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Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Fireproof: Changing Lives & Marriages Bloggy GIVE-AWAY!!
Bloggy Giveaway Carnival Has arrived!!! Woo-hoo! Here's my first giveaway

http://cherishyourstories.blogspot.com/2008/10/fireproof-changing-lives-marriages-give.html

I also get to give a piece of material advice..

Always make the bed before you go to bed!!! Tuck in the ends, and you will both sleep well and not have to fight over the covers!!

Also, your spouse is not God, God is 100 percent perfect, trust God first and love your spouse, and all the short comings will not stand out.

Thanks,

~Jessica

Quote of the Week

"Behind me is infinite power.

Before me is infinite possibility.

Around me is boundless opportunity.

Why should I fear?"

~Stella Stuart

There is no need to fear the future, or worry about tomorrow. Think

about today, what God has given you, and the boundless love, power,

and doors that at your hand's grasp. Can't see it right now? No open

doors? They are there, and they are open waiting for you, small or big,

God has big plans for you, and sometimes doors are wrapped up in

human flesh. A person, a chance, a meeting, a dream, a birth can

happen after one, "Hi, How are you today?" You never know!!

Step into God's arms, and let Him show you and guide you to the place of

the Unkown. More on the Place of Unknown later.....

~Jessica

The Mountain Breaker

The last couple of days I have been battling a severe migraine. I could not eat, walk well, see, and hear. All these things made me dizzy and made my head, neck, and throat ache and throb.

It came upon me like a wave of water without any notice. Yesterday I went home sick with a throbbing neck and head. No matter how many pills I took to take away the pain, it still was there. Last night, as I tossed and turned, cried and worried, the Lord spoke to my heart, "Jessica, come spend some time with me." So I got up, tip-toed down stairs, trying not to wake my cute husband. I found a blanket, a bible, and a notebook. I started reading out of 1 Kings 19. Thoughts started coming to my heart and head, and as I wrote them down, I just felt God's Presence in the living room at 1 am in the morning. Why do I not make more of an effort to do this every day? As I continued to read out of the Psalms, the Lord spoke again and asked me to write down every worry and fret on a piece of paper. I wrote a long list. He then said to make another list of what I need in replace of that list. So for worry, I wrote peace, for stress, His Presence, etc. I then rebuked the old list, and spoke the newness of God over my life, family, etc.

After this encounter with God, my headache went away, my stress left, and His Presence is with me this very moment as I type theses words onto the screen. I have been so wrapped up in the worries and cares of my finances, husband, lack of money, lack of everything, that I was literally sick of it all.

God spoke and said for me to steward and care for what I have and that He would do the rest. Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you and me. This is a daily thing!! So that is my focus right now..to care for what I have and better the weak areas with His strength and not my own.

I Kings 19:
9.
There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
10.
He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
11.
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
12.
After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
13.
When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
14.
He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
15.
The LORD said to him, "Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram.
16.
Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.
17.
Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu.
18.
Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel--all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him."

This is what the Holy Spirit spoke to me:

"You may feel that everyone around you is after you, trying to kill your seed, your family and all that you stand for. You may have heartache, the destroyer trying to take all that you are away form you. You may have walls of limitation around you, mountains of impossibility above you, and an army ready to kill all that you stand for.

But I am..

The Mountain Breaker

Fire Maker

Earth Shaker God!

I am not in the middle of the mountain, I am not in the wind, I am not the destroyer of your faith. I am with you as you walk through it. I am with you and I am tearing down the mountains of impossibility, I will tear down the walls of limitation, I will burn all that surrounds you, so you will hear my voice with clarity, know that you are not alone. You feel that you are alone, but I have others who are standing with you and you will find and bind with them in relationship.

I am the Mountain Breaker, Fire Maker, Earth Shaker, God!!!

I build up, I tear down, for you to see my Hand in Your life. I speak in the stillness and the openness of your heart. Watch and see the great things I will do!!! I will break mountains for you. I will part waters for you, I will stop the storm for you. Call on me and I will and do answer!"

