Where's Your Mission Field?

This morning when I got up and let the dogs out I couldn't help but be in awe of just how beautiful the untouched snow looked laying on the ground and on the trees. As I looked out our back door just taking in the scene before me, seeing all that snow out there...and believe me the awe within was not because I am a big fan of the snow! But, I happen to just start looking around at the houses and there was a saddness that came over me. I had this feeling come over me about our old neighborhood. I missed it!
Mind you I have no regrets about our move. I know in my heart we are right where God has called us to be. There's just something different here, something I noticed immediatly after moving in.
You see in our old neighborhood we would all get together out front in the evenings and play games with the kids, talk and just be about each others lives. We always had our eyes out to help each other. Ironically, for each younger family that lived on our street there seemed to be an elderly person to look out for. We had Mary Lou to our left and the Taylor's had Mrs. O'Leary to their right, when they moved and Mike and Jean moved in, they kept an eye on her and Kim and John had the little blind man to their right, just can't remember his name right now! I do remember, he wasn't very nice, but we all helped him anyway. But, we were all connected! That's what's missing here, the connection. It's not due to the lack of trying and I can't say we don't know our neighbors at all. We know their names, we know what they do for a living, how many children they have and what car they drive, and we wave as we pass on the street. But for the most part, that's where it ends. Connection........it's not there. Not just with the adults either, it's in the kids too. I remember not long after we moved in standing out front with Libby, sometime in June right after the kids were let out of school for summer vacation. I stood there and just listened and there was almost absolute silence, and it was early in the afternoon. No sounds of children out playing, laughing or even arguing for that matter. Nothing but the sounds of birds in the air and the cars on the road. I found this abnormal somehow, so unlike where we had just moved from. After a year or so of being here I had to ask myself if it was me, was I not doing my part to connect with the families around me?
I had asked the mom across the street to go for a walk with me, I've stopped and spoke to people on my walks or tried to connect with those from the neighborhood that have come to my garage sales and I've gone to theirs, and we've had conversations that I thought were ice breakers and were going to make a difference. Then nothing, I see them again and they wave a hand and continue on with what their doing. At one point I was really beginning to take this personal,thinking maybe I was being stand offish. Although I know there is always room for improvment in ourselves, I don't believe that's it. I've spoke to others who live in similar surroundings. The word...detached...comes to mind. I think thats why this feels so...abnormal to me, and out of place. It's just not the way it's suppose to be. God created us with a need for each other, a need to connect, and not just on the surface. Relational accountability is spoken of in the word of God, it's a part of our being. Without connection there can be no relationship much less relational accountability. We are accountable to each other to keep a balance. I think that describes what I feel about the surroundings in which we live right now...off balance. And it still feels as foreign to me as it did right after we moved in. The thought just accured to me about foreign missions.....this is my mission field! I do have a sense within of being on foreign ground.
Last night in our "Made to Count" group this is exactly what we spoke about, our ministry fields. Where are they and what do they look like? My answer to that is simply..... just look out your door!

The Power in Worship

The presence of the Lord was so powerful yesterday during worship I was brought to tears once again!! Not really anything new with the tears thing for me, it seems everytime I sense His nearness I weep. But yesterday I had a new experience and He has amazed me once again! I am not at liberty to share a name, because I didn't ask her if I could. But, as we were worshipping I sensed I was to pray for my friend, so I did and went back to praising, as my hands were raised I felt a heavyness in my left hand and into my wrist, it was slight at first then became stronger and I felt warmth, my hand felt like it was being pushed toward my friend, so I laid my hands upon her and prayed for her again. After praise and worship she grabbed me, so excited and said she felt the Lords touch when I touched her and it went all the way to her feet! I just know she was set free from a physical condition!

God is so faithful and good!!!!

God uses the praises of His people to bring glory to His name.

Psalm 100
1Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
2Serve the Lord with Gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.
3Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. 5. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations.

The Bible teaches us of all Jesus did while He walked upon this earth and He told us we would do" even greater things than these" through the Holy Spirit.

Open our eyes Lord, that we may hear you better!

