That's Not Godly

As I was studying and researching today, I came across this post by Jed Brewer. Most of us have no idea what a Godly relationship looks like; if we are not careful we can create idols with out own concepts.

Jed's thoughts are simple and very pure. So I am sharing them click the title below and find a wonderful starting point to follow Christ from.  It is a very quick read, he was asked a question and answered it - please take a moment to click the link and read what he took the time to share.

What Does A Godly Relationship Look Like

Peace to All,
Candace

You Are Free To Go Now

The information is being posted on Emerge today, instead of JKB because this is most specific to mature Christians.  It is directed to encourage those of us in leadership or Christian support roles.  However, we all are all asked to be a witness, which in and of itself is a supportive Christian role.  

We have been studying the difference between the new child of God and the childish Christian. I am sure it is no accident that the required reading I am immersed in at present gave me fresh perspective to add to the subject.  While reading Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands, which I would highly recommend to any leader,   the section on accountability was very well stated.  Paul David Tripp is the author and while what I am posting is not directly his words, I cannot take the credit because his thoughts are woven in and through out.

He stated the reasoning for supporting growing Christians through loving accountability is to ensure new motive, new purposes and new goals are reached.  He also stated what I call stepping stones of what the journey might look like: guide, teach, encourage, warn, convict, and strengthen them.  These things we must allow the Lord to be holding us accountable for as well, or we will act out of His character toward them.

God tells us the truth and is willing to enable every letter of it to transpire in our life. At the point of our awareness He can go no further unless we are willing to BE convicted, forgive others so we will have a space for the forgiveness He is extending.  If we are, He will restore us and reconcile relationships out from Him.  We must realize outside of Him and us, they must also allow Him to convict, forgive and restore them. We automatically will be reconciled together, because He is in them and we are in Him, making us unified.

Tripp also talked about God's pursuit of accountability, and how we do it a bit differently. Again, this is based on his word, not exact: The accountability of God is not like a private detective; although He does see everything.  He is not there to be our conscience; although His truth convicts our heart and minds.  He is not hovering over us forcing us to obey Him; although there are natural uncomfortable, even possibly fatal consequences to our disobedience.  Nor does He chase us down to capture us and drag us back; yet He never leaves us or stops attempting to protect us all along the way.

Without accountability we all can feel comforted by simply discussing and accepting that we need to change; but never actually achieve change unless we find a benefit or comfort from it.  Without accountability we can become trapped in talking about our changes because we NEED someone to show us how to do what we cannot yet understand; sometimes we have no idea what practical directions to go in and lose energy on our own.

People who are childish, rebellious, selfish or whatever we would like to label it, can go through much of the journey because it is working for them.  They are receiving encouragement, praise and the much needed relief from exposure of less than desirable behaviours.  The real test of spiritual growth is when something comes along and collides with what they want; what fruit blossoms? If they are rebuked or warned, due to proper accountability, will they blast you, pout, throw all their toys down and go home? Or will they humble themselves under the mighty wing of His care: rest, enabling power, courage to continue toward righteousness.

We must remember they are free to go and we must allow them to wander away, if that is their choice.  If they return and desire to do things differently and keep moving forward, make sure you have stayed with Him as well.  God will not stop with any of us until He is full immerced in every single moment of our lives and relationships.  Why? Because we call ourselves Christians and His honor is at stake.

As believers we can depend on the interpretation of the Holy Spirit to iron out any distortions. But what about those who can't perceive His truth and have nothing like Him in front of their eyes?  This is why He cares.Most of the time, if we were to be honest, we don't really care enough.  We do not really think it is our responsibility, after all they can go to church or read a bible.  Most of the time we act as though it is an obtrusion to getting where and what WE want.

God rebukes and warns us for not caring about what He cares about.  He calls us unbelieving and childishly irresponsible; because after all the only business we have living on earth is to reach others once we know.  If it is just too much of an effort for us to continually live accounted for then He also says "opt out" and I will stop.  If we opt out, then honestly we were never really in.  Those folks will think I am taking this a bit too far, but these are not my words - they are His.

God convicted me, I turned and have been rebuked, forgiven and taught many times over.  The only hope we have of having a different life, world and future for others is to stop allowing the deterioration starting within ourselves.  If we move differently then everything around us must make room for it or move out.  That is how God ordained it.

Every second you move you can give room to His force or give up the ghost so to speak.  If it is just too great a price to pay for lack of momentary comfort then lay down and let it keep you down yet another day. God gives us new mercies every morning and gives us a space to reveal His honor.  We will either honor Him or honor our self.  Those are the only two choices.  I don't know about you but I am no different than most people and there is nothing THAT spectacular about me that I should be honored.  I am not an honorable person, being above reproach in all my ways - but I am righteous, because of the One I honor and He thinks that is glorious.

