Big Steps!

So today I took some big steps!  I went into book stores and promoted my book!!!  On my way I called my mom and told her where I was going and she encouraged me so much =)  In fact, I asked her if she had taken an encouragement pill this morning!  hhahaha  As I sat in the parking lot of the first store I reflected on all the messages I have received form people who have been affect by the book already and I felt strong in my spirit and walked in the store!  I was filled with the knowing that there are still so many more people out there that are desperate to hear this message and receive healing and restoration.  So as I spoke with the lady in charge she encouraged ME!  I left there with the possibility of not only have my book in their store but also a book signing!  I am now just waiting and EXPECTING my call inviting me to participate in the book signing =)  It is an invitation only book signing.

I got back in my car and called my mom again!  I had gained even more strength in my spirit to go far and wide!  I made my way to the big worldly store!!  Books-A-Million!  hahaha  Again, the person I spoke with was so encouraging!  About halfway through the meeting he said, "Years ago you took care of my little girl"!!!  WOW!  He then said he would do what he needed to in order to get my book in their store..AND he wants me to set up a book signing in their store!!!!  I am telling you, Daddy God went before me today and had just the right people in place and prepared for me =)  I have never felt so taken care of in my life!  HIS LOVE has embraced me and HIS FAVOR covers me!  I am so excited it is impossible for me to use a period!!!!!  All I can use it exclamation points!!!!!  hahahaha 

I love the "God journey" that I am on =)  Now I am going to focus on building my stock so I can have books for speaking engagements and  other book signings that are to come!  NO LIMITS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well Hello!

It seems as though summer has hit and my schedule is off the hook!  We took vacation to Branson last weekend and had a blast!  We stayed in a beautiful cabin and went to a show and of course we hit Silver Dollar City!  Can I just say I LOVE ROLLER COASTERS!!!!  The boys had so much fun and it was great to see them enjoying the trip. 

So we have spent the past few days unwinding and washing clothes!  hahaha 

I have really missed my blog peeps!  But not to worry because....I'M BACK!!!! 

Thanks to everyone who has purchased my book =)  I am believing that The Lord is using it's message to, even now, begin to heal and restore.  I am receiving some pretty amazing messages!!!  Daddy God is GOOD =)  I have also been invited to speak at a Ladies Group next week!  I am super excited because it is in my hometown and the group is from the church that my mother grew up in!!  Did I mention that GOD IS GOOD???!!! 

I am really loving the life with no limits!  I cannot dream big enough to cover what Daddy God has in store!!!!  He loves us SO MUCH =)  I hope YOU are feeling the covering of that LOVE right now!

Help!

Ok the time has come!  The book has been released on line (will soon be in book stores!)  and I now need YOU!  I am self promoting so I would REALLY  appreciate the help spreading the word that the book is now available!  I did not publish this book to make money and it is so not even about that!  The reason I made my story public is because God has called me out to share the MESSAGE of healing and restoration that comes form God The Father!  I am so excited to get this message out so others can experience the freedom from past and present hurts!!  There will be other things to come but for now we just need to spread the information on how to get this book! 

So I am asking you to tell your circle of friends.  Post on your Facebook pages, Twitter, Blogs, emails!  However you network.  It is available at Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble, Books-A-Million, and AbeBooks.com.  You can post links from any of these sites!  You can even send them to this blog (you can purchase the book here). 

Thank you in advance for joining with me on the journey of bringing HOPE, HEALING, AND RESTORATION to hurting people! 

God is GOOD!!!!!!!!!!

Giving Thanks

WOW!  It has been a crazy few days!  My book was released on line Thursday (was not even expecting it to be so soon!)  I have been receiving the most amazing messages of support and thanks and LOVE!  GOD IS GOOD!  I am overwhelmed and humbled by the response.  I know that the Lord is bringing healing, freedom and RESTORATION!!!!!!!!  I am so thankful for all the opportunities He is giving me to share what Daddy God has done for me and what He so wants to do for others =) 

So I want to always give thanks to God for bringing me this far and for putting a good word in my mouth to share!  I thank Him for hearts He is opening and healing.  I praise Him for empowering me to do what He has called me to do.  I am thankful for clear visions and the release of any fear to walk this path.  I LOVE MY DADDY GOD!!!!!!! 

I am thankful for everyone that the Lord had placed in my life and for everyone He has set to cross my path in my future! I am thankful for YOU!  For reading this blog.  For praying for me.  For supporting me.  For encouraging me.  YOU really do make a difference!  THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

You are a part of this life changing journey =)  There are so many hurting people out there and together we WILL reach them with the message of HEALING and RESTORATION!!!  

