What or Who Is Your Stronghold?

Stronghold: A well fortified place; fortress-place that serves as the center of; core; foundation;

The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

Oppress: To lie heavily upon (the mind, a person) weigh down.

Oppressor: causes one to suffer unjustly

Oppressed: overwhelmed, crushed, heavy.

Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, “Seek my face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.

Psalm 27:7-8

Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

Psalm 27:11

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:13-14

Are you oppressed? Depressed? What is weighing so heavily upon your mind? Are you ill or in pain? What has you weighed down?

Do you have an oppressor? We all do! The enemy! While a person may oppress you, it is simply the work of the enemy trying to overtake and overwhelm you!

Are you feeling overwhelmed, crushed and heavy? What is it? Who is it? What are you going to do?

Who or what is your stronghold? Is it God? Is it food? Is it good or evil? Is it a person? Does your stronghold build you up like a fortress or tear you down physically, mentally, spiritually and even nutritionally?  

And the Lord answers:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am The Lord, your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior.  Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.”

Isaiah 43:1b-4

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts

Than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to without

Watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Isaiah 55:9-12

You will find joy in the morning and he will give a crown of beauty for your ashes! He is the God of Zephaniah 3:17-“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing!”

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Psalm 91:4

I don’t know about you, but I sure need this right now! A feather bed! Yes! With love songs being cooed over me! What do ya think? You in?

What you need to do:

Be self-controlled and alert! Your enemy the devil prowls around like a lion for someone to devour.

Resist him! Standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, AFTER, you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen

1 Peter 5:8-10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Ephesians 6:10-11

Cease striving; be still, and know that He is God. He will fight for you if you just be still! When we have on our armor “the fight” loses its grip because we know who is fighting for us and we can stop working so hard and be still.  Be in his peace.  We can laugh at what’s in the future because we know whose hands are holding us.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4:8

Take heart, be confident in the hope that anchors our soul! Let Jesus anchor your heart so that it cannot be moved by the oppressor! Stand firm! You are secure in this hope! Jesus, our hope, our anchor has gone before us, entered the curtain on our behalf and he will turn away now!

See Hebrews 6:19-20

Prayer:

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Lord I pray for your deliverance of those, including myself, who are in pain, depressed, oppressed, sick. Deliverance for those who are in times of marital distress, financial struggles, and those dealing with a prodigal child. I pray for those who are lost and don’t know you yet as their Savior so that they may know this same hope that is spoken of. That the lost will come and find their place in your kingdom and take their place in your family tree.  I pray deliverance, peace, comfort and healing for all those who are suffering with cancer, that evil disease that wrecks so many lives.  My heart truly bleeds for them today! God come and fight for us today. Deliver us and cover us with love songs and surround us in your feathers! Come and be our stronghold Lord. You are the foundation! Let us make you our core, the very center of our lives!   In Jesus name I pray, ask and believe in you for all these things! Till next time! 

It's almost Christmas!? Already???

So, today, the stress has hit me! The overwhelming burden of what's next! In just one day we have Christmas with our kids so I've gotta hurry and prepare. I still have my job to see to. Saturday I still have enchiladas to make and Sunday is Christmas and I have food to make for that too! Oh and a few gifts to get, but MONEYl! I have bills to pay! And then, there's just life that still has to be done! WAAIITTT! SSSTTTOOOPP! I'm not ready! I still haven't made it through today yet! Sigh! Ya know, I get it. I get why there are seasonal alcoholics! Lol! I mean, even I think, "I need a drink!" Ok, well then, if not a drink then a pill! Yes! No! This anxiety is making me sick! I can't think straight, can't focus; therefore, I think I'll just shut down and get even less done and feel even worse! And then I will just hate on myself a little bit more and tell myself how stupid and incompetent I am. Worthless! Pull the covers back up! Am I the only one to feel this way? I highly doubt it! THIS is why so many, including myself, tend to hate Christmas! IT IS STRESSFUL!!! Somehow, I don't believe that Christmas, Jesus's birthday, not ours, was meant to be this way! Traditions are ok, but what are they doing to us? Ugh.

Christmas is Holy. It is a reverent time. It is a celebration of the birth of our Savior. But with so many expectations, it can truly bring me down. And I can say from experience that being financially strapped can totally put a damper on meeting expectations and make me feel left out, not good enough, judged, criticized, and unwelcome. Now, most of these are self-imposed feelings, some may be true, but regardless of where they come from they are still felt. I know I'm not alone in this! There are those who are far less fortunate than me. I have a home and heat by the grace of God. I have my family. I have a car and running water. I have food and a table to sit at. I have warm clothes, furniture, a cat, 2 dogs and 10 chickens. I could go on. Some, don't even have shelter or warm blanket to snuggle under. I have COFFEE! That I don't need! Lol! So, what's a gal to do?

Go to the cross! What Lord do you have for me today? Where can I find joy, peace, and hope and comfort? Where is Christmas? It's in CHRIST!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the JOY set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

Jesus is our HOPE! Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly REJOICE, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:3-6

God comforts us when we come to him! He's there waiting during this crazy stressful season that WE HAVE CREATED! Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I, God will give you rest! Matthew 11:28

And finally, therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this GRACE in which we now stand. And we boast in the HOPE of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2

It all started in a manger, in a wooden box, with a baby, named Jesus. For unto us was born that day out of the city of David a child, our Savior, Jesus Christ who, gave his life fully to His Father, God. And on our behalf, for the JOY set before him, he suffered, bled and died, so that we might have HOPE, COMFORT, and PEACE like a river that flows without our understanding. He was born and died so that we could celebrate Christmas!

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE, good will towards men. Luke 2:14

Merry Christmas! Peace on earth! Goodwill!

Jesus Christ is the Christmas gift! Have you accepted the gift and unwrapped it? Will you? Let Jesus be the gift you give and the gift you receive this Christmas 2016!

PS. Today I balanced myself with the Word, Release, Forgiveness and Present Time Essential Oils and Release It and Be Courageous Flower Essence Formulas.

Who Will Be King?

TRUMP VS HILLARY
WHO WILL OUR NEXT "KING" BE?

In reading 1 Samuel 8 it struck me that we as a nation seem to be crying out for the same thing as Israel.  In that day they decided that their leader and judge, Samuel, wasn’t enough.  They wanted more like the other nations for even Samuel’s sons had turned aside to dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.  The people said to Samuel, “Give us a king to lead us.” Because this displeased him, he went to the Lord and prayed.  And this is what the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.” Let me repeat that, “but they have rejected me!” Sound familiar?  Let’s continue on. 

God said, “As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.” Hold on now, are y’all ready for this? Here’s the words of the Lord that Samuel told them who were asking for a king. He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. Your menservants and maidservants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use.  He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord WILL NOT ANSWER you in that day.” Ouch! What are you hearing when you read this? Let God speak into your heart!

