This song has messed me up completely....This is what I want.....
"Give me Your eyes"
Brandon Heath
Looked down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down on the cold black tile
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breath in the familiar shock
Of confusion and chaos
All those people going somewhere?
Why have I never cared?
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
Yeah
Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide whats underneath
Theres a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
Too ashamed to tell his wife
Hes out of work
Hes buying time
all those people going somewhere?
Why have I never cared?
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Ive Been there a million times
A couple of million eyes
just move and pass me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong
Well I want a second glance
So give me a second chance
To see the way you see the people all alone
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Give me your eyes, Lord....please give me a second chance and a second glance...please
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Faith like a little child.......
Faith like a little child releases creativity
by Janice VanCronkhite
God is so creative and He loves to create fresh daily. His desire is for us to create with Him and by doing this, He imparts the gifts of His spirit which enable us to thrive. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus answers the question of the disciples, "who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus responded, "I tell you the truth,unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." All children are artists and by the age of five, 90 percent of the population is operating in high creativity. They have great imaginations, no thoughts of inferiority or concerns of comparing themselves to others. They speak, write and draw what they want with no reservations. Unfortunately, by the age of seven, this has diminished to a mere 10 percent! Only about two percent of the adult population operates in high creativity.
The destruction of our creativity may be caused by criticism, negative thoughts caused by comparisons to others, and simply believing the lie that says, "I'd like to paint, dance, write.....but I can't do it." We forget that we are more than we know...that with Him all things are possible. We MUST become like a little child again...free to go for it regardless of the end result. Often, when I paint during worship conferences, all I have are my paints and a blank canvas. I am dependent on God to show me something, anything that expresses His heart for that moment of time. If only God is pleased then the experience was a success. But if one or more people are encouraged or activated in some way then it's icing on the cake. Often, at least one or more will let me know that they had the same vision or dream of what I just painted. Like the living word, the paintings become a living message. Art is a universal language and though words may be forgotten, a picture will forever capture the mind. We must unlearn alot of what the world has taught us to raise our level of creativity again. Creativity opens us to revelation and when that is lowered to two percent, we lose our ability to walk on water like Peter and to see angels.
For years I asked God to give me a passion for something that would not only please Him but be relevant in advancing His kingdom. My husband, David, and I had founded Blood n Fire, a ministry focused on rebuilding broken lives of the poor. Though this was God's heart, I knew there was something more the Lord had for me. I had no clue that it would be prophetic art until He did a "suddenly." I was flooded with dreams, visions, colors, and messages to portray on canvas which seemed incomplete unless they displayed a vortex or portal into the heavenlies . Revelation poured in that these paintings would bring healing, life, deliverance, and encouragement to those who gazed upon them. I began painting in my new studio, formerly the garage, which overlooks a beautiful lake. Artists normally like to do their thing alone with no spectators but He proceeded to extract me from a self imposed comfort zone to paint in our Creative Combustion gatherings. It proved to be a wonderful new experience to paint in the midst of fierce raging worship.
Early one morning while visiting in Florida, I was dancing and worshiping barefoot like a child along the shore. Suddenly , out of the depths an apple rolled to my feet and He said that I was the apple of His eye! I guess He knew that was exactly what I needed to hear. I grabbed the prize and took it to my first experience painting at a conference other than our own church. He continually uses Apple Of His Eye to encourage me as well as others with His unconditional love for us. By the way.....I still have that apple in my freezer with a note that reads Janice's supernatural apple...DO NOT EAT!!!!
The same freedom that we experience in dreams can take place during a creative act. We are not bound by time or space and this freedom can occur only, like in a dream, when we don't attempt to control or dictate it. When creating in this childlike state we operate out of the box and the possibilities are limitless. Colors are brighter, sounds are more clear, and somehow we feel His very presence all the more.
