Markings in the Wood

Life Lessons

2011-12-30T10:00:00.001-06:00

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

By Regina Brett

Hands of Compassion

2011-11-07T09:22:00.000-06:00

For I seek a people of compassion in this day. Surely I seek for My sons and daughters who hold My heart, a heart of mercy for the oppressed, a heart of compassion for the meek and lowly. I seek for those whose tongues are purified by fire. I seek for those of My sons and daughters who will spend their life to feed My poor. For those who will minister from a spirit of love and compassion to feed the poor in spirit. For those who will bind up the brokenhearted.

But I tell you, that in these ones' mouths shall flow healing power for the afflicted, shall flow healing power for the mind and heart. Out of these ones' hands shall flow healing power for the sick, for I shall birth a heart of compassion such as I walked with on Earth. And even greater shall these do. And these ones, they shall feed the poor of the world. They shall visit the sick. They shall be found ministering in the prisons and their delight is to do the will of My Father.

But not many shall be from the strong and the influential. Oh no, indeed, for My glory shall shine through these bruised ones, through these overlooked. And they shall yet bring in a move into My body that shall reflect the hands and the heart of My Father Himself. So repent and humble yourself under the mighty hand of the Lord your God, and look well to your ways.

From the book "Journal of the Unknown Prophet."

The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

2011-10-16T17:08:00.006-05:00

I've been having a recurring dream the past few years. I'm in a thrift store, rifling through a rack of colorful clothing to find something to wear. In the dreams, there's always a large white-haired man watching me. He is the owner of the store. Because he keeps watching me, I can't try on any clothing. I feel very vulnerable.

In one of the dreams he turned off the lights so I would stop looking at the clothes.

The clothing represents my covering. The owner is God. The obvious meaning of this dream is that God wants me to stop trying to get under other people's coverings. Their coverings may look flashy and colorful, but I'll never really get to know God if I don't get under His covering.

How did I do that? I wasn't comfortable hearing from God for myself, so I would constantly ask other people what they thought, so I would know what I should think. And in the process of seeking their wills, I found myself trying to please them instead of God.

I was grieving God, to the point where He had to remove people and places from my life (hence the lights going out) in order to get my attention. And when I cried out to God in my loneliness and despair, it was only then that I could finally discern His voice. I'm still learning. Still listening.

At first I thought this was just something God wanted for me, and not necessarily anyone else, but then I found this article:

The Shepherding Movement

God wants to be my technicolor dream coat. How about you? Who's your dream coat?

"He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge." (Psalm 94:1)

Worship in the Woods

2011-05-17T15:33:00.017-05:00

I was camping in the woods last week. One morning, I had the burning desire to worship the Lord. I played some anointed worship music, and started singing my praises.
After I had worshiped for a while, I opened my eyes. And there, on the picnic table right in front of the trailer, were three black crows. "Worship the Lord!" I sang to them.
I decided to go for a walk. A little ways down the road, I saw a cardinal and a blue jay sitting side by side in a tree. "Worship the Lord!" I sang to them. I stared at them for a while, and they fluttered but they never moved from that tree.

Farther down the trail, I saw two deer in the field. They stopped and stared at me. I have never seen deer in this park before. "Worship the Lord!" I sang to them.

It seemed as if the whole earth came alive with worship that day.

Where are you going? Take God with you, and just see how God's creation comes alive before you...

The Bells

2011-03-04T13:20:00.009-06:00

I am with you. I am with you. I am with you.

Heaven's bells continually peal with that promise of My Presence. Some people never hear those bells because their minds are earthbound and their hearts are closed to Me. Others hear the bells only once or twice in their lifetimes. In rare moments of seeking Me above all else. My desire is that My "sheep" hear My voice continually, for I am the ever-present Shepherd.

Quietness is the classroom where you learn to hear My voice. Beginners need a quiet place in order to still their minds. As you advance in this discipline, you gradually learn to carry the stillness with you wherever you go. When you step back into the mainstream of life, strain to hear those glorious bells.