Be blessed and in His presence.

My Nickname!!!!!!!!! Tugs!!

Many have asked how I have came upon the nickname “Tugs”, It’s not real exciting but, interesting, at least I found it interesting when I was first told about it.
I am the baby in my family and the only girl, so when my mother was expecting me, she and my dad had only considered names for boys. Then here I am, obviously not what they were expecting. My dad had been at the hospital all day and half of the evening before I came into the world when he went home to take care of my brothers and to get some sleep. He said he was so stirred up that I was actually a girl that he just couldn’t sleep so he laid down on the couch to just watch television. At that time there was a television series on called “The Waterfront”. This show was about the life of a Dock Master and his family, who traveled about on the waters surrounding the San Francisco Bay, rescuing those in distress or in any kind of trouble or need. Their form of transport on the water? A tugboat! And the tugboats name?
You got it…….the Cheryl Ann!!!!!! As my dad began watching the show the name stuck with him and when he went to the hospital the next day he told my mom and she liked it, and that was that!
A few years ago I began to research this little boat and I was amazed at the findings. First being there are hundreds or maybe even thousands of Cheryl Ann’s out there named after this same tugboat! I found chat rooms full of women who share the name. In reading through some of the posts I also found out other information about my namesake tug. Not only was this tug used to film this show, it was an actual tugboat docked in the San Francisco Harbor. The name was changed after the series ended to “The Patrick Henry”, (I am really glad they choose my name before the name change)!!!!
I have also found tapes of four of the episodes of the “Waterfront” and a picture of the actual tugboat. The show is quite dull in comparison to what we have on television now but still cute, in a corny kind of way.
Well, when the story was told a couple of our childhood friends were there and they found it interesting enough to tell others and before I knew it “Tugs” became my new nickname. I say “new” only because the name in which I was mostly referred to prior was “peanut”, which some still call me.

There you have it…….

Be blessed all,

Tugs!

One Day at a Time

Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

I have finally come to a point in my life where I truely appreciate the truth of this message to us. I don't know about anyone else but most of my days are pretty full. With trying my best to take care of my family and myself, manage our home, prepare our home studies, not to mention taking the time to teach the studies. I really don't have time in my day to fit in the concerns of tomorrow. I am so greatful that everyday is a new day when we walk with Jesus. At the end of my day when I sit down to read and pray, it is so refreshing to know, tomorrow truely is a brand new day!!!!!! No matter how tired, discouraged or stressed I could be, God promisesto bring refreshing to all my tomorrows.......one day at a time.

In this I find hope and joy......

Be blessed all!
More later.......

Gods Consistancy

I don't know about anyone else but in a world that is constantly changing, I am so grateful God is consistent!
In the world today everything seems to change so incredibly fast! You can purchase a computer today and in only a months time it could be considered obsolete. Not to mention cell phones, or
i-pods, televisions and the forms in which we listen to or watch movies and music. Maybe it's just that I'm getting older, things seem to be changing so much faster than they use to, but I think its more due to the increase of knowledge in technology. The increased rate of our growth in technology seems to have kept in step with our schedules as well.
This rapid rate runs so against the grain for me, that when I find myself caught up in it, I panic! Not in the sense that I become fearful, I become frazzled!!!! I can keep up for a day or so, but after that I go into some sort of a melt down, and I find myself hunting for any place to sneak away, kind of like someone who is addicted to nicotine and just has to have that smoke and every where they go it's no smoking allowed! So, I guess now it's out in the open, I am a quiet time addict and no form of rehab will ever change me!!
The one thing that keeps me always going back for more to my times of solitude is that my Father, my Friend is always there, always the same. It fills me like fuel in an automobile, I can't run without it. Although, it may cost me more, it doesn't matter, I'll pay it. Because without it, I'm going no where! I find myself becoming more dependent on those times much more often than I use to. In a time when we can get so caught up in the whirlwind of life, I find this so refreshing, knowing no matter how fast and furious this world can get, no matter how much change goes on around us Our heavenly Father is always there....always loving.....always merciful......always compassionate.....always forgiving.....always full of hope....always passionate about us.....always dependable........

