"It's Life Jim, but not as we know it..."

I awoke this morning with these words; 'What we say, we'll become'. Though still a little painful at times, my left leg is much improved and I'm careful to say nothing about it (or to it) other than healing. Proverbs 18 v 21 tells us; 'Death and life are in power of the tongue' I know one day without hardly realising, it will be fine. In the meantime, I'm still running up the stairs...still applying the Blood....and still speaking those things 'that are not as if they were', my faith acting (Heb 11 v 1 - 3). The Lord told me the other day; 'When the devil attacks, - shrug it off! Amen.

Had a wonderful Good Friday yesterday, just me and the Lord. My daughter had emailed me 'Have a restful time', and the word 'Rest' kept drawing me to Heb 3 and 4 so I meditated there for a while. Someone had given me the 'word for word' DVD of the Gospel of Matthew, which I watched whilst enjoying my salmon dinner (plus a few tissues along the way!) - will be watching the rest today. Oh, is so good. The Jesus character in it is so 'real' and full of joy.

A while back, I watched another film about the life of David. It didn't work for me however, because the 'Samuel' character was played by Leonard Nimoy, and all I could see was Mr Spok! Ha ha!!

I hear the Lord saying to me alot nowadays; 'Make much of the Blood'. Years ago, the Lord had me listen over and over to teaching tapes along these lines (yes, - 'ye ancient tapes') and am so glad I did! Last year I made a mistake by clicking on a suspect email in my spam box. Not long afterwards, all the words on my screen started disintegrating to the point where could I hardly read them....eeek....

One day I finally got wise, and laying my hands on my laptop, started speaking the power of the Blood into the hard drive, every working part, every file and document etc. I persevered in doing that whilst my mind was all the time, telling me; 'how ridiculous!' However, after about 3 days, all was back to normal! Oh, thank You Jesus for your precious Blood!

Then recently, whilst trying to write emails, my internet connection kept 'dropping out' and it was taking about half an hour to complete a message...grrr..was so frustrating...and the crosser I got, - the worse it got? Until I remembered what to do. As I've been writing this, the same thing started happening  (the cursor kept halting)..oh no you don't satan...and I applied the Blood. No more probs. All glory to God! '    'And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the Blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony... Rev 12 v 11 (Amp)

Try saying Leonard Nimoy over and over, really fast, - it's a great tongue-twister! Have a great Resurrection Day and celebrate, - because He truly is Lord! Hallelujah!!

"When Belgian Chocolate calls..."

So much happened today, I hardly know what to put, or where to start. But I am limited for space...

Okay, I'll talk about this; Years ago, I had issues with chocolate in that, where most people can take a little bite and leave the rest til later, I could not, and to be honest, over the years, it became quite an addiction. Eventually, I came to the point where I knew I'd have to give it up altogether because it is not good for anything to have such a hold on our lives.

Another good thing was to find out I was actually allergic to it, as I no longer experienced certain aches and pains in my muscles. Also, as I subsequently allowed the Lord to 'overhaul' my eating habits, many other physical symptoms disappeared from my body too, which I believe were as a direct result of eating certain foods.

Anyway, back to today. Every so often I'm prompted of the Lord to go for a nice meal. Recently, after receiving some birthday money from my Auntie, I decided to save it until Easter. There are two 'posh' restaurants nearby, - one more 'posh' than the other, and which also boasts beautiful views across the Thames river. After praying I felt this was the one I should go to.

However, the last time I visited there (which was Thanksgiving Day last year) when the coffee arrived, it was accompanied, not by the usual wrapped chocolate mints, (which are easy to refuse) but by three delicious Belgian Chocolates...one dark, one milk...one white...drool. Anyway, I got so carried away with the moment, that I 'caved' and ate them (yes, - all three). I thought; 'It's okay...it's just a 'one off...' I even prayed beforehand and remember feeling a freedom. Taking that as a green light from the Lord, I went ahead. The waitress even offered me more to take home! (I didn't!)

However, when Christmas arrived, whereas it wouldn't normally bother me at all, I suddenly found myself thinking about chocolate all the time, and whilst visiting my daughter and mother's homes (where it seemed to be everywhere) found myself strongly tempted to 'just have one or two'. - 'Come into my parlour said the spider to the fly'. I got a revelation...quick. The 'freedom' I'd experienced that Thanksgiving Day had been the Holy Spirit allowing me to make a choice...the right choice...

So anyway, back to the dilemma, I didn't want to go back to that same restaurant. - What if I couldn't refuse when the chocolates arrived? (Ha ha) So, this 'great woman of faith' rang the other place to enquire about the menu; 'Liver..(yuk)...pork...some sort of fish I'd never heard of....no thank you....there was nothing for it, - and I knew what the Lord was saying! - As well as repent, I had to face the situation again, and overcome...and I did, and had a lovely meal! Thank You Lord! He is so merciful!  : )

'It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery...'  Galatians 5 v 1.

"It's not like the old days..."

