F A I T H

Thirty years ago, I sat in a bikini in my back yard tanning my pregnant belly. As I soaked up the sun I talked to God. I don’t exactly remember word for word the conversation, but I’ll never forget this one part. We were talking about what to name the wee babe, He said “Name her Faith, because it’ll take faith to give birth to Faith.”

Today Faith turns thirty. 30! Happy Birthday Faith!

Why would it take faith to give birth to Faith?

The backstory…

Four years before Faith was born her two-year-old sister, that she has never met—died. As a mere twenty-four-year-old, I was to say the least—devastated. As was my little family of three. We would never be the same. We didn’t know it then, but God knew, we would be better. Because through the devastation He would heal and rebuild us into something we never could have been if we had not known, loved and lost Faith’s sister Haylie Anne.

I sincerely believe the enemy of our soul tried to annihilate my family. But God had much better plans and they have prospered. The rebuilding started one year after Haylie Anne’s death when I gave birth to an amazing son. God spoke to me saying “he is the rainbow after the storm.” The promise to never again let my world flood with devastation.

Two years later I was window shopping with my Momma in a little boutique where I laid eyes on the most beautiful, little white baby dress. A delicate cotton gown with tiny pink roses on the front bodice. My heart leapt with promise. That night God spoke to me to go buy it and said, “You will dedicate your baby girl in that dress.” Shortly after that, at twelve weeks pregnant, I miscarried a baby boy. We named him Riley. After this moment I held tight to a promise that says “he (Abraham) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God” Romans 4:20

One year later I gave birth to Faith Arielle Forest

My husband and I sobbed heart wrenching sobs when we first held our faith baby.

For thirty years, God in His faithfulness, uses Faith to speak to me about my faith and His promises.

Today, I celebrate Faith a woman of wonder and beauty, a masterpiece hand crafted by the Father Himself.

And I celebrate my Faithful God from whom all blessings flow.

Now, that devastated little family of three is a flourishing family of twenty-five and counting!

 

THE ONLY GOAL THAT COUNTS

This morning I find myself sitting outside at one of my favorite places in Boise. Java in Hyde Park. It’s 6:30 am and 74 degrees-my kind of wonderful.

My heart is moved by Philippians 3:9-14. I don’t usually quote long pieces of scripture in my blogs, but today, as I read this, I realize there really is nothing I can add. These words completely describe my heart and life. I pray they touch yours as profoundly as they have mine. 

Please be encouraged to let this truth become your reality.

When it counts, I want to be found belonging to Him, not clinging to my own righteousness based on law, but actively relying on the faithfulness of the Anointed One. This is true righteousness, supplied by God, acquired by faith. 

I want to know Him inside and out. I want to experience the power of His resurrection and join in His suffering, shaped by His death, so that I may arrive safely at the resurrection from the dead.

I’m not there yet, nor have I become perfect; but I am charging on to gain anything and everything the Anointed One, Jesus, has in store for me—and nothing will stand in my way because He has grabbed me and won’t let me go.

Brothers and sisters, as I said, I know I have not arrived; but there’s one thing I am doing: I’m leaving my old life behind, putting everything on the line for this mission.

I am sprinting toward the only goal that counts: to cross the line, to win the prize, and to hear God’s call to resurrection life found exclusively in Jesus the Anointed.

MOM RESUME

My 35 years of experience has mainly taught me that I don’t know all that much about parenting.

I’m sure this sounds strange. But truthfully I only really know two things about parenting.

On Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest we only see the pretty part of parenting. Where people look like experts, with no real struggles.

The real issues of parenthood press us to the point where we realize we are not qualified for this role in life. Because truthfully we don’t know what the H (heck) we are doing!

If I were to put a Mom resume together, I could list a thousand amazing things and still not be qualified.

So what qualifies us?

Jesus.

Jesus is our resume.

The number one thing I know about parenting is this:  I am the most qualified, the most accomplished Mom when I realize how much I need Jesus—when I trust my kids to the work of grace—to the work of the cross.

In situations involving our children, my husband and I can talk, fret and discuss the issue for hours, and we always reach the same conclusion. And this is the second thing I know—that Jesus is enough.

Yes, all my years of parenting humbly bring me to the truth of these two conclusions.

