His Truth

I am SO excited! It amazes me everyday, how wonderful God is. Of course not all days feel wonderful, but thats the beautiful thing about faith...even when we don't "feel" it, we can trust and believe that He is forever and always faithful, that His grace is still opertaing in our lives, that His love has not changed, and that we are still favored and treasured.

I AM a success :) yep... thats what God says about me. He says that I am a success. He says that I am holy, faithful, a blessing to my family, prosperous, helathy, whole, complete, surrendered, lovable, beautiful, confident, bold, and every other wonderful thing under the sun. So are you. It's not about what we see on the outside. The outside reflection off all Godly attributes will come as we begin to be transformed on the inside. Drawing closer to God and allowing Him to help us believe that what He says about us is true, is the only way real outward change is produced.

EXCITING!!! It's not all about me trying harder. Its all about Him, reflecting His great works and love into my life. This is good news!

If you have read any of my earlier posts, you know that I have been transitioning lately and it has been rough. But God, so faithful and true is reminding me at a deeper level of His great and wonderful love for me, that I am His beloved and that He will guide me.

My "ministry" right now may not look the way I thought...but what God says about me is true and I am begining to see the blessing of my new business and how it gives me opportunity to pray for so many people that are coming into my life. I have the opportunity to help people change their lives and I can because I am who God says I am....Read on at Wrapped Up With Daveda

Jesus Is Our Happy Ending

Do you ever feel emotionally moved and touched by a love story, or feel your eyes brimming with tears as you watch a movie about someones dreams coming true? I know, I know...a lot of people say that it's "only in the movies." Some people will even caution you to not get swept away by the unrealistic expectations these movies can create. But why do we experience such emotions, is it really all bad?

Want to know what I think? I think we were created by God to be loved and valued. I think that deep inside each one of us is a desire, placed by God, to be treasured and favored. I think that God created each one of us with a desire to be successful, confident, bold and fearless. I think the reason these movies and stories stir something inside of us is because we can see our hopes and dreams in them.

The problem isn't the emotions or the longings that get stirred inside of us. The problem is that we don't always look to Jesus to fulfill them. He is our answer to every longing and desire we have. Jesus is the answer to our happy ending.

Refocus

I realized something this morining...My focus has been all wrong. After all that God has shown me about His love and His grace fully operational and functioning in my life...I somehow got my mind stuck looking in the wrong direction.

"For I determine not to know anything among you except Jesus Chris and Him Crucified"
1 Corinthians 2:2

My life has been shifting a bit lately and I have found myself constantly looking at myself and trying to decide if I know what I'm doing. The problem is I should be looking at Jesus and reminding myself that He DOES know what He's is doing. I don't have to try and figure out all these answers, I simply need to refocus and look to Jesus. He WILL guide me, lead me and teach me all things!

It not about me!! It's about HIM. It's not about me having the right answers, or making the right choices becasue when I am completely dependant on HIM He will simply guide me. If I make a mistake it's still ok because God uses ALL things together for good for those who love him.

I know Christ Crucified and what that means for me is a life of rest and trust in His goodness, grace and power operating in my life.

P.S. I am in the process of starting up a new blog page for my business. It'll be ready soon, please come take a look HERE

What I Wanted Before

I recently started a new business with It Works! Global. Have you ever heard of it? I know its popularity has made its way into many citites across the country and then some, but there are still many places that don't even know what it is. Which is exciting!

Its a great Christian company that offers all natural and botanically based products. Our lead product is called the Ultimate Boody Applicator, and this product detoxes, tightens, tones and firms the skin where applied, as well as reduces the appearance of cellulite and skin slackening...side affects....98% of people lose inches in that area with-in 45 minutes! NO JOKE it really does work.

Anyway I could go on and on about how great the products and the company are. I also replaced my part time income in 4 months with their business model. YEA ME!

But this post is about my heart...you see just 3 years ago I was consumed with ministry. It was all I ever thought about, it has been this way for me since I meet Jesus. I always felt "called" to teach and speak. I started writing a book a few years ago, havent gotten it published yet...but I have every intention of doing so...I'm just not sure its done yet. Although everyone who reads it tells me that its done and I need to publish it.

