Show us Your face!

Show us Your Face, Lord!

That is the cry of our hearts...

we want to draw closer to Him...

we want to be intimate

& to know Him & be known by Him

on a deeper level...

We gather together in a small room each week

& we wait for Him.

& Always,

...He shows up!

One thing I love about Him is how

He always is able to speak to us

individually (- personally),

& corporately at the same time!

He is the Ultimate Multi-tasker!

He is able to do that because

He works inside & outside of time.

He is not limited, as we are limited.

He Multi-Tasks - so we don't have to!

He desires us to come to Him...

& push aside every distraction,

every worry, every list of things-to-do.

& wait for Him.

My, oh my - How He loves to show up for us!

So - this week, as the worship song cried out,
"Show us Your face, Lord..."

that became the cry of our hearts as well!

I closed my eyes & immediately

felt His Presence brush by me.

I can see myself following Jesus

down a steep trail in the forest.

He keeps turning around

to be sure that I am close behind.

The look on His face is different

on the way down!

You see, on the way UP

- it was His eyes of Love & Devotion

that drew me & strengthened me

to keep following Him...

to keep Climbing and pressing on.

It was an intimacy in reaching

our destination together

& spending time alone.

But, after our time alone,

His walk back down

the other side is faster,

& the look in his eyes

is pure Joy!

His face is bright & eager,

& He is almost Giddy, childlike,

& buzzing with excitement

as He leads me down the mountain side.

His laughter permeates the forest

& suddenly, as He rounds the last bend,

the joy remains, but it's Compassion

that is the most evident emotion

in His eyes now!

As He leads me into the Valley,

it's those 'Valley Experiences"

that draw out His compassion

& brings tears to His eyes.

He shows me the Brokenhearted,

& the lost, & those who are no longer

bound by chains,

but do not know that they are free!

His compassion overwhelms me.

He looks over His shoulder

& the excitement is there...

He is leading me to pour out

& point the others up to the top of the Mountain!

To share out of the intimacy

that we have just shared together!

The many faces of Christ...

He desires to show them all to us!

There is a 'knowing', a steadfastness,

an assurance behind every emotion

that shines through His eyes!

...because He knows...

He KNOWS!

(...whatever it is, He knows!)

He has the answer...

Seek Him & quiet yourself

to be with Him...

push aside the distractions

& seek His face...

He will show up for you...

He will answer you when you call!

His Word promises that!

("He shall call upon Me,

& I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him

& honor him."

Psalm 91:15)

I pray He shows you His love for you

& answers your hearts' cry!

"Show me Your face, Lord

Show me Your face

Then gird up my legs

that I might stand in this holy place

Show me Your face, Lord

Your power and grace

I could make it to the end

if I can just see Your face

Moses stood on the mountain

Waiting for You to pass by

You put Your hand over his face

So in Your presence he wouldn’t die

All of Israel saw the glory

And it shines down through the age

Now You’ve called me to boldly

seek Your face

David knew there was something more

Than the ark of Your presence

And in a manger a baby was born

Among kings and peasants

All of Israel saw the glory

And it shines down through the age

And now You call us to boldly seek Your face

Show me Your face, Lord

Show me Your face

Then gird up my legs

that I might stand in this holy place

Show me Your face, Lord

Your power and grace

I could make it to the end

if I can just see Your face

Yes we can make it to the end

if we can just see Your face.

Copyright © 1997 EagleStar Productions,

a Division of MorningStar Publications, Inc

Blessings,

~Karrilee~

The Mountain of Greatness!

Climbing Mount Greatness

As we entered worship today in Prayer,

I saw in my mind's eye a woman,

dressed for success, strong & anointed,

loaded down with every good gift.

She was attempting to climb up a mountain.

On her way up the steep mountainside,

she passed by several people on their way back down.

She wondered how they ever made it to the top

unprepared, & apparently without the needed equipment.

They would look her in the eye, & she would say,

"I'm headed for Greatness! I am on the path that leads to the top of the mountain!"

They would simply nod, & smile, & keep on moving downward.

She wondered why they were headed back down, instead of camping out at the top.

Maybe without their gifts, they were unable to make it all the way,

or possibly they made it, but their Greatness was short lived.

She was glad that she had thought ahead to pack up all her gifts.

Hiking the trail was difficult in her attire - but she was dressed for success

& she would be ready for Greatness when she reached the top!

Several times, someone would stop her & ask,

"Why are you taking all of those things with you!? Isn't it slowing you down?"

She would seemingly ponder the question & answer,

"Oh, these things!? These are the gifts that God has blessed me with!

These will be used on the top of Mount Greatness!

They are vital to my success!"

With that answer, the person would smile & continue on the pathway.

After several times, the Climber was able to see Jesus in each person who would stop her.

It was revealed to her that these people were each Jesus Himself.

The next time He stopped her, He approached her without a disguise

& He asked again,

"Why are you taking all of those gifts?"

She answered again,

"Because You have called me to Greatness

& given me these gifts!"

"This is true! But I desire to use these gifts in you as a SURPRISE!

They are IN YOU! You do not need to put them on on the outside!

Do not wear them & use them to bring attention & draw a crowd.

The temptation for Self Promotion will be greater

when you hike this mountain carrying your gifts for all to see!

