The Fall from Heaven- Keeping Lily excerpt

  Today is a good day! All praises to God!
  I am choosing to share a chapter from the book today because I am moving forward, God willing, in the publishing process! I hope to share this with you and get some feedback. This chapter moves me so much. I become overwhelmed with emotion every time I reread it. A little set up for this chapter:
  The beginnings of time. The main character, a nameless guardian angel known as a Keeper, has discovered her closest friend, Jericho, has chosen to take Lucifer's side in the Great Deception- where a third of the angels get thrown out of Heaven. The Keeper decides to take this information to the Throne and reveal it all to God. Before she is able, something major takes place. Please enjoy.....

As Imade my way back down the path I'd followed up the Great Hill, mysteps were slow and calculated. No time was left to be wasted beforeI delivered a message that would surely be the catalyst to a chain ofevents that would change the future forever. I knew this meant theend of my friendship with Jericho. I didn't know what my words wouldmean for him, what would be his outcome. But, I knew my silence wouldbe a transgression against truth. My allegiance to the Only One waswithout question, and no matter the cost. I was going to approach TheThrone with information that He deserved to know, although itcouldn't possibly have escaped His attention this long. I couldn'tfigure out why He had allowed things to escalate this far. All I knewwas that I was going to let the Father know where I stood. I wastaking no chances on getting caught on the wrong side of thisatrocity.

Mymind wandered as I walked. Everything inside of me was tangled inknots; all conversations I'd had with Jericho, the faces of the onesunder the trees, the stares of the leader when he'd heard myintentions to shed light on his business. I moved slowly so that Icould gather my thoughts, although my mind spun out of control like atornado. The ideas and questions I still had about the wholesituation seemed to confuse me to the point that I had no idea how Iwould even begin to explain this travesty when I arrived at mydestination.. My heart was absolutely broken that my best friend wasamong the ones who would surely suffer because of my next decisions.I wondered what kind of judgment faced them all. I wondered if Iwould ever see my friend again.

Irecall walking through our Home, coasting past numerous others likeme, and I wondered if they could sense something was terribly wrongjust by my passing . I wouldn't meet their glances, but I could feelthe peace they exuded bouncing from their presence like a springtimebreeze. Oh, the joy of being oblivious! I did my best to hold closeto me my thoughts and fears. I knew the information I housed wasweightier than any matter flowing through the city, and I knew myeyes would tell the story if given the chance. So, forward I marched,eyes pierced straight down to the golden street. My vision dartedfrom one perfect flower to the next. My thoughts pounding like a druminside my head, I barely could muster the strength to lift my feetoff the ground. The closer I became to my destination, the more myfeet seemed to want to carry me in reverse. I had never known fear.My whole existence since creation was one of complete and uttertranquility. Now, here I was: looking back over my shoulder,expecting one -or all of them- to overtake me and do what? The more Ibegan to imagine them coming for me, although I didn't quite knowwhat they could possibly do to me, the faster and more relieved Ibecame to tell the story. I knew who my Protector was and I knewwhere to find Him. At that moment, I decided to rush.

As mygait began to excel, I was almost stopped in my tracks at Jericho'sthoughts inside my own.

“Areyou sure you want to do this?” He knew where I was headed. At thispoint, I tried in no way to conceal my mission from him. I opened mythoughts wide and let him see my intentions to reveal this treacheryto the One. Perhaps this would shake him awake from this terriblenightmare he was living. I hoped he would retreat in time.

“Pleasehear me out. Do you really think I would do anything to put my friendor myself in danger?'

A fewmoments passed before I decided to respond.

“DoI know you at all?!” I replied.

“Whywould you say such a thing? Listen to me, I am only looking out foryou. There is something coming and you need to be prepared. You needto know where you stand, and you are going to need protection innumbers. Our leader wants to offer you a position of power. ”

I waslivid! “I know exactly whereI stand, Jericho...and I'm sorry to say that it is nowhere near youor that band of fools who dare to blaspheme Father! Stay far awayfrom me!,” I choked out in exasperation.

Myheart was aching with pain I had never imagined. This new reality, offear and confusion and deceit, was so overwhelming that I almostcouldn't stand it. I wanted to be nowhere but in my Master's arms. MyFather offered love and protection unmatched anywhere in this worldor any other. Regardless of any love I'd ever felt for Jericho, Iknew where I belonged. I was suddenly sure of that.

Atthat moment, I felt a wave of rushing doom swallow up my innerthoughts and I knew the current flowed from Jericho.

“Wait,what's happening? How did you...,” were the last words I heard himsay before everything went dark.

Jericho'swords were cut off and I stopped suddenly, stunned and confused in aflash at the utter blackness that fell all around us. You mustunderstand, the Light had been removed from our Home for the veryfirst time since eternity began. Never had we experienced this. Gaspswere all around as we tried to figureout what could possibly be happening.Terror began to shower itself over us like rain, joined with utmostsorrow and hopelessness:the feeling of the absence of Him. The ground began to rumble andquiver. A furious wind began to blow. It blew so viciously, I andeveryone around me, were crushed to the ground. The Power of theSpirit was surging over us like the force of a freight train would feel to gnat on the rails. We struggled to lay prostrate to keepfrom blowing violently all around. Suddenly the brilliance shownforth like it had never been gone. I squeezed my eyes to see what wasat the foot of the Throne. I blinked wildly until the smoke from TheMaster's nostrils cleared the vicinity.

