When

When the mountain is too steep,

And your smile is hard to keep,

When your spirit gets too weak,

Jesus is the one to seek.

 When your world is spinning round,

And your feet are off hard ground,

When your hope can not be found,

Turn your eyes heaven bound.

 When temptation is very real,

Torn inside which way to feel,

When your mind and soul need to heal,

His strength and peace he will reveal.

 When your heart starts to break,

So many things in life's at stake,

When it's time your choice to make,

Give your life for him to take.

 When your spirit starts to cry,

And the tear falls from your eye,

When all hope is gone to try,

Jesus love will help you by.

 When you feel you’re all alone,

All your joy and love has flown,

Tears and pain your heart has sewn,

Give him all the hurt you've known.

 When you see his love is real,

Peace and love your heart will feel,

Your mind and soul his touch will heal,

Forever in his arms he'll seal.

 When you pray he'll set you free,

Jesus precious child you'll be,

He is our father and friend you see,

He died to save you and me.

Written by Carly

The Recipe for Deception

As seen in Joshua 9, there are five main steps that lead to complete bondage when entertaining our enemies ploy for deception.
1. We need to have been willing to suspend our disbelief and or entertain our doubt.
    We see the Gibeonite's "craftiness" in Verses 3-6
2. Participation with the enemies ploy.
    Verse 14 shows the Israelite's partaking of the Gibeonite's provisions without the counsel of the Lord.
3. We then find ourselves in a compromised position.
    Verse 15 lends evidence that Joshua had to make peace with the Gibeonites.
4. Being in that compromised position leads to being forced into a covenant/agreement with the enemy.
    Verse 16 depicts this clearly. Often by this point it seems that it is too late to retract ones steps out of the trapping ruse of the enemy.
5. Finally, we then live in bondage.
    Verse 23 sadly illuminates the affects of folly upon the Gibeonites. Living then under curse and bound to slavery. Further, they also say to Joshua in Verse 25 "now behold we are in your hands; do as it seems good and right in your sight to do to us. Sealing their fate for the rest of their lives.

Take careful note of the slippery slope of the Devil's schemes and may you make choices with a sound mind centred in Christ Jesus. Fortunately, we have the solution and freedom of bondage already given to us in the form of Jesus who died for us. He has released us from the shackles of Satan. However, we also need to watch out for who we are following, walking in spiritual redemption, rather than simply accepting the release of our bonds to sin. Christ has made a way for eternal life. Lets walk in it!
See Acts 12:6-10 when Peter is released from bondage.

Dear LORD

Dear LORD!

Guide my feet oh God- Just give me Jesus! I need Jesus. All of me, inside and out yearns for the grace and touch, the life of Jesus- actually evident in me rather than just spoken about from me.
Set me free to jump and dive into the unknown with so much joy and peace that the enemy has no room for doubt or residency in the cracks of my humanness.
Remind me that the victory is won Oh God, my God who sits on the throne with Jesus. He who died for me, for us, for all to be free and victorious in the battle.

Rip off the thorns that cling, the hooks that grapple, the barbs that dig beyond my flesh. Strip away the mind-birthed notions thwarting Your sovereignty in my life.

Attention Devil!

Today you try and thwart the love and life of my God, the God who knows more about you than I do.
Beware opponent, that you are not in the power to mess around with the hope of Nations and the King of Kings! You are not in authority to lead God, in me, astray!
He has already won victory over you! Or have you forgotten!? Pack up your lies and your buddies and jet out of town! This temple belongs to God- He who shuts the mouth of the darkness and crushes you, oh serpent, under His foot.
On guard confusion! Be gone back to where you have already been sent by the Alpha and Omega.

He is the end of you and the beginning of LIFE for ALL His children!

About face and submit in Jesus Name!

A New Day

Under yellow tipped rays
Lifting one’s head
Holding  on tight- roots bend.
Unfolding, reaching, changing
A new day has come...
Until we reach home.

