Do You Journal?

Seriously… do you journal? I do. When I look back over some of my entries I see where God carried me through some tough times. I remember the lessons He taught me and most importantly, I’m reminded of how much He loves me and how He has cared for me. When I journal – I hear from our Lord. He speaks to me through His living word and it sustains me.

But lately – I’ve been in a slump. I haven’t been seeking my Father’s face and therefore I haven’t heard from Him. And I really miss it. Truth is – He hasn’t left me… I’m the one who has turned away. But He is patiently waiting for me to come back. Which makes this experience I want to share with you so amazing.

A few weeks ago, I was meeting with my brother Chris and during this time pain and anger poured out of me. Times have been tough and I have been struggling and fighting – and the truth is I made an agreement with myself that God had abandoned me. In this moment that I admitted this truth God flooded the room. I was overcome with His Holy presence in such a way I hadn’t felt before. I felt His touch and heard His voice… quietly and fiercely He told me He loves me… and that He was with me. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up – and I became tingly all over. Almost like goose bumps, but I wasn’t cold. I was warm. I felt that warmth all over – and then felt like something was holding me. Tightly… my heart was beating so fast, and I felt unexplainable joy!

I stayed in this moment for a while… and as my Father held me He spoke to my heart. He said that He was and always will be with me. That He hasn’t abandoned me. And then He told me to tell Chris something and have him write it down. At first – I thought, “This is for Chris. How cool that God is using me to speak to Chris.” As I relayed what God had told me… there was silence and then He spoke again… He said – “For you”. Those words were for me. Whoa… beyond amazing! I have held onto those words ever since. I carry that piece of paper with me everywhere I go.

That was an amazing night with the Lord – and even though my struggles have continued – I have a reminder that I am not alone. That He is right there, carrying me… fighting for me. I am not alone, nor has He forsaken me. That is His promise to us… to me (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

God has since guided me to put those words where I can see it. So I created this picture with the words He spoke to me… and put it in the places where I can get to it when I feel the most challenged and under attack.

Yes – He spoke to me… but I believe He wants us all to remember that He is with us, always.
May God bless you. And remember, where ever you are at… He is with you.

Independence Day

Most of you know my knowledge of US History is... well, let's just say I recently learned that "Battle of the Bulge" was, in fact, the single biggest and bloodiest battle that American forces experienced in World War II... not a battle of belly fat.

So - when I read some of the status updates from family and friends thanking those who are serving to protect our freedom... I realized I really wanted to learn more about July 4th. I know about the Declaration of Independence and I remember having to learn the Preamble to the US Constitution, but truly - I wanted a refresher of the history of Independence Day.

I know that it's a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. And (thanks to the Internet) I can read all day long the history of how it came about, who the 5 people were on the committee who wrote the original statement of Independence (which was revised by Congress)... but in my reading I came across a letter that John Adams wrote to his wife on July 3rd, and it made my heart leap!

"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.

You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."


Every year, a friend of mine has been reading this letter - as part of the 4th of July celebrations in Dover... he actually shaves for this event so he can properly portray the part of John Adams. I have never seen him do this... I never understood the impact of John's letter - but after reading it... I was moved.

Through his letter to his wife I also felt honored... that so many men had died to give us freedom... and that so many men and women continue to sacrifice so much, including giving their lives protecting that freedom.

So I have a deep appreciation for those serving this country… I am blessed by you.

But I want to remind you all… about another battle that was fought and won for us. There is but one Man who died for a freedom that (sadly) only small percentages of our country know about (recognize) and enjoy. Thank you Jesus!!!

So, as we remember the men and women who are serving here and far away – let’s pray for them... that God keep them safe and continue to give them courage, strength and endurance... HIS courage, strength and endurance.

I quote John Adams... "...day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty"

By Him and through Him alone - our battle is won!

My Treasure

I know I have written about being persecuted or under spiritual attack before... and even though I know there is a lot of that happening right now, that's not entirely what I want to share with you.

