Stand Ladies, Stand

In Honor of My Close Friends...Ladies..I love you!

What do we do when times are tough, and our heart aches, yearning for something more,

something greater than ourselves?

We want break through in our life,

in areas that have been battled for years,

cried over with tears,

and fought over with strife.

Our heart's desire is to win.

Yet in the battle, our fighting thins.

We see no one beside us, no one to guide us.

We feel alone with ourselves,

alone in the fight,

trying with all of our might.

To get beyond this season,

beyond the pain,

running and striving

to fight off the pain.

What to do in all of this mess,

to jump over,

swim over, and

join the rest. Of those who have made it before,

gives us some hope, for us to fight more.

Stand and fight

Your battle is over.

God in heaven

Is always much higher

Than all of our ways

all of our thoughts

He is the author

the finisher of all.

He will fight

For your behalf

Stand Ladies, Stand

Watch His Hands!

He will do

All we cannot

And break down

The enemies plot

Stand Ladies, Stand

God is in Control

The water is not

as deep as before.

Walk with Him

Let Him Guide

He is Protector

He will Provide!

Stand!!!!

~Jessica Smith

Guest Blogger: Rick Joyner

The Army of God Mobilizes, Part 38 Since the theme for the Word for the Week is mobilizing, and we have many current examples of how this works, I would like to examine one in particular because of its obvious and powerful lessons—that is how the Republican Party mobilized when Governor Sarah Palin was chosen as John McCain’s running mate. This may be an unprecedented example of what we are seeking to understand here so we would be missing a great opportunity not to examine it. This is not about politics, but mobilization. In my lifetime, I cannot remember another person coming from such obscurity to such visibility and influence in such a short period of time. Several times I have purposely scrolled through every news channel, and Governor Palin’s face was on them all—conservative, liberal, and those who at least claimed to be neutral. The coverage ranged from extremely positive to extremely negative, but it seemed that everyone could not help but to talk about her. Many were wowed by John McCain’s brilliance at announcing Governor Palin as his running mate the morning after the unprecedented euphoria that the Democratic Party seemed to be feeling after their convention. This may have been brilliant timing, but that does not account for this unprecedented impact from a person who has seemed to suck the oxygen out of any other news. Think about it. When Geraldine Ferraro was chosen, the first woman ever to be on a major party ticket for one of the two highest offices in the world, there was not even a fraction of the stir created by Governor Palin. This is what we discussed before about having an anointing for leadership. Nothing in the natural could explain the reactions for and against her. It’s not natural. Usually a pick for the Vice President has a little impact and then it is over in a day or two. Not so here. McCain was hardly noticed anymore, which interestingly he did not seem to mind but actually enjoyed it. Palin’s announcement excited and mobilized the Republican Party, possibly like nothing else has so fast. Immediately, crowds were eclipsing those of any of the other candidates. This is an anointing for leadership. Palin has also excited opposition. It quickly went from what seemed to be a knee-jerk reaction to the news, to a very mean-spirited and deeply disrespectful tone. Feminists were actually using “the glass ceiling” to try to beat Governor Palin down. The accusations against her were so bizarre for a time that those making them were immediately humiliated and embarrassed as an increasingly discerning public reacted to the hypocrisy. The more the media tried to demean her, the more the public rose up and smote them back. This was very interesting to say the least. This is not to imply that the questions being asked about Governor Palin’s qualifications to sit “a heartbeat away” from what is considered the most powerful position on the planet are not legitimate. Many in both parties did question this, but did it with respect and appeared to do it objectively, which should be appreciated. The qualification to sit in such authority is what the campaigns are designed to establish or reveal. However, there is a difference between legitimate and respectful questioning of such important issues and attacking with evil motives by using deception and lies. The rage that also rose up against Governor Palin is the result of her anointing. We need to consider this when we are desperate for others to recognize us and our calling—if the true can recognize us, so can the devil. If our unveiling has not happened yet, we are not ready for it. I do feel that Governor Palin has a calling to leadership that I recognized immediately when I first saw her speak. This does not necessarily mean that the McCain ticket is going to win this fall or that everyone who disagrees with her or challenges her is from the devil. However, there was a considerable amount of opposition that rose up that did cross the line and was easily recognizable as being beyond mere human disagreement. Some of the same has come against Senator Obama and the accusations leveled against him that are not true. He, too, has a remarkable anointing to mobilize people, and that will always cause a corresponding opposition. As we have discussed previously, the anointing to mobilize can be used for good or evil. The leaders of both the North and South in the American Civil War had a remarkable anointing for mobilizing multitudes for their causes. So have leaders on both sides in most wars, and yet one side can be far more righteous in their cause. The greater the anointing to mobilize, the more who will follow us, and the more that can lead to do good or evil. Therefore, if the time comes when others start to mobilize to us, we must be even more careful of where we are leading them. The ultimate Leader is Jesus. When He is lifted up all men will be drawn to Him. Therefore, the greatest anointing for drawing men will come by those who are manifesting Him more. To manifest Him more, we must keep our attention on Him and not those following us. There is a place for being aware of those the Lord has given us to watch over and to lead in His name for the sake of being responsible. I was shown a vision many years ago that I feel says it clearly. In this vision, I saw a pastor who would look at the Lord, and people started gathering to him. Whenever he turned from the Lord to look at the people, they would start scattering from him. Again, there is a place for knowing those we have been given to watch over and to be responsible for, but there is also a curse that came upon Israel when David “numbered the people.” If we are receiving our security from how people feel about us or how many are following us rather than from the Lord’s approval, we are in danger of leading them astray. The more people begin to follow us, the more we must keep our eyes on the Leader and resolve to get ever closer to Him.
http://www.morningstarministries.org/Default.aspx
Rick Joyner, 9/23/2008