Please help spread the word on the book release!  Going FAR and WIDE!!!  
Book can be purchased here on this blog (through Amazon.com), Barnes&Noble, Books-A-Million, AbeBooks.com, and Authorhouse.

Book Release!!!

WARNING:  This blog post may have excessive use of the word "excited" (in all forms), and the exclamation mark!!!! 

I came home from the last graduation to find that my book has been release online!!!  I got so excited =)  I looked at my husband who was siting by me and said, "I'M FOR SALE!"  hahahaha  I have not even received MY COPY yet!  This has been such an amazing journey.  I could not settle down to get to sleep last night! I got to work letting everyone know it was available.  My Mom was on her way home and told me not to tell anyone until she could get home to place her order!  She wanted to be the FIRST!  She is a little EXCITED!!! 

I have to say that there is at least one mistake on the back cover but I am not going to worry about it because it is done and there is nothing I can do about it!  I have asked God to go before it and prepare the readers and I know HIS message will shine through any mistakes that got through! 

That being said, I need YOUR help!  I am self-promoting so I would so much appreciate it if you could spread the word in your circle of friends.  I want to be very clear that this is NOT about making money, it is ALL about sharing the healing power of JESUS!!!  He can and WILL RESTORE your past!  Your hurts!  Your mind!!  My publisher will make the book available to bookstores but that is about it.  I do have a buy back in my contract.  That means when a bookstore decides to put my book in their store if it doesn't sell,  the publisher will buy them back!  It's kind of like insurance for the store.

You can buy my book right here on my blog!  Thanks to my most talented friend, I have a link here for you to order from!  Just click on the cover and you are good to go =) 

So here we go onto the next phase!  It's gonna be wild, it's gonna be great and it's gonna be FULL OF HIM!!!!!!!!!!

Again, you can follow me on Twitter and Facebook!  I LOVE your comments and messages so PLEASE keep them coning!!!!! 

Graduation Day!

Ok, I'm sure you are all so ready for all the graduation stuff to pass so I will move on!!  Hahahah   BUT....you are going to have to put up with me at least one more day!  You didn't really think I would lead you all the way up and then not share THE DAY!?!  Well, I can report that is was a day full of JOY and PRIDE and LOVE!!!  NO TEARS!  NONE!  I asked Max last nigh what was wrong with us!  hahaha!  We were able to have the ceremony outside (which meant everyone could attend).  IF it would have been bad weather it would have been indoors and on 2 guest could come for each senior!  With all the bad weather the past few weeks we could only pray for good weather.  Boy did God deliver on that one!  It was a perfect day!  Sunny and not too hot =)  So the celebration was large!  So large in fact, that we never did find my Grandmother!  She drove in from out of town and there were so many people there she ended up sitting with a stranger (that I believe became her friend by the end)!  Without either of us even knowing it, we ere only a few rows away from each other!  hahaha  I am so glad she was there even if we didn't see her.  She was there for her Hunter and that was all that mattered =) 

Hunter looked so handsome as he walked into the stadium in his cap and gown.  I was so proud when he stood as they called for the Honor Graduates.  Then he walked across the stage!  My heart was about to burst!!!  He just brings me so much JOY!  So now it is over and this new phase of life is beginning and it holds all the promises =) 

Tonight Danille (the Godsend/girlfriend) will graduate and we are all so proud of her!  She is the most amazing young lady and we could not be more pleased to be a part of her beautiful life.  She and Hunter posses the ability to draw others in with their pure and open hearts.  They WILL be a part of changing the lives of people they come in contact with!  They were created for greatness and they walk in the fullness of that greatness!!!!!  All  I can say is that GOD IS GOOD!!!  SO GOOD!!!!

Oh and as if the day couldn't get one bit better, I got an email that my book is DONE and has been shipped to me!!!!  After I receive my copy and notify the publisher, it will be available for the public!  I will share how and where later! I am still swimming in the graduation water right now =) 

Hunter walking in...

Deep in thought.....

Here we go....

HEART SMILE!

Max and I with our BLESSING =)

Hunter with the Godsend, Danille!

Dream Bigger!

As I grow deeper in the fullness of Christ my life just opens up more and more.  I love different than before.  I have peace like never before.  I have an excitement about my future.  For the last several months before I fall asleep at night I ask God to give me visions and dreams.  He has filled my spirit with the most amazing dreams!  Dreams that in the past would have scared me to death, but now I dream them like I am practicing for when they become reality!!!  I am learning that there are NO LIMITS with Daddy God and I am so ready to live out these dreams where there are no limits!  God is going to change lives through me!  He is going to love and set people free through me! 

