Barb Pruitt

Parenting God's Way Part 2

2012-01-26T18:28:00.002-07:00

How to Parent God's Way Pt.2 from Barb Pruitt on Vimeo.

Is it possible to go back to the leave it to Cleaver days and parent our children? How do you get your children to love and honor you? It's never too late to put the right boundaries with your children's!

Parenting God's Way Part 1

2012-01-19T22:58:00.000-07:00

How to Parent God's Way #5 from Barb Pruitt on Vimeo.

2012-01-18T09:57:00.001-07:00

“There are many great women, but I am the BEST!”
Bible Proverbs

You need to feel like you are the BEST because you really are! There is no one like you; you are one of a kind. I have always said, “You are the WAY you are because of WHY you are”. It’s your uniqueness: personality, style, ideas, and ways that make you amazing! Your inner beauty will shine when you remember to Love yourself and not worry about what others think.

You are the most beautiful at being you! Shout this out “Free to be ME!” Love yourself and your inner beauty will shine!

"How to Have a Personal Relationships with Jesus"

2012-01-12T14:51:00.001-07:00

Relationship with God #4 from Barb Pruitt on Vimeo.

Barb shares her personal story about her relationship with Jesus. You will also learn how to study the Word of God that will change your perception and understanding to cultivate a better relationship with Jesus.

"Where Purpose Is Not Known, Abuse Is Inevitable" #3

2012-01-05T13:33:00.001-07:00

Where Purpose Is Not Known, Abuse Is Inevitable" #3 from Barb Pruitt on Vimeo.

Life has it's disappointments that cause us to make choices that go against our Destiny and we lose sight of our purpose. When you forget who you are in Christ, you will let life determine where you are going instead of God's Plan for you.

InspireTV "Born with a Purpose

2011-12-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

"Born with a Purpose" #2 from Barb Pruitt on Vimeo.

Everything you need to fulfill your purpose is already on the inside of you and it's time to re:ignite your dreams and desires! Attaching your giftings to change someones life will give you the greatest joy in living!

Inspire TV "We are God's Idea"

2011-12-27T15:32:00.001-07:00

"We are God's Idea" from Barb Pruitt on Vimeo.

Barb is sharing on the worth and value of a woman! After God created man, He said this world is NOT complete I have to brighten this world a make a WOMAN! You will be Inspired to love the Woman God designed you to be.

2011-12-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

Tis the season to be Jolly..fa la la la, la la la la la!
I wanted to wish all of you a VERY Merry Christmas.
Remember to celebrate the Reason for the Season! Jesus!

Blessings,

Barb

God Thinks about You!

2010-11-12T16:32:00.014-07:00

I know it might be hard to believe that an infinite God would think about "you", but He does!

Psalm 8:4 What is man that you are mindful of him.

The word "mindful" means aware. He is aware of you, your desires, your struggles, fears, and joys.

It is so easy to get stuck with the mentality that God is only thinking of the "church worldwide" or thinking of those who we perceive as good or spiritual; maybe those that have the perfect family or lots of money. But He is not a respecter of person. (Romans 2:11) It doesn't matter your life experiences, failures or mistakes, He has thoughts towards you, to give you a HOPE and a FUTURE!

Psalm 137:19 "How precious to me are your thoughts O God, How vast is the sum of them"

The word Vast means: in size, degree and intensity!

God thinks of you and He is intentional with His thoughts towards you~

Remember Today: God LOVES you and THINKS about you!

Girls, need a better outlook?

2010-07-16T09:31:00.002-07:00

Okay girls! Have you ever had that feeling like your outlook on life has dropped a little bit? It's not that you are depressed, it's just that life seems blah? Well, there are a few natural supplements you can begin to take that will help with the cognitive function.

I will share the brands I am taking:

Udo's Oil DHA

3/6/9 Blend Omega Fatty Acid

Omega 3/6/9 supports congitive function and eye health. Omega 3 fatty acids are poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Studies show that a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids may help lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Omega 3 fatty acids may also act as an anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting. Several other studies also suggest that these fatty acids may help lower high blood pressure.

Nature's Life
Vitamin E 1,000 IU
with Tocopherals

Vitamin E has earned itself a reputation - from spicing up your sex life to banning wrinkles and old age. One of the most important functions of this vitamin is its antioxidant properties. Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that includes eight naturally occurring compounds in two classes designated as tocopherols and tocotrienols.

Vitamin E is an effective chain-breaking, lipid-soluble antioxidant in biological membranes, and aids in membrane stability.

Source Naturals
SAM e

Benefits of Sam-E
•Commonly used as to help with mild depression.
•Helps you regain control of your good mood, helping you have brighter days and a restore a healthy balance.
•Beneficial for joint disorders and connective tissue
•May help lower levels of homcysteine, an amino acid associated with cardiovascular disease.
•May help protect the body against cellular damage and slow the aging process.

Supplements are so wonderful because you benefit in so many ways!!

Hope this helps you!!

Mind Monsters

2010-04-21T16:16:00.009-07:00

I would like to personal encourage all parents of teenagers that are in Jr. and Sr. High to get them to come to the next series that I will be teaching on Wednesday nights at 7:00 pm. God has really impressed on my heart the personal and private struggles that our young generation are facing.

So many struggles that they are not equipped to handle and even as adults we can be a little "rattled" by their MIND MONSTERS.

I have been preparing and praying with a creative team about this series and even meeting with our Upper Classman to make sure the areas we will be covering in this series will reach them where they are at.

I will not only be teaching these messages, but will be empowering your student with the Power of the Holy Spirit so THEY will know how to apply God's word and truth over their personal struggles. We will be having special dramas, mimes, videos and praise & Worship.

Here are the topics each Wednesday Night:

May 12th: Negative Invaders of the Mind
May 19th: Faith is the Exterminator
May 26th: Recognizing Mind Monsters
June 2nd: Rejecting Mind Monsters
June 9nd: Replacing Your Mind
June 16th: Retraining Your Mind

I am very excited to teach this series!! All I'm asking from you, is to have your student there each week, where they will feel the presence of God and hear a Word that will change their life forever!

Look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions please email me at info@barbpruitt.com

Please visit: www.faithbuilderschurch.org for location and to see the other programs that are offered for children and the current series Bishop Pruitt is on.

