Seasons will change

The other morning as I wrapped a blanket around my shoulders to chase away the chill of the early morning air, I asked the Lord what He wished to share.  I believe His words are for me, but not for me alone.  If the following sparks something in your spirit, take it as your own.

It is not quite time for the seasons to change, this is simply a reminder that they will, a sign of the time that is coming.

I always give you warnings before changes are upon you, but not all have eys to see or ears to hear, and yes, even those who do see often choose not to look.  Have I not said in My Word that I do nothing without first telling my prophets?

Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. Amos 3:7 NKJV

So while the seasons are not yet turning, they will turn.

But, little one, what will be a time of dormancy for the land shall not be a time of dormancy for My people but instead a season of accelerated growth. 

Even covered, like the ground, in thick blankets of snow, and hidden - hearts will be expanded, faith will be renewed and fresh wisdom and revelation will be released.

It will not be a time to sleep, no, for I say there will be much to feast on in the coming days.

The door into My Father's heart shall be open unto you.  Those who sleep will indeed miss this very special time.

The days may grow short, but you will see by My light.

Birthday word

I took my hot coffee to what I call my "Jesus chair" with anticipation this morning, opening my journal to wait for what He would share with me, on this my fifty-fifth birthday.  I knew that I would be receiving words of blessings from friends near and far, but I wanted to receive His words first.

Fifty-five years have you wandered in this world, child, and none of them out of My sight.  When you did not know Me, I knew you, watched you, waited for you.

My Father formed you to belong to Me and what a blessed homecoming it was when you turned and saw Me at last and I was free to gather you in.

It was then, little one, that I imparted My heart in you.  A heart that bled and still bleeds for those who are lost.

I have given you eyes to see pain - take it as a gift to be used for My glory.

There will yet be a greater scattering, and your heart will break with mine.

But, We will gather.  This is what you were created for, to love Me, know Me, speak of Me and love as I love.

Fifty-five years are but a flash when eternity waits.  Take these moments.  Love well.

On this, your birthday, I and My Father and My Spirit agree as One:

"This is good.  Yes, good indeed."

Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.
Genesis 1:31a NKJV

Sewing buttons

Image via Wikipedia

Thursday morning, while beginning my quiet time with the Lord, I asked Him how He would have us pray.  I was expecting a friend in for coffee later who feels led to pray for our small town community.  As I grew still I saw just a brief snip of a vision:

There were loose buttons scattered on streets and sidewalks and a hand stitching buttons to a garment of rough, coarse material.  The buttons were different colours, shapes and sizes, yet one after another was sewn to the same cloth.

I didn't think it meant much, but as I picked up my pen and journal, this is what the Lord shared:

And do you see yourself finding the buttons, stopping to pick them up?  Or do you notice them and merely kick them out of your way?

I believe you will gather, little one.  You will gather those lost ones, hold them safely in your hand or a pocket, and bring them to Me - the Master Mender.  My hand will heal and place them in the spot already designed and waiting.  They will know they are home.

It is indeed a wedding garment I Am creating.

"But..." I sense you question "what of the dark, rough fabric?  Surely no wedding gown was made of such."

I Am not finished, child.  All the buttons have not been gathered.

You will see.  You will see.  When the last thread is placed through the last button, in My perfect time, what you see as ugly and coarse shall be transformed into a thing of glory - to clothe a bride fit for a king.

And with what gentle patience does your King await His bride.

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.  Revelation 19:7 NIV

My music director

Image via WikipediaAs I woke this morning I saw a vision of a piano keyboard and as I sat down to journal I asked the Lord what He wished to share.

I will play the music of your life. I will write the melody and the harmony. Do not take the conductor's baton from My hand and I will orchestrate.

When you are obedient instruments in My hands there are no sour notes, no missed interludes, no jumbled rhythms.

Will you allow Me to set the rhythm of your days? just as i cause the sun to rise and to set at their appointed times and call the light day and the darkness night, will I also order your life. You can choose to alter my timing in the same way you use electricity to create artifical light and shades to provide the dark, but it will never feel as comfortable or whole as when you walk in My ways.

I am not calling you to a time without electricity - I Am speaking in parables - trying to teach you something. What is your power source?

Many churches have used the slogan "get connected" to promote engagement in church groups, ministries and activities.

But I tell you, the connection must be made with Me first. When My life flows through you, then My power is multiplied.

