Fragrant Garden of Sweet Remembrance
In Memory of Mom…
By Carrie George

Sometimes, the call for change is a beautiful one of transplantation, from earth to heaven. The Master Gardner loves the blooms of special ones so dearly, that He tenderly calls her to live in his garden of beauty forever. He will be fragranced by her beautiful perfume, and admire the delicacy of her presence forever, every day. When such a beautiful flower is removed from our bouquet, we see it as a fragrance lost. But the Master Gardner has chosen this exquisite blossom to remain with Him. He has replanted her in soil that is rich beyond imagination. Her fragrance and beauty will permeate the heavens. And every so often, He’ll send you a gift; by releasing the aroma of her sweet remembrance.

I was unusually down one morning and none of my attempts to climb out of the mood I was in were working. So, I went for a walk. Not a stroll, mind you, as we live by some pretty steep hills and the incline is such that you’re panting for breath within two to three minutes. About 12 minutes into my walk, my mood wasn’t any better and my thoughts weren’t getting any lighter. What’s wrong with me? Sure, we were facing some health concerns at the moment, but that’s nothing new, so why the gloom and doom?

As I continued processing my thoughts, I suddenly realized I was in the park! Walking past the Soccer field, the sight of players running all around and the sound of cheering and laughing coming from the spectators of family and friends reminded me of the good times we had when life was simpler, less complicated. I hurried past their voices, yearning to be back in the quiet where my inner turmoil and jumbled thoughts would eventually be sorted out.

Then, I saw them. Unoccupied swings. Waiting for the child in me to come and take a seat, which I did do. Grabbing the chain links that held the swing to its solid frame, the moment I sat down my legs started pumping and my body rose higher and higher. I could see the ocean every time I reached the peak of my efforts, a momentary reward for every muscle used. Each time I swung forward, my belly felt the exuberance and thrill similar to a roller coaster ride. Simultaneously, my dark mood seemed to lift, higher, higher, and higher. I felt wonderful, I had pumped away the cumbersome weight of depression and replaced it with childhood pleasure. How simple, how therapeutic, how healing. And it didn’t cost me a nickel.

I am going to ask my friend Vanessa about the effects of swinging on the brain. She is an expert in this area, and is able to translate complicated medical jargon into language I understand. She tells me about our brain having a groove, which she describes as similar to a track, where our thoughts run. A groove translated as a picture of something round to me, so I wondered if going back and forth, counter to the circular motion of that groove, is what interrupted the cycle of thought patterns of my groove, which would make sense to me. I needed to get to a higher plane in my thinking, and no amount of walking, sorting, processing will do on days like this. I highly recommend a free solution: Swing Therapy! Come on and soar! It’s the perfect prescription for turning gloomy days to fun.

Carrie George December 10, 2008

Today I saw a picture of a grape vineyard and a lemon tree standing beside it. The Vinedresser mistakenly had expected the Lemon Tree to produce grapes, like the grapevine which was so close by. The Lemon Tree dug his roots firmly into the ground and spoke: I am a LEMON TREE, how dare you ask me to yield grapes? But the Vinedresser saw the lovely qualities that the grapes produced and wanted to enjoy the same qualities from the Lemon Tree. Finally, God spoke to the Vinedresser and said, “My child, I do not require grapes from the lemon tree, why do you?”

I was pierced in my heart and I repented.

Today I have a greater respect and awareness to allow others to be who they are, and not expect them to give what they cannot give. Although at times it seems some things have “soured” in the appearance of someone’s behavior or attitude, it’s not mine to try to change! I continue to learn the lesson and I share it today. God sees ALL His kids, whether lemon trees or vines, the heart is truly His….the grape seed of delight.

In addition to my website blog, I also blog over on WordPress.com
Here is the link: https://2verycarrie.wordpress.com/

I’m registered as 2verycarrie Hope to see you there. Check out my paintings, if you have time and be sure and order “The Waiting Room” to share with a friend who may need encouragement….

Blessed to be a part of God’s good use for the internet!

Carrie George
An Ordinary Woman Serving an Extraordinary God

Aroma of Christ Series
DECEMBER 15TH, 2008
Have you ever noticed a quality about someone that gives evidence to his or her close relationship with Jesus Christ? There are people whom I’ve met that make me want to curl up at their feet and just be in their presence. It is almost as though they are perfumed with a divine fragrance…the aroma of Christ.

