tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74318504258049507522024-03-08T11:56:45.069-05:00Fisher ThoughtsEvery relationship, circumstance and decision is an integral part of this incredible journey. Destiny is not somewhere in the future - it is each moment lived. Sometimes along the way thoughts come and they need to be expressed -
so here is my place to do that.Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-63683817655970832522013-04-05T12:01:00.001-04:002013-04-05T12:56:40.360-04:00Seasons Shift<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moving a desk to a
different position doesn’t seem like a big deal. However, when you have sat facing the same
direction for over 40 hours a week for 15 years, it does give a whole new perspective. This was how March began. Often the practical
gives a visual of the spiritual shifts in our lives. Somehow, I knew it was an indication of
things to come and this certainly was the case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mid-March our
daughter Amanda launched into full-time ministry with Fisher Renewal System (fisherrenewalsystem.com)
and moved out and into a townhome. My
heart is adjusting to fewer hugs, while at the same time cheering loudly, “Fly
baby fly”! She was born for this - born
to bring hope, encouragement and freedom by leading the non-believer into a relationship
with God and by fanning the flames of passion in the believer as they are fully
renewed and restored. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On March 30, Amanda’s birthday, another huge
shift came as I witnessed the birth of a new generation of Fisher’s. Our son,
Grant and his wife, Nichole became parents to baby Hudson. They are now in a
whole new phase of life as they step into the roles of protector, provider,
spiritual covering and so much more. It
is an incredible journey, but one I am confident they will excel in. They are nurturing, caring, attentive, but
more than that they know that God will help to lead them step by step. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the birth of
this new generation, I am now a grandparent.
Of course, I will be called whatever Hudson chooses, but I am Dodi. When I was a little girl in Texas miles away
from grandparents, a family in our church became our family. I couldn't say the woman’s name, Doris, and
began calling her Dodi (Do-dee). It
stuck and when she died in her 90s, she was still known by that name. Later in my life, as I began working with
Ministry to Israel, I discovered that Dodi was Hebrew for beloved. It made the name
even more endearing to me and it only made sense that I should carry that name
into this season of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In pondering the transitions life has brought, I am well
aware that I was never the perfect parent and made my fair share of mistakes
along the way. My reactions and
decisions weren't always the best, but at the end of the day, my children knew
I loved them. More than that, they knew I
entrusted them to our heavenly Father, whose plans for them are great and whose
love for them is nothing short of relentless. As crazy as I am about them, He is even more
so! For Amanda, Grant, Nichole, and
Hudson – I know this – He has a plans to give them a future filled with HOPE.
(Jer. 29:11b NET)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think I’m gonna like this magnificent new perspective!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-59991141772354207692012-08-21T13:45:00.003-04:002012-08-21T13:55:29.847-04:00TGIM?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monday. Although it is just another day of the week, it is typically the most dreaded day – unlike Friday
who everyone seems to thank God for or Saturday and Sunday – who are
traditionally earmarked as days of rest, relaxation, and spiritual refueling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week I had what was considered by most standards, a typical
Monday. It was filled with challenges. It started in the morning with a water mess created by an under the sink leak
in my kitchen. Without lingering on the things that followed, it didn't take long before realizing I was not the only one.
In fact, it was a day seemingly filled with frustration and
potentially-stress inducing situations for several people close to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While I could easily and truthfully identify most of the situations, as senseless, pointless, annoying, frustrating, ill-timed, unnecessary or even
illogical I realized even in the midst – I was being handed an invitation. Would I
trust God and choose to carry peace rather than unrest? Could I believe that He was bringing wisdom
and insight and so much more into the picture? God was nudging me to understand that
while I see up close and in the moment – that He sees beyond my Monday and into
the future and that He knows there is PURPOSE in what was and is transpiring. <o:p></o:p>He IS orchestrating life as we know it so that His glory will shine through. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My answer to the invitation is a resounding YES. I will
believe. I will relax and breathe and
lean on Him as I trust His leadership and His whispers. When I want to whine or complain or trying to figure it all out on my own - I will instead - look for God in the middle of the moment. Gotta love His teachable moments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monday, even though you are not Friday – I thank God for
you. </span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-39476946902967574742011-07-18T21:49:00.003-04:002011-07-19T08:49:35.919-04:00Got Baggage?<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Sunday at church our pastor was preaching out of 1 Samuel 17. It is the story of David and Goliath. Most of us have read it or heard it told at some point in our lives. It’s a story that I love and have spoken from before. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">There are so many wonderful lessons inside this one slice of history.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> During the reading, however, I had one of those moments where a verse tucked inside the chapter – that I’m not sure I had ever noticed before – got my attention. The pastor continued reading and in my mind I was thinking, “WAIT, hold on, can we go back and read that verse again and talk about that?!” Obviously, not the place to do that.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> Perhaps you have read it, I Samuel 17:22 - “Then David left his baggage in the care of the baggage keeper, and ran to the battle line and entered in order to greet his brothers.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> David was on the verge of one of his greatest conquests of all time. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">He didn’t know that. He thought he was just going to check on his brothers and take them some food. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">But, before he could even run toward the front lines and see his brothers, he had to let go of some things.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> Often when we hear about leaving behind baggage, we think of our bad junk. We think of emotional baggage, scars, wounds, hurt, pain, bitterness, dysfunctional relationships (the list could go on). But, I have a feeling that in David’s baggage there were some things that people would consider good, even valuable. Not all baggage that we lug around with us is horrible. But sometimes, God requires us to even let go of the good, in order to run, so we can be unencumbered by anything that would keep us from experiencing all God has for us. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">He took with him his shepherds pouch, his sling and a stick. These were his essentials.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> David faced several battles before he even got to Goliath. First, he faced sibling rivalry from his brothers. Really? Grown men? Really. They tried to lay emotional baggage on him. I get the impression he just let the comments roll off. Secondly, he faced the doubts of a previous generation. Even when he convinced Saul he was up for the task, David was girded in Saul’s armor and equipped with his weapon. However, David had the common sense and courage to reject these items. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">These were things that were perceived to be good and even beneficial, but they were merely baggage to David, because they weren’t the method of warfare the Lord had been teaching him on the hillsides in the backside of nowhere as he faced bears and lions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> The Lord has been preparing us for interesting days ahead - perhaps for some of the greatest spiritual conquests and adventures of our lives. But we are going to have to have the wisdom and courage to leave our baggage – the good and the bad behind – and we are going to have to resist picking up and carrying more baggage along the way. We must only take with us the essential tools and weapons that God has equipped us with and trained us to use as we have spent time with him in the backside of nowhere – otherwise known as the secret place. </span></div>Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-28118265574587751902011-07-15T14:20:00.002-04:002011-07-15T14:22:42.269-04:00Pondering Presumption<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sometimes when I read stories in the Bible, they stick with me throughout the day and I find myself doing a lot of pondering. Often I have to let the pondering spill to the written page, thus this blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stuck in my head today is a little story tucked in 1 Chronicles 19. (It’s also in 2 Samuel 10.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here’s the overview: Nahash king of the Ammonites died and his son Hanun became king in his place. David heard about the death of the king. Since Nahash had always been loyal and shown kindness toward him, David decided to send messengers on his behalf to Hanun in order to console him and to honor the deceased. Nothing unusual about the story to this point, however when the messengers reached the land of the Ammonites, that's when the trouble started. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There were people of influence around the grieving son. Various biblical references call them commanders, advisors, princes, servants and even leaders. Whoever they were, they had the king’s ear and they planted seeds of doubt. They lied and caused the king to question the intent of the messengers. History records them as convincing Hanun that David’s ambassadors weren’t coming to offer sympathy, but rather had been sent to spy out the land and try to conquer it. Hanun falls for it, hook, line & sinker. In a brash reaction, he seizes David’s men – shaves their beard and cuts their robes off up to their behinds - total humiliation and an obvious rejection of David’s offer of consolation. David was insulted, which obviously was not a good thing. The Ammonites realized that insulting the king of Israel was probably a bad decision, and they spent huge resources to secure equipment and hired men to fight, in order to defend themselves against what would surely be the wrath of David. What resulted was all out war, devastation and the loss of resources,allies and sadly many lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This story could have ended differently. It should have ended differently. Everything changed due to a lack of discernment. Hanun was surrounded by people who looked for the negative. His ‘counselors’ assumed the worst about everyone. Rather than accepting the wishes of sympathy offered and simply saying “Thank you”, he created chaos. Because why? Because of a deceitful word spoken by someone he trusted, but shouldn’t have. He reacted to the lies rather than responding to a kind gesture. When we don’t know the truth behind gestures made and assume the worst – it can lead to an absolute mess. Just because our motives aren’t always pure, doesn’t mean someone else’s isn’t. Families, nations, and relationships have been shattered and torn apart over mistrust birthed out of the wrong assumption of motive. The enemy of our souls LOVES this tactic. He plants those little questions in our mind and our imaginations go wild. Often the questions are fueled by jealousy, insecurity, bitterness, unresolved hurt and it grows until it is out of control and until we do something foolish. After all, people couldn’t be loving, caring, or giving without some ulterior motive. (They want credit. They want to fuel their own ego. They want someting in return. Shall I continue?) If we’re honest, we can admit that we’ve all done it on some scale at some point in our lives. Things get blown out of proportion and essentially by our actions and our words we symbolically shave their beards and cut off their robes – and the damage is done and too often destruction lies in the wake. It’s at that point the enemy has his party rejoicing that devastation has come to a situation where all someone was trying to do was be kind, to be generous, to be....like Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is where discernment and wisdom come into play. I love discernment - I long for more of it. I love wisdom - I long for more of it. However, I am learning that discernment and wisdom, all must be birthed in a place of prayer and by knowing the Word. It’s in those moments of taking that seed of doubt into the secret place and laying it out before the Lord so that I can allow him to shed light on what is really going on. Sometimes he does reveal ill intent and lets me know my response even in that moment is not to cause destruction, but to be wise. However, it often times reveals issues inside me, rather than in the person I am so quick to judge. (Ouch)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Questions are rattling in my head, maybe they should rattle in yours, too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What kind of people am I surrounding myself with? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Who influences me? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Who should influence me? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Who do I influence? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do I have enough godly discernment and wisdom to separate truth from lies? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Am I actively seeking after wisdom and discernment?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Do I assume the worst about people and their motives?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Am I reactionary or do I respond in a godly manner?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My prayer today for myself and for whomever might read this is:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Lord, give us a greater capacity for and infusion of wisdom and discernment. Send godly counselors that speak truth. Allow us to be a voice of truth to those around us. May we </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">stop the game of assumption dead in it's tracks. Teach us to be thankful and apprecaitive of those who simply want to be like you - generous, giving and kind - let us know how to graciously show kindness in return. Teach us to be those who are generous, giving and kind....teach us to be like you. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Rather than wasting time assuming the worst - Lord, help us live out Philippians 4:8 "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yeah, see what I mean? A simple Bible story, an awful lot of pondering! </span>Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-79164838912735205562011-06-22T12:37:00.002-04:002011-06-22T13:04:30.568-04:00Call Out<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Recently on an early Saturday morning, I drove to Atlanta for a meeting. I left my house a little after 6 a.m., tired and yet refreshed after a Friday night of God-time with a dear heart-friend.