 Even with Samuel’s warning they still said, “NO! We want a king over us.” They wanted to be like the other nations. We’ve had other nations wanting a king to be like us, but slowly some are seeing the reality that we aren’t all we’re cracked up to be!  Amen! They wanted a king who would lead them and go out before them and fight their battles. Woah! Do you hear that? To this day we are still crying out “Give us a king!” And we are still just as sinful and blind. Truth is, God was meant to be their king just like he is meant to be our king today.  There was never supposed to be any other king but God. And we are still dethroning him to this very day! We cry out for our own selfish desires disregarding the evil that lurks behind our desires.  Friends, don’t join the masses of this world demanding your rights and desires because I tell you God WILL give them to us! Instead we need to be like Samuel, praying! Like Nehemiah, weeping, fasting and praying that God would strengthen our hands and our hearts and give us the opportunity to rebuild the walls! Oh dear friends, we have a responsibility to be the Godly leaders this world so desperately needs.  We have the chance to be like Abraham whose faith was credited to him as righteousness! He is our father. God has made him the father of many nations! Let’s pray like Abraham and ask the Lord to spare Sodom and Gomorrah.  May the Lord look down upon us and find us faithful unlike Sodom and Gomorrah.  And when God moves us out DO NOT look back to see and weep for what we are being saved from.  

We are a sinful nation in need of our Savior Jesus Christ! We must pray for our leaders. Pray for God to change the hearts of sinful man and to spare us.  Yes, prophecy will be exacted, but God yearns to hear our hearts in prayer because he can and will change the course of things.  Let our faith go before us and our warrior feet follow God into battle. Raising up disciples who will go out and share the gospel of the good news of Jesus, leading the lost to salvation.  It is not pleasing to the Lord that any man should perish without him, oh but so many will! What are you going to do about it? I love how Samuel confronted the people with evidence of all the Lord had done for them. All the righteous acts done for them and their forefathers.  Oh that we would do the same with great boldness! God has already delivered us in so many ways and longs to do more, but I am afraid we have become so much like Israel and have begun demanding for our own selfish desires and disregarding the good that God has brought us and have FORGOTTEN THE LORD!  We have armies (evil) moving in on every side of us and we are still crying “Give us a king!” Soon the Lord will give us our king, what we have asked for. What, my friends, are you crying out for? What are you demanding? I pray that we would turn to demanding God’s justice and mercy, His will and not ours here on earth as it already is in heaven.  When things get hard and messier than they already are there will be those who will turn and ask God’s people to pray to our Lord because “they have added to all the other sins, the evil of asking for a king”. And we will come together and pray! Be careful what you are asking for in this election and from our next leader! 

 As it says, “If you fear the Lord and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and your king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God-good! But if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers.” Do not turn away! Serve the Lord with all your heart! God is king and He always will be! Now, let Him reign and be king of your life before it’s too late to call out to Him! We are not promised tomorrow, but in our pride we boast about what we will do tomorrow! Will you turn your life over to the one true king? Jesus Christ! Will you pray for God to be king of our nation?

 Do you believe that Jesus is the son of God who came down to earth as a man in order to take on your sins and diseases on the cross where he suffered greatly so you don’t have to and then died and rose again 3 days later to sit on the right hand of the Father? Will you ask for forgiveness of your sins and let Jesus be the Lord of your life, and finally putting him on in baptism for the forgiveness of your sins? Will you submit to him and his commands in all of your life? Life with Jesus is so beautiful! His peace that he gives is totally beyond our understanding. His grace reaches the highest of mountains! His grace inspires you to move to higher ground! His mercies are new EVERY morning! His love and forgiveness never run out! Your faith in Him can move mountains and your love for him and others will change this world! His commands are not burdensome, but instead bring fulfillment and life abundant in joy, peace, safety and goodness! Why do you wait? Step into his love for you and then storm the heavens with your prayers of thanksgiving and for his blessings and provisions upon our land and our leaders! Lord, give us the leader who will bring you glory! Amen and amen! 

In Christ alone

His willing warrior and servant,

Stephanie Goode

Are you a FAT Christian?

I AM SOOOOO FAT!

Are you a FAT Christian? I'm not, but I wanna be! Said no-one ever! Are your scales tipping over to a number that you "shouldn't" be? Or is the number that you "should" be too low? But either way, you're still FAT? This is a question I've been asking myself lately, am I FAT? Especially as a Christian! Have mercy!  I think every one of us would answer this question with a resounding YES! It doesn't matter if we are "too skinny" or not, we say "I'm fat!" Don't we? How many times a day do we say "Ugh, I'm so fat"? When we eat a cookie we immediately think "I'm so fat" while we pinch our inch to see if it's somehow grown in the last 2 seconds it took us to inhale our cookie! First of all, let me ease your mind, fat doesn't grow that fast! Water and poop maybe, but not fat.  You would need to eat that cookie everyday for about 2 weeks to gain a pound.  But the guilt and shame we consume each time we eat it will definitely make your fat cells swell up immediately! That spare tire just suddenly put on 50 more pounds of pressure! No kidding! Am I wrong? I know from experience! Oh, but the sweet, sweet grace of Jesus covers us and like tar on a hot road, melts away that guilt and shame!
Here's the real question we need to ask ourselves, am I spiritually FAT? What if we applied that same physical awareness of being fat to our spiritual diet? What would your answer be? Before you answer, let's look at what FAT means.

F aithful
A vailable
T eachable
(borrowed from Alisa Keaton, @revelationwellness)

Now, are you FAT? I'm not as FAT as I'd like to be! That just makes me chuckle when I  hear myself say that! Go ahead, say it out loud! "I'm not as FAT as I'd like to be", "I want to be FAT", "Man I wish I were more FAT"! Sounds funny and maybe it even brings up some very emotional feelings.  It's ok if take time to go there with Jesus! Leave no stone unturned physically or spiritually.
So, I've been thinking on this for weeks and every time I do I cannot remember what the A stands for.  I always have to go look and then I'm like "oh yeah, ok, sure I'm available". But am I? This time I brought the letter A to Jesus. Like Sesame Street, "Today, Cookie Monster is eating the letter A". A is for Availability! What exactly does that mean? Available: Present, ready to use. Accessible, qualified and willing to serve or assist.  Capable of being used. Uncommitted, FREE and able to ACT AT WILL! To be unavailable is to be inaccessible, unapproachable, and not available or at hand. My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak! What a great place to be honestly because Jesus' power can work greatly in that space.
 Here's some questions God has given me to ask myself:

1.Are you willing and able to be available beyond the point or pain, discomfort and disappointment?
2.Are you available to move past your insecurity or lack of confidence?
3.Are you available to act in my strength and not your own?
4.Is your heart available for me to work in and show you things that stand in your way?
5.Is your heart open to trust me and depend on me?
6.Are your eyes free of stumbling blocks and judgement?
7.What is keeping you, my Daughter, from being fully available? Can I show you?