Bless you,

Pastor Barb

Greener Grass?

2010-04-20T07:41:00.018-07:00

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” ~Epicurus

What a delusion it is when we continue to look at other people’s lives and wish you had what they had! It is so easy with human nature to peek over into the lives of other people that we admire or perceive are living the life we wish we were living. Whether it is a better marriage, children, the house you live in or your status in life.

In 2 Corinthians 10:12 it says, “But, they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise".

This is such a powerful scripture! When we begin to focus on the areas of our life we are unhappy with, we have a tendency to zone in on people who have what you truly desire. The Bible says this is unwise. As you keep looking at someone else, everything in your life will become distorted and you find yourself very unhappy with your life and you cannot see the wonderful blessings you do have, because you are blindsided by what you wish you had! It is important to have desires in your life, but keep your eyes focused on Jesus the "author and finisher of your faith"

Philippians 4:11 says, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content”

To be content means to be satisfied. Have you ever heard the saying "I may not be where I want to be, but thank God I'm not where I was" I encourage you today to take off your distorted glasses, stop looking at others lives and begin to look in your own life and see the wonderful blessings that are there. Here is a simple assignment that will really help you!

Number 1: Get a notebook and every day sit down for a few minutes and look into your life and write down the things are Thankful for, the things you can appreciate! It can be from the smallest things to the biggest. As you begin to focus on the good, you will see just how blessed you really are!

In Psalms 100:4 it says “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”

Number 2: Begin to thank God every day! As you have a thankful heart, you will be covered by the anointing and love of God! It will remove the sorrow of your heart and you will begin to see how wonderful God is and how wonderful your life really is!

Number 3: Let others around you know what you are thankful for. Share with your family how blessed you are, how thankful you are! This will be contagious to everyone around you and will create a positive, happy atmosphere in your home!

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” ~ Frederick Keonig

~Barb

Esther's Court Part 2

2010-04-19T18:20:00.007-07:00

H3: Health Healing & Hormones

We are very excited to launch our Health Series as a part of Esther's Court. Our heart and passion is for woman to have Beauty from the inside out. We truly believe for woman to be the success they are called to be; they have to experience good health, strength and energy.

We believe woman are to walk in the fullness of who God designed them to be!

May 3rd, 10th & 17th at 7:00 pm FREE CHILDCARE

For more information and to register click HERE!

Outdoor Movie Night @ the Park

2010-04-16T15:10:00.005-07:00

Xcellar8 Youth Ministry is hosting a Family Night at:

Paradise Valley Park
40th Street and Bell Road
Phoenix, AZ 85022

Friday, April 16th
6:30 - 9:30 pm

Food/Drinks/Snacks Provided
Games
MOVIE: "The Blind Side"

$10 for the entire family!!

Call for more information:

Anderson Claire: 602.475.2672 Or John Day 623.329.5766

~SEE YOU THERE~

Barb

My HERO: My MOM!

2010-04-15T13:25:00.009-07:00

I have seen a lot of contest going on for people to write about their “hero” and see if their story would win. Well, there is NO contest in which person is my hero. She is my mom! She is truly the most amazing, self-sacrificing woman I have ever met. She has been such an amazing example to me even as a little girl.

LOVE: Her LOVE for God is the first quality that you could never miss when you meet her. She has such a deep love for God and a commitment to the Word. She has never wavered knowing how much God loves her or how much she loves Him. She lives out the scripture.

Luke 10:27 “Love God with all your heart with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind. Love others as you love yourself."

Because of her love for God, she has such an amazing love for people. Everywhere she goes, you will find her sharing the love of Jesus every chance she gets. She has a passion for the lost. She is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ!

SACRIFICIAL: She is willing to do whatever God calls her to do no matter what sacrifice it requires. I have seen her leave everything she loves twice in her life to follow the calling of God and to push and encourage the dreams of her husband. She has left family, houses, ministry and everything familiar to her; to launch a ministry in Beloit, WI and then to do it all over again in Phoenix, AZ. I have seen her sacrifice financially over and over to build the Kingdom of God. She has lived out the scripture.

Luke 18:29"I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."

SUBMISSIVE: She is a strong woman, anointed and powerful and yet knows that beautiful boundary of submission to her husband. If he say’s it, she will stand by him forever. You don’t dare come to her about her man, all 5’ 1” of her will go nose to nose with you to protect and honor him. She loves him with an amazing unconditional love. Will never see or hear her disrespect her husband with her words or actions, it is first instinct to honor and respect him. I know this comes from her LOVE for God and her ability to submit to the Holy Spirit in her life.

Ephesians 5:22- 24 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church,
his body, of which he is the Savior.
Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should
submit to their husbands in everything.

LOYAL: She is a loyal friend and she is my best friend. If you are in her life, no matter who you are or what status you are; she will ALWAYS protect you first. She will not let others talk about you to her; she will stop you dead in your tracks and say “you will not talk about them without them here too”. I love that about her.

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times"

MINISTRY: She has the most beautiful call of God on her life. She is rich with the word of God and full of wisdom! She is a woman that has lead the Proverbs 31 life, without question! I am blessed as her daughter to have been able to watch her, learn from her and model who I am today because of her. I would NEVER be who I am if it wasn’t for her!

Proverbs 31 "Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised"

I Love you mom, YOU are my hero!!

~Barb

Carrie Underwood

2010-04-15T07:50:00.005-07:00

This was a production done at our Church called "Heartbreak Hotel/Hotel Hallelujah" We do about 30 look-a-like acts, with explosions, videos, Motorcycles, dancing! It is packed with fun and entertainment. It is one of the most incredible outreaches our church does www.faithbuilderschurch.org Every production, we see hundred's of people committing their lives to Jesus! It makes it so worth all the work, but as you can see, it really was fun too!
There is a surprise at the end, so watch all the way!

Blessings~

Changing the World: Me?

2010-04-04T20:46:00.042-07:00

One of my TRUE stories:
First time ever written

I have always had such a deep passion to make an impact in the world by reaching the hearts of people with the Love of God. Even as a young girl, I would imagine reaching out and helping someone in need.

I attended high school with this young girl named “Rachel”. She was a very quiet, withdrawn girl. Me, always being drawn to the un-popular, I began to reach out to her and befriend her. Hidden under the exterior of fear was this beautiful, lively girl full of dreams for her life.