Never ceases to stop...

There is am amazing thing, called simple communication that never ceases to stop, or amaze me. The gospel of Christ and His salvation was spread through word of mouth, and pen to paper. Never underestimate the power of your words.

I am sitting here in the lobby of the Marriott Hotel in Kansas City, MO. I am on a break from work, and do not have to be back until dinner time. This past weekend people have been asking me about how I met my husband, in of which, is an amazing God Miracle. I told one, and she told another person of whom I was able to share with not only my story, but Christ's work in my daily life.

She in turn, told her husband-to-be my story, and he was amazed. I cannot cease to tell you the importants of your words. Proverbs says, 'Life and Death are in the power of the tonuge, and they that love it will eat its fruit."

We have the power of communicaiton to bring God's life or light to a situation, person, or people, or we can turn our words to bring death, hurt and pain. Not only to a person, but to someone else. We must be careful to be a living example in word and in deed.

Let your words be filled with the power of God's glory and love.

See ya soon,
Jessica Smith

Guest Blogger-Craig Sloan

"Remember Your Previous Victories"
from Positioned for Greatness
I will be sharing one principle about understanding your enemy each day out of my present life. Today I want to deal with this thought. "The enemy will underestimate you because he is not aware of your past victories."Satan is not everywhere at one time (Omnipresent) and he does not know everything (Omniscient). Those are Godly attributes, satan is limited. Goliath had no idea that the 12 year old boy named David had seen past victories. If he had been acquainted with David's victories he might have rethought the battle. Many times the enemy is unaware of what you have been through to get to this point.You have to remind yourself of what you have been through to this point and the fact that God has been faithful not 90% of the time but all the time. He shows up not realizing that you have already defeated a lion and a bear before you got to him. And the same faith that took down that prior opponent will cause you to take down this opponent and all you have to do is draw from the same well that got you to this point.You don't need someone to encourage you, you just need to get somewhere and rehearse the fact that if it had not been for the Lord who was on your side, you would be crawled up in a corner somewhere about to lose your mind! Here is what I know!Revelation 12:11, says we defeat the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony and they...A testimony is a declaration of what God has already done. In other words they overcame the next obstacle by testifying to themselves of what God had already done. This is what God has already done and that's why this next battle will be no different. This is how you overcome, you testify of Jesus.Paul said that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Your testimony is a prophecy to your present battle of its demise. Wow! Your last victory prophecies to your giant of his defeat! It is the testimony of Jesus that unlocks prophetic potential on the inside of you that can bring you into your brand new day!And when the enemy becomes aware of your past victories, he becomes fearful. God will then go before you and demoralize your enemy before the battle is even started.To be continued...