Years ago there used to be this fun kids programme on the telly called 'Live and Kicking'. It was the one thing that used to get us out of bed early every Saturday morning, because being 'really live', there was always this sense of anticipation about what may, or may not happen, or which famous guest might suddenly appear during those 3 hours on the air...

Amongst the fun and frivolities, there was always this same comedy sketch in a school staff room where there were these disgruntled teachers all lounging around, grumbling and complaining, about this that and the other. Every week we'd be waiting for that same 'punch line' when one of them would finally blurt out those famous words; 'It's not like the old days.....' to which another would wearily agree; 'You're so right...'  Then we'd all fall about laughing...

Well, I'm sure you'll agree, - it really is not like the old days now! Life is now so complicated. Just technology alone can sometimes have you almost climbing the walls in frustration...not to mention all the troubles in the world....wars...and rumours of wars just as Jesus warned us about in Matthew 24.

I'm currently half way through Wendy Alec's gripping novel 'A Pale Horse'. Anyone who is maybe thinking it's all just pure fantasy, think again. The content will have been prayerfully and carefully researched, including the gleaning of certain information from those 'in the know'.

Jesus knew all of what would happen in the future and was not phased, but instead, instructed us what we must do. Thirteen times during the gospels, He exhorted us to 'Watch and pray'. So it must be something important, eh? Years ago not long after my salvation, I saw on the church notices sheet  'New Years Eve Watchnight' and remember being filled with wonder about what 'mysterious and mystical' thing might possibly be about to happen....

However Jesus, being always most practical, meant nothing more than doing certain things that would keep us close to Him, and therefore, under His constant protection. For example, living a surrendered lifestyle, staying in the Word, and consistent prayer is 'watching'. Another form of 'the watch' is praying protection over ourselves and our loved ones every day. That way we will not be taken unawares, but instead be prepared and ready, whenever trouble shows up.

Also, spending sometime during our day praying fervently in tongues is a great way to remain 'bulldog strong' - ready to face anything! All of this requires commitment, effort and self control, which our flesh really does not like! - Nevertheless, - we can do it!

In the area I live, the TV signal is not very good, and last year I lost my connection completely. After endeavouring to fix it for a while, I eventually left off trying, and have since not really missed it at all. I now stick to Christian teaching and worship DVD's.

Some folks think that we need to keep up to date with all the worldly news in order to 'stay in the know' and be prepared for whatever. The truth is, the more we fill our minds with all that negativity and fear, the more our faith will begin diminish. Meditating in the Word however, will keep us above every negative circumstance, and walking in wisdom. Make no mistake, having a strong spirit is the ONLY thing that will take us through the many challenges that will come against us in these last days.

It's time to start really 'backing away' from the things of the world  and all that will distract us from hearing that 'still small voice' which is the earnest, heartfelt cry of the Bridegroom for His Bride...

Horse Instantly Healed!

Today is Wednesday, - and 'gym day' once again. I walked alot round town yesterday and my left leg was still painful so, as I made my way to the Leisure Centre, wondered if today might possibly be perhaps, 'a little less time on the tread mill...maybe miss out some of the equipment?'...no such thing....okay Lord, - here we go! : /  However, as soon as I got going, found myself  'pressing on to go further, with the result that there is now much improvement in the flexibility of that leg.

In between time, I've been applying the Blood, also speaking to it in the Name of Jesus; 'to be made whole!' I've only ever experienced one instant healing, the rest I've had to contend for on the basis of the finished work of the Cross. (Jude verse 3) Also 1Peter 2 v 24 tells us; 'By His wounds you have been healed'....He bore it all! Glory to God! The 'instant' healing I'm referring to, was not my own but my daughter's horse Chandler, and this is the testimony;

It was a cold dark winter's evening on the livery yard and I was alone whilst everyone else had prepared their horses for the night and left. At that time we had three horses; Chandler, Slipper (the ex racehorse) and Connor (a cute little grey Connemara pony who I'd been practising on in order to eventually ride Slipper).  

During the winter months on most English yards (and where there is a shortage of land), the horses are kept off the fields to allow the grass to recover ready for the following Spring. Therefore, it's the responsibility of every owner to ensure their horses are properly exercised every day. Where possible (and when the indoor was free) I always liked to get them out early in the morning, and last thing at night for a good runaround. Normally I'd only allow two in there at the most, however, I was short of time that particular evening and decided for once, to put all three horses out together, which I did, then left them to play.

After mucking out their stables, I prepared their dishes of carrots and and provine then, because they were just standing around, took a lunge whip with me in order to get them moving round.Well, as usual, there was great jubilance as the three of them went cavorting round together. However, Chandler, being the biggest of them (at almost 17 hands), took a corner too fast and fell badly onto his side. He seemed okay though, as he got back to his feet, however, as I led him back to his stable he was obviously reluctant to walk.

As I pulled on his rug and clipped it into place, I reasoned; 'He'll be fine after an overnight rest', then placing his dish in one corner of the stable, I left. However, as I walked up the passage I suddenly heard him start pawing the ground. Instantly, I froze. Anyone who knew Chandler, knew that it was unheard of, for him to be separated from his tea. This could mean only one thing, - he couldn't move.