One day as we were talking she began to open up to me and share about her living conditions. She was living in this “community” where no one was allowed to have friendship outside of their community.

She was not allowed to have a job, they told her who she had to marry, no one was allowed to have their own bank account; all assets had to be turned into the Head Leaders. I’m sure you can see where I am going with this; “Rachel” was born into a “cult” environment.
She desired so much for her life and because of the control and manipulation she was under and gripped with fear; she could see no way out.

It became a regular conversation of ours, her expressing more and more unhappiness with her life. We were only 17 years old at the time, but my heart was so heavy for this girl and I wanted to help her in such a desperate way. I felt every girl should have a chance to have a beautiful, fulfilling life.

We began to talk more about her family members that were outside of the “cult” and she mentioned she had an aunt that had broken away many years ago. This perked my interest. I told her to find out if she could locate her number. She immediately rose in fear, saying if she got caught horrible things would happen to her; well, only being 17 years old I told her to try anyway.

She was not allowed to make any outside contact herself, so I knew once I had the information I was going to have to take matters in my own hands.

“Rachel” came to school one day with the phone number in her hands shaking with fear. I took the number and placed it in my wallet and told her “not to worry, everything was going to be okay” “you are going to be free to live your own life, just trust me”. As I write this, I’m thinking to myself, “what the heck were you thinking?”

I now know, only the leading of the Love of God could get me to do what I did next. I met with a girlfriend at the school, Carla McKinney, who I could trust and told her the entire story and asked her for her help. She was on board immediately.

We contacted the aunt of “Rachel” who was so excited to hear about the news of her niece. We told her the entire story that she desired to live a life of freedom. So we came up with a plan.

The last day of our senior year “Rachel came to school with all the things she knew she could take with her; which was only a simple backpack. Throughout the entire day we were so nervous and anxious hoping and praying that everything would go as planned.

After lunch, I parked my car at the other end of the building; where students were not allowed to be and as soon as the final school bell rang, the three of us took off running through the hallways of the school, out the back side of the building and into my 1968 Chevy Nova named “Rusty Ann”. We drove as fast as we could out of the school parking lot, wondering what are we doing, but feeling it was so right; kept going.

Our adrenal was running so strong, that I cannot even remember if any of us said anything in the car. I wonder what was going through “Rachel’s” mind at the time. I never asked her. We had set up a location outside of the school to meet her Aunt. We pulled up to that meeting place and were able to reunite the two together. We all sat and talked for a few minutes, introduced “Rachel” to her Aunt and then pulled away.

I honestly never knew what happen to “Rachel” after we left her with her Aunt. Years had gone by and I went to go grocery shopping at a store I never go into, on a side of town I never go to. As I was being checked out by the cashier, the girl looked at me and said, “you are Barb Pruitt, aren’t you” and with a puzzled look on my face said “yes”. She said, ‘you don’t recognize me do you?” No, I didn’t know her face. She smiled brightly and said my name is “Rachel” the girl you rescued from the “cult”.

Wow, now in my 20’s I immediately saw the gravity of what us naive high school girls did that last day of school. I found out she had continued to be safely out of the cult, she went on to marry and have 2 kids and was extremely happy. With a bright smile, I will NEVER forget, she thanked me as he bagged my groceries.

I have never seen her again, but what a gift to give my heart to know I was a part of helping change her life!

Proverbs 31:25 "She is clothed with strength and dignity; and she smiles at her future"

I have EXCITING NEWS!!

2010-03-09T19:12:00.011-07:00

I am very excited to announce that I have started writing for a monthly magazine called Rock River Ramble. I would love it if you would take time to go read the article, but most of all sign up for the FREE magazine to be emailed monthly.

My High School friend, Carla McKinney, is the editor of the magazine and she had given me complete freedom to share the Word of God with encouragement. This is such a wonderful opportunity for many readers to have a chance to be exposed to the Gospel of Hope, since it is not a "christian" magazine!

Please let me know what you think about the article~

You can click on the logo to be directed to the magazine! REMEMBER, sign up for a free monthly subscription to your email!

Thank you so much for supporting Coffee Talk Encouragement!

Much love,

Proverbs 31:25 "She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at her days to come"

~Girls Lives Changed Forever~

2010-02-16T20:41:00.029-07:00

Esther's Court is a time of mentoring for girls ranging anywhere from college age and up. You will experience the love of God in a way that will transform your heart and your self-image so you as a girl can live the life our King has designed for you!

Esther's Court is set in a non-threatening and intimate atmosphere where we will share the word of God, have personal ministry and allow the presence of God and the anointing to flow. I will be sharing my personal experiences, journey of my life and my relationship with Jesus Christ!

www.estherscourt.com

This past Monday, we had such a beautiful, intimate time together. The Lord gave me a Word that he was going to break the control of Shame off of these woman's lives. That Shame has kept them imprisoned in fear and hiding who they really are! I was so overwhelmed by all the emails, texts and tweets I received that I decided to pick a few out and post them to testify what God is doing!

I didn't post their names to respect their privacy until they personally desire to share their experience.

"I was completely in awe when I saw these strong women, of all ages, colors, and backgrounds cry out and hold their heads down with shame. We have NO idea what others are going through but we judge them anyways. It was the MOST powerful thing I have ever seen, the trust the women had to have to give up SOME or ALL of their pain."

"It truly was a touch of His divine love and Grace! Thank you Jesus!"

"Thanks sooo much pastor barbie for allowing God to use you to reach his daughters! I had no idea that my issues i dealt with were that big and really taking control of my life and becoming a huge hindrance. I feel soo much better and i just wanted to say thank you. I bought new pajamas too
♥ luv ya!! "
~
"I had to stop on my way home and park my car to write this :)

I realized tonight that toughness is holding me back. I imagined myself wearing a life size crab shell, only exposing a part of myself and carrying that heavy shell around everywhere I go, dressing up the part of me that I ALLOW people to see. Tonight I felt that shell being broken piece by piece. All of me was exposed. It was uncomfortable yet I felt Gods love pouring down on me. When you read that story I found myself looking around to see if anyone was looking at me because I felt like that woman was me. Though God has delivered me from the unimaginable and I had been able to share my victory with other women."

