OVER AND ABOVE

September 30th Reading

I am still chuckling over yesterdays morning note that I found next to my daughters lunch box.
As I came down the stairs and into the kitchen so I could continue to organize each child as they headed out the door I noticed on the counter a note that stated "Mom, could you please write me a note for my lunch box today?" Next to the note was a clean sheet of paper and a pen ready for me to get started. Now don't get me wrong I do write the kids notes, but apparently Alivia really wanted a note that day. This made my day in a silly kind of way.

Well today is a new day and I cannot forget to put that note in Alivia's lunch box. I know exactly what I want to remind her of today!

I came across my life verse in this mornings Daily Devotion. I was so excited because I have claimed this verse over my life about 10 journals ago and love to also speak it over the lives of others!

Ephesians 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to do EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."

My deepest desire is for my children to understand how BIG their God really is. Today's verse is a great reminder. Lets break it down in 3 easy parts.

1.HE IS ABLE. The strength of our confidence is the fact that He is vastly able above and beyond all that we might ask

What are you thinking today my friend? What do you need to ask? Please remember that HE IS ABLE.

2.TO DO EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY. Super-abundantly, overwhelming, over and above, more than enough.

Remember that God is completely creative, wise and powerful. He can only give you His BEST no matter how bad your situation looks. Will you allow God to do something over and above in your life?

3. THAT WE ASK OR THINK. Our highest aspirations are not beyond God's power to grant.

Will you allow Gods limitless resources to strengthen your present situation?

Maybe you need to write this verse down on a Post It and keep it close by. Alivia told me that she is going to collect all my notes from her lunch box and hang them in her locker so she can read them daily.  I know this verse will be a powerful reminder to her as she opens her locker!

Her God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly and above all more than she ask or thinks!


                      "Your influence is negative or positive, never neutral" Henrietta Mears

Blessings,

WAITING IN THE WING

September 29th Reading

I woke up this morning, made my coffee and opened a book. I never start at the beginning, I like to first sample a few pages in the middle and end before I start at the beginning. So on page 74 I read:
"For, you see, it is in pursuing our dreams that we move from becoming a half---person who is "waiting in the wings" for something---to a whole. We become the person we want to be. We become confident about the future .... and the power of our dreams."

Pearl Buck said, "There are many ways of breaking a heart. But what really broke a heart was taking away a dream---whatever the dream might be"


In times of change or broken pieces our very existence is "waiting in the wing" to become whole again. These times can often make us feel trapped and insecure with the future. However, God is creative, powerful, holy and completely faithful. He has a determined dream.

After reading a few page of the book I went on to reading the daily word for today. Again the bible reading for the day is listed at the top of each daily blog post! I strongly encourage you to take a walk through the bible and make it part of your day. I promise it will enlighten the path you have to walk for that day! Gods word never fails to bring a new sense of calm.

In Isaiah 7:4 it states some pretty powerful words, " TAKE HEED, and BE QUIET; DO NOT FEAR OR BE FAINTHEARTED."

In those "waiting in the wing" seasons it can be so difficult but Gods word brings us an important truth today for these times.

TAKE HEED- Pay attention to me

BE QUIET- Oh my this is hard! But I always need to remember to "give it to God" and allow Him to bring about amazing changes. If I am talking all the time I will miss His work around me.

DO NOT FEAR- It is easy for us to fear the unknown because we do not see the outcome. During the "waiting in the wing" times God will teach us how to believe and activate our faith.

DO NOT BE FAINTHEARTED- Do not quit!

What are you waiting on?
A loved one to come to know Christ?  The healing of a loved one that is suffering?  A personal victory? A clear answer to a direction God is leading you in?  A struggling marriage? A broken, bruised and tired heart waiting for an answer? A career decision?

We all have "waiting in the wing" seasons but Do Not give up girlfriends because God is in the middle of creating His masterpiece and whatever situation you are facing He is creating you to be a window box for a watching world.

Do you ever go strolling down a little street in a quaint town and admire the showcase in each window. I love to look at all the details that each window box brings. Your story is a showcase for a watching world. God will place everything in such a unique way that it will draw the interests of others. This is how He can then tell HIS STORY through your showcase!

Blessings in the waiting,

HOW COME I DON'T HAVE A DREAM? IS THIS WEIRD?

September 27th Reading

Today I want to share a question that I received from a special blog follower. The Lord has kept me on the topic of personal dreams and destinies for the past few weeks. I want to address her question and use today's daily reading to answer it.

When somebody asks me the question that I am about to share, I personally explode inside and every fabric in me wants to help them understand this reality.

QUESTION: HOW COME I DON'T HAVE A DREAM? IS THIS WEIRD?

Let me first answer the last part of the question. No you are not weird for thinking that, but you are WIRED my friend with many dreams and visions.

Lets now answer the first part of the question.

Most individuals think a dream is a "High Calling" of some sort, they tend to think of  high profile people like Olympian athletes, Doctors, Lawyers, Authors, speakers and Big Owners that started well known companies or businesses. When we partner these high details into our mindset we will have misconceptions about our "own" dreams. If we have the wrong picture of a dream then we will never discover "our" dreams!

Today's daily reading partners with today's amazing lesson, I know this passage of scripture can bring many lessons about. But I would like to focus on the area of "sowing a dream"

Galatians 6:7 "For whatever a man SOWS, that he will also reap"

A dream is the (seed) of possibility planted in the soul of a human being, which calls him to pursue a unique path to the realization of his purpose.

I am a visual learner so follow me with this picture in your mind. If a seed is the dream then the dream needs to be planted or (SOWED) into soil. Lets pretend the soil is the imagination that brings the dream to life~ its all about the soil girls!

God wants us to learn to dream because He is a BIG God and wants to do BIG things in our personal lives!

I want each of you to take a personal look at your life and imagine some things with me. I will guide you into some areas of thought and then let your imagination take off.

Do you have an area in your life that leaves you frustrated, brokenhearted or even angry? Can you take that situation and imagine in your mind a picture of "what should be." If we are dissatisfied with the way things are then allow your mind to grab hold of a clear picture or idea of what could or should be!

Examples: A broken marriage- Imagine a clear picture of what should or could be.
                  An older child that is struggling in life-Imagine a clear picture of what should be.
                  An addiction or stronghold-imagine a clear picture without the addiction.

I only listed a few heart broken situations but the point is we may have a passive concern that may need a sense of urgency!

here are a few other areas:
Examples: Career-Imagine a clear picture of what you may want. Do you want to become a nurse?
                  Finances- Imagine a clear picture of what should or could be
                  Spouse-Imagine a clear picture of what should or could be
                  Children-Imagine....
                  Ministry-Imagine....
                  Special Talents-Imagine....Do you want to pursue a Photography business?


Now I am going to share a few ways I have been personally preparing the soil of imagination in specific areas in my life. I have multiple dreams I am sowing and some are clearer then others. So let me share in hope that this will be a help in shaping the dreams in your heart.

Finances I would like to see myself  LEARN how to save and handle money better. This is a very weak part of my life. My husband is not happy with my spending habits and I know he has a good picture of what could and should be. I will not allow my weakness to get in the way of our marriage. I have begun several planning steps and I will learn Gods providential will in the area of finances. I have a dream of what should and could be. Now I have to go after that dream!  A dream brings about change for the better.