Well, I thought that I was pretty available until I started examining my heart.  Do you know what my biggest stumbling block is? FEAR! FEAR! And, well, FEAR! Yes! Oh my gosh! I am passionate for Jesus, I desire to be a mover and a shaker, a difference maker! I want to take all that God has done for me and share it so that others might be free from their chains! I want to give the world Jesus! I want to help other Christians shake off all that is holding them back and making them unavailable! But sometimes...fear keeps me in my closet (praying or not) rather than out there being a shaker of salt and creating a thirst for God! What could I possibly fear? Sometimes I fear rejection. I fear not knowing enough and being thought of as stupid. I fear being ridiculed and judged, being laughed at.  I fear crowds! I know, who'da thunk it, right? I fear being uncomfortable, embarrassed, and on and on! How crazy is that? It sounds like I fear being like Jesus? Doesn't it? I mean, do I fear being FAT? Ha, boy that has double meaning doesn't it? Fear is a tool of satan to keep me under a bushel! Yall, this little pea is popping on out of that bushel! Whoop! "The sun'll come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, come what may..." Lord let it be today, not tomorrow! Do you know what else can keep a girl/guy from being available? Unconfessed sin.  Oh my, like a cookie, sin makes me do a pinch test and waller in guilt and shame. Mmmhmmm! So does jealousy & envy (for another day), unforgiveness, and feeling sorry for myself.  Claiming busyness to avoid interaction is an availability killer.  Bitterness, resentment and hate can also puts me under lock and key.  Any of these sound familiar? When God says, "jump" do I ask 'how high?' or do I say "wait", make excuses, or pinch my inch? Am I available at all costs? You've heard the saying "If God sends you to it, he'll get you through it!" It's true, but are you, am I, willing and able to throw that much caution to the wind? We've been told "look before you leap".  The only thing we really need to look at is the scale of our hearts.  "The phrase taking a leap of faith implies a swift and sure movement in a direction where the destination is unknown." (Kingdom Woman)

I WANT TO BE FAT! I want to be faithful, available and teachable! I want to be so FAT that I can't fit through a door way because Jesus is so big in me! I want to be so FAT that when I enter a room everyone notices because the light of Jesus draws their attention! I want Jesus to be my "spare tire", my "roll" over my belt, and that extra wave under my arm!  I want the face of Jesus to be smack in the middle of my cellulite! I want my hips to pound out a rhythm of praise for is He is worthy! Woo hoo! Being FAT is sexy! I am beautiful! So are you! Let me tell you something friends, being overweight or fat physically is just an outer manifestation of an inner dysfunction.  Truly it is! There is no shame! Embrace where you are knowing that God is just chomping at the bits to get in there and work you out! Our spirit is willing but our flesh is weak! Hallelujah! It's not about the outside! Ask yourself these questions:

1.What are you protecting yourself from with that spare tire around your waist? What is it you can't stomach in life?
2.Got lower belly fat? Whom or what is a like a parasite in your life? Is it unconfessed sin? Cast out that life sucker! Maybe it's time for a cleanse! Literally, you may actually have parasites! Ew! Lol!
3.Upper belly fat? Ah, why are you so closed off in your heart? What or whom are you protecting it from? Is there distrust? You CAN trust again! Don't believe the lie that says you can't. Trust is not gone, just wounded.  Pain? Sorrow? Surely we need to protect our heart's for it is the well spring of life, but not from God!
4.What's with that rounded, "beer belly?" Too much beer? LOL! That's between you and God! If it's hard, maybe you worry too much and need to slow down and rest in Jesus.  Maybe ya need a boost of citrus Sonshine and some "Real Salt" of the Word of Life! If it's soft maybe you need a shot of BJesus! Maybe you need to be fed.  What's got ya so sluggish? Is it toxins?

What is making you unavailable? Be FAT for Jesus! He is the "good fat"! He is the "olive oil" of life! Consume him daily! He is your Omega 3, 6, 9, 5, & 7! Let him wreck your heart!  Let him remove your fear, guilt and shame! Let his goodness replace your "wrinkles" of resentment, bitterness and let his love smooth out your hate! He is the giver of life! He is your vegetable, your lean protein, your healthy whole grain and the fruit of the vine! I can't think of a better diet plan!  Be mindful and be FAT, be FAT, be FAT!

I am faithful, I am available and I am teachable! Say this affirmation daily! Look in the mirror and say "I am FAT, I am beautiful, I am worthy, I am valuable and I am available! Use me today Lord, not tomorrow!" When you embrace the joy being FAT I can promise, yes promise, that your "physical" fat will move, your eating habits will change, and your energy will increase! Joy is the magic pill! It IS the best fat burner out there! Order yours today, it's FREE! No shipping, no taxes!

Warning: Joy is contagious!
Spread this message like wildfire and become a real "Available" life changer!

It's a challenge: Tell someone "I am a FAT Christian and I am bringing sexy back! Let's go! It's time to dance!

We are fearfully and wonderfully made to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. For God examines the heart of a man and not the outer appearance. We are created in His image and He will continue the work in you until the day Jesus appears! Amen!

#boldinthesoul

Stephanie Goode,
Holistic Health Coach, CNHP

Fear and Doubt

F alse
E vidence
A ppearing
R eal

D istorts
O verwhelms
U nbelief
B elittles
T ortures

Do you know what doubt and fear do? They keep you from moving forward. They keep you stuck. They keep you in chains! Right where the enemy wants you! Weak, worn, weary! Fear and doubt are lies that hold us hostage to unbelief. They cause us to shrink back. Fear and doubt belittle us and make us feel small, not enough. They torture our souls with anguish and worry. Fear and doubt overwhelms our hearts and minds with things that aren't real. They distort the truth!

I know these two fiends very well! I've met them numerous times in my life! When we live in doubt, which I've been good at, our vision is stolen from us. We can no longer see things for what they really are. It's like having our hands clasped over our eyes. Oh sure we can peek out, but if truth presents itself we will shrink back again in fear. Does doubt cause us to fear or does fear cause us to doubt??? I think they are married to each other! They go everywhere together! Doubt can keep us from receiving good in our lives because fear has told it that its not good! Fear keeps our mouths closed, our voice muffled and our feet planted. Fear creates anxiety, a lack of confidence and a deficiency in desire. It causes us to worry about EVERYTHING and causes us to focus on pleasing others and not God. Fear puts it's huge, scary hand over our lives. Fear takes life! Steals our breathe!

Fear and doubt have stolen much from my life, but in the name of Jesus and in His power and boldness, I step forth! Once again! I remove the hands of fear from my lips and the fingers of doubt from my eyes and I will you Lord most high with all that I am! I will proclaim your goodness from yesterday, today and tomorrow! My lips will not be silent, my feet will not be still and my heart only beats for you!

I invite you to do the same! Be bold for Jesus! Let His light and assurance bring you confidence and strength! I understand, it makes your heart pound with anxiety. Don't let anxiety fool you, it's a close relative of fear. Anxiety is just mistaken excitement! It is a case of mistaken identity! It is boldness being held back! Go on and grab it, raise your hands to Jesus, and spin and dance in the rain of His mercy and justice and grace! Let His great drops of love cover your fear and doubt! Shout it from the roof tops and don't you ever, ever, ever shrink back! Jesus came to give life, fear and doubt are there to steal it! GO! Tell the Lord "Here I am, send me!"

