Say Something

Currently I am in a new season of growing and strengthening of my FAITH.  HE is working in me and through me to teach me HIS ways as to how to first see people, as HE sees them, and the to love people as HE loves them.  I will tell you, it's easy for me to see the nice people, and to love the nice people, but when it comes to difficult people, well, meh.... that is where I fall short.... every single time.

HIS Daily Teachings today is challenging me to Say Something, however NOT in the way that in my humanness would "think" I should Say Something.  Today HE is taking me straight into HIS word, and revealing to me the life of my LORD and SAVIOR, and how when JESUS spoke, when HE did Say Something it was with great meaning, and great purpose.  Today I am learning that Say Something is about my encounters with people who are difficult, and how when choosing to be led by HIS HOLY SPIRIT, I will NOT be easily offended.

Today HE is taking me on a journey of what if Say Something allowed me to be FULL Of HIS power. HE is telling me NOT to let it go to my head about having HIS power, it's NOT for my gain, but rather to do HIS good works.  HE is reminding me once again that my life is NO longer about just me, rather it's about reaching people, witnessing to them, and telling my story.

As I began to journal out what I was reading in my devotional, I was surprised at how quickly it turned from being ALL about me, and became ALL about people.   In seeking HIS heart, and wanting mine to be more like HIS, HE is teaching me that I must understand the power and the value of Say Something.  HE is wanting me to know that my story that I am to tell is NOT of the sadness and heartbreak that I lived through, but rather that HE is my REDEEMER. 

This morning HE is challenging me to a list of what ifs when I "feel" offend, I actually let go of my humanness, and allowed myself to be led by HIS HOLY SPIRIT.  Today HE is teaching me a series of what ifs and is showing me that truly HIS way is the best and only way I need to live my life.


~ What if Say Something allowed me to be full of HIS power, to love, extend grace, show mercy, and bless other's with forgiveness.

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline" 2 Timothy 1:7

~ What if Say Something turns the offense around, to a close encounter with HIM, as they will see HIM in me, when I choose to love on them, instead of hate on them.


"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34


~ What if Say Something tells my story , HIS story, HIS amazing story, of how HIS love is relentless, unfailing, and unconditional, as this world's REDEEMER.


"I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth" Job 19:25


~ What if Say Something NOT only tells my story, rather leads someone to HIS living water.


"Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”


~ What if Say Something actually is HIS hands and feet, and serves someone, for maybe the first time in their lives?

~ What if Say Something completely turns around a bad situation, and allows HIS amazing grace to flow in me and through, and onto them?

~ What if Say Something shows them that there is a much better way to live their lives, where they don't have to "feel" alone anymore, that someone actually cares about them?

~ What if Say Something opens the door to witness to them of HIS amazing love that is there waiting for them to receive?

~ What if Say Something softens a hardened heart with one word of kindness, all because I chose to be HOLY SPIRIT led.

~ What if Say Something allows me to be HIS light, and shows them that through CHRIST I can do ALL things.  


"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12


~ What if Say Something tells HIS story that no matter how mean someone is to me, I am NOT easy to offend, as I have the POWER and LOVE of JESUS CHRIST my LORD and SAVIOR, flowing in me and through me, and NOTHING , not ONE thing, can ever change that?

~ What if Say Something actually plants a contagious seed of FAITH, to seek FAITH, to NOT only know of HIM, but to know HIM, all because I chose to Say Something.

~ What if Say Something shows them JESUS, and the way to an everlasting life, as a way to live eternally.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

HE is letting me know that I will always have an opportunity to Say Something.  HE is telling me that rather than showing this world that though  I am in this world, I have an amazing opportunity to show them that I am NOT of this world.  HE is wanting me to know that it is NOT HIS intention to make things easier for me, but rather for me to seek HIM to show me how to deal, and interact, by choosing the right Say Something when someone difficult is offending me. 