All about...ME!!

Okay, so yes, a blog about me..I thought it would be somewhat fun to do!

Your Quirk Factor: 34%
You have a few little quirks, but you generally blend in well with society.Only those who know you well know how weird you can be.

You Are 52% Open
You are a fairly open person, but you also like to maintain your privacy.You definitely will tell all (okay, almost all) to your closest friends...But strangers and acquaintances only get a peek into your life.

You Have A Type B+ Personality
You're a pro at going with the flowYou love to kick back and take in everything life has to offerA total joy to be around, people crave your stability.While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity.Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's doneYou're passionate - just selective about your passions

Your Summer Ride is a Beetle Convertible
Fun, funky, and a little bit euro.You love your summers to be full of style and sun!

The Recipe For Jessica Smith
3 parts Energy2 parts Fearlessness1 part MoxieSplash of IngenuitySip slowly on the beach

Check out the quizzes at http://www.blogthings.com/

See ya..

~Jessica Smith

There are Days..

There are days when life seems horrible. Swirling around like a tropical storm.
Running for your life, leaving everything you know behind.
Friends..
Family..
Work..
Home..
Your life.

Doubt sets in.
Fear starts to take its place..
in finances..
hurt..
rejection...
worry...
Your Family.

We end up in a place of Unknown.
In this place we discover...
our feelings...
who we are..
what we believe...
who we trust..
if we will move on...

Into something else.

Unknow to us God is...
using our faith..
connecting us together...
moving people..
moving things...
shifting our future...
For His Glory Alone.

Remember....
In the storm God is there.
In the shifting, God is moving.
and....

God's Eyes are bigger and look futher than the eye of the storm.

~Jessica Smith

My Guest Blogger

I've been reading The Good Girl Revolution over the weekend and will be posting a review of it in the coming days. Due to all the issues that young people face today, having to contend with an overly sexualized society and made to feel bad about being good, it's no wonder there is so much depression and despair among our youth. But I can't help but to probe a bit deeper into the disconnect between those who should be our role models and those who actually are--if this is a core issue with regard to this dilemma. In fact, the problem is not just within pop culture where young people admire the the Paris Hilton's and Brittany Spears' for their trendy clothes and rebellious spirit, the problem may also exist within the church. In what I'm about to say in no way suggests that the evangelical community is perpetuating the problem of sexualization, it's a different problem but is at its foundation fundamentally the same...a lack of appropriate role models.Let me first begin by saying that I understand and value the existence of powerful youth ministries, and I'm familiar with many leaders in this area who are doing marvelous work. But....yes, there's a but. I can't help but wonder if the existence of youth ministry is in some way preventing the older women from having a Titus 2 influence on the younger women in the church. And this is a 2 way street...maybe the older women just aren't interested in influencing the younger generation. That's a problem.I've attended a lot of women's ministry events over the years, and only a few have had a focus on the older women relating to the much younger women. We spend a lot of time talking about how we need to bridge the generational gaps, but often we end up not pursuing anything with the much younger women not involved in women's ministry. The excuse is that they are involved in youth ministry. It's not our job. They don't think we're cool. We're too old. We do things differently. Change how we do women's ministry? I think not. These are some of that attitudes, conscious or unconscious, that impact our inability to reach the younger women in the church.For the biblically instituted ministry between women to occur, access needs to be granted and coordinated within the local church. Younger women (teens, high school, college) should not be viewed as aliens to the women's ministry, as too immature to be involved. No, the women's ministry should view their role as equipping young women for successful, godly living in all areas and spheres of life. From dating to homemaking, cultural issues to biblical studies, older women need to be actively influencing other women, cultivating an environment where positive and significant role models are readily found.With this view of ministry in mind, women's ministry had to change. No longer can it be exclusively about the social activities and daytime bible studies. Engaging the young women means engaging their world, knowing everything about it and being ready to give an answer to them for the hope we have in Christ. It's about knowing theology and engaging cultural understandings of God and spirituality. It's about knowing the self...the sinful nature and our need for a savior, and how man seeks continuously to be autonomous from God's sovereign hand. In other words, women's ministry has to broaden her understanding in order to broaded her audience. Leadership teams need to invite younger, godly women to help bridge the generational gaps (intellectually/functionally) and youth ministry needs to encourage the development of young women in the context of women's ministry. Some churches might even consider a youth women's leader who is also a part of the women's leadership team. The bottom line is, if women's ministry wants to continue having a real impact on the lives of women into the future, it must consider new avenues of action.This is a topic I often speak about. Should you have any interest in this message being communicated to your women's ministry, please contact me to arrange for a time. sarahflashing@gmail.com

