Well Watered Woman

DESTINY

2012-01-27T05:56:00.000-08:00

Have you registered for our Women of Destiny Conference / Cruise yet?Join us May 14th -19th for this dynamic, life changing event.The Women of Destiny Conference is going to catapult women into the fullness of who God has called them to be.The 3 days of conference on this beautiful 5 night cruise to the Bahamas will feature dynamic morning prayer, anointed praise and worship services followed by life changing ministry sessions presented by our powerful anointed speakers and workshop teachers.
The Women of Destiny Conference/Cruise is family oriented so husbands and children are welcome to attend. There will be a special breakout session for men and young men presented by Deeper Waters Men's Ministry, as well as a special breakout session for teen and collegiate girls presented by our Well Watered Woman Teen Ministry. For younger children Carnival Cruiseline has a wonderful children’s program, so moms can relax and enjoy knowing their kids are safe and having lots of fun.
If you are single and/or traveling alone, we will do our best to pair you with a roommate. This cruise will certainly have something for everyone!
You can obtain more information as well as register at http://www.wellwateredwomanconference.com/

Water From The Well... are you ready to jump in?

2012-01-11T20:18:00.000-08:00

Have you all ordered your books yet? Many of you have and I am blessed by the feedback and positive responses I 'm receiving.

I'm also very excited about what's coming up next. I will be leading a local group of 15 ladies on the 31 day journey of Water From The Well and it is going to be a blast. After being asked by many and much prayerful consideration we will be doing online groups as well.

The groups will begin February 1st and are limited to 15 women each to keep the intimacy, transparency and confidentiality of the group intact.

I would absolutely love to have you all join us for the journey. It is going to be refreshing and real. I will be sharing directly from my heart and the word of God to encourage you in your walk and strengthen you for your journey.

There is no cost attached to the groups however you will need to have an actual copy of Water From The Well to participate and each participant in the groups will receive a free pdf download of the beta Water From The Well workbook. You will also need to be committed to the journey and committed to growth.

If you are interested in being part of the groups please email me at tonyr@wellwateredwoman.com

I encourage you to invite your friends to come along for the journey. If you know of a woman or women who might be broken, weary in her walk or in a wilderness season; I especially implore you to invite her/them to join us.
You can order your book as well as share the link to the book with others here. You can also view and share the video trailer here.

As an FYI the online groups are able to be formated for ministries small women groups if you are a pastor or leader who would like to do this with your women's group please feel free to contact me at admin@wellwateredwoman.com

Excited about our journey.

Blessings,

Water from The Well - The Book

2012-01-06T19:54:00.000-08:00

I am very excited and please to announce the launch of my first book -
Water from The Well; the Collection.

It is a 31 day devotional journey designed to water your soul, refresh your spirit and compel you to grow deeper in your walk with the Lord.

This journey can be taken alone, with an accountability partner or group of friends. Each day provides a word of encouragement and a space for reflection and take away. It is sure to bless you and give you strength for the journey. It is available NOW. You can order your copy HERE.

The Gift...

2011-12-28T09:03:00.000-08:00

There are some stories that just can't be kept to yourself, this is one of those stories.

When my dear friend Shay emailed me the story of my precious Godson Jaden's (and hers) CHRISTmas gift I knew I had to share it with all of you.

Be blessed and enjoy.......

What present did you get for CHRISTmas that you oh so love?

Sisters, I wanted to share with you my favorite Christmas gift. A gift so awesome, God is just continuously blessing me days after Christmas. So awesome, that I had to literally stop in the middle of the Target parking lot and sit in my car just so I can write this email!

For a while now Jaden have been looking for a bike. It had to be green his absolute favorite color or blue his second favorite. Plus, it couldn't say anything "uncool" or have any "uncool" pictures on it.

Mid November, we went to Nellis AFB with Jaden's Gram for lunch. It was there that he saw his dream bike!

The bike was green. It had a stealth airplane picture on it and the word "stealth"....COOL! Plus, it had camo colors (which reminded him of his good ole mom). That was IT! His dream bike!

Jaden even saw a shark helmet! (If you know my son you know he absolutely LOVES sharks. He is famous for his shark sunglasses which never leaves his head). The helmet was the color gray and a bit tight but it was a shark. So, to him it was cool!

I told Jaden maybe we should keep looking on the helmet because it was a bit snug & he doesn't really like the color. (I felt there was something else better.) But Jaden insisted he liked the color now and said it fits him just fine. He wanted the helmet & bike!

Anyway, both were going on sale the day after Thanksgiving. So all of us, including Jaden, were all going to wake up extra early to buy the bike & the helmet for him as an early Christmas present.

Side bar note: Jaden's father absolutely HATES the thought of standing in line, in the cold, for ANYTHING just to save a couple of bucks. This would be our very first "Black Friday" shopping experience...Every one of us...EVER!

That night Jaden slept on his warm "going- out & ready to tackle the long lines of Black Friday clothes" to buy his bike & helmet.

So the day after Thanksgiving, Jaden, his dad & Gram drove to the base early but by the time they got there it was too late! They were all gone!

Jaden was disappointed but tried his best to be grateful for his old bike which was WAY too small for his growing body. He really was a champ. Better than I would be at eight!

Every chance we got we continued to look for a bike. We continued to look all the way up till Christmas. We drove to all the Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us in the greater Las Vegas & Henderson area. But none of them would do. He truly fell in love with that green camo bike & shark helmet.

During one of our shopping trips at Target we found another shark helmet. It was different than the helmet we saw in the base. The helmet was the color blue, had shark teeth and it even had the famous "Jaw's fin" sticking up like a mawhawk. It really was a hoot! Too funny! He absolutely loved it! His eyes were just big with excitement. LOL!

But then sadness hit my 8 year-old yet again when he saw the sizes they came in. They only had size age 3+ and age 5+. The age 3+ was too small and the age 5+ was too tight!

He even took off all the safety padding inside & kept insisting it's was ok to wear without the pads. Eventually, the realization hit him. It just didn't fit.

Now he was really disappointed. First the bike...Now THIS!

What Jaden didn't know was that his father woke up extra early, while he was still asleep, that November day and bought the bike without him to surprise him for Christmas. It was stored in his grandparent's shed the entire time! And his mom kept taking him bike shopping to make the reveal of surprise even greater :)

And the blue shark helmet? Well, they actually came in his exact size (age 8+) but only on-line. His mother already knew this info before we "accidentally" saw it in Target. The helmet had actually been stored in his mother's closet for weeks now. The shopping trip to the helmet section of Target was intended just to prepare him for the great reveal!

Ladies, why am I telling you this story? Because isn't our God just like this? Doesn't He have a plan that He already set up in motion behind the scenes waiting for the right time to reveal?

Don't we as His children often insist on contorting our bodies into something that doesn't fit. Insisting that this " ____" fits & will try but nothing to let it fit when we know there is a God that knows our exact size & measurement? A God who knows there is something else better for us (in our favorite color) far more than we ever expected!

We often forget that our God loves us SO much that His greatest joy is...To enter our joy!

Just as my absolute favorite Christmas gift was literally seeing my son ride his brand new green bike with his blue shark helmet...Jaden's joy was "MY" joy!

Oh what an awesome wonderful God we have! Just thought I'd share that with you ladies & hope this blesses you too!

"So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him." - Matthew 7:11 (NIV)

... Shay Benitez is a dear friend, sister in Christ and amazing woman of God. She is the wife of Matthew and mom to their beautifully blessed son Jaden.

Shay also serves as part of the Well Watered Woman Prayer Team.

Sharing Life with Lisa: The Christ in Christmas__Katie's love

2011-12-16T05:36:00.000-08:00

This is such a refreshing post by Lisa Shaw I just had to share it with you all. Enjoy and be blessed.

Sharing Life with Lisa: The Christ in Christmas__Katie's love: My husband and I were out to breakfast last weekend after church. We have a little place we enjoy. It's one of those places that's in th...

Have You Heard About Her?

2011-12-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

She is amazing, she is beautiful, she is fearfully and wonderfully made, she is YOU! I am so blessed to be a speaker in this awesome online bible study beginning in January and I want to invite all of you to us for a powerful time.

Check out the video and get your registration in. I'm also excited to announce that I have been blessed to give away 2 scholarships. If you are interested in receiving a scholarship please contact me at TonyR@wellwateredwoman.com

Blessings,

The Waste of Size | Jarrid Wilson

2011-12-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

The Waste of Size | Jarrid Wilson

Get Ready For DESTINY!

2011-10-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for a tremendous move of God IN and THROUGH your life?

Women of Destiny 2012 -

Are you ready for a tremendous move of God IN and THROUGH your life? The Women of Destiny Conference/Cruise 2012 is a launching place for that move! Come join us for a powerful life changing encounter with God.

The Women of Destiny Conference is going to catapult women into the fullness of who God has called them to be, it will also equip them in knowing their purpose so they can fulfill their Destiny

The 3 days of conference on this beautiful 5 night cruise will feature dynamic morning prayer, anointed praise and worship services followed by life changing ministry sessions presented by our powerful speakers and workshop teachers.

The Women of Destiny Conference/Cruise is family oriented so husbands and children are welcome to attend. There will be a special breakout session for men and young men presented by Deeper Waters Men's Ministry, as well as a special breakout session for teen and collegiate girls presented by our Well Watered Woman Teen Ministry. For younger children Carnival Cruiseline has a wonderful children’s program, so moms can relax and enjoy knowing their kids are safe and having lots of fun. If you are single and/or traveling alone, we will do our best to pair you with a roommate. This cruise will certainly have something for everyone!

The Women of Destiny cruise is also a time of refreshing, rejuvenation and vacation. There will be plenty of free time to enjoy the plethora of on board activities and the magnificent and breathtaking beauty of the Bahamas. With ports of call in the beautiful and exotic Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and Nassau you will find an abundance of fun, activities, and excursions to take in. Your time off the ship is sure to be as amazing as your time aboard.

Click HERE to visit our Official Women of Destiny 2012 site.

Calling all leaders . . .
Are you a pastor, co-pastor or leader of a woman's ministry? If you or your ministry are interested in bringing a group of women to the Women of Destiny 2012 Conference/Cruise we can help you.

We have a limited number of GROUPS LEADER POSITIONS available! We would love to show you how to put a group together. Leadership has its privileges, find out what you can receive by becoming a group leader.

Contact us at: groups@wellwateredwomanconference.com for more information and group leader packets

See you on the ship!!

For Powerful Women Only

2011-09-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

TodayI was interviewed on the popular BlogTalk Show, For Powerful Women Only. I talked about Purpose and Destiny and how to discover and walk it out. You have more power than you know through Christ!

The host, Author &Speaker Teisha Shelby-Houston (Lady T),helps women go from mom to mompreneur!. Known as The Business Coach for Moms™, LadyT her motivational workshops empowers and coaches women to change the world throughentrepreneurship!

Let her new book, Mom Entrepreneur Extraordinaire inspire you!

Click here to listen in to learn more on purpose and destiny. Do you think you are just a mom? Think again you are powerful in Christ and God has a purpose and call for YOUR life!.

The Butterfly Circus

2011-09-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while you run across something so amazing words can't describe. Attempting to tell about it seems to cheapen the moment, the message, the beauty of it. This is one of those things, what is it you ask? A short but life changing film; The Butterfly Circus. I watched this movie with no expectations as I had not heard of it before, what I received was the biggest dose of God's love, more than I can possibly contain or relate to you in a simple blog post. It is a must see for your self...
I encourage you to take a few minutes to sit and watch this, you will not regret it, in fact I'm pretty sure you will be glad you did.

Well Watered Women of God I present to you The Butterfly Circus...

The Butterfly Circus - HD from The Butterfly Circus on Vimeo.

Will The Real Woman of God Please Stand Up!

2011-09-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

Will The Real ~~Woman~~ "WOMEN" of God Please Stand Up!

Far too many women in the body of Christ are being held in a position of infirmity. Bound by issues from the past and present., women are crying out for freedom from the weight of this condition. God wants to use His women in a powerful way for His kingdom, but our pain (infirmity, weakness, issue) can keep us from fulfilling our great purpose and destiny!
He has given us a remedy and it can only be found in Jesus - He wants to set you free today!

Listen in to the teaching I shared with Beth Jones and her audience at Tablet of My Heart on will The Real ~~Woman~~ "WOMEN" of God Please Stand Up!

Blessings until next time,

Are You Bold Enough to Ask?

2011-09-02T20:43:00.000-07:00

It's not over until God says it's over! I want to let all who listened to this episode know we saw God move in the midnight hour situation I spoke of. We saw a door that had been closed, locked and but to bed, miraculously opened after we were bold enough to ask. Only God could have done this thing and He DID! If you are facing a midnight hour situation you don't want to miss this episode.
*******************

Join Well Watered Woman host Tony R as she discusses "Are You Bold Enough to Ask" - the power of praying in the midnight hour. Listen as we look at Luke 11 in a new light.

Listen to internet radio with Well Watered Woman on Blog Talk Radio

Tablet of My Heart - Beth Jones

2011-09-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

I am so honored and blessed to be a guest on Tablet of My Heart founder Beth Jone's Talkshoe Show today. Beth is an incredible woman of God, a minister, author and well can I just say again an incredible woman of God.

I would love to have you all come on over and listen in as I minister on Will The Real Woman of God Please Stand Up!

It 's going to be a great conversation and engaging time of ministry. The show will be airing live at 2:30pm CST (12:30 PST, 3:30 EST). You can visit Beth's page by clicking here and you can find Beth's show here.
You can also listen by cellphone or Skype, here are the call in details below.

Phone Number: (724) 444-7444
Call ID: 98698
PIN: 1 #
Hope to see you there!

Jarrid Wilson: Pre-Paid Hope

2011-08-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

Normally I won't post 2 blog post back to back in the same day, but today I must. I want to introduce you all to a a new friend. His name is Jarrid Wilson. I happened upon Jarrid via two of his tweets that my daughter Chelsea had retweeted. They were powerful and I did what I normally do when I see something that is contagiously infected with God, I pass it on. The tweets were: "If our hearts don't break for all who are broken, we can't truly call ourselves Christ followers." "The story of your transition out of your brokenness, could be the tipping point to someones understanding of Gods hopefulness".

A few minutes ago I received a notification that Jarrid is now following me on twitter. As I visited his site I found this post he shared just yesterday. As I read it I knew it was a God post timing and had to share it with you all. There is no coincidence in Christ and I think God is speaking to us as a body to pay attention. Who are the shadowy figures sleeping on the park benches, are they not the sick who need a physician? Homelessness has a story and it has a face. It looks like me, it looks like you and if we look really close; it looks like Jesus.

Take a moment to read this inspiring and beautiful Christ encounter that Jarrid was blessed to have.

Jarrid Wilson: Pre-Paid Hope: Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting a sixty-seven year old homeless man named Tom. In the last couple months I've noticed a growth ...

Standing in awe of HIM,

Through My Eyes - a short film and my story for His glory

2011-08-16T22:18:00.000-07:00

This is a short film produced by the King Brothers and is a much watch. I am so blessed by these young men for putting this piece together. It speaks volumes and speaks it well. If you know me in person you know homelessness is a subject very near to my heart and if you really know me you know why.... You may want to grab a larger cup of coffee or tea because, well let's just say this may be a long one.

This video blesses me immensely because I understand first hand the heart of the homeless. Although this video is scripted and acted, for countless number of people it is their every day existence. Day in day out, night fall to day break this is how they live. They have no respite, they have no resources and they have no hope, but GOD.

I watched this short film with a catch in my throat, knowing all too well; but for the grace of God this story, this tale, the young man in this narrative could have been either one my sons. How do I know this? Because we as a family have experienced a homeless lifestyle. We are part of a culture that is called the "hidden homeless". While we do not live outside, under a bridge or in a park, we are legally and technically considered homeless. We, our family of 6, reside in a modest 1 bedroom weekly living facility. It is not much, but it is where we lay our heads, it is where we call home, for now.

Like the young man in the film we understand what it is like to be looked at with judging eyes. What did they do? How did they get in this position? Are they this or are they that? We've experienced the rejection and side-eyed glances and double takes when people realize our situation. We've heard the "wise counsel" that charges us with perhaps there is hidden sin in your lives when what they are really seeking is for some small insight that would confirm what they "already knew" in their "spirits", and then getting angry when there was nothing to tell. No secret sin, no lack of faith, not wild story to tell other than life happens and it actually happens to Christians too. Sadly people only choose to see you from a distant perception and place of judgement until they draw closer to hear your story, to experience life through your eyes.

You see at one point we had it all, my husband had an awesome job and we lived in an amazing home but in an instant life can change. With the blink of an eye a job can end, a door can close, an opportunity can be lost. When this happens all that remains is the shell of a life of that once was. I can still recall with acute clarity and detail the feeling of facing my worst fears head on as I turned the corner to pull into our driveway to see the glaring orange stickers on our windows, on our doors, the menacing locks barring us from ever crossing that threshold again. I remember the cry that escaped my lips, the tears that escaped my eyes like waterfalls cascading down my face. I remember the cold panic that gripped my heart and then I remembered my children. I turned to look at them seeing the hurt and hopelessness that had in an instant washed the childhood glow of joy away replacing it with fear and angst of their now uncertain future.

Yes, I remember the day it was over, the day our life as we knew it changed, the moment we went from living in a home to driving around in our van trying to figure out where we could park to lay our heads.

I remember the call from friends offering to take us in. I remember going from friends to family to the van again. I remember as a family sleeping in a corner on the floor of a friends home until the next door opened. I remember the awful feeling of having no hope, the feeling of being forsaken by the God we loved and served . I remember the looks of brokenness and desperation upon my children's faces as they faced the pain and fear of not understanding how a faithful God could allow us to go through this. I remember the nights of pillows soaked with tears, the days of absolute bleakness and shame over situations that we had no control over.

But I also remember the words of life "He" whispered to my soul, 4 simple words, I Have Remembered You. Those 4 words have carried me from that day to this one knowing that He is yet faithful.

When I watched this video my heart sang hallelujah because this was not the testimony of my sons. Despite our hardships, and our small living quarters, true to His word He has remembered us. I fully understand that in the midst of our Job like trials it could have easily gone another way. My children could have easily become bitter, turned their backs on God and their faith but they held on. It drew them closer to God, deeper into His word as they daily searched for promises of restoration, healing and the day of our coming out. They pressed in seeking His face through intercession. I saw their prayer lives blossom and their callings and gifts come into maturation. I saw their faithfulness of rising early Sunday mornings after our van died and said it's final good-byes, to be on a bus by 6am so they cold be on time for the 9am service. I saw them come home exhausted arriving home well past 10pm on Wednesday nights after faithfully attending youth service and riding the bus home. I saw them press hard to finish school and graduate. I saw them reap the rewards of their labor as each of my sons, the oldest graduating last year and the second graduating this past June, stood on the stage addressing their respective graduating classes as they gave their commencement speeches. Yes despite everything they had to endure they made it and I sit in awe of the things God has done. This week I am especially in awe of our God and His majesty. My oldest son is wrapping up his first internship with a ministry in the northwest and preparing to return to college on the west coast where he is studying and pursuing his calling as a worship pastor. This morning my second son begin registering for classes at our local college where he plans to attend this semester before transferring to the same college his brother attends. He will be perusing his calling as a youth pastor.