I had the opportunity to watch something extraordinary.

"Forgotten Stories"... "The Invitation" focused on people who are living in Sitio Veterans, a community of over 14,000 who live in extreme poverty. And there was a young lady and her story that caught my attention and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.

I don't remember her name, but I'll never forget her eyes. You need to see it... the look in this young woman's eyes as she told her story of her want for an education... her faith in God... her prayers to Him and how they were answered. The story is amazing - but more amazing to me was her heart. The battle she was (is) fighting I know I will never truly comprehend. The poverty and oppression... all that she had gone through... and you know what she said? She said she "treasured" all that she had gone through. She went on talking about God's provision and I was stuck... stuck back on "treasured".

Whoa... really? She treasured all that pain she'd gone through?

I just couldn't grasp it... I couldn't move past it...

So I asked God... "Why is this on my heart?" And I listened... and listened... and then...

He led me to Psalm 10:17-18

"O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more."

I am helpless... I am living in a broken world that wants to devour me. It wants to strip me of my joy. But He who holds me... the one who saved me... He hears me and protects me. He equips me, gives me wisdom and holds me when I am too weak to stand.

I do not have victory because of what I've done... but because of what He has done! He deserves all the glory.

"...as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies —in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
~1 Peter 4:10-11

That's what this young woman means. She is where she is because of her Heavenly Father. She would endure it all again - if it meant that He would be glorified.

Amazing... I want that heart!

Just A Thought...

I was reading this afternoon... and God wanted me to share. I think there are specific people this pertains to, but I feel others may benefit from it as well.

The humiliation we feel about our own defects can often be a greater fault than the original defect itself if it keeps you from moving into the realization of God's love. ~ "Let Go" by Fenelon.

The humiliation about our defects... who hasn't felt that? Why do we turn from God in those moments of realization of our defects, wrongs... our sin... instead of running to Him? Does He not tell us we are forgiven through Christ Jesus? Because of Jesus - does our Father not see His beautiful creation when He looks upon us?

He sings over us... He rejoices over us! Why do we move away from His love... His healing and absolute love?

The Ultimate Father

This week – I was watching the interaction between a little girl and her dad on the docks at Hilton Park. This little girl seemed so independent… not wanting to hold her dad’s hand and freely walk around this dock. What she didn’t seem aware of was the number of cars that kept coming down the ramp to this dock… and how they would slam on their brakes because she was just wandering right in front of the cars and she didn’t even see them.

She only cared about doing what she wanted… freely walking around the dock… twirling and having a joyous time – completely oblivious to the danger around her. The father – in a state of panic I’m sure – put his hands up and yelled STOP! He took her by the hand and guided her to a safe area to play. At first – this upset the little girl because it was not what she wanted. But when she saw she had grass to run on and dirt to play in – she was once again having a joyous time.

Now – as I watched all of this – God spoke to me. See, this father was able to see all angles… how many cars were coming and from what direction. He was making decisions that not only kept his daughter safe (even though she was fussy at first) but it blessed her as well. Just as our Heavenly Father works in our lives. He guides us… protects us… He blesses us. And when we get fussy with Him… He still takes us by the hand and leads us to safe pastures. He never gives up on us.

God is the ultimate Dad. He guides me in this journey I’m on… and he protects me. “For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;” Psalm 31:3.

There are times when I come close to being “hit"... and I can tell you he doesn't just shout at me to move or look out - He takes a hold of my hand and guides me! I don’t always see the different angles in the decisions that I make. However He does! He knows it all… before I even take a step. Which is why it is so important to pray to Him… to seek Him everyday… to guide our steps… to lead us down the path that He has set before us! Amazing!

Now – I have a co-worker who was with me that day at Hilton Park. She marveled at this dad… and reflected on her own father. Her memories however were vague because her parents died when she was very young. And you know, it wasn't until later in the week that it hit me… she is – on this earth – fatherless. BUT – she has the ultimate Father… He is there for her and always will be.

Isn't that cool?