For I am not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved! I live by faith and I am a pleasing aroma to Christ!
Hebrews 10:39 (paraphrased)
Matthew 21:21-22 "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can o do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to the this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

‪#‎boldinthesoul‬ ‪#‎gotellitonthemountain‬ ‪#‎fearnot‬ ‪#‎doubtisakiller‬ ‪#‎gowithGod‬‪#‎revelationwellness‬

Living Free,

Stephanie Goode

Beauti-Fully Wrecked

                                                     

The other day I was relaying my experience with my workout and a friend (whom I haven't met yet) described it as "beautifully wrecked".  I've been thinking about that.  What does that mean to me? So yesterday while doing my workout on the spin bike again, I got it! My picture may show me smiling, but just moments before that I was choking back tears. There were several of those moments for different reasons, but the one reason that gave me that light bulb moment was when I wanted to give up because my legs were tired and it was painful. I cried out to God, "It hurts God, I can't do this, I need to stop. Give me your strength, show me what I need to know."  And BAM, I'm powering through the pain! I make it past it! During my struggle to push through God reminded me of the pain I've already come through.  The difference is, it was emotional pain.  I look back now and wonder how I ever made it.  At least 3 years out of the last 5 were pure hell!   I remember wondering if people could see on the outside what I felt on the inside.  I felt and could see in my mind, my body being contorted and twisted.  I could see me pulling my hair out and ripping my clothes! That's how much emotional and spiritual pain I felt. It was a war for my soul! Satan wanted what did not belong to him.  Previous to this time I was always at the gym working out and taking care of myself.  I loved who I was, but then something happened.  The enemy broke in on my race and I stumbled and fell.  My body and mind became worn. Oh how satan sifted me.  But God's grace lifted me! I didn't think He could, I didn't think I could.  On the other side of the emotional struggle came the physical struggle.  A diagnosis with Epstein Barr about did me in.  I became bed ridden and fevered for almost 3 months.  My muscles hurt to the point that standing or sitting became painful.  It took me a year to recover and gain some strength back. During my dark time my body became my idol.  And now I couldn't make it move. Fast forward to this last year, my knees and hips went down. Again to the point that I couldn't sleep because of pain, walking was hard and painful, getting on and off the toilet was serious, and even times my husband had to help me walk.  No working out for me! I have slowly worked my way back to the gym.  I became so discouraged that I didn't even take care of the parts that I could actually move. That was a huge mistake. It only added to my painful recovery.  I don't need the perfect body or the biggest muscles, but I do need to be able to move.  God has work for me to do! So, with therapy and time I have progressed a great deal in the last six months even tho there are still times of great pain and other times none.  I'll be honest and tell you that I have thought many times that I'd rather go through emotional pain because I know now that I can handle it now.  I became afraid of physical pain.  That's never been my problem.  As I sat on that bike pushing past the pain I realized, "You have got to overcome this stronghold with pain because the enemy cannot win!"  Jesus did it on the cross and so can I! I was being beautifully wrecked in my pain, sweat, tears and moans and groans and probably winey baby faces! Lol! I have learned to hate the gym, hate to work out because I knew it would hurt in more than one way! That's so crazy! One big excuse after another! I used to love the pain and soreness! Now the thought of it will keep me sitting at home making excuses.  I have always loved to run and even that was taken from me.  I would do it anyway just because it made me mad and then of course I suffer in pain afterwards! Does that even make sense? Running was my stress relief. It made me feel strong and powerful! Hmmm, in who's power? In who's strength?  I've prayed "Lord, why? Show me what I need to learn here. How can I get stress relief if I can't even do cardio because my knees can't hold up?"  He said, "find another way."  Truth is I just needed to stop.  Be still.  But I couldn't. I needed to quit making excuses and be all that I would ask a client to be.  Be what you want others to be. How can I show you and teach you to push through if I'm not willing to do it myself?
I have always been a runner emotionally too! I feel like I've finally conquered that, but now it's down to, will I persevere in physical pain in order to strengthen my body so that I can go where the Lord sends me next? Will I go forth believing in his healing?  It is in His strength that I am pushing forward, and it's His healing I am believing in.  So, it is in God's strength that I can do anything. It is my pain, be it emotional or physical that makes me #boldinthesoul.  And oh how good it feels in the end when the nausea passes and the muscles relax and become weak from exhaustion. But mostly, it feels good knowing I did it and I didn't have to do it alone! My workouts are my time to press in to Jesus! I workout my soul while I workout my body!  If I wait and rely on myself and the desire or strength to get up and move and push past my own ability, I will never move! Without Jesus, I am nothing! With Him, I am #boldinthesoul!  Lord, keep showing up in my pain! Keep me bold so that I can be used by you to help strengthen others and lead them to freedom in you!

Beauti is found when you are fully wrecked! Be beautifully wrecked in Jesus!

Stephanie Goode  ©

A kernel of Wheat

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am my servant will also be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. John 12:24-26

Like the caterpillar who must lie dormant in a cocoon in order for it to develop it's wings and become a new creature, more beautiful in character and color than one could imagine, we too must bury ourselves in Christ, becoming dead to sin and our old lives so that we in due time can be transformed to bear our spiritual fruit and put on our wings that will transcend us from this world to our heavenly homes where we will never spin nor toil again!

Buried in Christ,
Stephanie Goode

4 EVER LOVED

How much does He love me? Oh let me count the ways!
He loved me every day, with each step he took, knowing his destiny.
He loved me when his stress was so intense that he sweated drops of blood.
He loved me when he cried out "Take this cup from me. Not my will, but thine".
He loved me when he was wrongly accused, betrayed and beaten!
He loved me when he carried his cross.
He loved me with every lash, every nail pounded into his bone, and when the sword was thrust into his side!
He loved me as each thorn was pressed into His Holy head!
He loved me when he closed his eyes in death and when he gloriously arose!
He loved me then and he loves me now!
His love is wide and deep and reaches beyond all my sins.
His love is longer and higher than infinity.
Life and death cannot stop his love, neither angels nor demons interfere.
Nothing in my past, in my present, nor in my future will stop his love!
There is no power greater than his love.
There is no height nor depth that his love cannot reach.
Nothing but nothing in all creation, not my failures, not my doubts, not my rebellion, not my self loathing, not my "not good enoughs"-Nothing but nothing can separate me from his love!
His love, that surpasses all knowledge, fills me to the measure of all the fullness of God!
I am 4EVER LOVED!

This is why I am #boldinthesoul #revelationwellness

Free in Jesus and 4ever loved,
Stephanie Goode

The Wildflowers Words: ...

The Wildflowers Words:                                                   ...:                                                            Compassion 2014 New Years 2014...my word for the year was COMPASSION!  Now, thi...

                                                           Compassion 2014

New Years 2014...my word for the year was COMPASSION!  Now, this is not a word I took lightly.  I seriously focused on this word all year and so did God!  I know God gave me this word because I had much to learn in order to do his will.  One thing I'm sure of is that God has a plan for my life and yours too!  Every New Year we make plans and goals and resolutions that we usually don't stick with but God has a plan and he never derails! His plan is to prosper me. Prosper means to thrive! Succeed! Flourish! Bloom! (I like that!) To flower! (Yes!) To bring me good!  All the days of my life I can live fully and completely in Him!  He promised! He never breaks a promise!  He also promised to never bring me harm.  Sin brings me harm.  He promised to give me HOPE and a FUTURE!  Hope-to have confidence in, to desire and consider it possible, a source or reason for such a longing or desire (JESUS).  I just love this! It makes me so excited! I have learned that NOTHING is impossible with God and that ALL things are possible with God!  His word is true!  What does this have to do with COMPASSION? EVERYTHING!!! The problem is that if I told you everything that God's done for me and taught me in this last year I'd have to write a book!  So, in my longwinded way I'm going to try to give you a glimpse of compassion.  I've always believed that I was a compassionate person, and I am, but not compassionate enough, obviously, and not compassionate like Jesus!  A tender, loving heart no doubt.  But...lets travel back a bit.
A week or two ago I was feeling somewhat misunderstood.  I was walking through my room when my eye caught a picture on my husbands night stand.  My picture! I was compelled to stop and look at her.  I was immediately filled with compassion!  Now, understand, this is a new feeling I'm having towards her.  She's not usually my favorite nor is she usually a recipient of my compassion! I mean, I like her ok, but I'm not so sure I actually love her!  At least not most of the time.  Like a flash of lightening God took me back in time!  You know, like in the movies when everything fades into a bright light and you began seeing your life!  Ok, it wasn't really that dramatic, but you get the picture!  So many moments and memories! My eyes filled with tears and at that moment I understood her, I felt love for her, I felt COMPASSION for her!  I attained in  that moment the full realm of God's love, how he feels about me and you, and I understood why and how he could have such compassion for us! I understood that the reason I could feel such compassion was because I KNOW HER! I UNDERSTAND HER!  See, I know everything she's ever said, done, or had done to her.  I know where's she's been!  I know every tear she's cried and every smile she's faked!  I know how incredibly strong she is and yet how very weak and vulnerable she can be!  I know how terribly funny and crazy she is and I also know her deep struggles with depression and suicide!  I know her sins!!!  I know her tender, repentant heart!  I know how deep her sorrows run and how hard she's fought! I've seen her broken heart!  I know she's often misunderstood!  I've seen her so full of life and I've seen her drained of life!  I've seen the devil in her and I know her mean side!  I see Jesus shining in her and I see how much she truly loves Him!  I know why she is the way she is!  I UNDERSTAND HER!  I KNOW HER!
Then it hit me! Like an ocean wave crashing onto the shore!  This is how God see's us!  THIS!  This is where his compassions come from!  This is why his compassions are new every morning!  HE UNDERSTANDS US!  HE KNOWS US!  He knows every hair on our head! Every tear he's held in his hand!  Every sorrow he's bound up in his love!  Every sin he's covered with his own blood!  Every sheep gone astray, he finds! He rights every wrong and every right he blesses!  Every broken heart he renews!  Every rusted vessel he restores!  NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING we will ever do or say or feel or think will ever get past him!  NOTHING will ever separate us from his love! He takes every piece of our life and puts them perfectly into the pages of our story that makes us uniquely who we are! He rejoices over us! He sings over us! He never blinks, never closes his eyes!  He doesn't want to miss a thing because he loves us!
HE KNOWS ME!  Yet he still loves me and has great compassion for me!  His compassions they fail not!  Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!  Shew! I'm out of breath!
As I've looked back at my pictures from childhood till now, I've felt every emotion!  There were times I felt sorry for her, times I didn't understand, times I just wanted to hold her, and yet times I wanted to punish her!  Times I've even beat her up!  I've judged her, criticized her!  Mostly, I've hated on her for a long time!  I always wondered how I was supposed to do as scripture says and love my neighbor as myself. Geez, there wouldn't be much compassion there!  God wants us to love who we are because he created us in his image! We are perfect in his eyes! I've never been able to give myself love, grace and compassion until now.  God has opened my eyes to a whole new level of compassion for others as well.  To make a long story short...(laugh, snort), I'm a work in progress! Now I see my picture and I see a beautiful girl.  Still a child, still growing!  CHANGED! KNOWN! LOVED!  A girl in a woman's body with a desire for her God, a love for her Jesus, and constant need for the Holy Spirit!  She has a longing to know him more and a desire to serve with compassion!

A trek through 2014 leads to a wondrous continuation into 2015!

Go forth and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

It all starts with you!
My words for 2015-Doer, giver, Faith!

Sing it with me: Stevie Wonder Isn't she lovely remix-Isn't she/he lovely! Isn't she/he wonderful! Isn't she/he precious! Isn't she/he lovely, made from love!  Lovely, truly the angels best, heaven blessed! I can't believe what God has done, through Jesus he's given life to all!

Be thankful! Contentment pt 1

Have you ever found yourself asking, "how can I give thanks in...this illness, this trial, this death, this...in all things"? I have! You find yourself saying or most likely thinking "I'm not thankful because...this hurts, it's hard, it's not fair, doesn't make sense, it's not my fault".  God never said it would always be easy, fair or make sense. He did say not to give up, not to fear, but to take heart for he has overcome the world. Sounds like this should be easy but the truth is I, personally, have trouble with this sometimes!  Looking into myself I can say that at times I've refused to be thankful because of fear, pride, anger, hurt and confusion.  I have learned though that being thankful is an attitude! Well, attitude is something I'm good at it just needed a little tweaking! We are called to be renewed in the attitude of our minds and that our attitudes should be same as that of Christ Jesus.  Philippians 2: 6-8 gives an example of this.  Here are a few key words from those verses that can shape our thankfulness-not equal with God, servant, human, man, humble, and obedient. Here's why we can feel safe in being thankful; because we know  that in 1 Corinthians 15:57 it says But thanks be to God! (Why?) He gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you Jesus!

I love what 1John 5:3-5 says-This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God OVERCOMES the world. This is the VICTORY that has OVERCOME the world, EVEN our FAITH. Who is it that OVERCOMES the world? Only he who believes (me & you) that Jesus is the son of God. We have something the world doesn't have: the ability and the means to be thankful, victorious over-comers In The Lord! Psalm 60:12 says With God we will GAIN the VICTORY! We know with all assurance that He sings over us and leads in a triumphal, victory parade in Christ and thanks be to God, through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.  2 Corinthians 2:14. And it is with great confidence that we can offer an attitude of thanks because we know that even though we are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not ashamed; struck down, but not destroyed! Yes, thank you Jesus that because as the psalmist said "I believed; therefore I have spoken.  With that same spirit of FAITH I also believe and therefore speak, because I know that the one who raised The Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence.  All this is for your benefit, (why?) so that the GRACE  that is reaching more and more people may cause (what?) THANKSGIVING to overflow to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 4:8, 13-18. I love that! 

Thanks-an expression of gratitude, an acknowledgement of services or favours given!

Be thankful in ALL things, even the small things! Like the paperclip you needed or the penny found! Look for the positive!  An ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE! GET YOURS ON! 

Thank you Jesus that we have a hope and confidence IN YOU! I have an attitude and I'm not sorry for it!

Christians what your battle cry? Come on, shout it out! Let me hear it the comments! 

The Lord Bless you and Keep you!

SG © 7/1/2014

To judge or not to judge? That is the question!

We are all going to be judged one day by God, the one and only true judge who knows each of our hearts and the motive behind our deeds, good or bad. Romans 2:5-11, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Matthew 12:36, 1 Corinthians 4:5.
We all judge or have judged. I pray for his mercy! Is it righteous or does it show favoritism? James 2:1-3 Have we heard the whole story? Proverbs 18:13
We are all going to be judged by someone at some point and time. Like it or not. Is the judgement merciful or with the same measure you want to be judged with? James 2:13, Romans 2:1-4, Matthew 7:2 Have you first judged yourself and removed your own plank? Matthew 7:3-5
The Bible gives scripture that both supports judging and when not to judge and standards to judge by! Romans 2:1-3, Romans 14, James 4:11-12, John 7:24 and so many more!