He had indeed remembered us and in spite our circumstances, He has been faithful to us. Like the young man in the video the Word of God changed everything. No our physical circumstances have not changed, our address has not changed, we YET believe GOD, but we have been changed through it. I can honestly say I would not trade it for the world, it was through this process, this trial and storm that Well Watered Woman was birthed. When I was at my lowest place, my driest spot and my dying place, God met me there. He poured life through His word into my soul restoring me to wholeness, healing my brokenness, and rekindling my faith. It is here that I have learned to truly live by faith. To seek Him and Him alone, to say though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him. It is here that I have learned the meaning of submitting to His will knowing that He will perfect that which concerns me. God does not allow anything to come upon us without a plan in place and mind. He never allows us to face anything that He has no intention of allowing to work for our good and His glory. Overseer Eugene Lewis once said "God commissions forerunners in the wilderness so that during their assignment, they won't be frightened by the isolation of being uncommon". I thank God for allowing us to be forerunners, the wilderness experience has been hard but it has been our best experience because it is where we have grown and become strong, it is in this place that I have truly discovered God.

I know with the uncertainty of the job market, the ravishing of the housing market, many are facing the road that we have hard traveled and you have no idea where to turn. You feel hurt, devastated, broken and lost
To you I encourage you to turn to the Father. He is waiting to carry you to the other side. Will there be bumps and pot holes along the way? You bet, but you can rest assured He is still in control and He will not lead you astray.
There are others who are broken at the thought of what will become of their children because of the trials that you are facing. Some have even said if it were not for my children I would end it all, to you I say I can testify that God WILL be a fence around your children. As you continue to keep them bathed in prayer and words of life and hope, He will be a shield and buckler. God WILL use this situation to draw them closer to Himself.

To the woman who feels like you will never come out of your trial, and if you do you won't come out with your right mind, I say yes you will. The word of God says He makes all things beautiful in HIS time. He has a set time for your captivity to be turned and when it is turned you will come out as gold. Psalms 30:5 says For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime, weeping my endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. Not only will you come out with your mind in tact you will come out with joy.

For some that are feeling forsaken and even judged by others because of your trials I remind you of the blind man when the disciples asked who sinned this man or his parents and Jesus said neither sinned. He was born blind that the works of God might be glorified. Like Joseph God will take you from the dungeon the the palace so His will can prevail. Even if it is a trial of your own making know this, God IS and will still keep you, love you and bring you out.

I know others will ask how you can be so sure, how can you still say these things when you are in the midst of your situation. To you, I say, because I know Him. He is not a respecter of persons and He is not a man that lies. I can take Him at His word. He has been faithful through every step of this journey and I know He will see us through to the end. I know because He that begin a good work is faithful to complete it. You can trust Him with your trial.
To the one who feels so alone and has no one to talk to who understands to you I say I am here and I am praying for YOU my friend. You are not alone there are others who have walked this road before you.

Dear Well Watered Women of God, I encourage you today to hold on to God's unchanging hand He will see you through and as always if any of you would like prayer please don't hesitate to let us know, we WILL pray for you. You can send us an email at prayer-team@wellwateredwoman.com

Until next time,

Walking the Talk and Talking the Walk

2011-08-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was speaking with my dear friend and ministry administrator Carolina, during the course of our conversation she reminded me about an article I had written some years back. The article was on prayer walking which I used to do daily. The conversation caused a spark that had waned over time.

Last night as I was cleaning out a little used old email account I could not believe my eyes, there it was! Sitting right in front of me was a copy of the article we had just discussed a couple of day ago. As I read the article the spark became a flame and the flame is quickly becoming a fire. I am now fired up to prayer walk again, although this time prayer walking has a new look. Some of you may already know this, but I am an employee of our local police department as a school crossing guard. Each school day, morning and afternoon, I am blessed to cross children to and from school. The kids have found a special place in my heart and it makes my day when I see their bright smiling faces every morning. I often referred to my job as my "children's church" ministry and consider myself a spiritual as well as natural crossing guard. Each morning I greet the children on my post with big smiles and grand hello's. I ask them how the are, are they excited for the day, tell them they are going to have a great day and other words of encouragement. Initially they looked at me like I was a loony lady but they soon warmed up and by the end of the last school year, they would greet me with great big hello's and busy chatter. In the evening I greet them just as warmly making sure to ask how school was, what did they learn, did they have fun and so on. After the first few days on my post I realized not every child has someone at home rooting for them, not all of them live in a peaceful, loving or nurturing environment. They don't all have someone sending them to school covered in prayer or with words of Life uttered over them. The more I realized this the more determined I became to be an intercessor and voice of encouragement for them.

As we prepare for school to begin in a couple of weeks, my heart is ablaze with prayer. I am excited over the opportunity to prayer walk the children assigned to me by the Father. It's amazing to know that although the area of my walk in the natural is simply from one side of the street to the other, my prayer walk goes beyond that... far beyond that. As I allow the fire to consume me, my prayer reaches past the children to their families, their home life, neighborhoods and surrounding communities. Prayer changes things and the root of revival is birthed from the seed of prayer. I want to challenge each of you is to look around you and see where you can begin to change lives, neighborhood and communities through prayer. I'm including the original article I wrote on prayer walking to help you get started, I hope you all enjoy it and it sparks a fire to make a difference one step at a time in your area.

Blessings until Next Time,
TonyR

*********************************************************

Prayer Walking...

Okay here it is… I must confess that after living on my former street for 6and a half years I could count the neighbors whose names I knew on one hand. I must acknowledge the fact that I really had not enlarged my circle beyond my immediate neighbors from next door and across the street. Sure I did the usual wave of the hand or friendly honk of the horn but nothing of real substance.

What about you? Have you ever noticed your neighborhood? Really noticed who your neighbors are and what type of atmosphere your street, and your community have over it? So often we see our neighbors, we stop and chat or give then a friendly wave of the hand. But are we truly influencing our surroundings, are we making a spiritual impact.

How do we make this type of impact without being intrusive or overbearing? How do we overcome living in an era where people don’t want to get involved, where we hide in our cozy homes and stay in our comfy backyards. How do we break the barriers?

As the Lord began to speak to my heart concerning this, he graciously allowed me to hear about Prayer Walking. It is the simple formula of praying while walking down your street and through your neighborhood. Prayer walking is one of the simplest yet effective ways that I have encountered to impact streets, neighborhoods, and communities. All it takes is a desire to see God move on your street, and in your neighborhood. It can be done alone or with a partner. You and your husband could use this time together or you could even go trekking as a family, with each member taking a turn to pray.

As you begin your trek take time to notice each house on your street, what type of atmosphere or environment does that home carry. Look at the people who live there, observe their children. Take along a small notepad during your treks, as you prayer walk write down leadings of the Holy Spirit that you might make intercession for them in your private prayer time. I often wear stereo headphones with worship music playing as I walk.

As you walk the streets of your neighborhood, begin to speak and declare the Word of God over your region. Heaven and earth shall pass away but His Word will remain, it will not return to him void rather it shall accomplish the very thing He sent it do. There IS power in the Word of God.

Ask God to move on your street, and in your neighborhood as you walk. Pray for revival to overtake your community, your city. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, how he is prompting you to pray for each home. Pray for salvation, healing and deliverance to take place within the homes. We never know what is going on behind closed doors; we cannot be moved by appearances. Those neighbors who look so well put together with everything going for then, might be the very ones who are going through the most tragic events inside of those walls. When we fail to come out of our comfort zone, we can miss the leading of God to intercede.

During your treks you will begin to see more of your neighbors than ever before. Be open to God. Greet your neighbors; introduce yourself. A major purpose of Prayer Walking is to be a witness to your neighbors and by getting to know them, you can effectively begin to witness.

The following is a list of things you can pray on your prayer walks
1: Revival

2: Salvation

3;Unity in your neighborhood – pray that neighbors would come together, that walls come down, and generations heal.

4: Racism – it is yet alive and through prayer this spirit can be defeated in your neighborhood, your community and your city.

5: Marriages

6: Families

7: Safety in your neighborhood.

I often wonder what would happen if saints of God all over took up prayer walking. What impact would it have on our cities? What strongholds would be pulled down? What bondages could be broken? How many families would come to know Christ, how many marriages healed and renewed? How many souls delivered from addictions, abuse and a myriad of other conditions.

As you begin your prayer walks don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate changes. Trust and believe God, He does not allow your prayers to go up in vain, God hears our prayers and more than that He answers them. If you make yourself available to be used of God, He is faithful. The prayers of a righteous man availeth much, PRAY ON my sister PRAY ON!

The Isaiah 54 Woman series; week 5 - Minister Angela Hardy

2011-08-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

This week our guest is Minister Angela Hardy founder of A Kept Heart Ministry.
Listen as Angela shares her story and a message of hope, strength and a God given word of promise for the hurting, broken and bruised.

Listen to internet radio with Well Watered Woman on Blog Talk Radio

The Isaiah 54 Woman series; week 4 - Lady Monica Hopkins

2011-08-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

Listen in as Lady Monica Hopkins and I discuss her insight into the Isaiah 54 process while being single and being a single mom. Learn how we as the body can serve and assist our single sisters during their crisis season.

Listen to internet radio with Well Watered Woman on Blog Talk Radio

The Isaiah 54 Woman series; week 3 - Minister Kimberly Hudson

2011-07-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

Listen in as Minister Kimberly Hudson founder of Spiritual Vine Ministries and I discuss standing in the gap and interceding while in the midst of your Isaiah 54 experience.

Listen to internet radio with Well Watered Woman on Blog Talk Radio

The Isaiah 54 Woman series; week 2 - Lady Shawnell Reed

2011-07-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

If you missed tonight's live show you can listen to the replay here:

Listen to internet radio with Well Watered Woman on Blog Talk Radio

Join us next week as we welcome our guest; Minister Kimberly Hudson founder of Spiritual Vine Ministries. We will be discussion standing in the gap and interceding while in the midst of your Isaiah 54 experience.

Well Watered Woman Talk Radio -Thank you all for listening in!

2011-07-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Listen to internet radio with Well Watered Woman on Blog Talk Radio

The inaugural episode of Well Watered Woman Talk Radio was GREAT! Thank you all so much for listening in! I had such a blessed time with our first guest Mystiqua Kimble of Pursuit of Titus 2 Ministries. Her testimony was powerful, and encouraging.

If you missed it you can listen to the replay posted above, it will bless you.

Be sure to join us tomorrow -Thursday July 21st at 7pm CST for week 2 of "The Isaiah 54 Woman" series. This week our guest is Lady Shawnell Reed; minister and best selling author of "The Silent Cry of a Minister's Wife - Surviving on Broken Pieces".

Lady Reed is also the founder of two ministries; LSR and The First Lady, a ministry dedicated to restoring the lady first.

Here's a smidgen of what we have in store for the show: First Lady's, Pastor's and Minister's Wives, who are they really? We see her every Sunday standing by her husband's side, smiling, dressed in her Sunday's best. We admire her from afar and often many covet her title, her role and her position but do we really know what it takes to be her? As a minister's wife, Lady Reed endured the ups, downs and very dark side that's privy to very few.

The minister's wife the forgotten ministry...WHY? - Join us as Lady Reed shares her powerful and moving testimony of healing, restoration and transforming through Christ and Christ alone.

Be sure to join us www.blogtalkradio.com/well-watered-woman

Until next time,

Well Watered Woman Talk Radio presents The Isaiah 54 Woman

2011-07-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

The Isaiah 54 Woman Series

Well Watered Woman Talk Radio presents "The Isaiah 54 Woman" series.

What is an Isaiah 54 Woman? She’s a woman who has been through the storms of life and survived through God’s grace.

An Isaiah 54 Woman represents those who have fallen, been rejected or abused. Women who have faced the fires of life and emerged with beauty for ashes. They are women who sing the song of redemption, who have a testimony to tell and now have keys of deliverance for those coming behind them.

Each week we will introduce you to a different woman of God who will be sharing a message of hope, endurance and grace.

Join us this Thursday at 7pm cst for our inaugural episode of the Well Watered Woman Talk Radio.

Our special guest will be Mystiqua Kimble founder of Pursuit of Titus2 Ministries. Mystiqua will be sharing her powerful story of redemption, healing and freedom. If you have ever been bound, lived in fear or a victim of domestic abuse Mystiqua is a witness there is victory on the other side. You don't want to miss this show.

You can join us "LIVE" every Thursday at 7pm CST. by clicking here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/well-watered-woman

You can also listen live from your telephone by calling:

(949) 266-6711

See ya there,

Happy Independence Day...freedom!

2011-07-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

As I reflect upon this day I wanted to share my thoughts with you all.

Today as Americans we celebrate Independence Day.
From fireworks to fanfare, the celebration of freedom will ring through out the land.

As Christians we have an independence day as well. We have a day to celebrate that’s unlike any other; it’s a day to herald FREEDOM.
The day you accepted Christ into your life as your personal Lord and Savior you received your freedom.
Maybe there was no fanfare ringing into the night the day you bowed your knee to the Savior. Perhaps there was no spectacular show of fireworks lighting up the sky as you made the most important decision of your life, however something so dynamic happened in the spirit that even the most brilliant fireworks display looked like a firefly in comparison. Something so wonderful happened that the angels of God rejoiced. You were given a new life, a life eternal full of hope and glory.

You were pronounced free, no longer a slave to sin but having been made free in Christ! The bible declares that if the Son shall make you free, you are free indeed. Therefore then there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. HALLELUJAH, let freedom ring!

As Christians, we have been called unto liberty however we are not to use our liberty for an occasion to the flesh. The Bible instructs us to stand
fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and BE NOT entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Having been set free from the bondage of sin we are now a willing servant of Christ. Servants called to walk a holy life and to take on His character to abide in Him and to allow His very attributes to be emitted from us.

While we have been made free, we must always remember that this freedom came with a price... a price that we could not afford to pay.
But God, He Himself paid the price for us with the shed blood of Jesus Christ, we are FREE!

Happy Independence Day,

Bible Drive

2011-06-27T21:35:00.001-07:00

BIBLE DRIVE

This weekend a conversation with a special young woman that I will call “Mary” sparked something in my heart. She is a beautiful young woman finding her way to the Father and church. Her heart longs for something that most of us as believers take for granted; a Bible. Her financial situation does not allow for her to purchase one yet she deeply desires to possess one so she can begin her journey in the word. She longs for answers about God, life and purpose that can only be found in the Word.

As I left the conversation with “Mary” the thought struck me, how many more “Mary’s” are there? How many more women, men, boys and girls who are thirsting for the Word of God?
There’s something about having a bible of your own that gives you joy. To be able to read, study, feast off the word of God when you have nothing left to hope or cling too.

This thought sparked a desire in my heart to do something, to go beyond me to help meet a need for someone else.

With that being Well Watered Woman is having our first Bible Drive to collect bibles for women such as “Mary”. As believers we tend to have more than one bible and most of us actually have at least one bible that’s just sitting around collecting dust.

I recently heard a minister say something profound regarding seasoned and believers and bibles. He said if we were to lose a $100 dollar bill in our house we would tear our homes up trying to find it. We would look in every corner, flip mattresses, pull out couches empty drawers looking for that lost money, but if we were to lose our bibles we would say oh, I’ll just get another one next week.

There are some people who don’t have that option, they like “Mary” can barely put food on their tables let alone buy a new bible.
We want to make sure that as many “Mary’s” that desire a bible are able to own one of their own. We are asking all who are led by the Lord to send us your extra bibles.
We are excepting any bible new or used that is in readable condition. We want regular bibles, bibles geared towards women, men and even children’s bibles.

Because we live in Las Vegas, a city with one of the highest homeless populations in the nation we will be partnering with ministries who feed the homeless. While they are passing out soup and sandwiches to feed the body, we want to pass out the Word of God to feed the soul. We are excited about this bible drive and believe God to do great and awesome things through your outpouring of generosity and love.

Bibles can be shipped to

P.O. Box 271507 Las Vegas NV 89127

They can be sent in care of Tony Robinson or Well Watered Woman.

We are grateful and want to say thank you in advance for helping to make this Bible Drive a huge success.

Blessings until next time,

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day

Today we hail fathers all over the land, we celebrate and bless them as we say Happy Fathers day.
Today we honor the father's in our lives, be it biological or a father by proxy who supported you and was there all the times your biological father couldn’t or wouldn’t be.
Today we recognized the fathers who have stepped up to the plate and fully embraced all that being father encompasses.
Today we honor our husbands, and/or the fathers of our children, the men who have made it possible for us to be mothers.
Today we honor sons who have crossed over the threshold and are now fathers of their own. We celebrate and encourage them as they stand in manhood and take their proper position as fathers.

As we celebrate Father’s Day I want to say, there is a Father whom we exalt, extol and lift up above all others, and that is our Father GOD.

As we observe this special day I have to stop and ask, "Is There A FATHER In The House?"
Statistics say there are more fatherless homes than ever before and it seems having a father in the house is almost a rarity.
Today’s culture would almost deem a father in the home as unnecessary with it’s offerings of single parenting via artificial insemination and “DNA” donation banks.
However the word of God speaks clearly of the role of a father and the impact fatherhood has. A father’s presence brings a covering over the family and a level of protection.
The father’s presence also brings a seat of authority and command and this is something I can definitely attest too. There are days that my children have tried and tested my patience on every level, but when my husband, their father comes in there is a change straightaway. They recognize his headship in our home. There is also the compassionate, loving side of him that oozes out over them. They know that when they ask him for something he will go out of his way to provide it. They have his heart in a way that amazes me some days.

So often in our walk with God, we know Him as our Lord, our King, healer, provider and friend, but because of the relationships and examples that were set before us by natural fathers, we fail to come to know God as our Father. The Bible declares that God will be a Father to us and we shall be His sons and daughters, He is a father to the fatherless.
He desires and longs for us to come to Him as a Father. He wants us to learn of his fatherly attributes and to know we can trust Him. If you have not done so, as we celebrate the father's in our lives, ask God to reveal Himself to you as Father. Open up the closed spaces of your heart and allow God the Father to come in and heal you, that you might KNOW Him as the everlasting Father.
Perhaps you may have grown up in a home or an environment without a father or a stable father figure; maybe your only experience and memories of your father are faint, abrasive, abusive or even nonce.. Perhaps your father passed away before you really got to know him, today I encourage and implore you to get to know God the "Father."

For those who are single mothers, know that you have a Father to present to your children, a father who is love, life and in whom they can place their hope, and trust. Introduce your children to the Father of Fathers that they might know him and know that while there might not be a physical father in the home, there is a Father in the house. God loves them and longs to show Himself mighty in their lives.

My prayer for this Father's Day is that His very presence and love would be made manifest throughout the land and that daily numbers of "fatherless" homes" would come to know of Him and His eternal love.

Blessings,

Moments of Morning Inspiration

2011-06-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

Have you "HEARD" what's happening at the Well?
You can now listen in to daily Well Watered Woman's "Moments of Morning Inspiration" daily podcast. Each weekday morning we will bring you a short message of encouragement to help jump start your day and encourage your walk in the Lord. The podcast are accessible via Well Watered Woman's Facebook page, look for them on our here on our wall.

Blessings,

Women Of Destiny

2011-05-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

Well Watered Woman Ministries presents:

2012 Women of DESTINY Conference/Cruise

Monday, May 14th through Saturday, May 19th 2012

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,

according to the power that worketh in us

Ephesians 3:20

Well Watered Woman Ministries invites you to join us for our

1st annual Well Watered Woman Conference/Cruise

Are you ready for a tremendous move of God IN and THROUGH your life?

The Women of Destiny Conference 2012 is a launching place for that move!

This conference will catapult women into the fullness of who God has called them to be as well as equip them in knowing their purpose so they can fulfill their Destiny

Join us as we set sail for the beautiful islands of the Bahamas.

We will be enjoying 3 days of conference on this beautiful 5 night cruise.

The conference will feature dynamic morning worship & prayer, powerful praise and worship services followed by life changing ministry sessions presented by anointed women of God.

The Women of Destiny conference cruise has something for everyone, and spouses and children are welcome to attend. There will be a special break out session for the men presented by Deeper Waters Men’s Ministry, as well as a special breakout session for teen girls present by our Well Watered Woman Teen Ministry.