Written by Carly

Faithfulness

When I was a little girl,

I was scared and all alone,

But Jesus came and picked me up,

And gave my heart a home.

He stripped away my bitterness,

And filled my heart with love,

I gained all my strength and peace,

From my father up above.

When my dad abused me,

I would hide within God’s care,

The pain that dad intended to cause,

Couldn't harm me there.

When my mom abandoned me,

I had God's hand to hold,

He promised he would never leave,

Even when I'm old.

I am a young lady now,

My heart is mending still,

From the hurt this world has caused,

But with God's peace my heart with fill.

A new family I have now

One that wipes away my tears

I was adopted unconditionally

For the duration of my years.

He has given me a desire,

To help and serve those in need,

A servant of God I long to be,

He nourished my dream like a seed.

To orphans I long to share

To love, support, and guide

The love God has given me

I choose never to set aside.

We are his children of mercy

Children of hope, truth, and light

Take up your cross and follow him

With God we have strength and might.

Take these words and gain hope,

From our father up above,

He has shown his faithfulness to me,

He has given us his love.

Written by Calry

A Season for Thankfulness

The first thing that comes to mind is MUSIC-  a voice to the soul when it has no words, the sounds that permeate even through matters of the heart- to open doors that one has tried to lock. The vibrations through the air that shake the dust off ones feet- to dance again- giving life to SPIRIT. Free flowing and soothing or hard hitting “Forte” it moves me beyond the shadows into radiance- into the light that touches the heavenward gaze of this dancing girl- Feeling freedom. Surpassing even the test of time.

The second thing that comes to mind is COLOR- a voice to the soul when it has no words. Painting the heart of this creative girl with ribbons of LOVE. Opening up the chambers of one’s mind with visions brighter than fleeting emotions. Caressing even the darkest place blossoming PEACE- surpassing generations.

 The third thing (meaning more in the addition of the first two) are WORDS- once spoken cannot be detracted, bringing lasting HOPE into the farthest FUTURE. Food for the soul when it has no words to adequately model the TRUTH in a world lost, at no small cost, to the SON of GOD. Capturing the very HISTORY that saved mankind and marking the lives of those who meditate on GOD’s WORDS day and night.

The Fourth thing that comes to mind, in reading the third, is LOVE- Casting out all fear, building the very FOUNDATION of our here and now- giving this girl GRACE to live despite events past. Melting barriers that pain seeks to disrupt that nature to fully TRUST.

The fifth thing- I love the number 5!- is CHILDLIKE FAITH- only lasting in the borders of all the things written above. The PERMISSION to experience everything “as if it were the first time”- untainted, spontaneous and BEAUTIFUL.

I am reminded of another thing- LAUGHTER- the best medicine, even when words are lacking to say how funny LIFE is sometimes. A sound left unmeasured or containable as it has a life of its own- spilling out of the heart where LOVE LIVES.... FOREVER.

The Seventh thing that comes to mind is WATER-  marking time as it ebbs and flows with the tide- bringing in TREASURES and washing away shame. Calming, yet riveting movement, attracting the eye and allowing one to move through time (memories) as its sound remains the same. The lapping sea, the tiny drops, the rushing rivers- never gone- never ending. Birthing life for without it one cannot live.

Finally, for now, the last thing is PASSION- the ability to SEE things differently, DEEPLY, lasting with ones DEVOTION to remember its okay to FEEL- really feel and EXPRESS yourself UNASHAMEDLY- beyond all risk- marking VALOR, STRENGTH, and HONOR. The very essence of COURAGE in the making!

Time Will Tell

What a concept that time would be our currency. In a way it really is... as all we can bring to heaven are souls... and winning just one- takes time. Quality time. Investing in love rather than in selfish intent.

Forging ahead as to purpose life for others by giving of our very breathe. The phrase “it’s not really stealing if it’s already stolen” is intriguing. We live at the cost of the very life that only God can offer... We stole that life from Him but at the same time He freely gave it. One can argue the concept of deserving life but I fail to accept my worth in that regard. Rather, believing that I am undeserving and learning the true worth I have been given through Him and only Him.