Michelle's notes: this is what will empower me to paint...I'm stepping into the faith of a little child....go Holy Spirit!
by Janice VanCronkhite
God is so creative and He loves to create fresh daily. His desire is for us to create with Him and by doing this, He imparts the gifts of His spirit which enable us to thrive. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus answers the question of the disciples, "who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus responded, "I tell you the truth,unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." All children are artists and by the age of five, 90 percent of the population is operating in high creativity. They have great imaginations, no thoughts of inferiority or concerns of comparing themselves to others. They speak, write and draw what they want with no reservations. Unfortunately, by the age of seven, this has diminished to a mere 10 percent! Only about two percent of the adult population operates in high creativity.
The destruction of our creativity may be caused by criticism, negative thoughts caused by comparisons to others, and simply believing the lie that says, "I'd like to paint, dance, write.....but I can't do it." We forget that we are more than we know...that with Him all things are possible. We MUST become like a little child again...free to go for it regardless of the end result. Often, when I paint during worship conferences, all I have are my paints and a blank canvas. I am dependent on God to show me something, anything that expresses His heart for that moment of time. If only God is pleased then the experience was a success. But if one or more people are encouraged or activated in some way then it's icing on the cake. Often, at least one or more will let me know that they had the same vision or dream of what I just painted. Like the living word, the paintings become a living message. Art is a universal language and though words may be forgotten, a picture will forever capture the mind. We must unlearn alot of what the world has taught us to raise our level of creativity again. Creativity opens us to revelation and when that is lowered to two percent, we lose our ability to walk on water like Peter and to see angels.
For years I asked God to give me a passion for something that would not only please Him but be relevant in advancing His kingdom. My husband, David, and I had founded Blood n Fire, a ministry focused on rebuilding broken lives of the poor. Though this was God's heart, I knew there was something more the Lord had for me. I had no clue that it would be prophetic art until He did a "suddenly." I was flooded with dreams, visions, colors, and messages to portray on canvas which seemed incomplete unless they displayed a vortex or portal into the heavenlies . Revelation poured in that these paintings would bring healing, life, deliverance, and encouragement to those who gazed upon them. I began painting in my new studio, formerly the garage, which overlooks a beautiful lake. Artists normally like to do their thing alone with no spectators but He proceeded to extract me from a self imposed comfort zone to paint in our Creative Combustion gatherings. It proved to be a wonderful new experience to paint in the midst of fierce raging worship.
Early one morning while visiting in Florida, I was dancing and worshiping barefoot like a child along the shore. Suddenly , out of the depths an apple rolled to my feet and He said that I was the apple of His eye! I guess He knew that was exactly what I needed to hear. I grabbed the prize and took it to my first experience painting at a conference other than our own church. He continually uses Apple Of His Eye to encourage me as well as others with His unconditional love for us. By the way.....I still have that apple in my freezer with a note that reads Janice's supernatural apple...DO NOT EAT!!!!
The same freedom that we experience in dreams can take place during a creative act. We are not bound by time or space and this freedom can occur only, like in a dream, when we don't attempt to control or dictate it. When creating in this childlike state we operate out of the box and the possibilities are limitless. Colors are brighter, sounds are more clear, and somehow we feel His very presence all the more.
Michelle's notes: this is what will empower me to paint...I'm stepping into the faith of a little child....go Holy Spirit!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
OK...here's an update!
Life in Florida is going great! Steve and I are doing really well. He is settled into his school routine and has been thinking about colleges. I am still looking for a job. Have had several interviews. Sometimes I get a bit discouraged that I haven't found work yet, but I always go back to the word. Our Lord is faithful.
Here's a story about His faithfulness: My truck broke down again a couple of weeks ago and I had called my friend, Jill, who leads the life group I am in to tell her that I wouldn't be there that evening. She said that the group would pray for me and she'd see me on Sunday.
That evening, another one of my friend's husband called me to find out what was going on and to encourage me that they were going to take care of it, no matter what it was and I was to take the truck to a mechanic friend of his the next morning. I got the truck there and then went to hang out with Jill until they called to give me the prognosis. The news about the truck wasn't good, I had a blown head gasket, and even with the discounted labor, it was gonna cost $1,400.00 to fix. That is more than what I get per month from unemployment! Needless to say, I was overwhelmed and broken over the news. Then, I get a call from Kevin's wife, Joy...she was crying about the news and because most of Kevin's tools had just been stolen and they were not going to be able to shoulder all the repair costs like they wanted to because they needed to replace the tools.
