Niki Weller Ministries

Happy almost New Year everyone!

In exactly six days 2019 will begin, and if you listen closely enough, you can hear the wave of change and renewal rushing this way. I hear God asking His kids to get a running start into the coming year.

For myself, this running start looked like putting away all my Christmas decorations first thing this morning. (What in the world?) I have never, ever, ever put them away this quickly. I like to let all the glitter and merriment linger for as long as possible. Then last night I had this strong feeling that I was supposed to focus on that today. I still do not know the exact reason why He wanted that taken care of or what it made space for, and honestly, I do not need to know.

The running start God is calling us into doesn't look like striving or straining. It merely looks like focused obedience, and that always produces life! I am not sure what your heart is being nudged to do tonight. It may be to call your Aunt or finish a work project this isn't due for another month. What I do know is if you respond with obedience, you will enter this next year with an ear tuned into the heart of the one who causes all things to work for your good.

I am very curious to see what He has me do next. Perhaps it will be to redo our budgeting spreadsheet or clean out that one closet that shall not be named. Or maybe He will ask me to rest and hold a giant orange cat. Whatever it is I am game. Are you?

John 15:14-15 TPT
You show that you are my intimate friends when you obey all that I command you. I have never called you servants, because a master doesn’t confide in his servants, and servants don’t always understand what the master is doing. But I call you my most intimate friends, for I reveal to you everything that I’ve heard from my Father.

Mark, Zachary, Kayley and I want to send you guys giant Texas hugs and an expectation of every good gift the Father has for you in the year to come. Thank you for allowing me to share my heart this year. I am excited to see what God has planned for 2019! Merry Christmas!!

I once heard it said that woman are keepers of the heart. In the household, we are the ones who seem to know how everyone is feeling and if the balance is in order inside each of our family members. This roll has been close to my heart as a helpmate and the mother of two very male and extremely female children.

The way I check on them, the way I let them feel seen and stewart the tender pieces of themselves that they share with me, this is an honor I do not take lightly. Recently I read a beautiful book by a woman who's walk with the Father is so beautiful. She reminded me that as God's children who have been given intimate access to the Father through Jesus. It is our responsibility to take care of God's heart.

The God of the heavens who I proudly call my friend, He daily shows himself to me through His Word, through His creation, through His body and often in conversation. It is my responsibility as His family and His trusted friend to put weight behind every intimate glimmer of His heart.

Often the most honoring thing we can do when someone reveals a secret part of themselves is to linger in the intimacy. Allow them to fill in more of the picture or relish being able to show themselves fully. I want to be this kind of friend and lover of God. It must be approached with intention and a heart that is ready to sit in the quiet places.

I am learning to do this more. Often reminding myself to not move onto my next objective. To not take the morsels that God gives me and turn it into the song of my day never realizing that He was just getting warmed up or that He didn't want me to leave our secret place just yet. I want to hold His heart as carefully as I hold my Children's. I want to be the Keeper of His Heart!

Matthew 11:27
You have entrusted me with all that you are and all that you have. No one fully and intimately knows the Son except the Father. And no one fully and intimately knows the Father except the Son. But the Son is able to unveil the Father to anyone he chooses.

Today we celebrated my daughter’s 5th birthday. My Christmas babydoll magically has become a kid. What you see in this picture is a family made complete by the love and faithfulness of a good God! He birthed the dream of a family long before these babies came earthside.
God continued to grow the desire to raise worshipers of Jesus and blessings to the earth when we were told it could never be. When our first baby died inside me at 14 weeks, the Holy Spirit never left. He met us in our weeping and only grew the promise of parenthood.

This picture is Mark and I relishing growth, life, and a faithful dream maker.
If you have a dream that at some point felt like it died. Return to the father and find that it never went away. He has continued to whisper dreams of what will be. Grab onto what He deposited with both hands. Let the Holy Spirit renew your hope and Joy in anticipation. You will hold the dream in your hands, and that dream will astound you! My God is faithful!

Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

This is what God has been speaking to me over and over again. I know it is for many of you as well.


