walking BACKWARDS
01 Jun 2012 Leave a Comment
in getting REAL, healing HELPS Tags: Dreams, Forgiveness, Healing, Heart & Soul, Offenses, Stories
Did you ever try to walk backwards? Why in the world would anyone want to choose something so awkward? Nonetheless, the truth is that sometimes we are called by God to do just that.
As I was visiting my mother several years back, she and I had this little spat. During that time my grandmother was sick, and we were discussing her care and our feelings about the situation. I remember not seeing things from my mother’s perspective, and regrettably, we had words. Sadly, we both became so upset that I walked out of the house, and I determined that I would never return. (I know - that’s not what a good Christian should do, but I had… HAD IT! )
As I exited it through the front door, the Holy Spirit kindly came to me with these words… “If you walk out now, you are allowing the enemy to win.” I thought, “Wow GOD! What words to say at the heat of the moment! What are You thinking, God?”
Feeling self-righteous was more to my liking.
Saying I’m sorry when it was not my fault wasn’t in my plan.
Making a U-turn wasn’t what I wanted to do.
Walking backwards would be so gauche.
Plus, it’s too hard!
But I knew that God would not be glorified if I let the enemy have his way. I knew I couldn’t wait either. I needed to turn around, say I was sorry, apologize for my words, and ask if we could start over again. And you know what?
We did and it was amazing!
How did God do that? All I had to do was make a decision to do things His way. It wasn’t that He changed my feelings and emotions about that issue, but He did change me on the inside and heal our relationship. His way is not about me being right, it’s about me being righteous because of Jesus.
That night the Lord came to me and spoke the most comforting words in a vision saying, “I am well pleased with you.” Wow God! You saw the whole thing. You knew how I felt about this, and You encouraged me. Thanks God!
So what might be standing in the way of you pleasing God? Do you have any broken relationships where you need to take a step of repentence? Can I pray with you?
Dear God, please help my friends to walk backwards today. Help them to take that step in the opposite direction of their heart so they may please You. And I pray that in doing so that You may restore their broken relationships. Thanks Jesus! Amen.
How do you feel about walking backwards? Doesn’t it sometimes seem insane? Doesn’t it feel so good when you do step back in that right direction?
Like this:
answer to the PROPHETIC DREAM SURVEY
25 May 2012 2 Comments
in developing a DISCIPLE, DREAM discoveries Tags: Destiny, Dreams, Mystery, Prophetic
Regarding last week’s survey…. Do prophetic always come true? Below are my simple thoughts regarding the answer.
1. We only see in part.
No matter how powerful a dream, a vision or a prophetic word can be …. it is still only one small part of the big picture. Never think that what you see is what you will get because we have free choice. God always gives us the ability to change the outcome. We can choose either good or bad, but God always knows the choice we’ll make; and regardless of our choice, He is still in control. How can that be? I don’t know…. It’s a mystery.
2. The daily choices that we make determine the outcome of our future – not the prophetic message.
Because of the powerful nature of a prophetic message, many people are tempted to believe that it will come to pass. However, that is not how we should handle such dreams, such visions, or prophetic words. We should never put a prophetic message above God and His word. If we do, that means we are looking to the prophetic, and not keeping our eyes on God. Actually, we are secretly desiring the blessing more than the blesser, and this becomes a warped type of idolatry.
3. And finally, God cares more about a relationship with us more than the end result.
If the truth be told… it’s me and you that often care more about what happens in our future. God already knows our future; same as He knows our past and our present. And God doesn’t really care about all that because He is our future. He was, and is, and is to come.
Therefore, based on the above commentary, my answer to the question “Do prophetic dreams always come true?” is…. IT DEPENDS.
9 For we only know a part now, and we speak only a part. 10 When everything is perfect, then we will not need these gifts that are not perfect. I Corinthians 13:9-10
I believe the destiny of a prophetic dream depends on the daily choices we make as we seek and obey God each and every day; and hopefully, we continue to build a strong relationship with Him. And you? what do you think?
do PROPHETIC DREAMS come true?