In this series, I would like to develop several areas where we can begin to identify those Christ-like attributes as we ask ourselves:

“Is Christ manifested through me as the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place?” 2Cor.2:14

Recently, a very special young couple, single friends of mine; had decided to push the pause button on their relationship for a few weeks. After being together for a period of time, they had sensed that their hearts were giving them signals that needed to be pondered in prayer. Separately, alone with the Lord, the decision was reached that their relationship had to end, at least for now. They were trusting Jesus with the results, realizing it would cost them great heartbreak. In the Hebrew language, what they did was: “Shama” which means: “to hear, listen, obey.”

Each conversation that I shared with the young man during his time of reflection brought with it a revelation of reverence and awe. As I listened to the contents of his heart, I realized I was in the presence of God’s beautiful gift of grace… a man with a pure heart! Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

My young friend had a heart to see beyond his own needs - he saw hers! He responded with a divine fragrance, clearly not his own. He saw her need to be alone with Jesus for this time, to help further develop her walk and her reliance upon Him again, instead of reliance upon their relationship together. He also realized that by giving this over to the Lord, he would now experience a deeper expression of his own worship and study of The Word and prayer. He saw that if he took this step of faith and let the love of his heart go, he would be obeying the leading of the Spirit’s guidance in his life. In the Greek language, my friend understood: “hupakoe: which means: to to submit and hearken to what is said. It is the obedience of faith. This gave him a bittersweet joy and peace, mixed with sorrow. (See Note* below)

A sweet fragrance permeated the atmosphere of our phone call, filling my senses with the knowledge of God’s Presence, His Sweet Fragrance. Drawn to this aroma, I asked myself: “What is it about this young man that allows the extract of God’s Holy Oil be released with such power and grace?”

It had to be his Matthew 5:8 heart. He had purity of heart, which allowed him to see God. It was his response to what he heard… Obedience with purity, the steps of a fragrant call!

May the Lord overflow you with the knowledge of His love…
Carrie

Note* The bitter waters of Marah, Exodus 15:23 were turned sweet when Moses cut a tree and placed it in the waters. My friend told me that the bitter sorrow he tasted could only be turned sweet… as long as his thirst was for Jesus alone, allowing Him to be his peace. Jesus, the Tree of Life, when added to the bitter waters of our circumstances, brings peace and nourishment. Every drop that we drink in the cup of our fate, adding Jesus to the mix brings us comfort and grace.

Ah, the blessings that come to us as we face our mountains, climb the treacherous hills that eventually lead to clear pastures of life….may I share what I processed through my writing the other day? Please read this at your leisure, and know that I am blessed to have you in my life.
I was just doing my bible study this morning and when I came across these verses, they really meant something to me. “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Phil. 1:29 “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.” Phil. 3:10 “Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. the Lord is near.” Phil.4:5

For the past two decades, we have been through medical issues that have not been “cured” and yet we have learned to walk in healing. Does that even make sense? I believe that physical healing is a miracle to behold and the joy and the excitement surrounding these divine events are unparalleled. But for those of us who struggle under the weight of man’s teachings…that ALL shall be healed, and yet do not see the fruition of that theology bear fruit in our own lives, it can be disheartening, discouraging, and disappointing. I choose instead, to believe on Him, His Word, His Sovereign ways.

To walk in healing that is flowing from the river of life is not seen as a miracle, unfortunately. Maybe that’s why we (our family) have been chosen for this. We are to “let our forbearing spirit be known to all men so that the powerful testimony of his love, his grace, and his peace visibly prove…that He is near!!!”

To walk in healing is more than just the physical manifestation of being cured. It includes an inward work of the soul, the empowerment of joy and peace which in turn enables and empowers us to fare the journey with hope. To have joy in the midst of troubles, to be invited to know His voice, to recognize His path of love through the steepest climb of the mountain, is an incredible miracle in the journey of faith. The mountain of adversity that we personally face as a family can transform us into victims if we’re not careful. It’s my choice, I can learn this: “what I practice, I become.” Either a prayer warrior full of faith, or a victim filled with fear, whose life is determined by fate. Not so, not so. Our lives have challenges, yes, I agree. My personal challenges in facing these illnesses with my family have broken my heart at times, but in my broken state, I have discovered His comforting presence to be as real as the air I breathe.
I am healed, I am whole, I am His. Amen.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”
Oftentimes, we say that the Lord is good, and we are delighted with the taste of Him, His Word, when things are pleasant in our lives. But this morning during some quiet time, I sensed a deeper awakening to this verse that helped me to see that the Lord Himself and His Word are always good….no matter my circumstances. I am reaching a new place of understanding in my journey with Him. When I hear difficult news, lab results that send a chill of fear up my spine…I can now fully and whole heartedly say: “Yet I will praise the Lord!” I praise Him because He is good, faithful, pure, holy, love, merciful, kind, gentle in all his ways. If my circumstances are difficult, this does not change who He is. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For My load is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

