Yeah!! It's Christmas Time

Caroling, Christmas musicals at schools, Christmas pageants of Christ birth at churches, Santas in malls, party after party and lights, lights, lights everywhere! I love it!! It's my favorite season. What is amazing to me is that there are sooo many people who claim that America is no longer a "christian" nation, but it seems the majority take part in Christmas.

Think about it. Most retail businesses are in the red (meaning having no profit) on Thanksgiving Day. The next day and thru Dec. 31, these businesses go into the black (meaning having profit.) Shopping is at an all time high the end of the year. You can argue that people are just buying, no connection to Christmas at all. But, no... not buying that arguement. I heard from a sister in the Lord, today, that there was a group singing the Hallelujah Chorus in a Macy's store. Many watching joined in. At the end of the song everyone burst out with a huge, "HALLELUJAH!"

So, what is this with the statistics of America entering a post christian era and all these people buying Christmas gifts, Christmas decorations, Christmas trees and attending some type of christian church service? Well, I don't know. Maybe for many it has become cultural; a habit, just something we're supposed to do. But, when I came across a retailer who, in a corrective manner, responded, "Happy Holidays," to my "Merry Christmas," I stated, "No, Sir! Merry Christmas. Don't you recognize that if Jesus wasn't born, you'd still be in the red. So you better get your Praise on and thank God for having the forsight to bring you blessing in your business."

I have gained understanding that Christmas was created as an alternative to pagan festivities. This is similar to churches offering Harvest Fun as an alternative to Halloween. However that may be, my family chooses Jesus as the reason for the season. We celebrate His birth and reflect on the great gift of His life given to and up for us. He is the Savior, our Lord, Redeemer and Prince of Peace. So, as for me and house.. we will celebrate the Lord!

THE Love Letter

My greatest adventure with the Bible was being in Israel. I walked the base of the fallen walls at Jericho. My hands ran along side a wall of Rahab's house. My eyes glared at the cave David hid in from King Saul. I felt the waters of the Sea of Galilee lap over my feet. I gained understanding of why thousands could hear the Lord give the Sermon on the Mount. It is a natural amphitheatre and the wind it's speakers. My favorite site was the garden tomb. It is exactly the way it is described in Mark 16:5. You enter in and look to the right.

In my experiences with street evangelism I have come across many, many opinions about the legitimacy of the Bible; from the Bible is a collection of fantasy and fairytales, to it has contradictions, to it's part of a conspiracy to control people. I have heard it AAALLL!!! The funny thing is that there are more historical records proving most of what is in the Bible than any other book written. I have met several people who went to disprove the Bible and in the process ended up giving their life to Christ.

The Bible is true and accurate. It is not made up stories, fairytales or fantasy. It is a compilation of testimonies and actual events that bear witness to a Holy God. The common thread of these testimonies is His unwavering and steadfast love for us. As a whole, the Bible is about God reaching His creation and saying, "Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden of this world. I am your Creator and through my Son, I will give you an abundant life in this world and the next."

Happy Thanksgiving

"I thank our God upon every remembrance of you."

Phillipians 1:3

Wishing you all a wonderfully fun and safe Holiday.



Happy Thanksgiving

Great Expectations

It amazes me how many of us have dreams and visions for our life and then settle into something that does not match our expectation for life at all. And, let's be honest. It isn't the devil. It isn't God either. It's us and our free will. Every choice we make has consequences. Those consequences can range from great to awful to devastating. It is our responsibility to walk in the Spirit, stay in God's presence and adhere to His word. This allows us to hear His voice and guidance.

My mom had a great strategy I still use today. "Don't do anything you wouldn't do if Jesus was standing right there." Another strategy is ask your true friends about your life choices. The Bible teaches in Proverbs to surround yourself with wise counsel. Have forsight. See if what you are about to do will bring great blessing or a great curse to your life.