"Loved every minute of it. Thank you!"
~

"I have got more accomplished today than in months!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have truly been set free! I feel amazing! I feel loved! I feel really happy! I just wanted to share this with you... I am blessed to have you in my life! :) Thanks for being around!"
~
"I have been set free!! It was amazing!"
~
"It really was an incredible time Pastor Barb. God set me free in such an amazing way... from something I've carried around since I was 13! I've been struggling with things in my past for a long time honestly and I've had breakthrough's before but God really did something very powerful last night... I think my heart was just ready. :) and like you said, I don' t even think I really knew what was really wrong until God revealed the issue of shame. I feel like now all I can see is my bright, open future and the past is done with and over. You have such a beautiful way of ministering and it is such a huge blessing to have you as one of my pastor's! Love you!"
~
"Pastor Barb!!! Thank you for tonight. It was amazing. I am free indeed. There will be no more shame."

"Strength and honor are her clothing;
She laughs at her days to come."
Proverbs 31:25

Blessed beyond measure,

Innvocation at Martin Luther King Event 2010

2010-02-14T19:16:00.022-07:00

Kristal Armstrong, Barb Pruitt & Eniketi Voss

What a joy and privilege to be asked to pray at the Scottsdale, Arizona's Annual Martin Luther King event 2010. There were almost 1,000 people there; media and many city officials. I knew I only had just a window of time for people to feel the love of God and I wanted to do more than just say a prayer, but share the gospel of Jesus Christ. I prayed that when I mentioned the name of Jesus they would feel the Love of God in such a special way; even if it was quick.

I have to admit, I was very nervous since I am more experience in the "christian" arena, but I truly embraced this as a chance to grow and stretch myself.

I took courage in my presentation, knowing that everyone knew the foundation of Dr. Martin Luther Kings life was his personal relationship with Jesus Christ and his legacy of preachers in his family.

As I started my presentation you could hear some rattling of drinks and movement; but I promise you when I mentioned the name of Jesus Christ a beautiful quiet fell across the entire room, so still, it made me quite uncomfortable knowing I had their complete attention. There is so much power in the name of Jesus!!

Please enjoy my presentation and prayer:

Good Evening,
It is such an honor to be here tonight and be a part of such an incredible event to celebrate the Life, and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a man with many titles: a son; a father,a visionary; he was a patriarch, fearless, driven, brilliant, articulate, and on and on.

Each one of us could add our own adjective to describe his character and what he meant to us. I would like to take a moment to spotlight his love for His God, his savior Jesus Christ. I believe this was the greatest driving force behind his character, his sacrifices, his vision and his God given Mission. He had a love for the people that could only be expressed by understanding the Love of God through his Christian faith.

Spoken from our hero Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
"To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing"

Lets honor his very own words this evening and dedicate this event in prayer to His Lord and His Savior, Jesus Christ. Let's Pray.

Father God,
We thank you for life and the ability to love and appreciate important patriarchs of our time. We thank you for calling him to this earth with an assignment of such importance. We are grateful that his life was not only devoted to civil rights, but in fact was devoted to you, Jesus Christ. Today we are able to enjoy relationships that generations before us were never able to treasure because of your work through Martin Luther King Jr. We appreciate this special night in honor of a special man. We thank you for every person that helped make tonight the success that it is going to, bless them and bless this food we are about to eat. In Jesus Name, Amen

My favorite part was at the end when the entire room said "AMEN"! So precious to me!

Joe Baca, Eugene Robinson and Don Logan

Don Logan was the first man to start bringing the message of Diversity to the City of Scottsdale and because of his bold commitment to his belief in Diversity, there was an attempt to take his life. He received a package in the mail and when he opened it, it exploded in his hands. That was 5 years ago and they just caught the two men that tried to take his life. He was such a nice man and was an honor to meet him.
(click here to read the story on Don Logan)

Eugen Robinson writes for the Washington Post and a regular guest on CNN. He was the Guest Speaker for the Living the Dream event.

I was so impressed with the heart of Scottsdale and their passion for Diversity and "Living the Dream" in their city! Way to Go!

Special Thanks to Eniketi Voss for the Invitation!

www.estherscourt.com

Meet my Kiddos!

2010-02-13T21:08:00.009-07:00

I have been sponsoring children with Food for the Hungry for almost 8 years and it has been such a joy to be a part of giving love, education, medication and so much more to children. You are able to correspond with your children, send them little gifts and at the Holiday's you can purchase goats, cows, pigs and chickens for the family to start a livelihood in their country. It is so rewarding. Food for the Hungry will even make a way for you to go on a trip and meet your sponsor child and family. What a joy and I am working on making these trips!

Please enjoy meeting my kiddos, I love them each so dearly!

First meet Martin Huanca Vargas. He lives with his mother only. He has three brothers and two sisters. They live in the community of Ravelo, located in the arid Bolivian Altiplano. Most of the residents have houses made of adobe with straw roofs with at dirt floor.
Martin has been a part of my life since he was in first grade and as you will see; he has gotten so big and so happy since I first started sponsoring him. He has shared in his letters that because of my support he is able to go to a christian school and receive medical care. He really loves Jesus and talks about going to church and Sunday school class. He loves to volunteer in his community. His mom just had another baby boy and Martin wants me to pray for his baby brother.
2nd Grade

3rd Grade

4th Grade

Meet Hazel Sarahi Aviles Rojas, she lives with her parents and has one brother and one sister. She is five years old and lives in Bayardo Arce, Nicaragua. The homes are constructed from scrap wood, cardboard and plastic with an outdoor latrine.
She is full of life and spunk. My first letter from her had a beautifully drawn picture and she has invited me to come visit her already. Of course, I will have to pray and make that part of my future to go see her.
She is in pre-school right now. I just fell in love with her immediately! She loves making beds and doing Math!
Pre-School/Kindergarten Picture

Meet Rikonia Leruk, she is 5 years and lives in Kenya, Africa. I just love her so much and her pretty green necklace! She has two brothers and three sisters and she loves Washing Dishes and counting. Her community is Lakartinya and they have no local source for water, the women in this community make a 9 mile journey to get water for the family. Many times they have to leave the children behind or strap a baby on their back for the journey. Her family are nomads who keep goats, sheep and shoats and grow a few crops for survival. I am looking forward to learning more about Rikonia. I just started sponsoring her.
Pre-School/Kindergarten Picture

Through your prayers and support a child will know that someone cares and will have the hope of a brighter future. If you are interested in learning more on sponsoring a child, you can click on the Food For The Hungry logo or www.fh.org and it will take you directly to their website!