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

While writing in my journal today I began to ask HIM for mercy, discernment, wisdom, and knowledge to know people, and to see them as HE sees them.  TRUE to WHO HE is, HE is teaching me that in order to really be able to lead a CHRIST LED life, I must choose to let go of doing things my way.  HE is telling me that my way is full of Say Somethings that only lead to hurt, dismay, anger, frustration, pain, guilt, and shame.  HE is wanting me to know that in order for me to live with HIS true freedom I must seek HIS will, HIS way, by choosing to pray and seek HIM to teach me what my Say Somethings need to consist of.

Once again HE has captured my heart and I am meditating on HIS words, that HE is truly the only way for me to live this life that I have been chosen to live.  HE is taking me back and showing me ALL the times that I have chosen to Say Something, whether, good or bad, and the outcomes of both. HE is wanting me to know that as HIS follower I am called to Say Something, that will ensure that ALL PRAISE, HONOR, and GLORY will be given to HIM.  

Today HE is preparing me for the difficult moments where I am going to be called to Say Something and HE wants me to be ready by reading HIS word, studying HIS word, meditating on HIS word, and speaking HIS word.  

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Today I am seeking HIM to teach, lead, and guide me how to be a life giver.  Today I am letting go of my way, and choosing to be brave, courageous, confident, and loving that no matter what the circumstances may be in my life, with HIM, through HIM I will always be an OVERCOMER of the hurt and pain inflicted upon me, and nothing will ever be able to STOP me from screaming it, and shouting it that HE is mine, and I am HIS, and that HE is my LORD and SAVIOR.  Today I will choose to Say Something with intention, and authenticity, just as HE did, is, and will continue to do in this world.

" Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39

My dear Brothers and Sisters in CHRIST JESUS ~ I pray today that each of you will come to know HIM as I am getting to know HIM.  I pray you will have the courage to lay your burdens down at HIS feet and allow HIM to take them from you.  I pray that you will seek HIS will for your life, and that you will let go of doing things your way.  I pray that you will see that HE is your light in your life, and will show you the best way, and only way to live your life.  I pray today that when you find yourself in a difficult situation, where someone is offending you, I pray you will have the courage to Say Something, something that brings ALL praise, honor, glory, and power to HIS HOLY NAME.

Much love and prayers,

~ Heather 

give, serve, and love

It is by nature, my human nature that is, that I, Heather am a completely selfish person. When left up to my own devices, I will always in fact choose me.  However, since I have surrendered ALL of me to HIM, well that is at least I "think" I have, I am learning that I have been called to put on a new Nature, HIS nature, meaning that in deciding to follow JESUS, I am declaring that my life is NO longer about me, but rather about HIM, and what HE has done, is doing, and will continue to do through me and in me to reach the last, the least, and the lost.

" You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24

HIS Daily Teachings today is HIS loving reminder that my life, as I know right now in this moment is NO longer about what HE's going to do for me, but rather what HE's going to do through me and in me for others, and HE will do so by my choosing to seek HIM to show me how to give, serve, and love people.  

Now in my humanness I have to admit, I felt as if though I were already doing that.  However, since HE love's me too much to let me go on in my foolish thinking and foolish ways, HE's letting me know that when it comes to NOT being about myself, I have fallen pretty short.  Thus the reason I have been struggling with letting go of my anger, and resentment when it comes to talking or even thinking about my past.

HE is telling me that what is in my past, must remain there.  I can't keep digging up old hurts, and pains, and then ask HIM to take it from me.  HE's letting me know that HE's already taken it from me, therefore I must choose to let it go.  HE is wanting me to know that in order for HIM to be able to work in me and through me to reach the last, the least, and the lost, I must pre-decide that NO matter what the circumstances may be in my life, my life is NO longer about me, but rather about HIM, and how HE has called me to be HIS living vessel to give, serve, and love.

