shootin' from the hip

That's what I'm going to do in the post.

Its been a while since I've had opportunity to update or share. I have even been limited on reading and posting on other blogs that I love.

I'm so proud of you for following God's lead as He speaks to and through you. Thank you for your obedience to Him.

I've picked a 2012 verse mantra. (Thank you for the inspiration to do so, Tracy.)

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

I have lost friends and gained friends.

The first day back to work from the holiday season, we were blessed with over $50,000 in grant money and donations. Because my hands helped with some of that work, I was personally blessed with an unexpected raise. And as hard as it is to say goodbye, I've moved to do termination with 6 of my clients. (I'm so proud of the work and growth they have accomplished!)

I've served on a disciplinary action committee and recommended saving a person's job. I will serve on another before the week's end.

I have watched a friend grow spiritually as she begins to listen for and answer God's calling in her life. And I was humbled as she shared some of the changes she is making in her life... changes in behavior that match my own yet had taken for granted.

God is also giving me a greater understanding of this gift He has given me. I honed in on this gift through my training as a counselor, but as my spirit excersises its faith muscles, He broadens my understanding of His discernment of spiritual knowledge. He has given me an ability to connect dots that are miles away with no apparent connection. I'm not sure that I would call it "prophecy," but I've been given knowledge or the ability to draw conclusions about situations that can ONLY come from above.

Something is coming. Something BIG. As believers, we see small miracles happen everyday. When a woman decides to keep her unborn child, it is a miracle to us. We acknowledge Him, but nonbelievers do not see these miracles as we do... but something BIG is coming. Some undeniable miracle from God is going to impact a lot of unbelievers in such a way that they will not be able to deny Him.

Believer and follower of Christ:
Do you have your armor on? Is it out of the closet, polished and ready for battle?! If not, you need to be ready. Something BIG is coming. And because our God is bringing the big guns of love, you can garuantee that our enemy will be lashing out full force.

There are groups that operate soley for the destruction of God and the exhaltation of our enemy. Are you ready? Are you loving? Are you praying? Are you building your armor from His Word?! We serve the living God. Something BIG is coming. Are you prepared to do battle? Are you ready for the frontlines of faith?

Look among the nations and watch. Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told to you. -Habakkuk 1:5