I can hardly contain my excitement!  The book will be here any day now =)  It has been a beautiful journey so far and it is only going to get better and better as I dream bigger and BIGGER!!!!!  Do not allow Satan to limit your dreams! 

Freedom in Letting Go

There is freedom in letting go of things that either we can't control or things that simply do not matter.  I have learned (mostly the hard way) that it is very selfish to hold a grudge.  It is damaging to hold on to hurts.  I have been treated badly in my lifetime and people have hurt me in ways that I did not deserve but for me to hold on to that only gives the enemy a foothold in my life!  I spent too many years holding on to all the hurt.  I missed out on so much joy because my attention was focused on that hurt.  Then I went through a time when I decided to let it go but I settled on the fact that I had lost that time.  I would just move on and accept things lost and just hope for better things to come.  Then The Holy Spirit spoke to my spirit and assured me that not only would all those things be restored to me but Daddy God goes above an beyond when it comes to restoring His children!!!  As I released the hurt feelings, guilt, self blame and even the hard feelings I had towards other people, something amazing began to happen in my heart!  It grew deeper and deeper to where I was able to hold more and more of the LOVE that God had for me.  The LOVE He wanted to give to me and the LOVE He wanted to show THROUGH me =)  I became a LOVE CONTAINER!  The more of self I released, the more of Him I became.  I could, for the first time, see others as Jesus saw them.  I was beginning to love others in a way I have never experienced before. 

There have been many things I have had to "let go" of and allow The Lord to take over.  I believe that with the Love of Jesus, there is no relationship that is beyond His ability to completely restore!!!  When those relationships are restored the very face of Daddy God is shown =) 

There are still times when the devil will bring something (or someone) to my mind and I can feel those old hurts trying to surface.  At that very moment I have a choice to make.  I can either allow myself to respond to those feelings in a damaging way by dwelling on them.  I mean there have been times when an old hurt will surface and I will start talking about it with myself!  I can talk myself into being hurt all over again!  The other (an wiser) choice is to SPEAK to the one who is bringing it up!  I say, sorry devil but I have already dealt with that and I do not have to deal with it anymore!  It is done, I have released it and God has taken over that area of my life.  I then can replace any negative feelings with the TRUTH in God's Word!  There is that "renewing the mind" again!  hahaha  The more of God's TRUTH I have planted inside of me the quicker it springs up in my spirit when Satan comes against me! 

As I prepare for my book release I am still releasing parts of my past.  I want to be clear that as I release the hurts of my past I also remember what God has done for me.  I do not tell my story to remember or relive my past.  I share it to give testimony as to what God has done!  I share it to encourage others!  I am living proof that there is nothing The Lord can't do.  He can take the absolute worst things and use it to bring Glory to Him.  He can turn bitterness to JOY and hurt to HEALING.  It is through Daddy God that we receive FREEDOM!

On a book related note; I received notice that I will be receiving the first copy of my book in 10-15 days!  Talk about a journey!  It has been a waiting time and a growing time.  I am so ready for the next phase of this amazing journey!  As soon as I receive my copy of the book it will be available for purchase!  I will share the details on where and how you can get it in the VERY NEAR future!  I am doing most of the promoting on my own so spread the word within your circle =)  Thanks again for all your support through prayers and words of encouragement!  I claim blessings flow through you today!  May we all get SOAKED in the blessing and the LOVE of Daddy God today =) 

Restored and Ready!

Oh how I have missed this little corner of my world!  The trade off however was more than worth it.  Spending time with my Hubby, my amazing son and his precious godsend (girlfriend Danille) has brought even more joy to my overflowing life =)  I have made it through 2 senior banquets with very little crying, but LOTS of pride!  My love and admiration for Hunter grows deeper every single day.  That child has brought me more joy in his 17 (almost 18) years than I ever could have imagined.  He is destine for such great things! 

I was also blessed to go on a photo adventure with two of the most amazing young people!!!  Jacob and Elyse are just too special for words.  All I can say is that my life is richer just having them in it!  You cannot be around them and not be blessed =)

On to some book news!  I am so happy to be able to say that the book cover is COMPLETE!  I have approved it and now we go to PRINT!!!  As I looked over the final cover design my heart started to beat harder and my mind took a little trip back in time.  I thought about where I started and all that Daddy God has brought me through and delivered me from!  I have said it before but it really is nothing short of a miracle!  Then my mind went into the future!!!  Oh yes, I am prepared to step into the fullness of God's plan!  I have committed my story, my past, my present, my future, my LIFE to carry out HIS PLAN.  I will never grow tired of telling of how Daddy God RESTORED my life and gave back to me ALL that the enemy had taken!  He gave me even MORE that what was taken from me!!!  THAT IS MY GOD!  I am so deeply in LOVE WITH LOVE!!!!!!!!!! 

