"Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never leave you. I will never forsake you." That is why we can say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
~ Hebrews 13:5-6 ~
Whether
your day started out good or bad; or you are having a day filled with unanswered questions, rest assured that Almighty God, the One Who
created the morning is with you. Let us intentionally make ourselves aware to His
presence that is already with us by triumphantly and victoriously reminding ourselves of Who He is and what He has promised.
Remember, although we may leave others, and others may leave us; whether it be due to
severed relationships, relocation or even death; we can know beyond
every knowing that HE promised HE would never leave us or forsake
us...HIS promise is based on HIMSELF and WHO HE IS not on others.
Merry Christmas! As you read this poem I wrote this evening, it is from the likely perspective of our 12 year old daughter. She is excited to awake in the morning as it will be our 6th year of doing a scavenger hunt with her gifts.
‘Twas The Morning of Christmas
By: Teresa
Criswell
‘Twas the morning of Christmas
When all
through the house
The
dishwasher was running
And the
laundry spun about.
The hunt was
being planned
As the
scavenger was me;
The clues
were being written
So they
could be placed so carefully.
Mom turned
on the coffee
As daddy
awoke
To the aroma
of French vanilla
As I heard
the spoon clang about.
Daddy sipped
on his coffee
As mom cheerfully
said,
“Tristin it’s
time to go gift hunting”
And I shot
out of bed.
I can’t believe it is
Christmas
As I waited
so long
But now that
it’s here
I don’t want
this day to be gone.
As we open
our presents
And cheer
with glee
May we
remember why we celebrate
For Jesus
Set us FREE!
Jesus is the
Truth and The Word Made Flesh;
He was the
promise fulfilled
The expression of God's love
He came in the form of baby as he'd later hang on a cross..
Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." ~ Psalm 51:10 ~
I love the GROWING opportunities that life
throws our way. You know...those moments when people are influenced to
think they can pull one over on you; or perhaps those who are talking
badly about you behind your back; maybe there are those who are even
trying to convince you that things are happening when they're not; even
those who complain about how they would do things differently or
'better'; O how the list goes
on.
Unfortunately I have done everyone of those things as well. After I have been convicted, God's loving mercy leads me to repentance. Not just 'saying' I'm sorry...but truly repenting...that action of turning toward God and turning away from the old.
Today, I am truly grateful for
His merciful love by His Holy Spirit that must constantly flow through me, guiding me, counseling me and teaching me how to live a life of abundant love
by the power of God's Holy Spirit
There are times where we do have to separate
ourselves...and maybe even times where others will separate themselves
from you or me. No matter what, we have to look at those situations as
lessons learned. When we've been wronged we remember the vast mercy of God's love over us and place what we have so freely received over ourselves upon others as we pray for them. Remember your relationship with that person may only be revealed as their prayer warrior, speaking life over them in the midst of seeing nothing that resembles life at all. Yet in the midst of that, watch God's compassion rush through you and me; trumping all circumstances and wrongs. As His compassion grows within you there is no explanation within this physical realm, for God's Triumphant Victory is Supernatural Love.
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
Today I must share a post written from my beautiful sister which can be found on her blog...You may need a tissue or two, but just remember how incredibly loving our Awesome God is as He reveals His abundant grace.
The following was written by: Joanna Stevens Gaines
It was pouring down rain and cold this morning as I was on my way to
drop the kids off at school. I am sure we are the family known for
always being late, because we are always late. But not today, for some
miraculous reason, everyone was dressed and emotionally ready to walk
out the door at 7:45. On the way there, I passed by a kid who was
standing in the pouring rain at the city bus stop. Not realizing my kids
were listening, I said quietly, "Oh, that poor boy is waiting for the
bus and he is soaking wet." Their ears perked up and they said "Why are
you sad mom?" I knew if I told them they would without reservation tell
me to go get him. I ignored them for three blocks and wrestled with it
in my mind. "What if he's a.... or what if he does...". My instinct told
me he was just a young kid who was drenched and cold, waiting for the
bus to take him somewhere important...hopefully.
My kids were still pressing me on why I said what I said earlier. I
finally just told them about the boy at the bus stop. What I saw as an
opportunity to run from, they saw as an opportunity to help. They said,
"Why wouldn't you pick him up, can we please help him?" Side note: I am
not condoning picking up random strangers and taking them places. I am
however encouraging you that if God impresses it on your heart to do
something... do it.
I turned the car around and we headed that way. I rolled my window down
and asked if he needed a ride and he started running my way. His
backpack was falling, his glasses were foggy, and he was indeed wet. He
said, "Thank you so much for doing this ma'am. I am not a weirdo or
anything, I live at the Methodist Home across the street." He started
telling me about himself and I was amazed at how polite and educated he
was. His name is George, he has been a foster kid all his life, moving
from home to home. His parents were illegals from Honduras and they got
deported when George and his 3 siblings were young. The mother made the
choice to leave them here because she wanted a future for her children.
George and his brothers and sisters have lived apart all their lives. He
keeps in touch with them often and He said he talks to his mother once a
week. He is 18 now and George says she still cries every time she talks
on the phone with him. She hasn't seen her son since he was 3.
