"That was me shutting the mouths of lions"

I have a fun challenge for you this week, but before I jump ahead of myself, let me lay the ground work that led up to this challenge. 

It was three weeks ago, and I kept having flashes of different memories come to mind. I kept asking, God, what are you trying to show me? Why are we taking a trip down memory lane? There were two memories in particular that would not stop flashing in my mind, and that is what I am writing about today. So I hope you enjoy this journey through memory lane with me.

My first memory was when I was in the fourth grade. I was going to Second Baptist Christian School. Everyone was super excited because we had just had a brand new swing-set built for us! Swinging was my favorite pastime as a child...heck, I still love swinging today! It was one of those big swings, the kind that you could fit at least three kids on. Well, let's just say there were more than three kids on the swing. I was on there, and I think we piled on four other girls. This big kid, I think he was in the 6th grade, offered to push us. Just then, I had a very sick feeling in my stomach that something bad was about to happen and I wanted to get off. Before I knew it we were in the air. I was right! Mid-air, the swing broke, and we all went flying! I passed out, and I don't remember anything except waking up INCHES away from hitting the gym building! Everyone panicked and called my mom right away. They said I was out for a while, but do you know all that happened out of it was a black eye! No other injuries whatsoever! No broken bones! No injuries for the other girls either! Everyone was amazed and said that it was a miracle! I remember when I came to, I had total peace, I wasn't freaked out at all! 

The second memory that kept coming to mind was, when I was probably seven years old. We were swimming at Crystal Springs in Hot Springs. I had just run out of the water and was standing in the sand. The next thing I know, bees were swarming all around me. I was standing on a bee hive! Mom told me to 'close my eyes, and stand perfectly still'. So I did. I wasn't afraid. I know that doesn't make sense but I wasn't afraid. Not once was I stung! The bees swarmed all around me and then flew off. People were amazed, and asked me if I was okay. I just kind of stood there, wondering what had just happened?

I knew there was something God was trying to point out to me, but I wasn't getting it. After a few days of memory flashbacks, I see the word trauma in my mind. Then God says this to me, "The enemy wanted your life to be stamped with the title Trauma, but every experience that should have been traumatic became a testimony for my presence instead. Every instance drew you closer and closer to me. Your life is one of Triumph and Testimony! When you didn't get stung by the bees, that was me shutting the mouths of lions! That was the kind of miracle that happened that day!" 

After He said this, I went into an encounter with Him, where I was seven again. Standing there with my eyes closed, I could hear the bees buzzing all around me, but I was totally immersed in His presence. I was undone. I was completely overwhelmed by His love and miraculous protection. Then He said this to me, " I will close the mouths of lions every time! I will never leave you and I will never let you down!"

So here is the challenge I have for you. Ask God to lead you down memory lane, and to show you how He was there with you in your life. Ask Him what has He stamped on your life? What "title" has He given your life? Your story? Then share your testimony with someone. I would love to hear or read just a glimpse of your history with God, feel free to share in the comments below. (Oh! Make sure to write it down, you never know when you might need a reminder of His goodness in your life! 😇 )

Merry Christmas Everyone! I will be at the One Thing Conference next week, so a Happy New Year to you as well! TaTa 'till 2017!!! 🎄⛄🎁🍬

Time To Get Out Of The Snake Pit

I Have Set My Heart On You

Have you ever had this feeling that something has got to give or nothing will ever change? Have you ever felt anger and a conviction that what is happening is just wrong? Well that is where I am. 

About a month ago, I started feeling this anger stir inside of me. This feeling of when will this end? A feeling that what is happening is not okay! In fact according to what God says, it's illegal! I wasn't the only one feeling this anger. My husband, my parents, even my Pastor, were all feeling this anger towards this sickness, and this season that has gone on. 

Now please understand that none of the anger was directed at God. He is GOOD, PERIOD. He is love. He is kind. He is my DADDY. The only thing that has been directed at Him is worship in the hardest of times. You know that He considers it a beautiful fragrance when we lift up worship to Him? It's a sacrifice of praise, a sacrifice of self and body. It's our spirit saying to our body, to our soul, you will worship Him. There's nothing like knowing that in those times, we are giving God something we can only give to Him on earth. There is no sickness or suffering, or depression or anything of that sort in Heaven. So next time that you're worshiping Him and in the natural it seems like it doesn't make sense, just know how pleased He is with you. How He loves the aroma of your love for Him.

What really blew me away was when God asked me to ask Him how He felt about everything. So I did, and do you know what I saw? I saw Jesus in the Temple when He was flipping over tables and making a whip. He was, well pissed. I even heard Him scream it! I am His Temple. I am His dwelling place. So it's illegal for anything but Him to be in me. From the foundations of the earth Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected. That means that the record of His DNA is what stands, is what OVERCOMES. His blood flows through our veins. His life was a prophetic declaration that ALL has been redeemed. Every situation, an answer was given, freedom was given! Just look at His life. Even the power of death through the killing of babies was defeated by His birth! Where did they escape to when the angel warned Joseph about Herod's plan? Egypt. The place that represented bondage, fear and pain. The Savior escaped to Egypt. Everything was undone or made new through Him! Hallelujah!

This week, God has been speaking with such clarity, probably because that's what I've been asking for LOL. I have been taking communion with the revelation that it's not just in remembrance of Him. It's partaking of His DNA, His life that He has given to me. Me (read this for you, He's personal). He died for me. He rose for me. So that I can live in HIS fullness. Oh what amazing love. All that He has asked of us, is to believe He is who He says He is. To trust Him and follow His lead. 

His lead for me is, it's time to get out of the snake pit! This seasons time is done. You can't think about the bites, just run! Remember, I shut the mouths of the lions! (future blog right there!) No more doctors or disability. Nothing fruitful will come from those things for you. It's time to LIVE. So friends, I'm swinging BIG. I am taking on the courage of Heaven and the faith of a child. I am holding tightly to the promises and the prophetic words that have been spoken from so many of you, my dear friends and family. And I am calling upon the perseverance of the great cloud of witnesses to launch me into this next great season and ADVENTURE! 

Whatever season you find yourself in, just remember that you never go it alone. You have your Daddy and family surrounding you. If you don't know who your family is, I encourage you to ask your Daddy, who is my family that you have for me in this season? Remember to keep His promises close to you. To write them on your bathroom mirror or whatever you feel He is saying will help you keep your eyes locked on Him. 

I pray this blesses you, and gives you courage to never give up, no matter what. 

For verily I say to you, that whoever shall say to this mountain, Be removed, and be cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that the things spoken shall come to pass; he shall have whatever is spoken. ~Mark 11:23