In the Midst of a Tsunami

Below is a fictional short story that fell in spirit a few weeks ago. I pray that as you read it you will be able to take hope and encouragement away with you! Know that Jesus is always there carrying us through, even in the midst of a tsunami!!!


The beach was beautiful that morning as Evelyn made her way out for her usual morning walk. It had been her routine since being diagnosed. Something about walking barefoot in the sand alone with her thoughts helped her to escape the painful reality that was her life. After walking for a few moments Evelyn noticed that while things looked the same, something was missing. The sea was calm, the sun warm, and the early risers were beginning to venture out onto the sand, but something was off. She wasn't sure why, but Evelyn got a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She stopped walking for a moment and turned to face the water shielding her eyes from the bright reflection of light coming from the water. All of a sudden it appeared as though the sea was receding. "What in the world" thought Evelyn. She'd never seen such a low tide before and better yet, where were all of the birds. That's what was missing. Normally the shore is full of birds every morning. Large beautiful white birds normally entertain Evelyn as she walks. This morning however the birds were missing, and that realization gave Evelyn a clue that something was about to happen. When she was just a little girl her grandmother used to tell her, "If you wanna predict the weather, watch the animals. They are much better at telling you whether or not a storm is coming than any old weather man." Remembering her Grandmother's words, Evelyn decided she better head inside. She was not in the mood for an early morning soaking. It seemed that rain always came down harder around the sea. Before she could follow through on that last thought, she noticed what seemed to be a large wave heading right towards her. "Dear Lord its a tsunami" thought Evelyn.

Instantly her heart began beating violently inside of her chest. Knowing full well she couldn't outrun the wave, Evelyn broke out into a sprint. With her heart beating in her throat and her lungs struggling for air Evelyn ran until she felt her feet could no longer carry her. Her legs felt like noodles and her t-shirt was soaked from perspiration. Just when Evelyn thought she could no longer move and the sheer panic would overtake her she felt someone place their hand on her shoulder. Despite the turmoil around her, Evelyn felt peace resonate through her as she turned to look into the eyes of Jesus. She knew it was impossible, yet she was standing face to face with her Creator. She couldn't make out the details of His features, but she knew it was Him. Only Jesus could give the kind of instant peace she felt when He touched her shoulder. With her eyes locked onto the face of the giver of life, Evelyn felt herself being lifted into his arms. She lay her head on His bosom as he began to carry her back in the direction of the ocean. When she realized he was going toward the storm panic began to rise inside of Evelyn again. "Do not fear" He said, with His voice barely above a whisper. "I am here". At the sound of His voice Evelyn began to relax. She lifted her head and looked around. There were random pieces of furniture flying through the air, water and debris had formed a standing wall of sorts. Everywhere Evelyn looked nature was behaving violently, but nothing was touching her. Her clothing wasn't even wet aside from her own sweat. There was even an instant when a huge tree limb was heading straight towards them and Evelyn felt her stomach begin to do flip flops. Jesus simply turned to the limb and said "Be still", and the tree limb that had only moments before behaved as though it 10,000 pounds of force behind it fell hard to the ground with a loud thud. With confusion in her brow, Evelyn turned to face Jesus.

"What's happening?" she asked.
"I've come to show you." He replied.
"Show me what?" Evelyn asked.
"That no matter how severe the storm, no matter how hopeless the situation seems, I am here. I control all, and I carry you through all. In Me, there is infinite safety. Now rest, for morning is coming."

Evelyn felt all tension once again leave her body as she tilted her head toward the beautiful blue sky. Though everything around her was in complete chaos, the sky was beautiful and serene. There wasn't a cloud in sight and Evelyn felt as though she could live in that moment for ever. She closed her eyes and enjoyed being taken care of so completely. Nothing mattered to her besides that moment. No cancer, no financial problems, nothing. It all left her thought process as though it didn't even exist. She enjoyed the silence they shared, saying more to each other in the silence than could ever be shared with words. Evelyn had found perfect peace in the arms of Jesus.

Just when she thought she would fall asleep Evelyn heard a faint sound. Like a phone was ringing somewhere way off in the horizon. The ringing began to get louder and louder until it snapped Evelyn out of her dream and into reality. Evelyn squinted her eyes to counteract the bright sunlight that was beaming through the blinds and into her bedroom. "I can not believe someone is calling me and waking me up from the most beautiful dream I've ever had at this time of the morning" Evelyn said aloud. She had a good mind not to answer it until she looked at the caller ID and realized it was the oncology clinic. "Dear Lord, she prayed. "Please let that dream be a sign of things to come."