I really wish I could share the photo of the book cover but i can't figure out how!  hahaha  But I CAN share what I have been up to the last week =)

Hunter & Danille (our road trip to El Dorado)

Me & Max (Max was sick but he was a trooper)

Hunter & Danille (Band Banquet)

Me and my sweet baby boy =)

Hunter and his friend Wesley at the Band Banquet

Hunter with some of his bandmates

The AMAZING Elyse & Jacob

Jacob & Elyse on our Photo Adventure

Beautiful

Photo Adventures are THE BEST!

Heart Smiles!

My Latest Blessing

Welcome to my latest BLESSING!  I started this blog having no idea how it would affect my life.  It opened my world up to share myself and receive so much from others!  The messages and emails I get everyday are nothing less that inspiring.  After a couple of weeks I began to pray for God to increase my blog!  I wanted to reach out to MORE people and have a more appealing blog page.  As I prayed I knew that God was working on my behalf so I just trusted HIM.  HE NEVER DISAPPOINTS!!!!  A couple of weeks ago I received a message from a dear friend (who lives too far away!)  She designs blogs and said that The Lord had impressed on her heart to custom design a blog for ME!  THIS is how I can tell you, and KNOW that it is TRUTH, that Daddy God provides our EVERY need!  He knows the desires of the hearts of His children and He desires to fulfill every one!!!!  (as long as it is good for us and honors Him). 

 

I also have a book update.  I had sent in my adjustments last Friday and had not heard from the publisher.  I have been sending emails all week with no reply!  I was getting a little worried so I called today and found out that my design contact had a death in her family and has been out all week!  She will be back on Monday and things will pick back up.  Please say a prayer of comfort for Jenny =)

 

So after they make the corrections (can take 2-3 weeks), I can sign off and have it sent to print!!!  By the way, I am BELIEVING for it to be quicker than that!  I am getting so excited and so ready to share it with the world!  Daddy God has some pretty amazing opportunities on the way and I am preparing to step into every one of them. 

 

So, enjoy the new "Look" and stay as long as you like =)  If you have not joined the blog yet, well, what are you waiting for????!!!  hahahaha  I look forward to hearing from you.  Also, don't forget you can join up with me on facebook.  My page is under Teena Elrod and I also have a page under "Familiar Stranger".

 

Lastly, THANK YOU to my amazing and talented friend, Jhen =)  Your desire to BE LOVE has enriched my heart!  (I have a link to Jhen's Blogs:  From Here to Eternity and Stark Love Photography).  Visit her and prepare to be BLESSED!

 

 

Monday Madness

OK, so last Monday I made a vow to not speak ill of Mondays!  Guess what???  Today it is raining, AGAIN, I have a sick child who I have been up with most of the night, AND I do not have any MILK!  I drink milk everyday and I ran out of milk this weekend.  No milk for 2 days!!!  I broke down and ate a pancake just to spite the evil forces that are coming against me today!  hahaha
For those of you who do not know me well, I have a strange addiction to pancakes!  I tried to "kick the habit" but have since fallen off the wagon!  haha 

Let me just say now that because of lack of sleep, I will not be held responsible for anything I ramble about today =)  This morning as I was cleaning and disinfecting EVERY SQUARE INCH that my sick one had touched, walked on, sat on, BREATHED on........!  I noticed that my Lysol was coming out white!  I just sprayed more and continued to clean when I noticed I was spraying PLEDGE!  So I am happy to report that there is no dust on the toilet, sink, floor, basically  ANYWHERE in the bathroom!  You may be thinking....did you not SMELL the pledge?!  Well, I had this virus last week and will NOT get it again, so I was holding my breath as I sprayed the Lysol/Pledge!  haha

I am hoping to hear from the publisher today sometime.  I sent in all my adjustments and am so ready to sign off on the book to go to print.  In the meantime I will just continue to engulf my house with Lysol and prayer!!!

In other news, that really has no significance to anyone but me!  hahaha  I am up for a hair makeover!  I have been trying to grow my hair out some and since I have had it dark for some time now, I'm ready for a lighter color and highlights!  Maybe a cut.  Still thinking on that one.  I am longing for what I like to refer to as, my "summer hair"!  I think that blonde with a bit of darker undertones is by far my favorite "natural color" of my hair =)

Well, I'm off now to go call down all sickness in my house!  I am praying for each of you to be blessed to day!  For the love of God The Father to overflow in your life!  I also want to express again just how blessed I am by the love and support I have received through this blog!  I only hope that I encourage you half as much as you encourage me everyday!  I get so excited when I sign on and see another "follower" has been added =)  I love the emails and messages!  I have even gained some amazing "friends" on my facebook page!!!  THANK YOU! THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  God is SO GOOD =) 


BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING!