I asked him how he has gotten through all this and he said, "I have
learned that I just have to adapt to whatever comes my way. Yes it is
sad not having parents, but I make the best with what I am given." Good
stuff George.
He needed a ride to the technical college in town, he is a freshman
studying culinary arts. It was funny because his girlfriend called and
she said, "George! you don't get in cars with women!", his response,
"Julia, she is old and has kids." Old?! I laughed out loud.
I realized this morning that God's grace stretches over the vast sea of
all our circumstances and needs. Today, I need grace to train my kids to
stop fighting, yelling and hitting each other. I need grace to see the
beauty in all the noise. In Honduras, George's mom needs grace to make
it another day without all the noise. This morning, George needed grace
to know that He has a Father in heaven that knows him by name. He cares
for him and on a rainy day like today, his Father asked a paranoid mom
to show him love and simply take him to class.
Let God's grace get you through today, and if it is overflowing, let it
pour out onto your husband, your children and those around you who are
in need.
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."
~ Galatians 6:9 ~
I sit here at my desk wondering, pondering and squinting my eyes to see the letters form into words that seem to be swirling violently in my head.
What shall I write?
In this very moment as my fingers dance upon the keyboard, it is as if I can see both literally and figuratively a person throwing in the towel and giving up. Another one I can see has a countenance of frustration, throwing their arms up in protest as they shout, "I give UP!"
Are you about there?
Are you fed up with someone or something?
Okay...hold on.
Do NOT fear.
In this very moment make yourself aware to God's presence revealed by Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Stop what you are doing. Cease what you are thinking.
Put a halt to what you are planning of how you are going to get them back or how you are not going to help them out anymore.
Although what I am about to write is a conundrum, I challenge you to 'hear the quietness', feel the peace and now breathe in and slowly breathe out, saying THAT POWERFUL NAME...Come on, you can do it! Say the Name of JESUS.
Now, let me ask...Are you frustrated because your child, whom you have taught and loved on...are they going down the path of destruction? Is this causing fear, embarrassment, and sleepless nights? Are you asking, "What did I do wrong?" "What could I have done differently?" Now 'hear' me, I urge you, I plead with you...don't go there. This is the moment you focus on the Lord and His destiny over their lives. Your child or children's choices are not a reflection of what you have taught them...they are making their own choices. This is not about you...this is about what you need to do right now..."What's that?" You may be asking...let me tell you...PRAY.
I encourage you in this moment. Ask the Lord God, "Lord, what do you say about 'your' child's life?" Be still and allow the Lord to minister what He has already placed within them. Now speak that over your child/children's lives. If they are rebellious, then praise God right now that He put that rebellion in them to rebel against sin. Now begin to declare that your child is a Rebel against darkness and radically abandoned to the assignment of God, longing for the same freedom over others in Jesus name.
Maybe you have a child who is a 'people pleaser' and in this they are vulnerable to the traps of falling into peer pressure. I encourage you in this moment, begin to declare, "Father, I thank you that 'your' child (Say their name) is all about pleasing You. He/she longs to please You and desires to see others take pleasure in his/her obedience to You.
Perhaps you have a child who is addicted to drugs, alcohol, pornography, etc. Begin to declare, "Father, I thank You that 'Your' child is transferring their addiction of these things to being addicted to You for the rest of their days. Lord, as they seek You out, they will not only 'find' You but will also cling to You revealing the Glory of Who You are.
Let us begin to pray from the stance of Victory versus from the perspective of defeat.
What is it that you need? If you need prayer or a 'Triumphant Victorious' declaration of praise spoken over you, then first of all, I encourage you, do not hesitate to call out on the Name of Jesus. As you do this, if you want, please feel free to email me at bravelyrescued@yahoo.com and I would love to encourage you by the power of God's Holy Spirit, His Holy Breath and Holy Wind.
God bless you today! Look up! If you're down, then get up because there are others in this race called "life' that need to be lifted up too. God has placed something inside of you to give to someone else. Come on! Let's go and be reminded that we are on the 'Triumphant Victorious' side as we choose The One True God of Victory!
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
"And no doubt you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the Devil, for God was with Him."
~ Luke as recorded in Acts 10:38 ~
"Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you..."
~ Jesus as recorded in Luke 6:27-28 ~
Mother Teresa. A woman truly after the heart of God. There is no doubt from her life that she craved God's heart and wanted to 'dance' to His heartbeat as she revealed Him moment by moment.
Here's a beautiful reminder of one of my favorite quotes...our pastor read it at the end of the 'Forgiveness' series which sums up the ministry of Jesus and what each of us can reveal throughout our life moment by moment... "If you are kind,
people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind
anyway.
If you are
successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine
enemies. Succeed anyway.
If
you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and
sincere anyway.
What
you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create
anyway.
If
you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy
anyway.
The
good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will
never be enough.
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
"This is a true saying: If we die with Him, we will also live with Him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with Him. If we deny Him, He will deny us. If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself."