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was actually excited about the trip for several reasons. After the meeting, I was going to spend the next couple of days with my former college roommate in Gainesville. Boating, swimming, a worship service, good food, laughs, it was a set up for a fantastic get away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">However, I was also cherishing the two hour drive. It was going to give me some much desired alone time with the Lord. Worship music on I was singing and praying. The Holy Spirit’s presence was so real, He was beautiful. When I got to Atlanta I was going to be sharing a devotion, but I wasn’t worried because the Lord had clearly shown me what I was to share. No questions, no doubts – it was that clear. (Wish it was like that every time!) I knew the only preparation needed at this point was to be saturated in His presence so that what hopefully would come out would be the overflow of time spent with Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As I got closer to Atlanta, the traffic was getting thicker, which was no surprise. I was in the middle lane with cars and trucks surrounding me and we were going at a pretty good clip. Only about 10 more miles and I would arrive at my destination. Up ahead between the lanes of cars, I spotted a weird object. About that time, a car hit it and it went flying high up into the air. It was a shovel. Not a flimsy, tiny ground breaking shovel, not a plastic snow shovel, this was a ‘let’s go out and plant a big tree’ shovel. It was like time stood still as I saw that as it began to fall it’s trajectory would put it directly through my windshield with the head of the shovel landing on me. When I saw this I didn’t swerve, thankfully because there was no place to go other than into other vehicles and cause a massive wreck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I did the only thing I knew to do. I called out “Oh, JESUS! HELP! Not the windshield.” At that point, the only way I knew to describe it is as if something swatted it because the handle came down first (defying gravity from a heavy steel blade), and it hit the vanity plate, then my hood and then the blade hit the hood, directly in front of me. It left two big gouges in the hood, damaged the wiper and some other parts in that region, and it scratched my windshield. I had just thought it was gunk on the windshield, but in my line of vision, there it is – a scratch from the blade.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Funny what goes through your head in those moments. Things like “Death by a flying shovel?! You’ve GOT to be kidding me?!” After it hit, I made my way to the shoulder of the road to see what damage had been done. Do I call the cops? What do I do? I got back in my car and drove to the church. I had a message to deliver. Something rose up in me – a determination – maybe a mandate - to make sure that I was there on time ready to speak not my words, but His. I was trembling as I pulled into the parking lot, ran in, got sick, went back to my car. In the privacy of my little Civic, me and the precious Holy Spirit that had so invaded my car earlier had a moment together. Shalom came, the tremors left, the strength of the Lord arose within me. Initially I didn’t tell anyone what happened. I listened to people talk about their week, and when the worship time came, my thankfulness to the Lord rose to a whole new level. When I stood to speak, I told my shovel story and then I delivered what I knew I had been sent to share. I believe lives were touched, not by my words, but by His that day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Some people may see my car and think, that’s no big deal. As I got the estimate on the repairs and had two men tell me how truly lucky I had been, I was able to tell them, the only thing I believed helped me in that situation was that I called out the name of the Lord and He heard and answered my cry. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I believe something shifted in me that Saturday morning. I looked at that shovel and realized how thin that line is between this life and the next. I’ve known it in my head, but now it’s in my heart and my passion for God and for His saturating presence has only been amplified. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know this – you can whisper, cry, shout, mouth, or call out His name and HE will answer, He will come to you, He will RUN to you. Whatever you are facing, from flying shovels to whatever life is hurling at you – remember – HE IS JUST A BREATH AWAY! Call out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Deluge has a song called Whisper His Name (check it out on YouTube!). The lyrics are these:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Whisper His name Whisper His name Whisper His name And He will answer you</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Whisper His name Whisper His name Whisper His name And He will come to you</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Call out His name (Jesus) Call out His name (Jesus) Call out His name (Jesus) And He will come to you</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Shout out His name (Jesus) Shout out His name (Jesus) Shout out His name (Jesus) And He will run to you</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For when we lose our selfish pride and when we fall down on our knees</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For when we lift our hands And say You’re all I need</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oh God we lose our selfish pride Lord we fall down on our knees</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We lift our hands to You And say You’re all we need</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You’re all we need You’re all we need You’re all we need</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Glory to You in the highest place Glory to You in the highest place Glory to You in the highest place</span><br />
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</span>Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-66948536642276638732011-05-28T11:54:00.000-04:002011-05-28T11:54:26.506-04:00Magnolia<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had always wanted a home with a magnolia tree in the yard. I do live in the south after all and in my head it only seemed fitting. When we bought our home over 15 years ago, I was a bit disappointed that on the almost 4 acres of very wooded land there didn’t seem to be a magnolia tree. I wanted a house with a magnolia so much, that we even named our dog Magnolia and called her Maggie. Silly, but true.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One day when Cameron was walking on the back half of the property, he spotted a tiny little seedling of a magnolia tree.<span> </span>He carefully dug it up and replanted it in the front portion of the property near the house hoping it would take root and be in a place so we could watch it grow.<span> </span>Well, it took root and it has grown into a tall and lovely tree that brings me joy every time I see it.<span> </span>The only thing that has bothered me about this tree is that regardless of its large size, it has never produced a bloom.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span> </span><span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Going down the driveway yesterday I looked up and as I was passing the tree, noticing just how tall she had gotten and there it was - a massive bloom.<span> </span>Simple, white, full, and stunning.<span> </span>I slammed the brakes and screamed “It bloomed!!! Look! The magnolia bloomed!”<span> </span>I parked the car and we jumped out.<span> </span>We had to get a picture. <span> </span>Cam took pictures and I called Amanda, because I had told her just days before that I wish our magnolia tree would bloom and it had! <span> </span>She peered out her bedroom window. She could see it and she laughed.<span> </span>The tree was holding that bloom up tall and proper.<span> </span>It was as if the tree was just as proud of this first fruit as we were.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This excitement may seem a bit much, but I cannot begin to express what seeing that bloom did in my heart.<span> </span>I had looked at that tree for years knowing the potential that was inside.<span> </span>My longing for that potential to come out had grown with each passing season.<span> </span>I had recently begun verbalizing my restlessness at its seeming unwillingness to simply let what was in there come out.<span> </span>Would it ever bloom? Was it just not time? Questions I was asking that perhaps were reflecting things closer to my own life than I was willing to admit. <span> </span><span> </span>And then, it bloomed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With that bloom - hope rose, joy was released and the awesomeness of Creator God shone forth.