The Good Fight

When I hear someone say they are a "fighter", I do not think they like to fight in the literal sense. I think positively. I think, " Hmm, they are not willing to give up, they are willing to work for something, they are tenacious". I have seen how important being a fighter is to my spiritual well-being. Actually, to my overall well-being. I will fight for what I need. I will fight for who I love. I will fight for my family. I will fight for my ministry. I will fight for my dreams. I will fight for anything that deserves my attention.


A fighter keeps their head above water, does not take on a defeatist attitude, does not start making stupid decisions when things don't look good. A fighter will "against hope, believe in hope". A fighter does not allow circumstances to cloud the big picture.

It is one thing to say you are a fighter. It's easy to talk the lingo. But when things are at their worst, if you aren't fighting for the prize, then you aren't a fighter. I believe anyone can learn the art of fighting for what they need, but be prepared to work for it.
Ephesians 6 says it best:
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. "




Fight on.

Worry can absolutely consume me if I let it. But Jesus' Name has ALL power and is the only way peace can enter in. Speak it over your situation, your worry, your pain.... your heart. Overcome the hurt and heal in Jesus Name. In Jesus Name!

Big world...little problems....Goodnight.

Time

For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time for war, and a time for peace.


Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Insight into soulwinning

Soulwinner's are NOT those who simply bring people to God's house on a regular basis. A person that simply comes to church with you is not a soul you have won. Soulwinners are the capable, annointed vessels that are able to shepherd souls right up to salvation and into disciplship. They see the need of their own families being saved and it is their FIRST priority. My father is a soulwinner....because his Christlike lifestyle demands attention. He doesn't just bring people to church once. He has his own house in order.
He sees it thru. When they stay, you can say, I've won a soul.

In ancient Sparta important matters were decided by who shouted loudest. Fortunately, we are not in ancient Sparta.

sounds like nighttime
laugh like a brook
words like Gods

calm like sunset
soft like cotton balls
scent like rain
warm like towels
right like love

bright like diamonds
happy like giggles
smooth like black
pure like white
clean like clear

new like babies
old like comfort
happy like candy
pretty like chandeliers
hopeful like green grass
ready like me

Learn It by Heart

Dear friend, listen well to my words;
tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they're bursting with health.
Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that's where life starts.
Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust.
Proverbs 4- The Message

Speak to Me

This is one of the songs I'm teaching cityRedeemed tonight. A great altar song... actually just a great life song.

That's the difference

In the last 30 days, I have discovered in myself several nuances of attitude and viewpoint. God is awesome like that. He helps me out. Alot.

I have never been one to just take something at face value. I am not a trusting person. For me, trust is built, earned daily and destroyed easily.
I have this safe, little cocoon where I stay away from harmful, "unsafe" people and hold them at arm's length. If I would happen to give someone a measure of trust, and they make me feel vulnerable, game over immediately.
It's not that I haven't forgiven, it's just that I remember. I remember every weird jab my heart has felt from relationships gone awry. I remember the let down feeling that gossip or broken promises bring. I remember failure.
But most of all, I remember the many times I have let myself down.

During my late high school and bible school days, I kept thinking I would arrive at the Place, the Time or the Relationship that would be it. All those weird feelings would be gone and I would be "safe". Safe to open up, safe to dream, safe to share, safe from failure. Everyday would be perfect. No more painful junk.

But as I have learned, the Place, the Time and the Relationship doesn't exist in THAT way. Wait. Keep reading. It does exist. But not like I thought it did. My much hoped for, Utopian, pain-free world cannot exist this side of heaven. Even while walking in the divine will of God. I CAN be in the Right Place, at the Right Time, but the safety net of perfection does not exist. People mess up. I mess up. You mess up. We all mess up. But that does not mean that I withdraw my trust or hope in people. And it certainly doesn't mean I should stop the flow of life waiting on perfection in myself. I get to wake up every morning to fresh mercies and hours worth of happiness should I choose to embrace them. And I will. Because my heart feels a million times better just choosing to trust and hope in myself, and those around me. And it's always safe to trust in Jesus.


That's the difference. In me.

For Worship Pastors!

Take advantage of sitting in for 1 hour of FREE online webinar training tonight with MARTHA MUNIZZI and Mark Condon..


