Podcasts about him don

"Melt away"

"Melt away"

Lori Vober suffered a massive intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke at age 29, which left her paralyzed on the left side. After a two-month stay in the hospital where she had two brain surgeries, she returned home and her husband lost his job in the aviation industry due to the effects of 9/11.  A cross-country move was necessary while Lori was still in a wheelchair.  Lori developed epilepsy from the stroke and lost more independence. Seven years later Lori and her husband were able to adopt three siblings, two of them with mental illnesses.  Lori's interview was both inspiring and challenging. You will love hearing her story: Life Rarely Turns Out Exactly as You Pictured it We All Face Challenges Along the Way God always has a plan. But He leaves it up to you whether you follow His plan or not Life is about CHOICES Lori Vober chose to depend on God's faithfulness through all life's challenges Everyone has doubts about their own abilities, but God has a plan Believe in Him - Don't give up Your attitude, drive, and enthusiasm can take you further than your talents Find happiness in who God says you are Do not allow someone else to define your happiness  

"God never forsakes His people in the wilderness!" In this episode, Lauren Chandler shares powerful truths from her newest Bible Study, With Us in the Wilderness: a Study of the Book of Numbers. We are all prone to walk through wilderness seasons when life is difficult and God feels distant. Lauren reminds us that even when God feels far away, His presence is always near. In love, God allows wilderness seasons to draw us nearer to Him, but the wilderness will not last forever. While the Israelites wandered in the wilderness and struggled to trust God before experiencing the fulfillment of His promise, we can learn to follow His leading and experience His presence every step of the journey. { USE PLAYER BAR @ TOP OF PAGE to listen to show, subscribe and share } Important Takeaways from Show Numbers in the Hebrew Scripture is called "In the Wilderness"  Being in a wilderness season does not necessarily mean we are doing something wrong God's love followed Adam and Eve out of the garden; His presence is always with us in the wilderness Your faith can be strengthened and deepened through the wilderness In Numbers, the tabernacle of God's presence was in the center of the camp Our lives should be centered and grounded in God as well God doesn't ask us to come to Him already put together Go to God undone and allow Him to put you back together Find a way to connect with God every morning and stay connected to Him throughout the day The Lord was leading the Israelites through the wilderness, they just had to keep their eyes on the pillar of fire and pillar of cloud Choose to live from the shadow of God's presence rather than the shadow of your fears He is the God of the wilderness just as much as He is the God of the promise Like Moses, we can take our complaints straight to the Lord Be faithful with your gifts and opportunities but continue to find your identity in being a child of God We are defined by God and His love for us, not by what we can do for Him Don't ever believe you outgrow the gospel, we need it every minute of every day The Lord bless you     and keep you;  the Lord make his face shine on you     and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you     and give you peace. ~Numbers 6:24-26 Links from Show Bible Study Book: With Us in the Wilderness: a Study of the Book of Numbers Teen Girls' Bible Study: With Us in the Wilderness: a Study of the Book of Numbers Leader Kit: With Us in the Wilderness: a Study of the Book of Numbers Steadfast Love - Bible Study Book: A Study of Psalm 107 [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Lauren Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Connect with Joanna  Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter Get Episode Updates! We'd love to have you join our special Living Room Podcast email list. Even if you're already part of my regular list, by applying in the form below, you'll be notified when new episodes air - and get a special gift for joining (among other things!)   I'd love to hear from you... What spoke most to you from Lauren's interview?

In this podcast episode Quonda Renee discusses Martha and Mary from the scripture Luke 10:38-42. In the text Martha was booked and busy but Mary sat at the feet of Jesus.  Lessons learned: Works mean nothing if we don't spend time with Him Don't let distractions keep you from God. Abiding is a lifestyle.

Wow!  Today, we begin together, The Book of Acts!We will learn how the First Church, the Early Church, found its feet, and hear from Jesus' own mouth one of the most important instructions we ever need to hear in our walk with Him:“Don't depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me. For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”This weaves together so beautifully the first book of Luke, his Gospel, that concludes with these words in the final chapter:"Behold, I send out the promise of my Father on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.”If you are at all like me, you will have, for the very best of intentions, sought to do good in His Name.  When this effort is not 'clothed with power from on high' it can end up with disappointing results.  How much better to wait upon the Lord until He renews our strength and gives us direction.  However, this is not an excuse to shrink back from doing good when it is in our hand to do it.  Christians can be proactive in 'loving their neighbour' whenever need presents itself.  I'm merely suggesting that much fruit comes from doing what the Lord says when we clearly discern His will, and when He equips us with power from on High.Bearing More FruitTogether, we can multiply the resources and the reach of this Podcast.If you'd like to invest as a partner with me in this rewarding work, you can use Ko-Fi to fund our passion for sharing the Word.  I felt led, many years ago, to become like the loyal steward in this verse: "Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the right times?" [Luke 12:42]  If you share my belief that fresh, 'Daily Bread' is essential for growth and health, then feel free to join me in this delightful task.https://ko-fi.com/magnanimousThank You!

