Janet's Blogs

A Dose of Perfect

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2011-09-04T06:15:38-07:00

A DOSE OF PERFECT

I had a 'dose of perfect' today. A rare and wonder-full day of rest. I WENT TO THE SEA ~ TO BREATHE!

Arthur Gordon says in his book A Touch of Wonder:
"To find endurance
all we have to do is seek out places
where great and elemental things prevail.
For some of us ~ the sea."

So I enjoyed a whole afternoon and evening alone, on a blanket in the sun, feet in the sand, good snacks,
my Bible, my journal, and God. Heaven!!!

I journaled 38 pages...

AWE-some! I've come to the Sea... to breathe. Semiahmoo at low tide ~ sparkling waters stretched out
before me. I am in the cleft of a log, on a small patch of Northwest Washington gray sand... out of the wind
- which feels like a perfect breeze to cool the afternoon and keep the clouds away - just for me.

THINGS THAT FLY

Feathered things
have wings
and dwell
in the air.

They fly free...
birds of all kinds,
angels,
little girls,
and me.

We:
start out crawling,
earth-bound things,
then grow and change
and find our wings.

'Ascended Life'
is meant for me,
not feathered, but
winged and free!

THE SONG OF SOLOMON

The wisest man who ever lived was first and foremost a lover.
Wisdom - leads to love.
Being wise - leads to loving:
more fully,
more deeply,
more passionately,
more completely.

God,
make me so wise
as to love those you give me,
well.

BEING GRANDMA

I walked the beach and searched for rocks that reminded me, for some reason, of each grandchild - and
wrote them each a poem.

THOSE WHO SUFFER

Those who suffer
know a deep wisdom
of which the happy
can never guess.

MY LIFE

My life is about to turn unusually multi-colored.
I want to create colors no one has ever seen!

THIS DAY

This day is delicious ~ because it has no 'have to's.' Very, very rare. I've carved it out of this week - rather
adamantly - through many requests and some teasing - the worst suggesting I may be 'indulgent.'

The best part of my self-care plan is this non-directed day in the sun by the water. As waves lap - my mind
is free to wonder. I am letting myself BE. I didn't learn this in church, or my family. I learned it on my own -
led by the Spirit - in trying to figure out how to be ME. With life's rush and people's needs - it's so easy to
lose oneself. I've paid too high a price for being a lost human being - and then, again, for finding my self -
that I am now rather adamant - albeit not often enough - that I must come to the sea to breathe.

My husband has accepted it - but still doesn't really understand. He just knows it is essential in the
rhythms of me being me. He likes the results - so has stopped arguing with the ingredients of the process.

I refresh by free time and space. This world affords little of it. I've learned to create it.

I NEED

... to walk righteously
from a calm center
of trust and obedience,
not straying from rest,
increasing in wonder,
in awe of all things.

Entering The Kingdom
with child-like wings,
serving my Savior
but not as a slave,
'Withed' as a lover
riding His waves.

THE SUN SETS ON AUGUST

I linger
and am made glad
by a fat black otter
scuttling across the rocks
into the cold evening sea...

by the biggest dragon fly
I've ever seen,
capturing his flying dinner
right above my head...

by two scraggly herons
crossing over the moon
slivered like an end parentheses
in the sky...

by a golden path on the sea
turning fiery backdrop
then emitting soft beams
out-raying through after-glow mist
as the blue sky darkens...

a couple in love
light a fire to keep warm,
with waves still rippling
their lazy beat on these rocky shores.

Just one more, God,
one more 'wonder'
and I'll head home...

sparkling city lights
twinkle on, across the bay

an airplane jets people away
who are less fortunate than I,
who sat by the SEA & BREATHED
all afternoon and eve.

I AM IN AWE.
I'M CALLING TODAY - "A DOSE OF PERFECT."

I bought sugar-free ice cream on the way home
and picked blackberries to go with -
in the dark, by flashlight,
with my husband.

PERFECT.

The Power You Have — Part 1: Agreements

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2011-04-08T15:03:37-07:00

PART I. THE POWER OF YOUR AGREEMENTS

Remember - MAKE NO AGREEMENTS!!!

Hebrews 4:2 - "For indeed we have had the glad tidings [Gospel of God] proclaimed to us just as truly as they [the Israelites of old did when the good news of deliverance from bondage came to them]; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not MIXED WITH FAITH (with the leaning of the entire personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) by those who heard it; neither were they UNITED IN FAITH with the ones [Joshua and Caleb] who heard (did believe)."

Exodus 33: 1-2 - "The Lord said to Moses, Depart, go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought from the land of bondage, to the land which I swore... to give...I will send an Angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanite, Amorite, Hittite, Perizzite, Hivite, and Jebusite."

Exodus 23:22-33 - "I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. When My Angel goes before you and brings you to the Amorites, the HIttites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, and I reject them and blot them out, You shall not bow down to their gods or serve them or do after their works; but you shall utterly overthrow them and break down their pillars and images. You shall serve the Lord your God; He shall bless your bread and water, and I will take sickness from your midst. None shall lose her young by miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days. I will send My terror before you and will throw into confusion all the people to whom you shall come, and I will make all your foes turn from you [in flight]. And I will send hornets before you which shall drive out the Hivite, Canaanite, and Hittite from before you. I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate [for lack of attention] and the wild beasts multiply against you. LITTLE BY LITTLE I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and are numerous enough to take possession of the land. I will set your borders... for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand and you shall drive them out before you.YOU SHALL MAKE NO COVENANT WITH THEM OR WITH THEIR GODS. They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against Me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you."

We just finished another Awake & Arise weekend, March 18-20. It is always such a deep experience for me and our team, and every time is brand new! One of the main themes that came up again and again as we focused on the weekend in intercession several weeks in advance was THE POWER OF OUR AGREEMENTS! This is really on God's heart - and on mine.

He made it really simple: He said to us that our simple 'agreement' is powerful - He brings the seeds of fresh revelation, fresh belief - whatever we need - and all we need to do is say 'yes' or 'I agree' to have an ignition of His power within our lives! And the power of our corporate agreement (unity of faith) makes more possible than we can imagine! This is the power of The Body of Christ. This is the power of Community. This is the power of the intercession team around all we do during an A&A weekend!

A few months ago, during worship on a Sunday morning, I felt God's strong Presence and was aware of His arm reaching down and handing me something in the spirit realm. It looked like a big martini glass. I heard the words: "Mixed drink"and saw the words "Mixed with faith" from Hebrews 4:2. The Lord spoke to my spirit: "I am releasing a new mixed drink from Heaven - it is a new level of faith - to empower my people for breakthrough in every circumstance!" How do we 'mix our circumstances with faith'? - by our simple agreement - our YES!

Dr. Charles Kraft, in his book Confronting Powerless Christianity, states: "It is a principle of the spiritual world that both the devil and God have need of finding a person through whom they must work in agreement to accomplish their desires."

We can agree with Heaven, "Your Kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth (in my life today) as it is in Heaven," or scripture says we can agree with Hell or 'give place' to Hell by granting demonic presence with their lies a 'safe place to dwell' within our lives! (i.e., Ephesians 4:26-27 and John 14:30)

John Eldredge, one of my favorite authors, in my favorite book of his, Waking The Dead; The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive, says it this way: "Be careful what or who you are agreeing with! The whole plan is based on agreements. When we make those agreements with the demonic forces suggesting things to us, we come under their influence. It becomes a kind of permission we give the Enemy, sort of like a contract. I'm serious - maybe half the stuff people are trying to "work through" in counseling offices or pray about in their quiet times is simply agreements they've made with the Enemy! Some foul spirit whispers, "I'm such a stupid idiot", and they agree with it; then they spend months and years trying to sort through feelings of insignificance. They'd end their agony if they'd treat if for the warfare it is, break the agreement they've made, and send the Enemy packing!!!!"

I'm serious, too!!!!! THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF. You are responsible for what you agree with!!! I promise you, an hour and a half with a Godly counselor is not going to make a difference if you turn around and make fresh agreements with the Enemy's voice! Your life - your physical, emotional and spiritual health, your depth of recovery, the speed of your healing and whether you reach the fullness of your destiny in Christ - will be determined by the daily agreements YOU make. No one else can do this for you. YOUR FREE WILL is simply that powerful - so use your power well.

Shortly before this last Awake & Arise, I was praying one morning, and God led me to the Exodus passages quoted above. This NOW word is an amazing promise [the Gospel of glad tidings] about GOD'S WILL in our lives! He WILL DRIVE OUT all our enemies; He promises to do all the work needed... as long as we do our part, which is to MAKE NO AGREEMENTS WITH them! If you study the meanings of the 'ites' listed, it's an amazing promise indeed! He will reject and blot out on our behalf: ADDICTIONS (Canaanites), FEARS(Hittites), BITTERNESS & REBELLION (Amorites), ISOLATION (Perrizites), and VICTIMIZATION (Jebusites). In other passages He adds DISILLUSIONMENT & UNFULFILLED DESTINY (Gergashites)! He says HE WILL DO THIS for us, but very carefully... not all at once, but LITTLE BY LITTLE, in other words - in the best way and timing to ensure our safety and increase in the process... AS LONG AS WE MAKE NO AGREEMENTS!!!!!