We want to make decisions that produce positive results. God wants us to have an abundant life that is filled with great and wonderful things. We should dream and have great expectations for ourselves according God's word. But, to see it manifest, we need to excercise great wisdom.

Guardian Angels: A True Story

One night, in India, the order of the evening was to shoot my teammates and I on sight. This news was brought to us as a warning to cancel the meeting. The government was aware of where we would be and what we were doing. Understand, sharing the gospel in an open field is against the law and punishable by immediate death. No trial, no judge, no jury.

This threat did not waver our plans. We went. The whole way we laughed and were happy that the Lord chose us to be martyrd. We worshipped and sang in Tamil to our God. However, in the back of my mind I had thoughts and questions no one likes to think about. The laughter and joy ended when our eyes landed on soldiers and their big guns once we arrived. Well, it was too late. We were there. My life was flashing before my eyes as I was repenting and forgiving in prayer. I wanted to be ready before I met the Lord. And, all of this was cloaked with extreme fear. 

To our surprise the military stayed and walked around, but no harm came to us. The night was awesome! There were healings, miracles and people came to a saving knowledge of Christ. Then we went back to the hotel and thought how cool it was to have crowd control and that the person who sent the warning was just trying to trick us.

A knock on the door during our debrief was the end to that belief. Long story short, one of the soldiers came to our hotel weeping and sobbing uncontrollably. He spoke to our leader privately in his native tongue, "Help me!! Help me!!! I need what you have! We were there to kill you, but the giants wouldn't let us! Help me!! What were those things surrounding you?!!!"

The dialogue between our leader and the soldier was explained to us after it took place downstairs. I was like, "Giants! What giants? I didn't see any!" The Lord opened the spiritual world to the eyes of those who  needed to see... our guardian angels.

Wherever you go, the Lord has flanked you with His secret service. Nothing can happen to you that is not part of His just and perfect plan. We have nothing to fear when it comes to our well being. When we are making wise choices in the plan God has for us, no one's plan to take you out will be successful. And, Isaiah 54:17 is made manifest in our lives: " No weapon formed against you shall prosper."  Believe it. Receive it.

The Price of Promotion

This is going to be short but, sweet. I am going through this right now. So, I know I can't be the only one. My prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged to stay the course and not give up.

When the Israelites were getting ready to cross into the Promise Land, they had to decide that God was on their side and believe that the Land was for them to possess and inhabit. Then they had to take a step of faith into the rushing waters of the Jordan River to cross over into the Land. Then they had to defeat the giants that were presently there to possess it.

Promise Land is destiny; purpose; calling. I don't know what your Promise Land is but, I believe there are many who are close to entering it. However, there is a river you may have to cross and giants to defeat. The river is your step of faith. What do you need to give up to receive what the Lord has for you? Many want diamonds but, are not willing to give up the Cracker Jack Box necklace in their hands. You want the Jaguar but. are clinging to the Pontiac for dear life. Forget about Eygpt. God has something more; something better.

Defeating the giants? That's the price. Whenever you are about to receive blessing or promise from the Lord the enemy will post giants to keep you from receiving it. You may be getting ready for promotion and now all of a sudden you're surrounded by hate and cruelty. Co-workers are smiling in your face and stabbing you in the back. You may be getting ready to receive that new home and now you have whispers of fear spoken in your ear. You may be getting ready for praise and honor. But, look out! Here come slander and character assassination. Stay focused in the Word and continue to do well. Keep your flesh subdued and do not, do not retaliate. God's plan for you will not be thwarted as long as you keep walking into it.

Remember, if God be for you, who can stand against you? Don't give up! Don't give up!! Kick the devil out and receive your inheritance. The Bible teaches that the Lord knows the hairs on our head. He is very particular about the details in our life. When we walk into the destiny or purpose He has, we cannot fail. So, when the Lord says, "This is for you," you can know, IT... IS.... YOURS!!!

LORD!! My Husband is Trippin'!

