Take Root and Write

Trust Him with All of Yourself: The Good and the Bad

 
I recently gave a homework assignment to one of my clients. It was a blank piece of paper with one question: "Who am I?" I explained that I wanted her to describe who she thought she was, e.g. wife, mother, creative, encouraging, successful. Along with the positive aspects, the exercise also gave her an opportunity to address the negative parts she wanted to change. After the exercise with my client, I decided to do the homework assignment myself to see if there was anything negative I needed to address in my life.

After completing my list, I noticed I hadn't written any negative characteristics. This realization bothered me. Like all of us, there are plenty of less-than-positive aspects (messy, impatient or forgetful) in my life too. But I wondered why none of them made it onto my list? Was I turning a blind eye to my own issues?

Anxious thoughts ran through my mind. "Am I a Pollyanna?" The thought mortified me. "Oh Lord," I prayed, "don't let me be a Pollyanna Christian!"

 In all honesty, I don't want to be blind to my own shortcomings but instead aware of where my character is tarnished. By surrendering myself to God, and praying for his grace and power to overcome those parts of me that are inconsistent with godly character, I trust all of me --the good and bad parts -- to Him, hoping for change where I need it.

Immerse Yourself in His Spirit

Day 1 of 3

It's 9:00 am, my son's had left for school, I'd finished spending my time in the Word, and was looking forward to going on a walk; just me and Jesus. I've recently felt a sense of emptiness inside from a lack of "time" with Him. True, I read his Word daily, and yes I also prayed, but what I hadn't been doing was worshiping and spending time listening to Him speak to me. I was faithfully going through the motions of relationship, yet, something was missing and it created a hole in my heart.

It was a sunny, crisp morning; ideal for a walk. I slipped on my sneakers, grabbed my i pod and headed out the door. My stride was light as I listened to Mandisa sing My Deliverer; her was voice drenched in His anointing oil. His immediate was marked by an immersion of joy and hopefulness within my spirit. I welcomed His presence.

"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom he gave us" (Romans 5:5 NIV).

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

Last time we talked about how the Lord speaks to us through the Holy Spirit who lives inside every believer. Many of us know this intellectually, however, there is more to a  relationship than the knowledge and awareness of another.

How do we have an intimate relationship with someone we can't see? It is difficult enough having relationships with those we can see and touch, but how does it work with the Spirit of God? It may seem overwhelming at first, but we must remember it's God's will that we know Him through His Spirit. So there must be a way, right?

Although the "Spirit" is discussed many times in the Old Testament, this article is going to focus on the New Testament book of Acts. Jesus had already been crucified and raised from the grave. Over the next 40 days he appeared to the disciples individually and in groups. He spokes with them, ate with them, and at one point appeared to a crowd of over 500 people. However at one point Jesus was alone with his disciples and gave them their final instructions before returning to the Father.

He Speaks Through His Spirit

It often feels as if the pastor is speaking directly to me during his sermon. Does that ever happen to you? I wonder how the Lord can send a different message to each of our hearts when presenting the identical material to a group. Even as I write this sentence I have to chuckle, after all, the same Bible has spoken divine messages to different people for over 2000 years!

The Holy Spirit is not limited by our finite minds; he is supernatural. The Spirit knows our hearts. He motives and has the capability to take one sermon and touch thousands of hearts in a thousand different ways; that is truly amazing.

If I struggle with anxiety or guilt, he has an antidote. If fear overcomes me, he is my strength. If I experience depression or feel lonely, he comforts me. God is my All in All. This statement frequently perplexes people: how can He be everything we need every second of every day?

How does he give us everything we need at all times? Well...in many different ways, but basically it all comes down to his presence through his Spirit. The Spirit speaks to our hearts through the Word of God, offering us comfort and wise counsel. The Spirit assures us of His love when we fail or doubt His goodness. How many Christians silently suffer from spiritual doubt? Too many! He wants to reassure us and strengthen us in those times; not condemn us.

Will Power or Spirit Empowered?

Will power...have you ever really examined what that phrase suggests? We often hear others suggest that if we have the will power we can achieve anything. It makes me wonder if such a thing could be true? Can I really achieve anything with determination and will power? Many experts say that I can, and for that matter many well-meaning friends and family members tell me I can too. So, if that is the case, why do I often fail or fall short of attaining the goals I've set out to achieve? Did my will power fail? Am I weak?

 
The answer to both these questions is a resounding yes! I fail and I'm weak; not a terribly encouraging thought, but nevertheless a reality. I've found that when we believe we are strong enough, good enough, determined enough, dedicated enough or smart enough to conquer our own battles, we are setting ourselves up for a very disappointing encounter with our human nature. You see, we don't possess the power to do great things apart for Christ's Spirit. We may use will power to motivate us to begin something like a fitness plan or to give up something such as smoking or overeating, but if we fail to invite the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to accomplish these goals, we've left out the most critical aspect of success.

Healthy Boundaries in Our Thoughts

 

Have you ever experienced the kind of relationship where it seems that every time you talk with a certain friend a nondescript sense of guiltiness invades your emotions? There's nothing this friend says which you can really put your finger on, but somehow it feels as if you've done something wrong.

I have had these types of relationships, and although it has taken me years to identify them, I've come to understand that it's not what was said as much as its what wasn't said. Sometimes we receive a message from a friend's comments which seem to convey unspoken disapproval.

There was a time when I allowed those quiet accusations to wash over me, but I've come to realize that friends usually are not trying to hurt me; typically it's just a lack of the interpersonal skills that allow them to express their feelings with no clarity. For example they use implications and "ha ha just kidding" remarks to get their point across. However, although I understand this, it doesn't necessarily solve my quandary about the way it makes me feel. How then, do I spend time with this friend without feeling bad about myself?   

Our feelings and emotions are directly connected to our thoughts. Scripture tells us to take our thoughts captive in obedience to Jesus Christ. The Lord knows that when we are plagued with thoughts of guilt, fear, unbelief, shame, or other negative things, destructive feelings soon to follow.