What a Savior! What a plan! What a vital daily personal practice!
SERIOUSLY... remember... MAKE NO AGREEMENTS!!

I want to include two of my favorite prayers to help you:

Breaking agreements with Hell:
(Fill in the blank with whatever you are struggling with i.e. negative thoughts, bitterness, isolation etc...)

1) In Jesus' Name, I nail _____________________ to the cross.

2) I break the power of all agreements I've made with _____________________, and I repent for 'joining with' _____________________.

3) Father God, I ask You to send _____________________ far away from me!

...and it can be wonderful to add:

4) And I ask You, Jesus, what do You have for me instead?

Making agreements with Heaven:
(Mixing faith with all your circumstances: fill in the blank with whatever circumstance you are anxious about.)

Lord, THANK YOU that this_____________________ is going to turn out SO WELL... because You are SO GOOD!!!!

God's Anger ... is For You!

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2011-03-28T10:19:12-07:00

Have you ever had someone angry for you?

What would your life feel like if you knew, by experience, that someone fiercely strong and hugely able to do something about it... was angry FOR YOU? Angry on your behalf? Angry at your enemies who came against you and were too strong for you?

What would we let go of if we knew that someone so strong was watching out for us and protecting us from harm? Our measly self-protections? Our pockets of self-pity? ...where we've allowed a slimy spirit to have a little place somewhere within because we were offered some small recompense for the wrongs we've suffered? Ridiculous!

We have a God Whose anger is not shut down or repressed. It is very available to Him but NEVER used against the innocent. It is strong and scary for sure... but used only FOR our SURE protection!

Here's a wonderful, true thought for your day:

GOD IS ANGRY FOR YOU.
GOD WILL NEVER USE HIS ANGER AGAINST YOU.
HE IS ANGRY AT YOUR ENEMIES.
YOU WILL BE PROTECTED!

DECLARE the following Psalm of David out loud... and have a great day!

Psalm 18:2-3, 6-18, 46-50
The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer;
my God, my keen and firm Strength
in Whom I will trust and take refuge,
my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation,
my High Tower.
... so shall I be saved from my enemies.

In my distress I called upon the Lord
and cried to my God;
He heard my voice out of His temple,
and my cry came before Him,
into His [very] ears.

Then the earth quaked and rocked,
the foundations also of the mountains trembled;
they moved and were shaken
because He was indignant and angry.
There went up smoke from His nostrils;
and lightening out of His mouth devoured;
coals were kindled by it.
He bowed the heavens also
and came down;
and thick darkness was under His feet.
And He rode upon [a storm]
and flew [swiftly];
yes, He sped on with the wings of the wind.
He made darkness His secret hiding place;
as His pavilion round about Him were dark waters
and thick clouds of the skies.
Out of the brightness before Him
there broke forth through His thick clouds
hailstones and coals of fire.
The Lord also thundered from the heavens,
and the Most High uttered His voice,
amid hailstones and coals of fire.
And He sent out His arrows
and scattered them;
and He flashed forth lightnings
and put them to rout.
Then the beds of the sea appeared
and the foundations of the world were laid bare
at Your rebuke, O Lord,
at the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.

He reached from on high,
He took me;
He drew me out of many waters.
He delivered me from my strong enemy
and from those who hated and abhorred me,
for they were too strong for me.
They confronted and came upon me
in the day of my calamity,
but the Lord was my stay and support.

He brought me forth also into a large place;
He was delivering me
because He was pleased with me
and delighted in me.

The Lord lives!
Blessed by my Rock;
and let the God of my salvation be exalted;
The God Who avenges me
and subdues peoples under me.
Who delivers me from my enemies;
yes, You lift me up above those who rise up against me;
You deliver me from the man of violence.
Therefore will I give thanks
and extol You, O Lord...
for Your Great deliverances and triumphs!

You're a Favor-ite!

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2011-03-07T21:25:49-08:00

I've been studying FAVOR.

We are hearing a lot about the word GRACE in this new year, but God's been showing me that GRACE and FAVOR are exactly the same word. They are used interchangeably in both the Old and New Testaments, as different translations of the same Hebrew and Greek word: chen/charis.

Most of the appearances of this word in the Old Testament (used 37 times as grace and 26 times as favor) say the same thing: So & So (Noah, Moses, Joseph, Ruth, Esther...) found "chen" in the sight or in the eyes of the Lord. In the Old Covenant apparently favor would "come upon" people occasionally, just like the Holy Spirit (as opposed to the constant indwelling we are privileged to experience in the New Covenant)! I am SO thankful God let me be born during New Covenant times, aren't you???? But, back to FAVOR...

In Luke 2:14 the heavenly host of angels announced something extremely different and outrageously amazing to a bunch of forlorn shepherds... they said: Glory to God! In the highest heaven and on earth - peace! Good will toward men - ON WHOM HIS FAVOR RESTS! What I see in this announcement is a change of guard. Whereas favor came upon a few lucky individuals who got God's special attention before - now HIS FAVOR HAS BEEN RELEASED TO ALL HUMANS! When Christ was incarnated in flesh - God's favor came on "all flesh." We - each and every one of us - are now rightfully "favor-ites." In the OT there were lots of 'ites" to contend with - who were separate from God's children. Jesus came and brought His Father and His kingdom with Him - and gave us all a right to be called sons of God if we would receive Him.Through Him we received "grace upon grace." (John 1:16) We are "Favor-ites" one and all!

It is wonderful to study what the Greek and Hebrew words for "Favor" mean (and I'll let you do that part, for now)... but it is very enlightening to study what Webster has to say as well. Here is a fascinating list ...

WEBSTER'S definition's of FAVOR:

favored; liked; approved
be pleasing to
too kind indulgence
unfair partiality
to prefer unfairly
to be too indulgent toward
be partial to
specially privileged
to afford advantages for success
promoted
specially privileged
provided with advantages

favorite: (as a "favor-ite" YOU ARE:)

1. a person or thing regarded with special favor, preference, or affection
2. a person liked very much and granted special privileges by a king, high official, etc.
3. a competitor considered most likely to win

Lance Wallnau defines FAVOR as:

The attraction of God to you
so that God can move through you
and cause people to promote you.

And Dutch Sheets has said:

Faith will move your mountains.
Favor will get others to move them for you.

So, today, receive it and believe it!

YOU ARE A "FAVOR-ITE!"
YOU ARE UNFAIRLY PREFERRED!!!
YOU ARE A PERSON LIKED VERY MUCH AND GRANTED SPECIAL PRIVILEGES BY THE KING OF KINGS!
YOU ARE AFFORDED EVERY ADVANTAGE FOR SUCCESS.

No wonder they call it "The GOSPEL OF the GRACE (FAVOR) of God!
~ ACTS 20:24

He'll Redeem Every Mistake

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2010-12-22T05:51:11-08:00

Romans 8:28 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.

Special greetings to all our readers this Christmas season. I have a special Christmas story to share with you.

Christmas traditions are really important in our family. For over 20 years we have had a special candle-light dinner for our family Christmas party — with the same menu. It started when my boys were young ... and has continued every year until now. The main course is Ham loaf. Though daughter-in-laws have joined us and it is not their favorite, the boys are adamant about not changing the menu. This year we were discussing by email if we wanted to change one of our gift traditions ... and my middle son said, "I don't care ... as long as there is Ham loaf and family!" In that order.

Well, I made a BIG mistake this year. I waited too long to purchase the Ham loaf. Our party was early this year because of one son's work schedule, and in all my running around I left it till the night before. I had a feeling it was a bad idea. East Side Deli is the only store in the Northwest that sells this Ham loaf — and it's very popular. I stopped in after 8 p.m. friday night — and, you guessed it ... the entire freezer in the back corner of this little corner store was EMPTY! The Asian man behind the counter said, "We all sold out, but we get more on Monday or Tuesday." "You don't understand", I said. "This is the main course for our family Christmas party — for over 20 years now ... and I have to have Ham loaf!" I even told him about my sons email ... as if that would make him go to the back and cook some up himself. He shook his head and said, "No ham loaf until Monday."

I panicked. As I got into my car I immediately called my mom and my sister to see if they had by any chance purchased a ham loaf or 2 this year and had them in their freezer. No such luck. They said, well, there's always turkey ... even they did not understand. As silly as it might seem ... I knew my kids would be devastated.

So, I got home and began a search online — allrecipes.com is my friend. Out of the hundreds of ham loaf recipes I chose one that sounded like it might be close to the ingredients we were used to.