At the foot of the throne, many were joined together,yet they were not rising. I thought for a moment they were in deepprayer and reverence, until I saw the face of God Almighty bend downand meet them face to face. His countenance is usually so far abovethat we rarely see the Creator come down for such a close encounter.His face was so beautiful that a thousand stars couldn't hold acandle to the sparkling brilliance it beheld. All of Heaven gasped atthe sight. His eyes were blazing flames and His voice buckled theground, thundering judgments to the tiny creations at His beautifulfeet.

Oh my, is this what I think it is?! My eyes focused inon the giant multitude on the ground. There was one struggling in thefront to stand, but the power was too much for this stubbornblasphemer. I recognized the long limbs quivering as they fought todefy the breath of God storming on top of him. Directly behind him, aform I knew very well was held by the force onto the ground with hiseyes squeezed shut...Jericho, prostrate with a face that looked likeit would melt from the anguish displayed there. My eyes had not seenthe likes of that level of horror before nor since that horrendousday.

The archangels flew in circles around God and over thecrowd. They had swords larger than their bodies drawn and pointed tothe dreadful ones below. They had heavy chains in their hands, and Iwatched as they locked them up one by one, all the while, shouting ina harmonious chorus, “Holy Holy, Holy is the Lamb!” No one daredto fight back. No one dared to lift their eyes to God. Fear wastangible and it blanketed our world.

As quickly as it all began, the Lord spoke His royaldecrees concerning the Fallen and their atrocities. I am not atliberty to disclose to you the details. Some things must stay amystery, yet all will be laid bare on that great and awesome day ofthe Judgment. But I can tell you that what happened next will foreverhaunt me and everyone who witnessed it. The Lord, God, Almighty tookHis powerful hand and He swept them up into it. They looked like antson a stick, scrambling to hold on as He waved it through the air. Inoticed that it must have been a third of everyone I knew graspingonto His palm and fingers. He closed His tremendous fist and raisedit high above His crown. Their wailing could be heard so loudlyoutside and inside my senses that it was unbearable. Everyonewatching was paralyzed with fear of what would happen next. We wereso closely entangled spiritually that we felt every ounce of horrorpounding through them in those moments. Suddenly, the darkness fellagain, and the next thing I knew, a bolt of lightening, a loud bangfrom far below us. They were gone...and Heaven wept.

 

 

Hi, guys! I've decided to share another little nibble of "The Book" today. :)
Keeping Lily, if you don't already know, is a story...or more so, a journey, alongside a guardian angel. The perspective you see is one of the spirit realm- an inside look into God's "Keepers" and the Beings they protect throughout their lifetimes on earth.
I'm including the introduction again, along with the first little chapter. They aren't long, but the emotion is thought-provoking and enticing enough to visit each scenario or memory and leave you feeling full. I think so anyway. :)
Well, it's not my story to tell. Honestly, I can't believe the words flowed out the way they did. I truly believe this was Spirit inspired. So, I hope it speaks to you and Enjoy!

Keeping Lily

  27,385: The number of days in an average human lifespan. It really doesn't seem like all that many, especially to someone such as myself. I've been around to see my fair share...of lifetimes, that is.

  I am a Keeper. Created to worship, forced to defend. I existed before the stars of the heavens and I will outlive each of them. My journey is an eternal one. My purpose is the same. Rarely do we choose to share ourselves so freely with you this side of the veil, but this story is a special one. It is one that carries truth and revelation. I have been allowed to shine this light, so to speak, and expose the common enemy we share for your own good. A battle is coming, and you must be aware of the forces you unknowingly face and are expected to fight, with weapons not of carnal origins. . Take heed my words and listen intently. Your very existence depends upon it. There isn't much time to waste. There are rumblings and shakings occurring, and the time approaches quickly. I don't know if you've noticed. I will reveal what I feel I must. My name isn't as important as what I do. So I shall leave it at that.. All glory Above.  Now, where was I? Oh, yes...
  Life. I watch as it's born, walk along the milestones beside it, all the while fighting the good fight. I watch them struggle. I watch them rejoice. I watch them fail. I watch them learn and grow. I watch them fade and transfer. I watch as they take their first steps into the restitution of all their days in an eternity unimaginable. Which eternity and what type of unimaginable ranges from glorious perfection to something completely and utterly opposite. I think you understand. There is so much that can happen between point A and B. The factors are numerous, and the twists and turns, sharp. The battle, fierce. The reward, everything. The fact that the ultimate conclusion rests heavily in my very hands is, what you might call, a maddening responsibility.  
  As the ages wind down and the Day approaches, this chapter in time is when the Father has chosen my story to be delivered. His timing is purposeful, even though you nor I comprehend every perfect detail that has been orchestrated by doing so. I shall reveal secrets, expose lies, and glorify the Glorious to the best of my capabilities. You will walk along next to me, as we travel not only distance, but time and through realms your conscious has yet to fathom. I was given this present assignment as a Keeper with the understanding that she would be my last. It was a request I made personally, and was graciously granted, in regards to the loss I’d encountered before...
The pressure of success looms overhead, blinking like a neon sign, a constant reminder that every breath is one (two...three...) closer to her final. Every inhalation filling her chest is like the sail of a ship traveling along a fantastic journey. Every exhale, like the winds, pushing her closer to that final destination. The finish line rushes towards us at an alarming pace. Even I don't know the final hour or day. That's part of the complexity of the challenge.
  So, it's a blink of an eye, and there you are. Round and round it goes...where and when it stops is anyone's guess.
Better make the most of it, kid.

Filet Mignon, anyone?

