Second chances

As 2010 comes to a close at midnight tonight, I am so thankful for all that has transpired in 2010. Some of what I have experienced has brought me true joy and on the other hand I've experienced some heart-ache. But through that heartache, God has grown me into what He has desired of me. You know what? I'm positive that you, the reader, have experienced those very same emotions this year as well. I heard something earlier this week that still seems to be running through my brain from Beth Moore while I was listening to a cd teaching of hers from the "Patriarch's". "The easy life does not make for a great story."

My life has not been an easy life, and some of that hard stuff during my journey on earth has come about because of my very own poor choices. I can also tell you that my great story is only because of the grace of God and His awesome capability to give me second chances.

As this year comes to a close, I want you to know as well, that God is a God of second chances. He loves you and if you will allow Him to, He will make your story into a great story.

Father, Your word tell us in Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV "Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." This speaks to my heart of second chances. As 2010 comes to a close and 2011 begins, there are many of us hungering and anticipating "newness". When we arise in the morning, may we realize we have a new slate, wiped clean, ready for that second chance. Thank You Lord Jesus. Amen.

Second chances offered here at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

I'm still here!

Have you ever been told because your a Christian your life should or will be easy? Have you ever just had that thought, "My life should be easy because Jesus is my Savior"? Better yet, "So and so shouldn't do that, aren't they a Believer?"

I'm just like those of you reading this right now, I have my own share of troubles and heart aches. I hurt, I cry, and I make mistakes just as you hurt, cry and make mistakes. You and I are both being attacked by the enemy because Jesus dwells on the inside of us. But as Believer's you and I have the power to over come these hurts, mistakes and the enemy because of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Because of Christ's shed blood and God's healing Word.

I know, that as a Believer that I will have heartache and tears. Why? As a child of God, I have a target on my back by the enemy to come at me. The enemy will use who ever will succumb to him, to come at you and I. If we aren't careful, the enemy will use us as a pawn in his game. Let's not allow this to happen, Girlfriends. Remember, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit, POWER....to resist the enemy and not be used of him. I take great joy in this!

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 But don't stop there! "Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5:9-11 NIV.

Can you tell that the enemy has been on the attack? If so, are you resisting him? Standing firm? Wielding your sword, and placing your shield of faith? God sees your suffering, and He, Himself will restore you. And you can truly say, I'm still here! You know what I think are two things that the enemy gets worked up over from me? That I love and that I forgive because God loves me and has forgiven me. As Believer's that is what I believe we are called to do and to be...loving and forgiving. Can I do this every time, love and forgive? Absolutely not, this is still a fallen world, and like I said earlier, I still make mistakes/sin. What is important though, is that I am choosing to love and forgive more and more with every breath that takes me closer to heaven.

Father God, while walking through difficulties I thank You that You pour love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control on me, over me and around me. That in the midst of storms, there are rainbows. Father, the one You cast out of heaven is alive and well here on planet earth, but the Good News is....so are YOU! I've read the end of the book, YOU WIN! Father, thank You that while we have been punched by the enemy, we have not been knocked out of the ring. We stand and say, I'm still here! Only through God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit. Amen.

I'm still here at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Where is your radio dial set?

Do you remember when you were a child riding along in the car with your parents listening to the radio? What would happen as you traveled for miles? The radio station you were tuned into began to fade as you listened to your "favorite" song in the whole world, and then static. The station was gone and one of your parents reached over and began to tune into another radio station.

That has been on my heart all week long as I believe the Holy Spirit revealed this to me in a spiritual sense. We tune into God's word, ride along with the bumps of life and those of us in Christ now that the Enemy is alive and well on planet earth adding to those bumps. Yet if we aren't careful as we travel along in our days we can journey through out the day(s) moving farther and farther away from God and the tuning of His Word, and the next thing we know....there is static and we begin to reach for a totally different station instead of the One True Station, Jesus Christ.

I pray that in these busy days of Christmas, New Years, family, birthdays, office party's, etc. that we will be found soaking our shield of Faith. I felt like our Sunday School lesson was just for me yesterday, as we have been learning about Spiritual Warfare and putting on the armor of God. It is a beautiful and encouraging way to end the lesson God gave to me for my own life, and I pray that it encourages you as well. Ephesians 6:16 NIV "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.". How many arrows, ALL. Which arrows? The flaming ones! Where do they come from? The evil one!

Father, Thank You for the lessons and guidance we find every time we spend time with You and in Your Word, our road map for life. Lord, You love us so much, more than we can even fathom. I am thankful that I know that I know that You and the LOVE that You pour into us trumps evil. Father, today, You and I together, we will extinguish ALL the flaming arrows of the evil one. I'm going to strive to keep my radio dial tuned in with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. I ask these things, In Jesus' Name. Amen.

With love at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Spiritual birthday

Realized this morning that in November, I just celebrated my Spiritual Birthday.

I've been a Daughter of the King for 11 years.

Oh, how grateful I am that a sinner such as I, have been given life eternal with Him because God knew everything that I would do and be, and yet sent His son to die a horrific death so that I may have life and life more abundantly. Heaven instead of hell. Hell that I deserved but Heaven is my reward.

I PRAISE HIM!

your love, O LORD, endures forever

I've found myself two days in a row reading from Psalm 138. Yesterday, just because and today I am reading from Psalm 138 in my devotional reading. Love how God does this as I am learning to sit up and take notice when this happens.

"Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar." Verse 6.

What hit me about verse 6 so hard this morning is that He doesn't draw near to the proud, He knows them from afar, meaning a distance. Don't you and I do this to others when we see pride in their lives, that we begin to put a distance between us and them? What got me to thinking is 1. I don't want pride in my life to cause God to know me from afar and 2. I don't want pride in my life to cause others to know me from afar either.

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me." Verse 7.

God is in the business of preserving my life, His hand comes against my enemies and with His strong right hand He saves me, meaning, He has got my back!! And He has yours!! Doesn't that make your lips being to curve upward? Sure does mine!! Also takes a lot of pressure off of me to perform when it concerns my enemies. I simply stay humble/lowly, trust God and KNOW that He sees all and knows all. He will vindicate, Girlfriends and guy friends, in His own time. Wait!

"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands." Verse 8.

The LORD, might fulfill his purpose, the LORD might love me, and the LORD's love maybe endures forever? No, not at all! God's word is absolute truth and it says that He will fulfill his purpose for me, the LORD does love me, and that His love endures forever. This is true of you as well, at the moment of your salvation. Do you have a personal relationship with God? If not, please open your heart to Him today, He is standing at the door of your heart ready to enter in. Will you ask Him, today? He welcomes you, just as He did me, warts and all!!

Father, thank You that You continue to press in and get my attention. Thank You for speaking to me, Your Daughter, Your servant, Your child. Father continue to remind me that You and You alone are trustworthy and that I can take Your word to the spiritual bank. That Your love endures forever and that it is not conditional means much to me and my heart in this season I am walking out. Father, do not abandon the works of your hands. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Lovingly at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Looking upward

It has been so blustery here in our area with lots and lots of wind, with cooler temps and with that the dreary can set in and take hold if we aren't careful. I'm trying to be extremely mindful of this in my life right now, are you? If so, what are some things that you do to FIGHT against this attack that comes at us this time of year?

I am digging into God's Word and today this hit me so strongly that I knew it was time to take a moment and write to you from my heart and the words God would have me to share to encourage you today as well.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor 4:16-18 NIV.