May we abide in the Spirit so we will not fulfill the desires of our weak humanity - There is no glory in that, in fact it is plain common ground.

For other posts relating to this topic click the links below.  Also read the book of Galatians in the New Testament.

Something That Stood Out From The Crowd
Why Not Me
Take A Do Over, But Do It Differently
Give Them to the Devil, That's His Thing

Kisses,
Candace

Copyrights Reserved ©Candace Huffmaster 2014

Kaleidoscope Butterfly, Inc.®

Protecting Your Heart as You Pray

It is wonderful that we have the collection of situations compiled in God's written word to show us how He thinks, what He desires and many of His warnings.  We know that Joseph correctly "ran" from a snare, we know that Lot and his family were told to flee.  Lot's wife turned back and was turned to a pillar of salt.  We also know that David was told to "run" toward a battle, Joshua was told to instruct everyone to stay but instead of fighting with weapons to use the actions of their feet and releasing their breath, blowing trumpets and shouting.  We also know that Christ is with us showing us what we individually are to do when called to fight the good fight.  Do question is do you believe it.....I mean REALLY believe that?

If so, and He has called you to be what I refer to as a bended warrior, a warrior on your knees, then utilize this prayer in prose to protect your heart as you faithfully kneel in the gap for the one He is trying desperately to save.  This is His promise to anyone given the grace to be his lost sheep security blanket: 

James 5: 19, 20 (NAS)

My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth, and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

My Sad Heart Sings

My sad heart sings, for His promises I believe
My faith hold firm joy, which I know the morning brings
Grief for the loss, as my wailing pours out
I pity his place, though I know his days are safe

My God this is hard, even with all I know
My experience is not large, compared to his need
I know you use all things, to accomplish his good
But for now my heart is breaking, as I feel his despair
Through anger and vengeance his wrath is felt

These burdens you bore, as it ripped off your flesh
But I too feel torn from the pressure and hate
Protect my heart with your hand, for it heals all these things
So that I may speak boldly, withholding no good thing
I denounce all other power, except for your name
Nothing else is eternal, your love binds to uphold
I pray that he seek you, your counsel in full
To see all things clearly: that he is adored,
In Christ there is no condemnation…no guilt or shame

I request satan be bound from him, and he protected by your grace
Have mercy upon him; what he sees is a lie
Pierce him deeply to usher in your light
In you there is no shifting shadow only angels to take charge
All good things you offer so that his mind may transform
I beseech you dear Father, this is my request:
To love him and save him, to prosper him in all ways
If I am a hindrance, remove me this day
His life is too precious and I am already saved
In Christ, through the Holy Spirit, my faith knows this is done
To God be all the glory for the mighty things he has done
~by Candace Huffmaster
    ©2011 All Rights Reserved

Freedom and Boundaries

This is very relevant to the staff meeting yesterday - thought I would post it and share.  It is by Os Hillman.  If you would like to study this more, go to the main site (http://www.kaleidoscopebutterfly.org/) and look up the archives on Genesis or God's story being told -

Kisses, Candace

"And the LORD God commanded the man, 'You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die'" (Gen 2:16-17).

Everyone needs the gift of freedom and boundaries in their work to succeed. God set up the ultimate work environment in the Garden of Eden. He gave Adam and Eve responsibility to manage the animals, the agriculture and every activity. He gave them specific instructions as to how things were to be done but gave liberty of expression for fulfilling their tasks.

He also told them what was off limits. They could not eat from the tree of good and evil because He knew it would be bad for them. He was not trying to withhold from them; He was trying to protect them.

If you are a manager it is your responsibility to clearly define the job responsibilities of those under your care. They should know clearly what the freedoms and the boundaries are in carrying out their duties. They should be given adequate freedoms with authority to enforce their decisions that will impact whether they can be successful or not.

Once freedoms and boundaries are established, this allows a healthy accountability to take place between management and worker. Both can have healthy expectations of each other.

Do you have a clearly defined job description with measurable goals outlined? Are your freedom and boundaries clearly defined so you know what you can and cannot do within the scope of your job? If not, you are setting yourself up for failure.

Today, evaluate your job function and make sure you have clearly defined expectations and the way in which you are expected to accomplish your tasks.

Another Moment, Another Thought, Another Day... and on it Goes

Conversations with my Dad

journal entry

Good Morning Dad - Christ - Holy Spirit.... you are so______ I don't have a word Dad so I will move to my knees at your throne.

