His Furious Love overwhelms every 'less than'!

I am blessed! I realize that it often seems rather unfair that I live such a charmed life! Now - don't get me wrong... my life is not perfect... things go wrong... there are things I would like to change... not everything is easy or successful or 'charmed' - however I have learned to keep a spirit of thankfulness and I have come in direct contact with God's Furious Love. This translates in my life to mean that any issue or circumstance or problem or 'less than' that I come in contact with - I know that my God's LOVE will sweep in and overwhelm it!

I have this amazing group of women who gather in my living room every Monday... we've been meeting for over a decade and while some have moved away, some have joined in later, and we have had a few seasons where we took a break - we have created an atmosphere where we join together and live life out loud with each other.

We have gone through ups and downs and all the while - pressed in to more of what God has for us. We started as an intercessory group, moved in to worship, have gone through various books, and are right now digging in to the gospel of John.

I love that we flow from one focus to another and continue to press in and make room for others. I also love that every one of these ladies are leaders... they have read (and read and studied and read) the book of John several times and yet the excitement we all had to dig in to a book in the Bible and just see what God would show us was tangible.

It's been great... powerful... the call for the season we have found is "Come and See!" Jesus says this literally and figuratively often through out the gospel of John and He is still saying it today!

This week we went over Chapter 8... which begins with the woman caught 'in the very act' of adultery and handed (or shoved) over at Jesus' feet. I have always loved this passage for all the obvious reasons! Who doesn't love a Knight in shining armor; someone who has the ability to pass judgement but offers Mercy instead? To give just a little background on this passage - let's remember that in Ch 7, Jesus taught in the Temple that He is the Living Water. He said this quite possibly during the festivities where they pour out barrels of water that run out into the streets. Who can know if he is ankle deep, knee deep, ...and quite possibly - His listeners are picturing in their minds Ezekiel 47 as He is talking... powerful revelation unfolding there and the scripture says that many believed in Him that day. So - now - this is the next day... and He goes right back to the temple and is teaching in the area where the women gather. We don't know what He was talking with them about - but we do know that He is not surprised with the disruption. There is a commotion and all of the sudden in the midst of the women, is a crowd of Pharisees - angry, loud, threatening... and they toss this woman... (you can almost here their disdain here) she was caught 'in the very act' of adultery. They point out the obvious: according to Moses and the Law - this woman must be stoned. Now - in reality - they didn't want to stone her, they wanted to stone HIM! I love that he knew this... He knew the Law as well and knew that they were wanting to trap Him. But He is ALWAYS about bringing freedom. So He bends down and begins to write in the dirt... who can know for sure what he was doing... but Jeremiah 17:13 comes to mind! "O Lord, the hope of Israel, All who forsake You shall be ashamed. “Those who depart from Me shall be written in the earth, Because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters.” (Remember - he JUST told them yesterday that He IS the fountain of living waters!) Maybe He was writing their names... or their sins that they thought no one else knew about... whatever He was doing - we know was not for nothing! He always had purpose and I believe that when He basically said, 'OK - whoever among you who is without sin, throw the first stone' He was writing out the very sins that they knew they had done... listen - God is gracious when He calls you out of sin... He was gracious to them in keeping it personal and quiet and not making a show of it, and He was gracious to her as well!

As we were discussing this in our small group - all of the sudden the Lord gave me this picture of the spiritual realm that was happening on that day! The Pharisees entered the arena full of anger, rage, blood-thirst... they were releasing into the atmosphere judgement, shame, & death. This woman KNEW she was being set up... she was well aware of the Law and that the man should be taken with her... injustice was rising in her and yet she knew... she deserved this. Whether the man got away or was part of the set up - it didn't matter. Either way she knew today was her end. I picture her on the ground... in the dirt... covered in judgement and shame... head down - eyes closed in self-protection, attempting with all her might to block out the world around her and trying to prepare to meet her Maker. Little did she know that as she looked up, He was peering directly into her eyes! While the spiritual realm charged the atmosphere with darkness... with shame and hate and injustice... Jesus - as always, in all that He did - is releasing Love, Mercy, Forgiveness, and a chance at New Life! All the while, the war in the heavenlies was charging the air and God's Furious passionate Love was overcoming and overwhelming every 'less than' thought or emotion... there was a chance being offered to everyone present... a chance at a new life - to have a new heart... a clean slate! I see a glorious covering over the woman, protecting her from the warring in the spirit and releasing into her the hope for More instead of Less.