FINALLY!
Below is a picture of my little Scooter butt that I adopted a few months ago. The picture in her pink coat is when I first got her. She was really tiny, had no hair and scooted on her belly everywhere because she had so much fear (that's how she got her name) She is 5 years old and had babies 2 months before I got her. She is going to go get fixed in 2 months..sorry scooter, no more babies for you! She has gained 2 lb since I've had her and a TON of hair!

I just had to share her with you too!!

Blessings,

www.estherscourt.com

Singles Webinar: Saturday, February 13th!!!

2010-02-11T15:09:00.008-07:00

Now that the event is over you can click the Advertisment to download your free MP3

I am excited to announce that I will be speaking at the Successfully Single Webinar Conference with my friend Dwann Holmes Olsen and hosted by Tara Travis!

This Saturday,February 13th, 2010 at 10am EST. You will be Inspired and Empowered as we share with you how to be Saved, Single, and Successful in Life!

Be sure to mark your calendars and SAVE the TIME!!

REGISTER FOR FREE!! Click on the Successful Singles Advertisement and it will take you straight to registration!

Can't wait to share with you!!

girls2girls: Giving Back

2010-01-18T11:27:00.001-07:00

This is the VERY first g2g I did, so you can tell the audio isn't the greatest in some spots. I have a really cool mic there, but why I didn't pull it closer ... I dont know! lol! But I am learning~
I still wanted to share it with you, because of the Cause we are talking about and really would love those that want to be involved to hear about it!

~Check out the website for Soles4Souls in YOUR area~ http://www.soles4souls.org/

There are 3 ways to give in Phoenix:
"Clean out your closet day" Monday, February 18th
"Free your feet day" Tuesday, March 2nd
"Make a mountain Day" Tuesday, March 9th

If you would like to be involved email me at info@barbpruitt.com and I will let you know the closest drop off location!

www.estherscourt.com

Girls, need a better outlook?

2010-01-17T19:30:00.016-07:00

Udo's Oil DHA

3/6/9 Blend Omega Fatty Acid

Nature's Life
Vitamin E 1,000 IU
with Tocopherals

Source Naturals
SAM e

Getting Ready for Girls2Girls

2010-01-15T19:25:00.003-07:00

This is my girlfriend Sharenda Roam and I, setting up for our very first Girls2Girls and we didnt know it was recording!! hahaha

Exciting News about 2010!

2010-01-14T16:08:00.005-07:00

~Sharing from my desk~

Support for Haiti

2010-01-13T22:56:00.006-07:00

My heart, as wells yours i'm sure, was sadden by the reports in Haiti. While watching the news this morning and seeing the devation, I was asking God what can I do to help? I wanted to offer a few organizations that are reputable you could give financial support to and know that the money would be used for the Rescue Efforts.

Food for the Hungry is a Phoenix based organization. They had staff over there during the devastation and have yet to locate all of them, and relief efforts have already arrived in Haiti.

http://www.convoyofhope.org/
http://www.redcross.org/

Texting Option:
To make a $5 donation from your phone text "ONEHEART" to 85944 & confirm by replying "YES", or go to http://www.sophiasheart.org/

Let's do what part we can and remember to lift them in prayer!

We are putting together a phoenix fundraiser that we would love your support in, I will be posting more information in the next couple days.

Blessings,

It is Finished!

2009-11-17T20:56:00.013-07:00

Psalms 139:16

16 "your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be"

This is one of my favorite scripture verses in the bible. I will never forget the day I first read it and how it just jumped out at me with such revelation!

Think about it!!! God already had your end planned with your beginning! Your life is already fashioned by God, every desires of your heart are already written down in heaven!

I can't wait for the day that I will get to heaven; besides running and giving Jesus a big hug and kissing Him, I am going to run straight to that amazing Library in Heaven and find MY book that has MY NAME written on it! I am going to open that book, hopefully with some heavenly brew and sit for hours to see all that I accomplished according to that plan. I know at that moment, it will not matter whether I truly fulfilled all of God's plans for my life, but right now I can't help but imagine that I am living every day according to His special design for my life!

I have seen and heard so many people that struggle with the "idea" of reaching a place called Destiny and I too am one that longs for that beautiful, amazing place of "destiny" but I have come to realize that every place where you are in the Will of God, that IS DESTINY! Many have assumed that through different routes they could attain their Destiny: sowing a "seed", praying and fasting, crying out to God through Intercession. Although, these are important in our walk and relationship with God, these are not what brings us to the perfect will of God or our Destiny. Destiny is a journey of right choices. God gave us the freedom of choice in the beginning by putting two trees in the Garden NOT to eat. These trees were not barricaded with steel walls, they were put in the Garden with all the other pleasures only guarded by the Freedom of CHOICE.

In the years of my journey with God have I only come across a few times where I had to make very hard choices. You can do all that I listed above, in your beautiful journey with God, but at some point you will be faced with making a decision. Do I move? do I change employment, do I leave a church, do I marry this person? and the list goes on and on. Only you know when you are faced with this "crossroad" experience. I have lived a very enjoyable life but there have been a few times I came to that crossroad of decision. It is YOUR choice to make. I love that freedom that God gave us; but it is so important we make the one God wants; not making an emotional decision or based on your circumstances.

Here are a few things you can do to help with your choices towards your Destiny:

1) Pray for WISDOM and Discernment
James 1:5 If we lack wisdom to ask of the Lord and He will give {wisdom} to us all liberally without reproach {or prejudice, respector of persons}.

2)Seek your most respected Mentor who has your best interested in heart
Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

3)Have courage to make the right choice
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

4) Meditate on God's Promises
Psalm 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,And He delights in his way.
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Isaiah 42:16
And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

REMEMBER ALWAYS!!!
Psalm 33:11
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations

Thank you Jesus!

All Church Christmas Party

2009-11-11T10:37:00.008-07:00

Everyone is invited to our Annual All Church Christmas Party on Saturday, December 12th!! Dinner catered by Macaroni Grill, live music by Peter Pancrazi http://www.petepancrazi.com/ and the live comedy troupe Jesterz http://www.theatre168.com/! A fun packed night!! Tickets will go fast so hurry up!!

