This Homeless Man Breaks Down During Praise Song!

We made our way to the ocean front view to eat our lunch. We were hoping for a relaxing day. God had other plans for us. A homeless man began to act crazy as group of kids antagonized him. I hadn't noticed because he was sitting next to my hubby and I was turned the opposite direction talking to my son. My hubby (Anthony) was getting worried. The man had a large, sharp stick and was waving it around near him. He finally tapped me and said, "This guy's stressing me out!" I replied, "Are you praying for him?" He said, "Ya." I began to pray also, quietly at first and then softly out loud...only my hubby could hear me. As I closed my prayer, "In Jesus' Name, Amen." The guy stopped his ranting, ran his hands down his chest and said, "Thank you Jesus, I feel better." 
WOAH! We both looked at each other, "WOW!" 

The man moved closer to my hubby. He was rubbing his injured leg (he was using the sharp stick as his cane.) I leaned over asking him if he wanted my hubby to pray for him? Anthony gave me that look, "What are you doing?" LOL! The homeless man answered, "Wait let me see your eyes first." Anthony took off his sunglasses. The man got right in his face, staring for a painstakingly long, awkward time. He finally said, "You can pray for me...you've got heart." He reached out and put a death grip on my hubby's shoulder, who responded in turn by grasping his outstretched arm.

He prayed a powerful prayer for him. Then he began to pray for us, it was for blessing and protection over our family. My hubby was leery about letting him at first but after praying, felt like the Holy Spirit was moving in the entire situation and knew it would be okay.

When we finished, he began to play a song on his harmonica, "Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire." I asked if he could play along with music? I pulled out my music player, pressing play as "Oh Praise Him," by David Crowder, filled the area. He began to play along as the Worship music began to touch his spirit. He broke down. He was struggling. He made one last grunt, "Argh" a relenting...finally lifting his hands in Praise. I told my hubby to start his GoPro...having no idea how powerful the video would end up being. It was incredible to see the spiritual battle/warfare going on right in front of us. The song finished  abruptly as my battery ran out. He sat down below us and said he wanted to play another song for us. Anthony said, "That's okay you already played for us." He said, "Not this one!" Then he played, "O PRAISE HIM!" 

SERIOUSLY...Talk about having a moment! It was incredible.  A normal, ordinary day turned into an extraordinary encounter. 

No matter what is going on or where you find yourself...NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF PRAYER!

JESUS has a purpose, a plan for you each and every day. Don't miss it!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

Are You Prepared?

Our Hike Last Year "The Narrows" at Zion National Park

I'm preparing, training, working towards an upcoming goal. This is not going to be easy and I need to be ready for the big hike (Mt. Timpanogos.) The steep elevation and lack of oxygen is something that I worry about. I've had altitude sickness before which put me in bed for a week with severe flu-like symptoms. Now that  I'm aware of it, I know what I need to do to prepare. I'm not only training my muscles and doing cardio, (lifting weights, riding my bike, stair stepper and yoga), I'm also hydrating. I'm ready to counteract the lack of oxygen this, sea-level living girl, normally receives. I'm also allowing several days of acclimation adjustment before embarking on this memorial hike to honor my dad.

The key to any journey in life is preparation. Being ready for the expected as well as the unexpected (as much as possible) that which "may" or "could" happen. If my body is in tip top shape when the unexpected arises, I will be strong enough to endure it.

Your daily life requires preparation for the trials and tragedies that may come upon you. This however requires a different type of training. You will need to train your mind and spirit. It requires seeking your Creator. The One who knows the obstacles on your road, "before" they come upon you. Building your faith and trust in The Lord through prayer, daily scripture study and quiet time. Spending time with Jesus allows you to grow stronger inside, as He reveals truth and hope right there in the middle of the storm. A peace found in nothing else. Daily spiritual training sets captives free. The Lord renews strength when you feel unable to go on. He lifts you up. He puts your feet back on solid ground. A beacon of light shining brightly in the darkness.

Don't go through this life unprepared; hopeless, lost or alone. Seek a "relationship" with Jesus Christ and allow Him to be your life guide. Your trainer. Your hope. Your Savior.

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27

"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." 1 Timothy 4:8

I'm Tired!

As the sleepless nights mount up, it takes a toll on me. I'm becoming overly sensitive, easily angered and frustrated. A constant sense of uneasiness floods my usually peaceful mind. Sleep deprivation is wearing me down. Three to four hours a night is not enough!

I have so many things to do, the list in my head seems to continually get longer, I never seem to get caught up.