The silence she felt all around her was real, the only sound she heard was that of shuffling feet moving off in a distance, and rocks gently falling to the ground. Even the women there were silent - waiting and watching to see what would happen. And when she dared to peer up through her tangled hair, I can see her dirt and tear stained face, expecting to find an angry mob, but it was His eyes of Love that she found herself falling into instead! "“Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.” (John 8:10-11)

He - being the only sinless one - had the authority to throw the first stone, and yet He is all about releasing Freedom and offering something INSTEAD... Instead of judgement, wounding, shame, and death - His grace reaches out and he pours out Mercy, Healing, Acceptance, and Life... He offers her, this adulterous woman, Love that she has never had. He offers the same to you! His Furious Love longs to overwhelm every 'less than' that you have settled for or have been thrown at the feet of. Dare to look up and see His pierced hands and feet - reaching out to you... taking your place so that you can stand tall, start over, and walk in the Love that He so freely pours out to you!

What do you want to trade in... what has the enemy of your soul told you is 'less than' that God desires His furious love to flood in and give you an Instead in place of? Reach out... His heart is FOR you!

~Karrilee~

(I am SO not an artist... but I am stepping out in creativity and when I 'saw' this Scripture acted out - I knew I wanted to paint it!)

Experiencing the Father's Embrace (Book Review... sort of)

It's been awhile again... we are loving attending Soar (BSSM satellite school)and all that the Lord is opening up to us. If I had to sum up in one word what we have learned so far - it would be Risk... but that is another post! I simply wanted to let you know that we are still alive and kicking... pressing in to the Kingdom. We had to read Jack Frosts' "Experiencing the Father's Embrace" and write up a book report. However, after our Firestorm weekend with Kevin Dedmon it seems there is a LOT of Creativity stirred up and we were encouraged to - well - be more creative in our reports. Paint a picture... write a poem... sing a song... (or write a book report! LOL!)

Well - because I truly do love to write I thought I would write out of a time of worship. So I logged on to Mike Bickel’s International House of Prayer for some live soaking music and sat back… just breathing... waiting… being loved on.

Within minutes – they were singing about the knowing the Beauty of His heart and all of the sudden, I could ‘see’ Jesus standing before me, smiling. His eyes of love intoxicating… His smile loving and inviting… the joy on His face contagious – and somehow while He looked at peace and focused on me – I noticed that His hands were busy. I looked down and could see Him reaching in to my heart – right through this shadow of flesh. He was digging around, looking at what was in there. I could feel no pain – just shifting… He would pull something out – look at it, laugh or nod, and put it back. Other things He would pull out and stretch out His hand behind Him and hand off to the Father. I never saw exactly what those things were… so after He was seemingly elbow deep in my heart and pulled something else out and was about to hand it off, I asked what it was. He showed me a simple ring. Nothing too fancy. He could see the confusion on my face and He said, “Sometimes, my love, you make covenant with things that are not worthy of you. You come into agreement with things that are not pleasing to Us.” Up until that moment I really was not concerned that He was digging around in my heart. I was simply overjoyed to have Him so close to me. But suddenly – I was self conscious and hesitant to see what He was pulling out. He just smiled and said, “It’s ok my dear… nothing is too difficult for Us. Our covenants are forever… Our promises are Yes and Amen! Anything short of what is best for you, I will simply remove! The more you come to Me, and allow My presence to fill you, and my Love to fill you up – the less you will be tempted to make covenant with something counterfeit or less than! The power of your agreement… the power of your words… the attitude of your heart – these are vital areas to keep aware of as you fill up to pour out! Think of this as a little check up! A Well check, if you will. We want you to be filled with Our best for you – so you will pour out the best that we have for others! This is the beauty of your heart to Us – and the beauty of Our heart to you!”

This is what I learned – or was reminded of – while reading “Experiencing the Father’s Embrace” by Jack Frost. When we keep a short account with Him… His love is much more available to flow through us. When we are willing to guard our tongues and attitudes of the heart, we are more likely to be His words and His heart to others around us. The choice is ours… sometimes we make it (or make ‘covenant’) unaware and other times it is defiantly on purpose! We must learn to give up our right to be right (even when we are!) and value relationship instead! Jesus is our example… and for us – He gave His all!

