21 Day Reformation

End of 21 Days- Gratitude Saturday

2007-05-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

Well Reformers!

Today is day 21. Would love to hear in the comments of how its been for you. I've been following your journey on your blogs and I am blessed to hear your honest hearts and see Him showing and teaching you new things and new perspectives.

You are finished today. Right before Mother's Day, a day where women are honored. Bless you mighty woman of God.

This will probably be the last post for me on this site. I think I'll just stick to my one site now. Unless God has other plans for me.

Today I am grateful for

1. The 21 Day Reformation. It has started me on a new way of thinking. God has taken these dedicated times to transform my mind and how I think. I can already see the fruit and I know so much more is coming for me.

2. Old friends and new friends. Nothing like friends. Especially those who are good listeners and those who love you , warts and all.

3. Chocolate.............mmm

4. Flowers, any kind, love them.

5. Cute little puppies, love their soft ears.

6. The promise of Spring and new life that comes with it.

Come To Momma

2007-05-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, life can be a little hectic. I'm not sure if this is how God originally intended things. I wonder how much of it is us choosing to take on too much?

I for one am just a little busy. I volunteered to oversee all the billeting for an upcoming youth conference. So, I have been busy finding hosts and contacting youth leaders to billet approx. 200 youth!! I can't help myself................ I LOVE youth, and want to do whatever I can to see them advance into their destinies. I guess it comes from being a spiritual mom.

We are all called to be mothers. The world is desperate for those who carry the compassionate heart of Jesus. We don't have to have earthly children to be a spiritual mom. We just have to want to see someone excel and advance beyond where we are. We just have to welcome them with open arms and offer encouragement and advice ONLY when asked.

Women, take a few moments in this week to ask God to "set you up" with some divine appointments where you can pour out His love to someone who needs a nurturer.

We as women carry this gift and it is unique to us................ we have to let it out and share it to more than just our children.

What are you waiting for? To be perfect first? To have it all together with your own kids first? NO!!! Just be willing to let Him flow through your life, cracks, weaknesses and all. You'll be surprised at how great it feels.

I leave you with 2 scriptures to get you thinking, and believing that He can use even you.

My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. 2 Cor 12:9- the Message

He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Prov. 11:25

Gratitude Saturday Day 14

2007-05-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

Well Reformers! You are 2/3 of the way! Only 7 days left! There is so much to be thankful for! God has already done a GREAT work in your lives.
Some have endured tremendous hardship, and disappointment, and yet you have turned to the Father and received your strength from Him. I am proud of you. All of you are Overcomer's!

Here is what I am grateful for this Gratitude Saturday!

Oooodles of types wildflowers splashed all over the mountains
Apple blossoms and lilacs
That God let me see an eagle and 5 deer on my walk yesterday
The privilege of leading worship
An awesome worship team full of people 1/2 my age! (mentoring again!)
My mind that is being daily renewed
The colors of spring
Bethesda group home who cares for my sweet pea just like I do
My hardworking man, who loves treating me like a princess
The kindness of God
An army of mighty women, on a Reformation who will advance His kingdom and fulfill their God given destinies. Yah women of God!!! You are mighty warriors!

Laughter is a good medicine!

2007-05-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

Mom's Gift
Three sons left home, went out on their own and prospered. Getting back together, they discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly mother.

The first said, "I built a big house for our mother."

The second said, "I sent her a Mercedes with a driver."

The third smiled and said, "I've got you, both beat. You know how Mom enjoys the Bible, and you know she can't see very well. I sent her a brown parrot that can recite the entire Bible. It took 20 monks in a monastery 12 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $100,000.00 a year for 10 years, but it was worth it. Mom just has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot will recite it."

Soon thereafter, Mom sent out her letters of thanks to her sons.

"Milton," she wrote the first son, "The house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house."

"Marvin," she wrote to another, "I am too old to travel. I stay home all the time, so I never use the Mercedes. And the driver is so rude!"

"Dearest Melvin," she wrote to her third son, "You were the only son to have the good sense to know what your mother likes. That chicken was delicious!"

Found at Sunshine for Women at http://www.pinn.net/~sunshine/main.html

I thought you Reformers could use a little laugh. Keep pressing in, and remember He doesn't care if you feel weak. He came to be your Saviour.

PS- I hope my kids build me a big house, with a pool and a hot tub!

Keep On Keeping On! Day 8-10

2007-05-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

I've been meditating on Galatians 6. Thought I would share it with you all. I have to say that I am enjoying The Message version. Its a new experience for me and I enjoy its translation.

1 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. 2 Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. 3 If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived. 4 Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. 5 Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. 6 Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience. 7 Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others - ignoring God! - 8 harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
9 So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. 10Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

Life with Jesus is a journey. Sometimes we can become discouraged with our progress.
We have to remember that in the natural the sowing a reaping process takes months or years. So why do we expect immediate results? I think its because of the society we live in. Everything is instant and immediate.
Kingdom work and disciplines are not always like that. We have to almost imagine ourselves as an oak tree or something to remember that the choices we make today, to partner with God, will be evident in the future.

So, for all those who are weary in doing good, don't give up, and remember you are planting seeds of righteousness for your future and your children's futures.

Gratitude Saturday Day 7

2007-04-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

For all the new Reformers- Saturday's are Gratitude Saturday's. A day to reflect and write about what we are grateful for. I got the idea from my friend Holly, and I love it.

This day, this very special day, is my oldest daughter's Birthday. Today, she is no longer a teenager, but a young woman. Today she is 20. So my entire post is all about my gratitude for having her in my life. It seems like just yesterday I was carrying her in my arms and giggling with joy at her infant stages. I wish I could have one of those days back, they pass all too quickly. Please excuse me today if I brag, but she is one of my greatest assets!

Alyssa Jennifer (Alyssa Pooh, Pooh Bear, Sweet Pea) I am grateful for and love:

Your beautiful smile
Your kind heart towards others in need
How you display servant leadership
The strong prophetic gift within you
Your intense love for God and desire to be His disciple
Your choice in friends
Your gift of mentoring and encouraging younger teenage girls and planning hang out nights just for them
Your cute bubble butt (sorry sweetie, but you know its cute)
Your striking blue eyes
That you call me to tell me how your day is going
That you invite me for coffee
Your creative heart and love for painting and colors
How you express your love for me in cards
How you treasure your special sister
How you can reach Matt in his language and a way that he understands
That you LOVE to talk to me...... did I say LOVE, I mean LOVE (its what I asked God for!!)
Your romantic heart
That you are saving yourself for that one really special guy
That you love the outdoors
That you love trying new things
Your incredible ability to learn and excel at school
That you are an extravagant worshiper and a closet dancer
Your sense for style, and the desire to dress modestly
How you make me try new fashion
That you adore your Dad, and see all his strengths
How you can do your hair in so many unique adorable ways
That you are intensely passionate about almost everything in your life
Your zest and exuberance for life period
That you love having fun, being silly, and watching old movies

I love everything about you.

You are all I ever dreamed of in a daughter and I consider myself unbelievably blessed to think that you came from your dad and I.

I am rich and full of love and gratitude this day; everyday, forever and always.

Extraordinary Harvest Is Coming! Day 5 + 6

2007-04-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

I subscribe to a daily prophetic bulletin called Spirit Of Prophecy. This is today's reading, I found it very applicable for us Reformers.

"April 26, 2007: You have been in a critical time in which your motives, attitudes, and decisions have become seeds that will reap an extraordinary harvest. You are now emerging from this time and will be able to see clearly the results of your thoughts and actions as your inner man is revealed by the light of My presence, says the Lord. Do not despair when you see your flaws and imperfections. This light of correction will cause you to be purified and will ultimately make you stronger. Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction; for whom the LORD loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights."

Here is the version of this same verse from The Message

But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction.

It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this. The Very Tree of Life

How exciting!! The Father's delight is behind ALL this. He is behind your journey of Reformation. Can you feel Him? Can you hear Him whispering in your ear? Keep going beloved, I am behind you, I am with You, I will teach you and instruct you on this journey........... and it WILL bear fruit.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Is. 30:21

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Ps. 32:8

I can tell you all that, now on this 3rd journey of Reformation, I am already seeing that seeds that I planted with Him, they are growing. I can feel a difference, and I know the plants will grow and bear fruit.
Be encouraged that you are on a life-changing journey, and although you may have set-backs, or as I have said in my past posts, you fall off the wagon.......... just wipe the dust back off your feet and legs, and get back on!
There is only one rule on this journey of Reformation............ No Blame and No Shame. That's right, no BS. Blame and shame do not come from Him, so whenever you feel it, reject it, and tell the enemy to get behind you........ and look ahead to what He is saying in the moment, they will always be words of encouragement, instruction for growth, and hope.

I'm a Thinker I Guess?!

2007-04-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

My friend and cousin Rhonda nominated this site for the Blogger Thinking Award. How cool? What do you think? Ha!

We've had a long history together, being cousins, friends and working in ministry together.

Thanks for the honor Rhonda! I am enjoying these 2 different sites to learn to write about things that God is laying on my heart. Writing is a new venture of creativity for me and I love it. She chose the Reformation blog one of her nominees.

For those who have been tagged, the Participation Rules are simple:

1. If, and only if, you are tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think

2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the member.

3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote.

It has been REALLY hard to choose 5 blogs, I have so many that I enjoy. So I stuck to the ones that really make me think, each link has the post that made me think.

Here are my 5 nominees (in no particular order). I have enjoyed checking in regularly to "think" on their posts. Please visit all of them and check them out!

I've Got The Power! - Day 4

2007-04-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Does this title make you think of that secular song, sung in a high voice I've got the Powwa!!!

God has been speaking to me today about what He is doing with all of us Reformers.
Well actually, its more like what we are doing with Him. You see we are co-laboring with God!!