~ 2 Timothy 2:11-13 ~
It's a cold, damp, dark place. Tiny particles of light hardly pierce through the seemingly rotting material. There is a sense that the structure is fragile, barely being held together as fear overwhelms the atmosphere of this place. The creaking sounds seem to be in 'surround sound' as I slowly look around shaking as my arms are crossed over one another. My back slightly hunched over as my teeth chatter at rapid speeds because of this lonely, scary dark place. I become overwhelmed as every sound seems to move and shove me until finally I find myself in the corner not knowing which way to go. As my eyes begin to adjust to the darkness my first instinct is to assess, "How do I escape?"
Suddenly a forceful burst through the doors reveal the captor of my mind. I attempt to curl up in the corner, slowly sliding down like a helpless child hoping that the more I shrink back I will become invisible. But there's nothing I can do. Sitting in the corner, curled up in the fetal position I wait for the first blow as I do my best to guard myself. In moments I hear the eerie sound of what seems to be the hammer of a handgun being cocked back accompanied by a familiar voice. Wait! It can't be. This voice is familiar...this person sounds just like me. Startled, I look up and I hear, "If I told you the only way you can live is by denying that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, what will you do?"
Suddenly I'm back to reality...standing in my room I ask "God, I say that I would not deny you if a gun was held to my head, but could I really do it?"
I sit here as my fingers dance upon the keyboard while my mind is captured by this scenario.
Jesus, I say that I wouldn't deny You, but I clearly know there are times when offenses have come and I barely fix my eyes on You as the circumstance squeezes the reality of I'm more concerned about me, myself and I. I also realize that the best way to shield from falling in the trap of denying my God is to become more concerned for the hearts of others, especially the ones who I 'feel' or even have hurt me and be concerned for their very lives more than my own.
This is so opposite of what me, Teresa wants to do. Yet, this dark scenario has led me to realize that I am way too concerned about my ego, feelings and what people 'might' think of me than what I truly need to be concerned for and that is for especially the souls that are in utter misery, full of torment and sucked into the lies of "no one cares".
Today I am triumphantly and victoriously reminded; becoming more aware of how Christ truly esteemed each of us more than Himself...ensuring that we would know we are His Masterpiece and because we know this we must walk with our heads lifted high craving to do this for others...holding their head up high to see the Lifter of their heads, Almighty God!
Just as The Holy Spirit of God is continually patient with me...whether He leads me to love my perpetrators from afar by continually praying for them with fervency or being led back to display the love of the Father over them...however we are led, we must follow the Spirit of God's lead...for I am learning that obedience will allow us to be actively in opposition of denying Christ Jesus.
I am reminded that denial is not just in the midst of a life and death scenario...but it is also in my every day living...when I moment by moment deny my ego and pride I have actively and openly admitted that "YES MY REDEEMER JESUS LIVES AND NO MATTER WHO DENIES HIM IT DOESN'T CHANGE THAT HE LIVES!
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
"And this is what the Lord requires: to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly before your God."
~ Micah 6:8 ~
"But you don't understand, they really ticked me off."
"How dare they!*&@#"
"That hurt my feelings!"
"They didn't notice me!"
"They didn't choose my child."
"Why wasn't I recognized?"
"I did more than they did yet I never or seldom am noticed."
The 'triumphant victorious reminder' today is to remember what the Lord requires of each of us...to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly before our God. When we do this we will begin to pursue the heart of God versus pursuing our desires of accolades. Incredibly as we honor and esteem others greater than ourselves looking to Jesus as the greatest example of this, we can know that God will for sure exalt us in His time. Whether that be here on this earth or in heaven may we be at peace knowing that we are living out what He requires.
This humble reminder leads me to realize I don't need to say, "I'm a Christian",
or proudly display a fish on my car,
or even broadcast what denomination I belong to or don't belong to
spouting off all the many scriptures I can quote to cause others to feel inadequte...in the end what will truly matter is did I do what was right, did I walk in mercy toward others and did I walk humbly before my God?
In that reminder leads me to this one...Am I revealing in my moment by moment walk; faith, hope and love? Remembering that when everything else passes away, those three will remain...the greatest being love
(I Corinthians 13:13).
Finally! I am reminding myself that as quickly as I want to be forgiven for ALL I have done to others is how quick I must forgive others who have done wrong to me. This is truly embracing the heart and mercy of God in such a right, merciful and humble way revealing the victory we have because of our God revealed by Jesus Christ so powerfully by the Holy Spirit, the Holy Breath of God!
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Written By: Teresa Criswell
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
"One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother Him. But when Jesus saw what was happening, He was very displeased with His disciples. He said to them, "Let the children come to Me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God. Then He took the children into His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them."
~ Mark 10:13-16
Laughter and squeals of children filled the atmosphere. The merry commotion caused curiosity to lead me into the living room when to my surprise I saw the adorable, adventurous children attempting to 'ride' on my wooden decor elephant. The little boy in his gentleman-like ways did his best to help his lady friend climb aboard this exotic find.
Suddenly you could hear the snapping fingers of the little boys mom as she kindly yet firmly said, "You need to get down from there, that is not something we climb on." The puzzled look on their faces were so cute...it was as though you could see their thoughts, "It's not? Well, what's it doing there?"
