Treasure Hunter

New Blog - Significant Encounters

2011-08-26T18:05:00.000-05:00

I'd like to invite you to visit my new blog.
It will be launched on September 1.
You can visit at SignificantEncounters.com.

If you're a guy or a gal in one of these two stages in life, then this blogs for you.

Ø You have been beaten down and held captive by things in your life that you've had little or no control over. Some defining decisions were yours, but most of them were made by someone else. You do not know Christ.

Ø Same as above only you find yourself in a church pew week after week. You volunteer and read your Bible. You never miss church, the doors are open, and you are there. You follow all the rules. You feel beaten down and held captive. You know Christ. You are not free.

Once you visit, I hope you'll decide to come again.
Deborah

Thank A Veteran Today

2010-11-11T12:38:00.003-06:00

Did you know?

That only 2% of Americans are in the age range for military service?

Did you know?

That less than 1% actually serve?

I was stunned by this statistic!

Freedom is NOT free.

The other 98+ % of us, need to be very greatful to God and our Veterans, Past, Present and Future for their valiant service to all of us!

The Adventures of Flat Wyatt

2010-11-01T15:51:00.004-05:00

On Tuesday Night we stayed in the Hayward/Castro Valley, CA area. We visited the place where Grampa spent a lot of time while he was in the Navy. It was called the Port O' Call/ Neighborhood Church of Castro Valley. It is in fact where Grampa met Jesus as his Savior. We got to go inside and see the changes that have been made over the years. Grampa got to catch up on some history that has happened since he left the area.

Aglow SPC November Letter

2010-10-27T14:06:00.002-05:00

Greetings!

My how time flies! Last month at this time, we were all looking forward to conference in San Jose'. Today, we see it in the rear view mirror. Literally. I say literally because my husband and I decided not to do the "conventional" thing and fly, but to drive every inch of the way to San Jose'. Some were of the opinion that we were crazy to be in a vehicle with each other for such a long time. Our view was that it would be a time of closeness, (literally) not just physically, but spiritually as well. The nay-sayers were wrong, and we were right. What a gift to have all of that time with each other without benefit of TV, computers, telephone, jobs, chores and pets vying for our time. It was truly "Our time". We could talk, or not, and be totally comfortable doing either. We did take all of our CD's, just in case, but listened to less than five on the entire trip!
God has been speaking to me as of late, about His vastness, and His ability to balance it all. The changes we witnessed from state to state, even within states, bore testimony to His vastness. From the bluffs and trees of the Mississippi River Valley, to the rolling hills of Iowa's prairie land to the flatness of Nebraska to the foothills of the Rockies. From the rocky crags and Quaking Aspens in Colorado to the Loneliest Road in America, Highway 50 reaching ahead for miles and miles with only sand and dry lake beds between you and the mountain range far, far ahead of you. To the miles and miles of road in Utah with towering red rocks, tossed there with abandon, by our Father God. To the thin, curvy roads on the western edge of Nevada and eastern edge of California, where the roads are close and endless, with homes tucked tightly into nooks and crannies, to the Pacific Ocean where they are separated by jagged shoreline. That was just on the way there! I was reminded repeatedly of a question that God has begun asking me recently, "Now Daughter, what was that that you were worried about?" (I've also become aware that when He calls me Daughter, I better listen!)
On to the conference. Aptly called "The Sound". Aglow has been in transition for as long as I have been a part of it. I foolishly thought that after one transition, we'd be there (?) where God wanted. Not. Although God never changes, He is always revealing Himself in new ways to us. A "New Sound" is coming from heaven. Although not new to Him, it is new to us. It is the sound of unity, brought about by holy worhsip, holy relationship with Him, and intimacy that we have up until now, only had a whisper of. It is time to give voice to it, a new voice, a loud voice, a triumphant voice and yet, and intimate voice, a voice with holy reverence. Intimacy and reverence. Complete in the knowledge that God has everything under His constant care.
Father God gave us so much at conference, and I would encourage you to listen to the CD's or DVD's as they are made available to you.
Saturday last, was the Iowa Leadership meeting in Ankeny, with the West Area Board hosting, and Barb Skoff was our speaker. What a sweet time of worship. Words from Jane to Barb to us. If you're going on a journey, you have to have gas. On Barb's trip here there were many signs that said "No Services". Be prepared for your journey so you are not caught unaware. Knowledge of God without encounters with God, make us toothless! Intimacy encounters, combined with knowledge of the word, fill our tanks so that we can go as far as God would have us go. We cannot be distracted, even by GOOD things. The sound coming from heaven is a redemptive sound. We must ask our Father what that sound is. When we find out what it is, we must SPEAK IT, or SING it! Our worship.....should shake us up! Intimacy takes time, but it makes us powerful. Fair trade off!
So much was said at conference and in our Iowa meeting, that it will take some time to process it all. The loose ends are being cinched up as we seek His face, ask His will, and obey what we hear. Barb shared with us that Peter didn't even know he had something to give. My thought is that his time with the Master filled his tank to the top and overflowing, so that when he opened his mouth, the gift of God's "Sound" was brought forth.
My prayer is that you will seek and hear and know His great "Sound" for YOUR life, and that you will go forth mightily and proclaim it.

Deborah

Gatekeepers

Calvary Church

Iowa State Prayer Coordinator

Aglow International

The Adventures of Flat Wyatt

2010-10-24T22:09:00.005-05:00

We toured Arches State Park in Utah. Grampa thought it looked like God just took some red clay and said "I'll just throw this here." Here's Flat Wyatt posing in front of "Balancing Rock" and showing you just how tall some of these rock formations were. Some of the rocks looked like giants telling each other secrets, some looked like big cookies, and one even looked like an elephants behind!

God sure has a great sense of beauty, and a sense of humor too!

The Adventures of Flat Wyatt

2010-10-21T22:08:00.003-05:00

The Quaking Aspens were at their peak

of color, and the views on the way to Telluride were unbelievably beautiful.

The Adventures of Flat Wyatt

2010-10-19T21:34:00.006-05:00

Friday morning we left on our adventure to the west coast. We arrived in Littleton, Colorado at the home of our dear friends John and Sue around 6:00 pm. We had a wonderful visit, and Wyatt enjoyed helping John and Sue to make breakfast before we left for more of our journey.

