Still Unplugged!

Well... it turns out it was not the hard drive... nor was it the Mother board that we thought... or the RAM... it may be the casing... ??!? All I know is my Computer Guy (Praise God - I even HAVE a "Computer Guy"!) keeps rolling his eyes and saying it is all because I have an E-Machine?! But - he is being terrific at re-piecing it together so in the end it will work (which will make me happy!) - and it will no longer actually BE an E-Machine - (which makes him happy!)

Until then - I have access to a computer next door - but really don't want to take too much time there... so I have not written much this week - at least not on the computer!

The Lord is speaking very clearly a few things to me - of which I must be honest and say I am not really liking... True - I move in the prophetic and yes - I am an intercessor... and yet - I do so love to encourage and uplift... no one wants to be like Jeremiah.... or others who bring bad news and God's warnings... I will continue to pray about what I feel God is speaking and once I have access back to my own computer - I will write a few more things...

Until then, may I suggest you read through Ezekiel... that is one of the areas He has me focused on... I have never been a fan of Ezekiel - it's a hard book for me to understand and I would love some feedback from you?!

Anyway - since I am limited in my writings - let me throw it back to you all... what have you been reading lately!? (In the Bible - or otherwise!?) What do you feel the Lord has been saying to you!?

Until next time!
~Karrilee~

Power Surge + Hard Drive = Crash (Repost)

Hey there... this is a repost from my other Blog... since I am borrowing a neighbor's computer... hopefully I will be back up and running soon! Until then... here is a little update!
~K~

Yep - it's true... Somehow - we had a power surge... or a drop in power... or something strange and out of the ordinary... and it caused my computer to die... at least (for the hard drive) it was a quick and painless death... however, for me... it is long and drawn out?! sniff, sniff...

Hello, my name is Karrilee, and I am a computer-holic! (Everyone says, "Hi, Karrilee!") It is true... I can barely go a few hours without doing SOMETHING on my computer... a little eBay... some CafePress work... a Blog or a Post... update my website... check e-mail... IM... type out a devotional or do an online Bible Study... not to mention uploading and editing photo's and playing games?! Oh my!? With the Computer in a central area in our home... it makes it super easy for me to sit down "...for just a sec'!" (much to my family's frustration!)

So... while I had PLANS to do all my normal stuff... well - I am in the process of buying a new hard drive and hoping and praying we can get at least SOME of my info off the dead - er - Old one?! (Fingers crossed, breath held, eyes closed... prayers being sent up...?!) We shall see?! Got that new Digital camera... and lucky for me I am a tad bit obsessive and caught up in scrapping because that means that even though I didn't back up my files... I have already scrapped the hard copies?! Yes... I know... see?! There are up sides to this compulsion of mine?!

On another note... we went to the Bone Specialist today to get new X-rays! My dh's hand is healing - and the surgeon still is saying surgery is not necessary... however it is still healing really slowly... he got a new cast and we'll go back in three weeks... even though it was a good report overall - the doctor also used '6-9 months' to him when talking about guitar playing... someone will die if it takes that long - I can tell you that right now! We are praying for a faster than normal recovery - AND we are praying about our vacation plans that we had for the month of August as well...

Anyway - this is my excuse... er - um - explanation for my absence the past few days!!! I will be back... soon hopefully! I am going through withdrawls... at least I can still have my Starbucks!?! It's not the end of the world YET!?

In faith - I will be back very soon!
Until then... Scrap On!
~Karrilee~

In Whom Do You Trust?

This morning as I was forcing my eyes open, and body to stretch and greet the day, I felt in my spirit a drawing to His heart... I so wanted to linger there in bed, letting my thoughts fill up with Who He is and how good our God is! I did soak in His Presence for a bit, before allowing the daily part of my day to crowd in to my thoughts and beckon me out of the warmth of my morning meeting.

I was getting ready for Tuesday prayer, and I was asking the Lord what it was He wanted to speak to me today... "Romans 10:14".... Hmmm?! OK - I am not sure exactly what that verse says... so - (being me - and the way I am with Him!) I said, "Lord - I would love for you to give me a Cross Reference here... even before I look up that verse... "Psalms 23:2-3" OK - that one I know... So - after brushing my teeth, off I go to look up my Scriptures... this is how they read:

"But how can people call for help if they don't know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven't heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it?" (Romans 10:14 The Message)

"He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake." (Psalms 23:2-3 Amplified)

Hmmm... yeah?! So - I read Romans 10:14 and, on my own - I would have Cross Referenced to Isaiah 6:8... but that is me... Since God Cross-Referenced me to Ps 23 I had to slow down and rethink it... When I prayed for more clarity - I was led to turn the page in my Bible and my eyes fell upon Psalms 22:4... In the Amplified Bible, it reads: "Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted (leaned on, relied on You, and were confident) and You delivered them."

Wow... OK - so - it is morning and I haven't yet had my coffee... but I am starting to see something here... Do you see it?! If you haven't read my previous post - you may want to stop here and go and read it... it ties in with what the Lord was telling me this morning...

As I wrote in the last post - I believe with all my heart that there is a new Season approaching... I believe it will be a Season of blessing and of walking into more of our Inheritance. Sometimes, Seasons change so quickly it is almost as if we did not expect it... but we know that the change is coming. I believe many in the Body have been going through Wilderness Seasons... to one extend or the other... some have been waiting so long for a new Season to come - they almost forgot what they were waiting for! ...and Suddenly, the change is fast approaching!

Instead of giving up on God... or your dreams, or goals, on your destiny... instead of sitting down at the foot of whatever mountain you are circling and saying "I just can't do it!"... what if - instead of doing that - you reminded yourself of His goodness... you reminded yourself of how He has shown up for you time and time again!? What if you reminded yourself that has really very little to do with you anyway - but it is all about Him... and He is well able and willing to do it! What if... those who you are trying to reach simply can't trust in Him because they have never known anyone to be Trustworthy... because they haven't heard us - in the Body - testify of His goodness for a long long while!?

We must - even in the midst of trials and mountains to climb - remind ourselves and others of the Goodness of God!!! We must speak it out loud!!! We must share with others how He has led us to green pastures... how He has made us to lie down and rest... and how He restores and refreshes us in our times of need... it builds our own faith when we remember.... and it reaches out to those who are in the dark and it offers them a glimpse of Light... a glimpse of Hope...

"How can people call for help if they don't know who to trust?" That is how The Message translation puts it!? Good question! If we, in the Body - who should KNOW who to trust in - are not relying on, and trusting in Him... if we are not remembering His Faithfulness and Goodness and Mercy...then how will they learn to do it?

So many times, I have felt the Lord speak to me and say, "Just Speak to that Mountain!" There is power in that... and sometimes, ya know what!? I just have to speak to myself... I have to HEAR it in my own voice and allow that faith and steadfastness to rise up within me as I speak His word forth... He tells us that His Word will never return to Him Void... but it will accomplish that which He set it out to accomplish... That encourages me to no end because I know - I mean I KNOW with all that I am - that what He desires to accomplish - in me - is for my best and for His Glory! That realization alone can give me strength to stand strong... to walk taller, and to speak louder...

If you are facing a mountain of trouble... or feel like you have rounded the corner to find the same landscape before you, yet again - let me encourage you to stand...having done all... & remind yourself of His faithfulness... to you, personally... to His people... to those you know... Read some old prayer requests and see how He has answered them... research modern day miracles... better yet - get out the Word of God and feed on it today - fill up on the Bread of Life and feel your faith rise and your witness improve!

You see... someone is watching your walk with the Lord! Someone is waiting and watching and seeing how you handle the situation before you. How will they call for help... Who will they trust in... let me encourage you to tell them how He has led you to lie down in green pastures and how He has refreshed and restored your soul... even in the midst of a battle! How He continues to lead and guide you on the right path... not just because you are good or you do what is right... because - let's be honest here - you don't - not all the time - none of us do! Part of this new Season is gonna require us to take off our masks and stop all our pretending to have it all together... it is a Season of getting Real... with God - and with each other!

So - God is not working on your behalf because He likes you best or because you do everything right... He does it for "His name's sake." He is no respecter of persons... we need to Remember His Goodness... we need to Remind ourselves of His Faithfulness... and we need to tell those around us with Words AND with Deeds that the God we serve is Good, Faithful and Trustworthy... He has Mercy and Forgiveness...Guidance and Blessing ready and waiting!