In the vision, I remembered letting Jesus continue reaching into my heart… the next thing He brought out, looked at and began to put back, I asked to see. It was a gorgeous signet ring… bright and shiny with a crown above the diamond setting. “This,” He said, “is a good Covenant!” and He placed it back where He had found it!

I am once again determined to meet with Him and allow Him full access to my heart! Only He can reach in, examine the true motives and intents, and decide what can stay – and remove what needs to go! I remember a few years ago, He showed me a sheep pen and the gate around it… there was a weak spot and He was building it up – He looked right at me and said – you MUST remember, to the enemy – Access is ALWAYS denied! I began to incorporate that into my prayers and saw power released. So I love that here, He has reminded me that I have the choice… I can also deny Him access to all that is in my heart – but that is not a wise choice! To the Lord – we give FULL ACCESS – and in doing that, we get to experience the Father’s embrace!

I want to look right at You...

This is the cry of my heart! To look right at Him... to sing right to Him!

I love that He is so intimate... all you must do is pause... breathe... just turn your focus and affection toward Him and He so graciously shows up! Sometimes softly - in a whisper or a breeze... sometimes with Power in thunder or rain... but always... He comes!

I must admit that I can get weary of talking about Him - and not giving Him room to show up and move. We all do it - whether in a church service, a coffee date, or our daily lives... but He has been reminding me ever so gently that all He needs is a second to break through the mundane and show up for you! He wants to meet with you... even if you have only 5 minutes... close your eyes and quiet your spirit... call for Him - and see how fast He comes to you!

Enjoy this song as you spend just a moment or two - soaking in His Presence!

Dove's Eyes by Misty Edwards:



Don't just talk ABOUT Him... turn your attention toward Him - look right at Him!
~Karrilee~

Pregnant... are YOU?

I'm not even sure where to start with this post...

I suppose I will start with a simple statement I made about 2 months ago... seemingly out of the blue. Once it left my lips however - I knew it carried some Holy Spirit weight and it so affected the very atmosphere in which we were sitting that my little family of 3 all felt a shift. I don't even know WHY I said it... I really don't know much about Heidi Baker or her ministry or life. I was on my computer and I must have run across a photo of her or something - and I looked at my husband and daughter sitting near me on a couch and I said, "I don't know WHAT would happen if I ever met Heidi Baker... but I know that everything would be different!" It didn't even really feel or sound like me as it was coming out... and it took us all 3 by surprise. In fact, my husband sort of laughed nervously and shifted in his seat and our daughter immediately started to tear up and said, "I don't want you guys to move to another country!" We all just sort of soaked in the electric energy of the moment and awkwardly shrugged it off. (Side note - my daughter really doesn't have a clue who Heidi Baker is - and she had no knowledge of what she did or that she even lived in another country!)

That was two months ago... we brought it up one time - and it charged the air around us once again. To be honest - the thought both excites and terrifies me. The one thing I know about 'Momma Heidi' is that she SO exudes the love of Christ- he drips out of her wherever she goes!

OK - fast forward to Christmas time. My husband and I are attending SOAR - a satellite school of Bethel Supernatural School of Ministry and we were having our Christmas Party. The leaders decided it would be fun to do this little prophetic exercise at the party that they do in Redding and had everyone bring a couple of magazine and some scissors. Our 'assignment' was to pray - page through some magazines and cut out words and/or pictures that God highlights to you... glue them on a piece of paper and when you are all done, turn it over - find the name and take it to the person whom you made this collage for. Fun... no pressure... and a safe place. If it makes since - great... if not - well - we are all just learning. I think it is safe to say that at least one thing on everyone's collages spoke to them or made an impact. It was a fun little activity and I am sure I will do it again soon with my kids or with my girlfriends!