Marriage? One word. WOOOOOOOWWWWAH!  It's weird. I can't really explain it. I can say that it is so many things at the same time. It's definately not like any other relationship on the planet. It's just.... wow.

Please, understand. My husband and I love, respect and support each other. We have a wonderful marriage. He's like milk and I'm cereal. We just go together. But, every once in awhile he's oil and I'm water. For example..........

My husband decided to bring a 15-20 year old washer into our marriage. Within the year, it wasn't working properly. So, I went to my blue-eyed prince (for those of you who don't know, my husband is white - another message for another day) and explained that we needed a new washer. He disagrees.

I get my workout clothes on for a prayer walk. Well, actually, a 'complain-to-the-Lord' walk. "Seriously!!? Lord! Do something. You need to speak to your son. We need a new washer! What is wrong with him anyway? I am so sure. It's old and not working."

Walking down the street I proabably looked like a crazy person. I was talking out loud, waving my arms, pointing up to the sky and being upset. But, Hallelujah! The next week, the washer.... broke. After doing a dance and giving a silent high five to heaven, I composed myself so I wouldn't look too excited. With a puzzled expression and extremely calm voice I said, "Babe, the washer broke. I don't know what's wrong with it." After looking at it himself, he takes out the credit card and says, "Call the repairman."

Biting my lip, I take the card, make the call and then run upstairs to put on my workout clothes. I could have been one of those Olympic speed walkers on that day. I was STEAM - MING! At first, all I could say through gritted teeth was, "Jesus, Jesus. Help me Jesus. Help me Lord." Then I went into complaining. I could not believe it.

The repairman came and we get a high quote. I asked if we could just go look at a new washer because it may be cheaper to buy a new one. We do and find a deal for a new washer and dryer set that was less than the repair work. I was HAAPPYYY!!! My smile was like a Dentyne commercial... TING! While writing the check, my husband started shaking his head and said, "You prayed for this to happen, didn't you?" I was like, "Noooo. I didn't ask Him to break our washer. I just asked for a new one. heeheehee : )"

Hey, this is sooo cool. It will end a lot of wasted time in arguing. When you disagree with someone in authority over you, just take it to the Lord. He will either change your heart or theirs. It's that simple. No stress, no yelling, no worries. Just take it to Throne and the God of the Universe will work it out.

What's Your Brand?

Labels are everywhere. They are on our clothes, shoes, cars, furniture, home decor, computers and phones. Levi's, Lucky Jeans, Chanel, Versace, Ann Taylor, Samsung, Iphone, Christian Dior, Mary Kay, Clinique, Lamcone, Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, Nissan, Droid, Toshiba, Dell, Fascinate, Llardro, Lennox, Gucci, Coach, Fruit of the Loom and Spanx!

Outside of the labels on things, we are labeled. We get labeled according to what we own, our faith, choice of career and/or our hobbies. Our experiences, heartaches, hurts and pain label us as well. The labels people have for us will either make us leap for joy or cry. It's interesting, though, how fascinated we are with and stuck on labels that will pass away. And, maybe in our lifetime. I remember when Jordache Jeans were the label to have on your butt. Now, it's Lucky. These labels are fleeting and will contiually change with time. But there is one that won't.

We, as believers, have another label. It is smack dead in the middle of your forehead. A spiritual tattoo put there God. And, it is eternal. The Bible teaches in Leviticus that the priests were to have a plate on their head piece labeled, Holiness to the Lord. Throughout the Bible before judgement or calamity, the Lord would send forth His angel to mark the saints. This mark would protect them from whatever harm was coming to the land.