Waiting Leads to Discouragement

Discouragement, unbelief, fear, and anxiety; these emotions regularly attach themselves to us as we tread the uneven roads of our lives. There are times when things don't make sense and the pressure builds with no sign of reprieve. So, we wait. We wait for our prayers to be answered, for our relationships to heal, for our financial drought to end...we wait. Have you ever noticed that we do a lot of waiting in this life?

We wait in lines and at red lights. We wait for our children to come home from school. We wait for a better time to start our diets and exercise programs because we are just too stressed; we wait. For how long though, how long do we wait? What if we wait our entire lives and never receive the "thing" for which we wait? I don't think the waiting is the bad part, I think the difficult part is how we "feel" while we wait. Do we wait eagerly; excitement oozing from our pores? Do we wait angrily, wondering why "things" take so long? Do we wait in self-pity, wondering why we must wait so long? Are we waiting, with the hope which does not disappoint? Or, are we resentful that we must wait at all?

What I've come to learn about myself recently is that I don't particularly care for delays at. In fact, I'm down right impatient with postponements in general. "I want it now, Daddy . . . I want an oompa loompa now!" And we all know what happened to that spoiled little girl in Charlie's chocolate factory; things didn't go so well for her at all; I don't want to be a Veruca Salt.

The Power to Deal With Life

One morning, after another night of drinking too much wine, I awoke very early to the words of the Spirit within me. Very clearly the Lord told me that I could keep drinking and He would still love me, however there was a catch. My salvation would still be intact, but it would cost me the precious ability to hear the voice of the Spirit of God.

Early that morning I awoke to these words from Him in my thoughts, "Lisa, you can have this sin and my love for you will remain, however when you choose to sin it separate's you from Me; it separates you from My voice". A powerful panic erupted within me and I began to hyperventilate in fear and grief; the enormity of the confrontation instantly sank into the marrow of my bones and filled me with a deep sense of dread and heartache. Weeping hysterically, I called my girlfriend, and although it was the wee hours of the morning, I begged her to pray for me that minute! I couldn't bear the thought of facing a life without the voice of the Holy Spirit teaching and guiding me.

"But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own, he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come" (John 16:13 NIV).

Divorce Cannot Define His Daughters

 

Although it's nothing new, divorce, both inside and outside the church, is an all too common occurrence. Nevertheless, I was initially shocked as woman after woman shuffled into my office recounting stories of their disintegrating marriages. While their heartbreaking situations all had a unique fingerprint, the blood flowing through the veins of each woman's experience was born from human suffering and broken dreams.

Discouraged, many women languish in their attempts to rebuild their lives; haunted by the uncertainty of God's approval, their hearts are filled with a prolonged sense of mourning.The fear of disappointing God often hinders our relationship with both God and others. Somehow, due to the divorce, many women feel they can no longer stand righteous, pure, and blameless before God. After all, doesn't God hate divorce?

How can the Lord be pleased with me when He hates divorce? Feeling condemned, we tend to withdrawal from the Lord and others, fearing their judgment and rejection. Too often, a destructive misuse of His Word adds further reproach to our wounded and fragile self-worth.

Handling Our Emotional Storms Through His Spirit

I wasn't sure that I heard the Lord correctly today. After all, I'm relatively new to Take Root and Write and I wasn't sure exposing this part of me sounded like such a great idea.

Evidently He did. So,here I am,following the directions of the One who loves me and always leads me in the way I should go.

My story begins seven years ago, praying on the treadmill when the Lord direct me to share my journal with the womens Bible study I was leading at the time. Say what?! was my first response. No way! was my second; sobbing my third, and fourth . . . surrender.

A Battle and A Promise

                                                                                                                                                                              One of my favorite Bible stories is in the Old Testament book of Joshua which records the dramatic account of God's appointed leader, Joshua, and the battles the Israelite's fought along side the Holy One of Israel. The book begins after Israelite's escaped slavery from Egypt being led by their God-appointed leader Moses. After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, their promised land was within sight with just one problem: the current residents had to be evicted. Throughout the book of Joshua, God encourages them to be strong and courageous while facing thousands of opponents. Why? Because God had a plan for Joshua. In the same way, God has a plan for you.Take heart, He knows how to get you there.

Throughout events recorded in Joshua, God teaches us that fear is our enemy; a powerful adversary which can block our success and destroy dreams.

"Be strong and courageous, for you will give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them." (Joshua 1:6 NASB)          

Spiritual Growth, Life Purpose & Me

Two of the top reasons women contact me about hiring a Life Coach is their desire to pursue spiritual growth and purpose in life. They ask questions like, How can I become the woman that God designed me to be? Where do I start? How do I recognize the voice of God in my thoughts? How do I get to know God as my best friend, comforter, counselor, refuge, and source of strength? Does this sound familiar? If so, you are not alone.

Fifteen years ago I assumed that spiritual growth was something only for pastors or those in ministry. I'd never thought about my own spirituality or life purpose, and didn't believe I possessed any particular talents or gifts. Getting closer to the Lord through spiritual growth was way outside my comfort zone. In fact, when anyone suggested I "draw closer" to His Spirit, it made me uncomfortable. What did they mean? What was I supposed to say?  Hi Holy Spirit? That felt so unnatural. Little did I know how critical my walk with Christ through Holy Spirit would become.

I experienced a major transition in my life when I was about 30 years old; I had an epiphany. I noticed that other women had dreams and goals, but I didn't. I had spent years as a people-pleaser and running from conflict. As a result, I buried most of my individuality, my dreams, and my desires. This revelation helped me understand the unimaginable gifts and rewards this journey with God has given me. This voyage  provided an incredible awareness of freedom, hope, and joy. I hope you'll join me in traversing the highway of profound truth, and allow yourself to draw closer to God's true character, love, and transforming power through His Spirit.

The Proof of Desire... It's in the Pursuit

 

Life has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you are counting the days until you reach adulthood. Dreams about driving fast cars, living with your best friends, and having no one tell you what to do are first and foremost on your top ten list!