18 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in DREAM discoveries Tags: Destiny, Dreams, Mystery, Prophetic
Are prophetic dreams destined to come true? Over the years I have really struggled with this question; and so, I’d like to know what you think.
There were times that I just knew God was speaking in my dreams. I could sense His glorious presence. The dream permeated my spirit; the message pulsed through my veins, and my soul swarmed with God thoughts.
Oh my! I feel I am crazy about these visions that God has revealed to me. Many times I just write them down and pray, asking God what I’m seeing and why… Helpless to correctly apply these messages in my life, I am desperate for God’s wisdom and understanding. Caught up in my dreamworld, I wonder what is His truth. Or is it my fantasyland? Doesn’t this appear silly?
However, if you are a dreamer, I know you can relate. If it is God talking, you must find out by seeking Him for His answers. And so, I have spent hours, days, months and years dwelling on these night visions, gazing upon these things I saw, asking the Lord to reveal the truth of what is going on. Were these dreams from God? Were they from me? Or somewhere else?
But before I tell you what I think, I’d like to know what you think.
Thanks so much for participating in my survey. Please feel free to leave me any questions or comments that you have on this topic. Not sure if I can answer them, but we can go to the Lord together. More to come…
so what is a PROPHETIC DREAM?
11 May 2012 2 Comments
in developing a DISCIPLE, DREAM discoveries Tags: Dreams, Heart & Soul, Prophetic, True-Self
Many people think a prophetic dream is about the foretelling of events or predicting the future. However, from a biblical perspective this is not always the case.
Since God’s purpose for the prophetic is to speak edification, exhortation and comfort (as stated in 1 Corinthians 14:3), my biblical definition of a “PROPHETIC DREAM” is simply this…. God speaking in a dream.
Have you ever experienced God speaking to you in a dream? If you have, that’s a true prophetic dream.
So why does God speak in dreams? I believe there are three reasons:
- to direct you in the way you should go (or not go)
- to comfort and encourage you (in your hour of need)
- to reveal aspects of your true self (for the purposes of helping you with your life)
Isn’t that great news? God wants to assist you in every way possible even through the use of dreams!
Sadly, many people either don’t believe in God or they don’t understand how much God loves them and wants to have a relationship. Often these people continue to believe that God speaking in dreams is purely their imagination; and therefore, they think their dreams can not be trusted or taken seriously. Believe it or not, I once thought that too.
This concept first started with Aristotle around 350 B.C. He thought the five senses and the reasons of the mind were the only valid means to obtains true knowledge. Sorry to say, this mindset has trickled down the centuries and even into our modern day.
While I’m not a proponent of following your dream messages, I do think we should pay attention to what God might be saying to us through our dreams. This understanding takes practice. It’s imperative that you learn from your mistakes. I wonder how the biblical dreamer Joseph acquired his dream interpretation skills. While the Bible doesn’t specifically tell us, I personally think it’s because he went to God for his answers. Joseph made a point to build a strong relationship with God – especially while he was sold in slavery and thrown into prison. Who else but God could Joseph have turned to for answers?
And so, that is why I believe that:
… if you and I deeply cry out to God with all our heart, He will answer us.
… we should never look to ourselves for the answers, or look at what we think is the dream message.
… we must look to God for His understanding and how to apply our dreams properly.
So I’d love to hear what you believe and have experienced….. Have you ever had a prophetic dream? What did you do about it?
Like this:
REMODELING your life
04 May 2012 6 Comments
in finding FAITH, healing HELPS Tags: Faith, Healing, Life
My New Living Room….
What comes to your mind when you think of remodeling your house? On one hand, I love the idea of making everything new and improved. On the other hand, I don’t relish the transition process; and of course, I don’t like the cost. With these mixed emotions, should I remodel? I can’t decide.