1. Jesus, not my skills or knowledge qualifies me, and you, to be an excellent parent.

2. Jesus fills in every gap, His love, faithfulness, mercy and grace are enough for every parenting situation.

Following are a portion of lyrics from a song I love, titled Touch the Sky, by Hillsong United.

I found my life when
I laid it down.
Upward falling,
spirit soaring.
I touch the sky when
my knees hit the ground.

Treasure these truths…

1. We find life and it’s answers for parenting, and any other situation, as we lay everything down.

2. In Jesus there are no mistakes, His grace causes us to only fall upward.

3. We reach our highest when we bow our lowest.

Please be encouraged to give yourself a break—life is messy. We are all in process. It’s not about getting through life perfectly. It’s about relationship with Jesus—living in His grace and love. He does not expect perfection just submission. And when we realize only He can qualify us—the pressure is off—we find rest and freedom.

Happy Momma’s Day!

Link to the song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1RQciil7B0&sns=em

 

 

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

Have you ever felt bound by limitations or impossibilities? How would your life change if you had no restrictions, boundaries or obstacles to your faith?

I just found this blog from 2014. It’s a great word! And I have to repost it. It’s really encouraging to read this and see where I was and where I am now in my faith and belief. Ecstatic to say I have grown leaps and bounds, I really have entered into a lifestyle and belief system of limitless faith. When I wrote this I was really struggling to emerge from the heaviness of worry, fear and doubt. I’m so thankful to God for the progress. He is so faithful. Not to say I’ve arrived but there is evidence that I am on my way! And please, understand I’m not here to boast about “Me” I’m reposting this to encourage you. If someone so fearful as I was, can learn to trust God and absolutely believe in His faithfulness, then you can too!

As you read this, open your heart and say yes to God, He will do the rest. Read on . . .

 Repost:  Formerly titled LimitlessPossibilities 

I’m in this state of bobbing in and out of a very important—life changing truth.

And I have this suspicion the forces of hell are pretty worried! Because once this truth takes hold—there is no stopping me!

This truth is the fact that nothing is impossible for those who believe.

The concept of the word possible means to have a knowing inside of you that you have the ability to act and the power to accomplish anything you set your heart and soul to do. Think about this—ponder it—say it over to yourself out loud a few times—Nothing is impossible for those who believe!

The truth of these words grip me and when I’m in it’s grasp—all is clear and I know I’m invincible! I get this overwhelming excitement that says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and I begin to marvel at all the limitless possibilities for someone who lives, knows and owns this truth. My heart and soul soar with expectation! I celebrate—the sky is the limit!!!

Then suddenly with out notice my head goes under. It’s as if one moment my head is above water and the next my ankles are yanked and down I go into the muddy waters of a different kind of being overwhelmed—the dreaded one that lays all your life situations out before you and whispers the word “impossible”.

The struggle is real.

But I know how the story ends—I win! You win!

I am victorious, you are victorious. I can do all things, you can do all things. Nothing is impossible for those who believe!

Galatians 2:20 tells us
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

This is our reality. Christ conquered sin, death, hell, sickness, poverty, fear, doubt, worry—you name it He conquered it! And that same power is in us, if we will only believe. (Ephesians 1:18-19 & Romans 8:11)

Think of all the possibilities.

If you are like me your next question will be—how? How do I live this truth out?

By faith.

At this point of the struggle, I know what the battle is all about. It’s a fight for my purpose—therefore it’s a fight for my faith.

I know there is great purpose and destiny for my life and for yours. I also understand that if we can absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, believe this about our life then we will accomplish all God created us for—we will accomplish the impossible. That’s why faith is the answer to the how question, that’s why it’s a struggle for our faith.

The devil wants to keep us living average lives—wandering aimlessly—no doubt, but I hate status quo—I wasn’t created to be average—what about you?

Faith closes the gap between promise and fulfillment. There is a great promise on our life and every promise prospers in God’s hand. If we are anchored in relationship with Christ the possibilities are limitless.

When I think about the struggle—the bobbing in and out of the water. I kind of get excited knowing it’s temporary. Each time my head emerges I stay up longer and the longer I stay up, the more this truth becomes my reality.

But how does faith close the gap between promise and fulfillment—how do we stay above the enemies plan to keep us under?

Matthew 17:20 says if we have faith—in Jesus—the size of a mustard seed nothing will be impossible for us. Romans 12:3 says everyone has a measure [a seed] of faith resident within them. Romans 10:17 informs us faith comes alive by hearing the word of God.