Year of New Beginnings-Part One" Things Die"

God is turning and churning the atmosphere. There is a stirring in my spirit, a stirring in my heart, and a stirring in God's kingdom. What is going on? Why do I feel so shaken up, turned inside out, and emotional? I cannot put it into words sometimes. God used the UnStoppable Conference in a Mighty, Mighty way. What started as a dream of Pastor Deanna and Pastor Tara has now went around the country and touched many, many people.

Funny how God knows His own timing. Last night He was stirring me again. It has not stopped, this newness, this beginning. What happens in the spiritual realm, mirrors the phyicial as well.

God has been bringing to my heart and mind the book of Ruth. There are several things He has shown me and I will as time permits me share those things with you.

Naomi-her name means pleasantness and bitterness.
Ruth-a follower.
Moab-a desert place, confusing, loneliness
Elimelech-my God is Kind
Mahlon-sickness
Chilion-finished, complete
Orpah-fawn
Judah-praised

1. Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. 2. And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. 3. And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. 4. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dowelled there about ten years. 5. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. 6. Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. . 7. Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.

Here we see the beggining of the story of Ruth and Naomi, they are happily married, living together in a place of stability, or so they thought. A famine came into the land and struck everyone and everything living. Disease and death infested everyday life to the point that Naomi found herself alone. Her husband died..and in a way, she felt as if God's Kindness had left her as well. Her sons get married, and then they too get sick and die. Naomi's life is in a way for her completed. Her loved ones have passed on, leaving her bitter, lonely, and deserted. Ruth and Oprah join Naomi on her journey back to Judah, a place where she can find nourishment, and God's voice.



Word from the Word: Death, Sickness, Loss and Loniless can cause a person to become bitter. However, even in the feeling of bitterness and depression, one can set their face to the place of bread, the place of praise..God's Presence. A time of mourning is not a bad thing. It is a journey we all take, however we cannot stay there, but walk it out.

More to come...