Empowerment Journey Podcast Host: Jennifer Jones-Bryant Guest: Dr. Celeste Owens, CEO and Founder of Dr. Celeste Owens Ministries Topic: The Surrender Journey from Cancer to Victory *My Life Plan *The Detour of Cancer *Dealing with Trauma *Trusting God and getting rooted in Him *Don’t Be a Victim *Set Your Intentions on Victory *The Global Surrender Movement Tune-In Tonight Beginning at 7:00pm Podcast Access Elite Conversations: http://bit.ly/2WkqAsy Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3bZmRGm Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/2U2Oyre SoundCloud: http://bit.ly/38hUu2R Host Bio: Jennifer Jones Bryant – Founder/President, Reaching Within, An Empowerment Journey Reaching Within and Empowerment Journey LLC, is a coaching company to help others overcome their personal and professional life challenges. As an entrepreneur and speaker, I offer coaching and support to those trying to overcome personal and professional challenges. I also moderate domestic violence awareness panels and writes articles to help others cope with serious relationship events. https://www.reachingwithinempowerment.com Produced by Elite Conversations Life Talk Radio & Podcast

Michelle continues her quest to discover keys to Revival in Psalm 119 reading verses 97-104 in the Passion Translation. Today, as we discover the keys of wisdom and understanding. As we look into the mirror of God’s revelation-light, we find the ability to face the hard truths and refuse to bend our morals, while at the same time loving others and sacrificing ourselves that they may be saved from the dark world around us. Blooming Inspired Podcast equipping and empowering the voices of women who live their lives Blooming Alive. Introduction Good Morning! This is Michelle Bentham, host of Blooming Inspired Podcast. Sometimes I think I should say “I’m Hostess with the Mostest” when I introduce myself as a podcast host, but alas… That is my vain attempt at being funny for the week! Seriously, we are in Psalm 119 teaching our Revival Series of messages. God has been showing us amazing things as we read through this very long, but very powerful chapter focusing our hearts on God’s Word. Last time we examined the powerful keys of faith and revelation as we read. Today we’ll be reading verses 97-104 in the Passion Translation - so take a minute, grab your Bible -- in your favorite version -- a journal and a pen before we dive in. Testimony While you do that, I’d like to share a bit of testimony. I’ve had some amazing things happening in the last few months and want to update you on some of it. As many of you know, I’ve been podcasting with Blooming Inspired Network since June 2018. Those first few months were brutal. I suffered from allergy attacks, and strange polyps on my eardrums. I mean… The allergy shots and medicine nearly put me under. In the past, I would have thrown in the towel with all that adversity. If I am really honest, I almost did. But God God reminded me, over and over again, of His faithfulness in those quiet moments last summer. He made provision and moved me in new directions. I look back and see His hand firmly on me in those days when all I could do was lay out on the couch praying for recovery. In September, I am not sure what changed other than I DECIDED to get up. I wasn’t going to let all the fatigue and malaise in my life keep me from God’s purpose. In reality, God really answered my prayer. He revived me with a sense of purpose and truth. I began podcasting again about the middle of that month. Word for the Year As the fall days led into winter, I grew excited as I did interviews and invited other women to join me in the podcasting adventure. I began to focus on 2019 and felt God say this was a year to be Released. I set my heart on that word and planned a prophetic retreat during the first month of the year. God met me in my plans and brought three women to the retreat. My coaching business was loping along with a couple of clients, and I had an opportunity to perform as a worship painter at a women’s conference in South Texas in February. My heart waited expectantly as the whisper of release continued to roll though my mind. Many times I’ve felt like I missed God, and landed off the track of His plan. Then a phone call or text message would come - an invitation to a lunch appointment with a friend, and the ball would start rolling again. By the end of February I had a clear plan for the year. Yielded The first quarter found me living Yielded. Fasting in surrender waiting on the Lord. Unleashed The second quarter should unleash me. Bound by limiting beliefs about my creative nature, and living in organized chaos making room for those beautifully spontaneous expressions. I flew through life by the seat of my pants. No plan - failing to plan - and by extension failing to accomplish much. I sensed that looming thought of floating through the recesses of my mind and wanted to squelch it - so I turned to an old favorite. A Sonic Route 44 Coca Cola, and a new favorite would deliver just the right effect - a 16 oz. Butterfinger Blast with extra Butterfinger, add Snickers. Ya’ll - it cost me $8 a pop to drown my sense of failure. And, well… It only added to it when I stepped on the scales and discovered 10 extra pounds had been added to my already rotund frame. Something needed to change. And quick… Mid-Year Reset At the beginning of May, after another long bout of Malaise from March to April - I was ready for a reset. God began to talk to me about a Mid-Year Reset and I began to sense that June is critical to the season. God wanted me to have a plan, to track my progress and make changes in my life. I researched planning systems and looked at things I’d used in the past. A Just Right Plan Nothing seemed to fit. Story of my life - if you will - always the square peg trying to shove herself in the round whole. Except… God inspired me to build my own system. Incorporating the visual thinking strategies I’d learned through my down times with a bullet journal style, I spent those days creating documents for printing on my computer and learning the system I created through May and June. God began to unlock things for me as the second quarter came to a close. I traveled to attend events throughout the month of June, adding new coaching clients to a full schedule. I’ve had more time for extended family and my husband. And I’m learning to arrive on time! Which is a bit of a lark for anyone who knows me. I mean I arrived early for church a few weeks ago and my husband said, “Wow! My wife just walked through the doors and the previous service isn’t even out yet.” That’s a wake up call! Advance As June barrelled to a close, I began to look ahead to the third quarter. Marking out my goals and plans in my new system. Managing details and dailies in the middle. When the next to last Sunday of the month, my pastor taught a message. Packed in the middle of his word to the church about “going for it” - Pastor Jeremy used the word Advance. Advance. That is my third quarter word. I felt like God was saying Go. For. It. Launch I pressed on… Relaunching the Wildflower Women group and beginning to try new things with my podcasts that