You know the path I set you on. The place your peace is found has never wavered. I know the distractions have mounted and the voices have become louder. Stay the course I set you on. I have not changed. I see the beginning from the end. I will not falter. You will walk into the dreams and destiny I designed for you if you stay.

If you feel weak or your vision has become cloudy, return to my arms. Let me wrap you up in my unfailing love. You think that you are the only one who sees the vision before you that everyone and every circumstance is contrary. This is not so.
I have sent those that will speak life over the seeds of life and vision I have planted in your heart. They are beside you. Though they don’t shout as loud as your advisory. They will outlast him and so shall you.

Stay the course. Fix your gaze. We have land to take back and an inheritance to embrace. I am your promise keeper and the one drawing you ever closer to my heart. I want you more then you want me. Stay the course.

I woke up with a startle. My heart was pumping, and I could feel fear trying to grip my heart. I came out to my study where I have spent most mornings and decided to I assess why I had begun my day in a panic. Thoughts of my daughter and how I had seen a soar on her gum came to me. I had put on some medicine and prayed for her — no worries. Then I heard the voice of the accuser say, "Her sore is not gone. It has turned abscessed. You are such a neglectful mom. She is going to hurt because of you." I felt like this all came out of nowhere.

I started speaking in tongues and opened my bible. I even rebuked the enemy and told him to go. My heart began to slow, and I purposed to check my daughter's mouth and confirm that she was ok. The kids would not be up for another hour and no matter how much discomfort I am in "I DO NOT WAKE UP SLEEPING KIDS!" I began to read and talk with the Father and again fear came knocking. Heart racing, my stomach turned, and I felt sick. What in the world?

Back to the Word I went. Heart pounding! I began to sing to worship my God and my friend. I went in circles like this for the next hour. Peace settled, and I continued to thank God for a fruitful day walking out the steps of grace instead of being lead by fear. My kiddos woke up promptly at 6:02 a.m. and came for snuggles then, bathroom visits and puppies to tend. Then I heard the Father. "Go look at Kayley's mouth and let's have a good day."

I refused to hold my breath but instead choose to expect health. I pulled K's lip back and looked. Beautiful, healthy pink gums over shiny white baby teeth!!! My God is Faithful!
This was literally the first hour and a half of my day today. The purposed threat wasn't real, but the opportunity to embrace fear and be tormented was very, very real. The attack has stopped, and Peace won! This stuff happens, but we always have a choice.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (TPT)
We can demolish every deceptive fantasy[a] that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought[b] and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.

Isaiah 26:3 (The Message)
People with their minds set on you,
    you keep completely whole,
Steady on their feet,
    because they keep at it and don’t quit.
Depend on God and keep at it
    because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.

This week marks the 18 year anniversary of receiving my healing! My God is faithful, He is Healer, He is all the Word of God promises! Please celebrate with me. I had on my heart to share one of the ways I love to rejoice!! #1 I decorate for Christmas!!!

I love Christmas! I always have, and this is due in significant part to my Grandma, and the yearly magical trips up north for a big family Christmas. It took place in a cozy little basement with a million presents, and the room was full of people who all wanted to be there.

When I was healed, it was in November right before Thanksgiving. I found this beautiful tree topper and loved it so much I wanted to keep it out year round. My mama figured out a way to decorate my bed with the star at its head. Now 18 years later this star is still a treasure to me. It now adorns the top of my family Christmas tree. It is a symbol of my love for Christmas, the color Red but most importantly it reminds me of a firmly held Victory!

Do yourself a favor and print the pictures, wear the t-shirt, make the meal. Whatever it is that reminds you of the victories in your life. Big or small they deserve to be celebrated.

If you don’t want to wander in the wilderness but instead march directly to the next land of promise you must remember. The Israelites spent 40 years wandering the desert because they didn’t rehearse their past victories. They didn’t tell their kids what God did so many years ago. Remember and rejoice!! Celebrating is part of a victorious life! It is also one of the sweetest parts!

Recently I was trying to get to a place where at least something was finished. As a mom, it seems like groundhogs day when I assess what needs to be done. Add in Holidays, or animals or life really and the list gets downright stupid. I had made the mistake of getting tired without returning and allowing God to dictate my day. Then the Holy Spirit told me the following. I wrote it down, and now weeks later He asked me to share it with you. This is a word for every single day. It should be written on my arm.

"Sweet Girl,
I don’t want things done. I don’t want your list full of items checked off so I can add more to accomplish. All I really want is your YES. I want you to celebrate your obedience. When you take stock of, where you are in the day. I want the measuring stick to be that of an obedient heart. I can do so much with a heart that is quick to obey. 
Start celebrating your obedience. Dance with joy when you know the few things you have put your hand to are the ones I asked you to touch! You will be fully satisfied, and I will be set free to move even farther on your behalf."

Without fail when I slow down and intentionally seek to obey instead of dictate, the day is good. What gets done is done well and what falls away has no consequence. Please take the words He sent to me and make them your own. My God is my friend. My God is your friend!

I walked passed my couch and saw this beautiful scene. My son had left his lightsabers out, and Mr. Bradley had settled right in. Then the Holy Spirit started speaking to my heart. (That God uses my kids and fluffy kitty blesses me so much.)

A wise warrior rests with his weapon in his hands. In times of peace, they don’t lock away their defense for another day. Instead, they practice and study the way their weapons move. These warriors make them their constant companions.

Do not be pulled into a place where the Word of God is not a pressing matter. Where your time away in the secret place with God is not pertinent because you are “okay.” 

Cling to the word of God. It is your sword, it is our reminder of all God has promised. It reveals His desires not just for ourselves but for those around us. I guarantee if you hide these scriptures in your heart the fruit will take your breath away. The thing is it takes a deliberate pursuit to rest with your sword.

Sometimes keeping our sword at the ready looks like waking up in the wee hours. Other times it looks like a podcast playing while you do dishes. Whatever the method take a moment and pick up your sword. Set it firmly in your hand. When the enemy of your soul comes knocking you will be ready. When your own thoughts start trailing in the direction of fear you will right yourself. This is what rest looks like.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Psalm 119:10-11
With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

If you are struggling, if your body continues to scream lies to you daily. It’s time to shift focus. I believe that the God of the universe who Continues to give us every good thing. He is also the God of the beautiful. I am not talking about supermodels or classic paintings. I’m talking about the song of a bird, the bloom of a rose and the perfect melody of a child’s belly laugh. Look for the beautiful! Worship the one who made sunsets and the rhythm of the waves as the crash on the shoreline. Sometimes when life gets heavy a return to the beauty begins the connection that produces the breakthrough.

When I was sick, the daily practice of observing and celebrating even minute details was vital. Honestly, the choice to be grateful, to see God in every circumstance was the thread that kept me connected to the path leading me to wholeness. A mate who wants a connection with their partner must first acknowledge the beauty. Then the intimacy comes. Stay in the acknowledgment.

When we grab hold of a revelation of Grace, the understanding that God has already purchased all we need. The bridge between knowledge and the manifestation can sometimes seem long. It can be a journey of renewing our soul man and letting our fully renewed spirit take the head. I am talking about the times in our journey when the enemy will attack with doubts, questions, loneliness, and despair. Return to the beauty painted all around you. It will begin to play a symphony of Love to your heart. You will receive all God has for you. The light of Jesus has overcome the darkness. Now we can fully receive the beautiful!

Job 12:7-10
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;  or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.  Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?  In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."

Psalm 33:5
The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Psalm 89:1-2
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
with my mouth, I will make your faithfulness known
 through all generations.
I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
 that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

Welcome to social media.  This is the land of opinions and offense.  I know opening my feed can be a literal minefield of posts. Perhaps a different perspective is on order.

Recently I have found my heart challenged to pray for the people who's posts prick at my own opinion.  To speak blessings over their lives and the kindness of God to be evident. This I know scripturally will bring life. 

Then there are the people who are not in my everyday life. They are distantly brought to my circle by some set of events. I find myself regularly tested and often confused as to what I am presented when I see their feed. Yes, pray for them, yes keep your heart fixed on kindness. If they are not someone God has specifically connected you to pray for walk away. "Oh, but we need to love everyone." yes we do.  Your persistent checking in is not to pray or even think kindly of them.  You deep down are nosey and want to go see what happens next.

Walk away Y'all. If you make a mistake in the unfriending process. You will be amazed at who you bump into in real life. Suddenly that person you unfollowed because 8 years is really too long to be ghosting a person. Suddenly they are right in front of you at the grocery store. God has a way about these things. 

Better to of unfriended and halted your own cycle of judgment.

I have been challenged to honestly sit with the people who the Holy Spirit has continued to put in front of me. I am asked to bless them with my words and thoughts. To pray the actual word of God over them and not my personal preference. It has brought a release in me, and I believe a release of blessing towards them. Anyone up for a little Fall cleaning?

Romans 12:16-18
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

I saw beautiful white long feathers floating into the hands of many people this morning. The feathers landed perfectly placed to begin to write. Each person seemed surprised that they had something new to proclaim. Though each person's handwriting looked different, the source was the same. It was the Spirit of God proclaiming Freedom over the earth.
God used feathers as the writing implement to show the unexpected ways people will be invited to proclaim their words. Though the mode of delivery may appear to be awkward or antiquated, it quickly flowed with ease, power, and great beauty!
Do not be surprised when new opportunities to share come before you. You will have words that flow from your testimonies of past Victories! You will have insight and a burning vision of what God is doing and what He wants to release in the world around you.
When the feather settles in your hand, you may question it but begin to write! 

As people who have a revelation of grace. When we start walking in the freedom and truth that comes along with it, we look different. Many times our choices seem so contrary to the world around us, and that seems to make us outsiders. Never really fitting in or flowing with the rest of the crowd. 
I am not here to encourage you to keep swimming in the opposite direction or to share that you are not alone in your exile.
Instead, I offer a change of perspective.
Imagine a fortified city.  This city has strong walls, tall towers and a mighty clean river flowing through it. The thing is this stronghold is scarcely populated. The majority of people are actually camping outside the gates. They crowd together taking security that their meager existence looks like everyone else around them.
Then there are the few. The ones who have woken up and look around. They have perceived the shelter, provision, and blessing just waiting beyond the crowd. They have found out who they truly are and the rights that come along with it. One by one they exit the group and walk into the abundance that has always been there.
We are not the outsiders. We are the blessed not because we are special but because we have returned to what has been made available through Jesus.
No longer the outsiders, we are the Blessed, we are the Children of the City!

Ephesians 2:19-22 (The Passion Translation)
So, you are not foreigners or guests, but rather you are the children of the city of the holy ones, with all the rights as family members of the household of God.  You are rising like the perfectly fitted stones of the temple; and your lives are being built up together upon the ideal foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, and best of all, you are connected to the Head Cornerstone of the building, the Anointed One, Jesus Christ himself!
This entire building is under construction and is continually growing under his supervision until it rises up completed as the holy temple of the Lord himself.  This means that God is transforming each one of you into the Holy of Holies, his dwelling place, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in you!

I have long held the belief that my God is the God of completion. That what He starts He also finishes. This also makes Him the God of Next! He is the God of new beginnings and next chapters. Don't be afraid of new chapters that seem entirely foreign to your senses.

I have been notorious for wanting to stay still. To be firmly nestled in where I am. Peacefully nesting is my jam Y'all. God has a habit of interrupting my settling with a new season. His "next" surprises me but always brings life and adds to the Kingdom's story of redemption and relationship with Him.

Don't fight the next He is presenting.

You know exactly what I am talking about. That vision God has planted in your heart that scares the crap out of you. Yep, that's the one. Welcome to your "next." Reject the fear that wants to attach to that vision. Instead, ask God to show you more clearly your next step of agreeing with this chapter. It will bear good fruit. You will be happy you stopped and changed your direction to align with what you know the Spirit is presenting.


He has never left you.

He has never forsaken you.

This is no exception.


This new chapter is a two-person job. Your partner is ready, and if He asked you to come along that means so are you.


Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.


Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I have a kitty named Brailey. I do believe he is a teddy bear dressed up as a cat. This fluff ball is warm and purry and snuggly. If all cats were like him, everyone would have a cat. I firmly believe this. Brailey is my "Therapy Cat." I come from a long line of "doers." We don't sit still easily, and we certainly don't sit down without something to busy our hands.
When this Golden puff plops in my lap, my heart rate instantly drops, and I am entirely present for his supreme softness.
Brailey reminds me of the Holy Spirit. He is called the comforter. He is the peace found in the stillness and the joy found in observing the beauty right in front of us. I know that just like this kitty He longs to curl up and sit with us. He wants to remind us that just being can bring healing.
When was the last time you just sat and allowed the Holy Spirit to minister to you in the stillness? This place of acknowledging I AM, the act of looking for the details of love that whether we know it or not, they want to settle on us like a giant ball of love fluff.
Yes, I am making light of all this, but I promise if you sit still He will come.  You will be reminded of everything God has said concerning you. You will be comforted, and suddenly the truth that He has been whispering will become louder and rest heavily in your heart.

John 14:26
 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Isaiah 32:17
And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness, and trust forever.

"Our Visions are not only highly important to us but highly important to God. Why else would He have created within us the ability to think, imagine and dream?" -Butch & Julieann Hartman

Every Vision, idea, and dream, I have in my heart was put there by God. I have been in a season of growing, planting and expanding these visions. The first steps and what my practical part is in their execution have been my hangup. My incredible friends released a book this month on this very subject, Vision Possible by Butch and Julieann Hartman! I love these people and the successes they have achieved in life and for the Kingdom Inspire me greatly!
 I sat down excited to read what Butch and Julieann had written. I specifically asked the Holy Spirit which vision He wanted to grow farther. I have Visions concerning almost every area of my life, my marriage, children, my physical body, ministry, finances, etc.
God honestly surprised me when He said, "Let's focus on the vision for your Homeschool."  We are two years into this homeschool journey, and the task still feels so big. It is interesting that the things God calls us to are always bigger than ourselves.
Within the first three chapters of reading, I had written a clear "Vision Statement" for our school. Next thing I know I had identified the fears and concerns that were causing me to hesitate in fully executing my part. I know this may seem like a plug for a book, but this is not a book it is a tool.
We do not just serve a God of Vision but one of Clarity! That is what this book has brought to me. I have applied it to the sharpening of my vision but also the practical steps and advice written from a place of great experience were incredibly helpful. I am excited to see which area God focuses on next. I know I will apply the same steps and scriptures to the cultivating of that vision.

What is a dream or Vision God has planted in your heart? If you are looking to sharpen and pursue that vision if you have a business, ministry or idea you long to see manifest. I highly recommend this tool for your journey.

17 years ago today. Has it indeed been that long? Our relationship is almost a whole grown up.
I have said since the beginning that choosing Mark was my second best decision next to Jesus. When we met it scared me. I was 9 months post receiving my healing and set on bible college. I would attend Charis and then set off for the mission field. My God had a bigger plan. He had designed a mate who would give me space to become a whole person. One who didn’t just know who she was in the spirit. He would allow me to explore what kind of eggs I liked and what size jeans I wear when I eat a well rounded American carb filled diet.
My precious, steadfast husband has been an intricate part of the payback and fulfillment of what was always meant to be. I did not marry a knight in shining armor. That bright image is reserved for the one who died for me. Instead, I was given a fellow knight. One who persistently peruses the grace of God and the fruit of a life that flows from that grace. He is the first one to remind me to pick up my sword and fight! He is the first one to turn my eyes back to my savior instead of disappearing into human arms for comfort.
We have celebrated many victories, we have chosen to watch with expectation when disappointment wanted to settle in. We have grown, and we are growing. I love us!!! Happy Anniversary Mark! You wear your armor so well. 

What are the songs that get stuck in your head? For me, it's either a late 90's alternative rock anthem or a soul torturing song from Barney the Purple Dinosaur. I have range folks. I have learned as a person who lives their life with a song almost continually playing in my mind (I like to think it's like a Disney princess thing and not a therapy thing). I have learned that these songs cannot be stopped only replaced. I have to meditate and focus myself on a more beneficial and acceptable narrative when harmful and annoying melodies persist.