We all know seeds only grow if planted. We must take the measure—the seed within and apply it—we start by setting our heart, will, mind and emotions to trust God. We nurture the planted seed with God’s Word and further acts of faith.

Be encouraged to let your faith out of the box of impossibilities, dare to believe that nothing is impossible for committed believers who understand their authority and know the truth of Gods Word—all things are possible for you!

Mark 9:23 “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

17:20 “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'”

Matthew 19:26 “And looking at them Jesus said to them, ‘With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'”

Luke 1:37 “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Catching God’s Attention

Excerpt From: “Thirsty Heart: Nourishment for a Dehydrated Soul

“Leave worry, apprehension, and fear behind. Strengthen your faith to believe as the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 believed. I love what verse 4 says about faith: 

By an act of faith, Abel brought a better sacrifice to God than Cain. It was what he believed, not what he brought, that made the difference. That’s what God noticed and approved as righteous. After all these centuries, that belief continues to catch our notice (Hebrews 11:4, MSG). 

This Scripture makes things so clear. It was what Abel “believed, not what he brought” that caught God’s attention. If moving forward in heart hydration seems too difficult, or maybe you think you need to get your life and heart together before you step into it, please take time to understand this Scripture. It is NOT what you bring to God that matters; it is your faith that matters.”

TRUST

Do you ever go to bed at night worrying yourself sick because you’re not sure the sun will come up the next day? No, I’m sure you don’t, because that would be ridiculous.

You don’t worry about such things because you trust.

Trusting God should be just as effortless as trusting the sun to rise again.

To understand the meaning of trust let’s look at its definition:  Reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, of a person or thing; confidence, expectation and hope.

Trust is a very necessary element in life—without it you can’t cross a bridge or drive a car, it’s dreadful to marry someone without trust. How could you go to work giving your time and energy to an employer without trusting they will pay you? It is impossible to even go to sleep at night unless you trust you’ll wake up in the morning.

Trust is essential.

A prosperous life consists of many components all requiring trust. First and foremost we are to surrender our life completely over to God—how can we unless we trust? How can we know there is eternal life and salvation without trust? Reading the Bible would be difficult lest we trust its truth. Praying makes no sense—except we trust God to answer. How can we even believe in God who we can’t see—if we don’t trust He exists?

Trust is vital.

It’s important to remember that our faith is a response to our trust in God. Without trust our faith will be weak and ineffective.

In life we will encounter many opportunities to change our heart—consequently trust issues will be our main opposition. If only I dealt with my trust issues when I first gave my life to God—my faith would have been stronger and much heartache could have been avoided.

When we deal with trust issues all our relationships—especially our relationship with God will flourish.

Please be encouraged to be the kind of person who effortlessly trusts God— just as much as you trust the sun to come up tomorrow.

Psalm 9:10  “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

Psalm 13:5  “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.”

Psalm 20:7. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”

This blog is a repost from 2013. Most of the content was taken from my book Thirsty Heart. Available on Amazon through my website Thirstyheartbook.com

 

OVERSHADOW

When the angel spoke to Mary informing her that she would conceive a child, she responded in wonder. How could this happen, since she had never been with a man?

The angel told her “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.”

Basically what happened to Mary was the Holy Spirit overshadowed her and impregnated her with Jesus.

Everyone, no matter our relationship with God, can know Him more—know Him deeper still.

I want to encourage you to invite God Most High to come upon you—allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to overshadow you. Allow Him to implant yet another degree of Jesus—the gift of love and life in you.

Merry Christmas!

THE LONG AWAITED DAY

Have you ever worked so painstakingly hard on what seems to be an unending task? And every time you reach, what you think, is the end you find you must begin again? This scenario describes my book writing adventure.

Almost a decade ago, life in ruins, I literally began penning my hearts journey. It wasn’t my idea but God’s. And He in no uncertain terms, made it clear that I needed to write my story and that I’d better get started.

The first draft, all twenty-two chapters, took about two years to complete. As soon as it was done I knew it needed to be rewritten. Ugh. I ignored it off and on for a few years, and finally finished the second draft. A couple of years later I began and eventually finished the third and final draft, eleven chapters in all.

The journey held so many emotions—so many tears.

At every turn I struggled, wrestling with God over what I viewed as a lack of capabilities. He never agreed with my accusations of myself but continually believed in me. He never let me quit, instead He taught me that in my weakness, if allowed, He would be strong.