I pray you will remember to Speak out Loud this week! To yourself... to God... to others... to the enemy... stir up that gift of Faith and allow Him to lead you!

Blessings,
~Karrilee~

"My Deliverer is Coming..."

I can't tell you how much I love that song... I think it is a Rich Mullins song - but when that children's choir joins in and sings, "My Deliverer is coming... My Deliverer is standing by..." I get goose bumps every time!

For a few weeks now - the Lord has been leading me to read Psalm 114. I 'see' it when I am driving... and I hear it in my prayer time... I have even heard the voice of the Lord recite it to me in those morning moments between sleep and awake... I have to be honest... I had to soak in it for a bit to understand. I read through it several times and wasn't quite sure I knew what He was trying to tell me. I have felt for some time that the Season was about to change... and it would be for the better! I must say however that the Season we have been in has been good... through the years I have come to learn to appreciate where I am and where He is taking me... even if I can't see that far ahead of my feet!

Let me first share with you this short and powerful Psalm... here is it:

"When Israel went out of Egypt, The house of Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah became His sanctuary, And Israel His dominion. The sea saw it and fled; Jordan turned back. The mountains skipped like rams, The little hills like lambs. What ails you, O sea, that you fled? O Jordan, that you turned back? O mountains, that you skipped like rams? O little hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the God of Jacob, Who turned the rock into a pool of water, The flint into a fountain of waters." (NKJV)

OK - so - you can see why I was not immediately enlightened and excited about this portion of Scripture that God seemed to so heavily put on my heart! I would read it over and over and think - OK - I get it... it's about remembering His faithfulness... and it is... and yet I knew there was more! Psalm 114 is in fact one of the "Hallel Psalms" - and were used at the feasts of Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacle, and Dedication. This Psalm is a call to Praise...it is a reminder of all that God has done for 'us'. It also reminds us that He is not yet finished!

Our God - the Creator of the Universe - has our back - so to speak! The waters of the Red Sea did not panic and shrink back due to the multitude of slaves before her... but due to the fact that the Creator of all was carrying out His plan for them - and the sea would not get in His way! Their Deliverer was standing by - and He was at work on their behalf to help them to cross over to the other side! Forty years later... after the Wilderness time - the Jordan River also halted it's flow and provided dry ground for Crossing over to the Promised Land!

As I studied this Psalm - I learned that the Red Sea passage typifies our Redemption from the world by God's power through identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection! The crossing of the Jordan speaks of deliverance from wilderness wandering and entering into our spiritual inheritance, again through Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. (Believer's Bible Commentary - William MacDonald)

We are about to Cross Over - so to speak - into our Inheritance... into the Season that will bring about our greatest destiny and our greatest triumphs! In the midst of trying to comprehend what the Lord was trying to say to me, our family had an unexpected mountain arise and we were forced to deal with things we are not used to or accustomed to. On the surface, (literally), it looked bad... the enemy was having himself a TIME messing around in our thoughts and sowing fear... however, I remembered this Psalm and I read it again and I saw that God was all powerful and He was faithful to that little ragtag team of slaves that He called His own! That is the same God that I serve today... He is the same yesterday, today, and forever - and nothing is too difficult for Him!

I think that MANY in the Body of Christ have felt like they have been in the Wilderness... going around one mountain or the other - over and over and over and never quite able to get a glimpse of that Promised Land. Whatever it is you have been believing for, or standing on, or desiring of the Lord - your Promised Land is on it's way! We are about to enter a season of blessing and of carrying with us a greater measure of the Presence of God... and in turn - we will see many set free and many will cross over with us!!!

Well, I believe that the Lord was trying to show me - or remind me - that this new Season is about to begin - and it will be greater than the seasons of the past... we will step into more of our Inheritance than ever before!!! ... it is the Season that will find us facing the River Jordan... and seeing dry ground come into focus at our shore-lined feet... Look up - for your redemption draweth nigh! Look up - you can almost SEE that 'Promised Land' approaching!!

Sing with me...
"I will never doubt His promise, though I doubt my heart, I doubt my eyes...
My Deliverer is coming... My Deliverer is standing by!!!"
~Karrilee~

Our Freedom isn't Free!

(I am reposting this from my other Scrapbook related Blog... )

Ahhh... How we love and are thankful for our Freedom! This being 4th of July - we have plenty of photo opportunities - and lots that we can scrapbook... from BBQ get togethers, to swimming, to games, and of course fireworks!!! I encourage you, however, to also include some journaling or a photo that captures and explains the feelings that are stirred up in you as you celebrate Independence Day!

I was not raised in a overly patriotic home. My parents did not serve in the military, although my Grandfather was a war hero - among the small group of men who personally took out Hitler... We were raised to be thankful for living in America... and to know that it was a great country and we had opportunities offered to us that others around the world did not have. It was as an adult, though, that I began to really fall in love with America, her foundation, and her history. It is true. Much to my own surprise, I have become a patriotic 'nerd'. I cry at the National Anthem or "God Bless America"... I get a reverantial awe come over me at the raising of the Flag... and after 9/11 - whenever I see military people, firemen, and police officers, my hand goes over my heart as my lips silently move in a prayer for them... for protection, and for thanksgiving! Instead of writing something myself today... I wanted to share an article that I received via e-mail this morning! It says it all... and I simply add "Amen!"

Enjoy, and Happy 4th of July!~Karrilee~

The Star-Spangled Banner by Kenneth Copeland June 14 is the day Americans celebrate the flag which symbolizes our liberty and freedom as a nation. Each year the president proclaims Flag Day and encourages all citizens to fly the American flag outside their homes and businesses. Many states hold special celebrations and observances, and people are encouraged to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to our great nation: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands: one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.Since September 11, 2001, many Americans have rediscovered the importance of flying the flag as a symbol of hope, determination and national unity in the face of the threat of danger. The true spirit of America—one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all—is being restored. The history of our flag began June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress issued a resolution establishing an official flag for the United States to express liberty and separation from Great Britain. It has undergone some changes over the years, but the basic design has remained the same with alternating red and white stripes and a rectangular blue field containing white stars in the upper corner near the staff. I've heard it said that the red stripes represent the stripes Jesus bore for us and the blood He shed, the white represents the purity of the new birth, and the blue represents the truth of the Word of God. I believe that. Sometimes called the Stars and Stripes, the flag is a powerful symbol for our nation. It is not a political symbol, but rather, it represents a mighty and free people—the freest people on the face of the earth. It represents all that is good, sacred and godly in this country. Our flag is a standard of liberty and freedom, and that includes above all, the freedom to worship God as a Christian nation. Isn't that what the founding fathers came here for? Isn't that what many of them fought and died for? The freedom to worship and praise God has never been cheap. It cost Jesus His life. It cost a lot of other people their lives too. Our flag represents those who shed their blood for freedom—including Jesus. That's why Satan hates the banner called Old Glory. He hates it the way he hates the Constitution. He hates it the way he hates God. And he hates it the way he hates the blood and the Name of Jesus. Satan hates Old Glory's guaranteed freedoms. It has always been God's plan to have a nation where the glory of God could be sown and nurtured, from which His glory could spread throughout the whole earth. That nation would have to be a nation where all people could freely praise and worship Him. Why? Because God inhabits the praises of His people, and His glory is in His presence. Our flag represents a nation where men and women are not only free, but they can also worship and praise God without fear. "Conquer We Must, When Our Cause It Is Just" A number of years ago God began to deal with me about ministering "The Star-Spangled Banner" to people. He told me it is actually a psalm—an ode, or poem from the Spirit of God, set to melody. When I began to study "The Star-Spangled Banner" and looked into the heart of the man who wrote it, I discovered that Francis Scott Key wasn't trying to write a national anthem, although that is what it became. Rather, as an eyewitness to a historic battle, he wrote his testimony during a time of war when men had decided they would rather die for freedom than live under tyranny. It so happened that during the War of 1812, Mr. Key, a lawyer, sailed to the British fleet to negotiate the release of a captured American. That night, detained by the British on a ship in the harbor, he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry. As the battle raged and the sky filled with smoke from the shelling, Francis Key kept his eyes on the Stars and Stripes until the sun went down and it was no longer visible. Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?All night, through this critical battle, he had his eyes fastened on the place where that standard flew. The question in his mind, as important as the battle itself, was: Is the flag still there? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.The flash and glow of the rockets interrupted the black of night to reveal welcome glimpses of the Stars and Stripes. Then in an instant, everything went quiet. Smoke hung in the air. The sun had not yet come up. Francis Scott Key didn't know if the flag was still there or not. He ends the first verse by asking God: Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?Are we still a nation? Are we still a free people? There was not another free nation on the face of the earth. Some people even considered the establishment of this country to be an experiment that would fail. I imagine that throughout the night, these kinds of thoughts were rolling around in this lonely man's spirit and in his mind: Oh God, if that flag is not still there when the sun comes up, this thing is all over. There won't be a free nation anywhere. But it has to be, Lord...it must stand as the home of the free and the brave. Surely God would help this nation to stand strong as the ragtag army of courageous farmers and churchgoers dared to go up against the most powerful, best-equipped expeditionary force on the face of the earth. These were people of faith who were not moved by the odds. They were not moved by what they could see. They were moved by what they believed—and they believed they were already free as of the day the Declaration of Independence of 1776 was signed. They fought the fight of faith and praise as well as the fight of war. Throughout the war with Great Britain, Congress declared days of fasting and prayer and encouraged Americans to seek God's help in the battle for freedom. They were careful to declare days of thanksgiving and praise when God intervened and blessed them with victories. Once more during the battle at Fort McHenry, God honored their faith and the colonists stood strong against the enemy. As the smoke cleared at dawn, Francis Key was thrilled to find the beloved American flag still flying high, proclaiming victory for all to see. Historians report that the sight of that majestic flag inspired the words which became "The Star-Spangled Banner." Francis Scott Key was a man of faith, and I believe he learned something as he witnessed the fierce battle that was ultimately between freedom and oppression. I'm certain he meditated throughout the night about what the outcome of that fight would mean to our infant country. The words of the song give us insight into what was going through his mind. I believe Mr. Key began formulating these words during the night and that the last verse was the answer of his faith. He could not see the flag—except by faith. Spirit-inspired prophetic utterance came out of his mouth: Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's desolation! Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.As relevant as Francis Scott Key's words were then, they are even more so today. We must not forget to praise the One who has given us our nation. We must not forget to praise the One who has given us peace. We must not forget to praise the One who has given us the victory during wars to keep America free, to keep the glory alive, to keep the Word alive, to keep the Name of Jesus on the lips of its citizens throughout this whole North American continent! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: "In God is our trust." And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!Thank God, we're free and our trust is in God. He has preserved us as a nation and will continue to do so. If our cause is just, we will always triumph. And our most powerful symbol of freedom, the Star-Spangled Banner, will continue to wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave...forever!

