Daring to Dream

Growing up, I was always taught to be practical. One of the effects of this emphasis was that I haven't really invested much time into dreams. I have been recently learning the importance of cultivating and praying into our yearnings and passions. One of the reasons dreams are so important is because God is often the one who places these desires in our hearts. Unfortunately, reason, rationality, practicality, and many other influences suppress our ability to even entertain the dreams we have.

Begin to take steps to fulfill your dreams

If you knew that you couldn't fail, what would you set out to do? This summer I am going to write down a list of dreams and begin bringing them to God in order to see their fulfillment in my lifetime. Our Heavenly Father is longing for the dreams of his children become a reality because the world is blessed when these things happen!

"I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." Joel 2:28

Prophetic Affirmation

The front page of the Redding newspaper had an article about eaglets getting ready to fly from their nest at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. This may not seem newsworthy to many but Bob Jones spoke at our graduation service and prophesied that our class was like 1000 eaglets preparing to fly and soar all over the world.

Two baby eagles waiting to fly

Some may think this is just a coincidence but I am learning that God often uses funny coincidences to communicate with us and give us affirmation. Have you ever felt the Lord speaking to you through unusual means? Our Father is creative because he is the Creator. His first language is not English and perhaps isn't even human. But God does enjoy fellowship with people and he is not limited in how he speaks to us. Just ask Moses, Balaam, Elijah, or Paul. May we grow in our ability to "hear" from God because listening to him is the best way to live.

"But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear." Matthew 13:16

Grace to Write

This week I am attending a writers' workshop called "Writing Unto the Glory" at Bethel Church. William P. Young, author of The Shack, is the featured guest speaker. English classes, especially grammar and writing, were not a strength in school and I never imagined I would write anything that hadn't been assigned. Yet here I sit, typing away on a blog and making plans to begin writing a book this summer.

How I sometimes feel when trying to write

One thing I have learned from this past year is that grace is the divine enablement to do something you were unable to do before the grace was given. I believe God is giving me the grace to write clearly, meaningfully, insightfully, and transformationally. Are there areas in your life you are receiving or would like to receive grace in? Whether it's writing, speaking, parenting, etc, our Heavenly Father is longing to give grace in greater measure to those who desire it. Seek, ask, and declare it into reality. Then live it out and allow the Holy Spirit to infuse your actions with wisdom, power, and love!

"And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." John 1:16

Graduation Service

The Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry graduation service will be held today at 6:00 pm in the Redding Civic Center. For those interested, there is a free webcast of the event on iBethel.tv.

It is humbling to be a part of this revival movement. The past 9 months have been the most transformational time in my Christian life. Not only have I learned much, I have drawn closer to the Father's heart of love and grace. My family and I will continue our training here at least one more year. Thank you to all who have encouraged, prayed for, and supported us. We share our joy, victories, and blessings with you!

"I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints." Psalm 52:9

Prophecy Fulfilled

It's amazing how quickly time seems to pass in certain seasons. My last post was already one month ago and this weekend is our graduation service for school. (Apologies for the long delay in writing.) Just last week we had the privilege of hearing Bob Jones speak. He visited the church because he believes that all the School of Supernatural Ministry students graduating this year are a fulfillment of a prophetic word he received back in 1991. If you are interested in reading about his story about a diamond in the rough, click here.

A thousand points of light

God is stirring up the church for the greatest revival history has ever known. It will be characterized by love, accompanied by power, and centered on worship. A spiritual awakening will not only touch churches but cities. Do you believe entire nations can be transformed by the gospel? The Spirit is drawing us to greater faith to believe that truly all things are possible as we advance the kingdom of God!

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you." Isaiah 60:1