Call 602.424.5222 or visit www.fbimaz.com

Married to the Ministry Scavenger Hunt FUN

2009-11-03T23:10:00.005-07:00

A fun blog and precious woman I follow is - The Preacher's Wife - aka Lisa and she is hosting a scavenger hunt for those ladies who are married to the ministry (M2M). Here are my answers to her questions.

The Treasures

1. First Name My name is Barb, but I have been called Bobbie and Barbie most of my life

2. State and Country of Residence Hometown is Chicago, but I live in Arizona in the sweet USA

3. Husband’s Ministry Title Single, never married YET (know of a man of God, Im interested) heehee ...but very married to the ministry

4. Length of time in Current Ministry Location. 20 years in the ministry, 8 years in AZ: Children's pastor, Youth Pastor, Women's Ministry, Church Administrator..I mentioned 20 years right..lol

5. Children? no kiddo's yet

6. Number of unique homes in which you’ve lived during your marriage. a basement when the ministry first started does that count?

7. Cook Sunday lunch or eat out? EAT OUT and a nap! Sunday's are the best naps ever!

8. Typically on time for Sunday School or not? yes, always early

9. Favorite TV Show. King of Queens

10. Something you watch/like/do that you would never tell the church people. (Except now you just did…lol) The Girls Next Door.. except not this season..too edgy now

11. Most annoying church-related pet peeve. people don't do what they said they would do or show up when they say they will

12. One thing you need to throw away but can’t bring yourself to do it. hmmm, I LOVE to throw things away

13. The one food you can not live without. COFFEE ..is that a food item.. I truly believe that coffee ushers in the presence of God! :) teasing..sort of

14. Parsonage or have your own home? Home

15. Freak when the doorbell rings or always ready for a visitor? ready, ready, ready

This was fun!! I am looking forward to getting to know the other ladies in ministry!! I'm coming to visit your page!! :)

I love my Life!

2009-08-08T20:16:00.011-07:00

Have you ever heard anyone say that before? "I love my life". With all the social media networks we have access to; I have seen that written on many occasions. What I began to notice was the difference between the lives that were being described. It ranged from a mom with 4 kids getting ready for the first day at school, a grandfather enjoying their grandchildren, a teenager spending the day at the water park, a single girl spending time with girlfriends or a Pastor’s wife loving her role in ministry. I am sure the single girl looking at the mom with 4 kids thinks, “how could she love her life?” assuming how much work and time children might be or the lady seeing the pastors wife role, thinking “no way would I want to do that” and on it may go!

The point is even though all of our lives are different, is that you can say, “I love my life”.

Your life can not examined by what others think your life should be. You are responsible to live the life God had called YOU to live. The Word says that God wrote a book about your life! I love that! I can’t wait to get to heaven and run to that grand library and find the book with MY name written on it and see that I fulfilled all that God had planned for me!

We have to be so careful that we are not looking at another person’s life and comparing it to our own. 2 Corinthians 10:12-13 talks about not to class or compare ourselves with those that think they are better than us or “know” better for us. Verse 13 says, we must stay within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us.

God knows exactly what is best for you and what timing is best for your life. When we start to compare ourselves with others we immediately enter the next stage called Jealousy. Jealousy is a powerful and damaging emotion. TD Jakes taught me that the feeling of Jealousy comes in our life because we don’t really believe God will do it for us. How true is that?!

(I love this picture, she's gonna get him!)

It says in James 3:16 (Amplified Bible)16For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices.

This is such a strong verse to the effects of Jealousy, wouldn’t you agree? It’s just not worth it!

In Psalm 119:105 it says, “Your[God’s] word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path” Rest your heart in knowing God is going to illuminate your path at every turn and in one moment your life can change!!

We need to learn to say and mean it: “I love my life!”

Down Memory Lane

2009-08-03T20:29:00.028-07:00

I have a very fond memory growing up and I want to share it with you. For starters, let me introduce to you my Second Grade teacher from Christian Life School in Rockford, IL. I have recently reconnected with and it has been such a huge blessing! Her name is
Miss Caroline Seabaugh.

by Miss Seabaugh:

"My first year teaching Second Grade in St. Louis, a very dear Nun who taught 4th grade had my class and her class learn and recite the poem, "God Forgive Me When I Whine"...little did I know that it would become my favorite poem and have so much meaning. Every year I would teach my little people that poem and have them recite it any time they had an opport

unity. Another favorite of mine, was "Little Boy Blue" by Eugene Field. I never missed teaching that to all my Second Graders and when I came to CLC in Rockford, IL it was part of the curriculum"

Miss Seabaughs favorite memory of Barb:

One of my most favorite memories of Barb, was her sweet smile and her gentle spirit. She always had questions and she could always melt my heart with her sweet innocence. I loved the times we laughed together. She left footprints on my heart that is still there today.

By Barb and my favorite memory of Miss Seabaugh:

Even though I was very little I remember Miss Seabaugh loving being a teacher and loving the kids! One day after school, she took me to the mall shopping, we ate some dinner (even though I can’t remember what we ate) and she took me to church later that night. I thought that was the coolest things a teacher could do! She is still really cool today!

I wanted to share the poem with you that I have NEVER forgot. She taught that to us in our classroom and it really impacted me even into my adult life, I hope it blesses you as much as it did me:

God, Forgive Me When I Whine
Today, upon a bus,
I saw a girl with golden hair.
I envied her, she seemed so gay,
And I wished I was as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and used a crutch.
But as she passed, she gave a smile.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two legs, the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy.
The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him, he seemed so glad.
If I were late, it'd do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me,
"I thank you, you've been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you.
You see," he said, "I'm blind."

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two eyes, the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue.
He stood and watched the others play.
He seemed not to know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
"Why don't you join the others dear?"
He looked ahead without a word.
And then I knew he couldn't hear.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two ears, the world is mine.
With feet to take me where I'd go.
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I'd know.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine
I've been blessed indeed, the world is mine.

Author: Red Foley

~Pray for someone today~

2009-07-30T10:13:00.010-07:00

Have you ever had someone say to you, “Hey, I was praying for you today” or “God really had you on my heart”? Remember the feeling that came over you when you heard that? It always makes my heart feel so happy. I think wow, I am not going through this alone and that person really loves me to take timeout just for me.