"For I, the Lord, do not change"
Malachi 3:6a

I pray this brings you peace and sends you into His presence today.

Article from the Elijah List

This article touched my heart and spoke to me in relation to the study we will be starting, "Made to Count", I hope it speaks to yours as well.
It is a bit lengthy...but well worth the time.
Be blessed and walk in His presence today,


January 21, 2008
Paulette Reed: "Building Upward--It's Time to UNCOVER and HONOR the LIVING STONES!"
The Vision
In a recent vision, I was traveling through time and space at an accelerated rate, just above a dark brown terrain. I realized I was seeing the foundations of the earth, and they seemed to be trembling. I was soaring so fast that my physical body actually became dizzy. I knew in my spirit that the Lord was showing me His rich foundations prepared thousands of years ago--alive with anticipation as they waited for the living stones.
Oh, how exciting to realize our Heavenly Father's foundations are always the glorious base for solid structural elements which lend to limitless possibilities! How marvelous to bow and acknowledge Jesus Christ as the One and only True Foundation--a Foundation of Love. God loved even before the creation of the world (John 17:24). May we long to have Christ's likeness established in every believer, not so concerned with the outward appearance of the temple, but deeply concerned with the foundation. Our focus should be to continually build up people, and not ministries.
With all we're hearing about this being a year of new beginnings, we must be certain to build upon sacred infrastructures while adhering to the basics--those fundamental foundations in place for centuries. For, "In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the Heavens are the work of Your hands" Hebrews 1:10. Don't you just love how God uses chaos to create His divine order?
Living Stones
It's awesome to know that we, living stones--breathing, walking, talking stones-- are carrying the Gospel of His glory to the ends of the earth! Oh how we are "looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10).
As we build together, dear ones, some stones may seem insignificant, but it's so very crucial not to despise even one small stone. For, "Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be" Job 8:7. Let's keep in mind, "The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world." In other words, we must nurture and edify every one of the Father's children as they grow up to be kings, presidents, justices and queens.
The moment we are baptized into one Body (I Corinthians 12:13), every believer becomes a beautiful stone. Look around. We come in all sizes, shapes and colors; jasper, sapphire, amethyst and more. Each person is a precious gem in the eyes of our God, shining in the darkness upon His foundation of glory and love.
We form this living Church as the Holy Spirit unites us; we become construction materials that must no longer be torn down, but acknowledged and edified. We are stones and the Holy Spirit is the cement. For, "You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God" I Peter 2:5.
Look Around
Following my vision of the foundations of the earth, Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance a prayer I had sent to the Throne room months ago. I remember it vividly. "Lord, I need You to send someone to fill this position." The Holy Spirit replied, "I already did." This was a moment in time when the hidden became unhidden. The "living stone" was right in front of me and I almost missed it.
Oh dear friends, look around, look around for, "He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the Lord's; upon them He has set the world" I Samuel 2:8.
How many living stones are in our midst right now who have not been properly honored and seated with princes?
It's time to uncover the stones, dear friends! We declare that those around us will be the best teachers, preachers, managers, mothers, fathers, and servants of the most High God the world has ever seen. World changers! We declare that not one stone will be left unturned as we train and equip, honoring and preferring one another above ourselves. We purpose to love each stone to life, so it is breathing, walking, talking and filled with the glory of God.
It's a wonderful season of "uncovering," beloved. This describes so well where we are at and indicates what we need already exists--right in front of us. Many believe that uncovering eliminates a lot of the emotional and intellectual baggage of "discovering." "Lord, send a stone to fill this hole in the wall." He says, "I already did!"
Hut, Two, Three, Four!
The army of God has been in quite a season of realignment. Some have been obediently deported several times, some resisted, and others have gone AWOL. Many have moved from the tail to the head. Now, we are entering into a season with synchronized marching coming forth. I can hear it! Hut…two, three, four. People are assuming their positions. They are standing strong and tall on firm foundations, ready to move onward and upward, taking ground.