They are yours to use...

(For My gifts & My call are irrevocable.

I never withdraw them from you once they are given,

& I don't change My mind about those

to whom I give Grace or to whom I send My call.)

but I desire that you will use them only when I ask you to.

You will notice that many have passed you on your way up the Mountain!

They have been to the top.

They too were called & destined for Greatness.

In reaching the Top,

many have found that the gifts they packed up the mountain,

would not be brought back down.

They are not, however, coming down empty handed or in defeat.

They are being SENT to Greatness.

There is Blessing on the Top,

but Greatness on the Bottom!

We are all destined for Greatness!
He has gifted each of us with Giftings & Callings

that He will not take away.

However, often times we can get puffed up in our anointings

& carry our gifts on the outside!

We desire to do great things for God

& that is a good thing!

He desires to work through us to do great things as well

so we are in agreement with Him.

Our flesh often will rise up & want to share in the recognition

& gain promotion & acknowledgement

when we move in what He has called us to do.

There is such a balance between Pride & Humility...

it is our hearts' desire to bring Him Praise & Honor...

We want to step out of the way & let Him move,

but so often our fleshly desire for Greatness

can lead to Pride or an unwillingness to wait on God.

We think we know the way...

after all - it is a Mountain & the way is Up!

But in the Kingdom of God,

the way up - is down!

I pray He calls you to Greatness & uses your gifts

to Surprise those around you!

Walk in Humility, Bring Him Honor,

Stand Amazed at the View from the Top,

AND the View from the Bottom!

Blessings,

~Karrilee~

The Blessing of Obedience

I am wondering how many of you have recently

battled with the Lord about something that

He has called you to do that seems 'hard'

or maybe even out of character?

I know for me, I had a very intense week

& found myself acting out

like an immature Christian,

whining & throwing a fit with God!

Now, c'mon - don't tell me I am the only one?

He was calling me to obey Him,

no matter what the cost &

no matter what I wanted myself!

We have all been feeling & hearing

the Lord remind us that we are

"crucified with Christ"

- I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

We will never walk that out in fullness,

but we have opportunities to catch a glimpse

of it from time to time!

I don't know about you,

but I have history with the Lord

that He is well aware of...

& seemingly last week,

He chose to ignore!

I kept trying to remind Him

of my issues & my struggles...

yet He just didn't care?!

What He was attempting to get done,

had little to do with me anyway!

God has called each of us to step out of our comfort zone

& reach out in obedience to follow Him!

Some have been asked to do outrageous things

& some have been asked to fairly tame things...

but no matter what He is calling you to do,

let me encourage you to follow through in obedience!

I must say that, on this side of my battle,

it was all good!

God moved and spoke

& I was blessed in the process!

I was not, however, a picture of Grace!
I kicked & complained the entire time...

On the other side of it,
I was disappointed in my lack of excitement

& hesitant, reluctant obedience!

I didn't really consider not obeying,

but my attitude was immature

& my lack of vision was blurred.

I was focused on what I wanted

- not just for myself,

but how I wanted to minister as well!

As I went to Prayer last week,

humbled & disappointed in myself,

the Lord began to speak encouragement to me.

During worship, I closed my eyes

and immediately my spirit saw Jesus - face to face,

smiling with joy, blessing & love spilling out...

"You did it! You did it!" He said to me,

nearly laughing with joy!

"I did it - but let me do it BETTER

next time, Lord!" I responded.

"Thank you," He said, His eyes of love

& the fact that His joy revealed

His pleasure in my obedience

is proof enough that it was worth it,

& that even with all of my

complaining & whining,

in the end, I brought Him honor!

Talk about humbling!

...and blessings!

You see - once again,

He sees the end result...

He works inside & outside of time

& He sees us as how we are in the end!

Of course, He desires us to be obedient

& to submit to Him in joy.

But, when we fail to do that...

when we hesitate, & complain,

& grudgingly follow through,

what stands out to Him the most

is the Follow Through!

It is the fact that, in the end,

we DID obey...

there is blessing in obedience,

every single time!

No matter what it is He is calling you to do,

or how much He needs to guide & direct you to do it,

in the end, I can promise you, a Blessing Awaits!

~Karrilee~

Your New Name is On the Way!

God is about to hand out some new names!

If you want one, wait & listen...

He is about to start calling them out!

As we began to enter into prayer today,

our leader reminded us of a vision that

someone had given her about climbing stairs

to see an open heaven,

& the Lord told her that whatever she

asked for in prayer, she would receive.

She encouraged us to see that stairway

to the open heavens as we worshiped.

As soon as the music started, I could see myself

climbing up these enormous stairs.

Pearly white... Steep... beautiful!

Before I crested the top,

I heard a Voice behind me speak,

"There is Power in My Name!

...and there is power in your name as well!

I have called you BY NAME!

For many, your anointing lies in the name

which you were given at birth,

and for many, I am giving you a new name.

Listen & hear Me, for I will call you by name!"

"Whenever your name is spoken out loud,

it stirs up the anointing & gift & character

that I have placed within you.

Just as in the Spiritual Realm,

when My Name is spoken,

there is a stirring & a shifting

in the unseen world,

so this happens when your name is spoken

& you step into all that I have called you to be!"

"First, & Foremost, don't ever forget,

I have called you to be MINE!

