Heaven's Rain

Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth." Hosea 6:3

Rain. As I sit and watch the raindrops fall and listen to the lightness and calmness of their descent, I’m captured by the Creator of the Universe. In the same way that earth’s surface is the rain’s destination; we, as human beings, are the only ones who can receive, feel and experience the fresh pure rain of our Lord. Our heart’s soil is the very surface on which Heaven’s rain is longing to seep into. It is destined and purposed to cleanse, remove unclean particles, to soak up dryness and create life, bring about lushness, quench the soul’s thirst, and to rejuvenate the wilting heart.

Our hearts, our inner sanctuaries, need to be consistently washed and renewed by the Lord’s cleansing rain. For it says, in Hebrews 10:22-23, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” To do so, we need to remove our umbrellas of apprehension, throw off our rain coats, kick off those rain boots and allow the Holy Spirit to drench us with the rain of His purifying presence. Let’s lift our faces to Heaven’s floodgates and allow our Savior to soak us. To let every drop that hits our heart’s soil bear the fruit of righteousness. As Isaiah 45:8 states, "You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the Lord, have created it.” After we’ve allowed His rain to wash out our inner sanctuaries, the reward will be the rainbow of His righteousness radiating through us, we will then be a beautiful reflection of the One we love and serve. Every decision made, every thought taken captive and every word carefully spoken will be crisp colors that will sparkle and attract the world to something they are thirsting after, and that is the freedom we will have found with being able to dance in Heaven’s rain! You and I will be able to testify, that even though cleansing can be painful, the outcome far exceeds the throb of the moment.

When we force ourselves to step out from the shadows and allow the rain to fall directly onto our heart’s top soil that is when we will be able to bear the fruit of righteousness, that is where spiritual growth will occur and that is the place when our lives can have a ripple effect on those around us. Just as the rain drop hits a bed of water, or a small puddle and causes many ripples to transpire, the same with our lives.

The rolling heavy clouds shift in the overcast blanket above, our bare feet hit the pavement; we have come to the place of decision of either going forward or turning back to go for cover. Which will it be? Will we leave the comfort of our dark sheltered dwelling? Or will we run and abandon ourselves to the steady cleansing rain, His purifying rain that can not only instill in us a joy unfathomable, a hope irresistible but also a love that is so deep that we are not able to reach its end. Rest assured, it is worth it.

Update on Stephanie

Hello Dear Friends,

I'm so sorry for not posting in a long time. My life has been extremely busy! :) I've been directing a documentary on the life and ministry of Nick Vujicic, titled, "Measure of a Man." Also, I've been directing some webisodes for Nick's ministry, Life Without Limbs. I've been in California working for LWL since June 23rd and will be flying back home on the 18th! Life is going great! God has been so faithful and has been teaching me so many things.

My plans for this fall, as of right now, are to write a devotional book for girls, lead a girl's Bible-Study, work on a couple of house projects and go on several mission trips. I'm really hoping to go to Ethiopia, in December, to help out with an orphanage.

God has been giving me so much joy! He has been stirring in my heart specific things He is asking me to do for His Kingdom. He is teaching me that when I allow myself to be sweetly broken before Him, that is the place, the heart position where He can be the lifter of my head.

I will definitely be posting more once I get home from Cali! Blessings on all of you!

Love,
Stephanie

Creator Of The Universe

I, The Creator Of The Universe, am with you and for you. What more could you need? When you feel some lack, it is because you are not connecting with Me at a deep level. I offer abundant Life; your part is to trust Me, refusing to worry about anything.

It is not so much adverse events that make you anxious as it is your thoughts about those events. Your mind engages in trying to take control of a situation, to bring about the result you desire. Your thoughts close in on the problem like ravenous wolves. Determined to make things go your way, you forget that I am in charge of your life. The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem to My Presence. Stop all your striving, and watch to see what I will do. I AM THE LORD!

Romans 8:31-32 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Song, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Micah 7:7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

*Devotional e-mail was sent to my Dad and he passed it on to me.

Dancing in His Rain

Lately, I’ve just felt so overwhelmed by the love of the Lord. I feel like the Father is allowing His spring and winter rains to just pour over me. “Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” Hosea 6:3, 10:12 I’m letting it soak me and allowing nothing else to pull me away from this amazing moment, this special season in life. I want to be at the place where every drop of His presence absorbs and completely saturates every heartstring, every fiber of my being, my very soul. I want to dance in His rain! I want this incredible love to drive me to yearn for my heart to beat in rhythm with His. My heart’s cry is for the Lord’s desires to be my desires, His thoughts to be my thoughts and His words to be my words. I want to be a daughter who is attentive to my Heavenly Father’s consistent whispers; the intimate secrets that He is so prepared to unfold before my very eyes. “Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7 Father, I truly stand amazed by how wide and long and high and deep Your love is! Jesus, you take my breath away!

How He Loves

By: John Mark Mcmillen

He is jealous for me,

Loves like a hurricane,

I am a tree,

Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.

When all of a sudden,

I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,

And I realize just how beautiful You are,

And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,

Oh how He loves us,

How He loves us so

Yeah, He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves.

Yeah, He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves.

We are His portion and He is our prize,

Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,

If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.

So Heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss,

And the heart turns violently inside of my chest,

I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,

When I think about, the way…

Fragrance of Christ

"For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing."2 Corinthians 2:15

Sisters, I hope each of you had a very Merry Christmas and if you had or were at a New Year’s Eve party…I hope you didn’t stay up tooooo late! J LOL! JK! I actually stayed up till 3am! Yep, I know…I’m a night owl!

Well, I was thinking to myself, you know, it’s about time for another blog post! So, I decided to write some thoughts I had about we, as Christians, being the fragrance of Christ. David wrote in the Psalms 141:2, “May my prayer be set before You like incense.” We each have an aroma that we carry with us, wherever we go. But, for us to have the ability to permeate the atmosphere around us, we have to take the time to sit at our Heavenly Father’s feet. We are called to be still, He beckons us to take the opportunity to be quiet and hear what His heart is longing to impart to ours. Communication not only involves words, but it also incorporates listening ears. In a sense, we need to be at the place to allow the Father to open up the spiritual windows of our hearts. Zach Neese, worship pastor from Gateway Church, states, “Prayer, like incense, is designed for fire. It only rises if it burns, and when it burns, it changes the atmosphere. A life lived in open and passionate communication with God does the same thing-it burns and changes the atmosphere of the world it lives in.” Wow! So true!

A friend of mine and I were talking and she mentioned this beautiful analogy about us, representing candles. There has to be a flame for the wax to melt…only then is it pliable and moldable. We are that candle. Our flesh has to surrender when we allow the light and love of Jesus Christ consume our beings. With the power of Christ, we can overcome the painful tests of dying to self by choosing to allow the Lord to conform us to Himself. We are also clay that rests in the Master’s hands. Isaiah 64:8 says, “Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” We are oaks of righteousness, displays of His glory. In Isaiah 61:3 it states, “They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” We are all testimonies of God’s faithfulness, displays of His majesty, trophies of His glory at work in our lives! We are also called the fragrance of Christ! Let’s make prayer a priority in our lives, that way we can bring a different atmosphere to a lost and dying world. Communion with the Father, all throughout the day, will even strengthen the breathtaking fragrance of our lives; it will allow us to radiate the love and joy of Jesus to every soul that is saturated by its sweet presence. Be that holy fragrance to everyone around you!

Pour My Love On You

By: Phillips, Craig and Dean

I don't know how to say exactly how I feel

And I can't begin to tell you what your love has meant

I'm lost for words

Is there a way to show the passion in my heart

Can I express how truly great I think you are

You're my dearest friend
Lord this is my desire to pour my love on you

Like oil upon your feet

Like wine for you to drink

Life water from my heart

I pour my love on you

With praises like the perfume

I lavish mine on you

Till every drop is gone

I pour my love on you

Blessings,

Stephanie

How Many Kings

How Many Kings

Written By: Down Here Band

Follow the star to a place unexpected

Would you believe after all we’ve projected

A child in a manger

Lowly and small, the weakest of all

Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl

Just a child Is this who we’ve waited for?

Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

How many Gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that has torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn savior

All that we have whether costly or meek

Because we believe

Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure

And myrrh for the cross he’ll suffer

Do you believe, is this who we’ve waited for?

(It’s who we’ve waited for)

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

How many Gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that has torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only one did that for me All for me All for you All for me All for you

To listen to the song go to: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=23104425

Christmas is approaching...

Christmas is approaching. The weather is getting cold and crisp, boxes of decorations are being taken down from the attic, red and white candles are lit, Christmas trees are being bought, twinkle lights are glowing from neighboring houses, Silent Night and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer tunes can be heard on the radio and in shopping malls, Christmas parties, Christmas cards, eggnog and peppermint lattes are being served in local coffee shops, holiday sweaters are being worn, toys are being bought and words such as, “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holiday’s” are on people’s lips as you pass by. It’s an exciting season. A busy season for most. But to some a difficult season.

During this special season many experience heart ache. To some, it may be the loss of a loved one not present in the midst of this joyous celebration. For some, it could be the loss of a mother, father, brother, sister, child, uncle, aunt, or grandparent. Christmas memories are remembered as family traditions begin to unfold and holiday recipes are taken from the family's heirloom cookbook.

In Isaiah 61, it states, The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

Sisters, let’s keep our spiritual eyes open and our ears tuned towards the Lord’s voice. Let’s be sensitive and obedient to comfort those who are grieving. To those who are hurting. To those who are in need during this Christmas season. Let’s make it our mission to be an answer to a child’s Christmas wish and heartfelt prayer. Let’s live lives that give and pour into others not just specifically during this holiday season but all year long. Lives that impact people’s worlds and embrace hearts for the glory of Lord.

Blessings during this Christmas Season,

Stephanie

Tears

The tears fall, they're so easy to wipe off onto my sleeve, but how do I erase the stain from my heart? Author Unknown

Nick Vujicic (www.lifewithoutlimbs.org) quotes, "Tears are a language the Father understands." You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 Salty bitter water droplets that flow from an individual's heavy eyes paint a canvas of agony, pain, hurt, repentance, grief, loneliness, rejection and anger.