The next morning we found out no local grocery store would grind 3 pounds of ham for sanitary reasons. So, my husband went and bought the ingredients and took the ham to my parents house who have an old meat grinder. They spent some special time together grinding ham, and I spent longer than usual mixing and preparing the loaves.

As we sat down and did our usual sharing before eating, I had to share the story and my apologies that it may not be quite the same this year - but hoped they would appreciate all the effort we went through to keep our tradition intact.

THEY LOVED IT! They all ended up deciding it was the best ham loaf they'd ever tasted ... the extra pineapple sauce on top was the clincher... and they want me to make it this way every year from now on, if I wouldn't mind!!!!!

So, what was at first a bad judgement call on my part, ended up becoming our new 'favorite' and our family traditional menu was enhanced, not diminished. It also added a special dimension with my kid's grandparents blessing the event with their contribution... and we've already decided we will make a tradition out of grinding ham with them each year from now on.

A simple lesson, really. But profound for many things in life. What we consider our mistakes, usually end up opening new doors and bringing more good into our lives in the long run. Not because we did everything perfectly... but because God is good and knows how to turn ALL to our good in the end.

So whatever you are facing this holiday season... pray this simple prayer I am learning:

"Lord, thank You that this is going to turn out so well,
because You are so good."

Have a blessed Christmas and a prosperous (in every way) New Year!
Love,
Janet

Honor Asks

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2010-07-03T06:45:53-07:00

"Good question..."

A good question is powerful. It causes us to search for an answer that needs to be found. I aspire to be one who asks good questions, because I believe others finding their answers is more important than them hearing mine. It is a guiding principle for all good counseling sessions. It is a guiding principle for all respectful relationships. Honor asks. Good questions empower people.

God's first questions in the Bible tell us a lot about Him. His response to man's fall from glory is, "Where are you?" Then, "Who told you that...?" And right after the exodus from the garden, to Cain... "Why are you angry?" He asks questions not because he doesn't know the answers. He knows. But His way is not to tell what He knows. His way is to invite man into relationship with Himself. He asks because He is inviting Adam to contemplate and then relate 'Where he really is...' and admit the truth about 'Who it is who told him he was naked...' He invites Cain, in the midst of his melt down, to bring his feelings and struggles to honest relationship - 'Come and tell Me about it.' In relating, there will be in-to-me-see, there will be honesty, and there will be a transfer of life.

The enemy, too, knows about good questions. Leading questions. His questions, from the garden with Eve to the desert with Jesus invite to relationship with lies and destruction. "Did God say?" "IF you are who God says..." And with a good question, the seed of doubt is planted.

God is relational. As His image bearers, so are we. To the core. He invites our questions. The God of the Universe wants to discuss things that matter to us, with us. He does not tell us the answers. He loves our process of discovery within a safe, honoring relationship with Himself. He assumes we have something important to say. Something worth listening to. He even allows human beings to change His mind. He allows Himself to be 'affected' by us and our perspective. He is secure. Secure enough to not have to be the 'know it all'... the one always 'in control,' although it is His right. "Come let us reason together..." says the God of the universe to the little man He created. I value your thoughts, your opinions - lets sit down and discuss this together. Tell me how you see this thing...

Revelation 4:1 Come up here.

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord.

Psalm 18:35 Your gentleness and condescension make me great .

Some good question I've been asked:

"What kind of fish do you want?"
This question came from God to me during Bible School. The obvious context is "I will make you fisher's of men." He was asking me who I wanted my life to impact. I knew He would give me what I answered. I answered carefully!

"What are your life's three passion words?"
Mine? 'Awakening.' 'Grace.' 'Glory.'
What are yours?

"What is your life message?"
My life message has to do with 'Transformation: the awakening of who we really are, by the power of grace, for the glory of God.' I live to make 'Spiritual realities emotionally practical' for others. This has been my life journey in God, and we can only impart what we've become.

Good questions. God questions.

Now it's your turn.

Prayer:
God, what question do You want to ask me today?

Consuming Fire

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2010-06-24T07:26:00-07:00

Hebrews 12:29
For our God [is indeed] a consuming fire!

Swirling Glory
Powerful Fire
fierce & glowing
higher & higher

Burn the dross
till all is new
Make my life
as fresh as dew

that can distill
at God's own will
in places broad
or unknown still

For I am Yours
sent by Your love
to release Your grace
to any place

fulfilling with pleasure
what You desire
at the bid of Your Wind
at the sound of Your Fire

Keep Looking Down

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2010-06-24T07:59:03-07:00

Ephesians 2:6 And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One). [Amp]

A few years ago while on a ministry trip to central B.C. in Canada, a friend of Awake & Arise said something I will never forget: "Keep looking down!" I had to ponder this for a minute, being used to hearing the opposite, as in "keep looking up!" I've decided I like his version best, for it is more 'true' of who we really are, in Christ. Pondering this in my quiet time today, the following rolled out of my heart...

Holy Spirit, take me
into all You have for me
don't let me live a small life,
less than 'eternity.'

You've called my life to walk anew
in paths You've made for me and You
that lead to undiscovered lands
approached by those free of world's bands...

With 'fear of man' under our feet
and 'awe of God' allowed to lead
and 'sights' not down in low doldrums
but set on Heaven where life comes from!

I'm made for more than just this life
'earth-bound' I enter needless strife
like eagle's taunted by the crows
but soaring; high above earth's woes.

This is the life You've made for me
Heaven come, till I'm 'made free!'

Remember... Keep looking down!!!
(Thanks, Todd!)

Suffering With Purpose: Intimacy

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2010-05-18T04:08:26-07:00

Soldiers who've been through the trenches together know it to be true. There is a bond that occurs through heightened times of difficulty that is stronger and deeper than those formed in casual, pleasant seasons of our lives (& relationships). There is no tie like that formed by 'going through hard times together.'

Song of Songs 3 promotes this as it's context for deepest loves' discovery... "In the night" the chapter begins... and verse six adds "the wilderness" as the 'place' for most intimate bonding between Lover and Beloved.

We know that tragedy either makes or breaks human love affairs. In God's Kingdom, there is a sacred 'place' provided for those in the 'night' or 'wilderness' seasons of their lives. It is described as (3:9) a "palanquin." A traveling bridal car, carved of Lebanon cedar (known for it's strength) and clothed in colors of silver (redemption), gold (glory) and purple (royalty). It is accompanied - surrounded - by sixty mighty men who handle the sword and are expert in war... "that fear be not excited in the night."

What a profound pictue of reality in the spiritual Kingdom that surrounds us!

In the night seasons of life, in the wilderness journeying times, we are offered this 'place' of secluded, protected 'bridal love' with Jesus. It is not to be found in the casual, easy, happy periods of life - but as treasure hidden in darkness - a profound reward for our sufferings, discovered when in the midst of difficulties - we seek Him, whom our soul loves.

Isaiah 45:3 And I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, Who calls you by your name.

Genesis 15:1 Fear not... I am your Shield, your abundant compensation, and your reward shall be exceedingly great.

Jesus,
In the sufferings, I seek You, whom my soul longs for.
Come find me here, hidden in the wilderness. Take me into the secret place of refreshment and protected love with you that only my depth of difficulties gives me access to.
Let me, after these experiences emerge from my wilderness season - "leaning on My Beloved."(8:5) That will be worth it all!

Amen

The Season of Flourishing Love

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2010-05-07T13:05:01-07:00

One morning some time ago I woke up to God's voice saying to my spirit a most profound but simple thing: "Janet, you are not there until you are there. It's not over until it's over. You're not done until you're done."

Months before, I had gone to sleep with my journal open before the Lord and as big as I could write the letters over several consecutive pages I'd scribbled the despairing words, "HOW LONG OH LORD, HOW LONG?" His answer seemed late, strange and so unassuming. He is quite secure; unmoved by our desperateness and unrushed as He deeply considers what is best for us.

I am in an entirely different season of life by now - but those lessons never leave me as I counsel God's children through their pain on a daily basis. Long ago someone told me God was making of me a 'Moses' who would know the way and lead many out of bondage, through the wild lands (the wilderness) and into His promised inheritance.

Lately, God is revealing His heart to me in new and awe-inspiring ways. He is giving me greater glimpses of what our difficult journey's are for, in His loving heart.

My life's journey, in time, has allowed Him to forge much fruitfulness in the garden of my heart. This 'Season of Fruitfulness' is described in Song of Songs 2:15-16: "Our vineyards are in blossom. My Beloved is mine and I am His! He pastures His flocks among the lilies." Those lilies in 'our vineyards' are the one's I tend to, with the love He's born in me. This love in me is the fruit of understanding His heart for me in Song of Songs 2:3: "Like the lily among thorns, so are you, my love, among the daughters." When we understand who we are, we can lead other's (many daughters) to drink of the same revelation.

My life is Your vineyard,
it belongs to "us."
You pasture "your flocks" there
to heal and to bless.
All whom I love -
Your lilies midst thorns,
the flowers and fruits
my labor has born.
The singing of birds
and voice of Your dove
proclaim this the season
of flourishing love.