As I pondered this scenario I was captured by the innocent beauty of a child. These hilariously cute, carefree children who were having fun and at play saw the purpose of this elephant and it was useful to them in their playground of life. I was reminded that because of their bold innocence they can see past and through what many of us as adults choose not to see...potential to a child is as though it is already in existence whereas potential to most people, such as adults are something quite contrary. The only time it seems an adult may see potential is usually through the squinting of jaded eyes looking through the old spectacles of haphazard 'hope' which maybe just maybe they may see a speck of hidden purpose.
So those times when we hear ourselves say,
"Don't touch!"
"Don't write on the walls!"
"Why are you wearing that?"
"Don't run in the house!"
"Would you stop making a mess!"
May we with laughter as we teach them to respect other people's things let us also take the opportunity to remember our kids in their wide-eyed curiosity are mesmerized to the point of wanting to touch that shiny, colorful figurine because of their sense of wonder and awe.
.
How about when you catch them writing on the walls? As we guide them to what they can write on may we remember how they see outside the 'lines', and outside 'the box' as they desire to express the world they live in with those vibrant colors within the world of Crayola.
Perhaps when they wear those clothes that aren't even close to 'complimenting' one another, may we be able to see that our child just might want to give opportunity to all the items in his wardrobe to say, "You're important enough for me to wear."
What about those times when our children run in the house? As we show them a better way so they don't get hurt, may we remember everywhere they go they most likely see life as a playground.
And when we see the volcanic like mess in our children's room, as we teach them to pick up after themselves, may we remember their ability to see past the mess and recognize the masterpiece of living in the 'now'.
Today I am reminded of God's abundant life that is ours to walk in. May we see the treasures within ourselves and others as we cherish the present moment just as many children long to. As we cherish the present moment it will allow us to live with grateful hearts remembering that everything we possess is temporal but the gifts of God are eternal...being joyful through and in all things.
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." ~ Psalm 103:12 NKJV ~
For
many who know me, please pray before reading this. I pray that you
will not look at me differently, but see the transforming power of
Almighty God over a woman's life who went against everything she knew
and had been taught. The life I had lived was of great selfishness and
vanity, a life with great void, not choosing to walk with God.
"I woke up late.
I
had RSVP'ed for the event that I was suppose to be attending at 10 am.
It was now 9:45 am and I wasn't even close to ready. The anxious
thoughts of, "How are you going to get there without being beyond late?"
"The drive alone is 15 minutes." I thought,"Well, I'm not going then,
I can't show up late." Yet, the pull on my heart to go was stronger
than the arguing voice in my head. My daughter and I with great
efficiency was able to get ready...of course it didn't change the fact
that I would still be late. As we left the house, my mind was still
warring with me, "You can't show up late...that is so rude." I
physically shook my head as though it would cast the thought out and I
turned on the radio to KLOVE and a song came on that I had never heard
before. The chorus I heard was the following phrase: "This is where the
healing begins, This is where the healing starts..." by Tenth Avenue
North. I thought, "Lord! Okay, I know this is of You!"
I
preface you with the above to confess that I am a woman scorned by her
own choice to abort and murder more than one child from God. For many
years I hid my choice with great shame. Because of the shame, I was
never able to mourn over the sin I had committed and mourn over my
children. My womb was to be a refuge for these lives, yet it became a
place of horror and death. Several weeks before going I had confessed
before some dear friends and women from my church as we were in an
intimate setting, the horrific, shameful burden that I had carried. At
that moment, God's healing allowed me to finally mourn over a regretful,
sinful choice I made many years ago.
Before my
confession to the women from my church, I had been invited to the first
annual, "Born Into Heaven" Service held at Gateway Church. I was invited
by my dear friend, Jennifer. I was beyond amazed to find out that the
'God Idea' had only been deposited into the hearts of the women two
weeks before the event. God utilized these four women who all had
experienced miscarriages and a still born birth. Again, their hearts
were deposited with the healing of God to be made manifest on men and
women who experienced miscarriages, still born births, a death of a
child and women who had abortions. To hear the testimony of how
everything fell into place for the event was beautifully amazing. All
the centerpieces, refreshments, and gifts were all donated. It was a
God Divine Service to comfort all who mourn!
I met a
few women who experienced the pain in miscarriages, even some who
carried their babies to full term, going through labor and finding out
that their child had passed away. I was in absolute awe to see that
their sadness was replaced with God's supernatural, overflowing grace
and strength. At that moment, I remember how shame tried to come upon
me again, knowing that many of these women desired to have a child and
to receive their children as beautiful gifts, yet were unable to. The
beautiful gift that they so desired, I treated as it was nothing.
That
Saturday, I mourned what 'I chose to lose'. I wept even more so to
witness the women who revealed the grace of Almighty God on their
lives.
It was amazing to see each table with small stones
laid out in the middle along with markers. We were told if we wanted,
we could place the names of the children that had passed away upon the
stones. We were instructed to write the names on the stones and then
place them into the beautiful glass vase toward the side of the room. At
that moment I wept with remorse as I never knew the names of my
children or who they were suppose to be. I prayed, asking as tears
streamed down my face, "Lord, what do I write? I didn't know who they
were and had no plans to know them." The only thing that came to me was
to write down the number of children. After writing it on the stone, I
wept even more. I slowly rose up from my chair and slowly walked to
the table placing the stone into the beautiful glass vase.
