My best friend and I talk most mornings before the start to our day. We've been having these types of conversations for almost six years now. There is NO doubt in my mind that HE intended for us to meet in life, to be each other's best friend, NOT because of anything that we have done, rather because of WHAT HE is doing in each of us. HE has designed each of us to speak HIS truth to each other in a way that NO one else could, well that we would want to remain friends with that is. I am confident that HE created me to be her best friend, and for her to be my best friend, as HE knew that we would need each other, as HE created both of of specifically to be authentic.
" 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
It never fails that one of us will be going through a challenge. Most of the time we aren't going through challenges at the same time, but this past year we both have faced many difficult challenges. There have been times where all that is said is silent prayers, as the other person is sobbing on the other end of the line.. This past year many silent prayers have been said, and have been answered when each of us allow ourselves to be led by HIS HOLY SPIRIT.
" But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6
It also NEVER fails that during our conversations especially when HIS word is being spoken at the most needed time that we will lose our phone connection. We also call each other back, laughing at the enemies foolish attempt to keep us from hearing what it is that HE is wanting each of us to know. Over the years we have to come to realize the power that lies within when both of us are on the same page in seeking HIM, and asking to be led by HIS HOLY SPIRIT. In all of my friendships with other people, besides D, she is the ONE person I can count on that will call me out on the lies that the enemy is trying to feed me, and she will tell you that in her life I am that same person for her.
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
It has been since my friendship with her that I really began to understand what having a soul sister really meant for me. As we have grown in our walks with HIM, in facing life's toughest challenges, and for me the most heartbreaking challenge, HE is ensuring that we are both equipped to speak HIS words when we both need it. It has been through these challenges that we both have grown closer in our friendship, and even more so in our sisterhood, as TRUE SOUL SISTERS.
" Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21
FED up with the enemies attacks, I began to pray specifically in how to spot or call out the enemy and his lies in my life. It was during one of our many phone conversations that I heard HIM speak directly to my heart,
My daughter do NOT fear, I am with you, I will help you, but you MUST realize that the lies of the enemy his nature is so lame and predictable.......
Lame and predictable is like our distress call to each other, to ask for prayer. It is in that moment that we both know to bring ALL of it to HIM, to lay it at HIS feet, as HE is the only one WHO can helps us. Yesterday a text message wouldn't do, so I called her, and my first words were...... lame and predictable. In that instant she knew that I needed prayer. She knew that I needed to be reminded HIS truth, and have it spoken bravely, boldly, and courageously to me, and that is exactly what she did.
" Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.” Joshua 10:25
HE has been working on my heart for quite some time now in teaching me how to hold onto HIS perfect peace. What this means is, HE knows how wrecked my world is right now, but HE promises to be with me always. HE promises that HE will make everything turn out for HIS good, because I have been FAITHFUL to HIM, that even in anger I have NEVER turned my back on HIM, or spoken hatefully about HIM. HE is wanting me to know that even if I did, HE can take it, HE is prepared to wait it out with me, to be given the chance to shower me with HIS LOVE, and drench me with HIS grace, and flood me with HIS peace so that I would know that no matter how angry I am, HE loves me, and NOTHING, NOT ONE THING could EVER take HIS love from me.
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Yesterday started out as a good day, and quickly turned sour as I had to run an errand that involved me driving on the express way. Now that may not seem like a big deal to someone else, but I can tell you that since losing Seth my mind hasn't worked the same. I'm much slower to process things, and honestly driving has become a challenge for me, as my mind isn't as sharp as it was before.......... the most horrific, tragic day of my entire life happened.
HIS Daily Teachings today is speaking straight to my heart in letting me know that in all things I can be rest assured, through HIS Blessed Assurance that the way I will be able to call out the enemies lies in my life, and spot his evil schemes is by first understanding his nature as being lame and predictable. HE is wanting me to know that I must be prepared at ALL times, and that I must be on guard to spot, and call out the lame and predictable that is the enemy and his lies. HE is wanting me to know that is all designed to trip me up, so that HIS perfect peace will be upset within me. HE is letting me know that is the enemies attempt to keep from HIS word, which I know is powerful, and because I know how powerful HIS word is, I know that the enemy knows it too.
