Reflecting on Christmas eve morning

As I sipped on my first cup of coffee this morning in the quietness and stillness of Christmas eve, I grabbed my journal and began to write. I was pondering the birth of Jesus Christ as we put the final touches on our Christmas plans around the world today. That God's plans were put into place through the birth of Jesus Christ as well as the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That was God's best for each one of us, as we are all sinners in need of hope and salvation. It takes a mighty humbling to recognize that one is truly a sinner. That there are absolutely no "good" people without sin, yes a mighty humbling.

But my thoughts went even farther than that as I thought about Joseph and Mary and the joys and heartaches that they endured as Christ's earthly parents. And their parents as Christ's grandparents.

Father God, thank You for stirring my heart this morning. For reminding me to become still this morning reflecting upon Your Goodness. I hunger for Your best Father God. May my love for You grow in 2012 like it has never grown before....stir me Holy Spirit! In Christ's Name, amen.

Merry Christmas from Yolanda at Higher Grounds

God is speaking to me....

Greetings as the sun is coming up, the SON has risen indeed and God is still on the throne!

I don't know where each one of you are at this morning but I would truly be bold enough to say that there isn't a one of us that couldn't use some encouragement as well as grace.  The past few weeks I've been blessed to join a group of women that are in the throes of studying Daniel.  It has been a great time of fellowship and a reminder for me how much my own spirit needs a good healthy bible study. 

I have sat viewing the video with these women and tears have just poured out of me.  It has been a terribly lonely season with the only fellowship going on in a study type setting being our Women's Sunday school class at home.  Our church is going through some sifting, not some, but let me say, MAJOR sifting.  The only reason why we would be sifted is because God knows we need it.  I want His best!

What hit me a fresh this week as I reflect upon the Daniel study is that God does heal, but He chooses the way and the when.  He will either heal from the fire, through the fire or in the fire.  But no matter what, He will heal. 

I've said from the beginning of this season because I do believe that this is what God revealed to me early on is that, I am to simply love, forgive and give grace where much grace is needed.  Doesn't mean that I haven't questioned God, doesn't mean that I haven't been angry, or that I haven't cried my own bucket of tears, because....I HAVE. 

Just late yesterday God reminded me of something that I needed to be reminded of, and it hit me afresh.  It is my current scripture memory work and perhaps it might speak to you as well.

"God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."  1 Cor 1:9 NIV

He IS faithful!

With love,
Yolanda

How close are you getting to the LIVING WATER?

Wednesday evening I was asked if I would be interested in going on a hike as they were putting together a group hike for Thursday morning. My friend Doris had been wanting to go to this particular place and had to seek permission as the majority of the path was on private property but the actual location was on National Forest property. She asked and was given permission and then she also lined up a guide that knew exactly how to get there and where we were going.


**Our guide, Bruce. He leads several hikes each week in this area during the month of July. But not on this particular hike and he was so kind to give of his time for us! Thanks Bruce.




This morning I see so many spiritual truths to this with my walk with God. I have a desire or a dream with-in me, a want to. I would be much wiser if I would seek God's permission to "go" or to "do" instead of just blundering my way through. And my Guide is the Holy Spirit, and am I allowing Him to lead me?

**This is one of the very first things that my eyes noticed after we left our vehicles and began our hike.




There were 15 of us total ranging in age from 8 1/2 to at least 72 years of age. This group also consisted of three women without spouses, for various reasons. There was such a form of unity on our hike, every one was so kind and in the really tough spots every one helped one another.




We need one another as Believer's, (The Church) and that we also have a wide range of ages, even as far as our conversion. Some come to Jesus at an early age, and some of us come much later. But no matter our age, we need to be helping one another not only when life is easy, but when life gets down right hard as well. We need to mentor and be mentored. Sometimes the road we are on is uphill, often times we have to go through a valley, and even walk through some dead things to bring our healing such as seeking forgiveness.


**I enjoy flowers, animals and wildlife. But I wonder out of the 15 of us yesterday, how many noticed this butterfly? I wonder how many times each day I miss God because I have my eyes elsewhere?


