How Many Days Until Christmas?

What's that you say? Only 10 days until Christmas!! Where did December go? My newest quote is: "Tis the season to be busier than ever!!"

In the flurry of all the activity around you, remember the "Reason for the Season" and take time to enjoy your favourite Christmas traditions. With so many demands for your attention coming from every possible direction, be careful to guard YOUR Christmas. Plan special family times and make room for new holiday memories. Be creative and have fun. There will never be another "Christmas of 2008"!!

For some, this will be a sad Christmas - the first without that special someone. We cannot foresee the changes coming in 2009 - treasure ALL who will share this Christmas with you. Pray for those families who are mourning the loss of loved ones in 2008.

Jesus came to bring LIFE. The angels proclaimed, "Glad tidings of great joy!!" Don't allow yourself to get overloaded and stressed out. It's time to celebrate Jesus' birthday - get ready for the party!!

Selah Y

Stairway

Who can fathom the mysteries of Heaven? There is so much that God has planned for us that we are totally unaware of. He sees our circumstances from an entirely different point of view. We will never fully understand until we are with Him and He shows us the other side of them.

We see the black storm clouds, but God sees an opportunity to stretch and deepen our faith. Remember, we are never alone in the storm, because He has promised to be with us always – He will never forsake us. When we successfully persevere through our earthly trials, we are refining our character, developing inner strength, winning spiritual victories, and sometimes even gaining heavenly rewards.

Trust HIM in every circumstance – no matter what it is. Seek Him for direction and wisdom. He knows the path you should take. Stay above the waves and CELEBRATE His goodness in the midst of the storms. He is our God – He will see us through.

This is such an awesome photo. I see this little girl completely focused on her flowers. WE can SEE the waves, the black clouds, even the wind blowing against her. BUT behind her is the staircase - the access the heaven (and God). She is not focused on the storm. She knows she is safe. She is not isolated or forsaken, she can – at any moment - turn around and run into His arms. She is secure under HIS protection. (and so are we!!)

Selah Y

Wordless Wednesday

(Read the story & see more photos)

God NEVER Lets Go of YOU

No matter what kind of storm you are facing today, REMEMBER you are NOT alone. He is as close as the whisper of His Name. Call out to Him and He will answer. Seek Him and He promises to be found. He is Faithful and He will NEVER, NEVER forsake you.

YOU NEVER LET GO by Matt Redman

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Bring the Rain

Are you ready for whatever comes your way? How will you respond?



Listen to the story behind the "Bring the Rain" song by Mercy Me.



God is still God no matter what our circumstances may be - they will change - our God will not. He is God and He LOVES us. Even so, we live in an imperfect and fallen world. Many times our lives will be touched by unpleasant events, maybe even horrific. What will our response be?

There will be hard times, as well as the good. In ALL circumstances, we turn TO God and not away from Him. We CAN (and must) praise Him through the storms of our lives. HE is the source of our strength. On our own, we will crumble. With HIM, we WILL stand AND overcome. He gives us VICTORY.

Where would we be without rain? We'd have a drought!! We NEED rain for GROWTH. Are you going through a dry season? Pray, "God, bring YOUR RAIN into my life!" Then wait and see what comes in your harvest season.

So do not fear, or avoid, or even deny, the difficult circumstances of life when they come. Stand and praise God through the "rainy days" as well as the sunshine.

Selah Y

Just For FUN!!

Where is your cell phone? in my purse.... it probably has a low battery
Your hair colour? a dyed combo
Your mother? a brave lady – she loves her family – I love you, Mom!! Y
Your father? a man of many talents – I’m proud to be his daughter – time together always too short Y
Your favorite thing? my family Y
Your dream last night? interesting
Your dream goal? currently – to teach online classes
The room you're in? family room
Your hobby (hobbies)? genealogy, reading, surfing the Net
Your fear? my worst fear would have be to be burned in a fire
Where do you want to be in 6 years? depends on a lot of things
Where were you last night? at home
What you're not? a Missionary!! I love living in Canada
One of your wish-list items? take a trip to Scotland and sleep in a castle. Really, I’m serious!!
Where you grew up? Halifax, Nova Scotia
The last thing you did? drank a glass of orange juice
What are you wearing? jeans and T-shirt
Your TV? it’s usually on – love having an LCD
Your pet? Angel – we found out she’s a “Chizer” (Chihauhau/Schnauzer)
Your computer? my laptop and a slow 7 year old PC
Your mood? relaxed
Missing someone? lots of people
Your car? 2000 Sunfire
Something you're not wearing? make-up
Favourite shop? Taste of Country
Your summer? always too short
Love someone? my husband, Wayne – 35th anniversary in December
Your favourite colour? blue, teal, purple
When is the last time you laughed? playing games at our Family Christmas Gathering last weekend – hilarious!!
When is the last time you cried? not really sure – unless you count the games when we laughed so hard we were crying!!

Wordless Wednesday

Remembrance Day Song

Remember the Cost

James Robert Martin

(1894 – 1955)

My grandfather was a soldier in WWI. He joined the No. 10 Halifax Siege Battery and was shipped out to fight in France. He fought in the trenches and he endured being gassed. Thank God, he was not injured. He returned safely to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada where he became a Halifax city policeman.