For younger children Carnival Cruiseline has a wonderful children’s program, so moms can relax and enjoy knowing their kids are safe and having lots of fun.

If you are single and traveling alone, we will do our best to pair you with a roommate.

This conference/cruise is also a time of refreshing, rejuvenation and vacation.
There will be plenty of free time to enjoy the plethora of on board activities and the magnificent and breathtaking beauty of the Bahamas.

Take advantage of some of the ships incredible amenities such as one of the ships spacious swimming pools, one exclusively for children, water slide, luxurious spa or the multitude of restaurants and shops.

With ports of call in the beautiful and exotic Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and Nassau you will find an abundance of fun, activities, and excursions to take in. Your time off the ship is sure to be as amazing as your time aboard.

Now through May 27, 2011 deposits are only $25 dollars per person -

For more information and Registration go to:

www.allchristiancruises.com/wellwateredwoman

Or call: 888-435-3787

You can also follow along with all of the pre-cruise excitement, get updates and exclusive information on our Well Watered Woman Conference Cruise Facebook Page as well as interact with myself, other Well Watered Woman Staff and fellow conference attendees by clicking here

If you or your ministry are interested in bringing a group of women to the Women of Destiny 2012 Conference/Cruise we can help you. We have a limited number of GROUP LEADER POSITIONS available! We would love to show you how to put a group together. Leadership has it's privileges, find out what you can receive by becoming a group leader.
Contact us at: groups@wellwateredwomanconference.com for more information and group leader packets
We look forward to seeing all of you on the ship!

TonyR

Site going down for maintence

2011-05-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

We are growing and the Father is expanding our territories.
As part of this growth and expansion The Well Watered Woman site will be down for maintanence in the next couple of days. You can still enjoy the blog posts via wellwateredwoman.wordpress.com and via Network Blogs.

Let The Little Children Come To Me,

2011-05-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

Easter Sunday I had the honor and privilege of witnessing a glorious event.
My Godson Jaden completely submitted his life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as he openly expressed his faith and commitment by being publicly baptized. Jaden's passion and love for Jesus is so magnanimous it puts many adult to shame.

From the time I've known Jaden, Christ has always been his first love. Jaden's hunger and thirst to know Him more is simply mind blowing. Jaden's love for the Word of God is like none I've ever seen in a child his age, taking the journey with his mom to read through the bible in year and he has often asked to have the bible read to him for his bed time story. I remember ministering at a church last year and Jaden and his mom, my dear friend Shay came to support me. A few days later Shay called to ask a few questions about the message because Jaden had listened so very intently to every word and wanted more detail and understanding.

Jaden also celebrated His 8th birthday Easter Sunday and seeing him live out his hearts desire to be baptized on Easter Sunday was such a joy and a manifestation of Psalms 37: 4 - Delight yourself in the Lord and He will grant you the desires of your heart. I know some may be wondering how this ties in and why this was such a big deal, but to know Jaden is to know why.

I'll let Shay tell you in her own words how we arrived at the place of Jaden's baptism on Easter and you'll see the how and the way:

"As soon as Jaden was able to read, at 3 years-old, he was in love with his Bible. His dream is to become a pastor. Jaden also wanted to get baptized at the age of THREE! We do believe in baptizing by immersion, but only when a person can express their faith for themselves. Naturally, I hesitated as I thought he was too young to understand. But he kept insisting he wanted to get baptized on his birthday in the year 2011.
When Jaden realized I was baptized on Easter Day...He wanted to get baptized on Easter Day as well! He also still wanted to get baptized on his birthday. (He wanted to celebrate his physical birthday & spiritual birthday the same day). Obviously, I knew he didn't understand. As I explained to him you can't get baptized TWICE! But Jaden kept insisting..and insisting..and insisting.
For kicks and giggles, I looked on-line to see the date of Easter 2011. Well, Easter Day 2011 was going to be April 24th....Which was indeed Jaden's actual birth date! Jaden would be turning 8 years-old on April 24 2011. I looked up the biblical meaning of the number eight. The number eight is specially associated with Resurrection and Regeneration, and the beginning of a new era or order. The Lord had planned this day all along!"

Jaden's life is a testimony and witness to the power of God. I believe Jaden is an example of the Joshua generation that the Lord is raising up once again. Over the past two decades we saw what looked like a loss of generation of youth with a heart for Christ, but God is on the move. He is raising up leaders, world changers and movers and shakers for the advancment of His Kingdom. My heart rejoices as I see what the Lord is doing through this generation and the ones that are coming up for His glory.

Looking at Jaden, I see a move of God that is not isolated to just him but to countless numbers of others coming along side him. I have to tell you all this, God is already honoring Jaden's committment and showing signs of his desire to paster (lead) people to the Lord and in the things of the Lord. He is already having life changing impacts on those around him. Seeing Jaden get baptized gave another very special little boy Kole, the desire and courage to be baptized too. God's love, grace and power is simply amazing and when we as adults can come as little children imagine the impact that our lives can make.

Blessings until next time,

He Lives

2011-04-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

Hallelujah, Praise The Lord! He is risen, He is alive, He lives!
He is alive in me, He is alive in you that name the name of Christ, He is lives today!
As we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I want to share this song with you. He Lives!!! Are there any words more powerful than those; He lives indeed!

Spring Forward Conference

2011-03-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

Relevant Word Ministries of Atlanta GA

Presents

"Spring Forward"

Conference 2011

Wednesday, April 6 at 7:00pm - April 10 at 2:00pm

The Lord's House Community Church

3060 Holcomb Bridge Rd

Norcross, GA

Dear Well Watered Women of God I am excited to share this event with you, especially those of you in the Atlanta and surrounding areas. The conference will be an awesome move of the spirit! I am truly blessed and honored to have been asked to be a speaker in this conference. It is going to be an amazing God filled time.
If you are in the Atlanta area or nearby vicinities I invite you all to come celebrate in the Lord with us. I would love to see you all face to face.

I also would like to ask you all to join is in praying for this event.

Speakers for this conference are:
Wednesday: Pastor Christian Robinson Harrisburg PA;
Thursday: Minister Tony Robinson Las Vegas NV (Well Watered Woman)
Friday: Pastor Kieron Cole Atlanta Ga; (Relevant Word Ministries)
Sunday: Apostle F Ross FL;
Praise & Worship with Evng. Carmen Prince Jackson;
Saturday workshop speakers will include Shawnell Reed, Pastor Joe Jackson and others.

A Lesson In Little Pebbles...

2011-03-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Today I want to introduce you to a very special friend of mine, Andrea Jenkins.
Andrea is a delightful woman of God who I am so blessed to call friend.
She is a mom, a minister, a singer, a writer, a teacher and well to be honest, she just is!
Her love for God is evident in all that she says and does.
When Andrea shared this note she had penned with me I knew I had to share it with you all.
I knew it would bless, encourage and strengthen many of you in your walks with the Lord.
Please join me in welcoming to the Well, Minister Andrea Jenkins.

Be blessed,

Minister Andrea Jenkins

Have you ever been out walking somewhere and you trip or stumble a bit?, not enough to make you fall, but just enough for you to fear loosing your balance? Yet when you look down to see what it was you tripped over you don't see anything?, whatever you tripped over was so small that you couldn't detect the culprit? Often in our Christian walk it's not the huge things that cause us to loose balance, but the small things that seem to have little significance, or the tiny stuff that catches us off guard so quickly that we almost don't realize something has taken place.

One of the greatest shortcomings of those of us who walk with Christ is underestimating the tactics of the devil, we don't always remember that he is very strategic and deliberate in his actions and takes time to study us before launching an attack. Satan knows what will get us going, he knows that we won't outright steal, but he also knows that if a sales clerk gives us to much change back we may not say anything, we may not openly declare how much we think someone has received something we want or think we deserve over them, but when we see someone getting attention we ourselves believe we deserve and desire, how the little green eyed monster will arise from the deep!! It's not the big boulders in our way that will cause us to loose focus, but it's those small subtle things that can cause us to take our eyes off God just enough to where regaining focus may take some effort.

A few days ago I experienced that little “pebble in the road”, my natural eye saw something that disturbed me that cause me to focus on it, and uprooted insecurities that I daily work on. What I saw was so slight, what I saw was by "accident" but it had enough of an impact to cause me to trip, not enough to fall, but enough to have to refocus my attention, center myself, collect my emotions and redirect my focus from what my natural eyes saw to what God had shown me. Now a few days later I see how something so small, just a glimpse, just a moment of doubt, just a flash of a lie can turn your whole focus upside down if you're not careful. Satan doesn't put those huge distractions in our view to take our eyes off of God, or to cause doubt, all he has to do is throw a little hint of something, a little doubt, a little nudge on our self-esteem, he doesn't have to hit us with a huge bat, he can just poke us with a stick just at the right time to cause a domino effect in our lives, and the closer we get to our "Promise Land" the more Satan will try these little cheap shots that can cause delays in our manifestation. We don't have to loose faith in God completely to get off track, a small dose of doubt, a small hint of fear, a teaspoon of jealousy or anger, a slight outburst can cause great damage. Have you ever noticed a small crack in your windshield, a slight dent in your bumper, or a nick to your paint job?? It wasn't a huge rock that caused this often times it was a tiny pebble that hit your car just at the right angle at just the right time, and just right speed, but a pebble that has now caused damage that will now take a lot of money to repair. Perhaps you've had the experience of spraining an ankle, you're walking along and something tiny hits your foot just the right way causing you to slip and twist your foot the wrong way. You didn't fall, you didn't break your ankle, but that slip, that moment of being caught unaware now has your foot in an ace bandage, propped up with ice. Those little things can cause big headaches, and a great deal of unnecessary pain and frustration.

Many of us are so close to the promise, to that thing God spoke into our spirits that we can not allow the tiny stuff to tip us over more then ever we have to keep our minds and heart protected. We have to condition ourselves to use our spiritual senses and not allow our eye, ear, and mouth gates to be infiltrated by those tiny virus germs that can have us laid up on our spiritual sick bed wondering what in the world happen.

This was a lesson I experienced and wanted to share with you, to encourage you to remain alert, to activate your spiritual motion detectors, to be aware that it's not always the big attacks on our lives that will bring us to a place of instability, but we need to be mindful and watchful of the more sneaky and often times low key ways Satan may try to worm his way into our camp. None of us can afford to allow the slightest distraction overtake us, we have to stay on constant alert, always on guard, and quick on our feet to recognize those little things that may be the thing that will cause our eyes to loose focus.

I encourage you on today to look at things through your spiritual bifocals, listen with your spiritual hearing aids, and to speak using the proper spiritual dialect. The devil may have weapons formed, but they don't have to take us over, they don't have to prosper... the key is to be spiritually aware and spiritually alert.

The Process of Developing a Christ Conscious Lifestyle

2011-01-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Well Watered Women,
We've been blessed to have with us this week my dear friend LaTara Ham-Ying.
I was also honored with the privilege of interviewing LaTara earlier this week for her Life Love and Liberty Tour. I've enclosed the link to the the interview so you can listen in. LaTara is a voice of wisdom and grace.
Today LaTara shares with us what a Christ Conscious lifestyle is and how we can develop and maintain a lifestyle that is a please sweet aroma unto the Lord! I want to thank LaTara for blessing us to be part of her blog tour and for imparting sound teaching and wisdom into our lives, you have been a blessing.

The Process of Developing a Christ Conscious Lifestyle

In the last post I shared with you some true facts about the lifestyle that so many of God’s children are living. Some are doing it without really knowing because they are being lead astray by the enemy’s pawns. Yet there are other Children of God who follow worldly ways and then say they love the Lord. Was it not Christ who said we either hot or cold?

If you are a work at home woman who looks anywhere but up first and foremost for answers to dilemmas in life and business, it is time to adjust your thinking. If you are someone who just want to adjust your life and live more like Christ, today I want to offer a simple process that will lead you towards living a Christ Conscious Lifestyle!

Here is where we need to go with our thought process:

Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others. Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:] (Philippians 2:3-5 AMP)

That is a Christ Conscious Lifestyle.

The definition of conscious is…

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin conscius, from com- + scire to know

Date: 1592

1 : perceiving, apprehending, or noticing with a degree of controlled thought or observation

2. likely to notice, consider, or appraise

3. done or acting with critical awareness
So to have a lifestyle that is Christ conscious means, in essence, to always be observing, aware, and knowledgeable about how we are living our lives. That is why events such as this one are so very important. We have a chance to look in the mirror at who we really are, work on those issues, and become more and more like Christ every day!

How do we develop this Christ Conscious lifestyle
• First you must be a believer. Without faith it is impossible to please God and faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of the Lord. It is that word that will change you and mold you for the glorification of God and service in His Kingdom. (Romans 10:17)

• You must change your mind set. Romans 12:1-2 tells us that we are to no longer conform to the ways of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It is this renewal that will lead us to a more defined place in Christ with a willingness to live more like Him.

• You must change your body belief. In the book of Corinthians 6:15 we are told that our bodies are members with Christ’s. That means that we are connected to Him! We must be aware of what goes in and who goes in. We cannot treat our bodies in any manner. We must be ever conscious of the conditions of our body. This is not just sex, but food, what we see, hear, and say too.

• You must be conscious of the connection of your spirit with the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:15-17 says… “For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God. And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory.” (AMP)

If we are heirs with Christ should we not work at being more and more like our elder Brother and the epitome of Godly living, doing, and being.
One way to start working towards a Christ Conscious Lifetyle is by developing habits that fit the manner by which Christ lived. Of course he cared for His mind and tended to his body, and yes he connecting with the Spirit. Our habits should be the same. His Habits were healthy and centered on God’s will.

Let us do the same.

LaTara Ham-Ying a certified herbalist, writer, Biblical Life Coach, entrepreneur, and the Founder of Integrated Woman Ministries; a coaching ministry that focuses on helping Christian work at home women find their true path through abundant integrated living. She emphasizes the use of practical Biblical Strategies for healing, transformation, and living in the NOW for a better life and business. Visit Integrated Woman Ministries today and learn more about the IWM VIP FREE membership option for Christian work at home women http://integratedwomanministries.com/vip-membership

To Listen to the Life, Love and Liberty interview click here: http://ht.ly/3GSKm

A Christ Conscious Lifestyle

2011-01-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Well Watered Women, I have a treat for you, a guest blogger.

Today we are welcoming back to the Well my very dear friend and sister, LaTara Ham-Ying.
This lady is a very dear and precious friend and sister to me. She is someone who has inspired me, encouraged me, stretched my faith and strengthened my walk. LaTarah is one of the most authentic women that I'm blessed to know. God has blessed her to not only live her life in an authentic way but to help other women do so as well. LaTara's passion is to help others live the authentic life the Father has called and created them too according to the word
She has found great success in life, business and at large by walking free from the standards and strategies set by the world and walking her life out according the the truth of God's Words.
Please join me in welcoming LaTara back to the Well as we dive into part 1 of "A Christ Conscious Lifestyle."

TonyR
============================================================

Are You Living A Christ Conscious Lifestyle

I want to say a HUGE thank you to Tony for allowing me to share in her space for a few days over here at Well Watered Woman. I know that Tony provides excellent content that helps you to grow and become more in Christ. It is my prayer that in some way I do that same.

The Life, Love, and Liberty Blog tour was created to show women that YES you can live; YES you can love unconditionally; and YES you can be liberated!

Be sure to pay attention to the information after the post because I am having a giveaway for each leg of the Life, Love, and Liberty Blog Tour!

Enjoy!

===========================================================

Please note that while this posts speaks about the work at home, the message it applicable to any Child of God. You do not have to work from home to have a Christ Conscious Lifestyle.

I have watched over the last year how many work at home women have become self-centered, focused on their business and what they can gain, and all about the mighty dollar trying to keep up with the next I made over 6 figures guru. Many have either given up, became superficial in their business dealings, or keep recreating themselves trying to be like Mike or Michelle…whichever you prefer.

Their lifestyle has become one that is missing a main component and it shows in their actions, attitudes, mixed up belief systems and more. One of the reasons I am an advocate for the Christian entrepreneurs is because we have to get a to a point of understand that our ways or not God’s ways, and our thoughts are not His thoughts; and our businesses must reflect that fact but often times they do not. There are more Christian work at home women conducting and living a lifestyle outside of God’s will then ever before and that is because of a tainted vision that has been placed in their path.

What do I mean? I am going to tell you but some of you may not like what I have to say. That is ok because I often tell folks that my goal is not be liked; but to keep it real and truthful straight from the hip! So here we go.

Have you ever heard …

1. The Law of Attraction is Christian

2. A positive way of thinking leads you to success

3. God wants His children to prosper financially

Those are only a few but three very important concepts to discuss.

The first one talks about a belief system that factors out obedience and the will of God. How?

When was the last time you read in the word that the Universe will make room for you and what you want? Yes there are scriptures that say we can have the desires or our heart and that if we ask we shall receive. However if you read those scriptures carefully you will see that we play a part in it as well. There is something we must do…and it is not just to ask.

The second one often leads to imbalanced thinking. I know I know positive thinking is a good thing however what I find is that many folks, especially women have a warped sense of what it means and they will end up wearing rose colored glasses that distort their reality. I find that many of them are more fake than anything else because their perception is off.

The third one is a great one. God does want us to prosper financially I believe however what we have to realize is that many of us will not because we are trying to do so outside of God’s will. We want to live the way we want to and move away from the vision God has for us because we are scared about what it might imply.

This type of thinking leads us to live a lifestyle that is not pleasing to God and causes us to misuse the skills, talents, and gifts we have been trusted with.

What are we to do with these facts? How do we adjust our own thinking so that our lifestyle is more Christ Conscious instead of self-conscious!

On Friday I will share with you what a Christ Conscious lifestyle is and how we can develop and maintain a lifestyle that is a please sweet aroma unto the Lord!

==============================

Please be sure to share your thoughts on this topic. This week while I am visiting Tony I will be sharing in the conversation here on her Facebook page. At the end of the tour there will be winners from each blog I visit. But you have to comment and it must be a relevant comment to count as an entry.

For Tony’s blog I will be giving away a copy of Max Lucado’s “Fearless” book. It is perfect for learning more about life, love, and liberty in Christ!

Looking forward to talking with you this week!

Give the gift of LOVE

2010-12-24T16:28:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas,
Today as I was sitting and meditating on what the Lord would have me to share in the form of a Christmas post I received a text from my new and dear friend Teresa McMillan. It was perfect timing and exactly what my heart was feeling at the moment. I have to tell you a little about Teresa, she does a really neat thing that may seem small in her eyes but is mighty in the sight of the Lord. What is it that she does? She sends out text messages, she chooses to daily use her texting powers for the good and for God. She sends out texts with scriptures and a few words that are uplifting, encouraging and at times convicting.

Today's text message was this: "Give the gift of LOVE!!! What does that look like? 1Cor 13:4 Love is PATIENT, love is KIND. It does not ENVY. Does not BOAST, it is not PROUD It is not RUDE, it is not SELF-SEEKING, it is not easily ANGERED, it keeps NO RECORD OF WRONG... GIVE the gift of LOVE"

What a powerful Christmas message as well as timely reminder of the entire meaning of Christmas: LOVE!
God's love for us was so great, so vast and so deep that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Love is not selfish it is freely giving and God showed us the prime example of the by freely giving his only begotten son Jesus. Jesus displayed the most unselfish act of love by freely giving of His life so that ours may be saved.

When we follow in the Lords example we freely give our lives to the one who first loved us. We commit to laying down our lives so He may live in us and by allowing Him to live in us we are a light to a dark and dying world. Matthew 5:13-16 says we are the salt of the earth, the light of the world and we are to let our lights so shine before men, that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven.
God IS love and we have the capacity to love only because He first loved us - 1 John 4:19.

