? How many “little” compromises . . . aka – “bites” have you taken?

I challenge you to DECLARE WAR ON COMPROMISE today. Don’t take a bite. In fact – to make it even easier on you (to not take a bite . . . compromise) – don’t even entertain the idea – the thoughts. Stop it before it starts! Kick the enemy out of your “garden” – out of your mind – and life! Don’t’ let him whisper things to you. Yes – they sound and look good . . . but they are not. They lead to death! The thoughts will come – but we need to take them captive – 2 Cor. 10:5 – ^“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Colossians 2:8 – ^“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”

The enemy has kept us trapped – captive (2 Tim 2:26) – and he starts with our thoughts. Let’s not let him continue to have access and the ability to trap us and keep us captive anymore! DECLARE WAR ON COMPROMISE!

I was asked once –what the difference really was between drinking alcohol to get a buzz – to feel good, relaxed, drunk, happy, etc. . . . and wanting to be “drunk in the Holy Spirit’s presence”? Both of them make you feel good – but you still have to keep going back for more to keep feeling good. So what makes one better than the other? Is there really a difference?

Yes - One leads to life . . . the other leads to death. Plain and simple.

When you are filled with the Holy Spirit and enjoying his presence and power – the feeling is indescribable (actually waaay better than when you are drunk on alcohol!). You are on cloud nine! You are flying high! And it’s not just the nice (drunk) feeling - You are experiencing a love you have never known! It’s beyond anything I could even describe – a love so pure, so holy, so perfect, so safe (which you don’t get from alcohol or drugs). When the experience is over though . . . here’s the difference . . . you don’t wake up with a hangover! You wake up happy (not depressed, lonely, sad, regretful, with a headache) – and feeling totally loved and peaceful!

What does this have to do with compromise? Everything. I’m not saying that if you drink a glass of wine here and there with dinner, or if you go see a movie or listen to “non-christian music” that you are on your way to hell. I’m definitely not anti-wine, anti-media, anit-pleasure. And this isn’t just about drinking – but about all kinds of compromise – financial, work, relationships, physical intimacy, what we watch, listen to, what we say – or don’t say, etc. What I am trying to say is . . . Does what you are doing go against what God has said – to you personally – or through His word – etc? Are you looking to find the real thing – the tree of LIFE – in the alternative – the tree of “death” (sin)? It’s a cheap imitation. It can never be truly the same. It looks, sounds, tastes, smells, seems good and similar . . . but it’s not. It’s the devil’s cheap imitation of the real thing – of what God can give you – of what He has for you. Follow God’s ways – and you will be amazed! His ways are soooo much better! You don’t have to take my word for it . . . listen to God’s . . .

I want to leave you with the words of God spoken to Moses and the Israelites (Deuteronomy 30: 11-20)

The Offer of Life or Death

¹¹ Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. ¹² It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" ¹³ Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" ¹⁴ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.

¹⁵ See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. ¹⁶ For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws, then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

¹⁷ But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, ¹⁸ I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

¹⁹ This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live ²⁰ and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Choose life!

Love (God) . . . Walk (in His ways) . . . Keep (His commands)!

Love (God) . . . Listen (to His voice) . . .Hold fast (to Him)!

THEN you will live and increase!

The Lord IS your LIFE!

No more excuses - DECLARE WAR ON COMPROMISE Today!

Make a decision to go deeper today!

L :)

Sick of hearing about God?

2009-12-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

After having, what I thought was, a meaningful conversation about God with several of our kids a couple nights ago - our 5 year old said to us very seriously - "Mom . . . can you stop talking about God all the time? It is making me sick!"

I have to admit - my husband and I laughed. My daughter didn't find it funny. She also didn't see our point of view - to put herself in God's shoes . . . what if we said the same thing about her? . . . "Honey - can you please stop talking about our daughter. It's making me sick!" How would that make her feel? (To her defense - she was quite tired and cranky and needed to go to bed. She has always been our prayer warrior - the first one to always want to pray - and to pray awesome prayers for everyone she can think of!).