The Vine and the Keeper
the branch that is kept
the fruits and the flowers
~ by Your Glory swept.

God's heart is to bring us into 'The Season of Fruitfulness' not only, but beyond that to the full climax of 'The Season of Flourishing Love.' It, too, is described in Song of Songs (AMP):

Song of Songs 5:1:
"Eat, O friends, [feast on, O revelers of the palace;
you can never make my lover disloyal to me]!

Drink, yes, drink abundantly of love,
O precious one
[for now I know you are Mine, irrevocably Mine!"

This is His fantastic heart. In 'The Season of Flourishing Love,' He says, "I can now bless you as I desire to, without threat of you deserting Me for the wonders of the blessings I impart!" If we receive the abundance of love too early, before our heart is loyal to The King alone; we are prone to eat it for ourselves as gluttons. If we minister to the masses, with too many unmet needs of our own, we will consume the riches and bring glory to our self instead of the Father. Arising in authority is a carefully timed dance with the Lover of our Souls; Who watches over His dreams for us with a jealous love that we will not turn to 'other loves' in the process.

This was God's purpose in the testing of Abraham's faith when he was required to sacrifice Isaac.

Genesis 22:12
For now I know that you fear and revere God, since you have not held back from Me or begrudged giving Me your one and only son.

Genesis 22:16-18
I have sworn by Myself, says the Lord that since you have done this and have not withheld [from Me] or begrudged [giving Me] your son, your only son, In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sands on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies. And in your Seed [Christ] shall all the nations of the earth be blessed and [by Him] bless themselves, because you have heard and obeyed my voice.

PRAYER

Dear Beloved Shepherd,

Bring me through all the seasons necessary
to come into the 'Season of Flourishing Love!'
Do what You must in my life,
until You can say 'For now I know'
you are irrevocably Mine,
and you will not hold back or begrudge me
any blessing I give you.
How I desire to reach the plateau of trust in Your mighty heart
that releases Your blessings as a massive waterfall
through my life,
so all you send me to
can feast.
Make me trustworthy, O God,
to drink abundantly of love!

Your Beloved Vineyard.

Thoughts on Pain & Pleasure

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2010-05-04T06:34:50-07:00

I recently became a new grandma — Hudson is the first child of my own children... and there is nothing quit like it.

I have been particularly struck by the relationship of pain and pleasure through observing the whole experience. At first, Luke & Bonnie were rather 'traumatized' by the 17 hour labor, including 3 hours of pushing... and this — the price — for the most amazing, blessed event of their lives! Scripture does make it clear that 'Suffering' is very connected to 'Glory' — in this case — the glorious, sought after beginning of such a precious new child's life! It seems we cannot have the one without the other.

Romans 8:17-18 We share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. [NIV]

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 Therefore we do not lose heart... For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. [NIV] (The AMP version calls it: "an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculation, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!")

John 16:21-22 A woman, when she gives birth to a child, has grief (anguish, agony) because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she no longer remembers her pain (trouble, anguish) because she is so glad that a man (a child, a human being) has been born into the world.

Hebrews 1:10 For it was an act worthy [of God] and fitting [to the divine nature] that He, for Whose sake and by Whom all things have their existence, in bringing many sons into glory, should make the Pioneer of their salvation perfect [should bring to maturity the human experience necessary to be perfectly equipped...] through suffering.

I am re-reading one of my favorite classics at the moment: Hind's Feet On High Places. It is now available in a devotional form, with the original story along side a daily meditation - I highly recommend it! In Hannah Hurnard's story, a lowly servant girl named 'Much-afraid' makes her journey to the High Places - into the Kingdom of Love. There she will receive her new name: "Grace & Glory." Her curious journey companions, given her by the Good Shepherd Himself, are 'Sorrow' and 'Suffering'. At first she despises that these are to be her companions, but they alone can be trusted to show her the way. How human - we all desire Grace without sorrow and Glory without Suffering. I do, at least. But as an inspirational mentor in my life often says: "Come to Jesus for free... but to have Christ formed in you will cost you everything." Sometimes I hate it... but the most worthwhile things in life are by far the most expensive.

Hudson Lucas is proof enough.

Dear Lord,
Let me not call you Lord and still want my own way. Your ways are higher than mine and your thoughts than my thoughts.

Thank You that all Your ways are perfect and that You are making my way perfect. Thank You that You are The Father of Lights who gives only good and perfect gifts to Your children. When I ask You for a loaf of bread, you do not hand me a stone. When I ask for a fish, You do not hand me a serpent.

When my heart grows faint within me - You alone know the way that I take. When I journey through suffering, you are perfecting me to be like Your glorious Son. Is there something I would rather be??? NO.

No wonder Paul said he was in labor until Christ was formed in those he loved. And You've promised that Christ in me is the hope of Glory! You have my permission today to continue forming Christ in me.

Your child,
_____________

Being Humble

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2010-04-21T06:59:25-07:00

It's Friday morning... one of my favorites. After a full week of counseling, I very much need to let my hair down in an unhurried pace. I love people, but I can only love them well when I have time for my own soul to be restored. That is best done for me in unhurried quiet with God. On Friday mornings, I don't even want to see Ron (which is somewhat confusing for him and somewhat unfair - but he is getting used to me and my needs).

So, today, my soul was weary and burdened. I saw myself enter My Daddy's throne room and walk toward Him, sit at His feet, and just rest against His legs. I needed His attention, to feel His strength, to be assured. He lifted me onto His lap and nestled me against His chest. He rocked me. He reminded me the way is always open, and this was always my place. I felt I could stay there all day. But Jesus came bursting in from what seemed a side door and joyously invited me to an adventure with Him out in the sunshine (yes, it's 'sunning' in the Northwest this morning). I felt like a little child being invited on a picnic. His joy was infectious!

So, I had a Pecan Blackberry Bran Muffin with Ron, then donned my sweats and dirty tennies and slipped out the door for a walk in the woods. I was especially aware of Jesus' companionship, walking on my left side. A ways into my normal trail, I just paused and stood in the isolated quiet for a long time. I drank in the refreshing aloneness, the beauty, the green, and all the birds' songs. I loved just being alone with my Jesus. I wanted more than Him beside me - I wanted to be 'in' Him. He is my safe place. My refuge. My rock of strength. I stepped into Him. The verse, "For me, to live is Christ," came to mind. I heard the sound of Angie (Stogdill's) voice singing a favorite song: "You Surround Me." (Thanks, Angie, for being there : ). My spirit resonated with "I must have more of you." I heard, "You need me more than sleep." (I've been sleeping in lately and not had as much essential quiet time). Then I heard Him say to me, "I must have more of you." I realized that I am much like a car - if I do not get regular oil changes, I don't run very well. I have come to know in life that to be "me" and to do what I do requires "high maintenance", spiritually speaking. I began to walk again, pondering this need to stay "vitally united" with The Vine. I felt deeply refreshed, rejuvenated, calmed. Relaxed, in Him.

I sauntered home in the sun, planning to stop by my computer and humbly share this with you, my readers. It is humbling to be open with you - "letting you in" to know me and my walk with Him... especially not even knowing who "you" will exactly be. I have attached to His idea of "humility", since He inspired that blog the other day...

So, I hope my blessing this morning blesses you. I am off to Delayne's to get my hair colored. She is a very special friend - a safe haven for my heart. Delightful. Both deep and fun. Very sunshiny, like Jesus. It is a privilege to call her friend.

Have a blessed Friday, and drink deeper of HIm. He is the answer to all your needs.

Humility = An Open Heart

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2010-04-15T11:22:57-07:00

Humility = You may know me - my heart is open to you.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 - But let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me... (that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things).

God not only allows us to know Him, but He longs for us to understand and know who He is. Think about it. How deep is your own desire to "be known"... to "be understood?" I have realized in myself that this is one of my deepest desires... to know and to be known. I so want to be understood, don't you? I want someone to take the time to see who I am... to 'get me'... to understand what I'm like... and, of course, like what they come to know... to think it's special, worth a lot, worth pursuing, spending effort on, spend time with what is discovered, as if it is precious to the beholder... as if "I" am precious, worth cherishing, worth knowing. And when someone is willing to even cost themselves to understand me... wow, that says it all - I am LOVED.

I know this is uniquely true of feminine nature... but I am aware that this is truly the deepest desire of all human beings. It's just what we, as women, bring to the table and have to offer in a particular way. We are the "pursuee"... men are the "pursuer." It's costly on both ends: for us, to stay open and vulnerable to the hope of being pursued and understood... and for men to pursue a treasure they desire without knowing the outcome ~ and most often not understanding the thing they seek. (My husband claims "Women are a vat... of endless wonder." He has a very curious mind that longs to learn what he does not yet understand, but he claims I have given him a run for his money. I know some days he feels like giving up his pursuit.)