I am trying not to cry and dance here at the same time. God is faithful and He is worthy to be praised! Never will a rock cry out in my place, for He is worthy of all my praise!!

Vote!!

Greetings!

Here in the United States, the time of elections draweth nigh. Yesterday at church, our Bishop told us, "I stand here behind this pulpit not telling you who to vote for, but to say, before you go to the election booth, go to your prayer closet, and ask the Lord who to vote for, and for wisdom that the next person in office will stand for righteousness and truth. That the next person in office will not spend 700 billion dollars to "fix" a debt with debt, but ask Americans to fast and pray for Godly wisdom."

I will not say who I am voting for, but I do encourage you that whoever you are, where ever you are, you have the right to vote and take a stand for the Kingdom of God and His righteousness! So go out and vote!

In His Love,

~Jessica

Dying From the Neck Up

"Most men die from the neck up by the age of 25 because they stop dreaming."

~Ben Franklin

In our childhood years we say,

"I want to be a doctor today."

At thirteen it has all been said,

"I will be a Marine Biologist instead."

Eighteen brings along our college years.

Find a school, declare a major or else.

Changing from one to another;

Landing in one that we will never;

Use ever in our life

All the college loans are a strife.

Moving in back with mom.

21 years old and going strong.

Video games played all night.

Looking for jobs in the light.

Single, alone and fuming.

Is this life worth living?

25 at last, nothing earned

Nothing shown

Just nothing at last.

At last.

Last.

I do not believe that God desires us to be a push over, pull-over, door-mated, boring Servant of God. There is greatness on the inside of you and we let the issues of life take over our gifts and talents, changing our mind from the very thing that makes our heart beat with passion.

No matter what age you are, God has known you since the days of old, and knit you together in your mother's womb (Psalms 139). Men and women of God, I don't care if you are 9 or 90, open your heart, let God revive His dream for your life. It is only too late when you give up and sit on it. Get up! Get Going! Get Out of the Land of Lameness and mediocrity and do something different. Salt is does food no good just sitting on the dusty shelf in the cupboard. Salt, dust yourself off and flavor your world!!

In His Hands,

~Jessica Smith

When Words are Incomplete

Good Morning,

Last night we had cell group at our friend's house. There are 12 of us who gather every Sunday night for a time of reflection, support, prayer and encouragement. Sitting in a circle of chairs, drinking fo-fo coffee (coffee with all whip cream, cinnamon, etc.), eating health brownies, and sharing our fears was the main highlights of the evening. However, one thing did leave several of us speechless.

We were given a piece of paper, pencil and a few minutes to write down our fears. Leaving no name, we put paper back on the table, mixed them up and took someone else's paper. Taking turns, we read the fear out-loud then gave encouragement and a Biblical perspective to that fear. It was very heart-warming and uplifting.

Opening my paper, and reading, it said, " I have a fear of cross dressing."

*Sound of restless legs, open gasps, and a few snickers*

No one said anything. They really did not know how to address this issue.

Most of all the other fears were addressed.

Some people made a few *harmless* jokes about the subject.

In the end, we prayed and went on our way.

While it is true that the fears that were shared were of the flesh, financial, and relational aspect, and we are to look through the eyes of Father in connection to everything in our life, whoever had that fear most likely left feeling helpless and hopeless.

I am no longer at a loss for words.

Just so you know, I AM NOT a licensed psychologist or counselor, this is my OPINION.

So here is my encouragement for this person, even though this person will never even read this:

-Fear is the base issue in all of what was written down.

-Fear is not of God, but the enemy uses it to keep us from our full potential.

-Cross dressing or the desire to, comes from a desire for feminine/masculine aspects, characteristics, lack of feminine/masculine attention or acceptance, or the desire to be recognized for one's sensitive or tough side emotionally.

You might have the desire to already cross-dress and may have even tried at times, yet feel that this could become a habit for you, and that you might end up being rejected in the church or in your family.