The word of God tells us much about love such as we are to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, and minds. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves and love each other; by this (love) everyone will know that we are His disciples.

This Christmas I've talked to many women who are heartbroken and dashed. This season has found many in hard times and many more feeling like they have nothing to give. I want to encourage you today if you have "Love" you have more than enough, if you have "Love" you have an abundance to give. Remember God IS Love, when you have Him you have the gift of love and Love is the gift that truly keeps on giving.
Love is reciprocal and the more we give love, the more it is given back to us.

Love is the most precious gift that we have ever been given or can give. As we look to the end of this year and the beginning of another I want to challenge each of you to unwrap your gift. Open the box and allow love to flow freely. Share it with everyone you meet. Love can be found in a simple smile, a sincere how are you and waiting to hear the answer, a compassionate hug, a word of hope. All around us there are people in desperate need of the gift that resides in us, the gift of Love, true love, the love of the Father. All around us there are people waiting for the gift of you.

Blessings until next time,

Kyler Yelverton 12/07/2010

2010-12-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

There are some days, some things, and some words you just don't want to write about, ever.
Today is one of those days. The past two days I have come to my computer to type this out and yet the words just don't want to come.
My fingers freeze at the keyboard, my heart and eyes fill with grief and tears, but today I must, I must type it out.

It is with mixed emotions I share with you the news that on Tuesday morning December 7th Kyler was received into the arm of our Heavenly Father.

My emotions run mixed over this because I know that Kyler is with the Lord and is at rest, peace and in the fullness of joy as he sees His savior face to face. I know that to be absent from the body is to be with Christ and as believers that is what we live for, to see our Lord and to hear the words "well done My good and faithful servant". Although we do not grieve as those who have no hope; because our trust and and confidence is in the Lord, my human nature still aches at the weight of this loss.

I cry at the knowing of what we who remain here on earth have lost in losing a gem such as Kyler, but I also take comfort in knowing weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. Standing in that joy, I rejoice for and with Kyler in knowing he is not dead but yet alive! He has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, he kept his faith and now he is free!

Kyler was an amazing young man with a smile as bright as the sun.
His love for Christ was evident in his service to others and his life here on earth touched a magnitude of people. Whether at church, in youth group, at school, his sports teams or during his missions trip to Haiti he was a servant of Christ and He touched lives! Kyler will be greatly missed by so very many.

We who have hope in the Lord know that we will see Kyler again and what a time it will be.

Please continue to lift Kyler's family up in prayer.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. – Revelation 21:4

Just what has been on my heart....

2010-12-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone/
This is a powerful note from my son Reggie. He shared this on his personal page and has given me his permission to share it with you all. I think it is a very profound message and prayer that challenges us to reflect on where we are right now especially as we prepare to exit 2010 and enter into 2011.

My prayer has been for the past few weeks that I don't wanna live my life for just me. That I live my life that other benefit from it. In doing that my desires have to be lined of with the Fathers. I was talking to a good friend on Tuesday and he gave me some helpful knowledge on this. How the word Desire is from the Latin language meaning "Of the Father". Are your desires lined up with the Fathers?. This shook me in such a way that I had to evaluate everything I was doing. I had to check myself and ask am I doing this just because it sounds cool?, or it sounds like the right thing to do?. Or am I doing do this because it is Gods will for my life?. As you read this note I really want you to take the time out to ask God are your heart's desires lined up with his.

Lord I repent to you for neglecting your will and desires for my life, Forgive me for doing what I wanted to do instead of following you with everything that I have. Forgive me for being full of myself at time Lord I want my life to resemble you. I wanna be Holy like you are God. Teach me to Love how you Love. Give me a passion for the lost and the ones who need your guidance. I want to be a burning sacrifice in my city that will show your glory and majesty. God I want to hold your attention. For holiness I live, I live for you. Awaken the sleeping giants that may rise and take their place. Raise up the leaders that will prophesy over these dry bones. Raise up your forerunners that will prepare the way for you Jesus (Lk. 1:16-17). God pour out a double portion of anointing on this generation. Move over your people. The anointing that you placed on John the Baptist may you place a double portion upon us. Bring the Reformation that will open up the door for Revival. Heaven come down, Your Kingdom, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Open the floodgates. I pray this in your name.
For Holiness we live, Amen
Reggie Robinson

God Delights In Using Broken Vessels

2010-11-29T23:13:00.000-08:00

As Well Watered Woman we at times only see our brokenness.
We see clearly our cracks and fissures. At times we feel like we are of no use or poor use at best as servants to the Father. But because we look through a glass dimly we only have limited vision and what we see as flaws God sees as opportunities to water the lives of others around us. Be blessed and a very special thank you to my friend Carolina for sending very this timely reminder my way by way of this message.

TonyR

There is an old story that tells the tale of a cracked water jug. Every day, a servant carried two large jugs on a shoulder yoke down to the well to fetch the day’s water. One jug was new and sturdy, while the other was old and had a crack in it. It wasn’t a big crack, but it did leak enough so that by the time the servant got back to his master’s house, the jug had lost almost half its contents. This usually meant that the servant had to go back for more water during the day.
This continued for years until one morning the servant woke up and heard the jug crying. When he asked what was wrong, the jug expressed its sorrow at being such a poor container. It lamented over causing the loss of so much water and creating extra work for the servant. The servant immediately got up and took the jug down to the well path and asked the jug what it saw. There, in the early dawn, the jug saw that the side of the path where it leaked water on the way back from the well was a riot of flowers and fruiting vines, whereas the other side merely grew grass.

The servant told the cracked jug that he could have bought a new jug at any time – his master was a generous and practical man – but that he had kept the leaky jug because it’s constant dripping had created this garden of delights. Furthermore, he said, the joy the he got out of the beautiful flowers and delicious fruits as he walked up and down the path was worth every extra lost drop and every step. And so the jug learned that what it had feared as its greatest flaw was actually its greatest gift.

Please Pray for Kyler!!!

2010-11-11T00:09:00.000-08:00

Update- Kyler undergoes surgery tomorrow (Thursday) morning, at 9am PST to remove his right lung. Praise God he didn't have to go to TX they have a surgeon who is able to do it here in Las Vegas. This surgery needs the covering of the saints, please plead and petition the Lord for a breakthrough from heaven. I am also asking all who are willing and able to please join us in fasting for Kyler tomorrow as well

Sharing Kyler with the world.

2010-11-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a couple of things with you regarding Kyler.
The first is a video from the prayer vigil that was held for Kyler Tuesday night.
Believers from around Las Vegas gathered together in front of the hospital to pray for Kyler and his healing.
I want to thank you all for joining by faith this multitude of believers as we continue to pray for His healing miracle. Prayer changes things, the prayers of the righteous truly avails much.

The second is a link that was shared with me and I want to share it with you all.
As you may imagine and some of you know it is not easy, financially speaking, as a parent to provide the round the clock emotionally and physical support a sick child needs, bills still have to be paid, financial obligations still must be met and truthfully money is the last thing one should have to worry about when contending for their childs life.

This is link that I am sharing is to a pay it forward account that has been set up for the Yelverton Family to help Kyler's parents continue to be with him during his fight. Please if you can, even $5 instead of a Starbucks today.. it adds up, and it so appreciated!

Blessings,

Continuing to pray for Kyler

2010-11-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

I want to thank those of you who are faithfully praying for Kyler.
He is still in the hospital and we are continuing to keep him steeped, soaked and bathed in prayer.
My God what a courageous young man Kyler is as he faces this challenge in faith.

The bible declares the prayers of the righteous avail much and I believe God's word to be true.
As the righteous let us continue to intercede and travail for this young mans life. Let us continue to pray and speak words of life over him. Let us pray for his strength, for his encouragement and for his family.
Cover his parents in prayer, ask God to strengthen and gird them up like never before. Allow them to bond together as a family so closely during this trial that it could not be severed.

They are in need of wisdom in finding a new surgeon let us pray for that God sends them to the precise doctor/surgeon who is not only skilled and adept in his field but that he is anointed and appointed for the job as well.

We also still have time slots available for the 24 hour prayer clock for those who are willing to sacrifice part of their day to pray consistently for Kyler.

Until next time,

Update on Kyler and PRAYER REQUEST

2010-10-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Well Watered Women,

I just got word that Kyler is back in the hospital with a collapsed lung.
Will you all please continue to pray for this young man. He is fighting the good fight of faith and I know God is well able to keep this young man. The word of God declares the prayers of the righteous avail much and I just believe! Will you pray and believe with me?

Also if you want to be added to the 24 hour prayer clock for Kyler please email me at:
prayer-team@wellwateredwoman.com

Thank you all for your consistent and faithful prayers for Kyler,

Update on special prayer request for "K"

2010-09-14T22:53:00.000-07:00

I heard from Kyler's mother and they are very appreciative of our prayers. Please continue to lift Kyler up before the Lord as we steadfastly seek God for his complete healing and recovery. Also pray for them, they will be heading out to a major cancer center very soon. As the time of their trip draws closer I will implement a 24 hour prayer clock for Kyler.

My desire is to ignite a firewall of prayer that does not go out neither by day or night so I am asking please make sure you are able to follow through when signing up.

I will be building the clock on 15, 30 and 60 minute increments.

If you are able and willing to COMMIT to praying with us email me at prayer-team@wellwateredwoman.com Please note this is very serious and not to be entered into lightly. If you are serious about praying please email me the time(s) slots that you will be able to commit to praying specifically for Kyler daily.

If you are part of other prayer networks please feel free to invite them to pray as well.

Blessings and thank you all for praying.

Special Prayer Request

2010-09-08T22:47:00.000-07:00

There is power in prayer therefore I want to ask you all to please join us in prayer.
Please help us lift up "K" before the father. He is a 15 yr old teen who is in the church youth group with my children.
He was diagnosed with cancer of the throat and lungs. We have no idea what stage or level but we do know our God is a healer and there is nothing to hard for Him, we also know the prayers of the righteous avail much and as we lift our voices in unison and one according we can see the impossible become possible.

Thank you all for crying out for this young man.

Hold Your Position!

2010-09-03T00:25:00.000-07:00

If you missed our first Well Watered Woman conference cal you can still listen to the message.
It is available via the Well Watered Woman podcast. You can access the podcast from the player to the right.
You can also visit our podcast page by clicking here as well as listen and subscribe to our podcast via iTunes by clicking here

I want to say thank yo to those who were able to join us this time. Our next Well Watered Woman conference call will be Thursday September 16th and I look forward to each of you being there.

Blessings,

Meet Me At The Well!

2010-09-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

I’m so very excited to announce the Well Watered Woman fellowship/bible study via conference call.

Our very first call will be tonight and you all are invited to join with other sisters in Christ from all over the nation as we fellowship in the Word of God.
The conference call time is- 5pm PST, 7pm CST and 8pm EST

Tonight’s topic is: “Hold Your Position” and I will be sharing on the importance of praise and position in the time of famine.

The conference call number is: (712) 432-0075
You will need a code for access to the conference, please email me at TonyR@wellwateredwoman.com for the code.

I look forward to having you all join us.

Blessings,

Enter To Win a Free Missions Trip to Africa!

2010-08-31T05:36:00.000-07:00

What an amazing opportunity to be blessed!

Enter To Win a Free Missions Trip to Africa!

with Evangelists Reinhard Bonnke and Daniel Kolenda

Drawing Held on October 1, 2010
Trip Occurs the Week of November 8, 2010

Witness one of the most astounding Gospel events our generation — a Reinhard Bonnke Crusade!
Enter to win this all expenses paid, short-term missions trip to an African evangelistic crusade hosted by Evangelists Reinhard Bonnke and Daniel Kolenda. On this trip of a lifetime, you and a friend or relative of your choice will travel to a remote African city and witness the power of the Full-Gospel as hundreds of thousands gather and receive Christ. You'll be astounded and amazed at the crusade, plus you'll experience the culture, scenery, and fascinating people along the way.
Click here to enter:

Let Us Pray

2010-08-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Today my heart is heavy as I pour over the prayer requests I have received. There is an abounding number of request regarding housing situations.

So many families right here at the Well are in need prayer regarding housing and the danger of losing their homes. Many are facing foreclosures, while many others are facing evictions and some simply need to move to more affordable housing or to move out of difficult living environments
While they each have different needs be it favor, finances, wisdom or direction all of them have a need to know the mind of God for their situation.
Some of them are in need of finances that are being held up to be released, others need increase, others need employment and others need a safe place to go. My heart breaks today at the needs of others.

As I am praying for our sisters (and brothers) in Christ I want to ask if you all will join me in praying.
Two are better then one and there is power in praying in unity and one accord.
Will you join me in lifting your hearts and voices to cry out and intercede for these families.

Join me in praying for favor with the financial institutions, favor with the courts, favor with the landlords, release of finances, increase and strength. Let us pray for their encouragement and their faith to remain. Let us pray for their hope to continue to be found in Christ and that no matter what the outcome they will yet be able to say bless the Lord anyhow.

Let us pray...

There is something amazing taking place at Tea with Tiffany.
It's a time of prayer, petition and praise and you can check it out here:

Sisters of Honor have you heard?

2010-04-01T14:12:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I was blessed and honored to be a guest alongside Minister Gwendolyn Stovall of The Worldwide Christian Internet Hospital on the Sisters Of Honor Talk Radio show.

The topic was Mommy Management and the discussion dealt with ministering to our homes in the midst of ministry and life; keeping first things first. I was definitely blessed, encouraged and refreshed by this show and to know that I am not alone in finding my way in managing my home.

I invite you all to listen in to this weeks show, you can listen by clicking the link below. I sincerely pray it blesses each of you and that you will reach out and engage the Sisters Of Honor Ministry and Network, you WILL be immeasurably blessed by what you find there.

Sisters Of Honor is a dynamic ministry of faith, hope and love. It is designed to uplift, encourage and minister to the hearts of women. They are having a profound impact on the lives of countless women the world over. You can find Sisters of Honor here and via their Face Book fan page by clicking their name mentioned above.

Click here to listen to the show.

Blessings until next time,

Jambalaya -

2010-03-03T04:19:00.000-08:00

Ladies tonight is YOUR night!

Denise Lawson from Relevant Word Ministries has an incredible weekly event designed with you, you and YOU in mind. It is Jambalaya and I promise it will bless you.

Here's what Denise has to say about Jambalaya: Cajun Jambalaya is known as "Brown Jambalaya" in the New Orleans area; to Cajuns it is simply known as "Jambalaya." Cajun Jambalaya has more of a smoky and spicy flavor than its cousin Creole.

We know as we cook our meal (s), there are certain ingredients that goes in each dish. However, some dishes calls for some of the same ingredients. JAMBALAYA will be a format as we begin to cook or lay out the foundation of lives, we must “Lay ALL the ingredients on the table”.

JAMBALAYA will deal with the main courses of: Self-Esteem, Entrepreneurs, Depression, Relationship, Addiction, Fear, and many more. We are going to lay the ingredients on the table for all of these main-courses and begin to add the flavors and spices to cook these dishes and make them to what God has intended for us to live our lives.

Jambalaya is held each Wednesday night at 8:00PM EST/ 7:00PM CST and 5:00PM PST
Tonight's ingredient on the table is Acknowledgement and abandonment issues.

The conference call number for Jambalaya is: 218-862-6400 You will need an access code to enter the call and the code is different than the prayer line code.

In keeping with Denise's vision and heart to provide a safe place for women to be ministered too as well as to ensure that it is ladies only on the line I will not post the code here.
If you would like the pin code please email me at TonyR@wellwateredwoman.com and I will sent it to you. You can also access Jambalaya on the Relevant Word Facebook Fan page here.

Blessing!

Thank YOU!

2010-02-27T10:35:00.000-08:00

Today I want to time to say thank YOU, thank you to all of you for your support of the Well.

We want to publicly thank all of our friends, followers, encouragers and most importantly those who pray for the Well Watered Woman.

We were so completely humbled and blessed this morning that it left us once again dumbfounded and silenced by grace. We received our updated stats to find that we now have 1,213 subscribers to the Sips From the well podcast and WOW we are absolutely amazed!!!

We have no idea where you all came from but we are grateful to God for you and we pray that you all are as blessed by the podcasts as you have just blessed us. We truly thank the Lord for each and every one of you and want to say we will be keeping you all in prayer.

I haven't recorded a new podcast in what seems like forever as I have been on a sabbatical of sorts since the Father dealt with me on resting during my recovery time. Continue to pray for myself and the Well as I am coming off of my podcast sabbatical soon, really soon. I am ready to get back to recording and the Father has given me lots to say.

Thank you all again and be blessed upon today!

Relevant Word!

2010-02-26T15:58:00.000-08:00

I want to introduce to some and present to others something amazing that is taking place in the early hours of the morning, Relevant Word Prayer Line.
Relevant Word Ministries has an amazing live call in prayer line that is changing the lives of all who are participating.
There is a prayer being prayed that is spreading across the nation, from the east coast to the west coast believers are rising up early in the day to join with others to seek the face of the Father.

This prayer line is serving to not only offer a place for believers to connect, touch and agree in prayer but to also help equip the saints for the work of ministry and building up the body for Christ. Each morning along with prayer there is a short teaching to help enhance, encourage and strengthen you in your walk.

The prayer times for Relevant Word are Monday – Saturday 6am EST/5am CST/3am PST. I know I just heard the groans from readers all over the world, especially those of you on PST, but I promise you if you make the sacrifice to rise early to seek His face you will not regret it. The spirit of God is moving in the midst of His people and meeting us richly each and every morning. Each day prayer just gets sweeter and sweeter, I truly say God is in the midst of it all.

There is also a second daily noonday prayer Monday – Friday 12/noon EST; 11AM/CST; 9AM/PST.
These times of prayer are powerful and refreshing.

Psalms 5:3 says My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. How awesome will it be to incorporate a corporate national prayer into your usual morning prayer routine?

I invite each of you to call in and join your faith with other believers as we approach the throne of grace. The number is 218-862-6400/code 9337829#
You can also reach Relevant Word on Facebook by accessing their page here
This Saturday there is special cry to the men to join in for prayer. The theme of this Saturday’s (Feb 27) morning prayer is Strong Men Pray.
Invite your husbands, sons, brothers, neighbors and friends to participate in this dynamic prayer call as the men lead us in prayer and join together in praying for their homes, families and finances.

Again the call in number is: 218-862-6400 / Code: 9337829#

Blessings,

Announcment from the Well...

2010-02-24T14:34:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I along with my beautiful daughters who make up the Well Watered Woman admin team am excited to announce Well Watered Woman is now on Facebook.

We have set up a fan page to better interact with all of our followers.
Now you can get exclusive content and interact with Well Watered Woman right from Facebook.

On the Well’s fan page you will find daily inspiration and encouragement as well as mini devotionals.
You can submit prayer requests as well as become part of our prayer network as we send out group prayer requests from time to time.

If you are on Facebook please take a moment to join the fan page, I’m sure you will be blessed by what you find there.

You can find us be clicking here or by clicking our Facebook fan page badge to the right.

Blessings,
Tony R and the Well Watered Woman team.

Every Woman...

2010-01-12T21:37:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I am even more excited than usual to type out these words. Not only was I blessed to see a new year and a new decade arrive, I was also blessed to usher in another birthday.
All praises be to God who always causes us to triumph! I am blessed to see another year of life and for that I am grateful. 2009 was a long year but the Father was faithful and saw us through.

As most of you can tell by the absence of my posts, I’ve been quiet lately.
It wasn’t for a lack of words or not having anything to write about, instead I have found myself in a place of wanting to pray rather than say.
It has been good to sit and be still before the Lord, to seek His face in a new way.
If you follow my podcast, on the last episode which seems like ages ago, I discussed resting in the Lord.
While I was primarily speaking on physical rest and committing to resting, I realized I truly needed spiritual rest as well. I needed to sit and be still in His presence.