Book News!

I am super excited!!!  I have been waiting for my book proofs to come and yesterday THEY CAME!! 
They had told me that the cover may have to have some adjustment so I could not hardly wait to see what it would look like.  It is a little different (more like I had originally wanted it).  I LOVE IT!  I cannot wait to share it with everyone!  I also had to read through the "inside text", which is my life, to make sure I was happy with the layout and design.  I am happy to say that I sent it back with only 3 adjustments!  After those adjustments are taken care of, it's DONE!!!  Wow, I have been on this journey for so long it feels a bit strange to think that it is coming to an end.  But as this phase ends I know that a much different phase is just beginning, and I am SO EXCITED!  The Lord has filled my heart with this love story and I am ready for it to be told!  I am ready to tell it! 

As I read through the "text" of my book yesterday I was reminded once again just how far Daddy God has grown me and I was (and still am) overwhelmed my His LOVE for ME!!!  Then I daydream about the future He is leading me into and my heart feels like it is on the verge of bursting =)  

So now I just wait..... but I have found so much joy in the waiting.  After I sent in my transcript and began talking with the publisher about the process of publishing, I knew there would be "wait" times.  I'm normally not a very good "waiter"!   Then, the publisher suggested I start this blog.  My first thought was, oh no!  I really had no idea what I was doing. But I dove in and just worked my way through!  I began to pray for God to show me how to increase my blog.  I knew He was working on my behalf and I just trusted that He would show me what to do. HE NEVER DISAPPOINTS!   He has sent me a helper (I will share more about this later).  I will say that, just like He always does, He has sent the perfect person to help me!  He never does anything halfway, but always wants the very best for His children =)    I also must say that it didn't take long at all for me to fall deep in love with the world of blog!  God has blessed me through the lives of those who have joined me on this journey. 

GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!  SO GOOD!!!!!  There is absolutely nothing He cannot do through a willing child!  He has given me BIG DREAMS!  I dream them on purpose!  I dream them almost like I am practicing them before they come to pass!  Oh, the things He has in store!!!  Hope, joy and excitement rise up on the inside of me and fuels my expectation for my future!  It's gonna be WILD; it's gonna be GREAT; it's gonna be FULL OF HIM!   (from the song; "Come away with Me" by Jesus Culture)  I listen to this song and just allow my Daddy God to minister to me =)


BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING!

Excerpt From Book

Today I am posting another excerpt from my book (soon to be released!).  In this chapter I recall the day I was called to the Hospital (as a volunteer for DVP).  The lady I write about has since become a very special friend and she has written a book about her experience.  He story is of amazing strength and power to regain her worth.  *A must read!  The title is "This Woman's Worth:  Reclaiming Life after Trauma"  by: Pam White

Be encouraged today that Daddy God is working even when we do not see it with our natural eyes!  That which the enemy intends to destroy God The Father can restore to fullness!!!

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING!

It was a beautiful spring day in May. A storm had come through a few days before and uprooted a pecan tree beside our house, and it landed in our home! We had to go stay with Max’s grandmother until our house could be repaired. I had just left work and stopped by the house to grab some more clothes for Max, Hunter, and me. I was in a hurry and packed a bag quickly and was heading out the front door when the phone rang. I almost just kept going because everyone who knew us knew that we were not staying at the house. But I answered the phone, and it was the Rape Crisis Hotline. I was not on call, so this caught me off guard. The lady said that she needed me to go to the hospital to meet a rape victim. First of all, I had only taken one phone call to listen to a lady on the other end talk about being attacked by her husband. I had not made any hospital visits. In our training, we were told that there would be a supervisor to go with us on the first few visits to guide us in how to handle ourselves. I informed the lady from the hotline that I was very new and had not even been on a hospital call before, AND I wasn’t even on call this day! She said that she had made several phone calls and I was the ONLY one she could get a hold of! I was very nervous, but at the same time I knew what it was like to be sitting at that hospital with no one there with me! I said I would be on my way. When I got in the car I called my friend and told her what was going on and that I was really nervous. She prayed with me on the phone, and I felt a peace come over me that told me that I was right where I was supposed to be, doing just what I was supposed to be doing. I felt completely led by the Lord. But I was still nervous!

