Weekly Photo Challenge: Tiny!

Even the tiniest person can dream!

The Perspective of Community!

I love taking photos.  I love the way a camera focuses my vision.  When you get behind the lens of a camera, you are always looking for that perfect shot.  I am sometimes amazed at the things I see in a picture that I missed in real view; for example, the expressions on faces of people in the background, the bugs on the flowers, and sometimes even optical illusions that demonstrate the power of perspective!

I have an incredibly talented cousin, Karen, who takes some of the most creative photos I have ever seen.  She taught me the power of perspective.  She and her husband both love to take pictures looking up at things, buildings, faces etc.  What it makes me think of, is how our perspective changes when we look up to God.  He is the Creator, and when we look at things with His point of reference we see new possibilities.

This past Tuesday, I had such an aha moment.  As I was talking to God,  He gave me the idea of blogging my health plan.  I have learned that everything in my life goes better when I am in Community; when I walk out my journey with brothers and sisters.  I am held accountable to my life.  When I live "in the Light as He is in the Light, I have fellowship with them, and the Blood of Jesus cleanses me from all sin." (paraphrase of 1 John: 1:7.)

This means I am cleansed in a way which removes those ways in which I miss the mark, through my transparency with my Community, and submission to their holding me accountable in ways that may not happen when I walk alone.

This was a new perspective for me.  I have always tried to get healthy on my own.  Never before have I shared my thoughts and habits and struggles with others as I am doing through this blog:

www.60dayhealthchallenge.com.

I have felt the difference in knowing I am accountable.  Now, I know that this is not a new concept to many of you.  Groups like Weight Watchers have helped millions.  But this is different for me.  I am asking God about everything I do and eat, and don't do or eat.  I am feeling His good pleasure as I turn all these decisions over to Him.  I don't think I have ever felt this free before or this empowered!

Today I worked the polls for our city-wide election.  My coworkers came loaded for bear!  They brought honey-buns, cookies, nuts etc... As I asked the Lord about the goodies, thinking that 'this is a special day,' wanting to participate in mindless snacking, I realized He was saying, "Really? You want to eat that junk???"
Suddenly, none of it appealed.  I was actually repelled by the thought of putting all that junk in my body, and my day became so easy!  It actually got funny!  They kept saying, "You sure you don't want anything??"  They even sent out for ice cream!  I had absolutely NO desire for any of it!! This is so new! I felt so blessed and empowered!

My perspective has positively changed!  I never want to eat anything without asking Jesus about it again!  What was truly the icing on the cake for me...(I need to change my metaphors) was when about 30 minutes after my friends consumed their ice cream, they were complaining about how miserable they felt!  I tried quite hard not to fall into the sin of smug!  LOL!

Blessing y'all!! Anna Marie

Even the Cactus Blooms!

I am encouraged by watching nature!  Even when I feel my very worst, I see the prickly pear cactus. Normally, the cactus is looking really bad: boring color, spiky thorns and non-descript.  But in due season, it blooms and there is nothing more lovely.

Today, I woke up feeling like the blooming cactus.  Had the idea of starting a blog to journal my progress over the next 60 days as I live into the bloom!  I have the need to be held accountable for my decision.  I used to get that from a runner's group I belonged to.  But now my life is too crazy to meet others on Saturdays to run.  So you all are my new group!  I have already heard from a few that are joining me on the challenge.

If anyone else wants to join, just go to www.60dayhealthchallenge.blogspot.com Leave your name and blog address(If you have one) in the comment section.  Become a follower of the blog and share the link on your Facebook   Let me know you have done it and I will add your name to a drawing for a free book, God's Healing River and a bracelet. The drawing will be after the 60 days are up.

Let us know what you are doing for your challenge and any prayer requests you have as we go along.

Just think, by July 10 we will be gorgeous and healthy and energized!!!

Blessings, Anna Marie

Weekly Photo Challenge: Wildlife!

"Are You My Momma?"

urbanpastures: Copper Tree of Life - May Give Away.

urbanpastures: Copper Tree of Life - May Give Away.

Check out this lovely art, and get a chance to win a piece!

Words to Bless and Heal the Body of Christ!

At a recent OSL Healing Conference, in Dallas, TX,  The Lord instructed us to open the microphone to the people and have them share the thing that was most burning in their hearts.  I have posted the video link to watch, but thought that you may enjoy a summary.  Check out the video when you can.  It is a beautiful display of God's glory on His children! Healing Conference, St. Luke's Dallas, TX click here for video!

• Many have been in darkness this year.  It has been hard.  But just wait!  Dawn is coming- Jesus is rising!
• Could you sleep if there was just one poisonous snake loose in your house?  Spiritual housekeeping is needed.  Are we satisfied with little things, with little visitations?  We are capable of ALL of God, because with the Light of Christ we are able to perceive!
• Be EXCITED!
• Change.  We are more than conquerors.  We are coming out of the desert into an oasis.  Those things we have travailed for are coming.
• The time is now!  We have secured the planning.  We are on the mountaintop...we ALL have to go!  What are we waiting for?  We must arise!  We are crucifying Him (Jesus) by not not speaking!!  Open your gate!  Ephphathah! (Greek)  Be opened!  
• The following was a song sung by the Spirit:  Do not fear my children.  Come to Me.  I Am with you right now.  I love you all so much!  Receive My love.
• A testimony of healing:  "I had an irritated finger for three years.  I spoke to the Lord and asked Him to show me His power.  Instantly, my finger was healed!"
• Another song, sung in response to God:  I love You, Lord.  And I lift my voice, to worship You, oh, my soul, rejoice!  Take joy my King, in what You hear.  May it be a sweet, sweet sound, in Your ear.
• "Whenever I do what He tells me to do, I am blessed!"
• Committed Christians must come out of the closet and share the Gospel.  Confront and challenge those who are not speaking the truth. (In Love)  God has so much to teach us. 
• I read a prophetic word that I had blogged previously. Click here to read it!  Assemble the Elders!  Wisdom is arising!  Joel 1:2.  Prepare to be poured out!  Lift up and gather the elders and walk into our maturity!  
• A response showed the truth of the previous post:  A woman, advanced in years stepped forward and shared how she was raising up a new OSL Chapter. Interested in healing? Check out this organization!
• Remember!  A conversation is 1/2 listening, not all talking!  This applies to our conversations with God as well!
• One woman shared she had been praying for her husband to receive the Lord.  Two days before he died, he prayed with a minister!  Never give up!
• Giving:  A woman prayed for a giving heart.  Had the realization that EVERYTHING we have is God's. She had a total release!  "It's not mine, we are entrusted with it; money, time, whatever!  Let it go with joy!  We are of the Kingdom of God.  He will resource us!
• A woman had her knee healed!
• Wisdom from an elder clergy spouse.  "God is first, I am second and and the church is third!  This is how marriage should be, especially in clergy families."  (May I say, God is everything and it all falls into place.)
• From an older fellow: "God looks for people who are not even looking for Him!  3 years ago, I wasn't looking, but He found me and I was born again, saved!  2 years ago, I was healed of a life-time of smoking!  He is present always!"
• Live an open life!

These were just some of the gems of wisdom that came forth.  It is summed up in John 13:34: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you , that you also love one another."

And again, in John 20:21: "Jesus said to them again, 'Peace to you!  As the Father sent Me, I also send you...receive the Holy Spirit'."