Topics that will be discussed:

1. Effective Worship Leading
2. Creating a flow in worship that allows for ministry
3. The challenges and advantages of Women leading worship
4. Balancing life as a mother, wife and ministry

9 PM EST

My phone died in the night, causing me to sleep in until 8:30 today. Oops.

I went to the Quarter Store with Gram this morning and have spent a couple hours trying to make the house look normal again from the weekend. I've pulled every weed (and everything over 1 centimeter that hoped to be a weed)in the garden. I then begged my dad to teach me to use the riding lawn mower. He said yes(?), after this weird, loooooong pause and much fuss from Judah. I hope he doesn't think I plan to like...actually....really...mow....like...for real? I just want to know how to do it. Ya know? Like for fun. Like two times per summer.

I have a garage sale with Abby this weekend. Final week of my philosophy class. One zillion mailers to send out for Kinder. Much to do. Today is gonna be a good day.

H h

Towards the heavenly homework and housecleaning I will happily hasten. Hopefully, happening tonight-- hanging out while making high-profile headbands with my happy self. I'm hungry and hazy. Highly hopeful that God is going to hit a heroic homerun out of my hectic hassle.



=)HAVE a high-spirited, Hall of Fame day.

I'm her.

I'm the girl that likes posh stores, Godiva, high-end bookstores and gourmet coffee. I'm the girl that likes garage sales, coupons, Goodwill, and Nehi peach soda. I'm the girl that likes sunshine, gardening and washing my own car. I'm the girl that likes having my own perfume and shoe boutique in my bedroom. I'm the girl that is hard to please, but so easy to please. I'm the girl that expects alot but wants nothing. I am the girl that is content to live where I am forever. I'm the girl that will run out of life before I run of things to dream up. I'm not so hard to understand.

Accountability

Accountability will not always make you look good, but it helps to keep you living right. Accountability is telling the good AND the bad and suffering thru the consequences.

Service last night was so encouraging. It makes my heart feel amazing when worship service is so Spirit-driven. I feel like such a small part of God's big plan. I have seen so much about myself recently, things to be thankful for, things to change, things to pray about...
I have been able to focus on the present, relinquish control of my plans. I understand that faith in God is truly only happening when belief is present and control is not. Order my steps, Jesus!

Today is a good day!
Prayer meeting, Walked 2 Miles, Orthodontist, homework, car repairs, youth clean night, 2 Kindermusik classes, then more homework.

It's also free coffee day at Starbucks if you take your own cup. And I won a $50 gift card to my favorite store. Yippppeeee!


Wow, And all of that went thru my brain in less than 3 minutes. You think YOU are weird. Nah.

To do right by God. To be good to family, fellow man. To be true to yourself. To make the most of every moment. To live with honor. To seek peace. To learn. To love. This is the art of life.

Planting Jack's 1st Tree

Spirit of the Python

"Everytime you view pornography, you receieve a blood transfusion from hell." -Jentezen Franklin

Spirit of the Python--

Available in five or six parts on youtube.

Prevailing Prayer

Change me, Lord

Change me Lord
Change me Lord
Dont let me stay the same
I want to be more like You
Take my life
Make my life
Just want You want it to be
Oh Lord please Change me
Change me Dear Lord

Because God's presence is the only true "fix" for absolutely everything going on.

Kinder Plug

Tonight I'm finishing up my last night of "Monday Kinder" until the summer semester starts. It's been a good semester as far as the kids are concerned, although they are always on the wild side. I still have a couple more weeks of Thursday classes. I have yet to decide if I am going to go crazy and keep myself VERY busy this summer, or if I need to chill. I am leaning towards going crazy to keep my mind occupied. As I get closer to completion, I will post everything we have planned.


So far:

Peekaboo, I Love You! - Birth to 18 months
Tuition and Materials - $86
Peekaboo! June 14 - 18 10:00 - 10:45 am


Zoo Train- 18 months to 3 years
Tuition and Materials - $100
On the Road June 21-25 10:00 - 11:30 am


On the Road - 3½ to 5 Years
Tuition and Materials - $105
On the Road July 5-9 10:00 - 11:30 am


Tell Me a Tale - 5 through 7 Years
Tuition and materials - $125
Tell Me a Tale July 26 - 30 9:00 - 11:00 am

1,000 Miles

Absolutely incredible worship song. Been on repeat for a while now!