I guess my question is this...which scriptures or parts of scriptures do we believe? Most assuredly the one that say don't judge! But do we understand why it says don't? I hear and see all the time,"judge not lest you be judged" (out of context), don't be judging, stop judging, look in the mirror, check yourself first, who are you to judge, y'all need to just love!  Do you know what love is? Just asking! But what about scripture that says to judge or as we like to hear it said, discern, because that sounds less threatening? There definitions are very much the same; judging or discerning good or evil.  Do we believe those as well? Do we practice it? Not too much really! The world has told us to stop, therefore, we have. The world, satan, would have us to not judge because it creates confusion, deception, tolerance, and essentially a comfortable place to sin.   God's been turned into an "it's all good" kinda God! Not so! He is a jealous God and commands obedience!  And, he is not a God of confusion, but of peace.  It's a vicious cycle, but the cycle can be broken if we choose to believe all the scriptures! Be careful to read all the scripture not just 1 verse as you may be missing out on important instructions. Practice righteousness and humility and turn from self-righteousness and arrogance.

So where does this leave us in a world full of human judgement? Here's my thoughts:
You can agree or disagree, either way is fine! It's my thought pattern that helps to keep me humble in his word and growing, not without fault.
If I am being judged then I must ask myself a few questions.
Is it referring to my past? If so, have I overcome it, repented of it, been forgiven? If so, then I can say thanks for the reminder of just how wonderful God's grace and forgiveness is! I can rejoice in praise for it is with his strength I have overcome! I do not labor in the past but strain forward to the goal, the reward, the prize.  If I have not overcome it or am still living in it then again I can choose to be thankful.  I can choose to say thank you for bringing that to my attention.  I do need forgiveness, I do need his strength so that I can become more like Jesus! Hallelujah because in this satan and sin in my life can be defeated!
Is it about my present state? Is it true? If so, again, thank you Lord for sending this messenger of truth to open my eyes to this part of me that still needs healing, or this sin that I need to turn from and repent of, this habit that keeps others from seeing you in me, or whatever the case may be. Ex. 2 Samuel 12:13-14 David suffered the consequence of his sin even tho he repented when his sin was brought before him by Nathan. His sin caused the enemies of The Lord to show utter contempt toward God.  We too suffer the consequences but I am thankful to have the error of my way corrected.  See Psalm 32 & 51.  If, however, the judgement is not true then I have full confidence in God and I can pray for wisdom and understanding. I know that these kinds of words come from possibly jealousy, or a bitter heart, and satan using otherwise good people as his tool of disparity and discouragement.  Once again I am faced with a choice.  I hope that I remember to smile and give thanks for my God, my redeemer, my deliverer who has set me free!  I can rejoice in prayer, lifting the messenger up with words of encouragement before my God who loves me!
If it is a vicious judgement about my future I must consider if this judgement is based upon human opinion or the scripture.  If it is scriptural, I consider it, believe it and give it to Jesus, the King of Kings knowing full well that he has a plan and only he knows the outcome.  I have been the given the knowledge and understanding that his ways are to prosper me, to give me hope and a future and never to harm me!  If, on the other hand, it is merely human opinion then it is what it is and I will choose to speak truth into their ears about God's promises! Jeremiah 29:11 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promises 2 Peter 3:9, and in 2 Peter 1:3-21 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. Continue to read for yourselves.  See 1 Timothy 4

See being judged doesn't have to be a bad thing! Being judged can bring us growth and maturity in Christ and sometimes may actually save a brother from the error of his way and save him from death, James 5:19. We have no need however to pick each other apart because when we do we set ourselves for the same judgement and we put ourselves above the law that commands to love God and our neighbors; therefore giving us justification by a set of standards that are not God's, James 4. Check your judgement against God's word.  Is it good or evil? Love what is good and hate what is evil! Consider Colossians 2:16.  I have considered and understand that I have been guilty of judging without realizing I was judging, but in this I ask God's guidance, revelation and forgiveness.  It's so easy to judge and not even mean to be or realizing that you are. However, christians without judgement how will we follow the command to restore those who have fallen away? Galatians 6:1,2  Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Judging the world is not ours to do. But of Christians?  Yes! In 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 we are told who not to associate with and Paul wasn't talking about the world otherwise we would have to leave the world.  He says anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral, greedy, an idolator, slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler.  With such do not even eat! Imagine that! In case you think these are just works from a man read 1 Corinthians 14:37. I could go on but I will stop here for now.  Jesus says those that reject his words will be judged by his words.
I, personally, feel judged when something within me is being called out(sin,shame, guilt, pride,etc)  and I don't want to confront it. So let your judgement be sound and not with hypocrisy, by appearance or condemnation or for justification, but with love and gentleness and righteousness as one who speaks the words of God, 1 Peter 4:8-11..above all love each other deeply.  Its time for judgement and it begins right here with us who are christians. 1 Peter 4:17-19.  Choose wisely!
I will leave you with this from Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

From the heart,
Stephanie G. © 9/27/14

The Ministry of Marriage

"Marriage may be the toughest ministry you ever undertake".  Do you know why simple steps and praying harder won't overcome your marital issues?  They only work on a superficial level.  

To spiritually benefit from marriage, we have to be honest.  We have to look at our disappointments, own up to our ugly attitudes and confront our selfishness.  We have to work hard sometimes. The Bible gives us many scriptures on how to live and how to treat others.  Did you know that those same scriptures that we apply to others also applies to our spouses?  They are your significant OTHER! They are not just your spouse, but God's creation. 1Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to EVERYONE! Even your spouse.  Go read 1Peter 3-apply this whole chapter to your marriage. What about Colossians 3:9-25? Check it out! Or how about Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome(injurious to physical, mental, or moral health; unhealthy) talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building OTHERS up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Vs 31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, & anger, brawling & slander along with every form of malice.  Be kind & compassionate to one another, forgiving each OTHER, just as in Christ God forgave you. Add to these Galatians 5:22 & 1 Corinthians 13-that's what love really is.  Did you know that in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 it says to respect those who work hard among you.  I wonder if we can also apply this concept to our marriages.  Our attitude in marriage should reflect the attitudes listed in Matthew 5:1-11, the Be-attitudes. There are plenty of Don't Be-attitudes too! Check out Philippians 2:3-11. Never consider yourself better than OTHERS! Not even your spouse! Yea it happens! How many times have you raged about how stupid they are? Really? Why? Because you're so much smarter? Been there! Do nothing out of selfish ambition & conceit! What if we applied Proverbs 18:2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his or her own opinions.  Surely we don't do this!  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we may comfort those (OTHERS), in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. Is your marriage in trouble? Divorce is not the answer, it's the easy way out! God created you to be holy and if you've chosen to be married, there's no better way to improve yourself. 1 Corinthians 7:27a Are you married? Do not seek divorce. Before you give up and walk away pray asking, "O Lord,  search me and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See O Lord if there is ANY offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Create in me a new heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me!" In Jesus name!

Don't give up on this ministry called marriage!

Faithfully learning to be holy!

Stephanie Goode

An article I wrote for thymemagazine.com

                                 What it means to know God as my Father!

What does it mean to KNOW God as my Father?  As it has been said and sung, "to KNOW Him is to LOVE Him"!  How do we get to know Him?  We must first experience Him!