Many did not return. Many lost family members and close friends. The cost was great. WAR is not easy for any generation. Our veterans were willing to serve our country and to fight for the freedoms we now enjoy, but it came with a cost. It still does. War is not just something to remember on November 11th every year. That’s good, but we still have war.

Today’s wars may be more “advanced” and less brutal, but they still cost those involved – dearly!! It is so easy to turn on the news, see that latest report being broadcast, and turn the channel. Why bother watching it if you don’t have anyone over there? No personal connection to the reality facing many military families and their close friends.

Did you know that there are veterans today who are not from WWI or WWII or Korea?? The Gulf War is already more than 17 years ago (1991). The current conflicts in the Gulf and Afghanistan are ongoing. Soldiers are still dying today. Families are still watching every news cast, praying that their loved one will return home safely. They needs our prayers and our support.

Do you pray for our troops in the hotspots of today’s world?? Just because it has not been officially labeled as a “war” doesn’t mean that they are not in danger. Here’s my challenge: PRAY for those who serve in our military. PRAY daily for their families. REMEMBER them for their bravery and willingness to go. REMEMBER those who have fallen. PRAY for the families who have lost loved ones (recently or years ago). When you see a “Support Our Troops” sign – PRAY. It’s the best support we can give them.

Selah Y

Praise Report for Ranon

I have received a call from Willow this morning. Little Ranon is doing MUCH better!!

The radiologist has given him 100% clear on his tests (God has healed him!!) They have determined that the blood poisoning was a result of a kidney infection. His temperature is now normal and his colouring is much better. He is off the monitor, but he still has an IV. They are scheduled to be released to go home from hospital on Tuesday with one more week of treatments after that. He will need to have his immune system tested at 6 months to determine if there was any damage.

Continue to pray:

For his complete recovery (stronger every day)
That his immune system will develop properly
That there is NO long term effects on his health
Rest for the family through this ordeal

Thank you Lord for the peace You have already given them - that Ranon is completely in Your hands.

UPDATE: Ranon and Willow came home from hospital on Nov 11

Dads in the Spotlight

WOW! What a clear reminder of how influential our parental roles truly are. Children are IMPACTED by their parents, not only by what is taught or spoken to them, but by every part of our lives. Consider the awesome responsibility God has given to us for our children. We are making an impression on their lives every day that will last a lifetime. Let's determine to leave a godly heritage - a family legacy where they proudly say, "I learned that from my Dad!"

PRAY for Ranon

Please PRAY for Ranon (Glen & Willow's new baby boy). They are acouple who attend our church. Baby Ranon is just 1 month old and he is in hospital with bacterial infection in his blood (blood poisoning).

Pray for (1) his complete healing; (2) that this will have NO effects on his brain; and (3) pray specifically that the swelling in his left kidney will go down. Also keep the family in your prayers as well.

PRAYER works and we serve an awesome God!!

THE ONE THAT DIDN’T GET AWAY

Whenever we go home to Nova Scotia, we ALWAYS have to eat lobsters! When we went to buy them from a local lobster fisherman, he had this one for sale. My husband HAD to have his picture taken with his all time FAVOURITE treat. This one weighed about 16 pounds.

Lobster Facts: The largest lobster ever caught was caught off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada in 1977. It measured a tasty 41 inches from nose to tail and weighed in at a mouth watering 20.14 kilograms or 44.4 pounds. (WOW)

Lobster Nutritional Information: Are lobsters good for you? You Bet! Lobsters aren't just good - they're good for you. East Coast Lobster has less cholesterol, calories, and saturated fats than both chicken and turkey. (I was surprised by these numbers!)

East Coast Lobster:

cholesterol = 72 mg; calories = 98; saturated fats = 0.1 g
Skinless Chicken:

cholesterol = 85 mg; calories = 173; saturated fats = 1.3 g
Skinless Turkey:

cholesterol = 86 mg; calories = 140; saturated fats = 0.4 g
Source: The National Institute of Health based on a 3.5 oz. Serving

When in Nova Scotia I found these hilarious Lobster Postcards.

I also discovered a huge controversy about the method of preparing lobsters. They must be purchased and boiled alive. NEVER cook a dead lobster. This is seen as cruel. (article)

Most amazing fact is that someone has invented a machine called "Crustastun" that will electrocute them instead. Unfortunately it cost £2,000!

For me, it’s how lobsters have always been prepared since I was a child – a very natural process. Maybe it seems strange because for most of us, especially in cities, we never see our “meals” before we purchase them in the grocery store. They are neatly packaged – ready for us to cook. It is never a traumatic experience. But the reality is that all meat comes from an animal that once was alive. We don’t often see the whole process involved in providing our food. We are a very “sanitized” society. We don’t have to go out and choose which hen will become our roast chicken dinner. It is done “quietly” for us. Even when fishing, you have to kill the fish to eat it. Perhaps this is where many vegetarians are converted.

We satisfied our lobster craving with a half a dozen 3 pound lobsters. We even introduced my 2 year old grandson to his first taste of this family tradition. He loved it!! And he wasn’t traumatized by the process. It is food. Enjoy it!! We did. :o)

Perspective is a wonderful and necessary thing. When things are out of their proper perspective, they quickly become distorted. The definition of distorted: not truly or completely representing the facts or reality; misrepresented; false. The definition of perspective was equally interesting: the state of one's ideas, the facts known to one, etc., in having a meaningful interrelationship; the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship; a mental view or prospect. How often do we get caught up in a current controversy without considering the whole picture? Way too easily. Enjoy all of God’s creation, but remember – He created it for us - to take care of and to use wisely. Sometimes, our “good ideas” are not very practical.