Accountability Questions

1.Did you spend significant time with God through His Word, prayer, quiet time, devotions, and other spiritual disciplines ( fasting, bible reading, etc. )? How much; how constant? Is He your driving force?



2. What blocks your growth in Christ? What blocks growth, in your other relationships, from becoming more mature and effectual?



3. How has your time with God been? Did you pray for others? Are you satisfied with the time you spent with our Lord this week? How so? What can you do to improve it? Did you pray for others?



4. Have you faithfully served the Lord, His people, and the lost?



5. Did you go and participate in church activities and worship this week? How so? Why not?



6. Did you set spiritual goals this week? What were they? Did you achieve your spiritual goals?



7.Have you made your family a priority? What noteworthy activity or deed did you do for your spouse and/or family?



8. How have you struggled with sin? What are the sins that have weighed down your walk with God this week?



9. What did you do to enhance your relationship with your spouse/friends? What can you do to make that relationship better?



10. In what ways has God blessed you this week? How have you shared your blessings?



11. What challenges did you face? Did they consume your thoughts? What did you do about it? What can you learn?



12. Have you filled the mandates of your call, work and school, practicing excellence, and being the best 100% as you can be for His glory?



13. Have you committed any sexual sin? Did you look at someone lustfully? Have you been in contact with someone you shouldn't have? Have you been alone in a compromising situation? Have you been flirtatious? Have you struggled with pornography or “romance novels?” Have you exposed yourself to any sexually oriented material? Did you put yourself in a situation with a member of the opposite sex that could appear to be compromising, even though it may not have been?



14. Have you shared your faith? In what ways? How can you improve? Have you had an opportunity to share with a non-Christian?



15. How well are you handling your finances right now? Have your financial dealings been questionable?



16. Have you been trustworthy? Have you lied? Stolen? Cheated? Been Dishonest or Manipulative? Have you elevated yourself over another for your own personal agenda? What about your language and attitude?



17.Have you allowed the media and its distortions in TV, music and movies to unduly influence you? What about peer pressure?



18. Have you been prideful? Have you been guilty of Gossip or Anger? Slandered? Shown Indifference? Been Greedy? Not Controlled your tongue? This hinders people from knowing and trusting Christ the most!



19.Have you demonstrated a servant's heart? How so? What have you done for someone else this week?



20.Did you struggle with a disappointment this week? How did you handle it?



21. Have you respected and treated your classmates, co-workers and peers graciously by showing them compassion and the love of God in your words and deeds? What can you do to enhance your relationships here?



22. How is your level of character, according to the comparison of Gal. 5:22-23 versus Gal. 5:19-21?



23. How did you practice joy this week? Have you had a thankful attitude toward God? Have you struggled with anger toward God? How so? What can you do about it?



24. Have you taken care of the temple of the Holy Spirit with rest, sleep, exercise, healthy eating, etc? What about addictions, gluttony, or substance abuse?



25.Have your thoughts been kept pure?



26.Are you giving to the Lord's work with your time, talent, and treasures? What about financially?



27. What do you need to do to improve your relationships with God and with others?



28. What do you see as your number one need or struggle for this next week?




29. Have you compromised your integrity in any way, or lied about the above questions?

Faking it

I have a pretty easy going disposition and it takes alot to annoy me but I have one major pet peeve.
People have these "opinions" that they readily share about everything, and mainly at bad times.

For example:


"Sis. Brittanie, you look so beautiful in pink. I like it better when you wear pink. You look good in lighter colors. Sometimes, those dark colors are depressing! You are too young for black! You're only young once!" So I WANT to say, "Awesome, since your a total fashion queen, I will definitely take your advice. Here's a tip for you: You look better with your mouth closed, rather than gaping open all the time."

But I patiently, lovingly say, "Oh, thank you SO much, so nice of you to say so!


Or..