Only one man had to die for all mankind, His name is Jesus. The false belief in the movie “In Time”, for those in lack of need for time, was that many must die at the price of one to live- forever. I am dumbstruck as in truth only one died and the price is already paid for ALL who believe... and LIVE.  A price paid forever and cannot be stolen.

Who on earth could really make their life count with frivolous meanderings and thoughtless goals. We fail to see the purpose in the glimpse of life we dare think is ours. Questing to become someone or something rather than loving the one in front of us, including our very selves.  Abusing life as if it is worth nothing, abusing self as if we are nothing. 

Asking oneself how they value each second is a monumental discovery. Succumbing to realize the waste we in fact deny. Righteously choosing to ignore such ponderings, as if their truths would devour us inside. The truth is they do.  Daring to magnify our greed and lust for more of what will only be taken away from us. Pointless gain for nothing. Powerless loss for nothing.  Everyone ending life in the same state- dissatisfied and disappointed.

Ambitions to strive to better oneself can only begin in surrender. Willingly and joyfully able to sacrifice the very thing we long to prolong. In some cases to erase. All for what, some may ask and remain asking, until the end of time itself. Where there and then truth is known beyond comprehension. The true value of the Living Sacrifice in the One that was given for us. The One who loved to the point of death.

Some may presume to die is gain for the hope of many. Breaking stereotypes and rewriting the definition of what we think is sacrifice of oneself. It is rare that one would follow through with this belief. Challenging those who waste life, profoundly proclaiming everyone is for themselves. Neglecting the responsibility we have for the souls entrusted to us, failing them and leaving us all wanting. Never satisfied and unwilling to change, begging the question, what next. Unfortunately only time will tell.

May you determine who you will serve, yourself or Christ. Today is just as imporatant as all the tommorws in the world. Lets not waist the quality time that we have right now.

Ponderings

Sometimes I feel like I put my foot in my mouth at the wrong time and I am not sure it if I can make amends for it. What does a person do when their heart is breaking and they feel like they are not being heard?

Can a raindrop fall and loose its beauty? Can a leaf fall and rip apart a strong man? Would the wind wipe away a mountain and make way for a king?
If a breath could revive a princess I would be one;I need breath, with yellow hair and sea-scape eyes. Wrapped in ribbons and free of lies. Conformed to the might of a warrior and radiant in poise. Wound tightly in the arms of my lover seeking finding rejoicing, free. A carefree lover in the depth of a soul tuned heavenward.

If a flower petal could blend into a message and a breeze could tell a story, if a cloud could cover worry and mask my rejection. If a tower could bring me to new heights and great revelation, I would move there. On a mountain with greenery in every spec. Life in every shadow. Whispers of change in every beat of a warrior heart. My heart. Willing the might of movement, the grace of sound judgment . The pulse of victory running into new territory not yet discovered. Whimsical dreams floating, flying , freeing.

 Only time can tell where the heart is. Hidden in the wings of hope I wait for change.

We are Courageous

We are Courageous, in times of the toughest choices
Steadfast, in times of putting others first, loving ourselves, and finding refuge in Him at all times!
Loyal, even to a practical stranger.
We are a deep breath of calm waters as storms rage and winds blow from all directions.
We are the Daughtesr that God has called perfect and holy in His sight.
We are the Ones that only we can be and we do it on purpose with radiance and servitude.
There in not another you because God longs for you to stand out against the norm to change not only those around you but to influence and better the world.
There is life, peace, hope, championship, devotion, grace, determination and sheer will inside of you.
God is our centre- no doubt about it.
Freedom knocks at our door and we are not afraid to open it and walk in it.
Our joy and freedom of expression and worship is an extension of who we are in Christ, and we are amazing women - asking for help, fighting for life, and setting our sites on His Purpose & Dreams for us.

