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~
February 1, 2012
January 10, 2012
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~
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~
January 5, 2012
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:
______________________________
"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
______________________________
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~
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:
______________________________
"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
______________________________
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~
December 23, 2011
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!)
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!)
December 15, 2011
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
__________________________________
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~
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
__________________________________
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~
November 8, 2011
Are you a Prince or a Pauper?
I have just completed reading "The Supernatural Ways of Royalty" by Kris Vallotton for the third time. It was on the required reading list for the SOAR school that my husband and I attend and so I gladly pulled it off the shelf and read through it once again.
My first introduction to Kris was several years ago via iBethel.tv online. I can’t remember exactly what he preached on, however I knew immediately that what he was saying was the same thing that the Lord had been speaking to me regarding identity and worth. When I attended a conference at Bethel in Redding, Kris was one of my favorite speakers. Then he came to Yakima a couple of years ago for Harold Eberle’s Worldcast conference, I loved how real and authentic and honest he was - sharing much of what this book unpacks.
We have probably all heard sermons and read Christian books on how we've been set free and on how important it is to know our identity in Christ - but this book actually shows you what that means, and what it can look like, on any normal day. For years the Lord had been setting me free of old mindsets, of negative self talk, and of 'normal' Christian living... so when I found this book and dug into it - I found confirmation on every page. I found myself standing taller, more secure and convinced of my worth - to Him first, and to others (including myself) next. I found that while I was raised with a pauper mindset - I was already aware of being grafted in to Royalty through Jesus. However implementing it seemed inconsistent at best. I could sense a change deep within my spirit as I turned each page. A new resolve, a deeper trust, a greater love. No longer would I allow my thinking or rationalizing to hold me back or cause me to question my own value. As the author often states in other teachings, I was made to be awesome – and I am! It’s still easier to say this about my daughter, or almost anyone else – but I am starting to grasp the reality that it applies to me as well! We weren’t created to be awesome for the sheer – well – awesomeness of it all, but we were created to be awesome because we are royalty and our job is to help release and increase the Kingdom!
My book is underlined, highlighted and well-worn... it's been loaned out, re-read, and referenced many, many times! From Kris’ personal stories, his historical Biblical teachings, and the supernatural wisdom - this book, whether you believe you're a Prince(ss) or a Pauper - is WELL worth the cost. For in it - you will be purchasing a greater level of freedom, confidence (in Him and in yourself,) and a healthier worldview that will enable you to join the movement and bring Heaven to earth in greater measure!
You are a King's kid... and were made to be awesome - and you ARE!
~Karrilee~
October 20, 2011
Grace in Motion
Who among us isn't hoping for, striving toward, and praying through a Breakthrough in one form or another? There is always something beyond where we are now and often it seems that there is something (whether real or perceived) that stands in the way. The keys have been given to us for breakthrough and much of what was handed to us I believe lies in the revelation that Victory is (already) ours... the price has been paid, the battle won, and the Authority transferred over to us to enforce!
I've been pondering on the reality that we live - right now - in two realms; that we have access to (and authority in) the spiritual realm as much as in the natural realm. They are not two worlds - but two realms - intermingling, active on this earth. While spending some time in worship, I had a vision that really impacted me this week.
I saw myself dancing...and at first I thought I was just seeing vivid colors but I realized that I was dancing under water. Gravity was not really holding me back and I could flow and jump, twist, leap and spin without any hindrances. It was so beautiful, graceful, and peaceful. Then I saw myself back up on the waters surface, floating... I appeared to be 'stranded' in the middle of an ocean and in the natural - it seemed dangerous and hopeless. However, if I would just dive own deeper - things looked totally different. It's like the surface of the water is all that separates 2 worlds - the natural (where fear rules and reigns) or the spiritual (where peace and grace embrace you.) From the perspective of the natural - RISK looks like opportunity for failing, but from the perspective of the spiritual, RISK is grace in motion.
The other thing that stood out to me is the surface is SO thin... it's such a small barrier that separates! There is a way to break through that is smooth, and graceful, and calm, or you can dive in, crashing the surface where you feel pain and create a disturbance. Both ways get you below the surface, into a different world - but one is more powerful and it depends on your perspective on which one you think that is! It made me think of watching the Olympic diving competition. So much focus is on form and technique - yet a lot of the score is dependent on the SPLASH created (or lack thereof) when they dive through the surface! The smaller the splash - the better the dive! We can learn from this!
I loved seeing the dive and taking risk... seeing the dance, if you will, below the surface as Grace in motion. I am becoming more and more aware that these 'two realms' that we abide in are so thinly separated... my goal is to go out and make a splash... but bigger (it turns out) is not necessarily better!
Dive in... join the dance!
Dive in... join the dance!
~Karrilee~
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