After taking time to take a break I am filled and ready to go! As 2009 came to a close I was able to really reflect on the lessons the year had presented.
I focused on what I learned and how I would incorporate those lessons into my life for 2010. I will be sharing some of these lessons in upcoming posts.

During my time away one of the greatest lessons learned was that I am not every woman!
I am only one woman but I am the woman – the woman the Father has called me to be, the woman I need to be and the woman I want to be.
I am one woman and you know what? That one woman is more than enough!

Being every woman was utterly exhausting and left me drained.
I also found that when I’m trying to be be “every” woman I’m not living life as the authentic me. How can I be when trying to be every woman finds me trying to be you, she, her and me; it is laborious to say the least.

Living life as every woman caused me to attempt to do and be too much, it left me feeling like a jack of all trades and master of none as the saying goes.
Being every woman caused me to fill roles and positions that were not for me. When this happens not only am I not doing and working towards perfecting my own gifts and calling, I am blocking someone else from working towards perfecting theirs. How can you, my dear sisters be filling your shoes and walking out your callings if my feet are shoved into them?

I was thinking of Mary and Martha the other day (Luke 10:38-42) and wondered if part of the reason Mary was found sitting at Jesus feet was because Martha was not only doing her work but had taken over Mary’s work as well. , Martha was so busy serving and preparing that she was missing her time of visitation. She was so busy serving that she was missing; missing Him, missing direction, and missing instruction. As women we often spend so much time serving and pouring out that we fail to take time to sit still at the feet of the Lord to be refilled and replenished

Of course I wasn’t there in person, but in my minds eye, I can see Martha working away. Her intentions started off well, she wanted everything just so for the Lords visitation. The more she did, the more she realized needed to be done. As her list of things that needed to be prepared for the Lord's arrival grew and grew, He arrived before she could finish.
I can see Mary immediately taking off her work apron to embrace the Lord and as He begin to speak finding her self sitting at his feet to listen. I can see Martha slowly stewing and simmering as she flitted about like a humming bird, cutting her eyes at Mary. Can your hear her thoughts, ”look at her over there all up in Jesus face” “Now, she knows I’m over here doing all this work and she is just sitting there” “Humph, that’s just like her, leaving me to do my work and hers too” "Oh Un Uh did she just crack a smile, ooh no, that’s it! Jesus needs to do something about this and right now." Can you hear her murmuring under her breath, perhaps banging dishes around a little louder than necessary to try and draw attention to the fact that she was having to be every woman and do it all? Can you see her attitude growing until she just "has to" confront the issue and ask Jesus to make Mary get up and help her?
When we do not take time to sit at His feet we soon find our selves like Martha, playing the martyr role. We take on more than we are called too and are soon upset that we are the only ones working while everyone else is seemingly lounging around. We start to murmer and complain, until we cry out Lord, don’t you see me working my fingers to the bone when all these other women are just hanging out having coffee and chatting it up.

How many of you have ever found yourselves in places and positions that seemed good when you started but after awhile left you wondering how you got there? Perhaps you are serving in every ministry at church, on every committee in the community, driving in every carpool in the neighborhood. You are feeling the serious OUT syndrome, burnt out, bent out (of shape), cast out (isolation), and wanting out? Then you may need to take a moment to step back and evaluate where you’re at. Has God called you to every position that you are standing in right now? Is there a Mary sitting because you are standing in her shoes?

Ladies, we don’t have to do it all we really don’t, but what we do have to do is have balance.

You cannot be everyone woman and be balanced. As we all know when things are out of balance the heavier side will topple. And when things topple there is mess and disorder.

2010 is my year for order, my steps are ordered and for me to walk in the order the Lord has for me I don’t want to have to step over mess. The mess of unfinished projects, half done jobs and incomplete relationships. Order equals wholeness, when you have order you can be whole. Anything out of order is fragmented, think of a pie when it comes out of the oven it is wholly intact, no one ever bakes half a pie. As the slices begin to be cut and taken out it becomes fragmented and divided until it is totally consumed and gone. Now think of one of the old slapstick comedies (I may be dating myself here) when the wife sets a fresh baked pie out, the husband or child takes a slice and then fills the empty space with whipped cream to hide the fragmented condition of the pie. It looks whole but the truth of the matter is that it really isn’t, it’s an illusion. I don’t want to be like that pie, I don’t want to be fragmented and walking in fluff with no stuff – as in substance. I want to be balanced and real in every area of my life, what about you?

For so long we have been taught, told and conditioned to think we are every woman to the point that many have lost the one woman they where created to be.
Who are you? Who are you really? What has God called you to be and to do and are you giving yourself over fully to that purpose?

Once I settled into the knowledge that I don’t have to be every woman, it freed me to be the woman I am truly called and destined to be. When I came to the place of knowing that I was not every woman I came to the place of knowing that I am enough. I didn’t need to be everyone woman to fill the shoes the Father has carved out for me.

Dear Well Watered Woman of God, today I invite you to sit at His feet and reflect on who He has called you to be. Ask yourself are you being every woman or are you being THE woman.

2Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

For The Love of Chelsea... WINNERS

2009-12-04T10:13:00.001-08:00

And we have winners! Chelsea is sick as I type this so we will post pictures later when she is feeling better.

We decided two winners was not enough so we chose 4 people to bless with aprons.

The winners are:

Sheila C
Debi K
Jasmine N
Paula P

Our winners were notified earlier this week that their names had been drawn and we are excited to get started on your aprons.

Thank you all again for your continued support of the Well, your love and prayers.

Until next time,

For the Love of Chelsea...

2009-11-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

One of the things that I love most about being a homemaker is working in the kitchen.
I enjoy my time of preparing meals and baking breads, cookies and cakes.
For me, cooking and baking for my family is not a tedious ordeal it is a true labor of love.

Spending time in the kitchen however can get messy with spattered sauces, puffs of flour, sticky dough and spilt milk.
It’s not a strange site to find me covered in the evidence of my love of kitchen work. It’s for this reason that I am a huge fan of aprons.
I love the way they cover and protect you, the way they look and depending on the fabric the way they feel.
During the later part of the summer I went on an apron making binge.
I made aprons for myself, my daughters and sitting right here next to me is a pile of fabric and towels waiting to be made into more aprons.

One day I was talking to my youngest daughter Chelsea about aprons and how they cover us. I found myself relating it to the Love of the Father. I shared with her that God’s covering or banner over us is love; Song of Solomon 2:4.
The banner or the standard the Father has raised and called to cover us is love; He has draped, covered and bathed us in His love because He IS love; 1 John 4:16
His heart and intentions towards us are rooted and grounded in love. It was love, pure unadulterated, unselfish love that allowed Him to wrap Himself in frail humanity to be born of a virgin and die on a cross that we might live again. It’s because of His love, his endearing love that covers us that we are able to love.

As our conversation went on we also talked about aprons being very much
like 1 Peter 4:8 - covering a multitude of sins.
For those of you who cook, you know that when you first take on cooking it’s only natural to make a certain amount of messes. If any of you started off like me you found that you really needed a lot of love (and grace) during that time to cover all the multitudes of wrongs you created under the guise of cooking.
As you grow and mature in your kitchen skills the mishaps diminish, however they can and do happen from time to time. For myself, they usually come about when I am rushing, not paying full attention, and properly reading instructions or when I get to the place of thinking I know this, I’ve mastered it so I can just whip through it easy, breezy. Just as sure as I get to that lofty way of thinking, I find myself covered in the work of my hands.

This is actually like my walk with the Lord, when I find myself rushing through my day, week and life in general, not taking time to pay attention to His voice. When I become to busy trying to serve Him that I don’t take time to read His instructions, when I think I’ve arrived, that I “have this”, I know it, I’ve mastered this thing called Christianity, that is when I find I fall the hardest.

When we make splatters and messes in the kitchen we don’t stop baking or cooking, we clean them up and next time put on our aprons.
We learn to take protective measures to cover ourselves so that our garments are not spotted and blemished. We also learn to slow down and take our time.

The same goes for our walks with the Lord, when we fall short of the glory of God we don’t walk away from salvation and all that the Lord has done for us. Our mess ups don’t disqualify us from the race, but rather we learn from our falls, we repent and make it right. We accept the covering of God’s love and grace and strive to move forward pressing towards the mark. The Father has covered us with robes of righteousness, they are our true garments, just as we learn to take protective measures in the natural to protect our garments we do so in the spiritual as well. We lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets us.
We guard (keep and preserve) our hearts with all diligence and we put on the whole amour of God. We also make sure we spend time listening and paying attention to His voice and looking to the Word of God to obtain instruction. When we reach out and stand under His banner of love that covers us we find our falls to be fewer and farther between.

As we wrapped up our talk my daughter said Mom, I think you should have a give away on your blog to give away an apron.
Why an apron? Because as we just read, Aprons represent love and it is our hearts desire to give love at every opportunity possible.
So for the love of my daughter Chelsea – and our mutual love of the Lord we are happy to announce that we are giving away 2 aprons.
We will be choosing 2 readers one week from today to bless with an apron.

Each apron will be made just for you and covered in love. We will pray over each apron as we make it. Now I will tell you, I love to sew but am far from a seamstress. (smile)
To find an amazing seamstress you will need to visit my beautiful cousin Sandra’s blog over at Love Abounds at Home.
So with that being said there may be an off stitch or two but we know that love covers a multitude of errors right? (smile)

We will put all of the names in a container and Chelsea will draw the names. We will post pictures of the drawing process as well as the names drawn.
Entering to win is very simple. You don’t have to subscribe or follow – if you want to do so you are more than welcome and we would love to have you but it is not a requirement.
Simply send us an email at TonyR@wellwateredwoman.com with Apron Give Away in the subject line.
You can also post a comment letting us know you entered just in case we don’t get your email.

Until next time

Prov. 4:23
Ephesians 6:11,
Hebrews 12:1
Isaiah 61:10,

It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life

2009-11-09T03:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Well Watered Women;

Recently I was invited by author Joan C Webb to be a host on her It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life Blog Tour. My initial thought upon being asked was hmm, let me think about it. After visiting Joan’s site and reading snippets of her books, I knew without doubt that this was a God appointment.
Joan’s latest book, It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life: Devotional Readings for Women Who Strive Too Hard to Make it Just Right, spoke to my heart in such a personal way. It was as if she was walking alongside life with me and penned the process of our journey

Joan is a woman we can all probably relate to. Joan herself is a recovering workaholic and perfectionist who communicates a message of freedom and renewal. As a personal life coach, lifeplan facilitator, and speaker/Bible communicator, she longs to help others gain clarity and move past their obstacles. Joan is the author or co-author of eleven books, including The Intentional Woman, The Relief of Imperfection, and It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life. She also wrote study notes for the Women of Faith Study Bible. She lives with her husband, Richard, in Chandler, Arizona, near their two married children and seven grandchildren.

"It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life" is a collection of daily reminders that God wants and longs to relieve women from living in a continually overwhelmed state. There is a difference between “trying too hard to make it all just right” (the mental chase for flawlessness, which is impossible) and “partnering with God for excellence” (enjoying quality in balance, which is not only possible, but reasonable). We can reduce our unrealistic expectations about our relationships, bodies, work, dreams and faith.

I want to share this devotional from Joan with you all...

Personal Respite

It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? -Psalm 127:2, THE MESSAGE

Respite became one of my favorite words during my initial recovery from perfectionism-induced workaholism and burnout. Respite: An interval of rest and relief; a cessation for a time; a breather, recess, or break; relaxation. I wrote this definition in calligraphy on parchment paper, then framed and hung it where I saw it often. Richard and I even named our boat, Respite I, and it soon became our simple get-away from what Jane Chesnutt, editor-in-chief at Woman’s Day magazine calls the “over-scheduled, over-worried, over-whatevered life.”

According to my Bible, Solomon wrote the words of Psalm 127:2. It’s part of a song and I find it fascinating that this king who lived a powerful bigger-better-more life inscribed these song lyrics.

Our loving Heavenly Father enjoys giving us respite. How about that? I’m wondering: Have you found a place to go and relax? A place where time is no longer a tyrant? Perhaps you’ve found respite under a tree in the nearby park—or on the back pew of a downtown Cathedral—or at the corner table of the neighborhood library—or kneeling over the roses in your garden—or lounging on the swing on your front porch.

These “breathers” from our “over-whatevered” lives need not be elaborate, only refreshing. Claim one for yourself and celebrate the moments with God.

Lord, since you enjoy giving me rest and respite, I accept. Thank you.
***********************

This devotional especially spoke to my heart today as I have been having a very difficult time resting during my recovery process.
In spite of having had major surgery almost 2 weeks ago, I felt I needed to continue to do, be, move and go at the same pace I was prior to my operation.
Joan’s devotional confirmed and encouraged me to accept the gift of rest and respite the Lord is so freely giving.
I am going to intentionally and with no apologies take the time I need to rest, recover and heal; the world will not stop spinning if I take a break.
My body is a temple of God and I’m sure he’d just as soon not live in a broken down palace.

Joan’s It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life Blog Tour includes 21 stops and you can read tomorrows devotional at Child of the King.
You can see all of the stops as well as catch up on the past devotionals at: http://www.joancwebbblog.com/imperfect-blog-tour/
I hope you all will join me in following the tour.

You can find Joan's book HERE at Amazon.com

Blessings and respite until next time;

Update, Follower Issues and Surgery

2009-10-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I wanted to let you all know that new posts are coming as well as new pod-casts.
On October 27th I underwent surgery and am spending time recuperating and recovering. It was a bit of a process as they had to perform 3 separate surgeries in the course of one operation, but as we all know God is faithful. He brought me through with His mighty hand of mercy and grace.
I am thankful to be able to say; because the Father kept me through it all I am no longer afraid of surgery. While it was not elective and I don't know if I will ever get to the place of opting for elective surgery I now know in a way that I have never known before that He will keep me and in Him I find safety in the time of storm.

I also want to say Blogger is apparently having issues with followers.
If it seems that I all of a sudden stopped following you, please know that is not the case. I have had a few of you email me to find out if everything was okay because I stopped following you. Please know it is not me it is Blogger.
I too have had some followers disappear. It seems Blogger has had this issue for some months. If it is showing me as no longer following you please email me and I will immediately begin to resume following.

I also want to let you all know we have some great things coming up at the Well, things you certainly do not want to miss, so check back often. We will have a very special treat for you on November 9th, one I know you don't want to miss.

Now as I recover I thought this post from the November 08 archives was a timely word, given the process I just went through.

I hope it blesses you as much today as it did then.

Until next time,

Definition of Elective surgery
Elective surgery: Surgery that is subject to choice (election). The choice may be made by the patient or doctor.
For example, the time when a surgical procedure is performed may be elective. The procedure is beneficial to the patient but does not need be done at a particular time.
As opposed to urgent or emergency surgery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have a confession to make, I have a fear of surgery. I have no idea where this fear comes from since I’ve never had surgery.
Well… there was the little matter of that emergency c-section with my second son, but other than that I’ve never had surgery.
When faced with the possibility of having an operation, the thought of surgery would strike pure terror into my innermost being and the idea of having elective surgery was inconceivable.
I could not fathom why anyone would ever opt to have surgery done as an “elective” procedure. To make a conscience decision to readily allow yourself to be cut open and worked on was just beyond me. In my mind, whatever the reason for elective surgery, it couldn’t be that serious otherwise it wouldn’t be elective right?

Having had time to mature and grow in my walk I’ve discovered surgery is a good thing. The definition of elective surgery says the choice may be made by the patient or the doctor.
No good doctor opts for surgery unless it is absolutely for your benefit, to provide you with the best health and optimum life possible. This is what the Lord wants for us, our best spiritual health and to have us live our life to the fullest potential possible while we are on the earth.

By now I’m sure you are wondering why I’m talking about surgery? You see, I was in need of corrective surgery earlier in my walk, however I was not open to allowing the Lord to perform it. This surgery was necessary and vital to my spiritual life. Initially the surgery was elective, I had a choice to allow the Father to do what needed to be done so that I could thrive for and in the Kingdom.
After prolonging the inevitable the choice soon become the Lord’s and because of His divine grace I am alive to tell you about it.

Like most Christians I did not come into the kingdom of God empty handed, I came with baggage, baggage that somehow had become part of me. I had carried it for so long it had meshed with the very essence of who I was and it needed to be removed. When I came to the foot of the cross I soon found God not only wanted to save me, he also wanted to change me, to change my life completely.
My initial reaction to change was to attempt to pick and choose the areas I wanted changed. Yes Lord you can have that but you can’t take this. Please remove this from my life, but just leave that safely tucked away. I want to be healed but I don’t want you to do the open heart surgery that is required to pluck up the root. I’m sure someone here can identify…

Little did I know, by not allowing the Lord to work on these areas I was hindering my progress and growth in Him. I was growing stagnant and weak in my walk. Despite the need for change I continued to strive in my own strength and power. Oh sure I noticed the limp in my walk but hey, I was still making progress right? Oh yeah, the crippled mouth was still there but at least I could smile through the ugly curve right? I was like the little engine that could, I was determined to make it on my own. I prayed, I praised, I was super saint (yeah right) but even in my weaknesses I did not fully seek the Lord for healing, for change or for deliverance, until I felt the spiritual life being choked out of me from the junk that I was so desperately hanging on to. In the natural I had a tendency to not go to the doctor until I felt I was 2 days from death. Without being aware of it, I had brought that same mentality with me into the Kingdom of God. I resisted going to the doctor for fear they would want to operate, I resisted going to the Father for fear he was going to operate. A small thing that could have been removed through elective surgery had grown and festered into something that required immediate and urgent surgery to restore my spiritual life.

Once my eyes where opened and I was able to see the damage that I was causing to my own walk, I ran to the one who could truly make me whole. No longer bound by the chains and reckless fears of my life, I sought out the master physician, the one who could do the work I so desperately needed. It was at this place where I allowed the Lord to pour on the balm of Gilead, to remove my stony heart and indeed put in a heart of flesh. It was in that place that I was made whole. At this place on the operating table otherwise known as the alter that I chose to lay down every sin and weight that was so easily besetting me. It was at this place that the healing came and life opened up in a brand new way. I was restored, refreshed and renewed in my spirit.

Jesus came that we can have life, and that we might have it more abundantly. It is His desire that we are free from all things that hinder us and cause our spiritual walk to be less than.
While I still have an aversion to natural surgery, the process of spiritual surgery no longer frightens me. I am open for change, correction and general spiritual overhauls.

Dear Well Watered Woman, exam your hearts today, see if there are things that you may be holding on too, that can hinder your walk with the Father. If you find any hindrances I encourage you today to take them to the foot of the cross and allow the Lord to have his way. Choose or in this case elect to have your heart changed, your life freed and made whole.

Until next time,

Watch What You Say - The Power of Words

2009-10-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
I wanted to share this bit of information with you all. If you have an opportunity to tune tonight Wednesday, Oct. 21st at 10pm EST/7pm PST,
I will be live on the air with Minister Veronica Scurry on The TRUTH Cafe' Radio where we will be discussing the power of the tongue and watching what we say.
Join us live @ http://www.blogtalkradio.com/truthcaferadio

TRUTH Cafe' Radio is an inspirational and empowering talk show for people that believe in and want to hear the TRUE Word of God. We bring you practical TRUTH for practical living through the inspiring messages, interviews and testimonies of real people just like you. We believe God wants His children prepared for any and every situation that comes their way and TRUTH Cafe' Radio shares a message that can be applied and put into action for everyone.
http://www.truthcaferadio.com

Kreative Blogger Award

2009-10-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Angie @ Helpmeet To Sam for this award.
Because she is one of my favorite bloggers I consider this a special honor.