But it got me thinking . . .

Are you sick of hearing about God? Let me ask you again . . . are you sick of hearing "about" God?

Does your spiritual life resemble a relationship with God, or just a bunch of knowledge "about" God?

Do you wish your spiritual life was different? Do you feel like something is missing? Are you tired of hearing about God, but not really seeing, knowing or feeling God in your life?

Let me ask you this. . . . How much do you know about your dad (or mom, or husband, etc . . .someone you love and are close to)? How do you know all this information about them? Did you read some books or letters on them - what they are like - look like, feel like, smell like . . . what their hobbies are, what makes them laugh or cry, their favorite foods, music, etc. How did you attain all this information? Did someone who knows them tell you all about them? Maybe in the beginning. But to really get to know them - what did you have to do?

Yes . . . you're right . . . you had to have a relationship with them! You walked and talked with them - laughed and cried with them - ate, drank and worked alongside them. It was in all this time spent with them that you gained so much information about them. But more than that - you also gained love - a loving relationship! You knew they loved you - and you loved them. You would do anything for them out of that love - because you knew they loved you too.

God is no different. He's not a big, mean ruler off in a distant land or spiritual realm. He is here. Right beside you now. He watches all you do. He hears and knows all your thoughts. He knows every hair on your head, legs, arms and yes - even your back! He knows everything about you - even things YOU don't know about you! And best of all . . . He loves you unconditionally despite (because) of it all! :) All He really wants - is a relationship with you. That's it! And I can guarantee - when you start to enjoy that relationship, and fully accept His love for you - it will stir up a love in you that will bring about desires to please Him (through obedience, praise and worship and more) - not just because you "have" to!

So - if you are "sick of hearing 'about' God" . . . Good for you! Stop hearing about Him - and starting spending time with Him! Talk to Him - and especially, listen to Him! He's got so much to say to you . . . the most important thing is . . . . "I love YOU!"

Dive deep(er) into a relationship today!

L :)

Shame - Read my lips. . . .NO Condemnation!

2009-12-04T06:49:00.000-08:00

Ok - here's my first attempt at putting an audio file on my blog! You will probably want to go down and hit "pause" on the music player so that you can listen to this. I will also see if I am able to post it so you can download the file - and then put it on your ipod or mp3 player to listen to on the go! Here I go - diving a bit deeper into the world of technology! :)

This teaching was one that the Lord recently allowed me to do at our church's Women's Immersion Weekend - all about our Identity in Christ. I was one of 4 speakers. In preparing for this topic, the Lord showed and taught me alot - and has really opened my eyes to why so many of us struggle with our identity in Christ . . . our identity in general!

I hope you are able to take the time and listen to what God wants to say to each and every one of you! He loves you sooooo much! :) Don't doubt it! If you do . . . please listen to this teaching!! Listen to it with an open heart and mind to what God would want to say to YOU. If you do - I know you will feel the love of God . . . for you!

To download the file and put it on your ipod or mp3 player - go here.

Drink a little deeper today!

L :)

Tough times? Need a Sure Foundation - A Fortress?

2009-11-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

^{I felt like the Lord wanted me to pass on some of His words to you today. Let Him reveal the deeper things to you - the deeper love to your heart - the deeper revelations to your mind. Sit with Him and ask Him about these words today. He has alot to say - and He loves sharing it with you!}^{Isaiah 33
2} O LORD, be gracious to us;
we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress.

⁶ He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.

¹⁵ He who walks righteously
and speaks what is right,
who rejects gain from extortion
and keeps his hand from accepting bribes,
who stops his ears against plots of murder
and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil-

¹⁶ this is the man who will dwell on the heights,
whose refuge will be the mountain fortress.
His bread will be supplied,
and water will not fail him.

¹⁷ Your eyes will see the king in his beauty and view a land that stretches afar.

Be encouraged in these challenging times (financially, relationally, spiritually, etc) - whether you are a mom with young kids struggling to just get through each day; a working man with mouths to feed at home and demands on you at work; a person who just lost their job and doesn't know how they are going to "make it"; etc. God wants to be your "sure foundation" in these times - and wants to take you to the heights - to live in the fortress He has designed just for you!