The man who had made my collage slowly approached me and he opened with: "Don't be offended... but could you be pregnant?" This - you have to know - is a very funny statement! This has not been possible for some time now and it is definitely not in the realm of something I am wanting or praying for - what-so-ever! So I dismissed it and he recovered by saying maybe it is just because I love life... (My collage had "Celebration of Life" all along the top!) There were a few other very great words/pictures that really did seem prophetic and confirming! All in all - I didn't give his opening question another thought! I should include just a little TMI... I am a 26 day girl... I could tell you almost down to the hour of the start of my cycle. I was supposed to start my cycle in the afternoon - of the day of the party but I hadn't yet. I didn't really give it too much thought until I was nearly 4 days late... then I remembered that question. So I spent a few days concerned and just a little bit mad at God. I didn't really notice it in the beginning, but I had stopped talking to Him. I just wanted Him to fix it... I didn't want Him to give me His opinion or plan - I just wanted what I wanted on my terms. Yes - I realize the irony of this with the timing of the season of Mary saying whatever be Thy will and all... I am no Mary - this is for sure! We are nearing the new season of having an empty nest and I saw absolutely no humor in this. After a few MORE days... He pointed out to me that I was ignoring Him. It was as if my ignoring Him would manipulate Him into doing my will. I know this is NOT so... not healthy - and I would not advise taking this route with your relationship with the Lord. I am also aware that this makes me seem maybe a little (or a lot) spoiled. I have a very close relationship with God... He is especially fond of me... I can't help it! Anyway - once I realized this, I decided that maybe the next day I would talk with Him! I went to bed and told Him, "OK Lord... I am not really wanting to talk but if You have something to say about this, You can wake me up and I will spend time with You and listen."

You see, for about 16 years now - we have an ongoing date. When He wakes me up at exactly 3:33am - I get up and spend time with Him. It is my ongoing Jeremiah 33:3 Wake Up call. So - of course, you know He woke me up at 3:33 and I crawled out of bed reluctantly... sat in my chair and got out my journal. I was honest with Him and said I would listen - but I wasn't happy and I didn't know that I would want to talk. I told Him I knew that if I was in fact pregnant - that He would change my heart and I would be happy about it... but it was not something I was secretly wanting or anything.

Immediately - He began to speak... I will simply type out what is in my journal:

"I am over a week late and I am starting to freak out. Now I know with my age (41) and Dave's surgery (12+ years ago) it's most likely NOT a pregnancy, but more in line with a hormonal/menopausal shift. Yet still - the stress and anxiety has been high. Kayelyn is 16... we are slowly adjusting to the fact that one day in the not too distant future, she will not live with us. We are sad and excited about that - but never once have we regretted our choice to have just one. So - after a few days of not giving it much thought... then a few more days of pleading to start, I just stopped talking to God. I know, as if the silent treatment from me would get Him to move? I had realized that I was doing this and that I was a little mad at Him for allowing this to happen in the first place. I wanted Him to 'fix' it and let my cycle start and we could just continue on. I still want that... but I did apologize and repent... and I told Him He could wake me up if He had something to say. So - here it is 4am and He is chatty.

He said He has gifted me to be a nurturer... He's anointed me to be a spiritual mother to the nations... that I 'mother' whoever He puts in front of me - no matter the age or situation. He asked me what is another word for being pregnant? "Expecting"... He said He wants me to be expecting in 2012. He is going to birth some things and while His grace covers and my 'flesh' will know instinctively what to do - it will take some focus and laboring to deliver it. He said my recent statement about meeting Heidi Baker was a true statement. She is a spiritual mother. He said the things (specifically my call to write - but other things as well) that I have put on the shelves will come to pass/or come into play in 2012!"

Sooo.... wow! Funny how after all the stress - the call to be a 'spiritual mother to the nations' (whatever THAT is?) still seemed so much easier/better than actually having to BE pregnant? It turns out that I am - in fact - NOT pregnant! I took a home test and a couple of days later my cycle started but this seed is now planted in me... I spent New Years Day morning with Him as is my tradition and He gave me a prophetic word for 2012 that lines up perfectly with this word He gave me personally!

I believe that God is raising up Mothers to supernaturally nurture those who are needing to be loved on and brought into an understanding of who they are and the plans that He has for them! There is a company of women rising...

So - what are you pregnant with this year? What are YOU expecting? Pray and ask Him to show you what He has in store for you this year!

Pregnant with Hope,
~Karrilee~

Prophetic Word for 2012

Happy New Year!

I love this time of year... Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday - really grabbing our focus to think on and count the blessings around us! It helps to prep me to maintain that frame of mind through out the hectic season of Christmas - with all the lists and wants and fun... I find when I keep hold of that mind of thankfulness, I keep the true heart of the holiday in focus as well. I love Christmas (and Hannukah too... we love lighting the candles, saying the blessings - knowing that Jesus actually did this every year when He was in the flesh.) but even now... THIS time of year - when everything is new and fresh and we all have the chance for a New Beginning - I love it!