God will always match your level of hunger for Him.
Did He ever deny the hungry?
As the multitudes of hungry people grew, so did the miraculous to feed them.
So is the spiritual.
"The effectual FERVENT prayers of a RIGHTEOUS man achieves MUCH." Right?
So if you aren't hungry for more at all, that's what you will receive: nothing more.
But, think about how it feels to not be fed? You grow weak. It physically hurts. There is an overwhelming feeling that something is
missing and you must be filled. If you feel dried up, sick spiritually, stagnant... There's a reason. All it takes is for you to catch His eye with your hunger, and He's always watching. Always waiting. He delights in us... Imagine how He feels when we actually delight in Him...I know how much I delight in a big filet mignon, or some Hibachi and sushi. If I have all the tools to go get that meal, you better believe I am there! Ha! You have been offered some very awesome tools to go after God that way. He already paid the price... And you can make no mistake- if somebody was picking up my bill, I would be there with bells on!
But think about this:
For the hurting and the hungry, He never went begging and searching for them. He waited for those desperate enough to come looking as He passed through.
Remember, they had five little fish and two loaves of bread, but ALOT of hungry people and what did He do? Multiplied it to meet their hunger level.
If you say you're hungry, yet don't go after Him, He will not bother to come force feed you.
When I'm hungry, in the natural sense, my mind always conjures up a multitude of foods and sweets and edibles to be enjoyed. That's how we should be with God... So hungry that we just get lost in thought over the spiritual things. So hungry for more revelation.
You know, it is truly amazing how when you are on a certain level with God, you cannot see what the next level could hold. Your mind can't imagine. But, once you begin to GET HUNGRY, He puts desires for things you didn't realize inside you. Once those desires are planted inside your heart- by Him- He waits for you to pursue, intent to feed you at the right time.
Does anyone reap from their garden without work?
Does anyone eat at their dinner table without putting forth the effort to cook?
So it is with God. I'm not talking about EARNING anything. {{It's already yours.}} The key is saying, "God , you have something I want. That something is more of you. There is nothing I want unless it reveals more of who You are and feeds my soul more of your Spirit."
Then, starts a beautiful quest to seeking Him. Setting your sights on things above and going after them.
Prayer, worship, praise, obedience to His whispers and Word, decreasing so He will increase...and for me, going wherever the Spirit blows. Honestly, if I hear there's a fire... Anyone who knows me knows I'm headed straight into it. There is nothing wrong with visiting around and sampling what God is doing in his people. We are all one body- brothers and sisters, right? I have gained PRICELESS revelation and growth being touched by many different walks and lives. Hearing different testimonies, watching different forms of worship, new types of music, and getting introduced to beautiful lives that hunger...If you stay in a box- and God is NOT in box, my dears- you will never grow. Yuck... Stale bread doesn't taste very good and it begins to get rigid and moldy, eww. God forbid we get to that place!
Growth in our bodies requires food. As we grow older, our tastes mature. Are you still eating the same things you were years ago? If so, DO SOMETHING different! For goodness sake, God's Spirit ebbs and flows and it is Not and never will be contained in one set of walls. Now, hold onto your britches!! I'm not telling you jump ship and ditch your church, I'm saying get out and mingle in the body. There is such richness to be found in others' walks. Hear of someone who God has done amazing things in? Ask them about their prayer life and I guarantee it all started with a hunger for more...
Don't know where to start?
Talking to Him more. That simple. And Asking.
Be honest and say, "I don't even know what it means to have more of you. But, if you got it, I want it."
Prayers like that have changed my life.
Do you know He is more eager to give of Himself than we are to ask!?
He has GOOD GIFTS for His kids ;)
So, never forget to follow that Spirit that blows WHERE IT WISHES... And you will find exactly what you didn't even know to wish for!
Amazing depths and heights... A communication with the Creator that you could never imagine!
A walk with God that is truly authentic and real. Once you've had a taste of it, you can't quit. Just like sushi!! Haha! Just don't forget to give it away... Share what you receive with others and help get them fed! Don't be greedy!
So, today I pray your hunger grows and you do whatever it takes to "taste and see that the Lord is Good!"
Blessings!!

Keeping Lily Sneak Peek #2

Hi, guys! I've decided to share another little nibble of "The Book" today. :)
Keeping Lily, if you don't already know, is a story...more so, a journey alongside a guardian angel. The perspective you see is one of the spirit realm- an inside look into God's "Keepers" and the Beings they protect throughout their lifetimes on earth.
I'm including the introduction again, along with the first little chapter. They aren't long, but the emotion is thought-provoking and enticing enough to visit each scenario or memory and leave you feeling full. I think so anyway. :)
Well, it's not my story to tell. Honestly, I can't believe the words flowed out the way they did. I truly believe this was Spirit inspired. So, I hope it speaks to you and Enjoy!

 Keeping Lily

27,385: The number of days in an average human lifespan. It really doesn't seem like all that many, especially to someone such as myself. I've been around to see my fair share...of lifetimes, that is.