Take your hands off the keys, little one, and listen as I play.

God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. Genesis 1:5 NIV

Imperfect Prose - Prairie Fields

I travel slow

gravel roads kicking up thick dust

only hours after rain

faster on the highway

the fields surround me

swirling in colours

turning toward harvest

God Who called this one

from darkness to light;

from strip malls, concrete, steel;

from the suburban sprawl

of midwestern America;

to find home at last

on this Canadian prairie

speaks in a hush

that screams in my spirit

as the farmers drop their sweat

upon the soil

"there is more than eyes can see

a greater harvest still to come"

Then I saw a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was someone like the Son of Man. He had a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came from the Temple and shouted to the one sitting on the cloud, “Swing the sickle, for the time of harvest has come; the crop on earth is ripe.” Revelation 14:14-15

Join Emily at In the Hush of the Moon for Imperfect Prose on Thursdays

Hearing His call

Some years ago, I began to hear a quiet, gentle, metallic tinkling sound like wind chimes. This could happen anywhere, and there were no chimes present. After the chimes I would sense a thought from God, a short word of comfort, encouragement or direction. This happened so often that I began to realize that He had gifted me with the sound of chimes as a sign that He wanted to speak to me, so each time I heard the sound I would become silent and still, waiting in faith for Him to speak.

He has never disappointed me. I regret that in the business of life I often miss hearing and have even totally forgotten the chimes for long periods of time. When I remember and mention to the Lord in prayer that I have not heard the chimes or His voice, I sense Him simply saying

“You have not been listening”.

"This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:2-3 NIV

I am listening
as I breathe in the fragrance

of all His hand has made

Silenced
by the steady hum

one of His messengers

and He is calling

ever calling

writing His love

boldly displayed

for eyes willing to see

Join us as this week at Ann Voskamp's A Holy Experience we continue to share about listening to the voice of God.

Pleasantly random and disturbed

The flower you see here is Canada thistle. It is a living example of the process of multiplication. Where you see one, you will soon see thousands. then tens of thousands, and in following years, hundreds and thousands of thousands. Thistles are invasive weeds, pests, like mosquitoes, but such a lovely purple colour. I mention them here for no other reason than it's Thursday and I'm pleasant and random and disturbed again.

Thursdays come quickly
they go quickly
all days are flying by

Do you know if you break up your lines of prose it looks and often sounds like poetry. Is that all there is to it?

I frequently think in fragments,
pieces not neccessarily shattered,
yet broken.
I believe this may be part of God's grand design:

We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled. 1 Corinthians 9-10 The Message

Yes, there is a longing in me for that completeness, the perfection that will cancel all my imperfections.

I have had some issues with vertigo this week and eyes that do not want to focus, and somehow I know that my flesh does not want to see things my spirit already knows.

Perhaps out of dislike for the old phrase "dizzy broad" I prefer to use the word "woozey", but most often I simply say that I'm spinny. My husband laughs and smiles.. should I be offended?

Random poll for the day then:

Which word do you prefer - dizzy, woozey or spinny?

Leave your answer in the comments below. You will not win a prize but I'll love you anyway.

Come on over to Duane Scott's Scribing the Journey for more random explorations.

Listening to the Lord

Image via Wikipedia

We all have morning routines, right?

I have been used to staying beneath the covers while Rick showers, dresses, eats his breakfast and checks news, weather and email online. Then he would bring me a cup of coffee and read our morning devotional.

This time snuggled into the warm used to be a time of prayer and communion with the Lord, but I must confess that lately, more often than not, I would drift back to sleep until devo time. Then I would begin my time online as Rick left for work.

I felt as God was asking for "intimacy before internet" and I have chosen to obey. I now have Rick wake me after his shower when he comes back in the bedroom to dress. I move into the living room, with a cup of coffee and my journal and begin the day in conversation with my Lord. My time with Him challenges me, encourages me and sets my course for the day ahead.

This is from a journaling session last week. The Lord was welcoming me back to our time of communion. When I refer to journaling session, note that the words in regular type are mine and the words in italics are those I sense the Lord saying back to me.

Dear Lord Jesus, I choose to begin my day with You, hungry for Your presence and more intimacy with You before I let the world in. What would You like to share with me this morning?

Welcome back, little one, I've missed you. This is a special time for us, when you pick up your pen to listen to Me. I am pleased that have chosen to return and the cry of your heart is sweet music to me.

The road you have been on has had many curves, twists, inclines that have been muddy, slippery and hard to navigate. But, my child, I have been there for every step, and each challenge has had its purpose. As you faced each difficulty head on, you were learning that I can make the crooked places straight.

Yes, you walked through the valley of the shadows of death KNOWING that I Am with you. Perhaps knowing in a deeper way than ever before. Now there is new light illuminating the road ahead. Yes, little one, it is time to celebrate. Rejoice in all you have come through. Well done. Well done.

Set apart for My heart
Set apart from the start
Chosen, selected, beloved you are
To live in a place set apart.

Do not fear, child, for even when you think you are walking away, I make certain that your steps lead you ever closer to Me.

Tuesdays Unwrapped - A Word

It feels as if I've barely caught my breath from the last trip, and here we are leaving again today.

This is a planned trip, one we have prayed about and anticipated and we are both expecting God to work in mighty and profound ways in our lives.

We shall be attending the Get Ready Conference with Operation Mobilization, to learn about, pray about, and plan for long term missions work.

This week I am unwrapping a Word from the Lord spoken into my spirit. The other night, before falling asleep, I saw a picture of salad servers.

"Silly" I thought at first. But I have learned to ask the Lord if He wants to share before I disregard these odd images as meaningless.

"What is this about Lord?" I giggled.

"You will be tossed" came the reply.

Indeed. Changes are upon us, perhaps more quickly than we imagine. Things in our hearts and minds will be shaken, sifted, shifted.

"Yes, Lord." I said. "But please toss me gently."

What gift are you unwrapping this week? Join Emily at Chatting At The Sky and share.


My presence online may again be scarce while we are away. I'll try to update as I can.

Word Filled Wednesday - Clean

But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. Malachi 3:2 NLT

Christy is hosting us this week at Critty Joy Come join us!

Why am I crying?

Image by fsse8info via Flickr

While I was flying home on Monday I was thinking about how every chance I had to be alone, tears would fall. I would cry in the shower, in the car, walking down hallways and in elevators.

I was journaling and thanking God for the journey and He gave me the following word:

Yes, I am doing something with your heart, little one, and it is bursting, outgrowing its shell and so you need to weep. Weep and wail. Weep and moan. Weep and laugh. For I am filling you with more than you can hold. The tears leak out to release the pressure. I know what I am doing, little one, trust that even when you can trust nothing else. There will yet be greater joy.

WFW - September 16 - Fire

Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. Jeremiah 20:9 NKJV

I know how it feels when the Lord is asking me to speak His words and I am trying to ignore His call. It is indeed like trying to contain fire within. Have you ever been unable to hold back what God desires to say?

Join us this week as Critty Joy hosts

Confirmation from the Father via - The ElijahList - Theresa Phillips: In My Fathers Shoes:

On June 15th I posted a vision about "new shoes". Please go read about it by clicking here . Today I stumbled across the following word at Elijah List and was thrilled at the way in which God confirms His Words and visions.

The ElijahList - Theresa Phillips: In My Fathers Shoes: "Can You Walk My walk?" and "Can You Wear My Shoes?"

Shared via AddThis

His wildflower

We live on the Canadian prairies. In spring and summer the open fields, ditches and even dark hidden spaces begin to fill with wildflowers of every size, shape and colour. They are not designed and structured like our flower beds and gardens but rather form a pattern of their own. Some grow so out of control they become classified as noxious, invasive weeds. Often these are the most colourful of all.

Last night, as I was pondering the vast variety and beauty of these plants that surround us, I sensed the Lord saying to me:

You are My wildflower, My child. And though some may choose to look upon you as if you were a weed, pay no heed to them. I want you to walk in the knowledge of the truth that I created you exactly as you are, My flower, for My glory, wild, beautiful and surrendered to Me.



For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 New Living Translation

Something Rare

I consider this blog to be a place where I share what the Lord has placed on my heart, in the words He gives me to write. But I feel that I MUST share this word by Mark Chironna that was published on Elijah List today. I sense that there are many of us who need to be encouraged by this word from the Lord.

The ElijahList - Mark Chironna: "This Season the Lord is Revealing Hidden Treasures Deep Within Our Hearts and Spirits. Dare to Believe!"

Shared via AddThis

Picture in the clouds

I was driving home Wednesday after a full day of absorbing teaching on discipleship via simulcast of Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Summit. Worship music filled the car and I was singing praises to our mighty God as I gazed out at the beauty of the fields bursting with new growth. Spring was a long time coming to our part of the world this year, but it's finally time to rejoice!

One formation of clouds caught my attention. It appeared to be a small house with a bandaid across it. "How odd" I thought, and then sensed the Lord saying "That is My church and My church is bleeding."



Disunity, strife, striving, grumbling and complaining, all these and more create wounds that the world can see. My heart beats with the desires of the Father to see His church united and at peace. I am thankful for this reminder of this truth as Paul spoke to the Ephesians:


"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" Ephesians 4:1-6

Stepping into new shoes

Yesterday morning, we were taking some extra time to laze in bed before getting up for church. These are times that our Lord often shows me pictures that seem silly and meaningless. What I first saw was a small pair of shoes, similar to wooden clogs. "I just saw a pair of shoes" I said to my husband, who said "hmmmm" and went back to sleep.

"Okay Lord" I asked, "what's with the shoes?"

I then began to see a series of shoes, each pair different from the last. The last pair was quite large, and this is when I sensed the Lord begin to speak.

Yes, these shoes do look too big for you. You will feel that they are too big for you. But these are your shoes. This is the pair I want you to step into. These are your shoes. Walk in them.

So, it seems the Lord is about to stretch me again. Yes Lord God, I hear You. Yes Lord, I will be obedient to do as You say. May I boldly step into the new things you are placing before me, standing in faith and knowing that it is Your design.

"and having 'put on your feet as shoes the preparation of the Gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15)

Global Day of Prayer 2009

10 days of united and focused prayer concluded Sunday evening with our Global Day of Prayer gathering. The Spirit of the Lord was moving in our worship, and in our prayers and declarations. This year I was able to find people to read parts of the "Prayer For The World" in different languages. We began with Afrikaans, to honour the nation of South Africa where the vision was birthed.

I knew that God was at work when unexpectedly an Aboriginal Pastor, his wife and friends joined us. We were blessed to have him pray in Ojibway and release a word about revival over our area.

"I feel the Holy Ghost is in this house. I want you to know, saints of God, the Spirit of Revival is hovering over Dauphin. And each church is going to receive a special visitation by the Spirit of God and everyone's needs are going to be met. The spiritual needs."

With a part of the prayer also being read in French, we had all 3 languages of Canada declared into the heavens!

Prayers were also read in a Nigerian dialect and in Norwegian. A Korean minster was in attendance with a group from another church in our region, and though he did not speak from the pulpit, Asia was also represented through his prayers.

On two occassions we broke off into small groups to spend time in repentence and to pray for the lost. These moments of prayer were intense and powerful, and I wished I didn't need to break them up and call us all back together.

Lord, we love You. Lord, we adore You. Lord, continue to break our hearts over the dis-unity in the Church and lead us along the paths You desire, roads that bring us closer to You and to each other, that we might truly be the Body of Christ, the bride You will return for,

"The one who is testifying to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" Revelation 22:20

A clear sign

A significant part of the Global Day of Prayer vision is 10 days of focused and united prayer leading up to the one day when the whole world gathers. We have been enjoying great blessings for the Lord has been faithful to join with us by His Spirit each evening as we meet to pray.

"O you who bring good tidings to Zion, get up to the high mountain. O you who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength, lift it up, be not afraid; say to the cities of Judah, Behold your God!" Isaiah 40:9

This word of God commands us to go to the “high places” and proclaim the name of our Lord - - so last night we went as a group to our National Park to pray on the tower that is the highest point in this part of our region.

We have been talking about making the trip Saturday evening to pray in like manner at Baldy Mountain, the highest point in Manitoba. Baldy is in a provincial park called “The Duck Mountains” commonly referred to as “The Ducks”

Being blessed to live out in the country on lots of land affords us opportunity to see a variety of creatures passing through, but this is the first time we have seen these sitting in our yard. Those who know me understand that I delight in God’s way of speaking to us in prophetic signs and pictures, and what Rick caught on film this morning shouts out a loud confirmation to our plans.

Yes, Lord, I hear You. Yes, Lord, we will answer Your call!