Window Sill Decoration

2010-10-16T12:32:00.000-05:00

Earlier in the month over at Funky Junk Interiors they had a link party about window sills. Well, I saw it too late, but I can sure put my entry here.
I don't like curtains unless they are to keep out the hot summer sun. We have wonderful views from every window, so why cover that up?
So here is our front window. It faces mostly east and a tad bit south.

This would be the curio, or topper to the breakfront in a previous post. Not painted yet, but still proudly taking it's place on the sill of the picture window. (Sorry about the cords -but the lighthouses really light up at night)
If you've never visited Finky Junk Interiors, or seen their link parties, I encourage you to do so. Such great talent there every week.

http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/search/label/window%20sill%20decor

Thanks for stopping by!

Home again, home again, not so lickety split!

2010-10-15T12:38:00.000-05:00

Greetings! We arrived home on Saturday from a whirl wind, nation wide trip to San Jose'. Fifteen days on the road with my Hubby, and yes, still best friend.
We took along a little guy named Flat Wyatt. The whole trip, he never complained once. He certainly saw more than he thought he would! I'll introduce you to him here,

and then in some future posts, I'll show you some highlights of the trip. 2010 version of the famous family slide show of the 50's and 60's right?
Who knew it would take almost as long as the vacation to LABEL all of those digital photos!
Hope you'll join me when I return,
Deborah

From Old to New

2010-09-22T21:30:00.000-05:00

If you read/follow this blog, then you are aware that it is really with out a single focus. It is in fact, totally random. This drives me crazy, but until the Lord reveals the niche, then it will be this way. Thank you so much for visiting anyway.

My Grandmother called this a breakfront. I would have called
it a china hutch, but you know those Grandma types are set in their ways.
So, breakfront it is.
This came from my Grandmothers home before she passed away. I was intriqued by it my entire life. She had it full of salt and pepper shakers. They would be another story.

It has been in our home for the better part of a decade. This past month, I finally got motivated to do something to perk it up a bit. I think I had to get over the fact

that the "original patina" wasn't all that great, and that one really should not paint wood. Really? You DIY Bloggers have really had a hand in changing that line of thought.

Thank you!

I used two coats of primer before the paint. This wood was so thirsty I was surprised it wasn't powder. The paint color is not as the photos suggest a country white. It is in fact Pittsburgh Paint Misty Violet. After two coats of the Misty Violet, I painted on Gray Violet, mixed 1/2 paint, 1/2 water, then wiped it off very quickly, leaving it's traces in the grain of the wood.

The handles are the original glass ones. My intent was to paint them in jewel tones, but they were so pretty when they were cleaned up, that I simply took my glue gun and added jewel tone colored jewels to them. The jewels in the centers, actually cover some old key holes that were sometime a long time ago, very poorly patched. Jewels are so much nicer!
This will be the end of this post, but sometime hopefully soon, I'll be able to post how the curio part (top) got finished.
Thanks for joining me here.

And God whispered .......

2010-09-17T15:41:00.000-05:00

I viewed this video -

http://www.crazylovebook.com/videos_awe.html

And then God whispered in my ear,
"Now Daughter, what was that you were worried about?"

Dead Sea or Fountain?

2010-09-07T19:12:00.000-05:00

The following is an excerpt by Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost For His Highest".

His daily devotional has been very helpful in keeping me on track.

Some days even pointing out where I may be off the track and
not even realize it.

It takes a while to get used to his writing style, but taken slowly,
well worth the effort.

Selah.
(Pause and think of that)

September 7th.

SPRINGS OF BENIGNITY

"The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water." John 4:14

The picture Our Lord gives is not that of a channel but a fountain. "Be being filled," and the sweetness of vital relationship to Jesus will flow out of the saint as lavishly as it is imparted to him. If you find your life is not flowing out as it should, you are to blame; something has obstructed the flow. Keep right at the Source, and - you will be blessed personally? No, out of you will flow rivers of living water, irrepressible life.

We are to be centres through which Jesus can flow as rivers of living water in blessing to every one. Some of us are like the Dead Sea, always taking in but never giving out, because we are not rightly related to the Lord Jesus. As surely as we receive from Him, He will pour out through us, and in the measure He is not pouring out, there is a defect in our relationship to Him. Is there anything between you and Jesus Christ? Is there anything that hinders your belief in Him? If not, Jesus says, out of you will flow rivers of living water. It is not a blessing passed on, not an experience stated, but a river continually flowing. Keep at the Source, guard well your belief in Jesus Christ and your relationship to Him, and there will be a steady flow for other lives, no dryness and no deadness.

Is it not too extravagant to say that out of an individual believer rivers are going to flow? "I do not see the rivers," you say. Never look at yourself from the standpoint of - Who am I? In the history of God's work you will nearly always find that it has started from the obscure, the unknown, the ignored, but the steadfastly true to Jesus Christ.

The Sound of Silence

2010-07-28T21:56:00.000-05:00

Listen. Do you hear it? The sound of silence. It does have a sound you know. The absence of noise. It kind of rings in your ears after a days worth of loud. Do you long to hear God? Do you need to hear His voice? How do you hear Him? When your day begins with noise and ends with the news. Everything in between moving, clicking, whirring, honking and yelling and clamoring for your attention.

Today I had opportunity to rest, in quiet, and wait for His voice. It had to be a choice. Like Jesus, God's own Son, choosing to remove Himself to a solitary place to hear the father. While the storm (literally) raged outside, I sat in the calmness, until the ringing stopped, and the clear voice of the Spirit soothed my soul.

Thank you Father for the sound of silence.

Buried Treasure

2010-07-05T12:04:00.000-05:00

July Aglow SPC News letter

Greetings!

I’m a bit late with this encouragement to you, but I’ve been busy celebrating the birthday of our great country with family and friends. How about you?

June blasted through our family like a tornado. There are four things on the top of our list for things we pray about, live and breathe for. Two of them are going forward with great speed, one has seemingly been torn to bits, and one seems at a standstill. Some days things are oh so clear, other days we find ourselves twisting through the junk, hoping to find the good stuff.

Our God is teaching us many different things in all these places. The most important? He is always with us. He never lets us forget that. When we ask, He answers. He helps us dig through to the Treasure, His Pearl of Great Price, His Son Jesus. Always, He turns our faces back to Him. We won’t be buried if we keep our eyes focused there. Sometimes we re-focus a hundred times a day or more. He helps us to dig through the junk pile, to find the truth of His treasure.

We all carry His treasure inside us if we’re born again, won’t you ask Him to help you to see it?

I Presume

2010-06-29T08:19:00.003-05:00

Journal Prayer - 6-28-2010.
Lord, I pray my own way, with presumption. I presume I know how you want me to pray. I press and press my own will until You relent, and give me what I ask. For this, I pay a heavy earthly toll. What is the toll in the spirit? Forgive me Lord. Help me to find what You want me to pray. Help me to find what Jesus is praying, help me to echo only that. Forgive me, and please bring to mind by Your Spirit, Your wishes alone.
Amen.

What's Supposed to Be

2010-06-15T16:06:00.002-05:00

Birthdays are supposed to be these marvelous, wonderful days when all the world seems right. Sometimes though, they are not. When they are not, then in the name of transparency, and keeping it real, how much do you share? None, because you want people think your life is all hunky-dory? Or do you dump it all, and hope for the best? Maybe you just sit with your Father, let His peace wash over you, because you know it's not over, and the road will be long, so you rest when you can. Just maybe He has provided you with a small few, who regardless of the content, will let you share what you need to and help pick up the pieces later. Ears that listen and don't judge, and that hear God when your very own brain is screaming really loud. Jesus ministered to the 500, He did life with the 12, and shared His deepest heart with the 3. So, I can do the same. Thank you God, you always provide, even before we know we need it.

SPC June Newsletter

2010-06-03T11:02:00.000-05:00

Greetings!

What a long refreshing Spring. Are you refreshed? Are you ready to amble out of your cave? When I was little, my dad and brothers loved to watch wrestling (It wasn't quite the same then) anyway, in the beginning you would always hear this unseen voice yell into the microphone "Are you ready to rumbllllllllllle?" So I'll ask you again, are you ready to amble out of your cave? Or "Are you ready to rumblllllllllllle?

Joel 2:7-9 says this; 7 They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line, not swerving from their course. 8 They do not jostle each other; each marches straight ahead. They plunge through defenses without breaking ranks. 9 They rush upon the city; they run along the wall. (Doesn't sound much like ambling)

Each time I try to get my thoughts to rumble, instead of amble, I find thoughts distracted to something else. Early Word, I sleep in. Even earlier exercise - forget about it. Some quiet time with God - just one more DIY blog. Worship - other tunes or talk radio. 1,000 words to write (a private goal of mine) - housework needs done, now!

Is any of this sounding familiar? Did I get yours, or do you need to fill in the blank a different way? What keeps you from rumbling?

God has much to say about our thoughts. They are futile. They don't match His. Sometimes they are evil. Not to worry. He also judges our thoughts and our attitudes and our hearts. He knows them well. He knows they are human, after all, He made them that way. He knows the true intent of them. So don't give up. Give it a rumble.

8th Grade Boys

2010-05-22T17:05:00.004-05:00

How can 8th grade boys all be so different? Today, we spent the day painting a wooden school playground badly in need of attention. There was a kid sitting on a bench, not connected to our group, tossing rocks. My husband asked him if he wanted to help, not really thinking that he would. His face lit up and he said he'd love to help, and that in a bit, a couple of his friends would be by, and he would get them to help as well. They did come by. They declined his invitation to help, and continued to give him a really hard time for doing what he was doing. You know what he told them? "You guys gotta' learn there's more to life than just hanging out, ya gotta' help somebody some times." They left, and he was still painting when the crew was wrapping things up. Thank you Bret! Sometimes you can get it right, and you got it right!

Finding Your Place

2010-05-16T11:42:00.002-05:00

This blog has been in existence for a long time. The postings have been random and sporadic. I really love blogs. I read a lot of them. So many people and personalities

that I would not otherwise know about. My interests are varied, but I lean toward blogs that talk about decorating, leadership and writing. I have always felt I write things better

than I can say them. I have no formal training, but love to learn by doing. Any constructive comments you could make would be welcome.

I am currently the Iowa State Prayer Coordinator for Aglow International. On the local level, I have a team called Gatekeepers. We are an internet prayer team, and operate a prayer

room on the campus of our church.

Following are some notes from a meeting we hosted this weekend. My hope is that by posting it here, someone of you, God's Treasures, can find some encouragement for

the times you find yourself in.

Thanks for reading.

Deborah

Gatekeepers Muster - Saturday May 15, 2010

What is a Gatekeeper ?

The Gatekeepers:
The gates of the ancient cities of Israel were shut by night, and the night watchmen guarded the walls of the city. The gates of the city were opened during the last hour of the morning watch. Thus, we had on duty (in the morning) both the morning watchmen and the gatekeepers.

The gatekeeper's job was to open the gates and then to guard the gates in case the enemy tried to come into the city. If the enemy was reported to be in the area, the gatekeepers would close the gates.

Small Straws by Marsha Burns -- I speak to those who have been called gatekeepers. Yet, you haven't been able to find the gate or know what to do with it exactly if you found it. You heard the call and said, "Yes, Lord, here am I." But in this time of testing, you have been in the fire and feel like you've barely been surviving, let alone maintaining your position as gatekeeper. I see your heart, I know the distractions and the discouragement, but I tell you to refuse to give up! You've come this far, and this is no time to turn back. My promises and calling are without repentance, and your answer is still, "Yes and Amen!"

A Word by Mary Ellen Gilliland -- Message for the Gate Keepers: Behold He comes! He is coming in glory. His outpouring begins. His dyke opens. The floodgates of the Holy Spirit open! Open the gates before Him. You gate keepers, open the doors. Speak to the gates, saying "Lift up your heads, O ye gates. Lift up your heads, you everlasting doors and let the King of Glory come in." (Ps 24) For where the enemy has come in, like a flood the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. Speak to the watergates, the headgates, the ancient dykes, and say, "Be thou opened. A deluge is coming." I gift you with My spiritual vision so that you may see, and not miss one iota of, what I am doing in this outpouring, this rain/reign. Know that Pentecost is the time of outpouring in early New Testament days and today. It is the festal gathering, the moad, the appointed time, the feast to begin the outpouring. The Feast of Tabernacles is the culmination.

Both of these words were to encourage those who have been called to be gatekeepers not to become discouraged because they haven't yet witnessed the manifestation of that appointment. The gatekeepers could not have taken their positions before the morning watchmen came on guard duty because the gates could not have been opened at night, but now is the hour of the gatekeepers.

The gatekeepers will be those who, like Elijah, could open and close heaven's doors (see James 5:17-18). As the Old Testament night-watch prophet Malachi's watch came to an end, he prophesied that Elijah would be sent before the coming of the Great Day (first coming of Christ fulfilled by John the Baptist) and the Dreadful Day of the Lord (second coming of Christ). God is about to raise up a company of gatekeepers in the spirit of Elijah. These will be given power to open the gates of heaven and bring forth the blessings of God and close the gates of Zion when the enemy comes against the children of the Most High.

A New Breed of Watchmen:
God is preparing a company of watchmen who will begin to come forth and be visible. These are young prophets being trained by the Lord for the Day of His Glory. These young prophets have been hidden in the House of God for six years. 2 Chronicles chapters 22 and 23 record the story of Joash (whose name means "given by the Lord"). Joash was hidden from Athaliah (meaning "who God afflicts"), representing the harlot church, in God's house for six years and was taught by and protected by the priest of the House of God.

In like manner, the Lord has had His young prophets hidden from the enemy and will now begin to bring them forth as watchmen of His glorious Church. The Lord will give these watchmen revelation of these end times. He will reveal to them the mysteries of darkness, revelation of Satan's kingdom, weapons, and plans against Zion. He will also reveal His strategies for His Church in these end times.

Most of the night-watchmen did not have a revelation of sonship. They saw everything from the perspective of servants and stewards. But, this is the time in which the sons of God's glory will be revealed.

Those who patterned their watchman ministries after the Old Testament types of prophets will continue to see only the darkness of these times of judgment. The prophets of the morning watch and the new prophets now being birthed in the womb of the morning of this new day will see God's plan for a glorious church, a city set on a hill, Zion, the Holy City.

To be sure, the prophets of the morning will see the judgment which comes, but they will not be focused on the darkness. They will not sit and curse the darkness, as many have. No! They will bring forth the light of Zion. These will be sons who know the rights of sonship, and they will be about their Father's business. These are those who know that they are joint heirs with Christ, and they will know what that means in terms of authority.

The sons of glory will not be hiding out in a cave; they will be building Zion, the city set on a hill. They will do exploits for King Jesus. The prophet Joel prophesies of the Army of the Lord that will be seen in the last days "the like of whom has never been." Brethren, read the description of this glorious army as written in Joel 2:1-10 and rejoice! Let us arise and go forth into the sunrise of a new day. It is time for God's people to arise and shine with the glory of the King whom we serve, the King of Glory!

______________________________________________________________________________

Joel 2:⁷They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line, not swerving from their course. ⁸ They do not jostle each other; each marches straight ahead. They plunge through defenses without breaking ranks.

¹² "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."

¹³ Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

¹⁶ Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders,¹⁷ Let the priests, who minister before the LORD, weep between the temple porch and the altar. Let them say, "Spare your people, O LORD.

Types of Intercessors

Intercessors – Active – All prayers

Intercessors – Stand-by – Special/urgent prayers, pray for events etc.
Intercessors – Prayer Shield, prays for Christian leadership, city government leaders and state leaders
Footmen – Prayer walkers, strategize/map out prayer walking for specific neighborhoods/areas

Michael Hyatt – CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing Company speaks of Jesus teaching style in the following way;

Jesus focused on true depth and long-term impact. To achieve this, he had a four-pronged leadership strategy:

He taught the multitudes.
He mobilized the seventy.
He trained the twelve.
He confided in the three.
(You can see the full text at the end of this hand out)

Jesus' leadership strategy evidently worked well. Within a generation, His followers turned the world upside down.

Where are we now?

The multitude?

The seventy?

The twelve?

The three?

It is my belief that we are …………….. Somewhere between the twelve and the seventy.

We the twelve, need to define where we are, so we can bring in and help train the seventy for their

place in the rank and file..

So.

What type of Intercessor are you?

How did God design you ?

How can you know?

Where do your passions lie?

Each of us has a different position in the rank and file. No two will be exactly alike, but they will all walk in step, together in unity.

In the Bible, different tribes had different purposes. The tribes of Benjiman, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar and Naphtali were cited for their warriors. They were blessed because they mustered for battle. The Levites, were in charge of the temple, and their tribe was very small, only 212, compared to other tribes numbering in the thousands, but their job was no less important. Our numbers may be large or small, but we need to be in the right place at the right time. The now time. For such a time as this. The place you take weather at the gate or out on the plains, is important.

Please break into groups of three or four, and talk about what your passion might be. (10 minutes)

Now, you should be able to go back to the questions above and answer the questions about what type of Intercessor you are.

No pressure if you can't figure it out. Consider it food for thought.

If you were able to answer those questions, then how can we place you in the rank and file?

If you were not able to answer those questions, then how can we help?

There are a vast amount of resources concerning the topic of prayer.

How does it look in your mind and heart? (Please answer)

Is it boring and dry, exciting and invigorating, peaceful and soothing, or difficult and scary?

Some of you have already found your place in line, some have not.

If you have found your place, would you mind sharing any steps that could be helpful still searching?

Here are some ways that the Gatekeepers already use in their prayer times.

We would love to share them with you. Please ask questions!

Use of prayer Cards
Crafted Prayer
Read the Word out loud
Pray with a friend
Pray in a room by yourself
Soaking music
Write your prayers in a journal. Keep them to yourself or share them with a friend.
Share what you're doing in your quiet time
Close your eyes for quiet contemplation (Or flat out sleeping if you need it!
We call that "Resting in the Lord")
If you're at home – Turn everything off for a while (This can be a total challenge!)
Read or write in your journal while waiting for your husband, kids, Dr. or other appointment
Pray while walking your neighborhood or favorite bike path
Pray while driving to work
Pray "On the spot" when someone is in need of it
Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware when special prayer is needed for something.
He is Faithful!

________________________________________________________________________________

Our world is in crisis mode right now. Biblically speaking, it won't get any better. Biblically speaking also though, He will never leave us or forsake us and every circumstance can be used for training, if we allow the Holy Spirit entrance to do it. Since we find ourselves here, we need to use every opportunity we can find, to seek God's Face.

Here are a few of my favorites when facing crisis, blown in from the enemy to side track even the heartiest of Believers.

David - Returned home to find that his entire village had been destroyed. Not one living thing was left, not one building standing. His wife and children were taken away, and he had no way of knowing whether they were alive or dead. Here's what David (and his men) did. You can read this account in 1 Samuel 30. Here's what he did - 1. He wept bitterly, until all of his strength was gone. 2. He then found strength in the Lord his God. 3. He inquired of the Lord to see what he should do (He prayed) 4. He took a portion of his men with him and pursued the enemy. He got EVERYTHING back, and then some. God honored the fact that he did not quit, but that he and a small number believed God could restore. (Nation, Families, Finances, Churches)

Daniel – Chapter 9. Now Daniel finished reading the scrolls and saw that the captivity was coming to an end. He could have said hip-hip-hooray and stopped praying, but he didn't. He didn't stop crying out to God, he called out to God what He had already promised! Three things he did – 1. He repented, for his sin AND the sin of his people. 2. He interceded. He took the promises of God's word and brought them before Him all the more. 3. He gave thanks. He gave thanks for what He had done and what He would do. He thanked Him for His promises and covenants.

We can follow these guidelines, and then prayer becomes easier, more alive, and more relevant.

________________________________________________________________________________

You can finish reading Michael Hyatt's lesson here;

Jesus focused on true depth and long-term impact. To achieve this, he had a four-pronged leadership strategy:

He taught the multitudes. Yes, Jesus had a public ministry. He occasionally spoke to thousands. However, he didn't pander to these groups or "tickle their ears." He confronted the status quo, jarred his listeners' sensibilities, and often taught in parables. He didn't feel the need to clarify everything. He often left his audience confused and wondering what he meant. His goal was apparently to shift their paradigm and get them to think.
He mobilized the seventy. Jesus had a smaller, more intimate group to whom he gave specific assignments. He sent them out two-by-two. He asked for a BIG commitment. He gave them virtually no resources. Yet he demanded that they perform miracles. He told them to expect opposition (see Luke 10:1–12) and promised no earthly reward (see Luke 10:18–20).
He trained the twelve. He chose the twelve disciples to be "with him" (see Mark 3:14a) He taught them and also gave them assignments (see Mark 3:14b–19). However, he also shared with them his daily life. Like the Apostle Paul would do years later, he poured into them his very life (see 1 Thessalonians 2:8). Because of this, he entrusted them with power to do the work he himself had done. In fact, he promised them that they would actually do greater works (see John 14:12–14).
He confided in the three. Jesus had an inner circle comprised of Peter, James, and John. He took them on special outings (see Matthew 17:1). He allowed them to witness his greatest glory (see Mark 9:2–3) and his deepest temptation (see Mark 14:33–34). He prayed with them (see Luke 9:28f). He taught them things He did not teach the others (see Matthew 17:2; Mark 5:37–43). He even introduced them to His heavenly family (see Matthew 17:3). They were his closest friends and confidants.

Jesus' leadership strategy evidently worked well. Within a generation, His followers turned the world upside down (see Acts 17:6). Within seven generations (318 A.D.), the emperor Constantine accepted his message and made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. And here I am, almost two millennia later, writing about it.

Wearing of the Green

2010-03-17T20:51:00.000-05:00

Today I heard the reason you wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. Wanna’ know why?
Because if you are not Irish, the Leprechauns will pinch you. If you wear green,
they can’t see you! Whew! Glad to be safe from that!

1,000 Words

2010-03-16T22:10:00.002-05:00

Working on a little project here, you, if you so choose, get to be part of the audience. The project is to write. Anything. Just write. If you want to get good at writing, you have to do it. Just write.
........................................................................................................................................................................
1,000 words. How long will it take to fill the page? Michael Hyatt says to begin writing, you need to set some goals. Weekly or daily goals. These goals can be by times or by word count. The point is, if you want to write, you need to do it. Write. Spend time writing. I want to do that. Set some goals, write some stuff. I’m thinking of asking a few of the people who know me best to give me topic or two to write about, then give myself a certain amount of time to write about it.
The reason I think this might be a good way to start, is that I actually enjoy reading what I write. That isn’t meant to sound proud or anything, but if I know about the topic I’m writing about, I feel like the things I write are decent. Mostly, I feel best about writing things that the Lord has shown me. To encourage others to live a little better is always what charges my batteries.
I need to learn more about sentence structure, proper punctuation and how to get my thoughts across in a more articulate way. Michael says to be open to criticism.
.........................................................................................................................................................................
Have you ever had a time when you someone told you something about yourself you didn’t like? The first thing out of your mouth is totally unfiltered. Once it’s out, you can’t believe you said it, and after a mere two second worth of thought more, you realize you spoke truth to yourself? Maybe you didn’t like that truth, but there it was. God has a way of showing us where we are even when we’re not asking. I think the way we really notice is to have already asked God to show us when we’re having a “Teachable moment”. They can get away from us really fast If we’re not paying attention.

My last “Teachable moment” came when I was being particularly cranky and brutish to my husband. He said to me that “You’re so nice to everyone else and you’re not nice to me”, to which I tartly replied “I stay away from other people when I’m not nice, I can’t stay away from you.” Ouch. Did I say that? Indeed. That was almost three days ago. Not an hour has gone by since that I haven’t thought about that statement. How not nice is that?

Lord, help me to filter better, or better yet, have thoughts that don’t have to be filtered. Could you help me to “Be ye kind”?

Restoration

2010-03-11T09:02:00.002-06:00

1 Samuel 30

David wept.

David found strength in the Lord his God.

David inquired of the Lord.

David pursued his enemy.

God restored everything.

Perseverance

2010-03-04T16:36:00.004-06:00

James 1:4 stopped me in my tracks this morning.
Here's how it reads; Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I've been asking God about some things lately that seem to go on and on and on. When I read this verse, I had to read it again and again and again.
Then I did a little word study, and here's what I found. If word studies bore you, then you can just scroll to the bottom and read the Crafted Prayer at the end.

The dictionary I used was a Websters, copyright 1989, and the concordance was the NIV Exhaustive Concordance, copyright 1990.

Dictionary definitions; Numbered definitions are from the original Greek.
Perseverance - Being persistent. A continuing in a state of grace, leading to a state of glory.
Persevere - To try hard and continuously in spite of obstacles and difficulties.
5705 - Endurance (patient, great) persistence. Standing firm, endure patiently.
Mature - Having reached a state of full natural development. Relating to a time when development is complete. Involving or arrived at after prolonged, careful thought. 5455 - Perfect, adult, perfection.
Complete - Nothing missing or lacking. Absolute, entire. To perfect, round off. 3908 - Whole.
Lacking - Short of, without. That which is missing or needed. 3309 - Not having everything needed.

Lord, Help me to hold on to You in spite of the obstacles I face, so that I may bring You glory. Help me to patiently stand firm until my development in You is complete. Help me to give careful thought to Your word, until my growth has nothing missing or broken. Help me to be completely whole, having nothing needed.
Let Your glory be shown in me.
Amen

Tyler Tales

2010-02-28T22:23:00.003-06:00

Gramma~ Tyler, can you tell me a story?
Tyler~ Yes.
Gramma~ Tyler, what kind of stories do you like to tell?
Tyler~ Stories about lions.
Gramma~ Will you tell me a story about lions?
Tyler~ No.
Gramma~ What about then?
Tyler~ I will tell you a story about a buffalo.

Romper Room

2010-02-28T19:36:00.002-06:00

When I was little there was a show on called Romper Room. The theme song said "Do be a do bee and don't be a don't bee." Well my "Do bee" and my "Don't bee" have been colliding as of late. Stated another way, my Do-er and my Be-er have been having a fight. My flesh says go and go, do and do. My spirit says stop striving. Listen for His heartbeat. The only way to hear it is to be. From just about every direction I'm hearing the same thing. Rest. Rest well. Repeat. Be intentional about listening. Reflect. Ponder. Then, I feel like I'm doing that too much and being lazy. I've really had to ask God where that line is. How can I be a "Do bee" and not cover His heartbeat with busy, and how can I be a "Don't bee" without being slothful. It is a fine line, but one that I believe He wants me to explored. This mornings sermon implored us to put our whole faith in God. Trusting in Him alone to keep ourselves in balance. We cannot earn it or learn it. We have to look (at Him) and live. I'm looking at Him, and believing that my hive will have the proper balance of "do-ing" and "be-ing"

Blink.

2010-02-26T14:23:00.002-06:00

We always told our kids "Don't blink, you'll miss it." Well, yesterday, I did just that. I blinked. I decided to look at my blog, only to realize that today, would be the exactly one year from my last post. One year. Blink. Now I've been writing alot lately, just in other places. It will be my intent to be here a bit more often. We'll see how that goes. It's a new year and a new season. (How long can one get away with saying it's a new year?)
How long has it been since you blinked?

Worst Days - Best Days

2009-02-26T13:10:00.002-06:00

When worst mornings lead into exhausted afternoons,

And you're not handling it well,

and your friends still love you,

That's how the worst days, become the best.

Thank you Jesus.

Thank you Tina.

Thank you Cynthia.

Thank you Mary.

A Prideful Thought

2009-02-10T11:10:00.002-06:00

Snippet of recent journaling...
Oh God. What have you done? That is not a facetious question. That is a question of wonder and awe. I KNOW what you're doing in MY heart. Now I'm beginning to see what You are doing in the hearts of OTHERS! Now you want ME to UNLEASH RELENTLESSLY - Now I can see how You've been working in THEM too! Pride! Down a notch, or two, or ten! ................
I so want to be a part of this or that or that or this, but I can only do my own part,
Thank You God, that I HAVE a part!
The verses you gave me after this entry? Only You God could/would orchestrate -
Is. 60:22 ...in it's time, I will do this swiftly.
Eph. 5:1 BE IMITATORS OF GOD.
Eph. 5:10 ... and find out what pleases the Lord.
What pleases You Lord?
Here I am, send me.

A New Name

2009-02-06T18:35:00.000-06:00

And I will write on him my new name. Revelation 3:12
Then you will win favor and a good name in sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:4
A good name is more desirable than riches. Proverbs 22:1
You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. Isaiah 62:2

Abram becomes Abraham.
Sarai becomes Sarah.
Saul becomes Paul.
Because of Zion's righteousness, her name is no longer called Deserted and Desolate,
but Hephzibah ("My delight is in her") and Beulah ("Married")

A new relationship with God often requied a new name to signify that new relationship. God's new name for Abraham bestowed honor on him and encouraged and confirmed his faith. The name change for Sarah meant that God cofirmed the promise He made to her. Saul became Paul and became driven to proclaim the Word of the Lord.

December 8, 2008.
Debbie becomes Deborah.

To Do List

2009-01-25T08:35:00.000-06:00

For today ~ The only do ~ Is rest.

Pong

2009-01-21T09:22:00.003-06:00

During my quiet time this a.m. I had a picture in my mind of the Joe Christian. This Christian was in a box. He was bouncing into the walls just like the ball did in the old game Pong. Now in this game, the ball was always moving, but never really went anywhere. Then I saw another picture of a sunburst. That, was to me a picture of how we can be when we finally realize our Authority in Christ. No boundaries. Just all out enerygy. Cosmic, atomic energy. Exploding into our space and infecting everyone we come in contact with, with the Power of Christ. Always moving, having affect on everything!

Later in my quiet time, I came upon a different picture. Different picture. Same principal. Malachi 4:2 says "And ye shall go forth, as calves released from a stall." When we "Resist the devil and he flees from us" (Jmaes 4:7) God will open the stall, and we will go out leaping with joy. I don't have a picture of that, but you can see it in your mind, right? Stepping out of confinement, nothing there to hold back your release.

Ask God today, to release you from your stall, into the freedom that the Blood of Christ paid for.

Game Day

2009-01-21T08:17:00.003-06:00

God wants us to be prepared.

Read the rules.

Gather your game pieces.

He'll prepare the game board.

Let Him show you which board your pieces fit on.

Simple right?

On This Day

2009-01-20T11:37:00.001-06:00

The kings heart is in the hand of the Lord. Proverbs 21:1

unleash

2009-01-12T08:21:00.002-06:00

For the longest time I've been praying. Literally, years. For God to show me what it is EXACTLY He wanted for me to do. For years, He has been saying to my heart, not yet, but it's coming. For years, I've been holding on to that. Near the beginning of December, He did an extraordinary thing to my heart. I always long to "hear Him". On this day, it was loud and clear.
I was at a day long seminar with Roxie Elliott, when I felt I "heard His voice". Telling me that my job was to "Equip the saints" as it says in scripture. Get out of my cave, and equip the saints. My startled response was "I can't do that, I'm not smart enough", to which "He replied", "You've been asking me for years and now I tell you, and you say you can't do it? What is it that you want?' Ouch. Since my heart is for obedience and holiness, I realized I better get with HIS program. Something in my heart changed that day. It's not who I think I am, it's who HE thinks I am. It's not what I think I can do, it's what HE thinks I can do. It's not even IF I can do it, it's if HE can do it. It's not what I want to do, it's what HE wants me to do. Since that day, I can honestly say that I can feel His Holy Spirit stirring on the inside of me like never before. There is a Holy Boldness, if you will, there, growing inside. Time to "unleash" that relentless love that our church speaks of, to my broken world.

2009-01-09T08:44:00.002-06:00

On my way through my Thesaurus studying the difference between a hope and a wish, I came across the following - vapid = dull, lifeless, insipid, uninteresting, tiresome, spiritless, vacuous, prosaic, mundane. virile = vibrant, strong, forceful, vigorous, robust.
I'm thinking that Christ in us, the Hope of Glory, would want the 2nd one for our lives.
Anything less? Is it just laziness on our part? Christ in us, the Hope of Glory. Do we understand the implications of that? Aren't we settleing for MUCH less than He shed His blood for?
Just thinking.

Retreat or Charge?

2008-09-15T09:25:00.002-05:00

This weekend. What can I say? The women who spoke to us so from their hearts were amazing.
I had no expectations for the weekend except that God would show up. He did. Per usual. He's always Faithful. Also per usual, He showed up in ways I might not have considered.
I was confronted with a couple of things that I didn't know I had a problem with. I've consistantly asked God to show me my weak spots. Even if it's painful. He showed me two this weekend that were quite well hidden deep in my heart and up til now didn't have a name. I name them here, as a form of confession and release them to God. He is ever Faithful.
Here goes - I am not known as a fearful person. I've often said I'm not afraid of anything. Wrong. Two things. Fear of loss. Fear of failure. The enemy has crafily hid them deep, only bringing them out in times of aloneness. Not having a name has only allowed them to fester as a feeling of great unrest.
So there it is. Retreat to encounter God. Charge forward for HIS Glory!

Heavy

2008-08-21T08:28:00.002-05:00

My BFF tells me that "when you've been seeking God for something a long time, and you begin to feel the "weight" of it bearing down on you, then the answer is near." Good and true words.
Kind of like childbirth?

This Weekend

2008-08-04T08:27:00.002-05:00

On Saturday morning we had the very first Gatekeepers Prayer Event for the women's Tapestry group at church. The team worked hard on their presentations. Every single one had issues to deal with that threatend to keep them from doing what they were supposed to do. Just about every woman who showed up had issues too. They came any way. They were obedient. God showed up. Thanks not only to the prayer team, but also to the other teams that joined in to help, and to the ladies who thought it priority enough to give up a Saturday morning to come and be a part of something different. If we all do our part .... then God can move as He wishes. Make His Name Glorious!

Grandiose Thoughts

2008-08-04T08:21:00.003-05:00

Funny how my body always thinks it can do more than it can. I want it to do more than it does. Out very early this morning I went riding. Thinking great thoughts of riding our entire road, it's 9 miles long. Thinking of riding the bike path in it's entirety. Thinking of RAGBRAI next year. Realizing that I better not get to far away from home because really, I have to make it back. 4 1/2 miles. Now that's depressing. But it's better than not at all right?

What a way to start the day!

2008-07-23T10:34:00.003-05:00

Today I started my day riding with the no helmet/no spandex girls. What a treat!

My DH saw them on the road the other day and mentioned to them that I had noticed them.

Last night when I got home, there was an invitation on my answering machine to join them.

I AM in the cool group now!

Seriously. It was a pleasant time. I only logged 4 miles. I don't know how far they went.

I had to remind myself that I hadn't been on a bike in 30 years. (That's scary)

And I've NEVER been on a bike quite like this one!

So unless I wanted to pay for it big time tomorrow, moderation was the key.

Life is good.

Small Packages

2008-07-10T08:23:00.002-05:00

It seems I still wait for that big "car in the driveway with a bow on top" kind of communication with God. When really, His packages are smaller, and quieter, and more frequent than that. Small packages of applications for each day. Just left by the door. My prayer - to notice them when I open it.

Politically Incorrect

2008-07-10T08:17:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I saw a really cool politically inccorect thing. Twice. Three ladies riding down our road. Meandering really. Old bikes. Like Schwinn's and Huffy's. No helmets. No spandex. Traveling slowly. Conversing loudly. No apparent agenda. What a delightful moment for my soul. Then they came back the other way. Did my heart good. And my word, how did we ever make it to our age without helmets? Yet, here we are.

Just Because I Can

2008-06-24T09:17:00.002-05:00

I always wanted to use this texting phrase-

My BFF Tina.