The next thing you know reality hits! Life is hard! Oh, the days of sleeping in and having parents pay all of the bills taunted you as you wore that fancy hairnet required by the fast food establishment that paid you a fascinating minimum wage! Oh, those were the days! Not!

Those days are what propelled me into wanting more. They reminded me of my real dreams and desires. My yearning for something better awoke the destiny inside of me. Times of being sick and tired of asking, "Would you like fries with that?" provoked me to persevere and move forward.

I married young and had my first daughter by the time I was twenty one. Still, something in me refused to settle for anything less than God's best for me. I worked a full time job, did lay ministry and saw my husband through college. My motto was Jeremiah 29:11, I was not going to give up. At the age of twenty seven, I was a mother of three, worked full time for the Corps of Engineers, was on the ministry team with my husband at our church, and I was going back to college!

I worked diligently, I studied hard, and I persevered! Each day my desire for ministry grew more and more. I ministered in whatever capacity I could. I learned to turn a deaf ear to those who didn't believe in me, and I continued to work toward my goal, becoming an ordained minister of the Gospel. In 2004, I was ordained.

Just as that snail persevered and made its way to the ark, I, too fixed my eyes on the prize and made it! As my Pastor always says, "The proof of desire is in the pursuit!"

In the Light of Eternity

I was sitting on the front row beside my husband (associate pastor) during a typical Sunday morning worship service. Dressed in my Sunday best I was proudly wearing a brand new skirt and blazer set given to me by one of my new friends from the church. Having only been at the church a few weeks it was so nice to have connected with someone on such a level. And to top it off, the set fit my barely 5 foot frame perfectly! The skirt hit me square in the middle of my knee and the blazer fell perfectly over my hips. With black nylons and a pair of black heels I felt put together!

Service was in full swing with the pastor up front receiving the offering. And then suddenly I felt someone at my side. I turned and looked at the woman beside me. She murmured that she had been sent to me by the pastor’s wife. And before I could say a word, she lifted a blanket and covered me from my shoulders to my ankles. “Your skirt is way too short,” she said and then she walked away hurriedly.

I felt heat flush my face and I knew my face was red. Even though I was not looking, the congregation of more than 500 surely had a fair share of heads turned toward me. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Craig was out handling some other situation so he had not witnessed the “covering.” All I knew was I needed to get out of there.

I waited until the pastor was praying over the offering then I jumped up and made my escape. As I hurried out, head down, I (for the first time) took notice of what the senior pastor’s wife and deacons’ wives were wearing. They all had long to the ankle skirts and their tops were all flowing, not fitted like my blazer. Tears stung my eyes as I made my way to the restroom. I was humiliated.

One Little Word

In addition to writing my own blog, I also read A LOT of blogs! When I am short on time I upload my Google Reader and catch up on my reading on a long car trip or, when time allows, before my bedtime. I love Google Reader because it can be used offline.

While I was reading this week a particular blogger grabbed my attention with a "challenge" of sorts... Ali over at Ali Edwards challenged her readers to identify a "word" that sums up what they want for themselves in 2009. It is the "One Little Word" 2009 challenge.

To quote Ali, "A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow."

Intrigued? I was/am... read more of what Ali had to say...

It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word. One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.

Go Ahead...Rock the Boat!!!

From time to time I am asked to sit on panel discussions or Q&A boards at conferences, retreats, or events. At these discussions, anything is possible! I had the privilege of sitting on a panel at the Unstoppable Conference this year. My friend, Pastor Deanna Shrodes is the founder of the Unstoppable Conference and the Pastoring Partners Network. She is hands down one of the world's greatest advocates supporting an egalitarian view for both genders and all ethnic groups in the church.

One of the anonymous questions that surfaced read something like this, "My husband and I co-pastor together. We are a great team however, whenever I contribute something corporately, I am never given credit; the kudos always goes to my husband or some other male pastor. How do I handle this?"

Some of the other panelists gave good, seemingly biblical answers. "Don't worry about it, be the bigger person...", "It's okay because your husband is really the head anyway...", etc... and of course, the humble approach was suggested. None of these answers are "bad" per se, I mean, it is all for the glory of God, right? And to this I say yes, but, (oh yes, there IS a but) how would this flow in the secular workplace? It wouldn't!

As a woman with experience in the corporate world where I have had my share of bumps and bruises on the proverbial glass ceiling, I gave our proposed question a different twist. I shared briefly how a major proposal that affected one of my company's biggest clients was snatched from me and claimed by a supervisor who previously blocked the idea from all sides. Seeing an opportunity where it would be a huge asset, my supervisor claimed the idea (right in front of me) in a room full of executives.

Interestingly enough, as I shared this story, the women in the room gasped! They were taken aback by the actions of my supervisor.

Why is it that we as Christian women in ministry would allow such a thing to occur in the ministerial workplace, but we are appalled by such an action in the secular workforce? Is it because we secretly may not consider our position or contributions of much value because of our gender? Or maybe it has more to do with the fact that we've become accustomed to being considered second, or maybe we just don't want to "rock the boat..." because, by all means, they were kind enough to let us in the boat.

Twas the Snowball Before Christmas

With Christmas looming around the corner, I thought it fitting for a fun post... enjoy and have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS as we remember the birth of our Lord!

Twas a week before Christmas and a certain southern gal,
Found herself shoveling snow in boots, coat and nightgown.
Muttering, yes, grumbling to all who could hear,
"What a pain is this snow," said she with a sneer.

One hour later, cleaned up and all dry,
Our misplaced southern belle bid her family goodbye.
In her warm, cozy car she steered through the ice,
Through small drifts of snow as she longed for her vice.

To Starbucks she plowed ducking shoppers and holly
Where liquid chocolate and whipped cream would make her feel jolly!
With a muffin in tow and grande cup in her hand
She hummed with the radio, a carol by Dave Matthews Band.

With caffeine kicking in and feeling somewhat merry
Our girl stepped in the mall, arms ready to carry...
Bags and packages, some big and some small,
Home for wrapping after leaving the mall.

My Latter WILL BE GREATER!!!!