We are a new creation and one that is so strong in nature and truth and integrity.
We see light bursting out of our soul that ignites even the darkest places. Sparking the seeds of life that should grow there (the ones that God has planted but asks us to water)
Yesterdays are important to us but don’t rule us, rather teach us and guide us into a great now and greater future.
We are fighters and unique survivors.
Our dreams are valuable and even if some seem to have been stripped away, they are not destroyed and are there in us for a purpose to speak out passion and to allow God to guide us into that next place of purpose.
God has been our only true family; He desires to bless us, and give us gifts yet unknown.

We are leaders before receivers but also know how and when to receive and care for ourselves- Balance.
Wisdom comes in so many forms and ours is rare- beautiful and not to be ignored. Don’t let anyone make you feel less of a woman because of how you live, See the world and express yourself.
We worship through expressions of music, art and vocalization - do it on purpose... be the Rachel that God calls you to be- the one who is loved, PATIENT, sensitive to God's voice, and His timing.
IN Christ erase the lies that you are different and that it is somehow underappreciated... be you and do it on purpose in the character of our God.
Humility wraps itself around us like a cloak and drenches us in jewel-like love.
We are a masterpiece designed and crafted by the master crafter... we are his art! There are no mistakes in art!!!
Honesty is our voice of witness- in good or bad we are transparent and real- that is huge in a world that is full of liars and ones who steal and destroy to gain power.
Wonder and joy keep our heart soft like a little girl- the lost sheep that was always seen and never harmed in Gods sight
You are worth more than gold, you are worth the very nails that pierced Jesus and saved your soul!
The Blood of the lamb is marked on our threshold and covers us and our present & future households!
You really are an angel- a soul used by God to bring healing and restoration to the needy as you understand need and seek to help others beyond measure.

The tears of our hearts soften the very stones that have been thrown at us and wash them into pearls of great price- setting us free.
The Words of truth by our tongue sharpen others into people of value and our actions speak louder than our words...
Tenderness is evident in everything we do. We are righteous in Gods eyes and we are a woman that will be rewarded for our Trust in Him, just as Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist.
We are warlike in battle when we pray.
Compassionate in sorrow when we don’t know what to pray.
Determined in grace to find answers when our human ones need God’s.
Merciful and encouraging to those that have been taken advantage of- providing them a safe place of refuge in our company (through Gods love in you)
You are a feeler, a seeker, and sensor of great things- most of all beauty even within the broken- we don’t give up finding hope in turmoil.
When life has blocked our path we allow Gods tears and blood to mark a new one- a covenant to us, for us, marked with a rainbow just like Noah- a promise to never destroy mankind again.
The valour we hold is like the strength a butterfly needs to come out of its cocoon- without the struggle to escape the cocoon, that butterfly dies. If someone were to help that butterfly escape the struggle and let them out that butterfly will never fly and it will surely die.
Fly on Women, Fly on. May God teach us to fly even in our struggles... as we know He already does!

Nothing but the TRUTH

I begin this declaration of truth with a POWER-FULL quote,

“The Holy Spirit will teach us to be Still, to rest and be at peace. He will impart to us the ability to still the clamouring on the inside. The head noise will disappear as we learn to listen from the place of intuition in the hidden man of the Heart.”

The quest for calm in the midst of the innermost storms can only be satisfied by daring to look within. Challenging the “clamouring” to make its peace and propel joy outward instead of keeping us hidden within from the very love of Christ. We in fact are our worst enemy when allowing hidden sins to rule us.

In studying the book of Joshua, I find so many parallels, learning the destruction hidden sin brings not only to one but to many. Perhaps even to a nation.  Reflecting in chapters 7 and 8 specifically, highlighting the “rotten state of Israel” and her plight cast upon ALL by the folly of one.

On the request of his spies, Joshua sends only a portion of men to attack the city of Ai. Joshua 7:1-4. Here, there in, lays the grieving truth exposing a thief among the tribes of Israel. Although it is discovered that only Achan sinned by seeing, coveting, and taking (a strikingly similar way in which the fall of man resulted in the book of Genesis) from the city of Ai, the entirety of Israel’s integrity is tainted. Joshua 7:10-11.