So, back to my heart...consumed with ministry...However, I wasnt necessarily consumed with Jesus, just ministry. I know some people feel that they are one in the same, but I no longer think so. You see ministy for me was busy work. Yes, you help people, but for me it feels like you get so consumed with planning this and organizing that, that its easy to get caught up in the program and not be focused on the person. Plus, I think that being in ministry made me feel like I was important. It identified me as a person. Which I no longer care about, it doesnt matter to me if others think im important. It matters what God thinks. My identity is in Jesus, period, and I have learned (still learning) that what I do isn't what makes me valuable.

Hence my current dillema...ministry doesnt look the same for me any more. I've preached in churches, at bible studies, at retreats etc...and I always felt like God used me to reach people. But I also have started seeing some things in organized ministry that have actually caused me to take a break from church for awhile. Don't get me wrong I'm not dogging "churches" I was lead to the Lord in a church and have made a lot of great friends through church. I'm not even opposed to being apart of a church. Theres a part of me that misses it. SOME of it. Then theres a part of me that has no desire to be apart of all the chaos that actually causes you to be more involed in ministry than with Jesus.

Does this make any sense to anyone except me? LOL I know there have to be others out there that can relate to where I'm coming from. And to be honest...I've never been this honest before. I've always been afraid of what you would think of me when you read this post.

So how does this have ANYTHING to do with my new It Works! business? Good question! I feel torn between what was and what is. I started this business for my family. It has the potential to create a very nice income that can provide for us in the future. My husband is physically in pain all the time and his job is really tough on him. This business can create the income to free him from that. Also, I have two boys at home that are Dyslexic and I need to homeschool so this job gives me the flexibilty to do that as well.

My dillema, I don't want to not use the gifts that God has given me. I lead a Bible Study on Wednesday nights in my home. I don't TEACH a Bible Study but I do lead one. The "job" I always saw for myself was me being a preacher, traveling around and teaching...but I don't even want that anymore. It would not be the best thing for my family, at least not right now. So I am having a hard time with this new business in the respect that I feel like to really be "all in" with this do I have to be "all out" with the previous ministry thing and if not what does that even look like now?Do I have to choose between doing what I feel is best for my family and what I used to see for myself?

I know that may sound silly and I know you can't answer that question for me. But this is where my heart is today. This business came along at just the right time and I know the Lord has blessed me with it. I am certain that God is working in me right now! Its just confusing to me...I really want to do well with this business and be successful. I really want to give my family the opportunity to not be tied down to a 2nd shift, hard on your body life style. But, I've never wanted anything but ministry before...

Uncomfortable Change

Over the last several years I have been continually set free from bondages and legalisms through the continued revelation of Jesus Christ the person, not the religion, and the truth of His Grace.

This had indeed been an amzing journey. However, each time I get to a new level of being set free and I begin to see something in my life differently, its a pretty uncomfortable feeling. It feels very much like having a band-aid ripped off of a wound that now needs some air to heal.

I go through this time questioning myself and asking "Could what I am now feeling and experiencing be right, or have I somehow lost my mind?" The last thing I ever want to do it navigate away from truth, so I am continally asking God to help me make sure I don't get lost along the way.

Why is this transition period so difficult? What are your experinces with this in your journey and how do you navigate through it?

Rethinking Your Thinking

Have you ever been in a place in your life where you were rethinking the way you think? A place where the what used to seem right or normal, has started to take on a completely different look? I feel like I am seeing life in a different light recently and am really rethinking what I see...What are your thoughts or experiences on this?

New Face Needed

After spending some time back on my blog I have realized that I need to create a new face for my blog page! I can't manage my blogs, and I am having trouble leaving comments on some of your pages....you have no idea that I visited you and loved what you had to say! I'm working on becoming a bit more computer savy. I want to be able to post writings as well as possibly some audio teaching at some point.

Any suggestions? Im looking for something that is fresh and new...

Making Time

Its been a long, hard year here in the Schmildin household. I have been very preoccupied, run down and far to consumed with the problems of the past year. God has been showing me just how much time I have wasted worrying over the seemingly endless catastrophes that haven taken place over the past year of our lives.

It's so easy to lose focus. But the Lord is forever faithful and has not only been revealing the truth of my ditractedness but also bringing forth new life and hope in my soul. He is giving me a strength and a determination that I do not believe I have ever had before.