Every year I sit down and assess the year that is ending. Last year, I mapped out a ridiculously long list of goals and initiatives that I knew I would never be able to complete however my thought was, "Aim high Tara... and see what you can accomplish." Well, I aimed high and I did indeed accomplish about 50% of my list. Great, right?

Instead though, as I ponder the year I find myself reflecting on feelings of extreme dissatisfaction. There are things that are lacking in my life. I am feeling so far from satisfied and further away from content. Although I had crossed off many of the items on my list, there are areas in my life, in my family that are lacking. So, I began to seek God. As I did, He began to speak to me and direct me. As I listened, He began to give me crystal clear direction concerning, not a to do list, instead a way to see long term improvement in some areas that had been overlooked, or not focused on enough.

First, He asked me, "Tara, what three areas are lacking the most?" After actually very little thought and meditation, I had my three. Order in my Household, Release of Intense of Fire of God in Me, and Writing Unleashed at a New Level.

I poured them out to the Lord and He then spoke again. Simply, yet firmly He showed me how each of these tings would feed into the other. Where order was concerned, priority, organization, discipline and consistency would be required. With order conquered, I would be able to focus even more on seeking the face of God and fanning His fire in my life which would pour out through the ministry He does through me so I can set the world on fire for Him! With order and the Fire of God on my life, the anointing to write on a new level would undoubtedly be released!

Warning Labels for Ministry???

  Cigarettes come with one, alcohol, medication, and even toothpaste! What am I talking about? Warning Labels. They spell out all of the bad for you, just in case you come to your senses and forego the potentially harmful task, or habit ahead.

Even Disney places warnings on some of its more “jumpy” attractions. Of course you probably won’t find one on “It’s a Small World,” but Space Mountain on the other hand yields a warning and height restrictions. It is definitely not a ride for those with weak stomachs, heart problems, small children, or pregnant women. However, despite the warnings, restrictions, and the fact that the majority of this indoor roller coaster will be experienced blindly, in the dark, people will still wait in long lines up to two hours long to rid Space Mountain!

You may be wondering what my current fascination with “warning labels” has stemmed from, or perhaps where it is stemming to… well, despite the fact that I have determined that many things in life could use a “warning label,” I am placing a warning label on “Ministry.”

After seeing far too many wounded minister, pastors, evangelists, etc. leave the ministry year after year, I want to run into every Seminary, Bible College, and Ministry Training Facility and teach a course on “The Warning Label of Ministry: Everything you need to know about ministry, but won’t be taught in Bible College.”

A little extreme, yeah, I know. It will probably never happen, but if it ever did, the first day should look something like this:

No Dogs Allowed

 During a recent time of inner reflection with the Lord, He grabbed hold of my heart in a grip that I can't, neither do I desire to shake loose from.

My heart's desire has always been to please Him, to do His will, fulfill my destiny in Him. But you know, it became so easy, too easy to say that. Perhaps some may disagree with me, but I feel as if I am just coming to realize the sheer magnitude of what fulfilling my destiny in Him will require, what it REALLY means. It is so much MORE than I ever imagined, desired, or expected. It means my flesh, my own will, my own desire must be sacrificed. And like everyone else who professes Jesus as their Lord, I have said that a million times. But in the last few weeks I have had to ask myself, "Was that just lip service?" Because the fulfillment of our destiny in Him requires much, it won't be easy and it requires hearing and obeying.

Even Jesus was tore up about what the fulfillment of His destiny would require of Him. I was reading about Jesus and when He was facing death, literally. Here is an excerpt from Mark chapter 14 (The Message translation):

32-34They came to an area called Gethsemane. Jesus told his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He took Peter, James, and John with him. He plunged into a sinkhole of dreadful agony. He told them, "I feel bad enough right now to die. Stay here and keep vigil with me."

35-36Going a little ahead, he fell to the ground and prayed for a way out: "Papa, Father, you can—can't you?—get me out of this. Take this cup away from me. But please, not what I want—what do you want?"

Your Proving Ground... It Ain't On the Mountain

 

"We are not built for the mountains and the dawns and aesthetic affinities, those are for moments of inspiration, that is all. We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove our mettle." ~ Oswald Chamber~

When Craig and I were married almost 16 years ago, Bishop Miller said something that I have never forgotten. "The will of God will never take you where the grace of God can't keep you."

On that day I was so caught up in the "idea" of marriage and being in love that I don't think I really heard him. However, over the years, with every trial and difficulty, those words come flooding back.

At the young, young age of 19 I was so "full" of love for my fiance and the "will of God" for our lives. I don't think I really believed that embracing His will would also mean embracing His grace through the good times (that was easy) and the difficult.

Valley living doesn't sound very tempting to a Christian. No, we desire to leap from mountain top to mountain top with our "hinds feet," right? After all, mountain top living is where we can be closest to God, where He meets us, where we experience "new levels."

Of course I am being idealistic. As wonderful as it would be to do nothing more than bask in His every miraculous sunset, He has created us for so much more. Part of that "more" is this life we live. Life, every single day of it, is a precious gift He has given to us. Some days come wrapped much prettier than others, but each come with the same of amount of time and potential. It is up to us what measure of each we will use.

In my opinion, life begins on the mountain, it begins with the miracle of life. How much higher can you get than when you witness the gift of new life? I am speaking both physically and spiritually. The awesomeness of seeing a life brought into this world takes your breath away. Witnessing a lost soul give their life to Christ is just a beautiful. However, after those babies leave the delivery room and go home, LIFE begins.

I Hear the Sound of Abundant Rain!

 

About this time every year I begin really focusing on hearing what God is saying for the new year to come. My husband, Craig has been doing this for weeks now, but it was only today that God dropped something in my spirit. So, prepare yourself, this is not going to be a typical, feel good, pump up "Feminine Fire" column. Rather, it is a declaration of prophetic proportions that will challenge your faith to see beyond what is apparent.

Like many of you, my family has rode quite a roller coaster throughout 2008. However, I must say that through the dips, climbs, and jerking motions, we have been been "dropped" into what seemed like never-ending valleys, but we were never forgotten!

