Tag Archive | abundant life

Just Live

It was nearly 40 years ago when I came across my parents and my aunt and uncle talking like their lives were over. I don’t remember what all was said, it was so long ago, but I remember that anger erupted out of my spirit like a roar. I verbally chastised them for thinking and talking that way. I do not choose to be disrespectful to my elders, but they were on a fast track of taking down their own lives.

We greatly underestimate the power of our words!

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21

The enemy knows this, and uses this as leverage throughout your life, planting thoughts and suggestions aimed at tearing you down. He can’t take your life; you have to partner with him for that to happen. ‘Oh, I would never partner with the devil!’, one adamantly declares.

Are you sure?

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you become aware of your words.

It takes discipline and hard work to re-train your speaking, but if you determine to do this, the Holy Spirit will help you. You will find your words echoing back at you if they don’t align with the Word. But words don’t begin in your mouth, they begin in your mind. To take control of your mouth, you must first control your mind. We must take every thought captive that rises against the knowledge of Christ. The Passion Translation says it like this . . .

“We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One. Since we are armed with such dynamic weaponry, we stand ready to punish any trace of rebellion, as soon as you choose complete obedience.” 2Corinthians 10:5-6 TPT

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

Basically, when you become aware of thoughts that are not life, and are not pleasing to God, take them captive. Speak that out, instead of the thought. Speak the Word against it. You are not responsible, and are not held accountable unless you continue to entertain the thought or speak it and make it your own. “Take no thought saying. . .”

This is a discipline that is hard work, but bears great fruit and just may save your life!

One can never lay their guard down! I am thankful for those close to me, that remind me when I am getting off track, as my son did just yesterday. He courageously corrected my ‘stinking thinking’ and I am grateful that he loves me that much!

Go and love someone enough to tell them the Truth!

So, what happened when I corrected my loved ones from their stinking thinking? Well, they were in their early 60’s at the time, and that was nearly 40 years ago. They were speechless, which tells me they recognized the Truth. They didn’t try to justify, blame or excuse–just listened and took the reprimand to heart–as I did yesterday, when my son spoke.

Truth brings clarity, not shame.

I didn’t just tell them what they were doing wrong, I told them to LIVE! That they had a long, full, life ahead of them and they needed to stop living death and live LIFE!

Truth brings life!

They listened and made an immediate adjustment– so immediate that it even surprised me. The fruit of their efforts is that they lived long and full lives, with many, many, loving friends that enjoyed the life of God emanating from them. My uncle lived to be in his 80’s, his wife until age 96. My parents, as you may read from the recent post about them, are still alive at ages 95 and my dad will be 98 in September. That’s a very long life past 60! I am convinced it would have been different, had they kept up the talk of their death.

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to him; for that means life to you and length of days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20

The Glenn Miller Orchestra

Recently, my parents and I celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary at a sweet, lakeside restaurant in a village about an hour drive away. On the way home my mom was reminiscing about all the great places they used to enjoy eating out at. “Why don’t you do that now?” I asked. “Because it’s so hard.” came her quick reply. “Yes, but didn’t we have a wonderful time, and wouldn’t it break up the monotony?” She was silent for a moment and then said, “Yes!” It was three days later that she asked me to help her get tickets to the “Glenn Miller Orchestra” which was coming to town to the Opera House. We had about a month of anticipation, while they eagerly looked forward to the event. I sweetened the anticipation by borrowing the “Glenn Miller Story”, from the library. A dvd starring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson; a good movie, that enhanced my enjoyment of the concert, because I remembered the progression of his career as I listened to the music played. The orchestra leader informed us that the Glenn Miller Orchestra has been traveling and performing continuously over a span of 80 years! Adding new band members as needed, of course.

My dad wasn’t feeling well the day before the concert and prayers were intense that they not be disappointed by not being able to go. The next day he was better, thank the Lord, and we went. My cousin came along, and she also enjoyed the concert immensely. It is her mom and dad that I spoke of above, so it is only fitting that she was there to enjoy this with them. I grew up hearing this music from my parents, so I could appreciate and enjoy it even if it differs from my personal taste. We each have an era of music that takes us back to the youth that our spirit still enjoys, for our spirit doesn’t age, just our bodies. A time that is less stressful and reminds us of happiness of long ago. This was their happy place and it planted a sweet memory in my heart as I glanced over to see my mom and dad snuggle up, clasping their hands together, like teenagers on a date, and I realize that true love never ends–it just grows sweeter with time, and trust.

I love you mom and dad. ♥

Thank you, for sharing your happy place with me!

Thank you, for a memory I will always cherish–thank you, for truly living!

“With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:16 RSV

“You will be satisfied with a full life and with all that I do for you. For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!” Psalm 91:16 TPT

A Gift of New Life

May28

A Mother’s Day Gift From My Church

This rose was given to me on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025. It is now 17 days later and it has not lost a single petal. Its original leaves fell off fairly quickly but, no matter, as you can see it started growing new ones! With all this new growth, you would think it would be sprouting roots but not a single root has come forth from the cut stem. There are a few petals on the bottom that darkened and dried within; which I finally figured out it was because of my coffee cup that I had set just below it. I didn’t think about the steam rising. I have conferred with the other moms of my church, that received roses from the same batch, and every one has noted that God is doing something with this rose, and stated that their roses, though beautiful, did not last like this one.

This has reminded me of another rose, a long time ago . . .

Many years ago when my kids were small I was given a white rose from my church on Resurrection Sunday. What happened with this rose may sound far-fetched to you, but I stand before God and tell you it is the truth. He has done many, many things in my life that seem astounding, but He doesn’t know impossible, and often brings wonders to remind us of that fact.

The rose was pure white and absolutely beautiful. So beautiful that I was sad to see it droop over, as it began its decline. A cut rose doesn’t live forever and I expect this is what makes them a precious gift to the receiver. Now for the amazing part. . . remember I said it was given on Resurrection Sunday, well, three days after it drooped its head over, it lifted back up. Seriously it did, and you can choose to believe me or not, that won’t change the fact, it happened. So, this rose dried standing in water. It dried perfectly and didn’t brown. When I saw that it was dried, I took it out of the vase of water and hung it upside down in my kitchen. It stayed that way for 2 years, but everyone was so amazed by it, they kept touching it, because it looked so “real.” All the touching and probably oils from the fingers finally took its toll on it and ruined it. I’m just as guilty, the petals felt sort of like leather and it was so amazing, I just wanted to touch it– everyone did.

“And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” Mark 8:31

Have you suffered many things?

Don’t give up hope. Lift up your head and seek Him for a new beginning. He has restoration for you! See your past as a springboard to your future. What did you learn and how can you grow from it?

Some have suffered horrific things from evil and those influenced by it. May God comfort you, heal you and release you from those painful memories. May His mercy be upon you and protect you. May you find that His comfort brings you to a place of safety and hope. May He give you peace and may you be filled with joy, once again.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

Shake On It!

Mar28

If you have read my posts in the last couple of years, you know that I have been privileged to report several wonderful, incredible miracles. God has allowed me to be a part of them to not only build my faith, but to be a part of building yours as well. Are we not strengthened and encouraged when we read and hear of the Lord’s miraculous manifestations amongst the Body of Christ? I know I am, for it underscores what I know and believe!

Though I have been privy to many miracles and healings, even recently, the miracle received in my own eyes, yet there are just as many, and more, that seemingly can’t receive. This has bothered me, for they too are faithful ones that believe, and yet something is missing. The key that unlocks the door to what they desire so much.

So, a few months back I asked the Lord to show me, Why? Why Lord, do some get healed and others don’t? Why are some seemingly not able to receive? What are we missing?– for it surely isn’t because of you! I have seen time and again the blame laid to God when their hope didn’t manifest. Frankly, it’s time to stop blaming God and look within. Too often we try to stuff Him into the box that fits our understanding instead of asking for our understanding to be enlightened to His Truth.

You see, God doesn’t arbitrarily pick and choose whom He wants to heal and those He doesn’t. He doesn’t decide if you’ve prayed hard enough, or said the perfect words. You don’t need to find that person that has that extra anointing or says just the right prayer. They may help you, to stir up your faith, but He is your Healer. He simply asks you to believe His Word, because it’s already been done. If you believe it, your faith will manifest.

“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6

I have found, that many think they believe but they put limits on their belief. Some won’t believe it is done until they see it manifested in their body. They are sensory driven and this is not faith; it is actually a form of doubt. I will believe it when I see it. Some believe for a time, but they have an expiration date attached to their belief. I will believe for this long, but if 6 months goes by and I haven’t seen it yet, then I guess He doesn’t want to heal me. There are those who say they believe, but their words talk their problem rather than speak their faith. Still others, receive their healing manifested, but when the enemy challenges, which often happens, they immediately say, “Oh, I thought I was healed but I guess not”; when what they needed to do was refuse it to ever have entrance to their body again. Maintain your healing!

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11

Some say they are sick because God is trying to teach them a lesson. No, no, a thousand times no! He is GOOD. He is our Healer! Would you choose to make your children sick, in order to teach them a lesson?

If you don’t understand, do what I did–ask Him!

Last week I was walking down the hall at work, not thinking of anything in particular, when the Lord spoke to me, not audibly, but in my spirit. “Receiving healing is like entering into partnership.” Hmm. I had never thought of it like that. I was working and needed to focus on my demanding job, so that is all He said and I didn’t spend any time that day thinking on it.

The next morning when I woke up, immediately I had a vision of Jesus with His hand extended, as if waiting for a handshake. The vision remained, as Wisdom reminded me that God cannot lie and that Jesus backs His Word, in fact, He is the Word–He cannot deny Himself.

“The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful–for he cannot deny himself.” II Timothy 2:11-13

“God is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19

“For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we preached among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No; but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why we utter the amen through him, to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:19-20

We seem to have lost the art of the handshake. When I was growing up, men would come to an agreement, or a business deal and a hand would be extended. When that hand was offered, it meant ‘I will do what I have said’–you can take it to the bank! A man’s handshake was his bond. It was understood that it wouldn’t be broken and the person that likewise shook with them knew it. Trust that didn’t fail. I don’t see that much anymore. Why? Have written contracts replaced honor? We no longer can trust? I have been burned many times by men who didn’t stand by their word and I have therefore lost trust, respect. Have we carried this ‘don’t believe it until we see it’ into our faith?

Jesus extends His hand to you.

If there is any lack of Truth, the lack is not on God’s part. In other words, if your life is not lining up with the Truth of the Word, it’s not God that has failed. He will never fail you, or fail to perform His Word–come up higher!

Have we reduced what Jesus did for us at the Cross to a mere tradition?

He suffered a horrific death that we might have abundant, everlasting life. During this Easter season, it is well and good that we honor Him and remember what He went through to accomplish this; but are we truly living the abundant life or just reading about it?

Many choose the tradition of fasting during Lent. Praise God that you want to honor Him, but does it change you or are you simply saying thank you? I’m not asking you to stop if it is important to you, but asking you to consider . . .

Wouldn’t it be a greater honor to Jesus if we received the fullness of the Cross?

If we were to live healed, in peace, rest, freedom from fear, fully protected, well provided for, and abundantly giving? Daily experiencing an intimate friendship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and partaking of every promise Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection has procured for you? It’s been over 2,000 years since His agonizing death and resurrection, and yet we’re still struggling with the same questions.

Wouldn’t total, unshakable belief say, thank you, more than fasting or words could ever express?

He bids you to find each promise and shake His hand!

It’s there, extended to you, do you see it?

Shaking His hand, means you agree that His Word is True and you receive it, without question. You shake His hand and it’s a done deal! Never to doubt again. With every lie the enemy produces against you, you remind him, and yourself, that you shook on it and it’s already settled. This, my friend, is entering into His rest. For He has already healed you, it was done at the Cross. He’s already provided all you will ever need to live this life abundantly, it was done at the Cross. You don’t need to cry and beg, it is already done. He rested, because His work was completed. . . and it is for you! All you need do is believe and shake on it–Shake His hand!

It is finished!

“Is this not the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, Here I am. If you take away from the midst of you the yoke, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your desire with good things, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. If you turn back your foot from the sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 58:6-14

Choice Wheat

Jan24

I stand knocking at the door of their hearts; and yet, they don’t listen.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. He who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:20-22

I opened My Heart–allow them to come–yet, they don’t come.

The Seed was planted; it’s time to harvest. The tares have grown up with the wheat; for those that don’t know Me–it’s time we meet!

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.” John 12:24-26

Are you ready for the judgment that must come?

I have room in My Kingdom, and I bid you to come–for judgment is not for thee; if you believe–it’s been placed upon Me–when you receive.

I’m knocking.

Open your heart to Me–for judgment is not for thee!

“Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the ruler of this world be cast out; and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” John 12:31-32

Don’t approve? –You’ll be removed.

You choose.

“Another parable he put before them, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. so when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, ‘Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'” Matthew 13:4-30

“For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the son of God, and those who hear will live. For the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself, and has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man.'” John 5:21-25

“So Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.'” John 10:7-10

“‘My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.'” John 10:27-30

Happy New Year!

Jan1

Hello 2015!!

I cannot wait to see what you will bring!

May your lives be filled with the fulness of God and the abundant life that His Word promises to them that believe!

God is faithful!!

Receive!

“–that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:16-21

Happy New Year Everyone!

True Power

Mar26

Distance and time have always been intriguing to man. To conquer either one, man feels powerful–god-like and yet, I AM God and I think nothing of either distance or time.

My Power is not limited or increased by either.

I have no limitations, for I AM. For man to be truly powerful, he must utilize My Power; for all else will fail–given limitations.

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” II Corinthians 2:14

“His divine power has granted unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and become partakers of the divine nature.” II Peter 1:3-4

Know no limits–know Me!

I AM your source; I AM your resource; I AM what you need to live abundantly!

“He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption; therefore, as it is written, ‘Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord.'” I Corinthians 1:30-31

“–I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10b

Deviate from My Word and you are operating under your own power; for I do not–cannot deviate; for I AM Truth.

Your power will eventually weaken and fail if you do not stay devoted to My Truth. I know your heart longs to conquer–it is the instinct of man. And yet, so many fail to conquer–

apathy
unbelief
lethargy

Weaknesses that would draw away from My Strength and steer them clear of their vision.

Conquer that, and go the distance and your time will not be lost. For I AM not limited by either, but you are.

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” I Corinthians 1:25

Know Me and know no limitation. For I limit no one who seeks to know Me.

Know your limit? Conquer that!

Leave the timing to Me.

“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in much fear and trembling; and my speech and message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” I Corinthians 2:3-5

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” II Corinthians 3:17-18

“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we could ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

A Fresh New Heart

Jan28

Good Morning Lord, how would you like me to start today?

With a new heart.

You don’t like my heart?

I love your heart, but one’s heart carries so much traffic throughout a day, that the next day it’s as if it is already spent.

I’d like you to start with a fresh new heart–every day.

Push the cares out of the way before you sleep; give them to Me. You’ll sleep better, mornings will be fresher and you will have a heart that’s ready for more–before we start.

When you have days when your heart weighs heavy, likewise will your mind be weighted down with a confusion of thoughts.

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25

I came that you might have abundant life.

Not abundant cares, nor abundant worries but, life. So cast those cares upon Me for I AM, and I care for you. When you do that, release trust that I will take care of it–

I’ll take that care with answered prayer.

“When the cares of my heart are many, thy consolations cheer my soul.” Psalms 94:19

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him for he careth for you.” I Peter 5:6-7 KJV

You receive your answer by faith, when you believe.

When you are faithful–full of faith, I AM faithful–full of faith to give. Thus your faith increases as your heart releases your cares unto Me.

Good morning!

Ready for a fresh start?

I love your brand new heart.

Let us fill it with abundant life!

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalms 55:22

“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Fill me with joy and gladness; let the bones which thou hast broken rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” Psalms 51:6-10

“I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure. For thou dost not give me up to Sheoul, or let thy godly one see the Pit. Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fulness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:7-11