Mostly, the love of God rushes over my heart and gives me peace knowing that He care and everything is going to be okay because He put on someone’s heart to pray JUST for me!!

It is always an amazing feeling!

It says in James 5:16a “pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

Let’s take time today and ask the Lord, “Who can I pray for?” and spend a few minutes lifting them up to the Lord. Send them a little note, text, or tweet or facebook ‘em and just let them know! We don’t always have to have a lot to say, just the compassion to reach out!

Whiter Teeth!

2009-07-29T17:26:00.008-07:00

I know, this is not a normal kind of blog I post, but it was just too great to pass up! Here is an all natural recipe that will whiten your teeth! It really works too!
I promise you, it will make your teeth so white they will sparkle! Money back guaranteed! Well, not really, but if it doesn't work, you can post mean comments on my blog page! Deal?? =)

RECIPE:
Baking Soda
Salt
Peroxide
Your Favorite toothpaste

Mix Ingredients:
Put equal measurements of baking soda and salt in a small Tupperware container and mix real good.

Put your favorite toothpaste on the brush and dip into the mixture and brush your teeth while listening to your favorite song from start to finish, which is usually 3-4 minutes long. (go ahead and dance around and enjoy yourself if you'd like)

Gargle with peroxide and swish throughout your mouth for 30 seconds.

Spit!

After you spit you may find that the peroxide continues to bubble up in your mouth and that is normal! Do not panic. Just Spit again! and again! well.. and again!

Rinse and Repeat if necessary =c)

"Believing when no one Else Believes in You"

2009-07-16T18:39:00.012-07:00

“Without weakening in his faith, he [Abraham] faced the fact that his body was as good as dead- since he was about a hundred years old- and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he has promised” Romans 4:20,21

Abraham was a perfect example for us to follow when it looks like in the natural what God promised you would never happen. It may look like what God said is dead and has passed you by; but what I loved best about this verse was that Abraham noticed his natural ability had faded away, but it never robbed Him of his faith in what God spoke to him.

Though nearly 10 years of waiting for fulfillment of a seemingly impossible promise, Abraham’s faith, rather than growing weak, grew stronger, while he continued to give glory to God!

Remember, even if you are the only one standing and believing for what God has spoken to you; that is ALL that matters. Paul encouraged the Roman church and I encourage you today, Abraham KNEW God had the POWER to do what He had promised, but Abraham also was FULLY PERSUADED that God would do it!

A Suddenly Moment

2009-07-14T21:18:00.013-07:00

I have been so excited in my spirit for the past two weeks. I can feel that God is up to something big! If you have been believing God for a miracle and you have been trusting Him, GET READY because God is about to unveil your miracle and it is going to be Suddenly!! It’s going to be like an unveiling of something that has always been there, but we just couldn’t see it because God has not allowed it!! But now He is going to open our eyes! The word says “He has prepared a table for us” “He goes to prepare a place for us”. He told the children of Israel, “I’ll bring you to a place which is prepared”, God is a God of preparation! It’s ALREADY there, prepared just for you!! The wall of separation from you and the miracle is about the come down! God is not scampering around trying to get your miracle ready; the question is ARE YOU READY???? As the great Bishop TD Jakes is known for saying, “Get ready, get ready, get ready” It’s a time to rejoice like you have already received your promise because it is here!

The other day I was driving my normal route to go home; it’s a route that I have taken routinely everyday for almost 9 months and this particular day as I was driving I looked just ahead of me and for the first time I saw this amazing, beautiful mountain. There it was sitting in the distance so beautiful as the sun was setting around it. I gazed at the mountain for the remainder of my ride and thinking to myself what an amazing creation of God; it has always been there, but in my limited ability and in my familiarity of my surroundings, I had yet been able to see it. It must have been the trees that blocked it at certain times or maybe the clouds. I remember thinking, my goodness how could I not see something that has always been there, something so big even? As I was thinking this, just that quick The Lord shouted in my heart the word SUDDENLY! He said, ”I am about to move in Suddenly moments for my people, I about to give them the ability to see what has always been there!

Check out what the word Suddenly means in Hebrew/Greek and Webster: pith'owm : surprise, unexpectedly
a : happening or coming unexpectedly
b : changing angle or character all at once
c : marked by or manifesting abruptness or haste
d : made or brought about in a short time

There are many occasions in the Word where God moved Suddenly. I encourage you to read and study this to get a personal revelation for yourself, but what I could find as common thread over and over was:

1. God or the people DESTROYED their enemy: SUDDENLY
2. Angels: Stood in situations: SUDDENLY
3. Holy Spirit: came on the scene SUDDENLY

Doesn’t this excite you?!

It is not a time to be sad or discourage in God. Maybe you have waited a long time, maybe you have lost your hope and feel like your miracle has passed you; but God is saying to you to begin to rejoice in Him and begin to shouts praise of thanks to God. He has always been behind the scenes maneuvering His perfect will and way of escape for you!!

Tell the Lord, thank you for my Suddenly moment and get ready because when you least expect in you will see your Majestic Mountain that has ALWAYS been there!

The BEST is yet to come!

2009-02-25T14:46:00.027-07:00

All I keep hearing in my heart is “The best is yet to come!!” This is not a time to settle for less than God’s very best for you or settle for less than what He has promised you because He is a faithful God and He will fulfill His promise to you!

The past few days I have felt the wonderful, sweet presence of God. It is what I like to call the “kisses of God”. There are time when we serve God by faith and we do all that we are suppose to do and we are faithful to Him and then one day you wake up and you actually can feel His presence; filled with His love, His mercy, His tenderness. It’s like everything that was lying so heavy on your heart, in one moment you just knew God was in control and you may not know how things will transpire but you just “know” they will! Life seems brighter, hope fills your heart and you feel like you are even look’n better!

Then, there are those times where we may not feel that closeness or intimacy of the Father, it may even be a time where you just simply wonder “where are you God?” It is in those moments where you have to hang on, because your redemption is drawing nigh. So many people give up right here, throw in the towel and quit believing or just settle without their promise. But, I hear God saying so loud “the BEST is yet to come!!”