When I talk to you, sometimes I feel like I am ignoring Jesus and the Holy Spirit. But I know you are one. I don't want to get caught up in this thought - but I am curious???? If you desire, whenever you desire would you enlighten me please. 

Daddy, I need time with you. I am so very vulnerable - okay...I heard you "No, I am not vulnerable because you and you alone keep me from vulnerability!"

Today would you like to tell them anything? Me anything?

Listen - be still.....
"Okay"
My presence is in you - around you
sustaining you, submerging you, merging us
whether you "emotionalize" it or not - that is what you have to know - believe - trust

Whether you feel it or not - it is, because I AM
and we are one; always in all ways
No matter what is going on, what you receive, have or do not have
I AM with you and you are not vulnerable!
But... you have to Believe
At this point if you can not believe without the manifestation of seeing it, then you will never see it
The test is "what you set your hope on"

If your hope is in a place, activity, thing or person - when you do not obtain that goal or object as you desired / or perceived it should be, your hope goes away.

However, if your hope is in me alone and you do not obtain what ever the secondary hope was - your hope will not be affected because it was only a bonus.

I only hold back I do not stop your hope from appearing - but you must some times be enlightened through the test as to what your "true" hope is on - so that when you are in trouble you will not fear and cast away your hope - which has a great recompense and reward. "Let not your heart be troubled" "The truth shall set you free" "What the Lord sets free is free indeed"

The reward is to hear "well done my good and faithful servant" and to know you have grown.

When that is enough for you - you are truly maturing into your image of Christ, your head.

Does that make sense?

"Share your experiences with each other, then others will know I care - I AM real and Be Freed!"
Okay~I will for you Lord
Kisses,
C

There is a story to be told....................

It is the story of what we believe
The faith of the cloud of the witnesses
Our life as one with the King

He has reigned since the beginning
He will reign for all eternity

Each day we weave our stories
through the moments of unending time
the thread of hope will not unravel
the blanket it quilts is LOVE

Journey with me and the others
tell us the moments of your life
Be One with us and the Father
Be a brother a sister to life

Walk the steps of those before us
Reach deep to be touched by their lives
Now take your hand to touch others
Walk with them till they see

How great is His love for them
How Deeply He Desires us to Be Free.

With a Deep, Honest, Passionate and Freely given Love in Him who uphold all things one breath at a time -
To Each Of You,

Kisses,
Candace

© 2006 All Rights Reserved by Candace Huffmaster

Be the Beauty in the Midst of Chaos

Making His Mark With Beauty
KB, Inc’s world-wide motto is alive


Hip, Hip Hooray! Now our organization is seeing beauty emerge all around the world. When we changed our "slogan" from Loving Who You Were Divinely Created To BE to Reaching Through Chaos, Seeing True Beauty Emerge we did not quiet understand why - because we knew the first one was correct. However, we had to believe in what God saw beneath the chaos in order to find the faith which enabled our perseverance to help others not only see what we saw, but believe in it.

As we began telling women and children that they were desired, loved and had a reason to not be afraid, we saw them embrace the " idea" of hope. But as we stuck by them~ encouraging them to believe that even as God forsaken as life can feel at times, there are always lovely moments too; we noticed they were actually reaching out to grab onto that hope and tucking it away to protect it. But the day we understood with His understanding was when we saw His "beauty mark". It was the day that all the pieces collided to perfectly mesh. For the first time I know I saw the elusive Kaleidoscope Butterfly. Although it was one moment it was also many and there will be many more. Because as we are walking and relating to these lovely individuals God is revealing precious details which are transforming their minds to see that they, themselves, need to BE BEAUTY in this world of chaos.



We are witness to the fact that there is not a more beautiful sight than His hand reaching through their chaos to share in very real ways.

Our work is simple but true:

We believe True Beauty is as a seed planted within you, tenderly tucked into a deep, dark space. Alone with such dreams of grandeur, restlessly squirming, simply dying to be released! It truly believes there is something much larger and unique it is to be. It feels it could bestow beauty and goodness upon an unaesthetic world. “Just as the butterfly is always within the caterpillar – so too your beauty is fighting to take flight and ride the breeze. You are a kaleidoscope butterfly, a vision foreseen in the mind of the Great Divine. He delights in what you have to offer. He created you to rise above and be seen. So flutter your jagged, shattered pieces in His sunlight. His hand merges all our shapes in His time. To Him we are not missing or broken we are His Delight and perfect in His sight.