As
I returned to my seat, I noticed the others who approached the glass
vase. I was left in awe. Amazed to see the husbands who wept and
embraced their wives as they approached the glass vase together with one
or more stones in hand. It was an incredibly beautiful picture of
God's embrace especially through the sadness that they could never have
imagined going through, especially on their own.
Going
back to when I first arrived, very late I must add, a woman was
speaking. One of the things that she had spoken that morning, resonated
so deep within my heart. The analogy she spoke of was from a devotional
written by Oswald Chambers. This is what she quoted as she said, "Patience
is more than endurance. A saint's life is in the hands of God like a
bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the
saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again
the saint says - "I cannot stand any more." God does not heed, He goes
on stretching till His purpose is in sight, then He lets fly. Trust
yourself in God's hands. For what have you need of patience just now?
Maintain your relationship to Jesus Christ by the patience of faith..."
To
hear this statement was definitely a defining moment of the stretching
process which represents growth. I realized that even in my sin, God
wanted me to rise up out of the ashes. I realized that He truly desired
and continues to desires for each of us to be stretched so that we can
go further than we could ever dream of doing on our own.
Today,
as I reflect on what I have been so lovingly forgiven of, I am greatly
comforted by my God knowing that my children were born into heaven. I
am so sorry to my children for allowing my womb to be a place of
darkness and rejection.
I ask You Lord God, will you
please tell my children how sorry I am? I am so sorry. I am so sorry
that I robbed myself of getting to embrace such beautiful gifts. Thank
you Lord for allowing me the gift in my daughter. She is our inspiration
from You. She is my inspiration to go on and lift my head, knowing
that I don't deserve her...but You still allowed me to raise her,
embrace her and celebrate her. Thank You Lord. Thank You! Thank You
for your healing Lord that You have placed so lavishly upon my life!
Lyrics:
"Healing Begins"
So you thought you had to keep this up
All the work that you do
So we think that you're good
And you can't believe it's not enough
All the walls you built up
Are just glass on the outside
So let 'em fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
Afraid to let your secrets out
Everything that you hide
Can come crashing through the door now
But too scared to face all your fear
So you hide but you find
That the shame won't disappear
So let it fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
We're here now, oh
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
Sparks will fly as grace collides
With the dark inside of us
So please don't fight
This coming light
Let this blood come cover us
His blood can cover us
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
"Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way."
~ I Corinthians 13:4-5a ~
She yelled, "You just don't understand how I feel!" "What about me? Our kids?!"
The tiring schedule of his job, traveling more often than he was home seemed to violently suck every ounce of life as his countenance dropped by her one sided accusations. He stared at her for a moment with his piercing brown eyes and slowly walked away.
Through angered remorse she observed him walk into the closet. Normally he never walked away from a dispute...but this time was different. Soon after she saw him enter the closet, he came back out with a pair of his often worn boots in his hands He slowly walked toward her, knelt down before her as he simultaneously placed the boots at her feet. He slowly got back up, backed away and looked at her in the eyes and said in a very calm, steady voice, "Put these on." She was now confused and even more angry. "What do you mean, 'put these on'? I'm not putting your boots on." He shook his head and firmly said, "Until you've walked just one day in my shoes, I don't ever want to hear how I don't understand how you feel. I have never accused you of this, so don't accuse me."
In that profound moment, she placed her face in her hands and began to cry as her heart filled with compassion over her husband as the flooding remorse came over her as she with great regret said, "I'm so sorry. I never considered what you were going through."
With love in his voice, drawing her close to him, he said, "Have you ever considered how difficult this is for me? To be away from my wife and kids? Often wondering, what are they doing right now? Are they even thinking about me?"
As I interrupt this scene, I am reminded that often times the hopeless feelings of "They don't understand" are just plain ol' lies. If we take a moment and consider what others may be going through may we constantly remind ourselves of God's mercy and His abundant love overflowing with the powerful waterfalls of His grace. We in that moment have an opportunity to step back from being ruled by emotions and allow God's compassion to flow through us, upon others as we look for ways to assist, help and step away from demanding our own way.
When we demand our own way it destructively detours us and others from God's way of love revealed by Jesus Christ which reveals the powerful consideration of others allowing them to flourish not to be cut down.
In this reminder may we fall to our knees as we are humbled by God's great love that we have so freely received. Upon this reception of His great love we are reminded that much is required to give and impart into others.
Every moment may we stand back in awe of God's splendor and majesty displayed through our love walk for all to see as our actions point to the King of all kings!
I would like to conclude today's reminder with Audrey Hepburn's words she so eloquently stated that echo the Life and Words of our Lord Jesus: "For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you will never walk alone. People, even more than things have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed. NEVER throw out ANYONE." ~ Audrey Hepburn
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell
"You must love the Lord Your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."
~ Matthew 22:37-40 ~
Have you ever received a 'word' that was beyond your own comprehension? You know, one of those words that penetrate your heart? You might liken it to a 'whisper' in your heart confirmed by God's Word through His Holy Spirit, His Holy Wind, His Holy Breath.
I was going through some writings I jotted down over a year ago and I came across this one...I pray that every eye that reads this will be able to catch a glimpse of God's glorious, incredible, indescribably amazing Love...
