Abiding Love, Abounding Grace

I want to look right at You...

2012-02-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

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?

2012-01-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-05T13:33:00.000-08:00

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~

He's Here!

2011-12-23T13:14:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-15T09:18:00.000-08:00

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~

Are you a Prince or a Pauper?

2011-11-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

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!

I loved the ‘test’ in the back of the book and have now taken it a few times. I am happy to say that my results have been getting higher and higher on the Prince side and further and further away from the Pauper side! The fact that we can read this book and take the quiz and let it all soak in for a few months, then go back again and revisit it and find that there really HAS been progress is so encouraging! We keep on taking authority over our thoughts, we keep counteracting the negative self talk with the Words He speaks over us, we trade our opinion of ourselves for HIS opinion of us, and we press on into Kingdom living that not only changes how we see ourselves, but how others see and react to us as well!

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~

Grace in Motion

2011-10-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

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!

~Karrilee~

John Mark Pool: A Season to Ascend!

2011-10-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

Wow - this is such a great word!!! I am off to Abide with Him and worship in Spirit and Truth in my own secret place for a bit!
Enjoy!
~Karrilee~

John Mark Pool: A Season to Ascend!

Heaven Invading Earth, and SOARing to new heights

2011-10-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

OK - I am sort of cheating... it has been quite some time since I have blogged here. I am 'cheating' in that I had to write a book report or book review for the school I am now attending and instead of writing a new post - I thought I would just copy and paste for an update. But you know me... I always have plenty of words and I wanted to write a little something first!

For a few years now, my spirit has been bent towards Redding, CA. I fell in love with a movement happening there at Bethel church and saturated myself in books, CDs, teachings, and worship coming out of that place. I had the opportunity to go there for a conference a few years ago and left a part of my heart there! They have a Bethel Supernatural School of Ministry there and I would SO love to go. However, it was really just not an option. Finances, ties here to our city, jobs, kids, etc - all reasons that kept us here. So when we found out that God was bringing BSSM to us since we could not go to it - we knew right away we would be there no matter what. The Lord opened doors and both myself and my hubby applied and are now attending a satellite school to BSSM called SOAR. We are SO excited and honored to be among the first year students digging in and emersing ourselves in a movement that pushes us beyond our comfort zones and opens up opportunity left and right to release the Kingdom.

This brings me to the 'copy and paste' portion of this post! Our first 'book report' is due today... so I just thought I would share it here... if you have not yet read this book, "When Heaven Invades Earth" by Bill Johnson - RUN out and get it! It will challenge and inspire you to play your part is releasing Heaven...

Enjoy!

~Karrilee~

______________________

When I was first handed the reading list for SOAR, I browsed it over and quickly found that I had already read through (at least once) over half of the books. However “When Heaven Invades Earth” was a book I kept meaning to read, but hadn’t got to yet. I recall back in 2004, ministering often online through a “The Passion of the Christ” live chat room that was set up in order to minister to and talk with people who had just ‘experienced’ the movie. I was active in that chat room for many months, befriending many new or not yet believers. One of them was slowly coming out of a fog and had gotten a hold of this book by Bill Johnson. At that point, I hadn’t heard of him but she kept saying that his book was saying the same things that I was telling her - and he was actually seeing this stuff happen first hand. I knew I had to check into this man. The rest, as they say, is history! So to read this book now, after years of reading other things written by Bill and the staff at Bethel – to read a bit of the beginning and see and know now that these things are STILL going on is such a blessing.

I have been submerged in the Bethel culture through books, visiting, watching online, and listening to various worship and teaching CDs/DVDs for some time now. The one truth that really hit home in reading this book is that it is not enough to have faith. I have the faith. But we must take RISK and put our faith into action to actually release the Kingdom of God into our city. Bill says, “My faith is not just an abiding faith; it is active. It is aggressive by nature. It has focus and purpose. Faith grabs hold of the reality of the Kingdom and forcefully and violently brings it into a collision with this natural one. An inferior kingdom cannot stand.” pg 51 (Johnson, 2003) The Kingdom of God is near. As near as we will allow it to fill us and flow out of us!

With his humility, hunger, passion, love, and experience (via testimonies), Pastor Bill shouts out ‘take risk!’ There is freedom in failing, in knowing that no one will have 100% success rate in the laying on of hands and seeing healing and other miracles take place. However, we will be 100% successful if we never try - zero for zero! Now is the time to step up and step out; to submit to His leading and hear His heart for the people around us – in our homes, our churches, our parks and coffee shops, grocery stores and malls. Hear Him crying out for them… Be bold. Offer prayer. Offer hope. Create an atmosphere in which He is invited in and released to bring about His will.

I love his emphasis on being Presence-minded. I love his heart for worship and his willingness to wait on God until He speaks. You can see him do this while giving a sermon and you can even ‘hear’ him do it in his writing. I love the Scripture and teaching he unwraps in this book. This man is in love and in line with the Word of God and he is confident in Christ and all that He has purchased for us in His death and Resurrection. I appreciate the back stories and testimonies; they make him ‘real’ – like one of us! I think at the heart of this book is the reality that we simply MUST know who we are in Christ. And once we know that… we simply MUST release Him wherever we go. The responsibility, honor, and privilege is ours and ours alone!

Now is the time to press through our own insecurities and hesitation, our own fears and self-preservation tendencies! Now is the time for the Church to arise and shine! This is the season for pouring out… for stretching beyond ourselves and our own comfort zones! It is our high calling to live as heirs with Christ, and to pray in agreement with Jesus, “Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven” (Matt 6:10 NKJV) This book equips and inspires us to go out and do just that!

To order this book from Amazon - click HERE and join the movement!

Be the Song!

2011-06-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

I was planning on blogging about the first Sozo training class I attended yesterday - however this morning I 'discovered' a video that I want to share instead. I recall the first time we got 'messed up' by Don Potter and the worship CDs from the MorningStar "Heart of David" conference... it stirred us up and caused us to hunger for free worship - extended worship - prophetic worship... even to this day - when we hear a song from that time period - well, wow! Power is released... hunger is stirred up once again! Be blessed as you watch Don talking about that time... and enter in to worship with him! BE the song!

Don Potter on Worship

I have Overcome!
~Karrilee~

A Feast of Silence

2011-06-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

After a FULL weekend of family & friends... loud (great) music, lots of chatting, and tons of laughter - I had the unexpected pleasure today of enjoying a Feast of Silence. I had planned on having a living room filled with powerful, wonderful women of God - however, the Lord had other plans. Not one of my Happy Intercessors showed up today! Not a one... so I had to fight the urge to 'go on' with my day and tackle that bossy list of Things To Do! Instead, however, I sat in silence... listening. After such a busy and blessed weekend, I felt filled up and refreshed already... however just sitting with my favorite Guys (The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) - I felt washed in Peace. His Presence was a gift to me... and the Silence was a Feast!

I don't know about you - but in my daily world, there is a LOT of noise! Whether it be literal: traffic, talking, cell phones ringing, appliances running, TV or music on in the background... or more like the 'noise' in my head... thoughts, regrets, worries, hopes, more bossy lists... Whatever the source - the noise grabs for our attention and causes us (or at least me) to be short sighted! In our world of multi-tasking, it is often hard to remember the value of sitting and doing just ONE thing, especially when that one thing is listening to nothing, but expecting something!

As I sat in my chair - drinking in the quietness of the day and feeling warmed by His Peace, I was led to read through a few Scriptures. Psalm 67 was one of them and while I have loved that psalm for many years - reading it in The Message today caused me to grab on to a new phrase. This now is my goal:

"God, mark us with grace and blessing! Smile!" (Psalm 67:1 The Message)

My desire is to be marked with Grace and Blessing... in other translations this reads to be merciful to us and bless us and to have His face shine upon us! My desire is not to be blessed and have the favor of God simply so that I can succeed and be prosperous (although that happens, of course!) I love the 'marked with grace' part... that to me says that in His blessing and pouring out favor on me... His Grace & Mercy are evident as well. It's the mercy of God that leads to repentance. He is a good God... in a good mood and He desires to bless us... to love on us... to smile with us... and in the silence of just being with Him, I felt His smile and basked in His shining... I want to be one that so carries the Presence and Power of God - that my countenance is shining as well. I have gone the route of the religious - and people could see - well, not Grace - on me... but my goal is to let the Love of God flow through me and shine on to others who so need a glimpse of His light!

My prayer is that you too will be marked with grace and blessing!

Shine On!

~Karrilee~

I am expecting Overwhelming Encounters!

2011-06-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

"Overwhelming encounters with the extravagant love of our heavenly Father will do much to dismantle unbelief." (~Bill Johnson, Secrets to Imitating God)

We all have our moments of doubt and unbelief... of wanting a sign to prove truth... of frustration because it seems in the span between uttering prayers and rejoicing over answers - time can appear to stand still and it appears that nothing is happening! I don't know about you - but phrases from days of old like "praying through" and "standing on the promises", while they are true, bring little to no comfort in the moment! However, as I stumbled upon this gem of a quote by Bill Johnson, my spirit jumped and my heart sang out! What a great reminder... what we ALL need; what we all must have - is an encounter with His love... that is what changes atmospheres, brings freedom, pulls us up, and releases answers! Once again - whatever we face, after encountering His amazing love - we can say, "You are enough, Lord! You are all I need." When our perspective is changed, and our hearts are overflowing with His great love - there is no longer room for unbelief or doubt to abide with the adoration and faith we have for Him. When we allow His love to overwhelm us... His Kingdom comes, and His will is done... on earth - AS IT IS in heaven!

I am praying for and expecting overwhelming encounters with the Father's extravagant love... for me, and for you!

~Karrilee~

Stories from The Shack

2011-05-09T19:49:00.001-07:00

Wow... incredible!

If you have read this blog much at all - you will recall the (many) posts about The Shack the book that almost wasn't, written by William Paul Young. I fell in love with this book before I ever read it... I kept hearing how crazy messed up you'd be after reading it and just could not get my hands on it! I heard it was controversial... I heard some loved it and some hated it but very few were on the fence about it... I knew it seemed to stir up the religious spirit in any and all of us and for this reason alone - I wanted to play along! I think it is always a good thing to rile up your religious spirit and seek a deeper level of grace and freedom in Christ. Anyway - I read the book basically in one sitting. Then turned around and made myself read it again... S-L-O-W-E-R. I read it AGAIN to my teenage daughter... then I began buying copies. I finally had to write my name in a copy, and reread it marking it up just so I could actually KEEP one for myself!

So - by mere accident... I saw somewhere that there was a new show/play/theatrical performance based on or around The Shack and that it was coming to Seattle for One Night Only! I had to go! It was on Mother's Day... hmmm... well - I don't normally ASK for anything on Mother's Day - but a day trip to the Emerald City seemed like a valid request and wrapping it up with an evening at the theater sounded divine. Inspired, even! So - I ordered three tickets to see the show and told my family what we were doing for me... luckily they were both excited as well and we were all in agreement and expecting a great time.

Let me say... we headed to Seattle around 10 in the morning and it was grey and cloudy... we let our girlie drive us the first 2 hours to help her get some more highway driving in before she gets her license... other than that first Merge and a few little shoulder weaves she did great! By the time we hit Seattle - it was GORGEOUS!!! We hung out at Green Lake, had lunch at Red Mills, walked around the Lake, chilled out during Happy Hour at Starbucks (cuz that's just how we roll!), met up with my niece for a bit and then headed to the WaMu theater in Seattle to see our show!

Much like how after reading the book - there was a time period required for processing... the show had the same effect. It was a visual FEAST - so much to see and take in. I LOVED that there were so many different creative artistic expressions... there was live music (incredible band playing through out - not to mention the actual performers, including Danny Gokey), interpretive dancers, a great sand artist, aerialists who were AMAZING, as well as Paul Young being interviewed live - where he would share personal stories of readers of The Shack who had contacted him to let him know of the impact the book had on them. Powerful stuff! At one point it seemed they did insert a little infomercial - but the info was good... I am sure they will work on how to better incorporate that soon. I wished that there was more reading excerpts from the book as many in the audience had not yet read it... and those of us who have - never mind or complain about reading it or hearing it again! I could have SWORN in the promo they had filmed portions of the book too but that was not in the show, and now is nowhere to be found... that was a little disappointing. Overall - however - the best part (despite all the color and lights and creative beauty) was just simply Paul - sharing stories...

They have limited dates set already... if this is coming near you, I encourage you to go!

~Karrilee~

Still Around...

2011-04-25T20:02:00.001-07:00

Wow... I can't believe it has been over a year since I have logged on and started typing here!

I have been busy and life is good... we've had some ups and some downs and all the while - the Lords Abiding Love and Abounding Grace have covered us and carried us...

I have worked on a children's book that I am just now beginning to shop around. I believe it will be the first in a series... and I also have a few other ideas still rolling around that have not yet taken form. I hope to work on those things with more focus and purpose in this next year.

I think the one thing that the Lord has been saying to me personally lately is quite simply to reach out and receive what He has already given... He is not needing to pave the way anymore - or pay for one more thing - it truly IS finished... and we are entering a season where the favor of God will more and more be evident on those who know - I mean, really really KNOW - who they are!

I believe He is so wanting to meet with us, and to speak to us... if we would but simply quiet ourselves and be still for even a moment or two - He will show up for us and - in line with my life verse (Jer 33:3) - show us great and mighty things which we do not know!

Quiet yourself... set aside even just a few minutes to wait for Him... and be ready to hear Him speak!

~Karrilee~

Treasure Hunt Recaps

2010-03-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

OK - well - I promised to give some Treasure Hunt Recaps from some of our outings around town... so I will add those here.

I also have gotten the first official draft of the first book in a series out of my head, and onto paper... now - on to the editing portion of this call. Thanks for the prayers... they definitely helped!

12/23/09

Suzanne and I were able to go out on Wed for a Treasure Hunt. It was a great first experience and we really were happy that we pressed through and did it even though it was just us two!

We met up here at my place, and prayed in the Spirit for a few minutes - wrote down our clues (which came easily and many were the same on our lists or at least related!)... and then we were off. We felt led to Fred Meyers and while there were a few possible Treasures that we didn't approach (due to lack of boldness or just waiting for more clarification) we DID approach two women, who were very open and blessed. We were able to pray for each of them - one for her mother who had recently had a stroke, and one for her husband who had been out of work for several months. Both women were blessed to think that they were God's Treasures and that He would send us to them... both walked away in awe of God and thankful that we approached them. We waited around Fred Meyers for a bit longer, knowing we had plenty of clues left to find - but after about 30 minutes or so - we decided to call it a day. We learned a few things... like that next time we want to be better at showing people our map to let THEM see if any of the clues pertain to them! Also - at first I battled being discouraged - we had SO MANY clues that it felt like we shouldn't have only had two encounters - but then again - I would rather have too many clues than only one or two things to go on!

01/04/10

This was our second Treasure Hunting experience – well, Suzanne and I’s – the rest of the group had not officially gone out yet – so we were all excited! We met up and sang a song or two… prayed in the Spirit for a bit and wrote down our clues! There were MANY again… which was so encouraging! Many – once again – were related or the same on various lists! After discussing for a few minutes where to go – we all piled in our cars and headed out to Safeway (just down the road). We got to chat with 6 people on our outing and God confirmed things to us – and to them – that really stirred us up and helped us to get excited about going out on more Hunts!

We first walked into the grocery store and immediately all saw a gal leaving after going through the check out. She was an OBVIOUS treasure as she met SEVERAL things on each of our lists. There were 6 of us – so we let three take the lead and approach her as she was passing by us. Her name is Holly. The clues that matched up on our Maps included Crutches, Curly Brown Hair, Big Smile, Leg Problems, Red shoes (her cast was red!) She is a devote Jew and was born with a birth defect and had just had her 18^th surgery which is why she was in a cast. Three of us drifted off as to not overwhelm her and started our own hunt. The other three team members began to minister to her and were able to pray with her for her foot. When they asked if she felt any different after the prayer, her response was, “Well, I feel no pain!?” Praise God!