Be encouraged! Walk righteously. Fear the Lord. He will show you the way!

Dive deeper today!

Lori :)

Feel under attack?

2009-10-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

Just a sip from the deep today.

Had to post this quote from a friend's Facebook page -

"The enemy wouldn't be attacking you if something very valuable wasn't inside of you. Thieves don't break in to empty houses."

YAY!!

So "consider it PURE JOY my brothers when you face trials of many kinds . . . " Obviously - the enemy and God think YOU are WORTH fighting over!!

Stick with GOD . . . He ALWAYS WINS! :)

Tell the enemy to TAKE A HIKE!

YOU are VALUABLE . . . because you are God's!

Believe it!

Lori :)

Have Peace? . . . Are you Free?

2009-10-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

"There is no peace unless we are free!"

I had never watched the Academy award winning movie Joan of Arc (with Ingrid Bergman), but felt compelled to check it out at our library the other day. Sad to say, I really didn't know much about this heroine - but felt like I should.

I cried off and on the first 30 minutes or more of the movie!

It wasn't the acting, the script, the cinematography . . . it was the eerily similar calling and revelations in her life compared to mine (except - hopefully - not to burn at the stake!). Hers was to help set the people of France free from the English who had invaded her country. Who was she? Just a young (teenage) peasant farm girl. How could SHE lead an army to fight winning battles to bring freedom to her country? Who am I - a SAHM (Stay at home mom) of 5? How can I bring freedom to my nation, the church, and people around me?

She could, because God told her to! (and I can because God told me to!)

She could, because God was on her side - leading and guiding and empowering her. (I can - and YOU can because God is on our side!)

The timing was right. The people needed someone, something fresh to lift their hopes and lead them in a new way . . . a God-centered way! Joan even told the army they had to be GOD'S ARMY - no cussing, drinking, girls, gambling, etc! Go Joan!! That's what our nation and church need as well as each of us . . .to get back to God - to live HOLY lives! No more compromise!

There is so much about the movie that I liked! If we are truly to live a FREE life, see our nation freed up from all that comes against it/us . . . then we have GOT to listen to what God has to say! We have GOT to listen to what He is telling us to do. And then we have GOT to DO IT! Whether or not we think we are qualified or trained . . . if HE thinks we can do it . . .then we CAN DO IT!

At one point in the story, the king decided to let his greed get the best of him, and instead of continuing on in fighting off the English (and the Burgundians) - he took a large sum of money in agreement to a truce. He told Joan she couldn't continue to fight in Paris, but instead, she was to come and live near him and enjoy the peace. I loved her response to him . . .

"THERE IS NO PEACE UNLESS WE ARE FREE!"

We have been tricked. We have been lied to. Some of you may know the truth, like Joan, but many, many others don't. They see peace and think "life is good". Is it really? Is this what God intended for you? For us? For this nation? For the church?

What, in your life, have you agreed to declare a truce on (spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc)? What, in your life, have you found yourself saying "well - it's not like I think it should be or want it to be . . . but it's good enough. It will have to do."? I'm not talking about decorating your house, or anything trivial . . .I'm talking about living in FREEDOM!

Are there areas of your life that you don't feel totally free, but maybe for the moment there is some illusion of peace? ie- dealing with anger, depression, financial troubles, challenges with your kids or other family members, guilt, shame, regrets, busyness, physical infirmities, and more.

Did you give up "fighting" for your freedom too soon? Did you ever start?

Is there an area that you know God has been speaking to you about - to do something, to fight against something, to allow Him to heal you, to say something He wants you to say . . . .?

Spend some time today with the person who can TRULY set you COMPLETELY and 100% FREE! He can show you the way, give you the skills, and lead you in victory! Get in His word (which is full of instructions on how to fight for and live a free life)! Spend time in prayer! Get to know this "General" that can not only lead an army and a nation into victory and freedom through a teenage girl . . .but can lead YOU into victory and freedom in ALL aspects of your life!