Don't think for a minute that the contrary thoughts to the Word of God or the nagging feeling of doubt will just be banished. They must be replaced. Return to the songbook of God's Word. Latch onto the verse that makes your heart sing the song of Hope. This is where lies will be replaced, and the good seed will be watered with the truth. Yes, this part is your responsibility, and the Holy Spirit will meet you there. He will sing only Truth over you, and that will be Life!

You want to go to battle? Then remember that your sword is made up of pages and filled with words of life and promises. Pull them out and let them be heard by your enemy. More importantly, they will be heard by you. We tend to believe our own voices more than any other. That is just how we work, so speak this new song out loud. Let it ring in the air around you. You will rejoice, and the enemy will flee faster then if you were singing Lambchop's "This Is The Song That Doesn't End!"


Psalm 57:5-11
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
They spread a net for my feet—
I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
but they have fallen into it themselves.
My heart, O God, is steadfast,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.
Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

I constantly find myself talking with the Lord about walking in grace in my daily life. The real life. Not the highlights or even the low lights. The every day, need to do laundry, I'm tired and need a weekend after the weekend life.

Every single time God asks me to sit down. To let Him direct my next step, to respond as a daughter who has been given all she needs. He wants me to pause and let Him show me what the enemy has stupidly tried to present me with as truth. To let my heart ponder the dreams, He wants to plant and to water them with the Word. A lot can be done from sitting.  I'm so limited when I choose to hold myself up.

Ephesians 2:6
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.

When we sit down four things happen.

1. We take a deep breath.

2. We transfer the weight we have been holding up.

3. We look around.

4. We listen.

When we sit down we are positioned in the power we have inherited through Christ. In no way are we made more venerable.

Breath, stop holding your breath and breath!!! Give yourself permission to need oxygen. Fresh life will fill you. This never happens when we insist on standing on our own. I can not imagine taking a deep cleansing breath while sprinting.

These breaths and pauses with the Father. That is where we are refresh and reminded that at the core our source is only Him.

So when we need to respond to the world around us.
A rested and settled heart is far more precise in the execution of authority. We don't fumble, we don't react but instead respond decisively.

We are faster to command our authority because we can see the threat coming. Like a watchman in a tower. You know he has a comfy spot to rest and wait.

When I am tired the true threats get cloudy, and the false threats get big. This has been true my whole life. I am by nature pretty calm and collected but get Niki tired, and I am an unbalanced and highly over-reactionary woman. (Insert Hot-mess)

The really tricky part about staying seated is, It is always a conscious decision to stay there. It never ever just happens and it is sometimes a moment by moment choice. The Holy Spirit is so faithful to remind me to sit down.

But His voice is always calm it never yells. I hear him better when I'm not standing up on the inside. When I have submitted my heart to His heart. When I have allowed the peace that passes understanding to be the song of my day. That is when He doesn't have to compete with my noise and the noise I have allowed onto my heart.

There are times when I have let the world win, and I have firmly stood up longer than my little legs were made to. This is when I shake my head and wonder why once again I have stood too long. It's at this point I repent and turn around. I run right back to the Word, and I sit. The Word always brings me back to the one who was beaten, bruised, whose legs were broken and who ultimately sat down.

He sat down having won the Keys of Hell and Death. He sat down at the right hand of the Father having completed all that needed to be done to restore His beloved. He sat down and asked me to sit beside him. So I sit.

Ephesians 1:18-21
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

I was driving talking to God about how I see myself doing things that are out of character or that I had always found intimidating. At times I do not even choose to step out so that I can see His faithfulness. More and more though, I am seeing my Father through me. In significant ways, yes but, it’s the little ways that get me.
I’m seeing Him in my willingness to be assertive and be an advocate for my family.
I’m seeing God’s words pop out of my face in conversations where my goal previously would have been to soothe instead of confronting. I know this is all fruit from spending time with Him and His Word.

I was thanking Him for all these victorious moments. Then I saw Him standing next to me, and I merely slipped my hand into His. Just like my daughter does when next to her Daddy.
God said to me, “You know I will never ask you to do anything without holding your hand the whole way.”

That is when the “ugly cry” started while driving on a narrow two-lane road.