We make our request known and know it is His will:

Do not look with your eyes to perceive reality. Do not allow this world to diminish what He sees. Push through the weight trying to hold and bury you. Stand tall in His continence, mercy and grace. Reach up and out with your arms wide. Turn your face to be set on the sun. Allow your bud to blossom. Be open for all to see and embrace. Release the joy in your heart for their pleasure. Allow it to pour out, free. Keep it flowing till the scent of it rises - as a fragrant offering of what you believe all heaven can now see.

So allow us to encourage you "BE the Beauty in chaos no one can stop you – honest!"

With the Love of our Christ,
Kisses,
Candace

Passing The Test - By Os Hillman

The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors - to David. - 1 Samuel 28:17b

When God anoints a person, a pattern of testing appears to take place at specific times in the leader's life. God often takes each leader through four major tests to determine if that person will achieve God's ultimate call on his or her life. The person's response to these tests is the deciding factor in whether they can advance to the next level of responsibility in God's Kingdom.

Control - Control is one of the first tests. Saul spent most of his time as king trying to prevent others from getting what he had. Saul never got to the place with God in which he was a grateful recipient of God's goodness to him. Saul was a religious controller. This control led to disobedience and ultimately being rejected by God because Saul no longer was a vessel God could use.


Bitterness - Every major character in the Bible was hurt by another person at one time or another. Jesus was hurt deeply when Judas, a trusted follower, betrayed Him. Despite knowing this was going to happen, Jesus responded by washing Judas' feet. Every anointed leader will have a Judas experience at one time or another. God watches us to see how we will respond to this test. Will we take up an offense? Will we retaliate? It is one of the most difficult tests to pass.

Power - Power is the opposite of servanthood. Jesus had all authority in Heaven and earth, so satan tempted Jesus at the top of the mountain to use His power to remove Himself from a difficult circumstance. How will we use the power and influence God has entrusted to us? Do we seek to gain more power? There is a common phrase in the investment community, "He who has the gold rules." Jesus modeled the opposite. He was the ultimate servant leader.

Greed - This is a difficult one. Money has the ability to have great influence for either good or bad. When it is a focus in our life, it becomes a tool of destruction. When it is a by-product, it can become a great blessing. Many leaders started out well - only to be derailed once prosperity became a part of their life. There are thousands who can blossom spiritually in adversity; only a few can thrive spiritually under prosperity.

As leaders, we must be aware when we are being tested. You can be confident that each one of these tests will be thrown your way if God calls you for His purposes. Will you pass these tests? Ask for God's grace today to walk through these tests victoriously.

~Go to our main web page and click on the TGIF for more devotions and information on Os's organization.

Conversation With My Dad

Good Morning Daddy,

What a glorious day you have painted for us to enjoy.
What did you have in mind when you designed it?
Who were you propelling your good pleasure toward in your grandeur of love?
Who were you rescuing from the clutches of evil?
Who are you delivering out of darkness into your glorious light?

I call all life giving angels to hearken to your response
   from the north, the east, the south and the west.
Perch your longing ears and listen to my request;
Wait on the Lord of Lords, our King of Kings to respond,
Then help him as you go to fulfill His grand designs.

Alone there is no rest for the weary,
But in Him our souls have eternal peace and joy.

Let's use our feet to make our way to them.
Let's use our eyes to seek them out.
Let's use our hands to reach through their darkness.
Let's use our voice to turn on their light.

Stand and seek to watch Him passing.
He is showing us the way.
The Heavenly Highway is the pathway.
In His secret abode we will all be safe.

Thank you Dad,
In Christ we ask, live and love - always,
Kisses,
C

Conversation With Dad

Journal entry 1/12/11
I pray, God, that you bless the thoughts of my mind, search my intentions and make them pure.
Enlighten me, so that I may see the truth as you have arranged.

In all ways, I thank you for your protection, provision and good pleasure toward myself and others.

Ordain my steps: the process you wish me to take-clarify the extensions of my efforts as I merge. 
No good thing will I withhold, unto them
Because you first loved me, I may too love them.

In Christ I dwell in you; in Him I exist in you 
Together we are One; through the power and the gift

To us has been given much
Let our faithful eyes behold
The beauty of our life, as we dutifully unfold
Rise up, one and all, in the life He died to live
Go forth, in one accord, to speak His truths in Love
Be gentle as you go, there is much they do not know
Be kind to all you touch, His hand is whom they feel
Be generous with the gifts you give, He provides beyond all means:
    the power, truth and skill to accomplish what He deems fit
Be bold with what you teach, yet temperate in all you say
May we never lead astray, His children on their way
Be patient while you're there, we follow the peaceable One
Be wise and listen well, only speak the truths you're told
Be faithful to what you say; be slow to commit our God:
He is the faithful and true; we serve with what we are fed
At times we must fast to provide - trusting He will always show up
He will never be late; after all........He set the time

In Peace to all
With the Love of our Christ,
Kisses,
C~

Insecure Leadership

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman

"When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi" (Matt 2:16-17).