My friend Chris played for me this song by Jason Upton… and I was so moved. I cried when I listened to the words… “Father of the Fatherless, Friend of the Friendless…” I just felt so thankful and blessed beyond words… to have a Father who loves me… eternally!

Listen to this song ... and really listen to the words.

My prayer is that you become aware of just how much our Heavenly Father loves you… that He is there with you - to help you through... EVERYTHING! Good times and bad times... He holds you in His hands and desires peace for you in every situation!

He is there… waiting… with out stretched arms… inviting you to come and meet with Him.

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

When I was growing up I remember saying “I Love You” a lot... mostly to my mom and dad or grand parents. I would especially use this phrase when getting off the phone with relatives who lived out of state. However, when I would get off the phone with friends – it was always – “See ya” or “Catch you later!” And you NEVER said, “I love you” to a guy… unless he was your boyfriend. But as I got older I would hear many people say “I love you”… but I don’t think the meaning is the same as it was originally intended.

For some reason, lately, I’ve become very aware every time I say it and every time I hear it. In the past, I would never say, “I love you” to a girlfriend or a guy friend. I would say it often to my parents and siblings… but that was it. The other day I got done chatting with a friend and we made sure to say, “I love you” to one another… and we meant it. I’ve even said it to my guy friends and they’ve said it back… and we meant it. So it got me thinking… when did the meaning of “love” change for me?

Well, what is the definition of love? Love (according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary) means: strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties, i.e.: maternal love for a child. Another meaning: the object of attachment, devotion or admiration. But my favorite meaning: unselfish, loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another.

But who taught me what “love” really means and when did I get comfortable expressing that love. Did my parents teach me… or my siblings… or my friends? Well, I’m sure they influenced me… but truly… only One taught me the true meaning of “love”…

"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 (NIV)

God demonstrated the true meaning of love… Do you get it? Do you get how much God loves you? Even while you were still sinning… Jesus – the only begotten Son of God… sent by God… willingly gave His life so that we may LIVE!

I love my family… I love my friends… and I love God – all because He first loved me.

So I am encouraging you all – my friends and family, whom I love dearly – to come out this Sunday evening (6pm) to the combined worship service at the Whittemore Center Arena in Durham. Momentum 2009 will be a night of meeting with the Creator who LOVES YOU… and giving you the chance to worship Him.

I will be there praising the Heavenly Father… because He loves me and I want to shout it out loud… “By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.” ~ Psalm 42:8.

Momentum 2009 – Whittemore Center Arena in Durham – 6pm

Come, and worship and love the Lord with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength!

I Dreamed A Dream...

All that God has done and is doing in my life has struck me lately. Recently He’s been reminding me of the freedom I have in him and that His plans are perfect. And the word “Dream” has been popping up a lot lately.

I was sitting at work the other day and I kept seeing this clip on the news about a woman who stole the show on "Britain’s Got Talent". I had heard she shocked the judges and even brought some of them (no not Simon) to tears. So I looked it up and listened and I was moved to tears. Not by her performance per se, but by what God was speaking to my heart.

One of my favorite musicals is Les Miserables. The music has always evoked a strong reaction in me - mostly resulting in tears. Anyway, this woman who performed said she loved to sing but no one had really given her a chance before… and the way the crowd and judges reacted to her spoke volumes. Then the music started and she began to sing “I Dreamed A Dream” from Les Mis…. and you realized the impact of the whole situation. It was more than just a woman singing a song on this TV show... it was so much more.

Watch the link... and listen…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

So how did God speak to me through this? That He holds my dreams… this world does not.

Here is this woman who doesn't "look" the part of singing star... but her talent is undeniable. And when she sang the lyrics in that song – “I had a dream my life would be, So much different from this hell I'm living, So different now from what it seemed, Now life has killed, The dream I dreamed.”

WOW… did that have an impact on me. It’s like – if my dreams aren’t realized or don’t come to fruition I feel so sad… at a loss!

Really? Are my dreams the best there is? Or are God’s dreams for me better?

I heard this song for the first time just this past Sunday… it’s called “I Will Listen” by Twila Paris. And there it is again… the word “dream”…

“Could it be that He is only waiting there to see, if I will learn to love the dreams that He has dreamed for me,”

Here is what He has been speaking to me… “He holds me in His hands and what He has planned for me is far better than the dreams I’ve dreamed.”

"My heart is confident in you, O God; No wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!" ~ Psalm 108:1

His Love For You

I can't say much about this link I'm sharing with you... other than every time I watch it - God grabs a hold of my heart and I am moved to tears. How much does our God love us?

"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him." ~ 1 John 4:9 (ESV)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfrbIleVf58

Under Attack

I think I am accurate in saying that there has been A LOT of spiritual attacks going on lately. I personally have been dealing with matters of the heart and my (constant) insecurities. Feelings of inadequacy and being incapable can be so debilitating… especially in my job.

One thing God reminded me of (through a good friend) was my definition of “Success”. My success is not in what I can do… I can’t do anything apart from God. Think about that… I can’t do anything… nothing… nada… zero… zilch!

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” ~ John 15:5

I can’t tell you how this has inspired and encouraged me. Everything I do… I am able to do because He equipped me. Of course – it has taken me a little while to get here… to understand… and to actually get it!

Now the enemy wants me to fail… he wants me to forget and he has an arsenal of weapons that he can use against me, including the aforementioned “insecurities”. But God has provided us with weapons (Ephesians 6: 14-17) to fight these attacks.

Praise God for all that I have and will go through! He has carried me through, even when I was unaware!

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him." ~ Hebrews 10:36-38 ESV

Hebrews 10:39 in the New Living Translation says: "But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved".

Read that again... "turn away from God... to their own destruction..." WOW! Let that sink in! Our own destruction.

Run... don't walk... RUN to our Lord when you are under attack! Turn to God and know that in this storm He will persevere... and He will grow you and me!!!

I Missed It... Or Did I?

Have you ever been in a room full of people... but felt alone?

I have... too many times to recall and to be quite honest, a little too painful to want to.

Well... I was in said a few months ago. I knew every single face. I knew stories, birthdays, children's names; parent’s names, food weaknesses, food allergies... I guess you could say I really knew every person who was in that room. Friends and family... all were celebrating the birthday of a brother.

And sometimes in these circumstances, I have felt alone…

But when I got home... and sat quietly in my living room... I began to reflect on the whole evening. And I realized... I didn't feel alone at all the entire evening. I was there, running around... watching people, taking pictures, listening and joining in conversations and then witnessing God's love being poured out in celebration of my brother.

God was there... and that's why I didn't feel alone.

I look back over that whole night and I can recall feeling God's presence. His fingerprint was all over the place. In the way we greeted one another... the way we hugged each other. He was there when we helped each other clean or set up... He was there to lend an ear when anxieties kicked in. He was there... working through almost every person in that room... and I almost missed it.

His light was shinning so brightly, and I was so blessed by it.

Now - for those who are reading this... who attended the party... I encourage you to think back... to that night... did you see Him? Did you feel Him?

It is really hitting me... and is continuing to inspire me on... that God pursues us. He desires to meet with us. Isn't that amazing? He was with me that night… I may have been busy running around… but He was there… carrying me through. I praise Him for not giving up on me… He is with me, always.

Now a prayer for all of us…

I pray that we all continue to walk in His light and be a living example of his grace and mercy... and try and be aware of it. It was lovely to be among my brothers and sisters and to feel His presence... to see His glory and His fingerprint on this earth.

I have one more prayer… that we share His light and show His grace & mercy towards those who are in the dark.

Romans 15:5-6
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

And…

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

Thank you - to my family and friends for being such an encouragement to me!

This entry is from my Facebook "Notes"... I read it this morning and really felt led to make this the next posting on my blog...