I dream for my children and Gods will for their lives.
                                                     Benjamin, Brittni and Alivia.
I study their talents and gifts and I ask God to help me understand his plans for them. I know my son Benjamin can play the guitar, sing and write music. I have already dreamed a clear picture of him traveling with mom someday as I speak. I also believe He will be part of the worship team in church someday, writing His own songs. I also remind him daily that GOD has a huge plan for His life.
 I encourage all the moms today to get a journal and begin to ask God for a clear picture and wisdom on your child's dreams. I promise He will lead you. It may not be easy because the enemy does not want those dreams for your child, he will steal, kill and destroy them any chance he gets. So be ready to fight the enemy in your child's life! If you do not dream and believe with your child then you have left him prey to the enemy!
The key is to ask God to show you His will and help you dream and direct the children accordingly!

Lastly I am dreaming big about my personal calling in ministry. God is calling me to new places and He has placed a clearer picture in my mind of what should and could be. I am now in the planning and pursuing stages of that dream.

Do you have an area of ministry,  a career that you want or a talent that you may need to start pursuing so God then can allow a clearing picture to rise to the surface? Once you begin to imagine then you will start to investigate. The dream will then take root and energy mixed with passion will take over. No matter how difficult the situation may look your passion and clear picture will keep you motivated till the end!

The soul is always thinking and it never thinks without a picture.

Begin imagining today in some areas of your life. We all have expectations and it may not be our reality at this time. However, do not let the gap between your expectation and reality bring disappointment. Keep imagining and sowing because you will reap in the end.

I am grateful for a healed marriage, ministry dreams coming to pass, children's talents being discovered along with strategies to move them forward. All because I began to imagine and then Sow. If you never imagine bigger then your situation you will never reap. God uses everything we SOW to teach us about faith and believing!

Now let me ask you, Do you have a dream?

Please let me know by leaving a comment also let me know if this helped you to identify your dreams!

I love when my followers ask questions. I will always turn to God and get back with an answer! So Fire away if you have any more questions! We grow from each other.

Take a few seeds today and  SOW them. God is waiting to position you,  give a more detailed purpose, along with a designed plan and then show you promises as He teaches you to pray. The discovery of your destiny and/or the destiny of others is behind door number __?__.
When you begin to dream, you will then discover "The Door to your Destiny!"

I sowed a dream many years ago because of a calling I felt in my heart. I know God placed this desire in me. He then allowed me to imagine and sow. Today I am seeing things begin to take root in the soil of my imagination. 

God is working out His purposes in me after much praying, preparing, planning and seeking. In a couple short months I am thrilled share with you http://www.heatherbaxter.com/

A ministry with much to offer. It is my passion and highest honor to share my faith and your purpose in Christ!  HBministries will lead women to the door of their destiny through an adventure with faith!

Sow a dream seed today,
  

September 25, 2010

September 25th Reading

Happy weekend.

GIVE UP YOUR PLATFORM

The last couple weeks we talked about how God places God sized dreams into our hearts. He has a specific doorway for your personal destiny. When God drops this personal dream  inside you, He is really showing you something good and requires you to act justly, love with mercy and walk humbly with your God.(Micah 6:8)

This past July I attended the "She Speaks" conference in North Carolina. This conference was for speakers, writers and other women ministry leaders. Most every lady that I had the privilege of meeting came to the conference with a God sized dream in her heart. The entire weekend was packed with dreamers gathering information  to sharpen their God sized vision.

For those just getting to know my heart, I am a BIG DREAMER and love to encourage women to discover the doors of their personal destiny. Not because I chose to want this but because God has chosen me and gave me this overwhelming passion to share my faith with others.
Dreaming is the only time in which you buy something really big and then grow into it. I would never go buy a pair of jeans 3 sizes bigger and desire to grow into them. That would be a girlfriends worse nightmare! But this is a great visual of how God works. The dreams He places in our hearts are huge and we need to grow into them.  How we grow into the dream and take ownership of what God is giving us is very important.

Today in the christian market we have so many amazing speakers and writers. I  had the opportunity to meet with several of them. Every one having a specific dream and platform.

The word platform really struck me this morning.

God kept reminding me this morning about my personal platform. I am in a huge transition stage with ministry and my personal calling. Within the past year God has asked me to lay down the dreams and all ministry past and present. This is hard for a dreamer with a lot of energy but God has been up to something bigger!  He transitioned my family to a new area and new church. During this time of change, which I liken to the season of fall, God is striping away and preparing me to grow into something NEW.  God given plans always change taking on new purposes, training experiences, relationships and destinations.
                

Today's reading states in Galatians 2:6 "But from those who seemed to be something--whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows no personal favoritism to no man--for those who seemed "to be something"  He added nothing.


We can get so preoccupied in our personal platforms, plans and ministries that when God begins to do something new we will not recognize God at work. Everything you are trying "to be" or "think you are" is becoming nothing to Christ!     This is a dangerous spot!

It becomes fatal when we take ownership of a platform of dreams that God created. We need to hold on to the dreams loosely because when God decides to pull things away or interrupt our plans it means He is about to bring change, we may end up taking things personally and we could end  up with damaged dreams and broken platforms.

 If I hold on to past dreams and personal platforms, I will miss the bigger dreams. God sometimes uses your past experiences to partner with the next. Do not keep a tight grip on things that you are passionate about because God often "changes" those things.

Always remember the platform belongs to HIM. All our past privileges and present positions are with Christ. When you begin to think your platform is personal and exist all because of "you" then  remember what Paul said to the leaders in the region of Galatia. In Galatians chapter 2:6  Paul explained to the leaders  that they "added nothing" when they thought they "were something."

I was reminded this morning to be grateful for the NEW platforms that God is allowing to enter my life. However I have to stand on this platform humbly and allow God to add everything.

I want to share a prayer that was given to me from another great writer. This is priceless to me and will remain part of my life. I pray you take the words and make them your own.

Abba Father, King of glory,God of heaven's Armies. You are the Author of Life and my crucified Savior. You are the Light of the World, and I praise Your Holy Name. You are the Living Water that quenches my thirst and the Bread of Life that feeds my soul. You are the Most High God, and I kneel before You today as your servant, as your child whose name is engraved in the palm of your hand.

Father, if there be anything within me that will hinder my ability to serve from the platform you created please expose it now. Give me a heart of humility to see my sin, my pride, my selfishness. Search my heart and make it tender to receive your loving discipline. Cleanse my heart, Oh Lord. Make it ever true. Cleanse my heart, O Lord, and make it more like You.

Father, help me to love You with absolute abandon. You birthed me with a plan and purpose. I desire with all my heart to live it out. Father, give me ears to hear, eyes to see, a mind to conceive and a heart to receive every Word You speak. Fill me with the fullness of your spirit; saturate me with your love and consume my mind with your truth. Equip me with everything I need to preach, to teach and to lead from your platform.

Thank you father for choosing to pour your Love and your Light into me so that I can be a beacon to others. Make it my fervent longing to be a flame of fire continually glowing in divine service to you. Help me make a difference in this world utterly disproportionate to who I am. Thank you that You will be faithful to finish what you started in me.
Amen

Blessing servants,
heather@hbministries.com

DEAD FLIES IN SWEET PERFUME

September 22nd Reading

Before I dive into this hysterical story I want you to know I received full permission from my son Benjamin to post this. I knew this morning after I did my bible reading for today that God wanted me to share this with you.

School started back about two weeks ago for my three children, and for those just joining me, I have shared in past posts that this has been a huge transition time for the entire family because we just recently moved and we are all experiencing different degrees of change.

My son, Benjamin, was going to be starting a brand new school. He is 13, and going into 8th grade so this is a BIG DEAL! Social life is top priority and he was about to embark on all new friendships! First Impressions are important.

Well he is 13 and of course the body is doing its CHANGE thing, He hinted to me that he would like to get rid of the "fuzz" on the upper lip before school starts tomorrow. Yes friends, he asked me the big question..."can I shave this mom?" well, this is where I thought I was about to give him the best mom wisdom ever!