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12

HE is wanting me to know that the only way I am ever going to be able to move beyond myself, is when I choose to be content in whatever the circumstances may be in my life life. HE is saying, that even though I may not like what is happening in the moment I am currently in, or will be in, I must remember that my life is NO longer about me, and what HE will do for me, rather about how HE will use me to give, serve, and love others.

HE is telling me that when I choose to give, I must do so freely.  HE is wanting me to know that means that I must NOT have a hidden agenda as to WHY I am giving, well nothing other than pure JOY in knowing that HE has provided for me in abundance that has allowed me to more than freely be giving to those who are in need. 

HE is reminding me that I, Heather have been on the needing side of life, and have been received giving freely from other people.  HE is taking me back to a time in my life where D and I couldn't afford to even put food on our families table.  However, because HE loves us, HE made sure that HE called people to care for us, serve us, to love us, and to give to us freely.  

To be on the receiving end of someone giving so freely was so incredibly heart touching, and life changing for our family.  I remember standing in line to receive food pantry for the first time, and the love HIS love that was poured over us through our Brothers and Sisters in CHRIST JESUS.   That day HE more than blessed us, HE overwhelmed us, and made a HUGE impact on us about the importance of giving, serving, and loving people.

HE is telling me that when I choose to give freely HE will pour HIS blessings and favor over my life as well.  HE delights in me and loves to show me just how much HE loves me.  Even in the moments where I am selfish HE still loves me.  HE loves through HIS convictions in my heart, and pulls on my heartstrings to ensure that I will choose to live my life according to HIS will, HIS plan, and HIS purpose that was created intentionally for me.

HE is telling me that when I choose to love others, this means that even when someone offends me, or hurts me, I must choose to seek HIM, and HIS vision for them.   HE is wanting me to know that when I choose to see others as HE sees them, that is when I will know that HIS KINGDOM is truly being built in me.  

HE is wanting me to know that the same courage, bravery, strength, and confidence that HE has instilled in me, is something that I, Heather can live out for others to see and bear witness too.  HE is telling me that when I choose to forgo my human nature, and seek HIS nature that is when I will no longer be looking at the sins of others, and see their hearts, and see that they are  the last, the least, and the lost.  

HE is telling me that seeing people is my calling.  HE reminding me that it is imperative for my growth and strength in my FAITH that I choose to give, serve, and love freely and openly, without expectations, or thanks.  HE is telling me that I must never give, serve, or love with the expectation of PRAISE.  HE is reminding me that ALL PRAISE, HONOR, and GLORY are for HIM, as I am HIS, and I have been chosen to be HIS hands and feet for others.

HE is reminding me that I have been called, and taught specifically by HIM that I am to keep my eyes, ears, mind, and heart fixed on HIM so that I will be able to live out HIS Daily Teachings in my life.  I am learning that HE truly is my Teacher in every single sense of the word, as HE is truly teaching, leading, and guiding me every single step of my journey towards wholeness with HIM.

HE is wanting me to know that the wholeness that I am seeking in HIM, is in a new season of my life, as I am learning that my life is no longer about HIM rescuing me, saving me, or helping me.  I say this because I know that I have indeed been rescued, saved and helped.  I know this because HE has been there every single step of the way on my journey so far.  

I am learning that my life, as I know it is no longer about  my needing to be helped, but rather about seeking HIM, HIS vision, and asking HIM whatever HE is doing in the this very moment that I am witnessing to, I want to be a part of it.  I am learning that I must STOP making everything about me, my "feelings," and my emotions.  I must make it ALL about HIM, and what HE is doing, and how HE is going to use me to do it.

I know this because HE taught me three years ago HIS word, and had me meditate on it daily for months and months that HE in fact is working in me and through ALL of the time, and if ever I doubt, all I have to do is look back to where I came from, and see just how far I have come.  HIS loving reminder to me today is this, though I may NOT be where I want to be, or need to be, I am surely NOT where I used to be.  HE has carried me, and helped me through so many tests, trials, and storms, it's time for me to allow HIM to use me to help others get through their tests, trials, and storms.