The hike was absolutely spectacular from the very beginning, we just stood in awe several times. Even when it was a treacherous spot, it was still gorgeous. About a 1/2 mile from our destination we walked up into a clearing and this is what we saw:





The spiritual truth is that even when life is hard, beauty still surrounds us and if we keep ourselves pliable and mold-able God gives us sweet glimpses of beauty and hope to spur us on.

As we hiked we didn't really see what we were after until we were just a few feet from our destination. This is also where we would rest and have lunch. Isn't this beautiful?



The spiritual truth that I recognize is that God lights our path for only the next step, He doesn't reveal the whole picture to us, as we need to step out in faith, one step at a time.

We dined here where this waterfall pooled and I got up close to enjoy the lunch I had prepared and placed in my backpack. I wanted the coolness of the water to splash on me.





In the spiritual what are we dining upon and is it truly healthy for us? What are we carrying on our backs and in our hearts that perhaps we should not be and need to be placing in God's hands as well as are we allowing Him to splash on us?

And so, today, this very moment, I desire for the coolness and revitalization of The Living Water, Jesus Christ, to splash on me, to refresh me, to encourage me, to cause my heart and His to be delighted.

Dear Friends, I have written to you to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. **My paraphrase of 2 Peter 3:1 If there is anything that I have shared here that you would like to know where that is at in God's Word, please don't hesitate to ask.

With love,
Yolanda

Meant for me and perhaps for you

Good morning Girlfriends, it has been a long time since I've even desired to share what is happening in my heart and my soul. I awoke this morning early about 4:45 a.m., and new today I was to share with each one of you that comes here to Higher Grounds for refreshment, for encouragement, to be splashed on. My very own empty cup is being filled and splashing. Praise His Holy and Magnificent Name!!! JESUS.

Thursday morning I boarded a plane with my final destination being Indianapolis, Indiana. Sitting next to me was an older man that I found to be fascinating. He is a Professor for an all men's college about an hour outside of Indianapolis. The next day he was getting back on a plane with his class headed for Kenya! Prior to becoming a Professor, he was a professional chef, and one of my many passions is being in the kitchen! Of course another passion is traveling and hearing about Kenya was amazing!

When I arrived into Indianapolis airport I had a text on my phone that caused joy to burst forth from deep with-in me: "Paging Yolanda Rogers. Paging Yolanda Rogers. Please meet your SIESTA party in the food court. Let the party begin!"

I was given a brief tour of downtown, shown where my friend works in the City, and then we enjoyed a quick stop at a Lifeway store before filling our tummies at a Mongolian BBQ restaurant. We drove about 70 miles to their hometown to rest up for the big trip the next day. You see, this trip has been in the making for almost a full year. Either in August or September the next years "venues" are released and my two friends asked at that time in 2010 if I would consider joining them for a Deeper Still event. In December when the tickets went on sale the three of us knew that "Thelma and Louise" would happen for us come June 10, 2011. So on Friday morning four of us drove from Marion, Indiana to Louisville, Kentucky for the FINAL Deeper Still event, ever. We had no idea of that (it being the final Deeper Still) when we purchased our tickets. Deeper Still, 10 events, five full years, 110,000 women in that time, have dug into God's Holy and precious word to go Deeper Still.

Kay Arthur began Session 1 only after worshipping God in songs of praise from Travis Cottrell and the praise team. Travis shared that God had spoken to his heart earlier in the afternoon that there were captives coming this weekend that would no longer be captives but become captivated. Yes Lord, yes Lord, let it be so!!! If any of you have sat under Kay before or done any of her studies, she is explicit on how important it is to know God's precepts. The Word of God is truly divine, relevant, and meant to be lived out. Kay had us turn to Malachi 1:2 "I have loved you". Then God was silent for 400 years before He ever spoke again. He broke those 400 years of silence with a Savior, the birth of Jesus Christ.

Friday evening at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky God spoke a word to my heart using Kay Arthur coming off of the platform, stopping at me, looking only me directly in my eyes and said: "Love the Brethren, don't hate. Don't stop loving!" This morning when I awoke early what was resonating with-in me was "Don't stop loving!" and I could see Kay's eyes directly linked with mine all over again. You see, when you are battered and bruised it is so very very easy to pull back and simply go with the flow. To no longer put myself out there, but to simply blend in. As I sit here with the darkness slowly being awakened with the light of day, I am allowing God's Light to awaken me. "God told them, 'I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love and more love!'" Jeremiah 31:3 MSG. If God doesn't quit loving, should we? Kay also shared with us that when we know that we are loved by God then we won't be needy, we won't need that affirmation from others because our affirmation and love is coming from God! This morning I can't help but translate that to mean, my affirmation and love can come from the One and Only True Source, Jesus Christ, God in flesh, my Savior, my Rock, my Redeemer, the Lover of my soul.