"Do not confuse My jealousy for being an immature bully. Do not confuse me as a 'god' that can't handle other gods. My jealousy is compelled by the LOVE over you. For I know that when you worship ME, you will see great benefits of MY presence and the showers of MY GLORY through MY SPIRIT producing not only life, but ABUNDANT LIFE!
When you worship other gods, desire the things of your flesh, the cares of this world and fall into the trap of the deceitfulness of the world's riches, it chokes you out of MY Presence. These tools of the spirit of seduction subtly lead you out of MY ABUNDANT LIFE and into destruction.
My passionate LOVE, for this is WHO I AM, MY PASSIONATE LOVE is called JEALOUSY. Do not confuse the sin of jealousy with Who I AM! MY JEALOUSY yearns and desires to protect My children.
Teresa, take on this true jealousy over your husband and children. The jealousy you are familiar with is that of this world. The world's jealousy has a focus...and that focus is on self; not others. My jealousy is focused on the one's I love; it is driven by protection from destruction.
I love you my daughter, ~ Father God, ABBA"
Received this Word at: 8:05 am, August 13, 2011
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
Colossians 3:16-17
A letter to a great man. This man is truly one who has taught me what Colossians 3:16 & 17 looks like in action!
Hi Dad,
Just thinking of you...yeah, I know it's late...I just finished
working out, cleaning, made Tristin's lunch for tomorrow and have the
coffee ready for the morning...the days are slippin' as Tim's been home
for 2 days and doesn't have to leave until September 6th...we are very
happy for that!
Anyways, I wanted to let you know how blessed I
am to call you, "Dad"! It is amazing how in spite of me and my
challenges, you always believed in me...even in the midst of my
lies...hmmmmm...no wonder I'm a great storyteller...I had a craft to
tell stories, but I didn't hone it in correctly until much later in
life. I thank God for His mercy and forgiveness and for Him giving you
and mom the grace to love me through it all.
Dad, you must know that you spoke
life into me. I still remember all those times you would say how God would utilize me in great ways if I allowed Him to. Although you may not remember all those seemingly insignificant details, I do...and you must know you telling me those things have never left me...even while I was living for myself, your words would be there in the back of my mind reminding me of who I truly was!
I laugh to myself as I think of those times you sat down with me
and helped me spell...did you know 'til this day I can spell almost any
word?! LOL! Seriously! Or the time you bought me that awesome
typewriter with a brand new case...wow, you saw the potential in me even before I did!!! Although academically I struggled in school, I still
remember being in grade school and being the only one in my class who
knew how to spell the word, 'aisle'. Do you remember sitting down with me at the dining
table the week before, patiently going through my spelling words one by
one? It's hilarious the things that kids remember.
There are so many memories...so many incredible
things that you and mom did to foster the gifts and talents that are
within us. You all were intentional and desired the best for us...so much so that we know you all wanted us to have and live the greatest life of abundance both in Jesus and
in this physical life more than we could have ever desired for ourselves.
So
with all that said, this may not be a special occasion in which I
write, however I felt impressed to make sure that the VERY ONE that
believed in me needed to know how much he means to his daughter...you
are the best daddy. Thank you for allowing us girls and even mom to see a
glimpse of God in such a healthy, fun and loving way. Wow! Talk about a Kingdom mandate
that you took seriously...and I am so grateful to God for you dad...you
are His faithful servant...and my
faithful dad!
"And the King will say to them, "I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" ~ Jesus ~
As recorded in Matthew 25:40
Do you have that "blah" feeling at times? You know those moments where you see things in a dingy, gray tone? Those days of 'slump & slug'. A dear friend of mine and I were sharing with we felt in the midst of those times. We were also reminding one another of that mighty weapon from the Lord to praise Him through the 'blah' season. Even in the 'blah' the Lord is showing us how to 'applaud' Him.
From 'blah' to 'applaud'...now that's
some warfare over the mind that allows us to remind ourselves of that peace and Shalom that is already within us. That supernatural, beyond our understanding to comprehend peace.
I'll tell you what though, the other day you could see the results of that 'lack' of exercising those standing ovations to God.
Let me begin with this, I'm usually very nice to people..especially since I know whom I want them to see, the Most Famous One...Jesus. But, o wow, let me tell ya, as I clear my throat in embarrassment, this did not happen the other day...O no, quite the contrary. Now as I reveal this with great transparency, God has so graciously given me a classroom review versus that feeling of slimy condemnation. With all that said, let me start out by saying, out of all things to get upset over...I got upset
over 40 cents!!! O yes, you heard me...40 cents!
A beautiful day at the pool, I was reminded by that shaky feeling, I hadn't eaten all day. I'm sure you can relate...those busy days where you are just getting things done so you can relax. Well, I began to get hungry and grumpy, meanwhile craving something from that healthy place called Sonic.