I am with you. I am with you. I am with you.

From the book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.

Daily Declarations

2011-02-10T09:27:00.012-06:00

Declarations #1

These ten basic declarations are foundational to the building of your faith. They will increase expectancy of God’s goodness; and, thus, will increase the manifestation of that goodness in your life. Jesus said, “According to your faith, so be it” (Matthew 8:13). Say these (and the other declarations lists) everyday for a month and see what happens to your life.

1. My prayers are powerful and effective (2 Cor. 5:21; James 5:16b).
2. God richly supplies all my financial needs (Phil. 4:19).
3. I am dead to sin and alive to obeying God (Romans 6:11).
4. I walk in ever-increasing health (Isaiah 53:3-5; Psalm 103:1-3).
5. I live under a supernatural protection (Psalm 91).
6. I prosper in all my relationships (Luke 2:52).
7. I consistently bring God encounters to other people (Mark 16:17,18).
8. Through Jesus I am 100% loved and worthy to receive all of God’s blessings (Gal. 3:1-5).
9. Each of my family members is wonderfully blessed and radically loves Jesus (Acts 16:30,31).
10. I uproariously laugh when I hear a lie from the devil (Psalm 2:2-4).

Declarations #2
Remember this: Faith is the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). Our “evidence” for things being true is not our circumstances, but God’s promises. We don’t deny negative facts in our lives, but we choose to focus on a higher reality: God’s truth. Faith indeed comes by hearing (Romans 10:17); therefore, we choose to speak these powerful truths to build our own faith.

1. I set the course of my life with my declarations (James 3:2-5).
2. God is on my side; therefore I declare that I cannot be defeated, discouraged, depressed or disappointed (Rom. 8:37; Psalm 91; Phil. 4:13).
3. I am the head, not the tail. I have insight. I have wisdom. I have ideas and divine strategies. I have authority (Deut. 28:13; Deut. 8:18; James 1:5-8; Luke 10:19).
4. As I speak God’s promises, they come to pass. They stop all attacks, assaults, oppression, and fear from my life (2 Peter 1:2-4; Mark 11:23-24).
5. I have the wisdom of God today. I will think the right thoughts, say the right words, and make the right decisions in every situation I face (James 1:5; 1 Cor. 2:16).
6. I expect to have powerful divine appointments today to heal the sick, to raise the dead, to prophesy life, to lead people to Christ, to bring deliverance, to release signs and wonders and to bless every place I go (the book of Acts).
7. I expect the best day of my life spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and financially in Jesus’ name (Rom. 15:13).

Declarations #3
One of the main “methods” Jesus and the apostles used (in the gospels and Acts) was to SPEAK TO things. You will notice that they did not ask God to heal people, to cast out demons, or to raise the dead; but they spoke to bodies, to demons, to the wind, etc. Jesus encouraged us to speak to mountains in Mark 11:23. This set of declarations focuses much on our speaking to the various aspects in our lives.

1. I have a covenant with God, and by the blood of Jesus I release my divine protection and divine provision (Hebrews 8:6).
2. My angels are carrying out the Word of God on my behalf (Psalm 103:20).
3. Any adversity, attack, accidents and tragedies that were headed my way are diverted right now in Jesus’ name (Psalm 91).
4. I speak to the raging waters in my life; peace, be still. I say to my mind; peace, be still. I say to my emotions; peace, be still. I say to my body; peace, be still. I say to my home; peace, be still. I say to my family; peace, be still (Mark 4:39).
5. Now I speak to every mountain of fear, every mountain of discouragement, every mountain of stress, every mountain of depression, every mountain of lack and insufficiency; and I say, “Be removed and cast into the sea in Jesus’ name!” (Mark 11:22-24)
6. And I speak to this day and I call you blessed. And I declare that I serve a mighty God who today will do exceedingly and abundantly beyond all that I can ask or think. I say you are a good God and I eagerly anticipate your goodness today. (Ephesians 3:20)

Thanks to Gregory Dickow from http://www.changinglives.org/ in Declarations #2 and #3

God Loves Your Creations

2011-01-14T20:16:00.008-06:00

My dad had a hard childhood and life, and because he never was given love, he didn't know how to give it. I don’t remember ever feeling loved by him when I was a kid. He commented many times on what a burden we all were, and in order to keep from upsetting him, we had to be quiet as a mouse when he was around. The only emotion I had toward him was fear.