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

A good friend of mine, a new friend in fact was asked the question "how do you know that  GOD is real?"  She answered,  "I know HE is real, as I have felt HIM in every touch, hug, prayer, and love that I have received from others."  When I read that, it resonated so deeply within me, and thus began an even greater desire to grow deep within my soul that my life would be so much more about HIM, and so incredibly less about me.

Today, though I may NOT like the circumstances of my life, and though it may NOT seem fair, I will rejoice, and be glad that I have been gifted, and given another day to do HIS good works in this life that I have been created, on purpose for HIS purpose, to be HIS hands and feet to give, serve, and love the last, the least, and the lost.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in CHRIST JESUS ~ I pray specifically that HE will open the doors to your hearts today so that you will be able to see others as HE sees them.  I pray that you will have the courage to answer the conviction in your hearts to give, serve, and love others as HE loves them.  I pray that if you are in need, you will know that HE is there, and HE is sending HIS chosen people to give, serve, and love on you.  I pray today that you will know that HE sees everything, and knows everything, and cares for, and deeply loves you.  I pray today is the day that you will decide to follow HIM, and declare HIM as your LORD and SAVIOR, and see NOT that HIS blessings, and favor will be poured over your life.  I pray today you will see that you have been created on purpose, for HIS purpose to continue HIS good works to give, serve, and love.

Much love, prayers, compassion, and blessings,

Your Sister in CHRIST JESUS

~ Heather 

caught up in the moment

It never fails that whenever I share my story with someone, when they become emotional, then so do I.  Yesterday I found myself struggling to get past the emotions from the night before when I shared my story for the first time with some people from our church.  

I found myself angry yesterday as I thought about my tears that fell, in telling my story, and the worst part was I didn't even really tell my story, I pretty much skipped over and bounced through most of it. I think that there was a part of me, that didn't want to tell my story, because I thought, if I don't tell it, then it didn't happen, and then I wouldn't have to be exposed and people would know the real me.

I know this sounds crazy, but I don't mind sharing my story through this blog, as I don't have to watch or see any of your reactions.  I can just write about circumstances, and my memories, and not have to see the tears well up in someones eyes.  I don't have to answer questions, I can just share my story.

HIS Daily Teachings today is getting right to the matters of my heart and revealing to me that I struggle with tears from people as I "feel" that they are tears of pity, when really HE is telling me that they are tears of compassion.  HE is telling me that it's time that I let go of my emotions to my past, as HE can't use me effectively, if I keep getting caught up in the moment.  HE is telling me that it is time that the tears that I witness to know are tears of compassion and NOT pity.

There was a time earlier in my walk with HIM, where I was way too emotional in sharing my story.  It was as though I needed to be heard, and I wanted people to pity me.  HE is telling me the reason why I craved even pity was because of the abuse and neglect that I endured growing up, and from a very young age I learned that even negative attention, was better than NO attention.  HE is wanting me to know that this is when I made an agreement that I would seek pity, and NOT accept compassion.  HE is wanting me to know that HE NEVER intended for me to continue on this destructive journey of hating my past, and being caught up in the moment of sharing my story.

HE is telling me that my past is what makes me, well me.  HE is wanting me to embrace my past, and NOT be angry about it.  It's hard for me though, especially when someone points out that it's so sad that my parents did that, or that it happened to me.  No matter what way I share my story, it's a sad story, a sad LONG story.  So much in fact that the other day my nine year old daughter asked me to share my story with her, to which my fifteen year old replied, "Oh no Mama please don't share your story it's so sad, please Mama don't do it.  I hate your story."  

Yesterday I allowed that conversation to keep playing like a broken record over and over in my head. The more I thought about it, the more I cried, the harder I cried the worse I felt.  The worse I felt the more I was determined that the previous night would be the last time I would ever share my story in person.  This morning, however, I have been caught up in HIS amazing grace, and HE is transforming and renewing my mind to NOT get caught up in the moment, but rather do what HE calls me to do, and if that means share my story, then that is what I must do.