<span> </span>It was a testimony of waiting, timing, expectation and surprise.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank you Abba for the lessons you teach and the joy you splash on my world when you surprise me with gifts that only you can give. I cannot wait to see the rest of the blooms that you are allowing to spring forth all around me. I am joyfully waiting. I am hopefully expectant. </span></div>Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-57923918324776310602011-05-05T14:16:00.003-04:002011-05-05T14:35:03.536-04:00Finding the Table<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Psalm 23</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2) He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3) He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4) Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5) You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6) Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Psalm 23 is such a familiar passage that we often quote it without drinking in the words of wisdom that are encased in every section. Maybe we are drawn to the peaceful streams, or are clinging to the knowledge that his rod and staff are there protecting and comforting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Maybe we need to stop and re-think our interpretation – maybe walk around to the other side of these passages and get a new perspective. Several years ago while in Israel, someone was reading verse five and they said "If you are so focused on the enemy, you won't find the table." That grabbed me. The table is the very provision of God. It may be right in front of me – but if I am looking at the wrong thing – I have the potential to miss the very thing God is preparing for me or maybe what he's already spread before me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> The enemy of my soul sends a world of distractions - some real, some contrived, some tangible, some in my own head or heart. All clamoring for my attention, steering my thoughts, my attitudes – its hard not to look. But, if it is true that what I focus on, I empower, then I have to set my focus the right thing, not on the distraction. Phillipians gives us a tremendous guideline for this by saying, "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."<br />
May the aroma of the feast of His word capture my very being so that I find the table He has prepared. I wanna sit and taste the goodness of my God and drink of the new wine He is pouring even now. I wanna- let my cup overflow. </span><br />
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</span>Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-19176685697683489352011-03-21T21:10:00.002-04:002011-03-22T08:58:56.108-04:00No More Sippy Cups!<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I woke up in the wee-hours of the morning with the word sippy cup in my brain. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is my early morning ramblings about a heart cry that I see rising not only inside me but inside those around me.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is NOT Sippy Cup Religion</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you need reminding of what the Sippy cup is. Inside the cup you put small doses of water, juice or milk and then attach a tight spill-proof lid that toddlers then drink from, only getting a small amount out at a time. </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Too often once someone has gotten saved and taken some of the milk of the word – we only graduate them to the preverbal sippy cup. Continuing to offer them milk from the word – because we are afraid they can’t handle the meat, or juice because they might not be ready for the true wine of anointing, or water because if they got too much of that it might make a mess. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And of course – we ourselves are often content drinking out of our sippy cup – because it is safe. Are we honestly content with a sippy cup experience limiting us to small doses as if there is a limited supply?!</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> My God – Our God – can no longer be confined to our sippy cup religion. He wants to give his children more – and we are THIRSTY for MORE. More than even a ‘big gulp’ experience we once had. We want a torrent of living water…from an ever-flowing fountain. We are crying for the water. Deep is calling to deep – FATHER - let us hear the ROAR of your waterfall!!!!</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> There is a cry to be allowed to stand and soak in His presence – to stand under the waterfall, so that it splashes all around. There is a cry to be cleansed and saturated and soaked so that when we walk we slosh. When we touch or hug someone – they get wet & some of what we have gets on them! LET IT BE EVIDENT. In our walk, our talk, our integrity, our presence, our passion!! </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> When you’ve gone to an amusement park – remember seeing the people you know had just gotten off the big splash water ride at a park? – You didn’t see them actually on or even near the ride - but you knew by their very being that they had an experience that got them soaked! SOAK US LORD!!!! SOAK ME!</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I want what I experience to be so saturating that everything and everyone I touch is affected. That when I walk, I leave prints! I don’t want to dry off! I don’t want to live off a one—time drenching from days gone by…….because I know if I am away from your life-giving water long enough – I will dry up! Nor do I want to receive only a doled out sampling offered in a sippy cup at a scheduled snack time. I want MORE. I want to play and dance and sing and run and laugh and cry in the river of My God. </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Father – pop the lids off the sippy cups and POUR out your water on us and show us the way to MORE. Lead us by your stream into the waterfall. We want more not for ourselves so we can say we’ve been there but no Father – so that we can offer more to this generation and to this dying world and to this drying, dying modern church. We want to let them know that they have access to a God that longs to cleanse and overwhelm and saturate them with his miracle working, life-changing presence. </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">MORE LORD – More of YOU –</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">DON’T LET US SETTLE – DON’T LET ME SETTLE FOR LESS THAN ALL YOU HAVE!</span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></i></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>(Blog originally posted in 2007 - thirst continues)</i></span></i></span></span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><br />
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</span></span></div></div>Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-46213487319397022042011-02-03T10:11:00.002-05:002011-02-03T19:12:02.035-05:00Restoration<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My heart is so full at this moment, I’m not quite sure I can articulate what I sense inside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In December of this past year, I really felt the Lord saying that in 2011 we were going to see Restoration. Another friend had heard the word Fulfillment. I believe we are seeing both!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is no secret that restoration is a process. Whether we are talking about furniture, an old car, an old house or an individual life – there is a tedious and oftentimes long process involved. It’s not all easy or comfortable or pretty. There is so much hard work involved that most will never see or know about. Sadly, too many give up before the completion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am a sucker for the big reveal. I love seeing a photo of the old vs. the new or the before vs. the after. Whatever kind of makeover it is, there’s something genuinely exciting about getting a glimpse of the former state and then the amazing transformation afterwards. There’s something in most of us that are intrigued by that. Look at the final 10-15 minutes of shows like “What not to Wear,” “Divine Design,” “Clean House”, “Hoarders”, or even the grand finale of “Biggest Loser.” They give you a look at the former state of a person or home and then boom – the grand reveal. Oftentimes, the transformation is so amazing that it’s hard to believe it is the same person or house. In fact, in the case of “Extreme Home Makeover,” often it isn’t the same. They simply use the same ground, raze what was there, and start completely over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I believe spiritual restoration is often like this too. We don’t see the hard work, the tears, the pain, the sleepless nights, the days of turmoil, the sense of despair. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">However, all is not lost. Just like the story of the potter in Jeremiah. The clay was flawed even in the hand of the potter. The potter watched, he knew, he was fully aware, and yet he did not throw it into a refuse pile. Rather, the potter formed it into a vessel that was pleasing to him. One translation of this passage says that the potter “crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, what is our role as friends, as family, as members of the body of Christ?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well, Galatians 6:1-3 (Amplified) powerfully puts it like this: “If any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also. Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it]. For if any person thinks himself to be somebody [too important to condescend to shoulder another's load] when he is nobody [of superiority except in his own estimation], he deceives and deludes and cheats himself.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God is a huge advocate of restoration! He longs to see the restoration of the nations and of people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Maybe you are someone that is in process – going through the behind the scenes difficult threshing floor with God times. If so, it’s almost reveal time! Don’t give up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I believe that we are about to see restoration on so many levels. Are we ready? I have already seen restoration in more than one situation. I am seeing the fruit, the result of God working the lives of individuals and circumstances.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Don’t miss it. Watch for it! When it happens – give God ALL the glory for it is His handiwork!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God is restoring sons & daughters. God is restoring families. God is restoring hope. God is restoring dreams. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And that’s just for starters!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-----May this be a precious reminder in this season of God’s heart out of Joel 2:12,13.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning [until every hindrance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored].</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Rend your hearts and not your garments and return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness; and He revokes His sentence of evil [when His conditions are met].” (Amplified version)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><em>----Can’t wait to hear more testimonies! (feel free to send me your restoration story at donnamcfisher@gmail.com)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"></span>Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-33385265753489554232011-01-01T12:05:00.005-05:002011-02-03T19:18:49.229-05:00FIRST<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The word FIRST alone conjures up so many meanings and images. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It’s a word that doesn’t need a lot of definition. However, out of sheer curiosity, I looked up its meaning. It serves as an adjective, an adverb and a noun and the basic meanings are: being before all others with respect to time, order, rank, importance, in preference to something, the beginning, winning position in race or competition, product or goods of the highest quality, above all else, at the outset, immediately, before anything else.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It’s the first of the year, and naturally, many of us stop to think about the potential of the days that lie ahead.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For me, in the final days of 2010 & now at the onset of 2011, I have been feeling challenged spiritually. This has been stirring in me for a while, but yesterday it was solidified in me as I sat in a service and the minister dealt with that very issue. Isn’t it interesting how God uses a myriad of things and people to underscore the very things He’s saying to us? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had remembered the passage in Revelation 2 that talked about losing our first love & have been admittedly convicted on that issue. But, I had forgotten that the church at Ephesus was at first affirmed and commended for their perseverance, discernment, good deeds and hard work for the sake of God. They had not grown weary in well doing. All tremendous attributes, all things that earn really good brownie points…but then God announces that he has something against them. Really? They seemed to be doing the right stuff! And yet, they were called out and commanded to repent for losing and abandoning their first love. In other words, I can be doing good things, even godly things, and if he isn’t FIRST in my thoughts and the purpose for my actions, then I’ve totally missed it. He must be my obsession. My desire must be for Him above all else. Above even the good stuff.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is not a new thought process for me. It is a war that battles in my heart and head more often than I am proud to admit. It means I have to continually be laying down my agenda, my interests, my relationships, and making sure that even the good I might attain to do is not superseding the very thing that He has called me to and that is Himself. It is making sure that Matthew 6:33 is an active part of every day, that I am seeking His kingdom that I am seeking Him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, what does that look like? I can’t say what it will look like for others, but I can speculate what it should look like for me. For starters, it is intentional time with Him. Talking to Him, sure, but sitting to listen even more. It is choosing to focus my affection on Him. It is making sure that He is my first thought in the morning and my last thought when I lay my head on my pillow. It is choosing to worship rather than worry and to pray rather than try to go through a million scenarios in my head of how something should be worked out. It is placing my worship of Him back into a place of priority as I find new ways to tell this beautiful and incredible God just how much I truly do love Him. It is making sure that I am pliable, teachable, and open to the things that He is wanting to still form and shape inside of me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: white;"></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am grateful today for the reminder that the call to love God with all of my mind, heart, being and strength is greater than any other calling or vision or dream. </span></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: white;">When I think of the word first - may my mind and heart be drawn to my love for this God who has chosen to first love me.</span></div>Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-23636180075774284142010-08-25T10:45:00.003-04:002010-08-26T20:23:00.844-04:00Love & War<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"> </span></span>The words Love & War conjure a myriad of images in most minds. They certainly do in mine. So, when I saw that John and Staci Eldredge had written a book by that name, my interest peaked. Then, I’ll admit, when I saw that it was about marriage, I wasn’t quite sure I wanted to venture in to read it. I mean, I’ve been married a long time and have read a lot of books and articles on the topic over the years. Not that I believe my marriage is perfect or couldn’t use some occasional encouragement – but really – after awhile – I figured I had heard it all. However, something just kept nudging me to just give it a shot. If I didn’t like it – it could go into the bin of ½ read books I gave up on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> So, the book arrived in the mail and I was semi-excited about reading it. The biggest selling point to me was that it was written by the Eldredges. John’s book Waking the Dead had been extremely impacting so I was open to seeing what insight they might have to offer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> On our 26<sup>th</sup> anniversary, just one month &; one day before our son was getting married, I began reading. I don’t believe the timing was coincidental. Especially when I read that they had been married 26 years when the book was written. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> Transparency is a trait that always draws me into a book. When the proclamation that marriage is hard and how it is embarrassing to admit that – I totally understood and opened myself up to pay attention to what was on the pages. I was appreciative that this book solidified what those us who have been married longer than a nano-second know - marriage isn’t just about the romantic warm fuzzies that too many weddings and predictably sappy movies are made out of. Marriage is indeed war. Not a war with each other – but a war that we have to agree at the outset that we are willing to enter into with and for each other. It is ordained by God and therefore disliked by satan. Far too often, this realization doesn’t hit until well after the ceremony of bliss and the euphoria of the honeymoon has worn off and all the little annoyances you thought you could put up are larger than life. We too often forget that each person enters into the marriage bond, not just with all their glorious – can’t live without – qualities – but with all their brokenness, too. It is as one of the chapter subtitles stated “Romance meets Reality”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Yes, this book dealt with the blatant honesty of issues in hearts and marriages, it also offered some tremendous reminders:</div><div class="MsoNormal"> “We are entrusted with their hopes and dreams, their wounds, and their fears.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"> “Being married costs you everything.”</div><div class="MsoNormal">And, it offered wise counsel, from the heart of two people who admittedly went to the brink of divorce more than once.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> “ “Jesus said, “ Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). This is a love story, after all. And what does learning to love look like? Well, for one thing, it looks like compassion for your spouses’ brokenness while choosing to turn from your own self-protective style of relating.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"> I especially appreciated this small line, tucked somewhere mid-way through the book, “The secret of happiness is this: God is the love you are longing for.” Well said. Marriage – another person - was never intended to fill the places only God can. The truth is, if we have that place filled by God, then he can lead us into a very exciting adventure with our spouse and with the family that God has ordained.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The writers admitted that if they were pressed to choose their “top three things that would help your marriage,” they would come down to the following list:</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Find life in God</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Deal with your brokenness.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Learn to shut down the spiritual attacks that come against your marriage.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wise counsel indeed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> This book is great. If your marriage is struggling and you are walking through hard times or know someone who is - its worth reading. It solidified in me things I already knew and showed me somethings I hadn't seen before. Bottom line is this - the enemy of our souls would love to destroy the marriage that God ordained – but greater than that God is FOR us! It is war, but it is a war worth fighting with God’s love. After 26+ years of marriage – I am glad Cameron is the one with me on this adventure! </div><div class="MsoNormal"> For my son, Grant and his lovely bride Nichole - with God's help this can be a tremendous and beautiful adventure through good and bad. Know that we are there alongside you, but most important God is FOR you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> For my daughter, Amanda and my young friends who have yet to embark on this marriage journey – I want to encourage them to truly hear God before they go down this lifelong path. No compromise. If there are red flags in a relationship – don’t assume they will ‘work themselves out.’ Have the courage to heed the warning signs and get out before you say “I Do”. You know what those checks in your spirit feel like –this is not the time to ignore them! By the same token, when God’s mate for you comes into your life – you will both know and be willing to love unconditionally, grow a family with, be in community with, help each other reach the God-given potential inside, and fight for each other in the natural and especially in the spiritual...Just Sayin….</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div>Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-42262979828078109662010-07-11T16:37:00.001-04:002011-02-03T19:12:50.064-05:00Answered PrayerThis week we witnessed the answer to a prayer that has been prayed for almost 24 years. <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> On August 30, 1986, Grant Michael Fisher entered the world as our first born son. From the time he was very young, we began praying for the young girl who would someday be his wife. We did know that somewhere she was out there and her life was being formed and fashioned and at the right time their paths would cross and the rest would be history. We didn't know her name, or her face, or where in the world she was - but God did.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> It's been an interesting journey. I never was one to get close to the girls that Grant dated. I didn't want to rush the process and never wanted him to hesitate to break a relationship off that he felt was wrong just because the family had gotten too close. One day a couple years ago, Grant came and basically asked me, "Mom, don't scare this one off." First of all, I never saw myself as scaring anyone off -- just keeping a comfortable distance. :-) However - at that point - I agreed to unfold my arms and be a bit more 'welcoming'. Family is a big deal to us. So, it is crucial that whomever 'signs on' to be with us - gets along with both the McCarn and Fisher sides of the family. Grant began bringing this young lady to holiday gatherings. Personable and fun - she fit in beautifully. Over the past two years this young lady became woven into the fabric of our family and into the fiber of our hearts.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> On July 10, 2010 in beautiful outdoor ceremony surrounded by friends and family we proudly and joyfully watched our son marry the girl of his dreams and the girl of our prayers. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Brandi Nichole Rose Riley Fisher - Welcome to the family. </div>Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-57588125704058634112010-05-18T11:56:00.001-04:002011-02-03T19:15:59.308-05:00Heartbeat“We heard the heartbeat today!” The excitement of the first time mom and dad was evident even through the phone. <br />
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So, this leads me to a question.<br />
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Have you heard the heartbeat of the potential that is deep within you? <br />
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The dream…..the vision…..the hope…..the promise…..<br />
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Do not be overwhelmed by the unknown. <br />
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Do not doubt. God did not make a mistake.<br />
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Rest in Him. Be still.<br />