So here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.

2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know.

5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they've been nominated.

Hmm, okay now 7 things about me;

1. I can eat popcorn from the movie theater every day - it's my favorite

2. I'm totally freaked out by wildebeest, I can hardly bear to look at them

3. I love to laugh

4. Andrea Bocelli is my favorite tenor

5. I wear a size 9 shoe
6. Italian and Mexican are my favorite foods

7. I love Don Knott's movies.

There are so many awesome blogs that I absolutely love, and today I want to share some with you that you may not know of. And now for the nominees please...

1. Glenys @ Morning Cuppas With Glenys - Glenys has such a beautiful and meek spirit that is clear and evident in her writing. She embodies and personifies a Titus 2 woman. Ministering sage wisdom and encouragement with love and sound council.

2. Lorrie @ My Spot On The Shore - Lorrie is as refreshing as the shores of the Pacific Ocean. She shares freely and honestly in such a way that you cannot help but to chuckle as you identify yourself in her post.

3. Sheena @ Mommy Saves A LOT - I love Sheena's enthusiasm and encouraging posts as she strives to be a true Proverbs 31 woman, looking well to the ways of her household. She is always looking for and sharing ways and ideas to save money, build her house and be the best wife and mommy she can be.

4. DeNiece @ Organized Homemaking For Christ - DeNiece has an undeniable love for the Lord, her husband and her four children. She is committed to making her home a haven. Her blog is so warm and inviting, you can almost smell the goodness of the oven coming from the background of her blog, she speaks Love.

5. Christine @ Living, Loving and Laughing Christine has a knack for sharing things that make you smile, think and reflect. Her posts are purposeful and an encouraging blessing.

6. Anna Renee @ Wrestling With God - Anna Renee shares her walk and the lessons she is learning along the way with such honesty and purpose. You can sense her quest for truth and knowledge of God and His word and it in turn creates a greater hunger and quest in you.

7. Wyn @ Wyn's Recipes I love Wyn's blog because I have a love of good food and being married to a man who is a cook by trade I'm always looking at good recipes that I want him to try. Her recipes will definitely whet your appetite and bring you come creative ideas to try in your home.

Sips from the Well

2009-09-15T23:45:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I am so excited to share this with you all. God is on the move here at the Well.
Last week we launched our new Well Watered Woman weekly podcast.
Each week I will be sharing what I call Sips From The Well.
Tune is as we share words of encouragement and devotionals designed with you in mind.

Last weeks Sip From The Well is entitled The Well Watered Woman, and you can listen to it by clicking the player to the right. I'm also excited to let you know Sips From The Well can also be downloaded for free through ITunes, you can find us under Well Watered Woman.
I invite you to stop by and check out our podcast page found here
as well as listen to and subscribe to our podcast channel ITunes.

I look forward to having you listen in on our next podcast as we talk about Turning Your Disappointments into Divine Appointments.

What If His People Prayed

2009-09-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this song with you today because it spoke so deeply to my heart. I invite you to really listen to the words, hear them with your heart.

Lately I have found myself grieved over some things. I apologize in advance if this post is scattered or out of sorts, I normally do not talk politics but today I really feel that I just need to blog about it, to let it out and perhaps some of you will join me in praying about it.

All around us we are hearing and seeing the turbulence the nation is facing.
All of the anger, the hurt, the angst over things that are taking place in our nation really hit home for me the other day when I saw a story of a pastor actually praying for the death and spiritual demise (spending eternity in hell) of the President of The united States.
Seeing that caused my heart to ache in a way that words cannot describe.

As those who follow and believe the Word of God we are instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 to pray for those that are in authority. I cannot find a scripture that encourages us to pray for their death and eternal destruction. To pray for someone to die and go to hell is simply not biblical. 2 Peter 3:9 says the Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

More and more each day I am hearing of friends, families and most sadly churches being split and divided over issues such as the presidency, health care reform and just politics in general.
In the midst of all of the noise the one thing that I'm not hearing is the call to prayer. The call to pray for our nation, the call to pray for our leaders, the call to intercede for those who have rule over us and to pray for them according to scripture. Where is the call to come together in the unity of the Word of God, to lay prostrate side by side as we humble ourselves and pray as directed in 2 Chronicles 7:14

While I am neither a proponent or opponent of President Obama I am a respecter of the office he holds. I understand and embrace the whole counsel of the word of God. I receive and believe the scriptures when they say it is the Lord who sets up kings and rulers. Psalm 75:7, Daniel 4:35, Daniel 2:21 Romans 13:1-5 are examples of this.

I am sad to say that I have heard some of the most volatile and vehement words coming forth in the past few weeks and months than I've heard in a lifetime. Granted I have not lived as long as some but yet...
What troubles me most is not what I'm hearing from the world, I expect that, it's what I'm hearing from the Church, the body of Christ. Those who have the power to change the world on their knees. Those who have the power to change the atmosphere with their mouths (Proverbs 18:21)

I have heard the president referred to in ugly racial terms and slurs by people who profess Jesus is Lord. I have heard some things that border and cross the line of slander, gossip and malice by those who say Jesus is the Head of their life. Jesus told us in Matthew 12:36 that in the day of judgment we will have to give an account for every idle word that we have spoken.
I have received forwarded emails that have sent up red flags. As believers we must be very careful that we do not cross a line in our advocacy and fall into sin.

When I hear those that name the name of the Lord as savior and head of their lives speak evil in the manner that some are in regards to those in position and authority it makes my heart ache. Personally, I understand, I respect and I fight for freedom of speech and I would dare not ever trample on anyones right to exercise it, but as saints do we completely disregard the scriptures under the guise of freedom of speech. 1 Corinthians 10:23 says All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Are the things beng said, slung and shouted edifying or are they stirring the pot?

We are living in times and facing things that makes it very easy to become emotionally charged but rather than being moved by our emotions and adding fuel to the fire we need to search out what is true concerning the issues and matters. Once we have obtained truth we can then move forward in prayer and in a God honoring manner. When we act out of our emotions we can fall into the trap of stirring dissention and discord. (Proverbs 15:18)

One of the biggest source of grief for me in all of this is that the world is watching, and not only are they watching they are listening. What is the report of the world regarding believers? Are our actions and words enlarging God in their eyes? Are they serving to advance the kingdom of God for His Glory or are they having an opposite effect? Are we sending a message that says no matter who is in office God is in control and you can depend on Him? If they see us falling into fear, contention and riotous behavior why and how then can they look to Jesus for their hope?

The world is looking for answers, no, actually they are looking for THE ANSWER, they are looking for hope, they are looking God. We have a responsibility as believers to provide that beacon of light that leads them to the Father.

I also want to be clear on this, I am not in any way diminishing what is taking place in our nation. I am however standing in the knowledge that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, that our true fight is against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. I'm also very aware of the fact that there are some things that are taking place that must take place as they are setting the stage to usher in the return of the Lord, even so come quickly Lord Jesus, come quickly.

Dear Well Watered Women, I think I'll close for now, it seems I have some more praying to do. I invite and encourage you to join me in praying for our nation, our leaders, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Join me in praying for our pastors, our churches and things that are going on that will directly effect us a body of believers as time progresses on.

Until next time

It's Time To GLOW

2009-09-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Well Watered Women,
There’s an awesome thing happening in Las Vegas NV and it’s just around the corner, the 5th annual GLOW (Gifted Lady Of the Word) Unity Conference http://www.glowofgod.com/
This years conference dates are October 9th and 10th, and will be held at UNLV.
The GLOW Unity Conference is one of the most incredible events of the year. This conference is designed with God in mind.
It is designed to bring Him glory and to elevate His name over our valley as His women are united in a place of praise, worship and edification.

In today’s post I’m happy and excited to present to you our guest blogger for September: Pastor Grace McKinley Visionary and Conference Director for G.L.O.W ministries.
Pastor Grace is wife to an incredible man of God; Pastor Mickel D McKinley Sr and the mom of 5 awesome children who are all called to serve and are living for the Lord.
Co-laboring along side Pastor Mickel, they are called, anointed and appointed by the Father to pastor Solid Rock Christian Church: http://www.solidrockchristianchurch.com/

I invite you to grab a cup of coffee or tea, pull up a chair and see what she has to say. For those in the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding areas I invite and encourage you to come out to the conference this year, you surely won’t regret it. For those of you who are unable to attend the conference due to logistics, I would like to solicit your prayers for the conference, the speakers, and all the women who will be attending.

And now here's Pastor Grace....

**********************************************************************************
Gifted Lady of the Word of God! I pray the Lord be your shield and your strength. Bless His name for there is no other God so worthy of His praise. In fact there is only one God! Praise him because His name is holy, separate, apart from all darkness; He is the only light in you that can GLOW all over the place.

In the Spirit of “Unity” as stated in Psalms 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for
brethren to dwell together in UNITY! I extend a great BIG “Invite” to all of you to come and join in Unity at this 5th Annual Unity Event. This is not just women getting together just because. There are many events in this city we can go to and do just that; even in our own church home and or spiritual circles. This Event is different. The heartbeat of “Unity Conferences – GLOW” is to Champion the Cause of Jesus Christ as we Unite, Refresh and Connect together with others we normally don’t see or would never connect to.

Isn’t it scary that our churches are some of the most “segregated” bodies of people? This Unity Event brings together Diversity and Differences and shouts “Jesus is famous” so who cares what we look like, what church we go to, what mission trips we having taken, what denominational differences each of us may have! It brings to life Psalms 133:1 in its entirety.

I challenge you lady, to not keep this event to yourself, I challenge you lady to not just ignore this celebration. I challenge you lady to tell more than 10 people you know about something that isn’t born and bred from your own inner circle and share this openly and excitedly. Do you really believe that Unity in Las Vegas is possible?? Think about it – there is over 800 churches in this city alone how could we possibly unite? Are we all too busy promoting our own agendas to see how this is just one more trick the enemy holds against us and we think it’s no big deal. Guess what? We must have “You” to unite. I can’t unite alone and it would be a total shame if only those who know of me or GLOW come and unite – otherwise there would be no point in TRUE Unity. As a matter of fact, it would be just another conference.

Will You? Will you take action and spread the word? Will you make a difference like you know you can? Will You be the first to break the mold? Will you share this with many many others (email is a powerful tool)? You can also share your gifts in a great way at this event by volunteering, becoming a speakers, singing at the event, help decorate, set-up, clean up, write a poem, join the prayer walk, be a conference rep, sit on the Conference board, become a Unity junky today. Be a part of someone’s testimony, someone who will go back to their day- to- day church homes and lives; transformed, renewed and restored in the most unique way ever. This conference will minister to your whole woman, your ministry, your personal growth, your spiritual life; if you come on the journey with us you will be able to take back to your local church home and abroad the gift Unity and you too will GLOW. EMERGE – Proverb 31 Lady in the 5th Annual Unity in the Community Event of the year.

With much love and in the Spirit of True Unity,
Grace – Conference Director

Don’t wait to register on-line today for only $10pp (lunch included) if you come with another lady; otherwise, its $15 for one person online and $20 at the door. Visit Heavensent Bookstore and get 1 ticket for $10 there as well.

Thankful Thursday - Thankful for the Love of God...

2009-08-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

Thankful Thursday - Thankful for the Love of God today.

I"ve been spending a lot of time this morning thinking about the love of God and how vast it is.
His love for us goes beyond anything that we as humans can actually or literally grasp. As much as we think we know His love, as much as we think we feel His love, as much as we think we’ve experienced His love, His love is greater still.
We don't even have the capacity to love Him outside of His love for us. 1 John 4:19 says: We love him, because he first loved us. How awesome is that? To have someone love you so much that as big as your heart is, as open as you are to give, as much as you have to offer of yourself, the love that is within you is still so minute in comparison to His love that we can’t even begin to love Him outside of His love for us. WOW, that is an all consuming love. A love that keeps us, Lamentations 3:22 says Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. As a wife, mother, daughter, friend there are days that my compassions have failed but to be loved in such a way that the person who loves you, His compassion never failed.

While thinking about His love I was reminded of the love story of Robert and Keisha Gray.
http://www.photosbyknight.com/gray/
Rob scarified to show forth his love for his soon to be bride. He spared no expense; he laid it all down to woo her to himself.
Rob said God was unfolding a vision in his life over the span of about a year and then he put faith to feet and made it happen. Rob and Keisha dated for about 4 years. And he knew that she was the one...but he had to save up for all that God had prompted him to do for her. So in short what you are about to see happen on April 28th....he rented out 10 rooms in the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead and invited about 50-60 people to be there for this special night...Keisha had to go from room to room and in each room were people who were special to them....his boys...her girls...her Bible Study group....his parents...her parents..etc. and everybody in each room had question that she had to answer to be able to move to the next room and before she left each room the people there would pray over her....so you have to watch each room to see how that goes...he chose roses because Keisha’s aunt who passed suddenly loved roses and he bought some of the dipped in gold because of the stories in the Bible about Solomon and how everything was dipped in gold and the song that you hear playing in the background was the same song that was played at Keisha aunts funeral, she was like a second mom to Keisha.
Rob put his house up for rent, slept on his sisters floor for a year and saved for her ring and that night and he did it out of obedience... When asked about that night he said: I have spent the past year of my life piecing together a vision given to me by God. On April 28th, 2007 that vision was fulfilled.

When I watched the slide show again It reminded me of the Fathers love for us. When I think of the depths of how far his love went for us, it is amazing, simply amazing. God spared no expense sacrificing His only begotten son so we might live. He has a vision for our lives and as we walk with Christ the vision is being pieced together. It may require sacrifices on our parts at time but the end result is beyond anything that we could have imagined, His love is amazing.

As you watch the slide show I encourage you to think on God’s love you, how he has spared no sacrifice in wooing you to himself, calling you his own.
http://www.photosbyknight.com/gray/ be sure to turn your speakers on.

Until next time,

What's Love Got To Do With It?

2009-07-06T23:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Well Watered Women, I am very excited about today’s blog post.
We have a guest blogger with us today, not just any guest blogger, but a particularly special person who is very dear to my heart.
I am proud, excited and ecstatic to present to you my very own daughter, Jerah.
Jerah is a beautiful young woman of God both inside and out.
Today’s post is actually a message Jerah preached at church two years ago. While going through some papers I came across her notes for the message. After reading them over, I asked her if she would blog her message for Well Watered Woman and am I so pleased that she did.
Please join me in welcoming Jerah as she takes us on a lesson of love.

Hello! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jerah.
I would like to thank my mom for letting me be a guest blogger on Well Watered Woman.
I also want to say what an honor it is to be sharing the Word and love of God with you.

Today I want to talk to you about love. The title of my message is What’s love got to do with it?
Let’s take a moment to think about that…. Hmm, what does love have to do with it? Everything!

Love has everything to do with it, because God has commanded us to love.
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
1John 4:7-8 says Dear friends, let us continually love on another, because love comes from God.
Everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God.
The person who does not love, does not know God, because God is love.

There is no love greater than God’s love. God uses love in every area of our life. I want to share three of the ways God uses love;

Love helps you to find your way to Christ.
Jeremiah 31:3 – The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.
God loved us so much that he drew us to himself – this means he tugged, pulled and compelled us towards him with His great love.

Love is what keeps you going because without love you cannot function.
Acts 17:28 says it is in HIM that we live, move and have our being. In order for us to be in Him we have to Love Him.
It is not our love for God that keeps us going it is His love for us because He is faithful when we are not.
Gods love for us is what gives us life and His love is shed abroad in our hearts.

Love is what keeps you from the things of the world.
2 Corinthians 5:14 – It is the love of God that constrains us. Love will keep you when nothing else will.
When you are loved you feel secure and confident. You don’t need anything else to fill the hole when it is filled with Love.
This is why it is important to show love. When kids and adults don’t feel loved, it causes them to go astray.
They rebel in their hearts and turn to the things of the world. They fill their lives with drugs, gangs and the streets.
When people don’t feel loved in the church they can turn away from the God and the things of God.
The question today is what’s love got to do with it?

God’s love is shown through His people. We are able to love others because He first loved us. 1 John 4:11 says Beloved if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:21 says And this is the commandment that we have from Him; the person who loves must also love his brother.
The bible also says how can you love God whom you have not seen but hate your brother whom you have seen.
That scripture is powerful and something to always remember because people are looking for love and because God IS love, what they are really looking for is Him.
Can I ask again, what’s love got to do with it?

God loves us with a radical love. Radical means extreme, fanatical and far reaching.
John 3:16 says For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Now that’s what I call radical love!

I consider myself a Jesus freak. A freak is someone who is not normal, who is different, separated and out of the ordinary. A freak is a person who is extreme and radical.
To the world a freak is someone to mock or to avoid. In the old days they used to put people who are different in the circus side shows to spotlight them.
Well I'm proud to be "freak"! The bible says we are a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9) a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation. Not only that but it also says that we show forth the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvellous light! This reminds me of the circus people. We are different, we don't look like, act like, talk like the rest of the world. And just like they were put on display, God is putting us on display to spotlight us, so that people can see HIM.

This makes me want to Love God even more. I want to love God with a radical love just like He loved me.

I leave you here today once again asking what’s love got to do with it.

God bless,

Who Do Men Say That I Am?

2009-07-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

On June 25th the world was stunned and flung into mourning at the sudden and very unexpected death of musical artist Michael Jackson.
Reports of his death, life and everything in between have been the center of media attention the world over.
There have been many tributes, honors and accolades concerning his musical abilities and artistry. Mr. Jackson was a dynamic singer, incredible dancer, producer, and a master of his talent if you will.
His musical artistry touched and influenced the lives of countless numbers of people including myself in my younger years.
I remember receiving my first Jackson 5 album as a birthday gift, I’m sure I played that album so often the vinyl could have worn out.

Watching the many people, friends and fans as they were being interviewed, sharing who and what Michael Jackson was, has been interesting. Listening to all the descriptions of him, what I wasn't hearing overtook all that I was hearing and left a deep sadness within me.

As I listened Mark 8:27 fell on my heart; Jesus asked the question of the disciples; “who do men say that I am?”
The more I meditated on that verse the more I realize that at some point just as the question is now being asked concerning Michael Jackson, that question will also be asked of each of us. Whether in life or death people will tell and say who you are and were or at least who they “think” and/or “thought” you were.

This really started me to think on whom “do,” men say that I am…
Who am I? I often say that I'm a wife, a mom, a homemaker and friend but who am I really?
Being a wife, mom, mentor and friend are all great things and I am grateful for any praise or testimonies on my behalf in those areas but more than that, I want to be known as a woman of God, a woman after His own heart. I want to be a legacy maker; I want to leave a legacy of souls, lives and hearts that have been impacted for Christ. I want to leave a legacy of love and a life that served others, that helped advance the Kingdom of God.
If I am a wife that topples the proverbs 31 woman, if I am named a mother of the year, if I’m called best friend, what does if profit me if my husband, kids, family and friends cannot see Jesus in me? If I am not shining a light that reveals the glory of our God, the true and living God who is able to change, save, heal and deliver what exactly is left.

Making and receiving achievements, honors, and accolades are not a bad thing, in fact they are good and better if done to the Glory of God. Setting records and making history is a good thing too. However, in achieving these things we must be mindful that as believers our greatest reward is in serving the Lord and making “HIStory”. God does not record history in the same way that man does. Our earthly works will be tried by fire (1 Cor 3:13-15) and really, only what we do for Christ will last. With that in mind, I’m determined all the more to walk a life that exemplifies Christ and glorifies God.

I invite you to examine yourselves, look closely at your life, your walk, your testimony and ask "who do men say that I am"?

Selah,

It's a matter of perception...

2009-05-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

It’s a matter of perception.

Life has a funny and I mean funny in a good way of showing up to change your perception.
This afternoon we received news concerning my husbands job and changes that are going to be made. The news was a little bleak at first as it seemed that it would be an inconvenience and bring financial harm to our family. Part of these changes include the company asking the employees to voluntarily take 6 weeks off, with no pay to help avoid lay-offs. They can take the weeks off all at once or in weekly increments

When we begin to weigh out the “what ifs”; discouragement tried to come in and the enemy tried to remind me of our past.
You see 3 years ago we went through a tremendous season of loss. It was a very difficult process, one in which we lost everything that we could have called our own.
Within a matter of a few short months we experienced my husband losing his mother, followed by his job, and as a result we ultimately lost our home. We were literally bankrupt without every having to file the paperwork. That season of loss consumed and over took us like a raging wildfire leaving behind only smoke and ashes of our former lives.

The news of possible change brought the memories of that season flooding back. My mind immediately shifted to prayer and survival mode. I wanted to come up with a plan and quick, you know just in case. Just in case what?!? Just in case God didn’t move, just in case God failed to be God? Are you laughing yet? By the time I was done I know I was (laughing).

As I was thinking about what we would do in the situation – the situation which had not even occurred mind you, the Holy Spirit brought back some words that had recently been spoken.
On the way back from our family trip my husband voiced a desire of his heart and as a family we were in agreement with this desire. That desire included being able to take time off in increments to do something’s that were on his heart with us as a family.

When the Holy Spirit reminded me of that conversation a joy, unspeakable joy was released within my soul. That joy, the joy of the Lord quickly dispelled the shadows of darkness that had tried to bring me down. I knew at that exact moment in time that everything was going to be okay.
I also knew I had to make a choice. I could view this situation as a doorway to our demise or I could view it as an opportunity for God to show up and do what He does best.
Who knows but God that He will use this time to honor and fulfill my husband’s hearts desire?

Rather than it being an inconvenience it may be the best thing ever for us - God already has it figured out but I had to learn that it was all in my perception; and how I choose to see or perceive the situation. Once again I needed my “glasses”.

As my perception shifted I threw up my hands and said okay God here’s an opportunity for you to do the miraculous and to once again be glorified. As I laid the situation at His feet, scriptures begin to flood my heart totally eradicating the lies the enemy had tried to bring in. Scriptures like Jeremiah 31:12 (NIV) - That says; They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD-the grain, the new wine and the oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more.
Another one was the theme scripture of Well Watered Woman: Isaiah 58:11 - And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.
What about; Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose; For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

No matter what the outcome of the situation with my husbands job, God has us securely in the palm of His hand. His plans for us are not dictated by what the company decides to do, His plans are determined by Him to prove what is His good and acceptable and perfect will.

As I meditated on these scriptures and allowed the washing of the water which is the word of God to flow over me I thanked God.
I thanked Him because truly He does give the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. He truly turns our mourning into dancing again and I think I’m going to run on and see what the end will be.

p.s. as I was looking through my photo folder this evening I found the picture shown above.
It's a picture taken by my daughter a few days ago. When I looked at it, it spoke to the heart of this post. Things can look bleak and gray but when we look at them through God's eyes they are full of life, hope and promise.

The Eyes Have It!

2009-05-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

All of our glasses have arrived and oh how good it feels to see.
Although they were all excited about their new glasses, I’ve caught each of my children at some point not wearing them. When I ask why you aren’t wearing your glasses, they have each offered the excuse it was easier to see the “old way”. Yes their vision with the new glasses is so much clearer and pronounced but they are used to seeing without them. I had to remind them that it may be inconvenient at times to have to wear the glasses but it is working for their good.

When they fail to wear their new eyeglasses they are subject to making errors. They can miss important signs that prevent them from walking into danger when they are not using their corrected vision. They are open to stumbling over things they can’t see but would have, had their glasses been on. I am a prime example of this. My glasses were not ready before we left for our trip. On the ship they had several doors that have a slightly raised edge that you must step over when going out on deck. Because I was looking through my old eyes, I could not see the step and stumbled almost every time I went on deck through these doors. After stubbing my toe a few times and stumbling even more, I eventually learned to take a high step when walking out of all the doors just to be sure, but having my new eyes in place would have allowed me to see the raised edges,. Not wearing your glasses can and will also further impair your vision, causing your sight to become dull and or dim.

I reminded them that putting on their new glasses opens up their eyes in a brand new way. A key example is my youngest daughter; she has been reading non-stop since having her new glasses. She has been reading books, sitting at the computer reading her school lessons. In fact her grades and level of work completion has actually gone up a great deal since she’s had her glasses. Her new vision has given her a brand new outlook on learning and seeing in general. The benefits of wearing the glasses far outweigh the inconvenience.

Just as it is in the natural so it is in the spirit, when God brings us a more excellent way we must adhere to it. It is not always easy or convenient to walk in the ways of the Lord but it is for our good. We cannot allow the fact that it is easier to live the old way to occupy our thought process and rule how we choose to live now. There is danger in trying to continue living our lives the old way. Yes it may be easier for our flesh to do things the way it once did, but it is not good for us. This is why the scriptures tell us we must put off our old man, and to lay aside every sin and weight that so easily besets us. Ephesians 4:22-32 admonishes us to put off the old man, be renewed in the spirit of our minds and to put on the new man; which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

When we fail to put off the old man we will find our selves stumbling and making grave errors in judgment. When we live outside of the correction God has provided for us we are at risk of missing Him in key areas of our lives. When our vision is skewed – looking from the old man – things can look good that are not good for us, our fleshly mind can and will deceive us. Walking after the flesh will cause your spiritual vision to be impaired, causing your sight (spiritual) to become dull and dim leading you away from God and Godly things. When you walk in the flesh you mind the things of the flesh, eliminating the things of the spirit.

Putting on the new man will empower you by the Spirit of God. Your relationship with the Father will become magnified causing you to walk in the very essence of Eph 1:18: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Putting on the new man, pushes you to seek God like never before, it causes you to see the Word in a clear and concise way, embracing it and all of it’s truths.
Having our mind renewed allows us to freely walk after the Spirit, minding things of the Spirit. We become more Christ focused, more ministry minded – whether the ministry is to your home, husband and children or to the world; you will be able to see it clearer than ever before.
Yes the benefits of putting on the new man far outweigh the consequences of not putting off the old man.

I encourage you to exercise your benefits today, put off the old man and put on the new. No longer looking at things the old way, but having the eyes of your understanding enlightened, having your mind renewed, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God

Blessings,

Whose Report Shall You Believe...

2009-05-01T00:07:00.000-07:00

So much is going on around us today; it can cause your head to spin and your heart to become faint.
It seems everywhere you turn there is bad news and now we have the report of the "swine flu'.
I am astounded at the level of fear these two words have released upon the world, this country and more amazingly the church.

My children and I were talking about the swine flu and the affect it is having on people, mainly the fear aspect. Our upcoming family vacation is a cruise to Mexico.
Upon hearing the report of the virus, our phones begin ringing off the hook. We were flooded with text messages and emails.
The first thing people wanted to know was “are you still going”? The second thing was to offer advice on how they would not go. The third was to release their fears over us, telling us how there is no way they could go, they wouldn’t get off of the boat, they would ask for a refund, they are afraid to go outside, they’ve purchased masks. The fourth thing was to speak death over us. Telling us how we could get sick and die, our kids will get sick and possibly die. We were amazed as 99% of this came from those that believe, they that name the name of Christ. As saints of the most-high God, why are we troubled? Why are we that are called by the name of the Almighty being found in a place of fear and trembling?

We must know at all times and in all things, God is in control. The state of our nation and the "swine flu" did not take God by surprise. Trust me the Father is not sitting in heaven saying, "Oh Myself, what should I do" He is not moved by the reports, He has a plan and His plan is in effect.
Hosea 4:6 says my people are destroyed by a lack of knowledge. Notice He did not say the world is destroyed He said MY people. The word destroyed in this reference is damah (dawmaw) which meanings include; be brought to silence, be undone, utterly dismayed. This is why it is important to know the God we serve, that we will not be moved, undone or utterly dismayed when these things happen.

While this flu/virus should not be taken as a grain of salt, we cannot allow fear to overtake us.
As believers, God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.2 Timothy 1:7
During these turbulent times, we must remember that we serve a good and faithful God. There is not one disease, virus or any other illness on this earth that can overtake the hand of the Lord.

Remember SARS, the Bird Flu; the Avian Flu? Pandemics come and go but the Lord, He remains. So many are quoting and rehearsing what “they” are saying but what I want to know is what God saying, His word brings life and His word abides forever.
He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but His words shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35). Did not Jesus say: “see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass”, and did he not also say “but the end is not yet”.

It is imperative that we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrew 12:2) like never before.
When our eyes are fixed on God all other things pale in comparison. Fear falls away, worry diminishes and truth prevails.
What is the Truth? The Truth is God is GOD! We cannot sit up and worry about what if, worry by the way is a negative form of meditation and we are to meditate and think upon what is true.
Php 4:8 admonishes us in this: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Does this to mean we are to sit around in a bubble, no not at all, this is a real virus that can and has taken lives according to reports. We are to exercise the wisdom God has given us. Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough take the standard precautions you normally would.
Do the things that are common sense to do, but certainly, we are not to live in fear. Fear cripples and paralyzes you, preventing you from living the full and abundant life the Lord would have you to live.
We are also to pray, 2nd Chronicles 7:14 says; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.God is a healer and His desire is to heal our land, will we use this opportunity as the church, as believers to bend our knees in intercession for a troubled nation, a disturbed world? The word of God declares He sent His word and healed them and saved them from their destructions. (Psalm 107:20).

Right now is a prime opportunity for the church stand up so the Glory of the Lord may rise upon us.
Isaiah 60:1 says; Arise, shine; for thy light is come and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
This “crisis” presents open doors for us to witness to of the goodness of God. We need to present to the world a true image of who God is. If the lost see us shaking in our boots, what good is our God to them? People are looking for hope, stability, strength and it must be found in the body of Christ. How can we convince a lost and dying world that God is a healer, a deliverer a miracle maker if we are more afraid than they are? The Philistines didn’t fear the children of Israel because they were cowering from Goliath, but when David made a stance and the giant came tumbling down they saw that God was God and it changed their perception. When people don’t see us running to and fro in alarm it causes them to stop, take note and ask why are you so calm? When I speak to those around me and they engage in conversations of terror, I am able to tell them of the peace of God that passes all understanding. I am able to share with them the good news of the Savior and that perfect love casts out all fear.

As the scare and threat of “swine flu” has been heightened, the cruise line has taken measures to ensure the health and safety of their passengers. They are not porting in Mexico at this time. When we heard this, my thoughts were if the cruise line would go to this level to protect those in their care, how much more will God.

There is a report in the land declaring all that this virus will do, but I ask you today whose report shall you believe? We shall believe the report of the Lord!

It's A New Season - Spring has arrived

2009-04-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

Ah, a beautiful spring day.
After a long winter the change of seasons if finally evident.
We have blue skies, sun kissed warmth and just the right amount of breeze blowing. The past few days had been so nippy and winter-like I began to wonder if spring would ever break forth.
I know the calendar said spring had arrived, but based on what I was seeing, I wasn’t so sure. I double-checked to make sure I hadn’t gotten the dates mixed up. Yep, sure enough, there it was in black and white – March 20th.

Despite what the calendar reported spring seemed to be hiding.
We live in the desert region of the southwest where things heat up quickly once spring arrives. This year has been different. Winter seemed to refuse to let go.
Of all things, we had snowflakes and sleet reported on April 15, it was unbelievable.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for spring. I’m ready to strip off the layers that reflect a winter season. I’m ready to break out of drab monotone wintry hues and break into bright cheery colors, that reflect spring in all of it’s splendor.

As a family, we are excited about this spring more than any before.
We have so much going on, an incredible family vacation, the renewing of our wedding vows, the purchasing of our first home, it is amazing. I can hardly stand the excitement buzzing around in my heart.
It has been a long winter season in our lives but waking up to all that spring entails has been a true time of refreshing for us.

What about you? Have you been in a winter place or a dry season? Does it seem like change will never come?
I want to encourage you with this; EVERY season must yield itself to another season!
Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time and season for everything. Winter cannot last forever. Every season must yield itself to another season, to do otherwise would violate the law of God.
No season can go past it’s appointed time, winter has no choice but to yield to spring. The winds can blow, the snow can fall, the chill can sit, but it is impossible for winter to last forever.
It must yield, give way, surrender to spring! When spring comes it brings with it all of the possibilities that have been hidden by winter.
The promise of new life, fresh growth, colorful blossoms ready to burst forth and show God’s glory.

It may “seem” like change will never come, but I assure you it will. God has an appointed time of change for your life. No matter what you may be going through, it has a beginning and an ending, it cannot endure forever.
If God has promised you a change, and He has, you can rest in it.
God is not slack concerning His promises, He fulfills His word.
Numbers 23:19 says "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Stand still and see the Salvation of God, He has not left you in the dead of winter, your spring will come!

Until next time,

The Power of Commitment

2009-04-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

I am a firm believer in commitment, and this past week I saw the power of commitment in action.
I have told my children for as long as I can remember, "whatever you commit too, will in return commit to you. I did not realize just how concretely they had taken these words to heart until last week.
You see, my sons have a strong passion and call for missions over their lives, and they have answered the call, Mexico this week and Uruguay over the summer.
When they approached us with the desire to go on the Mexico trip, we had to be honest and tell them we could not do it. With certain financial obligations already looming before us there was no way that, we could afford to send one boy let alone both of them.
It was as if they did not hear what I said, because their next words were, "so can we go". I asked them where they were going to get the money from and my second son, without skipping a beat said, "From God, where we get everything else" - in a tone that clearly said DUUUUUUH mom.
I told them in order for them to go it would have to be God. Let me tell you they put their faith to action and begin to pray and believe God.
After hearing, the news about what is going on in certain areas of Mexico I panicked and said NO. I made it clear that unless God spoke to my heart in a specific way they would not be going anywhere. They refused to take no as a possibility concerning this trip. They would continue to ask, if I had signed the consent form yet, if I told them we didn't have the money they would pull the God card - reminding me that God had it, that He was their source. If I told them I did not have a peace, they would question where my faith had gone, but never at any time did they accept no for an answer. They were committed to going on this trip.
Despite my fears, God would not let me rest or let it go, until I placed my sons and this trip fully in His hands. I had to take a stand and commit my sons to the Father and at that place, a peace flooded my soul that it was well and they would be well.
In that instant I told the Lord if it was His will he would have to make a way out of no way because we didn’t have it to do. Within minutes of my praying that prayer, my husband received a phone call from one of the pastors telling him that we didn’t have to worry about the money, the boys were covered if we wanted them to go. We were amazed! This trip which had seemed impossible, had now been paid in full for both boys! All praises be to GOD!
With the cost of the trip covered, we still had a list of things that they were required to bring and one week to get them. We honestly did not have the finances to supply their needs but we serve a God who supplies all of our needs according to HIS riches in Glory by Christ Jesus! I prayed and asked the Lord for guidance and he answered. We have a popcorn company we had retired due to the economy and the Father gave me the idea to bring it out of retirement. He prompted me to do a fundraiser for them. I sent out an email sharing what had transpired and within days, the Lord had blessed them to reach their goal. He is so faithful and as I type, my sons are in Mexico busy with the work of the Lord.
Watching how it all unfolded strengthened my faith, shored up my beliefs and reminded me of the power of commitment. It also presented some lessons that I obviously needed to review.
I was waiting on God to crack the skies or reveal to me in some major way that this was really Him before I committed my sons to this trip. I had it in my mind that if God provides this way or speaks that way then I’ll know and you can go. HA, God is so much smarter than I am. I thought I was waiting on Him, yet it turned out He was waiting on ME! It was not until I committed that I saw the miracle I needed to see.
So often I’ve used I’m waiting on the Lord as an excuse, when the truth is He is waiting on me. Now, let me be clear, I am not suggesting waiting on the Lord is an excuse – we do need to wait on Him for many, many things – however I will admit I have often used it as an excuse. An excuse for not moving forward, an excuse to cover my fears, an excuse to pacify my flesh when it is in rebellion to the thing the Lord has spoken to me to do.
Psalm 37: 5 says commit thy way unto the Lord; trust Him and He shall bring it to pass. When God has placed something in our hearts to do, we must be faithful to do it. Even as Mary told the servants in John 2:5, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it! Like the Nike add says, Just Do IT!
It does not matter what the circumstances are saying, what picture is being painted! If God has placed it within you to do, then He is able and more than able to bring it to pass. When we allow circumstances that arise to cause our focus to sway from that which we are committed to, we become driven and tossed rather than being guided and led. Our thoughts and hearts become divided, causing us to be wavering and double minded. The bible tells us of the consequences of wavering and being double minded in James 1; 6-8.
As a Well Watered Woman I don't want to be double minded, I want my thoughts to be established by the Lord. How do I have my thoughts established? Through Commitment, Pro 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts SHALL be established. The moment I committed my sons and the trip to the Lord, my thoughts were established. No longer tossed by every wind and doctrine – the doctrine of fear, lies of the enemy and doubt – I was able to hear clearly from the Lord. I was able to hear His plan and led on how to implement it.
I also had to come to the realization that my failure to commit does not just affect me; it affects everyone in relationship to me. Had I not yielded to the Lord committing my sons to His will for their lives, I would have caused them to miss all that the Lord has in store for them this week. It also would have affected the team that they were going on the trip with, causing them to be two men short on working. It would have affected the souls that they were called to touch in Mexico. Commitment is powerful and when we commit our ways to the Lord, we are expressing 2 Tim 1:12 - nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Dear Well Watered Women are you committed today. Are there things in your heart the Father has called you to do? Are you waiting on Him or is He waiting on YOU?
Can I encourage you today, to just do it, whatever the Lord is saying to you, to simply do it? Can I encourage you to commit your thoughts, your ways, and your all to Him that you may be established and that He may bring it to pass?

Until next time,

The Wonders of an Epiphany

2009-03-30T01:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Well Watered Women, I have a treat for you.
Today we have a guest blogger, LaTara Ham-Ying.
LaTarah is one of the most authentic women that I'm blessed to know.
God has blessed her to not only live her life in an authentic way but to help other women do so as well. LaTara's passion is to help others live the authentic life the Father has called and created them too.
Please join me in welcoming LaTara to the Well as she walks us through a portion of her journey.