This morning as I poured my heart out to HIM, HE revealed to me that I don't like WHO I am, because I am different.  HE let me know that I don't like WHO I am because when I compare myself to other women, I am NOT like any of them.  HE revealed to me that it is because I don't know how to be a surface level friend, as HE NEVER intended for me to be a surface level friend.  

Today HE is revealing to me that I have so much anger built up inside of me, and that anger is what gets me caught up in the moment when I am sharing my story.  NOT only in sharing my story, but in relationships in general.  HE is telling me this is because I struggle so much to be care-free, fun, and light-hearted.  So much in fact, I try to be funny, so that people won't see the scared little girl hoping and praying that she is accepted.  Today HE is building me up with HIS true confidence that I, Heather, am different, and that is okay, as that is what makes me WHO I am.  

Today HE is telling me that it's time that I embrace WHO I am, because I know WHOSE I am.  HE is telling me that in being HIS daughter I am special (different) but I am NOT alone, we ALL are.   Everyone is different, NO two people are alike.  HE is wanting me to know that while my story is a sad one, it's NOT all sad, in fact only the first half of my story is sad, the other half is FULL of HIS unspeakable JOY!  

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy" 1 Peter 1:8

HE is telling me the reason that I am living with HIS unspeakable JOY, is because in the moment of the most terrifying darkness I have ever known, HE found me, HE was there, shining HIS light, and HE saved me.  HE loved me relentlessly, and showered me with HIS amazing grace.  HE forgave my  sins, and washed me white as snow.  HE let me know that NOTHING, NOT ONE THING, NO ONE could ever, or would ever be able to hurt me again.  

Today HE is asking me to share WHO HE IS in my life:  

HE is my LORD and SAVIOR! 

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Philippians 3:20-21

 HE is my TEACHER! 

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." Matthew 7:24-29

HE is my ROCK!  

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:2

HE is my SECURE FORTRESS!  

"Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress" Proverbs 14:26

HE is my REFUGE! 

But as for me, it is good to be near God.    I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;    I will tell of all your deeds" Psalm 73:28

 HE is my STRENGTH!  

"The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:2

HE is my REDEEMER! 

"This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself" Isaiah 44:24

 HE is my HEALER!  

"Praise the Lord, my soul;  all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases" Psalm 103:1-3
HE is my ABBA (Daddy)! 

"Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:6

HE is my PRINCE of PEACE!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

HE is my LIGHT!

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

In knowing and declaring ALL of this, I am filled with HIS unspeakable JOY, as HE is meeting me right where I am this morning, broken, and confused as to WHY I am WHO I am, and is teaching me that I am exactly the way HE intended, and my past is sad, by my present and future, are FULL of HIS promises, and blessings, and HE is there, HE is with me, and HE will be with me in the times of terrible trials and tribulations.  HE is my LORD, HE is leading me, teaching me, and guiding me, on this journey called life.  


Dear Friends, I pray today that if you too are struggling with WHY your past is the way it is, rest assured that its your past, and NOT  your present, and most certainly doesn't have to be  your future. I pray that you will have the courage to seek HIM, so that HE will show you what HIS plans are for your life, and that you will be set free from the bondage and agreements made in your heart that have kept you from being able to live with HIS unspeakable JOY.  I pray today that if your past start to creep in on you, you won't get caught up in the moment, rather you will be caught up in HIS amazing grace, and relentless love.  

Much love, prayers, and blessings ~ 

Heather 

seeking HIM

"The more I seek you, The more I find you. The more I find you, the more I love you" Kari Jobe "The More I Seek You"

The first time I ever heard this song, it spoke to me, but NOT in the way that HE intended.  Rather it spoke to me as a way of longing to see what HE was going to do for me.  My whole relationship with HIM up until a year and a half ago was about seeking HIM to see WHAT HE would do for me, and NOT seeking HIM for WHO HE IS.