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Listen for the heartbeat and rejoice over the stirring deep within.Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-71948644557710764252010-05-06T22:10:00.003-04:002010-05-07T08:13:21.727-04:00I Love Living in the South<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love living in the South. Let me quickly say, it isn't that I have anything against other parts of these beautiful United States. I've lived in a few places like Missouri, Texas, Michigan, Indiana and I've travelled to many states and even to other nations. However, it is Tennessee and the South that has captured me (& Israel, too, but that's another blog)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. Where the South is concerned, it's often the little things that just make me sigh and smile.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sometimes it's overhearing the slow smooth drawl of an elderly woman or a little child putting three or four syllables in a word that should only have two. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Seasonally, it is the little Green Acres stand that sells plants, fruits and vegetables over on the road about a mile from my house. It isn't even that I stop by that frequently, but when it's open, something just seems right in my southern world. I often drive out of my way, just to pass by it and I smile. Every time.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I enjoy going into a restaurant and getting to order a vegetable plate with pan-fried okra and a big tall bottomless glass of iced tea - and have to clarify if I DON'T want it sweet. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It is the little things that grab my attention and often my heart. Like a big old slab of wood I saw propped up against a pole. In big black sloppy hand painted letters it read "cabbage tomatoes cukes" followed by a big 'ol arrow pointing down toward the farmhouse on a road with rows of corn growing on each side. No doubt - in days to come the word corn would wind up somewhere on that roughhewn sale sign, too. I remember saying out loud when I rode past it - "I love living in the south." It was somehow endearing. A sign. Go figure.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love that we still have towns with city squares. Not big and flashy like Times Square in New York, but quaint and welcoming. The kind of place with locally owned speciality shops, antique stores and a fudge or ice cream spot. It's where you walk in pleasant weather and smile and say hello to people you don't know, but who you feel a kinship to. It's a place you saunter through because for some reason fast walking doesn't quite seem appropriate. If you are really lucky, there's a little bench where you can sit and relax and just soak in the scenery - which typically is filled with big tall oak trees, beautiful flowers, children, families, and retired folks.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I enjoy driving past country churches - whether the building is clapboard or brick or aluminum siding or even block. Some people think it's crazy that we have so many churches down here. I suppose they have a point. Especially in my county, but I do like seeing the variety of old, new, beat up, sparkling, trucks, vans, cars, and motorcycles parked up close and side by side on a random evening. I often wish I could just get a peek of what's happening inside. I guess cause I know in spite of its flaws and imperfections - inside that building - there's folk gathered in there who are community - family who chose to get together. It's especially sweet when I can put down my window and hear music and praises rolling outside of the church and floating up to heaven. Additionally, I have to admit I get a kick out of the names of some of these little gathering places, but with so many - I guess they had to get creative after awhile. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Just this week, flipping channels on my radio on the way to work, I stumbled upon the local award winning country music station. If I stop on this particular station, usually it's because they do have the best traffic reports and around Christmas time they do play hilariously clever songs. This particular day I stopped because someone was praying. I mean like seriously praying. I just wasn't used to hearing praying on this particular station. I later discovered that they were promoting a local gathering for the National Day of Prayer. It was stirring and it was powerful. The DJs were gracious and obviously moved. They went from that into playing a beautiful rendition of "God Bless America". It just made me smile all over myself. Cause anyway you shake it up - God was using this little pastor to pray over airwaves and into cars, homes and offices and into the lives of people who were just hoping to hear some country music that morning. Instead, tucked ever so neatly between someone like Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood was this heartfelt prayer calling individuals and a nation back to God. I had to wonder if there wasn't some Betty or Bubba who was reminded of what it was like to pray and maybe their hearts were nudged and stirred. Maybe they remembered what it was like to hear their momma or daddy or grandparents pray. Just maybe that prayer made a difference. Amazing what God can and will use to stop us and turn our eyes back to Him.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There is so much more that warms my heart around these parts. It's not perfect, the good Lord knows we have our troubles and our issues - but it is home. For the privilege of living here I consider myself blessed and grateful.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I do love God and yes, I do love the South!</span>Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-8591677299173015322010-04-17T08:59:00.001-04:002011-02-03T19:15:30.532-05:00Turning of the Hearts<div class="MsoNormal">Turning the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers. We’ve heard a lot about this in the past few years, but this cry for meaningful relationship between generations has escalated in recent months – or maybe I’m just hearing it louder.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m currently reading a book by Lisa Bevere called <u>Nurture</u>. Lisa underscores the need for mothers and mentors and our need to be even more intentional in our pursuit of personal relationships that make a difference.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve been doing a lot of self-examination in this area. I don’t have answers. I probably have more questions if anything. But I do acknowledge that one of the ways that helps to turn my heart is when I intentionally spend time praying for the young adults in my life, and even for those I don’t know. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Recently I attended Empowered21, which was an intergenerational conference that had at its heart, this desire to see the generations coming together. One morning general session lead by Jack Hayford has come back to my mind several times. Hayford was joined on stage by two of his grandsons and about 9 other ORU students/grads. Each one told of one way that they desired the older generation to pray specifically for their generation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is a basic summary of those Prayer Points:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">1)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Spiritual Fathers to BE Fathers (mentors) to them</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">2)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Conviction that leads to repentance</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">3)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Identity of this generation to be found in Christ.