I felt I did not have time to do before. And though I still struggle a bit, and find myself on the learning curve. I feel balanced and less stressed. Reflecting Since September, I’ve been regularly airing my podcasts with only an occasional replay. We celebrated one year of Blooming Inspired Podcast at the beginning of June. I’ve also added over 4,000 downloads to my podcast in the last month. That compared to the first year coming in at just over 9,000. I’ve also coached two new podcast hosts on the network and added their shows to our weekly line up. I’m adding new coaching clients to my business and starting to regain health and energy in my life again. Plus… I have a few dreams for the future I want to explore. Last Weekend Over the weekend a friend championed me and made a way for me to join The John Maxwell Team. Another bucket list item crossed off my list. There is work to do, a plan to make, but there is also opportunity and anticipation. God is doing a new thing in my life and I am grateful. God did all this almost while I wasn’t paying close attention. And, as we read through these keys to revival in Psalm 119 I find that God is showing me how over the last three years He’s brought me through these keys to discover not only His heart and plan for my life - but to find He is reviving and fulfilling dreams and passions I thought had long since passed. Don’t Give Up! I share this testimony not to pat myself on the back or boast about the favor of God on my life. Instead, I’m hoping you’ll be encouraged not to give up on your own dreams and passions. That you see if God’s glory can be revealed through simple steps of obedience in my life - what can He do in yours? Stay the course, friends. Win the race. Watch Him Work Miracles For You. Today’s Reading Now, let’s dive into today’s reading! Psalm 119 from the Passion Translation. The heading over today’s Scriptures: “I Love The Word Of God” Verses 97-98: “Oh how I love and treasure the revelation of your word; throughout the day I fill my heart with its light. By considering your commands I have an edge over my enemies, for I take seriously everything you say.” God is Fun! A few weeks ago I helped a former co-worker lead a retreat she planned for her friends. During the first session I was teaching from Scripture about prophetic words. In the midst of sharing the group heard me exclaim in a spontaneous moment of joy, “I love God! He is so much fun!!!” I hadn’t planned to say it, and forgot all about those words until the next evening. A woman on the retreat wrote me a note of encouragement that said, “You had me when you said, ‘God is fun!’ Because I’d never heard anyone say that before.” Treasures In God’s Word I’ve had many occasions since those early days of walking out my adult faith in God’s Word to exclaim how much I love God’s Word, and “mining for treasure” in the pages of Scripture. I spent hours of days upon days in 2008 writing out long blog posts featuring the Hebrew Names of God in Scripture. Digging deep and committing myself to word study, I found golden nuggets of truth again and again. I also found a passion for teaching in those wonder-filled days. Read It Fresh A few years ago I sensed God challenging me to read the Gospels as if I didn’t know anything about Jesus or the Scriptures. To set aside everything I thought I knew or had been taught and consider what I would believe if I only had the Scriptures to inform my faith. What I thought would take me a few months has taken me on a six year Journey of discovering my Savior through the Scriptures and learning to love Him in a new way. Teaching from Revelation After a few years I began a podcast sharing the insights I gathered as I read through the Gospels. Then, two years ago I launched a verse-by-verse study of the Gospels through Blooming Inspired Network based on the way God led me through my readings. Each time I teach a Bible study session, I find myself teaching from the revelation I receive as we read rather than some preconceived idea I had before I joined God at the table of His Word. It has truly changed my life and taken on such depth of meaning for me. I’m often deeply touched and overwhelmed by His goodness as we partake of the Scriptures with eyes to see Him, ears to hear Him and a heart to know Him more. He never fails to show up! And I love Him all the more as we move through His precious words. More Understanding Verse 99-100: “You have given me more understanding than those who teach me, for I’ve absorbed your eye-opening revelation. You have graced me with more insight than the old sages because I have not failed to walk in the light of your ways.” Isn't that what I was just talking about? He has given me more understanding than those who have taught me about his word for I have absorbed -- I have allowed his eye-opening revelations, the revelations of the Holy Spirit, that I get while I'm reading scripture to become a part of who I am. As I do, I find his grace and wisdom as I gain more and more insight. People tell me all the time that I walk in wisdom - I hardly believe it. Still, I choose to walk in the light of His ways, the light of that wisdom and revelation that He brings to me in scripture. The Key of Wisdom Today, I believe what we're discovering is the key of wisdom in His word. Let's read on: verses 101, “I refuse to bend my morals when Temptation was before me so that I could be obedient to your word.” Have you ever found yourself in the midst of struggle? I mean, real struggle trying to find your moral compass as you read God's Word, and realize there are adjustments that need to be made. Earlier, I told you the story about going to Sonic and getting that 44 oz. Coke and that 16 oz. ice cream to allay my feelings of failure. I will not deliver you a second time… The truth is, in 2016 some friends of mine and I went to a healing school out in California, and before we went, I had been asking God, “What do You want me to ask for?” I felt like He said I needed to ask him to be delivered of my desire for Coca-Cola. I didn't call it an addiction because I've come to the conclusion that I didn't drink that Coke because I needed it... Because I was going to detox if I didn't have it. I drink that Coke simply because I wanted it. I wanted it, now there may have been an emotional attachment quality to my issue, but I simply wanted that Coke. I asked God to deliver me of my desire for that beverage. On the way to the airport that day I had stopped to buy a large, 32 oz. Sonic Coca-Cola. Not my usual 44 oz. but 32. I swigged that sugar and caffeine through the red straw all the way to the airport. Once we arrived, we went to the Curbside Check-in at Dallas Love Field. As I'm walking up to the line, I dropped that cup of soda in the trash and we proceeded to my flight. While waiting for our plane, we bought something to eat but I didn't get a Coke. I chose to drink water instead. That whole week I didn't drink one Coke. I ordered lemonade and water. There were no detox side effects - no fatigue, headache or irritability. It was amazing! We returned home I still had not had a Coke until weeks later. When I finally did try a sip, I offered it to my husband and