Listen for My Voice,

My Daughter, My Bride,

for I am about to speak your name!

Learn & Research it,

Seek out the meaning of it

& know that when I see you,

when I call you by name,

I am calling forth

all that I have put inside of you

for such a time as this!"

I then looked over into the open heavens

and saw the most colorful, vivid landscape

spread out before me.

As I tried to drink in the colors

& music & hugeness of it all,

I noticed a beautiful old tree,

with it's branches all stretched out

& curved by the wind;

it provided shade beside

a gorgeous, flowing stream.

Underneath the shaded tree,

was a blanket spread out

& Someone laying down,

seemingly looking right at me,

...waiting for me.

On the blanket

I noticed a Royal Crown laying

in the empty space of the blanket...

God reminded me then that in November,

He had spoken a 'new name' over me...

(it was "Sarah" which is Hebrew & means "Princess")

I also saw several of my journals, my Bible,

a picnic basket with food & cool water...

& as I drew closer, Psalm 1 was written out

on the grass that led to my blanket.

"Blessed is the man

Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

Nor stands in the path of sinners,

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree

Planted by the rivers of water,

That brings forth its fruit in its season

Whose leaf also shall not wither;

And whatever he does shall prosper. "

(Psalm 1:1-3)

I then remembered that last month,

God set me in contact with a stranger from Australia.

She shares my same name...

& had never found anyone

with the same name & spelling before.

She was wondering if I was from Australia

because the name is an Aboriginal name,

& it means:

"A Resting Place, near the water"

That so blessed me!

As worship lingered a bit more,

I was reminded also of Isaiah 62!

The Lord has spoken to us quite a bit

from this passage in the past year...

I encourage you to read

the entire chapter this week!

Pray over it & through it

& listen & hear Him call out your name!

As many in my circle of friends

prepare to go away & "Flourish"

at a Women's Retreat,

the Lord has called me to stay behind.

I have to be honest & say that

I have struggled with this.

Going back forth with being sure & fine with it,

& then questioning & wanting to go.

However, when I quiet myself,

I know that I know.

It makes little sense to me,

& I will admit to throwing

a bit of a fit with Him about it.

Even today,

after such an awesome time with Him,

I came home feeling rather left out

& dealing with a bit of rejection.

Not that the ladies at all have done that,

but it was worse - it was feeling that, once again,

HE is not allowing me to 'connect' with others.

He is the One who called me to stay behind.

My hearts' desire is to see women

connect & commune with Him together!

To grow in Him & experience more of Him!

To walk in greater intimacy with their Bridegroom!

But, I am crucified with Christ,

I no longer live, but Christ lives in me...

So, despite what my flesh wants to do,

I will be praying for them from afar

& I will pray that I will be

able to rejoice with them

when they return & fill me in

on all that happened.

(I almost wrote all that I missed,

however I know I will not miss out

even when my emotions are not

allowing my mind to come in line just yet!)

I am so excited to see what He has planned

for me - in staying behind,

and for them - in going!

I know that many will come

home with a New Name!

I pray you get one as well!

Blessings,

~Karrilee~

The Dance of the Bride

Happy Valentine's Day!

Don't you just love this 'holiday'? OK... I know not everyone does! But what an opportunity to love on people... to let the Love of God shower over you and flow out of you! Isn't that what we are to be about this year, anyway?! I just love it! I love all the romance and roses, the love letters and love songs, ...but I am just 'that way!' Last year, the Lord put it on my heart to include our daughter in our Valentine's celebration. He wanted me to assure her that it is not just a holiday for Couples Only. He wanted me to remind her that she is loved... always - whether she is single or not... He wanted me to teach her that in the years ahead, some of her friends will pine away for a boyfriend and desire to have a special Valentine at any cost - but that He loves her the most hands down... He gave His very Best because of His great Love for her... for all of us! It was such a nice evening, we are doing it again this year... including another friend who is single as well. We will take Communion before we eat dinner by candlelight at a table with a view... we will invite in the Lover of our souls to dine with us and fill us up!

I pray whether you are single or married, whether you are a fan of this day or an avid naysayer of the whole thing - I pray that He will romance you today and knock your socks off! Oh yes - and I pray that you will hear His call to join Him in the Dance! Below is a vision & a word from the Lord that I had that came about yesterday during our prayer meeting! Enjoy...

____________

As we entered in to our worship time, the music had barely began when I heard His familiar voice whisper to me... "It's time to dance again!" I hear Him calling & see Him standing in front of me, arms open, ready to dance with me. As I step into His arms, we begin to sway.

"I have called you by name! My eyes look to and fro, but YOU are called to focus your eyes steadfast & true on Me! When you do that - you will be assured that wherever you are... I AM! I will take the lead! As a little child, I called you to dance with me, & I placed your feet on top of Mine, and I showed you the Way! But, now, I am releasing you! You are no longer a child. I am releasing you to add your own moves, your own steps to the dance, but all the while, keep your eyes focused on Me!"

As we focus on Him, & become one with 'single-vision' - all else faces away & we begin to look deeper into all that He has for us, all that He desires for us, & from us. We fall deeper & He always, ALWAYS catches us in His strong arms, and Dances with us! There is something supernatural that happens when we hold the eyes of God! When we are focused and sure, and catch His eyes, and hold them. It is favor & grace, love & mercy, It is power & direction, faith & vision imparted all at once. There is a transference in the Spirit realm & just one taste leaves us hungering for more!

