Making Progress....through the Wilderness

       
Here is the completed Logo for my new Program, 'The Heartwood Project'. 
...Aint it beautiful?
What I love about it, is that it shows the heart of the tree, the roots, the branches and growth all at once. It's perfect! The entire program is designed to help others learn how to cut off the 'dead roots' of their past, re-generate new roots, and cultivate a healthy legacy for themselves and the next generation. The entire seminar will be done in a 'gardening' context, which will make it fun and interactive. At the same time, you will be required to 'dig up' some painful things that you will be able to finally overcome...for good, if you complete the entire course...which goes on for 40 days afterwards.

I can just about guarantee that it will be truly life-changing for those who attend! 






I am really excited about what God is going to do with this project, but at the same time, I have things that I needed to work on within myself and my household, and was feeling disconnected. So, the family and I mutually agreed to go on a week-long fast this week. We made a group decision to just eliminate all distractions from our lives, and focus on the things we have to accomplish.
We fasted from: Food, Facebook, Twitter, Television, Music, and negative Words.
During this time, we have prayed more, and had nightly family bible studies.  It has definitely been a time for replenishing our spirits, which we were feeling were getting 'Woman-at-the-Well' dry. While we were fasting, God gave us several Revelations. My teens even put together the idea of a 'Teen Talk' website, with Youtube Video Bible studies, and an advice column! Amazing what you can think of doing for the Kingdom when your mind is clear...and free from outside influence.

I recommend a fast for anyone who is feeling a disconnect in their relationship with God, and/or their family members. Especially those who have teens that seem constantly distracted with phones and computers. You can fast for as long as you want, and include anything in your fast that you think may be separating you from a quality relationship with Him.  It will help shift your focus back to where it should be: putting your priorities first. You can buy games, read books, go to the park, and take walks. Being able to spend uninterrupted time with God, as well. Sometimes when you get so wrapped up in 'cyber-life', you forget about REAL life! God had showed me that unless we put Him first, and accomplish the missions that he brought us to Tennessee to fulfill, we will continue to wander in the 'Wilderness' forever! And, trust me, when you get tired of having lack, of feeling frustrated, of going around in circles and barely making it, you WILL start doing things God's way, instead of your own! Either that, or you will live the rest of your life in bitterness and defeat, and I refuse to accept that for myself and my family!
So, it was our decision to get re-focused...and some of you might want to consider making that decision as well, BEFORE tragic things start to happen in your lives and families. See: It's not the 'Big' Sins that cause you to separate from God...its the little things you initially just start to neglect to do, and the 'busy-ness' of life, even 'ministry work' that consumes your prayer and study time. Then you one day look up and wonder: why do I feel so Weak and 'Empty'? Its because you failed to get Fed and Nourished (through the Word), and stay connected to the Source of your strength (through prayer)! Like a cell-phone when you haven't charged it for too long, and have moved too far away from the Tower that gives it the strongest signals.
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV) And if I DON'T have his strength, the opposite is true...I cant do anything!

Of course, to be honest...it hasn't been easy! The combination of hunger and boredom was excruciating at first.  I had a major attitude on the second day, lol. But as the week went on, it seems as if my spirit was quieted, peace was restored, and I had time to think and reflect on a lot of things, and get important tasks accomplished.  I left my job for good this past week, the kids are now out of school, so my days are truly free.


I had ample time to work on the Heartwood Project, which I never felt I did before (thanks to my distractions). It was amazing. God showed me SO much during this week, and I poured it all into this 16 hour seminar. The amazing part about the Wisdom of God, is that it even surprises the person who is anointed with it! Each time I thought to myself, 'I need to go back and add THIS so it can really be good..' I would go back, and it would Already be there! I could not believe what was pouring out of my spirit, and my goal is to empower people to LET GO of the traumas of their past, so they can move forward into the future...and Purpose! I have now finally completed the project, and just need to create the workbooks and the Powerpoint presentation next, which I plan on working on this weekend. After that, I will take professional pictures, and create a website for the project, that will include the ability to sign up to bring the Heartwood Project to your city or ministry group. I will then go on to have a 'test group' that will be able to take the seminar for free in exchange for their honest and un-biased input, which will allow me to fine-tune the project to make it as perfect as can be for others. Its a slow process, but the long-term Vision is amazing! I can shake my head in wonder at the things he has revealed to me during the creation of the project. I have been shown unresolved anger and bitterness towards my parents that I am releasing as we speak.

I keep thanking Him for choosing Me to do such important works, and pray that He never tires of using me, even when I am stubborn or rebellious...or too ignorant to even see past my own desires. I keep being reminded: This is NOT ABOUT ME! ;) and once again, I fall back in line....

"..With all wisdom and understanding,  He made known to us the mystery of His will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,  to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ." Eph 1:8
In other words, he gives us His Marvelous Wisdom in order that we may bring others to Him!

Keep us in your prayers as we continue on in the path that He has set us on...there's no turning back!