In all of my Christian walk I have never really strayed too far from the Lord. I have never walked away, or felt that He walked away from me. Not entirely anyways. This past year, even though I talked with the Lord daily, I have discovered that I wasnt really trusting Him. I know in my heart that God is using all I have been through to teach me how to have an even greater trust in Him, and His ability to work in my life. He is showing me how much time I have wasted as well as working in me at deeper levels to grow and nurture my belief in His faithfulness.

Nothing in this world is as fulfilling and satisfying to me as sharing Gods heart with others. My heart is so full of joy when I type or speak and allow the Holy Spirit to flood the pages or the room with the truths that have been imbedded into the depths of my soul.

I have missed being me...I am looking forward to growing in who God has called me to be. I still have some things to work through...But, Im getting there!

An old friend left this message on my FaceBook page recently,

"Hey Daveda! Congrats on your new grandbaby, you are one of the most beautiful Grandma's I've ever seen! :) On another note...I have decided today, to pray for you to have more time to blog...any selfishness on my part? Maybe a bit. ;)"

and I realized that Im not the only one who misses me.

I am hesitant to say I will blog regularly...yet...but I would like to. So, maybe all of you could pray for me too. Pray that what I am truly passionate about will be what I make the most time for.

and...to my "old friend" Vicky...Thank You!

Even When

I made it here twice this week! Woohoo!! If you didn't catch the weeks earlier post just boogie on down below and take a look.

We have had so many things going on in our lives this past past year...and they are still going. Who knows what lifes going to look like in seven months from now...I wonder??

What I do know and am increasingly learning, is that I don't have to try and figure it out. So refreshing...there are moments when wish I just knew what was coming so I could prepare myself and my heart, but I guess that God's job anyway.

So I will continue to be lead by the Holy Spirit and trust that He is in the process of doing just that, preparing me for what is to come. He's good at that ya know! We often get in His way, thats the problem.

We (I, I'm assuming I'm not alone in this) Try to figure out whats coming, try to reason out scenarios, try to look deep inside and determine what our "faith" says...WOW! Can we all say OVERWHELMING!!!

I'm glad that I am increasingly growing in having my "faith" in the person of Jesus regardless of the outcome. I'm glad that God is teaching me how to continually trust in HIS goodness, wisdom, favor and power at work in my life regardless of what I see.

I'm glad that He is faithful and constant to me, Even When I struggle to believe Him.

"I AM"

I wish I could get to this blog more often, however, it seems as though I feel and it is necessary to write and share with you some deeply thought out insights that are proof read and thought over and over,- or nothing at all.

I don't have as much time to be in blogger world as I used to, but I really miss it. I miss you.

So. I've decided that I am just going to pop on here and share whatever happens to be on my mind. I'm not going to spend a lot of time "proof reading" and "rewording" what I say. I'm just going to put it out there and thats how you'll get it. If you came to my house for a cup of Starbucks House Blend, we would just talk. Just plain, raw, unproofed, thoughts and feelings.

So, lets have coffee.

I don't have a lot to say today other than my life has been full of trials and situations this past year. At the present time, this is still the case as I am sure is true for many or all of you. We all have "stuff" going on, right? Right.

Anyway, a simple sentence gave me peace this morning and I felt like sharing. I believe this is for me, and all of you that are having coffee with me right now.

"I AM, what your looking for."

Simple, Profound, Life-Giving.

"I AM, what your looking for."


Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Living in Eden

What do you think it was like for Adam and Eve, living in Eden? Can you imagine a place with no shame, condemnation, guilt, or remorse. Close your eyes for just a moment and think about what life would be like if none of these things ever came betweeen you and God; Can you imagine it?

I can. Oh, how I long to learn and have an understanding that goes to the very core of my being, the redemtive revelation of Gods love for me. How my heart longs to recognize at a much deeper levels the oneness that we have with the Father because of what Jesus has done for us.

I believe there is a truth hidden in these thoughts of mine. A truth that will guide and lead us to a place of intwined intimacy with the Father. A truth that encompasses our hearts and souls in such a way that we will never doubt the Fathers love and acceptance of us.