I have made it a habit to spend New Years Day morning with the Lord, just reflecting on the past year... and thinking forward on what is to come... I love to ask Him for a word or a phrase that will help 'frame' the year ahead. In fact, I am taking an online scrapbooking class called One Little Word - and the entire project is based around one word. So I have been asking God for a speciic word for this coming year personally for my project - as well as a 'word' in general for the coming year. My personal word - which I am so excited about is "Releasing"... I can't wait to explore what all that means for me... but this note is more about what I feel this year has in store for all of us...

The Word/Phrase for 2011 was Fulfillment & the Year of Zion. (You can read my Note on that written LAST January for more insight) While there were some things I was hoping to be fulfilled that were not, looking from this side of things, many many things actually really were! One of the main things that really incorporated a lot of smaller goals was the opening/starting of Soar. With the combination of reflecting back over 2011, and a word (which I may write about later) He recently spoke over me - I was excited to hear what His word for 2012 is, so with coffee and pen in hand... I sat down for some one-on-One time to hear His thoughts... this is what I heard.

2012 is a Year of Expectation. Hope will arise and this is the year when the plowman will overtake the reaper. (Amos 9:13). It is a year of blessing - but it will take purpose and focus. The Holy Spirit will line things up and CO-labor with you to bring about New Beginnings. The steps to follow this year to see Amos 9:13 acted out in your life are:
1. Pray for vision... WAIT for it/Look for it to come.
2. Once you 'see' it - EXPECT it.
3. Declare it and Receive it

No longer will you have to long for and pine for things. When your heart and the Father's heart are one, you will catch His vision and expection will arise. Declaring and reaching out to receive will flow almost out of one motion. Pratice this with small things... and you will quickly move on to larger tasks.

I asked Him for a book in the Bible for the year and He said the Book of Acts. Now, I sort of questioned Him on that one, thinking it was just me since that is the book I am reading through my Daily Reading plan right now. But He said, "Oh No - this is Me... 2012 is to be a CONTINUATION of the book of Acts."

Below is the scripture reference from Amos that He gave me:

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"But also on that Judgment Day I will restore David's house that has fallen to pieces. I'll repair the holes in the roof, replace the broken windows, fix it up like new. David's people will be strong again and seize what's left of enemy Edom, plus everyone else under my sovereign judgment." God's Decree. He will do this.
"Yes indeed, it won't be long now." God's Decree.
"Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won't be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills. I'll make everything right again for my people Israel:

"They'll rebuild their ruined cities.
They'll plant vineyards and drink good wine.
They'll work their gardens and eat fresh vegetables.
And I'll plant them, plant them on their own land.
They'll never again be uprooted from the land I've given them."

God, your God, says so."
Amos 9:11-15 The Message
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This is a great year for the House of David - the church! We will barely be able to keep up with the blessings poured out, and the Harvests coming in!
Rise up with expectation!
The Kingdom of God is at hand.

Expecting...
~Karrilee~

He's Here!

This little 'cheater' post has somehow turned into a tradition of it's own! Below is our family letter this year... praying each and every one of you have a very blessed Love-abiding kind of Christmas and an abundantly Grace filled New Year!

Enjoy!
~Karrilee~


Happy Holidays 2011
This year we have pulled out Christmas decorations little by little over time, but yesterday we finally finished. As I sit down to write this letter, I must admit – it’s not ‘feeling’ a lot like Christmas to me! Even with the lights on & the presents wrapped, rereading our letters from years past, & the background music of ‘O Holy Night’… the sun is brightly shining – not the stars so much – & it just hasn’t felt like Christmas. This truth got me to thinking of the reality of the Kingdom that is near… even when we don’t FEEL it! I know by looking at the calendar (& all around me) that Christmas is, in fact, upon us & it will do me no good to pretend otherwise! In the same way – while we may focus on politics, world events, health, relational issues, the economy –the list can go on & on – the reality that the Kingdom of God is at hand does not change – and it does us no good to ignore it! We may not ‘feel’ it or see it – but the fact is, it is there – so thinly veiled from our own world – ready for us to reach through & grab hold of… to pull Heaven to earth & share the Love that truly makes Christmas time feel like Christmas! Now, all of the sudden, I am feeling a little bit Christmassy! The very heart of what we celebrate at Christmas time is the extravagant, abundant, incredible Love of God… a simple shift in our perspective can set our minds at rest & loose our hearts to sing! Jesus walked among man & saw the stress & worries that this life can throw at us. He never once discounted the validity of our emotions – however He constantly lifts our heads & calls us to look up… to see Him, and see things from His perspective. Rest in knowing that He is good & that He is for you. Whether you feel it or not – He loves you & the Kingdom of Heaven is nearer than you think! Reach out… grab hold… & share the Love!