We were bought with the blood of Christ, sealed into salvation and branded as His. This is the label we need to share and boast about. It is the label that supercedes all the others. It makes you rich, gives you an inheritance, a purpose and destiny. It erases labels that don't line up with the identity given to you through Christ. You are not forsaken, but redeemed. You are no longer a whore, but a princess. You are no longer a liar, but bearer of truth. You are no longer a slave to anything. You... are... Free! So, the next time someone asks what brand you have, take off your hat or lift up your bangs, point to your forehead and say, "I am redeemed, protected, never rejected, provided for and loved. I am saved and free. My brand, my mark is clear. I am His."

The Terrible Two's

"NO!!" "Mine!" "Iiii dooo it!" "Myself!" These are the words of the two-year-old. I have and will listen to those words frequently due to my tent making skill (he who has ears...) Anyway, at this stage of life the child is fighting for their independence and building a foundation for their autonomy and positive self-esteem. So, all they see is theirself. Sharing? Very difficult for the two-year-old. They also do not like change in their life. Any kind of change. For example, if dad is the parent who usually drops a child off and then one day, (without warning) mom does it, temper tantrums can happen. They love to touch everything even if it is not theirs. That's because they believe that everything they see belongs to them. At this age many have a "my-way-or-the-highway" mentality. That's because they scream, "Hey! It's AAAALLL About ME!"

Let's cut to the chase. How old are you.... in the spirit? Me? Well, I believe the Lord has me in this profession just to point out when I'm acting like a two-year-old. When I don't get "my" way the prayer always starts, "What about me, Lord?" My goodness! All this I want, I want, I want... me,me,me,me. I am sure to the Lord I sound like a vocalist warming up sometimes, "Me,me,me,meeee!"

Oooo Lord.. should I go there? Yes, I will. The two-year-old will also manifest him/herself when the person leaves the church because the carpet got changed to a color he/she didn't like. Or, when the pastor runs out the front door and does not give the time he/she expected. Or, when they don't get called to use their gift or talent at the time they believe it should happen. Or, someone keeps sittin' in their seat! C'mon now. Ya'll know what I'm saying is true. Lord, how is the army of God functioning with all these two-year-olds leaving their post?

It's time to stop whining and complaining everytime something does not go our way. We are supposed to be christians. That means our way, is His way; and if it's His way, our way would happen. So... grow... up. Let's get off the milk, eat some meat, submit to the pastor's leadership and find God's assignment for us, where we are at. And, when the Lord returns and the Victory is ours we will be able to scream, "Hey! It's AAAALL About You Lord! It's ALL ABOUT YOU!"

Mom!!! There's Bleach in the Water!

I had a great time in India serving the Lord. There are so many stories from that experience. But, most of the lessons rang after I returned to the United States. When I finally arrived home, after a more than 24 hour trip, I felt the need to take a shower and brush my teeth. I put the tooth brush under the water, put it in my mouth and instantly spit it out. It was nasty. I started yelling for my mom to call the water company. "Somethin's wrong with the water mom! It tastes like bleach!"

My mom tastes the water and lets me know that there is nothing wrong with the water; it's me. She explained that I wasn't used to it because I had been drinking clean water for months. She was right. For six months, the only water I used for drink, to wash my face and brush my teeth was bottled, fresh, spring water. It was clean. But, now, I was tasting all the impurities of the water here. The chlorine and other additives we use to "clean" our water was very evident to my tongue. And, I didn't... like IT.

Throughout my walk with the Lord, many believers have asked how to hear from the Lord and understand what He's saying. Here's part of it. We have to stop drinking tainted water. We need to drink the new wine and keep our minds purified with the Word, daily. When this is practiced, anything that does not line up with God's word will taste funny and be spit out!

When the disciples asked for "THE" sign of His return, the Lord responded, "Be careful that no one deceive you." (Matthew 24:4) Deception is on the rise, even in the church. There are people in the pulpit based on a piece of paper and not the call of God; speaking half truths and no truths at all. Streams are flowin' but, they are filled with additives and some just pure mud. Take your Bible to church and make sure what is on that little slip of paper is in the Word. We don't have to be paranoid, but the Word teaches that we test the spirits and weigh what is being taught.

We have to keep the Word on our hearts, make sure what is being taught is pure doctrine and be mindful of what we are choosing to watch and listen to. This keeps us conformed to Kingdom thinking and actions instead of the worlds. Then our ear to hear the Voice of our God will be primed to listen and obey.

Who's Your Hero



Lindsay Wagner (Jamie Somers, The Bionic Woman)



The Comic Convention in Austin was a blast to the past!! Wooo... the revealing of my age was made when I was excited to see Lindsay Wagner and Lee Majors and my son, Jacob, had no idea who they were. I was like, "Are you kidding? That's the Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman!" My son in response shrugged his shoulders and reminded me he was born in the 90's; long after those series had ceased. 



Lou Ferrigno (The Hulk - the green guy from the 70's)



My husband and I were brought back to our childhood's and felt nostalgic as we posed for photos with Lando from Star Wars and The Hulk. We talked about our favorite hero's and then realized something. Our heroes were old. They were people with no power, mortal and still trying to live on what their characters portrayed. The portrayal that there was someone great, someone powerful, someone good and someone who could save us. A true hero.

I assert to you that we have a true hero in Jesus, the Christ. He is great. He is powerful. He is good. And He is a mighty Savior. Love and peace are his weapons and the cross his strategy. He is the Victor, never losing. If you call out to Him, He is there in a hurry. And, He will NEVER... EVER... Let... you... down. So, the next time you hear your son, daughter, friend or loved one bring up Wonder Woman, Superman, Bat Man, Cat Woman or any other super hero, bring up the true Hero; the lover of our souls, our Savior and Lord, Jesus.

What's Your Part

It is never a dull moment at choir rehearsal. Altos, sopranos, tenors and basses sit infront of our director, Pastor Fred McNab, singing, laughing, crying, praying and working... HARD!! Pastor Fred stands on a small platform infront of us with the ability to control our voices with a wave of his hand or point of his finger. Well, most of the time. His love and passion for the Lord drive him to lead worship in spirit and truth. His tenacity and strength combined with sarcasm and humor drive us to know our parts and perform them well.

Each section of singers lift their voices blending melody and harmonies. Accompanied by a full orchestra, the voices and instruments combine a myriad of sounds to create beauty as an offering for the Lord. One conductor leads many to bring the message of Hope through one sound, music.

This is the picture of the body. Every believer should know their part. We should study, learn and practice our part and do this without jealousy or need to abandon our part for someone else's. Our eyes should be fixed on our Conductor so, we can follow his leading and timing. And when we, the church, function like that, what a sound; what a sound! The sound of Hope. The sound of Love. The sound of Peace. The sound that there is a Savior.

Me Time Is Not Selfish

It amazes me how many people have no quiet time to themselves. There is work, church, your kid's, their activities, your activities, friends, conferences, meetings, sports events, social networking and the attempt to take care of the home. It seems impossible to get "me time."

But, let me clear. "Me time," is not praisin' in your car on the way to work or home from work. It is not cooking or cleaning for your family. It is not doing anything for anybody else. It is doing something for youself, by yourself. The only other Person present during "me time" should be the Lord. It may be going for a walk or sitting by a window with a cup of tea. It may be spending time in the Word and/or praying. The idea of "me time" is having time to be with yourself and take a break from the hustle and bustle of our daily routines; to get recharged and gain strength for what we are called to do.

Even Jesus had "me time." He often would retreat from the crowds to hear from the Father and rest. God Himself rested on the seventh day and commands us to remember the Sabbath Day and keep it Holy. So often we look at that commandment and it is skipped over or not taken with the same weight as some of the others. The Lord wants you to rest. So, feel free to take a break from it all. You deserve it!

Take A Nap Already

One of the promises that we have from the Lord is peace. Christ is the Prince of Peace. And, wouldn't you know it. He gave us peace shoes to walk in as part of our armor in Ephesians 6. When you walk in peace, you are firm on the ground you are standing on. Nothing shakes you because it is peace that plants you.

While on the Sea of Galilee there was a storm. Waves were crashing, the wind howling and the disciples were afraid. They were worried; thinking they were going to die. This is how we can be when things get rocky in our life. Bills are not getting paid, your children are in rebellion, your boss has become Satan (so you think,) people are slandering your character and illness may be plaguing you or people you care about. Then you turn on the television and see leaders falling, entertainers in rehab, politicians arguing and a natural disaster somewhere in the world. The waves of society are crashing and the winds of hope have turned to fear. And, many have no peace.

But, the Lord, where was He? He was asleep! He wasn't justing resting with his eyes closed. The Bible tells us that he had to be woken up. So, He was sleep, sleep. After the disciples wake Him, He asks them why they are afraid. Then in Savior fashion he commands the winds and the waves to be still and they do.

C'mon church!! If you claim Christ, then Peace is on your boat right now! We have nothing to worry, fear or be anxious about. The Bible teaches that we do not have a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. Instead of feeding ourselves with worry, we need to feed ourselves the Word. If you have storms raging around you remember there is a Savior who has endowed you with Peace and a God who strongly looks at your situation and proclaims, "I got this." So, join Christ in his example and take a nap.

My Stupid Flesh

Everyone who knows me well, knows that I like to sit in the front row at church. I want to be upfront when it comes to being fed the word of God. Not because I am super spiritual and have it all together; but, because I am totally weak. I have to work hard to pay attention. My flesh is always trying to rise up and cause me to loose out on a blessing.

For example, I was at the Joyce Meyer conference in Houston this past weekend. If you read my blog yesterday you know that I was sitting in the fourth row from the stage. Read yesterday's blog to find out how that all happened. But, anyway... my friends and I find our seats, have an awesome time worshipping and watch a heart felt video on how the Lord is using Mama Joyce to feed poor, hungry children. Well, after the video clip, my mind wandered. I turned to my friend Amy and said, "I am sooo excited about getting dessert after this. I already know what I want." We both laughed at how utterly sad that statement was and the sister she is, helped me get my mind back on the Word.

As you know. The flesh doesn't quit. It just does not turn off. So, during the last session I was getting tired while sitting in the second row. You know; droopy-eyed, sleepy tired. I had to fight. Understand, I could see the color of Mama Joyce's eyeshadow. She would definately see me unalert. In addition, I don't put it past her to point it out... on international television. Oooo, I was praayyiiing, "Help me Lord. Keep me alert. Don't let me get tired up here in the front row." The Lord asked, "So, if you were in the back row, it would be okay?"

Sad. My flesh was just not cooperating with my spirit man,  at all. I had to really fight to subdue it and focus so I could hear what the spirit of the Lord was saying through the vessel, Joyce Meyer. The devil is real but, your flesh is always present. It works all by itself. A lot of sin we fall into is because we have not learned to crucify the flesh and let the spirit rule over it.

So, we need to make decisions that will help us keep it under control. We must be proactive. If sleepiness comes over you during teaching, sit next to a friend who's bold enough to help you stay awake. Or, go to bed earlier. Or, maybe it's time for you to start teaching and pouring out what you have into others. If you find that your temper is easliy flared up, stay away from topics that can have a tendency to get heated. If we use wisdom and work to overcome our flesh, the spirit man will rule. And, we will receive blessing, after blessing, after blessing.

Who's Your Daddy?

It's amazing how many christians live their lives with no expectation from the Lord.  Hypocracy among believers is noted as one of the deturrants to people coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I believe another is that many believers don't share their testimony of what Christ is doing for them today, in the present season of their life. Our salvation is not just about the rewards we receive in eternity. It also is the abundance and favor the Lord gives us on earth, now.