Tears are usually the after effect of a circumstance that has caused a tsunami of tidal waves to beat against you with the sole intent to drown you into the depths of disbelief and fear. Save me, O God; For the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is dried: Mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. Psalm 69:1-3

There are even moments when the storms of life may be a season of testing when the Father is trying to make you all the more pure and equipped for the greater mission He is unfolding before you. There have been times in my life when I’ve cried myself to sleep, when I’ve been on my knees wailing my heart’s questions to the Lord…searching for answers…wanting the truth…needing the burden lifted from my shoulders. The Father understands our tears even though a word may never be uttered from our lips. He hears the whispers and even the screams of our hearts. The waves and undercurrents can knock and toss us like helpless paralyzed infants in need of someone greater and that someone is Christ. All it takes for us to be rescued is a cry to the One who is able to save us from drowning in our own sea of tears. His hand is ready to pull us from the clutches of fear’s depths. He is there waiting. He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. The Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. Psalm 18:16, 17, 18b, 19

Are you going to call out to Him? He is right there with you. He is standing above you, looking down at you. He is longing for you to call out to Him. Will you? Will you allow Him to wipe away your tears and replace those tears with His smiles? With His joy? Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:1-4

God moves in a mysterious way. His wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm. William Cowper

Blessings, Stephanie

Bella

Today, my family and I went to go see the movie, Bella. As I sat in the dark theater with the film rolling before my searching eyes, my heart sang as a powerful message unfolded on the screen. This movie will dramatically impact your life. Its gripping story, lovable characters and heartwarming uniqueness brings a breath of fresh air to the film industry that has so viciously bombarded our minds with messages that mock the teachings of our Lord. This film is so amazingily packaged with the meaning of true friendship, loyalty, love, life, respect, family, hope and the love of life. Please go support this movie! The church needs to have open arms to those who are broken and weary. To those hurting. To those who are spiritually blind. To those in need of a miracle of hope. We have the truth. We know the one who heals bleeding hearts and restores shattered worlds. Let's let our light shine! Let's allow ourselves to be God's instruments to those in need. An answer to someone's prayer. Young men and women, this is the time to be bold! To not be ashamed of what we have been given!

Isaiah 61:1-4 states,

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.


Here is a review I found online, written by Rebecca Grace (Guest Columnist from OneNewsNow.com) that gives specific details about this particular film:

From Metanoia Films comes Bella, the story of José, a washed up pro athlete, who reaches out to Nina, a young waitress whose world is crashing down around her. The two spend a day together in New York, and it changes both of their lives forever as José shows Nina the importance of family, life and love while trying to come to grips with a haunting past of his own. It’s a story of healing as both grapple with life-changing decisions in the midst of the unexpected, while an innocent life hangs in the balance. It’s a film that defies the norms of Hollywood and is a profound illustration about the impact one life can have on another. Bella has a Latino flare to it and delivers a realistic depiction of the close-knit Hispanic culture. The traditional family is portrayed in a very positive way as is the topic of adoption. The film is emotionally engaging and contains no sex or nudity. The timeline of the film can be confusing at times, so it’s important for viewers to see it through to the end, where it wraps up in an amazingly touching way. It’s important to note that Bella does deal with an unwanted pregnancy and the issues that surround that – such as abortion. It is rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief disturbing images. There is a small amount of blood shown in a scene that depicts a tragedy. There are elements of smoking and drinking in the film, along with one reference to drug use. The film contains two crude terms and one instance in which a profanity is implied. Due to the theme of the film, AFA does not think it is suitable for young children. But for those mature enough to handle the unexpected trials of life, Bella is an impressionistic film with a subtle but powerful message that will make your heart smile. Bella is set to release in October in select theaters nationwide. More information is available at http://www.bellathemovie.com./ Or read more about God’s providence in the making of Bella when actor Eduardo Verástegui shares of his life-changing visit to an abortion clinic and other stories that show how God is using Bella to impact the hearts of its viewers.

Please go and support this film!

Blessings,
Stephanie

Update on Stephanie :)

Alrighty, I got my cast off yesterday!!!!!! It was so exciting, scary and fun at the same time! The saw was pretty ummm....interesting! The sweet nurse kind of made me a little nervous, she was telling me that someone had taught her a new way of taking off a cast and then was saying how she hated using that particular saw. I was so worried she'd cut my leg up! I've heard stories!

Well, the reason I'm so sad is because I'm imprisoned to a boot brace for 4 weeks. AND I have to go to therapy every week! I thought my whole broken foot experience would be over today but it's not... PLEASE BE PRAYING FOR ME!!!!! I am dying to RUN, PLAY VOLLEYBALL, WALK and DANCE!!!!!! ANYTHING WITH BOTH FEET!!!!