When I got to the hospital, I had no idea where to go or what to do. I walked in and told the lady at the desk all the information I had been given. I was told to go to the hospital to meet a woman named Pam who had been raped, stabbed, and beaten. I was so not prepared for what I saw when they took me into that room! The first thing I noticed was that she had bruises on her toes!! She had wounds from head to toe! Then I looked up and saw two familiar faces. Two of the other ladies in the room were parents of kids that attended the child care center where I worked. I soon found out this was their sister! I told Pam that I was very sorry and would be praying for her and for her family. I also told her to call me if she needed me for anything. I spoke briefly with her sisters, who were very upset. I assured them I would do whatever I could

to help them. I told Pam that I had experienced being attacked myself, and that if she needed to talk, I would be there for her. I left the hospital, but I could not get Pam off my mind. She was the reason I was doing this work. I knew that my calling for this time was to minister to her and share with her the healing that would come from our Creator. I felt almost immediately that all that soul-wrenching writing that was my journal was for her! I do not believe that God chose for either of us to be raped. That only happened because of the evil in this world and the free will of people who had opened themselves to the evil one. But God knows all things past, present, and future, and He prepared a supernatural work through me that would change her!

I love when God takes what the enemy intended to destroy us with and turns it for good to glorify himself! He is not only our strength but our Healer!

I kept up with Pam through her sisters and a few weeks later, I told one of her sisters about my journal and that I felt led to share it with Pam. She thought it was a great idea. She said Pam had refused to talk about her attack with any of them. I gave her the journal to take to Pam. Pam kept it for a while. I was quite nervous the whole time she had it. I prayed for God to use it to heal her and comfort her. Finally after a few weeks, I got the journal back and Pam had written this note to me:

Dear Teena,

Thank you so much for sharing your journal. At first I thought it would be too hard to read, but I found much comfort in knowing you have experienced and understand a lot of what I feel. Your journal, and you, will be so much help to others. I have felt very alone and did not want my family and friends to experience my pain. I know that many women have suffered this same fate. I hope that I can be like you and continue to get stronger. I’m trusting God to get us past this and to a better place.

Thank you for your support!

FREE

John 8:36  Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed!

There is power in saying out loud, "I AM FREE!"  When the enemy throws daily junk in my face all I have to say is, sorry devil but I AM FREE!  I do not have to ingest the lies of my enemy because the TRUTH lives inside of me =)  Sound too simple?  Well, God did not create us to jump through hoops and live confused.  He created us to LOVE HIM and LOVE OTHERS!  YES, it is THAT simple!

The deeper I love Him, the easier it is to love others.  I am amazed at times when I look back over my journey and see just how deep His Love has taken root in me.  I can almost physically feel it. 

I have come to a place where I give myself completely to God and I trust that The One that created me, knows me, and loves me, will cover me and provide for me.  He goes before me and prepares my path!  THAT IS FREEDOM!  I do not have to worry or try and work things out because He has already done it for me.  All I have to do is TRUST Him!  He tells me to renew my mind with His Word.  I replace every lie of the devil with His TRUTH about who I am and WHO I belong to =)   The same God that CREATED ALL OF HEAVEN AND EARTH favors ME!  That is all I need to know!  I do not have to worry about how others treat me because I am favored by Daddy God!  I just love, (and the more I love the more I love!).  Receiving justice when I am treated unfairly doesn't control me, I only crave GRACE!  HIS GRACE! 

I am a Daughter of The KING OF KINGS!  I walk in His favor!  He is my DADDY GOD!!!!!
Nothing is too big or too small for Him.  I can trust Him for everything, and I do! He has never disappointed me =)


Tomorrow I will be sharing another excerpt from my book that is soon to be released!




BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING!

Growing Time

I have always dreaded waiting times!  Times when you have to wait on something (or someone).  I am almost always early everywhere I go because I dont want people having to wait on ME!  Over the years I have tried to make good use of times when I am forced to wait.  If I'm at a doctors office and have to wait, I have my phone so I can keep up with the world,  I read the paper, or return emails, or look over my datebook, sometimes I even journal.  The same is true when waiting on the Lord.  We are not to just sit and twiddle our thumbs until we see manifestation!
 I believe we are to stay in action, always preparing for what we will be called to step into next. 
A lot can happen during those times we are waiting on the Lord!  Sometimes bigger things happen during the waiting than the thing we were waiting for!!!

I spoke with my publisher yesterday and it looks like my book will be complete in about a month!  This was good and bad news....you see I was really hoping it would be finished sooner.  So as I let go of my disappointment, Daddy God began to speak to me!  I knew almost immediately that it was ok, that His Hand is still on me, that I'm and still operating in His favor!!!  It is good to be loved by Jesus =)  He is always on time!  (an attribute I was remended of by a friend!!) 