So, what do you think? What do you think life would be like, here and now, if we received and accepted the truth that we have been redeemed back to the place of Eden?

Which Gospel

Thought number one is, WOW! It really has been a long time since I have posted on here. I am hopeful that I will be able to do so a bit more often from now on. Plus, I miss all of my wonderful blogging friends!

So, do you want to know whats on my mind this morning? Good! Because I want to share it with you!

We all hear a vast array of teaching. Some comes from sources whom believe A is the right perception of the Gospel and others believe B is the right perception, others C and so on and so forth. But, how do we know what is really truth with so many teachings available?

I once read in Velvet Elvis, a wonderful book by Rob Bell, that the Bible is like a sparkling Gem. It has many sides and colors. If you look at it one way you see it as blue, another pink, yet another yellow and so on. This is of course paraphrased in my own words and understanding of what I read.

So, does this mean that everything is right? Am I trying to tell you that there is no right and wrong, that what you think or believe is right for you, regardless of what it is?

NO! We must see every color and side of the Bible through the direct revelation of the person of Jesus Christ! Without this we see things void of the Fathers heart and love for us.

Paul tells us in Galatians that there is a true Gospel. The Gospel of truth and freedom in Christ. As a matter of fact, he corrects the Galatians for allowing themselves to be put back under the law, walking away from the freedoms they once walked in through believing in the truth of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Following rules and regulations do not make you righteous in the sight of God. Believing, relying on and clinging to Jesus is what makes us righteous! Even Abraham was counted as righteous simply because he believed God.

I have found in my own life that there are certain rules I live by, but not because they make me righteous, but because they are good for me and make my life easier. Because it is my desire to do what is right for me and my family. It is MY desire to do what I believe glorifies God, in my actions attitude and behavior. Not because I willed it and tried to change myself, but because I have been transformed in these areas through the presence and the power of my Lord!

Believing that Jesus is the source of our righteousness does not mean that we live a life void of any order, it simply means that we have order because we see that it is good. We see that through the power of the Holy Spirit we can walk with ease as we are lead and changed by Him. He will create order in our lives through our surrender to Him. His desire becomes our desire as we are filled with more of Him, and receive deeper revelation of His love for us.

Not every teaching fills you with freedom in Christ. Some teaching points you back to self-effort and teaches that YOU must be able to live a certain way and follow a list of rules to be right in the sight of God. They teach that it is up to you to make yourself right and acceptable to the Father.

But, that's not what Paul said. Paul said that the true Gospel is the Gospel of freedom in Christ through the power of the Holy spirit! This is where radical transformation takes place.

All of your self-effort is like rubbish and dirty rags. Who do we think we are, if we believe we can becom like God without His power working and operating in our hearts and minds? If we could be righteous through our own efforts, then why did Jesus have to die?

What Gospel do you believe?

Endless Possibilities

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with all that life throws your way? Have you ever had a day, week, or a season that seemed too big to get through? Have you ever felt like you know you should be looking up, but your head just feels too heavy?

Me? Yes, to all of the above.

I am grateful that when I feel overwhelmed Jesus can catch and carry all that is coming my way, it is no surprise to Him. When life seems too big, He is bigger. When I can't look up, He is holding me in His hands. When my faith seems to small, His is more then enough. When doubt crawls into my mind, He is still faithful.

If what you are going through right now, seems too big...

If what you are seeing looks impossible...

Don't be discouraged, don't lose hope.

God has not left you or forsaken you.

His promises have not stopped working in your life.

Walk by faith, not by sight, right around the corner is the promise, the promise that belongs to you. The promise that Jesus purchased for you. The promise for your health, your children, your finances, your family etc...

It's there, it's for you, because of Jesus. Because of what He has done for you.
You qualify because you are hidden in Christ.

You don't have to earn it or deserve it. Jesus did them both.

God has not changed His mind about loving you. Even when you may have changed your mind about loving yourself.

If you feel frustrated think about what you are thinking about. The impossibility of your situation...Or, the endless possibilities that are found in Christ.

I needed a reminder today; I though maybe you might need one too.

Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Personality, From the Inside Out

We all have one. Not one person on the face of the earth is without personality. I have heard the phrase "He/She has no personality." Could it be that their seeming lack of personality, is indeed their personality?