This morning I'm going Deeper Still!

Lovingly,
Yolanda

Desiring to be like Peter, now that is a strange thought!

I awoke in the night heavy hearted because I was raised to reflect, cherish and celebrate Holy Week and for our church body to have not done so this week left me sad. When God really got a hold of my heart, meaning that I gave Him my heart, this time of remembrance really came alive for me. I believe that as a Body, we realize more and more just exactly what Jesus walked through for each of us..... sinners. This morning I realized due to a non-corporate gathering that my heart seemed to be missing/lacking what God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit had done for me and why Easter Sunday holds so much HOPE. Please, I am not disking my Church, simply sharing where I'm personally at this morning. There are many that do not gather during Holy Week, but I was raised to do so and it holds something special to me and my heart.

I knew that I had to seek out Luke this morning for myself and read the accounts of Holy Week. To experience Jesus going to the cross; being laid in a borrowed tomb; the women to be the last to leave the tomb and the first to come back; and then....this morning...afresh...I read these words:

"But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. ***emphasis is mine. Luke 24:11-12 NIV

This morning, I had to GET UP, I had to RUN TO GOD'S WORD FOR MYSELF, and then silently slip away and be quiet and ponder for myself what had happened to my Lord and Savior.

Father, Thank You that when I get caught up in my days and life that You don't desert me. That You are still standing there with Your hand outstretched, no condemnation, but so much mercy, forgiveness, love and grace ready to be poured out lavishly upon me when I come and take Your hand. That my walk is between You and I and that I have a responsibility in our walk. Father, thank You that this morning You stirred my heart to be like Peter. To find out for myself what Holy Week entails and then stirring me farther to my own time of reflection. Father, I need YOU more than ever. Thank You Jesus for saving me and all, yes, A.L.L. that come to You. Amen.

Celebrating The Empty Tomb at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

A new morning

One of my favorite places to be in our home, is in the kitchen. I get great pleasure out of trying new recipes as well as our preparing our true favorites. I get a kick out of putting a little of this and a little of that into a "dish" and seeing the flavors tantalize us. This didn't just happen for me over night! This has been a journey that has entailed: failing, as well as trying again and oh yes, success (sweet victory).

This morning I am stirred to become more aware of my surroundings. That my life is a journey with failures that cause me to either turn and try again taking me to victory, or to truly dump what I was doing and make a 180 degree turn. More importantly this morning to do my mundane routine with joy and excellence, and by this I mean what we do normally such as washing the dishes or folding a load of clothes. As I have been reflecting on this it has come to my mind that if I will begin to live this out, won't I then in turn be affecting the rest of my day in a much more positive and pleasing way? Won't this affect those that are around me for the better? Especially pleasing my heavenly Father by counting it all joy?

Lord, thank You for bringing something so simple to the Light for me. A change is happening and I thank You for that in me. That as I stir goodies for my husband and I to dine on, that You are stirring me as well to be pleasing for those that come into my presence. Lord, please never stop stirring me. I need You so! Thank You Jesus. Amen.

With love at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

El Roi

God has had me in a "holding pattern" it seems for some time now. If you've followed me for any length of time, you have noticed that the sharing of my heart and the learning of my time with God has been in a "holding pattern". In other words, it has been extremely quiet here at Higher Grounds.

But believe me when I say that this is not how it is within my heart! He and I are still working through some things that for what ever reason, He has allowed to happen to me. This morning as I was reading in Genesis for my study, the account between Sarai and Hagar, it came to my attention that Hagar really didn't have any say in the things that happened to her. She was a servant, and I am a servant of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I saw something in Hagar that I am walking out as well, that while it hurt her, she did not retaliate. I have no idea if Hagar wanted to or not, God's word doesn't give insight into this aspect. The important thing is that she did not! Another beautiful truth is that God saw what had happened to her. God saw and continues to see what happens to me. And for now, that is more than enough.