~Jessica Smith

My Unstoppable Experience

Deanna,

Wow, what can I say about UnStoppable? Where are the words at? Well, when I was flying out I was so excited. I was actually going to meet with my friends of over a year, of whom have poured so much into me, yet never really knew it.
I was even more happy to be able to meet you and Tara face to face. Out of everyone from the pastoring partners website, you two had always stuck out the most. The very things that I desire to do, be, and learn and things that you have done, are doing and planning to do. It is refreshing to be in friendships with those who share the same heartbeat for ministry, life, and covenant, as you and Tara do.
After I got to the baggage claim area, I waited for over 45 minutes. The lady who was supposed to pick me up was not there...but then I remembered that Tara was in a totally different area to pick up her bags. So when she landed, I met her at her baggage claim. It took me forever to figure out what elevator went to what level, and what color corresponded to the airline carriers. LOL....flying alone is always an adventure! I finally made it over to the "red zone" and waited for Tara to arrive. About ten minutes later, I had to pee, oh my goodness, and with half my closet in my luggage, getting there was going to be interesting. I finally managed to figure out how to balance my jacket, bag, carry on, and rolling bag into on hand while holding my cell phone in the other. I had to be ready in case Tara or my ride was there waiting for me. Lucky for me, the people who created the bathrooms in Tampa, International were women! They were extra big, with a place to hang your purse, bags, and a shelf to lean things on..heck yeah!
So after that, I was back waiting again. Tara finally came down the escalator, but when I saw her I was not sure it was her, because...she was shorter than I thought she would be. Okay, a LOT shorter. But I got over than and hugged the life out of her. Meeting her was awesome. Like coming home to pie and ice-cream after a long day at work. We went outside where our ride was waiting for us. I forgot her name, but she was SOOOO sweet. She gave us roses and welcomed us to Tampa. I love her accent, I do believe she told us she was from Cuba? We got to the airport, and I walked in stoked to be there. Wow! I was welcomed with hugs, encouragement, and a bag full of goodies. I felt like a celebrity! hehe
I saw you and I felt like I was meeting a celebrity..not because of your leadership or position, but because I admire you so much (in a good way!). Just to let you know too, you give the best hugs ever! Not the, "oh not another person to hug hug" or the "my goodness I have to hug her because she is here", but the "i am happy you are here, welcome, you are family hug" Not everyone hugs like that, but you do! The only other people I know who hug like that is my husband, Tara, Bishop Miller and Pastor Purifoy (my pastor).
I checked in and got upstairs and opened the door to the most amazing room! All to myself too, to be honest, I think that was the 2nd time in my entire life that I have ever had a hotel room to myself! The bed was super soft, the view was breath taking, and I was able to rest, alone, and with God's presence. After a brief nap, I got ready and headed down stairs. I sat at a table with some other women who have now become even better friends to me. Carrie, Melissa, Jessica L. and others. Truly a God thing in the biggest of ways. Dinner was fantastic and chatting with everyone was even better! Service that night was exactly what I needed to hear. It is refreshing to know that I am not the only one waling through something that makes you want to give up. You as you stated, your enemy is what promotes you! Amen!
Afterward I was pretty tired and headed back to the room after chatting a few more minutes. Saturday morning I woke up revived, and ready to roll. I went to the Dr.'s session on depression, it was amazing the things I learned, it is going to be able to help me when my husband has his moments of pain. Tara's session was wonderful as well. How not to lose my mind... I am glad that someone had enough guts to be honest and share. The hardest thing for me with my Master's Paper was to get women to answer a simple question! I also went to another lady's session about something...it was great too.
Afterward, I went to go eat lunch at Ruby Tuesdays with Carrie, Jessica Lewis and another lady she is from the other side of FL. Anyway, we ate lunch together and took a ton of pictures! We then went to Ross and bought a towel, drove over to Target and got chocolate and baby wipes. We were all cracking up the whole time trying to figure our way to Clearwater beach. It was sooo funny! We made it there, parked and soaked out feet in the water for around 20 minutes. Then as the tide came splashing in, these clear jelly like looking things were banging against our feet. We thought they were either Double D breast implants, or jelly fish. We were wrong on both accounts. Either way, I was out of the water in no time flat. I do not like things that I do not know about to be touching my feet, even more so if it might sting! I really had no desire for anyone to have to urinate on my feet!