said, “Here, you drink this. I don’t think I want it anymore.” That’s when I remembered how I asked God to make it taste bad in my mouth, and He did! Months later, life got busy and stressful. We went out to eat one night, I tried a Coke. After all, one is not bad. I didn't really want another one, but a few weeks later I got another one. Eventually I stopped in at Sonic on my way home, and before you know it I'm back in my routine. My car runs on autopilot right into Sonic to get a Coke. After a few days of repeating the behavior, I sensed the Lord saying, “I won't deliver you with the of this a second time.” In other words: it's not going to be easy to give this up again and He is right! The Good I Ought To Do I'm in the struggle right now. You know, the apostle, James, wrote “Those who know the good they ought to do and do not do it, to them it becomes sin.” That's pretty powerful. Right? Except, we read the scripture that says “ refuse to bend my morals when temptation was before me so that I could become obedient to your word.” And I have to ask…. Do I? I’m moving back to center on this. A little bit of pleasure in something that is so toxic for me is not worth forsaking the work of God in my life. Sometimes, I just need to say, “I repent!” Verse 102, “I refuse to turn from difficult truth for you yourself have taught me to love your words.” And now, it seems I’ve come full circle. Remember when we started reading Psalm 119 a few weeks ago, I shared about a time when God first put it on my heart to read this chapter of scripture. I also shared that I quit reading it because I couldn't see myself in the words I read. That’s difficult truth to bear yourself up in… But as we began this reading in Psalm 119 I came back to it the encouragement I feel I heard from the Lord again and again and again. You aren’t supposed to find yourself in Scripture - You’re supposed to find Me. Earlier this year as I studied revival history and landed in Psalm 119, I heard the Lord say that when I read scripture I may not find myself in it because I am supposed to find Him. How many of us are reading scripture to know God? When we read to find Him, to know Him, we deepen our relationship with Him. If we aren’t careful we’ll find ourselves reading it for a list of do's and don'ts, wills and won’ts, and wander far from God. The big question I have to ask myself each time I read scripture is this: Am I looking at it and measuring myself by scripture, or by other people’s convictions about Scripture… Or am I looking reading and seeing how scripture can transform me into a Christ-like disciple? When His Truth is your truth I believe that's what this means when we look into the mirror of scripture we find our moral compass. If we won't turn away from it or ignore it, we will find the difficult truths that teach us to love His Words! Did you know difficult truth can teach you to love God's word because once you receive it it's yours? When you receive God’s word and let it transform you - His truth becomes your truth. verses 103 and 104. “How sweet your living promises are to me; sweeter than honey is your revelation-light. For your truth is the source of my understanding, not the falsehoods of those who don't know you which I despise.” Listen to that! “How sweet are your living promises to me; sweeter than honey is your revelation-light.” Can you taste of scripture and see that the Lord is good? Can you search his Truth for Revelation and Light? Can you find that truth as your source of understanding and refuse to partner with deception and falsehood... refuse to look to those who do not even know Him? Don’t Despise People - Despise what Sin Does To People I don't have to despise people to despise what falsehood, deception and not knowing God does to a person. I can despise the work of the enemy without despising people! We have to guard our hearts against turning hard toward people because of the darkness of our culture and the world around us. I have been repenting a lot lately of judgments I make against people based on my own convictions. I love God’s Word. I value life and truth. But, I have to remember - as John Bradford said, watching people from his community being taken to the scaffold for execution, “There but for the grace of God go I.” It would only be a short time later that he made that same journey for execution. Conclusion God so loved people that He sacrificed Himself to save them. What are we, as recipients of this lavish grace, willing to sacrifice of ourselves to love people the way He loves them? Leaving off until next week… I think that's where I want to leave you today. I’ll be back next Tuesday and pick up reading in psalm 119 verse 105. I want to encourage you to have a great weekend. Spend some time reading this for yourself, make some notes in a journal -- or if you're like me write it down in the margins of your Bible right where you're reading it. Allow God’s heart to minister to your heart. A Prayer For You Father God, I thank you for Your word today! I thank You for Your truth that sets us free. I ask, Lord God, that we would know this truth, let it go deep in our hearts. That this truth would reflect back to us where our morals don't agree with Your truth. I pray we would adjust our morals to Your truth, not try to bend them so that we can participate in the things that tempt us; but rather, we would be obedient to Your word. I pray that you're living promises would be sweet to us. Sweet like honey, and they would show us Your revelation-light. That your truth would always be the source -- a door standing open to us, inviting us in. It is in Jesus’ name I pray, amen. Closing Remarks That's all the time that I have for today! Thank you for tuning in with us. I want to ask you if this podcast has been a blessing to you: would you subscribe to it? We're on iTunes where on Google Play Music and podcast we are also available on the Podcoin App. By The Way, Podcoin is a great app! They pay you “podcoins” for every 10 minutes that you listen to any podcast that's listed on their app. All of the Blooming Inspired Podcast Network’s podcasts are listed there. We’re working on keeping our shows as “Bonus Shows” on the app. That means if you download the app and create your account with our referral code, “Blooming” you’ll get 300 “podcoins” just for signing up! You can use your podcoins to buy gift cards or make donations to charitable organizations. That’s a WIN-WIN, don’t you think? So if you're interested in subscribing Podcoin is a great way to get our podcast and you get the extra benefit of earning gifts while you're listening. We would love for you to also share this on social media -- share it with your friends your family -- the people within your influence let them know what we're doing at Blooming Inspired Network! Don’t Forget Don’t forget! We have two additional shows the Redeemed Rebel Podcast which airs Monday at 4 p.m. (CT) and Accidental Hope Podcast that airs on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. (CT). With that said, I want to remind you as I always do: Blooming where you're planted is the first step to living your wildest dreams, so live your lives blooming alive!