Father, thank You for being El Roi to me. Nothing comes to me without being sifted through Your fingers, and I pray that the walking of this path causes You to smile at me Your servant. Continue to wrestle with-in my heart that my steps would bring You glory and honor. Amen.

Thankful my God sees,
Yolanda

**Gen 16 and Gen 21:1-21

Letting you in on a little secret

CHARLES H. SPURGEON QUOTATION: "If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled."

Why is it, that in general, people are never content? They are always hungry for more whether it be money, fame, job status, control, prestige, and even time.

As God continues to mature me, I have begun to learn to be content. Meaning that it is a process and I've not completely arrived yet. My statement for myself doesn't mean that I don't care and it certainly doesn't mean that I don't get hurt, but it means that I am trusting God. He'll provide for me and take care of me if I'll simply come under Him.

I want to be more and more like Paul:

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

Father God, I want to have You on my heart and in my thoughts more and more, at the beginning of the day, throughout the day and at the end of the day. To be thankful, to be kind, to be loving and just as importantly to be content. Father, what I am enduring is such a small puzzle piece of a much larger and more beautiful picture than I can even begin to imagine. I am choosing to trust You as well as walk in Your statutes. Lord, I love YOU!

Living out "cease striving" as well as "learning to be content" one day at a time,
Yolanda at Higher Grounds

Running my own race

Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I intentionally hi-lited a part of this scripture that I want to really zone in on this morning for myself and perhaps for you as well. I've been encouraging others the past several weeks that our journey with God is not a 50 yard dash. It is a marathon....it is not short, it is not quick, and it most certainly is not ran and then over with. But something I realized this morning is that **God didn't say for us to walk it, but to run it. Now that is a lot of action!!! It is a journey!!

**We don't actually know who wrote Hebrews, perhaps Paul, but we do know that all of Scripture is GOD-breathed!**

This side of heaven, our race is our very own. No one can run it for us but it is sweet when others come along side and encourage us and perhaps from time to time, run their race along side the race that you or I may find ourselves running as well.

Father, I come today asking these things in Jesus' Name. May my eyes be found fixed upon You, steady, not wavering. This season of my race has left me battered and bruised, but it also has found me seeking You like never before and realizing that nothing gets to me without first having been sifted through Your own hands. And for that, I praise You. It encourages me so! I praise You for allowing me to run my own race, and for blessing me exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond what I could ever have imagined. Today, Lord, I know You are holding me in Your arms. Thank You! May I finish well, Amen.

Thank You Father, for causing me to finish well, with much love,
Yolanda

Love is in the air

Girlfriends, from my heart I wish to tell you, "Happy Valentine's Day". I wish to tell you that I love you because God first loved me. I don't mean that in a prideful way, but simply that I believe God and take Him at His word! My heart desires so much more than that for today! I wish that the love that is so evident today, Valentine's Day, would be just as evident tomorrow, and the day after that, and the days after that.

Love is not a feeling, it is a choice. Love means so much more than a card, or a box of chocolate or even diamonds. Love to me, in my own words, is surrendering self for the good of another.

I'm so thankful that God loves each one of us, and that His love is demonstrative, an agape love.

So, what is circulating in the air that you are breathing in today? I hope it is LOVE.

Father, thank You that love is not based on circumstances with others. Love is based on who lives on the inside of me...because true love can only come from God the Father. I am thankful for Your word. It is life! And today may I and others be encouraged with 1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." Father, may love be evident for the rest of our days as we remain in faith & hope. With love and thankful for the gift of LOVE, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lovingly at Higher Grounds,
Yolanda

Where oh where are you?

Yesterday afternoon I was blessed to hear three little girls playing a game together while the older girls were enjoying a baby shower. Do you remember as a child we would play a game called, "hide and seek"? Of course you do!!!!

This morning I was reflecting upon that and thought, wow don't we at times wish for the ability to hide from life and that someone would notice and come seeking after us? We hunger so much for a different life as well as for someone to take notice of us and seek us out.

Guess what? God offers that! When we choose to let go of the enemies hand and take God's hand, we turn from one direction going in the opposite direction. From making poor choices that cause a life we don't appreciate to making better choices and life we do appreciate.