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">4)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Preservation of FOCUS in a world that is full of distractions</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">5)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Not to be deceived</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">6)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Understanding and revelation</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">7)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Prayer & unity </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">8)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Hear the voice of God</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">9)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Stand in purity</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">10<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Relentless love to reach the lost </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">11<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Be light in darkness</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">12<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Righteous examples in all they do</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">13<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> No compromise</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">14<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Willingness to pay the cost</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">15<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Holiness and fidelity to the Word.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">1<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span> Strengthening of family (the banishment of spirit of machismo in the Latino world)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What I liked was that the list wasn’t something contrived by a guessing older generation, but rather it came from the hearts of young adults. As I sat in this session with my 21-year-old daughter Amanda, time and time again, as these points were being mentioned – she was affirming and agreeing with them. They were tapping into the very things she desires and what many in her generation are longing for. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s time to be intentional in how we pray and build relationships. How in the world to we do this? Well, perhaps it starts with telling God we are available and then walking in obedience where He leads and guides. And we pray. We pray this list. A list born in the hearts of a generation who is asking God for spiritual mothers and fathers who will take seriously the cry of their heart.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sign me up. </div>Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-79510016326585284822010-04-02T23:35:00.000-04:002010-04-03T09:31:08.471-04:00Change<div class="MsoNormal">I’ve always thought of myself as someone who really doesn’t particularly like change. Now, I’m realizing that isn’t necessarily the case.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Just the word “Change” stirs all sorts of things in our minds. A friend of mine recently posted as her facebook status that she was “Contemplating Change”. Amazing the number of conversations and questions it initiated. What is it about that word or concept that gets the mind to spinning? Change. What kind of change? Little change or big change? Would someone dare to break out of the status quo? Is this necessary? How will the end result affect – or dare I say challenge me?!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Change has always intimidated me a bit. What if I step out and it ends up being a leap into failure? What if……..what if……..(pathetic.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s not like I have a lot of first hand examples of changes that ended up making things worse rather than better. (Hair escapades excluded.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Something inside me sort of awoke to this reality tonight. I think I might like change. Okay, maybe not ALL change, but if the truth be told – my Heavenly Father likes change and I like the difference He can bring!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It started when I began to consider what He had done in me and in the lives of those I love:</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Death to Life; Depression to Joy; Turmoil to Peace; </div><div class="MsoNormal"> Weariness to Rest; Stress to Calm;</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Despondency to Hope; Bondage to Freedom; </div><div class="MsoNormal"> Brokenness to Wholeness; Unbelief to Faith</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Time, space, nor my vocabulary, can adequately articulate or contain ALL the transformation that He embraces and brings. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So – while I may find change challenging and often something that takes a bit of getting used to – the end result – when it is brought by His hand is nothing short of amazing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s Spring…….I have a feeling change is in the air! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7431850425804950752.post-83019858440462972010-03-18T10:59:00.001-04:002011-02-03T19:14:00.260-05:00Can You Hear Them?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THE MOMENT</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was sitting in a large ballroom during a conference halfway listening to the speaker. Then it happened. Suddenly. Without warning. It was a moment suspended in time. The speaker and those listening moved on. I was stuck. Stuck on a quote, a mere statistic – a statistic that I’m not entirely sure how it even fit with the topic. To me, however, it marked a defining moment. The glimpses, the moments, the flashes – had all culminated into a full on envelopment. I had been inexplicably faced and confronted with a challenge from the heart of God. I had a choice. Ignore it. Walk away. Or – take up this mantle. Not a mantle that would merely be draped up on my shoulders from time to time – this was something that would literally be wrapped in and around my entire being. My response? Well, after the wellspring of unintentional weeping ceased – I simply whispered, “Yes”. Not to a person. A “Yes” to God, knowing that with my affirmative answer, I was in for a lifetime of challenge and pressing that would hopefully result in moments of joy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THE CALL</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, what is it? It is a heart for the children of ministers. (Pks for lack of a better and more encompassing term.) Primarily, it is a heart for PKs 18 and older. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is a call to pray for adult children of ministers to step into the fullness of their calling and gifting. It is a call to believe for the return of the prodigals, but also for an awakening among those who have grown complacent or discouraged in their walk. Sounds simple. It, however, comes with a weight that presses in to my heart and my soul and my being. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THE ACTION</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have struggled, perhaps wrestled is a more accurate term, for a number of years with what to do with this call. I am still challenged by the ‘what’. In the meantime, I am doing what I know to do. Pray. Believe. Trust. Encourage. Walk out this call. Go through every open door that the Lord sets in front of me that will have the potential of pointing one more of my fellow PKs to the heart of our Father. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THE FUTURE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I firmly believe that revival is coming to this people group. When it does, I’m not sure the church world as we know it, will know what has hit. They will come. They will come with a renewed passion for Jesus. They will come with an understanding of the heart of Father God. They will come endued with power from the Holy Spirit. Those who already are in relationship with God – will go deeper and become stronger. Those who have walked away from HIM – will have their world turned upside down by a God who loves them with a relentless love and passion. He is in pursuit of them & He is NOT giving up. So – Watch & See & Listen - FOR I hear the distant thunder of a throng of multitudes upon multitudes of children (young & old) of missionaries, pastors, evangelists, prophets, apostles, teachers, worship leaders coming to take their place in the Body of Christ. Can you hear them? Can you SEE them?</span>Donna M. Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17450337133836408374noreply@blogger.com4