I explained that his skin was so tender yet and shaving may not be the safest route. I suggested getting it waxed! Ben went on to ask if I was absolutely sure about this? Ben has established a pretty good trust relationship with me and He trusted my WISDOM.

We decided to go to the nearest salon and get the quick fix. However, when we walked up to the door we noticed a row of girls his age all getting their back to school pedies! He looked at me and said "I am NOT going into that place!" I gave him my mom wisdom again and said "I agree."

We then hit the local Walgreen's and purchased a kit that removes hair instantly and pain free. School started tomorrow so I suggested he did it now and the little redness would be gone by the morning. Ben asked me one final time...."Should I just shave mom?"  I said, "No your skin is too young!" Again he trusted me. My husband still laughs today when he thinks about what I told him "skin to young?"

Well let me tell ya folks he was not liking me Monday morning. First day of school and he looked like he drank RED POP!  He was having a heart attack before my very eyes! He said "Mom I trusted you and now I look stupid!" I had tears in my eyes and felt like putting some dust over me that would make me escape the reality of this situation! I have NEVER let my son down for the most part in life! This was going to be a BAD WEEK!

I promised Ben that I had some magic make up called bare Minerals. This stuff is the best and I begged him to trust me. I told him it would tone down the red. Ben humbled himself in front of me and said "Just get it over with and put it on" He is not a fan of wearing make up!  LOL

The week went on and the redness slowly went away and the skin began to heal. His upper lip was so burnt that I then came to the conclusion that shaving would have been wiser!

Today I got up to read the daily reading and I laughed when I read this verse.

Ecclesiastes 10:1 "Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment, And cause it to give off a foul odor; so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor."

The presence of a dead fly in perfume will turn its sweet smell to a stinky odor. In the same way ONE FOOLISH DEED can ruin a persons reputation. It takes years to establish a good reputation and that reputation can be destroyed in a moment- Rebuilding that reputation will be a bit harder the second time around.

Ben has always trusted my advice and the outcome always ended up being perfect for him. The advice I gave him for his lip, left my reputation to have a stinking savor. It definitely did not turn out like the box promised.

Removes hair instantly and pain free!  I think not!

This negative occurrence produced a disagreeable effect which put the presence of dead flies in the middle of our sweet relationship!

It is now three weeks later and our relationship is just fine "THANK YOU JESUS, EXTRA GRACE WAS REQUIRED", we laugh at this story together now. However, this is the best part, last night I heard Ben ask his dad if he would help him shave. I listened to both of them behind the bathroom door and chuckled while thinking to myself... this is how "it should" have been!

Ben is adjusting well in school these days. That first week I prayed for the spirit of bravery, courage and extra favor over him. That was the least I could do. I know my prayers worked.

The possibility of failure is always present. Wisdom involves using brains and I guess my brain was off that day! The lesson I was reminded of in this verse is that we can have a good reputation, but one mistake or foolish deed can bring a horrible smell to something sweet.

Ask God to help you daily in all you see, say and do. Ask for knowledge, wisdom and discernment.


Blessings friends!

Adding One to Another

September 21st Reading

Have you ever struggled in life to find the right answers?  Do you ever take your experiences in life and try to add them all up and find a good conclusion to your story?  We can add one thing to another to try to find the right reason but in the end our soul will still be seeking.

I experienced a HUGE gap period in life trying to figure out what the meaning of  my life was really about.
At the end of today's blog I will give you the two things I had to learn to add together in order to find the right sum. "Sum" or final meaning of the human life.

We cannot mix our human wisdom to figure out what God is doing. The character and essence of God are far above the character of man. With all of our human wisdom, positions and power we will seek but never find.

We will never find any one who is wise enough to understand God and His plan for man. In today's world many people claim to be able to "tap" into the spiritual world and gather up some quick answers. This is a scheme and will leave you empty and still seeking in the end.

Ecclesiastes 7:27 "'Here is what I found,' says the preacher, 'Adding one thing to the other to find out the reason, which my soul still seeks but cannot find. Truly this only have I found: That God mad man upright, But they have sought out many schemes."'

We can only glimpse at a portion of what God is doing in our lives and the lives of others. There is an inevitable gap of understanding.

However, God provides a way to bridge the gap in two ways. I promise if you add these two together you will get the sum of life!

1. He has given us the Bible, the "Word of God"  I believe it's our handbook for life. It consumes all the answers and many questions and the beginnings of many understandings. But how many people really take the time to read and learn about this handbook? I encourage you to find a small group in a bible believing church. This will help you learn and grow as God begins to add everything up in your life and give you the answers!

2. God also gave us the Holy Spirit. If you believe and trust in Jesus Christ, then pray and ask God to reveal the meaning of "scriptures" (the writings in the bible) through the understanding of the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is your personal teacher!

God is not concerned about giving you the quick answers, He desires to mold and shape your character.
God will change us deep down inside where it counts. Only God can do this!

I encourage you to stop trying to figure out the reasons in life. From my own experience, I can say it will leave you more frustrated and disappointed. Desire to pursue a fresh NEW relationship with God and I promise you will see answers!

Have a great day! I am off this morning to my small group meeting. We have small groups starting next week! I am so thrilled to watch God work and reveal many answers to life's questions!

Blessings,

Monkey Bars

 

September 20th Reading

Sunday morning I was getting ready for church and my youngest daughter Alivia came into my bathroom asking for band-aides for her blisters. She held up both hands and in the very center stood out big blister wounds. I asked her how this happened and she explained to me that she trying everyday to make it all the way across and around the corner on the monkey bars.  With great desire she said "I will make it!"

Alivia is strong willed in character and if she wants something she will be persistent until it happens. This behavior can be positive and negative depending on the situation.

I found this to be a strength for this particular situation and I used the opportunity to encourage her desire to accomplish the goal!  I reminded her that God has placed a dream in her heart and it will be up to her to get across the monkey bars daily in order to discover her determined destiny.  Alivia was so consumed all weekend with getting back to school to try this all over again. She was so focused on this desire.

As I glared at her scares I was reminded of  the scares left on Jesus hands. I told Alivia that Jesus was the first dreamer created by God. Jesus followed his passion for people, He had a vision of what should be and could be for all humanity. The dream demanded sacrifice for Jesus. We have been bought with a price. God was at work behind the scenes in Jesus' life preparing the way for us. God was dreaming about you when He sent Jesus. When we learn to turn our eyes toward the face of Jesus we will only then begin to see the rest of Gods DREAM. The dream did not end at the cross that was the beginning of the dream being transferred into our heart once we believed. The God of the universe has something in mind for each of us.

In today's reading I came across two verses again about DREAMS! God must really need me to understand some things he is doing in my life.

Ecclesiastes 5:3 "For a DREAM comes through much activity"


Ecclesiastes 5:7 "For in the multitude of DREAMS and many words there is also vanity, But fear God."


The cross was the bridge to our dreams and destination. If God has a vision for your life wouldn't it be a tragedy if we take our talents, abilities, experiences, opportunities and education and run off in any
direction we pleased? This is why the above verse pleads with us to "fear God."

It is so important that our dreams and passions are connected to God's multifaceted vision for your life. If not you will experience "much activity" but will fall short in the end. Your dreams will still leave you wondering in the end. Whether you choose to agree or disagree the truth is your choice.

Ephesians 2:10 "you were created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we could walk in them."

God has a dream prepared for you!

