RISE UP, DAUGHTER OF THE MOST HIGH

 

By Angeline M Duran Santiago

I was looking for an image to use in one of my blogs and this one came out. It wasn't what I wanted, but as I read it, the message hit me and I knew that this was for me. There was no doubt that the Lord would give me a few words to share on this passage. 

 

My mind scanned this image and quickly voiced, "Is he really teaching my hands to fight and my fingers to war?" The mind quickly becomes defensive and starts with it's million questions. The answer was easy, though. "Yes." A simple yes will seem enough for tonight. He, Adonai, teaches my hands to fight. I just haven't allowed Him to show me how. Although he has attempted it so many times, I have yet to truly continuously walk in the understanding and knowledge that he teaches my hands to fight.

I look back at dreams, at moments when I have been before the Lord in prayer and when I was able to minister in dance. My hands were powerful weapons moving to the music and the words of the songs or the message coming forth. In times of prayer I learned to take my stand and use movement as a weapon to declare my home off limits to the Enemy of our souls. 

And, how sad, with these same hands, with these same fingers, with my heart and my mind, I have so easily made the wrong choices and forgotten that my hands and my fingers, my very life have been set apart for something greater. 

Where are you, Daughter of the most high? Why have you forgotten to move those hands and feet on the battle ground? Do you not remember who taught you to move swiftly upon the fields. Have you forgotten He who called you in the night to rise up and learn how to fight against the many enemies that would rise against you in the days to come? 

Where are you, Daughter of the Most High? You were washed and redeemed, made new and given garments of praise but also reminded to put on the whole armor of God. Rise up, daughter or Adonai, and put your whole trust in the One who will give you Victory. Arise, daughter and pray for real again. Arise, and find your Savior once again in every page of scripture. Rise up. 

Rise up to pray for your children and your grandchildren.

Take your stand and pray for your health, your finances, and your marriage. I know your husband has failed you many times, but don't let the hurt and the bitterness keep you broken, keep you chained up and you can't be free to RISE UP and fight. Push through. Fight even with the little strength you have tonight. 

Pray for your family. Pray fr the Lord to move in your life and the life of those around you.

My friend, you are not alone. God will not abandon you in the battlefield. He will not desert you. God will be with you. He is there for you and for me. We are not hopeless. We are not left to disappear in a sea of confusion. God has not called us out of darkness to now abandon us into the net of the Prince of Darkness. God has given you and me the authority and the audacity to get up and pray, to get up and speak the Word of Life, in Jesus name. 

My friend, you are a daughter of a great and mighty King. He is a warrior. He will fight the battles that come our way. Raise your shield and lift it agains the Enemy. Sickness has to go! In Jesus name. The Enemy's lies, the plans of darkness against you and me fall on the floor, broken and cancelled because God is for you, daughter of the Lord, and will never, ever be against you. 

Lord, we need a mighty move of your presence. I personally need you, desperately. I need to see you and sense you in my life. The battle has started and I don't have a strategy on how to deal with this again. But, I will turn to you, once more. I surrender to You completely Lord. Take my hands, my fingers, my heart and my mouth. Take my feet and all of me, lead me through this battle and ever war that rises against me and those you have placed in my care, and use my life for your glory. I know I am not alone.

Believe again.
Believe again.
Trust again.
Rise and walk again.

Sickness, problems, depression, sin, whatever is coming against me and my family know that I rise up and I come against you with God's strength in me, In His name, with His covering and his anointing. 

When I Think of You and a Cup of Coffee

I thought of the smile that would stretch across your face today as you joined me for some coffee. I don't know if that's what you're having at the moment, but I made some just for me. Smells amazing!

In my mind, I imagined us sitting together and just sharing what's been going on. Maybe, like me, you have a few books on the table. None of them are new. But, since I haven't had the chance to get new ones,  I'm rereading some favorites. A little crazy perhaps, but rereading a book is like visiting an old friend. You go to the same place and person, but you can always discover something new, something you didn't see before. 

So, maybe you've placed them aside so we can share the cup of coffee with some cheddar cheese and crackers. Butter? Yes, I'll get the butter, too.

You might not want to share, so I'll go first. It's been a rough week. There have been so many things left incomplete and with back to school only a few days away, I feel ill prepared in sending my son back to school, a new school. But, you're right. He's going to be alright. I know. I'm going to have to get time off to meet the teachers and explain so much to them, but you're right. These crackers do disappear when I dip them in the coffee.

Really? You had a difficult week, too? Those people at work just getting on your last nerve. Believe me, I understand. I've had to deal with people like that too. 

Wish we could go gangsta on some of them sometimes, right, like those movies where the good guy really knows how to kick butt and everyone is like Woosh and Kaboom, flying all over the place. Nah, they're not worth it. Don't worry. You just keep doing what you know is right and God will take care of the rest. He always does. I'm telling you, it's going to be alright. 

Aww. Here. It's ok. If you need to cry then cry because sometimes we just need to let it come forth and there's such a change afterwards. We are going to get through this together. You and me. Yes we are. I'm right here. You're not walking through this storm alone. Here, have some more coffee. How about some coffee cake? No? Well, now you know how I gained so much weight. You should see me when I start PMSing  Chocolate time!

Back to me? Well, I thought I wasn't going to make it. I had nowhere else to go but to the Lord. I'm telling you, I was ready to quit, to give up, to run off into the desert and blame my parents for the day they created me. Oh, yes, I'm telling you, nothing was going right. I was so angry. And then, God's mercy showed up. Yes siree, it dawned on me that I was being foolish and childish and that it's ok to go through the storms and come out somewhat banged up and bruised up a bit. What matters is that we remain believing and not give up.

No, you're not giving up! You're going to keep going. God's working in your life, child. The best is yet to come. Believe me, I was feeling just like you only a few days ago and look at me now. Feel like I can get up on this coffee table and break dance. (Hammer time!)

I knew I could make you smile. Dear Friend, I promise you will not walk alone through your desert. We can get through this one day at a time. God is in the business of answering prayer. God loves you and will comfort you through this heavy time in your heart.

No. You are not alone and your life is not over. Oh my goodness, how could you believe that lie? Look in the mirror by the door. Look really hard and what do you see? I see an amazing person. Perfect in every way because God doesn't make junk. Even while you were just starting to be formed in your mother's womb, God already knew your name, your hair color, your good days and your crappy days. He's provided your way out of sadness and into joy, unspeakable joy!

I'm so glad you're feeling better. 

You gotta go? Sure. I know. Oh, it's been so great having you over. Can we do this again. No. No. Anytime. We still have this whole "Seeing God in the Storm" thing to talk about. 

You have a great day now and don't you worry. Call me anytime if you need to talk or just cry over the phone. I'm here for you, for real. God really cares for you my friend. And I do, too.

#faith #friendship #discouragement #coffeetime #encouragement #talk #intentionalblogger #christiancounseling #christianfriend #loneliness

You Have Been Called Out

            

You have a purpose!

My son, my daughter, my friend, my foe, I cannot begin to tell you how great a plan has been designed for your life.
I know this. I do!
How?
There's just something wonderful about you.
YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED OUT FOR GREATNESS!
Actually, there's a war against you that says you will not fulfill this plan. There's a bet that has been made in the depths of darkness that says you don't believe in yourself enough to believe your worth.

Do you feel like you've been in a forever battle lately? Then your destined for something amazing and someone is trying to stop you. That someone is the enemy of your soul.
Those struggles, challenges, headaches and difficulties in your life, part of the effort to disarm you, to get your faith to vanish and your heart to fear.

Why?

Because of the call.

YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED OUT FOR VICTORY!
The calling on your life is to do something greater. I know at times it feels as if you're a small boat in the middle of the ocean and the storm barely clears when another one begins.
But, there is a joy! A great joy!

To fall into the mercy of One who oversees my every breath.
There is a joy in knowing that I am not defeated.
We overcome and we triumph! Don't you see?
Your calling comes with a high price.

The enemy doesn't want you to succeed in great your purpose.
The enemy of your soul is not in favor of you fulfilling your dreams.
We take breaks. We do time outs.
The enemy does not. He is forever scheming and planning against you and against your loved ones.

He is always planning the next move against you.
In the game of Chess, you have to be really good with strategic thinking. You need to be aware of how your opponent might be thinking so that you can move ahead of the game. God knows the enemy's devices and like in Chess, The Lord knows the enemy's next move, no matter how much he tries to change them.
God is always the winner! Always!
The Lord, King of Kings, always is the Victorious One.

So, now you know once more.

There's a heavenly assignment for you to complete. What are you going to do about it?

Will you let sickness and sorrow stop you?

I hope you will prepare yourself 

and do great things, fearlessly.

Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.

I've been beaten, battered, and tossed in the waves but I've always come out breathing and bathing in the warmth of the Sun (SON).

You will too. You see, I believe in what God has promised to do in my life and through my life. I hear some praise coming on! Enjoy video. I did!

Am I a Role Model or a Rolling Pin as a Parent?

If you have a hard time viewing, use down arrow to scroll down.

Part One "Am I a Role Model or a Rolling Pin?"

Your children’s success will most likely resemble what we, as parents, have modeled. The good, the bad and the ugly will be imprinted in their lives through years of living with us. Our behaviors and attitudes, our daily routines, our goals and lack of goals, our dreams and achievements, or our poor accomplishments due to lack of zeal and ambition are things they watch carefully.

What are our children seeing? Do they see hopelessness and despair, discouragement and lack of faith? Or do they see someone that thrives in the heat of the battle, someone who is caring and forgiving, a strong character with good morals and values, and someone who will dare to dream and never quit? 

Do they see a procrastinator, someone with a billion excuses, a person with no dreams, no motivation, no goals and no achievements to brag about? 

Do they see a role model worthy of echoing or a rolling pin just good enough to get by, make some bread and survive?

A role model is prepared to lead by example. A role model is always researching ways to improve because they know eyes are always on them to see what they will do next. A role model is always creating teachable moments from everyday life.

A rolling pin depends on someone to take it and use it in order to create pastries, breads and other goodies. A rolling pin waits on the counter for the baker, chef or "parent" to use it's creativity to create. A rolling pin is unable 

to do for itself or anyone else. Do you see where I'm going here?

What is the legacy we are creating for our children?

God will hold us accountable. This is true. Yet, I don’t think we need to wait to be held accountable in the future. We need, I need, to be held accountable now, today. The world of education now uses the word accountability as part of what they look for in a highly qualified teacher.

I believe, it should also be used when observing the characteristics of a great parent, not perfect, but great. I know there are no perfect teachers or parents. We are always learning and are known to make mistakes. But shouldn't we work daily to conquer those areas in our lives that make us a poor example, a weak role model and a sad hero for our children?

I open the floor to debate. Perhaps I am wrong. I see things always from the perspective as an educator and a mother all wrapped in one. There’s a strong chance I am wrong in some area of my thinking. When it comes to learning, I am a forever learner and lover of learning. That will never change. This is why I am certain that as a parent, I cannot be complacent to remain as I am. I need to excel and grow so that my children will desire to excel and grow. I need to lead the way and show them because if I remember correctly, when I was younger, I didn't know what to do many times. Most likely, they’re at a loss for many things in life, too.

For the Christian parent:

Do our children see us loving God? Do they see evidence of our walk filled with faith and joy? Do they see us praying and know how to pray on their own? Have we instilled in them the desire to read God's Word and pray always. Are they fearless in sharing their faith or are they unsure because we are unsure? Do they know scripture? Do they understand what it means to be a disciple and follower of Jesus? Do they see it in you and me? Has our walk been something to draw them to God or away?

So, what do we do? As a Christian, I lean on God’s guidance. Lord, help me here because you know me better than anyone else. Help me to be the parent, the teacher and the friend my children need me to be. Help me to model the things they need to see, especially your heart. Let them seek the path of wisdom, learning, financial success, and building good relationships with the right persons.

Lord, help us today to be more than 

hugs and love for our children. Let us inspire them to change the world, to be leaders, to be revolutionary in their thinking. Fill us so that we can give to them what You so graciously give to us. Impart vision so that we can impart interpretation. Our children are in Your hands, Heavenly Father. Mold me into the role model my children need to see each day. Let me raise children that have a heart for you above all else, in Jesus name, amen.

WHO PUT A STOP SIGN ?

WHO PUT A STOP SIGN?

Inspired after watching Jacob at football practice today.

     Under the rising heat of morning sunshine, Jacob’s team is following directions to run the area of the field. Non-negotiable drills follow the run that soon leads to more running.  There is very little shade to be found during the exercises as the morning flames lap around each child. 

The Coach directs the team to go for water and they swarm like hungry bees in unison towards the water area.

      Jacob is never one to leave his team at any moment. He’s been taught that the team stays together at all times. So I know something is wrong as he walks away from his team towards me.

     The first thing on my mind is, “Low sugar, get the juice!” Red, flushed faced, he sits down and says he's not feeling well. I check his sugar to find that it is actually a little high. I cover him and get him hydrated with water knowing he has more running and jumping to do. He rejoins his team for some more action. You see, Type 1 Diabetes has a way of showing up and saying, "Here!" When you want to just have a normal day. 

Through all this, my eyes never leave his side. I can tell something isn't right, but somehow, the fighter in him doesn't let the symptoms he is feeling become a stop sign. What can be a stop sign to many is but a pause for Jacob, and he comes to me.

This time he's sick. The heat has really gotten to him and he's not well at all. He's by the gate throwing up and I pray, "Lord, guide me here. Please take control." After some thought, I tell him the best thing to do is to go home. His eyes speak loudly that he wants to stay but, is also aware he's  feeling horrible. We share with the Coach what is going on and get ready to leave. 

As I pick up my belongings, Jacob looks at me and says, “Mom, I’m staying. I have to keep going. I can’t stop now!” He smiles and just runs back towards his team. 

Coach stretches out his hand  to shake it thinking we are leaving and Jacob just smiles and says, “No, I’m going to stay.” Everyone just looks at one another and smiles.

The Coach looks at me, hands in question pose, and all I can say is, “He wants to stay. He doesn't want to stop.” That's my fighter, my son, he's not going to quit without a fight!

My son goes on, non-stop through all the drills, all the routines and every run for the next four hours. At times he runs and at times he walks the field, but he never, not once, takes a break. He pushes himself in ways I've never seen him do before. He maintains speed and pace with his team and performs at his peak level of ability not once stops to complain or give his body time to wave a flag of surrender.

I'm not trying to say my son is a super kid. If you stay with me you'll soon find out where I'm going and why I'm sharing about my son.

 Through the heat and the intense workout, my son never gave signs of wanting to quit, even when I advised him to. He kept going, believing, wanting to do his best more than anything else. He endured with joy!

No one put a stop sign on Jacob today. In the midst of feeling horrible and with reason to quit and go home he decided to remain true to his Coach until the end.

 As I sat here watching, God’s words came to my mind.....

“Will you remain in the race and endure until the end?

Will you push yourself to keep going in the midst of not feeling so wonderful and many things going wrong around you?

   Are you listening to your Coach and believing you can do anything?

Will you get back in the race when it feels like you can’t go on or your world is falling apart?”

     Sitting here, watching Jacob, the phrase, “Who put a stop sign?” pops into my mind and I know that Jacob will be the inspiration for me to write today. He will be the image in my mind when I think it’s time to call it quits. I am getting a lesson in life by watching my son, his team and his Coach.

We have to keep going in the midst of adversity. Do not give up when you are assaulted by sickness or problems. See the prize before you like Jacob does. There is a reward if we remain true until the end. You know His Word; I don’t have to keep writing it over and over again. Jacob looks forward to a trophy, a championship, fun and excitement. 

We look forward to His Presence Now and always with us. 

My son looks forward to wearing football equipment, a uniform that shows he's part of the team. You and I are part of God's team, covered in His grace and love. We can make it.

Who put a stop sign if front of you? No one? Then keep going. Let’s walk hand and hand together and run if we have to until the very end. Jacob made it through the day and at the end said, "Wow, that was some workout!" I'm so proud of him right now. Diabetes is not a stop sign and neither should problems that come to slow you down.

As we continue to go forward our Heavenly Father looks at us and brags about us, I'm sure, "That's my son and my daughter. They are not going to throw the towel in. Just watch them go!" Here's cheering you on!

FEAR CAME TO STAY

Fear arrives unnoticed and is diligent to remain unsuspicious during his stay. No one sees the amount of luggage Fear carries. When Fear shows up, it comes to stay. Fear comes quietly and listens to your morning conversations and takes notes, nodding his ugly head and tapping his pen on his paper. Fear stands at the door as you try to pray and begins to device his plan.

Fear whispers into the air around you every time you voice your ideas. “It cannot be done.” Fear writes on the walls of your apartment so that you see it the moment you sit down for coffee. “Not today, you will leave it for tomorrow.”

Fear listens to your concerns and agrees with you. It sits at your bedside, holding your hand, comforting you with a sinister smile and says, “Poor darling. Are you feeling hopeless?” It grabs at your heart with icy fingers and sends cold vibrations throughout your body, numbing your strength, and pushing you back on your pillow. Fear stands at the window and observes you through the night, as you remain awake, unable to sleep for the sounds that surround you and the imaginations of your heart increase.

Carefully he comes when you finally shut your eyes, and it binds your feet, binds your hands, covers your mouth, and then stands back to admire his work. Morning comes with all your plans and responsibilities commanding your attention. Courage and Assurance of heart have been strapped down. Your heart is racing, you feel dizzy and as you attempt to stand and get out of bed, Fear laughs and punches you so hard you fall back on your bed.

Fear smiles and shows you his previous notes. “Here are your dreams.” He takes a black marker and scribbles on them. “Here are your hopes.” It scribbles once more. “This is what you prayed for.” Laughing loudly, he scribbles a dark line across these. You are frozen in time and cannot move. Fear has taken residence.

What will you do?

I’m going to tell you what you’re going to do, and do it now.

Get up! If you get knocked down, push forward and get up. Get up now! One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! Acts 18:9 NLT 

Today, the Lord says to you “Don’t be afraid!

 Speak out! Don’t be silent!” 

You see, Fear is going to hear it today. So get ready!

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, 

and he delivers them. Psalm 34:7 NIV

You are not alone. Won’t you call out to the Lord who has promised to show up? He’s all around you cheering you on as you begin to fight against Fear.

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NLT

I know Fear doesn't want to leave, but you are going to have to open up your big mouth and speak out because up to now, Fear just hasn’t seen the side of you that can command an army when you put your trust in the Lord.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 NIV

Get up and walk around your home. Every room that has ever made you tremble at the thought of taking one more step, every area that has ever frozen you as you walked in the dark and made you feel you couldn't breathe. Get up and awake the Word of God in your heart and bring it forth into your home and heart.

In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:4 NIV

Fear has to leave! It cannot stand in the presence of a Holy God. It cannot stay in the presence of perfect love. God is encouragement and Life. Open all those doors that have allowed Fear to live in: the door to your mind, your heart, your dreams, your future, your prayers, and your life. Open those doors and take a dark marker and begin to scribble what the Lord says to you today.

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. 

Psalm 91:4-8 NLT

One last verse:

 I am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear? Isaiah 51:12 NLT

WHY? Why then, are you still afraid?

Your comments are welcomed, positive or negative.