Jesus With Skin On...

Hey there...

Once again, I went to my Tuesday morning Prayer meeting and met with a bunch of women whom I honestly hardly know, but thoroughly love... We meet together with our Lord and spend some time just soaking in His Presence... and so what we DO know about each other is more intimate and real than a lot of other friendships that are not rooted in and based on prayer!

As I was getting ready, I felt the Lord lead me to pray Romans Chapter 8. Now - I LOVE Romans Chapter 8... it was one of the first entire chapters of scripture I memorized... I love it almost as much as Romans Chapter 12 or John 15!!!! It is great! As I was praying this chapter over myself, my family, and these ladies... I felt impressed to really focus in on what our Focus is... Is it a Restful, Trusting focus on Him, or is it a Striving, Exhausting focus on Him (and all the other stuff too!)? When we face trials or struggles - who do we see and where is Jesus in it all?

I was reading a word from Rick Joyner off of the Elijah List and a quote from him kept coming back to me during prayer: "For those who keep the High Purpose of the Kingdom in their hearts and motives, this transition will be easy." I also remembered talking to a friend and she was in the midst of transition, and we joked that what she really wanted was for the Lord to make it easy! We started singing that to the tune of "Take it Easy" by the Eagles... anyway - yes, Lord! That is what we want... Make it Easy.... and we know that with You, nothing is impossible... with You, and Your perspective - it can be easy! However, when our focus becomes strained and challenging, and our perspectives become all our own - well - we can tend to kick against the goads! ("...It is dangerous and turns out badly for you to keep kicking against the goads [to keep offering vain and perilous resistance]." Acts 26:14b Amplified)

We've all done it... we know in the back of our minds, or the base of our heart that we are just creating more friction by digging our heels in, or wanting to know MORE of the story before we are willing to step out in faith... we all - from time to time - have kicked against the goads. Our flesh rises up and we do not want those goads to keep pricking and poking at us... however - they are there to keep us on track... it is our vain and perilous resistance but in the end (Praise God) it will not stop and let us get off course!

During our prayer meeting it seemed that the Lord had us focused on the men in our church, and in our lives... we have soaked in His Presence and heard Him tell us what He thinks of us, and Whose we are... now it is time for us to begin to speak those things over our husbands, and pastors, and brothers, and sons... I believe that there is a move that is about to come upon the men in the Body of Christ that will usher in a new level of intimacy and a new level of freedom... So often, even our Godly men, will willingly take a step back and let us 'more spiritual' women do the battling in prayer and move in the Spirit. We are more in tune and in touch and they love that about us... maybe even secretly long to move and hear the same way. Well - the Father's heart longs for them to move in that as well and He is about to open up the hearts of our men... redirect their attentions and focus and begin to flow through them in intimate and powerful ways... I believe we will see Couples rise up in ministry at an even pace, with complimenting anointings that will work off of each other and flow through each of them in love... we forget that God is both male and female and He will redeem and restore His original purpose in wholeness... both male and female together! Husbands and Wives, Men and Women, Brothers and Sisters... working and ministering in unity and in one accord!

Last week the Lord spoke to me about being Ladies in Waiting... and this week I believe I got a bigger revelation of that. We serve the Lord and are called to serve one another as well! As we face trials and strain (in our marriages, children, work, etc.) we want to see His face and willingly serve Him as we take care of the situations and relationships at hand. We so often talk about wanting to BE 'Jesus with skin on' to others... but what would happen if we could learn to allow others - even the ungodly in our lives - to be Jesus with skin on for us? By that, I mean - what would happen if, when our flesh rises up against someone in the natural, we were to stop and pray and ask the Lord to allow us to see them as He sees them... as they are right now - in that situation - wounded & broken... and how He sees them when He is finished with them - healed & whole! I know that I am aware when I go out that many times people who may not 'hear' what I have to say about Jesus - will 'see' Him through me... I have prayed that prayer many times, "Lord - I want to be Jesus with Skin on to them... so they can see You and not me and know that You love them!" But - doesn't the Scripture tell us that Jesus said that whatever we have done to the least of them, we have done to Him!?

So, who is the "least of them" to you!? In all honesty - who is it that you are completely real with and often treat as the least of them - whether on purpose or unaware?! So often, the 'least of them' unfortunately are the ones we feel the safest with - the ones we feel we can be real with and not have to worry about a good impression... sadly - often times - the 'least of them' are really the ones who mean the most to us?! So - what would happen if whether it be a stranger or a soul mate - the next time your own rights want to rise up and speak out - you stopped to get a glimpse of them through the eyes of Jesus... what would happen if the next time 'they' requested something of you - you stopped and imagined it was the Lord asking... would you do it willingly for Him!? Would you gladly serve Him and meet His needs and desire to honor and bless Him!?

"...Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Matt 25:34-40 NKJV

I do still want to be "Jesus with skin on" to others around me... but I am determined to discipline my flesh the next time I feel my rights being stepped on - or someone asking just one more thing from me... I will stop and pray and serve the Lord... I am His Lady in Waiting, and what He wants or needs, I will determine to do. Does this mean I am going to be a doormat?! No, that is not what the Lord asks of us... Praise God! However, He has called us to love others as we love ourselves... how much easier will that be if we can remember that maybe, just maybe, the person in front of us is 'Jesus with skin on' and they are unaware! We need to live according to the Spirit and not according to the Flesh! It is much easier to do that outside when we allow ourselves that 'down time' at home - and yet - at home is where we should love and prefer one another all the more!

So - pray through this Chapter with me today... and know that God will give us insight and the ability to allow HIS love and grace (not our own!) to flow into those situations facing us in the coming days!!!