O Father!  My life is a mess!  My marriage, a shamble!  My life unbalanced, my heart, shut off!  My heart like broken glass is full of sharp, painful shard!  What do I do God?  It's so still, so quite.  I can't hear you!  Aren't you listening?  I need you!  I stumble forward, slowly drifting.  Angry!  Father, are you not speaking?  "I am, but you're not obeying!"  Fine!  then leave me alone!  Just give me what I want!  Sadness...my Father's heart is broken, torn.  He loosens the reigns, he knows he can't force his will, can't make my choices.  My Father watches in agony with eyes of love and compassion as I create an even bigger mess.  He knows he will have to clean up my mess, but he never complains, he just keeps gently calling, calling my name.  He keeps instructing, "that's far enough, turn around."  I glare at him with disdain and toss my head with a haughty laugh!  How I must have hurt him, but he continues on with me, fighting demons I know nothing about!  Anticipating my return.  He knows it will be hard though, for I have so much pride, such a stiff-neck!  My Father though, he never stops getting in the way!  Providing a way, a way back home!  He laid the paths before me.  Oh, but I was the smart one! After all, I'd watched all kinds of movies like CSI!  Ha, I was good at hiding, running, escaping the flame!  I won't get caught!  At least that's what I thought!

The time had finally come, my Father had had enough!  Again, he put a roadblock before me, a sign saying, "daughter, come home!"  With arrogance, a dead heart and a wild spirit I relented.  I was not repentant, no not yet, but oh my Father, how he rejoiced in just that one step!  He's not worried for he has great faith in me!  He know's my heart and he knows how to fix it!  Isn't that truly what every daughter wants?  Oh, daddy, please just fix it!  Time slowly continues on...

My God, my Father, always by my side, always with a plan.

Rebellious, black sheep gone astray; testing you, pushing the limit.
Do you still love me?  If you do then you would...but you said, "because I love you, I won't!"...  My soul so weary, worn out!  My heart broken into a million teeny, tiny, beautiful, stained glass pieces.  Rejection, abandonment, used, scarred and tainted, all blanketed with my sin!  Unconditional love, forgiveness, and acceptance, offered and rejected.  Your Father heart heard my desperate, confused cry; you wept for me, with me, as a Father does.  My God, My Father, I'm knocking on deaths door!  I want it, I need it!  If you loved me you would..."Because I love you, I won't!"...  To my every plea for death, you answered, "My grace is sufficient for YOU!"  I can see your big hand reaching down for me into the ravishing pits of sorrow, but I cannot reach it, not even the tip of your finger!  You answered me, " just be still, I'll stretch further!  I won't let you fall!"  I love you Father, but can you still love me?  I'm afraid! Send me a way out, a different way, my way!  "I want to"  you reply, "but not that way, I know what's best!  You must trust me!  Haven't I proven myself yet?  I will do it again because I love you, I forgive you!  I will carry you, I will get you through this mess!  You will sing again, you will dance, you will twirl, you will run, you will be successful in my purpose because I love you!  I love you with my very life!"  Trust? No!  God you know that was stolen from me long ago!  I can't!  If you loved me you would..."Because I love you, I won't!...Take my hand, I'll lead you home!  Come to me!  Let me comfort you!  I feel your pain!  You have nothing to fear, I am here and I will never leave you!  The road will be hard!"  My Father, he's so honest!  "You will turn back to me many times and many times I will forgive you."

His grace reaches me!  My Father, God, has never broken a promise!  My plans are not His plans nor are my thoughts greater than His!  "To know, know, know you, is to love, love, love you...and I do, yes I do!"

Stephanie Goode © May 20 2014

I am so laughing at tomorrow!

Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

This verse came to me the other day while I was driving and it was as if I had just read it for the first time.  An understanding came to me.  She can laugh at the days to come?  I've often wondered, "how"?  Well, the answer stared me in the face as I realized I was becoming that verse.  Now, no, I don't laugh at everything, but more and more I find myself not worried about what is ahead and how, when and where!  Why?  Because, God is in control and he knows what's best and would never harm me!  For me it's taken years to actually believe that, completely!  I still doubt, I still struggle because I'm human, but because my faith has increased through trials I've learned that it's easier to let it go and trust in His plan.

Why can she, the proverbial woman, laugh at the days to come?

Because she knows who holds tomorrow, she knows He has a plan
and that no weapon formed against her can stand.

She knows in whom she has believed
and in Him she has put her trust.

She laughs for she has hope because she knows
He is able to do far more than she could ever imagine!

She holds dear those things which He has promised,
to never leave her nor forsake her.

She knows that He fights for her,
that He sings love songs over her.

She laughs at wanting poverty
for she knows He provides for all her needs.

She knows to whom she belongs,
that she is His most treasured possession.

She can laugh because her strength comes from The Lord
and in His love there is no fear.

She walks in dignity with her Father, the King of Kings,
for He has taught her that laughter is good medicine,
health to her bones.

She can laugh because she knows
that joy comes in the morning.

The days ahead do not scare her
because she knows He is faithful. He is just.

She laughs in the face of adversity for what can
man do to her that He does not see?
For her soul belongs to Him!

She can laugh for she has cinched her waist with truth
and put on the breastplate of righteousness.

She laughs for she carries a sword that divides even bone and marrow.
Her feet are steady like a deer.

She presents a shield of faith, full of fiery arrows.
She laughs for her mind is set on Him,
He protects her with His helmet of Salvation.

She laughs, she does not worry about tomorrow
for tomorrow will have its day.

But for today, she lounges in the garden of His laughter,
and sleeps in the lap of His safety.

For she knows who holds tomorrow,
and she knows He holds her hand.

Psalm 18:2 The Lord  is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock,
in whom I find protection.  He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

I am starting to understand this and it gives me great hope for each day!

Stephanie Goode © June 17, 2014

Is it ok?

Ok, something I've been pondering on for a few days...movies!  I love them! Most of us do, but are they ok for Christians?  Here's why I ask: movies contain a lot of things that the Bible speaks against and yet we fill our minds and hearts with them.
Here's a few things to consider:

Murder-Exodus 20:13, Matthew 15:19
Sex- Premarital, outside of marriage, all kinds of sex and sexuality, seduction-Ephesians 5:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Corinthians 5:9-12
Language-Cursing, foul, degrading, crude, God's name in vain or irreverence-Exodus 20:7, Leviticus 9:12, Colossians 3:8
Revenge, hatred-1John 3:9, Leviticus 19:18, 1John 2:9, Proverbs 10:12
Drunkenness-Ephesians 5:18, Proverbs 23:21
Disrespect towards each other, towards elders and parents, dishonor-Exodus 20:12, 1Peter 2:17, Romans 12:9-10, Ephesians 6:2
Lying, deceit, slander, gossip-Exodus 20: 16, Leviticus 19:11 & 16,Psalm 34:13, Titus 3:2, Proverbs 16:28, Galatians 6:7
Stealing and cheating-Exodus 20:15,Matthew 19:18
Adultery, fornication, infidelity, swapping partners, lust-Exodus 20:14, Matthew 5:28, Proverbs 6:25, Colossians 3:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:5, 1 John 2:15-17,Hebrews 13:4, Proverbs 6:32-35
Divorce & remarriage-Malachi 2:13-17, Matthew 19:3-9, 1 Corinthians 7:10, 27, 1 Corinthians 7:39, Luke 16:18
Worshipping other gods, including satan, cults, witchcraft, idols(even money)-Exodus 20:3-4, 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, 2 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Timothy 6:3-5
Homosexuality-1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Romans 1:25-27, Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13, 1 Timothy 1:9-11, Genesis 2:18-25, 19:1-29, Psalm 81:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
Jealousy, covetousness-Exodus 20:17, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Galatians 5:19-20, Proverbs 27:4, 1 Samuel 18:8-11, Genesis 4-Jealousy caused murder, Deuteronomy 4:24, 1 Corinthians 3:3