After returning from last weekend’s retreat called “Traveling Light”, I am amazed by the quality of joy, peace, and comfort I continue to feel as I write this today. Jesus, our Burden Bearer, has reminded more than 120 women this past Saturday, of how we become weary and tired when our focus is on anything other than….HIM. He is to be the center of our focus, the center of our heart’s desire, and when He is, we feel His grace. We are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto us. Matthew 6:33 Seeking His face leads to the center of heart’s desire to worship Him, and from there, the blessings of our Savior flow freely into our heart, mind, and spirit. Oh what an amazing God we serve! It truly is in Him that we move and live and have our being! Are you weighted down with burdens? Is your circumstance or trial causing you to lose hope? Allow me to pray His Word over you right now, because He “watches over His Word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 In His Amazing Grip of Grace, Carrie

2-23-08 4:00 a.m.
I awoke in the middle of the night with the same prayer request that I went to bed with. “Lord, show me from your Word where I might pray with assurance that gives You the glory as I pray over our friend’s upcoming transplant.” While in that twilight state of half asleep and half awake, a vivid picture flashed before my eyes, The Garden of Eden. I was now fully awake. I ran to my bible, flipped the lights on, and began reading Genesis 2:21-22 - “So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.”

I saw this for the first time as God’s inspiration over the principle of transplantation. It was his idea from the beginning - sharing life, taking something from a body in order for another one’s life to be blessed. In the Garden, it wasn’t the rib alone that gave life to Eve, it was God’s gift, His will, He breathed life and created her by using the rib of man, Adam. It is not my desire to stretch the truth or try to make it say something that it does not. But I do believe the Lord showed this picture to me to let me know that He creates life by His breath, and He guides life, and sometimes we are guided towards transplantation in order to receive the fullness of life.

Later that afternoon, at a special prayer service on behalf of our friend’s son who will be undergoing a kidney transplant in March, I felt the grace of God and the love of the Father beaming down on me as I considered this portion of Scripture being illuminated in a new way. God is with us, Emmanuel.

Genesis 9:20-25

This is not to be construed an interpretation of the Bible, but rather a consideration as a prayerful approach to the manner in which we walk. These thoughts came to me as I prayed for a young couple that were about to be ordained and set out to start their own church. I had been invited to a Presbytery in their honor and after seeking the Lord on their behalf, felt led to share this with their team that they would be taking with them. Many years later, I am still sharing this same message with churches across the country, to build a strong foundation of biblical principle, godly walls and reliance on the One True Source, Jehovah God.

The following words taken from the Scriptures represented special ideas to me as I prayed over this couple and over their team. These ideas are still with me today as I pray for those in leadership and for those who carry the mantle of intercessors, the burden to pray for those in authority.

1) Drunk – Weakness, or a specific area of sin.
2) Nakedness/Uncovered - Exposed to others but sometimes not able to recognize in ourselves.
3) Ham – Represents the one who tells others, gossips about the weaknesses of others. (*See Note)
4) Shem and Japheth - Represent grace and what Christ did for us when He covered our sins, our nakedness.
5) Garment – Represent prayer covering.
6) “Their faces were turned the other way” – Represents we are to fix our eyes on Jesus and not on the sin.
7) “Walked in backward” - An act demonstrating humility and love for their father, true care and compassion for him.