The other three team members approached a man with a “Black Hat” and “Yellow” on… he was in the “Dairy” aisle and we showed him our lists, asking if any of the clues made sense to him. He said that they didn’t but was open to pray for safety over his snowmobiling hobby and when we touched on Tug Of War or Relational issues, we struck a chord but he was not open to talking in depth. We offered to pray for him for his safety and said our goodbyes.

One of our team members felt boldness to approach a gal in the produce dept simply because one of her clues was ‘blue’ and the gal had blue jeans on! In talking with her, she discovered that this gal had met a few other clues as well (Sorrowing/pain, tug of war) in that she had experienced the loss of 5 people/deaths in the last 5 years!

There was a gal in the store that every team member passed and yet felt drawn to – she met some of the clues – but at the right time, a team of 3 approached her to show her their lists. The clues she met up with included Yellow, Black, Coat, Yogurt, J-ello, Assurance of Heart, Eggs, Angst, etc. Her name was Sabin and one of our team members knows her a little from church and the Lord has put her on Gloria’s heart the day before. Sabin and her husband are trying to conceive another child and she asked for prayer about that. The team prayed for her and she was blown away! She said that she could FEEL like butterflies and warmth in her womb area. Gloria mentioned to her that she had contacted one of Sabins’ neighbors due to a church visitation card that was filled out and Sabin said that the very same neighbor was there – in the store… her name is Allison and she happened to turn the corner at just that moment. Gloria introduced herself and they had a great conversation about the Lord while the other team members were praying for Sabin.

Our last encounter was with a man named Paul. He met up with several clues as well – including Brown Cargo Pants, Arizona, blue shirt, ladder, trip, big smile, migraines, assurance of heart, etc. He shared that he is a Contractor but he wants to retire and get into another business. He and his wife (Wendy – who suffers from Migraines) are planning a trip to discuss a new business opportunity that would take them to Arizona. He was warm and friendly and very open – blessed that we came to him and prayed with him for the business, his wife, as well as an invention that he is waiting for patents and sales on.

All in all, it was a great success and we were very encouraged to uncover and have the chance to share the love and hope of Jesus! We will continue to pray for the needs presented and look forward to more treasures to seek out on future Hunts!

01/11/10

Our approach was the same this week – although on our Maps – we specified ‘categories’ as in the book (Location; Person’s Name: Appearance; Prayer Needs; Unusual) Once again – we had many clues and many that related to each other!

Here is what we found today:

We were led to Memorial Hospital (clues included various sicknesses as well as hospital, statue, various items that would be found in a gift shop, etc) As we first entered the hospital – God highlighted a group of three women outside…

KAREN & BILLY – (clues included Karen, Billie/William, Long Blonde Hair, Black Coat, Hospital) Gloria, Linda, and I approached the three women and introduced ourselves, saying that we are on a Treasure Hunt. Gloria showed her list to the girls and asked if anything stood out and we quickly discovered that the one gals name was Karen, she was married to a Billy, and they were there because her father was just coming out of a successful surgery. As we talked with Karen and ministered to her, her step Mom Chris was tearing up and being ministered to as well. When we asked if we could pray with them, the friend/co-worker who was there (Donna) scooted in and said, “I want to be included too! I could use prayer!” So we all gathered around the three of them and prayed. We prayed for Richard (her father) and for her husband and sons, as well as for Provision and Hope! It was awesome!

GLORI ANNA – (clues included Long Blonde Hair, Planning a Trip, Florida, Valentine’s, Cancer) We all went in to the Gift Shop and Esther and Gloria approached Glori Anna noticing her long blonde hair. She was at the hospital visiting a good friend (Olga) who has cancer and is not doing very well. Olga has 7 children and 2 of them are stuck in Florida and not able to get here. The girls ministered to her regarding her friend. * Follow up – we found out that at least one of Olga’s children from FL DID make it to Yakima the next day!

TAMMY – (clues included Tammy, Valentine’s, Blue, Blue Shoes Cancer) Linda, Ande, and I approached her noticing her blue shirt and blue shoes… it wasn’t until we started talking with her did we notice her name tag (Tammy). She was confused but open and couldn’t think of why God would highlight her or couldn’t’ think of any prayer needs – but the more we talked with her, we discovered she works on the 2^nd floor (Cancer) and just started in December and was still pretty nervous! So – we got to pray with her regarding favor on the job and no fear!

JODI – (Chuck, Devon, Red) Jodi was fun because she was entering the Gift Shop while we are leaving and she saw our lists and said, “Oh – those guys are on a treasure hunt!” Little did she know! So – Esther began talking with her and Linda and Ande joined them. Turns out her sisters’ name is Chuck, and she knows a Devon as well… she was wearing red and needed prayer because her kidneys are shutting down. She was a little uncomfortable having prayer on the spot – but the girls made it quick and simple and let her get back to work! (She works at the hospital!)

IDELLA – (Statue) This was our last encounter and really it was a divine appt for Linda! She got the clue ‘statue’ and so we went searching out for statues in the hospital! We went to the Creation Statue and looked around… we all walked off but Linda recognized someone. Turns out it was her husbands’ cousins’ wife. Her husbands’ cousin was in surgery and will be in the hospital for a few days – so Doug knows now and can go visit! Linda got to explain what we were doing there and definitely got to plant some seeds!

01/18/10

Our Maps this week were set up to include the categories again (Location; Person’s Name: Appearance; Prayer Needs; Unusual)

Here is who we found:

REBECCA – (Hand/wrist issue, Sling, Carpal Tunnel, Curly Brown Hair) We decided to first go to Fred Meyers and ran into Rebecca in the dairy section. We first noticed her curly brown hair and the sling/cast/wrap she had on her wrist. She had recently had Carpal Tunnel surgery and was healing nicely… she was recently divorced, with three kids, and said she had finally felt peace. We prayed with her for total healing, comfort, guidance, and peace. She said she had been thinking of Stone church but she works on Sundays. We encouraged her to check out the other things that go on there during the week for herself and her kids. Suzanne had a word for her to let her know that God was actively interested in her. Two Scriptures were given as encouragement (Ps 139 and Jer 29:11) We had a powerful time of prayer with her and she was very touched by the Lord.

BETTY – (Red coat, Rings, Nails, White Car, Sorrow, Loss) We had noticed Betty in the store several times, but she seemed to always be in conversation with other people – but at the right time – we approached her while she was getting in her car to leave (which was another clue) and explained that we were on a Treasure Hunt and that we believed that she was our Treasure. As we talked, and showed her our maps, she began to soften and immediately said that she would like prayer for her sister Su who just recently lost her young husband Eric to cancer. We got to pray with her for her sister as well as praying for Betty herself and she was blessed! She said that that was her BEST EVER Fred Meyer Shopping experience!

CINDY - (Orange, Safeway, Moon, Lips, Mayo, Abdominal Issues, Carpal Tunnel, Hip/limp) We went to Safeway on our way home as that was on our list and Suzanne ran into Cindy who is a friend. We noticed right away that she was on our Maps as well – meeting many of our clues! We prayed for Cindy for total healing – she has just gone to a meeting the night before and had prayer for healing – so we came in agreement with that prayer and we prayed for her visit with her daughter and granddaughter, as well as for salvation for her daughters’ step mom. In talking with her, it came out that she has been single for a long time – but only recently began to have a desire to get married again – so we prayed for her future spouse as well! When we were done – she prayed a blessing on all of us and was wiping tears away from her face and neck!

TACIE – (Orange, Safeway, Chain, Nails, Gum) Tacie was a funny story because we noticed her while ‘chasing down’ another gal who was wearing orange… when the two went down separate aisles, we followed the other gal. We approached her and she was a little closed off and not open… we blessed her and went on our way, only to find that the other two had seen Tacie as well… we gathered together and she came headed toward us. When we told her what we were doing, and showed her all the clues on our maps that she matched up with, she seemed amazed. She was open – but kept saying things like, “well – just send good thoughts my way!” We prayed for Peace for her and brought up The Shack. She said that she had just had one or two co-workers bring that book up as well so we encouraged her to read it.

01/25/10

Our Maps this week were set up to include the categories again (Location; Person’s Name: Appearance; Prayer Needs; Unusual) Sheri came but felt that she was actually supposed to go somewhere else on her own to minister and so she headed in her own direction and saw that the clues God gave her were along her path as well! What I thought was interesting was that we pressed through and went – but the four of us were really not ‘feeling’ it on Monday! We were all a little tired and hesitant… isn’t it good to know and see that even when we are not 100% - God gives His all anyway!

Here is who we found:

SYLVIA – (Yellow, Safeway, Comfort/Assurance, Sylvia, Jitters/Coffee)

Suzanne and Karri approached this gal as she was wearing a Yellow coat, and had just ordered a Starbucks coffee. Her first comment was something like, “Oh no – Jehovahs Witnesses in the grocery store!” LOL! We assured her we were not JWs – but we were on a treasure hunt! We pointed out the clues that she met on our maps and asked if we could pray for her. She was very open, and we actually wanting prayer for direction and wisdom. She had just found herself sending her youngest child off to school and was wondering what to do with her time. She had been a SAHM for years and wondered if she should go get a job. We encouraged her and affirmed her and prayed for direction, and blessed her family and children. She was very blessed by our ‘boldness’!

MARION & FAITH – (Faithful, Crutches, Safeway, Hip, Mary, Fear/Afraid, Romance/Love)

Lynda and Ande approached these two gals as one had a crutch and that was on their list. Marion was the mother–in-law and was the one on the crutch, and Faith was her daughter-in-law. They found that she had had several surgeries, and was recently widowed, moved to a new neighborhood and was in a new parish. They got to pray with her for healing and peace and to find a home in her new church. They also blessed Faith and let her know she was a Treasure as well!

JOE – (Tall, thin, Nervous, shifty eyes, shakey, Safewaym Joe/Jo)

This was a great encounter… I will let Ande share about this one:

“Of course Joe, you guys pointed him out. And for some reason left him to me. Like go get ‘em Ande.... Only kidding. I was very apprehensive in the beginning, especially because he was walking so darn fast. I had to run...... I knew tho that he was Gods treasure. He had a hard time understanding who and why we were...He loves God, showed him the clues of Safeway , thin, tall, and the name Jo which was both his & his sons name who is Handicapped or challenged. It seems like he really need lots of care. (I also had the words shifty eyes, and nervous which was just for me I think. To give me a heads up that it wouldn't be easy.) He said we could pray for him, his son and his wife. He told us about all the years of his addition he kept his son and took care of him. He has been sober for about 3 -5 years. That he has always loved God but not religion, Gods taken care of him. I told him God honors the fact that through it all he had taken care of his son. He really was Gods treasure, I read the word I got on my clue, "God needs you to know that He really loves and cares for you." I know he felt blessed.......

We also stopped in at Shopko on our way home… Suzanne and I approached a gal there – can’t remember her name because I didn’t write it down right away. Anyway – we told her what we were doing… and shared that she met some clues on my map – (Green vest, Books, Skin Care, Shopko) and offered to pray for anything for her. She requested prayer for her husband and his family as they had lost a nephew last year and were all having a hard time with that. So we were able to pray with her right there and bless them.

Another successful Hunt! Praise God!

(Sort of makes you want to get the book and go out on some Hunts, doesn't it!?)

~Karrilee~

The Happy Intercessor, some Treasure Hunting, creating a Culture of Honor, and seeking artistic direction!

2010-02-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

I know, I know - that title alone is a mouthful!

I realized that I have not really been here much and haven't shared about a lot of the books that I have read recently that have really impacted me. I have a powerful little group of women who gather in my living room every Monday morning and bring a bit of Heaven on earth with me in worship, and prayer, and fellowship. We love each other and have been friends for many many years - in that, we have created a 'safe' place and we encounter Jesus each and every week! He just LOVES to crash our party!

We have gone through several books in the past year but a few stand outs have been Beni Johnsons' The Happy Intercessor and Kevin Dedmon's The Ultimate Treasure Hunt. Both are so good... affirming, empowering, and releasing!

As an intercessor, I have read many MANY books on prayer. From the old school Andrew Murray & E. M. Bounds, to other modern classics like Dutch Sheets, Stormie Omartian, Jim Cymbala, Cindy Jacobs, etc. So I know the immediate thoughts on yet another book on Intercessory prayer! I had it too... but let me tell you - Beni's approach to prayer as a lifestyle and intercession from a place of JOY is so life giving and so empowering! The book, like all books that come out of Bethel, is filled with testimonies and personal stories. It is a must read if you have felt called to prayer or intercession and have always thought that was a hard and heavy call. It truly does not HAVE to be that way! There is, in fact, a better way! My little group of "Happy Intercessors" all loved the book because mostly, we knew we were intercessors - but we also had abundant joy in our lives. This sadly often seems to be contradictory!

Another book that we read as a group is Kevin Dedmon's "The Ultimate Treasure Hunt" Let me start by saying this - I was the MOST surprised that I was the one to suggest this book! I do not have an evangelical bone in my body... I mean - I felt BAD that I didn't really feel called to evangelism. I felt like a less-than Christian... like I SHOULD feel a burning desire to save the lost! However, in all transparent honesty - I just didn't! Do I want them saved? Oh yes! Do I share my testimony and my faith - at every chance! However, I am just not a very bold person and the thought of approaching someone out of the blue to point out a need just really did not appeal to me! However, the Treasure Hunt is all about sharing the love and hope of Christ! Now THAT I can get excited about! It is not really about getting them saved - although if that happens, that is AWESOME... but it is more about letting them know that Jesus loves them, He is personal and aware of them, that He treasures them, and then offering prayer for anything they are in need of. It is all about blessing them, not putting them on the defensive. Now - do not be offended if you are an evangelist, or have a strong gifting in that... that is needed, I am just saying that I do not feel led that way - but to share the love and hope of Christ is an easier approach for me! This book is FILLED with powerful testimonies of successful Treasure Hunts! It stirs your faith, reaffirms that you can and do hear from God, and it transforms your daily life into an adventure - if you are willing!

Our little group went through the book and then have gone on several Treasure Hunts together... I will post the results soon - but let me just say that they are AMAZING! We have had some healings take place, and answered prayers come forth... and we are believing for more and more signs and wonders to follow us as we go forth on future Treasure Hunts in our city!

Our current book that we are just starting is by Danny Silk and it is called "A Culture of Honor" I am about halfway done already and can't really seem to put it down! I love it... it is so good - and so true - and such a clear word for the Body... they actually really DO this in Redding at Bethel and I can tell you first hand from being there myself, that the culture of honor is alive and well in that Body. You can tangibly FEEL the love of the Father and honor pours out of that place! Our group is excited to read this and implement it into our own churches and city - and begin to see and experience change and breakthrough as Honor is given... freely, and with love! Ths is just the next step of what we have been sensing and saying for years now: Jesus is all about RELATIONSHIP... He is a PERSONAL love God... Honor is a huge thing to Him!

Lastly - I am seeking artistic direction! I have not written much new lately because I know that I know that I know that I am supposed to take some of the visions that God has given me and trasnform them into children's books. I have never ever even CONSIDERED writing for children. I had a few prophesies over me last year that confirmed this call, and I know the stories to play around with. However, I have hit a wall because in praying and laying out a storyline for the first book - God literally gave me page by page layouts - and I can 'see' the illustrations - however, I am not an illustrator?! Now - I remember hearing at the Writer's conference in May how God did this with another writer, and He called her to learn how to illustrate her own book. I really hope that is not what He is wanting of me... but I feel 'stuck' until I get direction on whether I need to take some art classes - or if He will line me up with the right artist!? The hard part is these visions are prophetic and I feel a 'pressure' to get them out as soon as possible. I know that they will stand the test of time regardless - but I do not want to get in the way of God's timing! So - pray for me, if you will! Pray for direction regarding the artwork to accompany this book and/or this book series!

Thanks so much! I will post some recaps of our Treasure Hunts soon!
Until then, be blessed!
~Karrilee~

2010 - a Year of Overcomers!

2010-01-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

I know - it's been AGES since I have stopped by here and shared anything with you... I have been good - just busy doing daily life (and once again neglecting my writing!) However, with the New Year comes new commitments to really focus in on what I am called to do. This sadly doesn't mean I get to stop in here frequently and write whatever I want... it means I must pray and decide what direction to go in - and continue on in the dreaded editing portion of creating a book or three?!

At any rate... I have been missing this blog and way of expressing myself and had planned on stopping in today on my own. However, the Lord literally woke me up with a word for 2010 and as much as I tried to ask Him to just remind me later so I could sleep in - He would not have it... so I greeted the sunrise this morning cuddled up on my couch, with a blanket, pen & paper, a few Bibles, and an amazing awareness that I could barely keep up writing with the thoughts He was downloading to me...

So - without further delay... here is what I feel the Lord is saying for 2010:

2010 - a TRULY Happy new year! This is a new yea, a new start, a clean slate... Many experienced Breakthroughs in the past few years, but Breakthroughs require work and effort and fighting your way through. 2010 is the year of the OVERCOMER! I will lift you up to a new season, to a new level! I will life you UP and OVER! The battle will be Mine - you will need to persevere, but this is the year you will step into your destiny!

Last year, the Lord told me it was the year of Amos. This morning, He said this is the year of JOEL!!!

Many will be released in a new anointing, and new power. Many of you have been strengthening your foundations and have truly DECIDED in what and in Whom you believe. In 2010, you will begin to find opportunities to SEE the evidence of what you've been hoping for! You will begin to SEE that which you have believed in and believed for - come to pass!

Dreams, visions, signs & wonders. I Am coming! I Am coming in Power and Might, in Grace and Glory! But, FIRST I desire to come THROUGH YOU!

"Thy will be done, Thy kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven."

Step into 2010 with joy and expectation. The ties that bind and the lies that have held you back are about to be cut free. Prepare to fly with Me, says the Lord.

_________________

I went on to re-read through the Book of Amos, as well as pray through the Book of Joel. I encourage you to do the same! I will share some of my thoughts on that later... I just wanted to put this out here...

God has BIG plans for us in the coming year!
Happy New Year!
~Karrilee~

The Sound of Silence... and Fear of Success

2009-08-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I have sat down here with the intent of writing specifically for this blog. Of course, I could easily 'blame' summertime and the lack of schedule on my absence, and in part - that would be true! However I must admit, the whole truth includes reluctance on my part to continue to write more - when in fact, what I need to be doing, is editing what is already written. It just doesn't seem as fun though and so I deprive myself of this outlet, and yet still accomplish little to nothing as far as editing goes!

We are actually in the first week of Back to School and back to Fall routines! I love it! I am such a schedule follower and list maker... I find peace and rest in routine! At least routine for some portion of my daily life! I have learned in this past season however the power and preciousness of spontaneity - of being open and available to do something last minute! God loves both ways really - and it's fun to plan, and then sit back and be available to go a completely different direction! Summer was good to my little family! We really enjoyed some relaxing down time, and some powerful together time as well! I think though that all of us are happy to be finding ourselves back in the familiar routines this week!

As I plan and prepare my Fall schedule I am once again needing to schedule in editing and writing time... I am also praying I will have the discipline to follow through this time! I was praying the other day, asking the Lord to guide me and give me creativity in how to alter some things that He has asked me to sort of repackage and He asked me why I was so afraid of success. The question sort of caught me off guard and I thought it was a funny way to ask that - but then as I thought about it - I realized He is right. I have been afraid of success. Success will surely mean change... promotion... exposure... all good really - but it's that little bit of UNEXPECTED that causes me to wonder if it's worth it all. Of course - if He is in it... whatever change that comes will be for my good. I know this - but I still find myself reluctant to move forward. I have overcome many areas where my lack of follow through was holding me back - so I know I can press through this as well. But His question caused me to wonder: Are you too afraid of success? Is the reason you are not moving forward or pressing ahead because deep down - you are afraid of succeeding and moving beyond where you are right now?

This manifested itself in the form of a car for me. We desperately needed a second car over the summer. We prayed and began looking - knowing that our budget was tight, and small - and we'd need to really get direction from the Lord in what to buy. Before we ever went out to look, I felt the Lord ask me what I wanted... I sort of flippantly said something a little sporty would be fun - but really - dependable and reliable of course were most important. My husband found a car for sale by a private owner in a nearby town and we drove to see it on a Sunday afternoon in June. It was nice... REALLY nice... almost too nice! It looked brand new inside and out and had very little miles on it... I was determined not to love it right away! It just didn't seem responsible! So we both drove it - told the owner we would think about it and we left. I wrestled with my hesitation for days until the Lord asked me why I didn't want that car. I said, Well - I would love that car - but it's a little too nice! It may be too good to be true - besides, I don't really deserve a car that nice! I felt Him smile at me, and He said, No - but if you want it, you can have it! He consistently said that for weeks as we drove around looking at car lots and not finding what we wanted. We would discuss this car and call and talk with the owner and end the conversation by saying we'd think about it. Once again I told the Lord I didn't think I deserved a car that nice - and He said, You're right - you don't! But, you are a Kings kid - and I desire to bless you! If you want that car, you can have it! So I got confirmations left and right and we had favor with the bank, and in the end, we got the car! I love it! It is the nicest car I have had - and while I don't deserve it - I don't deserve any of the life I am blessed to be living right now! Gods' grace is bigger than we give Him credit for! I am trying to wrap my mind around what it may look like to be a successful writer, but in all honesty - as long as HE thinks I am successful - it doesn't matter if I ever get published or sell a single book... I have been enjoying reruns of The West Wing and they often say on that show that they 'serve at the pleasure of the President' - well, I write for the pleasure of my King! So - when HE assures me that we will write together and that He has plans in the words He gives me, I write for the pleasure of my King! When I am called to edit and rewrite, I do it all for the pleasure of my King - and to the increase of His Kingdom!

The other thing He has really been talking with me about this summer is how much He desires to speak to us! He is constantly singing over us and speaking to us... it's just that we have so often lost the art of listening to the sound of silence. We tend to want to fill the quiet. But I challenge you - enter in to the silence, push into it and listen for Him... He will speak to you there! You just may find, He's been speaking to you all the time!

So - back to routine, editing, and hopefully writing once in awhile as well! I do love to express what I am hearing and seeing and feeling!

Here's to success - and whatever that may bring!
And here's to the sound of Silence - and the Voice of God that comes forth from it!
Blessings,
~Karrilee~

He is Faithful and True!

2009-07-05T06:56:00.001-07:00

My family just returned last week from a vacation to our nations' Capitol! We had an amazing time! To see in person so many places and things that we have grown up seeing on tv or in movies, etc was incredible. As is necessary, we squeezed in a LOT of venues in a few short days and as is custom, we did not get everything in during our short stay! However, a few of my favorites were the Lincoln Memorial - so simple and elegant.. majestic and such a reminder of what one man, with God, can do to make a difference! Awe-inspiring! I also loved the World War 2 Memorial... and the Room of Rembrance in the Holocaust Museum! That was the place where I could tangibly feel the Presence of the Lord and it felt too holy to take a photograph or to do anything but pray, repent, and praise Him! For our Lord is faithful and true... even at times when it really doesn't SEEM like it!

The week before our vacation, we endured a LOT of unexpected stress and are facing some life changes - but God was good in giving us a vacation where we really were able to leave the stress and worries at home and thoroughly enjoy our time together!

With summertime here, my schedule is a bit lighter and my days a bit more relaxed but I am so looking forward to what God has planned in the next month or so... change is coming at us from all directions - and we know as uncomfortable as the unknown can be... we know that He is good... we know that He is Faithful and True and that He has our backs and will lead and guide us... we know that He really IS in a good mood and He desires to place us where He wants us in order to bring about more of His Kingdom here on earth!

Press on in all He has called and equipped you to do in this season... and if you are like us, in a season of change and not really knowing what He is calling you to do next - wait and see... He will be faithful and true for you as well!

More Lord... that is our simple prayer!
~Karrilee~

Can I Get A Witness?

2009-06-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

The Lord has been speaking to me for weeks about the power of testimonies! I heard Bill Johnson teach on it, I've heard the Lord tell me to stir up faith by sharing and watching testimonies, and I have noticed that when I am in an environment that tends to brag on God - it causes me to begin to believe that He really IS in a good mood!

My little group of Happy Intercessors are having a great time going through Beni Johnsons' book and decided to all commit to writing a bit of journaling over a period of two weeks to share with the group. Just whatever the Lord was speaking to us... no pressure! Of course, pressure came anyway! I am in a season in my life where the Lord is really accelerating some things and I am feeling very much over scheduled and overwhelmed! Especially just returning from a Writer's Conference, you can guess that I have found no time to write whatsoever?!

I felt the Lord ask me to just go and sit with Him on day last week... I have already admitted to a hectic routine and honestly - I sort of had the gall to argue with Him a bit first... explaining that He wasn't really penciled in to my morning! Of course - I couldn't really say NO... so I grabbed my book and journal and a cup of tea... set up my tunes outside and enjoyed some time in the sun (with the Son!)... it was really nice! Relaxing even... I had forgotten how nice that is!

This is what I wrote out of that time together:

Once again, I think I have given in to the pressures of time constraints and a list too long of things that 'must' get done! This pressure is not from You! In reality - many of the things on my list are not from You either! I am listening to Brian Johnsons' CD and "Where You Go" is playing. It brings such peace! It sounds so simple! "Where You go, I'll go and what You say, I'll say, God. and What You pray, I'll pray. What You pray I'll pray!" Now, why didn't I think of that!? As I sit here and wait on Him, the entire atmosphere outside begins to change. I can still feel the heat of the sun, but a breeze that is cool and refreshing is softly blowing and clouds have rolled in. It looks like they are heavy with rain and my hearts cry is to rain down Lord on this dry and thirsty land - on MY dry and thirsty land! Then the Lord showed me two Scripture references - Job 28:27, 28 and 2 Chronicles 20:29-30. In Job 28:27, 28 it says that the fear of the Lord is wisdom, and in 2 Chron 20 is says that the fear of God was on all the kingdoms WHEN they heard that the Lord had fought Israels enemies and THEN the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet for God gave him rest! In the Message it says, "When the surrounding kingdoms got word that God had fought Israel's enemies, the fear of God descended on them. Jehoshaphat heard no more from them; as long as Jehoshaphat reigned, peace reigned."

I love that it says WHEN and THEN! WHEN they heard the testimonies, THEN the realm of the King was at rest... WHEN Jehoshaphat reigned, Peace reigned! We must step up and begin spreading the good news and share testimonies! As Bill Johnson says, He's in a good mood!" Once word got out - that's when the fear of God goes out - and THEN the Peace reigns!

Proverbs 9:10 says that the fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of wisdom! As Paul Young says, in the West especially - we love the Lord with all of our heads! Eventually - (as the REST of 2 Chron Ch 20 shows) we all have to deal with our 'stuff' - our issues - our 'Shack'! We can walk in wisdom and peace for so long - but as we press in, we're gonna have to deal! We all come to that place where the winds of change begin to blow. We realize that the peace we walk in now is less than all He has for us and to go deeper, often times we have to go back. There comes a 'nevertheless' moment where Wisdom can reveal the High Places still standing, the places in our hearts not yet turned toward Him!

We must remember that God is good; that He always has more for us than what we so often settle for, and that He is not bound by time constraints or lists! Job 28:27 says "He saw Wisdom and DECLARED it..." which takes me back to declaring this simple truth:

"Where You go, I'll go
and what You say, I'll say, God.
What You pray, I'll pray.
What You pray, I'll pray."

Reign down, Lord! Rain down on our dry and thirsty lands!

~Karrilee~

The Kingdom of God... it's personal, not business!

2009-05-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

There is a stirring in the Body of Christ.... a growing hunger for more power to be manifest in our lives! In order for this to happen we must learn to flow with God’s Love. Jesus has given us the keys to unlock the Kingdom of God. He has equipped us for every good work which He prepared beforehand for us to walk in – to accomplish with Him – to bring glory to the Father! God has given us the keys that, if we would use them they would enable us to operate in two realms right here, and right now! We have been offered a gift to receive the kingdom, and all that it represents. We have the ability to tap into heavenly realms while operating in earthly realms. The keys, and the Kingdom as Jesus said, really ARE at hand, if we’re willing!

We’re being drawn ever closer to the heart of the Father and are called to release the Kingdom of God into every area of our lives. We’re being called to do this by letting His Love spill out and over in greater levels. As I was praying with the Lord, asking Him about this move of God, He assured me that the Kingdom of God is not like the kingdoms of this world! He said that in the earthly realms, much of life really is like that famous line in the Godfather: “It’s not personal – it’s just business.” However, in the Kingdom of God – it’s not business, it’s just personal! Our God is, first and foremost, a personal God! He is relational and desires to have friendship with us. When we rise up in our intimacy with the Lord, He calls us closer to His heart and shows us the Kingdom. The Kingdom of God is not business, it is PERSONAL! Our God desires fellowship and intimacy. When we grow in our friendship with God, He helps us to unlock the realities of Heaven and causes us to see our Authority to pull them from one realm into the other! Look at the story of Mary and Martha. Mary understood that God is Personal, while Martha was all about the Business. Of course the ‘business’ needs to get done, however how much more powerfully and effectively is it done when we do it WITH the Lord, out of intimacy? I have no doubt that if Martha would have also chosen the ‘better part’ of intimacy, the Lord would have accomplished the work that was at hand. In fact, I’m pretty sure that He would’ve rolled his sleeves up and pitched in because He loves to do that! He loves to partner with us in Kingdom work!

In the kingdoms of this earth, ‘business’ is almost expected to be ruthless and cruel. It’s how we get ahead; how we get things done. But when we operate out of the Kingdom of God, Love is our compass and being personal is at the heart of everything we do! As Meg Ryans’ character in You’ve Got Mail said in response to that Godfather quote, “And what's so wrong with being personal, anyway? Whatever else anything is, it ought to begin by being personal.”

The keys to the Kingdom are Righteousness, Joy, and Peace in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17), and how can we live these out if they are not first built on Love? When we begin to operate in the Love of the Father and freely give it out, we begin to see the Kingdom of God at hand. We begin to see lives changed, hearts healed, minds transformed; we begin to see heaven on earth. We have the joy and honor of tapping into the Kingdom of God for any situation we face right here in the earth, and grabbing hold of the heart of the Father. The next move of God I believe will be the combining of two realms, walking into the kingdoms of this world, and tearing the veil to reveal the Kingdom of our God. Many have stated that this move will be a releasing of the Love of God, and is that not what we all need: a personal revelation that the Kingdom is at hand, for you and for me? It’s not business – it’s personal, because what we really need; what we simply must have, is an ever increasing measure of His abiding love and His abounding grace to fill us to overflowing, and to spill out onto others to reveal His Kingdom and bring glory to the Father!

I just returned from a week at Bethel church in Redding, California! It was amazing... God sent me to a Writer's Conference and all of my favorite authors were there... and as a bonus, it was held at Bethel church! Bethel has this unique atmosphere... you can actually tangibly FEEL the Father's Heart beating for you there! There is a strong sense of community and love... they really DO live in the Kingdom there... and I really DO pray that just by being there, I received an impartation... the Kingdom of God is not business, it's PERSONAL... because HE is personal - and He is especially fond of you!

~Karrilee~

A New Season... are you ready for Change?

2009-05-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

Once again, I have neglected my writing (thus, my blogs) for months due to other activities that have required my attention - but I have been missing this outlet and way that I tend to clarify that which God is speaking to me! So - here I am... without clear direction, but knowing that I am here because He has something to say - to you, and to me! So - buckle up... and here we go!