I just returned from a Dunamis Conference at PRMI‘s Community of the Cross in Black Mountain, N.C. where I received healing prayer for some deeply suppressed feelings and emotions. For decades I’ve strived for perfection and tirelessly worked for the love and approval of others – so much so that I noticed that I wasn’t consistently walking in His peace. I’ve often caught myself with anxiety and stress; and yet, because I wasn’t able to release these things in a single prayer session, it was suggested that I attend a week long healing event. YIKES! This sounds too much like remodeling… I am unsure and afraid.
One evening during the conference’s praise and worship time, I hear the Lord confirm His intentions, “I am going to remodel your house.” Still squirming, my mind succombs to the pressure. I hate the mess of a construction site. It’s not going to be pretty and certainly not fun working through this process.
But the next morning I receive a sweet vision from the Lord regarding the time I hired a service business called Home Styles to help me finish redecorating my house. I think to myself, “Really Lord?” God is kindly offering me a a life alteration. Like HGTV’s Divine Design, I am comforted with thoughts of a life that is beautiful, fully functional, and infused with creativity and ingenuity.
This master stylist, Geri Johnson came to my house so I could explain my needs, my goals, my concerns and my budget. After carefully listening, she and I embarked on my project scrummaging through all my stuff whether it was in closets, in boxes or the attic. And you know what?
In one week, Geri had rearranged and complimented everything that I owned – making it better. It was so me; and yet, it was perfect – more than I could ever hope for, and I was amazed at affordable cost. With her help, she made my home more functional, comfortable and inviting, and… stunningly gorgeous. Could God be showing me that He is more than able to do this same thing with my life? I bet God can do in one week what I haven’t been able to in years. And so, I have made the decision to attend PRMI’s Healing Week which runs from 6/27 through 6/30/12.
If you have never experienced healing prayer, I have to tell you – there is nothing like it. This is not about someone praying for you; it’s about you and God working together. It’s about experiencing the power and presence of His Holy Spirit to do things that you could not do for yourself. And I have to tell you something else - I am excited for the end result.
How about you? What are your thoughts on healing prayer? Are you anxious? Or excited to get started?
NO KISS goodbye
27 Apr 2012 4 Comments
in finding FAITH, getting REAL, healing HELPS Tags: Family, Healing, Prayer
my MOM and DAD!
Hello world. I’ve got something to share that’s on my heart today.
My dad is in severe pain. It’s not getting better.
It’s awful to watch someone you love live hurt. He has lung cancer, and the first chemo treatment helped, but it’s come back. As I write this post, he is undergoing both chemo and radiation. I know some of you have lived through things like this, but for me …. it’s my first time to watch someone so close deeply suffer on a personal basis. 
I wish it weren’t so. I wish I could make it go away. I wish could do something. Alas, it’s not up to me.
I pray for a miracle. And so, I wait and remember the last time I saw my dad.
It was on an airplane while we were returning from Hawaii. We were to part our ways n Los Angeles. Mom and Dad’s plane was headed for Chicago and ours to Dallas.
I wanted to give them a kiss goodbye, but our plane arrived late. Mom and dad had to run fast to catch their connection. Then, my daughter suddenly lost her pearl necklace and wanted to remain on the plane in hopes to search for it. Everyone was jockeying to get out first. So many people crowding and pushing to exit the plane. UGH!
So we said our farewell from afar. It was a wonderful trip, but…
I wanted to hug my mom and dad, to kiss them goodbye. I wanted to tell them “in person” that I loved them one more time. I was so sad.
NO KISS goodbye? NO HUGS?
I pray to God for the kisses and the hugs and the love that passes all understanding. I pray to God for another chance. Only God knows what will happen next – when we will meet again…
Would you say a pray for my dad with me?
Thank you.
I dream of TURTLES
20 Apr 2012 2 Comments
in DREAM discoveries, fabulous and FUN Tags: Dreams, Scripture, True-Self
Do you ever wonder why you mysteriously have an animal in your dreams? Ecclesiates 3:18 says this…
“I said to myself about the sons of men, ‘God is testing them to show them that they are like animals.’ ” (NLV)
When I saw that scripture, I suddenly realized that God was indeed speaking to me using the animals I saw in my dreams. Now doesn’t that sound weird? Oh yeah!
One example of such a dream was when I dreamt about my yellow labrador retriever tracking dirt into my house. At first, I ignored this message; however, upon further investigation, it was obvious God was speaking to me – about me. Just like my dog will do anything for a treat, I realized that I would “bend-over” even “beg” when necessary to get what I wanted. Sadly, my master wasn’t the Lord; it was that I desired the approval of others. UGH!
What animals are in your dreams? Think about the characteristics most common to that animal. Cats cannot be trained. Beavers are busy. Bears are ferocious. Roaches are infestational bugs. Spiders produce nasty webs. Lions are the king of the jungle. Each of these animals have characteristics that could be either good or bad depending on the nature of your dream. You just have to figure out what that characteristic is and how it may apply to your own life.
So what would a turtle in your dream signify? Oh come on… I know you know.
I once dreamt about traveling on a crazy mouse ride with one of my friends when she suddenly jumped out of the car into some muddy water. Then I saw this turtle move slowly across the water. Looking back I realize that God was showing me that my friend and I were on a wild journey going nowhere. When she exited the ride, it symolized the parting of our ways. I remained to finish the ride, and slowly and surely, I started a new life.
And so, the significance of that turtle was that God was telling me to move slowly, to hide in Him, as He began to help me restore my life. Now isn’t that a beautiful word? God does speak to us in our dreams. We just have to know how to understand and interpret what He is saying. If we ask Him, He is faithful to reveal the hidden meaning.
Recently, He reminded me of this turtle dream on a recent snorkeling adventure. Look at all those green sea turtles that we were privileged to see and swim with. Like the turtle, I can move slow and steady in Him knowing that wherever I go He protects me. Oh, how I dream of turtles!
Now seriously….. What animals have appeared in your dreams? And what do you think that means?
Like this:
The boy who came back from heaven
13 Apr 2012 5 Comments
in developing a DISCIPLE, finding FAITH, healing HELPS Tags: Books, Faith
Have you read about Alex Malarkey and his remarkable account of life beyond this world? “The boy who came back from heaven” is an amazing New York Time Bestseller.
This book tells the story of Alex Malarkey and his dad, Kevin - their horrific car accident, miracles and supernatual encounters. Doctors didn’t expect Alex to live, but God had another plan. While in a coma for two months, Alex actually went to heaven. Most people that go to heaven and back arrive on the outside of the gate, but Alex…. He tells how the angels took him inside the gate of heaven, how he met and talked with Jesus.
Alex was also the first child in the world to receive the Christopher Reeve surgery allowing him to breathe without a ventillator. Can you imagine being Alex’s parents? How about having to trust Jesus through all this? Their experience is an amazing walk of faith, hope and the Father’s love that continues today – as they believe that someday Alex will walk again.
Here are a few quotes from this book that impressed me:
“Self-pity imprisons us in the walls of our own self-absorption. The whole world shrinks down to the size of our problem, and the more we dwell on it, the smaller we are and the larger the problem seems to grow. Awareness of others is a healthy antidote to this self-focus.” page 79
“Heaven is not the next world; it is now. Heaven is not up in the sky; it is everywhere and nowhere. Heaven is a place that is not a place. It’s eternal. All other places end. “ page 47
“God never seems to be quite finished astounding us with wonder and amazement.” page 153
When I think of how this little one can endure such hardships with a smile on his face, it is clear that Alex and his family place their faith in Christ. Come see these family pictures put to music for they will touch your heart. Check out their video In Christ Alone to find out more.
As I read this book, I am touched today by this incredible story. I know this is a tough subject, but I believe with Kevin and Alex – that Heaven is real and it’s a wonderful place. Let’s put our hope in Jesus.
Like this:
mom’s memorable WORDS
06 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
in finding FAITH, getting REAL, healing HELPS Tags: Celebrate, Faith, Family, Heart & Soul, Stories
I will never forget the words my mother spoke one Easter morning when I was ten years old. It was so out of the ordinary. It seemed rather strange. She only did this once that I remember, but you don’t forget such a thing.
My brother, my sister and I were celebrating our traditional Easter morning as a family. The Easter bunny hid 24 colored eggs, and we had just finished our hunt. Munching on candy for our morning breakfast (yes we still do this!), my mom came into the room and made this heralding announcement to her kids… She got my attention that day.
“Today is the most important feast day of the church.
It’s more important than Christmas.
This is the day we celebrate that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.”
Because we believe that He died for our sins,
and that He has risen from the dead…
He will raise us up too!”
Now I know my mom did some pretty crazy things and I know my dad was a little quirky too. We definitely were a family with an unusual sense of humor and alot of laughs taken a little too far. However, this was different.
Mom really knew what she was talking about! She made a lasting impression on me that day. As parents we have the ability to influence our children in the most powerful ways that can stay with them forever. Even if they don’t get it that day, they will remember.
And so, her memorables words are still pertinent. In the last week, my dad continues more cancer treatments. Of course, we hope; we pray. We believe God for the best, but the truth she spoke then still rings in my heart today.
HE IS RISEN.
Without Him there is no hope for eternity.
Happy Easter everyone.
Enjoy your time together today and forever.
HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Like this:
the LAST SUPPER at Grandma’s house
30 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in fabulous and FUN, getting REAL, healing HELPS Tags: Faith, Healing, Heart & Soul, Love, Stories
Little red riding hood, what are your memories of going to Grandma’s house?
Mom, Me and My daughter
This past February I had the privilege of watching the relationship between my daughter and my mother blossom for two weeks. Although me and my mom are quite alike, my daughter willingly opened her heart to hear her grandma’s stories when I know she wouldn’t have given me the time of day. It’s interesting how communications work better when they skip a generation.
Don’t you think it’s because Grandmas no longer need to be responsible? All they have to do is L.O.V.E…..
Like my daughter, I adored both my grandmothers. I loved the attention, the hugs and kisses, the kind words, and of course, all the food and the fun. While they were two very different people, I loved going to my Grandmas’ houses. I still see and feel them deep in my heart.
One of my grandmother’s always had a picture of the Last Supper hanging in her kitchen. There wasn’t a moment that you could walk in her kitchen and not tangibly see a picture of Jesus sitting at the table with His disciples. Even my two great aunts had this same Last Supper picture in their kitchens. Perhaps it was a family tradition? Or their way of reminding us of our invitation to the Lord’s table?
So what are taking in your basket to Grandma’s house this Easter? Whatever you bring, the table will be filled with L.O.V.E.
For this holy week, I plan on traveling to Grandma’s to see that picture in her kitchen of the Last Supper. Yes, I have to use my prayers and a little imagination to get there, but I’m bringing my basket too – for I’m carrying a heart of love that I had for both my Grandmas. I’m carrying a heart of love that I have for my Savior. And you know what else?
My mom is there too! For I have a heart of love towards my mother because of Jesus. Yea God that no generation that serves Him is skipped from blessings!
Several years ago, my mom heard me retell my memory of the Last Supper picture at Grandma’s house, and she generouly bought me my own. A beautiful stained glass picture of the Last Supper, I lovingly display it in my dining room as a memory of God’s faithfulness.
An appropriate gift from my mom, don't you think?
This year I’m filling my Easter Basket with love at the Lord’s table.
How about you?
Reader Comments