The key is: this desire in us comes from God Himself. He longs to be understood and known. It is part of us carrying His image - to be and stay open and longing for someone to know and "get" who we are.

I saw it in my new grandson yesterday. He, being fresh from Heaven, is unabashedly humble: open to love, open to being known. Just 9 days old, his eyes are bright, and I am sure he smiled at me as I cooed at him and told him how much I adored him.

We are drawn to this open-heartedness like flies to fly paper. It reminds us of who we most deeply are. We each, too, arrived, a fresh gift from Heaven, equipped to be known and to know. It is only later that we shut down or became closed because the response of some in our world didn't understand us or care enough to take the time to know and delight in who we were. Pricked by rejection, one of Satan's favorite schemes against us, a root of shame grew into a tree that began to shade the doorway to our heart and eventually may have attempted to hide the passageway altogether. Our humble openness became instead a guarded pathway emitting messages like "Don't come near"... "No visitors welcome here"... or simply "Go away!". Sadly, when we experience rejection, we usually become the rejector ~ and we as well as others miss the wonderful gift of knowing and getting to know. Thus, "sins against love" are perpetuated.

Humility is to be willing to be known. A humble heart is a heart that is open - that says "You may come in; you may know who I am. I am open to 'you'." All our self protection is simply pride. Pride has closed itself to others. It needs no input. It says, "Who cares if you love me - I need no one. You have nothing important to offer me. I have projected my wounds onto the human race - no one will love me well enough, including you, so go away. You are as terrible as the one who hurt me before. I am that important - no one may touch me or wound me again." In the prison of pride, we rail against the barricades we have erected around ourselves. To be set free is to face our deepest fear - rejection - and open once again to love, to "'being known."

And God, in His kind wisdom says: boast in this - that you are one who is able to be in relationship. You are willing to know and understand another - so they can also enter into relationship with you. To be open to love, yielded, receptive to the value of input from someone beside yourself - this is the true essence of humility and also the true essence of love.

No wonder we go ga-ga over new babies... and when a child is in the room, we watch them like a mesmerizing fire. We are fascinated with the sheer openness they exude - and we have lost, long ago.

Oh Savior, save me.
Heal my heart of its wounds that have made me recoil from the very love I long for. I hide inside, unwilling to try again to know anyone else. I have given up and imprisoned my own self from opening to be known - and I am dying inside as a result. I forgive the ones who hurt me so. Forgive me for responding and nursing my grudges and building my barricades. Strengthen me to know that my desire to be understood and known is from You and is inherently good. Help me to emerge, with Your help, and attach to righteous desire once again - the desire for love. I am cold and lonely without it.

Thank you for being humble in heart. Thank you for being open to me - open to being known. You encourage me to come to You confidently and boldly. As I know You, I will be known in return and understand that I am loved.

What a blessed inheritance is mine: To know God - and be known by Him. To know other people - and be known by them. I choose love. I choose to open my heart to others. I choose to recognize in others that this is their need and desire as well. I forsake self protection that puts my needs before another's and blocks the way to love. I am sorry for how much I, in my hurt, have hurt others.

Oh, Jesus, forgive our sins against love - and teach us to love. I choose to come into your heart today - with a desire to understand and know You. Thank You that the way to love is always open. It's Your heart. A heart of lovingkindness, justice and righteousness. I come. Can I stay and mend awhile? So I can leave to love others better, having known and experienced the very source of love.

What a blessed inheritance.
I love you.
Amen.

God Thoughts on the Daffodil

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2010-03-31T09:16:05-07:00

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!!! All around the old growth fir trees outside my kitchen window, lively yellow daffodils are in full, glorious bloom. They are truly an amazing flower - shaped like the sun, with the center protruding forth like a trumpet - they seem to announce "Winter is past and Spring has sprung!"

Did you know that yellow is the color of 'hope'?

We have family members who live in California (where it's mostly sunny year round) and in Michigan (where the year is divided into 2 basic seasons: a long cold snowy winter and a long hot sunny summer). But in Northwest Washington, I love the four distinct seasons. They have a message for us: This too shall pass! There is always hope for change!

When I was a new mother, I shared the journey with a dear friend I met in Lamaze. Cheryl and I would call each other on a hard day and encourage each other with the words, "This too shall pass!"

In my seventeen years as a Counselor of Christians in painful circumstances, I have absolutely embraced the truth that 'There is always hope for change!'

Early in the fall of 1991 when my first marriage was ending in divorce, a God-thought peeked out through my numb heart, and I bought several hundred daffodil bulbs and planted them around my trees. That next Spring - deep in the grief of a devastating life change - they sprung up to promise me joy after mourning. And they have multiplied every year since.

Daffodils. Their sunny faces appear just as cold winter rains ebb away. They trumpet God's heart and announce His promises will be fulfilled.

Go pick yourself a Daffodil - stare at it's sunny face - and ponder God's thoughts for you...

Song of Songs 2:10-11 For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing [of birds] has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. {AMP}

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. {NIV}

Isaiah 61:11 For as [surely as] the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring forth, so [surely] the Lord God will cause rightness and justice and praise to spring forth before all the nations [through the self-fulfilling power of His word]. {AMP}

Which of God's promises are being freshly proclaimed in your life as a new season springs forth all around?

It's time for BREAKTHROUGH!

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2010-03-25T15:28:49-07:00

Webster's Dictionary defines Breakthrough this way: "The act, result, or place of gaining by force against set resistance, as of a flood through a dike or of armed forces through a defense line."

We are told in Isaiah 45:2-3: I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will BREAK in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by name, Am the God of Israel.

We have just completed another amazing weekend journey with 70 people who went through our March 12-14 Awake & Arise Conference in Bellingham. It is a massive privilege to facilitate and see God transform so many lives. He's so interested in setting us free to be all He created us to be!!!

I just received an email this morning from a 49-year-old man who shared, "I came to Awake & Arise with a fair amount of skepticism and really an unbelief of how this could really help ME... I felt this was something for someone else. As the hours of the event turned to days... I found myself in stunned amazement... the examination took me places I never realized were there. Though I come from a broken past (broken home, neglect, street gangs, and drugs), I had been touched by God in a very supernatural way in 2004 and figured the healing was finished... but this was something new and wonderful. The feeling of wholeness & freedom that engulfed me was as a finger wrapped with a rubber band, then unwrapped after hours. Thanks for your work in this ministry - it's something every Christian should do!"

Breakthrough was the theme that God spoke to us for this particular A&A weekend.

There is a man in Scripture whose name means "breakthrough." Perez' story is one of an unlikely breaking through into his destiny - being part of the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:3).

One of the things that amazes me in Scripture is the deep dysfunction of all of the peoples’ lives as they are recorded. Studying the geneology of Christ should convince any one of us that we definitely qualify for the 'family of God.' God seems to want to make it clear that it's a 'come as you are party!'

Perez' family history is a scandalous story (recorded in Genesis 38). His father, Judah, slept with his mother, Tamar, when she disguised herself as a temple prostitute along the road he was journeying one day. Tamar became pregnant, and when her time for delivery came - surprise! - there were twin boys in her womb! One began to be born, sticking his little hand out, and the midwife put a scarlet thread on his finger, saying, "This one was born first." And then he drew back his hand, and his brother was born first instead! The midwife said, "What a breaking forth you have made for yourself!"... so, his name was called Perez (meaning "breaking forth"). Then his brother, with the scarlet thread on his hand, came out and was called Zerah (meaning: "He will shine from the margin").

So, what does your 'name' mean? Mine (Janet Beth) means "House full of God's grace." Way beyond what I knew of who I was created to be... God has worked diligently throughout my life - just because I've continued to say "yes" to Him - to make me into the substance of what He meant when He meant ME.

YOU are more than you have yet become. Keep saying YES to Him (because He needs your permission) and He will make of your life more than you asked and better than you dreamed!

Prayer:

God,
It says in Ephesians 1 that You thought me up before the creation of the world. Huh? I haven't lived like I matter THAT much to You or anyone else. I don't even get it. What is 'man' that You are mindful of him or her?? (Psalm 8)
So, who did You actually mean when You meant ME? If there is more to who You made me to be than I have yet a clue... I hereby give You permission to work in my life to cause me to break through into the fullness of my destiny in Christ Jesus.

So, here's my question: Who do You say that I am?

I am listening....
Your child, _____________________.

Simple Reflections of Christmas

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2008-12-29T11:01:14-08:00

...Wishing A Merry One to each of you.

As cars 'slush' by outside,
and layers of snow slowly slide off branches with the rain,
my favorite Josh Groben Christmas song plays
and I sit in my grandpa's chair
drinking Bentley's Peppermint Cane Tea
with what should be one of my last chocolate indulgences for the season.

Soon, I will soak in a bath of Cranberry bubbles
and read further in the Jane Kirkpatrick series I'm enjoying.
Ron will have others here this afternoon,
to teach them early steps to carving,
while I work at my computer.