But yet there were times when Dad seemed to love me. If he was in a good mood and things were going his way, he would pat me on the head and give me a cookie or a candy bar. This was the only way he knew how to show love. Years of showing myself love in this way has taken its toll in an accumulation of weight from too many peanut butter cups and sugar cookies. Mmmm….yes, I must really love myself!

One childhood memory in particular has been etched into my memory. It was Christmas, and my sisters and I were having fun decorating Christmas cookies. We were competing to see who could produce the most beautiful cookie. And then Dad came in and hollered at us for making a mess, and sent us to our rooms. I’m sure if Betty Crocker had seen my work of art, it would have been featured on the front page of the Christmas cookbook edition.

Years later when I had children of my own, whenever I baked cookies with them I would bring out tons of colored sugars and sprinkles, and let them make as big a mess as they wanted. And I always made it a point to make a huge fuss over their works of art.

A few years ago at a Christian conference, I was up at the altar during worship time, when I had a vision. I was suddenly standing before God’s throne. I opened up my right hand, and it was full of sprinkles. The sprinkles started going up and circling God’s throne. Then I opened up my left hand, and it was full of colored glitter, and the glitter rose up and circled around God too, until there was a beautiful rainbow of colors decorating God’s throne. Then I realized I was empty handed and had nothing left to give God, when He said “Give me your cookies.” At that point I thought I must be getting hungry, and imagining the whole thing. But He said it again, “Give me your cookies.” I suddenly realized that God was showing me that He loved my art work, and He was decorating His throne with it!

In his old age, Dad moved into a nursing home, where I visited him several times a week. I always stopped at the gift shop first to buy him a molasses cookie (those were his favorite). I wasn't actually allowed to give him any sweets, because he was a diabetic. But day after day he would sit in his tiny, joyless room with nothing to look forward to, so the cookies were our little secret.

One day right after handing him his cookie, the nurse walked in! In a panic, I quickly grabbed the cookie out of his mouth and flung it across the room, which left him looking quite bewildered. After the nurse left I gave it back to him, explaining that he wasn't actually allowed to eat cookies. When I left that day, the nurse came back in, and I looked back to wave goodbye to Dad, and to my chagrin his lap was full of cookie crumbs! Oh dear...

The last time I visited Dad before he passed away, I gave him a hug and kiss. His skin was paper thin, and I noticed for the first time how frail he looked. He had become a skeleton of a man. Where was the monster that had terrified me all those years? He hugged me back and told me he loved me. Never in my life had he said those words to me! Then I asked if I could bring him something the next time, and he said "I don't need anything. All I need is your love." (Wow!)

God had given me a beautiful memory to replace all the bad ones. Not only did he soften Dad’s heart so he could love, but God showed me that HIS all-consuming love had been there all along.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Someday when I'm old and sitting in a nursing home somewhere...for the love of God, LET ME HAVE A COOKIE!
God has been watching over you since you were a child, taking great delight in all your works of art. He still is…

(An excerpt from my soon-to-be-published book, "The Inside Scoop on God.")

Christmas Baby

2010-12-12T13:34:00.000-06:00

Thanking God for the greatest gift ever...

When You Are Weary

2010-10-19T10:31:00.008-05:00

faithwriters.com

Come to Me when you are weak and weary. Rest snugly in My everlasting arms. I do not despise your weakness, My child. Actually, it drives Me closer to you, because weakness stirs up My compassion - My yearning to help. Accept yourself in your weariness, knowing that I understand how difficult your journey has been.

Do not compare yourself with others, who seem to skip along their life-paths with ease. Their journeys have been different from yours, and I have gifted them with abundant energy. I have gifted you with fragility, providing opportunities for your spirit to blossom in My Presence. Accept this gift as a sacred treasure: delicate, yet glowing with brilliant Light. Rather than struggling to disguise or deny your weakness, allow Me to bless you richly through it.

From the book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

A Penny for your Thoughts

2010-09-28T08:55:00.012-05:00

Yesterday I was walking on the beach, and my thoughts started drifting to the past, back to the carefree days of childhood. Whenever my little friends and I went for a walk, we always looked for coins on the ground. We were seeking worldly treasures.

So I started walking with my head down, wondering what I might find in the sand. Perhaps a gold nugget, or a jagged diamond, or a valuable sea shell, or a quarter. Suddenly it hit me how ridiculous this was. The treasure was all around me - the cinnamon sugar sand, the white capped waves, the seagulls sailing in the breeze - all of God's creation is a treasure!

So I looked all around me, and said a silent 'thank you' to God for a world filled with treasures. As I continued walking along, something shiny caught my eye. There, right in front of me was a shiny, brand new penny in the sand. Funny, I 'd been on the same path up and down the beach, and didn't see it before. God had added one more treasure to the beach. He loves to delight His children!

"God! Let the cosmos praise your wonderful ways, the choir of holy angels sing anthems to your faithful ways! Search high and low, scan skies and land, you'll find nothing and no one quite like God. The holy angels are in awe before him; he looms immense and august over everyone around him." (Psalm 89:5 The Message)

Heavenly Ecstasy

2010-09-05T12:34:00.013-05:00

Dale Terbush

When you seek My Face, put aside thoughts of everything else. I am above all, as well as in all; your communion with Me transcends both time and circumstances. Be prepared to be blessed bountifully by My Presence, for I am a God of unlimited abundance.

Open wide your heart and mind to receive more and more of Me. When your Joy in Me meets My Joy in you, there are fireworks of heavenly ecstasy. This is eternal life here and now; a tiny foretaste of what awaits you in the life to come. Now you see only a poor reflection as in a mirror, but then you will see face to Face.

From the book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

God's Animals

2010-08-15T13:14:00.010-05:00

Yeah5.com

Last summer we were camping one night, when the raccoons started coming around. We watched them fighting over everything from left over hot dogs to burnt marshmallows. When their claws come out it can get pretty ugly. Another camper came over to our campsite to watch the show. He made the remark that it would be funny to put something in the food that would make the raccoons sick. I didn’t give that comment a second thought, but apparently God did.

That night I dreamt that our granddaughter was throwing up in front of our camper. I was deeply troubled, because in the dream I knew someone had poisoned her. Was God showing me that He feels equally sad when someone tortures an animal, or hunts it down for the sport of it?

Then I recalled a recent visit to a nature center, where I had sensed God’s sorrow, but I didn’t know why He was grieving. In light of this dream, I put two and two together, and I wondered if He was grieving because of the animal pelts on display. Perhaps some of those animals were captured just for their fur coats? I don’t know. There’s a couple in my hometown who travel overseas to kill exotic animals, and then they have them stuffed and put on display in their home. I can only imagine how that must grieve God.

What does God say about the relationship between man and animal?

And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so.

It's one thing to use the animals for food,but to intentionally harm an animal, or hunt it down for sport? Every living creature carries God's DNA. Let us respect ALL life.

William Albert Allard

My Sunrise

2010-08-04T10:30:00.015-05:00

Open your hands and your heart to receive this day as a precious gift from Me. I begin each day with a sunrise, announcing My radiant Presence. By the time you rise from your bed, I have already prepared the way before you. I eagerly await your first conscious thought. I rejoice when you glance My way.

Bring Me the gift of thanksgiving, which opens your heart to rich communion with Me. Because I am God, from whom all blessings flow, thankfulness is the best way to draw near Me. Sing praise songs to Me; tell of My wonderous works. Remember tht I take great delight in you; I rejoice over you with singing.

From the book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

By My Spirit

2010-07-15T09:45:00.015-05:00

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"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." (Zech 4:6)

Dream 7/14/10:

I was playing a guitar in a concert, along with an older gentlemen who was the vocalist. Problem was, I didn't know how to play a guitar, but there was a full house and I knew I had to do something, so I just started strumming, and it sounded awful. Then I started to play another song, but this time the Spirit of the Lord moved through me. I used a guitar pick, and started strumming the strings in a circular motion. It was amazing! The crowd was wildly applauding.

After the concert, I thought "I really should learn how to play this guitar."

Symbols:

playing guitar: Trying to map your own path in life, set your own story.

circle: eternity, without beginning or end

This dream may be a message for the body of Christ. Has the Holy Spirit helped you to do something that in your own strength you could never accomplish? And then afterwards did you backslide into trying to control the situation, taking back the reins that were Christ's alone?

From my dear friend Teresa via the Holy Spirit:

"I saw that it was as though you were the instrument and when you allowed the Spirit of God to utilize you, the crowd or the people you encounter, gave glory to His awesome Name! When the guitar was played or when you were doing things the way you only knew...it wasn't right, nor will it ever be....for God is the Creator of Your life...He knows how you have been designed according to His beautiful destiny. I don't want to strum my own efforts; but I want God to strum His desires through me, making a melody of grace exposing His Glorious Name for others to praise! "

You can visit Teresa at 'Triumphant Victorious Reminders.'

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." (Phil 4:13)

Fruit of the Spirit

2010-07-10T11:28:00.007-05:00

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When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Jesus is perfect love, joy, peace, patience and all the other fruit embodied in a single person. To have the fruit of the Spirit is to be like Christ.

How then does the Holy Spirit produce these nine fruits in your life? Does He create them instantly? Will you wake up one day and be suddenly filled with these characteristics fully developed? No. Fruit always matures and ripens slowly.

God develops the fruit of the Spirit in you by allowing you to experience circumstances in which you're tempted to express the exact opposite quality! Character development always involves a choice, and temptation provides that opportunity.

For instance, God teaches us love by putting some unlovely people around us. It takes no character to love people who are lovely and loving to you. God teaches us real joy in the midst of sorrow, when we turn to Him. Happiness depends on external circumstances, but joy is based on your relationship to God.

God develops real peace within us, not by making things go the way we planned, but by allowing times of chaos and confusion. Anyone can be peaceful watching a beautiful sunset or relaxing on vacation. We learn real peace by choosing to trust God in circumstances in which we are tempted to worry or be afraid.

Likewise, patience is developed in circumstances in which we're forced to wait and are tempted to be angry or have a short fuse.

God uses the opposite situation of each fruit to allow us a choice. You can't claim to be good if you've never been tempted to be bad. You can't claim to be faithful if you're never had the opportunity to be unfaithful. Integrity is built by defeating the temptation to be dishonest; humility grows when we refuse to be prideful; and endurance develops every time you reject the temptation to give up. Every time you defeat a temptation, you become more like Jesus!

From the book "Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren.

The Light of My Love

2010-06-24T10:17:00.012-05:00

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I WANT YOU TO BE ALL MINE, filled with the Light of My Presence. I gave everything for you by living as a man, then dying for your sins and living again. Hold back nothing from Me. Bring your most secret thoughts into the Light of My Love. Anything you bring to Me I transform and cleanse from darkness. I know everything about you, far more than you know of yourself. But I restrain My yearning to "fix" you, waiting instead for you to come to Me for help. Imagine the divine restraint this requires, for I have all Power in heaven and on earth.

Seek My Face with a teachable spirit. Come into My Presence with thanksgiving, desiring to be transformed.

From the book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

I am the Vine

2010-06-05T08:54:00.000-05:00

Prophetic Dream 6/3/9
7am :

I was in a field and I saw a tiny baby tree. It was fragile, and I was afraid the wind would blow it over, so I cupped my hands around it to protect it. Suddenly the tree started growing very rapidly. There was a full-grown vine next to it, and I realized this wasn't a tree, it was a vine.

I loved the vine. I thought about Him and wanted to be with Him all the time. Then one day I became one with the vine.

"He grew as a tender shoot." (Isaiah 53:2)

"I am the vine, you are the branches." (John 15:5)

The Blessing of Insufficiency

2010-05-22T13:08:00.013-05:00

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When some basic need is lacking - time, energy, money - consider yourself blessed. Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence. When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment. This is where you are meant to live - in the present: it is the place where I always await you. Awareness of your inadequacy is a rich blessing, training you to rely wholeheartedly on Me.

The truth is that self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success. Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as can life itself. Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that My Power is made perfect in weakness.

From the book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.

The Dancer

2010-04-26T18:17:00.014-05:00

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"Because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Jer 31:4)

Prophetic Dream:

I dreamt I was in a room full of people, watching some girls dancing through a window. The first girl danced rather robotically and stiff. I was disappointed that she didn't put very much effort into her dancing. Then the second girl came out. At first she danced rather shyly and reserved. But during the Grand Finale she suddenly broke loose and gave it her all. The crowd gave her a standing ovation.

There was a structure in which to put tips for the girls. I put 2 dollars into the second girl's bin. I regretted that the first dancer didn't shine this brightly. If she had, I would have gladly tipped her as well.

Below is an interpretation of the number 2 taken from E.W. Bullinger's website:

We now come to the spiritual significance of the number Two. We have seen that One excludes all difference, and denotes that which is sovereign. But Two affirms that there is a difference.

When the earth lay in the chaos which had overwhelmed it (Gen 1:2), its condition was universal ruin and darkness. The second thing recorded in connection with the Creation was the introduction of a second thing—Light; and immediately there was difference and division, for God DIVIDED the light from the darkness.

The second of any number of things always bears upon it the stamp of difference.

Are you the first or second dancer? God wants you to break out of your shell and dance like you've never danced before. Let's live out loud!

Follow Me

2010-03-02T09:35:00.004-06:00

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You are on the right path. Listen more to Me, and less to your doubts. I am leading you along the way I designed just for you. Therefore, it is a lonely way, humanly speaking. But I go before you as well as alongside you, so you are never alone. Do not expect anyone to understand fully My ways with you, any more than you can comprehend My dealings with others. I am revealing to you the path of Life day by day, and moment by moment. As I said to My disciple Peter, so I repeat to you: Follow Me.

An excerpt from "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

God's Sorrow

2010-02-23T12:04:00.003-06:00

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Genesis 6:7

So the LORD said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them."

God put so much thought and love and beauty into all that He made. I pray that He would never again be grieved because of us...

SOFTLY I ANNOUNCE MY PRESENCE

2010-01-08T10:01:00.001-06:00

Shimmering hues of radiance tap gently at your consciousness, seeking entrance. Though I have all Power in heaven and on earth, I am infinitely tender with you. The weaker you are, the more gently I approach you. Let your weakness be a door to My Presence. Whenever you feel inadequate, remember that I am your ever present help.

Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self-pity. Hope is like a golden cord connecting you to heaven. The more you cling to this cord, the more I bear the weight of your burdens; thus you are lightened. Heaviness is not of My kingdom. Cling to hope and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness.

From the book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

It's a New Day

2009-12-31T16:04:00.001-06:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." (Albert Einstein)

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results." (Albert Einstein)

"What your mind can conceive and believe it can achieve." (Napoleon Hill)

"Sacrifice who you are for what you could become." (Charles DuBois)

"Any idea, plan or purpose may be placed in the mind through repetition of thought." (Napoleon Hill)

"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." (Eleanor Roosevelt)

"Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your utimate achievements." (Napoleon Hill)

THE DOOR IS OPEN

2009-11-19T10:01:00.002-06:00

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matt 7:7,8)

Several years ago I attended a Holy Spirit conference in Las Vegas in which Heidi Baker was one of the speakers. Heidi was telling us about an experience she had with God, where she actually found herself sitting before God's throne. She had to approach the throne in a prostrated position, face down. She then invited everyone who wanted to enter the throne room to come forward. Hundreds of people ran to the front, including me.