I felt like He spoke the word SURGE to me. So, I went to see what this word means in the dictionary.
Surge- verb
A strong wavelike movement, forward movement, rush, or sweep. A strong swelling, wavelike volume or body of something.
Synonyms for surge- arise, climb, grow, gush, ripple, rise, swell, swirl, well forth

When we partner with God, we have access to His unlimited power in our lives. How awesome is that?!!

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds 2 Cor. 10:4

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Cor 12:9

Thank God we don't have to fight our weaknesses with human strength! We just have to access the source of the power for Reformation.
He will move us forward, grow in us, rise up within us and burst forth in us like a gushing well.

Be encouraged today to lean heavy into God. Co-labor with Him. Bring Him your weaknesses and by faith, access His power. You might be surprised what happens! I for one can't wait to hear your testimony of His power surging through you. Even if it seems small, let us know.

We overcome by the power of His blood and the word of our testimony.

God, Thank You that you have an unlimited supply of power to surge through us and beyond our weaknesses. Please do this for us today!

The Moment Of Truth Day 3

2007-04-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome to all the new women who are on a bold journey towards Reformation! And welcome to all those who are not participating specifically but may have timely insights to comment on.

God reminded me of this scripture today found in Ps. 51:6

Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. NAS

But you desire honesty from the heart, so you can teach me to be wise in my inmost being. NLT

We are at a moment of truth on this journey. This is the first step towards change.

God can handle the truth. He can handle our raw emotions. What He can't handle is if we think we can change on our own. He has to be the one to teach us to be wise in our inmost being. All we can do is be real and be willing to make the choices He sets before us each day. He loves a heart of honesty and obedience. He is the one who will do the Reformation, our part is in choosing to partner with His strategy for the day.

As women, we have many ideas in our mind about how we should be functioning as a woman or mom. We often have a very huge measuring stick in our hands that we think we must reach, and better yet, subliminally we use it to measure others, or compare our growth with others.

God does not have a measuring stick. So if you have one, feel free to ask Him to break it!!

Instead He calls us up higher into places of maturity, into thinking as He thinks, and loving as He loves. He will teach us. All we have to do is become the student.
We don't get to mark how we did on a test or get to decide to "grade" ourselves. That belongs to Him alone. He never looks at us with eyes of failure. He looks to see if we have hearts that desire truth. That, He can work with. Then, He will teach us to be wise.

He may only teach you one little thing each day, or only one thing for the whole month. It may seem insignificant to you........... but He has a master plan for your life and He knows what you need to learn to take you to the next step.

So rest easy on this journey. Be encouraged that the most important step is truth in your heart. When He reveals things, be free to be real, and let it out, and then step into the freedom that only His blood can offer. There is freedom in knowing that He will set you free.

Women of God, be free to be who you are today, knowing that He will transform you into His image, all He asks is for your obedience to His voice for today.

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." Mt 11- NLT

God, help us as women. Help us to keep coming to You with the truth in the deep places of our heart. Help us to lean heavy on You for the strategy to be an overcomer and to live in Reformation. We acknowledge that we cannot change ourselves.
We want to be like You and we want to live a life of joy and peace. We want to be the women that You have destined us to be. We know that You have a great plan for this Army Of Women. Teach us Lord.

Called To Declare - Day 2

2007-04-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have been pondering what makes women so unique. There are many things.
One thing is very clear to me, even more since joining the blogging world. Women have the gift of gab.

God reminded me of the scripture found in 1 Peter 2:

But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR {God's} OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; NAS

But you are chosen people. You are the King's priests. You are a holy nation of people. You are people who belong to God. God chose you to tell about the wonderful things he has done. He called (brought) you out of darkness (sin) into his wonderful light.

We know how to work with words, we love them. God has given us this gift to use to declare His goodness. The enemy wants to distract us from our rightful calling to declare by trying to lure our attention to the negative. This is a huge trap for us women.

For me, this often starts when I experience or see injustice. Somehow, I think I have the right to judge, and then eventually state my opinion. (even if it is only under my breath)
On this journey of Reformation, I am choosing to agree with my rightful calling to be a woman who DECLARES His goodness, His love, His mercy, and the truth of His word.
I am choosing to shut down the negative self-talk, or negative dialog that somehow manages to float into my mind. Instead I will choose to remind myself and declare His goodness not only over myself, but over every situation and everyone I think about.

We can choose to declare every day, even when we do not see things changing. This is where our faith comes in. Choose life today.

"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live!

Army Of Women On A 21 Day Journey

2007-04-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

This Reformation is yet another new journey. Although I want to continue to not complain. I know this Reformation is so much more than that. I am not certain what it will be. He has told me to just dedicate these 21 Days, and He will show me what He wants. I know that He is calling an Army Of Women to be a part of a Reformation. He has a divine destiny for us all.

I enjoyed listening to Alistair Petrie this morning and was intrigued by his words. He spoke a lot about the plumb line of God and how this is a season where we are to align ourselves with His Divine Plumb line. Plumb line means divine strategy. It is a tool used in building to keep things in alignment.

This Reformation will take each of us on a journey to align ourselves with His divine purposes. Your Reformation may not be about a specific habit, instead it may be about a specific focus that He is calling you to. What is He speaking to you about, that you want to dedicate and set aside 21 Days towards? God is rallying an Army Of Women towards Reformation.

My friend Cheryl wrote a fanastic post about Reformation - personal connection.

My friend Holly, is learning not to complain and specifically focusing about who God really is. to her.

My friend Jen feels to dedicate 21 Days to encouraging and speaking about women.

A New Beginning!!!

2007-04-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome Brand New Reformation Team!!

This is my 3rd journey on a 21 Day Reformation. Many of the past Reformation team will be joining you, and we are sooooo excited to have new friends walking, and talking together.

This will be called Army Of Women on a Reformation.

What is God speaking to you for this 21 Day Journey???? What kind of Reformation is He speaking to you about? Leave your comments and share your heart.

If you are unsure about this journey, go to my old posts called How To Start or What Is Reformation.

This week some of us were dialogging about the word Reformation, and my friend Cheryl gave this awesome insight. I found it so amazing that the word Reformation and Redeem are connected. God is the only one who can take us at face value, weakness and all, and when we choose to partner with Him, He can redeem all that has been lost or in error. Thank God!!

Lord, take our humble hearts on this first day, take us and make us like you. We confess that we cannot change by ourselves, we need you to step in and Redeem and Reform us. We are willing to choose to dedicate these days to listening to Your Spirit and following Your lead.

Yes, Reformation is the right word. As I was reading, I also thought about "redeem" and I looked it up. Jesus DEFINITELY fits the definition as our Redeemer!! One aspect was “to change for the better (Reform)” Cool!!

REDEEM: transitive verb

1 a: to buy back: REPURCHASE b: to get or win back
2: to free from what distresses or harms: as a: to free from captivity by payment of ransom b: to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental c: to release from blame or debt: CLEAR d: to free from the consequences of sin
3 to change for the better: REFORM
4 REPAIR, RESTORE
5 a: to free from a lien by payment of an amount secured thereby b (1): to remove the obligation of by payment (the United States Treasury redeems savings bonds on demand) (2): to exchange for something of value (redeem trading stamps) c: to make good: FULFILL
6 a: to atone for: EXPIATE (redeem an error) b(1): to offset the bad effect of (2): to make worthwhile: RETRIEVE
synonym: RESCUE

I found it so amazing that the word Reformation and Redeem are connected. God is the only one who can take us at face value, weakness and all, and when we choose to partner with Him, He can redeem all that has been lost or is weak or broken. Thank God!!

Lord, take our humble hearts on this first day, take us and make us like you. We confess that we cannot change by ourselves, we need you to step in and Redeem and Reform us. We are willing to choose to dedicate these days to listening to Your Spirit and following Your lead. Redeem, Repair, Restore,Rescue, and Reform us!!

Gratitude Saturday

2007-04-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for:

1. His peace that passes all understanding
2. Sunshine and wildflowers
3. Good friends for my kids
4. My health
5. The tenderness of my husband
6. The Holy Spirit -my comforter
7. New leaves on trees
8. Jewelry (my daughter says, it all about the accessories)
9. That God writes our paychecks
10. Pastries from the Farmers Market

Reformation or Revolution?

2007-04-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

HollyW. and I have been chatting about the name Reformation, she thought maybe it should be called Revolution. Here are our thoughts, and the conclusion we came to.

What do you think? What is God speaking to you about the word Reformation?

Holly said,
want to be part of a revolution...sorry, but Reformation sounds like a monk named Martin Luther doing a new thing. (I'm a big fan of Martin Luther, but you get the point).

I really do think that this is part of that army.

Prophetically, I sense it so strongly.

I will read your posts and give honest feedback. To tell you the truth, I started my blog as a way to get me working towards my book. I'm going to call it "Confessions of a Redeemed Diva." It is a book that is going to stir and start an awakening in the hearts of women who are thirty and under. I know that God is wanting me to write openly and honestly about my heart and have it serve as an example for others. I don't say that in a haughty way but in a "I'm confident in God" way. He's asked me to do it, and so I'm obeying. Right now, I'm getting more comfortable with the idea and I'm putting stuff out there, and just pursuing God about how to write, what to write, etc.

It's exciting isn't it, to know that you are going to do something that is going to profoundly impact people's lives? I wake up each day knowing that God is creating in me a world changer--I used to be freaked out but I'm getting used to the idea and starting to look forward to it.

I don't know why I'm sharing all this--or maybe I do?--but at the beginning of the year a friend told me that I was going to speak before women about God. You know, Cheryl, four years ago, I tried everything to make that a reality. I tried to get the pastor's attention, tried to be all spiritual...and then I told God I was content and fulfilled to just impact my sphere of influence in order to start a revolution.

But then as my friend spoke these words, I knew it to be true. I know that God is going to show me His favour and bring me before people I would never have dreamed of being before. I was freaked out by it, but now I see that this is my opportunity to grow and to become diligent in pursuing Him and His goodness.

