The Fire Within

I first loved you

2012-02-15T21:41:00.000-05:00

I first loved you – carried you inside me
I loved you deeply – as you walked along side me
I loved you more – as you grew through the years
I loved you still – as your words brought me tears
My love did not cease – though you have turned away from me
I will always love you – from now until eternity

You are my child – God’s gift to me
Until the day I die – I pray this truth you will see

by: AmyColleen February 14, 2012

To my Sons

What's Wrong with this Picture?

2012-02-14T21:49:00.000-05:00

After posting my blog about forgiveness I had a friend email me about a situation pertaining to forgiveness in her life. She had lived through some very difficult times and some of the closest people in her life; co-workers and friend and family had really let her down. Now she had forgiven them. She was certain. This had been many, many years ago. However she went on to describe her life circumstances over the past years; what had transpired in her life. Where she was socially and such and then asked me this question,

"What's wrong with this picture?"

It was clear my friend was not content with where she was. Certain she had forgiven all those who had wronged her. She had gone over, in detail, every offence and laid it at the cross. Again my precious, dear friend wondered and asked me,

"What is wrong with this picture?"

This was my answer.

I thought it was worth posting on here.

Dear Friend,

I honestly can say, I don't know that there is anything"wrong" with the picture itself. I have found in life that when I seethe same picture over and over again and it seems to be upside down or sideways or something like that. Generally itis the view from which Iam looking at it. The picture ITSELF is just fine. It's just the view from which I amlooking at it that needs to change.

Now - this is where YOU and your time with the Lord really playsan intimate role. Only HE can show you which way to turn the frame so thepicture looks better. :) Or if you need to stand father away from the pictureor sit down and look at it or what ever.

You very well may have "forgiven" all of these people inyour life.

Willed-to forgive them.

However, forgiveness is a VERB.

So as much as we may desireto forgive someone - this is only half of the process.

It is, I believe, and scripture supported, the hardest and mostimportant part.

The next step is a partnership with the Lord and us. It's wherethe healing takes place. Not so much hard as it is or can be, painful. (personally, I think this is why somany don't get beyond this point; because it is so painful. they are notwilling to go through the pain)

You would know better than anyone Friend, where you are in theprocess of all this, with all those that have hurt you. When you have beenthrough so much with so few to support you you learn to stand strong and becomeless than emotion. I know, I have done this myself. It is a survival mode.

It is possible though Friend, to forgive the worst of offences. Insome situations learn to love those that have hurt and betrayed you and evenforget offences that most in this world would kill over.

I have done so. Only with hand of God in my life.

Friend, I have had so many ask me, "How? How have you gottenwhat you have with the Lord?"

All I can say is, "Sacrifice and suffering."

Friend, you can take all you have lived through and focus on itfor the rest of your life

forget it...leave it at the feet ofJesus....and move on.

I love you sister.

"Doing Without" a Heart. NOT okay

2012-02-12T20:00:00.001-05:00

So You Think You're Okay?

Think Again. Forgiveness -It's a funny thing -It creeps up on you when you least expect it. Un-forgiveness really. You're going along in life just fine then. Wham - outta know where it hits ya like a heart attack.

Sometimes we can get wounded, hurt, deep down inside - and it neverreally "heals". At least not the way it should. Tissue begins to formover the injury, like scar tissue - pretty soon we don't see the wound, orreally even feel it much. We grow accustom to the scar tissue that covers thearea where the injury took place. We may even have gotten used to the limitedmobility that has stemmed from the over growth of tissue where the injury was.

Ithas become a part of us. Ourrelationship with the person that hurt us becomes strained.

Wepretty much have buried the hurt so far deep down inside, we have forgotten themagnitude of it's origination. Oh we remember when it happened - IF someonebrings it up. But we may "play it off" that we have "dealt"with it and "forgiven" those we hold responsible for the hurt. But weknow, deep down inside; there's something still there. Something that is only noticeable tous, God and those closest to us.

Itwould be one thing if it was just an emotional scar that was invisible. Truthis it is keeping us from excelling in the "more excellent things". Weknow this too. Something else we are unwilling to admit and we are willing todo with out. In fact "we have convinced ourselves" that we are infact - notdoing with out, at all.

We go onstriving to create lives that seem fulfilled and God centered. While in the back of ourminds and hearts we can feel the pressure, be it all so slight, of that scartissue, tugging, pushing on our heart and spirit. It’s as if there is aconstant cloud following hanging over our head.

Truth be told. We are actually doing "with out". We aresacrificing the "more excellent things" in life that God our Heavenly Fatherhas designed and desired for us to have. We may not readily amit it - but we know it's true.

Honestly, we don't like that we are.

What we want is God's perfect will for ourlives.

So how do we get there? From where we are now?

Well, for starters we need to face the factthat we have been injured - and - that we need to behealed - completelyhealed.

Yousee God, Our Heavenly Father, did not send His Son to die for us so we could just "muddle through" painful times and have our wounds healover with patch work stitches andnumbing scar tissue - that would simply allow us to "carry on our lives"and only "face those who hurt us" when absolutely necessary.

No, Our Heavenly Father sent His Only Begotten Son to die for us so that wemight have reconciliation - to Our Father in Heaven AND TO EACH OTHER.

Sometimes, a woundneeds to be opened up and cleaned out -

before it can properly heal.

Yes, it can be painful.

But it is well worth it.

Our Heavenly Father gave His ONLY Son - He paid the ULTIMATE price to HEALthe relationship between US and HIM. It wasn't even HIS fault we wereseparated.

Won't YOU give THAT person in your life a chance? Theway God gave YOU a chance?

Freely forgive - as you have been forgiven.

Set someone free today and -

Receivehealing - be complete.

2012-02-12T15:19:00.001-05:00

Alone with God

Quaking, shaking, crying

On my face

Holy, holy, holy

Nothing else

Only holy, only holy

Nothing else

Only holy, only holy

Sudden hush of glory

Peace, quiet, stillness,

On my face

Holy, holy, holy

Nothing else

Only holy, only holy

Nothing else

Only holy, only holy

Voice of God speaks

Small, quiet, mighty

Enters my soul

Heals, delivers, instructs

Heaven comes down

Humbled, thankful, jubilant

Angelic voices singing

Holy, holy, holy

Nothing else

Only holy, only holy

Nothing else

Only holy, only holy

I join in

On my face

Sing

Holy, holy, holy

Nothing else

Only holy, only holy

Nothing else

Only holy, only holy

Alone with God

By:AmyColleen

The world is falling apart

2012-02-09T11:21:00.002-05:00

Still - I can say....

A video of photos edited over the song "It Is Well" by Selah. Originally posted on YoutTube by: by Kingdrumkc on Aug 30, 2011

*I need to add a disclosure here.

All is well, only if you have the Shalom Peace of God.

HOW to get it........

This only comes if you have the Holy Spirit of God abiding within you. There is only ONE way to have the Holy Spirit abide within you.

The abiding, or constant presence of the Holy Spirit of God, is a gift. It is given from Yeshua/Jesus. A gift to His followers. to those He knows and those who know Him. Those who choose to know Him.

So if you are needing peace in these troubling days. A peace that is beyond any human understanding. A peace that the world can not give or take away. There is a simple fix.

Come to the master, Yeshua/Jesus.

"Cast your care on Him for He cares for you." (1Peter 5:7)

Ask Him to come into your life, give Him permission (it is a willful act) then you will be His.

(Romans 10:9) "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

It is God's desire to be with (us) His creations. Not to banish us from Him. (misconception spread by Satan the father of deception and lies since the beginning of sin)

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

The Word of God /Bible is FULL of promises for the child of God, the follower of Yeshua/Jesus. Promises and words of encouragement, strength and wisdom. However - You must to be one of His own first. If not, the words will be nonsense to you because the enemy has blinded the eyes of all who have not chosen to come to life through God's plan of Salvation Yeshua.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)

"The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14)

So let me end this post with a personal note. I have lived through much turmoil.I have experienced much pain. Physical, emotional, relational and spiritual. I have come to points in my own life where I have despaired even of living. Albeit, many years ago, (35 to be exact) I did get to a point of trying to end my life. That is when Yeshua/Jesus stepped in.

(He has since then many other times as well. "The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;" (Psalm 34:19)

Through bad marriages, family and friend betrayals; serious health issues and financial despair. Death of loved ones and the worst yet I find, the living loss of a child. I still find that through it all I can say and I DO SAY -

It Is Well With My Soul

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Yeshua

The Altar

2012-02-04T21:55:00.001-05:00

MyNew Room

In this dream I lived in the church. The church 'building' was my home and it was being completely remodeled.

The entire time I just followed the Master of the House, ('the one in charge') as he told the workers and decorators what to do and where to put things as they rearranged everything and such. The Master made a point to make room for everyone in the family. He took extra care to make sure that everyone who was a part of the church had a new room and was not forgotten during the remodel of process. Everyone but me. Or so I thought.
I remember thinking to myself, ' We've been through every room in the building and the master hasn't once mentioned me and he has filled every room. There is no room left for me here. Where will He put mythings?'

Sure enough, the only room left was the sanctuary. Ididn’t say a word to the Master. He simply looked at me and motioned his handas if to say,

“This is your new room.”
I followed His lead and walked in to the newlydecorated sanctuary and looked around to find all of my most preciousand personal belongings tucked nicely together in a very small area that wasmade up to look like a bedroom. There was a window and a bed and a cozy chair;very humble and homey. It was perrrfect! It felt so warm and wonderful.I felt so at home. There was such peace. As I was looking around in amazement Irecognized the carpet underneath my feet and suddenly remembered I was in thesanctuary, and that the Master had made my bedroom right up front at the altar.At first I was almost upset and did not like the idea and began to question theMaster,

“What?” I asked as I paced the room, “Does thismean I have to take my room apart and put it back together every time wehave church?”

I almost started to cry in anticipation of the exhaustion of allthe work.

Then the Master “touched me” on my shoulder and said,

“Nomy sweet child. Don’t be ridiculous. This is your new room. Hereat the altar with me. This is where I want you to stay.”

“Forit has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, butalso to suffer for him,” Philippians1:29

”But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in thesufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

1 Peter4:13

The Lordis always faithful. Always. I am blessed. In the hardest times of my life. Iam the most BLESSED. In the loneliest times I find I am closest to the Lord andhear His voice speaking to me ever clearer. How do people live withoutHIM?

Your Face

2012-02-02T21:38:00.001-05:00

I love seeingyour face O LORD.

Whenwe talk; when I babble on and on, and you break in and smile at me;

Ilove that.

Ilove how you reassure me it's you, who I see, who I hear, who I sense so closeto me;

Bythe way you show up when I open your Word and speak the very same thing youspoke to me earlier.

I love that youlove me.

Ohhow I love that you love me.

Iwill do anything for you, because I love you; because you love me somuch.

Eventhough I know there are more words than I can count; there are still not enoughwords to adequately describe how wonderful you have been to me and howincredible you are.

I feel sometimes like I shouldn't even bother writing my feelings downas the end result would not even come close to being able to describe my love and affection towards you.

Then I realize - then I remember - youare God, you know all things.

You know my inner most thoughts. Even those Ihave a hard time finding words for. Those I can't even come close to expressing. Soif I just give my best shot, then at least you can put the finishing touches onit.

And - then it will be beautiful and perfect.

Just like you.

"He has made everything beautiful in it's time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to the end."

Ecclesiastes 3:11

God's Good Byes

2012-01-31T22:08:00.001-05:00

God’s Good Byes
Written by: Amy Colleen All Rights Reserved
Picture by -Bill Watterson

God’s timing is sometimes hard to understand
Often we try but just can’t as mere man
Diamonds are like God’s final plans for our life
Such beauty crafted from hearts of filled with pain and strife

God is moving once again
On man’s behalf - a means to an end
One day we will all look back and see
Diamonds cut from this harsh reality
But now we must hug and say our farewells
Yes it is hard, harder than any of us wish to tell
Exceptions made for you and I
Soon we'll be together again in the sweet ol' bye and bye!

As God’s goodbyes are simply farewells ~
“Until we meet again.”

Jesus, his son is returning soon!
So make haste to do his work until then!

Bill Watterson

A Mother's Heart

2012-01-30T12:11:00.001-05:00

Having a child changes you. Whether you are a man or a woman. Becoming a father or a mother. I am, however (in this post) speaking about the woman.

There are certain things that can never be understood by the "heart" regarding motherhood unless you are a mother. Even if you are a father, and I will add, even a great father.

This is a short post and the sole purpose of the preceding few sentences is to explain to the reader I am speaking about the woman. About the mother.
Also, please let me make it perfectly clear. Let the reader fully understand that I am by any means demeaning the role of the man or the love of a father. Both roles are equally important. I am simply making a point and giving a shout out today directed at one and not the other today.

This being said, I just want to take a moment and give a great big THANKS and kudos to someone (who will remain nameless at this time) for going out of her way for blessing me, simply because they could.

A woman, become Mother.

It was a subtle expression of understanding.

Done out of love, prompted from a Mother's Heart.

Thank you.

I love you

2012-01-26T22:39:00.003-05:00

Every where I turned today I saw reminders of my son. I couldn't make it out of my bed without seeing his picture smack dab in front of me. Then of course I spent time praying for him. At work various calls came through with names, familiar voices and personalities that brought me back to times and places we enjoyed each others company. After work I had to make a run to two different clothing stores. Both were stores I regularly shopped at for my son. I just couldn't catch a break. There was no way I was NOT going to think about my son today. I miss him so much. My heart hurts. I think I miss him more actually because of the anticipation of the possibility of his never coming around again. Sad, huh? I feel so bad about what I said to him on the phone. I was so hurt. So incredibly hurt. I wish I could take it all back. But I can't. I know this. I also know that the Lord has promised to use my shortcomings for something good. Turn it around for the good of this situation, (if you will) our relationship; to each other and most importantly, to the Lord Himself.
That's a promise in the Holy Scripture.

I love you my son. I know you will probably never read my blogs but I just want, need to say it. I love you. I always have and always will. I love you with all my heart. Please forgive me. Mom

Transparency

2012-01-25T19:48:00.003-05:00

I was going to create a whole new blog. Then I thought about it a little more and decided that the title of this blog is, "The Fire Within." So I believe I am entitled to a little transparency. And possibly those who read this may even appreciate it. Who knows.

I am doing this in the hopes that somehow my writing it down will bring healing in the end. Healing to me and possibly even to someone else who might be reading these posts. You see I am going through a great deal of pain and suffering right now. Sometimes it is so great I feel like I won't be able to make it through the night. (key words here is * feel like.) This is where the title phrase, "The Fire Within " comes to play in my life.

"The Fire Within" me is the Holy Spirit of God.

He is what gives me the strength I need to carry on each day. He is what gives me my comfort and my hope for each day and each tomorrow. It is because of Holy Spirit I can close my eyes at the end of a weeping session, in peace and fall fast asleep knowing I am safe in the hands of Abba Father. Precious, beautiful Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit -the promised gift of Yeshua.

Honestly, right now I am struggling each day with severe pain. Oh it's not the kind most everyone is thinking. (those of you that know me.) I wake up each morning and I feel the pain, physically in my heart, of my estranged children. Yes, it is physical pain. Yes, I do have physical aliments to deal with. However these aliments are a direct result of the relation issues between my estranged children and myself. The heart ache it is causing me has escalated from just emotional to literally physical heart issues. Not good.

Why? Well, simply put; because I can't just simply lay these relationships at the feet of Yeshua and leave them there and just trust the Lord to take care of them. The end.

Oh, how simple in deed! I soooo wish I could do that! Oh how I have prayed and fasted and prayed and wept and sought the Lord for help in being able to do this! I have cried and cried out to the Lord, "Please Lord help me to just leave them here at your feet! Take them from me! Help me to forget them! I forgive them! Please!!!!"
To no avail. Ugh

Again, I ask, why?
Because, they are MY CHILDREN. I love them. I can not stop thinking about them or loving them as long as I have breath in this body - ever. No matter what the enemy, through what ever means has thus far successfully convinced them to think otherwise. This will always be true.

So one weeping session as I was talking with the Lord about such things.
(so you understand, I was walking around my bedroom, living room; every where I walked there were pictures of me and my kids) I was overwhelmed with hurt I cried out to the Lord in anger, not at the Lord, not even at my kids, just out of sheer pain. I cried out to him,
"I just want to forget about them - all of them!"

(The Lord is so loving, kind and compassionate. He always knows exactly what to say and how to say it.)

Now of course, I don't want to forget my children, any of them. Even at that time I didn't want to. I was just so hurt. I can't even begin to put those feelings into words. I just burst out in anger.

The Lord knew that and He knew what I needed to hear too.
This is what the Lord had to say to me.
He began to talk to me about us. You - me - and all the rest of His children. Mostly His children that are away from Him at the moment. (Estranged, if you will)

He told me how much He missed those who had wandered away from Him. Those that left the flock.
It broke my heart. We sat in silence for what seemed an eternity.