I've been studying 1 Kings, chapter 18 where the Mighty God of Elijah proves Himself! There is SO much the Lord has been speaking to me... here a few "fire-y" nuggets...

Cave dwellers will no longer be hidden... Elijah had to "hide out" for a season in a cave so his life could be spared. Ahab hated him, he did not like the fact that Elijah had prophesied a drought that had lasted three years! He did not like that Elijah was the real deal! And to make m matters worse, Jezebel, his wife hated Elijah and wanted him DEAD yesterday! It did not matter that God had called him, it did not matter that he was anointed... Ahab, Jezebel and their followers refused to acknowledge or recognize the God in Elijah.

Here is what the Lord "dropped" into my spirit... Those who were forced to be "cave dwellers" in 2008 will be "uncovered" and released to fulfill their destiny in Christ. Where you were once resisted, held back or misunderstood, a season of 'hiding' was necessary. This season occurred  so you would be "preserved" for such a time as this. Your days of hiding in the cave were not in vain, just as Esther endured a season of preparation, the cave has prepared you for the fulfillment of your destiny.

Have you endured a season of confinement or being "hidden"? Were you forced to be silent when there seemed to be so much to say? Or perhaps your season of cave dwelling was brought on by  an Ahab or Jezebel. Although cave dwelling can be lonely and seem fruitless, remember that it was while Elijah was in hiding that God spoke to him and led him in one of the finest displays of His might in the Old Testament.

In 2009, get ready, those who were forced to retreat for a time will be uncovered and released to fulfillment in Christ!

Shake Your Shimmy!

 

One of my favorite movies of all time is "The Color Purple." There are many components of this film which can be used to illustrate generational and spiritual issues. I love movies like that! To me they are like life impacting illustrations hung on a big screen paid for by someone with lots of money in Hollywood just waiting for someone like me to turn them into a testimony of what God's grace and mercy can do!

In The Color Purple, we find sad, homely Celie who is played by Whoopie Goldberg. One can't help but hurt for Celie! She has a husband who can't stand to look at her or even attempt to be nice and to top it all off, she has negative "0" self confidence. She is so down on herself she even tells her son to "beat" his wife into submission because abuse is all she knows. And furthermore, her darling husband keeps a photo of his "ideal woman," Shug Avery. Celie was compared to a measuring stick that existed only in a dime store photograph of a two bit saloon mistress and the imagination of a husband who promised to love and honor her. No wonder she had issues!

Enter Shug Avery. Yep, for those of you who have not seen the movie, Celie's husband brings home a pitifully drunk Shug Avery and basically leaves her to be catered to by his wife, Celie. (Ha! Try that in 2007- I believe only one woman would have been left standing on that front porch! ) Anyway, Shug takes one look at Celie and says, "You sure is ugly!" and then she breaks into laughter! Still, the ever insecure Celie helps her up the stairs (I would have helped her down!) and takes care of the woman who holds the secret to her husband's heart. A little later, Shug decides to help Celie out a little in the looks department, she dolls her up, yet Celie lacked the confidence that came so natural to Shug. So Shug looked at her and said, "Come on, shake your shimmy!"-

Just Jump!

 

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
 ~ Marianne Williamson

Don't you just LOVE this quote? I feel as if it is giving me permission to be a radical risk taker for the Kingdom of God! Not that I need permission from anyone other than God, but reading that quote just fans my fire!

I have thought a lot about taking risks lately. When you think about it, becoming destiny driven is really all about taking risks! Looking over my life throughout the last almost 17 years, I can pinpoint dozens of risks Craig and I have taken for the Kingdom of God. We've lived through them all, and we're stronger, wiser, better, so much... nah, I'm not going to sing Marvin Sapp's song.. you get the picture!

According to our friends at Webster, risk means the chance that an investment will lose value. That sounds scary! When you lay everything on the line and you have no tangible guarantees, you are taking a risk EVEN WHEN YOU KNOW GOD HAS TOLD YOU TO TAKE THE RISK.

Imagine how Abraham felt when he was instructed by God to take Isaac, his PROMISE and sacrifice him to the Lord. We KNOW that his heart was breaking, that with every step he took up that mountain he struggled under the weight of the full knowledge that his obedience to God was more important than anything, or anyone else. He knew in his heart that God was working for his good. We all know that God spared Isaac and provided the means needed for a sacrifice.

The POWER of the Word

Children have a little ditty which we all know is totally false: “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." This is not true for all we all know how much the taunting words of another child can hurt. And, if a child asks for a cookie or reaches out to touch something the words "no" or "yes" can cause either tears or smiles. Words have power.

Children's story in Arabian Nights entitled "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves." The thieves kept all their stolen loot in a secret cave. To get in the cave you had to say the password, "Open Sesame," and the cave would open. Words have power.

By saying only one word to 3000 subscribers of his news bulletin, Joe Granville caused panic in the stock market in just one day. One word, SELL caused the stock market crash of the 80s. Words have power.

There is power in the written and spoken word. Governments have collapsed, dictatorships have been overthrown, monarchies have been replaced, and presidents have resigned all because of the power in words.

Some of the leading figures of world history have known the power of words. Adolf Hitler was able to whip crowds into a frenzy. His counterpart in England, Winston Churchill, was able to rally the English time and again against Nazi attacks. John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr used the power of words to mobilize legions of followers.
As believers it is imperative that we know the power of words, most specifically the power of THE Word! The Word of God, the most powerful tool, resource and possession we as Christians have. We can find power in the Word that takes care of yesterday, today and tomorrow! The Word was, the Word is, the Word will be!

There is POWER in His Word!

Overcoming Transition

The word “transition” is defined as “passage: the act of passing from one state or place to the next.” That definition sounds so, harmless! However, any of us who are going through a time of transition know that it can make or break you if it is not handled correctly.
Transition is one of those “events” that can affect us in several different ways… physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.

In the last year, how many of you have faced:
•    A geographical move?
•    A change in ministry?
•    A birth?
•    Significant loss
•    Substantial Financial hardship or decision?
•    Rejection?
•    Illness or physical challenges?
•    Emotional stress or trauma?