I cleaned up our dinner mess from last night
so enjoying
leisurely remembering each word and look of dear friends
as I scraped leftovers into warm sudsy water.

All this to say...
what rejuvenates me most of all
is an unhurried pace
& empty space,
with loved one's recent smiles
to savor...
I take in every splendid detail,
if allowed the time,
and am my best self
in such moments.

My fondest dream is to be
surrounded by love
and visual abundance
with ambiance of cozy lights and smells -
celebration & security -
woven together,
seeping deep into my soul.

This sitting "until my spirit catches up with my body"
is foreign to my culture,
but precious to me.
Vital.
I suffocate without it.

My robe is as white as the snow,
fuzzy and soft;
my new slippers,
warm and strong.
Breathing slowly...
in and out, in and out;
these moments of peace
are irreplaceable.

How can I
regularly celebrate such solitude -
so essential for my life
and all I am?
This stabilizes me,
produces the best fruit,
provides the rest,
from which thoughts
become a substance to bless.

David said in Psalm 23, " He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul." Throughout the Gospels, this same Jesus who led David, often retreated into solitude, going up on a mountain to pray, slipping away to a lonely place early in the morning.

He will lead us as well —to slow down, unplug, accept the invitation to come aside. We won't find restoration in the midst of the Matrix. We need quiet time in the presence of God.

Set aside some time to be quiet. Be still. Breathe slowly and deeply for a few minutes. Simply savor every experience the holidays provided you. Let them become a part of you. New colors to the warp and woof of the life that is 'you.' Wherever you are, whatever you do - keep becoming yourself. You are special and Beloved.

Breath deeply, my soul.
Be quiet within me.
Rest awhile.

You're His Favorite!

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2008-11-08T06:41:23-08:00

Song of Solomon 1:1 THE SONG of songs [the most excellent of them all] which is Solomon's. (AMP)

We are told in scripture that Solomon (the wisest man who ever lived) originated 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs (Kings 4:32). Out of all of his songs, this one is said to be "the most excellent of them all." Have you ever wondered what makes this one the winner?

I'll never forget the day a young man with a thick English accent spoke at our church and passionately claimed about his relationship with God, "I'm His favorite!" At first, I thought, "That's crazy, how can you say that? He likes you better than all the rest of us?!!" But as his message sunk in, I realized he was right... that's how each one of us is meant to feel. There is NO ONE like you, and YOU are God's favorite! He's really excited about the 'you' He created.

Scripture also tells us that Solomon had MANY wives (700 wives and 300 concubines! - I Kings 11:3). I find it fascinating that out of all his wives, this 'song' is to ONE of them... apparently, his FAVORITE! I believe that is why this song is called the most excellent of them all....

Song of Songs 1: 9 O my love [he said as he saw her], you remind me of my [favorite] mare in the chariot spans of Pharaoh. (Out of 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots - I Kings 4:26)

Song of Songs 2: 2 But Solomon replied, Like the lily among thorns, so are you, my love, among the daughters.

Then, on top of that, this book of the Bible is believed by all to be about the relationship between Jesus Christ and His Bride - The Church. Think about it... God's own expression of love for His Bride, which you are part of (if you love Him) is written to ONE among the many who make up ALL who are part of that Bride... YOU.

As I've grown in my personal relationship with Him, I have come to accept this fact as true... as this most Beloved ONE to Solomon, among all his wives... so am I (!!!) to God's heart. It's hard to believe, but the more I do, the more personal The Song of Songs becomes. It is written to His Bride - but it is written, especially, to 'ME.'

I'm inviting YOU to come on a journey with me in the days ahead, and discover what it means for YOUR LIFE that...

Isaiah 54:5 Your Maker is your Husband!

Prayer:

Today, Jesus, I dare to receive what you say about me....
You, The King of The Universe, are my own Husband,
and I am Your Beloved.

Today, I dare to believe...
I am Your favorite!

Why, Jesus?
What do you love so about ME?
Please reveal Your love to me in fresh ways.

Give to me what you gave to Solomon...
"Listening ears and a hearing heart" (I Kings 3: 9)
so I can begin to comprehend Your love
for even ME.

Amen.

How God Bought Me a Car

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2008-06-20T11:30:32-07:00

I'm married now again... but for 12 wonderful (never thought I'd say that!) years I was single. A single mom of 3 boys. Those years of my life formed me through MUCH heartache, difficulty, wrestling and learning to trust God and God-in-me in ways that only trials can. But the overwhelming memory of those years (which ended 4 1/2 years ago) is what happened to me in my relationship with God. He proved Himself to me - and He proved what was in my heart to Himself. [Deuteronomy 8:2-3]

Because of my desperate need, my spiritual life moved profoundly beyond the dry places of doctrine, theology and a belief system. I became His, and He mine. I came to know very personally - the Bridal Paradigm that structures all of scripture. We are not only "The Church" of Jesus Christ - but much more personally... we are "The Bride" of Jesus Christ. He loves His Church... as a Groom loves His Bride - that's what we are individually and collectively - to Him. I have come to experience the SONG OF (all) SONGS as my own journey's story-line... a walk of ever-increasing intimacy with Him - my Beloved. And just like this 'One' of all Solomon's lovers... I came to understand that among all the individuals that make up the collective "Bridal Church" - I was "His favorite" - my story is irreplaceably 'mine and His' alone.

He cared for me throughout those years - as a husband. He became forever my "First Love." Ron is a great husband and loves me well... but his love can never re-place or compare with Jesus'. It's not meant to. He is OK with being No. 2.

One of my favorite stories of His husband care - is the time HE BOUGHT ME A CAR.

I knew my mini-van was nearing it's last days... and prayed often as we drove down the road - (out loud, so the kids would hear and see how God would answer) - that this car would last until I could purchase a new one. I asked God to pick out the right car for me (because buying a car was not my thing and intimidated me). I told Him I'd trust His choice, but I thought I would really like a Ford Explorer. I had some money coming several months ahead, and as it neared, wasn't yet looking for 'the car that God would find me.'

One day, driving through town, I had a few extra moments and remembered an important errand. I had a rental house in those days and I needed to get it advertised in the local newspaper. As I parked in front of The Lynden Tribune I knew I would barely make the time deadline for my Ad. I rushed in, and at the front desk, a woman was giving a verbal advertisement... for a car. As she quoted the year, the make, the condition and the price... my ears perked up. An Explorer, did she say? I looked back out the window. Next to my mini-van was parked a shiney Ford Explorer. "Is that the car you want to sell?" I asked the woman. She said "Yes," and told me her and her husband loved the car and it was in excellent condition, but their loan payments were more than their budget could handle so they needed to sell. Hmmmmm.... I thought.

Days went by and I thought about that Ford Explorer a little... but I didn't have my money yet and was not seriously looking. I wondered, "Was that You, Lord?"

Weeks later, driving to pick up my sons from school, I had a few extra moments and remembered an important errand. I needed paint for the rental house before new tenants moved in. I took a quick detour to Vander Griend Lumber to pick out a color. Heading back toward the school... I got stopped at a train crossing. As I sat there, mind racing, I glanced out the window on the passenger side of my mini-van, and noticed a shiney Ford Explorer parked two feet away, with a big "For Sale" sign on it's windshield. It was the same color, and the thought washed over me - "I think that's the same car".

I picked up my kids and drove back to the car to look it over and take the phone number. I told my sons about both encounters with this car and we wondered together, "Is this You, Lord?"

I called that day, and got the same woman I'd met in the Newspaper office. I said I was surprised the car had not sold yet... and told her my 'God story' as it seemed to be unfolding. She too, was a Christian, and responded with, "Well, if you need one more confirmation, that happens to be the only day we had it sitting in town, at my husbands work place. He drives an old truck to work because I need the Explorer every single day to haul kids to school etc. That morning he had said, if we're ever going to sell this car, we have to park it in town where it can be seen - and I happened to have a miraculous day where I did not need the car." I started grinning.

That evening, my oldest son came home with one more 'encounter' story. Before school he and his friends had been waiting outside for a friend who was uncharacteristically late. Luke was telling them the story of mom's search for a new car. Being teenage boys they asked "make?, model?, year?, color?"... and as Luke was describing it, the very Explorer drove by in front of them. "There it is!" he said.

When I set up a time to meet and test-drive the Explorer, the owner asked me about my current vehicle. They needed a cheaper car that could fit their family! They came over on Saturday morning. I drove their car and they test-drove mine. Both, were perfect. My money had come in that week. I wrote them a check, minus what my mini-van was worth - for exactly the amount I'd told God I had for a new vehicle... and we both drove away smiling....

On Sunday morning a friend at church asked me how I found my nice new Explorer... because she and her husband were looking. I replied, "Oh, you'll not find one as easy as me - you have an earthly husband!"