I don't know how you connect with it, but you do. And I feel God giving me the ok to share this with you. I sense that God is raising up women who will walk generationally together...especially in Canada. We will be no names who have grabbed the hands of our spiritual mothers and daughters and who are whispering the song of revolution. I heard a great quote about women, "Be kind to women, they make up one half of the the population and are mothers to the other half!" Prophetically that made me aware of the role we as women play in the revolution. Not only will we take ground, but we hold the hearts of the warriors and the priests who battle for the Lord. Now is the time for us to walk with the generations, to let the older women teach the younger women.

I say, "Bring it on".

Cheryl said,
Holly. I am not sure if I can change the name of my blog to Revolution. I think once you set it up......... It is what it is. So I need some insight into this. Also I want to dialouge about the differences between the 2 names. The reason I like Reformation is not only because it represents a change for the better, and about-face, but because it represents a religious movement. And I would love to be a part of starting another brand new one for women. Can you read these and comment more? I’m with you on all you have written about women. And I do think you will write a book.

Here is what Reformation means.......

Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus - Cite This Source
Main Entry: conversion
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: change
Synonyms: about-face*, adaptation, alteration, born again*, changeover, exchange, flip-flop*, flux, growth, innovation, metamorphosis, metanoia, metasis, modification, novelty, passage, passing, permutation, progress, qualification, reclamation, reconstruction, reformation, regeneration, remodeling, reorganization, resolution, resolving, reversal, switch, transfiguration, transformation, translation, transmogrification, transmutation, turning

Reformation
noun
1. improvement (or an intended improvement) in the existing form or condition of institutions or practices etc.; intended to make a striking change for the better in social or political or religious affairs
2. a religious movement of the 16th century that began as an attempt to reform the Roman Catholic Church and resulted in the creation of Protestant churches
3. rescuing from error and returning to a rightful course; "the reclamation of delinquent children" [syn: reclamation

Main Entry: alteration
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: change
Synonyms: about-face, accommodation, adaptation, adjustment, amendment, conversion, correction, difference, diversification, exchange, fixing, flip-flop*, metamorphosis, mid-course correction*, modification, mutation, reformation, remodeling, reshaping, revision, shift, switch, switch-over*, transformation, transmutation, turn, variance, variation

Here is what Revolution means................

an overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement of an established government or political system by the people governed.
2. Sociology. a radical and pervasive change in society and the social structure, esp. one made suddenly and often accompanied by violence. Compare social evolution.
3. a sudden, complete or marked change in something: the present revolution in church architecture.
4. a procedure or course, as if in a circuit, back to a starting point.
5. a single turn of this kind.
6. Mechanics.
a. a turning round or rotating, as on an axis.
b. a moving in a circular or curving course, as about a central point.
c. a single cycle in such a course.
7. Astronomy.
a. (not in technical use) rotation (def. 2).
b. the orbiting of one heavenly body around another.
c. a single course of such movement.
8. a round or cycle of events in time or a recurring period of time.
9. Geology. a time of worldwide orogeny and mountain-building.

Main Entry: revolution
Part of Speech: noun 1
Definition: major change
Synonyms: anarchy, bloodshed, cabal, coup, coup d'etat, crime, debacle, destruction, disorder, foment, guerrilla activity, innovation, insubordination, insurgency, metamorphosis, mutiny, outbreak, overthrow, overturn, plot, radical change, rebellion, reformation, reformation, reversal, revolt, rising, row, shake-up, shift, strife, strike, subversion, transformation, tumult, turbulence, turmoil, turnover, underground activity, unrest, upheaval, upheaval, uprising, uprising, uproar, upset, violence
Antonyms: status quo

Holly wrote:
well... after seeing that revolution means bloodshed and anarchy, I'd like to rethink my earlier statement ! =) haha!

You know, there's a time to be militant, but that usually comes after refromation. The definition of refromation that stood out to me was rescuing from error and returning to a rightful course.

Reformation (sp?) is an idea that sounds gradual where revolution sounds like you are in attack mode. I think that Reformation fits. You know, I've heard so much talk about revolution not too much about Reformation. Revolution is more of a, pardon the expression, "sexy" term. It sells. It's an idea people can get passionate about because the word itself evokes passion.

But I like this idea that reformation has of 'rescuing from error and returning to a rightful course.' We're allowing God to rescue a piece of ourselves and return it to a rightful course. Revolution would just be overthrowing what was in place before. There's a gentleness to the word Reformation that speaks of God's kindness...and it is His kindness that leads us to repentance.

I'm up for being a Reformer!

Setting It Ablaze

2007-04-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

Been chatting with my friend Holly who has invited 21 women, to join her on a 21 Day Reformation along with my self and anyone else interested. They are planning on starting on Sunday April 22nd and finish Saturday April 12th, just in time for Mother's Day. This is really cool. Mother's Day is a day to remember mother's and those who have a nurturing heart.

Here are some excerpts from our chats.

Holly said,
I wasn't really clear on whether or not you pick the topic for the 21 days or if it's Spirit lead. Could you send me some general info about it. It looks like something that requires honesty and transparency and I can definitely commit to something like that

Cheryl said,
This is the original post that I wrote that prompted the Reformation. I wrote it on my other blog.
They say it takes 21 days to form a habit.
I think the Holy Spirit has prompted me, and I have decided to take initiative, and take a 21 Day journey towards reformation.
Why don't you join me?
All you need is some post it notes, and if you are especially creative, some colored pens, pencils or markers (or crayons for mom's of toddlers)
If you want to know more or join me on this journey, come to my new blog set aside for this specific focus, enter your thoughts, ideas, difficulties, and lessons learned. Or click here to go to it.
Each day I will try to bring insight and encouragement, and testimonies of my journey, whether good or bad.

Holly said,
Hi Cheryl,

I just invited 21 women to join me this Sunday to start a revolution. Don't know how many will join, but I wanted to encourage you and tell you that this idea is going to go far.

I was thinking last night about my suggestion for a book. You could even do something like 105 day devotional. 5 Revolutions to make This Year. And it could be a daily devo with scripture and blog entries from different women who went on the Revolution with you.

Anyway, it has a lot of potential, in my mind, to become a quiet movement that fulfills Canadian women's destiny: blessed to be a blessing, a voice that speaks healing to the nations and helpers who come along side to aid the broken.

Cheryl said,
I will join you all restarting this Sunday, and invite others as well, and we’ll start a new journey together K? I just had it prophesied over me 2 weeks ago that I would be leading an army of women, so this is cool. Thank you for your encouragement.............................. This will be exciting.......................

Thoughts On Changing Our Words

2007-04-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

During this Reformation, God is calling me to change my words. This takes a choice on my part. Wearing the bracelet is just an outward manifestation and reminder to me of Him transforming me on the inside.

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. 2 Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you - Romans 12:1-2 The Message

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.
Maya Angelou

Growth demands a temporary surrender of security.
Gail Sheehy

The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.
Charles Kettering

Our words are a direct result of our thoughts. So many people’s problems are rooted in their way of thinking, which actually produces the problems they experience. A negative mind produces a negative mouth and, consequently, a negative life. We’re all tempted to think negatively, but we don’t have to give in to the temptation. We need to be able to identify what types of thinking and speaking are life-giving and what types aren’t.

We have to choose to think and speak positively. It doesn’t come naturally—it takes a lot of practice. There will be days when you have setbacks, but just get back up, dust yourself off, and start again. When a baby is learning to walk, he falls many, many times before he gains the confidence to walk. Failing from time to time—which you will do—doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It simply means that you don’t do everything right all the time—and neither does anyone else.

If you’ve been consumed with negative thinking and speaking, the pathway to your freedom begins when you face the problem without making excuses for it. Be patient with yourself. As you change your thinking, your words will change and so will your life! - Joyce Meyers

God help me to be transformed into Your image. I choose to submit my mind, will and emotions to Your leading and Your thinking.

Thoughts about our thoughts

2007-04-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

I just found an old friend on a blogging site, and I was really inspired by her writings about complaining. God's got me on this complaining Reformation, and I know it will not just be about reaching a 21 Day goal, it will be a lifestyle and a transformation of the inner man.

She wrote:

I've been listening to Graham Cooke lately and on one of his teaching tapes he talks about a time the Lord spoke to Him and said, "Gray, it would be a real kindness to me if you didn't whine about your problems today. It would be a real kindness to me if you just left them with me and trusted them to my care." I thought about this as I watched the pavement underneath my feet and listened to the kids playing tag down the street.

In some parts of my brain, I think that I've become bored and I'm trying to complain about my life so that I have something to do. I mean, honestly, I live in North America--how hard can life really be. Even if it's the bottom of the barrel, I still live in one of the most comfortable nations in the world.

And then my spirit speaks "Hey, you know that if you start whining you will eventually reach the point where you surrender it to God and you will praise Him for His goodness. Why not skip the next emotionally-charged 20 minutes and go straight to the praising part? It's where you end up anyways."

Thanks for the reminder Holly. I for one am tired of wasting my energy on bad thoughts and complaining thoughts or words. It really is a choice, and His spirit is always inviting us to partner with Him.

God, thanks for speaking through Your word, Your spirit and other brothers and sisters. Thanks for calling us up higher into Your ways. I say Yes to Your leading!

The Origin Of Reformation

2007-04-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

I've had a few people interested in how the Reformation started for me, or how to join in.

Here is the original writing about it that I posted on my other blog.

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit.

I think the Holy Spirit has prompted me, and I have decided to take initiative, and take a 21 Day journey towards reformation.
Why don't you join me?

All you need is some post it notes, and if you are especially creative, some colored pens, pencils or markers (or crayons for mom's of toddlers)

If you want to know more or join me on this journey, come to my new blog set aside for this specific focus, enter your thoughts, ideas, difficulties, and lessons learned. Or click here to go to it.

Each day I will try to bring insight and encouragement, and testimonies of my journey, whether good or bad. I'm going to start my journey on March 1st, and it will end of March 21st - The first day of spring. A day of promise for new life, and fresh air.