Whether as Intercessors, Leaders, or brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ, this is how the Lord would have us to walk. That we would approach our brother who is exposed in sin and we would simply cover them in prayer. We would lovingly and intentionally cast our gaze on the One who knows their situation and their heart and allow the power of the Holy Spirit do the work. If He leads us to be the spokesperson, then lovingly guide that person to restoration and wholeness. This is what reconciliation looks like; this is how our Heavenly Father gently corrects His children. He reproves us and allows us to be bruised by our circumstances, but he uses the Body of Christ to minister to the wounds, to unwrap the grave clothes and speak life to the one who is dead in their transgression, their sin. When we gossip about their weakness and bring that information to another, we tear at the fabric of their reputation, we bring darkness to their name and we rob ourselves of the blessings God has for us as well. The blessing of higher calling, greater authority can only be given when we demonstrate a faithfulness to the smaller assignments first. He will entrust us with more as we walk righteously and carefully in all that He brings to us, at home, at church or in the market places.
Shalom!
Carrie George

*Note: Luke 12:3 “Accordingly whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.”
Whisper: Psithuristes-“A Whisperer” occurs in Rom. 1:29 in an evil sense, used as a secret slander, gossip.

Given by the Holy Spirit to me 1993
Updated April 22, 2007
Carrie Lynn George

I decided to journal this the other day when I was asked this great question of how I prepare for things as surgeries come and go over the years. I pray it will be an encouragement to you as it has been to me, but this is how I visualize as I pray and it sure seems to help me as I go along my way and face things one at a time.
The Pathway of Prayer for me kind of flows from Isaiah 35:8 which says: “And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness, The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it.”
Okay, so the highway part for me has translated into a pathway, a road that is laid out by prayer - a bridge to holiness. His holiness, by His power, His Spirit by His might.
The journey to face what lies ahead for many of us can be frightening as we deal with medical issues. There are many unknowns, many what ifs and many possible casualties. The giants in the lands are real case scenarios that terrifies a mother’s heart and tears at the fabric of a father’s soul. What can be done to protect the innocence of a child whose frail little body knows nothing but tender love, the desire to go out and play and investigate the world out there and snuggle inside the home he knows that is safe and secure?
The journey that we face needs a pathway that has a plan and a road that is smoothed out by prayer, otherwise the road would be too treacherous to cross. This is where our prayers begin to do the work. The prayer work goes forth and we first must lay claim of all that is dear and precious to our heart. We secure our loved ones and hold fast to the Promises of Our Father God in Heaven above and His Holy Word and His Nature, His very Attributes. Then we fight the good fight and do the battle with our Armor on. Most importantly, we praise the God of the Armor for praise is the weapon of our warfare and all the while as we pray and fight and praise, the pathway of prayer is being laid and the ground is being made smooth so we can walk when the time to go forth is come. Do you see the picture?
I face all my worst fears as I battle. I allow the tears to come as the fears and the scenes flash in front of me, the torments and the dreams haunt me at times but I let them come and as I do, they show me how to pray. I know how to apply Scripture verses for what may lie ahead in the days to come. Then I do the the faith thing, I praise Him for the miracles that may come, envisioning all the beautiful works that He is able to do and imagine all the good that He can bring by the healing power of His hands and picture those as well. I let those rest in my heart and my mind as well and let those become a part of my dreams. I allow His peace to wash over me and this settles over me about as heavy as a blanket or a down comforter. I feel His divine peace the rest of the way, the journey is covered in peace and grace. The journey is perceived as part of His plan all for good and not for evil, for He knows the plans He has for me/for us as a family and He is going to use it for His glory. He even knows about the divine appointments He has already set up in place along the way. I rest in Him, I take comfort in Him, I abide in Him. I take cover in Him, I hide in Him, I take shelter in the shadow of His wings. I love the shadow of His wings for nothing can harm me.
This is the pathway of prayer that I have prepared over and over again for each and every circumstance that we face over the years, the past 21 years of our lives. It works for me and it gives me peace. I cannot do anything without Him and I cannot live without His peace.
Passionately His,
Carrie
March 5, 2007

One thing good about Kevin being at Little Company of Mary Hospital is the chapel there. I love going inside to pray. I have visited that chapel many times over the years even when Kevin wasn’t a patient, because of the presence of God’s holiness, which permeates the atmosphere there. It’s actually quite tangible. Anyway, I had a rough time this morning, maybe because it’s so soon after my Mom’s passing and I’m still pretty raw emotionally. Maybe because Kevin is now dealing with an issue of fluid around his heart instead of a kidney issue, which I’m more used to dealing with. Maybe it’s just that it’s been 21 years of this journey and I’m getting a little worn around the edges and my coping skills have become frayed. I need Jesus more than ever and I just couldn’t seem to pull it together this morning and go to the hospital, so I let my hero go in without me. Thank you Jeff, for always being so strong.

Well, after having a dear friend who lives across the country prayed for me over me over the phone, and a few hours of just camping out in the word, I finally felt that supernatural feeling come over me. His strength filled my body with His grace. I didn’t have any reserve left, so that’s why I know it was supernatural. I couldn’t have dragged myself there on my own human strength, but God did give me the daily bread I needed as I sat with the All Sufficient One and received from Him. Wow. What a Father!~

I arrived at the hospital around 12:30 in the afternoon and I stopped by for a brief period before going up to my son’s room to pray and read my bible in the peaceful setting of the sanctuary. The moment I knelt, my face became wet with tears and I knew it was going to be one of those times. He listened as I poured out my mother’s heart and begged for His tender mercy and healing hands of grace to touch my son Kevin once again, and to hold his life wholly and securely in His hands. And then I also prayed the most daring prayer of all….Let Your will be done, Jesus. Whatever your will, I know it’s what’s best, just give me the grace to face it all.

As I gazed at the Cross, my prayers descended to a deeper level - a dimension so sacred that I knew the Holy Spirit had taken over my prayers. I offered the Lord my life, my will and my deepest desire for my son’s healing. Immediately, I felt his peace wash over me. I knew he had heard my heart’s cry, and it was settled. I looked down at my bible in hand and just let it fall open. The Scripture verse that leapt up off the page was from Hebrews 5:7.

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”

REVERENT SUBMISSION…was what caught the Father’s attention, is why He heard his cries and petitions. I felt the power of this truth bring healing to old wounds where scars from old false teachings had left their mark on my soul.

My prayers today were heard, not because I conjured up enough faith,

My prayers today were heard, not because I quoted the right Scripture verses (although this is an effective and powerful way to pray)

My prayers were heard because of my reverent submission.

What a joy, what a freedom, what a relief in knowing that I didn’t have to do another thing. He heard it all and once again, He has shown Himself to be faithful and in control. My son’s health issues was not the work of the enemy, it’s his body’s response to a weakened earthly tent. True, the devil tries to raise fear and loves to torment our mind with his lies. But my eyes are on the Lord’s face and my mind is taken captive to the truth of his word. I know that his will is always for our very best. I’ve come to learn this, as painful as it has been. Maybe tomorrow will bring us good news, some answers or just another pause and we’ll go on another day, another month, until we meet another crisis.

He truly is an ever present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

By His grace,

Carrie

A favorite quote which our family tries to live by: “You can’t shape the road for your child, but you can shape your child’s legs for the journey.” I am grateful that this principle steered us as parents, teaching us how to raise our sons with hope, strength, and dignity. So often, we as parents want to remove the obstacles of life from our children’s path, instead of teaching them how to face them. “Strengthening our child’s legs for the road, instead of the road for the child”, is what has made them strong. Just as the butterfly struggles free from the cocoon, (a process which builds strength in its wings to fly), our children learn to climb steep hills up and over life challenges through the process of struggle as well.

Our sons, Jason and Kevin, are now 32 and 21 years olds, respectively. Today, they are young men with character, shaped by the roads they have traveled. Their paths have been steep and treacherous at times, (one’s path of drug abuse, the other’s path of health challenges), but they have reached their own mountain top of faith, confident and strong. We release them now as they continue on their path, one to Italy, the other to South Bay. Godspeed, my sons!

Qavah: To Wait
6960 Hebrew word
To bind together, perhaps by twisting

When we wait upon the Lord, we can be sure He is acting on His Word. He is twisting together our circumstances to be bound to His will. Waiting allows circumstances, people, events, and places to line up with his ways, his timing, and his plans. He leads and guides us as we wait on Him. To wait empowers us to respond to the Spirit, rather than reacting to our flesh. Waiting brings us His best outcome, while hurry is the shortcut to temporary fulfillment, a counterfeit. Next time you find yourself in the waiting room of life, remember it is a good thing. God is twisting together all the ingredients necessary to line up your purpose with His wonderful plan.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Shalom,
Carrie George
January 8, 2006

See Him in Galilee
Galilee – The Place of Miracles

Matthew 28:1-10 “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus; who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: “He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

As I pondered this portion of scripture, I thought, why Galilee? Why did the risen Savior choose to meet his disciples there? I looked at the map in the back of my bible and noted that Galilee was up in the mountains, next to the Sea of Galilee. The bible concordance in the NIV states: Galilee – Jesus grew up, preached and did most of his miracles in Galilee. Suddenly, my eyes were opened and I saw the wisdom of this meeting place.

1) To fulfill what was spoken:
Jesus told the disciples to meet him there so he could fulfill what was spoken. In Luke 24:6-7, it says: “He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.” He returned to the same place where this word was spoken, to fulfill prophecy.
2) A place rich in the Word:
Jesus preached many of his messages in this region, Galilee. It was a place that was rich in the power of His Word, giving life changing lessons to others through his teachings.
3) A place of prayer:
Jesus would sometimes slip away from the crowds to pray, one of the places he withdrew to, were the mountains to be with His Father. Spiritually speaking, Galilee represents a place of prayer, a time of solitude with the Heavenly Father.
4) A place of miracles:
Jesus performed many miracles in Galilee, an atmosphere rich in faith conducive for miracles to happen. In order to see the miracle of The Risen Savior, the disciples needed to return to Galilee. A place of divine revelation; rich in Word, prayer, and filled with faith.

Although the actual location of Galilee is Northern Israel today, in my prayer time I discovered there is a Galilee residing in my own heart. And, there is one in yours.
This place is our own personal Galilee…a place we can retreat to in our minds when we need our faith renewed. It is a simple place in our hearts, rich in the reflections of His Word, times in prayer, and a recollection of miracles He has done for you and me.

How do we get back to our Galilee?
1. Revisit the memory of when God did a mighty thing for you. Perhaps a loved one returning to their faith, a sickness that was healed, a financial situation impossible to overcome except for the power of God. Fill your mind with the wonderful things He has done.
2. Praise Him for all things every day. The key to intimacy with Christ is having a grateful heart.
3. “Take every (negative) thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” Replace those negative thoughts and doubts with His Word. “Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
4. “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong.” Romans 1:11 Surround your life with Believers who are strong in their faith and flow in their gifts. This will build your own faith as you see them walk out their own.
5. Walk out your miracle. Treat your day as though your miracle has already happened. Your behavior will be infectious, affecting those around you, and most importantly, yourself! When you are confident in His power, you can let go of the control so much better. Becoming weak allows Him to show Himself strong.

Retreat to your Galilee today, the place where your heart can see your Risen Savior!

Shalom!
Carrie George
January 8, 2006

What is grace? “It is an undeserved favor or gift; the undeserved forgiveness, kindness and mercy that God gives us.”

Reach for grace instead of fear.
Release grace by sharing it with others.
Grace Grip – hold on for life, it will sustain you.

~There is grace for every need…~

Reaching for grace is a choice we can make. It is an intentional decision as we face our trial, our tragedy, or trauma. Warfare can target our hearts with fear, but faith engages grace to flow, thus empowering us to rise above the circumstance.

Surrender is the key to releasing His grace. This step of faith, laying down our own will is the most powerful step we can make. We don’t give in, we simply allow His Sovereign Will to work.

His tender mercy supplies us with His grace. When we say we in His grip of grace, we are painting a picture of one being held securely in the Father’s right hand. His grace flows from His mercy, love, and compassion. Grip his grace, not bitterness.

We can loosen our own grip from His hand of grace when we:
 Circle over the ruins
 Revisit old wounds
 Rehearse hurtful events

We tighten our grip on His hand of grace when we:
 Set our mind on things above (Col. 3:1,2)
 Remember His goodness and His Word
 Treasure His Spirit, the Holy Spirit

Personal Reminders:
We encourage others when we grip onto His grace.
We release a fragrance of worship that draws others to the altar, to the Throne Room of Grace.
Spend the bulk of your time at the Throne Room of Grace.
There is immeasurable grace available to us in every circumstance, conflict, or trial that we face. Remember, grace is a choice, reach for grace always.

Some Scriptures on grace:
Psalm 45:2 (lips anointed with grace)
John 1:16-17 (grace comes from Jesus)
Luke 4:22 (gracious words)
Ephesians 3:7; 4:7 (gift of God’s grace given to each of us and works through His power)
1 Timothy 1:14 (grace is poured out abundantly on us)
Hebrews 12:15 (grace vs. bitterness)
1Peter 4:10 (gifts used to serve others and administer God’s grace)
2Peter 3:18 (we are to grow in grace and knowledge)

Cool, Still Waters

“He leads me besides cool, still waters….
The way to still waters…it is a pool of still waters where sheep can drink until their hearts are satisfied. What is it about still waters which have this quality of satisfying one’s heart? Perhaps the quality of rest and stillness indicates the environment which is best for our souls to receive this kind of nourishment.
Our Shepherd leads us to still waters, not deep waters, where we could drown, and not rushing streams, where we could be swept away by current.