The dreams we experience at night sleeping are the natural outgrowths of stimuli we receive in our waking hours. God's dreams are stimulated through our passions and desires the energy of the desire is the creative force that propels the power of your dream.  We all have potential to go beyond where we are. The momentum of  manifestation keeps the dream alive and allows us to experience the path of fulfilling destiny.

The momentum only stays consistent when its God's vision and not our plans. This is the discovery period. WE all have to discover the will of God for our lives. If you start with FEARING GOD and commit to a new, real, fresh and growing relationship with Him, I promise you will feel His ignited energy that will allow you to reach the next monkey bar.

I personally have been in much prayer about Gods vision for my life. I have experienced failed plans the past year but God reminded me that I should not interpret that as failed vision. God allows things to fail so that you recast the vision and He transfers you back to the original vision. However, all of the past was a partner to the future plan. If we are not connected and fearing God we will end up missing the refined moments. Plans are revised and they rarely stay the same. That is why I believe the verse above states that dreams come through much activity.

I plead with you my friends to look to Him to orchestrate that which He originated.  Taking a new bible study, making sure you are in a good bible preaching church, connecting with leaders that influence and teach you about Gods will and desiring to engage your talents and passions in the right direction will allow you to rise to the level of God given destinations!

As you begin to fear God he will bring opportunities your way and open doors. Get ready to stand up and walk through that door, because God will go with you and show you great and mighty things!

I was so inspired by my daughters scars and passion to get across the money bars. I know my dreams have brought me many blisters, but I will not give up! Today is Monday and I decide to fear God and climb those monkey bars one at a time, seeing more of His dreams and less of me!

Happy monkey bar climbing,

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

September 17th Reading

The verses from today are so very powerful, if more people read them and truly tried to heed the warnings then this world would be so much better off.  So many people think that they can do whatever they want to and the world will offer no consequences.  For every choice we make there is a blessing or curse attached to it.  We must be conscious of all choices we make, we must be aware of God's presence and that He is fully aware of all the choices we make.

Proverbs 27:1 says, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth."  We should all know that, first of all tomorrow is not promised to any one of us.  We might not wake the next day, we might have a tragedy come about the next day, there are a million things that could happen and boasting today might just bring strife to our lives.  Be thankful that today is good and that you are blessed but do not be so quick to think that all of your days will be lovely and wonderful.  God did not promise us to have everyday perfect.

Proverbs 28:6 says, "Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse." Those of us that are having a hard time financially right now, know that it is hard to be pleasant when you are broke.  It is never easy to have to tell your kids that you do not have money, it is not easy to tell your spouse that there isn't enough money for whatever they need or want.  These are hard times for many people right now.  However, God is much happier with the poor folks that are still striving to live the right way then the rich people that are running a muck with their extra money.  Proverbs 28:11 "A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him."

Proverbs 28:14 "Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble."  

We must remember to remain diligent in our path, God is always watching us.  Proverbs 29:25-26 "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice." 

As you read the verses today, take into consideration things that you may do or say.  Are the words that you say pleasing to the Lord?  Are they uplifting and helpful to fellow Christians?  Are the things that you do helpful and serving to the Lord?  If you are not living in such a way that would be pleasing to God, then maybe you need to do realign yourself, ask God into your heart as your personal savior and try to work harder at being a better person.  If you try your best already, then God will bless you for it.

Actions speak louder than words,
Kari

KICK THAT LION TO THE CURB!

September 16th Reading

H E L P!  A lion is in my way.....

This morning I was convicted and challenged about some huge weaknesses in my life. I have some ridiculous excuses to why I cannot finish or complete things in life. In yesterdays post I wrote about becoming a finisher. God has goals and destinations  for us in this kingdom life. He desires for us to finish strong and go from glory to glory as we respond in obedience. Dreams and destinations only happen when you finish a desire. A desire brings forth the dream!

What stops you from finishing?

 Proverbs 26:13   The Lazy man says "There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!"

When I get excited about a dream my mind starts to play thousands of tricks on me which sap the energy, motivation and strength right out of my system. My mind is a great example of the fierce lion in the road getting in the way of my destination.

I tend to be very hard on myself. I suffer from low self esteem and lack of confidence. Not very good qualities for a dreamer! I analyze everything I do and come up with reasons for regrets. Regrets then become my greatest fears.

I also tend to slip into comparing myself to other dreamers and their achievements. I then make a conclusion that I "could have" achieved the same things if I were more careful, smarter and courageous. Then I start to feel like crap and that leads to laziness!

Even when I just achieved something, I still criticize my inadequacy instead of thanking God. As a result the lion in my road has made me lethargic and less productive. The lion steals my vision daily if I do not renew my mind. It took a close friend of mine to point this out to me, she stated  this firmly to me, 
                         "Heather, you have to stop talking negative about your dreams!"

My mind will allow me to worry about my next failures which produces procrastination. The past 6 months God has allowed me to visualize more of my dream by directing me to new desires. Since I have taken steps of faith in the direction of the dreams the lion in the road has been getting more fierce.

We all have a door to a particular destiny. When we begin to discover the doorway to our dreams the enemy comes lurking like a fierce lion to kill, steal and destroy the dreamer~

Do you think the enemy is excited for you to FINISH strong?

We all have different lions that will try to destroy the desire God put into our hearts. Let me share another lion I have been facing lately. God has nudged me since last year to begin writing a book/study called "Run Like You Mean It."  However, the lions have told me that I am not a writer and the quality of my grammar is very poor.  People have even intimidated me because they have pointed out my poor qualities.  Listen friends, I know my ggramer is poor but God keeps pointing me to keep shooting for the stars. God reminds me that He will help me in my calling and send people into my pathway.

Remember to embrace the friendships that sharpen and shape you with love. Lions can show up in people. I have experienced the cruel, rude lion that has no desire to encourage the dreamer in you.

Friends do not allow the lions to sap the energy, zeal and strength out of you. Claim Gods word today and kick the lion to the curb.

 Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" 

                            KICK THAT LION TO THE CURB GIRLFRIEND!

This devo was all for me today and I am grateful that God can use my weakness for others!

Shooting for the stars,

ARE YOU A FINISHER?

September 15th Reading

I sit here this morning desiring so bad to continue to be a FINISHER in all areas of my life! A few years ago with the encouragement of my husband I decide to take up running. The sport of running has taught me how to  become a FINISHER in many areas of life! The best feeling during a race is crossing the finish line. My longest run I finished was a 10 mile. I was committed and determined to finish that race. I may not have had the best time, but I FINISHED!

About 3 years ago my husband and I ran the Turkey Trot on thanksgiving morning. This was a 6 mile run along the Detroit river. The course had been planned and the signs along the way kept you on track. However, I did not pay attention to the signs and ended up making a turn joining me with runners that only signed up for the 3 mile race. As I looked ahead I noticed the FINISH sign. I knew it was way to soon to be at this point. I was so mad because I trained for 6 miles, right then I turned around and began running against all the other runners! I was not going to cheat myself out of 3 miles that I trained for.  It was so funny, people thought I was going the wrong way as I ran toward their sweaty faces. I backed tracked one mile and found my mistake, then continued to run the race I trained and desired to finish. I actually ran 7 miles that day not 6....

Do you have promises you made to God this past year? Do you have big desires or dreams? Are you committed to being focused or determined to see the completion of something you desire?

I can remember a time when I was desiring and believing God for my marriage and husband. We had some serious pit falls folks!

I can remember a time when I was desiring to change and heal over wounds in my life.

I can admit that today I am desiring NEW destinations because I experienced the completion of the above goals. I actually feel promoted in the dream world.

Perhaps you have dreams or desires in certain areas like eating healthier, saving money, your children, a marriage, healing in a specific area, a job, finances, ministry or a sport.

As you know its easy to write down specific words about what you desire and dream but the challenge comes down to FINISHING it and seeing the completion of what you desired. The good thing is you don't have to be a person that starts and doesn't finish.

YOU CAN BE A FINISHER

Paul said to the Corinth church in 2 Corinthians chapter 8 "And in this I give advice: IT IS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago, but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be completion out of what you have. For if there is FIRST a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have."

Paul understood that it is one thing to desire and another to see desire carried out. Paul made a profound statement in this verse that keeps me excited in life. He says "It is to your advantage," isn't  wonderful to know there are advantages to being a finisher? The best example of a finisher is none other then God the father. In Genesis he worked 6 days in the desire of creating the heavens and earth and the seventh day He rested. He rested because He FINISHED!

Wow! can you imagine God sitting back and admiring creation. We can also sit back and admire things in our life that have been accomplished.

They're so many people who never experience rest in their lives because they never learned to make a decision and desire something better. They stay stuck in a long cold winter season. You are not destined to have to settle for the lowest common denominator of faith. If you become a dreamer you  will see God accomplish the impossible right in front of your eyes!

 You will FINISH!

Jesus Christ was a finisher and He is the author and finisher of our faith. Allow Him to teach you to live in boldness and expectancy. He will give you small goals and tasks then help you desire to complete them by faith.

Are you ready to be a finisher?

finishing the race,

The Unforgettable Dream

September 14th Reading

The power of an unforgettable dream is that it just keeps going until it is fulfilled. It does not matter how many setbacks occur, or how many obstacles are thrown in the way, it's never to late. The dream came from God, and it still belongs to Him. God made the promise and He has the power to fulfill it!

Do you Believe friends that God has a big dream for you life?

A God dream is a clear focused vision that actually allows us to experience ahead of time the emotions associated with the anticipated future.

Have you ever woke up in the middle of the night crying or laughing really hard because you felt the emotions of your dream? My husband and I have had the wonderful experience to catch and watch each other in our dreams. I have witnessed him laughing so hard he had the bed jerking! He has heard me crying in my sleep and had to give me the gentle nudge to bring me back to reality!

God will allow us to sample the emotions that go along side our God given dreams. He will put us in our dream so we can experience the anticipated future! God will send little opportunities your way which allow you to feel that belly full of fire, passion and enthusiasm. Did you know that the word enthusiasm comes from a greek root, entheos, which means "in God" or even "possessed by God." When you are turbocharged about your dream God is the one who fired you up! Do not let anyone steal that dream. Everyday someone will crush the realities of your dream but stay focused and keep running.

(sidebar) I am working on a book study called "Run Like you Mean it" I will be proposing my book to publishers in July 2011. I am praying and seeking Gods will now as I discover the realities of this dream.

In today's reading a verse jumped out to me that I believe is very important.

Proverbs 19:21 "There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel--that will stand."

God has the necessary power to bring His plans or counsel about. He always succeeds! Our plans are many and uncertain, and the success of our plans depends on the will of God. Only the plans that God approves will succeed!

Passion is the number one ingredient that will motivate you to find or discover direction. I am in a huge season with ministry and I am truly moved by passion to continue to discover Gods direction. The direction is your road map to move you alongside your God given dream. Obstacles and set backs will be encountered during the discovery process, however they all have a huge part in shaping us so we fit into the dream God has designed.

Allow me to share an amazing plan on how to discover the direction in finding the WILL of GOD in your life. Before I give you the 7 day practical plan please renew your mind and ask yourself these foundational questions.

Am I teachable and ready to learn? Do I know the only absolute truth is found in the Word of God? Have I taken the time today to confess sin and walk forward in obedience? Most importantly, if you have not already I plead for you to invite Jesus Christ to come into your life as Savior and Lord.
"For whosever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" Romans 10:13
He must be living inside of you in order for you to begin to really understand and hear His sweet whispers and gentle nudges. Have you crossed that line of faith?

Yesterdays post I talked about the first two choices that need to be made in order to "change your game" I encourage you to read that devotion. God needs to become a choice and commitment in order for your God dreams to be discovered.

7 Day Practical Plan for Discovering the Will of God

1. Read Gods word daily.
I encourage you to start reading the word for the day by clicking the date above the daily devotion. This will take you to the portion of scripture for that day. By making this a commitment and striving for consistancy, I promise you will begin to notice and understand the whispers from God.

2. Pray 3x a day thank God for His perfect ways and ask Him to lead guide and direct you.

3. Fast 24 hours. I usually fast from food and drink water only.
"FASTING" by Jentezen Franklin is a great book to help you understand the deeper and more
powerful relationship with God that is discovered through fasting.

4. Seek Godly counsel from at least 3 people, pay attention to how they direct and challenge you.

5. Watch all your circumstances for those 7 days. God speaks through people and situations to confirm
things in your life.

6. God will reveal things to you in this time period. Be prepared to respond and adjust your life to
follow Him by making a final decision on this day.

7. Rest in the Decision you made and stay committed.

All dreams that are from God go through a discovering process. I hope today's devotion encourages you to move forward in the unforgettable dream.

If you are desiring to discover the doorway to your dreams or maybe you are in the discovering process, please leave a comment at the end of this post and I will pray that you remain a turbocharged dreamer. I will be honored to partner with you in prayer each step of the way. Stand fast in faith my friend and be brave and strong!

Dreaming big with you,

Change your Game

Have you ever played the board game called Life? I personally think it was the most boring game ever! The object is to follow certain set routes depending on your choices in life. The game then stimulates your travel strategies from college to retirement, with jobs, marriages and children (or not) along the way.

This past Sunday we kicked off a new series at our church called "Change your GAME" it focuses on two very true realities that every one will experience in this life. The first being that we're not always who we want to be in life and the second being we're not always where we want to be in life.

Life is full of twist and turns. I have personally experienced crushed, perplexed, struck down and destroyed situations on my path in life. I did not wake up one day and desire to have these obstacles in my life. However, the choices I was making in the game of life was allowing for many of my problems. I was loving the wrong things, living for the wrong things, trusting the wrong things and experiencing the wrong things.

In todays reading Proverbs 3:14 states “Who can bear a broken spirit?"

Who wants to live a life that is broken and dried up? Life can bring us crushing news, perplexing situations and struck down disappointments. I personally was broken, dried up and defeated; the game of life destroyed me. I messed up in high school and even more so in college. I carried the weight of sin and bondage into the rest of my travels in life. I was stuck in a messed up world and it kept on spinning in circles.

I did not want this life for me, dreams shattered and hope deferred. I am very thankful for the few divine friends that kept reminding me that I was made for so much more. However, it was not up to them to convince me or persuade me it was up to me to understand that I had the potential for change!

CHANGE is the foundation of HOPE!

I was not able to see hope because I was blinded by despair. I was angry at the choices I made in life. I felt like a looser and believed that God had abandoned me. Have you ever felt that struck down friends?

May I please share a truth with you that I heard yesterday that I know changed my life? The truth is: we can CHANGE our lives by CHANGING our game. We can easily be conformed to this world, but the morals and ways of this life will blind our minds from seeing the light of the gospel. I was blinded from the real life I was created to live because I chose to play by the wrong set of rules.

Let me share two game changing choices I had to start with......

A decision to stop writing my own story; of imperfection and shattered dreams and allow Jesus Christ to renew my faith, heart, trust and focus. Then I decided to commit and offer everything I had to God.

Friends I am living proof of a NEW CREATION, the old is gone and the new has come. I will admit that I still am messy and sold as a slave to sin and still don't understand why I do the things I do for what I need to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

But I do know this.... I am CHANGING and being transformed daily because I am committed to Change. Daily God renews my mind and sets me apart more and more.

Friends I urge you to give your heart, focus, faith and life over to Christ. I promise you will see something NEW in the midst of your situation. Ask yourself today what you are living for? What are you living for this week? I challenge you to make a choice to CHANGE your game.

Stop living the mad life and allow God to transform your life. We have to follow His rules for college, jobs, marriage, children and our dreams. If you choose to Change your game you will live the LIFE God has planned for you. This game of life will not be boring but action packed and full of adventure.

Proverbs 16:9 "A mans heart plans his ways But the Lord directs His steps"

Who's rules are you living by?

Thank God for the friends He may divinely be putting in your life today!

Life in Him,

Happy Sunday!

September 12th Reading

Happy Reading!  Enjoy this beautiful day...

Change is Needed

September 11th Reading

Enjoy your weekend, take a few minutes to read the scriptures from today.

I hope that God puts something on your heart, something that you can change or adjust.

Much love,
Kari

Miss Know It All

September 10th Reading

Who out there thinks they know all of the answers?  You? Me? Your neighbor? Your friend? Your mother? Your father?  Do people that always think they have the right answers, or even an unsolicited opinion about everything just annoy you?  They sure do me! 

It is quite evident when we are actually seeking advice and when we just make rhetorical statements to hear it out loud.  So many people THINK they have all the answers, but none of us do.  We must constantly seek wisdom, none of us will ever have it all correct or right.  Reading our bibles and staying involved in church activities and studies will keep us accountable and further our knowledge. 

Proverbs 9:9-11 "Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life"


When we try to live by God's word we are striving for more wisdom and with that we can live the way we were intended to do so.  There are so many things that we do not understand why it is happening or why we are going through something.  We have to accept that it is not up to us in what does or does not happen.  God's will is what we will live by, regardless of what our choice may be. We often make choices on our own without God's input and then it makes our lives far harder than what they need to be. 

We must make the choice to adhere to God's will for our lives!  This is so important and today's reading will further tell you how important real wisdom is.  I encourage you to know that our lives are only a vessel for God to use.  I further encourage you to discuss your problems with God first and then make your choices accordingly.  Read the verses from today and take heed of them and then move forward.  Have a good day and a great weekend!

Former Miss Know It All,
Kari

The Portrait of Adultery

September 9th Reading

Just a reminder that if you click on the date above it will bring up the Bible and verses for today's reading. This is so easy and convenient. My devotion's come from practical, relevant life stories that match the real and raw places of my own life. God has challenged me and taught me some very powerful lessons. My daily devotion's stem from a portion of the days reading. Take the time to read the bible verses and then refer to my devotion to see how the bible came to life in my neck of the woods!

Happy Reading!

King Solomon brings us the book of proverbs. He has used his life of mistakes to bring us wisdom on skillful living. The book of proverbs often refers to the "path" or the "way". It provides a Godly goal and a means to reach the goal. My post from yesterday challenges you to ponder your path, take a look if you have a minute.

Solomon addresses the problem of sexual immorality in Proverbs chapter 7. He turned from wisdom at one time and followed after his own folly.

How often do we turn from what we know is right and folly after our flesh desires?

When we follow hard after those desires we give no thought to the path of life and the consequences will be dreadfully real.

I have experienced the sting in my life from a broken marriage. My hope was gone and my heart was sick. I did not have the treasures of Gods promises to burn in my heart and help me through the struggles. However, God knew my deepest pain and heard my cries. I came to the end of my rope and knew I needed to learn how to depend on God. I am grateful for the people the Lord had divinely placed in my life for this exact season.

The person that enters into an adulterous relationship has allowed the eyes and mind to to become obsessed with a lustful portrait. This individual man or woman makes a choice to put themselves willingly in the way of temptation. In Proverbs chapter 7 you will see a graphic portrait of what I believe Solomon experienced. He gave graphic illustrations of the seductress. The woman chose to dress provocatively, she used flattering speech and was outside her home hanging around in the wrong places.

It takes two people to fall into the trap of an adulterous relationship. As women we need to be careful not to end up being the seductress. We often think that we would never do something like that but when our emotions are restless and unfulfilled we can easily choose the wrong path. I have witnessed close friends that fell in the trap of loneliness and restlessness and when emotions are not guarded they can tug us down the wrong route. We need Gods wisdom when we struggle and He will give us the right perspective and tackle our inner conflict.

As women we need to make sure we are in the right places. Sometimes our "girls night out" takes us to local towns with great restaurants however, the twilight of the evening can put things in our path that could eventually "cost" us. We need to be wise women and protect our heart from turning and straying down wrong paths. I have also witnessed the flirt of eye contact and how that dangerous lure ended up destroying a family.

We often blame the men for cheating but we as women need to ponder our paths also. I was not walking the best path early in our marriage and neither was my husband. When two people are not united in the truth of Gods wisdom someone will end up getting hurt. Our marriage today only survives because Gods word burns in our hearts helping us to remember wise choices. Sunday church service burns in our hearts throughout the week reminding us of the game of life and the right moves to make on the board!

I want to pause a second and speak a word of encouragement to the marriages or individuals hurting. Please hang on and turn to God for help and wisdom. My husband and I went down a wicked path so I do not take the sentence lightly that I wrote above about us both going to church and being united in Gods truth together. Listen girlfriends, that was not reality for me at one time, but I chose to change and persevere. God then took over and His power showed up in amazing ways. So please believe big, it takes one person in the relationship to take a stand and believe for change. Regardless, you will see the power of God by your personal choice to stand strong, seek God and choose wisdom. Some days God may just show up to comfort and hold you in your pain and reveal His power by settling your sick heart. I can vividly remember God holding me while I was crying on my bed one night. Friends He is so very real.

God is good, His mercy, grace and wisdom is a must for my family. Everyday we all make mistakes and often more wrong choices then good. But God is always waiting to teach us wisdom and help us make the right moves in the game of life. We may loose some games but in those loosing times we gain through the experience. We accept correction, change and then grow.

I have another video teaching I would love to share with you. I have used this before on a recent post called "A Sex successful marriage" if you have 35 minutes please view the treasures in this teaching. I talk specifically about the dangers of adultery. I pray it brings value and blessing to your life. May you sparkle today and your worth be far above the most beautiful rubies.

Proverbs Lesson #3

Sweet blessings,

CONTACT ME

I love reading your comments on my post, but if you need to contact me privately, feel free to email me at  heather@hbministries.com

I would love to be a part of your upcoming event. Please contact me so I can answer any questions you may have or schedule your event.

CELL PHONE: 734-377-9917

WEBSITE  http://www.heatherbaxter.com/


I have a list of specialized speaking topics. The promotional material is provided for each message.

If you desire a video taping of my speaking I can have material provided for you.

Ponder your Path

September 8th Reading

In yesterdays post I shared the recent new doors that have been opened for me and others in ministry. Take a look at the fresh dreams and directions. (9/7/10)

God has an amazing prepared path for us all to take. However, I believe the world has lost the contrast between light and dark. Choosing the path that is wise will lead you to a destiny that increases in brightness and purpose. The path that is dark is characterized by complete and utter darkness that causes instability and stumbling. I have been down that dark path far too many times and I have also experienced the goodness of God by choosing the lit path. I can say today that I am addicted to the goodness of God and that alone keeps me craving the bright path.

I have explained in past posts that my family has been in a state of transition the past 6 months. Yesterday my 3 children all started new schools. My oldest son, Benjamin and I spent some time together last evening before bed, chatting about his life in a new school. Ben is 13 and in 8th grade. I know this is hard for him to meet all new friends again. My husband, my son, and I  have been praying that God would direct His path in choosing new friendships. Ben told me last night that he is observing all the kids and does not want to end up with trouble makers. I told him to make "wise" choices in picking friends. Our friends can be our biggest obstacles. I have striven the past 13 years to teach Ben the way of wisdom. He has a fork in every path for every decision he makes. He can choose light or dark!

I desire for Ben to experience the brightness of Gods destiny for His life.

Proverbs 4:26 "Ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established."

Today's reading covers Proverbs chapter 3-5. I highly encourage you to read these short chapters. God is directing us to choose the bright path. I love theses chapters because they explain what is in it for you when you choose the right path.

Peace, favor, high esteem, mercy, truth, direction, honor, overflow, HAPPINESS, health, sweet sleep, blessings, pleasantness and strength are deposited into our life when we choose the wise path.

God has something far greater then your struggle, pain, shame, fear and loneliness. I feel sorry for people that do not give God the time of day, or even acknowledge that He has a chosen path designed for them.
Those that claim to have a perfect life without Him will never really experience the POWER of God in their life. That is so sad to me, the power of God shows up like all the deposits I mentioned above. Who in their right mind would not want something freely deposited into their life? God is so good my friends and I plead with you today to think about His wisdom and ways.

I want my son to make wise choices. I reminded him last night as we ended our talk that God has something so great for him. I told him that God did not transition our family with no purpose in mind. God wants to make stuff known to us and is offering us an outstretched hand, but we can disregard all of His deposits if we are not wise.

I have two video teachings that I did on WISDOM last year. The teaching is on proverbs chapter 3-5.
I teach in a very relational and relevant way. I promise it will stir your heart. These few chapters are so rich with treasure. Please allow me to open the trunk and share the jewels with you! If you have 40 minutes over coffee or hot tea join me. Each lesson is approximately 35 minutes. The choice to view this lesson could be the first step in the right direction. The links for the lessons are located at the bottom of this posting.  God has a word for you my friend!

Have a great Wednesday and I hope all the moms are adjusting to the back to school schedule. I have 3 children all in different schools this year! I use post it notes to remind me of bus stops and drop off and pick up times. The mornings can be crazy over here at the Baxter house!

I would love to hear from you, please leave a comment in the box below and let me know how Gods word is working in your life. Also if you click the envelope on the bottom of the post it will email today's devotion to a friend.

Proverbs Lesson #1
Proverbs Lesson #2

Grace and Peace,

The Door to Destiny

September 7th Reading

The chapter of my story that I share with you today is the most current that God is writing and editing. A story is always broken down into several chapters. I share many of my chapters in my daily blog posts. My life story is an on going journey of wonder, struggles, fears and desires.

The Lord has recently nudged our family out of our cozy comfort zone in Holly, Michigan. We left behind our hometown, schools, friends and church. The Lord knew He had a purpose in mind. My husband and I didn't have to make this move, however after a good year of praying and seeking the Lord we continued to feel the nudge from God to move and step out in Faith,. Once my husband and I began to respond to the nudges, I then began to discover a new sense of destiny.

Proverbs 16:9 A mans heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps

God-sized dreams start in "His" heart and then He places them in ours. The God-sized dream started to come alive in me after I crossed the line of faith. I made a decision to hand God my messy life and He turned me into His messenger. My career took a differant life-changing twist.
 
ME + MESS = MESSENGER
 
I decided  I would run with perseverance and forget the things which are behind and reach forth into those things which are before me. I have become a runner for Jesus and I will keep running toward the prize of the high calling.

The prize is not about big titles with big public platforms. It's not about being an award winning author or keynote speaker at a large event. The prize and goal is to be an everyday women who simply seeks to glorify God through her life and family. I strongly feel it is my God given calling to use my giftedness to bring God's word alive. I will share my failures and struggles in hope that it points my listeners to God. I will provide an environment that will bless, encourage and challenge you.


A good runner changes their training course often. A different course will change your tempo, pace and stamina.  Each course helps you train for a specific goal and destination.

I believe God is taking me to a new running course this season. This will help me train and prepare for the bigger dreams He has placed in my heart.

Recently, more effective doors have opened for me. I am very excited to walk through these doors, lace up my Nike' shoes and begin running the new course of adventure!

Northridge Church in Plymouth, Michigan has become my families new church home. I am thrilled to discover, develop and experience Christ in many new ways as I step in and start serving in ministry.

I will also be stepping out in faith after much prayer and confirmation with a speaking and writing ministry. I am currently writing my first book study. I am so grateful for the many people God has directed in my life to make this possible. I have always been a speaker but writing is a whole new obstacle. I am horrible at spelling, grammer and all the above. But with Gods help all things are possible. If God has given you words to speak, He most certainly will help those words fall behind the cover of a book.
 The speaking ministry will begin this year. We are currently working on a full informative website and much more. Media is amazing these days and we will do our best to offer freebies and studies on line.

HB Ministries has a passion and vision to enable women to: 

DISCOVER THE DOOR TO THEIR DESTINY

I have had the privilege of serving in full time ministry. A former womens minisry director, teacher, speaker, counselor and friend  has given me the privalege to grow, challenge and lead women to experience the Lord's purpose and provision for their life. I have a driven passion to continue leading women  to walk an invigorating journey with God. The new opened doors in ministry will set the stage for God to continue to show up in BIG ways.

    HB MINISTRIES  vision and purpose is to lead every women to the door of their destiny by:

   *Drawing them closer to the heart of God through my daily blog devos! 
   *Helping women discover the whispers of Gods voice in new and fresh ways
   *Help the bible come alive through a real, practical, relevant and relational teaching style
   *Challenging women to recognize their unique purpose and calling
   *Featuring "Discover Your Dream" Conference with all material provided
   *Providing several stirring messages that will draw women closer to the door of their destiny.

Thank you to my family and friends that have supported and embraced my calling.  Especially my husband and children, they have lived and breathed this on going passion and dream. It takes much support from your family when you step out with the dreams God has placed in your heart. Thank you to my dear friends that have encouraged my heart every step of the way from past ministry opportunities up till now.

I am excited and grateful for this new journey. I am anticipating the new churches I will visit, the fun events and gatherings with women from all over, the new adventure of writing, book proposals and online video teachings.

But I am most grateful for the destiny's that will be discovered in the lives of thousands of women.
Thank you Jesus for calling me!

John 10:9 "I am the door. If anyone enters by me they will be saved, and go in and out and find pasture."

Believing big and standing strong in Faith,

Is There Thunder & Lightning at Your House?

September 3rd Reading

Life is full of storms, some are more light and some are torrential downpours!  There have been many times in my life that the future was so bleak, I was ready to really just give up.  I do not mention it for sympathy or anything like that, only to state that there have been some very low valleys for me.  The Lord blessed me with some really great people in my life to see that I have value and there is a part for me in God's plan.  Sometimes though, it is hard to see that from your own point of view.


We are not always able to handle what life rains on us.  Inevitably, they're people in our lives that show up like wicked thunder and bolts of lightning. They seem like they are out to hurt us and ruin our lives. On some days our flesh may want to smack them into next week or really tell them off!  However is that really going to help anything?
 
Psalm 141:3-4 " Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.  Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies"
 Neither of the mentioned ideas will work.  It might give you some instant gratification, but one of two things will happen afterward.  One, you could win yourself a spot in the county jail and I can tell you from experience  that it is NOT FUN!  Two, you could end up feeling really bad and actually have caused more problems for you both.  Neither option is going to get you any peace.


There is one option that we all have and that is to turn it over to God.

Psalm 142:6 "Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need;  rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me."


He will always be there to take care of us in our deepest needs. God will take care of those that wrong us and that are trying to disrupt Gods plan for our lives. Every choice a person makes, there is either a blessing or a curse attached to it.  If we wrong people, we will pay for it in the end. Unless we have asked Gods forgiveness. But how many even understand this truth today?  

 Remember today that God will NEVER give us more than we can handle. God cares for you and will rescue you from those who pursue  strong after you.  If someone in your life is making you crazy with anger, strife, stress, embarrassment or other negative feelings get on your knees and pray to God for Him to handle it for you. 
Let it go and then let God deal with it. Together we will learn to let God handle our lives and live for Him!  He is always only one prayer away!

Thunder and lightning free, (for now anyways)

Are you a Clanging Cymbal?

September 2nd Reading

I want to tell you how this verse ended up on our weekly family chalkboard. This has glared and poked at me all week and it certainly smoothed my rough edges.

Alivia my youngest daughter, was anxiously waiting for us at the door of her classroom last week in church. She was waving her hand for me to hurry up. I was so excited to hear what she had to tell me.
After she began talking my heart began to sink to the bottom. She handed me the little yellow card that contains the verse they will memorize that week. She then said "Mom, will you please put this on the chalkboard this week and try hard to read it 5x's a day?" Now she was serious friends, very serious. She said it with love and compassion. She then went on to say "sometimes we all talk mean to each other and scream across the room, I think this will help us all out."

I felt like a failure that very moment. I also felt a prick in my heart that nudged me to make a change.
I grew up in a very loud family. We talked fast toward one another, screaming at times and never listened very well. Now we all got along and had fun growing up we just had some rough edges.
I see the same traits slipping into my family today. However we are striving daily to live for Christ and do whats right. But I will be honest, when you put 5 individuals under the roof of a home with 5 different personalities I promise that you will have tension in tense situations. My daughter Alivia is unique. She is our gift of sweetness and softness. She keeps us all on our toes when it gets tense. Now she is not always perfect, but she does have a gentle heart. I love that each of my children add character  to the family.

So guess what verse was on the door for the WEEK...

Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger"

When in a tense situation I often do not respond with a soft and gentle answer. I tend to blurt a harsh comment. Its not easy for me to be soft and gentle.

Bible study after bible study I have learned that what a person is on the inside will be an impact on his emotional state when circumstances of stress present themselves. I  truey love the Word of God and strive to read it daily. I see God in my life daily and He continues to use me in amazing ways. However, I have to be on guard with my quick crazy temper. When chaos and stress start brewing, I have to PAUSE and really ask God to help me. A gentle answer requires much self control, love  and patience. This fruit of this spirit has had a hard time growing on my branches.  Thankfully God keeps fertilizing me and putting disease control on my branches so I am able to yield healthy fruit.

My husband said "Yelling and talking loud is a learned trait"  We can easily teach and model this negative behavior to each other. We have made a commitment to God and each another that this is not acceptable for our family. Things have been changing and it will be a lifetime of commitment. The important thing is you have to be aware of the problem and then humble yourself to admit it's no longer right.

I came from a good family growing up, but we had problems!  Don't we all?  However we never worked on our problems. We just kept on living.  So as I desire to grow deeper in my personal relationship with God, the Holy Spirit my teacher patiently continues to  help me refine the rough edges.
I desire a family that is nourished in the Love of God. I hope to see a generation that does not settle for rough edges in tense situations. Our rough edges can be very damaging to the life of others if not taken seriously.

Today's reading in the Word went along side the verse my daughter received at church. I love the way God speaks to us and knows exactly what He wants us to know.

1 Corinthians 13:1 "Though I speak with tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal"

Have you ever heard a clanging symbol or the sound of brass? It does not sound gentle. It is very annoying and aggravating.

Have you ever been around someone that yells or screams all the time? That can be annoying and aggravating too?

God has given me several opportunities in ministry to lead, teach and now even pursue avenues of writing. This is all great but without love this profits nothing. We love through our responses. Love does not behave rudely.

When in a tense situation, with my kids I am often not soft and gentle, I can be rude. But I have decided that I will not become a clanging cymbal.

The family chalkboard has kept me in line this week.The chalkboard is located in a place that smacks you in your face all day long! You cannot miss it. But I love the reminder that without love I am pretty much bankrupt! I want to be a living and breathing example to my children and I will strive hard daily to commit to change.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER: How can you love today with a kingdom love? Will you choose to guard your responses in the heat of tension? Will you invite God in to help you and your family today?

I also suggests a Family Chalkboard. Place it in an area of the house in which all will see, you will be amazed at the results.

Blessings friends,

DUCT TAPE DREAMS

September 1st Reading

Duct Tape is a WONDERFUL thing. Now I am going to be real and let you know that I just discovered that you spell DUCK tape this way....DUCT tape. OK you can laugh but remember, I tell God daily He chose the wrong girl to write and speak!

I use duct tape on everything. If you looked behind the pictures and mirrors on my wall you will find rolled duct tape to keep them in place. If you look under my big area rugs you will find duct tape to hold the four corners from slipping. If you look in my lamps I have duct tape around the broken lamp shades. I use duct tape to hold everything together.

I was thinking today about several conversations I have had in the past week with people. Every story had something to do with a BROKEN reality. However, so many people settle for repairing their brokenness with a quick piece of duct tape to keep them from slipping day to day in the pain of their reality. God wants you to believe He has something better for you!
However we settle for the big thick ugly silver duct tape.

Remember Disappointment is the GAP that exists between expectation and reality. However, God has a way to get our attention and fill all the Gaps. All of us have encountered gaps. We have all had unexpected bad experiences. Have you had an expectation about someone and then they let you down? What about an expectation for your family name? How about a goal or dream in ministry that all of a sudden  begins to twist and fall?

 Disappointments can be highly damaging to us.The greatest gap between successful people and unsuccessful people is the "thinking gap". If you have ran into a detour PLEASE be careful and guard your mind. Keep trying, keep learning, keep moving and exploring forward. We need to be careful and get Gods wisdom out of the experience. Failure can bring us right to the doorway of Gods dreams for our lives. He has only one door that determines our destiny. However, we choose to go in the wrong door and shut the right doors several times in life. I pray you choose to allow the twists and turns in your life to draw you into Gods Grace.

Psalm 136:4 "To Him alone does great wonders, for His mercy endures forever"

He is enduring when you are broken. He has something better for your life!

Change your thinking, Change your perspective, Change your habits

"A CHAMPION IS ONE WHO GETS UP WHEN HE CAN'T"
                                  -Jack Dempsey

Do not keep duct tape Faith. Believe God to do something better with the broken situation. I know from experience that disappointment hurts. But I also know that having a passion to DISCOVER the real truth, embracing another journey and realizing God is always faithful and has not forgotten me. This attitude will lead me to Gods preferred dream for my life.I came to the reality of a new vision in my valley. I chose to think differently in that Gap.

How are you thinking in your gap today? Has expectations left you broken?
Are you settling for duct tape faith? Will you BELIEVE for more today?

Can we pray together?
Lord, Please bless every person that has invested time in reading this devo. You love them with an ENDURING love. Thank you for allowing me to be a channel of your Grace and Reality. I pray that you would help us remove the duct tape in the broken areas of our life. I know you will direct us to the right door. Lord put a passion in us today to begin to discover more then the reality of our gaps.
Thank you ahead of time for the wonders you will do!
In Jesus name,
We all say AMEN!

Love ya and I prayed for your destiny today,