I am claiming this chapter for myself and my family... I encourage you to pray it over your own household as well!

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Therefore, brethren (sisters), we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “ For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I pray you will be 'Jesus with skin on' to those around you this week... and that in the midst of trials - you will get a glimpse of 'Jesus' standing in front of you - and offer grace!

Blessings,
~Karrilee~

A View from the Top!

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear! My, how I know that to be true!

You see, I was raised with the spirit of fear, 'he' is very familiar to me! I feel that God has delivered me from so many ties that bind and has brought me oh so far from where I began... but isn't it just good to know that He is never satisfied with us being just a little freed?! He wants us Free - completely, utterly, entirely - Freed from all the bondage and lies of the enemy... He wants to be our only Stronghold!

"The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 NIV

I am blessed to have a husband, and a Lord (two different People) who BOTH love me unconditionally - and yet are willing to push me to step out of my comfort zone and experience a greater freedom that I have yet to know and/or walk in. Sometimes they are gentle and kind... and sometimes (BOTH of them) are easily on my nerves and find me stubborn and unwilling. You see, the enemy can trick me into thinking I have come far enough! I am more free than I was before... less afraid of things and more willing (uh... usually!) to step out than a few years ago... and yet - still - they want me to have more! See - I forget that maybe they DO know... but to me - in my own thinking - (which is heavily influenced by the one who would have me bound) I have come quite far and feel pretty good about things - just the way they are!

After all - I drive myself, I take road trips on my own, I sleep when my husband is driving on the highway, I have flown, I do public speaking, I have been on a boat, and a ferry, I married a man - trusting him with my heart... and I gave birth - and lived to tell about it... you see - these were fears I had that could have easily stopped me from truly living! Jesus told us He came that we may have Life, and Life ABUNDANTLY! When we allow ourselves to be bound by fear - we simply do not know that abundance of living that we are missing! I still battle with fear from time to time - but overall I normally feel like I know where it comes from, I know how to do battle against it, and I am good to go...

And then one of my Men (either the LORD or Dave - or both - which can be exhausting!!!) will attempt to push me to yet another cliff and see if I will trust them. How is that we can even know that our fears are not of God - and are irrational - and yet we can still hold on to them like a security blanket and not want to let them go!? I have a few biggies left... fear of heights, fear of water (actually being ON the water - or worse yet - IN it - unwillingly), and of course - that old familiar fear of man/public opinion that we all battle from time to time!

My husband decided that - as a family - we were going to go on a short weekend getaway! He had it set in his mind and would not make room for my fear to come along! He had planned the weekend, took the day off of work, and booked a hotel... we were - as a family - going to go to Seattle Center and have lunch in the Space Needle. It would be great... we'd have a blast and remember it forever. "It will be FUN!" he insisted. 'Hmmm... that's ONE word for it,' I thought.

The thing is - I knew that I would go... and as bound as I may be... I am determined not to pass on these irrational fears to my daughter! So the thought of having a Break Down in public - in front of my kid - was enough to be willing to press through it. I asked for prayer and planned on going... hoping that I would find courage to at least ride up the elevator to the Observation Deck. I still wasn't so sure about staying long enough to have lunch... but I thought if I made it up - who knows?! I was planning on living Life Abundantly - one small step at a time!

It was a gorgeous clear blue sky day in Seattle... we arrived in time to walk around and enjoy Seattle Center... I was stunned to notice that I was not even nervous... I would not allow my thoughts to give over to fear, but had little battle left to do once we were there! We checked in, and began to get on the elevator - when I began to pray in the Spirit. It was really more out of habit - trying to battle the fear, when I realized - "hmm?! I am really still not afraid!?" It was a confusing realization and I quickly stopped praying and just felt His Peace and was able - as one friend prayed - to see all of His beauty as we rode up to the top! Needless to say - we enjoyed walking around outside the O-Deck and taking a ton of pictures. Our waitress said that it hadn't been this clear for weeks! You could see forever... Lunch was indeed a family memory we will all cherish and as we took the elevator down, I was thankful for the blessing of Peace... of Perfect Love that truly did cast out Fear! (I did - however - feel a wee bit nauseous by the end of lunch - with the room spinning and all!) I made it up and back down without irrational thoughts or staggering fears to stop me from living Abundantly that day. No small steps were needed!

While I am not ignorant enough to think that the battle is over... I have yet one more testimony that I can recall and remember... one more reason to remind myself that God is for me... that He will not leave me or forsake me... and that His Perfect Love - truly can - and does - cast out all Fear! From SkyCity... to the Depths of the sea... His Love is enough!

I pray you will find Him pushing and pulling you to step out and experience more of His Love in the days to come! May He be kind, and gentle - and ever so insistent on your Freedom and your Abundant Living!

Blessings,
~Karrilee~

~ Ladies In Waiting ~

Ladies In Waiting...

This morning as I should have been preparing to go to my Prayer Meeting (spiritually AND physically!) I got side tracked in an online Women's Bible Study I am doing at EmergingLife.org

The study is based on "Becoming a Woman of Excellence" and this weeks lesson was based on Self Control... or more accurately - not giving way to our own emotions and feelings - but to seek out the Will and Way of the Lord! I had spent the morning reading various Scriptures in the book of Psalms, as well as Lamentations chapter 3. I realized it was time to go - with not much time for me to get ready to actually go! I normally spend some time in prayer and worship beforehand - even if it's just in the car on the way there - to ask the Lord what He has planned for us as we meet together... today - I honestly just didn't even think of it in my rush to arrive close to on time?!

I came in and the leader was sharing from Proverbs 24. Verse 5 & 6 say: "A wise man is strong and is better than a strong man, and a man of knowledge increases and strengthens his power;
For by wise counsel you can wage your war, and in an abundance of counselors there is victory and safety." (Amplified) She was talking about how this verse blessed her when she read it and immediately thought of us - this little group of wise women, wise counsel, abundance of counselors... After some time in worship and talking, we began talking about how attacked many have felt the past week... how things have come at us seemingly out of nowhere and attempted to knock us off our feet! I thought again of Lamentations 3. Jeremiah starts out declaring his battered and bruised perspective based on his feelings and emotions. He goes on and on about how he feels about his situation and where he thinks God may be in it all... it does not put God in a favorable light! Then, in verse 20 and 21 he reminds himself and he has hope in God! He reminds himself of truths and testimonies he has had with the Lord!

As I read on, Lamentations says: "It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness. The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him. The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God's word]. It is good that one should hope in and wait quietly for the salvation (the safety and ease) of the Lord." (Lamentations 3:22-26 Amplified)

I heard in my spirit the Lord say, "You are a Lady in Waiting... No! You are MY Lady in Waiting!" Hmmm?! OK!? I am familiar with the saying - but didn't quite know the exact meaning. I came home and looked it up... The Definition of A Lady in Waiting is: "A lady of a court appointed to serve or attend a queen, princess, or royal duchess." I am not all the way clear on this - but I believe that it ties in to what I shared toward the end of the meeting... we are called to be a Body - to be united... we are in a Season where I believe the Lord is asking us to be real with each other - no more games and masks... if you are in need of something - I need to know about it to help you out... and vice versa! We belong to a large church and it is hard to feel connected - but that is where relationships grow and faith is encouraged! We are called to come alongside each other and be honest with each other... to stand together - shoulder to shoulder and make a united front as the battle approaches!

I am sure the Lord will continue to speak to me about being HIS Lady in Waiting... I know it is all about serving Him... but I do believe it is also about serving those around us as well... as if we were serving Him! I pray that you will have a quiet moment or two this week to Wait on Him... to seek His wise counsel, and that it will bring you victory and safety!

Blessings,
~Karrilee~

Watch & See

I have not written in awhile... summer has officially come to our household and all my normal routines are out the window for awhile! It's a nice change and one I relish on my porch swing in the morning while the kids are still asleep, or in the afternoon when I get to play along with whatever games they are up to... there is extra laughter & cuddles & joy! (...& extra noise, & mess, & 'boredom' it seems?!)