Since this original post, I have been prompted to start another fresh one, which you can read about here. It has been a really interesting journey. You don't need a special start date. Today is a good day!

Gratitude Saturday

2007-04-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for many things.........

1. My amazing babe of a husband
2. Lindsay's forever perma smiles
3. Matt's sense of humor
4. Alyssa's keen mind, and ability to make friends
5. His unending love for me
6. Mountains
7. Friends
8. Simple acts of thoughtfulness shown to me
9. The possibilities that only come from Him
10. Supernatural provision for all my needs
11. Tucker (my friends dog that I really like)

Spreading Like Wildfire

2007-04-11T09:56:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm really not sure what day I'm on. I think maybe 2. I haven't cared so much about accomplishing a 21Day assignment as much as I know God is making me conscious about my words and the attitudes of my heart. He is creating in me a clean heart, and reordering my speech.

Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life.Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing.Don't look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Ps.51- The Message

Most of the "switching the bracelet" has occurred while parenting my son, and random incidents where I am impatient. God is really showing me some nice stinky stuff in my heart! Thank goodness for His blood and His power to redeem!

Our family is really enjoying spending time after supper telling one another 2 things we really appreciate about each other. Anyone else who happens to join us for dinner, gets to participate as well. We can see great fruit in it already! Thank you God for helping us to focus on good things.

Many people know what the bracelet is about, and last night, my friend Graham if he could have by bracelet to wear, as he felt like complaining. It was hilarious seeing a strong man wearing a purple and green "blingy" bracelet.

I am amazed at how wearing a simple little bracelet sparks easy conversations about our speech and motives in our hearts. This would normally be a difficult topic to bring up.
I am grateful for this fact, and that we can all laugh about it, all the while seeing God illuminate things in our hearts.

The topic of watching our words, and how they flow from our hearts, seems to be spreading like wildfire. Lord, let your Holy Spirit burn like wild fire and remind us of Your ways. Burn away the chaff in our hearts, and teach us to think kingdom thoughts.

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Phil. 4:8 - The Message

Cultivating

2007-04-09T13:03:00.001-07:00

I was blessed to be able to have my parents come on Saturday for Easter.
We enjoyed the summer weather, and spent time on Saturday wandering through a few nurseries. Ahhh, I love flowers. They make me smile. I'm not sure why. but I am thankful that God made so many beautiful varieties for me to enjoy.

My dad has a trade mark. He's the cultivator in our family. We teasingly label him "the dirt man"
He's always buying dirt, and moving it around gardens or making himself available to help others with dirt. As soon as he had heard that I was considering planting raspberries, he came bearing gifts of raspberry bushes.

Dad and I spent the morning pulling out a huge load of unruly, overgrown grasses off of my steep hill in my backyard. In its place, we dug out the soil and rocks, and made a ledge and put in some raspberry and blueberry bushes.
As we toiled and panted and pulled rocks and grass roots... I kept saying to my Dad, there's a message in this! We talked about how unruly some roots can be, how toiling and cultivating the soil always pays off and will eventually bear good fruit.

Although I was audibly talking to my dad in the natural, I was enjoying talking to my heavenly Father, asking Him to show me more truths about cultivating the soil in my heart, and learning from Him. In this reformation, I have allowed Him to cultivate deep down into my heart, which affects what I say and how I say it.

I am grateful that He is weeding some things out and taking out some doozie rocks. lol! All of this weeding is unto greater life and fruit. Its always redemptive.

We finished digging just in time for a long awaited rain storm. I walked away feeling refreshed for expending some energy, happy to have cultivated the dirt, and even more happy to have enjoyed it with my earthy and heavenly Father's.

Gratitude Saturday

2007-04-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Sid and Alyssa worked all day, and Matt and I worked at home, spring cleaning, making pies and tarts, cutting the grass and doing laundry. Then, we were invited to a hike on Knox Mountain, and a blindfold Easter Egg hunt on the beach. What fun!

I was thanking God and praising Him through the entire hike, and I have now found a new "date spot" for me and my man.
Walking in nature makes me want to worship God, and thank Him for the intricacies of His handiwork.

God this Easter Saturday - I am grateful for:

Your great love, just for me
Sunshine and the beautiful songs of birds
Wildflowers on mountains
Endless miles of beautiful water
My Mom and Dad
Sid's Parent's
That each day is a brand new day, a fresh start
Family dinners
Cadbury Mini Eggs (mmmmm) I like them way too much!
Bethesda Group Home and it's awesome staff
Lindsay's giggles and her soft hands and long eyelashes
Matt's sense of humor
Alyssa's sensitivity and compassion
Sid's courage, vision, and tenderness
God providing ALL of my needs
Good friends who remember the "little details" and think of me
My keyboard
Inspiring music and musicians

Perseverance

2007-04-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

Had a set back yesterday, once again involving my son.

My son is destined for greatness, and does not fit in the education box well at all, so........... things can be very challenging here. Unfortunately he will have to try to stay in the box for a few more years until grade 12. This is a huge challenge for him, which often floats over to me.

I am grateful for EA's who are working really hard to help Matt succeed. I have learned that if I stop, and ask Him, He always has a solution. All I have to do, is to let go of how I am feeling at that moment, and ask Him for His perspective and solution.

Opposition and situations that require tremendous perseverance, are really hard not to let a little complaint slip out!
There is however, no failure for me in this, just a greater awareness. Thank you Lord!!

Thank you God that Your mercies are new EVERY morning, and great is Your faithfulness to me! I can walk each day in confidence, knowing Your love never changes and You are always guiding and directing.
I can't imagine living without You!

Let Go and Let God!

2007-04-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

Ha! How many times have we heard that one! So easy to say, and not so easy to do!

God reminded me of it again today. I'm back at day one......... was doing well, but then my son decided to be a chef again, and lose a lot of focus in the process, and mess up the kitchen. Well, needless to say, it only takes my grumpy mood that I seemed to have had today, to blurt out a complaint. The grumpy mood is never someone else's fault............ its what I have chosen to focus on to take me down a road to become frustrated and eventually grumpy.

Choices, choices, choices. Sowing and reaping of what we choose. Its a continual journey with God. Often I choose to reject His easy answer, and hold onto things. It really never pays off.
I really gotta learn to "Let Go And Let God" a whole lot more. God keeps bringing this up, time and again, to help me learn from Him.

"Letting go" means I've got to give up the need to be right, or justified, or have it turn out the way I think it should, etc. Kinda sounds controlling huh? Yup! He's helping me let go of control, and inviting me to the sweetness of surrender.

I'm beginning to see that if I choose to let go, and let God, I can move forward into the greater purposes that He has for me.
Choosing not to "let go" makes me stuck, and limits what He can do. He is a very kind, and gentle God and won't force me beyond my will.

I must always remember that He already sees any injustices, wrong-doings etc., but He alone gets to judge the thoughts and intents of the hearts of man. Never me. Thank God!
He's got the infinite, agape, unconditional love thing down pat!
All I have to do is to choose to let go of the power to reason things out, let Him handle it, and choose to walk in His love.

There are some great lyrics in one of Graham Ord's songs that sums it all up for me.

"You are God, I am not, Oh sweet revelation" Oh yes it is! lol!

My friend Jen has been on a really cool journey with God about choices, and she has some great insight. She said:

God has been speaking to me about choices as well Cheryl.
Choosing my reactions...
Choosing forgiveness...
Choosing to move forward...
Choosing to let others off my hook...
Choosing to see what He sees...
Also standing by the choices I have and will continue to make. Taking ownership of choices that are mistakes.
Choosing to keep getting up, and reaching higher...
Our choices can be so empowering...free will really is a gift!

Thanks for the reminder Graham and Jen! And Matt, thanks for the awesome gourmet pizza!! You're a star chef!

Moving Forward

2007-04-04T13:05:00.001-07:00

I heard a good message on Sunday and was reminded that we need to be sure that all we are doing comes from a level of intimacy with God, not from human effort.
This teaching caused me to stop and review the Reformation that I am on with God. I had to go to God and be sure that I am doing it out of a relationship with God and hearing His direction for me. It's always good to check your heart. If He is not asking You to go on a journey of Reformation, don't do it.

I am grateful to God for bringing me these 21 Day Reformations. I know that His presence and voice has been guiding me through this. I was particularly challenged by Cheryl Levy's blog about choices. She had this quote from C.S. Lewis

"Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before... either into a creature that is in harmony with God, ...or into one that is in a state of war with God. Each of us at each moment is progressing to the one state or the other." C.S. Lewis ~Mere Christianity

I am amazed at how much fruit is coming forth from me choosing to align myself with His direction about judgment and complaining. I have had to make a personal choice to focus on what He is saying, or doing.
It has been a very unique experience in that I am keenly aware of Him walking with me and talking to me through many situations in the day. When He is speaking, I feel no shame or blame, I only feel His love and encouragement to keep choosing to walk in maturity.

God, help me to choose to be a person that is in harmony with Your purposes for my life.

Thank you for showing me how the law of sowing and reaping is in effect when I choose to walk in judgment and what I choose to focus on, and speak of.
Thank you that this very same law is also in effect when I choose to bless and speak words of life.

For those who choose to walk this journey with me, remember......... that each seed that He asks us to sow, will bear fruit.

Day One - Again, Again!

2007-03-31T19:01:00.000-07:00

Still on day 1, hardly complained today, but it only takes once to move the bracelet and start again!! I'm still really excited because I am feeling the results of the last Reformation and now this one.

Onward and upward!!

Well, its gratitude Saturday, and I am grateful for many things. I am grateful for:

The Sunny Okanagan and the beautiful mountains
The chance to dig all morning in my garden
Bethesda group home and all the awesome staff
Lindsay's sweet spirit
Alyssa's happy heart
Matt's awesome attitude
The way my hubby takes such good care of me
Chocolate
New friends
Old friends
Great books
God providing all of my needs according to His riches
New worship relationships
The revelation of His great love
My soaker tub

It's A New Day - AGAIN!