God is definitely teaching me patience during this whole experience! LOL! Really teaching me to trust Him! He definitely wants me completely dependent on Him alone! This past month, well almost two months of not walking on two feet has been a rollar coaster! The Lord is so faithful! He truly is carrying me! *Your Sister in Christ, Steph

I Choose To Stand

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. Psalm 18:33

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5

Just recently, I heard about a young man by the name of Nick Vujicic, he is 24 and lives in Australia. Because of my broken foot, I've been laid up and just a few days ago a friend of mine dropped by to visit me and in our conversation she mentioned a young man with an amazing ministry and ground shaking faith! I went to youtube and searched. A video came up of him ministering to a congregation. Nick has no arms and no legs, but inside him burns a heart that is on fire for the Lord Jesus Christ. He spoke forth with genuine passion and with unashamed boldness. As my eyes fell upon this life changing video I was left sitting on the couch in awe. I couldn't say anything. My deep thoughts were drowning out any opportunity for words to escape my lips. Nick's parents had no warnings, nothing to prepare them for what lay ahead of them. The day when Nick was born, nurses wept and hid him from his mom, their entire church mourned, minds were being swarmed with questions, doubts and fears. Nick has gone through times of depression, even to the point of being suicidal at the age of eight. He's gone through the cruelties of kids behaviors and the critical looks of complete strangers. This mighty giant of a man has endured through many tough deserts of fear, has crossed through many empty valleys of loneliness and has climbed triumphantly over steep mountains with the drive of seeing his Lord glorified!

Nick states, "I have complete peace knowing that God won't let anything happen to us in our life unless He has a good purpose for it all. I completely gave my life to Christ at the age of fifteen after reading John 9. Jesus said that the reason the man was born blind was "so that the works of God may be revealed through Him." I truly believed that God would heal me so I could be a great testimony of His Awesome Power. Later on, I was given the wisdom to understand that if we pray for something, if it's God's will, it'll happen in His time. If it's not God's will for it to happen, then I know that He has something better. I now see that Glory revealed as He is using me just the way I am and in ways others can't be used." Praise the Lord! Nick travels and speaks worldwide with the sole purpose of spreading the Gospel to all people! For more information about Nick go to: http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/

Nick's story has inspired me to live my life to impact others for the Kingdom! To live with an eternal perspective. To be driven by eternity! As this quote states,“Only one life - ’twil soon be past! Only what’s done for Christ will last!” May we all join hands in unity to spread the Good News to all people. Planting seeds that will soon result in a massive harvest. Let's take the torch and pass it's fire, let's catch hold of the baton that the Lord longs for us to pass on to others! We can start a chain reaction...it all starts with us being obedient to call of the Lord! Friends, heed His voice. Let it begin right here, right now. Let's choose to stand with arms high and heart abandoned!

The Stand

By: Hillsongs United

You stood before creation

Forever within Your hand

You spoke all life into motion

My soul now to stand

You stood before my failure

And carried the cross for my shame

My sin weighed upon Your shoulders

My soul now to stand

So what can I say

And what could I do

But offer this heart O God

Completely to You

So I’ll walk upon salvation

Your Spirit alive in me

This life to declare Your promise

My soul now to stand

So I’ll stand

With arms high and heart abandoned

In awe of the One who gave it all

I’ll stand

My soul Lord to You surrendered

All I am is Yours

Call of Courage made it into the San Antonio Christian Film Festival

I have some exciting news! I'm apart of an organization called, The Dallas Christian Filmmakers (DCFM)! I'm actually one of the officers! Anyway, we made a film this past Summer in Ardmore, Oklahoma and it made it into the San Antonio Christian Film Festival!!!! And I actually got to have three lines in our movie! There are apx. 150-200 short films that are sent to SACFF but only 30 make it to the Semi's! Well, ours did! We are so excited! God is so good! We are all so thrilled about the Film Festival! I'll keep ya'll updated...

For more info about our movie: http://www.dallaschristianfilmmakers.org/

*Steph

Laid Low...But Spirit Is Up

I broke my foot! Well, I was in the emergency room last Wednesday night. I got some x-rays done and the doctor came to me and told me that I had a broken foot. So, I'm now on crutches for 4-6 weeks. The most embarrassing part is how it happened. I was running in high heels! Yep! Wrong idea! I'll never do that again!!!!

Everyone has been so wonderful. A sweet friend of mine dropped by the house and brought me flowers and a bucket of Unconditional Chocolate ice-cream made by Dove. And a friend of my mom's brought me a small portable cd player to put beside my temporary bed (the couch). I feel so loved! It truly does feel so nice to rest. If you really know me I'm an energetic, go getter, ball of fire, trying to be everywhere all at once....kind of girl. It is also going to be very hard for me because I sometimes have a hard time staying put. So, in a way this is going to be a test.

Today, is my fifth day in a cast, so there's not much I can do. But even though I'm laid low, I have to say that my spirit sure is up! :) God is so faithful! So.....I have exciting news! I've started writing a book! Yes! Me! I know it's random but God is birthing something in my spirit! I have this overwhelming passion to see my Sisters in Christ preparing themselves for their True Bridegroom! Anyway, I'll keep you updated on my new project...

I'm listening to Aaron Shust's new cd called Whispered and Shouted. My favorite song right now is called, Create Again. Here are the lyrics,


Create Again
By: Aaron Shust

Separated from night
You spoke and then there was light
They point to You
Divided water from land
Bowing to Your command
They point to You


The sun that’s blazing at noon
And every phase of the moon
They point to You.
A baby’s cry and the way
A sunset closes the day
They point to You.