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith,because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5:8-9
This is why HE is working so hard on my heart, to build me strong, so that I will be able to call out, and spot the evil that is lurking. HE is wanting me to know that while HE intended for my soul sister to be in my life, HE also intended for me to be just as strong within myself, to speak boldly, bravely, and courageously, because there are going to be times, where I won't be able to reach her for prayer. HE is wanting me to know that with HIM all are possible, and that means that I can fight against the enemies attacks that are truly lame and predictable.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
During my drive yesterday there were many lame and predictable attempts to keep me under stress while driving, however because HE loves me so much HE didn't allow it. HE made sure that NOT only would I have a peaceful driving experience, but HE would bless me along the way. Though my trip was peaceful, NOTHING could have prepared me for what I would find waiting for me when I got home.
" Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
As soon as I opened the front door, all it took was to see the look on my daughters face to know that things didn't go so well the hour that Mama was gone. The on her face said it all.... she was stressed, and the look on my other daughters face was guilty...... it was then that I fell for the enemies trap of lame and predictable.
" Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." Ephesians 6:11
In failing to spot, and call out the enemies evil attack, I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. Thankfully because HE loves me far too much to allow me to remain in the darkness, HE began to SHINE HIS light on the entire situation, and it was determined what happened, and how each of the hearts involved were hurt, even though no harm was ever intended in the first place.
"Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going." John 12:35
HE is wanting me to know that the reason HE allows me to work through my parenting my children in the way that I do, is so that I too will learn something. It has been through the many challenges of being Mama where HE has helped me uncover and expose the enemies lies which are NOTHING more than pathetically lame and predictable. Even though at the time I don't SEE it, I can easily look back on the many challenges I have faced as Mama, and can SEE HIM doing a good work within me, to prepare me, to ensure that I will be more than a conqueror in the enemies attempts at upsetting HIS perfect peace within our home.
"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 8:37-39
I can tell you that HIS goodness, HIS mercy, HIS grace, HIS peace, and HIS love is overwhelming my family at this very moment. Though we have suffered a massive loss, we have also experienced HIS true JOY in the many moments of rebuilding our lives within our new normal. This JOY that we have experienced, and are currently living with is something that angers the enemy. I am truly becoming each and every single day even more than I was yesterday HIS force to be feared! HE is wanting me to know that the enemy knows how dangerous I am to his evil plans, and how I spoil them all of time. HE is letting me know that I can know that I am truly in RIGHT STANDING with HIM, as otherwise why would the enemy be working so hard to take me out?!?!
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:1-5
That very thought brings me tremendous comfort as I know it to be true, and what I once feared, I NO longer fear, as I have learned that even fear is so incredibly lame and predictable. NOT only is fear, but also the unforgiveness that manifests in my life, of which "tries" to take up permanent residency within my heart. I am learning that all of these lame and predictable attacks on me, only make me stronger, as I REFUSE to believe the lies of the enemy, but rather stand firm in my FAITH, that NO matter what happens in my life, HE is with me, HE is holding me, and HE will help me get through it. All through HIS power, HIS love, HIS grace, HIS peace, HIS mercy, I will OVERCOME.
"If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
Today I am REFUSING to pick up any of the lame and predictable things that the enemy has placed in my life. Today I will NOT fear anything, as I know HE is with me, and HE will come through for me NO matter what happens, HIS goodness, HIS love will prevail for me, with me, and within me. This I know is TRUE, as I live with HIS goodness with every single breath that I take.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in CHRIST JESUS, I pray today that you too will have the courage to seek HIM, and ask HIM to teach, lead, and guide you so that you will be able to spot, and call out the enemy and his lies that are truly lame and predictable. It is my prayer that my sharing this portion of my story will help you to identify where those lies are in your own life. I pray today that you too will seek HIM and HE will reveal to you where your authentic friendships are. NOT only that but that even if you don't have one, that you will have the courage to seek HIM, and ask HIM to create in you a desire to be an authentic friend. I pray that today is the day where you STAND UP, and STAND FIRM against the lame and predictable in your life, and the lives of your loved ones.