So, because I am self publishing and am responsible for all things financial, I will be doing a lot of self promotion of the book.  I am going to take this time to collect my thoughts and put together a plan to promote my book!!!  Today I am thanking the Lord for giving me the time, that I didn't even know I needed until He gave it to me, to work on this portion of preparing to release my story! 

Daddy God says to us:

"Come away with me,Come away with Me
It's never too late, it's not too late
It's not too late for you!
I have a plan for you
I have a plan for you
It's gonna be wild!!!
It's gonna be great!!!
It's gonna be full of Me!!!!!!!!"

One of my (many) favorite songs!  By Jesus Culture!

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING!

PAID IN FULL!!!

Praise The Lord!!!  As of this morning my book is COMPLETELY paid off!!!  God has worked in and through people to accomplish this task.  I am excited for the release (still do not have an exact date).  I hope to have more information on that when I speak to the publisher today or tomorrow =) 

As I stood drying my hair this morning I reflected on this recent journey and with each miracle came strength and assurance that our God is GOOD and He is LARGE AND IN CHARGE!

He reminded me this morning about speaking TRUTH!  His Word is truth and His promises are REAL!  I have several confessions that I speak over myself from God's Word.  I'm going to share the one I confess the most!!! 

Psalm 91

1HE WHO [a]dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].
2I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!

3For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

4[Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.

5You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day,

6Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.

7A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you.

8Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked.

9Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place,(A)

10There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent.

11For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].

12They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.(B)

13You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot.(C)

14Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never].

15He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

16With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.

Then I SHOUT;  TAKE THAT DEVIL!!!!!!!

My message to the devil is this; I'm going to winning; even when it looks like I'm losing I'm WINNING!!!!!!! 

I encourage you to SPEAK to the mountain in your life! Confess Psalm 91 OUT LOUD!  There is power in speaking The Word out loud.   SPEAK to the enemy, remind him WHO you belong to! 

I am falling in love with the Blog world and all the wonderful people =)  I absolutely LOVE the messages, emails and comments so keep them coming!  I am a stay at home wife and mom so I don't get out much!  hahaha    Now bless someone with your WORDS today!

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING!

A Kept Woman!

Ok, so in one of my first blogs I talked about the process of getting my book published.  I knew from the very beginning that I would not base any decision on money but on what God told me to do.  He told me to publish my story (really it's "our" story because He has everything to do with it!).  I didn't consider the cost and took that first step of faith.  I remember the very first "seed" that was sown into my book.  It was $100.00 and the day it was given to me I had to meet my grandmother for lunch.  We had a waitress that day that was very pregnant and after talking with her found out she also had 3 other small children.  I wanted to give her the $100.00!  I asked the Lord and just didn't have an settled feeling about it, so I kept the money.  The next morning as I was ironing school clothes and watching Joyce Meyer I heard her say something that changed my thinking.  She was talking about sowing seed and that we always think of it as money.  Not all seed is money.  It can be our time, our prayers, our words, ect.  Then I heard the Lord tell me that the $100.00 was for my book and that my story IS my seed!  I am sewing my story of healing and freedom into lives and that God will use my story to change, heal and comfort others! 

As the days and weeks went on God called more people to sow seed into my book and my life!  I have received money and prayers, and encouragement!  God always comes through and provides everything I need to do this work He has called me to! 

Yesterday I woke up and as I was laying in bed collecting my thoughts for the day, I heard the enemy speaking to me.  He was saying, "Where's your money?"  "You know you have to have $430.00 in 2 days and you don't have it?"  "Your bank account is going to be overdrawn!"  "When the publisher sees you have no money they will not publish your book!"   I am being very transparent here so I am thrusting that you understand my heart in sharing this.  You see, we had $8.00 in our account and the publisher will draft the LAST PAYMENT for the book ($420.00) on Thursday!  I pointed my finger at the devil and said, "STOP IT!!  You LIE!!!  My Daddy God has already provided my needs!!!!!"

I thanked God for being my provider and for loving me above the lies of my enemy!  I took a shower and as I stepped out of the shower I had a text message asking me to call when I could talk.  I made that call and as I hung up, I had $200.00 for the book! I praised God and thanked Him all morning!  By the afternoon I had another $100.00 seed money!!!!  MY DADDY IS THE BEST!!!!!  How could I NOT trust Him????? 

I was reminded of the verse
“What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things?” Romans 8:31-32

His plan for me is so good and so big!!!  He is for me and He has given me all authority to cast the enemy off of me!  I do not have to accept the lies of the devil! 