There has been a tremendous amount of preparation in the laying of foundations. As with traditional architecture, so much occurs before design (action) and implementation. The needs of the building (the church) are identified, resources are secured, and finances are in place (or believed for). During the planning, there's a time to get questions answered, so the foundation can support the structure.
The Gifts
Every gift in the Body is necessary and all are about to increase and soar--as they are uncovered. It is time, friends. We must rebuild the temples--the people of God! Each person bears relevant gifts within them from birth, for the Creator lives in us! Sadly, some virtues can be stifled early on, perhaps as soon as we can hold a crayon and someone says, "Now, stay in the lines."
However, we know the gifts are still in "the house" within each vessel. It's time for recovering and uncovering! Blessing the gifts in each living stone as Jesus did--not allowing them to lie dormant. Jesus saw every disciple that came alongside as a gift (John 17:24). May we be like our Savior, ready and willing to identify, bless, and release what the Father has given within our own spheres of influence. May we come up from underneath, undergirding the stones, giving strong support, remembering that foundations are not seen.
Tools for Building on the Lord's Foundations
F – Firmness. As the winds and the torrents come, we simply will not survive on sinking sand. "Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock" Luke 6:47-48. "He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved" Psalm 104:5.
O – Openness. Foundations begin with open frames, remaining flexible for refinements during the building up. They are to take on whatever the Master Builder adheres to the frame, not speaking back to the Maker.
U – Unity. Of course a house divided cannot stand. Even if one single domino is pulled out of a pillar of thousands, the structure will tumble.
N – Nails. We can't actually see these construction materials, but they pierced the hands and feet of the Cornerstone of love and they hold the Church together.
D – Developers. The Lord has His developers in place. They train and equip causing the living stones to progress from an embryonic to an adult form. To grow into a more mature state, advancing and expanding. Developers have builders to come alongside and supervise assembling the joining parts so the structure is established, increased and strengthened. The builders mold, form and create, building on the past to mobilize the future.
A – Ascension into the Throne room regularly for the Divine connection that empowers and enables what is to come.
T – Truth. Absolutely no room for the veneer of servanthood--it must be the real thing. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" Colossians 3:23.
I – Ideals. Clinging to the path our Beloved leads us on, not the one taken by others. We are pioneers and groundbreakers. We must become uncomfortable with the norm and stretch to embrace the truth of Whom we serve.
O – Openness. To share liberally with those who may experience struggle along the way.
N – No status. Foundations are hidden. The dramatic metaphor in Luke shows us God's heart. He draws children to Himself in the midst of His disciples. Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the one who sent Me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest" Luke 9:48.
S – Stable. When foundations are being laid, miles underground, it's absolutely crucial that they are not off one millimeter of an inch. If they are, as the building goes higher, the miscalculation becomes more obvious. The final structure must not be weakened by its own growth, leaning toward earth rather than reaching toward Heaven. "He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle" Psalm 107:7.
Let's Pray: Dear Jesus, how amazing that You would come to earth as a baby, a child, Who was to rule all the nations with a rod of iron (Revelation 12:5). Remind us, Master Builder, that all we do is an offering just for You. May we each serve You with diligence and joy, being changed from glory to glory. May every child of God grow in stature and favor with the Lord and with men as You did. Give us a Heavenly vision of the wall of the city with twelve foundations, and on them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:14). May the gems You are sending to Your Church be preparation for glorious walls made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. As we acknowledge each brother and sister as irreplaceable components of Your final work, let us honor You by our love. Amen.
Paulette ReedExtreme Prophetic MinistriesEmail: Paulette@extremeprophetic.com