Last year I wrote all about how we were anticipating Change… how we longed for it not even knowing what it was that we wanted to be different… & while many things remain the same – many changes have begun! The New Year brought the comforting return of routine – back to school & work & prayer meetings & our day to day schedules. Kayelyn is involved in DECA at school & took a trip in January & later went on to compete at the State Level. We took a great trip to the Portland area to visit with family, Dave continued to volunteer at The Seasons, & by late March, tennis was in full swing for Kayelyn. She worked really hard & made Varsity despite missing a few days of tryouts for that DECA trip & from late March through May, we were all rallying around her & the team & loved every match! She did great… she got to move around a bit - playing Singles & a few Doubles matches too & even got her first Bagel win (6-2; 6-0). My friend Robbin & I decided to take an impromptu trip to Boise to visit Darcie – a last minute girls weekend. In May, we went to Seattle to see “Stories from The Shack” & a few days later our baby girl turned Sweet 16! She was thrilled to get her license & a taste of freedom! We also traveled to Whidbey to visit my sister & her family. In June we had more family gatherings at home then Dave, myself, & Lorraine attended a meeting to get more information about SOAR – a Bethel Supernatural School of Ministry satellite school being hosted at 1st Pres. here in town. This was one of the changes that we had been hoping for. When I went to Redding a few years ago, I left part of my heart there & while I would LOVE to attend the BSSM there, to find that God was bringing it here was such a gift! It was not even a question if we would apply… & I was pretty sure God would get us in since it seemed like He was bringing it here just for me! I took a fall and sprained my wrist and also went through Sozo training over the summer – an inner healing prayer ministry. In July we enjoyed great music and friends at the Folklife Festival & Jazz in the Valley too!

In August, we had interviews to attend SOAR & were accepted. We kicked off our annual beach trip by stopping in to see the Niles & Matthews in Clackamas – we had SO much fun! Then we met up with the Parsleys & enjoyed an entire week in our beloved Manzanita! It was WONDERFUL! We came home in time for a new school year to start – for our whole household this time! We also had change in our home in transforming our living room with new carpet & furnishings! I LOVE it… it’s a totally different room… so warm & cozy & peaceful! Dave took a fishing trip before school kicked off. We meet once a week in the evening for a few hours & are absolutely LOVING it! Dave helped out at The Seasons enjoying Pat Metheny live among other concerts & we went on a Retreat at the end of September to get to know our fellow students. In October we took a day trip to Leavenworth and then found ourselves in the beginning of the onslaught of all things college! Kayelyn went to a few college fairs on the west side & ever since we have been getting pamphlets & info from various colleges. Reality is hitting that she is almost a senior & from there – who can know what God will do! We had a magical winter wonderland weekend with friends in a cabin outside of Walla Walla (say THAT one fast!) in November & enjoyed about 2 weeks of ongoing Thanksgiving celebrations with all sides of family to kick off the holiday season! We were thrilled to host family for a gathering in December – lots of visiting, laughing, game-playing, shopping, oh yes – & eating!? It was great! Kayelyn & I went with friends to see/worship with Kim Walker Smith – so good! Yesterday, as I mentioned, I finished up our shopping, picked up our Christmas cards, wrapped the gifts, decorated the tree, & fell into bed exhausted but with a sense of accomplishment! You see – even though it hadn’t FELT like Christmas – my goal each year is to be ‘done’ with all the madness of the holidays by Dec 10th. That way I can actually slow down & ENJOY Christmas – drinking in the true meaning, filling up with Him, & pouring out His Love to all those around me! As I wrap this up – Pandora is playing “You’re Here” by Francesca Battistelli… nothing can make it FEEL like Christmas time faster than a shifted point of view! This song is written from Mary’s perspective! Read on:
“You`re here, I`m holding You so near
I`m staring into the face of my Savior, King & Creator
You could`ve left us on our own, but You`re here
I don`t know how long I`m gonna have you for
But I`ll be watching when You change the world
I look at Your hands, they`re still so small
Someday You`re going to stretch them out & save us all
Noel, noel, God with us Emmanuel.
…someday I`m gonna look back on this
The night that God became a baby boy
Someday you're gonna go home again,
But You leave Your Spirit & flood the world with joy “


Christmas is here, & the Kingdom is near…
Reach out, grab hold, share the Love, & be filled with Joy!

