Run With Sparkle

Psalm 1  Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.    But they delight in the law of the   Lord,  meditating on it day and night.    They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.  But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.    They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly.    For the   Lord  watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.  Jesus, we want to be a family that lives out Psalm 1.  As  our family gives up the influence of media in our lives this Lenten season, would You lead us, guide us, draw us to be more like you? Would you give us a Holy “plan” on how to live set apart & not allow the TV & video games to...

Something struck me this year as I read the Christmas story and I haven't been able to get away from it, especially since the theme of fearlessness has been on the forefront of my mind. Luke 1:  (Paraphrased by me) Gabriel came to Mary and told her that she was the chosen one to carry the Messiah, the King of Kings, the One her people had been anticipating for hundreds of years. WOW!  I imagine that she would've felt like the least qualified for this job.  Thus, her answer, "How will this be since I am a virgin?" 1:34. In verse 35 the angel tells her exactly how it is going to happen...through the power of the Holy Spirit.  He even gives her a story to increase her faith.  Her cousin Elisabeth who is really old and barren is pregnant.  He says, "For nothing is impossible with God!" 1:37  No human mind can comprehend this fact.  But, Mary had faith.  Her reply to this "impossible" news?  "I am the Lord's servant."  "May i...

Have you ever met someone or had a conversation with someone that you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that every word out of his/ her mouth was a word from Jesus to you?   I had made an appointment to meet with a fellow pastor's wife for coffee today.  I was exhausted and had a strong desire to stay in bed, but I could feel that God was leading me to not cancel this meeting.  I didn't know much about this lovely lady except that we had ministry in common.  When I had set up the meeting this summer I was going through a really hard time in ministry and needed to talk to someone outside of the church.  But, today, because I have been so consumed with Kid's Ministry and Homeschooling, I didn't feel the need to talk about anything else. From the minute we sat down, Stephanie began saying things to me that were words for me from Jesus. She began telling me about her years of homeschooling(even as a single mom) and how she wouldn't trade them for anything, hardshi...

As this new year approaches there is only one word God has given me:   Fearless   This is something that God has been trying to get through to me for a long time.  Heather without fear? This could change every aspect of my life & even transform the people around me.  It is only the beginning. I know I'm only just scratching the surface, but God keeps pointing me to glimpses of what my life might look like with the absence of fear. I can't wait to see what this year will bring. I tried many times to change the name of this blog so that "A life without fear..." wouldn't be the central point, but I can't get away from it. On Sunday my Mother in Law brought Chinese food to our house and I opened a Fortune Cookie.  God has a sense of humor.... So, Lord, I am vowing right now to continue on this unknown journey.  I am vowing to seek a life of complete abandoned trust in YOU.  No Fear!  I don't know what this will bring in my marriage, ...

This morning I woke up to a sick baby boy.  After sending Isaiah and Moriah to Sunday School, I sat down to hear from the Lord until the Radiate Service started.  Consumed by the thought that we may all be sick for Christmas, I looked up "no more sickness" in my online concordance.  What came up was a message of hope for me and I pray  it brings you hope as well ... Revelation 21:3-8-   And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them , and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them ,   and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be  any  death; there will no longer be  any  mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Exodus 25:8  "Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them . Exodus 29:45  Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God ....

Sitting at the feet of Jesus....this is where it all begins.  Today has the potential of a fear-filled day.  But, I have experienced a life, days, moments without fear so, with all that is in me, I am going to fight for fearlessness.  As I sit at the feet of Jesus, He gently whispers His love to me.  And, in that love, the fear is gone.  He's got our backs, He's got my kids, their schooling, their friendships, their choices, the things they see & hear. He's got it all and He cares about it all.  He loves my little family of Doyles even more than I can imagine.  In that truth and promise, I will rest today. A day that threatens fear and failure, yet in His love and power, I will rest.