Then He said to me, "AmyColleen,...Not a day goes by that I do not think about each and every one of my lost sheep. Every child of God. "

(Before I could even ask the question - and I was thinking to asking the question - the Lord went on to answer it)

"And yes, Amy, it hurts, but I do not forget them, I remember them and pray for them and watch over them. The Father looks after His children. You should not forget but believe - stay faithful for you will reap your just reward in due season. Remember to see with the eyes of your spirit not the eyes of the flesh."

**************************************************************************

I don't understand the why of what is going on right now with my relationship with my older children.
I do know that I trust God. I know that I love God above all else and everyone else.
He, is the "Fire Within" AmyColleen.

I love my children. Unconditionally, with the love of Yeshua. I will continue to do so and will trust Him to bring reconciliation in truth through the Blood of Yeshua shed for us all.
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" Psalm 34:18

With the Lord...there is ALWAYS hope.

So......How many times can a heart be broken and still be repaired?
Take a 1000 piece puzzle with three pieces missing
Throw it to the ground and then scoop it up place it in a small box and place it in my chest…..This is my heart.

I feel as though I have almost completed this puzzle so many times and then, out of know where the puzzle explodes and falls to the ground, and I am left with a gapping whole in my chest.

Oh Lord, I can’t do it any more
I have never liked puzzles to begin with!
Now…I like them even less….and now….where my heart used to beat; it just hurts.
I need you, Lord. I need you to pick up the broken pieces of my heart, for me…and put them all back together…..please.

*******

Piece by piece
One at a time
Our Heavenly Father gently puts each piece of my heart in line

Counting each one
No matter which design
Our Daddy God is sure each broken piece to find

Sitting in amazement
At my Lord’s feet
I watch as My Daddy God accomplishes this amazing feat

A struggle in tears;
A work for me
Is for God, a simple act of compassionate love that flows freely

Surrounded in Glory
Healing in His Wings
I am filled with Peace as His Heavenly Hosts Sing

Praises to the Lord
Mighty God above
Lord God of all, filled with compassion and love

Praise to the Lord!
Mighty God above
Lord God of all…..FILLED with compassion and love!

Learning to Let Go

2012-01-23T20:23:00.002-05:00

The Lord Giveth and He Taketh Away

I find myself in a bit of a quandary. I honestly did not expect to be here. I figured we would have been through all this by now. All the healing that is; from the broken, then blended homes. I mean, it has been twenty four years. Apparently not. So here I sit face with the choice to hold on - or let go and let God.

I am fifty years old and my youngest child is going to turn nineteen years old in just a couple of months. Some might say I am experiencing empty nest syndrome or something of that nature but truthfully it is much much more than that. I have been working up to this point for years now. Ever since, sadly enough, my first husband and I divorced some twenty four years ago. It wasn't easy or pretty then and it has been a struggle ever since to "let go" and "trust God" ever since with my children's lives.

Well now that all my children, all five, to include my two beautiful daughters from my husband of 22 years as well as my three boys from my first husband, have grown up and are all adults.
I am faced with the task of "letting them go"....again.

Of course as the reader you are thinking, "But of course! Let God! It's a no brainer!"
It's just not that easy. You see, I have let go many times before. Then in a few years something else pops up and I end up having to let go all over again. Let there be no mistaking the enemy has his mind set to kill - steal and destroy this family that is for sure! At this point and time my oldest children are completely unaware of the enemies tactics. Thus the reason I am finding so hard to let go this time. I guess there is a part of me that is worried when I let go it will be like saying "good-bye" forever. Even though I "know" in my spirit the Lord has promised otherwise.

BUT the title of this blog is "learning to let go" and learning I am. Sometimes when we don't have the strength to do what is best for ourselves, the Lord helps us out. He sees our heart, knows we desire to please Him and steps in. The means to the end is not always "pain-less" but it does the trick. If we will just take the step of faith to take His hand and trust Him He will never fail us.

So, today I did just that. Hard as it was. Very, very hard. I knew it was coming. The Lord told me over four years ago so I could prepare myself. But it was still hard. Without too much detail I can say I am now loving three of my children virtually, only through prayer in the love of God and by the Holy Spirit. Their choice. Not mine.
It breaks my heart. But what can I do? I live my life for Yeshua, and my life goes on.

I haven't always felt this way. In fact, for the better part of the last twenty four years I have loved my three sons too much.

Now, I am learning to let go.

Now maybe God can finally use me fully.

Mathew 10:37
"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;"
Matthew 6:21
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Alone

2012-01-21T18:38:00.003-05:00

Alone in the midst of the crowd.

I don't really know what to do. Should I stand here, or move out of the way?

Alone in the midst of the crowd.

I don't really know what to say. Should I speak out loud?

Alone in the midst of the crowd.

I don't really know why I'm here. Does anyone even see me?

Lord, I am so alone. Even here in the midst of your people.
I'm so alone in the midst of this crowd.

Hello? Can you you hear me?
Hello? Does anyone even see me?
I'm here in your midst. Every time we gather together.
When we sing ~ when we pray.
Do you even hear me when I say,
"Hello?"

Alone in the midst of the crowd.

Please let us all (consciously) take time to "notice" those around us that we may see often but may not often enough take the time to see.

Life is too short to over look those closest to us. Especially when they may be the ones who need us most.

This poem, was inspired by a compilation of exactly what I fore mentioned. People and situations that the Lord had personally brought to MY attention that I am close to. People I have somewhat neglected, assuming all was well. When in fact, quite the opposite.

As a my dear, precious friend always says to me, "You can only do what you can do."
And though I agree this is true, I would like to add, "How many of us are actually doing THAT?"

God Bless You with the secrets of His Heart as YOU seek His Face in the Riches of The Holy Scripture!
AmyColleen

Dream of Darkness

2012-01-18T21:17:00.001-05:00

Darkness was everywhere. It was so strange. I felt as if I had been here before. I recognized the people and the surroundings. Everything. The only difference was the darkness; and with the darkness there was a dank chill in the air. Strangely enough the people were bustling about. Going to and fro like a normal day. We were in a downtown market place. In the city. There was chatter among everyone. What you would expect to hear except the sound had a deep timber to it. The peoples heads were hung low. There seemed to be a visible oppression hanging over them like a fog.

I was there among them in the market place, though they did not see me. Yet at the same time as I made my way through the crowd, each person moved out of the way for me as if they were compelled to do so. They moved completely out of my way. So much so that I couldn't speak to them or even get a good look at them to get their attention. I tried. I wanted so badly to reach out to them. I felt so badly for them. Everyone was so sad. I could feel their loneliness, their pain, their suffering. It was so very dark. More so than night time. Different even than night time. Almost as if there was an opaque, black, blanket of demonic fog or haze that had settled in around the city market place.

I tried for a while to reach out to the people. Then I just stood and watched and cried.

As Jesus spoke to me,

"Be the light you were meant to be. Shine for me. Let me shine through you. Come walk with me and let my Holy Spirit have full control. See Great and marvelous things. The glorious mysteries of my kingdom. You, you, are what I desire. I gave myself for you. I gave myself for them. Do you love me ? I love you. Walk with me. Take my hand and walk with me to the true promised land. See the glory of the God all around. Share what I have given you....with those in darkness. I love you ....love them for me."

My life flashed before my eyes

2012-01-15T19:38:00.004-05:00

So yesterday, for a brief moment in time, I actually thought my time was up.

I though I was being called home.

It was truthfully very disconcerting. Not because I am afraid of death, (as I look at death, for me anyway, one who knows her creator and has been washed in the Blood of Lamb as but a door to eternity with my Lord) but rather I found myself suddenly having visions of people in my head. People I have neglected to reach out to in love and forgiveness and in the name love/Yeshua. I truly believe I had one of those near death experiences where your life flashed quickly before you. Only what flashed before me were very selective pieces of my life. Each having to do with areas of my life that still need tending to in love and mercy.

I was sitting at my desk at work as usual. When suddenly I experience a deep, excruciating, sharp pain in the left side of my chest. It took my breath away. All at once, I could no longer discernibly hear the customer on my head set, all I heard was **babbling in the distance** my vision became cloudy, I stood up and cried out to a neighboring employee on my team, "Help...I need help!"
I don't personally don't remember what happened from that point until paramedic squad got there. My manager was sitting next to me. I just remember seeing her and about five fire fighters and they were all asking a bazillion questions. Apparently I had given my manager my husbands phone number and asked her to call him. I was not unconscious during this time, but totally unaware.
I was taken to the hospital by life squad and keep there for 7.5 hours. They conducted several blood test a CT of my head and called my cardiologist.