Always in love and prayers, with much grace, compassion, and understanding,
Your Sister in CHRIST JESUS,
~ Heather
" 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
It never fails that one of us will be going through a challenge. Most of the time we aren't going through challenges at the same time, but this past year we both have faced many difficult challenges. There have been times where all that is said is silent prayers, as the other person is sobbing on the other end of the line.. This past year many silent prayers have been said, and have been answered when each of us allow ourselves to be led by HIS HOLY SPIRIT.
" But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6
It also NEVER fails that during our conversations especially when HIS word is being spoken at the most needed time that we will lose our phone connection. We also call each other back, laughing at the enemies foolish attempt to keep us from hearing what it is that HE is wanting each of us to know. Over the years we have to come to realize the power that lies within when both of us are on the same page in seeking HIM, and asking to be led by HIS HOLY SPIRIT. In all of my friendships with other people, besides D, she is the ONE person I can count on that will call me out on the lies that the enemy is trying to feed me, and she will tell you that in her life I am that same person for her.
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
It has been since my friendship with her that I really began to understand what having a soul sister really meant for me. As we have grown in our walks with HIM, in facing life's toughest challenges, and for me the most heartbreaking challenge, HE is ensuring that we are both equipped to speak HIS words when we both need it. It has been through these challenges that we both have grown closer in our friendship, and even more so in our sisterhood, as TRUE SOUL SISTERS.
" Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21
FED up with the enemies attacks, I began to pray specifically in how to spot or call out the enemy and his lies in my life. It was during one of our many phone conversations that I heard HIM speak directly to my heart,
My daughter do NOT fear, I am with you, I will help you, but you MUST realize that the lies of the enemy his nature is so lame and predictable.......
Lame and predictable is like our distress call to each other, to ask for prayer. It is in that moment that we both know to bring ALL of it to HIM, to lay it at HIS feet, as HE is the only one WHO can helps us. Yesterday a text message wouldn't do, so I called her, and my first words were...... lame and predictable. In that instant she knew that I needed prayer. She knew that I needed to be reminded HIS truth, and have it spoken bravely, boldly, and courageously to me, and that is exactly what she did.
" Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.” Joshua 10:25
HE has been working on my heart for quite some time now in teaching me how to hold onto HIS perfect peace. What this means is, HE knows how wrecked my world is right now, but HE promises to be with me always. HE promises that HE will make everything turn out for HIS good, because I have been FAITHFUL to HIM, that even in anger I have NEVER turned my back on HIM, or spoken hatefully about HIM. HE is wanting me to know that even if I did, HE can take it, HE is prepared to wait it out with me, to be given the chance to shower me with HIS LOVE, and drench me with HIS grace, and flood me with HIS peace so that I would know that no matter how angry I am, HE loves me, and NOTHING, NOT ONE THING could EVER take HIS love from me.
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Yesterday started out as a good day, and quickly turned sour as I had to run an errand that involved me driving on the express way. Now that may not seem like a big deal to someone else, but I can tell you that since losing Seth my mind hasn't worked the same. I'm much slower to process things, and honestly driving has become a challenge for me, as my mind isn't as sharp as it was before.......... the most horrific, tragic day of my entire life happened.
HIS Daily Teachings today is speaking straight to my heart in letting me know that in all things I can be rest assured, through HIS Blessed Assurance that the way I will be able to call out the enemies lies in my life, and spot his evil schemes is by first understanding his nature as being lame and predictable. HE is wanting me to know that I must be prepared at ALL times, and that I must be on guard to spot, and call out the lame and predictable that is the enemy and his lies. HE is wanting me to know that is all designed to trip me up, so that HIS perfect peace will be upset within me. HE is letting me know that is the enemies attempt to keep from HIS word, which I know is powerful, and because I know how powerful HIS word is, I know that the enemy knows it too.
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith,because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5:8-9
This is why HE is working so hard on my heart, to build me strong, so that I will be able to call out, and spot the evil that is lurking. HE is wanting me to know that while HE intended for my soul sister to be in my life, HE also intended for me to be just as strong within myself, to speak boldly, bravely, and courageously, because there are going to be times, where I won't be able to reach her for prayer. HE is wanting me to know that with HIM all are possible, and that means that I can fight against the enemies attacks that are truly lame and predictable.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
During my drive yesterday there were many lame and predictable attempts to keep me under stress while driving, however because HE loves me so much HE didn't allow it. HE made sure that NOT only would I have a peaceful driving experience, but HE would bless me along the way. Though my trip was peaceful, NOTHING could have prepared me for what I would find waiting for me when I got home.
" Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
As soon as I opened the front door, all it took was to see the look on my daughters face to know that things didn't go so well the hour that Mama was gone. The on her face said it all.... she was stressed, and the look on my other daughters face was guilty...... it was then that I fell for the enemies trap of lame and predictable.
" Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." Ephesians 6:11
In failing to spot, and call out the enemies evil attack, I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. Thankfully because HE loves me far too much to allow me to remain in the darkness, HE began to SHINE HIS light on the entire situation, and it was determined what happened, and how each of the hearts involved were hurt, even though no harm was ever intended in the first place.
"Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going." John 12:35
HE is wanting me to know that the reason HE allows me to work through my parenting my children in the way that I do, is so that I too will learn something. It has been through the many challenges of being Mama where HE has helped me uncover and expose the enemies lies which are NOTHING more than pathetically lame and predictable. Even though at the time I don't SEE it, I can easily look back on the many challenges I have faced as Mama, and can SEE HIM doing a good work within me, to prepare me, to ensure that I will be more than a conqueror in the enemies attempts at upsetting HIS perfect peace within our home.
"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 8:37-39
I can tell you that HIS goodness, HIS mercy, HIS grace, HIS peace, and HIS love is overwhelming my family at this very moment. Though we have suffered a massive loss, we have also experienced HIS true JOY in the many moments of rebuilding our lives within our new normal. This JOY that we have experienced, and are currently living with is something that angers the enemy. I am truly becoming each and every single day even more than I was yesterday HIS force to be feared! HE is wanting me to know that the enemy knows how dangerous I am to his evil plans, and how I spoil them all of time. HE is letting me know that I can know that I am truly in RIGHT STANDING with HIM, as otherwise why would the enemy be working so hard to take me out?!?!
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:1-5
That very thought brings me tremendous comfort as I know it to be true, and what I once feared, I NO longer fear, as I have learned that even fear is so incredibly lame and predictable. NOT only is fear, but also the unforgiveness that manifests in my life, of which "tries" to take up permanent residency within my heart. I am learning that all of these lame and predictable attacks on me, only make me stronger, as I REFUSE to believe the lies of the enemy, but rather stand firm in my FAITH, that NO matter what happens in my life, HE is with me, HE is holding me, and HE will help me get through it. All through HIS power, HIS love, HIS grace, HIS peace, HIS mercy, I will OVERCOME.
"If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
Today I am REFUSING to pick up any of the lame and predictable things that the enemy has placed in my life. Today I will NOT fear anything, as I know HE is with me, and HE will come through for me NO matter what happens, HIS goodness, HIS love will prevail for me, with me, and within me. This I know is TRUE, as I live with HIS goodness with every single breath that I take.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in CHRIST JESUS, I pray today that you too will have the courage to seek HIM, and ask HIM to teach, lead, and guide you so that you will be able to spot, and call out the enemy and his lies that are truly lame and predictable. It is my prayer that my sharing this portion of my story will help you to identify where those lies are in your own life. I pray today that you too will seek HIM and HE will reveal to you where your authentic friendships are. NOT only that but that even if you don't have one, that you will have the courage to seek HIM, and ask HIM to create in you a desire to be an authentic friend. I pray that today is the day where you STAND UP, and STAND FIRM against the lame and predictable in your life, and the lives of your loved ones.
Always in love and prayers, with much grace, compassion, and understanding,
Your Sister in CHRIST JESUS,
~ Heather
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