Over the past few months, I have been loving my Monday morning group! I meet up weekly with a powerful amazing group of ladies in my home as we study through Bill Johnsons' The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind. We wrap it up this week and it has been so encouraging and so challenging... we truly do want to live, as Bill puts it, the 'normal Christian life'! That is my hearts' desire and I long for opportunity mixed with boldness to SEE the sick healed, the lame walking, the blind receiving sight, the lepers cleansed, the demons cast out, and the dead rising! I really do... and this past season was a season of training. It was a season of finding out if this is really something you really honestly want - if we can catch His heart for wholeness and freedom and extend His love in every situation... as He leads! We can SAY we do - because we know we should... but just between you and Him - that is what this past season has been about! What is in you and what does He want to spill out? In the end, really - it's always been and always will be all about His Love!

I have walked through a transitional season with the Lord in the past year and a half. He gently called me to work on my follow through and we picked the most obvious area that it was lacking in... however, I knew overcoming this lack of follow through would bring to light many other changes and many reasons for my lack in the past. What it comes down to for me... I have in the past always been afraid of change. I kicked against the goads and even if it looked like it would be for the best - I hated it. Honestly - in my flesh, I can get real comfortable in my comfort zone and not want to venture out. However, I have known that there is a call on my life that requires my comfort zone to constantly change... let me tell you - you do too! Once you come to Jesus and give Him your life - you are in for a life of change... a life of adventure and opportunities... a life of destiny and blessings. In the flesh - I love my life the way it is right now... I love it! I am not the most wealthy person by a long shot - but I am properous and I love my life. I am blessed with an amazing husband who I adore and who loves me incredibly... I am blessed with an incredible daughter and extended family on both sides... lots of true friends... not to mention the Most Important Person in my life and His great Love for me... I am blessed and happy. But in this past season - the Lord has helped me to work on my follow through and I have realized that while I CAN be comfortable here and I AM blessed - if I am just willing... just WILLING to step out and follow Him, He will open doors that I never would have considered. He will make a way where there seems to be no way and He will cause me to step into the destiny that He has planned for me ahead of time! (Eph 2:10) If I am to fulfill the Call... if I am to step into those prophetic words spoken over me - I will need to be willing to change!

For the first time in my life, I am open and willing to change locations! I love my city and love living here... this is the town I grew up in and most of my family is here... I am not itching to leave - but I can see now for the first time - He can move me and I will be ok. In fact, if He wants me somewhere else - I WANT to be there... because ultimately - if He wants me there - He has something for me there.. to give and to recieve! So - now, not only am I open to change - and I am actually feeling Him stir up in me an excitement FOR it! There is a song on the radio right now called The Motions by Matt West... I love this song - it is so my anthem right now! Here are the lyrics:

"This might hurt
It’s not safe
But I know that I’ve gotta make a change
I don’t care
If I break
At least I’ll be feeling something
‘Cause just ok
Is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions

No regrets
Not this time
I’m gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love
Make me whole
I think I’m finally feeling something

Take me all the way

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions..."
(The Motions by Matt West)

So - I am not saying I have this follow-through deal mastered - obviously I have not since I haven't been HERE for so long... but, I am seeing that part of why I dug my heels in it for so long to following through was because I knew it would ring about change - or an opportunity to change... and I was not so sure I would be ready or wanting to step into the next season!

I am excited to share that God is literally paying my way to attend a Writers Conference in a couple of weeks! A friend sent me a link in an e-mail and pointed out a Writers Conference being held at Bethel Church in Redding, CA... which means the speakers will include all my favorite authors right now like Bill and Beni Johnons, Kris Vallotton, Danny Silk - pretty much the staff at Bethel - and the keynote speaker is none other than the author of The Shack! Oh my!? Honestly - my first thought when I read that e-mail was, "Linda is MEAN!" LOL! I never thought that I would be able to go! We are planning a big vacation in June that is taking up our vacation budget for the year pretty much and I just didn't even really consider it! However, my husband said that maybe we could swing it... this opened the door for me to pray about it. So - I actually prayed and heard the Lord not only tell me who to bring with me, but He assured me that we are a good investment! That is what He keeps saying over me... "You are a Good Investment!" Amen! He says that over me... and He says that over you! and the good news is that He means it! He has already invested His Life in you... and you are worth it! So - over the past few weeks, the Lord has paid for our Registration fees and is bringing in money to cover our travel expenses. We have not asked anyone for money - but whenever we are tempted to get into worry about the cost of it all... God says, You are a Good Investment - and money shows up! He so desires us to be there... I am excited for the opportunities that He has in mind for us and for the work that He has for us to and the blessings He has for us there... that will equip us for this next season! I am believing that not only will the Writers conference help stir me up and give me direction in my writing - but that I will get a tranferrable anointing there - to live that 'normal Christian life'! Yes, Lord - that is what I want!!!

Recently, I read a word that came across The Elijah List and I just wanted to quote a small portion of what was shared! The author was talking about learning how to host the Presence and he said "...we have access to the unlimited measure of God's presence, but He doesn't entrust Himself to untrustworthy people. All of the measurements are set up on our end of the equation. He typically entrusts us with the measure of the presence we are willing to jealously guard.

We are to become His resting place—the place from which the exploits of Heaven are accomplished. For when the Lord rests upon a person, there is actually an atmospheric shift that takes place wherever that person goes. How do you think Peter's shadow healed people? Our shadow will always release whatever overshadows us. When we learn to host the presence of the Lord, we get more breakthroughs by accident than ever used to happen on purpose. That is a possibility for every Believer every day." (Bill Johnson, "Learning to Host the Presence")

The portion in bold type was actually that way in the original post - but the sentence that really stood out to me was the one right before it... "Our shadow will always release whatever overshadows us." Wow?! So - the question then is this - what is it that is overshadowing you? What is it that is occupying your thoughts and consuming your attention? In this world - in this economy - in this (insert whatever concerns you right now) - it's tough to not let these things overshadow us, but I do not want worry and fear and anxiety to spill out of me... so I must stay focused and in tune and filled up with Him.

During a meeting on Friday night, I heard the Lord say, "If it concerns you, it concerns Me!" Another friend was lead to Psalm 138 and she read it in the New American Standard Version. Verses 7 & 8 read like this:
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me.
The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands."

Whatever it is that concerns you, you can rest assured that it concerns Him as well! And if it concerns Him... you can rest assured that He has your back! He will work it out and cause blessing to overshadow you despite what you may see in the natural! Remember, He is no respecter of persons, and He says that you are a Good Investment!

Love in Abundance, Grace Abounding,
Be Blessed,
~Karrilee~

Where is YOUR Common Denominator?

2009-03-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

The Lord has really been speaking about the power of agreement. This is no small revelation: knowing the importance of recognizing and seeking out the power of agreement. For years, it seems, the Lord has been calling us to Declare and Decree... He is revealing the Truth of His Kingdom and calling us to live a Kingdom-minded life right here on earth. We are entering into a season of seriously needing to know and seek out the power of agreement!

I will never forget years and years ago calling a national ministry with an urgent prayer request. The Prayer Partner on the other end of the phone asked me what the request was. (It was for a friends' son who was born premature and his lungs were not yet developed.) I told him and he asked where my faith was... what I could believe for in prayer... he explained that what we needed was the power of agreement. He had faith to believe that God would instantly heal this baby and give him fully developed lungs, but if I was believing that the Doctors would have wisdom and they would be able to stabilize his breathing and over time his lungs would strengthen, then he needed to know. We needed to pray at the point of agreement. I was completely believing that God would create new lungs instantly in this little one - so we prayed. Literally an hour later, this new Mom called to say that the doctors were astonished - it was as if the X Rays taken before were of a completely different baby because her son had two fully developed and functioning lungs. He was fine and out of the woods immediately! What an awesome answer to prayer! And for me... what a powerful lesson!

I think in this season, God is really drawing us together in small groupings of people - whether it be within your church, in a home meeting, a Bible study or prayer group, or within your family... however He is doing it - He IS doing it! He is drawing the like-minded together in accordance with the power of agreement.

I had the honor and pleasure of ministering once again with two great friends on Saturday whom God honestly hand picked and placed us together. We ministered to a small group of ladies who seemed to be each feeling somewhat isolated, not a part of the Body or not important, and alone. We left them more connected and flowing in His Love toward one another... a powerful picture of how much He loves us! All because we pray and intercede and flow in unity and at a high level of agreement. While we were preparing to minister, I heard the Lord say, "Pay attention to the lowest common denominators vs. the Highest common denominator!"

I can't tell you how many times I have had this discussion with my daughter. From a very young age - we have explained to her the fleshly tendency to convert to the lowest common denominator. We must pick our friends and those we spend a great deal of time together with carefully because sooner or later, we will find that point of commonality and all gather there. For better or for worse! When the enemy is attacking us, it is so vital for us to seek out a point of agreement that will stretch our faith and cause us to rise up - not to lower down! Finding those who will join in with you in the flesh is easy... you won't have to look far! These are Jobs friends... these are those whose intentions are good - but often times, you come away from spending time with them feeling worse than when you started out.

Seek out relationships and connections that cause you to rise up... seek out the Highest Common Denominator! Jesus IS our Highest Common Denominator! He desires to stir you up and reveal to you the best He has in mind for you... and you must be linked up with those whose point of agreement will fall on Him and His Word above anything else! This is His desire - all because He knows full well the power of agreement! He is not gathering us together simply for our enjoyment - although that is more a part of it I think than we often realize! He is so for us - and He WANTS us to enjoy His Blessings... but these Gatherings are for a higher purpose!

Gone are the days and weeks of travailing... I mean - sure - there will still be things that we fight for and battle for in prayer - however I believe we are entering a season where we know who we are and Whose we are and we rise up in Kingdom Power and Authority and loose the answer! We will pray and see and experience instantaneous answers. Miracles and healings, resurrections, and deliverance at our hands - not because we are all that, but because HE is 'all that' and because we know the authority we wield! As my little team of three prayed together the week before the meeting on Saturday, the Lord showed me that where there are areas in our boundaries or armor that are weak - in the past the enemy would rush in and attack there and gain access. However, now is the season where we see the Lord rise up in us and as the enemy attempts to enter in - we simply say, "Access Denied!" and he has to flee! The battle belongs to the Lord, and He has said, "Access Denied!" to the enemy over your life!

It has long been prophesied that the next big move of God will be nameless and faceless - and I believe it is because it is not ONE person, or ONE church... but it is multitudes of small gatherings moving in power and might, moving in agreement, rising up in Kingdom authority and taking back ground the enemy had assumed would be his forever - all over the world, at the same appointed time!

So, I encourage you to rise up! Look around you... you just may find a group of unexpected friends who God has placed before you for a greater purpose... and if, for whatever reason, you do not find this - know that this is His will for you! Pray and ask Him to connect you to others who are also connected in faith and power to the Highest Common Denominator!

He unites us, empowers us, He's IN us, He is wanting to spring out and bless those around us... In Him we have agreement!
In Him we have life, and power, and joy, and love...
In Him we have all we could ever need...
let's allow Him to link us together with like-minded believers
and watch Him move in power on earth, 'as it is in Heaven'!

Rise Up! Rise Up!
~Karrilee~

What's YOUR Song of Love?

2009-02-16T14:05:00.000-08:00

It has been quite some time since I have sat down to share anything with you but that is not because I have not had anything to share. I have just been very busy and have been really trying to digest all that is stirring in me.

I feel as if we are nearing the end of the season of soaking in His Presence and really allowing revelation truth to settle deep in us (not that this season will ever really be OVER but...) - and we are fast approaching a season of putting action to the things our hearts yearn to see come to pass! I praise God for this time of really getting to know and firmly believe in what is in us... and I am so looking forward to the releasing of the next season to bring it to pass! I truly believe that we are about to enter a time of living in the Kingdom and being Kingdom people. It's not that this is a new thing - but it is more of a Body-wide movement that is coming and I don't know about you - but I want to be among those Kingdom people!

So - stumbling upon this Bill Johnson book on the Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind has been - well - perfect timing! Today we met up and went over Chapter Two... yes - that's right - Chapter Two!? Chapter Two deals with the gateways of our minds and the power of agreement - either with Heaven, or with Hell. In going over the chapter, the Lord reminded me of a vision He gave me back in 2007...
(Click here for a link...
http://abidingloveaboundinggrace.blogspot.com/2007/11/lord-may-our-bowls-overflow.html )

So - we are finally through Chapter Two and will attempt to get through Chapter Three next week... today was awesome and we had a powerful soaking time with the Lord! During the time, I heard the Lord say, "I am singing over you a love song written just for you, just for today... it is meant and destined to touch your heart and draw you closer! This is the full measure of My love for you - " Then I saw three screens playing out in front of me...
1. A Father dancing with his little girl, laughing and giggling, spinning and playing - lavishing His love on her.
2. A Man dancing with His Bride, with passion and hunger in His eyes.
3. A Brother lovingly joking around and playing with His sister.

This reminded me of The Shack...

Again, I heard the Lord say, "This is the full measure of my divine love and desire and acceptance of you. I am SO FOR you! You bless my heart with the things that are stirring in you. I adore your worship and willingness to pray. as you are filling the bowls of intercession, I am well-pleased and you can rest assured that you are loved and that you will be rewarded! Quiet your spirit, wait on Me, and hear My Song of Love that I sing over you!"

So... have you heard the Lord singing your Song of Love lately!? I love that He has a new love song for us each day... I pray you are able to quiet yourself at some point this week... love on Him a bit and listen... I assure you He is singing over you and His Song of Love for you is just what you are needing!!!

~Karrilee~

Are you Settling for Less?

2009-01-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

As I am finding my routine again and refocusing my days, I am feeling such promise and open doors coming this year to any who are willing to watch and pray.

We started up our Monday study of Bill Johnsons' "The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind" again and I just quickly wanted to share a couple of things from that...

One of the questions in Day 7 was asking where we are to set our minds - referring to Colossians 3:1-4 - and the answer, of course, is to set our minds on things above. Then Pastor Bill went on to ask why do we need to make a conscious effort to focus on eternal reality. I answered 'because we believe what we SEE and we think on what we believe...' When we train our minds to focus on the Bigger Picture - and to tune in to the fact that this world is not our home - and that the spiritual realm is right here, right now, we know that we are not only able to - but CALLED to - tap into it and our minds begin to 'see' and that eventually turns into thinking about Bigger Things, and then into believing God for Bigger Things!

Through the rest of this Day 7 devotion and study time - God began to remind me of the importance of CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE so that my spirit will be in tune and receptive to Him! I know that something as simple as playing worship music softly in my home - whether I am there and listening - or not - can create an atmosphere in which the Lord knows that He is welcome - and that He is expected! So - I have been doing this once more... really on purpose creating a worshipful peaceful place in my home - and it not only benefits me in my relationship with Him - but others, when they enter my home, can feel welcomed and loved! It's a win-win... I encourage you to just try this and see! I can remember back when I had a toddler and my days could be hectic... this is when the Lord first began revealing this practice to me. I would have Christian TV on or put some praise music on and my day would seem so much better! Not only was the atmosphere affected - but my focus leaned more on the Lord as I would hear a portion of the song playing, or hear a bit of teaching as I went about my day! If you do this - step it up... He is desiring to be more active in your life... and if you have never tried it - I encourage you to give it a try! (And don't forget to let me know how it is working for you after a few days!)

When we moved on to Day 8 one of the questions was asking if it is proper for us to respond as Mary did (in reference to saying, 'let it be done to me according to Thy Will'). I love how Luke 1:37 reads in the Amplified Bible... "For with God, nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment." Wow... that is so encouraging, isn't it?! I answered that yes, of course is it proper for us to respond as Mary did when we know it is a Word from God! So often, we receive a word and it SOUNDS good... but we take it in with a casual attitude, like "if it happens, that is great!" But we must learn to take action in our alignment with and agreement for the Word to come to pass! Often the 'action' is simply stirring up our faith to believe for it, but sometimes there is actual steps we must take and things we must contend for in order to see it come to pass! HOWEVER, we are learning that this does not have to be a hard and exhausting thing - it is a KINGDOM thing and we simply wield our Authority and pull Heaven towards earth!