Any leader who is not secure in God will be insecure in their leadership actions. King Herod was such a leader. He feared the loss of power and had to control every aspect of the people he was ruling. When Herod heard about Jesus' coming birth, his insecurity became out of control and led to making life-threatening decisions for those in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Such a leader has deep-seated control issues rooted in the fear of loss of power, money and prestige. This also led to lying to protect his kingdom. When the wise men told Herod about the coming Messiah, Herod told them he wanted to know when He was born in order to worship him. He had no such plans. He wanted to kill him.

Herod told the wise men to report back to him when the child was born. The wise men were divinely warned not to return to Jerusalem and report back to Herod. When Herod discovered this, he became furious and issued the edict to kill every child under two years old in Bethlehem and the surrounding districts.

Whenever a leader has deep-seated control issues rooted in fear, their actions surface repeatedly when placed under stress. Arguments, manipulation of others, and confrontation with subordinates usually follows.

However, a leader who has yielded his life and his work to God can relinquish outcomes to the Lord and let God change things that may go astray. A secure leader realizes God is the source of His power and leadership and he does not need to fear others who may demonstrate leadership qualities. Instead, they are able to affirm them for the sake of the organization.

Pray that God makes you a leader who is secure in your position given by God.

Obedience-Based Decisions

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman



"We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him." - Acts 5:32

So often we as a society equate numbers with success. The larger the conference, the more successful we deem it. The larger a church, the more we believe that God is blessing. And so on. I recall planning a conference one time. Registrations were not where I felt they needed to be a few weeks before the date of the event. It wasn't long before I began to get "under the pile" about the level of attendance. My friend, who was organizing this conference with me, called and asked how I was doing. I had to confess where I was. He immediately reminded me of my own teaching in this area. We are all called to be led by the Spirit, not by outcomes. "If God called us to put on this conference, then the outcome is up to Him if we have done our part." He went on to explain how he learned this lesson in a similar way a few years earlier.

He and a friend were led to host a Bible study group. His friend was to speak. It was nine o'clock and they were the only two people there. His friend was discouraged and was ready to leave.


"No," said my friend. "We have done what the Holy Spirit directed." He then stood up and began to welcome people as though there were many in the room. (No one was in the room.) He introduced his friend and they began the meeting. A few minutes later, people began to straggle in. By the time the meeting was over, ten had shown up, and one man in particular was impacted by the meeting.

Being led by the Spirit often means we must not use the world's standard for success as our measuring stick. You never know what an act of obedience will yield at the time. We must leave results to God. Our role is to obey. His role is to bring results from our obedience.

Do you make decisions based on the potential outcome or by the direction of the Holy Spirit in your life? Do you overly evaluate the pros and cons without consideration to what the Holy Spirit might be saying deep inside? We are all prone to make decisions based on reasoning alone. Ask God to give you a willingness and ability to hear the Holy Spirit and to obey His promptings.

On our main page www.kaleidoscopebutterfly.org there is a tab for TGIF daily devotions.  You can go to that and get the link to Os Hillmans site.  It is wonderful encouragement for christians in the work place.

My prayers cover each of you today as you live by faith and not by sight and lean on His understanding.  I thank God that His ways are not our ways.

Love,
Candace

Poetry and Praise

Silent Whispers

Silent whispers fill the air

a listening ear will always hear

the voice is clear,

it speaks with intent

to lift their eyes,

to see his ways,

to meet their need

at the appropriate time

 

Answers they seek

for hours…. days

for months they speak,

their years slip away

their hope cast down,

their heart begins to freeze

their lives become cold ….

empty isolation… seems real

yet they are never alone…

no matter how it feels

 

He hears them ask

He sees them seek

for hours, day..

they listen and speak

they turn their ways,

to follow the voice

to see this wisdom,

to seek this truth

 

They struggle and cry

they demand and denounce

their months become years,

their passions ignite

their voices they lift

their eyes start to glare

their hands once raised in praise

are now contorted in fear

 

A stranger walks past

with no agenda or need

Just the person of Christ

Walking throughout  His days

He would never disturb

this lonely troubled soul

Yet He is pulled by a pain

to stop silently and ask

Why does he cry?