The Wonders of an Epiphany

For me life is always about self-discovery because with that discovery comes growth, power, and strength to move forward in life. My Creator did not give me life to just sit back, twiddle my thumbs through my experiences, and learn absolutely nothing about myself and what He is doing in, with, and through me. No, it always about knowing who you are, where you have been, and where you are going. And most of all you must understand the why.
Last summer I felt compelled to read Maya Angelou: A Glorious Celebration . It is a celebratory biography in honor of Ms Angelou’s 80th year of life. For many of us we would look at 80 as life ending, but I saw life beginning and so much more as I read this wonderful depiction of a life truly lived; and one that continues to live.
I was taken into the world of a woman who I have admired for years and who, through her book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings , gave me hope for healing from an abusive past. I have loved Ms Angelou for years and though I have never met her, I always felt that my soul connects to hers in some strange way. Through the words in the book I learned this weekend why I was so connected.
Maya Angelo, who looks very much like my 75 year old aunt and matriarch on my father’s side, is the definition of a self-made woman. Funny thing is so is my aunt who I also greatly admire, and, who many say, I am very much like. We are women with a quiet strength that roars like a lion.
Maya never attended college ( I attended but did not get my degree) but has received numerous honorary degrees and is a college professor. She has traveled the world and never let anything stop her. Her life has become ours through the series of autobiographies and poems she has written over the years. She has shown us what is means to be a Phenomenal Woman and how to stand tall and say “Still I Rise” in the midst of adversity and strife.
For years I thought that Maya Angelou’s fame came at an early age. While it did in so many ways, what she is known for today came at a much later age. She was first a singer, a dancer, and an actor. But is was writing that won her heart. Maya Angelou was near or in her forties, when what we know as fame found her; although she had come into her own in so many ways from the time she was a little girl.
As a little girl, Maya, then known as Marguerite Johnson Angelos, was raped by one her mother’s boyfriends. He, after his trial where she testified, was found dead. He was the victim of unknown assailants that many believed to be her own family. Maya says in the book that she felt like her voice had killed him and so she stopped talking for about 6 years. It was through poetry that she found her voice.
What struck me was the fact that I too found my voice through writing, poetry to be exact. However, that was just one parallel that helped me to see why we I felt so connected to a woman I have never met. We both love people, relationships, making a difference, and our children with a passion. We love having gatherings, cooking, and sharing about God who is our Creator without judging others. We are transparent, open, and ready to share our experiences to help our fellow man.
It was during my weekend of connecting to Maya through words that I had an epiphany of Who I Am as I rounded the corner to the end of the book. As I was reading the last chapter, tears started to flow and I couldn’t help but to just say thank you to God. It was as if my life opened up before me and I felt a peace that truly does pass all understanding. I was truly in a moment with God as I read each word. Of all I read in the last chapter, it was the words of Ms. Angelou’s son, Guy (written as a dedication to her in his first book), that struck me the most, causing an overflow of joyous tears:
“You have taught me there is no end of learning, to growing, to reaching higher, to pursuing the right path, and perhaps greater, that all pursuits are lost if there is no love, no investment in others”( Guy Johnson, Standing at the Scratching Line, Random House, 1998)
That is when I knew, this is Who I Am. I strive to learn, grow, and reach everyday. I have been on a discovery of self for quite some time and thank God, today I really saw it. You see I am more than wife, a mom, and someone’s daughter. I am God’s creation first and foremost with a sure destiny and purpose; and then, I am ME. I can never forget that. If I lose who I am then I lose all that God has created me to be.
I love making a difference in life and sharing who I am, in hopes that I too can show someone that all is not lost. You just have to get up and go find it. It is waiting. I too believe that to be in pursuit of something for selfish gain, is a lonely way to live and means absolutely nothing if you don’t care about others along the way.
Writing is like breathing to me and that is why I know I could never give it up. I may never be a famous writer as I hope to be; that depends on the road God has for me. However, like Maya I will never stop using words to make a difference.
God has given me the skill and talent of creative communication with the gifts of encouragement, leadership, wisdom and discernment to know ho to use it. Right now it is through natural health and proactive living; and yes, even in my poetry that I still dabble in.
This is who I am!
Let me encourage you today, my sister, that if you are reading this and you are in the midst of discovering who you are in God’s eyes and in your own, there is a path that is yours and yours alone. You can have an Epiphany just like I did. Start creating your map today! Join me over at Pathways to Authentic Living and let’s start creating your map today.
*****************************************************************
LaTara Ham-Ying is a wife, mom, entrepreneur, and authentic woman living for God. As a Bible Study teacher, Christian curriculum creator, women’s speaker and devotion writer, LaTara has worked many years simply trying to do what God wills for her life. Her latest project is Pathways to Authentic Living http://www.pathwaystoauthenticliving.com

Father's Eyes

2009-03-27T13:16:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Civilla for reminding me of this song, I think it does go hand in hand with today's post.
I've never done a series before but am feeling led to post more on The Father, stay tuned for part 2 tomorrow.

Be Blasted By HIS Presence today,

Lemonade Award

2009-03-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

WOO HOO! "K" from ILuvBNaMom awarded me the Lemonade Award for having a blog with Attitude and/or Gratitude. The Lemonade Award is my very first blog award. Thank you so much " K". Be sure to visit her blog to see what she's up to, it's a great place to visit! You'll leave with a smile on your face.
Now that I've received the award, it's my turn to share the Lemonade Love with others. "K" actually blessed me with this award in January and since that time I've been reading and watching blogs because I wanted to be sincere in who I shared the award with. After being blessed by several blogs I'm ready to share the Lemonade Love!

Here are the rules for receiving the Lemonade Award:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Now I get to choose 10 blogs to award! I am nominating the following 10 blogs:

Cynthia at Home...Where It All Begins
Andrea at Andrea's 365 Blog
Sandra at Loves Abounds At Home
Deanna at Home Haven Ministry
Teisha at The Business Coach for Moms
Civilla at Civilla's Cyber Cafe
T at My Thoughts on Life
Valencia at Buildeth Her House
S. Belle at Musings of a Mompreneur
Elaine at Me Being Me

Stop by these great blogs and check them out. I'm sure you will be blessed on your visit.
Thank you again K!

Until next time,

Jesus Died!

2009-03-18T11:48:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone!
I was going to post a new devotional today but a dear friend sent this video to me.
After watching it, I knew that my words could wait one more day, I wanted, no I needed to share this with you all.
It is a message by Paul Washer and simply put is powerful, just powerful. I hope you are blessed and beyond that motivated to share with others the message of Jesus, our hope and glory.

Blessings until next time!

I'm back!

2009-03-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
I hope this post finds you all well. I haven't had a chance to put up new devotionals, my life is moving at full speed ahead it seems. There's a lot of exciting things going on with my family and those things are filling my days.
I want to thank all of you for being understanding and want to let you know that new devotionals are coming soon.
I have a few that will be posted within the next week and a half so stay tuned.

I also want to say thank you to all who send encouraging emails letting me know my blog blesses you, ALL glory and praises be unto the Father. He is wonderful and I pray they continue to bless and minister.

I look forward to putting up new posts soon.

Blessings,

Awaken to your dream...

2009-01-28T15:54:00.000-08:00

As I was meditating on what the Father would have me share this week I was reminded of an epiphany I experienced on January 9, 2003.
This brief moment served as wonderful wake up call and reminder of His faithfulness and just how He does give us the desires of our hearts, when we delight ourselves in Him.

It started as a day just like any other. I ran to the market that early afternoon to pick up buns for dinner. I headed down an aisle and saw two moms with their small children casually shopping through the store, I smiled and thought how cute.
As I turned to pick up the hot dog buns, it hit me and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I saw my life for what it truly was. I literally gasped at the reality of it.

I was immediately thrust back 15 years to a time when I was single and childless. I clearly remembered that late spring afternoon, running to the market on my lunch break and seeing moms with small children shopping in the store. I can still remember the smells of hot bread coming from the bakery section and fresh peaches that had just been set out. I remembered standing in the store inwardly saying, Lord when I get married I want to be like this.
I want to be one of these moms, who get to stay home with their kids and shop in the afternoon while the food is still fresh and the stores aren't crowded.
As I drove back to work I passed a park and decided to stopped and eat the deli sandwich and yogurt I had purchased.
Sitting there, I saw several moms with their children, some pushing strollers, others playing and pushing their babies on the swings. I remember the sharp ache I felt in my chest as I watched this scenario and prayed another silent prayer… Lord if you ever allow me to marry and become a mom, this is what I want my life to be like. That day a dream and a desire was birthed in me.

There were many days following that I longed for the season when I would be blessed to marry and become a wife and mother.
Being over 25 and single would at times cause these dreams and prayers to seem unattainable. Medical issues that said “you will never bear children” would attempt to dash my desires and make them appear bleak, yet I held out hope. My payer remained; Lord if you ever bless me to marry and become a mom…
The word of God tells us in Romans 5:5 that hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
When your hope is in the Lord you will not be put to shame. In the course of time not only did the Father bless me to marry a wonderful man of God, he also blessed our quiver with 4 bright arrows.

Through out the years and through out the everyday goings on of life, somewhere the words I prayed and believed for were lost. They were swept away like the crumbs from the morning toast, stacked and put away neatly like the mounting stacks of homeschooling paperwork and crafts.

But that day, that early afternoon of January 9, 2003, standing right there in the aisle of the supermarket it hit me. I was living the life I had dreamed about. I was actually living in the manifestation and answer to my prayers. I AM living the life I always wanted to live.
I know for some this might seem a little silly but that moment touched me at the very core of my being.

It is so easy to get caught up in the every day hustle and bustle, ups and downs of life, marriage and motherhood that we lose sight of the preciousness of what we have. As I reflected on this realization, I thought back to the days when being so overwhelmed I questioned.
I questioned my decision to be a stay home mom, when after a week of 4 kids just not getting it, I questioned my decision to homeschool my children. When everything outside looked like Gold and all that we had looked like clay I questioned.....
I thought about the days I had not been as grateful as I should have been and all I could say was God forgive me. You have blessed me to live the life of my dreams and I almost missed the reality of it. How many people can honestly say they are living the life they always dreamed of?

Now don't get me wrong, there are some things that we have lived through that I truly didn't dream of but life isn't always going to be a bed of roses. Those things are what make us stronger, wiser and closer to the Lord. Knowing this I can appreciate every thorn in the mix of roses.

Remembering that moment, I have a new and refreshed outlook on life and it has given me a joy that words cannot describe.
Yes, I know that this time next week after being exhausted from the life which is motherhood, being teacher to four kids, driver to four kids, referee to four kids, and every other title that comes along with four kids, I will be tempted to throw my hands up and say four kids...... what was I thinkin! But because I know I'm living the life of my dreams, I think instead that I will throw up my hands and count it all joy.

I encourage you all to refresh your dreams and hopes and to know that God is a fulfiller of them all.

Blessings until next time,

Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psalm 37:4 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 40:1
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 13:12

Praying Without Ceasing

2009-01-25T10:37:00.000-08:00

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says: "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you"

Today I am blessed with the honor of praying without ceasing for my dear friend, sister in Christ and fellow blogger; ILuvBNaMom. If you've not had a chance to visit her blog yet, it's great.

Last week she gave birth to a beautiful baby which I'll leave the details for her to share, but would like to encourage you all to please join me in praying without ceasing for this precious family.

Praying with great hope and expectation!

TonyR

Edens Song

2009-01-10T19:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.edenssong.org/

I would like to introduce you to a ministry that is very dear to my heart; Edens Song

Edens Song Ministry was birthed by the Father into the care of Roy and Debi Killian.
Roy and Debi have been blessed with a dynamic and vast heart for missions and missionaries, with a special passion for Africa and the people of Africa.
Serving those who serve the Lord through missions is the heartbeat of their call and purpose.

The vision and mission of Edens Song Ministry is to coordinate missionaries around the world with the necessary resources to provide for the diverse medical, social and financial needs of the people of their region.

One of the key things Edens Song does is collect new and/or used IPods and MP3 players, to refurbish and download a plethora of information, music and teaching on.
These players are collected via donations from believers and churches across the States.
They also provide missionaries and missions with vital and diverse supplies, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, band-aids, anti-bacterial ointments (Neosporin) and more.
These resources are donated from believers such as yourself as well as via donations and love offerings.

Please take a moment to visit their website, look around, and pray to see if the Father would lead you to help foster this ministry by your giving and or interceding on their behalf.
Also prayerfully consider sharing this with your circle of believers as well as your leaders, perhaps your pastor or ministry would like to co-labor in missions along side Edens Song.

If you would like more information about Edens Song you can contact them here: edenssong@gmail.com

Blessings and thank you for taking the time to pray for Edens Song as well as checking out their website: http://www.edenssong.org/

Until next time,

Resources to enhance your walk

2009-01-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

Resources to help you strengthen and develop your walk:

http://www.biblegateway.com/
Bible Gateway is a a free service for reading and researching Scripture online

http://www.e-sword.net/
E-Sword is a dynamic free tool that is one of my personal favorites.
E-Sword provides free bible software for Windows. It allows you to download a plethora of bibles, commentaries, dictionaries and more.

http://www.bibleinayear.org/
Bible in a year is a great way to read through the bible in a year.
It delivers you daily reading every day via email.
It also gives you several options as to how you would like to read the bible.

http://www.biblestudytools.net/
Another site with numerous tools to help you start and maintain a great study life.

Don't walk alone. Two are better than one; get an accountability/prayer partner.
Having someone who is faithful to pray with and for you helps keep you accountable in your walk.

Happy New Years and My prayer for you all.

2009-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

I pray each of you have a blessed and prosperous year. I pray the year 2009 finds you growing closer to him than ever before. I pray that this year finds you walking in the will, purpose and destiny that God has ordered for your lives.
I pray this year finds you burning with a holy dissatisfaction, no longer being satisfied with the last move of God in your lives but a burning, unending, unyielding, gripping hunger for more of the Father, no longer satisfied with religion but crying out with a burningburden for a deeper, closer relationship with him.
I pray that each of you see a sweeping move of God in your homes. I pray for marriages, that God would strengthen them and cause you to be more united than ever before. I pray you would walk in love and intimacy with your mate like you've never known before. That your hopes and dreams would become reality.
I pray for those who are struggling in your marriage. I pray that the hand of the enemy be bound up and that the hand of the Lord is loosed to reign, rule and work in your lives. I pray no weapon formed against marriages shall prosper!
I pray that for those of you with unbelieving mates that this will be the year and hour that you see them come into the faith. For those of you with mates that are lax in their walk that this would be the year and hour that you see them burn for Christ like never before, that they would burn with a fire and that they would set ablaze everything that is around them.
I pray that this year would be the year that your children would raise up and sweep their generation for Jesus. That they would walk as a bold army for God and that many would be drawn to the savior because of their walk and testimony. For those with children who have gone contrary I pray that this would be the year that they are turned back to the Father and found walking in his Will and purpose for their lives. I pray the tricks and tactics of the enemy used to entice them away would be broken and defeated. I pray every ungodly and unholy appetite and influence would be squashed and replaced with a passion, drive and love for all things of the Lord.
I pray for a rightness and soundness of mind, that the lies the enemy has fed them would fall to the ground as naught and the TRUTH of God would be revealed to their very inner-man!I pray the hand of the Father would weigh so heavily upon them that they would begin to cry out with a heart of sincerity YES LORD, YES!
For those of you who are single I pray this year you are more fulfilled in your walk and relationship with Christ than you have ever been before. I pray for those of you who are single and embarking on a journey towards marriage that God would keep you until that day and that you would want to be kept. I pray that your betrothal is full of joy, love and learning. That purity and a love for the Lord would be your guiding force.
For those of you who are going through trials and struggles I pray that you would be strengthened for the journey and that God would encamp a host of angles and a band of intercessors around and about you to gird up your legs that you might be able to stand.
For those of you who are experiencing loss I pray that God himself would comfort you and that by the Holy Spirit you would feel his loving arms around you and know that he has embraced your hurt and you can trust him with your grieving heart. I pray that strongholds be torn down in your lives this year and principalities be bound and broken. That fear and worry would not find a ruling or a resting place in your lives and homes this year.For those suffering from depression I pray that the bands of sorrow would be broken. That you would know the joy and gladness of the Lord in a way that you have never known or experienced it before. I pray that darkness is exchanged for light. That your burden would be lifted and that you are brought out of the fog and into the F.O.G.The VERY Favor Of God over your life. That you will have a song to sing and a story to tell of how Jehovah God brought you out! How He has not forgotten about you.
I pray that this would be the year of healing for all you who are hurting and wounded.
I speak blessings over each of you today. I speak the blessings of the Lord over yourmarriages, your families, you relationships, your finances, your health, very lives.And may each of you walk in the fullness of what the Lord has in store for you this year 2009!
Blessings and continued prayer,

It's Blessing Time, blessing your husband through prayer

2008-04-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

God is so good, with every new rising of the sun, He affords us an opportunity to start afresh. To clear away the clutter of yesterday and begin again.It's a brand new day and with it comes brand new opportunities. Opportunities to bless the Lord, to bless your husbands, to bless your children and to bless your house!
In this moment I want to focus on blessing your husband, have you blessed your husband today?

As wives one of the most powerful means that we have at our disposal to bless our husbands is prayer, to intercede for him daily.
In the hour we live in men are being continuously assaulted by the wiles of the enemy. There is a woman in 2 Samuel 21 that lends a brief yet clear illustration of the power of intercession. This woman was Rizpah, the concubine of Saul. Her two sons along with 5 other men were killed in retribution for the past sins of others. These men were killed and their bodies left on a hill exposed. Rizpah took it upon herself to cover these men. The Bible says Rizpah daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest till the rain poured down from the heavens on the bodies, she did not let the birds of the air touch them by day or the wild animals by night. I have read where the approximate time frame from the harvest to the rains were 6 months, can you imagine? Being camped out for 6 months next to 7 decaying bodies, guarding them, protecting them from being mauled, eaten and torn asunder?Can you see how this relates to today? While our husbands are not dead they are under attack, there is an enemy seeking to devour them. One has only to look at the television, billboards, the internet and any magazine on a rack at the market to see how the enemy is bombarding men with a visual assault on their flesh. We only have to look at the country's economic state to see how the enemy would pelt their minds with the everyday care and provision for their families. The enemy would love to distract them from looking at God as their source and to falter under the weight of the financial chaos that is plaguing our nation at this time. There is so much going on to pull our husbands and rip them asunder, but one thing we do know, is prayer changes everything! When we pray, we are putting the enemy to flight. We are covering our husbands and preventing the enemy from gaining a foothold in their lives In being a blessing to your husbands, will you be like Rizpah and stand on their behalf, refusing to allow the birds of the air to rest on them by day nor the beasts of the field by night.
Will you take up your mantles as women of God and cry out for your husbands? Will you invoke divine care for them through your prayer and intercession, will you speak well of them, for to speak well is to speak life. Will you do as Paul admonishes us as believers to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, pray without ceasing?
I encourage you to bless your husband this day.

Until next time,

It's my season,
It's my time!

I Love You Mom

2008-02-18T12:56:00.000-08:00

This is a poem my 11 yr old daughter sent to me via email.
I'm not sure who the author(s) is(are). She found it online and said it made her think of me.

There is a scripture in Proverbs that says Her children shall rise up and call her blessed.
Reading this when it hit my inbox told me my children were rising up and calling me blessed.

Be blasted by His presence today!

poem
You're the master of every task You're a dependable source of comfort;You're my cushion when I fall.You help in times of trouble;You support me whenever I call. I love you more than I can express;You have my total respect.If I had my choice of mothers,You'd be the one I'd select!

You Let Me Know You Love Me poem
You let me know you love meIn so many different ways.You make me feel importantWith encouragement and praise.
You're always there when I need youTo comfort and to care.I know I'm in your thoughts;Your love follows me everywhere.
Thank you for all you've doneAnd given so generously.I love you, my wonderful mother;You're a heaven-sent blessing to me

My mother is a Christian,In every important way;The fruit of the Holy SpiritIs displayed in her every day.
My mother is filled with kindness,With love and joy and peace;Her patience and her goodnessInspire, and never cease.
She follows our Lord JesusWith faithfulness, and more;She’s gentle and has self control,She knows what prayer is for.
Thanks, Mom, for being a Christian,And showing me how to be;I’ll follow your exampleFor all eternity.

In today’s chaotic world,With everything around us crumbling,Morality held in contempt,Our leaders false, corrupt, or bumbling,
More than ever, we need ChristTo lead us through this darkening place;His absolute truth will light our way;He’ll lift us with His love and grace.
The Bible is our cornerstone;In God’s word, we take our stands;Role models we will strive to be,Examples of our Lord’s commands.
Dear Lord Jesus, strengthen usTo complete the tasks you’d have us do;We pray you’ll lead us, guide us nowTo know and love and follow you.

I GUESS WHAT IM TRYING TO SAY IS I LOVE YOU MOM