Wednesday, June 28, 2017

And Then God Spoke...To ME!!!!



Sometimes life takes a turn and knocks your socks off in a good way. I have been to several conferences where Shawn Bolz taught, encouraged the arts, and released words of knowledge to people he could not possibly know. 

To think God has these thoughts toward me and spoke them so personally at a conference I was attending at Bethel Church in Redding, Ca - well, I was shocked! It drew out my innermost dreams and gave me permission to move forward with them, knowing God is with me. There was such power in this. And it not only encouraged me but everyone who was there...to know that God loves us and knows us so intimately. Oh, that I might be so privileged as to coach writers; to write my blogs; and to be a reporter. Yes!


He indeed knows our name and knows where to find us. Are you open? Watching? He's coming after you!

If you want to know more about Shawn, read one of his books, the most recent being "God Secrets." I just finished it and highly endorse it. Or check out his website at: https://bolzministries.com

1 Cor. 12:8 - To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom; to another a message of knowledge through the same Spirit.

Audio clip used by permission of Bethel Media and www.ibethel.tv

Saturday, June 24, 2017

If Jesus Were Alive Today...

What do you see?
Photo by Chris Tracy
Denver Sky
I think if Jesus lived on Earth today:
He would break down walls of fear and imprisonment; shake up the present day church; kill the religious spirit; change the way we think about Him; and usher in a new renaissance of everything creative.

He would play wild guitar,
Write bravely,
Create a new sound,
Pen poetry and new songs that bring joy and healing,
Paint with outrageous colors and strokes; spirit and whimsy;
and even play a joyful fiddle.

He would break old thinking and lead new thought movements.
He would love everyone – especially those He offends.
He would dance and shout and have fun and be wild and free and outrageous - all while bringing glory and honor to His Papa.
He would say shocking things as He did in His time to help us think, know the truth, and climb out of our boxes.
He would set us free from ourselves and our past constraints; and propel us on to life and victory.
And yes, there would be healing and freedom for all who come to Him.

John 14:12 - "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father...you may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."

John 6 - Possibly my favorite chapter in the Bible. I can just imagine Jesus' personality; how He spoke to the crowds; how He demonstrated the Father. 

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Permission Granted

I was in my twenties when I realized it was OK to be me. Up until then, I tried so hard to fit into the expectations of those I love. I trusted they really knew me; knew what was best; knew what I should do and how I should act and where I should live and what work I should do.

The more I tried to fit in - the more emotionally lost I became. I resisted who I was. I wanted to be smarter, prettier, more successful, more athletic, and fully engaged in relationships and people groups. When I realized everyone was unique and different, including (and especially) me - something snapped and I was flung into a journey of trying to figure out me and give myself permission to be truly me. There were many errors. Many. Thank God I have lifelong friends who always loved me through every season.

Do you need permission? Are you different like me? Did you not quite "fit" into your family or church or people group? 

So here it is - delivered by an older one who wishes someone had said this to me many times until I got it. You have permission to be you - unique, beautiful, created for purpose, and treasured by your Papa - your Creator in Heaven. You are loved and worthy for blessing and love and relationship and goodness. You can be whole and wholly offer yourself to the universe of wonder and miracles. So step forward - be brave - take that risk - stand for who you are - and, yes, love yourself in all your imperfections and goodness.

Ephesians 2:10 - "I am God's workmanship."

Monday, June 12, 2017

A Simple Hallelujah!

Rick and I had a musical weekend! Saturday we went to a "Brewgrass Festival"  in a popular Denver neighborhood. We enjoyed bluegrass music (our fav) along with thousands of others packed like sardines up close to the stage. Then Sunday, we were shopping for flowers at our local nursery. A fiddle player and drummer were there to entertain shoppers. (Brilliant!) When they played John Lennon's "Imagine," I couldn't help but sing along while picking out my Snapdragons.

Music is my love language. It gathers friends, fills souls, makes memories, brings healing, and creates atmospheres. There is a spirit in song and music that transcends our differences. Even when I play and sing my old-time folk songs (Rick calls them my protest songs), I love their words of love, not hate; and peace, not war.

But I would say that, above all the songs and music genres I love, the song of my life is a simple "Hallelujah" song that sings my heart's "thanks" to my God for His blessings and promises - a praise to the one who brings freedom on every level and in every situation.

Do you have a life song?

Psalm 96 - Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! Sing to God - worship God! Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea. Take the news of his glory to the lost. News of his wonders to one and all! (The Message)

Photo - If I were to name this tree, I would call her "Symphony in the Snow."

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Fragrance, Power, and Peace

My friend, Victoria, and I meet regularly at a local bookstore coffee shop and mentor each other about our dreams, new businesses, and writing. We often get so exuberant in our conversation that I am sure there must be eavesdroppers. We just cannot help it. Life is good when we meet with a friend. There is power in the relationship, and I believe we release joy and peace in the atmosphere around us. At least - I hope we do. We are in the last third of our lifespan - yet we are dreaming as if we were young women about to embark on our life's greatest adventure.

I pray you have a friend like that - one that champions you and sets you free to dream big! The Bible says we actually have a fragrance we release into atmospheres. We can bring light into darkness; peace into chaos; and infect others with the ability to hope and dream. We do this wherever we go. Yesterday I was imagining that this place of business has no idea how powerful Victoria and I are when we are there. I do believe somehow we shine!

2 Corinthians 2:14-15 - Through our yielded lives he spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere we go. We have become the unmistakable aroma of the victory of the Anointed One to everyone. (The Passion Translation)

Saturday, June 3, 2017

The Great Pruning


Funny thing about roses.  They actually love discipline. The more I prune them, the better they look and grow. The more I encourage the ones that haven't bloomed for awhile - the more likely they are to bloom profusely the next season. The more I sweet talk them, the prettier the flowers. The more I nourish them, the better they like me. Still - they are a thorn in my side for much of the season. But I WILL NOT give up! I love them!

We are not unlike those roses. We have a loving Pruner that won't give up on us either. He corrects our rough edges, nourishes us, loves us, and cheers us on until we bloom fully in our destiny calling - colorful and fragrant.

Psalm 139:17-18 - How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me.