Personality;The complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterizes a unique individual.

Our personality is made up of all that we are. The good and the not so good. I used to be the kind of person that didn't like much about myself. I never thought I was good enough, kind enough, smart enough, pretty enough, or talented enough.

I am happy to say, that I am no longer that person. I must say (at the risk of sounding a bit conceited) I Really like myself. I like who I am. I think I am good enough, kind enough, smart enough, pretty enough, and talented enough. I like who God has created me to be!

The Question: so, how did I get from there to here.

The answer:...Jesus.

I stopped trying to make myself be all that I thought I should be. I stopped comparing myself to others and their gifts and talents. I began trusting Jesus.

The Amplified Bible defines faith as; The leaning of your whole personality on Him (God) in complete trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness.

I love it! The leaning of your WHOLE personality on HIM. That covers it all. Because of what Jesus has done for me I can walk in all that He is, instead of all that I think I am not.

As we begin to agree with God about who He says we are, all He says we can be, we will be able to like ourselves. Not in a conceited-I am better then you-kind of way. But in a way that says, I am hidden in Christ, and the Father sees me as such. I am hidden in Christ, and so are you!

We cannot change ourselves. We cannot. We can however ask the Father to help us trust Him to bring about change, and we can cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He begins changing our personalities from the inside out.

I am not implying that I think I am perfect. Only that I believe God is in the process of bringing His perfection that He has placed on the inside of me, to the outside.

Personality, It all begins on the inside.

Holding Out

I've been gone for WAY to long! Wouldn't you agree?

If you were following my blog before, then you know that this past year has been quite challenging for me. My grandma passed away from cancer. Shortly after I began dealing with a very heavy health trial of my own.

I won't go into any more details, but this past year has been THE most challenging year of my life, hands down.

If we believe that being a Christian means that we will never encounter anything rough, we are sadly mistaken. Being a believer does not give us a ticket on the train to a fairytale land. But, it does give us a ticket to victory, even when the ride there is tough one.

In the midst of our heartache and trials God is there. He does not leave us or forsake us. As a matter of fact he takes ALL we go through and uses it for good. We may not see the good as we are trudging through the pain and the suffering. But, if we can learn to keep our eyes on Jesus, if we can learn to trust him and believe him even when we do not see what we are hoping for, he will not let us down.

The key to living in the victory purchased for us on the cross is this; We must continue to believe and agree with Jesus. We must protect our hearts from anything that is in opposition to the truth. And, we must be completely dependant on God to help us trust, believe, and receive all that Jesus died to give us.

We must be patient and not give up or give into settling for less then 100% of all God has done for us. When Jesus told the parable of the sower and the seed he said that when the seed is sown that it brings forth a harvest as much as 3o, 70 and 100 percent. We do not see the 100% before the 30% or the 70%.

What a shame it is when we walk away from the watering-can before the fullness of what God has planted has come forth.

As for me, I am not yet at 100% of the manifestation of the healing that I believe God has promised. However, I am about 75-80% of the way there...and I am holding out. Holding out for all that Jesus has done for me.

Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Only Jesus

I wanted to give you all an update on how things are going here. If you have read my last few posts then you are aware of the spiritual attack I have been under.

I am feeling better then I was before, though still not 100%. The pain in my back is much better and the pain in my foot has subsided quite a bit. My left shoulder/collar bone is still not as it should be. At times I feel like I can feel my nerves vibrating through out the left side of my body most specifically along the left side of my spine in between my shoulder blades, into my neck and face and down along my arm...UGGG!

I still have no idea, what is going on, however, I have been continually getting better with chiropractic treatment. I am also going to see a naturopath soon.

Above all else, I am determined to set my focus on Jesus! I am determined to fill myself with His truth and His medicine. He has paid a great price for me to be whole and healthy and I do not settle for this as a permanent condition. I am filling my heart and my mind with God's truth.

The battle belongs to the Lord, He has purchased my victory. I am continuing by God's grace to rest and trust in the finished work on the cross. I am asking God to continually give me a revelation of His great love for me. I am asking Him daily to fill my heart with light and truth wherever there may be darkness or lies. I am asking and trusting Him to carry me...

Only the strength and power of my Jesus...