  I am a Keeper. Created to worship, forced to defend. I existed before the stars of the heavens and I will outlive each of them. My journey is an eternal one. My purpose is the same. Rarely do we choose to share ourselves so freely with you this side of the veil, but this story is a special one. It is one that carries truth and revelation. I have been allowed to shine this light, so to speak, and expose the common enemy we share for your own good. A battle is coming, and you must be aware of the forces you unknowingly face and are expected to fight, with weapons not of carnal origins. . Take heed my words and listen intently. Your very existence depends upon it. There isn't much time to waste. There are rumblings and shakings occurring, and the time approaches quickly. I don't know if you've noticed. I will reveal what I feel I must. My name isn't as important as what I do. So I shall leave it at that.. All glory Above.  Now, where was I? Oh, yes...
  Life. I watch as it's born, walk along the milestones beside it, all the while fighting the good fight. I watch them struggle. I watch them rejoice. I watch them fail. I watch them learn and grow. I watch them fade and transfer. I watch as they take their first steps into the restitution of all their days in an eternity unimaginable. Which eternity and what type of unimaginable ranges from glorious perfection to something completely and utterly opposite. I think you understand. There is so much that can happen between point A and B. The factors are numerous, and the twists and turns, sharp. The battle, fierce. The reward, everything. The fact that the ultimate conclusion rests heavily in my very hands is, what you might call, a maddening responsibility.  
  As the ages wind down and the Day approaches, this chapter in time is when the Father has chosen my story to be delivered. His timing is purposeful, even though you nor I comprehend every perfect detail that has been orchestrated by doing so. I shall reveal secrets, expose lies, and glorify the Glorious to the best of my capabilities. You will walk along next to me, as we travel not only distance, but time and through realms your conscious has yet to fathom. I was given this present assignment as a Keeper with the understanding that she would be my last. It was a request I made personally, and was graciously granted, in regards to the loss I’d encountered before...
The pressure of success looms overhead, blinking like a neon sign, a constant reminder that every breath is one (two...three...) closer to her final. Every inhalation filling her chest is like the sail of a ship traveling along a fantastic journey. Every exhale, like the winds, pushing her closer to that final destination. The finish line rushes towards us at an alarming pace. Even I don't know the final hour or day. That's part of the complexity of the challenge.
  So, it's a blink of an eye, and there you are. Round and round it goes...where and when it stops is anyone's guess. Better make the most of it, kid.

The Last Assignment
  I remember watching her descent from Above, and remarking at how brilliantly her light shone. As she was released from heaven's grasp, those surrounding me- waiting anxiously to follow their own through the keyhole of realities and down to earth- gasped at the beauty of her spirit. I had never witnessed another quite like it in all my time as a Keeper, and I supposed it must be rare for all the others to notice as well. This one would be special. I'd only heard of those that were chosen and the special way they glimmered with the Master's touch upon them. “Anointing” is the word best used to describe this special gleam cast upon it for a certain purpose in time. All were beautiful in their own ways, of course. But, this was magnificent as it shone with the sparkling glory that was washing all over it as it coursed down from His throne.  I felt myself beaming with anticipation. It had been generations since I'd felt that feeling. Perhaps this appointment, my last, remind you, would be my easiest. At least, that was my hope.
  I shudder to tell you that all do not make it safely back. Ultimately, the choice is theirs' to make, and even the mightiest Keeper can't control the will of a Being. Tossed amongst worldly delusions and let's not forget the consistent romancing of the Enemy every step of the way, it is a wonder any make it back Home at all. From the instant human eyes are opened to behold this world anew, until the very last moment they close for all eternity, the Darkness is present...on constant vigil alongside me and those like me. It is with them that the battle rages with furious fervency. They, fighting with hatred for all things created with a chance to gain entrance into a Presence they will never see again. We, fighting with the purest love of a Father, whose children are scattered and in desperate need of rescue from the grasp of the mouths of lions.
  The loss of a soul cuts to the core of a Keeper’s existence, and truthfully, time does not heal all wounds. Even the unwound-able feel this sort of pain. Feel it, perhaps, deeper and more physically than any human ever felt an emotion. The breaking of a heart, the loss of a loved one to disease or tragedy or war: emotions that reach to the very core. These manifestations of human despair do not even begin to match how this ultimate and final loss affects the heavenly host. Knowing we lost one of His...it is an eternal loss that fleshly minds cannot ascertain. 
  A piece of me goes with them, a part of myself lost forever in the abyss...like a lone grain of sand dropped to the bottom of the deep, dark blue. 
   This one would be different I told myself. She had to be: look at her light. The Spirit was all around her. Maybe that's why we were chosen for each other- an easy victory chosen to mend my very broken soul. Just the thought of it rekindled a song inside of me.
  But, things are never quite that easy outside of the Kingdom. The warring begins just outside of the gates. Darkness and shadow loom at every step, a battlefield of invisible authorities fighting over the rights to every precious soul.
  So, my battle begins. This will be my last and final chance to direct a soul into that safe harbor...a place where the spirit finds its home and the Light shines forever.

My Heart

What would happen if the church danced for God for hours like we did when we went to the bars?
What if we were as willing to make a fool of ourselves for God as we did drunk on that dance floor?
What if we spent the time praying and reading about Him instead of glued to a television or computer or smartphone for that length of time each day?
What if we celebrated Him as much as we do our favorite bands or teams instead of being embarrassed to worship openly?
What if we took our concerns to Him instead of posting about them on Facebook?
What if we showed up to church expecting to spend as much time as He wanted in His presence until He fell on every person in the room instead of checking our watches?
Does the church today even know what that means?
What if we came with our intentions to pour our love out on HIM instead of seeing what He was going to feed us on Sunday?
What if the world began to see our churches as places of the miraculous instead of a glorified social club?
What if we began to fast and pray for TRUE revival like we have never experienced instead of always giving Him Our list of needs?
What if His needs were our needs?
What if the lame began to walk and cancer was cast out in an instant?
What if souls were saved with no chance of backsliding because His Spirit was given the freedom to do HIS work during our services?
What if the alters were flooded with tears and repentance?
What if people were raised up with boldness to preach the gospel instead of being collected on the pews?
What if we walked like Jesus?
What if we did greater works like He promised?
What if we began to question the condition of the church?
What if the Spiritual gifts were working in abundance instead of looked over because we are accustomed to walking without them?
What if we decided things weren't going to change unless someone does something differently?
What if we humbled ourselves and took part of the blame?
What if we took God at His word and dared to believe?
What if we decided to take our inheritance back by force?
What if a few decided they weren't going to rest until this all came to pass?
What if God was given His church back?
So many What Ifs, so many excuses, so many opportunities, so little time..
Be the change. God's looking for that few to make a stand. I'm ready, are you?