Then I heard Him say:

"Oh my Daughters, My Bride, I'm calling you to step out & step into the Dance! Many I have called before, and you did not hear, or you did not heed. Fear & Hesitation won out. But I am kind, & patient, & forgiving. ...and I am not so easily discouraged! I am calling to you again! Step out and step into my arms. For some - this will be your first dance with the Father... I will place your feet upon my own and teach you the dance! You are Daddy's Girl! Still others, you have danced awhile... many of you have drawn near and danced with Me for many seasons. Others have observed and been in awe and jealous for the dance you have with Me, but let me assure you - there's more! Oh so much more! Step out and step in. I desire to teach you the Dance of the Bride! They ain't seen nothin' yet! Oh My Daughters, My Bride! I desire to dance with you and pour out My Love and My Glory. I have created you to be who you are... and the dance I have for you is for you and I alone! Step Out, Step In... Dance with Me, My Daughters, My Bride!"

~Karrilee~

Amazing Love... He'd do it again!

I have to share that for the past several weeks, or months,

the Lord has requested that I do not share

much during these Prayer meetings.

At first I was sort of relieved.

I tend to be a bit hesitant to share,

feeling like I do not want any undue attention.

I am careful (usually) to point to the Lord.

Obviously, whatever He reveals or shares,

is from Him & has little to do with me anyway.

So, when He first asked me to be silent,

I gladly agreed - not wanting to be known

as the 'Vision Girl' or whatever?!

You all know what I am talking about...

we tend to relate to people in the Body

according to the gift or anointing that we see them moving in.

Of course - we must know on a deeper level,

that there is more to them than what we see

- but time restraints & other issues often keep us

from going deeper with each other!

I was, at first, glad to find He was still showing me things,

but asking me to keep quiet.

I did feel that He was happy I was writing

things down here for some reason.

I came to realize it was some sort of a test for me,

at least on one level.

I came to search my heart & wonder if

I, myself, was getting my identity mixed up in the gifting.

I also went through a short period where I felt like I didn't belong.

I wasn't sure if it was really an attack from the enemy,

or an unsettling from God.

But I realized that it was because

I was not able to share or pour out,

& I began to question if God was moving me

on to a new place & a new season.

To be honest, I was a bit surprised at the feeling

of discontent in that thought!

It seems for nearly 7 years,

we have been planted & moved in shorter seasons.

I think much of what the Lord was doing in me

was to show me that He truly has planted me here.

I can know that He is in control,

that I will Go when He says Go,

but until then - I am planted!

I felt a release of responsibility

as others began to share & step out as well!

It is exciting to see that others are hearing

the same message in a different way.

Each week it seems that the Lord shows me something

- & others as well - the message is the same,

however the way we see or receive it is different!

Isn't God good to speak to us in a way

that we can each relate & accept!?

Anyway - it has been harder for me

to remain silent as the weeks go on,

but I also know that God, in His faithfulness

is still pouring out truth to me,

He is still revealing more of what He wants me to know & see,

& there is coming a day where He will release me again.

This silence has been a time to ponder & consider

& test my own heart as to what & why I share things...

Do I want the fame or glory?

No...

Do I like the 'in' & acceptance it can open up to me?

Sometimes... yes!?

Is it so closely tied with who I am that I feel cast aside if I don't get to move in it?

Again... sometimes, yes!?

Do I know that it is not about me, & all about Him?

Yes... I do... however, in the spirit of transparency,

the lines can tend to get blurry if I am not watchful!

I believe there is coming a releasing

& in order to flow with it,

I will need to have these things settled in my heart!

(...And you will too!)

So - for that, I am thankful for this time of holding my tongue!

The most amazing thing to me is that even while

He is searching my heart & my motivations,

He continues to pour out Himself & reveal His plans!

So - today during Prayer,

we began worship by singing "Amazing Love".

This is one of my all-time favorite songs...

as we entered in to worship, I was singing along,

"Amazing Love, how can it be?

...that You my King would die for me..."

As I sang out, I heard Him say,

"I would do it again! ...I would do it again for you!

Some days I feel like I am - like I have...

My Love is poured out freely over all

- & so often, it goes unnoticed & unappreciated.

Oh how your heart would break with Mine...

You say you feel unnoticed & unappreciated

- know that in this, I can relate!

Oh that your heart would break with mine

& allow Me to flow freely through you.

You are My hands & feet...

my very heartbeat to the world.

My desire is that you would follow My lead

& allow My Love to flow freely.

Do not worry about what others would say or think;

Do not worry about how they will react

or what they will DO with this Love.

Just pour it out!

If we work & move together as One

- as we were made to be - they will not withstand us!

The Father & I are One... & we should be One as well!

My Love will go unnoticed & unappreciated no more!

There is coming a wave of Glory!

There is coming a move of Divine Love

- & it is coming through YOU!

Each of you, who are willing,

...allow Me to love on you!

...spend time with Me,

& then go forth - drenched in My Love, & Mercy, & Grace,

& reach out - pour out that which I have given you!

Freely you have received, now freely give!"