From what they saw at the E.R. I did not have a heart attack.

Thankfully, MY LIFE IS IN GOD'S HANDS. :)

I do have atrial fibrillation. I have been on medication for this for several years now.
So I I will be having some extensive testing this week to check for blood clots, narrowing of the arteries as well as total heart muscle function.

I didn't have a heart attack. But I am still exhausted. Apparently there are others out there that have these kind of "a-symptomatic" A-fib attacks quite often. That is just HORRIBLE! Seriously, I feel terrible.

More thank that. I can't stop thinking about the vision I had as it all took place.
If I were to walk away with ONE thing from all of this it would be;
To NOT to put off until tomorrow what/who the Lord puts in my path to minister to today.
As I will be held accountable for everything I have done and everything I have not with what He has given me.
None of knows when our time is up here in this life.
We should never be so arrogant to think, "OH, I am not going any where for a LONG time!"
For God and God alone is the make an finisher of all life.

Something to think about.

If you are reading this.

That means you are still alive.

What are YOU going to do with YOUR TODAY?

After all....you may not be given a TOMORROW.

Worst Day EVER!

2012-01-12T22:04:00.000-05:00

Every have one of those days when no matter how hard you try to just do everything right no matter what - everything wrong happens instead. From the moment you wake up on the morning you begin to drop things. The words come out of your mouth all jumbled. You forget your lunch on the counter. It starts pouring rain which causes every idiot driver to drive directly in front of you on the way to work causing you to arrive late and forcing you to park all the way in the far end of the parking lot. Of course it isn't until you make it to the employee entrance that you discover you realize your I.D. card is in your other jacket and have to walk all the way around to the front of the building to be let in by security. It is also at this point that you realize your wallet (and I.D.) must have fallen out of your purse in the car and there is no way you are about to walk through all that rain to get money for lunch. So you just look at the security person with a major death stare...and carry on. Oh yeah. Me too.

So what? Never had one of THESE days? Come on now.

Everyone has bad days....Right?

Well. This is true. I have actually had this day.

So what do you do about it?

Heck if I know. I try and make FLOWERS. Sometimes it actually works. :)

A Word for the Shepherds

2012-01-12T17:59:00.001-05:00

Ezekiel 34: 2-6
¹ The word of the LORD came to me:

² “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? ³ You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. ⁴ You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. ⁵ So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. ⁶ My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them."

Who Will Go?

Who will go and find my lost sheep?

Who will go and who will seek?

Who is willing to leave the prestige?

For canyons and crevasses to return them to me?

Who of my under-shepherds will be like me?

And leave the many for the one you can’t see?

Who will tend to the ones who’ve run off?

Are there any of you willing to count the cost?

Many are your words in your houses built by men.

Now is the time to let them rule your hearts.

Go!

Find my lost sheep and bring them in!

"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? ¹³And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.

¹⁴In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost."

Matthew 18:12-14

Bleeding on the Inside

2012-01-10T21:46:00.000-05:00

Fine Art by: Ona Kingdon PWS

Bleeding on the inside, can anyone see?

Invisible tear drops fall silently

One by one they turn away.

Each without a single word to say.

Divinely given, now taken away;

Each without a single word to say.

I see the eyes of judgment looking in

Excusing my pain by way of sin

Watching one by one as they turn away

Each without a single word to say

Whose to know, who can see;

My life, my love, all that is a part of me?

I carried, I bore, I loved and adored.

Now they say they want nothing more.

One by one they turn away.

Each without a single word to say.

Piercing pain, gasping for breath.

This pain is almost worse than death.

Please! Look at me! I am here!

Can't you see my falling tears?

One by one they turn away.

Each without a single word to say.

Oh dear Lord please help them see.

It's you who have given them to me.

A Vision and A Word

2012-01-08T20:48:00.000-05:00

It was a normal morning for me. I was up at 6, getting ready for work. Sitting quietly having a yummy cup of coffee in my comfy prayer chair thinking about all that Holy Spirit had spoken to me through the night. Then something changed. I began to pray.

Praying in and of itself wasn't out of the norm for my morning routine. It was the visit from Abba Father that rocked my world that morning.

I began praying as usual for my family and friends. Then while I was praying in the spirit, a sudden Holy Anointing came on me and my prayer focus immediately changed. It changed to intercession for the lost and I felt a crushing grief within my spirit and soul so incredibly heavy that I literally grabbed my chest. Weeping began as I continued to pray in the spirit. Visions of people were flashing through my minds eyes. Then I saw what disturbed me the most. I saw familiar faces. They were believers. I don't know how to explain it other than - I knew them and I knew they were believers but I don't have any names.

In this vision, I had such sorrow and grief - I could not stop focusing on my fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord who were pictured among all the other unbelievers in the last days. All the others who denied the Lord.

This intercession seemed to last forever. Although in (our) reality I am sure it was but a few minutes. When I was able to, I asked the Lord. On my knees, I asked Him about the faces I saw. Why they were there among the unbelievers.

This is the Lord's answer,

"In the last days there will be a great falling away. Just as there will be a great harvest.

My precious AmyColleen, I have shown you a picture of both.

The time is soon - All who have chosen to follow me, who are still here in this world, will yet again be called upon to make a choice. Trust in me and my ways, and receive a crown of life or trust in the ways of this ruler of this world and be sealed with his mark and receive death.

Sadly, there will be many who will choose death over life. For wide is the gate that leads to destruction and narrow is the road that leads to life."

At this point I fell to my face and cried. Knowing that there would be so many brothers and sisters in the Lord that would fall prey to the deception of the enemy and give into his deadly schemes giving up their lives unto eternal death.

Then Abba Father spoke.

Instantly, all at once,

I felt peace,

and a sudden Holy Fear fall down upon me like a heavy soft warm invisible blanket.

"Remember, the harvest. I love you."
Was all he said.

****************************************************************

Brothers and sisters....THIS is serious stuff! 2 Thessalonians 2
There will be people you and I sit next to in CHURCH! People you and I go to lunch with. The Lord is referring to HIS CHURCH, HIS BODY, falling away, ....take a moment and just think about who you see every time you go to a church function, concert, meeting; Now think about the FACT that a GREAT MANY of US will FALL AWAY.

Sobering thought NO? Not MY words.....This is straight from the Word of God.

The Great Apostasy

2 Thessalonians 2

¹ Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, ² not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. ³ Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, ⁴ who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

Houses of light - Dream

2012-01-04T22:15:00.003-05:00

January 3, 2012

It was very early in the morning and I had already been awaken at least three time since 2 o'clock am. Such urgency in my spirit. I can not pin point anything. Each time I wake up I feel the over whelming need to pray for mercy. So I do and fall back asleep as I do. Each new sleep I am met with yet another dream impressing upon my heart the need for prayer. Personal prayer for me and my loved ones as well as prayer for the body of Christ as a whole. Time is running out.

Then - I have the dream. The dream that leaves it's impression on my heart. On my mind. On my soul. The dream I can not shake. I can not forget.
So simple. Yet so intense. Like all the other dreams lately that I have received form the Lord. It was short and straight to the point.

I was in this dream. At the same time I was not really a part of this dream. I was more of an observer able to move freely through this dream.

This dream was the last of three I had this night/early morning of January 3, 2012. The dream right before this one I was flying through the sky with many of my family (in Christ) and my blood family husband and children, we had been challenged in our faith; persecuted for believing on the Lord Yeshua/Jesus. (the short version) Along with many. many others. We chose to fly high up into the sky and far, far away from our oppressors.

The end of this flying dream brings us to the beginning of the dream I wanted to share. The "Houses of Light" dream.

Suddenly there was a great darkness all around. Like a blanket.The sky had become black. No stars. No moon. There was this horrible, loud noise. It sounded like screaming. A multitude of screams together all at once that just continued. It lasted for a period of time. Then, after a short time of complete darkness I could see very small houses begin to light up within the darkness. One right after the other. As I walked through this dream I could see that these houses, the ones with the lights on, were the homes where the believers were gathered together inside. Other than these houses with lights there was nothing but complete darkness.

The air was cold. There were distant sounds of voices crying out. It was so eerie.

Then...it was as if I was being drawn upwards and away and the land was becoming smaller and smaller.
I was now looking down on the earth from some where in the heavens.
That's when I heard "His" voice.
He said,
"Soon. Stay alert - be watchful."
Then I woke up.