Often we find ourselves as Christians rushing around in the life of ministry. We attend our bible study, prayer meetings, worship service, volunteer our time and gifting where there is a need, meet with others for fellowship, and then squeeze in our time with family, friends, work, and responsibilities. It is in these rushing waters, where we find our souls are least satisfied, hearts full, maybe, but spirits dry and empty. This is not the green pasture our Shepherd has prepared for us, but one that we stray to, when we follow our own path. Instead of resting and drawing from the cool, still waters that refresh our souls, we are standing against the current of time, busyness, and distraction…wondering why we feel dry and drained.

Ponder This…One of my favorite mentors and friend is a woman named Cricket. She asked me to remember the time when I was in Kindergarten. She reminded me that every day, the teacher would have the class take out our mats and take a nap for thirty minutes. I vividly recalled the quiet calm and sense of order in the room while we obediently laid there on our little foam mats. Cricket interjected, “This was a time where the teacher got most of her work done, planning, and preparing as you rested.” She said it was the same way with Our Shepherd. When we rest in Him, this is the time where The Teacher gets most of His work done in our lives. If we are so busy flittering around, we miss the still, small voice in which He speaks to direct us. The Holy Spirit invites us to come away and find that place in the green pasture of His provision and peace. He calls us to slip away with the Shepherd where He can lead us down by the cool, still waters. Celebrate the Discipline of Solitude one day this month, clear your schedule one day, to read His Word, journal our prayers and insights, and rest in Him.

A very wise friend of mine once said to me: “Carrie, don’t let what’s going on in your family keep you from having eyes to look out and see other people’s needs.” At the time, I thought the timing was wrong but since then, I’ve learned some things about a “word in season.”

I’ve learned that when we are most vulnerable, in the greatest need, and are stretched beyond comfort, that is when a timely word spoken plants itself deeply into the richest soil of our hearts.

These seeds of truth take hold and burrow its way down past the thought life, past the soul realm, and into the spirit. This is where we flow in unity with God. This is the place where the center of our being knows and recognizes and protects all truth. We guard these truths as sacred.

My friend’s words were sacred to me, even though they didn’t feel very good that night. Since then, I have repeatedly seen the Lord allow our circumstances, such as hospitalizations, coincide with another family’s need for comfort, healing, peace, or to hear about Jesus. All of these opportunities are privileges we all have access to, provided that our eyes, our hearts, and our minds are open and listening to the Spirit of Truth.

I’ve also learned that God is an ever present help at all times. (Psalm 46:1) I used to feel I had little to offer anyone else while I was consumed by my own trials. Worry and fear for my son would leave me with no energy to spare, let alone think of someone else. I have since learned that these are the very times God would bring another family into our lives, whose needs were greater than our own; to demonstrate His powerful love and unlimited resources.

Galatians 6:2 says: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” One day I was at a woman’s conference and at one point we were invited to write out our prayer request and bring them to the front, to lay it on the altar (a basket which held the slips of paper). This would represent our prayers being lifted to the Lord, and laid at His feet on the altar. I was sobbing so hard I couldn’t get up from my seat. I was embarrassed by the emotions which overtook me, and frustrated that I did not have the ability to go forward.

Suddenly a very kind woman came up to me and knelt beside me, offering to take my slip to the altar. She said to me, “Just as Simon from Cyrene helped Jesus carry his cross and his burden to the altar of sacrifice on Calvary, please allow me to carry this burden for you.” I’ll never forget that. I will always remember the kind heart, the loving grace and the incredible love my Savior has for me, through the gentle act of that one woman.

Angela Thomas from her book Living Your Life as a Beautiful Offering says: “Burdens are meant to be carried. Broken hearts and broken lives don’t get put back together while you’re laying on your bed in the dark. They get healed inside the arms of healthy love.”

Psalm 34:18 promises that God heals the brokenhearted and binds up our wounds. Let the loving arms of your Lord come around you today through the hug of a friend or family member who has encircled your life with prayer. If you do not have someone in your life right now that shares this kind of relationship with you, remember that He is always with you and never leaves or forsakes you. (Heb. 13:5)