2007-03-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

This Reformation, although really challenging is very funny. I am laughing at myself a lot, and we as a family are laughing.

I did really well all day, and so did Matt, until he got home. That's when the challenge began. He's a very creative thinker and hasn't found the value in listening to instructions, yet. So, this is where the challenge becomes great. He is learning, and I am learning how to parent someone who is an outside of the box thinker, and will be a world changer!

We all had to move our bracelets yesterday, but smiled a lot all the same, knowing that God is transforming us. Alyssa wrote me an awesome note while in her classes yesterday, letting me know she had to move her bracelet a lot, and that she loved me, and this journey we are all on together. It doesn't get any better than that!

The goal in this Reformation will NOT be perfection, but growing in maturity. I am confidant, that we cannot fail with God, we can only become more mature.

We are just like little children, learning, being instructed and disciplined by the Lord.

He will laugh with our slips and always give us another opportunity to grow and become more like Him.

And all the while............................. He looks at us with eyes of love, hope, and joy.

We are His favorite!

A Brand New Day

2007-03-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

This will be an INTERESTING Reformation!!

I have been laughing a lot already, and had a few interesting experiences to cause me to have to shift my bracelet.

I am blessed to have a son that is "focus-challenged" He needs reminders all day long, and due to his ripe age of 15.......... he feels the constant need to challenge many things, and or complain. If I choose to remind him that he is complaining.......... I'll be going down with him!
This could prove to be my greatest challenge in the Reformation. I will need God's help A LOT. I think God is up for it.

This morning, someone...... (AJM) did not close the Ziploc on the frozen blueberries, and I was the next one to take them out of the freezer.

Well, the entire bag splatted out all across the kitchen floor and into crevices in the freezer and under the fridge!!!!!!!

It only took me a milli-second to respond, which gave me a fresh start with my Reformation. Lol!

I love blueberries!

We have been laughing at each other as a family, and are becoming keenly aware of our words.

For years now we have had a tradition. Whenever we celebrate a birthday in our home, whether it be family members, or friends, we always take time to tell the birthday person something that we really appreciate about them.

I decided that another part of our Reformation as a family is that whenever we are eating dinner together, at the end of the meal, we will tell each other 2 things that we really like or appreciate about one another. Last night was alot of fun! And smiles were on each face.

Here We Go! The Start Of Another Reformation

2007-03-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

Did anyone get to see Oprah yesterday with the feature of " A Complaint Free World"

Alyssa and I watched it, and were really encouraged.
I love Oprah! She has always been such a great role model of a woman who chooses to use her gifts to encourage, educate and bless others.

If you didn't see Oprah, there are other clips about this phenomenon by going to A Complaint Free World site.

There is also a fantastic blog to help us along the journey.

I am ready to start another 21 Day Reformation. This one is challenging, according to the Pastor who initiated it.

My family and I are going to do it together and although it will be challenging............. we have nothing to lose. Only great fruit to gain. I don't care if I don't succeed at first, its not about perfection for me, its about learning a new habit that will cause me reap great fruit in my life, and affect my destiny.

I have ordered 100 bracelets for any friends who wish to join me, however they won't be in for a few weeks. So, I came up with an alternate plan, and one that is a little more individual.

Alyssa and I decided to take a trip to the dollar store today and we purchased some girly, blingy $1 bracelets to start our Reformation.
Its gotta be a bit pretty for me! I like incentive.

The men in our family are going to get some kind of cheap masculine band from the dollar store.

Already, we have been laughing and catching ourselves and finding new ways to express ourselves.
Even as I was trying to take the picture, the camera died, and I said "Oh crap!!" Alyssa laughed at me as I moved my bracelet to the other arm. She said, "Don't worry mom, I just moved mine a minute ago for complaining about my sore calves"

We had only made it 1 hour! This should be interesting!

We would love it if you want to join us. Show us your bracelets, and let's succeed together!!! No failures, just opportunities to try again to learn a new way.

Watch Your Mouth Is Coming To Oprah!

2007-03-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

The word of Watch Your Mouth is getting out!

Today, Oprah is featuring A Complaint Free World on her show.
Check out these 2 links!

This is a site I discovered after I got the inspiration to do a 21 Day Reformation.

The hearts and minds of the world are starting to listen to what our Creator wants us to know. The message is that we carry great power in our words. God himself used words at the beginning of creation.
Genesis 1: 3 - " THEN GOD SAID "

In yesterday's blog I was reminding us that our words paint pictures in our own minds and in the minds of others.
These words affect our actions, our feelings, and our relationships.

I for one, plan on watching the show and learning more about how to watch my words, the power of words, and how to join in!

What Are You Painting?

2007-03-25T15:38:00.002-07:00

Heard a great sermon at church today called............. Watch Your Mouth
This sermon was so much in line with the web site - A Complaint Free World. I am amazed at how God is speaking, and how we are choosing to listen.
There is Great potential for fruit if we can grab a hold of this really heavy yet timely word.

I am still on the Reformation, to learn to not speak words of judgment, and to speak words of life. I'll be starting it again, and again, until I begin to walk in it.

Life and Death are in the power of the tongue, and we can choose to walk in this life daily. I for one, am on a Reformation for greater life to flow. So that creativity can flow.
"Words are but pictures of our thoughts. " John Dryden

What picture should I paint today????

Gratitude Saturday

2007-03-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

My friend Holly has started a great habit. Every Saturday she posts a page on her blog called "Gratitude Saturday"

What a great thought! Every Saturday she writes about things she is grateful for. She is an inspiration, and has such a bubby contagioius attitude, and is a great listener. I've decided that we need to join her each Saturday, as part of our Reformation site.
Thanks Holly! I am grateful for you.

Gratitude, appreciation, or thankfulness, is an emotion, which involves a feeling of emotional indebtedness towards another person; often accompanied by a desire to thank them, or to reciprocate for a favour they have done for you. In a religious context, gratitude can also refer to a feeling of indebtedness towards a deity, e.g. the expression of gratitude to God is a central theme of Christianity.

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."- Marcel Proust

"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." - Margaret Cousins

So this Gratitude Saturday, the beginning of a New Reformation I am grateful for:

My husband and kids
My son's butterfly kisses
My daughter's constant giggles and contagious smile
My other daugther's zest for life and people
Yummy red currant jam
Saturday morning family breakfasts
Music
Friends who are the gardeners that help my soul blossom
The Chief Gardener (God) who cultivates the soil in my heart
Laughter and the ability to laugh at myself
My mom and dad
Sunshine and flowers
Spring

Watch Your Words

2007-03-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

Here's a great quote I found.

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

- - Frank Outlaw

With Gods help, we can change. Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about perfection, I'm talking about choosing to let go of all the things that are keeping us from pursuing our God-given destiny. Although it may seem like we are moving at a snail's pace, we are moving forward.

Hebrews 12:1 says,

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

We cannot begin to imagine what God has in store for us. Only my limited belief or my poor choices can keep me from the destiny that He has for me. His plans are above what we think, and often seem impossible.

Every great achievement was once considered impossible. - Author unknown

This is becoming one of my favorite scriptures. Its found in Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all the saintswhat is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,
That you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,
To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Unbelievable!!!!

2007-03-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

If you haven't read my other blog yet, today, you must. You will be encouraged.

Now I have found another 21 Day Blog!!!!! Soooo cool!! Here's the site!!

http://acomplaintfreeworld.blogspot.com/

Where Are The Testimonies?

2007-03-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

OK, we've been on this journey, some of you silently, watching, some of you blogging your hearts away.

What did you learn on this 21 Day Reformation? What do you have to testify about?

DAY 21 Of Reformation

2007-03-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

Here we are into spring. A promise of new life, and fresh air!

Yesterday I spent more time in my garden. We live on a really steep hill, and I don't have much of a back yard. The apartment in our home gets the access to our back yard, we don't.
There is a huge garden but it is on a really steep slope that you almost fall off of. The builder planted huge grasses on the hill to prevent the hill washing out. Yesterday I spent an hour in the sun, trying to cut the unruly grasses. I would love to plant some veggies on the hill, but alas, I think they would fall to their death!!

Anyways, back to the promise of new life thing............................... I fell off the wagon yesterday. How disappointing!!

I have been learning about my strengths lately. I have learned that I am good at bringing order and developing things. With this strength, comes the ability to see what is not working. This is where I often fall off the wagon. It can be easy for me to see where things are not working and then think, or say judgements that I have no right to make.

God, I'm gonna need some help here!!

I need, and we need His help to keep all things in balance. What a challenge, and quite honestly, we can't do it without Him.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Lord remind us, this spring, as we enjoy the promise of new life, and each time we look at a branch............. remind us that You are the vine...................... and we can do nothing without You.

Day 20 Of Reformation

2007-03-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

One Day Left!!!!

Its been quite a journey.I am learning alot, and yes, I've been flossing my teeth! I am believing that I have formed a habit now.

Kinda silly, everytime I think, that I needed to blog and be accountable in order to floss my teeth!!!! But, I really don't care how it looked, I'm just glad I formed a habit that I had been needing to do for a LONG time.

I wonder if women need this sort of thing more than men?! Probably.

I'm going to keep one post it note up, just to remind myself daily.

Last night I had a practice, and things didn't go so well with the sound. Sound problems can cause alot of frustration, and negative thinking to arise. I had to choose to keep saying, Thank You Jesus for problems! I had to keep redirecting my thoughts onto good things, or productive things.

I really liked Cheryl Levy's blog about thinking. http://selahs-space.blogspot.com/

This is where the judgement thoughts of ourselves or others start. It takes time for us to choose to change our thinking. God is always there to help us, but we must first choose. Whoever said there is a battlefield going on in our minds, was so right!

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

Day 19 Of Reformation

2007-03-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

Back to the grind. Its Monday, second week of March Break for Matt and Lindsay. Lots to do today, and a rehearsal tonight. I get to lead worship again this Sunday, what a joy!