Lastly, Bill Johnson leads us to 1 John 5:14-15 and asks how we are to ask for things... In the NKJV this Scripture reads like this: "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."

So the answer of course is to ask 'according to His will'! I will be honest here and tell you that I used to think that this was a lazy prayer - a prayer not filled with faith and expectancy - but with room for doubt and uncertainty! Now - for many who pray this way - I am sure that is still true - however, reminding myself and knowing now that praying His will 'as it is in Heaven' is powerful and so much bigger and better and full of faith that I ever imagined has lead to this: having the key phrase 'on earth, as it is in Heaven' stirs up such faith in me and causes me to stop and consider how it really IS in Heaven... and it also causes me to wonder why we settle for so much less?

I don't know about you - but this year, more than any other - I feel that the Lord wants us to have all that we ask of Him... He WANTS to move in power and to see true Kingdom living... He wants us to rise up into our heritage and to begin to ACT like the Royalty that we already are! We must leave behind our pauper mentalities and pick up our Prince and Princess assurances... it is time for us to stand up and act like the Kings' kids... not spoiled and over indulgent - but full of love and life and confidence in not only who we are - but in Whose we are...

Holy Spirit rain down... and cause us to Rise Up - in all we are created to be and do this year!
Press in, Rise Up, and lift your vision higher...
No more settling for less than all of what God has for each of us!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen!

~Karrilee~

Happy New Year... a bit late - but still heartfelt!

2009-01-10T19:36:00.000-08:00

It is true... I know I am a bit late in wishing you all a very Happy New Year - but it does come from my heart! Life is good and our holidays were wonderful... relaxing and full of family and friends... focused on all the things that matter most!

It's been a bit trickier this year to get back to a normal schedule - and I am blaming that on my lack of a new Day Planner! I know that doesn't really make sense, but at least until I buy one - that is my excuse!

I wonder what your expectations are for this New Year? I have never really been one to make Resolutions but the older I get the more I enjoy the idea of a whole new start... a clean slate... a new year full of promise and opportunities! For me this year, I am expecting big things... personally I am hoping to finally get direction and move forward in finishing up a book or two. I also am believing God for a new home. We are happy where we are at and have been here for a long time... it is home. However, as our daughter gets older I would love to have a bit more room to have that house full of teenagers on any given day... we have room now - but I believe God could give us more space, with more parking...

On a bigger level, I am really and honestly expecting more Red Letter Parts to be active and seen in my life... His Kingdom come - on earth, as it is in Heaven! This is my hearts desire... I think going through the Bill Johnson book, The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind is helping to stir up faith in me... this book is great - and the group of ladies that are going through it with me are amazing!

I pray your New Year is full of promise and opportunities and that you have a group of people who are like-minded to fellowship with and grow with - and step out in faith with! If you do - you, like me, are blessed... if you don't - pray with me for this and watch and see the Lord come through for you!

His desire is to bless you and cause you to grow... He too desires to see more 'Red Letter Parts' active and apparent in this world of ours!

Expecting with you,
~Karrilee~

2008 Family Christmas Letter

2008-12-22T22:14:00.000-08:00

Yes - it is true... this is sort of like cheating - but with Christmas only a couple of days away, I wanted to post some sort of update, and yet am (like everyone else) a little short on time!

So - below is our family Christmas letter for 2008...
Until next time (which, in all honesty, will probably be 2009!)
~Karrilee~

I don’t know about you, but we are still waiting for snow
– still waiting for it to begin to ‘look a lot like Christmas!’
The decorations are on display, the lights are on,
the tree is decked out, & (some of) the presents are wrapped
& yet it still seems impossible to be sitting here,
writing another Christmas Letter already!
This year has gone by SO incredibly fast,
& it was a busy 2008, full of family, friends, & fun times!
As I reflect back over the year,
I can honestly say that I am in AWE of how God
blesses & takes care of us; of how He leads & loves us!
Speaking of LOVE, our little family all three decided
to read “The Shack” this summer.
If you haven’t heard of this little book, you are about to!
Even though inevitably there will be something in there
that you probably won’t agree with,
or that doesn’t quite line up with your thinking,
I highly recommend this book.
I would love to send a copy along with each letter
because the allegory so tenderly yet powerfully
expresses the Father’s Love!

It’s hard to not find ourselves focusing on LOVE this time of year!
Between family & friends, nostalgia & tradition,
shopping & wish lists, parties & pageants… at the root of all we do,
it is (or should be) Love that compels us!
After all – we are called to follow after our newborn King
who was so compelled by His Love for us,
that He willingly gave up His life, so that we may live!
As if that wasn’t enough,
it’s His Love that continues to draw & guide us!

At the end of last year, I had come to a point where (finally!)
I was ready for change! As much as I did not want to make a
New Years’ Resolution, I knew it was time & by the end of January
I had made some changes & stumbled upon SparkPeople.com
So far this year, I have lost nearly 60 pounds (& counting).
I knew that this year would bring breakthrough in many areas
& would open up new opportunities for me, - for all of us!
Kayelyn had a new opportunity of her own in January
when she attended her first ever church camp!
Winter Camp was amazing for her & it really impacted her!
In February, we took Kayelyn & Holly to the Portable Sounds Tour
with Matt West, Jeremy Camp, & TobyMac. What a show!
We also got to see our favorite comedian live in town at the
Capitol Theater! We had a great time laughing at new & old material with Brian Regan. He makes us laugh every time! In March, thanks to Facebook, I met up with one of my dearest friends from high school days! It was so great to catch up & pick right up where we left off (many) years ago! In the Spring, Kayelyn began private tennis lessons again, & the month of May was VERY eventful for us! We now have an official Teenager in the house!
Dave went to a men’s retreat, Kayelyn got contacts for her birthday, & she & I went to see Carrie Underwood in concert. Dave hooked up with an old buddy of his own & they went to see RUSH at the Gorge! Summer brought a family reunion, a trip to Boise, a summer youth Intern program for Kayelyn through our church, Summer Camp, a family retreat at a cabin near Walla Walla, a Christian conference in town, a trip to Whidbey Island, a weekend with my high school BFF’s Annette & MaryAnn, along with Kayelyn (& the Super Mall), a visit from the Beelers & the Balls, & the beginning of Junior High! (Insert deep breath here!) In September, Dave took a Flight lesson & loved it, I became the “Scrapbook Queen” of Yakima, & Dave & Robert went on a fishing trip on Roberts’ new boat! Fall brought our 16th Anniversary, a trip to Walla Walla,
meeting up with more old friends (thanks to Facebook, again!), our annual Leavenworth weekend, a wonderful Thanksgiving, & even a little Black Friday shopping for Dave & I! I just got back from a powerful women’s retreat & we are looking forward to doing some outreaches as a family this holiday season!

Once again, this time of year stirs up so much reflection…
& while life is full of changes, of ups & downs, twists & turns,
I find more & more that I am at peace & the most happiest
when I am able to sit back & know that it is Love that compels me.
When Love is my motive, things tend to fall in place much easier.
When Love compels me, He shines all the more!
Our hearts’ desire is to be vessels that He freely flows through this season, & all year long! We so want everyone to know that God is so FOR you…! He loves you so… &, as William P. Young says in The Shack,
“Papa is especially fond of you!”

We pray you know that - that it settles in you deep & brings you peace!

Merry Christmas!
Love to you –- Ours & His,
~The Aggetts~

"Comfort Zone? What Comfort Zone?" - Flying without a Net!

2008-12-11T16:45:00.000-08:00

Wow... what a powerful weekend!

I was challenged & honored to even be considered to minister

at a Women's Retreat last weekend!

It was rather last minute, & I was hesitant to go...

I was asked to accompany two dear friends whom I love & respect,

to help pray for & minister to a small group of ladies whom I had never met!

Normally - I would jump at the chance, but because of the timing & short notice,

I found myself struggling with God!

You see, my 'comfort zone' is one to be completely prepared & prayed up...

outline made & message ready...

not to mention that this is now December, & I am just busy!?

However, as I prayed, I felt the Lord asking me to step out...

take a risk... (quit living this quiet radical life & live out loud with Him!)

Once I finally agreed to go, the dynamics of the Team shifted

& I realized that God had once again tricked me into going?!

My safety net was gone & I realized that we were completely

relying on the Lord & had no real schedule

or plan set in place for the weekend.

Our fearless leader operates this way on a consistent basis

& she had the assurance that God always shows up for her

- she was not, in fact, stressed out or worried one tiny bit!

What a lesson for me to learn...

an opportunity to see firsthand that

I (hopefully!) AM ready in season & out of season,

as Scriptures says!

We didn't know from session to session

whom would share or what would be taught on...

it truly WAS Spirit-led!

I had no safety net - at least not a fleshly one!

Of course, I had just written about living out loud

& not being a silent Radical...

so here was my chance...

How could I say no?

What an amazing weekend we had...
God ordained each woman to be there
& every single one of us there came home blessed & changed!
It was powerful & intimate, freeing & healing,
full of emotions & joy...
God really went before each of us & prepared the way.
He led the conversations in the cars traveling there,
& on the couch, by the fire, in the kitchen,
& as we (finally) prepared for sleep!
It is not often that you gather together with a group of women
whom you have never met & immediately feel a connection & at ease.
Our God is so for us - He is so personal & intimate
- of course He created an atmosphere that would invite Him in to show up
in the casual conversations, as well as the anointed times of prayer.
I continue to pray for each woman present at the Retreat
& trust that God is still stirring & speaking...

I did get a chance to share a bit,
& we were able to all three pray for & over each woman present!
God showed up - as He loves to do
- & had a Word or message or theme for each one individually!
I love ministering like this - & to have a team of three who are in agreement
& are believing for God's best for each person is an amazing honor!
At the end of the weekend, we had the ladies pray for us
& that was incredible as well!
Also, I was able to soak in God's presence for a time myself
& He spoke many things to my heart!
Mostly, He reminded me that I am ready... & it is time!

Wherever your "Comfort Zone" boundaries are...

well, I hope you've enjoyed them because,

as He said to one or two people this weekend,

your Invisible season is over!

He is calling us forth to live out loud...

to be radical for Him...

Our time of hiding is coming to an end

& our Comfort Zone nets are being taken away!

In stepping out, we are finding that we really don't need them anyway

- He is & always has been enough

- & even if we DO in fact stumble & fall,

He always catches us & puts on back on the right path!

So - to you radical women of God in the Methow Valley...

I thank you for allowing us to share His heart with you,

for welcoming us, for praying with & for us

...& I pray you continue to

Press In, & Rise Up!

In His Lap, & On His Heart,
(See? I AM Gooey?)

~Karrilee~

"Are you living a Quiet Radical Life?"

2008-11-25T08:47:00.000-08:00

This is a question that I felt the Lord ask me a couple of weeks ago. "Are you living a quiet radical life?" I had to stop and think... not because I didn't already know the answer, but because I knew that the answer was not what it should be! The answer was yes! But in my heart, I wanted it to be no! I wanted to be able to say that I live a bold, out loud radical lifestyle... I will say that I do have my moments, but I had to admit that for the most part, I am one of those quiet radicals! If you are one, you know what I mean! If you are not... then that probably sounds strange and doesn't feel quite right rolling off of your tongue!

In context, I was doing this study by Bill Johnson ("The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind") and it was all about renewing your mind and, of course, doing His will. I had just finished up with "Day 4" - which I will give a few highlights from, when I was presented with an opportunity to continue with this 'quiet radical life' or let go of my own reputation... it was a small opportunity - but leave it to God to present it to me right after I finished writing something about this very thing...

The devotion for Day 4 is taken from an excerpt of the book subtitled Renewing the Mind! Here are a few portions that really stood out to me:

"The renewed mind, then, reflects the reality of another world in the same way Jesus shone with heaven's brilliance (at the transfiguration). It's not just that our thoughts are different, but that our way of thinking is transformed because we think from a different reality - from heaven toward earth! That is the transformed perspective. The renewed mind enables His co-laborers to prove the will of God, We prove the will of God when put on display the reality of heaven."

"Every thought and action in your life speaks of allegiance to God or to satan. Both are empowered by your agreement. Renewing your minds means learning to recognize what comes from hell, and what comes from heaven, and agreeing with heaven."

We did a small word study on "Agreement" that was very good...
Then the next question dealt with Obedience... we read Romans 6:15-18,
which in The Message reads:
"So, since we're out from under the old tyranny,
does that mean we can live any old way we want?
Since we're free in the freedom of God,
can we do anything that comes to mind?
Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience
that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom.
Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it's your last free act.
But offer yourselves to the ways of God
and the freedom never quits.
All your lives you've let sin tell you what to do.
But thank God you've started listening to a new master,
one whose commands set you free to live openly
in his freedom!"

Bill writes: "A worldview isn't so much WHAT you see, as it is a new way of seeing. The way you see reality is what determines what you think and how you live. In fact, you can't properly be said to believe in something unless there are behaviors in your life that reveal your dependence on that way of seeing. So in truth, agreement in our lives is established through obedience."

He goes on to ask why obedience requires trust in the person you are obeying.

When we line ourselves up in obedience, we create a bond of service to our Master. The longer (or more intense) our service is, the more like our Master we become. When we make a conscious decision to obey - trust is a huge issue because to be totally submitted and committed, we must trust that our Master is FOR us! However, in our blindness, we required little trustworthiness in our Sin-Master because the enemy so often convinces us that we can trust no one but ourselves (and we are enslaved to him - the father of lies and the one MOST untrustworthy!) We pray Blind Eyes opened, and the Fathers' heart revealed, because a conscious decision is a decision for Christ and for true freedom!

We also touched on Matthew 7:24-27 which is the parable of the wise man and the foolish man building their house. This is a wrap up of the Sermon on the Mount which is FULL of powerful teaching and it drives home the point to the whole message - which is obedience! It's not enough to HEAR these sayings (or to build our house!) but we must PUT THEM INTO ACTION through obedience by building on the Rock! The wise man Followed Through while the foolish man was a hearer only! Just as in the parable, our very Foundation should be that of Faith! Faith in His authority, faith in His ability to bring heaven to earth through us! We simply MUCH believe if we are to endure the wind and the rain! Notice, both the wise and foolish go through teh storm - but only the wise stand strong and undaunted! Is that not what our God desires and equips for us? When our way of seeing is filtered through Faith, Hope arises! And when Hope & Faith combine, Love pours out in Action! So James 2:17 rings true - faith without works is dead... 'faith without works is like the foolish man! He may LOOK wise and strong, but when the storm comes, he is on sinking sand! We must put our Faith to work compelled by Love to prove the will of God!

Looking at 2 Cor 5:17 ("Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.") Bill asks what it means to be a new creation, and I think 'new' is in regards to form, and not time! I think to be a 'new creation' means more than being redeemed. He REcreated us to be in His likeness - with Him abiding in us! We are not just redeemed to our original Adam nature, but are a new creation to our 2nd Adam nature - which is Jesus! Nothing is lacking! It definitely includes new experiences! Pastor Bill goes on to ask what we think it takes to go from "Anything can happen" to "Impossible things must take place..." My answer... I think it takes a renewing of the mind. It takes an obedience to Follow Through, and it takes a leap of faith - KNOWING His will is to move in power through us and to work WITH us to prove His will on earth to a lost and dying world!

The final question is where I began to get this 'quiet radical life' revelation... the final question of Day Four reads:
"Why do you suppose that people will admit that they experienced the supernatural power of God when they received salvation, but now, years later, they have no expectation to walk in the supernatural ministry of Christ? Do you recognize "bad teaching and disappointment" have been contributing to that mind-set? Have you experienced unmet expectations in the area of encountering God?"

Wow... so full... This is what I wrote for my answer:
I think many EXPECT the supernatural at salvation, and then either have no expectations after that, or they have had expectations unmet or unanswered and EXPERIENCE takes over EXPECTATION. Disappointment is a HUGE contributor to lack of faith and lack of follow through! It's an open door the enemy uses at every turn to hold us back from truly living! We tend to live a QUIET RADICAL LIFE, sharing our encounters only in rooms where we are all like-minded. This is great - but we hesitate to shout it from the mountains because we don't want people to think we are crazy or weird! But here's the secret that we are learning: We are NOT crazy or weird. We are ALMOST 'normal' - and well on our way to consistently living the 'normal Christian life'!

Amen?! It hit me that very few of my outer circle really know my conversations with the Lord, or the things He shows me. I suppose that could be true of many of us - but I started to wonder if I was living radically in silence, and if so - what good is that doing?! Sure - I am blessed, and I am secure in hearing His voice and in our intimacy - but is that really affecting the Kingdom!? Then - literally minutes after writing these answers and pondering this quiet radical life, my husband read an older post here and wanted to forward my blog on to some family and friends. My immediate response was no... I know this is a public blog, and anyone can read it - but my initial reaction was wanting to preserve that quiet radical life even though I know He is calling me to live out loud on a bolder level! You see, as much as I love and cherish the friends and family that he suggested sending this blog to - I don't really talk about this side of my life with them! They know I believe - uh - strangely, maybe?! But I felt that they had no idea HOW differently... of course, in the end, I gave up my reputation and thought - you know, one day this blog will be a book and they will want to read it then, if not before! Besides, why do I care?! Shouldn't I WANT to share what He is showing me?! I do - but as the Lord showed me, much of it is shared in 'safe rooms' - but in the safety of like-minded people, who am I bringing the Kingdom to? Who am I bringing revelation or challenging preconceived ideas? There is something wonderful and powerful about Agreement and of being in one accord... of being part of a remnant! However, I believe in this new season, the Lord is rising up those who are willing to lay down their own will... to lay down their own reputation - but put His on the line!

So - this is the secret for you as well as me... the secret is that no matter what others think - we have the assurance that the Lord LOVES us and He desires to move through us in power! We are NOT crazy or weird... but we are striving to be normal! What is the 'normal Christian life'? Bill says it like this: The normal Christian life is to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons! The normal Christian life is a life that walks in Power and that is able to operate from one reality to another, bringing heaven towards earth!

Rise Up... Be Bold... Step Out...
Put His reputation on the line...
He can handle the pressure!

In Him,
~Karrilee~

Encounters with God

2008-11-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

Nice! This is where we spent our weekend and it was so relaxing!!!

Something has been stirring within me lately and I hate that it takes me so long to get back to you here... because I feel as though I should choose what to focus on and edit my thoughts so as not to bore you! I would love to go through a few key questions/comments that have come from our Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind study, and I would love to share a vision/conversation that I had with the Lord over my weekend away... I will attempt to do both and still try to keep this brief... (you can pray now, if you like!) LOL! I just wanted to share a few encounters with God that I have had lately... first, in the Word through this study, and secondly, during our weekend getaway!

So - my original plan was to just post a short little summary of what we covered for each week... obviously I have not yet done that - so I will try to catch up here and then (hopefully) post each week from here on out... I just want to give a few highlights of the past couple of weeks... of course, the best part of the study is the conversations and prayers that are shared during our meeting - but here are a few things written in my journal:

If "on earth as it is in heaven" is the will of God, how do we recognize when Heaven is coming to earth? Much has been done over the centuries and called 'God's will," but how do we know what God's will really looks like?

God's will looks like exactly what Jesus did (and still does through us - if we're willing!)

Jesus is the revelation of God's will. He showed us what Heaven (where the Father's will is perfectly expressed) looks like on earth. Since Jesus is the revelation of the Father, list some aspects of God's character that you see in Jesus.

They really ARE 3 in 1... every characteristic of the Father is seen and made known in and through Jesus! He is the glory of God, the divine & has the fullness of the Father in Him. He is Love and Mercy and Grace! He is Power and Forgiveness and Restoration. Every good thing we see in Jesus - IS the Father! (This so reminds me of The Shack!)

John 14:12 clearly links believing in Christ with doing His works, and here in this passage, as throughout the Book of John, Christ is specifically referring to the miraculous works that the Father gave Him to do as signs of His divine appointment. The promise that our faith would lead us to even greater works is huge! Why do you suppose believers have a hard time receiving this promise in faith?

Because we are not even doing the works that He did - so the idea of GREATER WORKS is impossible to grasp! However, His early ministry was limited to just Him (and then Him and His disciples) and for just 3 years... but now we DO His works on a greater scale - still, when we begin to heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead, we'll begin to have faith for GREATER WORKS!

Do you think that the failure to believe what Jesus promises in these verses is the reason why many who would call themselves 'Christians' don't get commissioned to fulfill the 'primary mission' of destroying the works of the devil?

I think that we tend to make the call smaller - so we can achieve it! We make it 'doable'! I think many lose sight of the fact that we are not just saved FROM some things, but that we are saved TO some things too!

Just a few nuggets to think on...

Now - on to our weekend away! We had such an amazing time! We always do! We look forward to this trip every year! We go with two other couples that we have a long friendship with! We have been through good times and bad and have the most important things in common! It is our own little Retreat of sorts. We can count on hours of laughter, games, walking, shopping, golfing, visiting, praying, worshiping, studying, and good food - every day! So - it is no real surprise that the Lord would speak to me during these trips - because He is always invited in and given room to move! I have had what I call 'snapshot' moments all year long... those moments in time where you really just sort of freeze frame whatever is happening and on purpose drink it all in and store it away; where you give thanks right then and there for the blessings in your life! I had a few over the weekend as well, but it was specifically during a time of worship that I really felt His Presence and knew that He was with us. I closed my eyes in worship and began to see this picture unfold before me. I saw Jesus in the living room with us, and He was so excited to be there with us! He was spinning around the room, looking very much like an excited little boy - grinning from ear to ear! I said, "We've come to worship You Lord!" and He said, "and I've come to bask in your presence!" I thought, what?! That just isn't right, Lord! I have come to bask in YOUR presence!? He replied, "You heard me right... I have come to spend time with you and bask in all of your presence! Yes! This is it!!! THIS is My heart and a picture of My will and desire for you! This is My Body - My Kingdom come - this Friendship and Fellowship is SO Who I am and what I'm about!!! We went on to sing, "Who is like our God?" and He seemed almost giddy and said, "Who is like YOU?! There is no one like YOU! I created you and there is no one like you!"

This weekend was a blessing because the only expectations were for us to gather - to love, to laugh, to have fun & relax... these, too, are expectations He has of and for us! These alone! He said, "There are no expectations - but for good and simple RELATIONAL things! This is my Kingdom come - on earth, as it is in Heaven!"

He is SO FOR us!!!

Amen!

~Karrilee~

Changing Atmospheres, the Kingdom at hand, and other powerful Realities!

2008-11-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

Isn't this GORGEOUS?!

I LOVE it!

I just love Fall... and this is one of my favorite photo's I have taken this year so far,

however my most favorite 'snapshot' was stumbled upon without a camera.

As I was driving out of town to visit friends last week,

I turned the corner on the highway and was blessed with

a breathtaking view of the Yakima River, early morning -

Mist rising on the surface of the water,

with all the colors of Fall in the trees all around!

It was majestic.

How could I not praise Him as I drank that in!

I began to regret not having my camera with me!

I so wanted to capture the beauty of the season!

At that very moment, I heard the Lord whisper to me,

"This is just for you and Me!"

Nice!!! He is especially fond of me, you know?!

(Oh yes - and you too! I promise! He is especially fond of you, too!)

He went on to show me (because I am so visual)

that He desires that we be so equipped

to change the atmosphere around us

due to the Kingdom of God within us,

that we will be like the scene He placed before me!

The air and the water temperatures were creating

a mist that was visible on the surface - right in between them.

We should so affect the world around us,

that we literally bring heaven to earth

& change the atmostphere around us!

When we feel a change in the air,

when we percieve something shifting

- we should be well aware that it is the Kingdom of God within us

changing the dynamics of our physical world, in the spiritual.

It's our call and joy to pull it in to this realm

- to call forth His will on earth,

'as it is in Heaven'!

The Kingdom truly IS at hand...

It is alive and living within us!

Let's take up our Authority and pray in faith

for the Father's will ...

Thy Kingdom come,

on earth, as it is in Heaven!

On Sunday morning the Lord woke me up at 3:33 am...

Seriously, Lord?! 3:33am?!

To be honest I just laid there reluctantly...

I tried to rationalize not getting out of bed for what seemed like 5 minutes,

yet when I glanced back at the clock, it was still reading 3:33am

Now, I have had a few seasons of 3:33s so I have studied it out before.

The Number 3 represents the Kingdom of God.

Also - many major huge important things in the Bible happened 'on the third day'.

So - I did the math & realized that the third day from Sunday

- was in fact, Election Day here in America!

I looked up several '333' Scriptures and prayed through them...

(Psalms 33:3; Proverbs 3:33)

However, the verse that came to me immediately was a life verse that has been spoken over me many times and has become one of my favorites! It is found in Jeremiah 33:3 and it reads:

"Call to Me, and I will answer you,

and show you great and mighty things,

which you do not know."

Again... nice!!!

So I went on to pray the entire chapter,

which - by the way - is entitled "The Restored Nation" in my Bible!

I'm up for that!

A few other verses that stood out to me (yet again) are:

"Behold, I will bring it health and healing;

I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance

of peace and truth.

And I will cause the captives of Judah

and the captives of Israel to return,

and will rebuild those places as at the first.

I will cleanse them from all their iniquity

by which they have sinned against Me,

and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned

and by which they have transgressed against Me.

Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise,

and an honor before all nations of the earth,

who shall hear all the good that I do to them;

they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness

and all the prosperity that I provide for it.’ " (vs 6-9)

Don't you want that for our nation as well?!

I am praying and believing that for America...

Today - our Election day...

no matter what the results,

I have faith in knowing that my God

works all things together for good and

He has a plan and a purpose for this nation.

He is the One (ultimately) that raises kings and rulers,

and that causes them to fall.

I listened to Kim Clement talk last night about prophesies

he has been given about this election

and it was so interesting to hear...

but even more amazing to feel the sense of purpose and peace

that went along with knowing that no matter who you vote for...

no matter who 'wins' -

our God is in charge & is

well able and willing to

Bless America!!!

Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done,

On earth as it is in Heaven!

~Karrilee~

Off and Running...

2008-10-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

Well, we have officially started our weekly study. God has assembled a mighty powerful band of believers to gather in my living room on Monday mornings and talk of the things of God - as well as storm heaven! We are going through "The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind" by Bill Johnson. This book is so rich and powerful and potentially life-changing, that I can tell you that we didn't get too far today?! I have a feeling that this study is open ended for a reason - because we can not know what all the Lord has planned for us - but we DO know that we are willing to take our time, and we're expecting to experience Heaven on earth!

We are still at the beginning of chapter one... I can tell you that while much of the teaching so far has been things that the Lord has revealed to me and taught me Himself over the past few years - it has stirred up in me a faith and anticipation that has been dormant for a season! In the past couple of years, God has given me a measure of faith to believe for miracles... for signs and wonders! I have prayed for the dead... I believe I even experienced a Resurrection choice (and who can blame him for choosing Heaven!?). Much of what this book will teach us is simply this - 'normal Christianity' is doing the things that Jesus did. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons... this was daily ministry for the LORD... He said that we would do the same works that Jesus did (- oh yeah - and greater works than these!) This is how Bill says it in the book:
"God has not kept His desires secret: He wants the reality of heaven to invade this rebel-torn world, to transform it, to bring it under His headship. What is free to operate in heaven - joy, peace, wisdom, health, wholeness, and all the other good promises we read about in the Bible - should be free to operate here on this planet, in your home, your church, your business, and your school. What is not free to operate there - sickness, disease, spiritual bondage, and sin - should not be free to operate here, period. That, in a nutshell, is our assignment as believers on earth, and that is what my church and certainly many others in the Body of Christ are working towards with more focus and energy than ever before... We are not just to be people who BELIEVE the right things about God, but people who PUT THE WILL OF GOD ON DISPLAY, expressing it and causing others to realize, "Oh, so THAT'S what God is like." Healing and deliverance and restoration do much more than solve the immediate problem; they give people a concrete demonstration of who God is."

On another somewhat related note... I am also reading "The Supernatural Ways of Royalty" by Kris Vallotton. Amazing!!! I am loving these guys! (Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton co-pastor Bethel church in Redding, CA!) Anyway - this is just one thing he says in this book that causes me to stop and re-read it... digest it... and believe for it! He said, "The Son of Man appeared for this purpose - to destroy the works of the devil. We are His battle-scarred hands extended to a wounded and dying people. We have been anointed and equipped to destroy giants and extend the borders of the Kingdom, causing Heaven to collide with earth!"

Is that not what our hearts' desire is? To have Heaven collide with earth... to really SEE Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven!?

Rise Up! Expect Him to move...
Watch and See!
~Karrilee~

Books are on the way, the Finger of God, and more!

2008-10-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hello there...

I just wanted to stop by and let you all know that I am praying for you (my avid blog readers?! LOL?!) and I am excited about a couple of things right now...

First off, we just found out that our books for the new study should be arriving within a day or two - so we are excited to get started with that! I am anticipating lots of posts stemming from this study!

Secondly, I just got a VERY exciting DVD in the mail today... I haven't read it - but this too I believe will warrant a post (or two!) Have any of you heard of this documentary? It is by Darren Wilson. This is what the back of the DVD says: "Hundreds raised from the dead. Manna appearing in the Pentagon. gemstones falling from teh sky. Teenagers healing perfect strangers on the street. This isn't old time religion. this is a new beginning. A spiritual revolution. This is the Finger of God. Prepare to go on a dizzying journey around the world - from teh streets of Northern California to the mud huts of Africa; from the underground church in China to the Gypsies in Eastern Europe - you will be challenged and encouraged by the extraordinary things God is doing in our world today. Born out of filmmaker Darren Wilson's personal journey of two years and hundreds of hours of footage. Finger of God will show you a world you never knew existed. A world of hope and courage. A world where God's fingerprints are found in the unlikeliest of places. Featuring Rolland & Heidi Baker, Bill Johnson, John & Carol Arnott, Ian Andrews, Canon Andrew White, Sid Roth, Georgeian Banov, and many more." Wow?! I can't WAIT to watch it!!! Check out the website for more info: http://www.fingerofgodfilm.com/

What 'more' am I excited about? I can feel in my Spirit that things are shifting... everywhere. God is on the move and I believe that we are about to experience a powerful encounter in our Nation. However it comes about - I believe that the 'nameless, faceless generation' is arising and being armed with weapons for battle. Of course, in the natural realms of this world - things are uncertain and intense to say the least. Isn't it good to know that we are not relying on a good economy? Of course we pray for wisdom and that our nation will bounce back and thrive once again - however our Source is not the government, or even ultimately our employers - but our Source is One Who promises to use all things together for good for those who are called according to His purpose. Our Source is the One Who promises that He will pour out blessings, pressed down, shaken together, and running over! Our Source is One Who promises to meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

If you are uncertain, or stressed out by this worlds' trouble - run to Him!
He has your Answer!

Until next time,
Press in and Press On!
~Karrilee~

Long Overdue...

2008-09-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hello there...

It is true... I am alive and well and this update is long overdue!