Michelle continues her quest to discover keys to Revival in Psalm 119 reading verses 97-104 in the Passion Translation. Today, as we discover the keys of wisdom and understanding. As we look into the mirror of God’s revelation-light, we find the ability to face the hard truths and refuse to bend our morals, while at the same time loving others and sacrificing ourselves that they may be saved from the dark world around us. Blooming Inspired Podcast equipping and empowering the voices of women who live their lives Blooming Alive. Introduction Good Morning! This is Michelle Bentham, host of Blooming Inspired Podcast. Sometimes I think I should say “I’m Hostess with the Mostest” when I introduce myself as a podcast host, but alas… That is my vain attempt at being funny for the week! Seriously, we are in Psalm 119 teaching our Revival Series of messages. God has been showing us amazing things as we read through this very long, but very powerful chapter focusing our hearts on God’s Word. Last time we examined the powerful keys of faith and revelation as we read. Today we’ll be reading verses 97-104 in the Passion Translation - so take a minute, grab your Bible -- in your favorite version -- a journal and a pen before we dive in. Testimony While you do that, I’d like to share a bit of testimony. I’ve had some amazing things happening in the last few months and want to update you on some of it. As many of you know, I’ve been podcasting with Blooming Inspired Network since June 2018. Those first few months were brutal. I suffered from allergy attacks, and strange polyps on my eardrums. I mean… The allergy shots and medicine nearly put me under. In the past, I would have thrown in the towel with all that adversity. If I am really honest, I almost did. But God God reminded me, over and over again, of His faithfulness in those quiet moments last summer. He made provision and moved me in new directions. I look back and see His hand firmly on me in those days when all I could do was lay out on the couch praying for recovery. In September, I am not sure what changed other than I DECIDED to get up. I wasn’t going to let all the fatigue and malaise in my life keep me from God’s purpose. In reality, God really answered my prayer. He revived me with a sense of purpose and truth. I began podcasting again about the middle of that month. Word for the Year As the fall days led into winter, I grew excited as I did interviews and invited other women to join me in the podcasting adventure. I began to focus on 2019 and felt God say this was a year to be Released. I set my heart on that word and planned a prophetic retreat during the first month of the year. God met me in my plans and brought three women to the retreat. My coaching business was loping along with a couple of clients, and I had an opportunity to perform as a worship painter at a women’s conference in South Texas in February. My heart waited expectantly as the whisper of release continued to roll though my mind. Many times I’ve felt like I missed God, and landed off the track of His plan. Then a phone call or text message would come - an invitation to a lunch appointment with a friend, and the ball would start rolling again. By the end of February I had a clear plan for the year. Yielded The first quarter found me living Yielded. Fasting in surrender waiting on the Lord. Unleashed The second quarter should unleash me. Bound by limiting beliefs about my creative nature, and living in organized chaos making room for those beautifully spontaneous expressions. I flew through life by the seat of my pants. No plan - failing to plan - and by extension failing to accomplish much. I sensed that looming thought of floating through the recesses of my mind and wanted to squelch it - so I turned to an old favorite. A Sonic Route 44 Coca Cola, and a new favorite would deliver just the right effect - a 16 oz. Butterfinger Blast with extra Butterfinger, add Snickers. Ya’ll - it cost me $8 a pop to drown my sense of failure. And, well… It only added to it when I stepped on the scales and discovered 10 extra pounds had been added to my already rotund frame. Something needed to change. And quick… Mid-Year Reset At the beginning of May, after another long bout of Malaise from March to April - I was ready for a reset. God began to talk to me about a Mid-Year Reset and I began to sense that June is critical to the season. God wanted me to have a plan, to track my progress and make changes in my life. I researched planning systems and looked at things I’d used in the past. A Just Right Plan Nothing seemed to fit. Story of my life - if you will - always the square peg trying to shove herself in the round whole. Except… God inspired me to build my own system. Incorporating the visual thinking strategies I’d learned through my down times with a bullet journal style, I spent those days creating documents for printing on my computer and learning the system I created through May and June. God began to unlock things for me as the second quarter came to a close. I traveled to attend events throughout the month of June, adding new coaching clients to a full schedule. I’ve had more time for extended family and my husband. And I’m learning to arrive on time! Which is a bit of a lark for anyone who knows me. I mean I arrived early for church a few weeks ago and my husband said, “Wow! My wife just walked through the doors and the previous service isn’t even out yet.” That’s a wake up call! Advance As June barrelled to a close, I began to look ahead to the third quarter. Marking out my goals and plans in my new system. Managing details and dailies in the middle. When the next to last Sunday of the month, my pastor taught a message. Packed in the middle of his word to the church about “going for it” - Pastor Jeremy used the word Advance. Advance. That is my third quarter word. I felt like God was saying Go. For. It. Launch I pressed on… Relaunching the Wildflower Women group and beginning to try new things with my podcasts that I felt I did not have time to do before. And though I still struggle a bit, and find myself on the learning