Let It Be So in 2013

Those who know me know I love to declare the promises of God. God has taught me about the power of declaration. Just as His spoken word formed the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, so our spoken words have life and substance.

We often sing a song that says “let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich,” and today, in honor of our New Year – 2013 – I want to take those “let it be’s” a bit further.
Here we go:

In the Name of Your beautiful and wondrous son, Jesus, Father I ask now:

Let your sons and daughters encounter you more this year than ever before.
Let the hurting be healed and the sad be filled with new hope and joy.
Let the people of God rise up and be known – so You, God, will heal our land.
Let the little children of the world be safe from evil.
Let those in bondage to lies and disease declare “I am free!”
Let the broken hearted find new love and purpose through Your people.
Let us not depend on the earthly economy but on Your Kingdom economy.
Let us be generous with our talents, time, and finances.
Let us not succumb to fear and doubt, but rise up in all hope and trust in the One who cares for us.
Let us dream again and see our dreams come true.
Let us have the heart to be world changers, and the courage to take risks and make a difference.
And Lord, in 2013, let your Bride be ready for her Groom. Let your Church be united in spite of her differences so that we may release the fullness of the Kingdom of God to our cities and nations.
Amen!
Peace to you and your family and Happy New Year!

Bruises, Lattés, and Morning Buns

I’ve had a few dark days lately. For example, today I woke up with a swollen, badly bruised cheek (from dental surgery) and a painful limp. If that weren’t enough, my glasses went flying and broke. After blindly finding my old specs, I managed to get to the couch. My thoughts immediately were filled with all that was wrong. On top of all this, I’ve been listening to negative world news. And Christmas music – which I usually dance to – has drummed up sadness from deep in my heart for loved ones lost during past holiday seasons. Geeeee.... Talk about a perfect storm leading to a tsunami of depression!

I know I am not alone in these types of feelings. You may know me as always cheerful and happy – always up and never down. Well, here I am today – painfully raw and literally looking really bad.

I could have easily stayed in bed today, but I know there is an enemy of my soul out there wanting me to do just that. Thank God I thought about that. Soooo...I picked myself up, curled my hair into a sassy ponytail, put on a stylish outfit – even make-up – and headed to Starbucks, bruised cheek and all.

This is one of those days I get to defeat the works of the devil. I have turned off negative news and listened to that positive, encouraging station. And I have decided to be extremely thankful today for the hip and the tooth that served me so well for so long...for the body parts that still work perfectly...that God made me beautiful in His eyes...and that I have a destiny He has called me to that no amount of attack is going to alter. My world, in fact, is getting better and better.

Yes. Thank you, God!!!!! You love me so much!!! And thank you, Starbucks, for latté’s and morning buns!

Expect a Miracle Today!

Sunset in Redding, California

Years ago, after my grandma passed away, I helped my dad clean out her small apartment. We packed up clothes, shoes, linens, photos, pots and pans...then we came to her dishes. I had so many memories of Grandma making my visits special by serving me her baked creations on her treasured china. It was easy for me to ask my dad right then for that special set of china, even though I knew it had been planned for my future inheritance. My dad, knowing my love and appreciaton for this special gift, happily said yes and I soon had it on my own table.

Mary, Jesus’ mother, who pondered for years over God’s promises regarding her son, had a similar relationship with her Father God. Knowing what her son was capable of, she could wait no longer. When the wine ran out at a wedding, she asked Jesus to “make” some more. This Son who only did what He saw his Father doing, responded that it wasn’t his time yet. But his mama insisted...and Jesus must have seen Papa God do it right then, because Jesus spoke and water turned to wine. It was the first recorded event of His public ministry.

Is there something you have been wishing for, dreaming about, or wanting from God? Has God promised it for a later day? Like Mary, as God’s beloved child, you too can ask your Papa. You can pray to God and pull into today what may be meant for tomorrow. It may be your hope for a family member. It may be something just for you. Ask. Watch. Like Mary, it’s okay to expect a miracle. God doesn't mind. And if your heart is ready, He may just change His schedule!

Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4.