He seems writhed in toil.

I remember that life

How I plead for release

You came to my rescue

You delivered my soul

You love this man

as much as you love me

Please have your hearts desire

I will stand for his cause

I know your cause is love….

for true beauty to reign

For zoe life to be given

and for the gift to be received

 

Prepare my heart in your presence

prepare the course and way

He is the child of your creation

wield your power and might

You created his freedom

respectfully help him to yield

You know all of these moments

you have seen throughout the years

You knew we both would be here

and I know your choices are divine

So have all that you hope for

live here in my stead

Use my feet to go to him

reach him in his need

Use your heart within me

to obtain your righteous intent

My trust is in your mercy

My strength held firmly within your grace

My courage from the peace you offer

My freedom through what I believe

 

In stillness I wait to hear you

in faith I listen to receive

Quietly..whispers enter our chamber

truth and justice fill the air

The tone is loving and caring

the voice convicting and sure

My voice now clearly speaking..

I lift my eye to see!

In view is this great cloud of witnesses

charging to be at his side

Singing: My God your words are righteous

holy, lovely and pure

They are a lamp unto them

a blanket to cover their chill

We ask today that he hear you

to see you as we also see

To be broken free from deception

To live lifted above all and freed

For all things there is a season

Let his season finally thaw

Let him walk into your presence

receiving his room with a view

Never again to be lonely

and to have rest for his weary soul.

By Candace Huffmaster

2010 © all rights reserved

Starting Over - by Os Hillman

TGIF (http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/tgif/)

The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. – James 1:9

Do you find yourself in humble circumstances? If so, James tells us that we are to take pride in this “high” position. These two things would seem to be an oxymoron. Most of us would not consider humble circumstances a high position. Successful business tells us that being on top means being wealthy, attaining favor and status, or having power to influence. However, Jesus influenced not from power, but from weakness.

J.C. Penney is a name synonymous with department store. He first launched his chain of “The Golden Rule” stores in 1907. In 1910 his first wife died. Three years later, he incorporated as the J.C. Penney company. In 1923 his second wife died giving birth to his son. In 1929 the stock market crashed and he lost $40 million.

By 1932, he had to sell out to satisfy…creditors. This left [Penney] virtually broke. …Crushed in spirit from his loss and his health suddenly failing, Penney wound up in a Battle Creek, Michigan sanitarium. One morning he heard the distant singing of employees who gathered to start the day with God: Be not dismayed, whate’er betide, God will take care of you…. Penney followed the music to its source and slipped into a back row. He left a short time later a changed man, his health and spirit renewed, and ready to start the long climb back at age fifty-six.
By 1951 there was a J.C. Penney store in every state, and for the first time sales surpassed $1 billion a year. [John Woodbridge, ed., More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 340-343.]

The success of J.C. Penney can be traced to God’s mercy in his life to bring him out of his humble circumstance. Do you find yourself in a humble circumstance? God is the only one who can help you see your humble circumstance from His viewpoint-a high position. It is a high position because of what God is going to teach you in this place. He does not intend you to stay there; it is merely a stopping place to learn some important things you would not learn otherwise. Press into God and trust Him for the outcome to your circumstances.

It is very difficult at times to pass through our own vision of something to achieve God's perfect will.  There have been MANY moments when my head and hopes dropped during the past 5 years of getting this organization off and running.  I pray that each time I get through that moment I am better prepared to hit the next disillusion with out giving up my hope and peace.  I am positive that is the pivotal transformation that places us in "Battle Creek" verses "Every State".  It is after all our "state of mind" that allows us to truly see God's perfect will.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

I thank God that his word is truth and trustworthy, that we can ask, know and be healed - today...believe!
In Christ,
Candace

What Should I do?

I really liked Os Hillmans devotional this morning on Worldly Planning.
If you would like to share some of your growth in this process please do.  We can all gain insight from each other.

With Love,
Candace

Can Halloween be Hallow?

I was thinking about this celebration called Halloween today. Most people do not see it as religious or sacrilegious they simply see it as “Costumes and Candy”. I know many churches that have a fall festival to gather everyone into the church however once there it is still “Costumes and Candy”. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but what if……

What if we thought about a deeper meaning, like a parable? Isn’t that what Jesus would do on Halloween? He would be right in the middle of our streets walking around looking for who was ready to receive a timely word. He would be planting seeds. I can hear him now walking up to a house watching all the beautiful children. He might even ask one of them something like did you and your family carves a pumpkin tonight? Did you notice all the seeds inside? Did you know if you plant a seed it grows? First comes the sprout, then the vine then a flower which turns into fruit. Did you put a candle in yours? Did you know that God created light? He created it to shine into darkness just like your candle did. I hope you have a wonderful night run and knock on that door I bet they will answer; you will receive a delightful gift that will bring you joy. Be sure you receive it with thanksgiving.