Selah Y

Happy Birthday Nanny!

We had a wonderful vacation in Nova Scotia. We celebrated an important family milestone - Nanny’s 80th birthday.

It was great for scattered family members to gather together. It’s always so hard to find a time when everyone can attend. In this case, the date was not negotiable. We celebrated on her birthday – June 7. In our hectic schedules, we must endeavor to take the time to recognize and honour special occasions. We love you Nanny!

Reality or Denial?

Dancing with Destiny: Quotes from Dreamers: “Facing the Dream Killers”

We Live in a Fantasy World

What if our lives turn out to be totally different from our dreams? Some people are so disappointed with the “now” that they live in a fantasy world.

Dreams are risky. What if it doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would? You did everything “right” but here you are – FAR from living your dreams. Rather than face the reality of their disappointments, they live a façade. “Everything’s great!! Couldn’t be better!! I’m FINE!!” Don a smile and go with the flow.

Others live vicariously through somebody else’s life or dreams.

Parents can be guilty of this one. Circumstances prevented the fulfillment of their own dreams, so they project their ambitions and expectations on their children – pressuring them into areas we prefer them to pursue. We must be careful to allow our children to fulfill God’s plan for their lives, not our dream for their futures. Pray for wisdom as you guide them to make decisions for the directions they take.

Still others say, “If this is my destiny, then God made a really big mistake.”

Have you ever thought God made a mistake? Well, everyone knows that God doesn’t make mistakes, but surely, THIS is not what He planned for me!!! Because we cannot see the end, we judge situations on what we see today. It is never the full picture. Based on our limited perceptions, we make decisions to change the direction our path is going. However, God had a reason for us to travel this particular part of our journey. Within each trail/situation, there is a lesson to be learned or a character quality to be developed or perfected. When you resist, you slow down the process. I don’t want to hear that!! Not going there!! “I’m not listening!!”

Do you feel that way? It shows a crisis of trust in God! It means that you probably do not understand what you have been given, who you really are and how God sees you. If we grasped how much God genuinely loves us, if we could see ourselves through His eyes, our lives would be dramatically different. We would know who we are and what our purpose is. I can assure you that we would live very differently, love extravagantly and pray strategically.

WOW. Isn’t that the Truth!! We must fully grasp this and apply it to our lives. God LOVES us and has a plan for our good (Jeremiah 11:29). When you truly learn to live in this reality – fantasy land will look so ridiculous, you will wonder how it ever became an option.

What is around you? Who are the people with you? If things do not look the way you imagined they would be, then in your mind you have built a fantasy.

Denial of reality is not the answer. (DENIAL: Don’t Even kNow I Am Lying.) You are lying to yourself (and to others). At best, it delays facing the inevitable and at worst, it allows more sorrow and heartache than if you would have faced it up front.


It is a HUGE PIT with no hope for resolving the situation. Denial NEVER changes your situation. You can’t change reality with fantasy. Things do not change because you declare them to be something that they are not. Learn to live in reality and ask God for wisdom in all you are facing.

You are in process: What are you doing with the material God has given you to work with?

No one accomplishes everything at once. Dreams take time to fulfill. God’s plan for you will not be fully realized until you walk in ALL He has for you – accept ALL He has provided for you – embrace ALL He has laid before you. Reality is now. Don’t waste valuable time in fantasy land. Get out of the denial pit and start claiming your inheritance. Pursue your dreams and get ready to dance!!

Selah Y

Are We Having Fun Yet?

Dancing with Destiny: Quotes from Dreamers: “Facing the Dream Killers”

We Are Afraid to Have Fun

Let's face it: "Religion" isn't fun. Legalism shuts down the human heart and closes off intimacy with God.

Imagine a relationship in which there was no room for fun. How excited would you be to spend all of your time with this person? Imagine having a list of “rules” for what you can and cannot do or talk about each time you met together – no room for spontaneity – just pre-approved topics and predictable activities. Imagine conversations where you can only communicate by reading pre-written responses – as if following a script written by someone else. How would you get to know this person? How would they get to know you? Relationship would be SO LIMITED. (and BORING!!)

Isn’t that what “religion” has ended up doing? With good intentions, prayers were written out to be a guide for how to talk to God, but when it became the only way to pray, we have a problem. Intimacy is lost and we are just following the script laid out for us. True intimacy can only be developed by spending time together and sharing personally. Truly, our hearts will eventually shut down and stop seeking intimacy in this type of relationship after unmet expectations and unexpressed longings become unbearable. Why bother? With no intimacy, it will become an empty shell.

He is eager to interact with us. He came to establish deep relationships. Walking with Him is a journey of excitement, which involves having fun!

Jesus didn’t come to remain separated from us. It may sound like an old clique, but He really does want a personal relationship with us – connected to us and all we do. He wants us to share ALL of our hopes and dreams with Him. He wants us to express ourselves and have FUN!! We have been created to be unique and it pleases Him when we are truly expressing and being ourselves.

As children, we knew how to just have fun. Little ones are not limited by what must be or how something is supposed to look; they just express it from their hearts. “Fashion rules” are eventually learned (sometimes for good reason!!) as we learn what is acceptable, but look at what we miss when we don't step outside the box of the ordinary. In this photo, they are definitely having fun!! It brought a smile to my face. :o) BUT would you do this – just for fun?? Have you ever done something just for the sheer fun of it? Laughter is good for the soul. A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 (Amplified Bible)

We are the ones who stop the game. "Time-out!" we yell. The "religious system" sometimes gives the message that rest and relaxation are unspiritual and unnecessary. We prefer not to play because it does not look spiritual.

Have you been allowed to express your creativity? Are you encouraged to pursue your dreams? Or does your every activity have to accomplish an ultimate purpose, or achieve some valid goal? What does R&R really mean to you? Did Jesus take time to “rest” and just enjoy the company of His friends? Did they have fun together? Laugh together?

In a society where success is valued so highly, is there room for fun? Is it possible to have fun with God??? Is this an unrealistic expectation - just out of our reach?

Every journey has ups and downs. There will be times of difficulty and suffering as well as times of joy and celebra­tion. We expect seasons of pain in the Christian walk, but we need to expect times of pleasure and passion, as well. It is not an either/or situation. We embrace the journey and celebrate life.

LIFE must have all of these elements. Real Life – living in reality. Jesus said, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10b (Amplified Bible) We are supposed to experience AND express all aspects of life – to the full – that includes having FUN!!

Selah Y

Happy Mother's Day

100th Post

It's my Blog anniversary! This is my 100th post. I have really enjoyed having my blog and it has given me the opportunity to share my writing with others. Selah's Space has been a place to take the time out of my very busy schedule to stop and think about what is happening around me and write down my thoughts. Too often we sail through and don't make note of these. In our busyness, we still need to find time to encourage others and share our faith.

I started on March 2, 2007 with a goal to write something every day. Well, a year later (and more than 100 days) I am not writing every day, but I am pleased with how it has turned out. I have met many bloggers and have thoroughly enjoyed surfing the Blog World.

To all the new bloggers - keep blogging!

To my blog readers - I hope it has been worth your time and I look forward to reading more of your comments.

Do you like my "100"? Check out this link to Cool Text.

Selah Y

Pay It Forward

Easter Sunday is a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. It is symbolized by the empty tomb. This IS the Good News – He who was dead is ALIVE again!! Jesus has risen – He is no longer in the tomb where they laid him. The stone that sealed the entrance was rolled away – releasing Jesus from the grip of death. His victory becomes ours as we believe in Him. It is a key part of our faith as Christians.

Good Friday is represented by the Cross. Often this is the picture of Easter we remember most because of the visual impact it has on us. How could we not be affected by it? Crucifixion was a long and torturous execution – meant to be cruel and humiliating. Some depictions have been “sanitized” as not to offend the viewers, but recent versions have tried to be more accurate (like the movie: The Passion). How do you portray a public execution without the horror of it?

Jesus willingly endured the cross in order to purchase our salvation. It COST Him dearly. Yes, salvation is offered to us as a free gift, but only because the price was already paid – with blood (the sacrifice of a perfect Lamb). Do we really realize what He endured to bring that freedom to us? Do we realize what our inheritance really is? I think if many did understand it more fully, they would not treat it so lightly. It is a so valuable – a precious gift beyond our ability to ever receive it on our own merit.

I watched a movie tonight called "Pay It Forward" (click for web site), in which an 11-year-old boy was given an assignment at school: THINK OF AN IDEA FOR WORLD CHANGE, AND PUT IT INTO ACTION. How can we change the world? A big assignment!! On our own, we can’t – it’s too big. But here is his idea: Do something real good for three people. And then when they ask how they can pay it back, tell them they have to Pay It Forward to three more people. It has to be something where you don’t get rewarded – you pay the reward forward and watch it snowball.

I had a similar experience when I ran out of gas and a man came along and put gas in my car from his lawnmower gas jug – it was enough to get me to the gas station. When I offered to pay for the gas, he said, “Just bless someone else when the opportunity presents itself.” Wow – doing good for someone else with no expectation of personal reward – THAT would truly change the world!!

One thing that was emphasized in the movie was that it had to cost you something in order to have a big impact. It couldn’t just be something small or easy. It had to be big – something the person couldn’t do for themselves and couldn’t pay you back for it. Isn’t this what God did for us? It cost Jesus His life – His whole life. We couldn’t do it for ourselves (impossible) and we cannot pay Him back – there is nothing we can do in exchange for His gift of salvation. Then all He asks is that we tell others the “Good News” so they can believe and be blessed too.

The tomb may be empty this Easter, but the Gospel is full and Jesus is alive. The tomb was a place of death, but God brought life where there was no hope or future. He set in motion events that would forever change the world and He wants to change our world too. Accept His gift of salvation and then Pay It Forward to those who do not know. There will be a cost to spread the Gospel and we will not reap the reward for ourselves, but it WILL change the world. That’s the Promise of Easter!!

Selah Y

It's Saturday, But Sunday's coming!!

What's Your Excuse?

Dancing with Destiny: Quotes from Dreamers: “Facing the Dream Killers”

We Hide behind Excuses

An obvious dream killer is one that we might call a "nat­ural" hindrance, a problem that we face in life: "I can't speak….I'm not smart enough….I'm shy and lack people skills….I'm a single parent….I'm not a leader….I'm not talented enough….I'm too old…." Insert your own natural disability—your excuse—that you think keeps you from your dreams.

What are your excuses? Do you disqualify yourself before you even start? Are you measuring yourself by someone else’s expectations? Is the list on “auto play” – like a tape repeating over and over until you automatically respond with the same answers?

Our tendency is to look at these hindrances and say, "I would like to do such and such, but I have this problem," or, "The world values thus and so, and I'm not like that, so I guess I'm out." We look at these excuses and limitations and disqualify ourselves. God never does that. He says,

He puts the dreams in our hearts, and then He wants to take us on the journey to walk those dreams out. Remember, our dreamer God has bigger dreams for our lives than we do. Sometimes He has to ambush us to get us to our destinations as we travel through the seasons of our lives.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to know without a doubt what God’s plan is for your life? What would you do? Would you write it down? Then what? He DOES have a plan for your life!! He WANTS to reveal it to you. ASK Him. It will bring you peace and hope. It will be an exact fit – tailor made just for you – prepared for you before you were born!!

God takes unlikely people and does supernatural things with them.

I have heard and read lots about Kathryn Kuhlman. I didn’t know that she was dyslexic. Yet God called her to speak to crowds of people and move in signs, wonders and miracles. That’s God – using what others consider foolish and confounding those who think themselves wise. Taking what we think is a handicap and showing what HE can do with her willingness to step out and into God’s dream for her. He LOVES to take the “throw-aways” and the “washed-up” and make them His heroes. They are hidden treasures just waiting to be released.

No, we will not all be called to do what Kathryn Kuhlman did. But why try to live her dream? God has something for you that only you can fulfill – your destiny – not a second-hand dream. Has He revealed it to you? Have you asked Him what it is? Is it bigger than you thought it would be?

Are you giving excuses like Moses did before the burning bush? Don’t look at the hindrances. Don’t disqualify yourself before you even begin. He knew what God was asking of him. God knew what HE could do. Moses had a huge destiny to fulfill. God had a plan to deliver His people. It was already pre-planned – Moses just had to obey and TRUST God to walk it out with him. Don’t try to fulfill it without God – but WITH GOD, watch what happens!!

So what are your excuses?

Selah Y

Creative Dreamers

Dancing with Destiny: Quotes from Dreamers: “Dream Killers ~ Opening”

Are you a dreamer? I don’t mean a “day-dreamer” who is lost in a fantasy world to escape reality. I am talking about “dreaming” of a bigger future – bigger than the limitations that you see around you today. Do you ever “dream” about what God might do through YOU? Read what Jill wrote at the beginning of this chapter.

Once we understand that we were born to be dream­ers, we face the realization of how small and limited our dreams really are. We become so locked into mind-sets, strongholds, disappointments and hurts that we do not dream anymore. Why can’t we dream? Why can’t we be creative? Actually, we can! We are creative by design. It is in our DNA; it is who we are. God created us to be creative.

As adults we think, I’m not an artist; I’m not creative. Unless we block it, creativity will flow from us—whether it is through problem solving, juggling family schedules, accounting or computer programming. We have believed the lie that we are not creative. And if we are not creative, then we have no heart for dreaming.

Wow. This quote jumped off the page. “Locked.” How many are walking around declaring that they are “free” when in fact, they are not walking in all that God has for them? Why not? What caused them to lay down their dreams? “We have believed the lie.” When you truly believe something is true, it affects everything you do. You will live accordingly.

God is so creative. This is even expressed in His names – He is the “Great Creator”!! He created heaven and earth and everything else. He created us to be creative, too. As children, we were encouraged to be creative, but some have laid it down – “Childish”, they say, “No time for such things.”

Have you “believed the lie” that you “are not creative”? Has it been shut down or squashed?

We must start with being willing to dream again. We must get past the lies that want to surface every time we try to move forward. We must deal once and for all with the negativity that has plagued us our entire lives. We need to say, “The dream killers are not going to stop me. I am not listening to those who say that it is impossible or that it will cost too much money or that I don’t have the talent to accomplish it. I am going to give it a try anyway.” We start moving, and we find that we have creative instinct after all.

Recently, I attended meetings where they prayed to release our creativity. It went deep. Creativity IS a natural outflow of being in God’s presence – how can we spend time with Him and not reflect His nature? Your creative expression may look different than mine, and that’s OK. We are to be creative in our own ways – as God created us be. He LIKES variety.

Got a new idea? Are you making something just a little different than someone else? That’s your creativity coming out. Feed it – it will grow!! Dream a little and then dream a lot. God loves when we dream big. He’s a big God – bigger than our universe. He is God!!

Are you willing to dream again? Have mind-sets limited your ability to dare to dream? Are you willing to unlock the strongholds built to keep you from fulfilling God’s destiny for you? Can you lay aside past disappointments and losses to make room for what God is waiting to reveal to you today? Will you allow Him to heal your wounded heart?

LIES have blocked our creative flow and limited our ability to dream. God’s Truth will set us free. HIS Light dispels all darkness. He is calling us to start dreaming again. Open your heart and hear what He is saying to you today. Then start dreaming…….

Selah Y

Shattered Dreams, Broken Pieces

Suddenly dreams are shattered.
Broken pieces smashed on the floor.
Tears lie in puddles,
Cries in the night go unheard.

What is there to hope for?
Where can relief be found?
Why is God not acting?
Despair overwhelms.

Everything is distorted,
Dark clouds hang overhead.
Numb the pain, silence the voices,
Your heart is shutting down.

Who is there to pick up the pieces?
How can they be restored?
The original is gone forever,
Abandoned and thrown away.

Jesus sees our broken pieces.
He restores shattered lives.
He creates beauty out of ashes,
Brings new life from destruction.

His Light shines into our darkness,
Hope ignites our heart.
Slowly pieces fall into place.
He makes something beautiful of your life.

Give your shattered dreams to Jesus.
Let Him rearrange the pieces.
Things tossed aside become precious.
He redeems the treasure inside.

Will you trust Him with your heart?
Will you allow Him to heal?
He is waiting to redeem it.
He is calling to you today.

Nothing is impossible for God to mend.
His plan for you still stands.
Your destiny cannot be stolen,
RISE UP and DANCE!

Selah Y
13 March 2008

Follow His Lead

Dancing with Destiny: Quotes from Dreamers: “In the Broom Closet of Prayer”

I love Jill’s story. It’s so simple – we’ve all been there!!

I began pleading with God to rapture me! But I was trapped by my promise. God had ambushed me to push me through the “birth canal” and into what would eventually become my destiny.

When we feel pushed into a corner, our first reaction is to plead with God for an escape hatch to open and save us from facing the situation. Many times this is the very thing God is going to use to help us to GROW! If we knew all that we would have to face and overcome, many of us would not have signed up. In high school, I never envisioned doing the things I am doing now. God brought me to this place through the things I experienced on my life’s journey. Don’t jump ahead of God. He has it planned. All things together shape us into who we are today.

Don’t fret – God teaches us as we go. I like this part of her story when she was scheduled to speak at a service:

The Pastor asked her, “Didn’t you write down your story and memorize it?”

Jill answered, “Well, no. I didn’t know I was supposed to.”

He said, “You have to have a script! What were you planning to do?”

“Well, you see,” she stammered, “God, He talks to me, and I listen and then just repeat it.”

He looked shocked and the words fairly erupted from him. “No! You can’t do it that way!”

But that is exactly what He wants us to do. Learn to hear His voice and then obey what He tells us. We are not all going to do things the same way. Don’t try to do what God has called someone else to do – do what He has called YOU to do. The bonus is: it will be much easier to do what comes naturally to you anyway.

I am moving constantly toward my destiny. And so are you! God starts with us every day right where we are—using all of where we have been. The problem is, we lose sight of the movement in our calling and grow frustrated or disillusioned about fulfilling our destinies.

Don’t give up!! You are moving forward. Can you see the earth moving? It is. Ever watch the moon? It doesn’t seem to be moving when you look at it, but look away and then come back and look again. It moves across the night sky – slowly, steadily – until it’s time for the sun to come up. EVERY day the cycle is repeated. How silly it would be to get frustrated with the moon for not moving faster or upset because it won’t go in a different direction after we prayed. God has set it on a sure path. Walk on God’s path for YOU!

Selah Y

Why Dream?

Dancing with Destiny: Quotes from Dreamers: “In the Broom Closet of Prayer”

Do you realize that your life is not a mistake? It starts with God’s dream for you. We are created in the image of our Father, we are called to be creative dreamers.

Dreaming is wild and fun. In our heart of hearts, we would never choose a life that has no adventure. It is be­cause of our fear and our smallness that we wind up seek­ing only what is “safe.” We learn to value comfort and security. But what we call security is really insecurity and mediocrity. God wants us to take risks, to know the thrill and exhilaration of dreaming big.

God never punishes us when we dream big. He wants us to dream big dreams. He is calling us to be “007” special-ops agents behind the scenes for Him. With Jesus our potential is unrestricted.

Wow. This sure goes along with our theme of Taking the Limits Off. “Our fear and smallness = seeking what is safe.” He calls us to take risks – not blindly diving into something, but following His lead and trusting He will not lead us astray. HE is with us every step of the way – Don’t go alone. Lone Rangers become easy targets for the enemy to surround and defeat.

Why is this so important for us to understand? Because God has prepared us for this hour. Each of us needs to pray and get fresh revelation with understanding for this critical time in history. We need to hear strategies from the counsels of God.

The enemy sees your potential. He knows that your life has God-ordained destiny. Your dreams are dangerous to him. If you embrace God’s full purposes for your life, you will be a powerful weapon to defeat him and bring freedom to many.

This quote speaks SO much to me. We cannot see into the spiritual realm unless God reveals it to us. The Bible says we are sealed and with Jesus living in us, I can picture what it would look like spiritually as we walk into a dark place. We SHINE and the darkness cannot help but notice you. Ever been growled at? It’s a weird experience but very reassuring to realize that you are recognized as belonging to God. We need to be “Glow-in-the-Dark” Christians – shining in dark places.

I don’t think we fully understand that WE are dangerous to the enemy of our souls. When we begin walk in ALL that God has for us, he cannot stop us. He can only oppose us by distracting us from our mission or trying to deceive us into believe we are not really who God says we are. Learn who you are in Christ. Walk in the authority that God has given to YOU. Don’t lay it down or give it away. If you feel it is “lost” or “stolen”, ask God to restore it to you. He will give you everything you need to fulfill your destiny. Once we learn it, we can pick up our weapons, walk in our destiny, and bring the same freedom to others.

Selah Y

Don't Turn Back

Dancing with Destiny: Quotes from the Introduction

The Lord says to us, Your dreams are like cup of water, but My dreams for you are like the vastness of an ocean.

We cannot even imagine what God has planned for us. It truly is like comparing a glass of water to the ocean. We long for sip and He wants to submerge us!!

Has your life turned out totally different from the way you dreamed it would be? Have you grown weary because of shattered hopes, delayed answers and painful regrets? Perhaps you have gone through the routines of life and walked with God for a long time, but now you seem to have lost vision for your life. Once when you were young and vibrant in God, you had a cause to die for, but instead of dying for a cause, now you find yourself dying.

Look to the One who brings life and resurrection power to every situation.

Destiny is a progression of cycles and seasons. Destiny is like a giant tapestry. He has already dreamed about you. Your destiny is the divine journey that you are living right now. It may look different from what you imagined, but God, the masterful dream weaver, does not make mistakes with anyone’s life and destiny.

Remember HE is Master Dreamer. HIS plan for you is perfect!

You cannot go backward—you know too much. Where would you go anyway? There is a longing in you that can be satisfied only by God Himself. We can become disillusioned and settle for sitting on the beach and watching others ride the waves. If we wait forever to seek our dreams, we will never find them.

Jesus spoke to someone who was, in every respect, dead to his dreams. Delayed answers and shattered hopes had left him with no seeming possibility of fulfilling his destiny. Are you in that situation? Then listen to Jesus’ words: “Lazarus, come forth!” The Lord is calling you to come forth, take off the grave clothes.

Will you start to dream again?

The Invitation

Dancing with Destiny: Quotes from the Invitaion

You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, nor … Desolate… for the LORD delights in you… so shall your God rejoice over you. (from Isaiah 62:4-5)

God is calling for His Bride—for you—calling you to step into the journey of a lifetime with your Bridegroom King. In His hand is a long-stemmed red rose, and He offers it to you with an invitation. Joyfully He says, “Let’s tango!”

Dancing is the epitome of partnership. It involves respect, dignity and strength. It takes courage to follow your heart and to let your inhibitions go. It shows who is willing to be vulnerable and grow as a partner and who is not. Will you take His hand and dance all night? Or will you stand aloof and watch others grow in their journeys?

Can you picture it? The Bridegroom extending His hand to the Bride - inviting her onto the dance floor for that special dance? It's the dance of a lifetime! Don't shrink back - yes, it is YOU He is inviting to dance with HIM.

It is risky. You know you could look foolish. He is utterly wild yet utterly safe at the
same time. He knows your dreams! He wants to share them with you. He wants
you to know love such as you have never known.

TRUST HIM! You are safer with Jesus than you have ever been in your whole life. He longs to share His heart with you. He longs to show you ALL that He has planned. He is excited about your future!! Can't seem to dream - follow His dream for you! It's an adventure you don't want to miss!

You are not just a dreamer and lover, you are a warrior! It becomes the dance of a warrior, something like King David’s dance when the Ark of the Covenant was being returned to Jerusalem. He was not worried about being dignified. He was a warrior celebrating victory, and he displayed his joy with leaping and ecstatic whirling. The Bible tells us that his wife Michal, however, watched with judgmental eyes. She was not willing to give herself to such love and abandonment of her principles. And what hap­pened? David’s exuberance pleased the Lord, and Michal’s critical heart led to the loss of her destiny. She, who could have borne kings, was forever barren.

I've heard many speak on this portion of scripture - even a song - "I WILL be even more undignifyed than this"!! Can you hear it? We know for sure that David was a warrior, no question. Imagine it - the KING dancing in the street before the Ark of the Covenant as it moved towards Jerusalem. Quite a sight! But the Bible says that the Lord was pleased with his expression of worship that day. Maybe not in what he was doing, but God looks at the heart (always!) and He saw David's passion as he worshipped. He also saw Michal's heart - her judgemental eyes. She was critical of David's passion for God. As a result she was left barren. How sad! God is jealous for our love and worship. No we don't all have to dance in the street for God to be pleased with our worship, but He is longing for us to worship Him in the same spirit of freedom as David had - sold-out passion before His Redeemer.

It is a fascinating journey. He is so fun and full of life, you want more of Him. You love the partnership of the Bride with the Bridegroom King. Catching just one glimpse of His eye gives you the courage to follow your heart.

Listen for His invitation. He is calling for you to join Him.

“Come with Me, My be­loved. Your destiny, your journey, will surpass your wildest dreams if you follow Me.” Will you stay close to His heart and learn to dream, to love and to war? Will you let Him show you the steps of your journey?

Will you dance with destiny?

Selah Y

Backing into the Future

Dancing with Destiny: Quotes from the Foreword by Dutch Sheets

Do we really have a destiny from God? Absolutely. And though He has chosen not to share all of it with us up front—the Hebrew word achariyth conveys the concept of backing into the future, like a person rowing a boat—rest assured God has wonderful plans for you, plans for good, not evil (see Jeremiah 29:11).

I really like this parallel. When you row, you are facing “backwards” in order to go forward. Sounds opposite to what actually works. Isn’t that just like God – doing it HIS way is opposite to YOUR way.

While pondering this quote, I got this picture:

God has planned everything for your journey. He extends an invitation to you to launch out.

It looks simple enough. With a little practice, you learn how to get around – going out a little further each time. Soon you are quite comfortable with the oars and you glide across the water with ease.

With your new found confidence, you have convinced yourseIf, I can take care of myself. I will venture out and explore the land. At first, all goes well; however without a map to give you directions, you are soon lost. Not knowing where to go, you pull up onto the shore and cry out, Oh God. Help me find my way back home.

Of course, He will. He ALWAYS hears our cries to Him. He has promised to NEVER leave us or forsake us. He KEEPS His promises. He picks you up and returns you safely home. You learn to read His directions and ask for His guidance.

How quickly we forget past difficulties in times of peace. Self-confidence rises up again and you dream of launching out again. This time you head for deep waters. Again you convince yourself, I am more mature now. I can handle the challenge. It will be fine. I deserve some excitement!!

I will launch out into the deep and explore on my own. I can do it! The waters change. The farther away from the safety of the shore, the rougher the waters get. You never had to deal with waves like these while inshore.

The thrill is exhilarating!

WOW. It’s the ride of a lifetime and you have accomplished it on your own merit!! You are so proud of your success. But there is a rude awakening coming.

You have ventured into uncharted waters. In your enthusiasm, you have traveled beyond the scope of your map. Unprepared for the magnitude of what you are now facing, you become shipwrecked.

How did you end up in this position again? Why didn’t you ask for assistance before you went blindly into uncharted waters? How can you explain this mess that is completely a direct consequence of your actions? Will God still answer your cry for help? Will He still rescue you or will He punish you for your foolish choices?

You ponder for a long time as you stand on the shore – desperately wishing you weren’t in this dilemma, but knowing there is no one to transfer the blame to. You have the same choice to make that we all face every day: Do I try to continue in your own strength and somehow “make it right” OR do I cry out to God for mercy, ask for His forgiveness, and allow Him to guide you back to your original path to continue His journey for you.

He will answer you. He LONGS to restore you to the path He has planned for you. Why shouldn’t He? It is tailored just for you!! He offers you another chance – another invitation to continue the journey. This time you are wiser. You ask HIM to come along with you.

You are back in the row boat, but here is the difference. As you face backwards, you are looking directly into Jesus’ face as He travels with you. He gives you direction and you will always reach His destination for you.

Here’s the bonus. HE sees what is coming and gently guides you to avoid the dangers along the way. Your focus is on HIM and not the circumstances ahead. Like Peter, you can be distracted when the storms come, start to panic and act on your own. With your focus on Him, He’ll guide you through in calm waters or storms. Trust Him. HE knows your destination!!

Selah Y

Dance of the Warrior

Dancing with Destiny: Quotes from the Forword by Dutch Sheets

The Greek word for “destiny,” proorizo, is filled with hope. The root, horizo, gives us our word ho­rizon; the prefix means “in advance.” God has planned a future for us, determining our horizons before we were ever born (see Psalm 139: 13-16). This does not mean everything that occurs in our lives is preplanned by God; He does not cause us to sin, fail or experience devastation just so He can give us a testimony. But it does mean He has a finish line in mind for us and a preordained way of recovery when forces try to derail us.

Two pieces of our destiny are worshiping and warring - our dance with destiny is “the dance of a warrior.” We are worshiping warriors, loving liberators. We are really freedom fighters on a mission of mercy. You will become a greater warrior—one of “God's Bravehearts.” You were made for war. He did not intend for you to sit by while others won the victor’s crown. God has made you more than a conqueror!

WOW. These quotes speak so much to me. It makes me want to jump to the end of the book!! Then I realized: Isn’t that what we often want to do? Skip the process and claim the reward!!

So often we want what others have, but we don’t consider how they got there. We are such a microwave-minded society. We want it and we want it NOW!! I like what John Maxwell said in one of his teaching tapes. A young man came up to him at a conference and said, “I want to have what you have and do what you do.” His answer to him was something like this: If you want to have what I have, are you willing to do what I did in order to have it?”

There is a process. We often want to just skip to the reward. Remember the children’s story of the little hen making bread and no one wanted to help her in all of the steps along the way to make the bread? BUT they all showed up at the end to help her eat it!!! So true.

God is not like some genie who wants to grant us three wishes and all our heart’s desires. He is more interested in the journey on the way to our destination. That’s our destiny. How we fulfill it becomes out testimony. I choose to walk it with Him – to accept His invitation to join Him in the Dance of my Destiny.

Worshiping Warriors, loving liberators, freedom fighters on a mission of mercy – becoming one of “God’s Bravehearts” – more than a conqueror!! Are you ready?

Selah Y

Dancing with Destiny

I very excited to be starting a new book called DANCING with DESTINY by Jill Austin. Check it out on her "Master Potter" web site. Be sure to watch the video promo. You can even read an excerpt from the book (Chapter 1). You can also read about it on Jill Austin's "My Space" web site, which looks quite intriging.

I have read two other books by Jill Austin: Master Potter & Master Potter and the Mountain of Fire and thoroughly enjoyed them. Check out other articles written by Jill Austin here.

I am looking forward to "Awaken MY Heart to Dream, to Love, & to War" as I journey through this book. I have been busy this past month with my online course, but I will try to make time to share some quotes and comment on the insights I discover along the way.

Selah Y

Convinced