curve. I feel balanced and less stressed. Reflecting Since September, I’ve been regularly airing my podcasts with only an occasional replay. We celebrated one year of Blooming Inspired Podcast at the beginning of June. I’ve also added over 4,000 downloads to my podcast in the last month. That compared to the first year coming in at just over 9,000. I’ve also coached two new podcast hosts on the network and added their shows to our weekly line up. I’m adding new coaching clients to my business and starting to regain health and energy in my life again. Plus… I have a few dreams for the future I want to explore. Last Weekend Over the weekend a friend championed me and made a way for me to join The John Maxwell Team. Another bucket list item crossed off my list. There is work to do, a plan to make, but there is also opportunity and anticipation. God is doing a new thing in my life and I am grateful. God did all this almost while I wasn’t paying close attention. And, as we read through these keys to revival in Psalm 119 I find that God is showing me how over the last three years He’s brought me through these keys to discover not only His heart and plan for my life - but to find He is reviving and fulfilling dreams and passions I thought had long since passed. Don’t Give Up! I share this testimony not to pat myself on the back or boast about the favor of God on my life. Instead, I’m hoping you’ll be encouraged not to give up on your own dreams and passions. That you see if God’s glory can be revealed through simple steps of obedience in my life - what can He do in yours? Stay the course, friends. Win the race. Watch Him Work Miracles For You. Today’s Reading Now, let’s dive into today’s reading! Psalm 119 from the Passion Translation. The heading over today’s Scriptures: “I Love The Word Of God” Verses 97-98: “Oh how I love and treasure the revelation of your word; throughout the day I fill my heart with its light. By considering your commands I have an edge over my enemies, for I take seriously everything you say.” God is Fun! A few weeks ago I helped a former co-worker lead a retreat she planned for her friends. During the first session I was teaching from Scripture about prophetic words. In the midst of sharing the group heard me exclaim in a spontaneous moment of joy, “I love God! He is so much fun!!!” I hadn’t planned to say it, and forgot all about those words until the next evening. A woman on the retreat wrote me a note of encouragement that said, “You had me when you said, ‘God is fun!’ Because I’d never heard anyone say that before.” Treasures In God’s Word I’ve had many occasions since those early days of walking out my adult faith in God’s Word to exclaim how much I love God’s Word, and “mining for treasure” in the pages of Scripture. I spent hours of days upon days in 2008 writing out long blog posts featuring the Hebrew Names of God in Scripture. Digging deep and committing myself to word study, I found golden nuggets of truth again and again. I also found a passion for teaching in those wonder-filled days. Read It Fresh A few years ago I sensed God challenging me to read the Gospels as if I didn’t know anything about Jesus or the Scriptures. To set aside everything I thought I knew or had been taught and consider what I would believe if I only had the Scriptures to inform my faith. What I thought would take me a few months has taken me on a six year Journey of discovering my Savior through the Scriptures and learning to love Him in a new way. Teaching from Revelation After a few years I began a podcast sharing the insights I gathered as I read through the Gospels. Then, two years ago I launched a verse-by-verse study of the Gospels through Blooming Inspired Network based on the way God led me through my readings. Each time I teach a Bible study session, I find myself teaching from the revelation I receive as we read rather than some preconceived idea I had before I joined God at the table of His Word. It has truly changed my life and taken on such depth of meaning for me. I’m often deeply touched and overwhelmed by His goodness as we partake of the Scriptures with eyes to see Him, ears to hear Him and a heart to know Him more. He never fails to show up! And I love Him all the more as we move through His precious words. More Understanding Verse 99-100: “You have given me more understanding than those who teach me, for I’ve absorbed your eye-opening revelation. You have graced me with more insight than the old sages because I have not failed to walk in the light of your ways.” Isn't that what I was just talking about? He has given me more understanding than those who have taught me about his word for I have absorbed -- I have allowed his eye-opening revelations, the revelations of the Holy Spirit, that I get while I'm reading scripture to become a part of who I am. As I do, I find his grace and wisdom as I gain more and more insight. People tell me all the time that I walk in wisdom - I hardly believe it. Still, I choose to walk in the light of His ways, the light of that wisdom and revelation that He brings to me in scripture. The Key of Wisdom Today, I believe what we're discovering is the key of wisdom in His word. Let's read on: verses 101, “I refuse to bend my morals when Temptation was before me so that I could be obedient to your word.” Have you ever found yourself in the midst of struggle? I mean, real struggle trying to find your moral compass as you read God's Word, and realize there are adjustments that need to be made. Earlier, I told you the story about going to Sonic and getting that 44 oz. Coke and that 16 oz. ice cream to allay my feelings of failure. I will not deliver you a second time… The truth is, in 2016 some friends of mine and I went to a healing school out in California, and before we went, I had been asking God, “What do You want me to ask for?” I felt like He said I needed to ask him to be delivered of my desire for Coca-Cola. I didn't call it an addiction because I've come to the conclusion that I didn't drink that Coke because I needed it... Because I was going to detox if I didn't have it. I