I must confess, however, that in this Season I find I must discipline myself that much more to hear clearly from the Lord and not get caught up in all my daily living! The last time I was at Prayer, I had a vision of two angels - both standing guard inside our meeting place, one at each door... One was a Warrior Angel - in full battle wear, and the other was a Worshipper, gentle & emotional in his worship. I noticed at the time that as one would stand tall - drawing his Sword up over his head and seemingly battling in the spirit, the other would bow down in prayer. Then - the Warrior would bow down and the Worshipper would stand tall and lift his hands toward heaven, and do his warring by singing out praises to the King! I was awed to notice that at all times, the Angels had their Wings spread open, which created a covering over all of us at the meeting. I heard in my spirit the Lord's voice and He said, "I am about to Draw a Line in the Sand... watch and see..." I felt that the significance was not so much in the line drawn - as it was in the tag team efforts of the Angels at hand... moving from warring, to worshipping, and back again - mixing in prayer! Therein lies the key. I believe that there is a Shaking that is happening now - within the church... Truths we would have fought for yesterday are now being revealed to be no truth at all... beliefs we held to strongly with all of our hearts are now having light shed upon them - as well as more Grace from God... We are being tried and tested to see if what we SAY we believe, is truly what we act upon in the midst of shaking.

I honestly believe that now is the time that the enemy will attempt to sneak into your thoughts at a faster pace and try to re-enact Job over this generation! We MUST, in this hour, take up our Shield of Faith... put on the whole Armor of God - and stand firm against the spirit of fear. What Job greatly feared came upon him. Did it go through the Lord's hand? Of course! He had faith in Job's faith in Him... God knew Job would fair well in the end... but it was Job's fear that brought on the onslaught and opened the door of access to the enemies request and attacks!

Shaking is coming - yes - but do not give place for fear! When you feel shaken - Praise Him! Remind yourself of times past where God has shown up for you and proven Himself Faithful! Get into the Word of God and stir up those memory verses from long ago... read them aloud and stand firm on their foundation!

The voice of the Lord said, "Watch and See". I do not think He is simply going to be satisfied to Draw that line and see us rise up to not be pushed back... I am quite certain that within His plan - He has some 'recovering-stolen-land' in mind! I believe that once we rise up and stand firm, we will be called to not be on the defensive in this battle - but to march forward, taking back the land in an offensive battle against the devil himself!

Rise Up! Watch & See! War & Worship! ...Oh, and don't forget to PRAY!
Standing with you in Him,
~Karrilee~

To Dwell or not To Dwell...

Dwell...

This one, simple word has been repeated and brought up to me again and again in the past few weeks... whether it be in my own prayer time or Bible reading... or at a Prayer meeting, or in a sermon on TV... it was spoken on a commercial, sung in a song, and whispered in my spirit...

Maybe, just maybe... God is trying to say something?!

According to Websters Dictionary, 'dwell' is a Verb - an action word... and it's definition is: "1 : to remain for a time 2 a : to live as a resident b : EXIST, LIE 3 a : to keep the attention directed b : to speak or write insistently." This definition astounds me... for every aspect of it I am able to personalize and see how God is calling me to "Dwell" in or through certain things!

To Dwell or not to Dwell... that is the question! We all know that we 'should'.... and yet - our days get filled up and our calendars overwhelmed... and days and weeks may go by before we realize we have forgotten to 'dwell'... to remain for a time... to live as a resident... to keep our attention directed on the Lord! We all do it... and there is grace for it! But - then... this is where it can get sticky for me... I so do not want to fall back into religion, and yet - my hearts desire is to Dwell with Him more and more. I know He is calling me, and calling you, to a deeper walk with Him - where we Dwell more consistently, without the trappings of religion & lack of grace.

The thing that amazes me is that even in this - this call to Dwell with Him... He is willing and wanting to meet us halfway! He desires to Dwell with us, as much or more so than we desire to dwell with Him! Some of these Scriptures speak of our dwelling... and some speak of His!

I pray that as you read through these verses, God will stir in your heart to come away with Him and simply 'Dwell' for awhile! am off with my husband for a weekend retreat of sorts with two other couples... it is something we do a few times a year and we so look forward to it! It gives us a chance to relax and visit, catch up, and pray... laugh, and worship, and just refuel! I plan on doing a little Dwelling of my own this weekend...

To help get you stirred up to do the same, here are just a few of the Scriptures He has put in front of me the past few weeks...

"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." Ex 15:13 NKJV

"Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place." ~Psalm 23:6 Amplified

"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple." ~Psalm 27:4 Amplified

"Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me. 8 The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me— A prayer to the God of my life." ~Psalm 42:7, 8 NKJV

"How lovely is Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she may lay her young— Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You. Selah. Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah. O God, behold our shield, And look upon the face of Your anointed. For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!" ~Psalm 84 NKJV

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." ~Psalm 91:1 NKJV

“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the LORD." Zech 2:10 NKJV

"If you will walk in My ways, and if you will keep My command, Then you shall also judge My house, and likewise have charge of My courts; I will give you places to walk among these who stand here. " Zech 3:7 NKJV

and finally...

I pray that you will "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16 NKJV)

Blessings,
~Karrilee~

Free Us, Oh Lord!

"Free us, Oh Lord!!!"

This is what I keep hearing in my spirit... I cannot shake it! A few weeks ago, on my way to a prayer meeting, the Lord gave me a Song. He had given me this 'tune' in Intercession a few months ago. In fact, I hummed the tune literally for HOURS. The tune was SO familiar to me, but I can't place it or know the words. That day on my way to prayer, I had been praying in the Spirit and then began singing words... it was only later that I realized that is was the same tune!


"Free us, Oh Lord! Free us, Oh Lord! Free us, Oh Lord, to be with You!
Free us, Oh Lord - from our inhibitions, from fear of man, instead of God, from lies & deceptions. Free us, Oh Lord! Free us, Oh Lord! Free us, Oh Lord, to be with You!
Free us, Oh Lord - from our own perspectives, our misconceptions, & ties that bind, from sickeness & diseases..."

The words kept coming... of course - I was driving and didn't write them all down! This morning as I was preparing to meet with a friend, the same tune came back to me and the words changed to "Heal us, Oh Lord..." It is, I believe, a song of intercession... You have to know that I am not musical... I can not sing - at least not well - and have not ever attempted to write lyrics to a song or anything. That is my husband's gifting and he is anointed in worship and writing. But this thing is bigger than me - and is tied to intercession... I believe it is lining up with His will for us when I begin to sing out these words... these are all things that He is desiring to do within each of us... to Free us, to be with Him... to Heal us, to live for Him...

This is a Sound from Heaven... and if He will do it for me, He will do it for you! I pray that He puts a new song in your heart and gives you your own song of intercession that will call forth healing & wholeness... ultimately releasing that Abiding Love & Abounding Grace!

~Karrilee~

How Many Hats Do You Wear?

How many hats do you wear?! Metaphorically speaking, that is?! What all is on your plate that simply doesn't all fit into one day!? How many things do you juggle, trying to keep your priorities straight and your list of things to do continually being marked off?

I went through a season not too long ago that I loved hats! I loved all kinds and styles and colors and textures... I wore hats all the time... special occasion? I had a hat for that! Running to the grocery store or out to a game... got a hat for that too!!! I just loved hats! It quickly changed though from wearing my hats, to merely collecting them (so that I could maybe wear them later?!) As I am going through "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldridge, the Lord is speaking to me - to us all - about the Beauty He has poured out over us! Inner & outer Beauty... we all should and do possess both! The question is... do we 'wear' this Beauty He has placed within us?

I am comfortable in the knowledge of intimacy with God. I know and understand that He desires me and that I bring Him joy. However, due to my own history and the familiar ways the enemy attacks me personally, I am most comfortable in thinking He loves me because of the inner working of His Spirit. You see, I spent my childhood very aware of the 'outward appearance' of things... I spent much time working on the outside and it wasn't until I was a new Christian at the ripe old age of 21 that I even thought of what may be going on on the inside of me. When I ran across the verse In 1 Samuel that says that God doesn't look on the outward appearance as man does - but He looks on the heart... my first reaction was, "Oh NO!??!?" I had some serious work to do... and luckily, by His Grace, we did it together... and continue to do so! I spent much of my early years as a new Christian pouring things into my heart and paying attention to that inward part of me that God was looking at! As a new wife, and then a new Mom, I found the inner work to be rewarding - and my focus on my outward appearance lessened. This was good... but not necessarily balanced!

The other day, as I was in prayer, I felt the Lord's Presence over me very strong... I knew He was wooing me and I did feel nearly dizzy by His Presence. Then I heard Him say, "I LIKE you, Karri, because of all we have in common! I enjoy your company, because you make me laugh, and we love the same things - that is what makes us Friends..." (AAaahhhh = that is SO SWEET!) But - He wasn't done... He went on to say "...But I LOVE you because you are MINE... and because you are Beautiful! There are things about you that draw my attention and stir my heart for you... inside and out!" Wow! OK... that makes sense - except for what my own insecure flesh says is true - you see, I am familiar with focusing on what's inside when it comes to the Lord! I spent my whole life, before coming to Christ, focusing on what the outside looked like. As a Christian, I clung to the truth of 1 Samuel 16:7... and now, He reveals that not only is He looking at my outward beauty - but that He is well-pleased with it?! How can that be, I wonder? I may not wear all those hats anymore - but I do juggle a lot of responsibilities and titles through out any given day! ...and yet, He sees through my tired and worn out facade, and He finds Beauty. He desires for me to find it as well... to 'put on that hat' and wear it with Grace!

He finds it in you, too! When we look at ourselves - we see all our imperfections, and failures... but when we remember to look at our lives through the eyes of Love... we see that we do, in fact, resemble His Beauty! He IS Beauty - and we are made in His image, of course! Ask Him what He finds beautiful in you... what is it that draws Him closer to you!? Of course we can list those spiritual things that we know get His attention... worship, faith, prayer, speaking forth the Word of God, ...but we must also remember that our earthly relationships and marriage is a picture of the Romance He desires to have with us... Maybe it's your smile that causes Him to draw near, or the way your eyes sparkle when you are talking about Him... or maybe it is the way you tilt your head back when you laugh...

I know it is not something we even think of in physical terms with God... we like to keep Him Spiritual... not interested in our fleshly body. Which - I believe - is still ultimately true... however - how we treat ourselves (and each other - especially as women!) stems from our own opinions of what we think of ourselves... if we could see that He looks on us in Love and finds Beauty deep within - as well as in the way He created us to look on the outside - we just might give out a bit more grace - and keep a little for ourselves as well!

So - how many hats do you wear?! What are you juggling that is draining your energy and joy!? Ask Him which one of those things He loves about you.... what 'hat' He adores... and what things in your daily life are good - but maybe not so vital to shine forth in beauty! If you ask Him... He will tell you! He will help you to know what hats to keep - and what hats to give away... ...and I believe He will lavish His great Love on you and Overwhelm you with His passion!
May you know how He finds you Captivating, Intoxicating, Lovely... May you put on that Hat of Beauty and wear it proudly in honor of Him!

~Karrilee~

Our God's A Consuming Fire!!!

Consuming Fire... hmmm - that seems so straight forward and - well - final... doesn't it?!

Hebrews 12:29 says that our God is a Consuming Fire. "... and this is a Good thing?" you ask. Yes - it is a good thing... it is a necessary thing... it is a purifying thing... and it is coming to the Body of Christ in a more complete, passionate way!

This morning at my prayer meeting we went over many Scriptures about praying in faith and believing for what we've asked for... all excellent, foundational truths to stir back up and refocus ourselves on. Scriptures like Philippians 4:4 - (Make your requests known God); Mark 11:22-26 (Have faith in God and make sure you do not have unforgiveness in your heart!); Matt 21:21 & 22 (Whatever you ask in prayer - believe, and you shall receive it.); John 14:11-16 (Whatever you ask, I will do!); James 1:2-8 (Lacking Wisdom? ...ask God!); Isaiah 40:28-31 (Those who hope in (or wait on) the Lord shall renew their strength.) All great Scriptures! Powerful to read through them one after the other! My, how is stirs up your faith!!!

Then, when worship started, I heard my spirit and heart say, "Consume me, Oh Lord!". Consume me?! Do I really want that?! Right away I felt my flesh rise up and say, "Now - wait a minute?! Is this wise - to ask THIS in faith?!" I asked, "Lord - can You consume me, without the spirit of religion sneaking in?" See... I've been consumed before! In the beginning it was exciting and wonderful, no - wonder-filled, and I grew in Him tremendously in that Season. But that Zeal I had for Him quickly became religion without my noticing and I began to experience more fear of Man, than I did of God. It took me years to find the freedom from religion and all the expectations and requirements put on me through that time. I walk in a greater Grace now... and marvel at His Love all the more!

I looked up 'Consume' in the Dictionary. In Webster's it is defined as: "to do away with completely; to spend wastefully; to eat or drink especially in great quantity; to waste or burn away;" and lastly "to engage fully." Yes... THAT is what I want!!! Is God going to consume us by doing away with us... no - of course not! We are called into a relationship - a partnership - WITH Him! Will He burn away the sin in our lives and all that separates us from Him? Yes - in all His Abounding Grace - He will do that! But I believe that what He is most desiring, most hungering for is to engage fully WITH us! That is the day that He is longing for and waiting for... So - Consume me?! Is that what I want!? In my flesh - of course not - but my hearts cry is for more of Him... to know Him more intimately and to allow Him to flow through me more powerfully... so - yes - I place myself up on the altar and ask for His Spirit to consume me! Take every part, Lord - and let Your Fire purify and cleanse me... burn away all the dross and yes - all the religion that so easily crawls back in to our lives.

I turned to Hebrews thinking of the Consuming Fire verse and I prayed, "Lord - consume me... use Your Holy Fire to burn away all that is left of me that gets in Your way, Lord!" I read Hebrews 12:22-29 which talks about coming to Mount Zion... to the New Jerusalem with all the angels and the Lord there... it says in verse 25 "See that you do not refuse Him who speaks" and in Verse 26, He says "Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also the heavens." Wow... so last week at this same prayer meeting - the Lord led us to Haggai 1 & 2... I had no idea that Hebrews 12 referenced Haggai 2! There is coming a Shaking... internally before it will reach externally! You see - while all around us may begin to shift and shake and teeter over, and everything we think we know is being affected... He reminds us in His Word that He has called us to a Kingdom "which cannot be shaken" (Hebrews 12:28) That is where our citizenship lies! In His Kingdom... on earth as it is in Heaven! I pray that while things around us and within us are shaking - we will cry out to our Consuming Fire God and seek to engage fully with Him and give up all of our inhibitions and excuses and reasons why we can't or would if we had the time, ... the time is now - the Season is here... He is seeking those to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth - and who will pray, "Consume Me, Lord!"

~Karrilee~

To Reflect Him More in the midst of a Firm Shaking!

Last week during a Prayer Meeting, the Lord began to confirm some things to me... things that I have foreseen happening and yet I had no detailed focus of how it would all take place. I can't say that I see clearly now - but He did help me to refocus on how He intends to pour out His Grace individually before a greater shaking comes to pass! We are called to be a Reflection of Him... to let His love and His light shine through...

On my way to this meeting, the Lord gave me the reference "2 Peter 3:18" so when I pulled in to the parking lot, I looked it up... the first part of that verse in the Amplified Bible reads: "But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and [a]recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah)." Grow in Grace...undeserved favor...spiritual strength! When I entered the meeting, the leader was talking about the power of personalizing the Lord's Prayer... then she took us to Haggai chapters 1 & 2... God reveals that there will come a day that He will cause a great shaking to the heavens and the earth... to the thrones of kingdoms... and yet - in that day - He said to let His people know that He has chosen them - through the Messiah - as His signet ring. The Message says it this way: "I will take you, ...as my personal servant and I will set you as a signet ring, the sign of my sovereign presence and authority. I've looked over the field and chosen you for this work." Wow!

I went on to write out a Prayer... and towards the end of that Prayer - God gave me a vision... so I will just write it out as it came...

Father God, we do thank You for the shaking Lord! We thank You that it has been prophesied...we have been forewarned, Jesus, by Your Spirit! Thank You Lord that it is beginning within our Hearts! Lord, in all Your Grace and Mercy, Wisdom and Love, You begin with each of us, individually! Shake off of us all those things that bind, Lord. Inspect our foundations Lord God and purify us first. Thank You Lord that You are a personal, intimate Father, and You desire freedom and You desire wholeness in us, Oh Lord, individually & gathered together as One Body... One Bride!