So as we go to
Sonic I happily order my "version" of a "salad"!!! You know...shredded
lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions sandwiched
together by a bun and hamburger meat...and those great vegetables
called potatoes a.k.a. french fries and a side of fruit in the form of a delicious Cherry Limeade. Anyways, I was eating and drinking with great delight when I noticed my cherry limeade was swigged down very quickly. Eating in the outside dining area, I asked the sweet girl who helped us, for a refill. Now mind you, I already
tipped her. With hesitation she very nicely and almost apologetically proceeded to tell me that they don't give
free refills. It was as though she just told me someone had died with the way I overreacted. Upon hearing her response I was instantly irritated. With that very apparent irritation in my voice I asked, "How much are the refills?" She said with a bit of hesitation, "I
will have to go check, but I believe 40 cents" O my goodness, do you want to know what
I said next? I said with great, haughty conviction, "Well, I usually
don't do that." Upon my response of 'not doing that', you should have seen the puzzled look on her
face, it was as if you could hear her say, "Uh, you usually don't do what?"
Well, as the atmosphere filled with
awkwardness, she slowly turned around to get me a refill and ring me up for my requested refill. When I looked
over at my daughter who had this disgusted look on her face and she said, "Mom, I can't believe you're acting like a butt hole'. As my head did that self-righteous double take I shockingly
said, "Excuse me! You don't talk to mom like that." She said, "Well mom,
you are." In a justifiable, gritting my teeth, low tone, I said, "Tristin, it isn't the 40 cents, it's the
principle...I paid for
a meal expecting a free refill, that's called customer service!" Interrupting me, still quite shockingly disgusted, she said, "Mom, just pay the 40
cents...how is Jesus being seen as you get mad?" She may as well just
slapped me with TRUTH across the face...she was so right!
I know it seems so petty and even ridiculous, but I did learn from it. You may be asking, "Teresa, what did you learn?" I was humbly reminded of Brandon Heath's song...Jesus in Disguise, "Jehovah passing by, the burden of a tear, hanging in your eye".
As God will allow me many more opportunities to reveal Him, may I be reminded that many people I come across, I need to look at as 'Jesus in Disguise'...for He said, "What you do for them, you've done for Me."
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
I Thessalonians 5:16-20
What is it that you delight in?
What is it that you don't delight in?
Who do you love to be around when you're happy?
Who don't you like to be around when you're happy?
How often do you choose to look around and see all the things that you do have?
How often do you look around and see the things that you don't have?
Notice the questions...but really take notice of your answers.
Wow! I sure could go on and on with what I don't want or don't have more so than what I do want and do have.
I am reminded of the people of Thessalonica as referenced in I Thessalonians who were told by Paul to, "Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
So the real question is, "Do I want to be in God's will?" I'm sure most of us would say, "Well, yes of course!" So then this is what I must do: ALWAYS be thankful no matter what happens, continuing to pray as I am intentionally and always joyful! It's easier said than done...but when it's done it eases our hearts and minds because of God's abundant grace that we have chosen to take a hold of.
Observe and perceive that the intentional things are just that, they are done on purpose, effort is made and there is constant resistance throughout the process of doing what seems to be unnatural.
As we go throughout our day today, instead of looking at what we don't get to have or what we feel we have missed out on, let us intentionally remind ourselves of what we are thankful for and rejoice in the Lord in that realization.
Today I am triumphantly and victoriously reminded that I am a woman of great wealth as I see the Lord is truly The One Who has come to give us Life and LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY. I must be aware of looking, seeing, and experiencing His presence that is ALWAYS there as He provides for ALL our needs ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES AND GLORY IN CHRIST JESUS. Now that is something to rejoice in!
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
Ephesians 5:1-2, 15-33; I Peter 5:7
Oppression attempts to hold me down, the darkness permeating seemingly every part of my soul. Yet I awake another day. There is a longing in my heart, yet an unspoken fear seems to torture me. Although it may seem insignificant and elementary, it is still a fear that has attempted to overwhelm my soul.
So the bantering questions in my mind have been, "What if they think I don't want to see them?" "What if they assume I don't want to help?" "What if they believe that I am a bad wife, mom, daughter, sister or friend?"
After reading Ephesians 5 this morning, the Lord has awakened me from this feeling of indescribable oppression and this false sense of 'over' responsibility. Today I finally chose to cast, fling and throw that fear at His feet for God knows my every heart's desire and in that understanding I must do my part and pray that my amazing husband and his heart would only be moved by God's heart to allow me within God's protective plan to release me more often to be able to travel as I long to see those whom I love and miss.
It is incredibly amazing that in this awareness today, The Holy Spirit allowed me to experience a tiny glimpse of the responsibility my husband feels as He is called to be the protective warrior that he is. This experience caused me to go to my knees in repentance as he has this protective responsibility fused so deeply within his soul.
Being made aware of this leads me to pray more specifically that the responsibility my husband takes very seriously would not cripple him with fear, instead that he would know by God's Spirit when to release me to go and when not to go and everyone involved would experience the supernatural joy and peace of our Almighty God. Rejection has no place in anyone's heart, instead with great triumph only God's Supernatural peace and joy that surpasses our understanding, that is unspeakable and full of God's glory would be experienced at every moment.
Friend, if you are struggling with the "What if's" today, I declare, be at peace according to God's abundant grace! Shalom! I am reminded today that we cannot control anyone or anything; the only thing we have control of is how we as individuals respond with obedience and love to every situation.