The other day as I was driving I turned the corner and in my amazement was this beautiful, bright alluring rainbow! I only saw a portion of the rainbow at first but was so amazed; I had to get out of my car to see it and take pictures of it! When I saw the rainbow, I heard God say SO loudly within me, “I am a faithful God and I am a God of Promise, EVERYTHING I have promised will come to pass, I will never let you down”. I got so excited!

Then, for the first time ever I saw the COMPLETE rainbow, from beginning to end, and God shouted to me I am the ALPHA and OMEGA and I am the God of completion! As I write this, I feel so strong in my heart that God is saying to you that He is remaining faithful to you and He will complete that which He has started in your life! Don’t settle, don’t be discouraged!! His Promises are YES and they are AMEN! So, until you can say YES and AMEN over that thing you are believing for, then don’t settle and don’t stop believing!

You need to see the other end of the rainbow! The completion of your promise!! I couldn’t see the entire rainbow at first, but as I continued to drive, the entire rainbow was clear in sight!! Continue in your faithfulness and obedience and before you know it, you will see your entire rainbow too!

Here is a scripture just for you today! Isaiah 44:21

“ Remember these, O Jacob, And Israel and _____________ (put your name in) for you are My servant; I have formed you and you will not be forgotten by Me!

Celebrate~The Best is yet to Come!!

Free To Be ME
~Barb~

Out of Reach!

2009-02-14T21:58:00.008-07:00

I was watching my three year old godson, Nathan, playing one day, he was running back and forth laughing, completely enjoying life! As he was running fast across the room he spotted a bright yellow helium balloon floating in the air that was attached by a long curly string. I watched him stop with eyes bright and look up at the balloon in amazement. It was as if you could read his mind, "this is the most coolest thing, I can't believe it's actually just sitting here and no one else seems to see it, it must have been placed here just for me!" With all his courage raging, he mustard up every bit of strength he could and then jumped with all his might; his little hand open to grasp that ribbon and show off what he had found! To his amazement, he realized very quickly it was just out of his reach. You could see the shock in his face when he came down and realized the balloon was not in his hand. He frowned his eye brows and looked up at that balloon as if to say, "I can't believe I didn't get you, but I am going to have you" so he jumped and jumped and jumped and failed over and over again. At this point, He began to grunt and get very frustrated. I notice that the string was not very far from his reach, but it was still unreachable. In Nathan's mind it seemed miles away. He went through many ranges of emotions while trying to reach the balloon. He went from pure elation that here was this balloon that was seemingly put there just for him and his adrenaline rising with excitement and anticipation, to feeling frustrated and angry that after many attempts he just couldn't do it, he began to whimper and cry to get someone's attention to help him. The room was every busy and everyone was doing their own thing and didn't even notice what his heart was going through. Just when his voice was about to raise at his highest and he was fed up and ready to throw the biggest fit a three year old can give, his big brother, Gabe, walked by and without any difficultly or hesitation pulled the balloon down, which was of no effort in his reach at all and gave it to Nathan and just kept walking by. Nathan kind a rattled by his experience just stood there for a second, shocked. He actually had the balloon that he so desired for, worked so hard to receive and here it was in his hands. He quickly released all his feelings of questioning, frustration, anger and sadness to total elation and with a huge smile on his face as if he had won the best gift of all and took off running across the room with his prize to show all his friends what he had found.I sat there and thought to myself, wow, how difficult and how far away it seemed for Nathan yet how easy and desirable it was for his big brother to give him. Then immediately I thought in my heart, what a perfect picture of our lives with God. There are many things that we are looking up at and desiring so desperately in lives. Some of us may be like Nathan and we have reached and tried with all our might, but because of so many attempts and failures, maybe you have given up, maybe you are just angry and maybe failure has grasped your heart that you have no fight left in you. I don't know what emotion or stage you are in, in the process of 'life' but God's word says in:Isaiah 59:11 Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear.Just think about how amazing this verse is! God's hand is there for you where yours seems to fall short. What seems so impossible to us and is out of our reach, is completely easy for God and it is in His heart for you.God's ear is not heavy for you, tell Him today what your desires are, tell Him what you are longing for and He will hear you. I believe that even as you are reading this, the heavenly Father is reaching down and putting your desires in your hands. Once they are fulfilled you will forgot all the memories of the struggles and only rejoice in the victory of fulfillment!

There is Hope!

2009-02-14T21:56:00.005-07:00

It was so strong on my heart to day to send out a message of encouragement! The verse that is ringing in my heart this morning is Psalm 107: 19, 20 ...they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
God has heard the desperate cries of your heart and He is moving on your behalf to perform His word. It can be very difficult to do all that you know to do; you may have fasted, prayed many hours, cried so many tears; as Dr. Spurgeon calls "liquid prayers", and yet you have not seen the manifested miracle of God. I know this can be very discouraging. What is so wonderful and yet seems to be so hard to do; is that all God is asking on our part is to trust Him at His Word. We feel like we need to try to help God out, try to move His hand or His heart or manipulate a situation. Those are all attributes of fear. Fear causes us to move in our own ability and that is when we get let down, discouraged and begin to feel hopeless. God is asking a small but HARD thing of us and it is to simply trust Him: trust means: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. “God’s word does not return void, but it accomplishes that to which it was sent” PRAISE GOD!! His word will never fail us, His promises are yes and they are AMEN!
We are familiar with the story of Joseph; the favored son, the set apart one and all the dreams and visions God gave him over his life at a very young age. I am sure just like us, Joseph never imagined the journey of his life to experience a pitfall, brother's betrayal, seduction, imprisonment, abandonment and all the incredible circumstances that looked NOTHING like his promise. As I studied his journey there was one consistent flow in His life and I challenge you today to go read his journey in Genesis and you will see over and over it said, “but the LORD was with Joseph!” Through every trial, every let down, every lie, every dark and lonely place the LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH!! And guess what, the LORD is with you today. He says,” I will never leave you and I will never forsake you”
Joseph’s dreams did come true! All that he saw, desired and longed for came to pass because he stayed faithful to God and TRUSTED God at His word.
The Joy of the Lord is your strength today! Take a few minutes and give God all your cares. Cast them at His feet and allow God’s joy to pour so deep in your heart. God is on your side, He loves you and He has NOT forgotten you! Your promises are in His hands and it will come to pass!!