drink that Coke simply because I wanted it. I wanted it, now there may have been an emotional attachment quality to my issue, but I simply wanted that Coke. I asked God to deliver me of my desire for that beverage. On the way to the airport that day I had stopped to buy a large, 32 oz. Sonic Coca-Cola. Not my usual 44 oz. but 32. I swigged that sugar and caffeine through the red straw all the way to the airport. Once we arrived, we went to the Curbside Check-in at Dallas Love Field. As I'm walking up to the line, I dropped that cup of soda in the trash and we proceeded to my flight. While waiting for our plane, we bought something to eat but I didn't get a Coke. I chose to drink water instead. That whole week I didn't drink one Coke. I ordered lemonade and water. There were no detox side effects - no fatigue, headache or irritability. It was amazing! We returned home I still had not had a Coke until weeks later. When I finally did try a sip, I offered it to my husband and said, “Here, you drink this. I don’t think I want it anymore.” That’s when I remembered how I asked God to make it taste bad in my mouth, and He did! Months later, life got busy and stressful. We went out to eat one night, I tried a Coke. After all, one is not bad. I didn't really want another one, but a few weeks later I got another one. Eventually I stopped in at Sonic on my way home, and before you know it I'm back in my routine. My car runs on autopilot right into Sonic to get a Coke. After a few days of repeating the behavior, I sensed the Lord saying, “I won't deliver you with the of this a second time.” In other words: it's not going to be easy to give this up again and He is right! The Good I Ought To Do I'm in the struggle right now. You know, the apostle, James, wrote “Those who know the good they ought to do and do not do it, to them it becomes sin.” That's pretty powerful. Right? Except, we read the scripture that says “ refuse to bend my morals when temptation was before me so that I could become obedient to your word.” And I have to ask…. Do I? I’m moving back to center on this. A little bit of pleasure in something that is so toxic for me is not worth forsaking the work of God in my life. Sometimes, I just need to say, “I repent!” Verse 102, “I refuse to turn from difficult truth for you yourself have taught me to love your words.” And now, it seems I’ve come full circle. Remember when we started reading Psalm 119 a few weeks ago, I shared about a time when God first put it on my heart to read this chapter of scripture. I also shared that I quit reading it because I couldn't see myself in the words I read. That’s difficult truth to bear yourself up in… But as we began this reading in Psalm 119 I came back to it the encouragement I feel I heard from the Lord again and again and again. You aren’t supposed to find yourself in Scripture - You’re supposed to find Me. Earlier this year as I studied revival history and landed in Psalm 119, I heard the Lord say that when I read scripture I may not find myself in it because I am supposed to find Him. How many of us are reading scripture to know God? When we read to find Him, to know Him, we deepen our relationship with Him. If we aren’t careful we’ll find ourselves reading it for a list of do's and don'ts, wills and won’ts, and wander far from God. The big question I have to ask myself each time I read scripture is this: Am I looking at it and measuring myself by scripture, or by other people’s convictions about Scripture… Or am I looking reading and seeing how scripture can transform me into a Christ-like disciple? When His Truth is your truth I believe that's what this means when we look into the mirror of scripture we find our moral compass. If we won't turn away from it or ignore it, we will find the difficult truths that teach us to love His Words! Did you know difficult truth can teach you to love God's word because once you receive it it's yours? When you receive God’s word and let it transform you - His truth becomes your truth. verses 103 and 104. “How sweet your living promises are to me; sweeter than honey is your revelation-light. For your truth is the source of my understanding, not the falsehoods of those who don't know you which I despise.” Listen to that! “How sweet are your living promises to me; sweeter than honey is your revelation-light.” Can you taste of scripture and see that the Lord is good? Can you search his Truth for Revelation and Light? Can you find that truth as your source of understanding and refuse to partner with deception and falsehood... refuse to look to those who do not even know Him? Don’t Despise People - Despise what Sin Does To People I don't have to despise people to despise what falsehood, deception and not knowing God does to a person. I can despise the work of the enemy without despising people! We have to guard our hearts against turning hard toward people because of the darkness of our culture and the world around us. I have been repenting a lot lately of judgments I make against people based on my own convictions. I love God’s Word. I value life and truth. But, I have to remember - as John Bradford said, watching people from his community being taken to the scaffold for execution, “There but for the grace of God go I.” It would only be a short time later that he made that same journey for execution. Conclusion God so loved people that He sacrificed Himself to save them. What are we, as recipients of this lavish grace, willing to sacrifice of ourselves to love people the way He loves them? Leaving off until next week… I think that's where I want to leave you today. I’ll be back next Tuesday and pick up reading in psalm 119 verse 105. I want to encourage you to have a great weekend. Spend some time reading this for yourself, make some notes in a journal -- or if you're like me write it down in the margins of your Bible right where you're reading it. Allow God’s heart to minister to your heart. A Prayer For You Father God, I thank you for Your word today! I thank You for Your truth that sets us free. I ask, Lord God, that we would know this truth, let it go