Life is a process of beginnings and endings. In both life and nature, there are times when things move slowly and don’t seem to change very much. Then, suddenly, things change quickly. Moving from August to September, the weather changes gradually at first, and then it seems that suddenly summer is over. It is the same in our lives; transitions are as natural as the changing seasons.

Key point: Transition in life is challenging because we are forced to let go of the familiar and face the future with a feeling of vulnerability.

And to make a difficult situation worse, most life transitions begin with a string of losses, some of which we mentioned a few moments ago.

Key point: Any significant loss makes most people feel fearful and anxious.

We live in a culture that has taught us to be very uncomfortable with uncertainty, so we are anxious when our lives are disrupted.

Fill My Cup Lord

On a hot, dry day nothing is as satisfying to me than a huge glass of hot sweetened iced tea poured over a tall glass of ice cubes. I could drain the glass three times before the ice cubes are even partially melted. Nothing quenches my thirst quite like it!

Spiritually, the book of Psalms has been a steady life line for me lately, quenching my thirst for God, a desire to be so close to Him that our breathing becomes as one. Umm, there's nothing quite like drinking in the melodies of the Psalms and painting them all over the Lord as a couture masterpiece that proclaims my love for Him. How HE satisfies my soul. Finding my satisfaction in the Lord, in my"sacred romance" with Jesus has taught me much about how I function when my soul is "unsatisfied."

God—you're my God! I can't get enough of you!   I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God,     traveling across dry and weary deserts. Psalm 63:1(The Message)

Everybody Needs AT LEAST Four Crazy Friends!

 One of my favorite movies in the world is Sweet Home Alabama. I am a southern girl at heart and though you can take the girl out of the South, you can't take the South out of the girl! The same was true of Melanie Smooter, she may have been all "Mary Tyler Moore" in the city but at her core, she bled "Sweet Home Alabama." If I had to choose a favorite scene in the movie I would focus on the wedding that wasn't. Melanie (Reese Witherspoon) had just told Andrew that she could not marry him. Being a stand up guy, he accepted her news gracefully. However, his mother, a politician in NY (played by Candace Bergan) was not nearly as graceful. She said some choice words to Melanie, and Melanie's mama stood up for her baby girl. Candace Bergan turned and replied, "Oh why don't you go back to your doublewide and fry something." Then Candace Bergan found out what happens when somebody messes with the mama of a southern girl. Melanie, in her wedding gown and high heels planted a perfectly executed sucker punch right in the middle of Candace's face. Then in true southern form, she says, "Nobody talks like that to my mama!" I love it every time I watch it.

I can identify with Melanie. It takes a lot to get me riled up, okay well sometimes it doesn't, but generally, I am a glass half full kind of gal! But mess with my family, or mess with my friends, and in particular , my sistas... and it is on. As one of my best friends, Deanna and I have been known to  say, "Uh-uh, I am taking off my high heels and my earrings and it is on!"

The Breakiing Point

 

(This is a partial transcript from Tara's message, The Breaking Point" at the Unstoppable Conference...)

A few months ago I began to hear the Lord speak to me about Unstoppable. Of course I listened, took note and continued to seek Him for direction. As the conference came closer and closer, I began to sense an extreme urgency. I have learned that whenever that happens, God is trying to get my undivided attention. So, I begin to press in.

As I sought the Lord, I heard Him say, “Tara, there are women who will be at Unstoppable who are currently at their breaking point. They are at a crossroads that could potentially paralyze them. My heart is that they not be broken and crippled by what they have been facing but that they be propelled through it by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Tonight, we are going to take a candid look at the lives of three women who made entirely different choices. One of them ended up paralyzed, another, propelled and the last one lost the most… all of them at the breaking point.

I am a HUGE believer in destiny. God has a strategic plan for each and every one of us. I know this and believe it with every fiber of my being. However, there are still times in every one of our lives when circumstances, situations, people well intentioned… or not will force us to the very place where we have no idea whether or not we can go on.

Take a moment and (let's) read the story of Tamar in 2 Samuel, chapter 13…

Many of you know WHO you are, like Tamar, you KNOW who your daddy is- but more than that you can also identify with the shame, pain, fear, rejection and betrayal Tamar experienced. People who promised they’d never leave, they left, promises made become promises broken, and the days and nights you prayed, labored, laid awake and poured into people are thrown at your feet in a heap. It leaves you feeling used, violated, just like Tamar.

Yet look at what she did, after Amnon raped her, he told her to go away, yet we’re talking about a woman here. She’s thinking, “Oh my goodness, he’s just going to use me up and throw me out? Oh no, he can’t do that to me” She began to tell him how she felt, begging, pleading… and he had her PHYSICALLY removed. They put her out and BOLTED the door. I can just see her, as she’s being drug out, yelling and screaming, then the door is shut and locked as she is lying on the ground sobbing, no dignity left, beating on the door, “Amnon, you can’t do this to me! Amnon! Amnon, don’t leave me like this!” Tamar deserved better treatment as an Israelite. Tamar deserved better treatment as a relative. Tamar deserved better treatment as a sister. Tamar deserved better treatment as a princess. Despite all this, Amnon spitefully treats Tamar as this woman.

Pastor Shelisa Hull: Feminine Fire Woman to Watch

In my life I have had the unique opportunity to meet some fascinating  women of God. These women  fan the flame in me often with the power and anointing God has breathed into them. I want to introduce you to them and so today we begin with my dear friend, Pastor Shelisa Hull who co-pastors The Winners Church in Valdosta, GA.

I know you will be blessed by what she has to say. She is a mighty woman of God being used prophetically and strategically.

I introduce to you, my friend, Pastor Shelisa Hull...