I was created to worship. You were created to worship. The neat thing is that we get to express it in completely unique ways.

I love it that God has uniquely wired each of us, we are "one of a kind".

"O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thoughts from afar. You scrutinize my pathe and my lying down.
You are intimately acquainted with all my ways."

Thank God He knows us well, and He sees us with the perfect eyes of a loving Father. He sees when we blow it, and yet keeps encouraging us to try again.

Hebrews 4
4:15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.
4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Wherever you are at on your Reformation with God, be encouraged. There are no failures, only more opportunity to run to Him for answers or a new perspective. He sees you with eyes of success, and you are created to worship Him, by telling your stories of His goodness in your life.

Sleeping In Seattle - Day 17-18

2007-03-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

On the weekend our family took an awesome road trip through the beautiful mountains to go and visit my brother and his wife and new babe, in Seattle.

We got to sleep - in , in Seattle. When we arrived it was a sunny 20 degrees and there were huge pink flowering dogwood trees.
We had lots of fun playing games, talking about our strengths and what God is teaching us.

I hardly had to focus on whether I had any thoughts of judgement because I was too busy enjoying my little nephew, and my kids. We enjoyed venturing down to Pikes Pier Market in downtown Seattle. There were oodles of daffodils and tulips for sale, and I was breathing in the beauty of them all.

Isn't it interesting, that when we set our hearts and minds on viewing all the great things around us, we don't even consider judging? Or maybe, for me, it is because, I have made a choice to focus on other things.

I am grateful for this journey of Reformation that God has had us on. I can't wait to hear all the positive results, and in the future we will see the fruit come forth.

Day 16 Of Reformation

2007-03-15T22:34:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited.

I'm not sure why execpt that I can see that God is doing a great work, firstly in myself and all the Reformers. He is the coolest King and Friend.

Yesterday I enjoyed cleaning my garden and seeing all the plants growing. My herbs are growing really well, and I can start eating them by next week. I love digging in the dirt, to try and remember all that was growing last year. Sometimes its good to reminisce about the past. Its good to look back and see "HisStory" To remember what good seeds you have sown, and what will come forth.

He has always been at work in our lives.

I love the scipture in Psalms 143 that says.

"I remember the days of old. I meditate n all Your doings; I muse on the work of Your hands.
I stretch out my hands to You."

I remind myself of this scripture often. Its good to look back, with eyes of gratitude.

Looking back, does not necessarily mean rehearsing past issues or regrets. God's wants us to look back and remember how far He has taken us and what He has done.

This will always give us hope and keep us excited for our bright future in Him.

Remembering and musing on His goodness to us, brings us great joy, and confindence that He will continue to be with us, and continue to transform us.

So, keep going Reformation Team! And look back over the past 16 days and muse on all He has shown you already! They are invaluable, eternal lessons that will set you up for future success!!!

Day 15

2007-03-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

OK Say it with me.................. I LOVE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just finished reading a book called Strenghts Finder 2.0 and taking an online test to discover my Strengths. It is an awesome book, and to be honest I was a little scared to take it. Who knows why?

The premise of the book,is to stop focusing on your weaknesses, and learn what your Strengths are, and focus on them, and learn how to best work with what you've got! I love this idea, and I have decided that this is where I want to head in my life.

I am painfully aware of my weaknesses, and I am ready to find out things about myself, and what I am good at.

As I was ready to fall asleep (after I had flossed my teeth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I said, "I Love Me" and I really felt the affirmation of the Father and that He was happy to hear me say that.
He said, "Tell all the bloggers I want them to say that about themselves, every day"

So, say it with me "I LOVE ME"

Let's not judge ourselves so harshly, and pick ourselves apart. I am on a Reformation not to speak words of judgement about myself and others. I was filled with joy last night when I found myself thinking those thoughts. It caught me by surprise, and did it ever feel good!

"How precious are Your thoughts towards me O God, how vast is the sum of them, if I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand."

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, Not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Say it one more time, just to make Him smile........................... I LOVE ME

Day 14 Of Reformation

2007-03-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

I went to the hairdressers with Alyssa today, and while I was enjoying chatting with her and my hairdresser, we got talking about the Reformation that I am on. He laughed alot and we dialouged about judgement.

I met my hairdresser by an answered prayer. When I moved to Kelowna, I asked God for a divine appointment, and I met Paul. He had literally just given his heart to the Lord, had just come out of a really rough life, and needed encouragement. Long story short, I shared about Jesus freely and openly with him, he met my whole family, starting cutting all of our hair, and then, as usual, we snagged him to come to our home, and be a part of our extended family. 1 year later, he is doing tremendous and God has got him on an awesome upward path. We are so proud of him.

So, as we chatted about judgement today, and he laughed at the times I fell off the wagon. All the while I was leafing through a hairstyle magazine. Paul and I had decided that I was going to grow out my hair a few months ago, but then................ well I saw a funky pixie cut, and he said, Yah! I think you'd look great in that! Alyssa said,"come on mom you're already on a reformation, go all the way. Do something drastic.

Next thing you know I was loosing my locks that I had tried so hard to grow for months. You know what, I'm ready for the change, might as well................. nothing to lose, only great things to gain.

It was customer appreciation day at the salon, so we got a discount, and then I got to pop a balloon to try and win a prize. I decided that I was going to declare my winning. I said, God I am ready for a good win, I want something cool. I ended up getting the best prize of the day.............. FREE highlights.............. then I got to open an easter egg, and got the best gift in the basket! A free travel pack of goodies!!! Kinda cool, and I am learning to speak positive into even the most simplest of situations. Instead of making a judgement and saying , I NEVER WIN, I decided to declare in my heart that I would.

Kinda cool. And I like my cool majorly different haircut ............ I say that in faith, so that tomorrow when I realize how much is gone, I won't freak.

Day 14 Of Reformation

2007-03-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

Last night as I was laying in bed and my hubby was in the bathroom flossing his teeth, he said (in a garbled voice)
"Cheryl!!!!!!!!!!! Did you floss your teeth?/!!!"

My old pattern was to lay in bed listening to him floss, and tell myself that I'm too tired to get up and do it. But alas, last night, I had a feeling that I was going to be too tired, so I went and flossed at about 8pm! Whew! I got the praise of my hubby, and I am beginning to form a habit.

I've been doing lots of meditating and talking with God during this Reformation. He has been speaking to me through other peoples blogs, by His Spirit, through worship, and a myriad of other ways.

OK - brace yourself, I'm gonna be brutally honest now.

He said,

You know its no coincidence that you are forming a habit to floss Cheryl. I've got you cleaning out your mouth. I'm getting rid of the plaque and germs. But you had to choose to allow it to happen. YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Immediately He reminded me of the scripture that says, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks."

Well the truth hurts sometimes, but actually when the truth comes from God's mouth, it is coated with love, and mercy. I would rather hear it from Him than anyone else in the world because I know He always thinks the best of me, and Has good plans for me.

So, I accept His word to me, I see that He is transforming me, and cleaning up my mouth (which comes from the thoughts in my heart) and I am grateful. I am already beginning to feel the outcome, and eventually I will see the fruit of the seeds I am sowing. Spring is coming with the promise of new life! Yay God!!!!

Day 12 of Reformation

2007-03-13T15:01:00.001-07:00

WONDERFUL QUOTES FROM JACK DEERE'S TAPE:
JUDGMENT

http://jackdeere.com/

• When does an evaluation become a judgment? It becomes judgment when it has no mercy and takes away the hope.

• If we see someone do something wrong and anger rises up in our hearts, it is almost always judgment.

• If we see someone doing something wrong and prayer rises up in our hearts, that is right and acceptable.

• We don't close our eyes to it. Love and judgment see the same sins, but they have different attitudes.

• If you see someone you really love do something wrong, you want to help them by praying for them.

• Mercy triumphs over judgment.

• Judgment robs us of joy and the joy of our salvation. You will never see a book called the happy Pharisee. They were the judges and they will never be happy. They are always preoccupied with the negative and critical.

• Judgment guarantees we will be judged, causes us to live in the past and robs us of joy. Judgment grieves and offends the Lord.

• If all you have is discipline, it will either leave you bitter or a Pharisee. You must have the passion and love side of the Lord too. Serving Him out of discipline only is death. You must have a passion for a person, greater than performance.

Day 12 and 13 Of Reformation

2007-03-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

I had the best day yesterday!!

For starters, on the first day of 2 weeks of March Break, I slept in til 9:30 am!!!!!!

For 17 years March Breaks have been a big challenge for me, due to the great care that Lindsay has needed. What a treat it was to sleep in. We had a beautiful warm 15 degree day here in Kelowna, and I enjoyed seeing all the plants starting to come up, and noticed grass starting to turn green.

Yesterday was Lindsay's Open House. I cried tears of joy all the way to the home, and most of the afternoon. It was such an awesome celebration. It is such a miraculous story, that I have decided to wait, and create a separate blog for Lindsay's story because it is so great.

The home was decked out with streamers and balloons, and photos of Lindsay. There were loads of people there, and the head of Bethesda homes came down from the coast to celebrate with us. We had a little dedication program, and prayed a prayer of blessing over Lindsays life at our new 2nd home. It was so cool because there were people there that were not Christians, and got to see God's miraculous love in action. Everyone loved her flower-power room, and I smiled, and cried tears of joy all day.

They had a huge spread of cold meats and dips and veggies and crackers and fresh fruit, and special cookies in the shape of the letter L. They had a big welcome cake, and tons of treats. It was soooooooooooooo awesome! And I didn't have to do a thing.

I have posted just a few pictures for you to view and will do more on Lindsay's site once I have time. For years now, we have said that Lindsay has the life of a princess. She is our princess, but most importantly she is God's.
She has everything taken care of for her, she gets fed, and bathed, and clothed and pushed around in her little princess-mobile! What a great life she has.