This morning I had a yoga class (to help the herniated disc in my neck), weight training and a bike ride. As soon as the alarm went off I felt the pressure and stress to get there begin to overwhelm me. I chose to stay in bed. I'm mentally and physically exhausted. As soon as I make the decision, the guilt of skipping out floods my mind. I'm in training for a big memorial hike in honor of my dad. It was a goal he'd set and achieved before his passing from lung cancer. He climbed Mt. Timpanogos in Utah. It's a difficult hike that takes about 4 1/2 hours each way.

I want to be in shape to climb this mountain. However, at the moment, I can't even climb the mountain in front of me....getting to the gym. Sigh...

In the middle of all this mind spinning, I hear the Lord's prompting, "Rest in Me." Sigh. "Rest in ME." 

Can it be that simple?

Closing all the doors, silencing my phone, shutting out the world that never stops calling my name, I enter into the quiet place with the Lord, praying, soaking in His Holy Word. More of HIM, less of this world. Even in my tired state, I feel the restlessness begin to fade away. My breathing slows. My mind stops racing. Right here, right now, I'm choosing to seek the Lord's peace. I need to be filled...stilled....renewed. 

^"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Thank you Jesus for reminding me that time spent with You always fills up my parched soul.

Right Here...Right Now!

The Lord says..."When you come to Me in Thankfulness I hear you. I answer your call as you put your complete faith and trust in Me. Be mindful of Me throughout your day. Do not become passive in this world. I've come to save you. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10

Let the Light of My Love capture you each morning. Let My truth and words be on your lips all day long. I have divine appointments for you. Do not let the enemy blind your eyes with worldly lies. Stay in the moment. For in each moment you will find peace, wisdom, guidance and understanding for what is placed in front of you. "And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Stay the course: second by second...minute by minute...day by day. I'm in the very moment where you are standing. Thank Me for My presence. My Mighty Hand holds you. Do you not perceive it?" "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Stay in the now so that My Glory may be revealed in and through you. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—" John 14:16

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

STAY THE COURSE!

I’ve received so many miracles, one right after another. Faithful. Lord, You are Mighty to save. In whom can I put my trust but You alone.

“The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; “He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

The mountains and hills pass away but Your Love is Eternal.

“For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed, Says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” Isaiah 54:10

You are with me always. When I lie down, there You are. When I awake, there You are. When trouble comes, there You are. Your Mighty arm saves me and lifts me up.

“ teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Amen.” Matthew 28:20

No greater Love has thee than to lay down Your life for Me. Who am I that You should be mindful of me? That You should answer my call Mightily. That You would carry me safely through this earthly journey. No greater Love has ever been found. Jesus, my Lord, Savior, Deliverer. Jesus. Who gave His life for mine. No greater love.

“No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” John 10:18

 ^“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

 ^“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”   1 John 3:16

I sit in awestruck wonder at the mention of Your Name. Cancer-healed. Death-restored life. Accident-protected. Drowning-saved. You Lord are a God of Miracles. A God of Love. A God of the Impossible. A God of Trust. A God of unending Faith. My True Deliverer. Your Glory Abounds. You leave me speechless. I fall to my knees in awestruck wonder; to know that I’m never alone. Thank you Lord! You deliver the lost and broken back to peace and trust; carefully guiding...Your perfect timing. Healing the addicted; saving your children from the grasp of the enemy. Whom or what shall I fear? My Lord, my God, my Jesus is near to me always.

“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” John 21:25

Let the enemy tremble at the mention of Your name…JESUS. The enemy has been defeated. He has no more power over those who call on Your Holy and Mighty name…JESUS. Tremble oh you demons. My God is with me, destruction is yours. Jesus has Risen. He is Lord over all. He sits at the right hand of God interceding. Saving. Loving. Holding. Guiding. 

“Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:33-34  

My Savior is my strong tower; an impenetrable fortress. The ground may shake, the oceans may rise, but I am safe in His Arms. Resistance may come, but my prayers rise up as love notes to the Lord. He turns His ear attentively to my cry. He rejoices in my trust in HIM. He extends His Loving arms, engulfing my emptiness; strengthening my heart.