For You’re the only One worth praising
More radiant than earth and sky
And everyday that I survey Your creation
I see why I see why


God of everything I see,
Come create again in me
You were yesterday
You will always be
So take each breath that I breathe
And be the life that I bleed
Create again in me

The storm that’s raging at sea
The little child on her knees
They point to You
Your grace that’s poured out on me
The sacrifice on a tree
They point to You


Your Word vaults across the sky
From sunrise to sunset
Melting the ice, scorching the desert
Warm our hearts to faith
Create again in me

Some photos from the Rebelution Conference in Dallas

The Rebelution Conference was amazing! I had the opportunity to be the Registration Captain for the Dallas Conference! God's presence, favor and constant supply of His supernatural strength made each of us smile and so grateful! We serve an awesome God! Mr. Harris, Brett and Alex did an outstanding job in all of their sessions! Their passion, love, dedication and genuine faithfulness to the Lord truly radiates! Joel's heart of worship shines as he lift's his eyes and his voice to his Maker. They are men who are real about their faith! If you haven't gone to any of the Rebelution Conferences then I highly recommend each of you to get on board next year! It's time for our generation to start falling desperately in love with our Lord and living lives of faith, obedience and risk...especially when it comes to doing hard things for God.

The Heart of The Warrior's Bride

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—my father’s God, and I will exalt him! The Lord is my warrior; Yahweh is his name! Exodus 15:2-3 (Personalized)

I was curled up in a small corner of the couch snacking on chicken strips and ranch. I was watching one of my all-time favorite movies, The Last Samurai. I sat alone in a quiet room; everything seemed to be holding it's breath as the ending scenes flashed before my eyes. The thick harsh drum beats resounded off the walls and bounced in every direction. I began to cry, tears were streaming down my face...my heart was aching. I wanted Katsumoto to live! He was Samurai! He was a brave warrior! A man known for his honor! His life had left a major impact on the heart of Nathan Algren, an American soldier sent to Japan to train an infantry of Japanese soldiers to fight against the Samurai. Nathan had no idea that he would soon become one of them. At the very end, the Emperor asks Nathan to tell him how Katsumoto died and Nathan in turn replies, "No, your Majesty, I will tell you how he lived." I began to weep...I broke. My mom walked into our living room and sat down beside me and asked me why I was crying. The tears started flowing again as I tried to explain... I guess you could say the movie impacted me in a way that it hadn't before. What was it about a warrior's brave death? What made a life of loyalty and honor so touching?

Well, as I ponder, I am reminded of the Lord's gruesome death. He was an innocent lamb led to the slaughter. He was mocked. Abused. Tortured. Rejected. Friends, he did it for us. We were in His thoughts. Tom Malone states, "When Christ died on the cross of Calvary, He died with you and me in mind." We were on His heart. We were the reason. Our one true Warrior laid down His life for His Bride. It was all for us. He was the greatest example of a life of honor. We all are going to leave some type of legacy or impact on our world whether we like it or not… every word, every look, every motive…our lives are songs, their melodies. What is your life singing loudly to those around you?

The Lord left a legacy of love. Katsumoto left a legacy of honor. What about us? What will we do with what we have received from the Lord? Leo Buscaglia states, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Let’s follow our Warrior’s footprints…let’s choose to live and leave a legacy of love. Let’s live purposeful lives. Lives that bring honor and glory to our Maker!

~Stephanie

God's dreamers are always unpractical, but in the end...their dreams come true. -Amy Carmichael

Recently, I started reading this amazing book by Eric and Leslie Ludy titled, When God Writes Your Life Story. It is soooooo good! I highly recommend reading it! Here are a few quotes taken from the book that left me in awe!

What happened to our little-kid passion for achieving the impossible? When did we stop shooting for impossible goals and start aiming for realistic targets instead? As little kids, we dream of a bigger-than-life existence. But eventually we grow up. We lose our "oomph" to keep aiming high. We settle for everyday mediocrity. We stop trying to be heroic and finally accept being average.

When our little kid passion for the impossible dies, everything worth living for slowly suffocates as well. We give up our hopes of finding a sense of victorious fulfillment and purpose in each day; of making a dynamic difference in this world; of discovering a love that lasts a lifetime; or of enjoying enduring friendships. And most of us give up hope of ever being on intimate terms with God. We scoff at the idea of experiencing a passionate love affair with the King of the Universe that transforms our existence.

But what is a movie without a conflict? Where's the drama without a mountain of impossibility to climb? The very thing that makes for an exciting story is the same thing that makes for a wonderful and amazing life: overcoming the impossible. For life to be fully lived, it must wrestle the impossible and win. For life to be fully lived, the God of the Impossible must be fully trusted with the writing of the script.

Wow! Isn't that wonderful?!!! I definitely want the Lord writing my life story! He is truly the expert! Let's let Him be the author of our lives! Let's submit our lives to Him!

Breathe On Me Breath Of God

This morning, I was listening to this song that Sandy Patti sings called, Breathe On Me. I was so moved by the words. I long and desire for the Lord's breath just to blow over me like violent winds during a thunderstorm. I want God just to overwhelm me with His presence and breath. I want to hear from Him! I want be so close to Him that my heart beats in rhythm with His.