"I really like that song we did this morning! But have you ever heard the original artist? It's so great. You should listen to it." But instead of landblasting them and gritting my teeth, and screaming," I have
listened to the original artist, that's where I got the idea, STUPID! OBVIOUSLY, we don't have the Georgia Mass Choir backing us up, now do we?!", I smile, nod and graciously mention that it truly is a wonderful, original rendition.

Or my personal favorite...

"Did you hear about the singles conference in St. Louis? I totally think you should go! There will be tons of young adults just like you!" Hmmm. Just like me? Well, instead of telling them that I abhor singles conferences and would rather have 1,000 paper cuts with lemon juice poured on them, AND that they should mind their own business, I smile sweetly and say, "Oh? How wonderful!"


Sometimes it's just better to fake it. It saves so much grief. Some people are bound to be ignorant. It's best not to take offense. =)

Change is something internal that happens. Change doesnt wait on a place, or time.

Jesus on the Inside

You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (Mattew 7:16)


The most powerful understanding in life is to realize each breath is a loving gift of the Father; He longs for us to see the depth of life is in the simplicity of the Gospel; His word is an outline for a most fulfilling life. Our happiness lies in humble obedience to His words and continual spiritual growth.

I watch people. Usually, I learn alot.
Lately, I have seen alot about myself and those around me. I have seen, been a part of, and been hurt by the actions of those whose fruit was not of God. I have intensely searched my heart and asked God to let my fruit (or life's work, attitude, ministry and passions) be GOOD and of GOD.

Can't we see that a Spirit-filled Christian will have kind tongue, a truthful heart, pure motives and disciplined minds?

Jesus didn't parade around explaining that it is good enough to want to change, or even see the need to change; he taught change as evidence of our spiritual walk. It matters not what you say, if your life represents something else. So proclaiming something, when you have no intention of following thru, is problematic and dangerous. Being kind is... being kind to everyone. Being honest is... being honest with everyone. Being tender hearted is..being tender hearted to everyone. Being pure is.. being pure with everyone. Being godly is.....godly with anyone you are around. Bearing fruit is... bearing fruit. You are or "Ya ain't"!

The scripture goes on to say that "good" trees bring forth good fruit and corrupt trees bring forth corrupt fruit. He didn't propose it as an optional viewpoint, or something that may happen. It is simple. Good on the outside is evidence of good going on in the inside. And vice-versa.

So when the Bible says that your ministry will make room for itself, and that a fountain cannot bring forth sweet and bitter waters, it means it. Your life is just a plain and simple representation of what is going on in the inside. Is it godly? Is it good?

It feels weird when I try to plan out my future right now. It just doesn't equate. It's as if this part of my puzzle is MIA and apparantly I am not supposed to find it. For now.

Could it be that I am not supposed to know? Could it be that I should simply hold tightly to the strong hand of God and stop planning every detail? Could I possibly learn to trust during this time?

Trust is difficult. It's so hard for me. I am just not good at it.

But I really want to be.

Turning my worry into prayer is the needed discipline of the time. Open-hearted prayer is sure to change even the most dismal of circumstances around. I know and believe brokenness is where God works...He is able to pick up every piece and remake it as He sees fit. My prayers will never stop, as they are my connection with the Father, as well as my chance at seeing the situations change.

What now, Brittanie, what now?

Reasons to Smile....Old & New

the perfect, overwhelming love God has for me
my family
watching.
my future
learning
magnolia blossoms
sandals
my eyelash curler
baby Jack
pippi longstocking
green gables and Anne
gregorian chant
time with Jesus
Dr. Suess's My many Colored days
blue eyes
reading Nelly Ptaschkina
not knowing the "plan"
when movies end with "the Beginning"
2nd chances
paris
saxaphone music
2 hours uninterrupted anything
jazz
pilates and long walks
my bedroom
Horchow
extra green gum
forbes list's
reading non-fiction
Frommer's travel guides
school
microdermabrasion
green grass
birds chirping
the 1920's
praying for my best friend
antiques
headbands
history
real calligraphy
hot coffee
learning to cook
live theatre and opera
photography
tahiti brand water
Marshall
shopping for nothing
God's incredible Word
old movies
practicing the piano
waterfalls
my planner
a freshly made bed

Well Spoken---PCD's "The Father's Love"

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulder
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom