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Michelle

Full Potential Use

by Michelle E. Georgiana

My husband and I recently purchased new phones as our contracts were renewed and our last phones were truly at the end of their life span.  As soon as we came home from the store, we spent countless time trying to figure out how to "use" the phone.  What are applications that we want, didn't want, how to install, how to uninstall, etc.  Honestly, it has been quite an adventure learning how to use the phone.  Even a few weeks have past and I realize that I can't even use my phone to its FULL POTENTIAL USE, because I don't even really know what that is!  I know that this phone is capable of doing MORE than I can even imagine, but I am momentarily satisfied with the limited use I can do with it.

As I was looking at my phone and thinking about the last few weeks of learning, adjusting, and discovering the capabilities of this phone, I realized that can be what our Christian life is like.  When we first entered into a relationship with Jesus, we began to learn new ways of thinking and acting.  We tapped into the beginnings of a new life and a transformed understanding of living a life for Jesus.  Even as time passed, we would bump into a new teaching or meet a new Christian who's model showed us a new "application" for our life.  It was in that moment that we realized that we could do more than we had previously thought.  We were content with what we had already gained, but now saw a new way, whether being an improvement of an old way or something new; we could now utilize this in our everyday life.

We have to keep in the forefront of our minds, that we were made for more than just existing.  We were created for more than just figuring out the basics.  We are bundles of FULL POTENTIAL.  If we all could grasp the reality that our potential is greater than we ever thought possible for ourselves and we began to act on that realization by seeking the Lord, seeking his Word, seeking His ways, seeking truths, crucifying the flesh, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide, taking dormant talents and awakening them from hibernation.... replacing doubt with belief - can you imagine the fireworks that would rock our world?  God's people, created in his image, to max out their potential levels would be explosive.

We are our own worst enemy - mentally.  We come to conclusions that we aren't capable, because of our lack of education or socio-economic status, etc.  We limit ourselves because we think no one else would care what we have to say or others may deem that idea as not relevant.  We allow fear of failure to keep us from moving forward, when the truth is this ---- all your failures lead to your success.  Failure has become this idea that if my plan fails, I am a failure.  That is a twisted truth!  The plan may fail, but that isn't a reflection of who we are...no, my friend, it means that plan didn't work that particular time.  It needs refined, rethought and then tried again.  That is where full potential, success looms, in the midst of our failures when we buckle up and say I am going to figure this thing (aka: phone) out and realize all that it can do and work to meet it!

We are all phones - in a sense.  We all have potential that soars beyond what we have ever thought capable of ourself.  We need to start accessing applications in our heart and mind so that we can become a firework, one that isn't just meeting basic use, but full potential.  Remember, we were created in the image of God.  Do we think him limitless, lacking and not capable of more than we ever imagined?  I don't think so.

Do you remember Thomas Edison?  The inventor of the light bulb.  Listen to this:
As an inventor, Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When a reporter asked, "How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?" Edison replied, "I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps."


Let's take this mindset that Edison had... it wasn't 1000 failures, rather 1,000 steps.  Aren't you glad that he did?  Your potential is just as great - all you have to do is try, and try again.  "Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall."~ Confucius


Remember, God made you.  He knows you inside and out and the number of hairs located on her highlighted head. (Luke 12:7)  He knows all that you are capable of doing.  Commit your ways to him and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3)  He will guide and lead you.  Let him have all your ideas and the brainstorms that went into them, then let him give you His ideas so that his purpose may prevail. (Proverbs 19:21)  Then take action, be active and seek his word, seek Him so that you aren't just in basic function mode, but are in your full potential zone!

Water

by Michelle E. Georgiana

Water is significant in our lives.  In the first fifteen minutes that you wake up, I am sure you are remotely unaware at how many times you used water.  To name a few just to get the gist, when you use the toilet, brush your teeth, make your coffee or tea, wash your dishes, etc.  The number of times that we use water is amazing.  Water is a vital part of our life - not just to function but to thrive.  Jesus even said, "I am the living water, drink this water and you will thirst no more."  Water that quenches our thirst not leaving us longing for another drink. Now that is some water! 

David refers to water in Psalm 69.  However, when he is speaking of water, it is out of distress not for life sustenance!  He cries out in Psalm 69:1-2, "Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the mirey depths where there is no foothoold. I have come into the deep waters the floods engulf me."  Can you hear David's distress as he calls out for help?  David is drowning.  This isn't a  literal drowing in the sense of he is shipwrecked in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and is treading water.  No, this is I am drowinig with my life circumstances, with the troubles mounting in my life. He says its up to my neck which leads me to believe he is starting to panic because if it rises much more he will be underwater! 

Have you ever been in a moment where you felt as though you were drowning?  That all was against you and no matter how hard you paddled, no matter how many strides you took, the water line never seemed to recede, but only to grow or stay at the same current level - at your neck?  Boy, I have been there and  have thought this is going to do me in.  I don't know if I will survive this situation.  The circumstances or even the people who rise up against may take my last breath from me - I am up to my neck and my last breath is drawing near.  But here's what happens - David cries out to the one and only who can reach down and save him.  He cries out to God and says, "Save me!"  David realized he couldn't help himself, that as his body grew tired and and mind weak that there was still one hope that was ever present and it was his Lord.  At any moment God would put his feet on solid ground and deliver him. David speaks in Psalm 69:17, "Do not hide your face from your servant, answer me quickly, for I am in trouble." 

When you are in distress, take heed to the words of David, even when drowning he praised God saying, "My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you - I, whom you have redeemed.  My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion."  Psalm 71:23-24

Friend, no matter if your up to your waist, your chest or your neck in water, God is able to redeem.  Sometimes its a matter of our hearts confession, sometimes its a matter of our waiting on him, sometimes its to see where we put our hope - but always remember he is faithful and just.  Righteousness will prevail - whether on Earth or in Heaven.  Remember that as you drink your water today, that Jesus is the living water and with him you will thirst no more! Just as water can consume life through drownings, the Living Water can restore and satisfy life.  Put your trust in  God, your fortress and refuge in times of trouble.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours!

Almost ten years ago, I had the most delightful, honorable, enjoyable, once in a lifetime opportunity to walk down an aisle as a bride.  Arm in arm with my father as we marched down the white runner in anxious anticipation to be joined hand and hand with my soon to be husband and partner in life.  That day will forever be written in my heart and mind - when glancing through pictures and watching the video of the wedding, I can still remember the excitement, the happiness and  love.  Out of everyone in the whole wide word - he chose me!  I am not sure there is any other feeling for a gal to feel more special than when a beau says, "of all the others that could be mine, I choose you."  It has to be one of the most heart warming, stomach tingling, body melting experiences! Why there are so many others, and I am so flawed, but yet he pointed and he chose me!  That my friends, makes you feel like one special person!

After the wedding, the pastor signed the marriage license making this official. We each had rings on our fingers as a symbol of our covenant that we made with each other before God and man.  We were "Signed, Sealed and Delivered" to one another!  Ten years, 3 children, 1 teenager, 2 dogs, 2 fish later  - we are still 100% committed to one another!

While thinking about Valentine's Day and the idea of love - it struck me that Larry (my husband) isn't the only one who pointed and said, "I choose you!"  As a matter of fact, whether you are married or single, there is someone who said, "I choose you!"  This man loved you so much that his experience on Earth while at times was applauded, truly became one of the most horrific experiences that any man could experience.  

God says, "I choose you.  I love you so much that I sent my son to walk the Earth, to teach and share divine truths,  only to be crucified, to die, to rise again and ascend into heaven.  Why, you ask?  Because I choose you!  I want to be married to you.  I want to be with you through every part of your life, both good and bad.  To lift you up when you are down, to guide your path, to lead your heart.  I want to be the one who hands you answers and delivers you from grief!  I want to run in the sunshine with you while all is well and hold you when you hurt.  I choose you.  Will you choose me?"

Just as I signed a marriage license to my husband here on this Earth.  There came a day when I signed in my heart a covenant with the One and Only.  I recognized what Jesus did for my life and I accepted his proposal to marry him.  I was "Signed, Sealed and Delivered" to the one who laid down his life for me and told me he would be my Living Water, that I would never go thirsty, that he would always have my best interest at heart. I am not alone.  You are not alone.  Jesus says, "You are my bride. I love you.  I choose you.  There is no one like you."  Jesus isn't just asking, "Be my Valentine.  Jesus is asking, won't you marry me?  No more dating, rather a full 100% commitment from you that in all areas of your life."

If you have never walked down the aisle and met your Lord and Savior, I would welcome the opportunity for you to do that today!  It's not hard, its not complicated.  It is a heart transformation -simply saying, "Dear sweet Jesus, today is the day that I say, Yes, to your proposal.  Today I say that I choose you, the one who came to this Earth and died for my sins!  I recognize that it is what you did on the cross that was the ultimate sacrifice to declare your love for me.  I realize that as I have lived, I have sinned and that there is no other name that can wash them clean, but you.  Lord, create a clean heart in me and renew a right spirit within me so that I can be the bride prepared and ready for your return.  Jesus, today I sign the line that says, our dating is over and I pledge my love to you in marriage, committed, dedicated and relying on you to lead and guide me all the days of my life.   Thank you Lord for the most precious gift that anyone could give, yourself.  Amen."

If you have recommitted yourself to Jesus or accepted him for the first time, would you send me a note telling me so I can pray for you!  Email michelle@shestepsministry.com

What's in Your Can?

Philippians 4:8 reads, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."





The question of today is, "What's in your can?" and by can, I mean, your heart.  Your heart is what I am going to relate to a garbage can... I know you are like how can something that sustains life and hold our emotions be like a garbage can - well it's like this:  When you lift the lid of the garbage can and you throw stuff away, what are you putting in the can? Hopefully garbage. Things that are broken, old, mildew, ruined, spoiled, not pleasing or tasty.  The "stuff" has lost its luster and "bling."  When you open the garbage can again, the "yucky stuff" doesn't just magically get put back together and look spic spanking new again... rather, you probably after a few days would have a horrific odor of mixed old rotten food (hence why my garbage goes out daily).  We can think of our heart like a garbage can in the sense of whatever you are placing in your heart, is what is going to come out of it when you open your heart.


If we listen to music that talks about having sex, then when emotions are rising and a girl and guy meet up, the heat rises and those lyrics are going through their mind and before she knows it, its playing out in her life.  Or if you continue to say negative, nasty things about yourself in your  mind, when someone compliments you - out pours those words of negativity.  Let's even consider what we are watching... when you are watching sitcoms, videos and programs that are impure, vulgar from what is being done to what is being said, what you are seeing and hearing can become what you are thinking then saying.

I refer back to what the Bible says in Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."


What is your moral absolute?
 How do you decide it?
 How do you measure it?
What's your objective standard to decide what is right and what is wrong? 


Do you go by what you are told by other people, your environment, peers, television shows or do you go by what the unchangeable truth is that lies in the Bible?  So often we can tell ourselves that what we are watching, saying or doing is okay and can twist the truth to fit how we feel. Our actions then become subjective to what we are feeling rather than reactive to what we know is truth.  The one thing that we know - no matter what happens in every circumstance there is an answer that holds the truth and that my friend is in the Bible.  God's way will never lead you astray, it won't corrupt your mind or shackle your feet.  No, the devil , your enemy, who is roaming like a roaring lion searching for someone to devour has deceived people today (just like Eve way back in the  book of Genesis) to think that what they watch and hear doesn't affect their life - but that my friend is a lie.  It does!  By not filling your life with things that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable or excellent , your choices will shackle your feet, hold you back, lead you astray where you may waiver on and off the path that God has laid out before you.


Press forward friends, persevere, work out daily your in your spiritual life to do what is right!  Sometimes the hardest choice now makes the rest of your life easy, but the easy choices now can make your life so much more difficult.  How do you want to go on?   Remember, no matter where you are and what tight spot you are in, there is always a turn called an 180 degree, that you can make and start doing what His Word says is right! God is with you! 

Remember: G.I.G.O   (Garbage In, Garbage Out)  


Feed your spirit man what is good, what is healthy, that which produces life!

All, we, like Sheep!

Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want."

If the Lord is my shepherd, then shepherds lead, care, feed their sheep, I must be a sheep in the Lord's flock.  Interesting that God chooses the words to be inked in the Bible as a Shepherd, being Him, and the flock, his children are represented as sheep!  How much do you know about sheep?  Be warned, you need an open heart and mind to understand what I am about to say!

Sheep are the dumbest animals on the Earth.  Sheep will not drink out of water that is moving, they will sit next to the water and die of thirst, because of their fear of moving water.  Thankfully, the Shepherd leads them to "still waters" (Psalm 23:2).  Sheep will eat in the same pasture until the last grain of grass is eaten and then die of starvation.  It would never have dawned to them to walk to new lands, new places to look for new grass.  Thankfully, the Shepherd "makes me lie down in green pastures," (Psalm 23:2)  A sheep may stray from the flock, and thankfully, because the Shepherd cares so much about each of his sheep, that he goes off and finds the stray sheep (Luke 15:3-7).  Now, the Shepherd breaks the leg of the sheep and carries him back on his shoulders, to remind the sheep to not stray again.

Now, you are thinking - wow, I endure enough in life, but I have just been equated to a sheep!  Take heed - the analogy is one simplest enough for us to grasp, "We the sheep, God's children, have wondered off the directed path and away from the flock and he comes after us, because he loves us and doesn't want to lose one.  While we are with the flock, we sometimes don't know which way to go, so he leads us to paths of righteousness (Psalm 23:3) or makes us lie down and rest (Psalm 23:2). God, our Shepherd, has our best in mind.  It is his desire to see us walk the path that he has laid out before us."

"He will die for lack of DISCIPLINE, led astray by his own great folly."

Proverbs 5:23

It is vital for this sheep and the sheep reading this that we are not led by how we feel, but by what he says!  Sometimes that means disciplining ourselves so that we do not become tempted to be led astray by our own stupdity.  Here's an example:  God says, "Be a good steward of what I have given to you."  Then we are in debt up to our eyeballs!  Is that following his plan? No!  However, instead of getting back on the path and working through it we find ourselves at the store charging something on the credit card.  I know this one pinches - but at one point it was a flaw in my life!  Thankfully, there is one trait that is great about sheep!  Sheep have a great sense of HEARING!  When, the Great Shepherd, began to speak to my heart and mind pointing out what I was doing that was leading me astray by my own stupidity, I was able to place DISCIPLINES in my life to keep me with the flock and the plan because I HEARD and I obeyed.

I pray that as you go through your life this week, that you will allow your best sense of hearing to be open and ready to receive what the Shepherd is saying!  Stop and listen.  Just sit in a quiet room with christian music playing, your Bible open or simply nothing - just you and God - just listen.  He will be speaking - the question is are you listening?

God Bless!

Jesus is Coming back!

Jesus is coming back!  Did you read it? Did you hear it?  Did you get it?  Jesus is coming back! Jesus is coming back!  If that doesn't get your excited and ready to jump up and dance, friend, we need a sit down conversation together!  Jesus is coming back!  It's going to be better than any prince who has ever ridden a white horse and rescued the princess!  Oh, my, Jesus is coming back!

The book of Revelation gives us great insight into the last days.  I want to foucs on a few specific words in these few minutes that we have together!  

"...Let ys rejoice and be glad and give him glory!  For the wedding of the Lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready" (Rev 19: 7)

"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of of heaven from God, PREPARED as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband." (Rev 21:2)

"Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or decietful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life." (Rev 21:27)

"Let him who does wrong, continue to do wrong; let him who is vile conitnue to be vile; let him who does right conitnue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy.  Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me and I will giev to everyone according to what he has done."(Rev 22:11-12)

 Friends, Jesus is coming soon!  What are you doing to be the "bride" (his church) to be ready for the day he comes back?  What impurities, blemishes, spots do you need to clean up, wipe out and stain remove from your life so that when he arrives you have made yourself ready?  How are you preparing daily to meet your Groom?  The time is coming when your Groom will come back - the trumpet will sound announcing his arrival and he will one day ride a white horse!  Are you ready? Are you preparing yourself?  There won't be time when Jesus comes back to change, the changes need to happen now, so you are PREAPRED for his arrival. 

 "So you must also be ready, because the Son of  Man will come at an hour when you did not expect him."    Matthew 24:44

The Prince finds the Princess

Once upon a time, in an enchanted land, there lived a princess.
The princess lived a comfortable life.  The king and queen of her land
found it easier to give the princess what she wanted than to deal
with her nagging requests.  The princess spent most of her time and
talent lying around and being served.  She expected people to
meet her needs, pay her bills and tidy up her messes.  She didn't
even take time to say a mere, "thank you" to her staff.
The princess, however, always wanted more .  There was one
particular thing she wanted and she couldn't wait until the day
came that she would meet her prince!  She dreamed of how he would sweep her off 
her feet and into his arms 
and they would dance the rest of their life away together.


Oh, to dance the rest of our life with our prince.
Some of us have found our earthly prince.  The
one that we pledged our love to in front of family and friends.
Some of us our still searching for our prince, the one which we
will "dance through life" together.  


If I knocked on your door, sent you a text message or email...
what would your answer be to this question?
"Which princess are you?"


Would you be Sleeping Beauty?  
Sound asleep not even realizing your prince is drawing near?


Would you be Cinderella?  
Having waited for this moment to be with your prince, but allowed someone else's rules to cause you to run and leave your prince at midnight?


Would you be Snow White? 
 Busy tidying up the house, hiding from someone/something rather than confronting it?


Would you be Aerial?  
Willing to give up all that you knew to be with your prince? Leaving behind family and loved ones?


Girlfriend, what type of princess are you?  Because there is coming a day when Jesus is going to come back for his bride!  "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done." (Revelation 22:12) When Jesus, the groom, comes for you and for me, how will we look?  Will we be like a bride on her wedding day, clean, crisp white dress, no wrinkles, freshly pressed, hair done, make up applied, veil neatly in place?  Or will we be like the princess at the beginning of this blog, sucking life out of those that give and never giving in return?  


We take great measures in this lifetime for a special day to be ready to walk down the aisle.  I tell you this, there will be no greater day then the day my Heavenly Father sends his son, Jesus Christ for this bride!  It is my heart's desire that when he finds me, I am not a Martha too busy to sit at his feet in my lifetime leading up to our reunion or that I would have allowed fears to keep me back from accomplishing what I needed to prepare myself for his arrival.  (Rev 19:7, 21:2)


There is coming a time when a "Once upon a time" story, a fairytale that has replayed in our minds over and over becomes an eternal reality.  We will meet our Prince of Ages and he will take our hand and we will dance the rest of time in His presence.  Isn't that really what its all about?  Preparing ourselves for the day he comes, so that he finds us ready!  


"So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matthew 24:44


Maybe you are married right now on this Earth and have already planned that special marriage day?  Maybe you are still a young lady waiting for the day to come when you are  married on this Earth?  No matter where you are, married or not, let me say this, there is a greater wedding about to take place that you need to keep your pretty blue, green, or brown eyes focused on... and that day is what the angel spoke in Revelation 19:9, "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!"  Everyday when you wake up say, "I am a bride. I must ready myself for my Prince's arrival."


"Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy.  Behold, I am coming soon!"  - Jesus , Revelation 22:11-12

True Beauty

The cool crisp morning air, vividly bright blue sky with white cotton ball  puffs sporadically placed in the sky.
Fresh air flowing through my nostrils and beauty through my eyes....
Jolted in a split second by a disgruntled child, hurried husband, and a clock...
I quickly load the car and turn on the ignition.
Driving along the cold, hard black pavement, maneuvering around potholes
I am captured once again by the beauty of the sky, the cleanliness, neatness, and precise
positioning of the clouds.

Beauty.
Captivating.
Intriguing.
Breath taking.
Relieving...

My mind is racing about this word -beauty.
Yes, God made the creation and in my eyes this morning, I was taken back by its beauty.
What then, is beauty, really?

Beauty is defined as the qualities that give pleasure to the senses.

In essence, beauty looks, tastes, smells, sounds and feels pleasurable.
I think for many of us, we limit beauty to some of our senses and we do not open all of our senses.  The definition clearly says senses - plural.

We may see something that catches our eye and we think wow that is beautiful (this can be a person or thing).
After it catches our eye, we may pursue it, find out more about it.... only to find that it doesn't taste, smell, feel or sound beautiful!

When we look at our life, we need to think about what our beauty looks like and make sure that it is balanced.  We can't take so much time, energy and effort to adorn our outside appearance to look beautiful, that we neglect to groom our words and gestures in loving other people - which can leave us tasting bitter, sour and ugly.  What do people that you encounter everyday in all different circumstances take away with their 5 senses?  What smell or aroma are you leaving?  An inviting perfume that is intriguing (smell), a flavorful taste that makes their appetite church to want to be around you more (taste)?  Warm embraces (touch as in hugs, handshakes, pat on the back)?  What sounds will they repeat in their mind... did you leave words of encouragement, joy, laughter?

As a follower of Jesus Christ, it is important that  I groom myself inwardly and outwardly.  As Paul states,  "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.  For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves." 1 Peter3:3-5


Matthew says that we are here to be "salt seasoning" which brings out Godly flavors.... if we lose our saltiness how can people taste godliness? (Matthew 5:13, The Message)


Here's the reality...
What is on the outside doesn't make us beautiful.
The inward beauty is what shows outwardly that makes us beautiful and attractive.


So as you put on your lipstick ask God to help you speak words that will be tasteful, flavorful and encouraging.  As you listen to the radio, television or conversations at work, ask God to help you filter out the garbage and take only the treasures and to give you the strength to walk away from unhealthy conversations or turn the channel from music that fills our ears with dirt and filth that clogs that pathway for true beauty.... And may people when they leave our presence have a sweet smell, that resonates with them that makes them think about and lead them closer to Jesus.


Let's give our 5 senses a makeover and by doing so, become the beautiful daughter of the most high king!

Got Oxygen?

by Michelle E. Georgiana

Do you ever feel like you are drowning? The air in your lungs is fleeting out of your mouth and not returning
to refill and refuel the lungs to keep your body going?  It is as if any moment the last breath will escape and there will be no more life left within you?  I am talking about emotional drowning.  We are so busy with appointments, places to go, people to see.  As a mother of 4, a wife to a wonderful man, an employee, a youth leader, to list a few, there are times where I have found MYSELF drowning.

With 6 people in my home, 5 other people's schedules bombarding my life, swamping my mind with details of what needs packed, what slip needs completed, somebody needs money, oh and the refrigerator is empty, food needs bought -wait its 4pm and I don't even know what I am cooking for dinner!  My dear hubby will come home and expect a smile and a happy wife, picked up house, while the children are wrestling about, destroying all the labor of "picking up" that occurred while their minds were engaged in learning all day....  Just writing this makes me want to GASP!  Air, people, I need air!

A revelation came to my mind a few years back and I was recently reminded again about this concept....

When you board an airplane and take your seat, shortly the plane will begin to move towards the run way for take off.  In the mean time, the flight attendants, begin reviewing the procedures for "what if" scenarios and what you need to do!  As a parent, the rule has always been, put the oxygen mask on you FIRST!  Then put it on your children or others who need help.  Seems backwards, right?  I mean I would do anything to help my children and the mother instinct in me is to reach out and grab their masks making sure they are nice, neat and presentable, then I will get my mask.  Take care of the kids first!

But how backward, my thinking was!  See, what  good am I to help them if I don't have my own oxygen?
If I put on my oxygen, then I am breathing (not gasping for air) and I am able to appropriately (without panic or hurriedness) put their masks on.  I am constant and alive, because I chose to put my mask on first.  It is not selfish, it is a priority.

So, how does oxygen masks on an airplane help me today?

In our busy lives, we work diligently as women, as mothers, as wives, as employees to meet everyone's demands... and often we neglect ourselves.  We forget to prioritize.

Priority is defined as "precedence: status established in order of importance or urgency..."
If you are gasping for air daily, failing to put on your "oxygen mask" by doing what is necessary to keep you
functioning as the mother, wife, friend, family member, employee that you want to be - then you need to prioritize yourself.  (GASP! I know, it seems so selfish, but you can't do what you want to do if you are dying or dead - because it will take everything that you have to just exist!)


My life line is the Word of God.  I need it to sustain my life.


Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.  (Matthew 4:4)


My kids don't define my life.
My husband doesn't define my being.
My ministry isn't my Creator.
But God is my Author.


It is through Him that I am able to do all things, for he is my strength. (Philippians 4:13)
If God isn't on my priority list, but only a thought to be on my priority list, then I will be gasping for air, because he is the breath of my existence.  Our minds will say, I will pray once the kids are in bed or I will read my chapters after I handle this - and before we know it, we fell asleep before we could say amen or read more than one chapter!  It is vital to our health, wealth and being to read the Word and pray to the one who has all the answers when we are alert.  It is actually more selfish to not prioritize God in our life, because when we do not seek his renewed strength, direction and wisdom everyone else in our life suffers.  Instead of flourishing, blooming, thriving, we are withering, dying, gasping for fresh breaths.  Our lives aren't consistent, stable, and rooted, rather they are wavering, unstable and swaying!  What we think is good is not!  We need Him to be first, to be our guide so that we can be who our families, friends and employers need us to be!


This, too, applies to our marriages.  Many marriages today fall apart, because parents forget to date each other! They forget that before there were kids, there was just the two of them.  Kids will not perish for being left with a babysitter, they will not feel neglected nor rejected because their mommy and daddy left them!  Rather, they will be loved in even a greater capacity, because the oxygen mask for a good marriage is spending time together alone!  When the husband makes the wife a priority and the wife makes the husband a priority, emergency oxygen masks aren't needed, because their lungs are full of air and not gasping.  


Where in your life do you need to check priorities?
If you are gasping for air, there is one who is able to keep your tank full, 
change the current survival mode you are in, and set your feet on the path he created for you to walk.
Sometimes we just need to cry it out with God and allow him to send the Holy Spirit to show us
what we need to change. 


 Girlfriend, I have been there - I have tried to be the all in all to everyone, instead of letting him be my all in all.  No matter the madness in your life, no matter the discouragement in your life, Jesus is there!  Just call out to him and put on your oxygen mask first!


God Bless!

One Word

Before 2010 came to its almost midnight closure and 2011 struck with the sound of midnight, God laid it on my heart to enter this new year with prayer. It's wonderful how he prepares you in advance for what is to come.  Prior to Christmas, my husband and  I had multiple conversations about gifts - and how we spend so much time, money and effort finding the right gifts for people.  Yet, we spend so little time seeking the right gift to give to Jesus on his birthday.  This year, on Christmas Eve, before presents could be open, we sat our family down for the story of Christmas, followed by our family singing Happy Birthday to Jesus, then writing on index cards the gift that we would give him.

Mine read, "This year, I will give Jesus more time to talk as I take more time to listen.  Prayer is ESSENTIAL, not OPTIONAL."

And this has sunk into my heart since Christmas.

I have been revising, prioritizing and revamping

to not just give half hearted prayers, to give short time frame

prayers, but to spend quality time in prayer.... listening more than speaking.

Allowing his words to penetrate silence, just as the baby's cry did the night

Jesus was born.

As the new year was dawning, I wrote to several people and asked them if there was any

specific need in their life, that I was spending the last hours of 2010 and hours during the first day

of 2011 to pray for specific requests.  With each prayer request I raised them to the one with all the

answers and this word kept reappearing in my listening ...... PREPARATION.  

Preparation is defined as the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose.

We, as God's children, cry out in our anguish, we rejoice in deliverance.  We expect our God to supernaturally intervene in situations when we can see no way out!  We know he holds all the answers,

he holds that miracle we seek, because he is our all in all.  

But, I ask this question, have you PREPARED YE THE WAY OF THE LORD?  

John the Baptist did - you can read about what he did for the arrival of Jesus in the gospels.

We ask God.  We seek God.  We pray to God.  We cry out to God.

Yet, in our daily lives have we PREPARED ourself, have we set in order our lives to be ready 

when God shows up...and not just for the second coming of Jesus, but are we ready for when that

answer comes.  What will God find when he shows up to deliver a gift that you have been longing for

the words HEALING, DELIVERED, FREED!

This year, I am not making a resolution.  I am making a commitment to prepare daily for the moments when

God shows up that he may find a clean heart, a renewed steadfast spirit, for no man knows the hour of his arrival, but God has appointed times for all things to come to pass.  May this be the year where his children are PREPARED, when they are made READY IN ADVANCE

to receive, to give, and to be whatever comes to pass.

May his peace, his love, and his mercy shower over your life as you PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD.

Operation Christmas Clean Up

all of our hands holding
the most precious gift this Christmas

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Falalalalala
Tis' the season to be jolly,
Falalalalala

Oh, but Christmas Eve came.
Christmas Day arrived.
And then its the next morning - and all the hustle and bustle
all the baking, all the preparations that went into making it the "perfect"
Christmas is over - in less than a 24-36 hour period.

I usually leave my Christmas tree up until New Years Day then take down all the decorations that afternoon and evening.  Sadly, packing them away until next year, when all the tubs come back up and the inside of the house
starts twinkling with white lights, the house smelling like Christmas cookies, and carols all day long.  Its the time of year I love!  However, this year, I woke up the next day and thought, its time to clean up, get organize and get moving!  My husband was quite surprise as the roles are usually reversed.. he is ready to pack up and move on and I just want to sit and bask in the last moments of the season.  Not this year.  Something really hit me.  Matter of fact it was words that my husband spoke in his last Sunday's message (Dec.26th/ Click here to listen) He said, "For a Christian, Christmas isn't just a day, Christmas is an experience."  Those words tossed to and fro in my mind and jolted in my mouth as I chewed them before swallowing and allowed them to sink into my belly and nestle there.  Christmas isn't just a season, either, I thought.  While the decorations come down and get tucked into the basement for storage, Christmas goes on day in and day out.  See that precious baby came in a time of silence... there had not been a message heard from God in 400 years (the time between the old and new testament), but one night, one appointed night, a virgin woman gave birth to a baby, and the baby's cry broke the silence.  There wasn't a parade announcing this birth, there wasn't a banner blinking and tickets being sold, but nonetheless, God doing things in HIS WAY, not ours, sent a baby to be born - to be raised and then crucified- because he LOVED us.  Selah.

See, the season of Christmas reigns in our hearts, resides in our soul.  He is with us always, never leaving or forsaking.. he gave the ultimate gift, His life. So, while the houses lose their seasonal decorations, while we pack stuff away and put our houses back in order, may the spirit of Christmas continue to be in our hearts and  be on our lips so that we can give the gift that keeps on giving... Jesus.  He is the perfect gift to re-gift.

I am actually considering leaving my manager scene up all year as a reminder, that Jesus isn't a birthday to celebrate once a year at Christmas, but something that we can celebrate daily.  I want to engrave in my heart and mind, my children's hearts and minds that his birth broke the silence, his birth was the beginning of the ultimate love letter that signed off on the cross.  May the manger scene remind us he is the reason for all seasons... may God's gift to us always be in the forefront of our minds and the gift in our hearts that we continue to share.

New Year's Resolution

As the new year approaches, many will begin to make resolutions, a list of things that they want to change.

Maybe its weight loss, maybe it is to quit smoking, to get out of debt....

Whatever it is, just remember that it takes time, perseverance, and commitment.

It reminds me of a time when.....

I was standing in the kitchen, I was preparing my ingredients to cook dinner.  Often times, while I am doing house chores (being a Martha),

I will incorporate prayer (being a Mary).  This particular day, my heart was heavy -

And for no particular reason.  I just felt like something in me was stirring and

it I didn't feel like it was for pleasure?  

I began to pray like this, "Lord whatever it is, let it be so.  I know that I stand on your

word, that you mean all things for good (Gen 50:20)even when I can't see it.  You are the one who foresaw

my birth and who knows my death, you are the one who has directed my steps (Psalm 119:133, Proverbs 16:9), my thoughts aren't yours (Isaiah 55:8) and more times than not,  I can't wrap my mind around your thoughts and ways.  But I trust you..." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

And as I began to chop my onion, tears streamed.

Tears from just chopping an onion

but also tears from within my heart.

See I am like an onion and so are you.

We are pulled out of our old life (before Christ), and planted into a new life (with Christ.)

And things in my former life, didn't always smell pretty, look pretty or taste good!

As I am planted in my new life, and new nutrients are being poured into my new life (the Word, the Holy Spirit, the grace and mercies of God, etc.)  I begin to see that layers of me, need to be changed,

roots from my past life (hurts, rejections, abandonment, lies, anger, etc) need to be peeled away, bad parts cut out and thrown in the garbage, while the good parts of the onion (me) are kept and prepared, made ready, to be sauteed into a delicious, tasteful, appealing person.  

This can't all be done in one process.

See, God is good and if he revealed to me how awful I was, well

I, personally, would become discouraged.  Since he knows me, since he knitted me together

in the womb of my mother (Psalm 139:13), he knows the number of hairs on my head (Luke 12:7), he also knows what I can handle.  He knows the amount to reveal to me at one time and says, "Now, child, let's work on this."

As I walk this Christian walk, I am always learning.  I am always seeing. I am always striving.

No, not until Heaven will I be made perfect in his sight and sin there will no more be.

But until then, I am taking one layer at a time, and allowing my God to help me

discard the bad, save the good and become a person to his pleasing.

Will you do the same?  It's a powerful thing to do, but I challenge you sister to sister (or sister to brother) ask Him, Lord, show me an area that I need to work on, maybe its my spending habits, maybe its my temper or patience, or lack of kindness or selfishness, you name it!  And say Lord as you sift me, as you peel a layer, I know its going to hurt, that tears will be shed, that heartache can happen, but in the end, you intend all things for good, to prosper me, not harm me, to give me a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).  I trust in you.  Send those around me who will uphold me, encourage me, spur me on, pray for me and love me -- let thy will be done, in the mighty, magnificent name of Jesus, so I can become the child you intended for me to be.  Amen.

Oh, the process isn't always joyful, but the end result after time, work, perseverance is always pleasurable.

Work through it, stay the course, and see the progress will be more apPEALing than before the PEELing... ;)

What Gift Will You Bring?

"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh."  Matthew 2:11

Oh, Christmas time!

We shop and shop and shop some more!

We wrap, we stress and finance galore!

This first Christmas the shepherd came to the manager and brought themselves,

an act of worship.  The first time that Christ is worshiped by the wise man, the magi, they brought him treasures, gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  No one had to ask them to bring it, no one set up a list of rules that said you can only see the child if you bring treasures... nope, none of that happened, rather, from in the depths of their hearts they felt drawn to bring a willing sacrifice - to lather the Messiah with gifts.  

Gifts of significance at that... gold which represented his kingship, frankincense which foretells of his priesthood, and myrrh which signifies his death.

As I read this story year after year, and retell it to my small children, I can't help but to be marveled in the details of it this year.... I have thought day in and day out... as I come to Christmas this year, what gift shall I give my King?  What will I bring to him.... 

As I meditate and pray over this during the last seven days leading up to Christmas, I wonder, if there is anyone else out there like me.... who would love to give a gift to Jesus this year on Christmas morning.  

Have you been holding something back? Have you withheld part of your heart, your time, your treasure, your fruit of the spirit, etc? May the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob allow the Holy Spirit to visit you and speak to you, so that this Christmas you can lay a gift at the manager.

May the little drummer boy in this video speak to your heart!  God bless you friends.

The Star that Leads

There once was a star, that shone so bright
It caught the attention of some wise men one night
They said, "this is it, this is the one"
Then they gathered their belongings, a new journey begun...

Oh that star, how precious it is,
Yet, so many times, we blow it adrift
In our busy lives, time we don't take
Busy, busy, busy, no moment we make.

What is a star?
Something that twinkles.
Something that shines.
Something that gives off radiant light?

Why it says in the Psalm that it was breathed by God - Psalm 33:6
In the beginning, my God created this twinkling gift. - Genesis 1:1

The star led the wise men to a place where they found
a toddler walking, building, and talking
There they lavished this prince of ages
with gifts that would be used in the coming life stages

But what does the star do for me and for you?
Why the Bible being tried and true
Says a light I should shine, because Jesus lives in you
A light, a light, that should shine so bright
Not kept bottled up, but on a stand in everyone's sight  - (Matthew 5:14-16)

See just as the Star of Bethlehem did lead
The wise men to the Messiah that day
We are the stars that twinkle on Earth  - (Philippians 2:15)
And lead others to their second birth.

So as you go about your days
Keep the grumbling, complaining at bay
And look to the East in your daily walk
and let the love of Jesus shine from your talk. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

May this day and every day, you look for the chance
to be Jesus's loving feet and hands.
Just as once you were led to the cross
by someone who let Jesus's love and light shine from their heart. (Matthew 22:36-40)



Dear friends,


As the Christmas season is approaching, as fast and furious as it does, take time to remember the stars in your life.  The someone who took the time to share the love of Christ Jesus with you.  Maybe it was people all along the way, but whomever it was, it led you to him one day.  And just as a "star" led you, today you too can lead others!  In our walk, our talk, our actions, or time, in giving, and being the servant we are called to be... we can share the light that shines so bright from within our heart to someone who is lost, dark, cold and depressed simply by meeting a need, sharing a word of encouragement, inviting them to church or hey, picking them up and taking them, inviting someone who has no one to celebrate Christmas to your home to enjoy a time of fellowship... whatever it is, where it may be, be his light, shine ever so bright!  Twinkle, twinkle, my dear friends... Jesus's love never ends.  It is always there, never disappears!


So this Christmas season, remember the stars that were in your life, and be the star in someone elses life! And may your Christmas be the merriest and brightest ever!


Much love and many blessings to my sparkling friends.
I love each and everyone of you and pray that this Christmas is different then any other you have experienced! 


In His Amazing Name,
Michelle

Run Through the Washer

As I sat in Sunday morning service, I couldn't help but begin to look at the 
miserable person I am... meaning, the person who is inadequate, the person
who has so many inner flaws, the person who feels she can't live up to
anything God would ask her to do.... and then, I was interrupted in thought
and taken immediately (in my thoughts) to an all too familiar place in my home...
THE LAUNDRY ROOM!


I began to see myself putting clothes in the washer, thinking this is a never ending
job (come on ladies, like the clothes needing clean never stop!)  As I put each piece
in, I checked for stains, some had them, some did not.  I checked the pockets 
for unwanted tissues and toys joining the soiled clothes.  When it was sorted and 
the washer was full, I added something... blue liquid, known as detergent.
And, then I understood.


My thoughts were stained, I need to wash them.
I needed the blue liquid, but not laundry detergent, instead I needed to pick
up the Word of God, and cleanse them with truth.  
"You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free." John 8:32


I began to weep.
I felt like it was a David moment in my life... a psalm pouring from my mind and heart through my lips.
Lord, WASH me of these ideas that don't align with your word.
Lord, CLEANSE me for I cannot do it on my own. 
Lord, whatever needs BLOTTED OUT... let it be so!


And then, I cried, " Create in me a pure heart, O God,  and renew a steadfast spirit within me" Psalm 51:10.

I began to confess my fears, my doubts, my feeling of inadequacy...
and one by one they went into the washing machine and I poured the detergent in
and left the service clean.


Maybe your heart isn't facing doubts, maybe its not even fears, but in all of our laundry baskets we have soiled clothes... some not stained, some stained or sour smelling... for some of us it is unconfessed sin and as a result we feel far from God,  somewhere under the dirty basket of clothes our joy of salvation has been misplaced,  our inner song has disappeared, the praise from our lips has silenced. ... as you do your physical laundry this week (Sheets, kids clothes, your clothes, etc).... may you have a God experience.  May it be a time to release, confess, and talk with your Abba Father.  Girlfriend, empty your laundry basket and let him wash you with his love and his peace.  Much love and blessings to each of you.  I am praying for you.


I would love to hear about your "Laundry Experience" email me your testimony at michelle@shestepsministry.com