Wow?! Sounds like a Mandate to Love...

We must Love Him first...

Receive His Love...

& then Go Forth to Love others!

Last week,

He encouraged me/us to pay attention to what

He shows us in others & speak it forth!

I pray you had an opportunity or two to do that!

I was able to hear His call to send out a few cards,

& while preparing to do that,

I really asked for His heart for these women...

It amazes me, every time, that when we ask...

He is waiting to answer!

Continue on this week in Love!

Look for opportunities to

Speak Life & Spread Love!

"Amazing Love, How can it be?

That You my King, would die for me?

Amazing Love, I know it's True!

It is my Joy, to honor You!

In all I do, I honor You!"

In Him, & His Amazing Love,

Be Blessed!

~Karrilee~

A Treasure to Behold

"We receive You, Lord" was spoken in our opening prayer & immediately

I see a little girl, buzzing with excitement & joy & anticipation

as she gazed around her chair to admire

all the gifts set before her feet.

They were all so pretty! fancy, & wrapped in glitter & glitz,

with shiny ribbons & velvety bows!

She could have almost missed it...

that one small gift in the center of the floor...

It didn't exactly blend in, it was more the opposite.

Her eyes focused in on the gift - one small present, wrapped in plain brown paper.

No ribbons, no bows...

nothing flashy to grab hold of her attention,

& yet, that is what it did!

She couldn't seem to make sense of it,

- it stood out from all the others in it's simplicity.

It should!

The Giver of this gift knew it needed no hoopla.

He knew this was the perfect gift for her.

He didn't need to add Ribbons & Bows.

As I saw this little girl pondering the seemingly

plainness of this package,

I became her & heard a Voice behind me say,

"Yes, that is the One True Gift... that is all you will need!"

I reached out to grab this basic brown paper box,

& all the other gifts vied for my attention.

The began to shift & move & try to jump into my hand.

I could almost hear them crying out my name.

I pressed through & picked up this present

& set if on my lap.

As I held it, the other gifts began to disappear

& disintegrate before me.

As I felt the weight of this box on my lap,

it was light - almost too light,

& for a brief moment, I feared it was empty.

But, as I put my hands on it to open it up.

I felt an energy rush through me

& I knew this was literally a treasure to behold!

As I began to untie the twine,

just like a Jack-in-the-Box pops up wanting to break free,

my Jesus emerged from my box,

smiling & ready to present me with gifts!

He began to pull gifts our of the box

& place them not in my HANDS,

but in my HEART!

As He would gently reach in for more,

I realized He was not in the box with all the gifts,

but He was taking things from within Himself

& placing them in me!

As He was pulling things out of Himself

& placing them into my heart,

He would pause & show me what was written on each one!

He pulled out 'Compassion', 'Mercy', 'Love', 'Intercession',

'Faith', 'Forgiveness/Die to Self', 'Prophecy', etc.

Some stirred excitement & some stirred fear.

'Suffering' was among the last.

"Yes, Lord, even Your Suffering

- for I know the Resurrection & the Life!

Though I would rather skip this one,

I know if it is my portion,

You will breathe life & purpose into even the Suffering!"

"You see," He said,

"when you receive Me, you get it all!

It can be a little at a time,

or I can overwhelm you & fill you up with all of Me!

My desire is to get out of the box & fill you with every good & perfect gift.

I AM the Giver of all things - I don't need the Robbins & Bows!

What I have to offer is simple & true.

I don't need glitz & glamour to draw attention to Myself.

My desire is to Overwhelm you!

Receive Me, and I will overwhelm you!"

I prayed, "I receive You... & I give You me, Lord!"

He replied, "...& I give you to them!

Speak Life to them... all who cross your path!

Speak Life & Love & Exhortations to one another!

What you 'see' in others that if Life & Light,

SPEAK it out & into them,

just as Christ poured gifts into you!"

Jesus...

He is sending us...

He is OUR Treasure to Behold...

& in our receiving Him,

He fills us up & sends us out!

I pray you will find boldness & discernment

to Speak Life & Let Love Flow...

Make a difference in some one's day... in their life...

stir up the gift that is inside of them,

release their destiny,

Step Out & Step Up!

~Karri~

A Light Shines in the Darkness...

As Prayer began today,

I felt like I was immediately walking with Him along a shoreline.

In my mind's eye, I could see us hand in hand,

strolling along the beach, talking.

In the beginning, I could see the other people all around us.

Kids playing, kites flying, dogs chasing sticks...

I could see the beachfront homes, businesses, & scenery.

However, as we continued walking,

I would get so caught up in our conversation

that everything else began to pale in comparison!

I have had those walks in the natural!

Strolling along the shoreline with my husband, or a good friend...

walking & talking & laughing together...

I can remember those walks & looking around as we meandered down by the water.

however, my focus was on the conversation at hand!

Just as in the natural, when I stopped walking with the Lord -

& we looked back behind us, I could see just how far we had come!

When we stay connected & tuned in to the Lord,

we will travel with Him & follow His lead,

& who can know how much our surroundings will change!

When we put Him first, & give Him our focus & attention,

we draw closer to Him in intimacy,

& learn to walk side by side with our Lord!

As I continued on walking with the Lord today,

I saw a large Cloud or Mist come in & wash over me.

