The NIV translation says, “in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” The Greek word for “complete” can also mean supplied. Makes me think of equipped. It all makes sense when you think of it in the terms that Christ lives in us. We are filled by His Holy Spirit and are not only under His rule and authority but walk in that same power and authority (Eph 1:19-20, Luke 9:1-2) because of Christ’s death and resurrection on our behalf.

We are not only saved but empowered to do all Christ did and more (John 14:11-14).

Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

As my trust grows, so does my belief. This is not the feel good Christianity that says just believe it and it’s yours. This is believing Jesus and what He spoke as truth.

And living it.

Really and truly I want to blog more here and maybe I’m just talking to air. You can’t exactly expect to have a following when you don’t post much, but honestly and truly, so much of “me” is spent on our SpirituallyUnequalMarriage.com site. I love it there, I love our community there and right now that is where God had me working for Him. And it is glorious! I love serving God in whatever way He calls me to. That’s the greatest adventure in life!

I’m still starting my days with this phrase, “Your day, Your way, Lord.” I love His agenda. And that is where my life is at these days.

How about you? Where are you right now?

Hugs!

1 Message* is a story about a young woman named Becca who seems to have it all until she’s diagnosed with breast cancer. Her life pretty much does a 180 and where the movie starts is at the end of that turn around and she is not a pretty picture. As the story progresses the story behind her story unfolds in bits and pieces and we slowly get the full picture of what brought Becca to this shut in place in her life. The title, 1 Message, refers to a single email message that is the catalyst to turning her life back around and Becca’s journey back to the land of the living.

The movie is really done and the acting high caliber. Yes, this is a faith based film and in my opinion, one of the best kinds. I love stories like this where God’s more in the background putting the pieces in place. Kind of like the book of Esther in the Bible. And the ending is far from predictable. It’s a tad bittersweet but definitely full of encouragement and hope.

I definitely recommend this movie if you’re looking for something on the more serious side but not too serious and with some great doses of humor. Inspiring, well done and time well spent being entertained with quality material (i.e. not a waste of your time).

*Special thanks a. larry ross communications for the opportunity to review 1 Message and providing a copy of the movie.

Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them, and broke them, and kept giving them to the disciples to set before the people. – Luke 9:16 (NASB)

Words can be so subtle in the context they’re used to convey meaning. I read this part of Luke today, first in the NIV, then in the NASB. That’s when I stopped. I bolder above the part that caught me because it brought this scene to life for me like never before.

Jesus kept giving.

It makes sense when you think about but imagine it. He blessed the 5 loaves and 2 fish, then broke them and then kept giving them out. He had to keep  handing it out because 5,000 men, not counting women and children, were fed and 12 baskets were filled with the leftovers.

I’m struggling to imagine what that must have looked like close up. Did the bread and fish just keep appearing in Jesus’ hands or multiply around him. I’m guessing in his hands somehow since he kept giving it out.

Can you imagine it?

What originally drew me to watch the movie was the cast. I’ve always appreciated John Schneider’s work (Smallville, etc.) and have always been a fan of Dean Cain (Lois & Clark). The film was directed by Mike Norris and does a pretty good job of telling a universal story. As God’s creatures we long to see the presence of God at work in our lives, especially when things are rough. I Am. . .Gabriel shoots out the gate with a very intense first scene and sets the stage for this “withering” town. From then on though the movie slows to a pace that would be great for a book but tends to drag a bit for a movie. The characters are good though at times the acting is stilted.

Faith based films are definitely improving and I see that trend even in I Am. . .Gabriel. The story makes it worth watching and overlooking some of its less than stellar aspects. And it’s a good family movie for sure. I can see children enjoying this film as long as Mom and Dad are aware that it does deal with some difficult areas pretty openly (death, suicide), so older kids perhaps. One of my favorite parts of the story is the message that “Gabe” brings with his prayer mat that God just wants us to talk to Him. So true!

Theologically, I’m sure there could be some arguments, but again, the premise of the story and the message of God’s love is really what shines through in this movie. And I so appreciate actors like Schneider and Cain who step out of the Hollywood glitz to give their talents for the kingdom of God.

I Am. . .Gabriel is sure to inspire you!

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.

What came after this was Jesus’ selection of the 12 disciples (vss. 13-16). Jesus prayed through an entire night. I can only imagine what their conversation was like but it most certainly seems to have been the Father’s preparation and guidance for Jesus to pick these 12 men. Especially considering one of them was Judas and Scripture tells us that Jesus knew who His betrayer would be (Matt. 26:21,Mark 14:18, Luke 22:21).

What’s even more interesting to me is how the word pray is used in this verse. We have one word of reference but the Greek translation actually uses two. The first one, proseuchomai, is a general reference to prayer yet the second one, prosecute, seems to have a deeper meaning, to pray earnestly.

I can only imagine what Jesus’ prayers were like, what He wrestled with as His Father gave Him guidance, wisdom and comfort for what lay before Him. I love how God always gives us what we need. Wherever He calls us He prepares us for the journey ahead. And not only that, He goes with us.

Lord, You are so good to us! I love how every detail is important to you and how You so lovingly and tenderly take us through each step. Your love is so overwhelmingly beautiful. Thank you, Jesus. May we pray like You! Amen!

My precious friends, I am overwhelmed with joy in all that God is doing in our SUM community right now. The response to His call to “re-sign” has been astounding! ASTOUNDING!!! I. Am. In. Awe. I have inbox full of these wonderful requests so please be patient with me as I pray through each one. I will reply to every single email.

I want to share so much of this crazy journey God has Lynn and I on. We both will be doing this in the days and weeks to come. And it will go onward, I dare say. So please come with us!

So, let me start at a beginning, a preparation that God sent to me for what was to come.

While I was in Hawaii, my husband and would go and watch the sunrise on the beach each morning, then I would sit on our patio and read my Bible and praise God until my hubby came back out to share breakfast with me.

Read the rest…

Many of you know Lynn and I were at the Open Heavens conference at Bethel Church in Redding, CA last week. She and I are still processing much of it and God is still moving and doing things to confirm and move us in this faith journey.

Let me tell you, it’s deep stuff and one part I fee led to share with you today. So bare with me. This post might sting a little. But it’s like that antiseptic on a wound that stings at first but as it helps, the underlying pain goes away and the wound begins to heal.

Are you ready for some shaking up and then some healing?

Read the rest at S.U.M.

Last week I spent five days and four nights in Dallas, Texas at the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference. This was my eighth year to go and yet again God had some things to show me.

Maybe you’re wondering why I’m sharing this here since I keep my fiction side (nonfiction authors call it the dark side. LOL!) in a separate hemisphere. Maybe I shouldn’t do that…

Read the rest…