Shaking from head to toe, I returned to his stable to find him standing where I'd left him, stock still. My faith was about to be tested to max.....whilst my mind was struggling to think what to do. Undoing his rug, I dragged it off then placing trembling hands on his body, I prayed the prayer of faith....what did it say in Mark 11 v 24?! - 'Believe you receive, WHEN YOU PRAY'....there was nothing for it, but to act accordingly.... pulling a head collar over his soft brown muzzle, I clicked on the lead rope, then flinging open the stable door, began dragging him out into the passage....

I'm telling you, it was a good thing there was no one else present, otherwise they would have been calling the RSPCA for sure! There are varying degrees of lameness in horses...and I knew this was 'bad lame'. Well, he did not want move, - let alone walk....so how I managed to get him to the top of the passage, I don't know.... but then, as I turned him around to return, I heard this sort of 'loud click'  then came 'a release', and next, he was walking freely back to his stable, eager to tuck into his tea! Oh, thank You Jesus!

I shared nothing of the incident with my daughter until after she'd rode him again the next evening, as I didn't want her to be in any way hindered or maybe cautious about the way she handled him.

Glory to God! 

Prophetic Goldfinch?

There's a particular biblical principle that I've found to be particularly helpful in life, and it's found in the book of Proverbs Chap 4 v 6; '...in an abundance of counsellors there is victory and safety' (Amp)

Years ago, when my daughter was 18, she wanted a horse for her birthday and fell in love with Chandler, a 2 year old bay gelding bred for eventing.  My daughter knew a little about horses, - I knew nothing, and when she started college, I suddenly found myself alone with this lively, gangling young horse. We didn't find out 'til alot further down the line that you just don't take on a youngster if you don't know what you're doing! But God was with us. (Note to self;  'Must get this book published!')

So anyway, I learned that whenever something came up I wasn't sure how to deal with, I'd speak to lots of different people on the yard we were on, - from the most experienced, to the novice I would ask them. Everyone knows something. Then I'd pray. Sometimes I'd take their advice but sometimes God would lead another way. This principal is also very useful in the process of eliminating the wrong choices.

I said all that because of an experience I had today whilst at home sitting in my little office. The window in that room is unusually tall, reaching from the ceiling almost to the floor, but also very narrow...barely 18 inches wide. Outside of it is quite a wide concrete ledge edged with low metal 2 bar fencing.

So there I am sitting with my back to the window on my laptop busy writing, when I heard this 'soft thump' on the window. I turned to see this beautiful Goldfinch keep throwing itself 'spread eagled' against the glass.

At first I thought it had inadvertently bumped into the window then became momentarily disorientated...perhaps even fleeing some predator? However, it persisted in flying at the window, but not hard enough to hurt itself, then in between, it would perch on the metal fencing for a moment or two before setting off again...it really seemed like it was intentional....then quite suddenly it just flew off!

So all you prophetic people out there? I would be interested to hear your take...what do you think? Maybe it was nothing after all...ha ha...well anyway, - it was a very pretty little bird....

Overcoming Faith!

I arrived back Monday after a great week back in Lancashire with family, celebrating birthday and Mother's Day. However, after all those extra 'goodies' it was time get back down to some exercise. Wednesday is always 'gym day' but today I really didn't want to go.

Three weeks ago I must have somehow 'tweaked' something in my left leg 'cos since then it's been at times, quite painful to walk on. However, there was no sympathy from heaven; 'Go ye, to the gym!' (ha ha). Then as I made my way over to the Leisure Centre, the Lord was telling me; 'Walk as normal' whilst all the time my mind was reminding me; 'You've hurt yourself, - limp! - Which would I obey? Hebrews 11 v 1 says; 'Now faith is the substance of the thing hoped for, being the proof of things we do not see...' (Amp)

The thing is, no matter what instructions we receive from God, our minds are always going to disagree and try to reason it away. As human beings, we are a spirit, we own a soul, which is our mind, will and emotions, and we live in a body. When God speaks to us, it is to our spirits, not our minds, therefore, in order to be constantly walking in obedience, we have to allow our born again spirits to always dominate our souls and always have the last word!

This is why it's so vital we keep on renewing our minds and be daily feeding our spirits with the Word of God so that we are more easily able to dominate the world, the flesh and the devil. (Romans 12 v 2). This will also enable us to hear His Voice more clearly.

In the meantime I received some more wisdom regarding my leg; 'Don't tap dance in the kitchen!' Years ago I used to tap dance. Since then, it's become something of a habit to just do a few steps here and there, whilst waiting for the kettle to boil or for something to finish cooking. Recently however, the Lord has been warning me not to do this any longer especially in my slippers on the hard floor of the kitchen, - most likely because without first warming up, it's probably jarring my joints and muscles...

Well, praise the Lord, - here endeth another blog which, after a day of various technical problems and hitches, nearly didn't happen! Though by this time, feeling completely uninspired, I decided to give it one more try! All glory to God for His help and grace...