I am totally in awe right now with the Lord. I haven’t been all too focused lately when meeting with Him (for lack of a better description…) and it just amazes me how He draws me close and focuses my heart for me. Yesterday He focused my heart... and gave me a reality check.

On Sunday, God brought me to 1 Timothy chapter 4… and BOY was He speaking to my heart! It was such a blessed time in the word. But it didn’t end at the stroke of midnight… NOPE!

Quick back story… there were a lot of changes at work in December of 08. These changes included some of my co-workers losing their jobs. It was a huge blow… and it caused the atmosphere around here to become pretty depressing. And as I was reading this chapter (again) this morning… God stuck His finger right on my heart!

1 Timothy 4:10 says…
“For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”

What truth! Jesus is the ONLY hope we need… any hope set in this world is useless. Cool, huh? Yes… that is an awesome truth. But God was pushing deeper into my heart. See… most of my co-workers don’t know of the hope found in Jesus. Most don’t even believe in God. It's a very sad reality, but again... God pushed even deeper… so I continued reading...

“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” ~ 1 Timothy 4:16

Hmmm....

You want another sad reality? Okay... more back story...

There was one co-worker whom I was very close to who lost his job. I worked with him for over 9 years. And if I were to tell you one thing that would describe him it would be that he loved the Red Sox!

Here's the reality party... If I had lost my job and you asked him to describe me… I can tell you this... his answer wouldn’t be “She loved Jesus!”

Actually – getting real honest here... I bet most of my co-workers would say they didn't know I was a Christian.

“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

I know that it is not up to me to save those who are lost… but I am called to be a living example of His grace and mercy…

Have I been? Have you?

Tough, tough questions…

He Has A Message For You

I so didn't want to write this note today. But God has been speaking it so loudly to me that I have to share. I feel He wants me to share.

I received an email from a co-worker today. The subject of this email was "The Bible On One Page". I have received emails like this before, but haven't really looked at them. Busy, avoiding... whatever the reason. Today, I thought I'd take a look. And it was interesting... Click on the link and towards the bottom of the page there are a bunch of "issues" you can choose from.

Because of the economy... I clicked on "If your bank account is empty"... I thought it was poignant. Any way - it referenced Psalm 37. And as I read, God just spoke... "Danielle, listen..."

Yes, I was reading... but I was hearing God. So sweet... and comforting. I can't even describe it.

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday." Psalm 37:5-6.

Oh how it made my heart leap! Commit my life... my choices... my ways to the Lord... TRUST Him!

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!" Psalm 37:7.

Be still in HIM… stop trying to do things on my own! Be PATIENT… wait for Him to lead me, as the Sheppard leads his flock – so the Lord will lead me. He will shut the world out... he will silence the enemy and I can seek refuge in His presence.

I am amazed that He brought me into that place this morning... at work... while sitting at my desk.

"The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him." Psalm 37:39-40

He is my salvation... my redeemer... my refuge!

He quiets my heart (and surroundings) so that I can hear. He shows me that He is invested in my life... I want to invest my life in Him.

Oh how I desire to become the woman He wants me to be!

My Meeting With God On The Trail

I was up at Coleman State Park on Thursday and had the most God filled amazing time on the snowmobile trails. All I can tell you is that God spoke to me and I worshiped Him as I rode.



I also couldn’t stop smiling… my cheeks hurt so much!
Praise Him for keeping me safe on my 1 and a half hour snowmobile ride. It was so amazing to meet with Him while I was away. The scene He set up was beyond perfect… beautiful and breath taking.

Here are some pictures… and lyrics to the song He put in my heart as I rode.

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea, Creation's revealing Your majesty.
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring, Every creature unique in the song that it sings.
All exclaiming...
Indescribable, Uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name. You are amazing God.
All powerful, Untameable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees and we humbly proclaim, You are amazing God.

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go,
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow?
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light,
Yet conceals it to give us the coolness of night?
None can fathom...

Incomparable, Unchangeable,
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same.
You are amazing God.