Christ might see another child who is scared or lost from their parent. He would surely take the time to comfort them and help them find their parent. Shouldn’t we be among the people that are lost and help them find their Father? Shouldn’t we be telling them of our hope and showing our light on such a dark night. Shouldn’t we be giving them at least a piece of what we have abundantly received?

When children want to dress up, they can dress up as a holy ghost and when they knock on a door they could exemplify bringing the gift of peace and a blessing. After all the candy would be fulfilling the scripture when it says to receive whatever those receiving you offer as your wage.

Hallowed be God’s name on Halloween. There is no fear in love, perfect love casts out all fear.

We are to be salt and light – He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world.

I praise God for that.

I am listing some verses below to think over.

I love each of you, be sure to speak of this with your children after all Proverbs says:

8My son, listen to your father’s discipline, and do not neglect your mother’s teachings,

9because discipline and teachings are a graceful garland on your head

and a golden chain around your neck.

God our father says not to despise His discipline because he disciplines those he loves.

Kisses,

Candace

Isaiah 9:2/ John 15: 5 , 17:15-19 / Isaiah 9:2 / Mathew 10 / Matthew 5:32-48, 7:1-5, chapter 10 / 1 Corinthians 15: 10 thru end of chapter

Would love to hear your comments, post here or on http://www.kaleidoscopebutterfly.com/

If He Shrinks Back.....I Will Not Be Pleased

Many times those we lead, support or care for do not understand that simply because we are in a position to be able to so this (only through the grace of God) does not mean we ourselves do not have a plethora of struggles we ourselves are trying to balance.  This is when we have to seek out "daily" encouragement to stay focused on Christ above all else.  He is our strength and rock.  He is OUR ever present help in our time of trouble.  Without Him we all fall.....that includes us leaders.  We must never step out on our own or it would be better that we tie a millstone around our neck - says God. 

This is why He painstakenly trains us to be above reproach. He has reminded us that we have been given much....but much is expected.  What type of love would allow us to go out unequiped - Not a God kind of love.  So consider it joy when you face hardship...this is your training ground.  Realize that God sees your efforts and is saying, "Go ahead test this warrior of mine if you think you are up for it; I know his/her heart and he/she will not shrink back to the destruction of his/her soul!".

I don't know about you...but I sure did need Os's wise words to lift me up today.  Let's go take some territory for His Kingdom today gang - Let's set some captives free. Hooah!

God's Recruitment Strategy for Leaders

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman

"Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing." Acts 9:8a

When God calls one of His servants into service, there is often much travail. There are many examples where God makes His presence known through circumstances that tax the individual to his very soul.

Consider Paul, who was stricken blind on the Damascus road.

Consider Peter; when he denied Jesus after the crucifixion, he was in total despair.
Consider Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into the fiery furnace.

Consider Daniel, who was thrown into the lions' den.

Consider David, who was forced to flee his former employer for many years and lived as a fugitive.

It may seem strange to us that God uses such incredible adversity to prepare His servants for greater service, but this is God's way. God knows that the human heart is incapable of voluntarily stepping into situations that take us beyond our comfort zone. He intentionally brings us into hard places to prove us and to drive us deeper into the soil of His grace.

In arid regions of the world, trees cannot survive unless their roots grow deeper to where the water table can be found. Once they reach the water, these trees become stronger than any tree that can be found in tropical climates. Their root systems ensure that they can withstand any storm. In the same way, God brings us into extremely difficult situations in order to prove His power and drive our spiritual roots deeper.

Friend, God may take you through times when you will question His love for you. In such times, you must cling to His coattail so that you see His purposes in it. Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a very little while, 'He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him'" (Hebrews 10:36-38).

Another Type of Messenger For God

We are asking if there is anyone that would be able to run gift card, food, clothing, forms, information to a woman in crisis. We have so many women to reach each day, but so few of us to take what we have been given for their needs to be met in a timely fashion. We are daily running across the metro area and outer areas to meet all the overwhelming lack of these families that are displaced. If you have the time, we will give you the gas to take what God desires to give.

Please Call Us if you feel God would like to use you in this capacity.
With the appreciation and Love of Christ,
Candace
404-432-0589







Luke 11:8-10 (GOD’S WORD Translation)

8I can guarantee that although he doesn’t want to get up to give you anything, he will get up and give you whatever you need because he is your friend and because you were so bold.
9“So I tell you to ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10Everyone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find, and for the person who knocks, the door will be opened.

