A little over a year ago, someone I care about called to tell me they had to terminate their pregnancy. My heart skipped a beat. I'd been her biggest cheerleader concerning the pregnancy. Her first child died at a few months old. This friend had an illness that prevented healthy pregnancies. Was afraid to try again. So she'd adopted a newborn girl.
She'd finally been able to have another pregnancy. Everyone was so excited. What in the world would make her choose termination? It just wasn't like her. Then she told me it was an ectopic pregnancy. My heart broke.
I had no idea what to say. There are never good words when a person faces such tragedy.
Sometimes life termination just has to be. Not because of inconvenience. But because the child was growing in her tubes. So I told her.
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Warning: This post intentionally has no image and an overuse of lazy description.
This morning I woke at five.
Before you think I'm a good little Christian, let me confess. It was a hot flash that sat me straight up in bed. Not an immense revelation.
I've been thinking about how my hormones cause me to get into trouble (bad mouth, bad emotions, poor decisions). But I have been up early most mornings this week worshipping the Lord. Each morning was because I suffered a little. Night sweats and nightmares. PMS induced allergy symptoms, and my all time favorite. The lovely anxiety attack/hot flash/brain fog combo.
I absolutely believe with all my heart that Jesus can and will deliver me from the demon called menopause. But I am learning to stick closer to Him in these moments of literally having to isolate myself in fear I might start a zombie apocalypse or something. No, I'm not being sarcastic. It gets that bad sometimes.
*When I am feeling paranoid about the entire world hating me, I am seeking scripture to remind myself that it's a lie.
*When I am overwhelmed with anxious thoughts and unbearable sadness, I am making up little songs and singing them to Him. Not only does it force my brain to be creative, it shows God I'm more interested in pleasing Him than bowing down to middle aged flesh.
It also cheers me up.
*When I wake from those ridiculous dreams I'm not questioning whether it was pizza or Divine information. I'm praying. In the Spirit. I'm seeking God's face, instead of seeking to punch a human's.
I am learning to lean more on the Lord in this otherwise difficult (that's my nice word for it) season.
Sure, all the problems in the world seem to arise when my skin is shining with enough oil to fry a flipping egg. The devil knows my schedule better than anyone. Including me. He knows when my mind and body are not cooperating (oh my GOSH I want chocolate cake) and he tries to pick a fight.
You see my lovelies, what the devil doesn't know is this. He's searching for a tangle with the wrong hot mess. Seriously.
I'm going to use what the devil intended for evil, and fight back. Not only am I armed and dangerous. I'm going to snatch those fiery darts in mid air and send them flying back at him. How do you do that? By engaging in the best form of warfare there is. Worshipping the Lord. Praying in the Spirit. Boom. In your face, devil.
That's all.
I love you, my darlings.Try to find humor and gratitude when life throws you a curve ball. Have a wonderful week in the Lord.
Princess Jae
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Sometimes we have to walk away from our own anger and hurt. We hold onto words from the past that were spoken to/over us or even by us. We allow those words to dictate our future.
The word forgive has been in my heart for quite a while now. It has stirred and churned through my veins. It's in my bloodstream. Holding on to a heart full of hurt is not going to produce anything positive or good in our lives. We must cleanse ourselves and allow that hurt to be buried (just as a sin committed and repented).
How can we claim we are Christians if we are embittered with the pain of twenty years ago and still holding on to that hurt somebody else caused? The Word speaks of forgiving in order to be forgiven. We are to be as giving with our hearts as Jesus was when He died on the cross. But sometimes we cannot do it alone.
Sometimes it takes confessing that hurt to a person we know is strong enough to hold us accountable. Speak out the pain in a way that will heal, instead of fuel the fire. And then let it go. If that does not work, then perhaps a counselor needs to be seen. Forgiveness is sometimes an instant action/reaction. But sometimes it is a process we have to go through.