The devastating result of this sin, which was at first held in secret, is described as stripping away the very ability of Israel to stand before her enemies. Furthermore, God’s blessing was stripped away unless restitution was sought. The act of exposing the sin was the only way to regain God’s covenant/commitment which He promised them. Joshua 7:12-13.

The order in which the coveting thief was weeded out (by coming before the Lord first in tribes, then families, then by households, and finally man by man) gives strong revelation to the gravity of one person’s action has on the very society or social group in which they live. Joshua 7:14-15. One man’s error casts punishment on many and can deprive generation after generation of the grace of God, when not confessed willingly. Lending more awareness of the state of an entire church being weakened more by corruptions from within rather than by oppositions from without. Also, giving rise to the condition of every man battling the transgressions from within, potentially inflicting more damage to them than by any other external source.

As Lenya Heitzig and Penny Rose propose in Live Fearlessly- A Study of the Book of Joshua, “covetousness led to compromise. Struggles on the inside lead to battles on the outside” and that “God demanded sanctification, purging the nation of the sin as well as the sinner” (P. 158, 159).

One may hope that confession would be enough but the key is repenting willingly and in a timely manner. As Joshua 7:19-26 reports, trying to hide sin until it is implored to be admitted, is devastating. Leading not only to the death of Achan and ALL he had, but forcing the hand of ALL Israel to stone each one of them. As commentaries suggest, may it also be that ALL Israel cast their stones so no one person would have the weight on their shoulders, knowing that their stone may have been the final blow that resulted in the death of he who sinned and ALL he had. It is this purification, along with fire, which stilled the wrath of God leading to the returned promise of victory previously granted to Joshua and his people.

The victory shines through in chapter 8. Beginning when “the LORD said to Joshua, ‘do not fear or be dismayed. Take ALL the people of war with you and arise, go up to Ai; see. I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land’” Joshua 8:1. We cannot arise to that victorious call when hidden sin burdens us.

Upon the victory through the LORD and His gracious strength, Joshua and his people defeated Ai and ALL that was within and without of her city walls. Only by following the commands of the Lord was this possible. Joshua 8.  God’s blessing is abundant, especially when the honour of His commandments is evident. To ensure ALL Israel knew the law of the Lord, Joshua read aloud the Ten Commandments leaving no word out and proclaiming the whole truth, both the blessings and the curses. Joshua 8:35.

I challenge those who love the Lord, may we embrace the Word in its entirety, both blessing and curse alike. May we forge forward in battle standing on truth and integrity rather than from broken disobedience. Take inventory inside your heart and weed out what shouldn’t live there. Dare to honour yourselves, your families, your city, your nation in such a way as to prevent their demise and the plaguing of your very life. Speak now of the hidden wrongs that wreck havoc within you and persevere beyond the guilt into victory. The victory of forgiveness, silencing the noisy gong within you, preventing hidden sin from taking you captive. Embracing God’s character as your own, and standing in unity with one, with ALL.

Blossoms of the Heart

Passion once had a song in me... a sweet pure melody. That song has some new minor chords that fill it with more body, more soul.
Strength is something unseen. Built with time, endurance, character, and love. I am still on that journey.
Windows of promises let in a cool breeze that catches my breath and moves it forward.
Freedom of the spirit is like a dance with nobody watching. Just you, and your all, moving and soaring to its own time.
Beauty is following through with what you believe in and doing it with purpose and poise.
Stars shine their incandescent light, fluttering upon hopeful faces, igniting joy.
Words are spoken for many reasons but the ones I love most are the ones that don't even need to be spoken. It's like they are understood without sound without diction but with clarity of the heart.
Beneath every rock is something special. Don't pass by the unsightly without really seeing.
Dreams soar with open wings, daring to fly and make their path known. Let them.
Be who you are, hidden behind nothing or no one, just BE...