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If God Leads He will Provide

Why do we say we believe, yet walk in doubt? Someone recently spoke to me about stepping out into a different field, but that they didn't have it all quite figured out how they were going to manage. I asked if they felt this was a God inspired change or something they just wanted to do? They said they felt it was God leading them in this new direction, but that they couldn't make that step until they knew how other things were going to fall into place. I was able to share with them this testimony of Gods provision in my own life.
I had worked in the dental field in one capacity or another for over 16 years when I gave birth to our youngest daughter, Libby. It was initially not our plan for me to continue to work once I became pregnant, but after trying to conceive for over two years with no success, we bought a house that required me to work to keep up the payments. Then lo and behold I found out two weeks to the day after closing on our house that I was pregnant! Even while I was pregnant I sensed God was directing me to quit my job. But, because I couldn't see how that was possible I continued working. When Libby was almost two I found out I was going to be losing my babysitter and I just couldn't see anyone but , Sandi, watching our daughter. I decided I would now leave my job and give in to this urging inside of me. But, I couldn't leave it there, I began to take classes to be certified as a Travel Agent and began my own business out of our home. As if that wern't enough, I also did day care for the other displaced children left over from "Sandi's" house! My business took off like a rocket and before I knew it I was working well into the night time hours some days. My back issues were then becoming a major distraction and I had to give up both the day care and my travel business. Even still I wasn't being obedient to that call inside of me to just let it go. It was so hard for me, I had not been without some sort of pay check since I had been fifteen years old and I couldn't imagine us making it without me bringing one home now. I then found a job with a local Interior Decorating Firm, a job that I loved doing. In less than a year my back issue became so much worse, I was to undergo an experimental theapy to see if they could slow the rate of the progression, which meant I had to quit my job. As much as I loved that job and hated to leave, I remember being overwhelmed by a sense of "freedom" when I walked out of the studio that last day. I had the treatment done and was in a brace for six weeks and didn't give it too much thought throughout that time. Then one evening I sat down and figured out what we had in bills and what we had to pay them with and on paper, it just didn't add up, we were in the red!
Yet, our bills were paid. One month went by, then two months went by and every month it was the same, on paper we should not have had enough money to pay our bills, but every month they were paid. I still to this day cannot tell you where those extra dollars came from, all I know is that they were paid. Throughout this time a connection with God like I had never known was taking place and I had such a sense of peace, words cannot describe it.
God had been speaking, but I didn't want to listen. Then when I did listen, I still felt it had to be on my terms. But once I was completely obedient, even if by force, God showed His faithfulness to me. I learned that when we have to do things our own way, we could miss out on witnessing God's power in our lives. I also learned that when God leads us to anything within or outside our area of comfort, He will not abandon us or leave us "orphaned", He will provide. He is always faithful to sustain us wherever He leads.
We won't always understand why somethings happen the way they do, but, if we know in our hearts, we are never alone no matter where God leads us and He will always sustain us.
Isiah 55:11
"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void.
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it".

New Blog Home/Persistence

Well, here I am, all set up in my new blog space. My hope is that this space will be much more accessible than the windows live domain I had previously. Life has been so incredibly busy lately I am thankful to of had today to just sit back and catch up, reading this past weeks e-mails and opening snail mail. It absolutely amazes me how much mail one person can get in just a matter of a few days!!! All it takes is to buy something from one mail order company and before you know it your getting offers from every mail order company known to man! Three years ago I ordered a bird figurine for my mom and I'm not kidding I have received at least 3/4 offers a week ever since. Sometimes multiple offers from the same company!!! Although I find this practice to be very annoying, I think there could be something to be learned by their strategy. What if we were as persistent with sharing Christ with those who aren't saved? I don't necessarily mean bombard their inbox or their mail boxes with offers to give their hearts to the Lord. But, what if we just never let up showing them the love of Christ, no matter what? No matter how many times they turn down the opportunity, that we would continue to pursue them for the Kingdom of Christ Jesus!! These companies don't take it personal when we rip up their offers and throw them in the trash or even seem to take offense when we flat out turn them down. They just continue to try to win you over with unbeatable persistence. Think right now about that one person, that one family member or person you work with that doesn't know the freedom of giving their life to Christ. When was the last time you asked?Also, we can't always assume someone is saved just because they come to church or attend a service. I know three people I have had the opportunity to lead to the Lord which I had previously assumed were saved. Then by having a conversation with them realized they didn't know the Lord and had never asked Him into their lives.Lets continue on with our work keeping our eyes, ears and our hearts open with persistence and determination, not ever accepting "no" for an answer.