FF: Briefly introduce yourself (tell a little about your testimony)

PS: My name is Shelisa Hull I am the wife to the greatest man in the world, Billy Hull and the mother to 3 boys; Caleb 15, Blake 13, and Augustine 8. I grew up in a Pastor’s home…in fact I am a 4th generation Pastor. Unfortunately, I was the stereotypical PK. I saw a lot of hurt, religion and what I called hypocrisy.  I decided that I did not want any part of “church”. I ran for a few years but one day I had a God encounter that reached my heart and went down past the bitterness and anger. Gods tender Spirit drew me in and I realized that being a Christian is not about “religion” it is about relationship. I finally understood why my parents were willing to endure so much and still love with such a great love. Well now it is my turn……I am on a mission to let EVERYONE know that life is not about do’s and don’ts life is about saying YES to God as our Father and Best Friend. We can have an intimate one on one relationship with the Creator of the Universe! What a privilege and honor. I am passionate about knowing God and teaching others to live outside the man-made box of religion and pursue RELATIONSHIP!

FF: How did you and Billy meet?

PS: Billy was my dad’s Youth Pastor so we met when he came on staff at our church. I can honestly say that He is a gift to me from God. He was a friend during some of the hardest years of my life and he is the one who helped me realize my worth and value as a woman and as a minister! In case you can’t tell….I just LUV him!!

FF: What are your boys’ names and ages?

PS: Caleb is 15, Blake is 13 and Augustine is 8. And for those who are wondering….they are ALL boy! It can get a little dirty, stinky, and loud in my house!! But I would not trade it for the world. I believe as moms that some of the very things that get on our nerves now are the things we will look back on and miss when they are grown and gone!

FF: What is the name of your church and where is it located?

PS: The Winners Church is located in Valdosta, Georgia.  

Don't Prop Me Up! I Know my Worth!

 

"Until you settle the issue of your own worth, it's impossible to bring holiness into anyone else's life. Until you understand that your worth is already determined by the fact of your birth, everything else is an exercise in propping up a dying tree."
~ Carol Brazo ~ "No Ordinary Home"

My parents became Christians when I was about four years old. Daddy had been raised in a Christian home but had fallen away from Christ as a young man. My mother was an Air Force brat who had lived all over the world and had occasionally visited church but never knew about the salvation of Christ. It was a glorious day when my parents came to Christ. Not just for them, but for me too. It is so strange but I remember cornering my mother shortly after she had been saved and asking her, “Why did God pick me to be here?” She would look at me quizzically and ask me what I meant. I can still think back to my attempt to explain to her how I was so amazed and confident that God had “picked” (chosen) me to make. In my four-year-old mind I was marveling at the thought that I was made for something very special. I was somehow trying to grasp an understanding of my “worth.” Ultimately my thinking was, “Wow, God could have made ANYBODY, but He made me. He picked ME!” Even as a young child I was keenly aware of my worth.

Daddy's Got You!

"Come on Tara, I will catch you," Daddy urged with his arms outstretched. He was so close I could see the droplets of water hanging onto the ends of his mustache. I crouched down on the deck looking down into the depth of the above ground pool. How I wanted to get in but I was so afraid.

"Come on, you know Daddy would never let anything happen to you. Trust me. " Trust. In my seven year old mind that was something that seemed impossible! Over and over again for four hours Daddy came to me urging me to trust him and jump in.

Finally, right before we were about to go in I closed my eyes and jumped. To my amazement I landed right in my daddy's arms! "See? he said. "I caught you! I'll always catch you, you can trust me." I nodded and clung to his neck as he walked me around the pool. Eventually I became comfortable floating on my back with Daddy's arms cradling my back and legs. At that moment I knew I could trust him.

The next morning came and I hurriedly put on my pretty pink swimsuit, grabbed my towel and headed for the pool again. There was Daddy once again beckoning to me. As I walked toward him, fear gripped me once again and the process began again.

His words were never demeaning, he never laughed at me, even when I failed to trust him day after day after day. He just kept pursuing me, telling me he loved, urging me to trust him, to rely on his strength in spite of the "big-ness" of the pool that I feared so much.

Ignited By Destiny

“Where there is no vision, the people perish,” Proverbs 29:18. It is that simple, that cut and dry. No mistake about it, if you have no destination, if you cannot see past the moment you are in and you have nothing to strive for you might as well be dead! I realize this is a harsh statement but it is the Gospel truth! People who have nothing to live for will inevitably die inside. They become depressed and downtrodden. They have no reason to climb out of bed in the morning.

The bottom line is if you have no destination, you will never leave the place of departure. A person without vision is only out taking a walk. Having a vision for your life, or knowing God’s destiny for your life will answer the question, “Where am I headed?” The answer to this question defines your purpose, your reason for existence. If you can’t
answer this question, chances are, you simply exist.

In addition to more than 18 years in a full time ministry capacity I also had the opportunity to work for the Army Corp of Engineers in an administrative position. My forte was human resources. I absolutely love working with people, helping them make choices that will improve their lives. Human resources is a lot like pastoring. You take care of people when they come on board, help them make
decisions regarding their tenure and advise them until they retire. Let’s face it, ministry is people! Being a Christian is more about relationship than many of us realize.

The Secret of My Success

I was listening to a great message entitled “The Mark of Success” by Bishop Tony Miller recently. Bishop Miller provided some powerful nuggets of wisdom throughout the message. However, toward the end of the message he shared a story that pulled so tightly on my heart strings. I couldn’t get it out of my heart- or head. I am going to tell it in story form with fictitious names… I hope your heart hears what mine did.

Betty was a praying Christian woman with a desire to see her husband Jim saved. However, Jim had no intention of getting saved. This did not keep Betty from asking Jim to attend church with her. He resisted until one day. Betty approached Jim as she always did and asked him to go to church with her. Jim had an epiphany (or so he thought!) that may keep Betty from bugging him about going to church. “Okay Betty,” Jim said. “I’ll go to church with you if you come to the Red Dog with me.” Just so you know, the “Red Dog” is a strip club. Betty said okay. She went with Jim to the Red Dog, sat at a table and ordered a soda. The next day, Jim went to church with her. This went on for a while. Betty would go to the strip club with Jim and Jim would then go to church with Betty. Eventually, Jim got saved and he no longer desired to go to the Red Dog. But Betty had a hard time letting go of the Red Dog. So, Betty continued to go to the Red Dog, she would get a table, order a soda, some dinner and she would sit there in the midst of all of the pole dancing and lap dances.

Then, at the end of the night, the ladies of the Red Dog would come and sit with her. Betty would give them baskets of bath and spa products from Bath and Body Works and she would talk to these ladies about how much Jesus loves them. Before too long, other ladies joined Betty in this ministry. It is now a ministry of Cathedral House of Praise. The ladies of the Red Dog are coming to know the life changing power of Jesus. It doesn’t stop there because a woman in South Carolina heard about Betty and Jim and the Red Dog testimony. She also began to minister to the women of a strip club and they too began to get saved. She would then help them get new jobs and get them into church.

Calling All Women!!!!!

This is a special edition of Feminine Fire!

I am so excited about an upcoming event I am hosting with several other awesome women of God! It is a FREE Tele-conference event called Women Driven to Pray. Here is the basic run down on the event.. you can also click on the link above to find out more... don't pass it by... take part, it is going to be incredible and it is FREE!!!!

Here is a little bit about the event....

Over the last month I have received numerous phone calls, emails and had conversations with many women who have been battling the enemy's attacks. Mind you these are some powerful women of God who have managed to keep the enemy at bay by prayer, fasting and faith. However, they are tired and some of them weary.

My heart has been grieving for them. Just this week as I was praying for one of my dearest friends the Lord spoke to me that we needed to pray TOGETHER. As I sought Him further He laid out a plan for His daughters, His precious girls to come together as sisters and get in agreement for one another, for our nation and for the lost.

On August 3, 2008 at 8 pm EST hundreds of women will come together over a FREE conference call and we will pray together. I have put together a team of women from all over the nation who will lead the call with me. Each participant will receive an agenda for the prayer event and a list of prayer requests compiled through the online request form from the Driven to Pray Website.

I am believing for a great move of God! We will be activating Matthew 18:19-20, "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Will you join me that evening? Will you stand in agreement for your brothers and sisters in Christ, for our nation's leaders and future, for our church leaders, for the lost?

I would also like to encourage those of you in churches, women's groups, or in relationship with women who would like to join in this event to please pass on the link and information. As a matter of fact, make an evening of it! Perhaps you could host the call for a group in your home! If you decide to do this, please email me and let me know so we can have an accurate count of those participating.

Following the prayer event, a form and email address will be put up to gather feedback and testimonies of God's goodness. As I said, we are expecting GREAT things! Please use the web address above for more information and to send in prayer requests.

Provoked to Your Promise

There is a book out called “Sandpaper People.” You know the type, they are rough and merciless, they will wear you down. We all have them in our lives.

A woman in the Bible by the name of Hannah had one person in particular who was like sand paper to her.

1 Samuel 1:4-8
1:4 Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he used to give meat portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 1:5 But he would give a double 1 portion to Hannah, because he especially loved her. 2 Now the Lord had not enabled her to have children. 3 1:6 Her rival wife used to upset her and make her worry, 4 for the Lord had not enabled her to have children. 1:7 Peninnah 5 would behave this way year after year. Whenever Hannah 6 went up to the Lord’s house, Peninnah 7 would upset her so that she would weep and refuse to eat. 1:8 Finally her husband Elkanah said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep and not eat? Why are you so sad? 8 Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

I’m not going to focus on what Hannah did not have because God delivered. She remained steadfast in seeking Him and He gave her the desire of her heart and she fulfilled her end of the bargain.

What I want to meditate on is the driving force behind her determination. It wasn’t that she wanted what everyone else had, it wasn’t just to have a baby, and it wasn’t that felt sorry for herself. I believe the driving force behind her determination was Peninnah. Hannah was provoked to her promise by Peninnah.

Best of Both Worlds

Welcome to the Christian Women Take Root site and also to the Welcome column post of Feminine Fire! On behalf of Noelle Mena and all of the other writers, I thank you for joining us and encourage you to get comfortable and dive in!

I prayed and thought long and hard as to what this first column post should portray. Should I come out with both Christian egalitarian guns blazing? Or should I paint a picture of kool aid pouring, cookie baking women singing "This Little Light of Mine?" The lyrics floating from sweet little voices as those women sway their index fingers from side to side, "Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine...."

To be honest, I have been both of those women and a myriad of others somewhere in between. With over 18 years of personal ministry experience and 18 years of being the daughter of a pastor I have gleaned much through the joy, pain and wisdom I have experienced.Truth be told there is something to be said for both of these women when it comes to being passionate for Christ.

On a personal note, I am an extremist when it comes to being passionate about ministry. When I pray, I pray with passion and a vengeance that threatens the very gates of hell. In sermons I am real, transparent and take out my heart and lay it on the altar as the Holy Spirit works in and through me. I speak when He says speak. Relationally my heart's desire is that every person realize and fulfill their God given destiny. I believe in people because I know the God I serve creates no one without purpose and destiny. In all of these areas I MUST pour out what is in me because He put it into me. And as Jeremiah said,

"If I say, I will not make mention of [the Lord] or speak any more in His name, in my mind and heart it is as if there were a burning fire shut up in my bones. And I am weary of enduring and holding it in; I cannot [contain it any longer]." Jeremiah 20:9 (Amplified)

I am not alone. I know and know of many women who possess the same fiery passion that resonates inside of me. But one thing I love about us all is our God given ability to bring a femininity to that fire!

Intro: Feminine Fire

A day of recognition has arrived for women in the Body of Christ. A force is resonating inside of each of them, greatness is stirring, the power of the Almighty God pulsating combined with a gentleness and passion that commands the attention of God. This force is creating a holy fire inside of His daughters, much like the fire described by Jeremiah.

Such a presentation can be misinterpreted, however God is accelerating and releasing women who are called to reach the unreachable, touch the untouchable, and shake the nations.Feminine Fire fans the flame of passion for God (in women) through exhortation, profiles of women in ministry and relevant teaching.

By, Alisa Hope Wagner
Column Posted Every 2 & 4th Tuesday