I got down on my knees and closed my eyes. Suddenly I started feeling a hand pushing my back down. I looked around to see who was doing this, and no one was near me! Then Heidi cried "Look! Open your eyes and look, you're all in the position to enter in!" I looked around the room, and sure enough, every single person (myself included) was lying prostrate on the floor.

I thought I was going in to the throne room of God, but yet nothing happened. I cried and cried, I so desperately wanted to enter in. Later that day the pastor's wife was praying for me, and here's what she said: "You've been asking to enter God's house, and God says YES! You are welcome in His house." Now there's no way this woman knew what I had prayed for earlier that day. That was God.

The next morning in the sanctuary I went forward with hundreds of others during worship. Right then and there I had a vision. I was standing before the throne of God! God heard my cries to enter in, and He said yes.

If I hadn't heard Heidi telling us of her experience when she entered in, I never would have had the notion that this was something that could be asked for, or even something that could be attained! So now I'm sharing my experience with you. Do you want to enter in? Ask, seek and knock...and the door will be opened.

Repentance Exercise

2009-11-10T10:38:00.001-06:00

Psalm 26:2
Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind

Quiet your mind and still your heart before the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring conviction as you meditate on the following questions, pausing after each one to allow the Spirit utterance:

(1) Have we forgiven everyone? Is there any malice, spite, hatred or enmity in our hearts? Do we cherish grudges; and have we refused to be reconciled?

(2) Do we get angry? Are there any uprisings within? Is it true that we still lose our tempers? Does wrath hold us at times in its grip?

(3) Is there any feeling of jealousy? When another is preferred before us does it make us envious and uncomfortable? Do we get jealous of those who can pray, speak and do things better than we can?

(4) Do we get impatient and irritated? Do little things vex and annoy, or, are we sweet, calm and unruffled under all circumstances?

(5) Are we offended easily? When people fail to notice us and pass by without speaking does it hurt? If others are made much of and we are neglected how do we feel about it?

(6) Is there any pride in our hearts? Are we puffed up, do we think a great deal of our own position and attainments?

(7) Have we been dishonest? Is our business open and above reproach? Do we give a yard for a yard and a pound for a pound? Are we honest in our statements. or do we exaggerate and thus convey false impressions?

(8) Have we been gossiping about people? Do we slander the character of others? Are we talebearers and busybodies?

(9) Do we criticize unlovingly, harshly, severely? Are we always finding fault and looking for the flaws in others?

(10) Do we rob God? Have we stolen time that belongs to Him? Has our money been withheld?

(11) Are we guilty of the sin of unbelief? In spite of all He has done for us do we still refuse to believe the promises of His Word?

(12) Have we committed the sin of prayerlessness? Are we intercessors? Do we pray? How much time are we spending on our knees? Have we crowded prayer out of our lives?

(13) Are we neglecting God's Word? How many chapters do we read each day? Are we Bible students? Do we draw our source of supply from the Scriptures?

(14) Are we burdened for the salvation of souls ? Have we a love for the lost ? Is there any compassion in our hearts for those who are perishing ?

(15) Have we failed to confess Christ openly? Are we ashamed of Jesus? Do we keep our mouths closed when we are surrounded by worldly people? Are we witnessing daily?

(16) Are our lives filled with lightness and frivolity? Is our conduct unseemly? Would the world by our actions consider us on its side?

(17) Have we wronged anyone and failed to make restitution? Have we restored the many little things that God has shown us?

(18) Are we worried or anxious? Do we fail to trust God for our temporal and spiritual needs? Are we continually crossing bridges before we come to them?