It transported me to a different place

- just for a time - for a Purpose!

It could be in the Spirit, or in the natural...

it could be inside or outside of time.

This made me think of this great book I am (re)reading right now.

It is called "The Secret Place" by Dr. Dale Fife.

In it he talks about a time when angels came to him during

a prayer meeting & he traveled with them to many different places

& prayed for healing for several people.

He doesn't really go into if it is in the natural or Spirit

- but it is clear that it happened & that it seemed real at the time.

I believe Jesus is the same yesterday, today, & forever...

He transported people in Bible times...

& I believe He will do it today, if we are willing & have the faith for it!

Now, don't worry - I do know how crazy that may sound!

Honestly, I do!

...& yet, I believe with my whole heart

that He is calling those to hear His voice & have a willing heart.

I believe that there is coming a time that, if we are willing,

He will take us to places where intercessors are needed,

& healing must take place.

Whether it happens physically or in the spirit,

it WILL happen!

The other thing I heard the Lord say this morning was this:
"This year is the year of Isaiah 60...

However, Isaiah 59 must come first!"

Isaiah 59 starts out rather dark & depressing,

then comes the call to intercession & a Promise!

(Then comes Isaiah 60!!!)

I believe that - due to the events that are coming in the natural,

(which match up with Isa 59, by the way!)

we will be given PLENTY of opportunities to live out Isa 60!

So, while some of the Words that are coming forth

may seem overwhelming, & even a bit scary...

let me say, as we press in to Him, trust in His Shield & Covering,

& learn to hear His voice more clearly...

We will see the Lord not only be our Protection, Our Healer & Deliverer,

but we will see Him be that for others...

THROUGH us!

Press In & Press On

In His Name, & In His Arms,

~Karrilee~

Liquid Gold and the Love of God

Good Evening!

I have had a full day & yet I knew I would not have much time if I didn't just sit down to write tonight! I am still trying to put order to my thoughts & the things the Lord has been showing me over the past week or so. Some things are a bit fuzzy & others seem crystal clear - & yet not everything meshes & not everything that He shows is for broadcasting but for interceding!

Late last week the Lord gave me a dream. I am not a Dreamer - as in, I do not dream... pretty much ever?! I rarely wake up & remember having any kind of dream sequence at all. I have been experiencing an increase in visions during prayer over the past year - which I most often share right here on this blog. But dreams!? No... rarely happens. So - when it DOES - I pay attention. Usually it is meaningful & the Lord is attempting to speak to me.

I remember probably about a decade ago going on vacation with some of our best friends. We were on our way to the beach & stayed overnight in a relatives condo. We put the kids to bed & stayed up all night talking about dreams & visions & we prayed & agreed that we all really wanted to have them. As I was drifting off to sleep that night I remember telling the Lord that I didn't really want any 'heavy' or 'dark' dreams... no warnings or intense, harsh revelations. I wanted a dream where Jesus would come & reveal Truth to me - but just happy, feel-good truth. I remember falling asleep when I heard Him speak to my spirit & say, "Well, then, my love - you are not ready for Dreams!" I remember feeling rather grateful that He could discern this as I fell into slumber. I woke up &, no surprise, I did not dream. No spiritual awakening or prophetic insight whatsoever?! In fact, we all sort of seemed rather disappointed that none of us had any Dream to share. That was years before I had encounters/visions with Jesus & angels & He began to speak through me prophetically. I do believe that that hunger & prayer spoken that evening planted seeds that grew into the harvest of giftings I know am open to & walk in. And yet, still... I rarely get Dreams!

I did last week... it was intense & heavy & harsh & I am sure dark, filled with a warning... but here's the deal: I don't remember much of it!? I know it was important!? In fact, I remember waking up thinking, "Hey - I should write this down!?" But I fell back asleep & when I awoke in the morning - details were already fuzzy & blurry... I did write down what I could remember... & I am praying that He will give me the same Dream again so I can get more clarity & details. That is usually how it works with me & Him. The few times I HAVE had a Dream - I trip on it for a few days & then He gives it to me again. Anyway - when & if I get more clarity - I will share it then! Let me just say that in the midst of it, even with all the chaos & stuff that was going on - I had such an expectant heart of Joy & Excitement... & in the end - I saw the Glory of the Lord break over the mountains that surround our Valley & fill the 'temple' where I was... in other words, it ended well! Which - in all honestly - may have been the message in & of itself!? Whatever it is that we are facing, or will be facing, we can rest assured that the Glory of the Lord is for us & it will end well!

A couple of nights after the original dream - I had another... don't remember a THING about it - but I woke up & said out loud, "17! There is something important about 17!" ??? OK!? Later on that night, I awoke & 'saw' in the Spirit "Jer 33:3" Great... super - wonderful verse! "Call to Me & I will answer you & show you great & mighty things, fenced in & hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of & understand)." The Amplified Bible.

So - Tuesday on my way to Prayer, I found myself just speaking & singing the Name of Jesus over & over... & suddenly, He was there in power. It was so intense & lovely. I found myself praying in the Spirit & then praying that we will move into a season of hearing & moving with boldness & without hesitation! That we would KNOW that we are His sheep & that we DO hear His Voice... I believe we are entering a time & season where we need to know that we hear Him & that we will obey immediately. We must break free from the spirit of Hesitation... (that is oh so closely related, I believe, to the spirit of Fear of Man!) We are coming into a time where He really WILL say, "Here is the way, walk in it!" He will guide us & instruct us on what to do, where to go, & what to say... as we discipline ourselves to hear & follow His lead! Of course, during the time of sharing/teaching - this was all confirmed.

Now - before I share the vision that I had on Tuesday, I want to include a portion of a Word that Bobby Conners shared via The Elijah List. This was a dream that God gave him & the vision that I had sort of evolved from his experience! My vision is an extension of his dream...


(Taken from a Dream that was shared in a Word from Bobby Conners via The Elijah List:)
"It is time to kiss the sword!"

I am standing in a large crowd of people, in a place which appears like a large hallway or passageway, much like a walkway in an airport terminal, but much larger. The people are standing around chatting and visiting. They seemed to be content simply to be standing around, going nowhere. Suddenly, about forty feet away, Christ Jesus appears. The people continue their idle chatter, seemingly unaware and oblivious of the Lord's approach. He is walking with resolve toward me with a big, brilliant, glorious sword in His right hand. His sword is glowing, gleaming, and razor sharp. He continues walking until He stops directly in front of me. Lifting the sword up high above His head, He says in a most compelling tone, "It is time to kiss the sword!" This is a strong directive and command. While speaking these words, He lowers the sword to His face and places it at His lips. He orders, "Kiss the sword!" I extend my face and lips, preparing to kiss the sword--which is placed flat against Christ's lips. As I lean forward to kiss the sword, He turns the sword so that the extremely sharp blades face His lips and mine. I am hesitant to continue to press my face and lips into the edge of the sharp, glistening sword. Knowing my reluctance, He says, "My grace is sufficient for you, and I bore the pain for you!" His Words stir deep within my soul, arousing strong confidence and assurance in my heart, releasing courage for me to continue to press my lips firmly against the razor-sharp sword. In spite of His reassuring promise of no pain, I have to war against my mind--it is not totally convinced that I will not be wounded, but will feel excruciating, unbearable pain.

Nevertheless, as the sword begins to penetrate, making its way into my lips, I felt only pleasure, not pain. So I press even harder, as my deepest longing is for my lips to meet the lips of the Master. My heart is filled with the plea of Song of Songs: "Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth, because His mouth is altogether lovely." I can feel a hot flow pouring forth from my lips. I know for sure that it is blood streaming down my chin and onto my chest: I can feel its warmth, as well as hear its splatter upon my feet and the floor. I am truly amazed and astounded, thinking I must be bleeding extremely badly.

Nevertheless, I feel absolutely no pain, only a deep unexplainable pleasure resulting in transcending peace. As I look down at my chest and feet to see what is flowing from my lips, it is not my blood at all, but rather, it has the appearance of flowing, glowing, liquid gold. The Lord says, "That is My glory--it is released by embracing the Spirit of Truth."

"He who loves purity of heart & has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend." Proverbs 22:11

So, during worship, I began to praise God & I went into an open vision where the Lord was before me, holding this Sword out to me. I knew, having read about this Dream the day before, that I was being called to Kiss the Sword. I hesitated because I was still not so sure that it would not, in the end, be the death of me. But, as I began to press in & kiss the sword, I too felt the moist fluid pour out of my mouth & kept my eyes closed. I pressed in further more, also feeling no pain... wanting to press against the Lord. I began to see this happening from a different perspective & I could see that not only was it Glory & not blood pouring forth, but that the blade of the Sword was actually cutting all the way through me. I was then split in half, & I was expecting to see Christ in me, revealed. However, what I saw was a mini-me if you will. It was smaller version of what was on the outside. At first I was shocked, & not a little disappointed. Then He began to speak to me about how He made me to be. He reminded me that He put gifts in me before I ever drew breath - & I would have walked in those whether or not I came to Him in salvation. He gifted me & called me regardless of whether or not I accepted Him. His love is unconditional & that is hard for us to remember & accept. (Not to mention dish out!) Christ looks in us, & He sees US... the way He intended for us to be! I believe that as we press in to Him, & allow His Glory to spill out of us & flow out to others, we will begin to see & accept the fact that He made us the way we are on purpose, for His great pleasure & delight!

We are not in need of all the STRIVING that has so often bound the Body!

It is not OUR righteousness... it is HIS righteousness in us.

It is not OUR holiness... it is HIS Holiness in us.

It is not OUR love, it is HIS Love in us.

Are we in need of repentance & turning away from sin?

Yes! Of course!

Is there a season to be separated & called away from the world to cut all those ties that bind?! Yes! Of course!

However, we are called to be IN the world, but not OF it.

So often, we like to be OF the world, & not IN it.

As this shaking within intensifies, our fleshly response will most often first be to cling to the Law. To cling to religion. To cling to what is 'safe' & 'right' & 'true'. However, I believe these things, or beliefs, are at the very core of WHY there needs to be a shaking in the first place!? As we experience correction from the Lord, & see the shaking all around us, let us be humbled to know that we are His Sheep & we hear His voice... let us find comfort in knowing that He is a personal God! He is speaking things to me, that He doesn't need to speak to you.

We find Grace because Grace Himself offers Himself for each of us!

And as we receive it & press into Him, "Kiss the Sword" & be willing to die,

His Glory & Love flow out from the depths of all

He has planted within us from the very beginning!!

I pray the Lord blesses you & calls you closer this week!

May He continue to extend His Sword to you, draw you into His Presence.

& allow His Liquid Gold... His Glory, & His Love to flow over & through you

to reach out & drench the world around you!

~Karrilee~

(You can read the entire Word from Bobby Conners at:

http://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word/4885 )

"Let Your Love Flow..."

Happy New Year!

I pray that you are all entering 2007 healthy, rested, & ready for all that He has for us in the coming months! I was thrilled... THRILLED I tell you, to get back to our regular routine and take my little one to school, head to the gym, and go on to my weekly Prayer Meeting today! I even saw glimpses of blue sky on my way there! It was wonderful! There was an underlying sense of belonging and excitement to meet not only with the ladies, but with the Lord again - on a regular schedule!

Our holidays were blessed and we enjoyed relaxing times and goofing around with friends and family and I was able to read a bit here and there and spend some time with the Lord - but I have to be real and be honest... I spent more time with my daughter than with Him the past two weeks... we had a grand time together and really enjoyed each others company and I am pretty sure that God is okay with that! But - all that said, I missed Him... and I know He missed me too! So - it was great to walk into that room again and know that He was just as excited to meet us there - and we were to meet Him!

So... first I wanted to define a few Key Words for the day... these are words that the Lord had put on my heart this morning...

Decree: an order usually having the force of law

Declare: to make known formally, officially, or explicitly; obsolete : to make clear; to make evident; to state emphatically, to Affirm

Contend: to strive or vie in contest or rivalry or against difficulties : Struggle; to strive in debate : Argue; to Maintain or Assert; to struggle for : Contest

We know that last year often times the Lord would remind us and call us to a season of Declaring and Decreeing things... we are continually hearing the Spirit of God tell us that we must take our land, stand out ground, and contend for that which the Lord has given or promised us! Now is a season of Contending!

One of the things brought forward this morning at prayer was the fact that God has given us dominion over the Earth! (Gen 1:26; Ps 115:14-18) We are called to rule and to reign in this earth - in this realm... God has given the earth to Man... we have dominion, power, and authority over it! We know that the Word of God is true and that it works... we have been learning to decree and declare things over our own lives... over situations and circumstances that are real to us - but that are personal. It has been good... hard at times... but a good visual and a good reminder that His Word is true and He can be trusted! Now - I believe - we will be entering a season where we will be called to Declare and Decree on a much larger scale. I am reminded of the verse that says, " He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much(Luke 16:10 NKJV) ." What has felt like 'little' - didn't seem little... until we see the 'much'! We were also reminded this morning of Mark 11:22-24. We are called to Declare and Decree out of a place of asking and believing! Faith will play a vital role in the days and months to come... but not in a "I've got it so I will be okay and you should have listened" kind of way... more in a fulfillment of that Nameless/Faceless word of years past! I believe God is raising up a people who will find themselves amazed at the level of Faith that they are able to stand in and point others too thanks to His Abundant Grace and Abiding Love!

As we entered into worship today, I saw this picture of a young Jesus observing Joseph at work in the Carpentry shop. As I watched this scene unfold, I heard the Lord explain it to me... basically, this is what He said:

We were, at one time, called to "Watch & See" - to learn the Family Business by watching God the Father and Jesus His Son at work. It was a learning season that required patience and observation. But now is the season and time for Hands On Training - to "Act & Move!" Just as Jesus watched Joseph, his earthly father, in the carpentry shop - that time was set aside for His benefit. He could observe and learn Joseph's character as well as his trade. But there came a time of maturity when Jesus had to pick up a hammer and learn hands on, how to Build. Just as was that season for Jesus, so are we called now to enter into a time of maturity where God the Father is calling us to build alongside Him and learn His business... to build His Kingdom!

At the end of this experience with the Lord, I heard a familiar tune... it took me a moment to place it and find the words to the song... but here they are... this is - I believe - a part of our call!

"Let Your Love Flow"

There's a reason for the sun shiny sky

And there's a reason why I'm feelin' so high

Must be the season

When that love light shines all around us

So let that feelin' grab you deep inside

And send you reelin' where your love can't hide

And then go stealin'

Through the summer nights with your lover

Just let your love flow

like a mountain stream

And let your love grow

with the smallest of dreams

And let your love show

And you'll know what I mean,

it's the season

Let your love fly

like a bird on the wing

And let your love bind you

to all living things

And let your love shine

And you'll know what I mean,

that's the reason

There's a reason for the warm sweet nights

And there's a reason for the candle lights

Must be the season

When those love rites shine all around us

So let the wonder take you into space

And lay you under its loving embrace

Just feel the thunder as it warms your face

You can't hold back

Just let your love flow
like a mountain stream
And let your love grow
with the smallest of dreams
And let your love show
And you'll know what I mean,
it's the season

Let your love fly
like a bird on the wing
And let your love bind you
to all living things
And let your love shine
And you'll know what I mean,
that's the reason.

I pray this week you will feel the power and Presence while you move from a season of Watching and Seeing - to Acting and Moving! Let your Love Flow...

Blessings,
~Karrilee~