INTIMACY

Hello my sweet friend,

Wow, it has been sometime since I have blogged. God is truly blessing my life, personal,business, and ministry. So, I have been a busy girl but not too busy to share some great information with you.

Love to you and as always, thanks for reading my blog.

Intimacy

Precious Father, thank you for the gift of intimacy. Thank you for dying to make it possible for me to have intimacy with you. Please and thank you for being the most important relationship in my life. Help me to love you, desire you, and need you more than anyone or anything else. I pray for all of my relationships in my life to be Holy and full of love. Help me to be sure enough in you that I can be authentic with everyone in my life. Help me to continue to share my deepest hurts and fears with you Lord and those closest to me. Thank you for no judgement but love. Help me to show the same kindness to those around me. Give me oh God, Eden-level intimacy. I pray this in the sweet sweet name of Jesus.

If you are married then add marriage to the prayer as well.

One area of my life that I lack is intimacy. It seems the one thing I want and so desire is the one area I sabatoge. Not intentional but out of ignorance. So, now that I have some fresh revelation I had to share with all of you.

Please let me know any truth you have gained about intimacy. I know there is so much more to learn.

Blessings,
Joannie

Fierce Beauty

I just wrote my first book review. I hope you will check out this book. For those who know me, you know I have read many many books in my life. I have a handful of favorites and I will have to say that I fell in love with Kim Meeder's writing style. Fierce Beauty ranks high on my favorite list.

As always, I appreciate you taking the time to read my blogs. I would have no reason to blog if you didn't take the time to read them.

This was my first book by Kim Meeder. I loved that she was very descriptive in her writing style. She really draws you in her world. It was refreshing to here her transperancy and realness in her own life. It was an added bonus to hear real life stories from others. I think we can really relate to others more than we realize. I was reading some stories and very thankful of my life because I didn't endure the pain they did. Then I was reading other stories and feeling like I was shafted in life. Because I didn't get to experience what they did. I can say that many emotions were stirred up while I read her book. It was an excellent book, actually one of my favorites and I am an avid reader. I love to gain knowledge, wisdom, and revelation from readers. I am excited to read her other book, Hope Rising. I have been sharing quotes on facebook and revelation I have gleaned with my friends.

The way she shared her own weaknesses brought comfort and ease. You feel like you know Kim. She does a fabulous job drawing you into the book. I enjoyed the Bible verses through out the book and the poems. I really enjoyed her sharing her own visions and dreams in the book too.

I have many underlined words and stars marked in my book. I am so thankful I chose this book. I was really intrigued by the cover as well. I look forward to sharing my book with others and then hearing what revelation they gleaned from the book. The greatest battle women fight is within. Kim truly gives you a healthy perspective on the real meaning of beauty.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

One of my favorite things I loved about her book was she gets the Warrior thing. Beautiful Warriors is my cause and calling in life. The cover has a sword on the front. Which told me, I had to read this book.

I wanted to share one of my favorite quotes with all of you.

"But when we put our peace, hope, love, and salvation in Jesus Christ alone, its like putting them into a backpack and slinging them into Heaven. They're eternally safe. Nothing in the world can touch them. There is no feeling, no event, no disease, no confrontation, no collapse or catastrophe this life can deal out that can steal what Jesus Christ gave His life to secure for us."

Blessings and Love
Joannie

RECOVERY

Hello my favorite Blog Readers,

Recovery would describe the season I am in. Those who know me oh so very well know that a word definition is next. :)

Recovery- recuperation
-return to a normal state of health, mind or strength
-the action or process of regaining possesions or control of something, stolen or lost
-return to better state or condition
-obtaining of legal right to something
-learning a New way of Life

So lets discuss this in a spiritual sense. I have this burning desire in me to make the enemy aka satan regret ever messing with my life. I also speak OutLoud a lot that I will make the enemy regret messing with my famalies life. So, how do I accomplish this? Do, I go out and raise hell and carry this chip on my shoulder, I dare you to say something to me kinda attitude! Am I out trying to start trouble,fights and quarreling? Nope nOpe and noPe!!!! I turn to God and I turn to His Righteousness. What is righteousnes? Being morally upright; without guilt or sin. Jesus died for my sin and for your sin. Because of HIs blood that was shed, I can live in righteousness and so can you!

Check out these awesome verses:
Matt.5:6 Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed because they will be satisfied.
Matt.6:33 Seek first Hi Kingdom and Righteousness then all the other things will be added...
James 3:18 The seeds of the fruit of righteousness are planted in peace by those who are making peace.
Romans 3:28 We believe that a man is called righteous due to his faith, so he doesn't have to follow the law.
Romans 10:10 It is the belief in your heart that makes you righteous...

Ok, so none of this means being perfect! There is one perfect lamb and he has been slain for you and for me!!!!

The finished work on the cross has made us righteous and the confessing with our mouth that Jesus is the Son of God.