(19) Are we guilty of lustful thoughts? Do we allow our minds to harbor impure and unholy imaginations?

Oswald J. Smith, The Revival We Need

RED LETTER MEDITATION 1

2009-11-02T12:25:00.004-06:00

Let's read each scripture,

s l o w l y ...

paying attention to your inner spirit, the place where God's Holy Spirit dwells. As you meditate on the scriptures, be aware of your breathing, your body. Let God's Word sink into your depths, and feel the rushing waters and winds that are stirring within.

For today's meditation, let's begin with the red letters in Matthew chapter 5:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"

Sshhh....be still. Close your eyes. Repeat the red words, over and over. Let the river of God's Spirit flow through the gateway like a rushing river.

Splat..

Drip, drip, drip...

Lord, I am poor in spirit. I am broken, and completely undone before you. I am barefoot in the wilderness, with no fortress in sight. I am broken. Thank you that You see all the cracks in this vessel. I can feel the river of Your love flowing through me. Thank you that the Kingdom of Heaven is for the poor in spirit, for the broken-hearted. For I am broken.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

Thank you Jesus, that during my time of mourning, Your comfort covers me like a blanket. You are

Jehovah El Roi

the God Who sees. As I make my passage through this time of weariness, You are beside me. Though I will mourn for a season, in time I will once again dance with reckless abandon before Your throne.

Add your own words here. Linger on each precious word, and let it minister to your soul...

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."

Heavenly Father, I desire the cloak of humility, the robe of righteousness. How many times did I lash out at others, only to painfully regret it later. I am crushed in my frailties and flaws. Make me meek, Lord. Only then can I inherit the earth. Look with favor on Your servant, as I humble myself before You.

eyes closed...blessed are the meek...blessed are the meek...

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, Lord! I hunger and thirst for You...for Your Holiness. Oh, to be filled with more of You, my deepest longings are filled to the brim like dew drops in the early morning. Like a field full of effervescent dew drops. You refresh my soul...

RED LETTER MEDITATION 2

2009-11-01T08:15:00.006-06:00

Matthew 5:7-10

As you meditate on the RED WORDS, close your eyes. You are in a lovely garden, communing with your Father, just as Jesus communed with His Father in the Garden. Breathe deeply as the water rushes through your spirit, listening for the Holy Spirit's utterance...

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."

Hush...eyes closed. Blessed are the merciful, blessed are the merciful.

How I long for Your mercy, Father God. I am a pitiful sinner, for I have fallen short so many times. But your WORD says that I will be shown mercy when I have shown mercy toward others. Fill me with this mercy, this humility, Lord Jesus...

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

Sshhh...pure in heart...pure heart...

Father, You and You alone know the condition of my heart. Holy Spirit, reveal any hidden frailties or flaws. For I long to be pure in heart, for it is only the pure in heart who will see God. Father, of all these blessings, to see YOU is the greatest blessing of all.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

Ahhh...blessed are the peacemakers. Have I brought peace to the world around me? To be peaceful and to issue peace, this is the calling of the peacemakers. Lord may we walk in peace, for we long to be called Your sons and daughters.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Blessed are the persecuted because of righteousness...

When I am mocked and ridiculed for Your Name sake, I am blessed. Instill boldness for Your KINGDOM within me, Father. May I never shirk in fear, but face your foes in confidence. The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who have suffered with You.

Head bowed and eyes closed...Father God, beautify my soul! You will be faithful to finish the work You started in me. And so with a thankful heart I offer everything I am into Your beautiful, nail-scarred Hands. Refine me so that one day I may stand before Your THRONE wearing a robe of righteousness. In Jesus name, amen.

Secret Garden

2009-10-31T12:34:00.002-05:00

Let's chat for a while in this lovely garden. Make yourself comfortable and I'll brew some tea.Do you need prayer? I'd be happy to pray for you!

Email Me At: deborahs.place@live.com

Markings In The Wood Button Code:

2009-10-30T08:41:00.000-05:00

Vladimir Borovikovsky

Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.