Either way, though, we have to have a willing heart. Not just to mouth the words 'I forgive you'. But to truly allow the Holy Spirit to move in us and bring us to a true place of forgiveness. It isn't always easy, but all things are possible with God.
photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/85608594@N00/13659820903">Lama Surya Das Forgiveness means letting go of the hope for a better past</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)</a>
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I am definitely not pro-choice. And I am not here to begin a debate with those who are. What I am upset about this morning is the fact that people have to tone down their wording and offer me a sweet sticker so the debate is not so heated. I am not worried if somebody hates me because I choose life over choice.
What I am concerned about is this. Some of those women/girls who choose life over choice because of our "concerned" words go on to live in poverty because of their choices. And many "sweet" Christians who told them not to kill their unborn child tell them social services will help them with that child. It infuriates me.
If you are holy enough to talk some poor young thing out of abortion, then be holy enough to help her find help from other HOLIES! Just my humble opinion. And also, if that beautiful woman decides to save the baby's life, but not keep the baby, where are you then? Holy person? I know there are plenty of people out there who are willing to literally snatch up those newborn babies and give them a wonderful home. But what about the children who have not been aborted and Mommy thought she could handle being a mommy but then couldn't? And now her four year old FAS is on her last nerve. She can't do it now. And the child goes to foster care- but us HOLIES are too BUSY to take the time and take a child into our own homes.
Oh but Jae, you are being too judgmental. No I'm not. I'm keeping it as real as you folks who carry picket signs and run your mouths about saving that child's life. The invisible child in the picture above is just as invisible if mommy decides to choose life but then can't care for her child. So it's up to us to provide services beyond a sonogram to see her baby has fingernails. There need to be more places like Morning Center in Charlotte, NC.
People need to also care about the kids who are at-risk and have been taken away from the mommies who tried.
But that's not my calling, Mama Jae.
Bull puckey.
Get on your knees and pray.
I love ya'll. I know I sound harsh right now. But when it comes to the fatherless, I have a burning passion. Orphans need good Christian homes where they are safe and loved, and never treated like they are a burden or a label. Even if they have a label.
Not the world's best/sweetest adoption message. I know. But if we sugarcoat it and hand it out in the form of flyers and television ads people say, "Awe." and then accidentally throw away the telephone number.
My final rant, and then I promise I will leave you alone today, if you are going to yell about the rights of the unborn child- make sure you care enough about that unborn life to go the extra mile. Don't just be another holier than thou voice shouting (or even whispering) in those young girls' lives. Be a beacon of light and hope that surrounds and comforts them through whatever decisions they make. Everybody screws up. Pray today and ask God to show you how to help. I promise, it will be a rough road for everyone involved. But it will be the sweetest thing you could ever do for a child. Jesus said when you offer even a glass of water to the littles, you won't lose your reward.
Thanks and God bless.
Jeannette
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Every child, at one point in life or another, has a disagreement with their father. Whether he be right, or they are- disagreements left unresolved can lead to a lifetime of bitterness and unforgiveness. It bubbles over into the rest of life, and eats away at the right to make just and whole decisions. Take it from somebody who knows, and was left holding a truck load of regrets over Dad.
You may never understand why your father said the things he did. You may not know how close he truly felt to you. He may not have been able to tell you, because his own father's only mode of communication was abuse and alcoholism and your dad was slapped around for telling it how it was. You just never know.
Perhaps he was trying to protect you from the things you knew were not good for your life. Or maybe, just maybe he was helping history not to repeat itself. And now that you have gone astray from his wisdom, your life has turned upside down, filled with despair.
Don't wait around to make things right. If he wasn't abusive toward you (and even if words cut your heart like a knife at some point in time), then give him the benefit of the doubt. Even if he was abusive long ago, your kind, forgiving heart may be what stands between him and a peaceful rest in heaven.
Dads aren't perfect. They do the best they can with what they have. Sometimes they work two jobs to make ends meet and you have to stand up to help them for a month or two. Don't spend the rest of your life dragging his name through the mud. Especially when you know he was there for you when everyone else bailed.
Some dads have to make the decision to give up their child for another family to raise. Perhaps he made a poor choice at that time in life and didn't want to make it worse by trying to keep his child with him during that low point. Forgive him. Be grateful the Lord saw fit to place you with another family, or another dad.
I had a dad who wasn't the greatest at communicating. His words often left me scratching my head. When he did have words, they came in two hour lectures. I would get so angry at the fact that he would beat those words to death when I was a teen. Now I would give anything to hear just one of what I used to call his sermons. Thirteen years after his death, I still struggle with regret, and sometimes even staying in forgiveness of myself.
I know this much, though. I won't make the same mistake with my Mama. She turned sixty-eight yesterday. She is still spry and full of energy, but she isn't forty anymore. One morning (hopefully many more years from now) I will have to wake up and make peace with the fact that she's gone too. I have been thinking about that fact lately. So even if I don't always agree with my mama, I want to be a part of her life. I want to let her know that I cherish and honor her while she is still among the living.
Our families are not ever going to be perfect. If you have one that is less than so, please just embrace their faults and imperfections. It is part of what makes a family who they are. Yes, pray that those faults and imperfections are rectified before the Lord. But enjoy their unperfect love. There was only One who ever had it right... and He isn't human.
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This morning, as hubby went to leave this house- he woke me to kiss me good-bye. He looked into my eyes and he said, "I love you very much."
"I love you honey. We have to do what it takes to get to this thing."
"I know."
And he left.
I laid there for half an hour thinking about those two words.
As much as this house is a disaster because of all the things I have to do right now. As much as I nag him to do what is right. As much as I push him. As much as the pruning process we have been going through has pushed us to the wall. The absolute pressure of facing a room full of people I don't know to convince them they have to help us get this thing moving...
I fell back asleep and I had a dream about the one thing that is holding me back. Hubby and I have been working together to rid my life of that "one thing". It comes back to haunt me every time good is about to come. I woke feeling torn and I am now more determined than ever that it is the one thing the devil uses against me most (in the form of a broken heart). I woke insisting that the one thing be removed from me forever.
When I called my friend to tell her some good news, she shared a word with me. She said she knew it was for me and she had to read it. I listened carefully. She didn't send it to me in an email. SHE READ IT OVER ME. It was a word of encouragement from the Lord. And as soon as she began to read it, I felt God's love and anointing pour over me. I began to cry cleansing tears. I felt His words sink deep into my being, and in doing so, it ripped a large part of that ONE THING out of me. A clean and holy wind blew into me.
I know we still have work to do. We are never a completely finished product until we meet face to face with Jesus Christ.
Later I read that Word for myself. I sent it to a writer friend to share what God had done for me today. She immediately wrote me back and said it was a word for her as well. Praise be to the Lord our God!
Then I settled down for a bit of Psychology. Seven minutes later I had a pretty little girl on my lap wanting something to do. I found a tablet of drawing paper. I thought about it. She gets bored after a while with each project. But I couldn't find the glue stick. Within minutes she produced the basket that has the glue stick inside. I smiled. She got all excited. She's never used a glue stick before. I know this may sound ridiculously mundane to some who read this, but hear me. Please.
I went to the drawer with the hole punches inside. I pulled out the one with a flower punch on one side and a heart (her shrashorite shape). I got some pretty paper and I showed her how to use the hole punch and the glue stick. She could barely contain herself.
I looked at her and said, "This is glue."
I then pointed to the hearts and I said,
"LOVE is the GLUE that binds a family together."
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Today I am working on the final edit before I see my brain child (more like my heart child) in print. I waited in patience for several seasons before I walked away from a traditional publisher, and am now becoming my own Indie name. I don't know what the future holds for this tiny imprint I am about to start. It's not up to me.
What I do know, realize, remember as I go back through Out of Egypt, His Children Come is that I must first minister to myself.
I know.
That sounds selfish. But hear my thoughts.
I have read this story from beginning to end a hundred times or more. I wrote it, lost it in a computer crash, rewrote it, and lost it again when my daughter caused my computer (despite a good virus protection program) to have the mother of all viruses. I was then forced to decide I would never give up on this trilogy.
That's it's name, and as I rewrote it and edited the living snot out of it, I cried each time I worked within it's pages. It brought me to extremely emotional sessions of weeping. And that's kind of the point of writing. If it doesn't make you want to keep going, neither will it cause the reader to do the same. If you can't even feel the Spirit of God as you type the words of a Christian book, then perhaps it's time to fast and pray.
A Christian author's first and most important job is not to make money or become famous. If they reach that point then hallelujah, but their job is not a job at all. It is a calling. The author whose calling is of God is to teach, preach (sort of), give word from God, get people saved and delivered, and revive and heal the brokenness within the reader. No, we are not to fix it all and be psychologists. Yes, we are to minister to the weakest areas within them.
My prayer has always been that people get saved and/or delivered from the stuff they struggle with through reading the words I have been given to speak. I don't want to write for me. I wrestled with God about even putting my photograph on the back of the book. Of course He won. I will go to see one of my favorite photographers sometime in the next few weeks. And maybe my photo will just be to put her work on the back of a book. Who knows. I only want to obey.
So as I sit here and type and pray fiercely because I don't even have the money to pay a professional editor to make my work zing, my hope rests in the Lord. May every word I type, every semicolon and indented paragraph, resonate His glory and tell His story. In Jesus' name. There is no other reason to do that which I do. Grammar crown or no, onward this child shall go.
Amen.
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There is this tiny little distraction that eats up most of my hours per day. I have found it hard to create much art- and stories come in bites now instead of chapters. But one look at that face will tell anyone why I don't mind.
Her Majesty wants to do whatever I am doing. We spend more time in nature, in creeks, etc. than we do creating art, mostly because she is two and we are already having artistic differences. Lately everything is boo-gween. I don't even know where she learned blue-green except that when she was younger I would try to color a project we were working on blue, and she would rip the color out of my hand and replace it with green. Or vice-versa.
I do know this. I have found my paintings and drawings with her tiny imprint upon them. She wants to help make art. We are inspired to discover and create beautiful things together. It's what is in our inner most beings. The cry to express ourselves in the Lord through the arts. She is always learning. As her parent, it is my job to encourage her in the areas where she excels. I am so glad she has interests which are similar to mine. She loves animals and nature, swimming and art, dance and music. She loves a good story. She doesn't even know yet that I am a writer. Which tells me how absolutely blessed I am to have a kindred spirit such as our little Princess. The Lord knew what He was doing when He decided she needed to grow up with me. Not that I will ever grow up- but I can help her find her way. I love all my children. Whether they came from my womb or I got blessed with them another way. They are my heart. They give me reason to live. I am so honored to share my life interests with these children.
I cannot wait until the day where I can do so with other young people.
Soon.
That's all I know.
Soon.
I printed off the picture to the side for her the other day to color as she watched Harry the Bunny so I could finish my school work. I didn't tell her that Harry was yellow. She figured it out on her own, because I gave her the freedom to do it for herself. That's is what I am talking about, though. Kids need to be allowed to be free to be who they are.
I am excited to teach them to worship the Lord and find/express themselves through the arts. I have been doing it for years. But I want to do it on a much bigger scale. Through outdoors and nature. Not all computers and technology. Too many screens in young people's lives. They need to unplug and rewind. Relax and revive. They need a wilderness experience and I am going to help them find it.
Jesus, Hubby, and me...
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You know the one.
It's the moment where you realize you don't have to defend yourself.
That revelation split second in time when you ask yourself the question,
"Why did I ever think I did?"
A smack your forehead kind of time in life.
The Bible speaks repeatedly about God being our judge and counselor. Now I am not talking about going out on Saturday nights and partying and then coming to church on Sunday morning hung over. I am talking about making decisions to do something that is in the best interest of an innocent even when it doesn't make sense to others. Even when it offends them.