Bless The City

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2008-05-07T01:16:00-07:00

I've been reading Jeremiah. I found a treasure!! I knew the book began with God asking "Jeremiah, what do you see?" "I see the sprouting branch of an almond tree." "You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it." And this, spoken in the midst of winter.

But there's another. In chapter 24 verse 3, God asks again, "What do you see, Jeremiah?" This time he sees two baskets of figs, set before the temple of the Lord. One basket had very good figs, and the other basket, very bad figs, so bad that they could not be eaten. Jeremiah had seen well again. God explained that the good figs represented the people who had obeyed the word of the Lord and were now in captivity. He sent them out for their good and would watch over them to build them up again. The bad figs, however showed the end of the people who disobeyed the word of the Lord and were still in Jerusalem, holding on to the life they knew.

Jump ahead to Jeremiah 29. In verse 5 God instructs the ones in captivity: "Build yourselves houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat the fruit of them... multiply there, and do not be diminished. And seek the peace and welfare of the city to which I have caused you to be carried away captive; and pray to the Lord for it, for in the welfare of [the city in which you live] you will have welfare."

For a couple of weeks now, I have been hearing in my spirit, "Bless the city!" After reading this yesterday, I think I understand a bit more of what is on God's heart. In Eugene Peterson's words, it's about A Long Obedience In The Same Direction. If you are living a life that feels "less than you hoped for" when you first obeyed, then be encouraged to stay where you are planted, and bless (literally) the city (or marriage, or workplace, or church...) where He sent you. Instead of dreaming of a way out and wishing you had a different life story, accept your circumstances and put your mind to LIVING within them and blessing your surroundings. If you are where God's guidance led you, this is what He speaks over you today: Jeremiah 29: 11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. If obeying the Lord has led you to a place you do not like - realize He put you there to become part of the very transition you desire. Stay the course, bless your city, and trust Him for the outcome. It will be worth it all!

Becoming Real

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2008-04-14T12:06:29-07:00

"Are you real?" my counselor asked me, about 3 sessions into my journey of healing. I hated that question. Actually, I hated the response I felt was true inside. I was painfully aware of the lack of integrity in my life - meaning: "I am the same on the outside as I am on the inside." Too much energy was being spent building a people-pleasing facade. The question made me uncomfortable.

By my next appointment I came armed with three simple questions:
1. Is it possible to be the same on the outside as you are on the inside?
2. If it is, do you think it's possible for me?
3. If you think it's possible for me, how long will it take?
And there-in lay the map for my own "heart's pilgrimage" (Psalm 84:5).

The Bible began to make more sense to me; it really applied to my own life:

For the Lord sees not as man sees;
for man looks on the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks on the heart.
~ I Samuel 16:7

Behold, You desire truth in the inner being;
make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart.
~ Psalm 51:6

Sometimes wisdom can be found in the simplest places. Ever read "The Velveteen Rabbit"? Hopefully someone loved, snuggled, and read it to you when you were small. It sits on my book shelf with my most profound, scholarly reads...

"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, of the Skin Horse, who had lived longer in the nursery than any of the others. He was wise, for he had seen a long succession of mechanical toys arrive to boast and swagger and by-and-by break their mainsprings and pass away. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"
"REAL isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time not just to play with , but really loves you, then you become REAL."
"Does is hurt?" asked the Rabbit.
"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are REAL you don't mind being hurt."
"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"
"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You BECOME. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are REAL, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because when you are REAL you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
"I suppose you are REAL?" said the Rabbit. And then he wished he had not said it, for he thought the Skin Horse might be sensitive. But the Skin Horse only smiled.
"The Boy's Uncle made me REAL," he said. "That was a great many years ago; but once you are REAL you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always."
The Rabbit sighed. He thought it would be a long time before this magic called REAL happened to him. He longed to become REAL, to know what it felt like; and yet he wished that he could become it without these uncomfortable things happening to him.

BECOMING REAL :
• takes being really loved
• sometimes hurts
• can take a long time
But, once you are REAL:
• You can't be ugly (except to those who don't understand).
• You can't become unreal again. It lasts for always.

So, have you set your heart on this pilgrimage? This journey of becoming REAL-LY the person you were made to be? It will entail some weeping, for sure (Psalm 84:6). It will entail some forgiving of those who haven't loved you unconditionally, just as you are(Psalm 27:10, Deuteronomy 5:16). It will entail finding a REAL relationship with The One who made, knows, and loves who you are, unconditionally (Jeremiah 31:3). It will entail giving up people-pleasing ways (Proverbs 29:25). It will entail daily praying something like Psalm 139:23-24:

Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Did the Grass Sing? ...

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2008-03-24T13:22:48-07:00

Walking in the woods this morning, I realized my after-Easter tiredness (whether from too much partying or too much sugar?)... as I found it more difficult than usual to describe such gorgeous surroundings with creativity: "forest slits revealing pale skies... sunlit pools on fresh greens... announcing first fragile days of Spring!... twittering birds... and few cars invading this peaceful Northwest morning." I remembered my too-long-abandoned blog... and came home to an email from someone 'waiting and waiting for another blog on my web site' - so thank you to that one for inspiring me. I commit to share my daily writings more faithfully with you who frequent our Awake & Arise site!

Your comments are now welcome — please note this new addition and share your thoughts!

Apologies aside...

Song lyrics from an old Easter favorite by Sandy Patti rolled through my thoughts this morning... "Did the grass sing? Did the earth rejoice to feel you again?" It inspires me to imagine the earth itself responding to HIS RISING from the Dead!!

Have you heard? Scientists have discovered that flowers unfold every morning not to the always-supposed dawn of light... but to the sound of the songs of waking birds?

Have you heard? Scientists have announced that every human being has his/her own 'sound' in the form of personal vibrations... which they call each one's "own song."

There's a book I've felt called to write for a handful of years. It's title?... My Own Song of Songs. One morning in my early 30's I journaled an amazing truth: "I am a beautiful song that has never been sung." It was one of those Holy Spirit inspired 'I didn't know that was in there' moments.

Imagine for a moment... there's this incredible composer who creates the most excellent music ever written... only for most of His songs to be put away in a drawer and never known... played... heard... or enjoyed. This is as every human being... created before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) - how many of us become 'who God meant when He meant me'? There is a Beautiful Song That Has Never Been Sung - Yours!

Every man dies - but not every man truly lives!
~ Mel Gibson in Bravehart

What We ARE

Songs that have been stashed away and tucked,
Deep in our hearts strings waiting to be plucked,
God tuning our instruments to each its own sound,
Songs that are never sung, Drums that never pound,
To be so beautiful and never be heard,
Crys, laughs, and emotions those are our words,
To be so beautiful and never to be read,
The enemy's plan to hide us, hide our spirits till we're dead,
However with God we are uncovered, opened and spread.

~ Inspired by Janet VG Robinson
A Gift to Ron Robinson
written by S. Troy Burrows II
at Awake & Arise, 2-20-05

In all things give thanks...

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2007-12-21T07:35:05-08:00

In keeping with the theme of thanks - giving... A preacher recently reminded us to "Appreciate everything! Appreciating every small thing around you will help you be more and more connected to and in awe of God."

When I walk in the nearby woods, it helps all my senses to be more alert if I attempt to describe my surroundings in the best descriptive words I can, like:
"A cool sun presses through the dull, barren winter trees... their fallen leaves softening my footsteps as I walk in the woods on this crisp, invigorating Thursday morning. My thoughts flow freely as my heart pumps with life. This morning I am thinking about breath..."

Mankind's first touch from God was His large hands - forming our body out of dirt. Next - His kiss as He made alive with His breathe or Spirit. (The two are interchangeable throughout scripture). A friend recently visited with a mother grieving the recent passing of her pregnant daughter - 2 generations gone in one moment! This mother shared her perspective: When we breathe out our last breath, Jesus meets us, face to face, and we breathe it back into Him - our first contact with Glory is, again, His kiss! Poetic or real? Beautiful, either way!

For God is sheer beauty,
all generous in love,
loyal always and ever.
~ Psalm 100: 5 [The Message]

I asked Jesus where He was as I walked...He said, "Right in front of you - breathe me in!"

As the holiday pace accelerates.... don't forget to BREATHE!!!

Recommended reading: Breathe by Keri Wyatt Kent

Enter With the Password "Thank You" ~ Psalm 100:4 [The Message]

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2007-11-22T10:48:03-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY from Lynden, Washington, U.S.A!

Funny, isn't it? We are taught as little children to say "Please" before receiving what we want, and "Thank you" after receiving it. But God makes it clear that in the Kingdom of Heaven 'thanks-giving' is our key to all He has for us.

As Paul says in Philippians 4 "In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God."