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“I am with you always. Even to the end. I am working all things out for My Good and Perfect Will. Call on My Name. Seek Me often. Stand and behold, I Am with you always. You are My Beloved child. I have many plans for you. Call on Me often. Do not shrink back. Through the trials, as iron sharpens iron, you are being strengthened in my love. You are being shown in Whom you can place your trust. Call on Me often. I Love you. You are Mine and are being restored for just such a time a this. Do not get distracted. Stay the course. WRITE. I Speak Words to you, share your stories. Let people know of MY Goodness and Faithfulness. You are never alone. Don’t shrink back my child. Stay the course. The straight and narrow path I’ve laid before you. Walk boldly forward and you will witness My Mighty Hand removing ALL OBSTACLES. FEED MY SHEEP. Share My Love. Jesus is your Savior. The battle is won. I have told you the end of the story. You know what will take place. Walk securely in this knowledge. I Am the Victory. I Am the Way, the Truth and the Light. Walk with Me. Stay close to Me. This battle is not yours but MINE. It is finished. Death is conquered. Jesus has Won. He is Risen. Walk in Victory daily. Stand and behold the workings of My Hand. Love conquers all!
 "But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm." Matthew 8:26

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
 "Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37

My MIRACLE Healing!

I stopped here after receiving my MIRACLE...to thank the Lord & take in His beauty!

I have to share something very personal. I received a MIRACLE healing. On Thursday, May 29th, I went to see the surgeon to discuss/schedule surgery to remove a very aggressive pre-cancer, that was found after a biopsy. It was in an area that could've left me with a colostomy bag for the rest of my life. This procedure was recommended after several tests, visits with my doctor and my oncologist. It was decided that surgery was the best option. During my appointment, the surgeon performed an extensive examination (which I thought I was only there to discuss the surgery and then set a date. I was not happy about more examinations needless to say.) That was until...he found absolutely NOTHING! It was gone! He told us he could not perform surgery on something that wasn't there. THANK YOU LORD for answering prayers.  Once home, I dropped to my knees, praying, thanking, crying. I grabbed my Bible and when I opened it, this is the first thing I saw: “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” 

 Then I read the rest of the verses: 
"So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road." Mark 10:51-52

I started balling like a baby all over again! Faith, me? My faith during all of this was like a roller coaster ride. Some days I'd do great and others I spent crying, stressing, and worrying. This led to internet researching, (which of course led to more stress and worry.) Finally, I'd open up my Bible again to get filled up with truth and immediate peace.
     

As I kneeled, crying in gratitude, "Thank you Jesus!" My husband walked in. He said, "Why are you crying?" When I told him the scripture that I'd just been given and how I felt, he said, "It only takes the faith the size of a mustard seed, Lis." "So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." 

WOW...that's the exact kind of faith I had. It was small. But I tried to remain steadfast in seeking the Lord in the midst of everything. Failing some days and doing amazingly well others. FAITH. What does the Bible say about it: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1. After this answered prayer...my faith is growing. The Lord chose to heal me. 

 And yet, while I received this very undeserved miracle...there are others, like my step-dad who was not healed...even though he had amazing faith. During his illness, his spirit remained strong, unmoved, unwavering in the midst of his cancer. He was a light to so many people. He was a miracle by his example everyday to each one of us. So when I talk of faith and miracles, I need to always remember, whether it is a complete and total healing or the gift of incredible faith and strength from the Lord to endure the trial in the midst of the storm. When we continue to seek Him, He always fills us up where we're lacking. Just like the mustard seed which is the smallest of seeds and yet grows to become the largest of trees. 

"Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32.

Thank you Lord...I stand in awe and amazement of your gift!

When Everything's Out of Control...

I sat at the ocean's edge. Listening. Watching. A large seaweed washed ashore. The waves crashed, engulfing...moving it along the sand. The larger waves forcing it in, then pulling it back out to sea. Rolling...pulling...pushing, at the mercy of the ocean.

Your life can often feel helpless like that. Each day bringing new trials...often leaving raw emotions in its wake. You push through the day but never truly feel at peace in the moment; right where you are. Your strength and ability falters. Hope threatens to drown into hopelessness. Faith to faithlessness. 

Life...an ocean of wave after wave. You try to catch your breathe just in time for the next set. In the midst you begin to realize you've tried everything in your own strength. Nothing has changed. Sinking deeper you begin to pray, "Lord, I need you." A simple prayer of letting go. A broken cry from a heart in chains...drowning.  In your deepest hour of need you're drawn to God. The empty space only He can fill.

Gathering your last ounce of strength you open the Bible, Talk to me Lord, I need you."

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalm 46:10

"BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD." 

The Lord's been waiting for you to let go. PEACE. Even though the waves may continue to crash...the Peace of Jesus floods in. His love fills. It's a moment by moment, day by day prayer. Letting the Lord move and work. With each answered prayer, healing begins. Faith builds. Trust is restored. 

Life's waves may come, but God's love is bigger than the waves. Turn the uncontrollable over to God to work all things out for His good and perfect will. Let go. The Lord says to you today, "BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD..." Psalm 46:10

"He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" Psalm 107:29