As I end today I have to say that on the way to town this morning my husband got a phone call and when he hung up he looked at me and said, "YOU BOOK IS PAID FOR!"  All praise and glory go to the KING OF KINGS!  It's another day in the blessing and living the miracle that is, life with Jesus =)

I am believing that you are encouraged today!!!!  I am challenging you to encourage someone else today!!!  If God has placed instruction on you to give money, time, or just a word to someone...DO IT!  Do not count the cost because what you receive will be more that you could ever imagine!!!!!!

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING!

Excerpt from my book

Today I am sharing an excerpt from my book, "Familiar Stranger; Journal of a Rape Survivor"   that will be released soon.

Each time I take the opportunity to open up and share my story I get a little anxious but I am trusting the Lord Who is leading me,  to cover me and my story with His anointing.  Most of my book is made up of entries into my journal.  I did, however go back and kind of "set up" each section.  This part that I am sharing today is talking about my experience after the rape and my first contact with the police and hospital. 


(Excerpt from, "Familiar Stranger; Journal of a Rape Survivor")

When the police car pulled up, we walked outside. There were two officers, a male and a female. The male officer was the one who asked the questions. The female just sat there. We sat in the car as I gave my report. I didn’t give any details, only that I had been raped by someone I did not know. I said I went with him because I thought he was taking me home. I had not asked to go to his house. I told them he drove a van. I gave them his first name. That is really all I remember in the police car. They then drove me to the hospital. I remember going into an exam room and standing on brown paper to get undressed. They combed my hair into a bag. Scraped under my fingernails. Then came the hard part. The exam itself. I remember being very cold. To the point of shaking. I was already very sore. A lady took photos of me. Without my clothes. They gave me a pill, and a shot, of what I do not remember. They kept my clothes and gave me other clothes to put on. The thing I remember most is that no one touched me unless they were retrieving evidence. No one came in and put their arms around me and said everything was going to be OK. Maybe because it wasn’t. I remember the police talking to me about pressing charges, and if I went to trial whether or not we would use my real name. At first I told them I didn’t care what I had to do, I wanted him to go to jail. I’m not sure what all else happened right after that, but the next thing I can remember is the lady police officer asking me if she could take me home. I said yes, I really just wanted to go home and take a shower. I wanted to see my boyfriend. I was so afraid of how hurt he was going to be.

I really do not know how to end this blog so I will simply sign out with....BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING

I'll Take The Best Please!!!

Have you ever thought about why we sometimes just accept less than the best?  I was really thinking about this the other day.  I know that God wants only the very best for me yet I have found myself accepting less because I feel selfish taking more than my share!!  The closer I grow in my relationship with my Daddy God, the more Satan is exposed!  See, it is our enemy that wants us to stay beaten down, not receiving what God wants for us.

 I can remember when I started the journey through facing my attack and all that went with that, I would journal every day.  Most days would consist of, waking from a nightmare, realizing it was real, trying to NOT think about it, having flashbacks, writing them down, trying to work, be a mom, be a wife, hold down my job.  Then at the end of the day I would look back and think, is THIS my life?  I allowed the enemy to get a lot of talking in through those days.  And the killer is, I BELIEVED HIM!  I believed that somehow it was all my fault.  I believed him when he told me I was so damaged that I just needed to find a way to live with it because it wasn't going to get any better.    When he told me my husband despised me and everyone around me didn't want to hear or help me.  I believed him when he told me that this was what I deserved!  Satan would always bring up my past and all the hurt that went along with it.  BUT GOD!!!  My hero, my Savior, my protector, my healer!  He is my TRUTH-TELLER!

 It was only when I started listening to God that I began to heal and move forward.  He replaced all the lies with THE TRUTH!  He created me to love and be loved and that is all I need to know!  Yes, I have been hurt.  We all have!  But HE loves bigger that the hurt!!!  I no longer have the need to be fed by lies!  I am worthy of receiving the VERY BEST!  God sent His son, Who knew no sin, to be sin, so that through Him we might become the righteousness of God (from 2 Cor. 5:21).  It pleases the Lord when we confess that we are His righteousness, because we are laying hold of what He suffered and died to give us!!!  I for one am going to graciously ACCEPT what He died to give ME! I am His righteousness!  There is still an enemy that continues to throw things up in my face but God loves me with a love that is above anything the devil and dig up!!!

 I hope that you are encouraged today!  Make THIS the day that the voice of Christ becomes louder that the voice of our enemy!

 Tomorrow I am going to post an excerpt from my book!!!  This is another biggy for me so be kind!!  hahaha

 BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING!!!