A Prayerfully Personalized 3 Minute Scripture Lift

2012-01-01T22:20:00.003-05:00

***

“I will extol the Lord at all times;

His praise will always be on my lips.

My soul will boast in the Lord;

Let the afflicted hear and rejoice.”

***

~ Promises ~

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;

he delivers them from all their troubles.

The Lord is close to the broken hearted

And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

A righteous man may have many troubles,

But the Lord delivers him from them all;”

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the Lord

And he will give you the desires of your heart.”

“Better the little that the righteous have

than the wealth of many wicked.”

***

“I desire to do your will, O my God;

your law is within my heart.

I proclaim your righteousness in the great assembly;

I do not seal my lips,

As you know O Lord.

I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;

I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.

I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.”

“I do not trust in my bow,

my sword does not bring my victory;

but you give me victory over my enemies,

you put my adversaries to shame.

In God I make my boast all day long,

And I will praise your name forever.”

“I waited patiently for the Lord;

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

Out of the mud and the mire;

He set my feet on a rock

And gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,

A hymn of praise to our God.”

“If the Lord delights in a man’s way,

he makes his steps firm;

though he stumble, he will not fall,

for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”

***

“Cast your cares on the Lord

and he will sustain you;

he will never let the righteous fall.”

Be Blessed with every good blessing in our Precious Savior and Lord Jesus!

Scriptures, in order in which they were written, taken from the book of Psalms:

Psalms 34: 1,2,17,18,19 - 37: 3,4,16 - 40:8,9,10, - 44:8,9,10 - 40:1,2,3, - 37:23,24 - 55:22

And He said to me...(A word from the Lord)

2012-01-01T21:56:00.000-05:00

"Your greatest strength will become your greatest weakness and your greatest weakness will be your greatest strength.”

I have been thinking about this for a long time now. It's like one of those riddles that appears to be so complex but in the end is really quite simple. You see my greatest [natural] strength is nothing in the spirit world [or even in this world without Holy Spirit] I can not overcome anything on my own. However in the revelation of true humility and reverence, if I lay myself down [my strength] before G_d; I then become completely weak. I am no longer displaying a strength, but a weakness for all to see. Both spirit world and natural. Just as Jesus did when He denied His right as Lord and walked the road to Calvary. It is then that my strength, having become my weakness at this point,is now TRANSFORMED AGAIN INTO MY GREATEST STRENGTH!

Because it is in my weakness that G_d's power is made perfect! Oh Halleluia! 2 Cor. 12:9

It all started while I was sitting with the Lord, talking about the current condition of the church. I was feeling so over whelmed with the directive I had received from Him as well as all the love I was feeling for the lost. I was feeling so small, so very incapable of accomplishing all that had been divinely set before me to do. I just melted in my seat and began to weep. Holy Spirit...continued on speaking to my heart.

Shhhhh Still your soul and wait
Know that I am God
Know that I have your life in the palm of my hand
Know me. Trust me. Believe me

Come now ~ come now ~ come now away with me
To our place
Come now ~ come now away with me
Let the worries of this world fall away and sit here with me
Just sit here with me
Do you hear the rain? See the snow? Feel my Glory?
Let it embrace you ~ Let go of all that hinders you
Let my presence over come you
Let my love sweep through you

Haaaa haaaa haaaa hear the laughter
Hear the songs of angels singing
Come dance with me now,
Come away ~ come away ~ come away with me now
Still your soul ~ come away ~ and know that I love you

Oh Taste and see that the Lord is Good!!!

3:30 a.m. God's Calling

2011-12-24T05:30:00.001-05:00

The house is quiet with the the exception of the heater kicking on and off every so often; and the tick-tick-tick of the kitchen clock. I find myself in an oh so familiar place; tossing and turning in bed unable to fall asleep. On one hand I want desperately to fall asleep, on the other I know deep down inside that the Spirit of God is calling me for some. one on one, time. I am - facing - the ultimate battle. Flesh/vs/Spirit. Thankfully, tonight my spirit man won!

I honestly don't know why it's such a struggle. I know how amazing these midnight - one on one times - are, with the Lord. Still....It can be such a struggle sometimes to get out of bed.

Tonight my time has left me with an acute sense of time. "Life - time." The kind of time that is person specific.
None of us really knows when "our time" here on earth is through. I mean it could be any moment. I am sure all of us would like to think it isn't "any time soon". However, let's be real here, it very well could be. Only God himself knows when.

My blog today isn't so much about touching on getting ready or being ready for our destined - unknown time. ( although that is a good idea!) After my midnight date with the Lord I just wanted to share with you all little something I wrote. Something about making the most out of life or out of each day. Remembering to take the time to do the important things.

I know life can get hectic and try to convince us we don't have the time to take for the smaller (most important) things in life. I am going to change my way of thinking.

Hope you enjoy the following!

********************************************************************************

Today is the day to live my life.

Not yesterday, not tomorrow.

One day at a time to it’s fullest for me.

For I know not what tomorrow holds.

Today, I shall live abundantly!

One day at a time; yet making the most of it.
Being extra careful about what I say;
Thinking of others; remembering to pray.

One day at a time, seizing every moment;
Listening closely to hear the softest spoken word
stepping lightly to meet other’s needs without being heard.

One day at time, looking forward to eternal life;
Sharing the gospel with everyone I can.
Loving and caring for every race of man.

Yes
One day at a time; I will live my life.
For the one who gave his life for me;
So that I could learn to grow and be;
And live this life I now live;
One day at a time.

***********************************************************************************************

Taking Time to Pray
Sunday Morning Traffic Jam

Up and out of bed
Before the sun is up
“I should pray before I wake the others, but I am late and no time today.”

Start the coffee brewing
We need that to start the day
“I should really pray before I wake the others, but I am late and no time today.”

In the shower for me
Before the others get up
“I should really pray before I wake the others, but I am late and no time today.”

I will start the breakfast
Have it ready when the others get up
“I should really pray before I wake the others, but I am late and no time today.”

I will go wake the others now
So they will not be late
“I should really pray before I wake the others, but I am late and no time today.”

I have waken the others
Everything is ready
“I should have prayed before I woke the others, but I was late and had no time today.”

The others got up
Chaos ensued
A Traffic Jam in the House, who knew?

Just like that
The peace disappeared
I knew I should have taken the time to pray, but I was late, I only missed one day.

I went back to the bedroom
Fell down on my knees
I knew we were late but I wouldn’t leave ~
Until I took the time to pray.

By: Amy Colleen Copyright © All rights reserved

Prophetic Dreams

2011-12-21T21:21:00.003-05:00

There are some benefits to being in the desert. Actually there are quite a few. I will mention just one during this blog post.

Prophetic dreams.

Being alone with God in your thoughts. Having HIS input through HIS WORD. Having Holy Spirit speaking to you without the constant rumbling of others and their (all-be it wise) teachings and advise filtering out everything the Lord has just spoken to you.....has it's advantages.

Honestly, as much as I have tried on my own to get to this place (where I am now in the dessert with the Lord) with out actually being "in" the dessert place. I have never actually been able to get there. I have gotten close by taking time away "all by myself" for 5 days. Up in a cabin on the top of the Smokey Mountains. No T.V. no phone. No people. Just me and the Lord. Five whole days. Still not the same. Nothing quite like being lead into the dessert by the Holy Spirit of God.
It is not always the most pleasant of places to be, but I will say this, being in the dessert is definitely the most self revealing places, that is for sure!

Also being in the dessert I hear from the Lord allot more than when I am comfy cozy on the mountain top. Or at least it seems I do. Perhaps it's not that I hear more frequently as much as the God encounters are much more dynamic. Much more super natural and life altering. Kinda like Moses when climbed mount Horeb and saw the burning bush. Or Jacob when he was in the dessert place and wrestled with the angel of the Lord.
It is without fail that when I am lead by Holy Spirit into this time - this season - this - place in the dessert, spiritually, this is when I go through a time of deep, deep cleansing, spiritually.
All is stripped away from me. Everything that is unnecessary in my life. (at least the things that God deems unnecessary for the completion of His work in my life)
Things and people that I have some how let get between me and my relationship with the Lord.

Of course, yes, this is what I desire.

During this time in the desert my thirst for the Lord becomes greater and greater. I am even more desperate than ever before for Him.
My life? Well it can become a bit uncomfortable. For both myself and those around me as well.

Ah hah!