You and I are to not lose heart. That is not easy to do if we are always thing of "us". In the current, I desire to keep my eyes on God. He's up to some mighty fine things, isn't He? I know He has totally encouraged me this past week and my heart is delighted. I've seen restoration, and I've been given hope. With this hope it also truly blesses me that my troubles really are only momentary and light. They seem like they are lasting forever and that they are burdensome, but God is using them to work something out in me, and deep down, that is what I want, for Him to work out in me for His will and good purpose. I desire that for YOU as well!

With much love at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Putting our hearts under an x-ray

‎" Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." Prov 3:3-4

I can't seem to shake this thought, what if OTHERS could see our hearts? If you are a Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, and have surrendered to submit to His truths and direction, then you know that God Almighty has x-ray vision. He sees all, knows all, and is every where so we then know we can't out run Him or out fox Him.


Father, this morning, I desire that my thoughts and motives would be pure. That they would be found pleasing to You, because then and only then will they be found pleasing to others as well. Today, I choose to set my thoughts on things above, not on earthly things. With having said that Lord, may today be a special day for those that my own life touches today. Realizing that my facial expression often reveals what is in my heart, giving others x-ray vision. In the saving name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With love,
Yolanda

What are your plans for today?

I awoke with my heart yearning for more of God and I thought how awesome it is that all you and I have to do when this happens is simply....speak. And then to listen as He speaks back and He will, because He is faithful.

So today, my plans are to PRAISE THE LORD.

Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Psalm 108:1 "My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul."

Psalm 109:1 "O God, whom I praise...."

Psalm 111, 112, and 113 verse 1 ALL are: "Praise the LORD."

My reading this morning included the fullness of each of these Psalms and I thought how like God, that I would awake with Him on my heart and He would provide the answer so quickly because I am listening and in tune to His heart. I am going to be totally honest with you, it is so much easier for me first thing in the morning, and harder for me as the day goes on. So today, my plans are to give thanks, remain steadfast, to sing & make music with all my soul, and to praise the Lord through out the day. Not only today, but every day.

Father God, You are so worthy, You alone are my God. May praise and thanksgiving flow from my heart for eternity. That my words and thoughts would please You and that I would see others as You see them. That my soul would be found singing and praising, oh what joy. Lord, thank You for being the lover of my soul. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Praising at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Taking a long cool drink

I realize that for several months I've been in and out of limbo, some of you have inquired and I appreciate that dearly. God has me in a refining process once again, a time of SEEKING Him continues to be at the forefront of my mind, thoughts and often my days. So where have I been? Taking a long cool drink from His word this summer, and it has truly been refreshing.

My heart has been heavy with many things but probably the one that continues to knead and punch my heart, like dough being processed for later baking, is LOVE.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8 NIV

There is sin in our world and with-in us, it's true. God says if we say that it is not, we are calling Him a liar. 1 John 1:8-10 The Message: " If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we've never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God. "

I've been asking God to change my heart. I've been asking God to allow me to see sin the way He does, even with-in myself. I've been asking God to draw me closer. I've been asking God to allow my heart to be loving, kind and merciful even where I think mercy is not due. Walking through the study of Jonah by Priscilla Shirer has opened my eyes in the past 7 weeks to "Arise, Go" when God calls me and He is faithful, what He is asking of me, is obedience. Am I willing to be willing?

Father, I desire that You make it clear to me so I then can reciprocate and make it as clear as I can to all I meet, that I am on their side and that You are for them as well, working with them and not against them. That through me, they would receive love, kindness and mercy. Father, continue to mold me and change me. In Your Son's Name, my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

With love,
Yolanda at Higher Grounds

**The basis for my prayer according to scripture is: Philippians 4:5 MSG**

Are we willing to play?

As I was looking at a couple of pictures this morning of my six year old granddaughter playing soccer over the weekend, God spoke to the depths of my heart.

Are you willing to listen? Are you then willing to play?

Our group of bible study ladies are such a blessing as I facilitate the Jonah study that is currently out by Priscilla Shirer. It is pretty meaty as it is very much geared towards getting in our STUFF. God is like that! God through the Holy Spirit will reveal to us what He is desiring to mold and change in us to be more like Him. Are we willing to be obedient? I know I certainly am much more willing than I've ever been in my life time.

Father, thank You for allowing me the opportunity to serve You. Thank You for showing me through sweet glimpses of my grand daughter's daily living, what You desire with-in me. May my heart continue to change and be mold-able and pliable instead of resisting You, The Potter. Lord, I am willing to listen to You, The Coach, to play and be a part of Your team. In Your Son's Name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

With love at Higher Grounds,

Yolanda

Needing a good scrubbing

The past couple of days God's really been working with-in my heart. If I'm tired of seeing how people are treated, isn't God tired of it also? So I'm allowing God to do something about that with-in me!

He's giving me a good scrubbing and a washing deep down inside. And you know what? I want Him to!

My desire is for Him to remove all the hatred that resides and fill that spot with LOVE! To remove all bitterness and fill that spot with forgiveness! To remove all depression and fill it with joy! To remove all doubt and fill it with BELIEF! To remove all hardness and fill me with gentleness! To remove the ways of the world and fill that spot with the ways of God's Word!

I wrote a hard statement on my FB account a few days ago, and it continues to hang with me. That I wish to see "favoritism" to be removed from inside and outside of our church walls and that people be treated with love. That those of us in leadership and ministry need to not throw love around here and there with e-mails, text messages, FB and blogs if we aren't wiling to love everywhere. Why? Because undoubtedly, someone will get hurt and that is the last thing we want to happen. I must be very honest with you, it has to start with me. I'm not pointing fingers but it is something that I am seeing up close and personal around me and it saddens me greatly.

Father God, create in me a clean and pure heart. To not point fingers Father, but to be gracious and loving towards all others. I can't do that on my own, I can only do that through You. Father, come and take a hold of my heart and do not leave anything that You have removed, emptied, fill it with the things of You. I love You so and I desire to love Your people. Amen.

**Psalm 51:10**

Filling with the things of God at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Oh so close, but oh so far away

Yesterday we traveled to our mountain home to enjoy the cooler temps and to enjoy God's creation. On our trek we were listening to the "Roadhouse" and the "70's" on XM, and before you stone me, yes often I listen to the "Message". ;-) I had just gotten behind the wheel when I mentioned to my Man that I sure hoped that a Charley Pride song would come on soon. 80 miles later here came Charley, but I was so surprised as it was a song that I did not know.

We arrived at our home, unloaded the vehicle and I got right to the point of preparing dinner. Chicken and noodles along with mashed potatoes. After our meal and the clean-up we went for a short walk and then settled in for the evening. During a commercial break there was an announcement for the State Fair and Bill was quick to go see what the internet had to offer for the next day or two as we are so close. Being semi-retired we are able to change our plans fairly easily and enjoy doing so.

When it was time to shut the lights out and as we were crawling into bed my Man says to me, "Charley Pride has been playing for an hour now." Ok, I'm thinking maybe he found something on the T.V. of a taped concert when he says to me, "In Pueblo at the State Fair". ARE YOU KIDDING ME? RIGHT NOW, LESS THAN 75 MILES FROM US, AND THERE IS CHARLEY PRIDE THE MAN I'VE WANTED TO SEE FOR YEARS IN CONCERT?????!!!! This is what was going through my mind and I just had to laugh.

Why?

Because how often do we walk through life, doing our own thing, going our own way, absolutely oblivious to anyone and anything? Especially of the things that concern God. This morning I'm committing to being much more observant and willing to see God around me. Awareness is key in my walk with God. Aware of His presence, aware of His leading, and to be aware of the truths of His Word.

Lord, thank You for loving me and for Your provisions. Father, may my thoughts, my heart and my steps walk in obedience of Your Map for my life. May my lips never utter that I was oh so close to you, and yet oh so far away. Lord, may I be found drawing nearer and nearer. I love You Lord Jesus like never before. Amen.

Listening & watching at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Lord, it is the small stuff.....

As I was pouring out my heart in my journal to the Lord this morning, this is one of the very sentences that came forth from my pen. Lord, it is the small stuff! Guess what, it is the TRUTH!

I am not the type that would turn down a diamond for sure, but have thought it was very overboard when my husband came with a new vehicle! By the way, this only happened once, and I truly reacted instead of being gracious and receiving his gift with grace. :-) I get the biggest kick out of the tiniest little gift from others and from my Heavenly Father.

Lord, it is the small stuff and I praise You. Recounting my day yesterday was filled with so much joy and pleasure and it truly was all small stuff, but big to my heart and soul.

1) Lunch with a friend and the joy of her face as she laughs after sharing her heart and says, "I love you so much".

2) Not one gift of seashells, but two in the very same day, here in the plains of Kansas, miles and miles from the ocean and a beach.

3) A lovely snow cone date with a friend and the spur of the moment trip to the local library. My friend had never been to the library here, and was over-joyed that I would go with her and help her get a library card. She and I both share a deep love for books!!

4) Dinner date with friends, oh how much fun and joy to hear of their once in a lifetime vacation. And while out dining three children came over to hug me and love on me, it is truly the small stuff that causes my heart to over-flow.

5) The reaction we got as we stopped in to visit friends on our way home. Totally spur of the moment on our part, not something that we ordinarily do.

Psalm 30:10-12 NIV is my closing prayer this morning, as it is truly fitting!!

Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help. You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

With love and a thankful heart for the small stuff here at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

How is your posture?

Not to long ago, I was in a season of questioning myself and God. I wish to state for the record that I was not mad at God, nor was I questioning who He was, but I was questioning why I was being faced once again with a particular situation that is not easy for me. I knew that I was being placed smack dab in the middle of this and in my heart I so did not want to disappoint God, my husband and my family. What did I do? I began preparing my inner man and began to speak His truths from my mouth. When I would lie down and when I would arise and often through out the days, I would praise Him and thank Him for the work He was doing with-in me and around me.

This is a text I sent to a dear friend in those days, and after I sent it, I thought, wow, now that was a WORD! You know what I mean? When you can write something, or say something, or even have a thought and you know that it is from the HEART OF GOD!! A WORD.

"Not packing past history. Lightening my load."

That is what God has for us, for me, still today. What do we generally dwell upon when we think of past history? H-u-r-t-s. No matter which direction the hurt was directed we can or will carry that with us. Even if we've forgiven we still can tend to nurse that memory. And that memory from the past, friends, can be as simple as a moment ago. Don't hit me over the head here, because some might say, "well that means you haven't forgiven them". I agree to disagree. The point that I'm trying to make is thatif you and I choose to not dwell in the past, but dwell on the good of today, and the hope of tomorrow, then we are lightening our load. We begin to stand straighter and our shoulders are no longer swooped, because we are no longer carrying things/situations that are heavy. We are putting God's Word to work!! It is being lived out as TRUTH in our very own lives.

Matthew 11:28-30 The Message

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Father, Thank You for the respite that You alone can give to us weary travelers this side of heaven. Thank You for teaching and guiding us and causing our burdens to be lifted. You are all that we need, and more than enough. Thank You for walking with us! In our Savior's name, Jesus. Amen.

Standing a little straighter at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Have you ever felt like no one cared?

This morning I am participating in something that I've never done before, a book club. It amazes me how God orchestrated this from three common women this summer studying Ruth together. Declaring to one another, that we desire to become women of noble character. As we shut the books of our study, one mentioned how she would love to know more of the other women in God's word.

Three women that have struggled with alone-ness at some point in our journey this side of heaven. Of feeling lost and not being seen, like a penny just thrown away. I believe that Naomi felt this as well when they left Jerusalem for Moab. She and her three men traveling to a foreign nation that had been forbidden by God, feeling perhaps like no one cared. Naomi and her family would disappear and be lost.

I'm here to share with you this morning, that when you feel like the whole world doesn't care and that you feel as if no one that you know, knows where you are, that you think you are lost....you have a Friend that always cares and always knows where you are!! That you are not cast aside as if you are a penny, lost and not wanted. It's true!!

"God's love is meteoric, his loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, his verdicts oceanic. Yet in his largeness nothing gets lost." Psalm 36:5-6 MSG.

God divinely orchestrated this summer for three women to come together and dig deeper into His word. He opened the lips of one to share a hunger to learn more of the women He esteemed in our history. He heard the cries of our hearts and appointed this time as time for a book club. Reading and gleaning information that is found in the Word of God, through sound bible teachers. We have no idea how long this will last, but this we do know, we are all on board. Connected due to the RED THREAD of Jesus Christ running through our very souls. We are beginning with Twelve Extraordinary Women: How God Shaped Women of the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You by John MacArthur .


Abba Father, You word is always right on time. I ask for ears to hear and eyes to see and You provide for me, as You are faithful. Lord, thank You that even in Your largeness (you are every where, at all times) that nothing gets lost, not even little ole me. You are a loving and caring God and I do come expecting love, love and more love, from You. (Jeremiah 31:3 MSG). Thank You Father, that I never was lost, and You consider me worthy not casting me aside. You are amazing!! In Christ's Name, Amen.

Never lost here at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Organizing

Don't ask me what came over me, I don't have a clue!! But in the midst of making and baking several dozen chocolate chip cookies for my Man, I was also cleaning out the pantry. I wished I would have had the fortitude of taking a before picture but take my word for it, Bill carted three sacks of expired can goods to the dumpster.

You know what? God's doing that to my heart this week as well!

Psalm 51:10 NIV "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

James 1:22 NIV “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Philippians 4:8-9 NIV "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

Father, thank You for the beauty that comes with having done some major house keeping. Spiritually as well as physically. Thank You for the stamina that You give as it requires more than just the status qua, it requires going above and beyond. Lord, You have that kind of tenacity, You go above and beyond, thank You. I love YOU like crazy, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Getting at the dust and the things that have long since expired at Higher Grounds,

Yolanda

but God intended....

This morning I am reflecting upon the years my Man and I have walked together, in the beginning most assuredly not pleasing to the Lord. NOT AT ALL....but the latter years, I pray we have been found doing so, as we journey more in obedience towards Him and His word.

I've been participating with the LPM Blog summer study: loss, love & legacy. A study put out by Kelly Minter on the book of Ruth. It is coming to a close and today my Daily Scripture Calendar and the home work contained the same set of scriptures. That is not a coincidence!! When I read from my calendar first before doing my homework, it hit me afresh of the many blessing from God that I do NOT deserve. Actually, I do not deserve a single one of them, not a one.

Psalm 103:8-12 ESV:

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

Reflecting upon love, loss and legacy, these three words, I can't help but think of my own journey this side of heaven. I have loved, I have had loss and I am leaving a legacy. What a blessing from the Lord to learn and grow from who I was to who I am today. More importantly whose I am today. I belong to the Lord, and my hearts desire is to live like one belonging to the Lord. Yes, I make mistakes and I beat myself up when I do, but then I remember that His compassion and mercy is new every day.

I would like to show you two current pictures that are MARKERS in my walk with Christ, walking out, love, loss and legacy.

This young man and I have been friends for years. His mother is extremely secure in her role as his Mom and shares her son with me, that is a huge blessing. Why? Because I have no birth-children of my own. But because of this family's loving kindness, I am blessed, thank you!

Next is a current picture of my Man and I with our grandchildren. Yes, I did say grandchildren. God did not hold onto His anger towards me, and His ways are much higher than mine, as well as He truly does not treat you and I the way our sins deserve. My heart is full, very full.

Father, thank You that Your intentions for us are for good when we turn away from the enemy and begin to walk in obedience to Your precepts. Thank You that I have most certainly not got what I deserved from my sins and disobedience. That You are just, but You are also loving and merciful. Father, may I be reminded of this when I tend to hold onto anger towards others and un-forgiveness. Because in all truth, we each have: loss, love and legacy. Thank You Father for the legacy You are allowing me to walk out through others as well as my own grandchildren. Thank You for markers that encourage me in my walk with You. In the only Name that can save, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Praying and rejoicing at Higher Grounds,

Yolanda

Answered prayers

Many of you have contacted me and shared with me in the past weeks that you were praying for me and with me during a fiery trial. I thank you!!! God answered your prayers and mine in a mighty way and I am returning to give Him thanks and praise. I return to thank you for standing in the gap for me.

I want to encourage you and myself as well, to not ever give up!!! He hears our prayers and in His timing, He shows Himself faithful.

Proverbs 16:20 ESV: Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

I soaked myself in His word, I gave much thought to it and placed it on my heart, in a spiral bound book as well as in my prayers. I trusted in the Lord. He is and was so good and filled my cup to over flowing, splashing that joy and preparation onto others.

Psalm 145-18-20 ESV: The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

In 6 weeks time, God had really placed it on my heart to become prepared in His word, that the battle was spiritual, and to trust Him. To not manipulate the situation, but to trust Him. Friends, the Lord is near to all who call on Him!! May you be found today, calling on Him in truth! He heard my cry and He saved me, He provided in ways that I never dreamed possible. Thank You Abba Father!!


Father, may we become more and more prepared, each and every day. May our success' that only You could have provided, encourage us today. Thank You Father for answered prayers and for us to be willing to be willing. In Your Son's Name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

With love and admiration at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Am I being like one of these?

WARNING....THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED!!

This morning I could tell that Daisy was not happy, so I went to look and there was a Momma Pheasant and her brood antagonizing our basset hound. They were digging and searching for food. I ran for my camera and just as I opened the door they took off running. So I was only able to take one quick photo of one of her babies running away.

When I down-loaded the picture to share with you and the word I received, there were other neat visuals to go along with what God had just spoken to my heart.

Are we like this baby cottontail, hiding from God and His word? When we do so, we become timid and shy, scared of so many things that God did not intend for us to shy away from, Girlfriends and guy friends.

Are we like this bull snake, slithering away from God and His word? When we do, we can become mean and cause others to be fearful of us. God did not intend this for us, nor for us to slink away from Him, His intentions are for us to be His sons and daughters, to be in communion with Him.

Are we like this young pheasant, running away from God and His word after just digging into His word and seeking Him? These pheasants weren't just digging for food for the fun of it, they were hungry. God intends for us to dig and feast upon His word, to always be seeking Him, to always come hungry and ready for a feast....not running away.

Are we like the spider, spinning and weaving tales and lies? God never ever intended for us, as Believer's, to stray from truth.

Are we like this rat, caught red handed and walking in disobedience? Let's you and I not allow the world to trap us into fear, guilt and condemnation!! God intends for us to be free!

God's desire is for us to be like this beautiful hibiscus, digging deep into the soil. Allowing ourselves to be watered by the truths of God's Word and allowing what we read to take root and grow us into something beautiful. Right where He has planted us!

Father, Thank You for showing us through out Your word, Your plans for our lives. That to be in the center of Your will, gives You pleasure, and causes us to be recipients of Your many blessings. Lord, You and You alone are God. Over and over as I continue to read through Isaiah, You tell us that You are the Lord, there is no other. Father, Thank You for Holy Writ and for it's healing and changing powers. Continue to mold us Lord. In Your Son's Name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Blooming at Higher Grounds,

Yolanda

**Isaiah: 42:8; 43:11; 43:25; 44:6b; 45:5 & 7

Keep me needy, Lord.

I'm still gathering my scriptures for spiritual warfare and to gird me up in my times of trial and testing. This particular test will soon be over, but I know that if I continue to draw closer to God, it will surely not be my last. I must always be ready and on alert for the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour, and he will NOT devour me, I will not let him. More importantly, God will not allow him to devour me. The enemy can do a lot of things, but he can not have me.

So I made a promise to God a few weeks back that in this particular time of testing that I would read through the book of Isaiah, and this morning Chapter 29 causes me to tremble. Woe to those who give lip service to our Mighty God! Woe to them that think they can do in the dark and be mean spirited and no one will know but those they are inflicting this upon. Woe to them that are haughty and unforgiving. God is my vindicator, and Sisters, God IS your, YOUR vindicator as well. TRUST HIM!

Verse 13 NIV:

These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.

It is so important to not just study God's word, but to put it into action and live it out, apply it to our lives and walk in obedience. Earlier this week a quote from our Daily Bread speaks of this very thing: The value of the bible does not consist merely in knowing it, but in obeying it.

Verse 19-20 NIV:

Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. The ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down.

Father, I once was on the other side, living out evil in the dark. But then You knocked on the door of my heart and I opened it wide to receive THEE, I crossed over to the other side. To YOUR SIDE. Lord, what is important to You, is becoming ever so important to me. Lord, thank You for continuing to speak to me, for pricking my heart with the things that hurt Your heart. That I remain sensitive to Your pricking, but less sensitive to the pricking of the evil one and his pawns. Father, I cry out to You this very day, keep me needy, Lord Jesus. Praising my Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Needy and desiring to glorify my Father in all things! This week I also came to the realization, that each trial is truly only temporary.

Yolanda at Higher Grounds

Do not dwell

I'm thankful for each one of you that comes and encourages me through the pouring out of my heart, here at Higher Grounds. I'm thankful for those that are real and can say, I've been there, or I'm right there with ya. I'm also thankful for those of you that have reached the other side and can cheer lead me on, but only after I've spent time with my Savior can I feel that it is OK to share some of my life with you. Other wise, I'm just an electrical cord, being plugged into the Power Source but passing The Word on to what ever I am plugging myself into instead of stopping that flow and allowing The Word to sit and take root in me.

This morning before I ever arose, the Lord spoke to me and said, let the past be the past, look forward, look at Me.

Today I am clinging to Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV, and perhaps it may speak to your heart as well. In whatever your current season may be, wherever life has you.

"Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

1. Forget the former things!
2. Do not dwell on the past.
3. God is doing a new thing!
4. Now, NOW, it springs up;
5. Do I not perceive it?
6. God is making a way in the desert (the hot, dry, cracked, parched places)
7. God is making streams (He is pouring out LIVING WATER....making streams in the wasteland).

Father, Thank You for a new day. Thank You for providing for me and showing me that You are where my strength comes from. You are my Power Source, and I choose to stay plugged into You, and to allow myself to then become healed and whole. Father You are my joy, and my peace, and my strength. I am expecting and looking forward to the promise of A NEW THING! Thank You. I love You! Jesus. Amen.

No longer dwelling, but looking at my Abba Father at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

After I wrote and hit publish post on this particular writing, I then went blog hopping to some of my favorite writers/friends. I was so encouraged by Sassy Granny as well as Leah at The Point.

The Potter's Wheel

The past couple of mornings I've found myself wanting more from God. I wonder, are you like that as well? Deep down, being very real and honest with you and with my God, is that it really isn't "from God" but more from myself towards God.

When things are going fairly well, and our boats aren't being rocked, we can become lax in our intentions towards God. I am first in line here Girlfriends and guy friends. I have a huge trial coming up and I have been preparing for it in God's word. I've been gathering scriptures to cling to and I've been praying but I've found myself for several days now not communing with God through out the day.

This morning I am going to become much more faithful with 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV

"pray without ceasing"

Father God, Thank You for causing me to see that I am missing some beautiful moments with You, spent in dialogue. That this means I am to listen to You as well as share what is happening inside of me and around me, the good, the bad and the ugly. Yes, You know all things and see all things, but Your desire for me is to share that verbally with You as well, that is the heart beat of a relationship. Thank You Father for not giving up on me. I love you so, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Still on the potter's wheel at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Which are you choosing?

Yolanda, where have you been? Friends, I'm still in a state and time of preparation for what lies ahead of me this side of heaven. I'm in a refining process and I continue to gather God's word into my heart and onto my spiral note cards. Honestly, I'm still "Getting Prepared."

Perhaps some of you have found yourself doing the very same thing, I'm positive that God is smiling. It is so important to be intentional and disciplined when we know that there is a battle in our future. Honestly, we are promised that we will have battles, but we have the choice to be on God's side, or on the enemies. I am choosing God's. Why? Because I've been known to eat right out of the enemy's hand, and I want no more of that, NO MORE! I have been his pawn, and I refuse to be his pawn any longer.

You and I have been grafted into the blood-line of Jesus Christ, the very moment we accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. You and I have a KING! And when we become intentional with our thoughts, words and actions then we live like we have a KING!

"In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." Judges 21:25 NIV

Father God, thank You that today, THIS DAY, I have a King, the one true King. His name is Jesus Christ, Your Son sent from heaven, tearing the curtain in two for me to have direct access to You, and allowing You then to dwell with-in me. I am choosing to not do as I see fit. Father, I can't do this in my own strength, but I can become intentional by knowing Your word and ACTING upon Your word. Father, You spoke to me in January that I was to seek You and to fear You alone. Lord, thank You for continuing to speak to me and draw me nearer. Lord, I am choosing to walk in the way of obedience to You and Your commands. I know that I will fall and not be perfect or obedient 100 percent of the time, but I also know that I am more obedient than ever before, and when I do fall, I come seeking Your forgiveness, and You honor that. I am so grateful, thank You Lord Jesus, Amen.

Yearning at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

**John 16:33, Judges 2:17, Judges 21:25, Luke 23:45, Hebrews 10:19-24; Romans 11:17, 1 Peter 2:17 and Matthew 27:11**

Getting prepared

Have you ever thought to yourself, "Where did that come from? If I had only been prepared!"

That is what I am doing, girlfriends and guy-friends. PREPARING. You see, there is a battle, and it rages, some days we see it coming and other times we do not. BUT IT IS STILL THERE!

Monday I began talking to God about a battle that I see in my near future, Tuesday I began compiling scriptures onto index cards that are in a spiral. I also asked two close friends that are mature in their faith to please be in prayer WITH me over this situation. These friends are far removed from the situation. Today, I came before God, to repent of some things that I needed to be repentative of.

Want to know something cool? After I wrote my heart out in my journal and gave some stuff to God, then I went to His word, and my Promise Calendar was James 4:10 ESV.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

I'm not sure where you are, but I know that I can go to God and tell him how big my storm is, but more importantly I can rest in the fact that MY GOD IS BIGGER THAN MY STORM. HALLELUJAH! So I'm getting prepared....by seeking God.

Father, Thank You for hearing me and knowing me. For being in the recycling business, and creating me into something far better than I could ever hope for or imagine. That in due time, You will vindicate, and that will be a sweet moment. But I am not seeking the vindication, I am seeking the VINDICATOR. Lord, You amaze me! In Your Son's precious name, JESUS CHRIST. Amen.

With love at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

LORD continue to hem me in

I've been asking God what is it that He is trying to tell me using the analogy of the sewing machine. I can't seem to get the visual out of my mind, so here I sit, to share with you from the flowing of my finger tips. You see, this week has found me doing something that I haven't done in years!! Setting up my sewing machine and placing a hem in an article of clothing. I probably wouldn't do this for just any one, but I have had such a desire since I came to Christ to be a woman that honors and loves her husband. Earlier in the week my Man asked if I thought my sewing machine would be tough enough to handle putting a hem in his jean shorts as they were to long in length. Notice he didn't ask if I thought I could do it, but would the machine be able to! He is such a man of words!!! :-)

Psalm 139:4-6 NIV

4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

If you haven't ever read Psalm 139, or if perhaps it has been awhile, I truly think it would speak to you today. It reminds me of how much my LORD GOD has fashioned me, equipped me and continues to love me. And these very promises and truths are yours as well!

Romans 5:3-5 MSG

3-5There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

WOW!!! We all walk through troubles and desire patience in the midst of our trials. But to "develop passionate patience" just leapt off the page and right into my heart. What beautiful words were penned from Eugene Peterson's heart and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Father, Thank You that I can be alert in expectancy in the very next moment of breath I take in and exhale. My desire is to shout praise even when I am hemmed in with troubles because I know that You will provide a way to walk through, walk away from, or to walk around any and all situations. That You are the One that develops with-in me passionate patience. And truly, I am thankful that You have laid Your hand upon me. That as I hemmed a pair of shorts it reminded me Father, that I desire for Your truths to be stitched with-in the cloth of my life. The materials that You have bound together and knitted me in the fashion and form that You desired are exactly right, because You did this, You created me. Lord, continue to hem me in, in the mighty name and Master Sewer, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Stitching right along at Higher Grounds,

Yolanda

Desiring to be a brick layer

Last week God began showing me once again, how much our words, actions and attitudes affect one another. We truly can be a bulldozer going in and dozing down one another, or we can be a brick layer building one another up. Our words, actions and attitudes truly do have power!!! If you and I are not relying upon the Holy Spirits power that is residing with-in us, and allowing ourselves to be ruled by God and His Word, we will inflict hurt upon others.

I've begun collecting a few scriptures to remind myself to use wisdom with my mouth and the pen of my heart.

Psalm 17:3b:

I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.

Proverbs 4:23

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Psalm 141:3

Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Do you have a collection of scriptures that you turn to when you know that your words, actions and attitudes are not reflecting the Glory of God? If so, care to share them with us?

Father, Thank You for reminding us that we truly do need to rely upon the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us. That is where our POWER comes from and that it resides with-in us as Believer's in Jesus Christ. That going our own way will not bring You glory and honor, instead it not only hurts those that we've lashed out at or ignored, as well as Your heart. Father, we hunger to use wisdom with our words, may it be so. Amen.

With much love and affection here at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

**All scripture is NIV**

A heart of thanksgiving

Psalm 100 NLT
A psalm of thanksgiving.

1 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!

2 Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.

3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

The month of June is here, June 1st to be exact! School is out, summer falls later this month, a vacation may be planned, and I would imagine that many of us have a wedding to attend as well! All things to be thanking God over!

I would like to encourage you today, even in the midst of your trials and sufferings to turn our hearts toward OUR LORD and SAVIOR, worshipping Him and offering a praise of Thanksgiving.

I was in Ecclesiastes this morning and when I came across this, it filled my heart with joy.

I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away. Ecc 3:14-15 ESV

Father God, You alone are to be FEARED, REVERED, and as Vs 14 closes from the Message it sums up beautifully what is on my heart this morning. You desire for us to worship You in holy fear. A heart of worship, Lord, is a heart of thanksgiving. Father, may Your name be magnified today. Amen.

With love and thanksgiving,
Yolanda

Help one another

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12 NIV

This just happens to be one of my scriptures that I have memorized in 2010. Why? Because I desire joy, I desire patience and I desire faithfulness. I have hope, I honestly do have some affliction and to communicate with God I must pray.

When I looked up "hospitality" in the NIV, Romans 12:12-13 is what came up. HOW COOL IS THAT???

Just a few weeks ago there were 8 of us that were encouraged to begin or keep on showing and giving hospitality. It was a great challenge to my heart because I often have good intentions, but good isn't good enough. I have to put that to action, not just a thought. So I've returned from the conference and have begun walking that out.

Here is Romans 12:12-13 from The Message:

Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

Father, Thank You for continuing to show me creative and inventive ways to walk out "hospitality" in my journey of faith here on earth. Lord, I don't want to quit in the hard times, and I also love how You show Yourself so strong and mighty when we are cheerfully expecting. Father, I wait in expectation. You, Lord Jesus are so amazing. Amen.

With love at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Listening to the chatter

This morning, I can't wait to get outside and take a jaunt up the ladder once again to peek in at the new family that is growing and maturing in my very own yard. Mr. and Mrs. Robin are parents to three young 'uns and they are taking mighty fine care of their young brood. Mrs. Robin hangs close chattering at me while I'm at a safe distance of about 6' looking upon the goodness of God and His creation. All the while Mr. Robin is out gathering food for his children. I'm telling you, for me, it takes discipline to not get any closer and to gaze upon their sweet little faces and into their little eyes.

I wonder, what kind of disciplines do you and I hold to in our journey with our Lord and Savior?

Do we truly take a peek into His word to grow and mature us? Do we listen to the "chatter" that the Holy Spirit speaks to us when we may be getting ourselves into some danger? Are we gathering food (the Word of God) to nibble and feast upon? Do we get closer and closer to God or are we staying at a safe distance?

Discipline from Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary that applies to my heart this morning:

4 : training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character

If you've spent any time near me in the physical sense, or even here at Higher Grounds you know how important it is to me to be hiding God's word upon our hearts and our minds. It truly takes discipline to do so and the rewards are amazing!

Psalm 119:11 NIV: I have hidden our word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Father, thank You for the sweetness and vitality that comes from Your word. That hiding Your word with-in me causes me to think about my words and actions and through the leading of the Holy Spirit that I would not sin against You. Thank You for the visual of Mr. and Mrs. Robin and their three sweet young 'uns. Father, I hunger for You. In the saving Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Lots of love as we walk in discipline to Higher Grounds,

Yolanda

PRZNHIM

I sat with my journal yesterday morning thanking God as well as laying out my prayer requests. When I began to recall a conversation I had earlier in the week with a man up at the school over the lunch hour. He and I both serve as YouthFriend's and we both were waiting on our lunch buddy to show up. Later after lunch we both were walking out of the school when he said, "I should have known that was your vehicle." The tag on my vehicle reads PRZNHIM and as done so for about 10 years now. We talked then about the hope we have in Christ and what would we be with out Him?

Honestly, I'm not sure that this man knew who I was, perhaps, perhaps not? But what I came away with was the fact that he knew I loved Jesus. WOW! What a great way to testify to the Goodness of Christ. A very good reason to praise Him, but honestly, we don't need a reason to turn our hearts and minds towards Him to praise Him. We do so totally out of having our heart set on His Faithfulness and loving Him because He first loved us.


I'm not sure what you are walking through today, but if you are anything like me this might be on your list as well:

awaiting test results

dysfunctional family

un-saved family members

heart-ache for friends that have lost a loved one recently due to death

concerns for friends walking through cancer

aging parents and their health concerns

your own health concerns



Yet with that being on my heart, I am choosing to Praise Him!!!

Father, I'm grateful this morning that I am able to place my concerns at the feet of Jesus. That I can praise You because You are my God. You alone deserve my praise and that my concerns are being taken care of. Not on my time frame, but Yours. That I can praise You in the parking lot at school as well as in my home. I absolutely love and adore THEE, Lord Jesus. Amen.



PRZNHIM at Higher Grounds,

Yolanda

Love, love, and more love

Have you ever found yourself starting to loose that "loving" feeling? I will be honest with you, I have. Not once, not twice, but many times through out my years here on earth. Not just 20 years ago, not just 10 years ago, but as close as a few weeks ago, I've begun to "feel" like loving someone less.

This morning I was reminded, as well as reprimanded by the Holy Spirit when I read this passage: "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8 ESV

We know that God is love. We know that if Jesus Christ lives on the inside of us, that His love resides on the inside of us as well. We have no option, we are told over and over to love. And in this passage this morning I was hit afresh with the term "keep" as well as "earnestly".

Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary for earnest: characterized by or proceeding from an intense and serious state of mind. This tells me that I am to keep loving one another SERIOUSLY. I have found myself clinging to a verse that I memorized last year, Jeremiah 31:3 Msg: "God told them, 'I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!'"

Father God, thank You for continuing to teach me through Your word and circumstances. I hunger for Your love and am thankful that You will never quit loving me. That I can expect, ALWAYS, love, love and more love. Father, You reminded me this morning that I am to SERIOUSLY love others and to keep loving them. Father forgive me for those times that I've allowed my feelings and circumstances to allow my love to cool for another. I'm aware that separating myself does not mean that I am to stop loving them. Thank You Abba, in Your Son's Mighty Saving Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

With much love,
Yolanda at Higher Grounds

I will return after getting the manual

Here at our household we've been having some dishwasher issues for the past several days. The problem is after each cycle, the tub is not emptying the water completely. My Man and I pulled out the "Use and Care Guide" that came with our machine but there really wasn't any real answers to trouble shoot and fix the problem on our own. So we called on a repair man. He came in this morning, spent several minutes taking things apart and searching for the real problem, to no avail. He put things back together and turned to me and said, "I'll be back in a day or two because I have to get the manual."

There is a spiritual lesson here that I firmly believe God has revealed to me. There are times that I am not emptying myself of "self" like I need to be doing. My own "tub" still has issues inside of me that is not pleasing to God. Perhaps a sharp word to a loved one, perhaps wrong thinking, perhaps _______. When that happens I'm not really bringing glory to God's Name in what ever that situation might be. I can pull out my own "Use and Care Guide" which really is about my "feelings" and "memories" instead of going to the Repair Man, Jesus Christ Himself! I also am to turn to the Manual, the Word of God, to guide me and direct me to get my eyes off of me and my feelings, emptying my "tub" of self allowing the Manual to repair me.

Father, this morning I come to You, the TRUE Repair Man of my soul. Lord, I pull out The Manual for abundant living and am digging deep into the truths that are placed strategically for me in my own time of need to bring Honor and Glory to Your Name. Why? Because I know what I am capable of as well as the fact of needing a daily service job, a time of fine tuning. Lord, I am thankful for simple visuals that You bless me with, and may I truly apply them to my life. In the loving name of Jesus, Amen.

Lovingly at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

More than enough

I sat with my cup of coffee, my bible and my journal this morning....pondering. I began to go over over the last two scriptures that I am memorizing in my mind when I knew I was to gather my thoughts and share them with you.

I won't kid you, we've been faced with some scary stuff this week. Words that none of us want to hear, ever. Yet, many of us hear them every single day and if we look at the circumstance, our world begins to crumble. Fear comes creeping at our door.

I did only what I know to do after walking with MY JESUS for over 10 years, I turned to Him and to prayer warriors. I'm here to tell you, that fear did not over take me that day as I began to place my thoughts where they truly belong, on God. I TRUST GOD. Period. Not if this happens, or when that happens, but, I TRUST GOD.

Sweet and precious Lisa gave me a scripture on Tuesday morning with-in minutes of placing an SOS out for asking for prayers. I know, this may get old, but honestly, YOU WILL NEVER WASTE A PRAYER ON BILL OR I!!! This very scripture from the TRUTHS of God's word, washed over me and the storm that had begun to rage, settled right down. The waves did not topple us over, they no longer held a threat. Why? Because, we, ARE TRUSTING GOD.

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2 NIV.

I love how God brings peace in the storm and how He is always walking with me. I'm thankful that He is my friend, as there are no other friends in the world like my Jesus. I'm positive, there are many of us that honestly believe that there are no other friends like Jesus. Today my Promise scripture comes from John 15:11 ESV and it is fitting, as I return to give Him praise, and Him alone. "There things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." The very words of Jesus, that His joy be found in me and that my joy may be full. How can it not be when He brings peace in the midst of our storms. A storm that arose in the blink of an eye, not one that began to brew and brew, but was a raging storm in an instant.

Father, Thank You for prayer warriors that know Your word because they, themselves, have been found standing on the very words of Holy Script. From their own experiences and previous storms Lord, they are able to share Your word to speak peace and life into my heart. Thank You Father for allowing Your word to calm the waves and bring peace to the very depths of my soul. Father, Your Word is perfect and complete. I pray that others will see that You truly are El Roi, the God who sees. That You place joy with-in and that our joy may be full. You, Lord, are my everything. In the sweet name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Lovingly as Jesus is more than enough as I continue here at Higher Grounds,

Yolanda

Soaking

At 5:30 a.m. this morning, when we arose and started the coffee the ground was wet outside. Praise the Lord, I so love when God turns over the water jars in heaven and gives us a nice drink. This morning, in my quiet time, God did just that for my soul as well.

I'm wondering if I'm the only one like this, but when I get into a large corporate worship I begin to have some mighty stinkin' thinkin'. ABOUT MYSELF! Like, if they only knew how I this or how I that....am I the only one? Not talking about judging others, I'm solely talking about the thoughts of sitting right there and judging myself. I tell my soul, devil you can not have me, get out of here.

This morning, I got flat on my face, flat out, lowest that I could make myself and asked the Lord to come in and wash me. To truly till up the soil of my soul, plant and water to produce a crop that would elevate HIM.

With-in seconds I then pulled out my Promise Calendar to catch up from the weekend as I was away in Atlanta for the "So Long Insecurity" teaching by Beth Moore. This was a LIVE Simulcast and such a blessing to my heart to gather with Siesta's that have become sweet and precious friends to me. God met me right there, in His word, and I'm here to tell you that when you need a word, get IN His Word. He'll meet you every stinkin' time!!!

2 Cor 9:10: He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

John 16:24: Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Hebrews 9:14: how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Father, Thank You that You are the Supplier and that You are the Multiplier, and I give myself over to You. Thank You that because of You my joy may be complete and full. Thank You that You are the One that purifies my conscience of the things that are not pleasing to You or for You. Lord, I love how Your word SPEAKS. I love how that today, I know to TRUST You, to BELIEVE You, to COME to You, and today, I am soaking Your TRUTHS, just like the soil in my yard (literally and spiritually) is soaking from the heavenlies along side me this morning. Lord, Your Love Amazes Me!! I ask, and You, and You alone provide. In the MIGHTY Name of Jesus, Amen.

Lovingly,
Yolanda at Higher Grounds

**All scripture is ESV

Protecting what has been planted

Tuesday morning I planted a row of sugar snap peas and several rows of flowers, all from seeds in the tilled up soil of my small garden. Sunday afternoon was gorgeous, the temperature was perfect and just a slight breeze. It was time to put up our fencing as we would not be fighting the strong winds we've had for several days. Why do I have to put up a fence? We have lots of rabbits, we have a few wondering neighborly dogs, and once in a while we have deer. The fence acts to protect what has been planted from the varmints as they enjoy coming and dining on what has been planted. The dogs tramp though that fresh turned soil, breaking off what is growing.

You know, that is exactly what you and I must do for our souls!! God's word begins to be planted with-in us and if we aren't careful, the varmints of the world will creep in and steal what has been planted. You and I must guard, protect and set boundaries for what has been planted in our minds and spirits.

Proverbs 2:10-12 NIV :

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse.

Wisdom is setting a boundary, knowing when to say yes and when to say no.

Proverbs 4:23 NIV: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

We have the ultimate protector if we will only ask, that being the Holy Spirit. He guides us into the perfect direction of setting those boundaries needed to keep us from going down the wide path of life, the worlds way of thinking and behaving. I'm so thankful for His prompting in my day to day life, aren't you?

Father God, You are the Ultimate Fence in the garden of my heart. Thank You for protecting me and guarding me from the enemy of my soul. For the enemy enjoys tramping around and destroying what has taken root and is now beginning to grow. I'm thankful that You always provide a way out!! I come before You this morning asking for wisdom, discretion and knowledge not only for my mouth, but for my mind and for my feet. That my words, my thoughts and my path would reflect that You are the lover of my soul. I'm thankful for The Light that directs me THIS day. May my boundaries bring glory to You. In the only Name that can save, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lovingly guarding what the Lord has planted here at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Stay true

Have you ever been around someone that does not stay consistent in who they are? This is one of the very things that is a pet peeve for me and I strive to be WHO I am no matter WHERE I am. In all honesty, that very thing at times has cost me a relationship or two, even with someone that is close to my heart.

Jacob told his father and brothers to say one thing while in fact they were something else. When I read Genesis 46:33-34 ESV this morning, it hit me hard to stay true to who I am. These two verses read: "When Pharaoh calls you and says, 'What is your occupation?'you shall say, 'Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,' in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians."

Then Genesis 47:3 ESV: "Pharaoh said to his brothers, 'What is your occupation?' And they said to Pharaoh, 'Your servants are shepherds, as our fathers were.'"

Jacob was trying to protect his family, I realize that, but when they responded to Pharaoh with TRUTH, he did not desert them.

Father, thank You that You know the truth of who and what we do and are, and with that You never ever desert us. Father, cause our hearts to love others right where they are at in this season of life. That our hearts & footsteps would be found faithful and true, and that we would not be speaking out of both sides of our mouths. Father, I love You and desire to be true to who You created me to be, no matter where I'm at, no matter who I'm with, as You are always with me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

With much love here at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Stepping into the deep

Many of you know how Higher Grounds came to be and have been with me on this journey of just over three years. It has been an amazing ride of following the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit to share with you what He has been teaching me. Beginning with writing and sending in an e-mail format and a year later beginning the Higher Grounds blog. But God called me out into deeper waters this past month and it was incredible. I am returning to give thanks and praise to God and to encourage you that God truly does equip!!

One morning while I was feeding the birds some bread I watched their little antics and idiosyncrasies. Some nibbled, others took the whole piece and was selfish while yet others shared what they had been given to feast upon. What God brought back to my mind and I'm not sure who said this, but I remember reading not to long ago, "A teacher is one that shares what they have learned." When I read that I knew that God was showing me what He had called me to do several years ago that being to step out and teach for Him.

Upon arriving on Maui that very evening the lady that is currently facilitating the Community Bible study text'd me asking if I would lead one night of their bible study on this trip. I knew what God had already done, He had been preparing me for such a time as this. A week later Dawn shared with us that it had just been over 5 years since her baptism and this is so cool because I had already been a part of this group of women digging into the word of God. This is a group of women that I am comfortable with and how awesome that God put it on their hearts to ask me to allow them to be my first students on March 25th, 2010. That He had been preparing me with the very words He desired them to hear and receive. I was first His student, nibbling on the Bread of Life to then in turn share it with His Daughter's.

That very morning, God encouraged me through my Daily Scripture Calendar: For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. Hebrews 6:10 ESV. God had been placing and continues to place the desire inside of me to serve. One of my scriptures from 2009 that I had memorized for 2009 is 1 Thes. 5:24 NIV: The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

God placed that calling on me, one that I did not want or ask for, and yet....HE was faithful the evening of March 25th and He did do it!!! He gave me His peace, He gave me His joy for the word of God, to share with others what He had shown me, and He gave me the words to speak to them to encourage them in their own walk. I walked away, over joyed as well as humbled that He truly has a plan and a purpose. Maui Girlfriends, thank you for the opportunity to serve you and that you nibbled along side me in God's Word.

The next morning I had confirmation with what I had shared the evening before is what He wanted them to know through my on-line devotion put out by Our Daily Bread. "A life lived for God is a pleasing aroma." I do not want to give out too much information yet as I'm going to step into the deep once more the first weekend in May and share this at our Women's Retreat.

I close with a word of encouragement that I received from the Pastor's wife that was the host the very day that God had said, One day you will teach for Me. I sent her a note as well as the Guest Pastor's wife that did the teaching for that very Women's conference a few years back.

You go girl! That is exactly what you have been doing with all of us with HG's. You have been teaching via e-mail now it's real life. Blessings to you, so wonderful to hear from you. love ya tracy

Father, thank You that You have worked with-in me, a broken vessel willing to be poured out as an example for those that have walked in my shoes. To give them hope that You love them and that You sent Your Son to die for them. That no one, not even a human being on death row, can out sin the cross. Thank You for using me to turn around and share with others that You are magnificent. That You alone are faithful and true. That You equip us for the work that You have called us to do and to be a part of. I ask that You would keep me humble and remind me that this is all for YOU and of You. I only desire to do what You would have me to do, in my Savior's precious name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lovingly going into the deep at Higher Grounds,

Yolanda

PS: after writing this, almost an hour later, I went back to look at Debbie's e-mail to me, she is the one that was doing the teaching at Tracy's church several years ago. Look at this would you!!!! She used two pieces of scripture that I had in my writing. The Lord sure causes me to laugh!

Praise the Lord! I am so proud of you Yolanda!

YOU are a teacher!!!!!!!!! We have known this for some time and I am so thankful that God has revealed this to you. You need make your Higher Ground a devotional book for everyone! Think that might be the next step??? Isn’t GOD just the best!

Thank you for sharing with me, I just can’t stop smiling! You are where you are suppose to be for such a time as this. God has a plan and a purpose, a very exciting one, for you!

Every day is God's day for us

Good morning as we all gather today to celebrate and worship our RISEN LORD AND SAVIOR!

I wonder what is it that you are feeding on from day to day? Are you one that really takes to heart desiring to have meat instead of just spiritual milk? That you can be found feeding yourself, growing and maturing. Please do not get hung up on condemnation if there is a day that goes by and you haven't been in the word of God, but if this convicts you to desire MORE of Christ, then hallelujah!!

On Tuesday evening of this week we were walking to dinner with friends. They were leaving the next morning to return to their home and we generally dine together the evening prior to departure. The husband and I were having a conversation when he asked me what we had done that afternoon. I gently shared that we had enjoyed watching a Louie Giglio DVD on creation and the majesty of God.

Can you even begin to guess where this conversation went? :-) He asked me, "That sounds religious and isn't that supposed to happen on Sunday?". I replied, "Not for Bill and I, it happens every day!." End of conversation about our Tuesday afternoon, but I guarantee you it has left him pondering. He is a deep thinker, and I wonder what kind of a conversation we will have the next time we meet up!

Colossians 4:5-6 NIV "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Father, thank You for giving me the opportunity to share You with a non-believer. For placing a desire with-in me to know You and to be in Your presence. To know it isn't about religion, but about a relationship. Thank You for allowing me to be Your mouth piece and to share the JOY of Jesus and what You have done in my life. Father, I pray that others will desire the same for themselves. In Your Son's Saving Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

I think it would be fun with our comments to perhaps share what your sermon was on today, as I'm positive we would all glean from them and perhaps see the beginning of Holy Week in a fresh way as today is Palm Sunday.

Lovingly as every day is God's day,

Yolanda at Higher Grounds

He isn't finished with me yet....

I awoke this morning needing to go before the Lord with those issues that haunted and taunted me in the early morning hours. I'm so thankful that I have direct access and that I don't have to go through "man" to have a chat with Father God. Aren't you?

Anyway, I grabbed my fresh cup of coffee and sat at the lanai watching these huge waves come crashing in. It was like Hawaii Five-O all night long, all over again from the days of my youth on our little black and white television in the early 70's. By the time I was done talking and listening to God, I grabbed my camera and made my way down to the ocean.

One of my 2010 scriptures that I am memorizing came to my mind yesterday as I went with two friends to the Fresh Fish Market.

When we walked in and up to the counter to my right was a young man filleting a nice size Mahi-Mahi with these huge knives. I asked if I could take a picture and they told me to walk behind the counter and get up close. I love friendly people that get a kick out of my hunger to learn new things and try new things.

My scripture for March 1st was Hebrews 4:12 NIV:

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Bear with me as I put these two thoughts together along with my early morning dreams and quiet time. I was needing a bath in God's word as my thoughts were not aligning with the thoughts God has for us. I needed a good cleaning from my stinkin' thinkin' due to my thoughts and the attitudes of my heart. That to become more like Christ, I need to be in the vastness (ocean) of His Word allowing it to tumble me and tumble me (ocean) to surface polished and smooth. I also need to allow His Word to fillet me similar to the butcher at the fish market. So often we only allow His Word to penetrate the top layer of us, but we need to be turned over and allow the double-edge to take effect and get to the DEEP LAYERS.

**Mr. Butcher had filleted one side and flipped over the fish and was filleting the other side.

Father, Thank You for visuals that cause me to see Your Truths in a deeper way. To apply what I learn to my daily living and to come out on the other side with the renewing of my mind. Changed for the better, because You dwell with-in me. Lord, thank You for continuing to tumble me and fillet me as I know You are not finished with me yet. Amen? AMEN!

Lovingly with a heart to continue on-wards to Higher Grounds,

Yolanda

Beauty in the jungle

Several days ago we went for a walk in the light rain and I am so thankful that I had grabbed my camera prior to walking out the door.



As we walked passed this and I took my picture, I instantly thought about how our world is like a jungle and we don't know what is creeping near us to get us off the narrow path. Yet what truly I didn't see until I downloaded this picture was the one striking beautiful foliage that is totally different than the rest, due to it's color. Did you notice it at first glance? What beauty!



More importantly that is what you and I should be doing with our world. Making a difference often times simply by being in the picture. How does one do that, you might be asking?



1. Accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior.



2. Praying.



3. Reading, dissecting, studying and ingesting the Word of God.



4. Listening for that still small voice of the Holy spirit to guide you and lead you.



5. Obedience.



1 Peter 3:3-5a NIV: "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful." Isn't this a beautiful example from God's word of what He had put on my heart? I honestly believe, that when you and I allow this to be played out with-in us, then others will be drawn to us. We can change our world, one simple act at a time.



Father, I pray that when we arise each morning that others see the beauty that YOU have poured into us because of investing our time and self in Your presence. I pray that we stand out and bring a true vibrant color into each and every day. That others will be drawn to us and allow themselves to then become a vibrant color, having beauty in their own days. Lord, You are the reason behind the beauty in the jungle that we know as planet earth today. Thank You for being our ALL. Amen.


With love at Higher Grounds,

Yolanda