It was like all hell broke loose in all of those who were wanting to help me to get my truck running. We all got together and prayed and committed to the Lord and each other that we would do what it took, and we wouldn't be distracted. I wanted to badly to work this out on my own, but each time I would try, the Lord would correct me and tell me to be still. After a week and a half, the Lord provided every penny of the $1,400.00 needed! Some gave $20, several gave several hundred, and one gentleman gave over $700. I didn't have to ask for it, my church family pulled together and took care of the need! Just like the body is supposed to do. That is a great dynamic of my church. They all gave sacrifically. They pull together and are the church to one another. Each day, I had to die out to my self and trust that the Lord was gonna work this out! Now, those blessings are coming back - Kevin's tools were recovered by the police, Jill was provided an extra income by working for the church part time from her home-so she doesn't have to be away from her 3 year old son, and on and on....it never stops!
The Lord continues to put me in situations where I have to trust Him completely. Makes me wonder what's ahead....I know this, I love the Lord and He loves me completely and will continue to provide for me in all ways.
Please continue to pray for us, got several things I am asking the Lord about and need to hear clearly His will and way. There's no time for anything else! I love you all and miss you. Today was like a typical early fall day in Ohio and made me a bit homesick. Thanks for reading this blog faithfully and for praying for us! P.S. I am not sure Jeri Bryan reads this, so whomever reads this, would you give her a big hug for me whenever you see her? Boy I miss her! Thanks! Love, Michelle
Here's a story about His faithfulness: My truck broke down again a couple of weeks ago and I had called my friend, Jill, who leads the life group I am in to tell her that I wouldn't be there that evening. She said that the group would pray for me and she'd see me on Sunday.
That evening, another one of my friend's husband called me to find out what was going on and to encourage me that they were going to take care of it, no matter what it was and I was to take the truck to a mechanic friend of his the next morning. I got the truck there and then went to hang out with Jill until they called to give me the prognosis. The news about the truck wasn't good, I had a blown head gasket, and even with the discounted labor, it was gonna cost $1,400.00 to fix. That is more than what I get per month from unemployment! Needless to say, I was overwhelmed and broken over the news. Then, I get a call from Kevin's wife, Joy...she was crying about the news and because most of Kevin's tools had just been stolen and they were not going to be able to shoulder all the repair costs like they wanted to because they needed to replace the tools.
It was like all hell broke loose in all of those who were wanting to help me to get my truck running. We all got together and prayed and committed to the Lord and each other that we would do what it took, and we wouldn't be distracted. I wanted to badly to work this out on my own, but each time I would try, the Lord would correct me and tell me to be still. After a week and a half, the Lord provided every penny of the $1,400.00 needed! Some gave $20, several gave several hundred, and one gentleman gave over $700. I didn't have to ask for it, my church family pulled together and took care of the need! Just like the body is supposed to do. That is a great dynamic of my church. They all gave sacrifically. They pull together and are the church to one another. Each day, I had to die out to my self and trust that the Lord was gonna work this out! Now, those blessings are coming back - Kevin's tools were recovered by the police, Jill was provided an extra income by working for the church part time from her home-so she doesn't have to be away from her 3 year old son, and on and on....it never stops!
The Lord continues to put me in situations where I have to trust Him completely. Makes me wonder what's ahead....I know this, I love the Lord and He loves me completely and will continue to provide for me in all ways.
Please continue to pray for us, got several things I am asking the Lord about and need to hear clearly His will and way. There's no time for anything else! I love you all and miss you. Today was like a typical early fall day in Ohio and made me a bit homesick. Thanks for reading this blog faithfully and for praying for us! P.S. I am not sure Jeri Bryan reads this, so whomever reads this, would you give her a big hug for me whenever you see her? Boy I miss her! Thanks! Love, Michelle
Sunday, October 26, 2008
GOD is the Solution!
Solution by Hillsong United
It is not a human right
To stare not fight
While broken nations dream
Open up our eyes, so blind
That we might find
The Mercy for the need
Singing, Hey now
Fill our hearts with your compassion
Hey now
As we hold to our confession
Yeah
It is not too far a cry
To much to try
To help the least of these
Politics will not decide
If we should rise
And be your hands and feet
Singing, Hey now
Fill our hearts with your compassion
Hey Now
As we hold to our confession
Woah-oh-oh,
God be the solution
Woah-oh-oh
We will be Your hands and be Your feet.
Yeah, yeah
Higher than a circumstance
Your promise stands
Your love for all to see
Higher than protest line and dollar signs
Your love is all we need
Only You can mend the broken heart
And cause the blind to see
Erase complete the sinners past
And set the captives free
Only You can take the widows cry
And cause her heart to sing
Be a Father to the fatherless
Our Savior and our King
We will be Your hands, we will be Your feet
We will run this race
On the darkest place, we will be Your light
We will be Your light
We will be Your hands , we will be Your feet
We will run this race for the least of these
In the darkest place, we will be your light
Friday, October 17, 2008
Warfare Dance.....
If the Lord asked you to dance like this, would you? I believe that there are times when the Lord asks us to dance on our circumstances....if we could only see what happens in the spirit-realm when we are obedient to worship any way He calls us to!
Help us, Lord, to be free to dance before You and ON our enemies!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
An answered prayer....
Today, as my friend Ana and I were coming back from running errands, we saw a Bald Eagle! It was flying straight towards us with some kind of rodent in it's talons. It was huge! When it was around twenty or so feet from us it flew away. I had been asking the Lord to show me one in the wild because I think they are such majestic birds! Thank You, Lord!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Time to pray, homies!
Hi friends! You know, every time I see the number of hits to this blog, I am blown away! I am hopeful that by my trials, blunders, successes and just everyday life you are blessed, stretched, comforted, encouraged, and just down-right BLESSED! I want you to know that I miss you all and think about you often.
That said; how's life been for you lately? I would love to hear about it - please leave me a comment! Things here are picking up. I am pretty involved in church and have a great core group of friends the Lord brought to me. They are all very different, but I think we challenge and encourage one another in a great way! I have had some great ministry opportunities out in the community. These each deserve a post all to their own! Someday....
I have a job interview tomorrow (10/14) for an accounts receiveable analyst position. It's for a local company about 6 miles from where I live...that would be great since my truck is a gas-hog. Please be praying for me!
Steve is doing great in school and is making a lot of friends. He spent the day yesterday over at one of my new friends house - she has a son who is a freshman - doing great guy things like swimming, 4-wheeling, riding dirt bikes and the like. He came home with a bag of star fruit - fresh picked off the tree!!! Amazing!
Overall we are being stretched; conformed into the likeness of Jesus more everyday! Have had a lot of opportunities to give up, but we have chosen to trust the Lord; to take Him at His word. I haven't been disappointed yet...
Good night, and I love and miss you all!
That said; how's life been for you lately? I would love to hear about it - please leave me a comment! Things here are picking up. I am pretty involved in church and have a great core group of friends the Lord brought to me. They are all very different, but I think we challenge and encourage one another in a great way! I have had some great ministry opportunities out in the community. These each deserve a post all to their own! Someday....
I have a job interview tomorrow (10/14) for an accounts receiveable analyst position. It's for a local company about 6 miles from where I live...that would be great since my truck is a gas-hog. Please be praying for me!
Steve is doing great in school and is making a lot of friends. He spent the day yesterday over at one of my new friends house - she has a son who is a freshman - doing great guy things like swimming, 4-wheeling, riding dirt bikes and the like. He came home with a bag of star fruit - fresh picked off the tree!!! Amazing!
Overall we are being stretched; conformed into the likeness of Jesus more everyday! Have had a lot of opportunities to give up, but we have chosen to trust the Lord; to take Him at His word. I haven't been disappointed yet...
Good night, and I love and miss you all!
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