Breathe On Me
By Sandy Patti

Breathe on me breath of God
Bring my life close to your spirit
Beat in me heart of God
My soul's in prayer to be near it
Focus my eyes
To only see what's you
And breathe on me
Breathe on me breath of God

Breathe on my breathe of God
I am a vessel to be filled
Comfort me peace of God
Lord, I am restless for your will
Silence my fears
So that I may hear from you
And breathe on me
Breathe on me breath of God

Surround me in your glory
Make your presence known
Set the path of grace before me
Let your breath become my own

Breathe on breath of God
Cover my sin with your mercy
Speak to me word of God
Give me a light for my journey
Show me your way
And draw me close to you
And breathe on me
Breathe on me
Breathe on me breath of God

"And so I am joyful all the day...."

"It is very pleasant to live here in our beautiful world. My eyes cannot see the beautiful things, but my mind can see them all, and so I am joyful all the day."
~So said blind and deaf Helen Keller

Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Wow! When my mom read that quote during one of our morning devotions together, I was left speechless. How could this women be so joyful?! What was there to be so joyful about when one couldn't see or hear? I can't imagine not ever being able to see the majestic snow covered mountain tops, or see all the sunrises and sunsets that our Creator paints for each of us to enjoy, or see a cool and refreshing waterfall or see the crisp fall leaves of red, orange and yellow. I can't imagine not ever being able to hear someone say, "I love you," or hear the birds when the sun breaks forth from the sleeping expanse, or hear the crunching of snow beneath my feet, I can't imagine not hearing the beautiful melodies of music. I was amazed! And I was upset to see how easily I could become selfish with the cares and distractions of my everyday life. We are all so blessed! And Helen Keller said she was so blessed...because her hope and joy was not found in her present circumstances or in her condition. She made it a point to find things that she was thankful for. Wow! Let's continue to strive to place our hope in the Lord! For it's only in Him that we will ever truly experience a joy that will transform the very corners of our lives forever!

Hear From Heaven

I just started reading this wonderful book! It is so good! Here is what the back of the book states,

"If you desire to be used by the Lord, you need to grow sensitive to His voice.
God looks for those who surrender to Him, who will not be ashamed of Him, who will speak what they have heard. God's presence follows His believers. Sitting at the office, typing at the computer, resting on a mattress, or driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic-He is there.

But in the pace of hectic lives, how can we hear his voice? In an increasingly divergent global culture, thousands of distractions surround us every day. To be in tune with God, we need to remove the hindrances, put on "spiritual hearing aids" and get intimate with Him.

Dale Carver believes people can hear from God today. He insists that the "thumb-twiddling" Christian life must stop-so a life of obedience, fulfillment, and reward can begin.

Hear From Heaven and Change Your World is a handbook on how to hear God in the midst of daily life. It will open new doors of opportunity in your relationship with Christ."

It is definitely a must read!!! :)

Blessings,
Steph

Update From Stephanie

Hello All! :) Sorry it's been so long since I last posted! A lot has happened!

First of all, I was in a film recently, it is actually for the San Antonio Christian Film Festival. The movie I was in is called, Call of Courage. Here is the description:
"The Call of Courage is a gripping story of two young men fighting in the Civil War. Eddie Lee is a twelve-year old drummer boy who is befriended by James McClay – an officer in the Union army. As the days pass, they become as close as brothers. As the army begins its march to Wilson’s Creek, both Eddie and James are faced with decisions that will require all the courage they can muster. As things get tougher, the Battle of Wilson’s Creek erupts – throwing the two into the most intense moments of their lives."
I was actually the mother of the little drummer boy! It was so neat being around so many cameras, seeing all the sound equipment stuff and hanging out with such wonderful godly friends! It was such a blessing to be apart of this amazing project!

2. I'm in a play, Little Women! Our last performance is tonight and this will be our fifth performance! It was a long haul...we met three times a week and each practice was two hours long! I think we started somewhere around May 8...overall I had so much fun! I played the older Jo narrating my whole entire life story! I got to share about the March family and what each member of my family meant to me, my adventures with Laurie, how Beth's death affected me and my friendship and then marriage of Friedrich. It has been such a wonderful experience!

3. Lately, I've been walking through a desert you could say. I've been living in a rut. Spiritually dehydrated. I confess to you that I have been worrying about other things and have not been giving the Lord my desires, dreams and passions. Last night, I was at a worship/prayer gathering and the Lord truly met me where I was. A friend of mine gave a word to the group of people that were there and he shared with us that God has been really working on his heart and he told us that while he was reading the Psalms, yesterday morning, God spoke to heart and told him that he needed to stop trying to attain his dreams and desires in his own strength...but to truly stop and start running after the one who can truly give him the desires of his heart. To seek the Lord FIRST above anything or anyone! Those words went straight to my heart and I began to cry and just worship the Lord! It felt amazing! It has been so long since I have truly worshiped the Lord in that way. Utter abandonment! I'm so hungry for God! I want so much to be a tree rooted and grounded in Christ that when storms and times of testing come...I will use those situations to allow my roots to grow deep. Jesus is so amazing! God is pulling me out of my rut! I am so grateful!

Blessings,
Stephanie

I will be better about my posting!!! :)

Preparing for the Wedding Feast...