Know that who you are is not based on clothes, the desire to be someone you were not created to be, or the pressure of a bad relationship, example or today's society. Who God created you to be is what is most important. You are looking for your identity, and that can only be found in Him. In a personal relationship with God the Father, through His Son, Jesus.

The desire to cross dress does not make you a sinner, but shows that you are searching. Even if you know God and have relationship with Him, you are still looking to see who you really are in Him and what your purpose is in life.

Do not walk around in shame, may God be your confidence and the lifter of your head. Find a trusted pastor of whom with you can share and talk to and pray with. This is NOT something to walk alone in.

Let God show you who He has created you to be, not a fear or a desire.

Just My Thoughts,

~Jessica Smith

Thirsty Thursday

So, I was dreaming last night that I kept drinking water over and over. I would get a 20 oz bottle, open it up, drink it down and throw it away. I did this about 8 times. And I was still thirsty. I woke this morning thirsty too. I drank a 20 oz of water, then got a Large Vanilla Iced Coffee from McDonald's. I love those things, yum,,. they are good and 3 dollars cheaper than Starbucks. No wonder they are still the leading fast food and beverage company in the U.S.A.

Needless to say, I am still thirsty sitting here typing these words. I do believe that there are times in our life that our soul is thirsty for the Word of God and it manifests into the natural. Call me crazy, but I know this is a way for me to know that there are some things that God wants to tell me, and that I am thirsty for. Remember in John 4, the women at the well who drew water for Jesus, and He told her:

10. Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
11. "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?
12. Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
13. Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,
14. but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
15. The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."

25. The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26. Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."

(NIV)

We are in a season where we will harvest what we sow instantly. Now is the time, but we must water ourselves with His Word. What is God drawing you to? What is He saying to You? Are you listening??

Yes, I am still thirsty, but I am also going to be drawing from the deep well of Christ. Let God be your source, and nothing else, to fill you with His words of life.

Thirsting for Him,

~Jessica

Pictures of my nephews.....

Now isn't he just the cutest thing?????

It's Time!

Truth be known

Known in truth

Hearts are heavy

Heavy in life



Blessings Come

Coming down

From the Anointing

Off of the Crown



Piercing the heaviness

Splitting the fear

Calming the heart

Drying the Tears



Time is Now

Now is the time

To reap the harvest

as it is planted.



It is time to harvest what you are sowing

Grab a bag, and let's get going.



It is time to reap!!!!

Time to Heal!

Time to Walk

Time for All

Falling For Jesus

The Rocky Mountain wind of Colorado brushed through my hair as my brother Charles and I walked the trail that leads to the back side of the church. Autumn had come on time the year of 1997. Dad’s car broke down the week before, and once again, we were forced to walk the two miles to church on our own for youth group. At 15 years of age, one would have thought I was mad at God for the loss of transportation, but I did not mind considering the yellows, oranges, and browns the leaves reflected as the sun shone during its setting.

“Charles, come here.” I called after my older brother as we skirted our shoes in the dirt.

“What do you want?” he replied.

“I was just thinking, this whole year I have not seen any ducks along this river. Even when I was in England on my mission’s trip, all we saw were swans.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” he asked.

“Everything, I love the outdoors, and this whole time I have been outside, I have not seen one animal that even resembles it.” I replied.

“Who cares?” Charles said as he shrugged his shoulders while turning his head.

“I do, and all I have asked God for this whole year is to see a duck. Does He not even care about that one simple thing?” I shouted out loud hoping the whole world heard.

Washing in the midst of rocks, sticks, and brush was a small stream that followed the trail for dozens of miles; also known as the “High Line Canal”, its beauty and nature reach even into the deepest of neighborhoods.

As Charles ran ahead to the small bridge, I decided to slow down and watch a Monarch butterfly flutter around for a few minutes. Running to catch up, I heard a small and quiet sound. “Quack”.

I called ahead, “What was that Charles?”