We got back in the car, wiped our feet off and got stuck in traffic. After two u-turns, we were finally on the correct way back to the hotel. I really do not remember the hotel being in Toronto!
Arriving back at the hotel, we all had bonded...we were at the same table and worship was terrific. The presence of God was all over the place, and I could really see the anointing on you and Tara. God kept sharing with me about one of the worship girls Melinda, but that is a whole different story.
Service was great and I agree, Tara broke it down....
After service was one of the most special times for me. This may sound silly, but I had really needed a meal like my whole life! Jesus always was eating with the people that He ministered to. I was refreshed, at ease, ministered to, and had my heart opened those three hours! I had always desired something like that moment, and the Lord really answered some prayers during that time. By the time we finished eating and talking, Carrie, Meilissa and I did not want to stop. So we went to my room and chatted for an hour or so, sharing more stories. We were laughing SOO hard...and we got a phone call from "the front desk". "I am sorry, but we got a complaint that you are being too loud. Can you please turn it down a notch?"
Okay..weird. Then about 5 minutes later..knock, knock...."This is the clerk from the front desk" Uh huh. I look out the peep hole and see it is being blocked. I was about to either be murdered, ambushed, or made fun of..
I opened the door and it was Jessica Lewis and Sheryl laughing their heads off at us...they joined us for another hour or so.
We bonded some more.It was late, we were about to fall off the bed in tears and tiredness, but we each went to bed around 2:30 3ish.
That morning was bittersweet for me and went way too quickly.
I ate breakfast with my new buddies, headed into the service, and felt God hit me like a ton of bricks.
This was His heart for every woman! This network, this ministry, covenant relationships!
The two of you sharing your story, faith, and womanly perspective on covenant was mind blowing. My freshman year of college God revealed to me the concept of covenant relationships, and with a full heart and not much wisdom I went around recruiting people to become a covenant friend with me. One girl was my roommate, and that is how I got burned ..she used me for several years, and after I was married, spread rumors around about me in e-mails to other friends. I finally broke off the friendship with her. I had not heard from her again until after the service was over and I had gone home with Sue Flint. I was setting up a facebook account for Sue and this friend request popped up from my old roommate. I hit the "ignore" button.
The summer after my Senior Year, I was a youth pastor in North Carolina for a PH pastor who taught me about true covenant relationships..we are in covenant relationship with him and his wife. Later on bishop miller and kathy share the same heart for covenant too. Yet those people have always been the men who reached out to my husband and I, not the women. Greg had several men in his life to share his steps with, but I did not. I started praying for covenant relationships with women in ministry last year before I even came upon your website. Flash back to my experience...
Now there is a living example of two women in covenant relationship....
1. It is possible
2. There is an example.
3. Look for God's connections and not make it happen on your own..
Thank you for being that living, possible example!!
Ending in prayer, I could not stop crying. The whole thing had opened up my heart to be honest, open, and willing to trust again.
I quickly said goodbye to everyone, to you and Tara, because Sue had to pick up her boys for music lessons.
Sue and I became quick friends. We ate at Sonic, talked for few hours, then she took me to this AMAZING Japanese steak house to eat...yummmm.
We stayed up late laughing our heads off at You Tube videos and funny stories. You should ask her how her son was able to get the hamster out of the truck! LOL
As I got up at 3:30am to get ready to go, my heart broke...I did not want to leave..not yet. But I had to.
I was dropped off after several laughs and hugs.
On the plane to Atlanta all I could do was try not to cry. I was leaving my new family!
Switching planes in Atlanta, I had the most amazing God connection!! That is another long e-mail.
Let me tell you several things:
1. Thank you for your effort, time, heart, tears, and energy that you put into this conference.
2. Thank you for following through with the conference despite how your world is crashing around you.
3. Thank you for being a godly example of covenant relationship.
4. Thank you for pouring yourself into me and other women across this country.
5. Your impact goes further than you know.
6. This is just the early years for this baby...it is going to grow into something bigger than you, your church, your denomination, your vision, and region.
7. The bigger the heart, the bigger the vision, the bigger the vision, the bigger the impact, the bigger the impact, the bigger of growth and harvest.
I love you and thank you for all you have done and continue to do!
I now have a new word for you..." A God connection" is now Godnecction!
In His Love,
~Jessica Smith