A Weekend Away

2008-06-24T08:42:00.003-05:00

A Room With A View ....

I went this weekend to a "Silent Retreat". Yes, silent. We were able to follow the silent rule until after supper Saturday night, so when if you knew the group I was with, you'd know that God is alive and well and in the miracle business. Anyway, my husband thought I should save the money and go in the woods. I only have a small problem with that - well maybe two or three or four - heat, bugs, dirt and the fact that I can see my house from the woods. The place where laundry and phone calls and all things household are constantly calling. The time away was refreshing.
I was really expecting God to tell a "Really big thing". He did not. What did happen was perhaps even more amazing, and more readily savable in my spirit. There were natural breaks in the weekend, i.e. breakfast, lunch and supper. (SO MUCH FOOD!) It seemed to me like after every break, He left a little package for me. I would come back, and find some amazing tidbit in my studies that I wasn't looking for. I actually found a little book in the bookstore, that even though not exactly theologically correct, spoke to my heart big time. The title tells alot... "Everyday Sacred". (FABULUS BOOKSTORE) A quick read, and a diversion from the ususal. Nice. Then to top it off, like a bright bows on top of those packages, there were several times when a surprise would come under the door. Cards, bookmarks, candy. A quiet, sweet, tender way of feeling God's love. If you can go next time ... I highly encourage you to do it! A sweet respite from the every day.
What a switch from now, when my Burlington babies (ages 7,6 and 4) are here for the rest of the week. Glad I had time to rest.

Uncomfortable Places

2008-06-15T16:51:00.002-05:00

You can't get there from here. I thought it. Then heard Pastor Dan say it from the pulpit. All the crisis around me is taking my brain to places that I have for so long TRIED NOT TO GO! The fact that You Can't Get There From Here bothers me even with the fact that I enjoy staying home. Where I have been going though, is to places like flood torn Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, in my mind, in my own back yard so to speak. Then a little camp ground on the other side of Iowa where the best of our youth can go for further training. To a little country on the other side of the world where childrens play is breaking big rocks into little rocks all day. Out of my cave, and into a world where hurt and despair try to overtake everything. And yet. I have this Hope in God. But God, my friend and I say. But God knows it all. He knows the beginning from the end. Not one sparrow falls that He isn't aware of. Hiding in my cave is so comfy, and yet, God requires action, what will it be? Training from inside the cave, now sent out to do what?

It's a Twister!

2008-06-13T14:45:00.002-05:00

Well. It's just one week until my "Silent" retreat with God. My DH says I should just save my money and go in the woods. Now, if you know me, you know I don't care for heat, bugs or dirt. What part of going in the woods would make me want to sit and do that? And as for "Silent".....................Anyway, inside my head is a twister. It would seem that no matter how much I prioritise, extract, purge and try to focus, I'm still all twisty turny on the inside. Spiritual warfare at it's finest I'm sure. Well, on the retreat next weekend I look forward to some answers from my Father. I know we are each to do our part. I know what my part is. (that's progress) I just don't know what form it will take.
I am also, like many others, in constant wonder about the state of our state. Twisters, floods, loss of precious young lives. The one consolation is that in 1 Corinthians 15:46 it says that "The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual." Out of this natural mess, God will fill us with wonder of another kind. What powerful stuff must He have ahead for us in the Spirit? How could we not of seen HIM before?

Critter Countdown

2008-05-21T10:55:00.003-05:00

We started some where over 13. 4 horses (at various times), a hunting dog, 2 Rotts, 1 Doberman, 1 Welsh Corgi, a turtle and an inumerable number of cats, mostly outside ones except Bill. They have left this place one at a time. One left. [Note; most were not mine, but left behind so I wouldn't be lonely:)] All the rest left at exceedingly geriatric ages. Only Bonnie our female Rott is left. Today, she became a house dog, since Jorge now resides in the pet cemetarty behind the house. She is old too. Almost geriatric. But even after the time she spent the last several years outdoors with Jorge, she still remembered the drill. The poor old girl just stood at looked at the tub, knowing she needed to be in it, but her stiff legs wouldn't do it for her. I had to install her into the tub. I had forgotten how heavy she really was. She's in there now, rolling her still damp self on the living room floor. But at least it's a clean, damp self.

Spoiled American

2008-05-20T17:19:00.000-05:00

This is blogging for myself is all brand new to me. Hopefully I'll be a quick study.
Yesterday my refrigerator decided it didn't want to work anymore. All this time I've walked past the extra one in the garage wondering why we were paying the electric to run it. Now, when I walk past it, I think of how much money it saved us, not having to replace our food. Today. My Slim Fast breakfast was not blended with ice as it usually is. This afternoon, the glass of water had no ice in it. If you know me, you know it's all about the ice. (or the caffiene) I had to reflect on the fact that some would be greatful for a glass of water without ice. Or a glass of water without unimaginable filth in it. Or, dare I say it, a glass. What a spoiled American I am. This and many other happenings recently have reminded me that living in America is indeed a blesssing. It doesn't go this well in other places. My refrigerator is fixed, and I can hear my freshly made ice falling into the dispenser. God, how you have blessed me.

Treasure Hunter

New Blog - Significant Encounters

Thank A Veteran Today

The Adventures of Flat Wyatt

Aglow SPC November Letter

The Adventures of Flat Wyatt

The Adventures of Flat Wyatt

The Adventures of Flat Wyatt

Window Sill Decoration

Home again, home again, not so lickety split!

From Old to New

And God whispered .......

Dead Sea or Fountain?

The Sound of Silence

Buried Treasure

I Presume

What's Supposed to Be

SPC June Newsletter

8th Grade Boys

Finding Your Place

Wearing of the Green

1,000 Words

Restoration

Perseverance

Tyler Tales

Romper Room

Blink.

Worst Days - Best Days

A Prideful Thought

A New Name

To Do List

Pong

Game Day

On This Day

unleash

Retreat or Charge?

Heavy

This Weekend

Grandiose Thoughts

What a way to start the day!

Small Packages

Politically Incorrect

Just Because I Can

A Weekend Away

Uncomfortable Places

It's a Twister!

More Questions Than Answers

Critter Countdown

Spoiled American