“What?” he replied.

“Nothing”, I said as I crossed over the bridge.

“Quack, Quack”.

“There it is again, Charles, are you making fun of me?” I asked turning around.

“No, look over there”, he said pointing to a small animal sitting under a tree by itself.

“What is that?” I spoke to myself leaning over the wooden rail. Squinting my eyes, I saw a male wood duck, squatting alone, under the shade of a pine tree quacking as if to say, “See, look what God can do.”

That moment is forever frozen in my heart and mind. Not just for the fact that God is faithful in the big, but that He is faithful in the small things as well. God showed me His simple, joyous love in a simple way. The smallest things in my life are the biggest to Him. Since I am His daughter, His desire is for me is to be filled with love, joy and peace.

The year I had turned 15 was one of my hardest years of life. My family was in dire financial need, and I was trying to think of everything I could to make extra money. Feeling that I was alone, I looked for something I always knew that could be found, a duck. Feeding birds in the park was a huge stress reliever for me. Not seeing any that year, put doubt in my heart that God was even thinking of me.

Proverbs 3:5-6 from the New King James Version states:

“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all of your ways acknowledge Him, and He will keep your paths straight.”

The autumn of 1997, I fell into His arms of love and trust, and never again fell out or got off of His path. He truly is a God of love.

Thanks!!

Jessica Smith

I Love My Husband

So I was tagged by my good friend Melissa at to do this meme.
Here are the rules: grab the graphic and insert with these rules, in your post. Give at least 5 reasons why you love your hubby. List more if you want. Tag 5 people (or more) to play along and link to their blogs in your post.Then visit those women’s blogs and leave them a comment on any of their posts. Now that I have shared the rules, it’s my time to share my reasons:
1. He is a man of God and the Word!
2. He sees me as his equal and treats me as such.
3. He is my best friend.
4. He is super smart, and lets me know I am too.
5. He is a fantastic husband.
6. He is a real hottie.
7. He prays with me every morning.
8. He thinks about me in the little things he does.

9. He cracks me up all the time...we love to laugh.

I could list more but I was told to at least list 5 and then tag 5 friends...which will be hard since I do not have 5 friends who have not already done this or actually blog...so I tag
Danielle and Crystal with my meme!

Bye!

Jessica Smith

The Importance of Connecting

Last night, my husband and I spoke for a Church Planting group of students from the college where I work. I am going to post here, some of my thoughts on connecting. It was very general, and quick, but you have to have an outlet some where right?

So here ya go!

The act of connecting, or the state of being connected; junction; That which connects or joins together; bond; tie.nion; alliance; relationship.


Being a lone island is not what we have been created for. Creatures had each other, Adam had Eve, there is God the Father, the Son, and The Holy Spirit. We were created for relationship, to be in relationship with God, and with each other.

With this in mind, we cannot enter any type of ministry to be by ourselves. The mind set that says, “I am all, can do all, and will accomplish all by myself” is misleading and a total lie. While it is true is that we must make up our own mind to take action upon something, it is also true that we cannot do it by ourselves. There is a fine balance between being alone, and totally dependent. We must be inter-dependent.

Church Planting Resources state that:

“Successful church planters must often spend most of their time (some advocate 70%) doing intentional networking before the first public worship and up to 50% of their time doing intentional networking following the first worship service.”

Take to heart the following two passages from Proverbs:

“For by wise guidance you can wage your war and in abundance of counselors there is victory. (24:6)

“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” (18:1)

Being in isolation for a time can be a good time to reflect and improve your own decisions, but it can lead to a time of self-hurt, pain, and selfishness. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness and came out strong, and thrust into His destiny, the Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness and never came out.

You need to surround yourself with wise counselors. You need to seek out “fathers” and “brothers”. A father is an older counselor that has been trough the fire and can pastor you with his wisdom. A brother is a person close to you in age and maturity who can relate to your struggle in the “now sense” and can challenge/encourage you in the battle. You should seek counselors from within your network/denomination.

We can also define them as “walkers and talkers”

A “talker” is someone who talks you through your walk. They give you advice, wisdom, prayer and encouragement. This person pours their heart into you over the phone or over lunch and cheers you through your walk.

A “walker” is someone who will walk beside you in your journey. They share your hurt, pain, fears, and destiny. They experience the journey with you.

An example of a talker would be the Apostle Paul talking to his spiritual son, Timothy (2nd Timothy 1:4):

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus. To Timothy, a beloved son. I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing, I remember you in my prayers day and night, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy.”

An example of a walker is Elijah and his spiritual son Elisha (2nd Kings 2: 6,9):

“Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, please for the Lord has sent me on to the Jordan”. But he said, “As the Lord lives, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.

Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up and struck the water, and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.”

It is true that you can learn anything from anyone, but it is very wise to seek out people who share the same heart and outlook for ministry that you do.

It is not enough to talk about what you are going to do with your life, and what area you might want to plant a church in, you must position yourself for your destiny, by connecting to the network and people that will propel you to greatness.

One of the most powerful words to pray are: God take the people out of my life who don’t belong there, and bring the people into my life, of whom you want there.”

Characteristics to look for in relationships:
1. Someone who will cover your hurt. (Noah was disgraced, and his sons covered him)
2. Someone who will walk with you not just in success, but in trails.
3.Someone who is committed to serving you, and vice-versa. (It is a kingdom thing)

What are the benefits to being connected?

-You are resourced with tools that you never knew existed.
-Knowing someone who knows others opens doors.
-Support emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
-Wisdom about fiances, mistakes, and what not to do.

One final thought, remember to forgive people quickly, and love them unconditionally. People are not perfect, even more so those in the church. You will be hurt, but bitterness is not something you are, but something you walk through.

Maxwell Monday

Greetings to All,

I have decided to dedicate every Monday to John Maxwell, at least for a few months. I am taking some quotes from his book, "Leadership Principle for Graduates".

His quote for today is:

"You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine."

This man is a man of great dedication, focus, and transparency. He states this not only out of personal study, but from great experience.

The Children of Israel went around the desert for over 40 years. Their daily routine was to wake up, see the pillar of cloud by day, gather bread, walk around, complain, gather pheasant, eat, complain some more, and see the pillar of fire by night. All the while walking around the same area, wearing the same clothes, and eating the same food, and yes, complaining about the same things!

Whatever you sow, you will harvest. The Children of Israel were planting the same things over and over. You speak bitterness, you reap bitter people and situations. You walk in shame, complaining, and angry, you reap children, and an atmosphere that produces growth in that area.

Stop and look to see where you are walking. What looks the same to you?? What are you speaking in this season of your life? God has been walking with you this whole time protecting you, but you are looking at what hurts the most, and not His glory in your life.

Change comes in action, of which only you can take. No one can decide for you to stop complaining or acting a certain way. Only you can.

Thanks for stopping by.

~Jessica Smith

Plowing the Field of Dreams

This will be a short post, but I wanted to share with you a qoute I found about success:

"You will never plow a field by turning it over in your mind."

~Irish Proverb

Thinking about what we are dreaming to do is not enough.

What actions are we taking toward those goals and dreams?

What has God called you to do?

What steps or choices can you make?

What resources do you need to prepare yourself?

These are the very things that God is working on in my life.

Keeping an Open Heart,

~Jessica Smith

Be Prepared

So, in the middle of all the changes and stirrings of my life, I kept asking the Lord to show me something new, or to speak to me. In much prayer and tears, the one thing He keeps on showing me is the same. Yesterday, on my out of my office, over the bulletin board in the hallway was a sign, "Be Prepared". This is what He has been speaking to my heart. Be prepared for what?? I really have no idea. But at the same time, I will positon myself to be prepared in the areas of my life that are not. I may not know what it all entails, but I will step back, prepare and wait on the Lord.

~Jessica