In his course called Pure in Heart, Mark Virkler reveals that every negative thing and thought is always of the enemy, and every positive, life-giving, up-building thought is always of the Holy Spirit. He discovered that most people, including Christians, are negative, critical and accusatory 80% of the time. And then we wonder why we are not blessed! John Arnott, who has pastored the world changing rievival that fell on his church in Toronto, Canada since 1994, was challenged by this claim and discovered it to be true in his life as well. He came to realize that "NOTHING STOPS REVIVAL LIKE CRITICISM! One of the most grievous things to the heart of God is all of the criticism that goes on in the lives of Christians."

While pondering God's promise to Abraham in Genesis, "In Blessing, I will bless you," I have become very challenged by Ephesians 4:29. "Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it... do not grieve the Holy Sprit of God." Realizing that whenever God begins to whisper His season of blessing is at hand in my life, I am attacked within and without by negative, critical and judgmental accusations, I have begun to cry out to the Holy Sprit, "Teach me to be a blessing!!!"

In this busy holiday season, which begins in earnest in the U.S.A. with Thanksgiving Day, lets pray daily for a heart and life that forgive, bless and give grace to one another.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer!
~ Psalms 19: 14

There I will give her her vineyards ~ Hosea 2:15

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2007-10-20T16:52:24-07:00

Where?... In the wilderness!

It is in that part of our sacred journey through life that may be the most difficult of all...where He gives us the deepest promises of restoration. The Israelites were freed from bondage and slavery by being wooed into the wilderness - that wild place of transition - on their way to inheriting their Promised Land. On God's calendar, He intended a 2 year journey of restoration - but their refusal to trust Him made it 40. Still, He kept His promise and they received back their vineyards in time.

During the prophet Isaiah's lifetime, God's people were in trouble again. They had deserted God and His ways and found themselves in a generation filled with judgement and mourning. Yet in the middle of consequences for their parents and their own rebellion, God says this about their restoration:

In that day [it will be said of the redeemed], a vineyard beloved and lovely; sing a responsive song to it and about it! I, the Lord, am it's Keeper; I water it every moment; lest anyone harm it, I guard and keep it night and day. ~ Isaiah 27: 2-3

Three chapters later, we see the desire of this amazing Keeper-God's heart. Right in the middle of their rebellion, shame and guilt He says, basically, because you are screwing up and will end up empty and broken...

Therefore... the Lord [earnestly] waits [ expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His matchless, unbroken companionship]! ~ Isaiah 30:18

God sees you...as a lovely vineyard, today, and He is your Keeper. He is continually wooing you to trust Him for full restoration. He earnestly waits to show loving-kindness to you. He longs to water you night and day. He is drawing you to a relationship of matchless, unbroken companionship!

My times are in Your Hands 3 ~ Psalm 31:15

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2007-10-18T11:11:12-07:00

As I've said, God often speaks to me deeply when I turn another year older. This began in a notable way on my 30th birthday. I had been struggling with depression on and off for about a year. Friends had suggested a Godly counselor to me, but I was convinced if I had Jesus, it was a shame to myself and Him to need help with my emotions. Finally, after several cycles of hoping I was better - I made 'the call' and scheduled my first counseling appointment for August 29, 1989. Strangely, I did not realize until later that this was my birthday.

That morning, I was nervous! As I spent time with the Lord, He gave me a scripture I will never forget:

Hosea 2:14-16 Therefore, behold, I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness, and I will speak tenderly and to her heart. There I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor [troubling] to be for her a door of hope and expectation. And she shall sing there and respond as in the days of her youth and as at the time when she came up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be in the day, says the Lord, that you will call Me Ishi [My Husband], and you shall no more call Me Baali [my Baal or my Master].

I needed all those things very much, but the last part kind of scared me. My marriage was falling apart and I hoped that I wouldn't need Him as my husband because I was going to lose my earthly one. Some very pain-filled months later, I did.

In the early days of recovery, I read the local newspaper one afternoon and saw someone was celebrating their 40th Wedding anniversary. I cried. And I said in my heart, "Lord, that's what I want. I still want a 40th wedding anniversary in my lifetime!"

Years later and still single, my 44th birthday was on a Sunday. Worship is a very sacred time for me and on this particular morning as I poured out my love to the Lord, suddenly, He appeared before me. I couldn't see Him, but I felt Him and I heard Him speak to my heart the most surprising words! "Happy 40th anniversary!!" He said to me. I was absolutely shocked and amazed to realize it was indeed 'our 40th anniversary,' as I had asked Him into my heart at 4 years old. I knew that day, whether I ever had another husband in my life - I'd had the best anyone could ask for - One who 'knew' me down to this long-forgotten tear-filled prayer of my heart; One full of surprises just because He loved to make me smile - and shed grateful tears instead of sad ones. And that day, I did.

Your times are in His hands. What season are you in? What has He said to you about it? What scriptures has He given you as journey markers for your NOW? Ask Him to speak to your heart again - through His 'Logos' - His written Word, and His 'rhema' - His freshly spoken Word. He loves you. He hears your prayers. And He wants to surprise you - again! You've got the best husband in the universe! (Guys, that's for you, too.) Pour out your heart to Him.

My times are in Your Hands 2 ~ Psalm 31:15

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2007-10-08T11:52:56-07:00

A short time ago, I was counseling a young woman through a traumatic experience of abuse that occurred when she was just 3 years old. She was fully 'in the memory' and was aware of Jesus presence with her in it for the first time. She cried out, "Jesus, make it safe!" And then protested, "How can He make it safe when it already happened??!" I explained to her that though she was now an adult woman living in 2007, that little girl she was, was still stuck back in the pain of those moments of abuse at 3 years old. She had not yet been 'saved' (which means, literally, 'brought to safety') out of that trauma to her body, soul & spirit. So it was appropriate to ask Jesus, now, to bring her to safety, then. He dwells beyond the constraints of our time line - seeing and being able to be in all the moments of our life with us, at the same time.

Just a few days ago, praying together with our Awake & Arise intercessors for the up-coming weekend, October 26-28, one of them saw a picture she did not understand. It was a timeline, with all it's marks, and over the entire timeline were written the words YOU ARE HERE. I got excited! God is saying that as He dwells above and out side of 'time', so He is releasing a grace for us as His people in which He can bring us into a reality in Him where he can meet us at any space in time, process, day, hour, memory, trauma, age, year - any time throughout our past, present and I believe, future as well, if needed, so that what needs to shift can be shifted, what needs to become unstuck can become unstuck, what needs to be healed can be healed, what needs to be removed can be removed....what needs to be transformed can be transformed, TO - DAY!

THE PAST IS NOT THE PAST, IF IT'S STILL AFFECTING THE PRESENT!

God, Thank you that You dwell outside the constraints of time and can meet me where ever I've become stuck... to heal my heart, set me free and put my feet facing forward on the path of life before me - leading to my destiny, in You, un-hindered! I CHOOSE LIFE today and give You permission to meet me where You must - to make me free indeed.
Amen.

My times are in Your Hands 1 ~ Psalm 31:15

janet@awakeandarise.com — 2007-10-06T17:05:46-07:00

I went on a 3 day retreat recently - it was summer's end and the last 3 days of my 47th year. For several years God has spoken deeply to me on or around my birthday - setting in motion a new spiritual season in my life. I left for Cedar Springs - a pristine local Christian retreat center - armed with one thought: "Teach me to number my days"... (Psalm 90:12). My Bible, journal, big blue concordance, pumpkin spice candle, worship music and walking shoes made up the rest of my tools.

What the Lord spoke to me began with fresh secrets hidden in the Hebrew meanings of these verse's words:

Teach me = know me, by seeing - [includes observe me, care for me, recognize me, instruct me, designate for me, (even) punish me when I need it]...
to number = weigh out; allot; enumerate; appoint; prepare; set; tell...
my days = a space of time; age; daily; full-life; now; present; season; process of time; a while; whole, full year.

And, My times = my now; due season; my 'when to advance, or continue', my time to remove or to be adorned or decked out...
are in His hands = His open hand, as opposed to closed - indicating power, means and direction.

Hallejuah! This open-handed God with all the power, means and direction that I need... knows me well by seeing me with care-full clarity...this God teaches me to weigh out, understand and appoint properly my NOW - my present season, age, process and whole year ahead, so I can rest assured that what is DUE me is protected by Him and will not be missed. I can trust His hand to advance me, punish me, remove from me what must be removed or adorn me with promotion and rewards in perfect time!

A Prayer to Transform my Heart:

Dear Father,
Thank you that Your hands are open wide to give me all the power, means and direction I so desperately need. Thank you that You do not know me casually and from afar, but by seeing me up-close and clearly, with a heart full of care. Out of this personal knowledge, teach me to 'number' my days properly; give me Your wisdom for my 'now' - my present season, age, process and the whole year ahead of me. Help me rest assured in trust of Your desire to do good to me - that You are working to bring about all that is due me, and I will not miss the fullness of my destiny in You. I choose to trust the works of Your hands in my life at present - whether You are advancing me or punishing me, removing what needs to be removed or rewarding me with promotion at this time. What a good Father You are!
Amen.