deep in our hearts. That this truth would reflect back to us where our morals don't agree with Your truth. I pray we would adjust our morals to Your truth, not try to bend them so that we can participate in the things that tempt us; but rather, we would be obedient to Your word. I pray that you're living promises would be sweet to us. Sweet like honey, and they would show us Your revelation-light. That your truth would always be the source -- a door standing open to us, inviting us in. It is in Jesus’ name I pray, amen. Closing Remarks That's all the time that I have for today! Thank you for tuning in with us. I want to ask you if this podcast has been a blessing to you: would you subscribe to it? We're on iTunes where on Google Play Music and podcast we are also available on the Podcoin App. By The Way, Podcoin is a great app! They pay you “podcoins” for every 10 minutes that you listen to any podcast that's listed on their app. All of the Blooming Inspired Podcast Network’s podcasts are listed there. We’re working on keeping our shows as “Bonus Shows” on the app. That means if you download the app and create your account with our referral code, “Blooming” you’ll get 300 “podcoins” just for signing up! You can use your podcoins to buy gift cards or make donations to charitable organizations. That’s a WIN-WIN, don’t you think? So if you're interested in subscribing Podcoin is a great way to get our podcast and you get the extra benefit of earning gifts while you're listening. We would love for you to also share this on social media -- share it with your friends your family -- the people within your influence let them know what we're doing at Blooming Inspired Network! Don’t Forget Don’t forget! We have two additional shows the Redeemed Rebel Podcast which airs Monday at 4 p.m. (CT) and Accidental Hope Podcast that airs on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. (CT). With that said, I want to remind you as I always do: Blooming where you're planted is the first step to living your wildest dreams, so live your lives blooming alive!

On this episode, Don starts off explaining his hectic situation at his day job. After Hop’s recent release of his new EP, “The 7th Spade”, Him & Don get into their process on how they put together music projects. Kie and Jay join in to discuss the dating life of a creator. The crew starts a Rick Ross vs Pusha T debate, that wormholes into a super intense debate about Omarion vs Lloyd. Jay gives his opinion on Chris Brown and his upcoming album. The guys also talk a little bit about the NBA Finals, and go over who are their personal, current top players in the league. They also dive into the topic of TV streaming, and Marvel & DC Comics. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bwtj/support

I Over the trees, climbing the peaceful moon. As my beloved, fair and beautiful. O my love, where are You? Now I am in tears. Do You hear me cry? You are the One who gives me love. You are the One who cares about me. You are the One who thinks of me always. You are the One who cherishes my life. Moon, back to the other side of sky. Don’t make my beloved wait too long. Please tell Him that I miss Him. Don’t forget to carry along with my love, along with my love. II Wild geese in pairs, flying far away. Will they bring back word from my beloved? O please, please lend me your wings. I can fly back to my warm hometown. I will repay the concern of my beloved. I want to tell Him: Don’t be sad! I will give You the answer You’re pleased with. So the efforts You paid will not be in vain. How I wish I could soon be grown up, to be free from the wandering, painful life. O my love, please wait for me. I’ll fly away from the luxury of this world. I will repay the concern of my beloved. I want to tell Him: Don’t be sad! I will give You the answer You’re pleased with. So the efforts You paid will not be in vain. So the efforts You paid will not be in vain. from Follow the Lamb and Sing New Songs Recommendation: Kingdom MV "My Beloved, Please Wait for Me"

2007-09-23-1030 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning September 23rd, 2007 in the 10:30 service.Scripture Ref: Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 21:34-36; Revelation 18; Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 30:7-9Topic: FaithfulnessNotes: - What has upset you this week?- Preaching today is gloomy, secular also- We're accustomed to great violence- The flood in Genesis was due to an earth filled with violence- Pedophiles, African children trained to murder, abortion- Our god is money, sports- Where your treasure is, there will be your heart also- Do not be acclimated to the world around you- We have no value except through Jesus Christ- We have so much so we don't depend on God- We're designed to be fulfilled in Him- Don’t be given to drunkenness-to desire something such that you'd do anything to get it- When tired do projects carelessly (water filter), translates to spiritual- Must teach children in spiritual matters over schooling- Are you too comfortable, careless, concerned?

2007-09-23-0830 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning September 23rd, 2007 in the 8:30 service.Scripture Ref: Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 21:34-36; Revelation 18; Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 30:7-9Topic: FaithfulnessNotes: - What has upset you this week?- Preaching today is gloomy, secular also- We're accustomed to great violence- The flood in Genesis was due to an earth filled with violence- Pedophiles, African children trained to murder, abortion- Our god is money, sports- Where your treasure is, there will be your heart also- Do not be acclimated to the world around you- We have no value except through Jesus Christ- We have so much so we don't depend on God- We're designed to be fulfilled in Him- Don’t be given to drunkenness-to desire something such that you'd do anything to get it- When tired do projects carelessly (water filter), translates to spiritual- Must teach children in spiritual matters over schooling- Are you too comfortable, careless, concerned?