Declare WAR on COMPROMISE today! And start living as God wants you to live!

Because - there really is no TRUE peace unless you are FREE!

Fight Deeper today!

Lori :)

Jesus loves me this I know . . .

2009-09-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

We ALL know the children's song "Jesus loves me"! We probably can't even count the number of times we have sung that song throughout our lifetime . . . 100 times? 200? 1000? More?

Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong.
They are weak, but He is strong.

Yes . . . Jesus loves me.
Yes . . . Jesus loves me.
Yes . . . Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so.

I had an interesting conversation with one of my sisters recently. She has been struggling with severe anxiety and depression for several months now, but the Lord has been graciously healing her and is slowly bringing her out of the deepest valley she has ever experienced. She is a woman of the Word - knowing more scripture than I do or could hope to! She has always loved digging into the Word of God and getting to know what it really says and means. Part of her healing process (and just surviving some of this valley) was quoting scriptures every day . . . many times a day . . . that pertained to what she was dealing with. She came to a point where she truly understood the meaning of what Jesus said - "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4).

But even though this has been a great source of strength in the past - she came to a point where she just wasn't "feeling" the same relief, peace and comfort that she used to when meditating on and quoting scripture. She wasn't "feeling" the love of God - that Jesus loved her. What happened to the "feelings" that had been associated with these and other scriptures in the past? Why wasn't she "feeling" better. Why weren't the scriptures "working" anymore?

We are "feeling" beings. God beautifully and creatively designed us to be like Him - full of feelings - through our emotions, thoughts, senses and more. These feelings are a blessing and a gift! They allow us to be passionate about things - people, hobbies, friends, spouses, animals, places, etc. They allow us to connect relationally with people - and with God - to be empathetic, to laugh together, cry together, get mad at injustice. However, we can also struggle with this blessing - this part of our created makeup. It can put us into the deepest of depression, the most bitter taste of anger and resentment, the painful place of being unjustly wounded.

So what do we do? . . . . Just stop feeling? Try to control it? How do we keep our feelings in check . . . balanced? Why wasn't my sister able to "feel" better when quoting the scriptures? Doesn't the Word of God have power?

Here's what I am learning (and yes - I am still on this journey too!). This is why I love that children's song we all know by heart.

We were created with body, soul and spirit. These are not separate parts - but are intertwined, overlapping with each other.

Our body encompasses all our physical characteristics - how we look, walk, our hormones, senses, etc. This part is easy for us to see and understand - right? (well - maybe not all of it is easy to understand! :) . . . PMS anyone?!)

Our soul is our mind, will and emotions - the thoughts we think, the internal feelings we feel, the decisions we make. If we are living by our soul - we are living by our emotions (as they go up, down and all around!)

Most of the world lives by/out of their soul. Our society is definitely soul-based. Commercials, advertisements, restaurants, politicians and more - all try to reach us on our soul level ("Buy this - it will make you happy. You need this to make you feel good. Go here . . . do this . . vote for me because . . . You can have it your way - right away - now!" etc). Our society is set up to meet our need to "feel" good . . . to help us get addicted to things that will only temporarily help us feel good. They are VERY good at knowing how to do this and wooing us into their traps. So is Satan! :)

Am I saying that we can't ever do anything that makes us feel good? NO! By no means. Let me continue . . .

The 3rd part of our makeup is our spirit. This is one of the most neglected and misunderstood aspects of our lives. This is why so many of us struggle, day in and day out, with living a peaceful, joyful, balanced life. We have been trying so hard to live just out of our body and soul, and occasionally out of our spirit. We take great care to feed our body and soul (Yes - you are feeding your soul more than you realize!) - but do we do the same with our spirit?

Our spirit is the part of us that, as a Christian, has been redeemed! When you accepted Christ into your life - accepted that free gift of salvation - your spirit was saved and redeemed! It was made pure and righteous before the Father because of what Jesus did for you! Praise the Lord for that!