Righteousness is simply a life that is pleasing to God.
So, this is where your relationship with God comes into place. It takes getting to know your Maker adn Creator to know what He likes and doesn't like. It takes spending time to hear His voice. God is crazy for You. He loves you with an everlasting Love. His love is what sets you Free.
One of my favorite verses is John.8:32 The truth will set you Free.
I have recieved revelation the truth is His Love. Jesus is Love and knowing how high and how wide He Loves Us!!!!

I can't get the Kim Walker song out of my head, He is jealous for me...love like a hurricane...

Recovery is going to look different for me as it will for you. I have realized that it might take a day,a week, a month and even years!
Hi, my name is Joannie and I am a recovery adrenaline junkie.
That subject is a whole nother blog.lol

Oh, Happy Day Friends

Love and Blessings and thanks for reading my blog.
Joannie

Persistence

Persistence- never giving up, never ceasing, relentless
-keep showing up, put one foot in front of the other
-crazy act of love and support
-one more day of your energy, confidence, ability, interest
-Never lose sight of the VICTORIES and the landmark experiences God grants you

synonyms- steadfastness, constancy, doggedness, endurance, resolution

Energy and persistence conquer all things. ~Benjamin Franklin

Perserverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did. ~Newt Gingrich

Hold on with a bulldog grip. ~Abraham Lincoln

Prov.28:20 ...commitment and persistent work pay off...

The pressure to quit often happens just before a major Breakthrough!!! ~The Cause Within, MB

Galatians 6:9 the message So lets not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit.

Keep on keeping on Friends...
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway...

Love and Blessings,

Thanks for reading my blog.
Joannie

Speechless

Speechless

Lord my words are few
but my expectations are great
Lord thank you for reminding me
It is all about You
Please quiet my soul
Lord will You silence my thoughts
Lord I want more of You
Lord I praise You, praise You
You are my truth
You are my voice
Lord I want so much more of You
Have you perfect way in my life
Lord speak to me
Because I stand speechless in your presence
You called out my name
And I will never be the same
You loved me when I didn't love myself
You searched for me
and You found me
Lord I stand speechless in your presence
Lord I love You
Lord I love You


by: Joannie G
Isaiah 52:15

BELIEVE

I only bought one new decoration for this Christmas season. We have outgrown our home and my decorations have tried to take over. I am personally tired of all the clutter, not only in my home but also in my mind. It is funny how the two things work together. I spent most of Wednesday cleaning out clutter and getting my house ready for a special guest. I found myself reflecting on how far I have come. I think we need those times because we seem to get stuck in where we are today and where we want to be. It seems like such a far away place and at times not possible. I love what God's word says about WITH GOD ALL THINGS POSSIBLE!!! Wish I knew where that was in the Bible but I don't and its ok. I am learning to accept me for me. All my imperfections and weaknesses come with me. The great thing is I don't have to focus on those areas, I don't even really have to put any extra time and energy in them because that is the uniqueness about how God made me. I have always thought I had to read books, take classes and work on my weaknesses which continued to make me feel less than and inadequate. So, what would happen if we poured our energy and time into those areas that we excelled at and are good at? We would move a 8 to a 10 and we would feel pretty darn proud! Most times we try to move those 2 and 3 to a 4 or 5. Guess what they will always be a 5 if that is just an area of weakness. I know it sounds and seems crazy at first. My prayer is that God will give you a revelation for yourself. I'm not saying we should never work on the areas we struggle with but don't put all your eggs in one basket.  Doing this blog is a great example for  my life. I love love love to write and journal and encourage others. So, I am directing all that into writing these blogs for you. Great thing is I too am benefiting. You will see many typo errors and probrably many made up words if you stick with me. That is humbling for myself. I have figured what the deal is becasue I do proof read. But every time I read what I type I change something. Therefore I'm left with more errors. I also have realized that  my fingers aren't able to keep up with my brain. lol I have so much swirling around that I don't have the time nor patience to share it all. So, at times I probrably won't finish my thought and you will be left wondering. I love the encouragement and support I have already gotten from you guys. It has motivated and encouraged me to continue on sharing. Sometimes we wonder if we are really making any difference in others lives. I was doing this for me and lookie lookie you too get to benefit. lol

On with my point right...BELIEVE....

So, this is what was written on the Christmas canvas I bought for my home.  I have decided to not pack this away. It will hang up in my home as a reminder of my beliefs. I love what it says and I hope you will enjoy it too.

be*lieve verb
1.To accept as true, genuine,or real
2. To have a firm conviction as to goodness, efficacy, or ability of somethings
3. To hold religious beliefs
4. Accept, admit, conclude, regard, trust
be*liev'a*ble adjective

So, my question to you is what do you BELIEVE? And Why do you BELIEVE?  What are BELIEVING for in your life? Who do you BELIEVE?

I will share my answers with you. Remember there are no right and wrong answers.

I Believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God and the HolySpirit our helper.
I Believe because of my faith in the word of God.
I am believing for deeper healing in my life and financial breakthrough.
I Belive in God the Creator and Maker of the Universe.
I also BELIEVE God has a purpose and plan for my life that I am unraveling daily.

Blessings and Love
Joannie 
            

Day after Christmas

I woke up not feeling my best. Tim said I snored all night which was why I thought my throat was hurting. I rested and stayed in pjs the day before. So, I was ready to get up and get dressed. I was going to take some of my own advice. I posted on facebook the other day an Exercise Tip: To not leave your bedroom until you were dressed with tennis shoes on then head out the door. I had the great idea I would be heading out for a quick walk. Little did I realize that would not happen. A pair of work out pants was replaced bya new pair of warm pink snow man pants . My throat was hurting for more reasons than snoring. One of my most favorite pieces of clothing are fuzzy socks. So, I found a pair and put them on before getting back into bed. I was then pleasantly suprised by my husband bringing me breakfast in bed. Yes, I am one blessed woman. I am married to my own handsome personal chef. That is just one of many perks. lol

These days are rare in my life so I embraced it. I left the tv off all day until time for Fear Factor. Then I had two little snuggle bunnies by my side. Just 2 weeks ago my father in law, Pops went to be with Jesus. The crazy thing is Fear Factor was a rerun. The same episode was on the night of Pops passing. It brought back many memories from that night. Tim and I packed bags to stay with his parents as long as we needed to. We really expected Pops to live at least a week longer. Joyce was laying by his side every night. She slept on the floor until we brought her an air mattress. She layed with her head at his feet. She shared later it was so she could look into his face. That statement really impacted me and just to observe how Joyce sat by Pops side, really touched my heart.  That is just a side note and probably another blog.

So, I just happened to look in the room and didn't see Joyce. So, I decided to see what was going on. Wow, didn't expect to see Pops laying there gasping for air. So, I immediately motioned for Tim. I was trying to be somewhat discreet not wanting to disturb our upset our children. One minute we were laughing and watching Fear Factor next minute we were watching Pops struggle to breath. Joyce was standing by his head rubbing it and Tim was holding his hand. We knew this was it, Pops was dying. I was touching Pops leg and praying while standing by my husband's side. It was an emotional night. I was crying uncontrollably. I knew any minute Pops would stop breathing. The tears continued to roll then I had a great urgency for Chirstian music. I asked Joyce, where is a radio. We need music, she wasn't really hearing me. I turned the tv channel looking for some Christian music. The only thing I could find was Jesse Duplantis on TBN. He was preaching on favor. Joyce said they both listened to him so I could leave it on. Then I started singing Amazing Grace. Well, I attempted to sing it because I couldn't really remember the words. I then started humming it. The tears continued to roll down my face. Then I started singing Jesus loves the Little Children. I told Pops Jesus loves you. I knew if Pops could speak he would tell me to stop singing. It was a humorous thing after the fact.

I was so touched to watch my husband give honor to his Dad. He told his Dad that he was proud of him. He told him that he loved him. He gave him 2 big hugs. One while he was still alive and one after he died. I told Pops that we were going to be sad when he was gone but we tired of seeing him suffer and it was ok if he was ready to go. We had such great comfort knowing he would spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus. It still was hard to not have Pops with us. Oh, I did tell Pops that he was leaving behind a legacy. That Seth would carry on the Garner last name and legacy. Tim and I looked at the clock and it was 8:49pm when Pops took his last breathe.

I didn't even intend in share all that but it just rolled so I knew it must be God. I was going to share my day in silence. I realize that most of us usually have somekind of noise in the background and I want to ask you "Why?" Why do we leave the tv and the radio on? Why don't we like the sound of good ole silence? What are we scared of, what are we afraid we might hear? I personally have grown to love silence. I used to think that I had to always be talking. Even when spending time with God. I have recently gained a revelation of power in the peace. Peace meaning peace and quiet. Are we scared of our own thoughts and mind? I read a great book, Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale. He said that we should spend 15 mins every day sitting in silence. It recharges our battery and brings power to our life. When I was sitting in my bed, that book came to mind. I was thinking I could for sure use some power not feeling so great. I was thinking I can do this. I looked at my clock with the idea I was going to spend 15 mins in silence. I am hear to tell you didn't work! It seemed like work so I lost track of time and the idea of making it 15 mins. I ended up actually spending several hours in my room all alone. It was glorious!

I think I have typed a big eyeful so I will close with this thought. What are you afraid of?  Luke 5:10-11 says Jesus said to Simon, There is nothing to fear. From now on you'll be fishing for men and women. They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him.

I have to share this part. That was The Message translation which I've never read before. The women part really got my attention. God has put a mandate on my life to help as many women as possible realize their worth and value and dream God dreams.  So, my heart is for the women to know and experience the Love of God. so, my spirit was stirred up.  I feel honored to be used by Him and have you as a friend. :)