Coming to this realization this morning was a tough pill to swallow for me.  It was hard to admit when HE revealed it to me, that I was more content on seeking HIM to see what miracles HE would do in my life, but when it came to fully surrendering ALL of me to HIM, and following HIS ways, well I was quite selfish, and only cared about making sure that my agenda was the task at hand.

Seeking HIM in the season of growing and living that I am in right now tells a different story.  It tells of how I happily forgo sleep in the early morning hours before anyone else is up, just to seek HIM, to hear HIS teachings, and meditate on them and put them into to practice in my every day life.   Seeking HIM means writing this blog, and sharing my most darkest moments of where HE has met me right where I was, even when I didn't see that HE was there all along.  Seeking HIM means caring so much more about what HE cares about, and seeking HIM to create in me a heart like HIS.

D and I are reading an extremely thought provoking, challenging book in our life group. Last night we finished reading the next chapter to be ready to participate in a discussion about what challenges us, and what we know HE is teaching us from this book.  "Living in CHRIST'S Presence" by Dallas Willard is by far the most challenging book I have ever read in my CHRISTIAN walk, because it is making me seek HIM more and more, and asking HIM to reveal to me ALL that is wrong within me.

This book is taking me back to the very moment where I confessed that I, Heather, Hott Mess, could no longer live my life according to my plans.  I knew that I needed HIM.  That is when HE began to teach me, because I was intentionally seeking HIM.  

This morning HIS Daily Teachings is telling me that the more I seek HIM, the more I find HIM, and in finding HIM, I should want to be more like HIM.   YES! To be more like HIM is what I want, however, HE is telling me that if you were to look into my daily life, you would wonder why I would be seeking HIM so intently, well all I am willing to do is push my agenda, and hold onto my kingdom, my thoughts, my plans, my will, my way.

HE is telling me that seeking HIM means that I must be willing to let go of my foolish thoughts and ways, and allow HIM to BUILD HIS KINGDOM IN ME!  This means that I am to stop trying to do things my way, and judge people based on how they make me feel.  HE is telling me that when I am seeking HIM I am really seeking HIS heart, and in doing so, I am loving people as HE loves them, and seeing them as HE sees them.

"Grace isn't fair, but it's free" Keith Robinson

When I first hear that said during the message at church yesterday, I wondered what HE meant by that.  This morning in seeking HIM HE is answering my question in a way that I wasn't prepared for.  HE is telling me that HIS grace isn't fair, in the human sense that is, as it means that when someone offends me, I am letting go of my kingdom and NOT caring about my "feelings" of how someone offended me.  It means that rather than caring about the offenses, I care about the person.  

This morning HE is opening up my heart, and revealing to me the darkness that lurks when it comes to HIS grace for other people.  HE is wanting me to know that in order for HIM to Build HIS KINGDOM in me, I must be willing to let go of doing things my way, and caring about what other people will think about me doing what HE calls me to do.

HE is telling me that seeking HIM means that I am putting aside what the world is telling me to do, and that I am willing to go above and beyond what the "normal" thing is that I "think" I should be doing.  HE is reminding me that HE has been teaching me about HIS amazing grace for quite some time now.  HE is telling me that the reason HE has taught me the importance of HIS forgiveness through the worst offenses ever done to me, is so that I will remember that if I can forgive someone for hurting me in the worst possible way, then surely I could forgive anyone for a minor offense.

In seeking HIM this morning HE is revealing to me that while the world says every man for "himself", HE says, let go of selfish ways, and care about others.  HE is wanting me to write HIS words on my heart this morning, and meditate on them.  HE is telling me that because HE is my teacher, that means HE is going to continue to teach me how to share HIS good news, about WHO HE is, NOT just what HE has done.