The Bible also speaks about standing up for truth. I am not going to stay somewhere that His word is compromised, sugar coated, or twisted. I'm not even talking about a church right now. I am talking about anywhere I go.
People are going to sin. It's human nature. But to live with your head in the sand for the sake of appearing tolerant is something completely different. I am going to tell the truth. And I am not going to add sparkly wings to it.
When it comes down to it-
I don't allow magick wands in my presence.
Deception.
If I am unaware of it, I pray for God to make me aware. It takes a while sometimes, but then God will do something amazing like give me scripture about dusting my feet. I know then I had better act.
If we don't listen in those moments my darlings- we will be sorry later.
I don't like offending people. But every time I have ever tried to be subtle about something, it ends horribly. So I have to be who God made me to be.
Imperfect. Determined. Strong. Loud. Alarming. Honest. Creative.
Weird.
Strange.
Different.
Flowery.
Poetic.
Who has God created you to be? Do you know for sure? Are you seeking His face in order to know? Whoever HE has made you to be, be that person. And nothing else. Please. It will not end well. If you are meant to be a sweet and quiet example- be that. If you are called to be the loud one who climbs on tops of buildings and yells down to the masses, then do so. If you are told to be still, then be still. But know His voice. Know it well. Don't listen to other voices. Block the noise from your ears and heart.
Sometimes if I am running around in circles- I will stop somewhere at a stop sign and suddenly someone will pull up next to me with a license plate.
Saturday it said JAE (that would be my name) 9213. Saturday was 9/13... Just saying.
What about the two? Perhaps something happened at two o'clock that day that I will never know about. But it slowed me down to take the time to listen to my Father. And I had peace about what is coming for us. In that moment I hadn't been sure I was headed in the right direction, and too many other voices were trying to speak to me (children, spouse, parents, friends). I had to know whether to head up that mountain and take the tiny place that was offered to me- or to stay here and wait for the farm to come. I know now. And now I am moving.
Moving to a tiny place now forces me to get rid of all the unimportant things in my life. To clear out the clutter. At one time nine people lived in this five bedroom home (my five kids, us, and a couple of extra teenagers). The mess was easily hidden in closets. But you see, God has been revealing things in the natural as much as in the spiritual. Although I had gotten rid of half my belongings months ago, I needed to get rid of more. Moving to my tiny place before the farm causes me not to carry all this clutter with me to a farm. My promised land. It's up that mountain. I am going there. I will sit and wait. Prepare many stories for publication, and instead of wasting time finding the perfect place to try and put those stories- The Lion's Roar will do so for me...
If the Lord tells you to do something my lovelies, no matter how badly it hurts, do it. You won't be sorry. Know it's Him before you act. And then ACT. Please.
I love you all. Have a blessed week. If you don't hear from me for a little while, it's not because I have forgotten you. It's because I am embracing a life on TOP of the mountain.
Selah.
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All this time God has been refining and refueling my family. Sometimes it felt more like punishment than anything. But it wasn't. It was God preparing all of us. For greater and newer things. I cannot even believe the revelations that have been coming to me. Now- it is time. Not just to be an author/illustrator, but far greater things. To me that was always the top rung on the ladder. Now it's been mid-way. I can't speak much about what is happening, but I know God's timing is impeccable. I can't wait to see the new things unfold. It's all about to get crazy and wonderful around here. I haven't felt this good about doing what I do for about four and a half years. I know one thing though, I won't ever work for someone else again. Jesus is my boss.
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Some are going through a horrible time right now.
Some are feeling lost.
Hopeless.
Abandoned.
Worthless.
Helpless.
Alone.
Depression.
Feeling as if nobody hears them, sees them, knows they are alive.
God sees you, my darling.
He hears you.
He feels you.
Catches every tear that falls from your precious eyes.
I promise.
Focus on something for just a moment.
Something outside of your pain.
Focus on the Glory of God.