Will see me through.

If you would stand and agree with me in prayer that by His stripes I AM healed and made whole...I am not trying to get healed, I am healed and the enemy is trying to convince me that I am sick...If you would agree with me in prayer I would be thankful!

Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Divine Jealousy and Redemption

"...When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight [for He will come like a rushing stream which the breath of the Lord drives]." Isaiah 59:19

If you have read my last couple of posts, then you are aware of the trial that I have been overcoming as of late. After my first, returning post, my wonderful friend Lisa from over at Bombastic Bandicoot, left me this scripture in a comment.

Words cannot say how it ministered to me. I felt lead to look up this scripture and as I read I began to feel the Holy Spirit do a work of redeeming love in me. As I read this verse and those surrounding it, I became even more aware of God's love for me.

I became aware of His anger toward the enemy who tries to torment those who have turned from evil. Those who are clothed in His righteousness. This is why He gave us Jesus. This is why He gave us One who loves us beyond measure and paid the price of His life so that we may be free!

In verse 17 it says "furious divine jealousy" this gives new meaning to me about God being a jealous God. He is jealous over us, so much so, that the one who tries to hurt us and torment us in this life, will certainly not go unpunished. The punishment that awaits Satan, is God defending me, defending you...so the next time you go through a trial remember that the lies and deception of the enemy in our lives do not go unnoticed, no the Lord sees every tear.

But, even greater yet, we do not have to wait until this time of justice to be free! Jesus has come and is with us now, the TRUTH will set us free. As we focus on our Father and His love for us poured out through Jesus, we can walk in the freedom He purchased on our behalf.

Most of us are aware of the freedom we have in our spirits, but this same work of freedom will continually be brought to life in our minds, wills and emotions as we look to Jesus and ask Him to show us how to walk in the freedom and truth that is our blood bought right to walk in.

He gave us His righteousness and looks at us as though we have never done even one thing wrong. He will write His ways on our hearts and place His desires in our innermost being, and He has given us this same promise for our children.

The tricks of the enemy do not go unnoticed by our great and glorious God. How faithful is He to use ALL things together for good, for those who love Him. How beautiful and powerful His grace is that says

"come and walk with me, look to me and rely on me and I will be the AWESOME power that rolls through the high and low places you walk in. Relax and rest, let me carry you, I've got you covered!"

Our efforts could never be enough. Our efforts of trying to withstand the attacks of the enemy are foolish, only grace is sufficient. The beautiful free grace that comes when we lay down our own efforts and trust in the power of the one who already saw fit to arrange not only our freedom, but also our justification!

"Yes, truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. And the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. And He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor [no one to intervene on behalf of truth and right]; therefore His own arm brought Him victory, and His own righteousness [having the Spirit without measure] sustained Him. For [the Lord] put on righteousness as a breastplate or coat of mail, and salvation as a helmet upon His head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing and was clad with zeal [and furious divine jealousy] as a cloak. According as their deeds deserve, so will He repay wrath to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; on the foreign islands and coastlands He will make compensation. So [as the result of the Messiah's intervention] they shall [reverently] fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight [for He will come like a rushing stream which the breath of the Lord drives]. He shall come as a Redeemer to Zion and to those in Jacob (Israel) who turn from transgression, says the Lord. As for Me, this is My covenant or league with them, says the Lord: My Spirit, Who is upon you [and Who writes the law of God inwardly on the heart], and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouths of your [true, spiritual] children, or out of the mouths of your children's children, says the Lord, from henceforth and forever." Isaiah 59:15-21

I don't know about you, but knowing that the enemy's tricks will not go unpunished...leaves me with a satisfaction in my heart. Justice is served. Similar to what we would feel at one's killer, rapist, or kidnapper being brought to justice...

Far More Precious Than Rubies and Gold

Good Morning friends...Oh, wait...it's afternoon.

Good afternoon, my friends! I thought I would give you all an update and share what the Lord has been doing in my heart.

I slept better last night, even though I was in some pain. I played a DVD series all night long as I was in and out of sleep. It ministered to me in my sleep, as well as being the first thing I heard each time I woke up.

Eating foods with potassium is really not all that hard. It's in a LOT of stuff. Which is one reason why I am finding it hard to believe that even though it can cause these symptoms, that it is the main reason, as I normally eat fairly well....Hmmmm.

The pain in my back is getting better, though it is still annoying, it's better then it was. The pain in my left arm is what is the most troublesome right now (and the cold that keeps me up coughing and blowing my nose at night YUCK, yet just leaves me feeling like poo all day).

My friend called yesterday, her husband is in school to become a D.O. and he said to look up Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. I did, and I'll be!! It almost describes my arm/shoulder pain (though it's not really my shoulder, but right above it, in that little pit) to a T!

I know if I took some Aleve it would take the edge off, but I have to admit I am a little afraid....The Lord took away the heart palpitations YEAH! Yet I hate to admit, I am still afraid to take anything, not knowing what caused them. Though I also have to admit, I think my own fear had something to do with the extent of them.

The Lord has been ministering so much truth to me. I know He brings good out of ALL things! I am asking Jesus to help me stay focused on Him and His truth. Who I am because of Him, and how much He loves me. This is the only way to keep fear away, to be resting and trusting in Jesus. He is the lover of my soul. Even as I type these words I feel any fear left in my heart fading away.

You know, the enemy doesn't have any real power over us. That's why he is "The Father of Lies" he only has deception. It is only when we begin to agree with his lies instead of God's truth that fear, frustration, anxiety, and such can come in.

OH, Jesus, help us to focus on you Lord. Help us to continually look to you and remember that you paid such a great price for us because we are so valuable to you. Far more precious than rubies or gold! Thank You Lord for your truth that sets us free. May the truth that has set our spirits free, do the same in our souls (our mind, will, and emotions)!

Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Where Have I Been?!?

I know, its been WAY too long! I miss all of you, and I would be lying if I didn't say I hope you missed me a little too. It has been really crazy since Thanksgiving, traveling and having family come to visit, keeps you quite occupied with your time.

That's not the only reason for my absence though. I have been under a pretty extreme spiritual attack physically. It started out as a minor pain in my back that has turned into an absolute horror story. I have had pain in my tailbone and low back, nerve pain in my left leg, my right foot and my left arm. Then I started having heart palpitations and ended up in the ER, where they saw them happening, yet could not tell me WHY they were happening even though they ran a LOT of tests. I sometimes go three days with no sleep and I cant do much because between the fatigue and being lightheaded, it keeps me down. The good news is I know Jesus is my healer!

I am low in potassium, which I just found out yesterday, after 31/2 weeks. I have done a little research and have discovered that low potassium can cause nearly all of my symptoms. I have also discontinued all pain medication and am using ice, as I have also discovered that meds can cause low potassium, one reason being they lower your appetite, I can't remember the other reason. So, I just started a high potassium diet yesterday, though the first night didn't go so well, I was up ALL night.

In addition to all of this, I also have been fighting a cough! Its been one thing after another.

I am standing on the truth, though there are moments when I feel very frustrated! I am not the sick trying to get well, but the healed and whole and the enemy is trying to convince me that I am sick. I do believe that Jesus carried all of my sickness and disease and He purchased my wholeness and left me His peace.I have taken authority over everything I have felt lead to, and now I am resting in Him.

If you would AGREE with me in prayer, that By His Stripes I Am Healed, I would love to have the support!


Being Loved By Him, With You,
Daveda

Touched By The Fathers Love!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

What a wonderful time of year this is. Most of us are heading out or inviting others in for a time of celebration and friendship. A time when we gather together and share a meal and some laughs.

In the spirit of sharing, I thought we could share with one another our love stories. The story of how, when and where we met Jesus. The story of what your life was like before Him, and what it is like with Him.

I joined in last year to "Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving" hosted by my friend Heather over at Swallowing A Moose, and my heart was so touched, I thought it would be great to share again!

We all have a story, a good story! There are no dull stories, so whether you have known Jesus your whole life or you just met Him yesterday, we would love to hear about it!

Knowing the love and favor of our Father, is most definitely worthy of praise and A thankful heart. I hope you will join us.

Post your testimony on your blog page. Entitle it "Touched By The Fathers Love!; Whatever the title of your post is." Then, add your post (copy and paste the address of that particular post so that the widget links directly to it) to the Mr. Linky widget below. Make sure you start your post explaining what we are all sharing and add a link back here so that others can join in.