God indeed will never leave us, He will never forsake us, and He certainly will not ask us to go or do anything without standing there with us.
What are the scary things or the unfamiliar places you know the Father has asked you to walk? If you correct your perception of that journey, the fear will soon lose its footing.
He did not say, go!
He said, “Come on Darlin’ let us go!!!”

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8

To Him who led His people through the wilderness, For His lovingkindness is everlasting; Psalm 136:16

My Jesus, He entered the seemingly mundane and brought supernatural fulfillment. He met His people watering camels, fishing and cleaning their homes. God is not asking you to shine like the brightest penny and leave the everyday workings of life. He is asking you to allow Him to meet you in your real life. He wants to wash clothes with you, pay bills with you and feed the dog with you.
He likes your life. He loves the things that make your life yours. The one true God became flesh, and for a considerable part of the time, He was here. Jesus walked among mortals and sat in their humanity not disappointed but filled with love and devotion.
Don’t belittle His love by separating every day from your interaction with Him.
Honestly, the most significant inner healing and freedom I have ever received was over a load of laundry or in the shower. God is real, and He loves your normal.

Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me.

Put me three football fields away, put me in the deepest of sleep, put me in the loudest of showers I will hear it. If my kids are crying the cry that has that particular pitch of pain or fear I hear it. It doesn’t matter the barrier. I wasn’t aware of the keen instincts that kick in and are forever a part of you after becoming a mom. They are 100% accurate and if you try to prevent me from responding, prepare to be attacked by a mama bear who has no mercy.
Do you know who put this instinctive protective response inside of me? God! God did this. I believe we are a reflection of God and our parental instincts mirror the love, devotion and unbridled ninja protector of our Heavenly Father.
He is only allowed to respond in full force when we have handed over our lives. But don’t be fooled. We have a papa bear who is for us. God hates to see any of his kids hurt or scared.
Run to His lap. Let Him fight for you. Let God defend your honor and take away the sting of rejection and pain. He is a good Father, and He is for you.

Exodus 14:14
“The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

Are we a people who live with our arms wide open? Ready to embrace others, prepared to share our warmth? Is praise the sound in between the beats of action?
People who live with their arms wide open are not postured to defend. They know where their help comes from. These people are postured to praise and embrace.
I believe Jesus lived this way. If He was in any other stance, He inevitably returned here ASAP.
For those of you clutching with all your might, hanging on by your figure nails or resigned just to move forward. Open your arms wide!! Sing a song of praise even if you are not “feelin’ it.” God inhabits the praise of His people, and His love covers so, so much.
Your conscious choice to praise will prepare you to receive everything God has for you and allow you to release every burden that was never yours to carry.

Psalm 34:1-5
I will bless the Lord at all times;
  His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
  Let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
  and let us exalt his name together!
 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
  And delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
  and their faces shall never be ashamed.

Today is my Son’s 7th birthday! We love our kind, funny, loving dude.
Yesterday, I spent time wrapping his present from us and preparing for the party this weekend.
I kept going over the details trying to make it special just for him.
I want Him to feel seen, cherished and celebrated!
(The above picture is his actual gift for today. Batman anyone?)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Mathew 7:7-11

I see God with a BIG gift bag. It is crisp and shiny and packed full just for you.
He wants you to ask Him for whatever you need today simply. Big or small, He has them waiting. If you keep your eyes peeled you will see Him sending provisions you did not even know you needed. He is that good of a Father. Just ask. If all you know to ask for is what your present circumstances dictate to you. Search the Word of God and learn of all His promises towards you.
There is nothing sadder then a present hand selected just for you, gift wrapped with you in mind and never opened.

I was just about to go to bed, and God asked me to step outside tonight. For once there are many clouds in the Texas sky. He said, "See the stars?" I'm like, "Not really."
Then He reminded me of this verse.

Psalm 136:7-9
To Him who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

Even though I can not at this moment see the stars or point to the moon's bright light. They are there. Just like His ever-present Love for us. Our God is faithful. Trust His love regardless of what you see. It still remains true.

p.s. Meet my kitty Brailey. He is a teddy bear in a catsuit.