No worries, no anger, no hatred, nothing but love and smiles. She is so rich! And I am rich because of her.

My heart was so overwhelmed with joy from the Father, that the judgement thing was not an issue at all. Interesting huh? what gratitude will do (thanks Holly)

Day 11 Of Reformation

2007-03-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

The Heat Is On!!!!

Well blogging reformers! Sorry I'm a day late in writing about Day 11.

Sid and I spent the entire day mentoring people. What a joy! We had one couple drive from Vancouver to come and be mentored, and then had a number of other local mentorship meetings.

It is becoming more clear to us the future direction that God has for us, and this makes me excited.

I have come to realize that the "HEAT IS ON"
The heat of His Light, is putting pressure on us, and illuminating things in all of our hearts.
God, in His kindness, allows us to experience situations that have an opportunity for us to bless or walk in judgement.

This has definitely been the case for me. But admidst it all, the frustrating moments, the moments when I feel the burning anger of injustice, the moments of misunderstanding.................. I am beginning to feel this little flicker of hope and choice.

I get to choose, I get to choose to partner with Him, and get His perspective, or better yet, leave it with Him. Now, I haven't done too good with this thing in the past, but I am beginning to feel the freedom of this truth.
There is a great sense of power in just knowing that I get to choose to partner with God (who ALWAYS wins by the way!) (Just not how we think it should happen)

This reformation thing is beginning to strike me quite funny. He set me up, and well, so what?!!!

Through this I have been able to be vulnerable and real with those around me. Yesterday in our mentorship meetings, I was able to be real about my reformation journey, and the whole judgement thing. It hit a strong cord with all who heard, and by the end, I was once again recommending the book to more who are longing for reformation.

Thank you God! Thank you for what you are doing in us, that will ripple beyond our lives, and into those around us. Help us to partner with you, help us to choose, and help us to laugh at ourselves along the way.

PS- Today is Day 12. Its a day of celebration of God's provision for my daugther Lindsay, and I will write about it later today. Be prepared for a miraculous story!

PS - For Day 10

2007-03-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

I forgot to mention one other funny thing about the flossing!

Last night a man, who has been reading the blog, said he tried the flossing reformation but couldn't get the floss to work. He said he kept trying but it wouldn't go in between his teeth at all.

Then he remembered........................... oh ya! I have dentures!

Thanks for the laugh Graham.

Day 10 Of Reformation

2007-03-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

OK, maybe I've taken this accountability thing to far! lol!

Last night I was at a birthday party for a dear friend, and a bunch of people asked me if I had been flossing my teeth!!How funny is this????!!
Interstingly enough, on my way to the party, I stopped at a store and got some more floss. Whew!

Others who were listening where perplexed as to why we were talking about me flossing my teeth!!!! So, I had to explain my reformation to others, and we laughed, and yacked about judgement, and caught ourselves all night as we chatted. Every once in a while someone would cringe and go, " oops I think I might have just said a judgement !" Now, this is my idea of a reformation! To be able to laugh at ourselves, and give grace, all the while secretly asking God to "HELP!" under our breath.

So, for all who fell off the wagon this week, NO BS, No Blame, NO Shame. Just wipe the dust off and keep going.

PS- For dear sweet prego, puking Amy - if I were you, just the sight of the treadmill would make me want to hurl. Nurse Cheryl says - take another day off! You probably exercise enough running after Hannah and Isaiah!!!

Day 9 Of Reformation

2007-03-09T16:32:00.000-08:00

Well, I've had lots of opportunity to be tested on this reformation thing in the past 2 days, and there have been a number of times I fell off the wagon. This is a hard one, and obviously necessary. If I could just stay in a bubble by myself it might be easier................. but alas,
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

I could choose to hide it, but I'd best bring it into the light, and be accountable so that I can pass this test (that I willingly chose!)

On top of it all, my husband went away taking the only floss in the house, so I did not get to floss my teeth last night. Boy I cried over that one (NOT) Now I can blame it on my hubby! LOL Those poor guys, they get the blame for alot of things sometimes.

Not much else to report, when you are perservering, sometimes there are no feelings, just a sense to keep up the tenacious spirit and press in and onward.

I spent all day painting flowers on Lindsay's walls in her new room. As usual, I procrastinated, and did the base colors and then left it for a month. Her open house is on Monday and I realized I had 2 days to finish all the fiddly painting. You'd think I'd learn. Maybe I just do better under pressure, who knows. I ran out of paint as I was doing the last flower. I'll take photos next week to show you all. Cindy Chilvers says I'm living my "surpressed flower-child" life through Lindsay. lol

It has been beautiful and sunny here all week, highs of 10-14 degrees. Walmart has there perennials out, and the tulips are popping up. Hooray for spring!
This will be my first March Break without the care of Lindsay and I will be able to enjoy normal March Break activities, how awesome.

Well, I'm rambling....................... keep pressing in team, and if you're doing well, then let up a prayer for me, so I can keep pressing onward and upward.

Day 8 Of Reformation

2007-03-07T18:42:00.000-08:00

I almost fell off the wagon today. It was quite disappointing. Maybe I shouldn't have said that it has been easier than I expected.

Only a few hours after I wrote that, a situation came my way, that I had no power over, but it was a tremendous opportunity to be offended. From the book I am reading, I have come to understand that obviously offenses will come, but I can enter into judgement when I begin to think I know WHY someone did what they did, or said what they said. That moves into assumptions, and judgement.
Right before this happened, God began to teach me and speak a cool idea to me. If you want to know more about that, visit my other blog.
Today was a hard one, firstly because I was hurt, and secondly, because I found my mind automatically trying to rationalize why.
Sometimes I ask way to many why questions. Then, it is easy for me to move a step further and view situations as a rejection of who I am etc. This is a wrong road to go down, and truth be told, it was a hard one for me today. I didn't have the grace to laugh at myself today. I did speak in tongues and I had to release forgiveness (a few times) and then kept speaking out loud to myself, and praying lots, asking God for His perspective.
Then, I talked with my hubby, and got busy preparing a big meal.

By the time this reformation is done, I'm gonna have to start another one for my weight, and emotional eating issues! Ha! No............ I'm not kidding, I'm serious! Oh well, one step at a time.

There is a great victory in all of this, that I have yet to see. It make take a long time to see the fruit of this, but it does not change that I will reap a harvest of righteousness.

Gal. 6:7-9
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.
And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Today, I must choose to look back on all that He has taught me for the past 8 days.

I need to remind myself to love, as He loves. I need to choose. I need to forgive others and myself. I need to keep believing that I can be transformed, by His Spirit that is at work within me, despite what I see, and despite how I feel.

This is my promise from Him, this is our promise.

Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Keep walking reformers, keep asking for strength, He has an unlimited supply.

Day 7 Of Reformation

2007-03-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

I love my life.

I cannot believe how much joy I have been feeling since this reformation began. Truthfully, alot of it probably has to do with the fact that I now have help for Lindsay.

Next week the home is having an Open House to welcome her and us to their family. It will be a God day, a prophetic day. I am very excited about it because it is a day to celebrate His miraculous provision. I have to choose to keep looking at it this way, on the days that I really miss her, or worse yet, feel guilty.

Last Friday night, I was not able to get to the home to see her, and so I called her to talk to her. Well, really talk at her, cause she never answers me back.
Its really hard to keep a conversation going on the phone with someone who doesn't make any sounds back!! Anyways, I got off the phone and cried, telling Alyssa how much I missed her. She said, "Mom, lets just go down there then"

I knew this time, I needed not to, because if I did, I would be responding out of guilt, instead of just wanting to. So, I let myself cry, spoke life over myself and chose to reject any feelings of judgement about what kind of mom I was.

Even as I am writing this, somehow the words are really blurry and there is wet stuff on my cheeks. How annoying! How did I get here? I started with saying, I love my life, and now I'm crying! There goes Jehovah sneaky again! It only takes Him a moment to go deep and bring healing. I love that about Him.

I have had the best 7 days, it has been much easier than I expected. Don't you love it that God's power is perfected in our weakness. It really takes all the pressure off, and allows us to just follow and obey His promtings.

I have more to say, but I'll put that on my regular blog.

Keep pressing in team!

Thank You God! You make my life great!

Day 6 Of Reformation

2007-03-06T13:07:00.000-08:00

I was really tired last night and did NOT want to floss my teeth at all!!!!!!!!! But the post it notes and my hubby were staring me down. I whined through the whole event, and let out a big sigh when I was completed!

"There! I'm done!" Behind me in a soft voice my hubby said, " It only takes a few moments Cheryl" I know, I know, but I wanted to be lazy. So, to reward myself, I took the sticky note off the mirror that said "Good Job!!!"

I am amazed at how much God is helping me in the judgement department! I do speak in tongues and pray alot though.

I let another general judgement out of my mouth today, and my friend Cindy (who is visiting me) said immediately, "So do you think that will count as a judgement? ARGH!!!! Yup, I laughed and said, I repent Lord!

There was a guy driving in reverse down a sharp curve which is on a steep hill on my street and he was moving at a fast pace right in the middle of the road, and I almost hit him. There are tons of trucks out here in the West. I said, "Boys and their trucks, they're so stupid!!!!" Wooops did I say that?!!!!!!!!!

When I was thinking about something that was bothering me, I thought some other judgemental thoughts, but I didn't go as far to say them, and I asked God to forgive me, and I chose to change the focus of my thoughts.

God is showing me how to think about myself and the circumstances that I am directly involved in. I have the power to choose what I focus on.

Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Deuteronomy 11:26
See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse--

Each day is a brand new opportunity to focus on His goodness, on what He is doing, and what He wants me to do to partner with Him. Kinda cool that the creator of the universe invites us to be a part of what He is doing.

Day 5 0f Reformation

2007-03-05T09:11:00.000-08:00

We really have no idea how much we are loved by the Father.

I can't tell you how many times I have heard these type of comments in Christian circles over the past number of years, but I guess we are all a little thick, and have needed it repeated until we get it.

In this 21 Day Reformation I have an overwhelming sense, not only for myself, but for all who are involved, both publicly and secretly, that He is revealing His love to us in brand new ways. Although we are all making choices of reformation, I am keenly aware of His overwhelming love that is being poured out upon all of us.

If we were God, how would we respond to our failures? Shame, blame, condemnation, etc. That's why we aren't God.............. thank God!!!!

My girlfriend has a saying: "NO BS" - With God, there is no Blame or Shame.

He wants to give us brand new eyesight. He wants us to look at ourselves and others with His eyes of love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it 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 wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Day 4 0f Reformation

2007-03-04T18:18:00.000-08:00

I am truly excited to see how God is moving through my blogger friends. Isn't it great to know that His power is perfected through our weaknesses.

I am doing well so far. Each evening I proudly tell my husband that I flossed my teeth, and like a little child I expect his praise. Quite silly really.............. all over my procrastination to floss. But I don't care, as long as I see results.

Today I lead worship with a brand new band. I decided yesterday that I was not going to critique myself to death after leading. Often, in my insecurities, I overanalyze how the service went , what I said etc. I decided that I would choose not to go down that road. Instead I chose to focus on where He was moving and the sweetness of His presence, and just to allow Him to gently speak any words of wisdom to me. It was great, and a lot less painful and self- involved (which is pride)

I caught myself a few times again today moving into judgement, and speaking in tongues seems to help me. I have to admit though, I let a big one slip out of my mouth.
Today there was a pedestrian crossing in front of our car, and she scowled at us, as though we should have stopped sooner. In Kelowna, pedestrians rule over anything. Anyways, as I scowled back at her, I said,
"No one with legs that big should wear a skirt that short!!"" Yikes, that was a nasty one!
I had to repent right then. I was thinking very judgemental thoughts about her, and really had no right. Like I'm the fashion police or something! The only person who might be able to get away with a comment like that is Stacey on "What Not To Wear"

In Luke 6:37 Jesus said,
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Even though this is a hard, true fact from Jesus, even this scripture gives a promise of forgiveness that we all need, lots every day. When I think of the power of repentance and the gift of His forgiveness, I can't help but be excited about this 21 journey.

It is a tremendous journey we are all on, and I am so excited for all of the Reformation team.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Gal. 6:9

Keep going team, keep pressing in, don't loose heart or grow wear

Day 3 - Of Reformation

2007-03-03T16:02:00.001-08:00

OK Team,

Here we are at Day 3. Little did we all know that this reformation would bring so much stuff up to the surface so quickly.

I had been pondering the effects of self judgements as well as judgements of others for a few weeks now. It will be a life long journey towards this Reformation.

This morning I felt like the Lord wanted me to remind you that we are not trying to obtain perfection. We need to expect that we will make errors on this journey and we will make mistakes. So what?!!!! I of all people hate making mistakes, and God has been trying to help me with this fear. What exactly am I afraid of?

Here is are 2 portions from the book I am reading.

Confucius, a Chinese theical teacher and philosopher who lived from 551-479 BC, said,
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

The writer of Proverbs said it this way:
"Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity" Prov.24:16

When asked how he felt about his ten thousand failed attemps to create the ligth bulb, Thomas Edison repsonded, " I have not failed. I have just found ten thousand ways that don't work. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another stop forward."

Perfectionism is a torment based on fear. Fear is the fruit of not experiencing love. The perfectionist fears judgement.

As we move on this journey of reformation, we need to understand that we are deeply and unconditionally loved by God. It is so great that we cannot begin to comprehend it. The only way we can be truly transformed is as we accept this love, and in turn give grace to ourselves and others.

I encourage you to let yourself make mistakes, knowing that it is not failure. It is an opportunity to learn and grow.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Each time you are facing discouragement, draw near to Jesus, so close that you can hear His heart beating with passionate love for you. Then, ask Jesus what He thinks, ask Him who He says that you are. Hang onto those thoughts as you journey through your day. They will bring hope and lift your heart.

Day 2 towards Reformation

2007-03-02T07:02:00.000-08:00

Hi Reformation Friends!

How was your first day? Mine was really good.

I learned one very important lesson. There is a reason why Post-It-Notes has a corner on the market. The dollar store ones don't stick very long - especially on a mirror. My family started laughing at me last night as I had to go and get tape to help reinforce all my funky sticky notes onto my mirror. Sometimes I'm just too cheap for my own good.

Well, I flossed my teeth, my husband said he was proud of me, all the while chuckling under his breath. He's made it a habit a few years ago.

I have to laugh at myself, and even the first night I saw how powerful procrastination is. Well, my family can laugh, I can laugh at myself, but if I end up forming a habit, then great!

Now- to the deeper goal. I caught myself a few times yesterday almost going towards judgement. Then I stopped myself and started speaking in tongues and laughing. Thank you God, for reminding me. Judgement can come in various forms and there is no way that I can articulate all of it, you are better of getting the book that I suggested yesterday. I promise you, you won't be disappointed if you buy it.

What you focus on - you empower. Yesterday I chose to focus on His goodness, the beauty of creation around me, and His kindness. Whenever my mind went to injust circumstances in my life, I chose to release forgiveness, not walk in offense, and ask God to pour out His mercy and kindness on the situation.

As I awoke today the Lord reminded me of this scipture found in Matthew 18:19

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."

I can feel the power of agreement that is happening amongst all of us Reformers. It is not just will power, it is the power of agreement. I think we underestimate this power. This power can produce miraculous results, and it all comes from our choice, and His power.

God has given us the ability to partner with His power. If you wish, tell us all how He partnered with you on your first day.

I've Got My Post It Notes

2007-03-01T17:16:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,

To commemorate this starting day, I ventured out to the dollar store, and got myself some inexpensive but inspiring sticky notes.

One set says, "Let's Just Do It!!" - this will be for my flossing, cause I really hate doing it, and seems to find a zillion excuses why I couldn't.
The other set is funky with black and pink, and says PRINCESS in a funky flower. How perfect! Cause I am His princess, I am royalty, and I need to remind myself daily of that fact.

Ps. 139 is my favorite chapter in the bible.
"How precious are your thoughts towards me O God, how vast is the sum of them, if I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand"

I need to remind myself that I am a princess, because those of us who struggle with rejection issues, will judge themselves harshly, and this is what I am asking God to help me deal with, along with thoughts of judgements of others.

I have been reading probably one of the best books I've read in a while. I recommend it to the whole world.
It is called,

How To Stop The Pain - Pain is inevitable, Suffering is optional. by Dr. james B Richards. The whole book is about judgement, wrong thinking, etc. It is fantastic, and you can get it at Christian book stores or on Amazon.

OK, here we go day 1!

Day One

2007-03-01T06:59:00.001-08:00

Day One Towards Reformation.

I'm off to go and find some cool post it notes. I am a creative, artsy person, and I have to have some color, or flowers, or some kind of cool pattern on my post it notes.

For my 21 Day Reformation, I have 2 goals,
1. Floss my teeth every day
2. Do not speak words of judgement about myself or others

Now the first one, I hope is attainable, although I never seem to have mastered it, and I feel the shame each time I visit the dentsit.
The second one is a huge undertaking, a mountain, a common problem to mankind. And yet, my heart is filled with excitement, because I know that God is opening a huge window of opportunity for me, and He has clearly shown me that He is going to partner with me on this.

Helen Keller said,

"Unless we form the habit of going to the Bible in bright moments as well as in trouble, we cannot fully respond to its consolations because we lack equilibrium between light and darkness."

There is an undeniable, inestimable power and promise that is found in God's word.
In these next 21 days, we will draw on its power and ask the King of the Universe to manifest His power through our lives, and we will choose. I will choose.

My choice + God's power = Success

We have to choose to listen to His voice, reminding us to be transformed, to be changed into His image.

2 Cor 3:18 says
"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

Your 21 Days of Transformation may have nothing to do with your inner man, it may be about excersing more, or eating less junk food. This is equally as good. Our bodies carry our spirit's, and they need to be taken care of, so we can function at our higest potential.

Whatever your focus is, do it today, overcome today.

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle

If you create an act, you create a habit. If you create a habit, you create a character. If you create a character, you create a destiny. - Andre Maurois

21 Days - Join The Reformation

2007-02-28T08:39:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is D Day. The day to start your reformation.

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit. I think the Holy Spirit has prompted me, and I have decided to take initiative, and take a 21 journey towards reformation. Why don't you join me? All you need is some post it notes, and if you are especially creative, some colored pens, pencils or markers (or crayons for mom's of toddlers) We all have things that we don't function in, that we wish we did.

I have 2 specific things that I want to focus on for my 21 Day Reformation. One is flossing my teeth, the other, well its a big one............. and I'll leave that for a further blog.

I am going to place 21 Post It Notes on my mirror, in some inconvenient places, to remind me to start to form a habit, to make a reformation. You could decide to put your post it notes on your computer, or on the wall by your sink, or fridge, maybe on the dash of your car.

But join me, do it! Decide to work on an area in your life.

It may be as simple as flossing your teeth, or speaking kinds words to yourself or others, or (heaven forbid) no chocolate!!! You can write yourself encouraging words, or better yet ask God what He wants to say to you that day, and keep it later in a journal as a testimony of His transforming power. Be creative, and share your creativity on this blog.

The word REFORMATION means radical change for the better. The root word REFORM means make or become better by removal of faults or errors.

The reality as a Christian is that we cannot actually remove our faults, that job belongs to God. He is the one who can actually transform us. However, we can ask God to help us to change, we can choose to change, we can be transformed. There are many principles in God's word that will produce change in our lives. This blog will be dedicated to taking a 21 Day journey of reformation.

Romans 12:1-2 says,
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit. I think the Holy Spirit has prompted me, and I have decided to take initiative, and take a 21 journey towards reformation. Why don't you join me?