As I learn what the Lord is doing in my life. As I relearn that He is in control.

I begin to once again rest in faith that all is well and trust in His unfailing love for me.

That's when it happens.

That's when when the encounters begin.

The dreams. The visions. God speaks.

People have often asked me why does the Lord speak to me like He does. Through visions and dreams. While I am praying. While I am reading the Word of God or through my dreams at night.

I don't have a pat-answer. I do know that I have always heard from the Lord. I have always had dreams from God. Even when I wasn't able to discern that it was "his" voice or that my dreams were from the Lord. I look back years later and I remember what I heard or I read a dream I wrote down in a journal as a young child and I can clearly see it was HIS voice I heard;

that the dream was clearly from him.

Well, last night I had a dream. I believe it was a dream from the Lord warning us that very soon the churches of the America will be in the control of the U.S. Government.

In the dream the Presidential Limousine tried to run me down and instead the secret service had me thrown to the ground to try and keep me "out of the way" so the limousine could get through without any problems to the church. (I am a watchman)

The limousine that was supposedly carrying the President of the united States of America, had dark windows and I knew the man inside was an impostor. (this is why the secret service wanted me out of the way. I was correct...deception at work the supposed Presidential administration is not looking out for the best interest of the people)

I told told the S.S. (Secret Service) all I wanted to do was carry on and continue my way down the street. (I was warning people along the way of the deception) But they would have nothing to do with that. They were insistent that I be no where around the Presidential limousine so the S.S. had me physically thrown to the ground. I actually hurt my hip and leg from being slammed against the hard cement ground.
As they threw me up into the air and as I fell and hit the ground I called out, "So this is how the President of the United States treats any one who opposes him now - Physically abuses them? Someone call the press!"
Instantly the press was there and taking pictures.

I stood up and began to call out to the small church/hospital across the street where the Presidential limousine had stopped in front of. I was quoting scripture and trying to get the peoples attention but no one could hear me. Then the quad/ S.S. that thew me to the ground seemed to feel remorseful, seeing how he had hurt me, and handed me a mega phone. I began to quote scripture and warn the people about how the Government was now in control of all the small churches. People started to come up to me and handed me pieces of paper with secret information about the Gov't....they were folded...I opened them up and read them out loud through the mega phone. Soon the people across the street standing in front of the church, whose attention was on the Presidential limousine, was now on me.

I finished by saying,

"The ONLY WAY to escape their control is this way...." Then I laid my hands on my hip and leg which were hurt and said, "In the name of JESUS be healed!"

Instantly I was made whole.

I gave the mega phone back to the Secret service man and walked away.

********************************************************************************************

Let me just say that this dream has left me very sober. It was quite vivid. I have not shared all the details. Just touched on some of the major points.

Yesterday the Lord spoke very clearly to me..... ,"Soon."

Brothers and sisters I have many friends all over the globe. Only here in the USA do we as the Body of Christ (generally speaking of course) feel as though everything is, "A-Okay." Or perhaps, "not quite so bad." A great many believers feel that when things do start to get bad that there will be a great rescue for all the saints of God.

Well I have news for those who believe that. It's not new news by any means and it's not from me.

That is NOT the case.

Today all over the world tribulation is already in mid swing. Our brothers and sisters in the Lord are suffering greatly beyond anything we can even imagine. Even that which some of us (sinfully) choose not acknowledge.

People are dieing. Being brutally murdered; martyred all over the globe for Jesus name sake.

It is coming our way.

Soon.

Are we ready?

Ours is not to question why

2011-12-06T21:34:00.003-05:00

Ours is not to question why

It is ours but to obey

Obedience is far better than sacrifice

In the dessert I walk today

I trust alone in His unfailing love

Lead by the light of His word

Eyes fixed on the prize straight ahead

Ears only on HIS voice I have heard

I see the storm brewing in my path

I must continue on my plight

For I know what my Master has told me

And I walk by faith - not by sight

Everything in me wants to turn back

Escape this dessert I'm in

Lord please help me through this

Deliver me from all sin

Ours is not to question why

It is ours but to obey

Obedience brings God's blessings

And His hand of deliverance our way

AmyColleen 11/06/2011
******

VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY

2011-11-28T20:32:00.000-05:00

We have all heard the saying or actually the scripture,

"VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,"

from Romans chapter 12 (Paul quoting from Deuteronomy)

However the word "VENGEANCE" just doesn't seem to fit the bill in every given situation.....I know for ME, sometimes I just want to know deep down inside, as I am trusting in HIM that the Lord hasn't forgotten those that have wronged me.

The Lord brought me here during my time with him. It encouraged me so. I am sharing it in the hopes it blesses you as well!

Psalm 10: 12-15

12 Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God.
Do not forget the helpless.
13 Why does the wicked man revile God?
Why does he say to himself,
"He won't call me to account"?

14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief;
you consider it to take it in hand.
The victim commits himself to you;
you are the helper of the fatherless.

15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man;
call him to account for his wickedness
that would not be found out.

God does see it ALL and nothing gets by him....and He does feel our pain; in fact the transgression of others against those He loves hurt Him even more than it hurts us.

Its just a matter of timing.

2 Peter 3:9
For the Lord died for everyone and desires that all would come to repentance....so He is not slow in keeping His Word, as some would know slowness.....just patient.

AMEN!

Also, one of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 56. I am only going to post verses

8-10.

⁸ You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle;
         Are they not in Your book?
⁹ When I cry out to You,Then my enemies will turn back;
         This I know, because God is for me.
¹⁰ In God (I will praise His word),In the LORD (I will praise His word),
¹¹ In God I have put my trust;
         I will not be afraid.
         What can man do to me?

Psalm 91:14

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

~wow~

Because we love HIM.....wow....there are so many more scriptures!!!

Now if those awesome words from The Lord don't bring a smile to your heart

I don't know what will!!!

Be blessed as you seek HIS face in the secret place.

Shalom ~ AmyColleen

Psalm 34:18

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted

and

saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Come...He's Calling You

2011-11-26T21:57:00.001-05:00

Come

Come, walk by my side.

Come, there's no need to hide.

I've heard your cries for happiness.

I've seen you're search for peace of mind.

I've got something for you.

I can see you through.

Your road is rugged and treacherous.

Your heart needing to be renewed.

Come, walk by my side.

Come, there's no need to hide.

I see your heart. No you can't fool me.

I long to free you from your captivity.

I love you - with all of me.

Eternal love - unconditionally.

With my life I paid the price.

In anguish I cried your cries.

How can I make you see?

It's MY love that holds the key - to freedom from your misery?

Call to me....won't call to me......call to me.

Come, walk by my side.

Come, there's no need to hide.

I'm here to love you, to be your friend.

To walk by your side 'till the very end.

So, come......walk by my side.....I love you.....Jesus

Footprints in the Sand

One night I had a dream
I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets
of footprints in the sand,
one belonging to me
and the other to my Lord.
When the last scene of my life shot before me
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
There was only on set of footprints.
I realized that this was at the lowest
and saddest times in my life.
This always bothered me
and I questioned the Lord
about my dilemma.
"Lord, you told me when I decided to follow You,
You would walk and talk with me all the way.
But I'm aware that during the most troublesome
times of my life there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed You most,
you leave me."
He whispered, "My precious, precious child,
I love you and will never leave you
never, ever during your times of trial and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints
It was then that I carried you."

Margaret Fishback Powers

Lord, I love you. More than I could ever express I love you. You show me in ways I don't understand how much you care for me. Unconditionally....you love me. You don't mock me. You don't judge me. You don't turn me away in anger. You love me. When everyone else has no time for me. YOU LOVE ME. YOU make TIME for me. YOU actually ENJOY me! You laugh at my silly jokes and warm my soul with your with your sweet Holy Spirit!

When I think I can't take another minute! - - - YOU - YOU - swoop down from your throne and PICK ME RIGHT UP IN YOUR ARMS and LET ME KNOW ------You are still here by my side!!!! Just like you promised you would be! :)

You are NOT like everyone else.....YOU keep your promises......every one of them....and you have written them down for me to have; to be able to remind myself of them; to encourage myself daily! Oh THANK YOU!!!!

I love you!!!! I love you....I love you!

You are my rock -Your word is true!
Your promises are true and stand forever!
You have told me something and I believe it with JOY! I hold it in my heart!
I will see it come about for you have spoken it to me!n You are NOT a man that you should lie!

You alone I will extol! You alone will I praise and sing a song of love to!
With my voice I will lift up thanksgiving to you and you alone!
For all that you have done for me!