~Dave, Karrilee, & Kayelyn ~

(Here is a link to that song - for your enjoyment and reflection:
He's Here!)

Creating & Living in a Culture of Honor!

We have been loving - LOVING, I tell you - attending Soar - School of Spiritual Transformation. This is the first year and we are in on the ground level... Soar is a satellite school of Bethel Supernatural School of Ministry out of Redding, CA.

My family and circle of friends have immersed ourselves into the Bethel culture via books, iBethel.tv, attending conferences, buying teaching and worship products for several years. But to be in a school with 60 students - all together representing 16 churches around our valley - pressing in to the supernatural and desiring to release the Kingdom has been AMAZING!

Below is my latest book report - turned in last night. Sure - it's sort of cheating as far as counting it as a post here - but it is such a great book - a MUST READ If you are really wanting to live out a life of honor and if you are relational at all... I highly encourage you to read Culture of Honor by Danny Silk and feel free to share your thoughts below!

Here is where you can purchase this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Culture-Honor-Sustaining-Supernatural-Environment/dp/0768431468/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323969989&sr=8-1

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I can’t recall the first time I ever heard Danny Silk, but I am pretty sure it was on a road trip to Redding to attend a Writer’s conference at Bethel in 2009. I was literally sent to this conference not only by the Lord, but with the help of many great friends who believe in the call and are open to sowing into the destinies of others. It was a joy and a privilege to have a week to soak in the open heavens and learn from some of my favorite authors. It was on the 10 hour drive that I popped in a weekend conference set of CDs featuring Shawn Boltz as well as Danny and Sheri Silk. Danny and Sheri were teaching on parenting and I was blown away! These people are a power couple for the Kingdom of God and they both minister with such love and wisdom. Being at Bethel, it took me a few days to pinpoint what was different at their church... it was the tangible Father's heart that you could FEEL and SEE... it was a Culture of Honor, in place and at work!

So, I was excited to see Culture of Honor by Danny Silk on our SOAR reading list! I had read through it once with my small yet powerful group of Happy Intercessors – going through the book chapter by chapter. I thought I would simply browse through the book this month to remind myself of what I had read, however the Lord had other intentions! Instead of paging through the book, we found ourselves in the midst of some big family issues that forced us to actually LIVE OUT the book on a daily basis… actually activating this teaching and reminding ourselves to cultivate and sow into a culture of honor. While reading the material you know it is life changing and powerful, but that does not compare to the grace and supernatural uplifting of the Lord that comes when you literally choose to honor and love in the midst of circumstances, instead of turning to fear and punishment.

Danny has the incredible ability to put into words the feelings and thoughts that you secretly dare to hope can be true, but he does it with authority and assurance because simply put - he lives it! He has helped to cultivate and govern a culture of honor not only in his marriage and home, not only in his church, but also in his community and the Body at large! He stirs up excitement and hope and backs it up with testimony and experience. This CAN be done!

The first time I read through (and underlined) each chapter - I thought, "This is great... how in the WORLD can we implement this?" The second time I paged through the book, I realized that every day – it is a choice! We can CHOOSE to live in a culture of honor, or not. Some days – the choice is easy, and on others, it will take determination and drive – but it IS possible!

I am blessed to have many of the things discussed in this book already in play in my own home, and in smaller groups of fellowship... I desire to see it on a larger scale and I desire to see my community change and experience freedom. I loved the section on developing a Kingdom mindset and how Danny taught on the different points of view from the lower, middle, and upper class. I thought it tied in nicely to Kris’ message and book on being a Prince and not a pauper. Every chapter in Culture of Honor is powerful and full of revelation - but there is one chapter that pulled all the others together for me... it is a chapter that, if activated in your own life and your own relationships, will help all the other chapters fall into place. The chapter entitled Kingdom Confrontation is filled with life application ways to impart honor into your home, your family, your circle of friends. In spelling out the goals of confrontation, Danny shows us that it’s not only possible but good to confront in a healthy way and in doing it correctly, the confrontation will bring empowerment, not domination! It’s all about love, freedom, respect, and responsibility.

This book will challenge you to operate in greater grace, deeper love, and more glory. It will cause you to hunger for Kingdom government, for Heaven on earth, and it will stir up faith to know and believe that it can be done! It is not easy… but it is so worth it! Cultivate a Culture of Honor in your home, your church, your city... it can start with you!

~Karrilee~