During our reading last night the challenge was brought to me in the form of the question, "why do I want to go to HEAVEN?"  Before seeking HIM I would have said, "I want to go to HEAVEN because I have lived in HELL on Earth.  I have suffered, and lived alone for so long, I don't ever want to ever have to suffer again.  I want to be saved, rescued, loved, and cared for.  I don't want to hurt anymore, or be hurt anymore.  I want to be rid of ALL pain, and just live happily ever after."  However, after seeking HIM for almost two years now, I can honestly say that I my answer is drastically different, as my wanting to go to HEAVEN isn't about being Pain Free, rather going to HEAVEN means, getting to spend eternity doing HIS good works, but even more so, seeking HIM daily has taught me that I'm NOT waiting for me to be brought to HEAVEN, I'm bringing HEAVEN here!  This means that I am seeking HIM to rip open my heart, and expose the enemies lies and speak HIS truth in AUTHORITY over those lies, in my heart and of the hearts of others.  Seeking HIM has taught me that I no longer care about things that don't matter, rather I care about what HE cares about.  

HE is telling me that HE has started a change in me, and that is only because I have been intentional in seeking HIM and asking HIM to teach, lead, and guide me through every single step of my journey with HIM.  Through HIS teachings, and seeking HIM I have learned that I no longer need to live in sin, as HE died and paid the ultimate price for my sins.  I have learned and am still learning how HIS HOLY SPIRIT lives in me, to teach me, show me, and encourage me in my daily walk.   I have learned that I have been born again, and I have been given a new identity.  I know I am NOT who I used to be, therefore I shouldn't do things the way I used to do them, or care about things that I used to care about.

Through seeking HIM and asking HIM to be my TEACHER I am learning that in order for me to grow and be strengthened in my FAITH I must first be seeking HIS will for my life.  That I must be willing to let go of my kingdom and seek HIM to Build HIS KINGDOM in me.  HE is telling me that in doing just that, that is how I will know that I am in right standing with HIM.

I am a work in progress, and I am learning  something new about HIM every single time I seek HIM.  I can say that HIS grace has truly set me free.  Therefore, I must choose to extend HIS grace to others and set them free of my judgement and harsh thoughts and words so they even if they don't know HIM they will know HIM, just because they have encountered me.

"Every single person you have ever laid eyes on, JESUS deeply loves that person" Keith Robinson

In seeking HIM and knowing HIM more and more as each day passes, I know that I am called to be HOLY just as HE is HOLY.  I am learning that I need to be in right standing with HIM, because without it, I can't sleep, can't eat (literally food hurts me, due to stress, and acid reflux) can't function in a relationship (I'm way too critical and harsh to see past offenses on my own) I can't be ME, Heather, WHO HE has intended for me to be all along.  I am learning that every single hour, every single minute, of every single step of my day, I NEED HIM.  I am learning that letting go means living with HIS true freedom and that for me is more than enough to keep me seeking HIM more and more.  Not only so that I will be free, so that my story, my life, HIS STORY can be witnessed to other's and set them free from their own prison's without a key.

" But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;" 1 Peter 1:15

"JESUS cared about the three L's, the last, the least, and the lost." Keith Robinson

I,Heather, was ALL of those things, and today I get to share just another portion of my journey with HIM, and bring HIS message of HOPE to anyone who is hurting right now, and feeling like any of the three L's.  HIS message today is, HE loves you, HE cares for you, deeply, and wants you to live the life that HE has planned for you.  

MY Dear Brothers and Sisters in CHRIST JESUS ~ I will continue to pray for each of your hearts, that you will have the courage to seek HIM, and allow HIM to transform and renew you so that you will be living the life that HE has always intended for you to live.  I pray that when you do, HE will reign HIS blessings and favor upon your life, and your families life.  I pray today for healing to brought to your aching, bleeding, and broken hearts.  I pray today that HIS message of HOPE is that of encouragement to know that YOU are NOT alone, and that HE is there waiting for you to begin your journey of seeking HIM.

So much love, prayers, compassion, and understanding,

Your Sister in CHRIST JESUS ~
Heather