Letting go

One of the most difficult things to do in this life is Let Go. I can hardly think of a situation where letting go feels good. Letting go of a life, career, and dreams I thought were meant to be was the most difficult thing I have ever been through. Letting go of control and trying to change things I thought I could change. Letting go of people when it hurt but was inevitable. Letting go of old thought processes and beliefs. Letting go of what people thought about me. Letting go of what I think about others. Letting go of who I thought I was, even. Letting go when someone hurt me. That always stings, but letting go is the first step in healing and freedom. Letting go of trying to impress, and learning to love what God has for me whatever that is. Letting go, there are so many numerous situations. Letting go, it even sounds sad. But, I've come to
learn that letting go means growth. When I can't "let go" it means I'm holding onto something. If I hold onto one thing, I cannot have my hands free to grab ahold of what's new. I cannot receive what God has for me if my hands are full of the things which I cannot let go of. But, usually, when I can't let go of something, the truth of the matter is, I don't have it at all. It usually has me. Anything I cannot release, I am bound by. Thus, I become a slave to. Who is the master today in your life? What are the things God wants you to let go of, in TRUST, so He can renew your life His way?
Letting go means I give my circumstances to God. Letting go is beautiful. The first time a person decides to let go of themselves and give it to God, is usually difficult until one sees what beauty is waiting on the other side of that decision. Letting go is putting total trust and hope in the Only One who is worthy of it. So my prayer for you and myself today is that we just LET GO... And let God.
Plain and simple.
Many blessings and love to you today!

One thing Always Remains

In this life, no matter what happens, I can never lose sight of one thing. No matter what trials come, no matter what twists and turns come my way, there's a never-ending call that I must always answer. The same goes for you all. Even when life demands your focus on things like: careers, bills, grades, friendships, etc, nothing changes the fact that God is calling us all to LIVE this life for Him. Every time I fail, I must get back up. Every time I falter, He's waiting for my response to His voice. There is a prize that deserves our utmost attention.
Don't let the enemy steal one more day! He would love to take every second he can to hold you captive.
Things sometimes happen that could knock me off course- believe me- but once I step back and regroup, one thing always remains: God's purpose. It's an eternal call, and present circumstances cannot outweigh "Him" in my life. What if He had allowed trouble or disappointments to stop Him from fulfilling His mission, even for a day, on this Earth? He knew torture and death were awaiting Him at the end of it all, never mind the daily persecution, and yet He loved us so much that He continued forward! What an awesome God we serve!
It's remembrance of this that reminds me why His purpose always outweighs mine. There was a mighty debt paid. There was blood shed. His children are perishing every second and it is a personal responsibility for ALL who call on the Name above all names to do their part to make a difference...and that requires focus. That requires devotion. That requires self denial when the pity party wants to move in on your life.
Make a decision today to love more, give more, pray more, be more, devote more to Him! No one will EVER be perfect- that's not what He is waiting on. He is waiting on you to take step after step after Him. God, Himself, is waiting with His big heart full of love for our decision to press into Him! He's rooting for you! Isn't it wonderful to know God is on your side?
Life hurts sometimes, but he's waiting to be our Help. Life is hard sometimes, but He's longing to be our Hope. There are a lot of us who have put God on the back burner for a season at some point in our lives, but Now is the time, today is your day! Put your eyes back where they belong: on the Mighty Creator that longs to hear His children cry Abba, Father!
His arms are so full of unconditional love and acceptance...
Ask Him today for the direction. Take some time to get alone and talk with Him. There's a refreshing that's awaiting you. He is closer than you think... And His peace and love will wash it all away. Take the time to get caught up in Him and allow God to kindle a new flame inside you.

Many blessings and prayers for every precious soul that reads this :)

Timing is Everything

Ok, I admit it: I am one of the world's most impatient people. I am impatient, stubborn, aggravated, frustrated, and untrusting-- without God. Over time (the theme of this post), God has brought us-- verrrrrryyyyyyy ssssloowwwllllyyyyyyy-- into our purpose for Him. No matter how hard we have tried to convince Him we know best, it never quite changed things. Along the way, kicking and screaming couldn't move Him to hurry. Tears surely didn't budge His will. Begging and pleading, reasoning, promises... None of this changed the ever- steady hand of God from moving in His timing.
What we have to understand is that every single ounce of the plan belongs to the story. Without one tiny element, the path diverts to another outcome entirely. Time, position, people, circumstances must fall exactly where they belong for God's will to be complete.
Every minute of your day is a part of His orchestration. Every decision extends into a wake of purpose. Your life will touch a life because of where God has you. If one detail was amiss, the plan is foiled. That's why obedience is so very important. That's why relationship with Him is so important. If we aren't able to recognize that still, small voice- we aren't able to act according to His instruction. When God nudges, it's always for a reason. God isn't big on suggestions. Every time He spoke in His word, it is exactly what He meant.
So, learn to hear from Him. ASK Him to teach you how to walk according to His will. Let Him know you long to learn His voice so that you can carry out His heart's desires.
All those times I felt like God was this big bully, I realize now, were Him achieving His plan. I see aspects of my life, or even people for that matter, that would not have been in it had I gotten what I thought I needed at a certain time.
Those people and aspects are now valuable and beautiful to my story.
A story He's writing to mesh into His beautiful plan.
Just like a child that cries for something it cannot have, it is always because the parent sees the big picture. The child begs, wails, sheds tears, gets hurt... But someday they will understand. It will make perfect sense to Abrie that I didn't feed her whole pieces of meat while she was crying to be fed. Because while she was throwing a fit, I was tearing them down to small edible pieces that could be digested for her benefit. God is the same way. And I'm sure we seem like that pestering child behind him, asking over and over, "Now? How about Now? Now, Dad? Well, how about Now? I'm ready now. You ready, Dad? Now's great for me."
It all boils down to trust. Do we trust that His grace is sufficient? That every tiny step in the road leads to a giant stretch traveled and gets us to HIS destination. We will look back and say, Yes, He truly did know what He was doing. If God had given me things I begged for 2 months, 1 year, 3 years, 10 years ago, my life would be drastically different- and I wouldn't dare take now what I thought I needed then. Our God is a God of details, folks. We are like grains of sand, and Yet, our story matters to Him. Not only does it achieve His purpose, but He works things out for OUR personal good along the way.
He's so wonderful :)
So, yes, without God, I am impatient and untrusting. But, because of His amazing grace, I can see that there's a very full picture awaiting me and He gets to connect those dots. Just like those Connect the Dot pictures when we were children. 4 does not get to come before 3. We have to follow the sequence for the picture to make perfect sense. And so is our lives...
Praise God, the ultimate story teller and designer! Thank you God, for timing and teaching me what it is to wait!

Keeping Lilly Sneak Peak

About three years ago, The Lord gave me the first line to a book I've come to love. He has had me work on it, and put it down, until it was time to add to it again. Every time, I knew it was Him bc there was knowledge I hadn't had, wisdom I wouldn't have considered, had I written it outright.
So, I thought I would share a piece with you. I sent it off, along with prayers, today to some Christian publishers to see if it tugs on their hearts like it does mine...and hopefully yours too!
Thank you for taking a moment to read and saying a prayer that their hearts would be open to it.

It's the story told from the perspective of a guardian angel who is sworn to protect a special girl named Lilly. There's so much to the story. Traveling back to the beginning before Lucifer was cast out of Heaven, fighting against fallen angels who used to be friends, knowing a heavenly perspective that helps to explain why things happen the way they do when we can't quite understand. It's the first book of a series I'm still working on. This is just the Preface. Enjoy!

Preface

 27,385: The number of days in an average human lifespan. It really doesn't seem like all that many, especially to someone such as myself. I've been around to see my fair share...of lifetimes, that is. I watch as it's born, walk along the milestones beside it, all the while fighting the good fight. I watch them struggle. I watch them rejoice. I watch them fail. I watch them learn and grow. I watch them fade and transfer. I watch as they take their first steps into  the restitution of all their days in an eternity unimaginable. Which eternity and what type of unimaginable ranges from glorious perfection to something completely and utterly opposite. I'll leave it at that. There is so much that can happen between point A and B. The factors are numerous, and the twists and turns, sharp. The battle, fierce. The reward, everything. The fact that the ultimate conclusion rests heavily in my very hands is, what you might call, a maddening responsibility.  
I was given this assignment with the understanding that she would be my last. It was a request I made personally, and was graciously granted, in regards to the loss I’d encountered before...
The pressure of success looms overhead, blinking like a neon sign, a constant reminder that every breath is one (two...three...) closer to her final. Every inhalation filling her chest is like the sail of a ship traveling along a fantastic journey. Every exhale like the winds pushing her closer to that final destination. The finish line rushes towards us at an alarming pace. Even I don't know the final hour or day. That's part of the complexity of the challenge.
So, it's a blink of an eye, and there you are. Round and round it goes...where and when it stops is anyone's guess.
Better make the most of it, kid.

David's healing

This is an account of something God did in my life. I'd never experienced anything like it before that day. It is true...and God is amazing.

April 23, 2012

Dad told me last week that he had a friend dying of cancer. The man, Mr. David, had a son that had died a year ago from the same thing and he knew it was only a matter of days before he would die too. The doctors didn't give him long. The Holy Spirit quickened me and I told Dad to bring him to me bc the Lord was going to heal him, I just knew it! Dad texted me today (abt a week later) and said his friend was up at dad's shop and they were about to come back to our house. I began seeking the Holy Spirit and praying hard. 

   Dad walked up the stairs and said his friend was too weak to come upstairs.

As I walked downstairs, feeling the assurance and power of the Spirit, I held out my hand to shake his, introduced myself and told him God wanted to heal him.  I could tell he was nervous but I didn't care. I asked if I could pray for him and placed my hands on his chest. I spoke of the healing power of the blood, I rebuked the devil, I prayed in the Spirit, I encouraged him to believe and not listen to the lies of the enemy, I told him to go and sin no more, and I told him to lift his hands and thank God for the healing. He did, and then said, “We gotta go!” He looked sacred to death! 

 But, I knew God was in control! I walked upstairs and into my home and continued to pray with tears over this man. The Holy Spirit was SO strong!

Within 5 minutes or so, I got a phone call from Dad and 5 minutes after that the man called me personally from Dad's phone. This is his recount:

A week ago, the man sat under a tree ready to accept death. My dad's face popped up before his eyes. He came to visit dad and tell him of his condition. He promised to come back and see dad again to bring him a gift for all dad's kindness towards him. When he came back, Dad told him his daughter wanted to pray for him. They came back to my house and he was too weak to walk up the stairs.(and afraid, I'm sure) So, I came down to meet him. He said a voice told him not to let me lay my hands on him or pray for him. But he didn't budge because he knew who it was trying to stop it. (satan). When I laid my hands on him the first time, electricity shot down the left side of his body. He heard a noise like an electric fan whirling, and he looked all around trying to find where the sound was coming from. But, he realized it was coming from between us (I heard and felt nothing). I took my hands off of him and when I put them back on him, a cold electricity shot down his right side. His stomach began to churn and bubble. His shoulder had been hurting him and he couldn't hardly lift his arm because his shoulder hurt so badly. Dad heard him complain about it before they came. I had no idea, and asked him to lift his arms and thank Jesus for the healing...which he did. He then informed me that they had to go-( because he didn't know what he had just experienced and was a little freaked out.)

As they rode down the street towards the little gas station to get something to eat, he began to complain of feeling sick and his head hurting. His mouth tasted of copper. He went into the store by himself while dad waited in the car. As he was in the store, he had a vision of me continuing to pray for him after he left(which I was) and immediately his sense of smell, which was gone because of the chemo/radiation, was restored. He had bought something to eat and kept remarking how good it smelled, taking deep breaths, astonished.

He got back into the truck and told my dad about it. He said the nagging feeling in his stomach was gone and he could smell. His eyes, previously, had been bloodshot and cloudy. Dad noted that they were now clear and he had a glow about him. The man began to get excited, calling himself giddy and said he felt like he did before he ever had the cancer and felt really good! He was boxing in the air, saying look at me now! (Shoulder healed) He had dad drop him off at the park and said he felt like he could run around the whole thing. Dad said he was so excited to feel so good!  He said he had seen people healed but had never been so close to it himself. He said what he experienced this day was real.

About an hour and a half later, he came back to dad's shop with a friend and said he was feeling sick after he left the park so, he went and drank a Gatorade. Immediately following, he threw up a big black piece of what "looked like leather" that was about 9 inches long (he held his hands out to demonstrate the length and said he had to pull it out of his mouth). And now he feels better than he has in a year. He even came to my house and worked in my back yard to help a friend take my dad's old camper away. He was smiling and glowing and looked healthy as can be!

Update: The next week, he went to his doctor who confirmed the small cancers surrounding the large one were GONE and the big one was “like a dead planet. Nothing flowing to or from it.” He had to cancel hospice and swears he was healed of every ailment in his body in that one day!

Total healing, by the blood of Jesus :)

Praise GOD..Glory to God alone!

But, what does it mean?

 A friend posed a question to be pondered the other day...a question to be taken seriously and weighted heavily in the mind of a believer, a question that should, in my opinion be in the back of your mind daily as you walk out this life with God. She said, "What does it actually mean to be lukewarm?" Anyone who reads the Word with any conviction whatsoever knows that Revelation 3:15-16 leaves us with a strong warning, saying, "I know your works, that you are neither cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth." Keep in mind, this is His church He's talking to. So, that means, not all are saved just because they are believers. Well, isn't that contrary to what the American church today is being taught, yet totally biblically accurate?
  We live in a society...and I'm going to get to answering that question shortly, I assure you...that says, "Believe and you are fine. Live like the world? No worries. No conviction in your life? No prob. You accepted Jesus, good for you! Nevermind the God of all creation has a judgement seat we will all stand before and decide if HE will accept US. Don't concern yourself with it- it doesnt apply to you." The rest of the gospel, the bulk of the word, the life to be lived that shows proof of a commitment is totally left out. Can you imagine the Apostle Paul going around trying to call himself a follower, yet doing exactly the things God taught us were sin??? What in the world is the difference between he and us? God is no respector of persons, yet for so many, they believe the word in its bulk doesn't really apply to them. Surely God didn't go through thousands of years of orchestration and shed blood to give you a few suggestions, my loves.
  So, this leads me to my answer to the question, what does it actually mean to be lukewarm?
My answer, and I believe this sums it up perfectly is: A people who will most definitely be vomitted
out of the mouth of God (doesn't that sound quite frightening?!) because they did not take the word of God- every single letter of instruction, as literal. Now, before I'm deemed a legalist, let's take into consideration the lengths God went through, and the many great folks who contributed to the Bible, to write exactly what God wanted you to know and activate in your life.
  Well, I'm going to add to my answer. How can you take the Word seriously when you don't even know it? Take time to read your Word! :)
For anyone taking on the decision to delve into the Word, my suggestion to you is to begin in the New Testament. Matthew is the first book. It begins with the story of Jesus' life. Mark, Luke, and John are to follow. They are known as the gospels and they all give an account of Jesus' time on earth up until His death and a little beyond into His time returning to Earth after His resurrection. Acts is the 5th book, one of my faves! It is the exciting story of the beginning of Jesus' church- the New Testament church- and how it moved and breathed. A great example to a modern church that no longer resembles it very much anymore, sadly. Which brings me back, once again to the question at hand. Where are the supernatural miracles that were a daily occurance in the beginning, to an on FIRE congregation of His people? Doesn't anyone ask themselves this question? No, it's because the modernists have convinced everyone we are wrong to expect those things. That we are somehow selfish and greedy, perhaps a little crazy to expect God to Testify Himself among us with signs and wonders...which is biblical, I assure you. The Word of God says He showed Himself among the Church that way. Is it any mystery that is was referred to as the Holy Ghost and FIRE? Perhaps, the fullness of His Spirit spurs His people to rise above the Lukewarm state...because it is a living breathing Fire of God inside you that doesn't sleep or rest or exist with complacency anywhere near it. The rest of the New Testament is applicable to today's Christian. All the way to Revelation. The Old Testament is a book to be read following the relevant writings to His new church. I never want to discount it, please understand, but there is life in the New Testament, Jesus' life, death, resurrection, example, and instruction to His people. Take a tip and start there!
  Lukewarm, I warn you, is a lack of conviction in a "believers" life. God is Holy, above all. That is what He made the angels to worship Him as. That is what the Bible says we should be being transformed into. Sin shouldn't feel ok. There's a feeling inside that is like sandpaper when sin is in your life. Don't get me wrong, we are all a work in progress, but the Spirit is alive and does NOT exist alongside sin comfortably. But a warning: greiving the Spirit, which means we press on past the conviction of sin and continiue in sin, causes that Voice to grow quieter and farther away when we don't heed it. Listen to that voice that says, this doesn't feel right, this doesn't add up and respond! Strength and a release of Power to overcome flow from that! ON to another great point:
  God is LOVE. In this "me" generation, selflessness abounds! When we become a part of God's family, we love what He loves. His children are suffering and dying lost everyday. Does this bother us? To our core? Also, I feel the need to add, Love is never rude, condemning, hurtful, or ugly. Love for people is kind and compassionate. It knows we all are in this together and only LOVE will change a heart. Is His heart our hearts? Are we sensitive enough to obey when we see a distressed brother or sister? Willing to reach out, in God's love even when we don't feel like it? The fiery love of God stirs the hearts of men!
  Lack of a real prayer life where God is adored, worshipped, and communicated with daily is lukewarm. How could you ever learn to decipher His voice or personality without seeking Him? How could you ever expect or even have the desire to grow without a relationship? If my hubby ever stopped talking to me, things would grow very cold and very fast. Is God to be any different? I got revelation not so very long ago that Jesus is a real person with real feelings. We get so caught up in thinking of Him as this great superanatural being, which He is also, but we forget He is a person that hurts, and feels, and longs for communion with His children. Can you imagine if noone you loved took quality time with you? Especially after you DIED for them? My goodness, that has got to hurt! He IS LOVE. So, can you see that our lack of adoration upon Him, total abandoned love and commitment, could break His heart? And, ultimately, cause Him to say, Even though you call me Lord, I never knew you...
  Gosh, that is the tip of the iceburg. But, here is my advice to you: Pray. Ask the Lord if there is any area in your life where there is lukewarmness, that He would ignite it. That He would consume you and burn out anything that is not Him. He's waiting on hearts hungry for the fire!  Praise God and BLESS you today!

This Is War - Paul Washer

This video, well, what can I say about this video besides it is what the "Call of God" feels like. It is not fluffy, it is not heartwarming and snuggly, like walking with God is usually portrayed. It is gritty, it is real. You were purchased with Blood. How else should we respond to God's outreached, nail- scarred hand if we call ourselves Christians? There's absolutely no way the Spirit of God living inside can NOT be moved by this video! Its one of my faves, and I hope it stirs something inside you.

Am I crazy for beginning my blog with something like this? Crazy, no. Radical, a name I have absolutely come to adore? Yes! Might as well set the tone....

Why Blog?...

Well, it's easy. From the days that He came into my life, I knew I must repay this awesome Savior that shed His blood for me..how could I not? He came down from heaven, grabbed ahold of me in a mighty way, plucked me from utter destruction (physically and eternally), and made me brand new. Since those days have turned into years, His Spirit grows, a fiery passion for His Kingdom. By His grace alone, I set myself on a mission to bang on the walls of heaven to be used by Him. When one takes that job of diligence seriously, intercession for the Kingdom, the King responds. If you were to open the Word to Jeremiah 5, you would see that the need to proclaim Him is like a fire shut up inside you... And it is not an exaggeration, I assure you. So, that need will be met in as many ways as I can come up with. If you had an itch, you would surely scratch. If you were filled with hunger, you would feed it. And this is my response to a growing need to fulfill His glory.
He is all that matters in the End. He is what it's all about, isn't He? We are the created, He is our Creator. We are blessed with spouses, children, family, and friends. But, perhaps (most certainly) we are given them to pursue our God alongside, to acheive the ultimate goal.  My babies and my hubby are dear to me, but my role is not to worship them. They belong to Him. My responsibility is to guide them in any way I can towards One who loves them even more than I. My walk on this earth, is it to collect glory for me, or collect souls for Him...The eternal Blessing?
We live in a "Me" world. It's all about Me. My life, my kids, my job, my accomplishments, my goals.
Our focus has been stolen. We are fooled into believing we were actually brought into this world to accumulate treasures instead of His inheritance. To lift up our names, instead of His? The Name that will last forever. To please and impress man instead of God. To assure that our children are happy instead of saved. To fulfill our dreams, and not God's will.
There's a very present enemy that has us buying into his illusion. Well, not all of us. I'm blessed enough to have been shown behind the curtain. And now, that's my hope for you. That I can pull back the mirage of the world and the lukewarm church that dominates our society... And bring the Fire.
Yep, I said it, and that's exactly what I plan to do.. Won't you come with me?