Though the enemy encamps about my house;
I will not fear for you watch over me!
To keep me safe and all that you have given me!
God is for me; who can be against me?

Away from me you evil oppressors!
There is no room in my life for you!
I am His alone; the one who bought me with his life!
The lover of my soul; away all else I say; away!

Swoop down at his command; hosts of heaven.
Charge the oppressor! Defeat the enemy!
Secure the home of his beloved hand-maiden!
Let the Glory of the Lord come down!

Let the divine will of the Lord of Glory have it's way!

Halleluia! Amen! Halleluia! Amen!!!

I love you my Master and my friend; my Lord and my God!

With my life I will praise you!

AmyColleen

Where's the love?

2011-11-15T20:17:00.001-05:00

^{John 13:35} "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Where is the love? huh? Seriously people of God??? Where is the LOVE?

I am so righteously aggravated right now I can't even describe. I pop onto facebook and scroll down my "news feed" and see so much judgmental posts between different groups of believers...it (simply put) BLOWS MY MIND! Oh, and of course, every one of them "knows" they are absolute in their theology - this I am certain, justifying their public display of "family verbal bashing". (not)

This is totally wrong. This is not acceptable. Brothers and sisters, we seriously need to take a step into the bathroom an look in the mirror and realize that Holy Spirit resides in us. While we are at it, we need to reconsider the person of Jesus/Yeshua/YHWH and all that HE is and all that HE stands for.
The purpose of the sacrifice of the Lamb of G-d. Reconciliation of man (you and me and EVERYONE else) to G-d.

We must take heed lest we become as the pharisees and end up on the judgment seat using the law and our own righteousness as a measuring stick. For we will surely fall short!
We must, absolutely must remember why G-d sent His only begotten Son to earth....to die for our sins!!! That is to be able, once again to have a relationship with mankind. NOT - so mankind could follow every letter of the law to the T or be kicked out of eternity.
It's our job, (also known as the great commission) to share in LOVE - this beautiful - powerful - life saving - changing - truth.
Every moment we spend criticizing others, especially those in the body of Christ, is only stealing
away time that we should be and could have spent sharing the love of G-d with a lost soul or a
prodigal child of the Lord.

Also --- May the Lord have mercy on us -- - we ARE HIS Body and what we do to the least of these (say or do) we do to HIM.Matthew 25:40 "‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Honestly - - - to answer the --- Where is the LOVE?
The TRUTH....it should be in US...most of us would say it is..from what I see on facebook...I'm not so sure.
( I will probably loose allot of fb'friends for being so bold.....so be it. a watchman is a watchman)

When we call each other, (fellow brothers and sister's in the Body of Christ) pagans and heathens or on the flip side - legalistic - anti-grace extremists; we are eating right out of SATAN'S hand. We are playing into Satan's master plan. Every time we talk about each other in the body of Christ negatively and when we publicly disrespect each other.

Our enemy chants, "Divide and conquer."

Matthew12:25 But Jesus said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand." & Luke 11:17 But He,[Jesus] said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls."

You know something? There isn't anything wrong with sharing knowledge. If we think we have the truth.
Share in love.
Why is it so hard for us to see that we are being used to sow seeds of division among the body and while doing this the world, those we are supposed to be reaching with the gospel of peace and eternal life, THIS world is watching us and turning away with eyes of disgust.

Lord help us...love each other....love YOU in each other.

If People Were Dishes

2011-11-15T08:23:00.001-05:00

We would be Fine China
Ever notice the "Care Instructions" on fine china?

Handled with care.

Never put in the micro wave or wash in the dishwasher.

Put out on display for all to see!

People are handmade; crafted by God himself. Each one completely different and special.

Time to start treating each other this way!

"Different" is not necessarily a bad thing - God created difference :) - Satan is responsible for creating Division.

So Have a GREAT Day today! And while you are at it....I challenge you to go out and love on someone different today!....You will surely be amazed at what a blessing it will be to YOU and THEM!

Chow for now and Shalom out!

AmyColleen

My GLASS is NOT HALF EMPTY!

2011-11-07T21:09:00.008-05:00

So would you please stop trying to convince me that it is?
Thank you.

I mean don't you just hate it when people try to tell you what you don't have in your life? Paaaalease.

Life has it's ups and its downs - its sunny days and its rainy day days. It's perfect days and its less than perfect days. Life has times when we understand and appreciate it and times when we can't understand it and don't appreciate it. That - is life. This doesn't mean life is less than wonderful.
The wisest man in the world put it this way:

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

  a time to be born and a time to die,
   a time to plant and a time to uproot,
  a time to kill and a time to heal,
   a time to tear down and a time to build,
  a time to weep and a time to laugh,
   a time to mourn and a time to dance,
  a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
   a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
  a time to search and a time to give up,
   a time to keep and a time to throw away,
  a time to tear and a time to mend,
   a time to be silent and a time to speak,
  a time to love and a time to hate,
   a time for war and a time for peace.

[taken from the Bible Ecclesiastes 3]

So admittedly I have had my share of trials and tribulations in my life time......and I will be perfectly honest here an admit that it hasn't always been easy to have a positive out look and see my glass as half full as opposed to half empty...but with God's Amazing Grace - the love of the Lord and Holy Spirit walking with me every step of the way, an incredible transformation has taken place. One I cannot take any credit for.

At this point, all that is left for me to say is perfectly expressed in this hymn, "It Is Well with My Soul" written by hymnist Horatio Spafford.

Now....if I can only get those people to stop focusing on my life and convince me that my glass is half empty....sooooo annoying!

Take a word of advice from me - would ya?

Before they disappear out of your life all together.

Take it from someone who knows.

Shalom

The scripture is NOT alive!

2011-11-07T13:52:00.009-05:00

"Power is not in the words themselves, i.e. Bible, Torah. Or we would be able to simply print millions of copies of each and distribute them to the lost and dying world. One would need only to read it and be saved, healed and delivered.

The power becomes unleashed and my Words become "alive" by the faith of the one who speaks them, by the faith of the one whose ears they fall upon, by the faith of those whose hearts receive my words with gladness."

Yes, you read my title correctly. It is not a typo. I wrote, "The scripture is NOT alive."
yes I am also aware of Hebrews 4:12 where the word of G-s said to be alive and active
...and no I am schizophrenic.

I will expand my beginning statement to include (so no-one will misunderstand) the Bible, the Torah, the Holy written word.

I realize that many of you are probably thinking Amy has fallen off her rocker or lost her marbles or worst yet joined a cult! - No worries!

I have done nothing of the sort!

I have, however, just received an awesome revelation during my most glorious time spent with our Lord Yeshua......and I would very much like to share it with you!

I will start with the Scripture I was mesmerized by.

Matthew 7

²⁸ When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹ because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

I have been studying the Gospel of Matthew. This time I couldn't seem to get past this scripture. It leaped out at me. The words I have emphasized were the ones that leaped out at me. So I asked the Lord about this scripture.

Now, I know for those of us that have been in church or synagogue for any amount of time, we have heard timeless times differing teaching on this scripture. I would venture to guess they would pretty much be generally along the same theological lines.

What the Lord shared with me, I don't recall having ever heard before.

In fact the closest I come to recalling, would be finding confirmation of what the Spirit of the Lord said, in the Word. Which is exactly what we want to see.

****************************************************************

²⁸ When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹ because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Okay, back to my point here.

I said that the "word" was "not alive".

I am speaking "literary".

In Matthew 7:28 the scripture tells us that "Jesus" was the one speaking and that the crowds were "amazed".

Ever been to a boring church service? I know you have. I have.

Let's take the music out of it. The flashing light shows. Fancy instruments. They didn't have those, I am quite sure, when Jesus was talking to the crowds on the hill sides. I wonder how many of the Mega Church Pastors would be able to keep a crowds attention just "sharing the Gospel" .....LIKE JESUS DID.....hmmmm

Okay Verse 29 tells us that ...he (Jesus) taught as one who "had authority", and "not as their teachers of the law".

Well, of course Jesus had authority. Jesus was G-d. Right? Well, yes and no. I mean that is the easy answer. Jesus was in fact; G-d made man. Walking the earth. However, for the point of this whole revelation sharing time, more accurately...Jesus had the the Holy Spirit resident within him. and THIS is WHY the WORDS Jesus SPOKE had authority!

Likewise - on the flip side of the coin the very same scripture the teachers of law would read from, and teach from, had no life because they had no life....no Holy Spirit resident within them.

These teachers of the Law, (our current day Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, Rabbis) that also teach from the Bible, Torah...the very same Holy written Word of G-D. In order for them to speak with authority, effectively they must be filled with the Holy Spirit of G-d.

The scripture tells us that, "..the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" Hebrews 4:12

This is true.

There are certain qualifications however. (yes this is what you have been waiting for I believe)

Many believers in the modern day "faith movement" would have you believe that you can take the "written word of G-d and speak it" (what ever it may be) into existence. That is just not scriptural. Although I am not here to debate that issue.

I would like to share the what the Lord himself spoke to me about this scripture in Matthew 7:28 -He said,

"Power is not in the words themselves, i.e. Bible, Torah. Or we would be able to simply print millions of copies of each and distribute them to the lost and dying world. One would need only to read it and be saved, healed and delivered.

The power becomes unleashed and my Words become "alive" by the faith of the one who speaks them, by the faith of the one whose ears they fall upon, by the faith of those whose hearts receive my words with gladness."

This made so much sense to me. It's not magic.

I mean think about it. People who have faith...seem to always have faith. It doesn't matter where they are. Who they are with, what circumstances they are facing. Why? Because it's not their faith...it is the Holy Spirit within them become alive. Paul puts it this way,

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Did you catch that? the Kings James version, I love it! I live BY THE FAITH of the Son of G-d! Wow!! How awesome is THAT? The faith of Jesus.

There are so many scriptures in the writings of Paul alone to encourage us to keep on keeping on the good walk of faith! Through out the New Testament other letters, encouraging us that He who has begun the good work in us HE will see it through to it's completion....and for us to remember we are not alone in this walk called life. Many have gone before us and still yet through all our trials we will not be allowed (by G-d himself) to be tempted beyond that which we can bear, even still G-d himself will make a way out.

These scriptures written in the Bible, become "alive" and bring hope to us by the power of Holy Spirit, not by simply being a written word on a page or even reciting these words out loud but by having the faith to believe.

And then there -

Are those people that seem to be able to worship the Lord no matter where they are or who they are with. It doesn't matter what kind of music or even if there is music; it doesn't even matter how the teaching or preaching was! These folk can seem to feel right at home anywhere there are Saints of G-d. Ever wonder why? Because they have the Holy Spirit of G-d resident within them. ..."and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty". 2Corinthians 17

Think of it this way we are family born again into the the likeness of G-d's own son. If you were to travel far away to a foreign land where you knew no one, only to find out you had a relative you hadn't met before in the same neighborhood; just think how joyful your spirit would be! Likewise, your new found family would feel the same!

My point, I hope you are able to follow along, is actually quite straight forward. The word in print is just that. The word in print.

There is no power in the word until it is unleashed by faith.

There are many theories on how to do that (unleash your faith). Sadly most are man's vain attempts at getting G-d attention. Something we have always had. Also something that more often than not brings condemnation and guilt not faith and hope to the life of a believer.

So how do we unleash our faith?

So the word of G-d can become alive and our Joy complete?

That is very simply answered.

...."these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit." (scripture below)

¹¹ “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ¹² His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

The Baptism of Jesus

¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. ¹⁴ But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

¹⁵ Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

⁶ As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

We need the Holy Spirit resident within us! It is simply not enough for us to say the "sinners prayer" and carry a Bible around. None of us knows when we will take our last breathe. I guarantee we will not have a Bible in our hands when we stand before the King of Glory on judgment day! I also guarantee one of the questions the Lord is going to ask us is NOT going to be, "Did you make it to church and Sunday school faithfully?" or "Did you have fun at worship?" or "Did you keep every one of my commandments? Because if you didn't you have to leave right now! ooops....YOU ARE OUTTA HERE!"

The Lord knows everything there is to know about us. Everything. EVERYthing. We can't hide anything. I mean nothing. (You get my picture.)

So....if you are having difficulty connecting with others in the Body of Christ.

Reading the Word...and having it "speak to you".

Getting to church or small groups to fellowship...because it's so boring.

I have a tip. This one works every time. It's guaranteed.

Get to know the Master

Now, now....hold on! I didn't say get to know "about" him. I said get to "know" him. Two completely different things.

I mean. I can read all about George Washington from history books. Martin Luther Kings Jr. I can tell you what kind of desserts like to eat. You name it. But I can never get to "know" them - personally - intimately. After a while Reading about them becomes BORING.

The Master....our Lord....Jesus/Yeshua....is Alive. We can get to KNOW him. If we spend time with him.

I realize for some reading this, it will be a first. For others not so much.

Either way...if you take on the challenge of spending time getting to know the Master better; developing your person relationship with him. Your faith will be unleashed, bringing results through the Word.

So, no...the written Word, the Bible, Torah, on paper is not alive.

But - take some time and get to "know" your Lord and Savior and YOU and your faith soon will be!

Guaranteed!

* Corinthians 2*

¹ And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. ² For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. ³ I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. ⁴ My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, ⁵ so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

God’s Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit

⁶ We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. ⁷ No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. ⁸ None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. ⁹ However, as it is written:

   “What no eye has seen,
   what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”-
   the things God has prepared for those who love him-

¹⁰ these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. ¹¹ For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. ¹² What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. ¹³ This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. ¹⁴ The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. ¹⁵ The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, ¹⁶ for,

“Who has known the mind of the Lord
so as to instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ."

What I did on my 15 minute break today...

2011-11-05T20:14:00.003-04:00

I stalked my kids.

Yeah, That's right. I said stalking.

I am on my 15 minute break at work. Laughing out loud at my desk....big HUGE grin on my face as I read my son and daughter in laws BLOG....about their life together and my grand baby.
I am giddy/happy and at the same time so very sad inside. YOU figure that one out.

It's rough living so far away from your kids. Your grand kids.
I mean, I am thankful for technology. All the digital photos and such.
Why, I remember the good old days when I had to shoot a full roll of film, take it and get it developed, then send it across the country to my Mom. So don't mis-understand me here; I do appreciate the whole world of
blogging and such. I mean, I can keep up with my kids life and be their very own private paparazzi to boot!...Still, it just isn't the same by any stretch of the imagination.

I miss my kids & grand kids

I mean....wouldn't you miss this?

Well, I gotta admit. Jeremy and Maria have thee coolest blog bar none!
Our Picture Perfect

So I suppose if I have to settle for having an e-relationship with my grandson, for now, I will count my blessings that they are so wonderfully talented in the literary department! Oh! and of course the photography department too!

Goodness knows they are entirely too busy right now trying to get their lives settled. If I had to depend on Kodak to develop the Taylor photos and USPS to deliver them - I likely would never get any updates!

tee-hee
So....thank you technology and UF!

Love you J,M & B!

The Fire Within

I first loved you

What's Wrong with this Picture?

"Doing Without" a Heart. NOT okay

The world is falling apart

The Altar

“Forit has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, butalso to suffer for him,” Philippians1:29

Your Face

God's Good Byes

A Mother's Heart

I love you

Transparency

Learning to Let Go

Alone

Dream of Darkness

My life flashed before my eyes

Worst Day EVER!

A Word for the Shepherds

Ezekiel 34: 2-6 1 The word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 34: 2-6

Bleeding on the Inside

A Vision and A Word

It was a normal morning for me. I was up at 6, getting ready for work. Sitting quietly having a yummy cup of coffee in my comfy prayer chair thinking about all that Holy Spirit had spoken to me through the night. Then something changed. I began to pray.

Praying in and of itself wasn't out of the norm for my morning routine. It was the visit from Abba Father that rocked my world that morning.

In this vision, I had such sorrow and grief - I could not stop focusing on my fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord who were pictured among all the other unbelievers in the last days. All the others who denied the Lord.

2 Thessalonians 2

Houses of light - Dream

A Prayerfully Personalized 3 Minute Scripture Lift

And He said to me...(A word from the Lord)

3:30 a.m. God's Calling

Taking Time to Pray

Sunday Morning Traffic Jam

Prophetic Dreams

Ours is not to question why

VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY

Come...He's Calling You

Where's the love?

If People Were Dishes

My GLASS is NOT HALF EMPTY!

The scripture is NOT alive!

I will expand my beginning statement to include (so no-one will misunderstand) the Bible, the Torah, the Holy written word.

I will start with the Scripture I was mesmerized by.

Matthew 7

28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

The Baptism of Jesus

*** Corinthians 2***

God’s Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit

What I did on my 15 minute break today...

Ezekiel 34: 2-6
¹ The word of the LORD came to me:

²⁸ When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹ because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

²⁸ When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹ because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

* Corinthians 2*