Thank You that You are doing a work in us now - individually - so when the shaking comes corporately, we will be firm in our foundation! and we will be steadfast in You, Lord! I'm reminded of the Brownsville Revival and a tape that I watched... it had a testimony of a gal there that had been so used by the Spirit in intercession that her body shook violently during the meetings. When asked if it hurt her, she responded, "No! Jesus wouldn't hurt me! It's just that His Glory is just too much for my body to handle!" I loved that... and have often personally experienced that - on a much lesser scale. As I continued in prayer - I felt the Lord explain that this Shaking that is coming is an internal working of the Spirit that will bring about His glory! Amen!

At this point there was some free worship and I began to see a vision of a gorgeous Princess - clothed in Eastern Attire, kneeling on the ground, shaking and crying out in intercession. She was bowing down almost prostrate in worship of her King. The leader of the prayer meeting then said, "Lord, show us Your Face! Lift up our chin and show us Your reflection." I then saw the King hand this princess a hand-mirror and He said, "My reflection looks a lot like you, my Daughter! ...I, too, wear a royal robe and have a crown... I, too, love and worship the Father... You, my Daughter, My Bride, are becoming My Reflection!"

This reminded me of an e-mail I received at the beginning of the New Year that dealt with "Becoming"... rather than making a list of things to do... to pray about making a list of things we are becoming... I pray that you, too, feel the Fathers Love in this season and that when you are going about your daily life, you will not only find glimpses of Him in your reflection... but that you will allow others to catch it as well!

~Karrilee~

"For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God]."
~ 1 Corinthians 13:12 Amplified Bible

Merging Blogs!

Hey there... I am merging some of my other Blog postings here... so this will become my Main Writing Blog... these postings are all from the past two or three months... Enjoy!

~Karrilee~

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"To Shine Forth with Love"
By Karrilee Aggett

How often have you wondered, "God - what is taking you so long?" If you are like me, it is an ongoing question! I believe that God is a God of Seasons...we are aware of the fact that there are Seasons when we are called to Wait on the Lord; there are Seasons when we are called to just get busy with what we know to be doing and then there are those Seasons in between! I have found myself in one of those in between Seasons. I feel like I am done with the Waiting season, but don't quite know what it is exactly that I am to be doing. OK- I am going to get real with you. I can be stubborn, and at times very strong-willed; sometimes misguided and (lately) always too busy! I know that God has called me to do something, but since He has so far remained silent with the specifics, I just quit moving in that direction all together! Each of us has things that God is preparing us for, or working within us to accomplish. For me, I know that He has put it on my heart to write - but write what? I do not know! Since I am feeling a release from waiting - and yet still have no clear direction or topic - I stopped writing completely, and that has seemed to backfire! It is when I write that I can clearly hear Him - which explains why I haven't felt so connected lately. It's a vicious circle that this year I will break out of! I will gather my writings of the past, and begin to write again and just SEE what He will do with it all! It will take faith, obedience, and simply remaining honest with Him, and myself!

The other day, I woke up early. It was a wintry, foggy morning and all was quiet in the house. The night before I had battled a sleepless night - fighting off the enemy's thoughts. But on this morning I was rested, yet wide awake! I felt no urgent need to intercede, and almost crawled back into bed. But that still small voice was silent - still there - but waiting on me! It dawned on me as the sun began to warm its way through the fog, that God - the Creator of the Universe - was here, patiently waiting on ME!? I sat down and said, 'Lord - I just want to be with You. Its been a long while since Ive been up early and just sat with You with no ulterior motive!' I spent some time loving on Him, reminiscing of days gone by, thinking of His faithfulness, of answered prayers. I spent some time re-evaluating and repenting. Then I just sat there in the quiet and felt His Presence, His Joy. After awhile, I asked Him if there was anything He wanted to tell me; anything He wanted to give me. (So much for no ulterior motives?! But... I couldn't resist?!) He said, 'Love! - Just My Love!' I asked, 'What about Discernment, or Wisdom, or a Clearer path to what You want me to do this year?' He said, 'Love - all of that and more is included in my great Love for you, Karri!'

'Fill me up to overflowing,' I prayed. 'Let Your Love so fill me that if flows out of me as well. Its Your Love - its You - that is able to melt away a stony heart, open up blind eyes, and change lives for the better! This is what I want - whatever You call me to do - to accomplish!' This is not a revelationary thought! I know this stuff! After all, Jesus said that they would know that we are Christians by our love! Our love for Him, for each other, for them! Above and beyond everything else that we are called and anointed to do - we are called to Love! So, how do we do this?! In theory, when we are in tune with God, we all WANT to allow His love to flow through us and reach out and touch those around us! Those we love; those we know we SHOULD love, and those we don't even know yet! But, how? How do we consistently do this? I believe God revealed the key to consistency to me as I asked for wisdom in this area of allowing Him to flow through me. As I prayed for clarity, He gave me one word. Just one simple Word:

Transparent.

The Webster's Dictionary defines transparent like this: to be seen through, Capable of transmitting light so that objects or images beyond can be clearly perceived; easily detected, obvious; readily understandable, clear; without guile, candid; luminous. The Strongs Concordance states that the Greek word for transparent is diaphanes (dee-af-an-ace). The root word 'dia' (dee-ah) means the channel of an act, through, and 'phiano' (fah-ee-no) mean to lighten, to show, appear, shine. As I pondered on what this meant, God showed me a picture of myself, approaching the Throne. I was so drawn to Him that I hadn't really noticed the state of my own appearance. I looked down and saw that I was literally a Transparency. Once I realized I was transparent, I began to notice smudges, finger prints, and filth. I knew that they were there and wanted to run and hide. Yet before I could turn away, I was being washed by the Blood. The Blood was wiping away every blemish - and I stood before my God, cleansed and transparent as His light shone through me.

It's not just about being transparent with God, though. I believe that we are called to Get Real this year and be transparent with each other as well. Our God is a relational God and He desires honesty and openness in us no matter who we are in relationship with! What if Joseph was never transparent with his brothers regarding his dreams!? What if he kept all that 'bowing down' to himself? Who can know what might've taken place? Maybe his brothers would have resented him for being the Favorite, but surely they would not have resented him quite so passionately. But we DO know that even though they couldn't wrap their minds around the meaning of his dreams, it was Joseph's transparency that caused the actions that turned those dreams into reality! Joseph was gifted to be able to interpret dreams, but do we know that he was able to fully interpret his own!? We know that he did hold them in his heart though and he remembered them when it was most important! Sometimes - most times - we need someone elses perspective to help us see more clearly our own situation! What about the sons of Zebedee? Sure - maybe they didn't PLAN on the other disciples overhearing Moms request - but their motives were made transparent by the answer Jesus gave and all 12 were better for it! We can go throughout the Scriptures and find example after example of God using those who are Transparent before Him - and therefore transparent FOR him, as well! God has a special way of causing us to be Transparent with Him - that part is easy - after all He sees all things... what is the use of hiding or trying to pull one over on Him in the long run!? However, as I mentioned, I believe that this year - God is calling us to be more transparent and honest with each other... and in doing this, I believe that this year will be a year of fulfillment. This year we will see many of those things we have been waiting on God for, and many answers we have been seeking, come to pass.

I believe if we are willing to be vulnerable and transparent, with God and with each other, this Season will see the Body of Christ rise up to what she is called to be! There may be things you know you have been called to do. You know that you know that you know - but you have not spoken that thing out for fear that others would not understand or support you. We will always have people who question what we've heard, well have the naysayers and scoffers. But when we share our vision, we also will find the encouragement and support that we need to turn it from a dream into a reality!

His desire is to shine through us, to flow through us with all of Him. It only works when we are willing to go before Him for cleansing. When we allow walls to build up between ourselves and Him - our view of Him (and ourselves) is obstructed. The clearer our view of Him is, the clearer the image beyond can be perceived. My desire this year is to share more openly that what I feel I am called to do, simply because I know I can not do it on my own! It's going to take God, and me, and whoever else His plan involves that I may not be aware of! So I am stepping out in faith and boldly proclaiming that which I feel called to do. Sure - some may not agree, some may not share my vision or may even question my ability. But it is HIM shining through me that will get it done in the end! My desire is to be Luminous, to be more transparent - to shine forth with Love in whatever He has called me to do each day!

