"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!!! 🎄⛄🎁🍬