People want an active, present God who is interested in their every day personal life. It's like that old Janet Jackson song. Yes, Christ died for you 2000 years ago, but what has He done for you lately. I tell you. When I found out that I have an inheritance in the kingdom, am part of a royal priesthood and that our God is the One whom we call Abba (Daddy,) I started believing God for the HOOK... UP!

I know that when I drive somewhere that has a crowded parking lot, I will have a front row spot. My husband can attest to this. "What is this? How come whenever you drive, you get a front row spot?" I turned to him with a smile and said, "I'm a Princess. I get front row parking because I asked the Lord and He arranges it for me." Needless to say, whenever we go somewhere that will be crowded, especially shopping during Christ Mass, I drive.

Just this past weekend, I went to the Joyce Meyer conference where there were about 20,000 in attendance at Joel Osteen's church in Houston. When we arrived, I saw all the reserved seating and started looking for our seats just behind and around those. I look to my friend Amy who is down front and she waves for me to come. Through a friend at her church, we were given reserved seating in the fourth row. 

When those around you see and hear how the Lord is Hookin' you up in your life, they will see a God who is present, a God who is personal and a God who cares about the details. Look for and expect the Lord to do crazy things for you. He wants to. And, He will.

The Scorpion Dance

Remember the book "There's A Wocket in My Pocket," by Dr. Seuss? Well, this is either going to totally freak you out, cause worry, bring fear or you may think it's no big deal and nothing to fear, worry or freak out about. Let me tell you. I... was freaking OUT!!

My husband, Ron and I had just gone to bed. Right before I felt myself going into a deep sleep my husband starts yelling loudly, "AHH! OWW! OW! OH OWW!!" He got out of bed shaking his hand and yelling in pain. After inquiring what happened he replies, "I think something bit me."

During the commotion my step-son, Jacob, walks in. Ron explains what happened and my mind starts going a hundred miles an hour. I start hinking about what may have bitten him and where it might be. I calmly said, "Babe, I am not going back to bed until we find what bit you." When I said, "we find," I actually meant "you find."

After investigating his hand, we found no marks or swelling. This was good but, he complained of the pain. We (well he and Jake) began the search for what it may have been. As the three of us try to rationalize what happened suddenly, Ron's face contorts into a silent scream. He points to his boxers and there on his waistband is a HUGE scorpion. He starts jumping up and down yelling, "It's still on me! It's still on me!" Jacob and I, while holding onto each other, start jumping up and down, yelling and screaming, "AAAHHHHHH!!!"

We as a family have shared this story with several family members and friends. As stated earlier some replied with sympathy or empathy. Others replied with logic, "Lisa, you're in Texas. There are scorpions here."

You know, this reminds me of how some respond to the attack of the enemy. Some completely freak out and have no idea how to combat or plug the cracks that allow him to crawl in. Others understand that attack from the enemy happens because it's the land we live in. We are in a spiritual battle.That battle is won by our choice to obey God and to walk in what is good according to Him. The Bible teaches:

  "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Ephesians 6:12

"Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you."

Romans 16:19-20 

We are told that our enemy is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The Word also teaches that he seeks to kill, still and destroy. We combat by wearing and putting to use the armor of God provided for us in Ephesians 6. The Lord gives us the ability to stand against his schemes and extinguish his fiery darts. So, the next time the enemy crawls into your space, don't jump up and down with a voice of fear or defeat. Rather, jump up and down with the voice of triumph and put him where he belongs... underneath your boot!  

Ready or Not

One of my favorite things to do when I was in college, was to work award shows such as the Soap Opera Awards (now known as the Daytime Emmy Award Show,) The American Music Awards and the Grammy's. I was able to meet all kinds of famous people and go to their "after" parties. The comical thing was watching people try to get into the award ceremony or after party with no pass. It was hilarious and sad all at the same time.