Many people tell of miraculous transformations right then and there - they were set free from smoking, drugs, addictions, emotions - all sorts of soul-issues. But for many of us - that didn't happen. For many (if not most) people in the church, we have still continued to struggle with our feelings, emotions, addictions, sins, etc. Why? Because our soul was not redeemed - it was our spirit. Our soul still likes many of those things. Our soul still leans towards temptations. Our soul still has issues with emotions, thoughts, feelings, past wounds and experiences. Our soul is also never satisfied. It can be demanding, pushy, bossy, easily hurt or offended and more. It is the voice we hear in our head - loud and clear when we are faced with decisions on a daily basis. It is very self-centered! Many of us are still trying to live out of our soul. So where is our redeemed spirit in all this?

Our spirit is very different from our soul. It is gentle, tender, quiet. It doesn't demand things of us. It is not self-centered or self-demanding like our soul. It doesn't get hurt as easily. It is God-focused and is all about pleasing God! It is our spirit that connects with the Holy Spirit - that helps us to live with the fruit of the spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is living by our spirit that can help us have the kind of life we desire - a satisfying life - filled with decisions, actions and feelings that please God - and living in the love of God (our wonderful heavenly Daddy).

Romans 8:5&6 says - "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace"

So how do we live by the Spirit (and from our spirit)? It's a decision . . . it's an awareness. We have to have our "minds set on what the Spirit desires" and let our mind be "controlled by the Spirit" to truly have life and peace. It is a decision. It's not a feeling.

Too many people are trying to live their lives based on their feelings. We need to change the way we think and start living our lives based on a decision to live by our spirit - to connect with the Holy Spirit (who was sent here to HELP US!). How do we do this?

It's a decision. Will you CHOOSE to have an awareness of God standing right beside you all day long? Will you CHOOSE to live your life to please God and make HIM happy - or to please yourself (your spouse, your boss, your friends) happy? Will you CHOOSE to filter all your decisions in life based on that premise - that decision?

It won't be easy in the beginning - especially if you are used to living by your feelings of the day, of the moment. But it can be done. And just like any other habit we have - with time and consistency - it does get easier! :) It's also alot easier if you are feeding your spirit - "soaking" it (like a sponge) daily (possibly several times a day or throughout the whole day) with the Word of God, worship, and more!

So what does this have to do with "Jesus loves me" you are still asking?

Jesus loves me this I KNOW (not FEEL)
For the BIBLE TELLS me SO (not because I FEEL it).
Little ones to Him belong. (That's US!)
They (we) are WEAK, but HE is STRONG! (Praise the Lord!)

Yes . . . Jesus loves me! (Not because I feel it . . .)
Yes . . . Jesus loves me!
Yes . . . Jesus loves me!
The BIBLE TELLS me SO! (. . . but because it's TRUE and I CHOOSE to believe it!)

So - my challenge to you today is . . .

Live by the Spirit! Allow your spirit - your gentle, quiet, tender spirit to connect with the Holy Spirit today - and then LISTEN to it! Tell your soul to fall in line with your spirit! :) Let's be a people who are spirit-led instead of soul-led. Let's grasp hold of the truth that Jesus really did die for us to have an ABUNDANT LIFE - full of peace! Let's make a DECISION to honor what Jesus did by CHOOSING to do and believe what He said in God's Word! Let's choose to feed our spirit each and every day . . . all throughout the day!

And it's not based on feelings . . . but on choosing to believe and walk it out.

You can do it! It's an awesome adventure and journey to begin and live! Let me know how it's going for you, and let's keep encouraging each other to live by the Spirit instead of our souls!

And don't forget to have FUN doing it! :) (Trust me - there are AWESOME "feelings" and emotions to experience while living in/by the Spirit!)

As for my sister and why the scriptures didn't seem to be "working" at that time . . . she realized that God was starting to teach her this wonderful principle . . . to base her decisions on the TRUTH of the Word of God . . . not on her "feelings" associated with the Word of God! God is so good! :)

Choose to go deeper today!
Change the way you've been "swimming"!

Lori :)