Mark 11:23-25
23"Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him.

24"Therefore I say to you,all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.

25"Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.

We are asking in Faith and know He is faithful to provide!

When You Don't Know...

These are a few priceless nuggets by Dr's Henry Cloud and John Townsend.

Courage: You cannot journey God's way without encourntering risk and fear.  Sometimes the task looks too daunting to face.  There is safety in numbers, so just having a support team close by will build your courage.  But you also need people nearby who will tell you what Paul told his friends who wer in great danger.  "So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that is will happen just as he told me." (Acts 27:25)  

Accountability: Cars and airplanes have gauges which constantly report the status of the engine and warn of malfunctions.  Companies are periodically audited to inform their directors of needed corrections.  In the same way, you need to be held accountable by others who will monitor your progress and keep you on track.  You need people on your team who are interested enough to ask the touch quesitons:  How is your faith doing?  Where are you failing?  What kind of help do you need?

www.kaleidoscopebutterfly.org send those you support to this link to help the build the stong cord which is not easily broken.

Go To Our Main Site and Join in the Journey

We are one body.
Click on the comments and share yours.  Let's be proactive in supporting each other. If you desire to have people directed your way as well, let us know and we will open this up for your forums too.

One Body - One Head - Unity in All Ways...

Let's make it happen; while it is still called TODAY!

With Love,
Candace

He Made You...He Calls you His Delight!

Last night was amazing to me. God woos me along this journey in such mighty ways. I appreciate each of you. This morning I was starting my day as much like every other morning of what I have come to understand as “my life”, opening myself up to discuss yesterdays and seek God’s direction.

To My Fellow Sojourner,

As I sit here looking back at where I started, not so much the very beginning but the day I first looked at myself in that rear view mirror, trying so desperately to see my way clearly. I’ve walked across the miles: seen the smiles, the turned backs, the arms that would not embrace as well as the ones that opened wide telling me to trust them and give as they themselves were hiding behind a facade. I’ve felt and remembered the pain; pain I had never imagined and bondage no one can escape on their own.
I have read many travelers’ experiences and opinions on “how to” however the same thread runs through each of our tales. Today is only a point in time and all time has been closed. It is now about fulfillment of the days.

Everyone’s journey is as unique as they are. No one can tell you “how to” journey your path except the creator of your path. Many times we are looking to the creature, instead of the creator. The creature is to aid, not to answer. As I heard Him whisper one day, “the answer is the sojourning, the question an endless plight; be still and know that I am God and I love you, deeply, honestly, passionately so that you will know freedom and can love freely just as I would …..for me; always… in all ways.

These are precious moments I’ve lived, the good, the bad, and the ugly, (Clint Eastwood days), some turbulent times, some peaceful times and some exuberant times. I am not a writer as I have previously said; I am just another sojourner on a quest. I am putting all this out here, because He asks us to be real and to share. I know He will find the success He desires to reach whoever wants to know Him. If it is only one person, I am happy to know He has reached you, and that we share this experience together throughout eternity.

Whoever you are talk, sing, share and love… not because you’re perfect at it but because you can—for Him.

With love and kisses,
Candace

Today, I praise Him, I give Him thanks. There are just around 100 of us now. This does not include the wonderful people involved in the intercessory area, between 15 and 20. There are now individuals set to train as well as be trained for outreach. Some days it is very overwhelming for me to grasp the ways God has propelled and orchestrated his love for each of us to know He is Real.

This is what He wants us to understand:
My arm is what reaches through the chaos to show them the truly beautiful pathways to life. When they stand at the wayside and wait, I WILL be there, I AM always there, they simply lean on their own understanding (knowledge, sight, emotions and theories) to struggle their way along. I know not to lead them onto that path, the evil is waiting, crouching around every corner to head them back to his pit. I want them to be in peace so that they will change their mind and get away from what is waging war with fullness of life. I AM.. tell them that. I AM here, I AM an ever ready help in their time of trouble. All they have to do is believe it. I Will do the rest. I Will supply the vision, I Will supply the strength, I Will cover them with My Glory and They Will succeed.

I pray that the sacrifices that are made are glorifying to Him. This is what He has desired a relationship, a body to call His own. this is a fragrant aroma in His sight.

Look in the archives to go further. Topic: moments, journey, sight

Enjoy THIS day that the Lord "has made" - Just as He has Made YOU....and He calls you "beautiful".

What could be MORE beautiful than that?
Kisses,
C