Now, on the other side of the adventure I see how writing my story was my medicine. God used it to help heal and strengthen me. When I started writing, my heart, soul and life were shattered. I was empty and dry. Disillusioned with life, marriage and Christianity. Over time, as my heart healed I changed into a whole, full and hydrated person. And yes, thank God, I survived. Living to tell this story! Whew!

The long awaited day is here! The book is finished and it is beautiful. I love the message held within its covers. It is the story of grace and unconditional love. It is a testimony of God’s faithfulness and I am so very happy to share it with you.

The book is titled Thirsty Heart:  Nourishment for a Dehydrated Soul. It is available on Amazon for purchase: https://www.amazon.com/ just search the title and author name. There is also a Study Guide that can be used individually, or in a group setting. For more information watch the book trailer at https://vimeo.com/190663730  and visit the website: http://www.thirstyheartbook.com/

Please be  encouraged to never give up—to trust God and let Him be your strength. He is absolutely enough, and He believes in you!

My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9

 

 

 

 

HER OWN SPACE IN MY HEART

Haylie Anne.
Her name means Hero of Grace.

Baby girl would be 32 today. I imagine she’d be a mix of my other two daughters—beautiful, kind, tender hearted, loving, aggressive, God loving—an amazing vibrant woman.

30 years ago I held her for the last time. Sometimes it seems like yesterday.

After she died I wanted another baby so bad, my arms literally ached. One year later I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. It was then I realized, each child has their own space in my heart. He had his place and it was overflowing. Haylie’s place  was still empty. Over time I learned to let Jesus fill this space in my heart.

Today, August 11th, I woke up to that tug of emptiness. Come Jesus.

As I sipped my cup of tea, I reflected on her and the last 30 years—I cried. I am always amazed that there are those moments that I still cry. But then, sweet Jesus reminds me of that place in my heart owned by her. And whispers “it’s okay.”

I am honored that I was chosen to be her mother. This “Hero of Grace” swept through my life and changed me forever. And I am grateful.

The three most dominant things that were gifted to me by her life and death are:

One:  The awareness that everyday—every person—my family, is a gift to enjoy to the fullest. I never know about tomorrow, so I won’t waste today.
Two:  Only Jesus can fill and heal my empty brokenness.
Three:  To live with passion against the enemy of my soul. After Haylie died I was angry at God. I saw myself shaking my fist at Him. In His faithfulness He addressed my anger. He gently said “Why don’t you shake your fist at your enemy, where it will do you some good.” Since then I am beyond passionate to stand in faith for what I believe in, to fight for my family’s destiny and not give in—not one inch, to the plan of darkness that comes to kill, steal and destroy.

In so many ways I have been given beauty for ashes.

Isaiah 61:3 says
To comfort those who mourn
To give them beauty for ashes
Joy for mourning,
Praise for heaviness;
They will be called trees of righteousness—the planting of the Lord, for His glory.

Look at all this beauty—all these trees! Thankful, I am.

Today please be encouraged to seize the day! Hug your kids, hug your parents! Tell them you love them! And please give Jesus every empty place in your heart. Lastly, stand in faith for your family’s destiny—it’s worth it!

 

 

 

POTENTIAL

 

Do you ever grapple with the truth about your potential?
Take a look at my garden in its current state. Beautiful, right?

I know it resembles a tremendous amount of weeds, but take a closer look. These “weeds” are all flowering plants that died last year. I am in the process of removing the old flowers off of the dead plants. Why? Because each flower pod contains seeds. 

In fact, each pod has enough seeds in it, that when sown, will produce 20-30 flowering plants. Therefore, each dried up plant has the potential to produce about 150 new plants.

Pods

Seeds in one pod

It’s a really long process of retrieving the pods and separating the seeds. There’s no rushing it. Believe me, I’ve tried and end up losing valuable seeds.

The above photo shows the abundance of pods and seeds retrieved in a six foot space. Imagine their potential!

To the natural eye this garden looks useless. Only the Gardener sees its potential. With the proper process, these seeds will produce a beautiful, extravagant garden.

We are all in process. It may be a tedious and sometimes long process but well worth the effort.

Today, please be encouraged to know that you have great potential. Parts of your life may resemble a lifeless garden but Jesus, the Master Gardener, knows your potential.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11