1988, Los Angeles, California at the Shrine Auditorium; thousands are lined up to get into the American Music Awards. I am in a special line that takes performers, actresses, etc. back stage. After I walk in behind Rod Stewart, I hear a commotion behind me at the gate. There is a woman arguing with the guard that she is supposed to be on the list to get in. The guard at the gate apologized saying, "You are not on the list. There is no pass for you."

Woooo! She was hot mad. They continued to go back and forth until she took her high heel shoe off and started to hit the guard. This woman was about 5'5. The guard was around 6'3. He snatches the shoe out of her hand, she swats at him; then he puts her hand on her head and holds her at bay. And, oops. He accidentally pulls the wig off of her head. She then turns and runs screaming down the street leaving her hairdo in the guard's hand. He then looks at the line and announces, "Hey! If you do not have a pass in your hand or your name is not on the list, you cannot get in."

I wonder if this is how it's going to be at the Gates of Heaven. How many people will not have their name on the list? In the Bible, Jesus gives us the parable of the ten virgins. Five are ready and enter and the other five are not ready and locked out. Church, we need to be ready. These types of reflections inspired this poem.

Ready or Not

Ready or not

Here I come,

With more fire

Than the blazing sun.

Majestic Power,

Splendor and Might;

For my children

A glorious flight.

Ready or not

Here I come,

As Angels proclaim,

"The risen son!"

By Hosts of Heaven

The trumpets sound,

"The KING of kings!

Everyone bow!"

Ready or not

Here I come,

Looking for those

Washed in my blood,

Dead to themselves,

Filled with Me,

Living sacrifices,

Embracing eternity.

Ready or not

Here I come,

With more fire

Than the blazing sun.

Knocking on hearts

Already bought.

Asking the question,

"Are you ready, or not?"

Sick of Sickness

My trip to India about ten years ago changed my whole perspective on healthcare programs. I saw the deaf hear, the blind see, the lame walk and the mute talk. There (among believers who are witnessing to the lost) it is a regular occurance. It's like, going to the mall or driving down the highway. They talk about healings the way we talk about going to the store to pick up groceries or one of our kids from school. It's normal; just a part of life. So, I quickly signed up for the By His Stripes package and have become a seller of it. 

My faith had been boosted in the area of the miraculous, so when I returned to the United States I began to believe for my own healing, as well as, others. I walked into my mom's house and declared, "No one in this house is getting sick!" If my mom felt like she was coming down with something I would run over to her, put my hand on her and say, "No devil! We don't receive this package. You've got the wrong address!"  

I started praying for and asking for the healing of anyone with anything as much as a sneeze. Has everyone I prayed for been healed? No. And I've had questions about healing like many of you have. "I prayed for this person and they didn't get healed, what happened Lord?" "Why did this person get healed and this one over here didn't?" and "Why did you let my aunt die when she wanted to live, was a believer and we all were praying for her healing?"

You know what? I still don't know the answers to all the questions. But I am sick of sickness and there is no way I will pass up an opportunity to command healing in a person's body in the name of Jesus. The Lord said in his word that those who believe, in His name, will lay hands on the sick and they will recover.  Hallelujah!! I have seen the Lord heal.

My prayer is that we all would realize the power that is in us. The Word says that we are more than conquerors. It also says that we have been given the power and authority of Christ. So, if Christ had power and authority to heal the sick, then we do too. It's like that first logic class some of you may have had. Remember?

Problem:   Can you heal the sick?

Given:       You have the power and authority of Christ.

Fact:          Christ's power and authority healed the sick

Answer:     Yes! You can!!

With all of the sickness around, it is an excellent way to minister Christ's love and share the gospel. Even if healing does not happen, the person being prayed for is experiencing a loving touch and partner in their desire to be well. Of all the people I have prayed for, 100% of them did not want the ailment they had. They all wanted to be well. So, here's a challenge. Pray for the sick to be well. It may be a family member, friend, work colleague, your boss, or your neighbor. At the very least, you will bring compassion to someone hurting. At the greatest... you'll see a miracle : )