I do not have very many faithful readers of this blog and since my weekly meetings took the summer off, I fell out of the habit of posting on a regular basis here. However, this does not mean that God is not speaking... He desires to speak to me, and to you, in every season of our lives and the skill we must learn is how to hear Him in the midst of busy times, as well as calm and peaceful times. I really felt over the summer that the Lord had asked me to simply enjoy the time with my family and to relax and have fun. Now, for some - that concept alone sounds so - well, unspiritual! However, God loves us and wants us to drink in every season and experience every blessing. For me, among my most treasured gifts and biggest blessings are my family! So I really relished in spending time with them! I am in love with my husband and enjoy being with him - and my teenager is (still!) an amazing joy to be around... I was able to erally drink this in and enjoy a lot of 'down time' with them! This summer was different somehow than any other... through out the summer months, I kept a focused determination to stay on track with overcoming my lack of follow through. As I have mentioned on this blog and elsewhere - God had ever so gently let me know that every barrier to my breakthroughs came from my own lack of follow through, through all of my life. That was consistently spoken and whispered to me for entire year of 2007. This year - Change has come and Victory is in sight!

I have felt a pull in my spirit and to be honest it has been difficult to know at times if I am on the right track. Yesterday, as I was walking with the Lord, I asked Him once again for confirmation that I am in fact headed in the right direction. You see - for years and years, I neglected areas of my life (i.e. disciplining my flesh/exercise) for more 'spiritual' endeavors. So - even though I knew that the Lord had called me to focus and get back on track in this area... I would feel torn between not having given as much time and focus to the Word or being more involved at church, etc. I have had this conversation with the Lord SEVERAL times throughout the past 8 months. He consistently lets me know that I am in fact following His lead. I used to joke that my weight was the final frontier that the enemy had me bound. Of course, as true as it was - it was not funny... and I am in no way thinking that once I overcome this - it'll all be easy! However, as I was walking with the Lord He reminded me of the call to focus, to overcome, to lean on Him... He showed me how even in this new determination, I was sowing good seed for a spiritual harvest - as well as a physical harvest! He was putting in me a new tenacity - and this new discipline will, in fact, bleed over to every area of my life! Whew... so - I felt as if He extended Grace to me and told me that He asked of me one year... to give one year of focus and hard work in overcoming the flesh and in staying the course. So - instead of getting caught up in the physical fleshly goals of weight loss and image... I have a renewed sense that whatever I lose, wherever I am by January or February of next year, I will be in line with all He has for me... I will then (if not before, really!) begin to see breakthrough in other areas of my life as well! Great Change requires great effort... and lasting change comes when it has cost you something... and as long as it is not costing me my relationship and intimacy with Him, I am staying the course! He also ever so gently reminded me that He asked of me one year for my Tuesday Prayer time and I grew comfortable there and ended up staying much longer (and in turn, not really doing much with the writing that He had called me to do here.)

So - my Tuesdays will be different this Fall. I am hosting a Bible study in my home on Mondays... we are going to go through Bill Johnsons' "The Supernatural Power of a transformed Mind: Access to a Life of Miracles" I am expecting BIG things from this study and am SO excited about it! I am also partnering up with a friend to pray on Thursdays... we both are called to prayer and we, too, are expecting BIG things from are prayer time together. In between those days - I am once again hoping to focus on two things: 1. My continued overcoming/follow through in regards to discipling the flesh, and 2. Writing.

At one point in my long 'debate' if you will with the Lord - I told Him once again how I would write or edit and proceed forward if He would just tell me what KIND of book to write. He reminded me that He did in fact tell me this months and months ago. I was reminded that in the midst of a Tuesday meeting, someone mentioned writing a Children's book. This had NEVER entered my mind. Not once. I have a heart for women and my ministry has always been to encourage and write for women... however, this is the most direct direction He has given and so I plan to work on a series of Children's books that will stem out of my Tuesday visions. Maybe, once I do this... He will release me to the writings here in a devotional form somehow to reach out to a broader audience. So - I covet your prayers of direction and inspiration as I attempt to wade out into the unknown waters of children's writing. This is definitely not familiar terrain!

I pledge however to not forget you all here... and plan to share glimpses of what He continues to speak to me, through my own prayer time, as well as through this exciting new Bible study we are starting in a few weeks!

Whatever Season you are in, please know that He loves you and desires to speak to you. He desires to help you up and out of Bondage and lead the way to Overcoming! This IS a year of Change and this is a Season of Suddenlies! I pray you experience Heavenly Suddenlies and Lasting Change!

In His Arms and On His Mind,
~Karrilee~

The Shack

2008-07-07T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hello there...

I know, I know - I have been ignoring you all! Blame it on summertime and my sudden lack of routine, or just the fact that I have been reading a lot more than I have been writing lately - however, thanks to Vi - I was once again reminded of this blog that I adore and toyed with some sort of an update. Then, out of the blue, I was given a book.

I had been on the Wait List for The Shack for months at our local library and was already getting that realization that I would in fact be buying at least one copy anyway... however, a friend simply handed me the book and told me to read it and pass it on. Well - I started this book last night, and finished it this morning - and I can already tell you, one book will not be enough to pass on! I will be ordering this baby in bulk and spreading the Love!

If you have not yet HEARD of this book... well, you will! ...and even if you don't somehow, I encourage you to find a copy and carve out a few hours to drink in this story. For more info, please go to: http://www.theshackbook.com

If you HAVE heard of this book, and have read it - please, please, PLEASE contact me! LOL! I want to talk about this book and hear what your thoughts are and I have yet to know anyone who has read it!

For me personally, this book shifted things in my spirit so deeply that I am not even sure what all is going to break free or shake off... I have been blessed in my life and have not gone through a tragic loss or deep anger at God, so I was not so sure what I would get out of this book myself. I am all about the Bride and the Bridegroom... I am all about Jesus and his Great Love for us - His Abiding Love and Abounding Grace... I am all about saying No to Religion, and saying Yes, Thank You to Grace... I know that my God is relational... but the things presented in this book are things that I had never thought about or even considered, and yet - I know them deep down in my spirit to be true! And, of course, this makes me love Him (them) even more!

The other thing that amazed and blessed me was parts of this story, which is 'fiction' (and yet - we know this is not so!), -parts of this story describe actual detailed visions that I have had with the Lord! Even some of the overall storyline I have found myself speaking or writing about in the recent months and years. God is so trying to tell us something! I pray you will read The Shack - and Listen to Papa... more than anything - He loves you and desires to be in relationship with you!

If you truly quiet yourself and listen, you will hear Him singing over you!

Let me know your thoughts and experience with this book...

I can't wait to hear from you!

Blessings,

~Karrilee~

Do you Dance ?

2008-05-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

I know, I know... if you have read this blog much, or have spent any amount of time with me, you are not surprised by this question! The Lord often speaks to me through dancing - whether it be dancing with Him in the Spirit, a vision, or song, etc. Some of my favorite places of worship often have dancers in the congregation... I am not really one of them - although - in my alone time with the Lord - we definitely dance! There is freedom in dancing with the Lord and I am learning new 'steps' all the time!

I actually wrote about a vision I had back in October of last year... and while at Prayer this week, the Lord reminded me of it... so I will simply cut and paste a portion of that entry and then share what the Lord was saying on Tuesday...

The Post was title The Father's Heart (dated October 9th in the Archives) and here is the vision I had back then: "...during our prayer time, I saw myself dancing with Jesus... as in Dancing with the Stars... and at the Judges table was God the Father. We were dancing and I could tell that I was very focused, counting off steps and keeping in position. I could feel that Jesus wanted me to look Him in the eye - but I resisted and kept perfect form... elbow up, neck stiff, head turned away from Him... and then I heard in my spirit, "The Father's Heart does not judge you on technicalities!" Sometimes, we strive for perfection and our focus is on all the technical points and hitting the mark that we can often miss the heart of the dance!" (Oct 2007)

So - this week at my prayer meeting, it seemed there was such unity and such a free flowing of the Spirit... immediately as we entered into worship - the Lord reminded me of this vision - bringing it back into my spiritual focus... I could, once again, see us dancing... He spoke to me and said, "I see you all trying so hard to make every mark and to hold every position. I assure you that no one else will judge you. I desire to dance with you and to maintain eye-contact, even if this is not the 'correct form'! I judge with mercy and out of Love... I desire to dance the dance of the Bridegroom and Bride - a dance of intimacy." A bit later in the meeting, our leader began talking about how He desires to dance with us and He will lead us in the dance. Later still, another gal shared how she felt that there was a Face to Face anointing there and that the Lord wanted to see us face to face with Him.

Oh Lord - in all our drive and desire to learn the dance - help us to not miss the very HEART of it all! Help us to hear your still small voice and be bold enough to look you in the eye and hold your gaze... Dance with us, Lord! Teach us the Dance of the Bridegroom and His Bride... Give us boldness and assurance that we will not be harshly judged... that Your opinion is what matters MOST Lord!

Dance with your Father...
Happy Mother's Day!
~Karrilee~

A Spring Freeze...

2008-04-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

...it's for our own protection!

Growing up here in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by Orchards all around - I have come to love the delicate beauty of passing by an orchard drenched in water and frozen in time! If you have never seen this - it is a sight to behold! I can say that, of course, because I am not the Orchardist and am admittedly naive about the whole process. I know that when the temperatures threaten to reach below freezing - this endangers the trees and threatens the coming Crop. So - in order to maintain the temperature & protect the tree - the water is sprayed at a time when it will freeze - thus preserving the blossoms and (hopefully) keeping them from harms way!

We have been having the strangest Spring that I can remember. I know everyone seems to be experiencing weather that is a bit odd. It was snowing here the other day... SNOWING!? In April! I think Prince once sang a song about that... Anyway - as I was praying on Tuesday, the Lord lead me to Psalm 87. This just keeps resurfacing for me the past few months and I read it over and over and I know I am not yet fully understanding what He is saying. However, on Tuesday, He seemed to be highlighting vs 7 (Both the singers and the players on instruments say, "All my springs are in you.”) He reminded me of a dream I had a year ago or longer, where I saw huge waves of water coming up over the mountains that surround our Valley - it was the Glory of God. As I listened to Him on Tuesday, He seemed to lead me to pray this Psalm again. I felt Him tell me to look to the Orchards and the Fruit - Frozen in Time - for it's own protection. He will do this for us as well - cover us and pour out His Living Water on us - to freeze us in time and protect us for a season! So often, we feel as if we are being attacked by the enemy or have gotten ourselves into a situation that is above our heads - and yet - in the midst of it - He is with us, protecting us... Let me tell you, He will protect your Fruit at all costs! He already has!

If you have been feeling unfruitful... or like this 'new season' that is supposed to be here is stuck in time and not yet arriving - rest in the fact that maybe, for you, for your own protection - He has covered you in His Spirit and caused a Spring Freeze to hold you in this place - for your own protection, until it is time - until it is safe... for you to go forth and bear the fruit He has cultivated in you! These days are not for nothing... the work He has begun in you, He is faithful and True and He will see it to completion! Trust in Him, and in His timing... for He is the True Vine and His Father is the Vinedresser! We are called to Abide in Him... to bear fruit!

I also heard Him say, "This strange weather is a picture of the shift of Authority in the heavenly realm of the Spirit - a change in the atmosphere - and I'm not talking about Global Warming... I am talking about SPIRITUAL Warming!" Praise God! I can feel it too... can't you!? This Spiritual Warming will result in an abundant crop!

Isn't it good to know that no matter what season we are in - He promises us a refreshing... He promises us Living Water... where else would we go, if in fact, we know and believe that "All my springs are in you!" He covers us and even if we shiver under frozen covering... we can trust that it is all for our good - to bring about a greater fruitfulness!

Here's to Spring... and the One Who makes all things new!
~Karrilee~

"Do you see what I see?"

2008-03-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

I had completely intended to write last week... the Lord had been speaking to me about Honor and we had discussed the power of Honoring the Lord, and honoring one another during our prayer meeting... in fact, during worship last week, I saw a flash and it was like watching a movie... I saw a scene of Haman thinking up ways of how the King should show honor - not knowing the King was not talking about him. Next, I saw a scene where the King's Robe & Signet Ring were being placed on someone. The King offers us His Robe (His covering) and His Ring (of Authority). Then I saw the next scene and it was my life as a tapestry, a garment, and I saw myself draping it over my King... it is my life, willingly poured out and added to His 'train that fills the temple' - thrown over His shoulders. I heard Him say, "This brings me honor!" We went on to sing "Amazing Love" and one of my favorite lines from that song is, "In all I do, I honor you."

Anyway - life was crazy last week and I felt incredibly short on time somehow. So, on to this week and what the Lord is saying to me now...

For the past couple of months, as I have been boldly facing some strongholds of my own, the Lord has been attempting to get me to SEE what He sees. He has been showering me with compliments. I am not one to normally receive them well. I tend to deflect or explain them away. I am confident in God and in my gifting, and I am quick to give Him all the credit and glory - but when it comes to personal compliments, I get a bit uneasy. I suppose it is partially rooted in the fact that I used to be SO outward appearance focused, and I would really thrive on others' opinions of me, that I have sort of built up this wall of protection for fear that I will revel in fear of man again more than fear of God. However, as I am battling personal hurdles and overcoming - the Lord is causing me to deal. I am needing to learn how to take a compliment and stand straight and say thank you... rather than get uncomfortable and explain it away.

So - in all His creativity and graciousness, He has been speaking to me through others, and on His own... so in the midst of worship yesterday, hearing Him say to me, "You are beautiful today" was not new... and it was not unexpected.

I simply answered Him, saying "I am! It's a good day and I am made in Your Image!"

"Aaaah - yes! Let's talk about the power of perception!" He replied. "You are so quick to believe what you see. That is the power of perception. But I desire for you to believe what I see!"

I was then led to turn to Jeremiah Chapter 33 and began reading and praying. Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."

He desires to SHOW us great and mighty things! He desires to alter our perception and give us a bigger vision! He desires for us to see ourselves, and Him, and our lives the way He sees them! He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, so His perception is complete! His vision IS 20/20... we need to learn how to line up our thinking, and learn to go to Him and ask for His perception!

He went on to say, "Let it be the power of MY perception, not the power of your perception, or the power of the enemy's perception put ON you, that rules and leads and guides you! I will give you MY Perception - not just of you, but of your circumstances, of your destiny & purpose... It is true, each step that has brought you here, to this place and time. I have either ordained, or redeemed and I DO work all things together for your good. My desire in this season is to give you correct perception and discernment and to watch you walk in freedom and in the Spirit to accomplish the end result that I will show you in part! Do you see what I see? If not, wait and watch!"

I pray you are able to get glimpses of what He sees for you...
Ask Him to show you - Call to Him and stand on His Word!
Watch and Wait,
...and let the power of perception
be shifted from a limited view, to His View!

Blessings,
~Karrilee~

The Covenant of Peace

2008-02-22T10:26:00.000-08:00

The Peace of God... it is an amazing gift that truly does, in those moments when you MOST need it, surpass all understanding... and yet - when you most need it, there it is!

However, I believe that just as we are to live a life of worship to our King... (and not just run to Him in times of trouble - but stick close to Him at all times) I believe we are called to live a life of Peace. Of course - when we are in the midst of battle or are at risk of losing our peace - the Lord comes in like a flood and showers us with His Presence - but even in our day to day, crazy busy lives - we are to live in an atmosphere and mindset of Peace and Love. The good news is just as with Love... (in how we are unable to love at all times on our own, depending on our own capacity to love) the Peace is not our own either! It's His Love and His Peace that He gives to us and allows to flow through us to others.

I believe that wherever we go - we should carry with us the fragrance of God... and what is that fragrance? I think it has huge portions of Love and Peace in the mix! Last Tuesday we talked a lot about Peace and several great scriptures were brought up and many things were imparted. One thing that I kept thinking about but couldn't find in my Bible was a scripture reference that I LOVE! It is actually found in the Amplified version. (I know - you are all shocked?) But it talks about how we need to let Peace be our umpire. Don't you just love that? I love it... an Umpire, according to Websters is defined as: "1: one having authority to decide finally a controversy or question between parties: as a: one appointed to decide between arbitrators who have disagreed b: an impartial third party chosen to arbitrate disputes arising under the terms of a labor agreement 2: an official in a sport who rules on plays 3: a military officer who evaluates maneuvers"

So in letting the Peace of God be our umpire - that means that we allow Him to be the One who has authority to decide for us... He knows what is fair and can look at it (whatever 'it' is) from an objective position... and we come to Him and allow Him to evaluate our maneuvers! So - in all things, we run to Him and ask His opinion and His decision on what action to take or not to take... (or what job to take or not to take... or what house to buy or not to buy... etc!)

We know that He tells us in His Word that He will "direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace." (Luke 1:79) The key is letting Him!

Here's the thing about our God... He has made us a Covenant of Peace. He says in Isaiah 54:9-10 that "For this is like the waters of Noah to Me; For as I have sworn that the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, So have I sworn that I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you. For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you." That is a great promise, don't you think? The Covenant of Peace... one translation puts it the Covenant of Blessing and they are most often closely related. Oh yes - so here's the thing about our God... He is NOT a Covenant breaker! He doesn't enter into a covenant lightly, and He will not (can not) go back on His Word!

I remember hearing someone teach on this portion of Scripture and he inserted an implied commentary in between verse 10 and the rest of the Chapter... so it sounded like this:

"For this is like the waters of Noah to Me; For as I have sworn that the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, So have I sworn that I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you. For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you."

(So, until I come back for you, this will have to do:)

“ O you afflicted one, tossed with tempest, and not comforted,
Behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, and lay your foundations with sapphires.
I will make your pinnacles of rubies, Your gates of crystal, and all your walls of precious stones. All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children. In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake.
“Behold, I have created the blacksmith Who blows the coals in the fire, Who brings forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the spoiler to destroy. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD."

Wow?! Nice Covenant!!!

I pray that you will allow the Peace of God to be your umpire - to rule and guide you as you walk into the fullness of His Promises, and His Purposes for you!

Peace be with you!
In Him,
~Karrilee~

"Come Away With Me...."

2008-02-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

Aaah... do you remember that song from a few years back? It is a Norah Jones song and I loved it from the first time I heard it... a slow jazzy romantic song... What's not to love, right? Of course, I am a romantic at heart and that comes as no surprise!

I know it has been a few weeks since I have written here... I have been busy making some much needed changes to help me to achieve that Breakthrough I last wrote about... my breakthrough will NOT be a surprise... because I have come to the realization that it will come through the Lord, of course - but also partnered with my own hard work!

One thing that the Lord has been speaking - really, for some time now, is in essence our need to depend on Him and let Him shine through us however He chooses! While in my Prayer meeting last week, the teaching was focused in on Communion, and the leader referenced several Scriptures of course - but the one that really stood out to me is one of my most favorite verses! Honestly - it is... and I know you will not be surprised that is references the Bride! It is found in Rev 22:17 "And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."

As I was pondering on this verse, I was reminded that according to Jewish tradition, after the bridegroom is betrothed, he goes away to prepare a place for his bride. She doesn't know the day nor the hour of his return, so she waits in anticipation. As the time nears, she must train her ears to HEAR him call for her. When he comes, he is not sure of which house she is waiting in, so when she hears him (and his friends) coming to get her, she cries out to him and runs (often times with her lantern) to meet him in the streets. He hears her cry and comes to find her and claim her as his own!

(OK... everyone let out that collective sigh of romance!)

Our God is a God of Romance and Love... He is so into the intimacy of love... but He is also really into the Chase of it all! He loves the pursuit! ...and the good news is that He never stops pursuing us! In the beginning, it was all about salvation - and as we grow, (while, of course, it is STILL about salvation - as we are being saved every day!) it is all about transformation and translucence!

As we entered into Worship, I heard the Lord speak this:
"Allow My Light to shine with
how I have fashioned you to be One of a Kind,
& how I am alive & living in you!
It is meant to be that as you grow in me,
you GLOW in me
& you attract attention because of the
love & beauty & treasure that is in you!
DO NOT shy away from the glory & colorful splendor
that shines through as you surrender
to one thing after another!
For as you bow down in surrender to Me,
you allow My Light - unfiltered, radiant,
& the only true pure white Light,
to shine forth evermore to reach those around you.
As you lay your crowns down in surrender & worship,
I will rise up for you in battle & in victory
to shine forth Truth & Favor!"

So many people recently have received words about Light and Surrender... it comes as no surprise to me that the Lord is saying that it is in our Surrender to Him, that we allow His Light to shine most clearly! I remember years back being prophesied over about the Love that God has put in me. It was a word of warning of sorts... the person said that the Love of God flowed through me, but I had to be careful because some would be attracted to that for the wrong reasons or with the wrong purposes, yet others would need that Love of God to reach them and to transform their lives. Wow... I had to really think on that Word. I knew that it was true - and I do have a good level of discernment... however I did not want to hesitate for fear of attracting attention. Really - since I am being so honest here - I will say I didn't like the idea of drawing attention of any kind - good or bad. However, as I have surrendered to the Lord and allowed Him to flow and to shine through me... as you can all attest I am sure - I can so clearly see that it is so not about me... and it is all about Him! It is in surrending to His will and timing, and pushing aside that dreaded Hesitation... that I have found those divine encounters and opportunities in abundance!

So this word He spoke last week, gave me such a great visual! A few of the other scriptures our leader spoke on dealt with how we are living stones... and she read in Revelation the list of precious gem stones found around the throne. When we come to Him, and surrender, not only does He illuminate us and cause us to shine for Him, but He helps us to shine forth as the unique and precious gemstone that He created us to be! And as we continue to bow down to Him, His Light truly does shine through in greater brightness and with greater precision!

I pray this week He calls out to you, and you have trained your ears to hear Him! I pray you run out to meet Him, shining brightly as His Bride... (cue background music, "Come away with me, in the night.... come away with me, and I will write you a song....")

I pray He sings a love song over you this week,
romancing you & polishing you to
SHINE FORTH!

In His Arms,
~Karrilee~

If you enjoy reading this blog,
please feel free to leave your thoughts of comments here!

Will Your Breakthrough Be A Surprise?

2008-01-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

Wow... I don't know about you, but I can't tell you how many times, and how many different ways I have heard this phrase: This is a Year of Breakthroughs! 2008 I do believe really WILL BE a year of Breakthroughs! Open doors... Promises Fulfilled... it's all good! And it is... it IS all good... but that doesn't mean that it is all EASY!?

I know for me... I am ready for change and wanting Breakthrough in many areas - but if I just get real 'real' - transparent, honest - with you - what I REALLY want is for the Lord to make it EASY! Isn't that what we ultimately have in mind when we are praying for something?! We pray in faith - but our faith sometimes lines up more with MAKE IT EASY, than it does with YOUR WILL BE DONE. His way so often seems to take the long way... He's not so into short cuts, it seems?! Of course - He is also all about Suddenlies... but it is only Suddenly to us... He has been at work behind the scenes for quite some time!

There are some things that will come about EASY for us this year... some because we have warred and battled enough already over them, and some just because our God is awesome and He (even more than we ourselves) desires to see us free. But, there are things that will come - but they will come after focused, intense work on our part. He will be in it with us, giving us the energy and focus that we need... but we will have to get our hands dirty to reach it and see it come to pass!

So - last week at Prayer, the Lord gave me this vision...

We were entering in to worship and I immediately saw a person pushing through plastic or some thin stretchy material - trying to punch or press through it. I could see the impression of their face & then they fell through... Next, I saw someone (the same person possibly) pushing on a brick wall, starting to pull out bricks and striving to tear down the wall. Suddenly, the Lord rounded the corner and pointed out an Open Gate... this person was being given a choice to breakthrough the hard way, or an easier way... next scene: I see someone (same person?) breakthrough and pop up out of a huge cake. This person broke through with such Joy and exuberance... and yet the room was so quiet and somber. I looked around the room where the cake was and saw that many people seemed to be grieving and were confused and unsure of the disruption. They were not rejoicing. Some were grieving, but as the person rises up out of the cake, their countenance changes and they are rejoicing with the Breakthrough. Lastly, I noticed Jesus, with just a handful of others, who were applauding & shouting with shouts of joy! They were the Expectant & were not caught off guard or surprised at the Breakthrough at all.

The Lord said some will not be happy & will not rejoice with you in your breakthrough.
Some will want to hope but find it hard, & yet are thrilled with and for you in the end.
Jesus & a few others will pray you through and applaud you on! Be prayerful & aware of who you align yourself up with and who you allow to speak into your breakthrough.

So - I pray you are ready and positioned for Breakthrough...
I pray some will be easy and come about at an amazing pace...
and those others - well, I pray you have Cake on your hands!
(Gives another visual of Let Them Eat Cake, doesn't it?)

Blessings,
~Karrilee~

Here's to Promises coming to Pass!

2008-01-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

We had a wonderful holiday season - filled with friends & family,

lighting the Hanukkah Lights, singing Christmas Carols,

& of course, the presents... let's not forget the frenzy of unwrapping gifts!

Aaah - the holidays - I love them & at the same time,

I am so glad that they are over!

I was able to spend some quiet time & peaceful moments

reflecting on the year, & on what the Lord is speaking to me

for this new year to come!

While I was not raised 'the glass is half full' kind of way

- that is now my bent,

& so as I reflected on the past year of 2007

it was surprising even to me to see how difficult it had been.

I found, as I was going through the calendar

attempting to write our Christmas letter,

that for the first time - there were a LOT of hard things

coming back to memory.

Now - in the big picture,

the year was not all that bad...

but I have come to realize that

we live a rather charmed life,

& to have a bit of 'normal' struggle enter in

sort of pushed me off-center at times last year.

However, even with all the loss and drama

I would not change a thing because in the midst of being dizzy

- dazed & confused - I felt the Lord at work!

Many prophetic voices have stated that this New Year

will bring about long awaited answers...

the fulfillment of promises kept & waited for!

Who doesn't love a Fresh Start...

The New Year always bring such Hope...

it is better than a Do-Over because it is NEW...

much like how we are after coming to Christ!

There is such freedom in not having the past

hang over your head & bog you down!

A Fresh Start...

That is what God offers to us each & every day!

His Mercies are new every morning!

Amazing, isn't it?

We have the choice to accept His offer,

& walk into

(not a Do-Over - where we fight to overcome

past failures & mistakes,)

but a Fresh Start - full of promise!

I love this photo... I took it myself right around Christmas time!

We had just experienced a snow storm, & then lots of rain!

Many in our state were experiencing flooding & then, came this:

Isn't that just like God...

to send us a reminder of His Promises!

May He remind you of the Promises

spoken over your life in the coming days,

& stir up in you an anticipation & expectation!

I pray that those long-awaited promises

come to pass for you this year!

May you choose to accept His offer

& make a difference...

Choose Life - that you may live!

In Anticipation,

~Karrilee~

Aaaah, Peace (Snow,) & Quiet!

2007-12-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

Aaah - yes! A couple of weeks ago - I got caught up in all the rush of the commercialized Christmas season! I was so disappointed in myself... I was feeling a little stressed and behind and felt pressure that, in all reality, I was putting on myself! I knew this was true... and yet - I also knew that just a few more days of craziness and it would all be worth it!

I am normally one of 'those' people - the ones who start Christmas shopping in July and finish before Thanksgiving! But - this year was not the norm' and I had not purchased one gift as of December 1st! Not a one!? It was crazy!? I set for myself a personal goal to be completely and totally done with all things Christmas (shopping, wrapping, shipping, crafting, stocking stuffers, cards, letter, etc.!) by December 10th! It is a 'deadline' that I put on myself so I can spend the REST of December enjoying Peace (Snow,) & Quiet!

My Honey kept reminding me that it was not, in fact, a 'deadline' and it would not be the end of the world if I was, in fact, not done... and then it hit me! I did the unthinkable... (Gasp!?) I decided that the last two people we had to buy for would get... delegated! That's right! Delegated... to my loving husband! I have to repent and admit that it was mildly entertaining to see my husband stress out a bit in having to buy just two gifts?! Just two!? Normally I love the entire process of shopping, finding, and all - but I wanted to be DONE... and to meet my deadline! (Er, um - "Goal"!?) I know, I know... it was sort of cheating to just pass it off - but I had peace about it!? LOL!? ...And in the end, he did great! So - we have been officially done with it all for several days now (ALMOST a week, if you must know!) All the craziness of running around and rushing here and there was worth it to now have a bit of peace and quiet!

The thing that the Lord has been speaking to me lately has been the importance of FOCUS! Focus on the task at hand... I think in our culture of multi-tasking frenzies we may have lost the art of finishing one thing at a time... of really being able to focus and concentrate... we are constantly doing five things at once... and we tend to squeeze the Lord in there too... when what He is really desiring from us is focus... not just on Him... although that is never wasted time - but on what He is calling us to do on any given day, in any given hour! I believe He is wanting to lavish gifts upon us this Christmas season, in ways that we can't imagine! Gifts that we have been wanting, and asking for, and hinting at for a very long time! I believe that if we set aside time in the midst of the hustle and bustle, and focus on Him - Worship Him - He will pour out gifts in abundance for the holidays and the New Year to come!

Below is a portion of our Family Christmas letter... I will leave you with that and pray you have a very Merry Christmas, and a blessed and prosperous New Year!

~Karrilee~

Tradition…

Winter is upon us again & as I sit & look out at the blanket of snow that has covered our Valley, I find myself thinking about Traditions. It seems Christmas time, more than at any other, conjures up visions of ritual, tradition, & nostalgia! What comes to mind when you think of Traditions? What kinds of traditions have you kept going in your family & what, if any, have you purposefully put an end to?

I am a planner at heart, & I love it when things go as planned! I find comfort & security in tradition, a sense of knowing what’s ahead. Who doesn’t love that? But then I think about the very Reason we celebrate, & He was not as much about Tradition as He was about Change! Jesus brought with Him the unexpected, the unplanned for, the seemingly impossible made possible! I reflect on all the changes & challenges that we have faced over the past year, & I realize that our Christmas (& Hanukkah) traditions give me a sense of Home, a sense that even as we grow & change, the things that are most important to us, remain the same!

The familiarity of decorations, of the scents & sounds of the holidays all mix together this morning with the falling snow & remind me of the glad tidings, good will, & peace on earth. To be honest, I am more at peace with Tradition than I am with Change! Yet, we know that change is inevitable, & if God is calling us to change, or is bringing about a change within us, we can rest assured that it is for our greater good! The one thing He has been working on in me is my lack of follow through. Even as I write this He revealed that the reason I pull back, or don’t follow through much of the time is because I know that if I do what He is calling me to do, there will be opportunities for change. I suppose I am just not sure that I am ready to move out of this season of life that we are in. I have grown comfortable & feel so blessed… yet I know He is preparing us for more. A new Season is coming!

For the last several years, we have celebrated Hanukkah as well as Christmas. Speaking of Tradition, the main reason we started doing this is because while Jesus Himself did not celebrate his birthday like WE do, He DID, in fact, light the Hanukkah lights & recite the nightly blessings. There is something powerful for us to do the same thing, to say the same things, that Jesus did so long ago… knowing that He IS the Light of the World!

So, as much as I love tradition, I am hoping to be more open to change in the New Year, to hold on to the Good, & get ready for what’s next! We want to do LESS, as I mentioned last year, & BE more… we want to cut back on our gift giving for the sake of giving gifts, & increase our budget to reach out to our community where there is real need. We are blessed, & He takes care of us in amazing ways… we want to be His hands & His feet in this season, & always! The most important Tradition that we can keep going is to continue on in His work… to heal the sick, to raise the dead, to feed & clothe the poor, to set free those who are in bondage, to preach the good news, & proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor! After all, isn’t that what we all want – the Favor of God resting upon us?! Isn’t that what He brought with Him when He became the Word made Flesh and dwelling among us?

2007 has been full of blessings & challenges alike & while all of our Why’s have not been answered, we rest in knowing that we are covered & taken care of… that we are not alone, & that He has plans for us in each day!

We pray He surprises you with gifts this Season... with the unexpected, & unplanned for, and that He will make the seemingly impossible possible for you and yours!

Merry Christmas!