Let us rejoice and be glad

and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear."
Then the angel said to me, "Write:
'Blessed are those who
are invited to the
wedding supper of the Lamb!' "
And he added, "These are the true words of God."
Revelation 10:7-9

How can we be making ourselves ready for that special day?! What are some things we can do to live out our lives with an eternal perspective?

Reflection of Christ

I want my life to be an fragrant offering to the Lord. I want my life to be a reflection of His love and joy. I want my life to impact lives for the Kingdom. I want my life to be a song of praise to my Lord. I want my life to be a tapestry of many beautiful colors representing every fond memory, trial, smile, tear and miracle! I want every day to be a snapshot that completes a much grander life photo! I want my life to be a life that above all...pleases Him!

Yesterday night, I met a friend for dinner, and she and I talked about the deserts that the Lord has been leading and carrying us through...God is so faithful! A.W. Tozer says, "For God to use someone greatly He must first wound them deeply." When I look at David's life, I am amazed at how many giants were put in his path. He had to face a bear, lion, Goliath and even his own King tried to kill him on several occasions. When David was given the promise that he would one day be King...he actually went back to the field. God will use those fields, valleys or deserts in life to get us ready for the mission that He is laying out before us! In just the right timing, God can move any child of His from his or her field to a throne!

Here is one of my favorite songs:

Alabaster Jar
By Zach Neese/Walker Beach

This alabaster jar
is all I have of worth
I break it at Your feet, Lord
It's less than You deserve
You're far more beautiful
More precious than the oil
The sum of my desires
and the fullness of my joy!

Like You spilled Your blood,
I spill my heart as an offering
to my King

Here I am, take me
As an offering
Here I am, giving every heartbeat
For Your glory take me

The time that I have left
is all I have of worth
I lay it at Your feet, Lord
It's less than You deserve
And though I've little strength
And though my days are few,
You gave Your life for me
So, I will live my life for You

Worthy, Worthy
You are worthy
Worthy is the Lord

Psalm 25

I read this beautiful Psalm, this morning, during my quiet time! God is truly teaching me to be completely dependent on Him for all my needs! He is asking me to trust Him! To put my hope in Him! He is beckoning me to take His hand so He can take me through new fields and over new mountaintops! What has God been teaching you lately?

Psalm 25

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD. Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant. For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me! Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. Redeem Israel, O God, from all their troubles!

You have to go through the Fridays and Saturdays of life before you get to the Sunday...

Wow! This morning I listened to an incredible message by Jimmy Evans titled, The Two Faces of Faith. Here are some of my notes taken from the sermon... :)

Personally, I have been living through some Fridays and Saturdays of life and ready to get to the Sunday! Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we all are going to have to go through trials and times of testing. James 1:2-4 states, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Our calling involves pain. One of our missions is to put on the face of a fool before we can put on a face of champion. Think about Jesus. He was mocked, persecuted, spit on, laughed at and was crucified between two fools....Jesus became the ultimate fool. Likewise, we are called by God to do the same. We are called by the Father to join hands with our forefather’s of faith and become fools for Christ. I am amazed when I think of the unshakable unwavering faith of Noah, Abraham, David, Joseph, Mary, Daniel, Peter...the list goes on. They were all willing to be reviled, persecuted, mistreated and mocked because they were determined to believe in the promises of God. They were going to stand on His word!

We are called to fix our gaze before us! We are beckoned to look in front of us...to keep looking for the finish line. I know from personal experience, that the pain only increases when we get closer to the finish line. I also love the quote that states, “It’s darkest before the dawn.”

Guys and Girls, we have to constantly look to Jesus. Don’t allow the Fridays and Saturdays of life to swallow you up. Yes, Saturdays are death days...grave days....but keep remembering that Sunday is on its way! We are going to reach our promised land! Don’t give up! Endure! Run vigorously! Keep walking by faith! Let’s become fools for Christ so that we can become champions for Christ!

Blessings,

Stephanie

If you have any prayer requests about a "pit experience" that your going through right now...I would love to pray for you! Please be praying for me that I would remember that there is a Sunday just around the corner of every tough circumstance! God is so faithful!

Mighty Worshippers of Jesus

Tonight, my dad and I watched some of, Hillsong United's, worship DVD! It is so powerful! They have become one of my favorite worship bands! Oh, I want so much to see my generation taking a stand in being mighty worshippers of God! I want to see young people radically sold out for Jesus! I'm tired of seeing people living in defeat...tired of seeing people going through the same cycles over and over again.... I want the world to be able to look at us and see Christ! I want them to see lives consecrated to Him! I want us to take the torch and run this race of life victoriously! I want to see my generation spurring on and encouraging the next generation to take a stand for their Savior!

What are your thoughts?

A Touching Airport Story

For those of you who don’t know Beth Moore, she is an outstanding Bible teacher, writer of Bible Studies, and a married mother of 2 daughters.

April 20, 2005

At the airport in Knoxville

Waiting to board the plane: I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing. I’d had a marvelous morning with the Lord.

I say that because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you.

You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousands reasons, not the least of which is your ego.

I tried to keep from staring, but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones. The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long. Clean, but strangely out of place on an old man.

I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I’d just had a Howard Hughes sighting.

Then, I remembered that he was dead. So this man in the airport, …an impersonator maybe?

Was a camera on us somewhere?