"Hello"
"Hi Evelyn, it's Dr. Peterson."
"Good morning Dr. Peterson."
"No Evelyn, it's a great morning. I got your lab results back and wanted to call you personally."
"Don't keep me in suspense!" Evelyn yelled.
"Your blood is cancer free. Evelyn, you are in remission!"

God bless you all. Please leave comments to let me know what you think of the story.

Know the Members of Your Herd!

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. ~Matthew 18:20

One day while absently flipping through the television channels I came across a show on the National Geographic channel. This particular special followed the hunting patterns of hyenas. Due to a decrease in their food supply, the pack of hyenas was forced to hunt close to a pride of lions. Night after night the hyenas came up empty handed because the lions were hunting in close groups and dominating any prey they came across. Often times the hyenas would sit on the side lines waiting for the lions to slip up just once so they could get a taste of the prey. After nights of waiting, the perfect opportunity came for the hyenas. A lioness had wandered away from the pride in search of food. She found an animal, quickly killed it, and began to eat her dinner. Just as quickly as she had taken down the animal, a pack of hyenas swarmed her and wrestled her kill away from her. Knowing she was outnumbered, the lioness retreated with little resistance.

While watching this, the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me, "See that's exactly how Satan works. When you are with your fellow sisters and brothers in Christ you are strengthened, so he tries to isolate you so he can devour you!" {Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour ~ 1 Peter 5:8} Do not be fooled by this trick of the enemy. There is always safety in numbers! When you feel hard pressed on every side, run to Jesus and ask Him to reveal to you the members of your herd for that situation. While we recognize Jesus is our source for all we need, we also recognize that He often works through people He places in our paths. When you come together with the members of you herd; the herd God has joined together for your edification, you will find safety! When the herd comes together (Matthew 18:20), Jesus is there in the midst of them! The hyena (satan) knows better than to attack the entire herd, because he is defenseless against Jesus!

It is imperative that we as believers recognize our "herd" and stick together. Just as the hyenas preyed on an animal they would otherwise be afraid of when they saw an open opportunity, so does the devil attempt to prey on us when we do not seek support from one another. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. ~Romans 15:1 Today I may be strong and you weak, but next week the roles may be reversed and I may need you to bear my infirmities. If I pull away from you during my "weak" season and try to "handle" things alone one of us would be lacking in either giving or receiving support. I know there will be times when the Lord will instruct us to speak to Him alone regarding the issues of life, but even then, know He has placed you on the heart and mind of someone in the herd and they are bearing you up in prayer. Know your herd (not necessarily members of your local church body, but often times will be), love your herd (love with the love of Christ, not from your emotions), run with your herd (stick with the people God leads you to stick with)!

It is also important for us to remember in our "strong" seasons not to forget about the weak. God does not strengthen us just for us. He strengthens us that we may strengthen others. In Luke 22:31-32 Jesus said, "Simon, Simon, behold, satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted strengthen they brethren." When you are experiencing your mountain top, do not forget about your herd members that are still in the valley. Carry the burden of prayer for them (as the Holy Spirit leads) until they see victory or until the burden lifts. In all things, be led of the Spirit of God!

God bless you!

I Will Not Let Past Hurt Hinder My Future... I WILL LIVE!

And behold one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet. and begged Him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, AND she shall live." So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.- Mark 5:22-24



While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher further?" As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler if the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe." And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult abs those who wept ans wailed loudly. When He came in, He said to them, "Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, "Talitha cumi," which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were filled with great amazement."- Mark 5: 35-42

When reading the passage above the words in red struck a cord within me. The ruler not only desired to see his daughter healed, but he desired to see her LIVE (refer to Matthew 7:7-11~ If we ask for a thing, He gives it to us)! If this natural father could make such a profound request for his daughter, imagine what our Heavenly Father desires for us! God desires for us to live in a perpetual state of healing, wholeness, abundance, and freedom. When Jesus heals us, He heals us that we may LIVE! That we may forget those things which are behind and press toward the mark of our higher calling in Christ Jesus. He desires for his daughters to "arise" and live the beautiful life He has set before us! When He touches a hurt area in our life, He heals it, and simultaneously breathes new life into that area. That which was once crippled and disabled becomes new, whole, and fully operational!

Gone are the days in which we mourn past hurts, problems, and mistakes! I have purposed in my heart to remember the lessons that come along with my mistakes, but to FORGET the baggage associated with them! I am determined to silence the voice of the enemy concerning my past hurts because they are just that, the past! Most importantly I am resolute in my conscious decision to leave my every problem in the hands of the Father for I have learned it is not my job to solve them. My job is to serve the Father. His job, which I gladly give over to Him daily, is to take care of me!!!

I am healed, and I shall live in the fullness of LIFE God has planned for me! I encourage you to do the same. Do not let the enemy steal another moment of peace from you. You have been healed to LIVE!!!!! Arise, women of God........ AND LIVE!

God bless you!

When He Comes!

A few different things have been rolling around in my spirit lately. Three in particular have led to the composition of this post.

1.) A song from Bishop T.D Jakes & the Potter's House that simply says, "His presence is here to heal. In the presence of the Lord, be healed."

2.) Something the Lord spoke to my spirit a while back- "I do not do or allow anything to happen without purpose."

3.) The thief cometh not, but for to kill, and to steal, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.- John 10:10

With all three of the above mulling around in my heart and spirit, I began to seek the Lord concerning what it all meant. I "know" John 10:10. I've heard it preached for as long as I can remember. I know God is not idle, and therefore is not "doing" things for the sake of "doing something. The song mentioned in number one is not new to me. I first heard the song over ten years ago. Why then Lord, is all of this coming up now? What are You saying to me through these things that are echoing so loud and clear in my spirit?

His response: "Whenever I allow my presence to be revealed unto you, it is for your benefit. I am always there, but I do not always allow you to "sense" me. When I reveal myself to you, there is a reason; a purpose, and it is not to be taken lightly. The reality behind my presence goes so much deeper then the tears you shed, the tongues you speak, and the shaking/trembling you may feel. When I allow you to realize I am there, it is to be a memorial for you that I have done something IN you! Every time you are in my presence, you are being transformed. My presence is transforming you into the image I originally intended for you to be; the image I see when I look into your future. Never forget the magnitude of My presence, for Your purpose exists through MY PRESENCE. Sit at My feet and learn of Me!"

I urge you women of God to pay attention when He comes. His presence is precious. We must not become overly confident and think we have "earned" the right to sit in His presence. We are only granted access to "see" Him through His grace and mercy. All that we will ever need has already been provided for us when Jesus died on the cross, but our capability to hold those things are enlarged in His presence. Our flesh dies and our spirit is strengthened. When He comes, He comes to prepare you and I to receive all the "LIFE" He has for us through Him! Our destinies are stored up for us in heavenly places, and is revealed to us through the presence of our Creator! Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.- Matthew 6:33

God bless you!

Love.... do I give it expecting to receive it in return?

Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don't want what you have- I want you. After all, children don't provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children. I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, and even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.- 2 Corinthians 12:14-15 (New Living Translation)



During a recent sermon my Pastor preached, he said something that stuck out to me. It was not the main topic of his message, but the one line struck something on the inside of me. He said, "You love, you get hurt, you get healed. That's why you have Jesus."



So often we hold our love hostage, afraid to share with people out of fear of being hurt. Once we feel the pain, we decide it's not worth loving if pain is the result, so we pick and chose whom to love and to what extent to love them. After hearing the statement my Pastor shared, I began to ask God about this. Is it really that simple? Can I just learn to love trusting you will perfect all things concerning me in the end? Should I love even though this person has shown me no signs of loving me in return? Do I put my heart out there knowing there is a good chance it will be crushed? If so, will You heal me of ALL pain?

All of those questions led me to the scripture listed above. When Paul visited the church at Corinth, he did not go because in the past they had showered him with love and kindness. He did not go because he expected to be loved AFTER this visit. He did not go looking to be loved and accepted. In fact, it was quite the opposite. He went with NO expectation of the people whatsoever! His desire was to see the people of God grow in the knowledge of God and in their relationship with the Savior. He was willing to mortgage his own life and all that he had knowing full well that the more love he showed the less he'd receive. His purpose for showing love was not attached to his own destiny, desires, wants, or needs. He went out of obedience to God with no regard for what the people gave him in return. He loved purely and unselfishly, from a place outside of his flesh. How can we achieve this perspective? How can we love despite the pain and lack of love in return?

When we speak of love from this perspective, it is not an emotion to be felt from a natural standpoint. It is not the love we have towards our family and friends. It is the love that only God can pour into our hearts. It supersedes all human intellect and reasoning. It is not something we can conjure up or develop. To love God's people enough to be willing to mortgage your own life though they show you no love in return, you must be IN love with God. When we fall in love with Jesus, He teaches us to love. He becomes the teacher, and we the pupils. With out His vital tutorial, it is impossible for us as humans to love one another the way He desires for us to love. Human love is based on emotion, relationship, give and take, how well we "get along", reciprocation of said love, and on some level although it may be just a trace of a slither, how much we may have to gain from that love. God's love on the other hand has nothing to do with any of that. In fact, it's quite the opposite. The harder we run away from Him, turn our backs on Him, ignore Him, and shun Him, the more grace and mercy He shows us. The harder he goes "after" us to love us into the fold. Hence Jesus' teaching regarding leaving the 99 sheep to go after the 1 (Matthew 18:11-13). The shepherd rejoices more over the 1 than the 99 that never went astray! Doesn't that say something about God's love towards us?

God's love toward us is so pure, it can't be understood from an intellectual or emotional standpoint. To "know" it, you must experience it in your spirit. You must walk with God and allow Him to reveal the truth of His love to you. There are many instances when God shows us portions of the magnitude of His love towards us. To see them, we must quiet our surroundings and yield to His promptings. There is so much He desires to teach us. Our job as the pupil is to remain available and focused during our tutorial sessions! No daydreaming when class is in session!

Returning back to the original question, should I give love expecting to receive it in return? Absolutely not. I give love knowing that just as there have been times that I have not returned Jesus' love towards me, there will be times when others will not return my love towards them. I can not love from my emotional human nature. I must love from my spirit with NO natural emotional attachment. We can not be "emotionally" invested in people. We must look at this from a heavenly perspective, and ask God to help us love the pure spirit despite the polluted actions. A concept that seems difficult for most to understand, is so easily understood after time is spent gleaning from the Master Professor. To further understand this, one must go to God for personal direction, revelation, and conviction. It's not enough that another human tells you to love, you must get your own marching orders from the Father. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. If you desire to love from a pure place, seek to love the Father, and He will teach you to love your neighbors!

God bless you all!!!

A Personal Moment

Well Ladies,

The time has come for me to share something I hold very dear to my heart. Occasionally God gives me passages that speak of the relationship He and I share. The following really doesn't have a title. It's not a poem, or short story, it is simply a journal entry. Something that poured out of me last night as I prepared to end my time with the Lord. Some parts may rhyme and others do not, that's just how it came out. I've done no additional editing. It's straight from my very personal journal to my not so personal blog. Some may not understand it and others may find it trivial. I pray that at least one sees it as useful in understanding the intimacy God longs to have with each of us. When you look past all of the church services we attend, all of the "works" that we do, you realize that what matters to God most is at the center of you. It's your heart. The real you. The you that no one else has access to. The naked you. As a close friend of mine would say, "God is not concerned with the fig leaves. He's concerned with what the fig leaves are covering!" God bless you!

Everything I am is a direct reflection of all You've done in me!
I am not a mirror of the world, but rather a glimpse of my Father
Though I may stumble, I will succeed
For I am backed by the One who sent me
Though a host rise up against me
I am not afraid
I am confident in the strength that my Creator exhibits through me
Though the path is thick with brush
and my windows covered with muck
My vision is clear
For I do not look through the eyes you see
I look from the inside, the real me
When the clouds roll in and the rain begins to fall
I fix my eyes on things above
and practice my victory dance when I'm all alone
I am called, chosen, set apart for the Master's use
Too different to fit in the with the world
Too much unfulfilled purpose to leave it
So please remember when you look at me
There's so much more brewing than you will ever see
And it's okay if you don't understand me
Because I am me and I don't always understand me
The only thing I can be sure of
Is the Father's love for me
It's because of this love I can boldly say
No matter what I'll march on to Victory!
His love is so pure
Unlike anything I've ever known
There are no words to fully describe it
It's better than any story ever told
My God is my all, in Him I place my trust
I cast not my cares on these things that rot and rust
As my pencil slides smoothly across the paper
So does His love flow through me
It went into the deepest parts of my body
Healing every inch as it went.
The results have been breath taking,
It's the greatest feeling I've ever felt.
I take no Glory in what my Father has done
In fact through most of it
I was clueless to what was going on
Thank God that didn't stop Him
from putting me on the operating table,
For now I have been made whole by the Almighty One.
He keeps making me over, and I promise that's the best part
For when I think He's reached the end
I realize He's back at start.
So it's true that everything I am
is a reflection of what He's done
But that reflection is ever changing
I've got a long way to go before I'll look like His son!