Take a deep breath.
Breathe.
If you can't muster the strength to say it aloud-
then say it inside.
You can do this.
I have faith in you.
I believe in you.
"Take me Lord.
Take my junk.
Take my mess.
I am Yours.
Help me.
Lead me beside the still waters.
Restore my soul.
My mess, is Yours.
Use it to be glorified.
Give me peace.
Give me hope.
I find my strength in You, oh Lord.
Bring me to the place of joy.
And bring me into You.
In Jesus' name."
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I often wonder if people understand that love is an action word. No, I don't mean the act of fleshly love. I mean prove it.
Recently a person in my life has shown me that love was not in their vocabulary, let alone their heart. I dared them to prove to me they love me in ways that would conquer that disbelief. Give me a reason to stay in their lives. Because actions speak far louder than words and the only actions shown- were complacency and contempt. It had been that way for many, neglectful and abusive years.
That person is now taking baby steps to show me that my lifetime of love has not only been one-sided and pointless. They are allowing their heart to shine again. You see, it wasn't just non-love that was being communicated. It was hurt that was not being communicated. The poison had to stop.
If a man walked into his house and saw a stranger forcing his wife to do unspeakable things- would he not rush to her aid and save her?
And if a woman saw that same person robbing her husband and she just happened to have a strong weapon at her disposal, would she not rescue her husband and then think about calling for help?
It's the same in the spiritual sense; emotional & mental.
If a person is struggling with their faith, with their emotions, with their life- and you just happened to be with that person until death do you part- get in there and fight.
Seriously.
Who are you to leave them go this alone? How can you say you are in love when you don't even try?
Are you the person who is being neglected? I am praying. God knows the answers you need.
Don't leave people alone, my lovelies. Eventually you will lose them. In one way or another.
Unless, of course, that is what you want.
In that case, stop torturing them.
Step up and be the person your love needs.
Nobody should have to face the most horrifying of life's struggles alone. All humans need another human to hold their hand once in a while, to help them navigate through troubled waters.
This blog entry was not intended to be harmful or judgmental. I don't know who this is for. Maybe it is just for me. Whatever the case, we need each other. We can't go it alone. Let's purpose to be the hope and the salt and the Light in other people's lives. Hold them up when they cannot stand. Let's show them they are worth the fight and be there as long as it takes. Forgive. Forget. And love once again.
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I didn't have a camera this morning, (this is a photo I found of another little girl and edited) but my little angel got up bright and early as usual. We turned on some kid's worship music on youtube. She loves to watch other kids worship the Lord. But she loves to dance even more. I am so proud to have children in my life who aren't afraid to talk about Jesus.
When we are in restaurants, she grabs the waitress/waiter's hand and says when they bring her food, "We pray now."
It's not like she is commanding them to join us, but more of a sweet invitation. Childlike faith. And I love my babies.
Doodlebug talks to Mimi about Jesus. We pray together and read stories when she's with me. And when Little Man gets bigger, Mimi will definitely be there to teach him as well. I want them to know real faith. Not just something they read in a book. I am grateful I have an opportunity to teach them while they are young and innocent. I pray I am as good an influence in example to them as I am in showing them the Word, though. They learn more by what they see you doing and saying than they do you teaching them straight out.
I am grateful this morning for the wisdom of the Lord. He has been showing me many revelations lately. Knowledge is power. Within that power of the Blood of Jesus lies all the answers to life.
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I have another whirlwind moment to share.
After I turned this blog back on yesterday I felt the need to get away for a while. To draw near to the Lord. And as I pulled out of the drive it was very obvious there was a power struggle going on. I could feel it in the air. As if there is a battle heading up in huge proportions. I felt as if I were in the middle of it.
I got a milkshake and I did a once through of the thrift shop- went on my way praying over a bed (frame) that would cost about one tenth of the one I had dreamed up in my head for her majesty's birthday present in two weeks. I prayed it would still be there when I had money in hand, and the price would be down to one I feel comfortable paying for a used item.
I was just minding my own business.
Praying.
Seeking.
No, not for a bed.
For the Lord.
I turned onto the main street, and I began to go up the hill by the hospital (on my way to the river to be alone with the Lord). As I began to accelerate up the hill, a trucker pulled up in the left lane (had his left turn signal on, so I thought, Okay?!). I was in the right lane.
Something said to give that truck the once over so I could identify it. Couldn't figure out why I need to do that, until it began to pull over into the right lane (left turn signal still blinking).
He didn't even see me.
He kept pulling into my lane where I was.
Fear and anger almost overcame me.
Finally there was a parking lot right across from the hospital.
I remember beeping my horn two or three times and the person never even let off the gas. In fact, accelerated. My jaw was to the floor. Seriously. I just looked around. Nobody who had been behind me would let me back into traffic, so I couldn't get the license plate number. I was dumbfounded more than anything.
Here's the thing. It was like I was invisible. Like nobody saw me. Didn't see it happen. I was so freaked out, and nobody even came to my aid. And that was when the devil hit me with, "You are invisible. Nobody is going to help you. They don't care."
Wow. Not so much.
I began to speak the word of God. To pray.
And then I heard the Lord say that it is time for things to break. Not just in me, but in others all around me. And I knew I had to draw away deep within His presence.
I said the words ripple effect.
He said, "No child. Tidal wave."
I am okay with that.
Definitely.
Just protect me and mine as we all go through this.
So instead of getting into the river, I climbed the hill. The very steep, slick hill. It was about 90% humidity yesterday, and 80+ degrees. But I went. Still frightened and feeling as if something/body had it in for me. Trust me Princesses, your enemy does.
I sat on a towel and I prayed. I felt led to tell the Lord my allegiance is with Him. He knows it, but I know He needed to hear me say it out loud yesterday. There is a huge battle going on in the spirit. And it is heading up to be a war.
Children of God, listen. We have got to get our heads out of the sand. Stop believing that everything will be just fine, and we can continue to keep doing the things we are, committing the same sins over and over. We are lying to ourselves. Self included.
The Lord really does want to set us free. But something has to change. That change begins inside of us, not in the middle of a political party. The word of God says may you prosper, even as your soul prospers.
Nothing is going to change in this nation, inside our churches, our homes, our hearts, until we make up our minds that we are done with the game playing.
Stop hiding the porn, and other sexual sins.
Stop hiding the excessive drinking in private.
Stop hiding the gluttonous appetites and the gimme gimme attitudes.
Stop with the envy.
Stop with the pride and arrogance.
Stop with the anger and unforgiveness and just let go of the hurts of the past.
When we make up our minds that we truly want to change, then, and only then can it be broken and restoration begin.
It starts in the head, and when the head is convinced, then it moves to the heart (or the body...). Once the body catches on, it goes outward, and not just inward. It radiates. Calls out to God like E.T. sending his signals home for mom and dad. Turn on our heart lights. Call out to the Lord. Repentance. Truly sorry for the things we have allowed to go on. Sometimes we don't even know we were allowing something to go on until we begin to ask the Lord to open our eyes to see.
Problem is, some stop right there. They see what is going on and, oh no, please don't make me go there Lord.
They run and hide.
They are afraid to face it.
If we would seek Him in boldness and not just give the Lord lip-service, we would know that these things inside us HAVE to change if we are ever to be truly usable by the Lord our God. And if we truly have allegiance with Him then we will not shy away from those things which hurt. We will just let the Lord be who He is, and cleanse and purify us from the inside out.
People will get saved.
Ministries will grow.
Churches will have revival.
The Holy Spirit will pour out and create in us newness and new gifts.
Fears will melt like ice cream in the heat of a July day.
Children will straighten up.
Homes will no longer be broken.
Life will be so full, instead of empty.
Our hearts will be full.
There will be less poverty and homelessness.
Less sickness and emotional grief.
People will be made new.
They will understand and feel again.