There I sat trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him. Let’s admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man.

I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I’ve learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing. I immediately
began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind.

“Oh no, God please no.” I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, “Don’t make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I’ll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don’t make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!”…

There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, “Please don’t make me witness to this man. Not now. I’ll do it on the plane.”

Then I heard it…”I don’t want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair.”

The words were so clear, my heart leapt into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? No brainer. I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, “God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I’m on this Lord. I’m your girl! You’ve never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am on him. I am going to witness to this man.”

Again as clearly as I’ve ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. “That is not what I said, Beth. I don’t want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair.”

I looked up at God and quipped, “I don’t have a hairbrush. It’s in my suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?”…

God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God’s Word: “I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:17) I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story, my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies.

I knelt down in front of the man and asked as demurely as possible, “Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?”

He looked back at me and said, “What did you say?”

“May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?” To which he responded in volume ten, “Little lady, if you expect me to hear you, you’re going to have to talk louder than that.” At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, “SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?”

At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Longlocks. Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face and say, “If you really want to.”

Are you kidding? Of course I didn’t want to. But God didn’t seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, “Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don’t have hairbrush.”

“I have one in my bag, “ he responded. I went around to the back of that wheelchair and got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger’s old carry-on, hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man’s hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don’t do many things well, but I must admit I’ve had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls.

Like I’d done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull. A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man’s hair. Everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me.

I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair.

I know this sounds so strange, but I’ve never felt that kind of love for another soul in my entire life. I believe with all my heart, that I – for that few minutes – felt a portion of the very love of God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like someone renting a room and making Himself at home for a short while. The emotions were so strong and so pure that I knew they had to be God’s.

His hair was finally as soft as an infant’s. I slipped the brush back in the bag, went around the chair to face him. I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knees, and said, “Sir, do you know my Jesus?”

He said, “Yes, I do.” Well, that figures, I thought. He explained, “I’ve known Him since I married my bride. She wouldn’t marry me until I got to know the Savior.” He said, “You see, the problem is, I haven’t seen my bride in months. I’ve had open-heart surgery and she’s been too ill to come see me. I was sitting here thinking to myself, what a mess I must be for my bride.”

Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a divine moment when we’re completely unaware of the significance. This, on the other hand, was one of those rare encounters when I knew God had intervened in details only He could have known. It was a God moment and I’ll never forget it. Our time came to board and we were not on the same plane. I was deeply ashamed of how I’d acted earlier and would have been so proud to have accompanied him on that aircraft.

I still had a few minutes and as I gathered my things to board, the airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She said, “That old man’s sitting on the plane, sobbing. Why did you do that? What made you do that?”

I said, “Do you know Jesus? He can be the bossiest thing!” And we got to share. I learned something about God that day. He knows if you’re exhausted because you’re hungry, you’re serving in the wrong place or it is time to move on, but you feel too responsible to budge. He knows if you’re hurting or feeling rejected. He knows if you’re sick or drowning under a wave of temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed. He sees you as an individual. Tell Him your need!

I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering how many opportunities just like that one I had missed along the way…all because I didn’t want people to think I was strange. God didn’t send me to that old man, He sent that old man to me.

John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

By: Beth Moore

“Life shouldn’t be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly shouting…”Wow! What a ride! Thanks You Lord!” - Author unknown

The Stand

The Stand

By: Hillsong United

You stood before creation
Eternity within Your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to stand

You stood before my failure
Carried the Cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I'll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I’ll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all

So I’ll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours

Show me Your heart
Show me Your way
Show me Your glory

Throw away the classy heels and fuzzy slippers and PUT ON your hiking boots...

Tonight, I got to watch the first video session to, Believing God, by Beth Moore. My friend and I started a Mother/Daughter Prayer and Bible-Study group last year, and we just decided to start working through this particular Bible-Study! I am so excited! As I sat and watched, I couldn't help but be in awe of the awesome truths that seemed to explode inside of me. The theme of this course is learning what it means to truly believe in God and living lives full of radical faith in the wonderful promises that are given to us in His Word! I came to a greater realization that my journey in taking ownership of my "promised land" (my calling) is going to be messy work. The enemy is defiantly standing on what belongs to me (through Christ)... and he certainly doesn't want to see me working on the land that is rightfully mine. Beth Moore was encouraging the Body of Christ to throw away our classy heels and fuzzy slippers and just make a decision to put on our hiking boots! The Body of Christ needs to wake-up and stop allowing itself to be paralyzed by unbelief. I need to stop whining and wishing and start believing and receiving! I now have a greater sense of hope knowing that my Almighty Father has a calling for my life! He loves me and He loves you and desires us to live lives where our theology merges with our reality. He longs to see us living authentic, genuine lives that will impact lives for the Kingdom! In Romans, it talks about God's children being more than conquerors through Christ! Titus 2:11-14 states, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." John Bevere states in his book, A Heart Ablaze, "The grace of God is God's empowering presence which gives us the ability to do what truth demands of us." We have the power to live set apart lives for the Lord...let's choose to walk in victory! Let's choose to believe in God no matter what situation you may find yourself in! He is faithful! Have faith my friend!

In His Service,
Stephanie

P.S. Guys, sorry about the shoe analogy! :)