There is a song I've been hearing coming from my daughters room lately. It is called, "Get Your Shine on" and while its not necessarily a song about the Lord, my goal this year is to find my 'Shine' in Him and put it on! May you find your Shine too!

GOD, be merciful and gracious to us and bless us and cause His face to shine upon us and among us--Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!-- That Your way may be known upon earth, Your saving power (Your deliverances and Your salvation) among all nations. Ps 67:1-2
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Sunday, February 26, 2006
"Fruit from Prayer"
Karrilee Aggett

Hey there...

Well - here's the deal... I started going to this Women's Intercessory Prayer deal on Tuesdays. We are new to the church (sort of... new-ish anyway?!) and I am feeling like I should try to step out and make some new contacts. So - where else would I go to meet like-minded women - than to a prayer meeting?! LOL!? Sure... most of them are still older.... but these are my people!? LOL!

Anyway - two weeks in a row during prayer, God gave me visions... still not clear on the whole deal - but this is what I 'saw'...

Vision #1 - Storms of this world are raining down hard on me (? a woman anyway!) I see this woman and she is just getting bombarded with heavy rains and is starting to get soaking wet... she throws her head back and yells for Jesus. He comes on the scene like Elasti-girl (from The Incredibles) and stretches Himself over her and immediately she is safe, and warm, and dry again... He is taking on all the rain and wetness and He is soaked now - but she is dry. Then - something in His countenance changes and He pulls back... the woman is getting soaked now and just when she was beginning to complain about it - she saw His face... He was laughing and so filled with love and joy for her... they were both getting drenched and she realized that the storm was over- and now this rain was blessings from heaven! She begins to dance in it and receive all the Showers God has for her as Jesus watches in Joy! (end of vision!)

Vision #2 - this vision was of a woman (me) climbing up this mountain trail and Jesus is behind her, beside her at times, sometimes leading... and they get to the top - and the trees clear away and she walks to the very edge... it's a cliff or drop-off and she stops. Jesus is behind her now and He sort of nudges her to keep going... and she is like - "Hello!? Are you crazy!? Its' a CLIFF?!" So - she explains that she can't really go any farther... she inches to the edge and looks down and can't see what is below due to the cloud cover! So - she says, "OK Lord - I am more than willing - I know You led me to this place - but I need to just wait until the clouds burn away so I can see - then I will climb dow,n I guess?!" And Jesus just laughs at her and looks directly in her eyes - ya know - like only HE can... and He says, "My Beloved, If that is what you want - I CAN take away the clouds - but trust me- it is for your benefit. You can't see all that is below this way - that is true! But it will take more faith for you if you see it... besides," He says laughing, "I don't want you to fall - or climb down... I want you to SOAR!" (End of vision!)

So - After the first vision, that prayer time ended up being all about rain... even though I didn't share what I saw... (OK - yes - I did eventually - because, well - how could I not?!) and what I loved about the 2nd vision is that I have been feeling like I cannot move forward without the details...but apparently the cloud cover... or confusion, or lack of details is for OUR OWN BENEFIT in this season - and we are not going to Fall or have to backtrack and go downwards... we are going to FLY... and this is what blessed me most... why do we think that He won't go and fly WITH us!? He walked up that path all the way - in front of, beside, and behind her... why would He push her off and not jump too!? Isn't that just like our God?!
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"More Fruit from Prayer"
Karrilee Aggett

Well - here are a few more writings from that Prayer meeting on Tuesdays I've been going to...

February 28, 2006

Prayer & Vision:
"Thank You, Lord, that as we gather together with Purpose and begin to enter in - to intercede and to worship, You slip forward to the edge of Your Seat and You hush the Hosts of heaven to hear the cries and petitions of our hearts - You explain to the ministering angels that whatever requests that spill from our lips - You DESIRE to answer them - it gives You JOY to open up the storehouses of heaven. Whatever the need - whatever the desire - Your Great Love for us showers down, Lord! Thank You, Father God, for the open door in this place that gives us FULL ACCESS to all that You ARE - thank You, Lord, that as we gather to meet & enter in to be unified in prayer - that You look forward to meeting with us and You anticipate what we speak forth so once it is SPOKEN - You can then begin to assign those to bring about the answer AND the Blessing! Amen!

In my spirit - I heard, "Disrupt us, OH LORD!" and then I saw this: vision that showed me two perspectives of the same 'movie' if you will. The scene - a huge meeting was taking place... it was very orderly and official - lots of important business going on with many important, powerful men. (I noted that there were no women at the meeting - possibly to show Authority?! Not sure) Anyway - they were all gathered in one room and all of the sudden a little girl enters the room. She is dancing, and giggling, twirling, and singing... she runs up to "Daddy" and He willing takes her up and puts her on His lap. He begins to interact with her and she wins His full attention. Suddenly SHE is the most important person in that room to Him. The others at first think it a cute a distraction...but then their attitude quickly changes and they are annoyed and worried that the business at hand will not get dealt with. Distraction becomes Disruption. They are not bad men - but if they had it their way - the leader of this meeting (Daddy) would now send the daughter away! After all - there is a time and a place for such affection... Flash - and now it is starting over.. same room, same men, same meeting.... but instead of a child entering... it is a Bride! She enters the room dancing and twirling and singing much the same way... and her Husband lifts her up and takes her in His arms...to them, the rest of the room disappears. She will NEVER be a DISRUPTION to Him - she can never be a distraction... for to Him - this meeting is all about her - she is ALWAYS His focus!

I looked up the definition for Distraction and Disruption... it seemed that was significant somehow...

Distraction means: 1 a state of mental uncertainty distraction I forgot where I was> 2 a state of wildly excited activity or emotion distraction by the constant screaming and bickering in the house> 3 the act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public.

Disruption means: 1 a : to break apart : b : to throw into disorder disrupt the meeting> 2 : to interrupt the normal course or unity of


March 7, 2006
By: Karrilee Aggett
Scriptures Read:
2 Timothy 4:1-8; 2 Timothy 3:12; Numbers 15 & 16; 1 Thes. 5:12-13; Romans 8; Psalm 18

As I was driving to church for the Intercessory Prayer meeting, the Lord impressed me to read through Psalm 18 before going in. As I walked into the meeting, it was already underway and of course, Ps 18 "fit" with what the ladies had been talking about already.

Once we began to pray and worship, I had a vision of a Fortress - huge ornate brick walls built all the way up around this heart. It was a large structure that was easily several stories tall and I saw workers all around the walls. They were all trying to remove these walls - brick by brick - by hand. They knew the walls must come down and they were busy tearing them apart. Finally - a small remnant stopped taking the bricks apart and began to gather together - they began to sing out loud and praise the Lord and march around the perimeter of the Fortress walls. The walls then melted like wax and fell down like the walls of Jericho. "We" (the remnant - AND the other workers) could see inside the heart as it was Transparent and there was another Fortress INSIDE the Heart. My immediate thought was "Oh NO!?" and then the Lord zoomed me into the "Ps 18:1-2" written on the heart. Ps 18:1-2 says: "I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." I love that - the LORD is our Fortress! HE is our Stronghold!

One thing that Shari said was when she was talking about the Scripture in James 2:13 (Mercy triumphs over judgment) and how the Lord always favors Mercy. There are times we are called to call things forth - or to uncover things - but rather than moving in judgment - we are called to move in Love. The Lord said, "When you speak the Truth In Love, it is DRIPPING with Mercy!!!" We are called to pray and praise our way through trials and good times alike. Often God will give discernment or reveal a thing to pray over and through - and sometimes it is for the purpose of Truth In Love Confronting. When that Clarity, that Judgment, is wrapped in Mercy - the walls will melt down!

As we were singing about the River - I heard the word "Marinate" and wrote this prayer:
"Our hearts' desire Lord is to MARINATE in Your Presence! Marinate our Hearts, Lord! Let us soak up Your Presence. Let us soak in and absorb all that You have for us. We wait here Lord with thirsty and expectant hearts. Father God, we want to soak up Your Love,; Soak up Your Grace, Your Fruit of the Spirit that are abundant in Your Presence! we want to marinate in Your very character. Let it be so powerful in us that when we walk away today - we carry with us Your Flavor, Your Scent, Your very Essence, Lord! As we savor You today Jesus, marinate us - saturate us - so we can go forth and cause others to hunger and crave You all the more! In Jesus Name! Amen!