I know we are all busy this week, so we will continue sharing our stories through next week. I hope we find this time of sharing to be a way of drawing us closer to each other, through the Fathers love in each of our hearts and lives. There is nothing better than being Touched by the Fathers Love!

Join in below and continue down to read about how I have been Touched By The Fathers Love!




Touched By The Fathers L0ve!; To Good To Be True


Before I knew Jesus:
I was born into dysfunction, as so many of us are. My childhood was not filled with security or an overwhelming sense of love and acceptance. As a matter of fact, I recall feeling quite insecure and unsure of myself the majority of the time. As I grew older all of these feelings grew along with me. I became a mom at the age of sixteen and started out into the "real world" for a taste of bitter sweet reality. Even with child in tow, and a new set of circumstances, I simply wanted to fit in. I wanted to be accepted, but try as I might, I never felt as though I was good enough. I hung out with the wrong crowd for the most part, doing the wrong things at the wrong times. But even the wrong crowd could not make me feel right about myself. I would not have recognized or known real love if it had knocked me upside the head and flat on my behind!

I eventually woke up one morning and realized that once upon a time, when I was a very little girl, I had dreams and I was going to do something great someday! I looked around and realized that "great" did not describe the life that I was living. It also, did not describe the life I was giving my son. So, I made some changes. Then,a few Months after my Ah-Ha moment, I met a great guy, got married,and had another baby. Yet, with all of this greatness in my life, that emptiness still nagged away at the inside of me, taunting me to not trust in love or happiness. My marriage was struggling, and I was feeling as though I could not get anything right. I felt as though it was inevitable, If I could mess up a good thing, I would.

When I met Jesus:
I was pregnant with my third child when a friend invited me to church. I wanted to go, but continued to put it off and put it off for weeks. Finally one cold, March morning, I decided it's now or never. I got my 8yr old ready, bundled up my baby and off we went. My friend met me in the lobby, showed me where to take my children, and ushered me to my seat. I remember thinking "This is church?" It was so unlike the stuffy images I had painted in my head. The worship was energizing and refreshing, and the people were all friendly and seemed to genuinely be glad to make my acquaintance. I decided fairly quick that I loved it. I returned the following Wednesday evening, and the following Sunday, and the Wednesday after that, I gave my life to the Lord.

I remember the moment so very clearly. I was watching a woman worship on stage and thought to myself "How can she be so full of joy? I want whatever it is she has!" you see, I knew this woman had suffered the loss of a child, and yet, she had more joy than I had ever even imagined having. I prayed that night, from the bottom of my heart, and asked God to come into my life. I have been running toward Him, feet going as fast as they can, ever since. Unfortunately, my husband was not as thrilled about my new found faith as I was. But, the story is not yet over.

After I met Jesus:
God began house cleaning in my heart from day one. The first of many areas was my marriage. God has done, and is still doing, an incredible work in both of us. He has blessed us with a wonderful marriage that is filled with the beauty of friendship. My husband has become my very best friend, and we have a relationship built on love, support, honesty and acceptance. My husband and I, even after all these years, are still not completely on the same page spiritually. However, we are getting there, and I have learned that God is faithful, the work that He has done in both of us, is irreversible, and there is no where to go but forward.

God has taken my insecurities and turned them into promises. He has taken my fear of messing up and turned it into an excitement that awaits the next step of our journey together. He has shown me that the love I have always longed for is found in His eyes, and He has turned my "little girl dreams" into realities that are within reach. Through Jesus I have learned who I really am, Who I was meant to be, and what I am capable of accomplishing through Him. I no longer feel unaccepted, I feel as though I am right where I was always meant to be. And, I know for the first time in my life that this is one good, no, great thing, I will never mess up. It is not about me and how well I am able to perform, but about Jesus and what He has already done!

All of my "trying" got me no where, but trusting in the gospel saved my life. "Gospel" is actually associated with a Greek word that means to good to be true. God has an abundant life of, to good to be true, just waiting for each of us. This is something we can all be grateful for this Thanksgiving. As we draw close to Jesus He will show us how to receive everything that has been accomplished for us on the cross.