Galatians 5:19-21, Romans Chapter 1 & 13-

This sounds an awful lot like the Ten Commandments right, Exodus 20?!  Well we aren't acting in these ways! Aren't we? Are we being stumbling blocks and false leaders? I say yes, guilty! I can say personally that watching some of these things have affected my life and my thinking.  It certainly gave me unrealistic expectations in my marriage.  Has it become the ruler to measure our lives by? It has become that way rather than the Bible being our measuring stick.  Now I'm not saying there aren't some good qualities in movies as well.
Sure, I've seen for instance:

Kindness-Galatians 5:22-26
Love-Romans 13:9- the whole Bible!
Forgiveness
Mercy
Grace
Hospitality
Giving
Worshipping God
Serving others
Laughter
Happiness
Truth
Respect and honor

I kind of feel it not necessary to list all the scripture for this list because these are the one's we know.  We prefer to focus on these.  Its the list above that we choose to ignore! I hope you will not just read over this, but as a true follower of God and truth seek out each verse and allow God to lead you through his infallible word. You decide with God in fervent prayer what is true about what we allow into our lives and I will do the same.  These kind of changes once we've become accustomed and conditioned to them are not easy to change.  It takes a great love for The Lord and His commands and obedience!

Now here's my question about the second list...In Christian or Bible based movies, there are still actors and actresses who are married to other people and yet in the movies because they play a specific role they are kissing another person.  Or even wholesome movies that speak real life situations into existence such as rape, infidelity, etc and of course they have to act these parts out.  Is this wrong for Christians  to watch?  Is it wrong for Christians to act out these roles? I don't know, I'm asking!  My immediate reaction is Yes!  But then that means I'm in the wrong.  If God were to reveal to me that yes these things are wrong and I should not be watching any of them and then convict me to not watch movies I will be honest and say that that would be a really hard thing for me to be obedient in.  I mean what life do we have without them?  Would we spend more time in our Bibles or with our family? Books can bring us all the same things movies do, so again, we need to be careful what we fill our  hearts and minds with.  What do y'all think about this?  I'm asking not accusing or judging!

Point to remember: Psalm 11:8 The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.  May we pray for each other as I know that as Christians we desire as it says in Hebrews 13:18 to live honorably in every way.

SG © 6/10/14

"Crumby Drops"

                                                             "Crumby Drops"

Do you see your cup as half full or half empty?
Depends on where I'm at in life.
Does your bread basket have half a loaf or none?
Depends on what life throws at me.
Maybe you've been told that the glass seems half empty because you're not grateful for what you do have! Maybe, maybe not.  Maybe you just don't know what to do with the other half.
Have you ever felt like a drop is all that's left in your cup?
I have!
Have you ever looked in your basket only to find a crumb?
I have!
Do you have that one thing in your life that seems to be just a drop or just a crumb that you cannot surrender?
I do!
So what do we do?
We take that half empty glass, give thanks, quench our thirst with what's left and allow God to refill it with fresh water!
We take that half a loaf, give thanks and offer what's left to God so that he can give the increase!
What about that drop or that crumb?  That struggle?
We take that "crumby drop" and in full surrender we offer it to Lord!
But what if my faith is weak?  What if I'm not sure I can do what I "think" I know he wants me to do? What if a part of me doesn't want to? What if I want to hold onto that crumby drop because the future is way to scary without it?  What if I don't think I'm strong enough?
We take "what drop of crumby if" we have and we wrap it up with trust, whisper over it a prayer that sounds like this, "Jesus"!
He will take that one drop and turn it into an everlasting well and he will cause that one crumb to soften and rise!  His grace will deliver us and his mercy will renew us!

Doesn't that sound wonderful?  Yes, Yes, Yes!  But the truth is, it may be that hardest, most dry drop of crumbs we've ever swallowed!  The longest half a cup we've ever drank and the shortest half a loaf we've ever offered!
But take courage, He has overcome the world and He can surely deliver you!

Are you like me and sometimes feel like Moses, "Lord, send someone else" or like Jonah, "anywhere but there" or like the rich man, "I'll give up anything, but that"?  With the faith of a mustard seed...man shall not live by bread, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God, the living water.

Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles...Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! Psalm 55:2, 6

Can we pray for each other's "crumby drops"?  Let's do!
I'll meet you on the other side of obedience!

Stephanie Goode © May 24, 2014

Be Still! Know me! Know that I am God!

                                Be Still! Know me! Know that I am God!

Be still! Know me! Know that I am God!  Be patient, I will renew your strength!
I do have a  plan for you! I will give you hope and a future!  I will prosper you, in my time.
You are never alone, I will never leave you!  Just wait on me.  Be hopeful!  Hope in me, for
I am hope!  Wait and see, I will give you wings like the eagle!  You will soar in my strength.
When you seek me with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind you will find me.
In me you will find joy, full and complete!  Bring me all your plans and I will align them with
my purpose.  Give me the desires of your heart and I will fulfill them according to my great mercies!
Show me your dreams and I will compassionately give them life!  Put your trust in me and you
will have enough hope for each day!  For my love is unfailing!  It never ceases, never dies!

Be still! Know me! Know that I am God! Be patient! Know that I love you!  Know that I
have chosen you out of all the peoples on the earth to be my treasured possession!  Be still!
I will fight for you!  I know your enemies!  I know your fears and doubts!  None of these scare
me!  They cannot stop me!  I overcame death for you!  I have promised you life!  Live it abundantly!
Put your hand in mine!  Trust in me!  Hope is yours for I am hope!  Success is yours, at times I
will carry you!  I was broken for you, I bled for you.  My blood covers your sins!  You are forgiven!
In me, there is no condemnation against you!  You will fall, but I will pick you up!  You are made
in my image!  I am mighty to save!  Be strong and courageous!  I sing love songs over you!  I rejoice
over you!  I adore you!  How deep, how wide is my love for you!

Be still!  Know me!  Know that I am God!  Be patient!  Just wait!  Your wings are coming!
Your strength renewed!  My gracious, exciting plan for you revealed!  Trust me!  Be hopeful!
Live in the joy of your salvation!  Laugh, be silly!  Choose life!  Rest peacefully in my grace and
mercy!  I've blessed you with a unique gift.  Seek it!  Embrace it!  Thank me for your gift!
It makes you who you are!  You are mine!  Crafted by my hand inside your mother's womb!
Fearfully and wonderfully made!  A shining star you are!  My sunshine!  My child!
You my love, are a gift to me from my Father, who reigns in heaven; the creator of all things good!
Never forget, that nothing you do will ever make me stop loving you!

Be still!  Know me!  Know that I am God!

Truly and forever yours,
Jesus!

Stephanie Goode  © 4/25/2014