The challenge lately has been, "Teresa, how are you going to show up?" Expounding on that question, allows me to ask myself, "Am I going to show up with justifiable rebellion?" "Or will I continually rise up and be what I am called to be?" For I must remind myself moment by moment that I am a daughter of the King, and in that role, I must no longer reveal my former peasantry but reveal God's triumphant and victorious royalty!
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell
"Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world."
~ I John 4:4 ~
There are so many people who truly desire to enjoy their life. With that said, I believe I saw more people enjoying life this week than ever before.
This past week I had the honor of meeting this amazing couple who are incredible celebrators of life within people that they not only appreciate from afar, they also desire to nurture, support, surround and be surrounded by such. They have this beautiful ability to see the potential of excellence within those they nurture and have this thriving desire to pull out the beautiful display that is within each of them.
Although very sadly they do not confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, I was humbled by such a gift that God has placed within them; an ability to see past faults and see strength. They are incredibly moved by 'vision' not by mere 'sight'.
With this amazing conviction, I was amazed by their spirit, not yet been made new by God's Spirit, provoked this very thought, "How much more should I as a believer in this Great God, be displaying such celebration and doing so much more?" Would I begin to see a great outpouring of God's Spirit upon all flesh when I begin to see with God's Vision versus my mere sight?
What I know for sure is that I have been led by my eye sight for way too long. This way of seeing is straining and causes me to grow tired, resulting in an unstable mindset. It's tiring, as it causes me to waver and misplace my trust in people versus the CREATOR of ALL; Almighty God, revealed by Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit as I am triumphantly reminded, "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world!"
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
Photograph from 'Google Images'
Tragedy, deaths, suicide, torture, torment, abandonment, gossip, rumors, lies, adultery, abortion, robbery, abuse, rejection, rape, molestation, kidnappings, human trafficking, drugs, immorality, every man for himself mentality. We live in a world filled with chaos and instability. We see the cause and effect of human reactors. Most of us in some way have either been partakers of inflicting pain on others, and/or have been directly or indirectly effected by the horrific pain of the innumerable effects of this fallen world.
In a world filled with the evidence of the one who reeks havoc in our world as he seeks out those he can kill, steal from and destroy, how do we remain stable in and through those innumerable circumstances of life? How do we get to a place of believing, knowing, seeing and experiencing the ONE who has come to give us life and life more abundantly? How do we reveal the One Who is Triumphant Life; the One Who gives rest
to the weary; the One Who is The Father to the fatherless, the Mother to the
motherless? How do we reveal The One who accepts, makes whole, seeks out and longs to restore?
The key is in the triumphant, victorious reminder that our daily, moment by moment walk is NOT about gaining victory...it is about the victory already gained on our behalf because of Jesus Christ. We must invoke, to call on the Holy Spirit for assistance on the power and authority that has been freely given to us so that we can properly reveal by God's Holy Spirit that He is the Provider of Victory in the midst of what seems ruined and brought to nothing. To thrive, not just survive in this world, I must choose to walk and stay in Him on the steady path of Victory, as He is The Way...clinging to Him as He is The Truth in the midst of lies and seeing that He is The Life in the midst of the reminders of death that attempt to surround us as those circumstances try to tell me that I am defeated and I may as well end it all now.
Today, I am victoriously reminded that faith isn't faith until it is tested. No one has to utilize faith when people are nice, or when circumstances are wonderful and everyone and everything is going our way. It is truly utilized when all hell seems to be breaking loose and we feel tormented and weak, ready to give up and throw in the towel in the ring called 'life'.
Here is a scripture to meditate on, memorize, hold onto and cling to when all I seem to be experiencing is the dry wilderness...here is a glimpse of Habakkuk's prayer in the midst of great lack and fear (Habakkuk 3:17-19):
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD! I WILL BE JOYFUL IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION! THE LORD GOD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY PERSONAL BRAVERY, HE WILL MAKE ME AS SUREFOOTED AS A DEER, AND BRING ME SAFELY OVER THE MOUNTAINS."
Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."
~ Psalm 118:24 ~
Another day.
The same routine.
O so mechanical.
Does it seem our life choices are attempting to transform us into treadmills of the mundane; the 'same-o, same-o'?
For some, the mundane can be the gloominess of life.
Perhaps and surprisingly for others, the mundane may be the beauty surrounding you and now you don't even notice it anymore.
How do we violently explode out of the mechanical, mundane way of life?
How do we begin to live with adventure and appreciation?
You know that appreciation as though it was the first time we saw our children's faces.
Or perhaps that first moment you met your spouse.
How about the refreshing moment you made yourself aware to this Amazing God through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit?
Are you ready for the prescription? Are you sure? Okay! Well, here we go...
Realize...'this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"
Today is our day to be aware that this is the very day...the very day that the Lord has made. And because of this amazing realization - we can't help but rejoice and be glad in it!!!!
If I say I am captivated by His great love...then as my pastor would say, "Notify your face that you're saved." Let us notify those around us with our glad hearts, our eagerness to help someone, even those who tend to shun us. Let us shake up the hardened ground of the hearts around us by revealing His great love through us onto those who desperately need God's amazing love. In our obedience, even our hearts will soften to who we are called to!
You want to change the world around you, with His great love?
Then listen to this song via youtube:
