Big Footsteps

I have a bracelet made by my daughter that says, "I walk in my Father's footsteps."

I treasure it because she made it, but it is my life's purpose - to walk in Father God's steps.

With all the snow we are scooping, I 'see' me hopping in Daddy's footsteps, just to keep up!

Tiny me. Big Him!

My Daddy Says So!

As we enter this New Year, it's easy to let ourselves be robbed of the joy we had at Christmas.

Today was one of those days.

"We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose." Rom. 8:28. Ampl.

Everything works out okay. It always has and always will. No matter what.

Because that's what my Father's Word says.

My Daddy says so!

This Hurts

So I asked Him. "Lord, what are You doing? This hurts."

And He answered.

"You asked Me to prepare the Bride for the Bridegroom."

Hunkered Down In The Cave

Been sitting on John 14:6. "Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me." Amplified version.

This morning I just went to "I am the Way."

Then - "He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake." Ps. 23:3b

The Way. Paths. Are we going on an adventure, God?

Another - Ps. 139:24b. "and lead me in the way everlasting."

Then boop! He gives me a visual of He and I walking/hiking/climbing through very rough terrain. Very rocky mountains. I see no trees! Just rocks!

Jesus is holding my hand. Directing my feet. "Oops, see that stone there? Step over it." Or "kick it!"

He is the Way. We are going through this life together.

Then at a certain point we reach a protected place with a sweet pool of water.

A cave?

I hear the water dripping, echoing off the walls of the cave. See it reflecting. Smell the clean fresh air.

It isn't dark. He is the Light of the world. And He is right beside me. He lights my way, my paths.

Where is the pool? The cave?

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty." Ps. 91:1

Nuf said.

Insults and Scorn

Was reading Psalm 69. Starts out "Save me," and "I am forced to restore what I did not steal." Wrongfully accused.

Further down. "Oh God, You know my folly and blundering; my sins and my guilt are not hidden from You."

More. "Because for Your sake I have borne taunt and reproach;" and "When I wept and humbled myself with fasting, I was jeered at and humiliated;"

I ended up asking God when have I wept and humbled myself? When have I for zeal for Your house endured the church eating me up? When have I become a stranger to brethren, born taunt and reproach?

Father said, "You didn't have to. Jesus did it for you."

Amen.

Jesus, You took away my reproach. Bore my sins, insults, and scorn.

"What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him?" Ps. 8:4. You create the heavens and the earth. You are Creator of the universe.

And You died for us on that cross.

Focus!

Learning. God is so patient.

Been in Ezek. 40:4. All of Ezekiel, but I'm sitting on that verse.

In this book, an angel took Ezekiel in the spirit, to view the temple. The angel measured it with a reed and told all the measurements and configurations to Ezekiel. Then told Ezekiel to tell all to the house of Israel!

Now if that had been me, I would have said, "Ju ... just a minute, while I go get my notebook. I'll never remember all that!"

Uh-huh.

Verse 4. "And the man said to me, son of man, look with your eyes, and hear with your ears and set your heart and mind on all that I will show you, for you are brought here that I may show them to you. Declare all that you see to the house of Israel."

In other words - focus!! Set your heart.

Ezekiel wasn't an angel. He wasn't a robot. A droid. (DROID!) He was a human, like you and me.

He did just that. He remembered all and wrote it down for us.

God is challenging me.

I went to a writer's conference recently and attended a class taught by Angela Hunt. She demonstrated to us something similar. Her Memory Palace. She had us choose a category - plants. We spoke out about 18-20 different species and she envisioned her neighborhood, placing each plant there. She was able to recite back to us each plant kind without peeking! Amazing!

I believe she was using Ezek. 40:4. And I can too!

I'm gonna work up to my grocery list!

On the Hot Seat

Yesterday morning, I was thinking. Yeah. I know. It's dangerous.

When I first set up this blog with the title, Ball of Fire Woman, five people had spoken fire, or ball of fire, over me, in prayer.

I just realized I might have jumped to conclusions with what God meant. Fire. Ball of Fire. I got kinda puffed up. "Yeah! I'm on fire for God! I'm hot!" HA!

Maybe He was just telling me that He has a lot of crap He needs to burn out of me!

Uh huh.

Ouch.

Open Letters

Yeah. I know. It's been a long time since I've written!

All excuses. ... but I've been ... yeah. I have been writing a novel, if that works!

Anyway, this morning, I felt God nudging me with 2 Cor. 3:2,3.

"[No] you yourselves are our letter of recommendation (our credentials), written in your hearts, to be known (perceived, recognized) and read by everybody. You show and make obvious that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, not written with ink but with [the] Spirit of [the] living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."

We are letters from Christ. What is in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, speaks volumes to others about where we spend our time.

Ouch!

Copyright©Bonnie Lacy

Speak it Out!

It has been 2 months since my last post. I am well, but very busy!

I have been in Exodus, chapters 14 and 15.

God's people looked back and saw the Egyptians coming after them, looked forward and saw the Red Sea blocking their way, and started whining and crying. Moses told them to fear not. "The Lord will fight for you," he said.

God moved and stood between Israel and their enemies! And as the chariots moved forward, God bogged the wheels down! Amazing!

The huge part is that Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea (after he had parted the sea the same way!) and the sea returned to its normal flow, drowning the Egyptians.

Afterward, God's people were dancing and singing praises to Him. Ex. 15:13-16 really stuck out to me. The news of what God did for his children spread all over, even to other enemies. The Philistines, men of Edom, Moab, Canaan. Terror fell on them and melted their hearts.

I was then reminded of Rev. 12:11, "And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death." (Ampl.) It says here that they conquered the devil by the telling of their testimonies.

Our enemies are conquered by telling what God has done for us! Fear has to go when we tell of how good He is to us! And terror fills the hearts of our enemies when we speak of God's greatness!

Copyright©Bonnie Lacy

Hand to Hand

A few days ago, I went back home to a family funeral. My cousin and I were sitting with her mom (who is my mom too!).

As we started to file out, my cousin leaned over to ask if I would take her mom's hand and be on one side of her while my cousin held her on the other side.

So I took her hand and tucked her arm under mine and we walked out of the church.

She doesn't see well at all and needs a walker. She is as sharp as a tack though! And funny.

I have a picture of her hand in my mind though. As I got out of the pew, I turned around and looked for her hand to grab and reached for it.

There she is - not sure of herself - not able to see well.

What is she thinking? "How am I going to walk down this aisle? Do people see me? What do others think and see?"

And this hand reaches out to grab hers and tucks her arm in arm and someone else on the other side, walks with her. She is surrounded, empowered, blessed, comforted. Enabled to do what she needs to do.

I have such a picture of her hand. Waiting, immobile, unsure.

Then - contact. Peace arrives!

God is so like that. He is waiting for the moment. He sees our unsure hands - our hesitation. We can't see what's ahead.

And through a sweet word from a person, or someones touch. Or a direct Word from Him...an answer from someone who saw, and followed through on the Holy Spirit.

He reaches out and grasps our hand, our heart, at just the right moment. He sees the indecision and grabs our heart. Leads us to where we need to be.

So sweet. So powerful.

Let us be willing, looking for His guidance to lead us into those paths of righteousness and peace. In our daily life - areas of insecurity.

Draw us there Father!

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound?

It's been so long, that blogspot didn't know who I am! Too long since I write! It's evening and I'm tired! We'll see what comes out!

God has taken me on so many treasured hunts, lately. I am learning so much.

So much about His plan for us. So much more than we realize. All empowered because of the Cross.

I am learning how science is finally catching up with the Word of God.

I am learning about the power of our tongue, or rather our words. How as they are spoken out into the atmosphere, they affect the things and people around us in a scientific way. I don't understand it enough to go into it more here.

I just know that God has so much more for us. I'm not even sure how to say it here.

Recent readings: JoAnn McFatter, John Paul Jackson.

Inspiring. Thought provoking.

Copyright©Bonnie Lacy

Play in the Midst of the Storm

Yesterday it snowed. The wind blew and it was cold.

Not really unusual for Nebraska. Except for the fact that we enjoyed two utterly delightful days before that! 50's and 60's!

Spring fever here I come!

Was trying to make myself write some really ugly things! A synopsis for my book, cover letters, bios, etc.! Ick! Not flowing!

Sooo...I was looking out the window for inspiration. Into the snow blowing down.

Depressing.

Until I noticed two squirrels chasing each other around in the storm. It was close to a blizzard, not just snow flurries. (For those that don't know snow jargon, snow flurries are like rain spatters. This was a blizzard!)

Goofy squirrels. My thoughts...should be in their burrow, or nest, or tree. Whatever.

Then I realized that they run into the storm. They play in the storm. They jump and chase each other completely oblivious to anything else. Having fun.

Hmmm...okay. I get it.

I need that lesson for me.

There are storms. There are tough times.

But when we find ourselves in those times, we need to leave the comfort zones and go play. No, more than that.

See, they probably knew that they have a whole pile of nuts in their...uh...house. They weren't worried. They were set.

We don't need to worry, because we have the Creator of the Universe in us.

We can enjoy this life that Jesus died to give us. That He created here on earth.

I'm not going to chase around in the snow, but I will enjoy this day.

This life.

Copyright©Bonnie Lacy

Spiritual Autoimmune Disorder

Last week, things really hit home, when my community honored a fallen soldier, Rob Yllescas.

As I was sitting with God, I asked Him how He feels when we hurt each other.

He designed us for many special reasons. To have a relationship with Him. With each other.

But we mistreat each other, hate people that are different. Different size, different race. Genders. Cultures.

That person looks a little odd. They must be inferior.

Another person lives a little different, so we abuse them. We ostracize them.

Or kill them.

I just did some research on our immune system. Amazing how God made us. He is so creative. Thought of everything.

Stay with me. I will bring this together!

The site above states, our "immune system mistakenly attacks the body's healthy organs and tissues as though they were foreign invaders."

As God's family, we do the same thing.

We become our own autoimmune disease of humanity, and kill each other from the inside out.

God have mercy on us and forgive us.

Copyright©Bonnie Lacy

Busted & Burned

This morning I am so convicted.

Have I prayed as I should for my family? For my nation?

Have I cried over our sin? Have I come to my Lord with passion, crying out for my neighbors? When have I remembered my friends?

Recently we have had a friend's son-in-law hit by the war - literally. I can't relate all of what has gone on...read it on his wife's blog.... Amazing stuff. She is a very good communicator, but gutsy in sharing her heart. Her fears.

Many have posted comments following her post. I find myself agreeing in prayer with the writers.

And weeping.

And getting a great big sense of the power of this thing called prayer.

And getting convicted.

I pray. Don't get me wrong, but as I speak those words that are powerful in and of themselves, is my heart attached? Am I just speaking? Or am I connecting with the Power of the Ages. Jesus, the One Christ. Jesus, our Savior, but Jesus, the Resurrection Power.

As I draw close to my God, He draws close to me. And the angels bring every prayer offered for this family. As We (Him and me!) pray, there is a power released that surpasses all understanding.

Burn out the dross, Lord. Burn in me the passion to pray for all. I bring me to the cross. Crucify my flesh - the me. "Create in me a clean heart Oh God."

That my prayers may be effectual, fervent, and availing much. (James 5:16)

Copyright©Bonnie Lacy

Smiley Face

I am at my son and daughter-in-law's home visiting.

And playing! Things like train, cars, tickle, reading books! Fun! Celebrating a three-year-old's birthday! Fun again!

Also getting to know the littlest in the clan. A one month old baby boy.

Getting in on some of his first smiles is just the sweetest thing.

How do they know to smile? How does that start?

God made us with a God sized place in our hearts. Do they feel Him? Do they sense His presence and smile? I know as they begin to really see our eyes, they smile back, but the first ones I think come from within.

So blessed!

Copyright©Bonnie Lacy

No Fear/All Fear

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;" Ps. 111:10

I have been praying for more of God's wisdom in my life. I figured - look what Solomon did with his life - it couldn't hurt mine!

Aside from the flippant attitude, I want God's wisdom in my life. Yes, for this natural life - daily stuff like finances, relationships, etc. But also, and especially, in the spiritual or supernatural life.

In order to get me to the wisdom place, God has been doing a thing in my life that has brought on great humility, huge respect - yes fear.

It's not the "Duck! Here it comes!" fear. "Look out...!" I am, with God's help, redefining fear.

And I realized today, that He is answering my prayer for more wisdom in my life through the fear of the Lord.

Did I get wisdom to know the right answers? What to do when? Sometimes.

But His real goal is my heart.

Copyright©Bonnie Lacy

Farming 101

I love it when God explains a verse, or a concept to me. Something I have been pondering gets a greater revelation. I love it. It frees me. It instructs me. It blesses me that the God of the Universe takes the time to help me understand.

I read Matthew 25 this morning about the 10 virgins and farther in, about the talents.

When I read verses 24-26, Lord reminded me of when He blessed me to witness to a friend years ago. I was so young in the Walk that I didn't realize what I was doing. I just answered her questions. Afterward I realized (and freaked out! Did I do it right?) that I had been witnessing to her. I just spoke my heart!

Years later, I got the chance to meet with her at her church and she introduced me to the woman that led her to the Lord. The woman harvested what she had not sown! She watered the seed that the Lord led me to plant. Praise God!

Thus illustrating these verses in a different light.

And as I thought about that meeting of three women, my friend and I, and her friend, I felt the swirling in the supernatural world, as destinies were changed. A portion of the world is changed due to kids of Father's reaping where we have not planted. Gathering in the harvest where we have not sown.

Praise God!

Yes, that I received greater revelation of His Word, but that another kid is back home with her Daddy!

Copyright©Bonnie Lacy

I Own Time

Wow this is already middle September. Where does the time go? I remember as I grew up, the ladies would say that all of the time.

"Time flies. Time goes so fast! Where did this day go?"

Had a thought. And you know that I am partly deranged! But, I think that we make time go faster. I think that it's our fault!

We can't wait until this or that is done or over.

"I can't wait until I'm out of school. I can't wait until I'm married. I can't wait until I'm not. I can't wait until vaca. I can't wait to get back home."

On and on.

Are we ever happy? Content?

Just as our words have power, I think that our discontent has power.

As I wish for this day to be over, does it actually go faster?

As I say, "I can't wait to get back home," does the trip go quicker and I maybe loose a chance that God had an appointment for me?

Can we change time with our words?

Maybe I am crazy. (Oh I opened up a door...) But what if I'm not? What if I'm on to something here.

What if I just lost a day by saying those things.

A month.

A year.

"Time goes so fast."

God help me to "just be." You have spoken that over me so many times. Soothing me.

"Just be."

Help me embrace each moment. Each day.

But help me realize the power of my words.

Your Word says that I can do anything you did and "even greater things than these." (John 14:12)

Soo...you created the heavens and the earth....

I have my bar set too low!

And I will try to listen to myself as I go through each day.

I have enough time as my pastor says.

To do all that He has set before me to do.

Copyright©Bonnie Lacy

Win Win!

Okay, this is kinda off my usual, but my daughter sent me this link.

We have been shopping, or shall I say, oogling these shirts for awhile. So when this opportunity came up, we jumped!

All we have to do is blog about why we support JesusBranded, and email them a link of this blog entry, and they send us a coupon for a free shirt! Easy?

These are the coolest designs, ones that we will be proud to wear. But as a testimony for our love of Jesus.

Oh, another blessing? More people see my blog!

Ya can't loose!

Copyright©Bonnie Lacy

You and Me, Baby!

Just got back from a family vaca. Such fun! My little grands are so cute! (Of course!) And we played hard!

Had some really blessed time with God too, which is remarkable considering a 5 year old and 2 year old in the house! But their little body clock is on a different time zone than mine, so I sometimes get an hour with God before they wake up. I like to give their parents some sleep in time if I can! I remember!

In one of my prayer times, as I wrote, I was praying for a submissive spirit for my whole family and me. Submitting to God. To let Him do what He needs to do in each of us.

As we grow in Him, we submit ourselves to God, so that He would increase and we would decrease. (John 3:30)

That doesn't mean that we are all Him. I don't think that He meant it that way.

At first, we are all so full of ourselves, that we need to decrease. But as we give up more of ourselves to God, we let more of Him in. We have that partnership with Him. We hear His voice and follow Him.

But as our hearts become more of Him, we walk beside Him.

He walks a little ahead of us, leading us.

Sometimes He walks behind us, giving us the broom!

Sometimes taking our hand, His arm around us, walking beside us.

It's a partnership. Romans 8:28 in the Amplified version says, "We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose."

Some people say, "It's all God. It's all Him." But those are my fingers typing away on the keyboard right now!

It's a friendship that we can enjoy, doing what He put into us to do and be.

Embracing the things that capture our hearts.

And in doing that we capture His heart!

He is so pleased when we enjoy the things in our lives, that He designed us to be!

Copyright©Bonnie Lacy