Jesus seeks us as well when we go astray! Luke 15:3-7 NIV: Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

When life seems so crazy and even if it doesn't, God offers us the perfect hiding place!!

Psalm 32:7 NIV: You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

And another cool thing is that we can hide ourselves in God.

Psalm 143:8-10 NIV: Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Father, there are moments that I have to separate myself from the world and I'm thankful that I can come to you. That You are always faithful and have Your arms stretched wide open for me to fall into and be comforted. When I do so, You wrap me with Your love, compassion, and protection. That thought is especially tender to my soul, the thought of knowing that I am protected by the Almighty God. Father may I be found hiding myself in You, seeking You, and being found by You. Lord, it is You that I run to with my eyes on You to be wrapped up in Your big loving arms. And You will say, there your are! In my loving Savior's Name, Amen.

I've been found, have you?
Yolanda at Higher Grounds

Slow down and process

Something comical in my mind happened last night due to sharing with others earlier in the day that it sure smelled good in my kitchen!! I had a crock-pot of 15 bean soup going and fresh cilantro to top it with. Now if your not a cook, this may not be comical to you, but I love to be in the kitchen! What was comical is that I had several ladies comment that they didn't even know there were 15 different kind of beans, let alone a bag already put together at the grocery store that had 15 beans in the container. Please know that I am not making fun of them, because I do this as well! How many times do you think these ladies saw the 15 bean soup package but never let it process as they were looking only for pinto beans?

It got me to thinking about how often do we truly slow down and process what is before us when we are shopping? But it got me to thinking on a much more deeper level, a spiritual level, how often do you and I slow down and process what is before us in God's word?

I already know what my February 1st scripture memory is going to be as I only know part of the verse, not the entire verse.

"Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 NAS, this verse in the NIV says, BE STILL. Both in my mind is about slowing down, to enjoy the moment, to enjoy our surroundings, to KNOW THAT GOD IS GOD.

Father God, thank You for visuals as I'm a visual learner. Thank You that You continue to speak to my heart and to my mind through Your word, Your truths. That You allow that process to be slow similar to the cooking of a crock-pot. That You are slowly bringing about the changes that need to take place deep inside of me to become soft and pliable, as well as tasty just like that 15 bean soup. Father when I'm placed in HOT WATER, that the good You've deposited inside of me will bring You glory and honor. Father that when I'm in Your word as well as Your presence that I will process not only the big picture, but the small one as well. Give me spiritual eyes to see Lord Jesus. Amen.

With God's love,
Yolanda

PS: I googled "how many different types of beans are there in the world?" and the reply was, 1,000's.

Looking for some juicy fruit

Today I begin simply by asking you and I to read Galatians 5:22-26 from The Message:

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good - crucified. Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

God's word tells us that we will recognize others by their fruit. Others will recognize us by our fruit. Fruit that aligns with God's design for us is sweet, juicy and desirable. It thinks the best of others, encourages, loves, and gives freedom. It is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control. Remember that Satan loves to mimic God and he does so with a counterfeit. The evil one's fruit is hate, strife, jealousy, envy, discord, provoking others, legalism, all about self.

Which will you choose today, and EVERY DAY?

As for me and my household , we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:16 NIV

Father, cause not only our thoughts to please You but our actions. Let my thoughts and actions be intentional Lord in pleasing You. Lord, today and everyday I desire to bring glory and honor to Your name. Help me Father, when I fall short. Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your word that is truly life. With out Your life, I am nothing. Thank You Jesus, Amen.

With love and desiring good fruit,
Yolanda

Be mindful

Ladies, I was sitting at the breakfast table one morning this past week with my Man discussing some things. Isn't it amazing how being at the table, over a meal, so much of our hearts can come pouring out? There seems to be a "safeness" that comes from sharing a meal. I was doing the majority of the talking while Bill listened to me as I shared that I really believe that the Body Of Christ is beaten and bloody. We seem to be chewing one another up and then spitting them out. We are doing this to our own Brothers and Sisters in Christ. If we'll be honest with one another, I would say we've all found ourselves on both sides of the fence. The one doing the chewing or the one being chewed on.

My prayer for 2011 is that I will become much more aware of my words, actions and re-actions to others. That I will be so immersed in Christ that I'll have the power of the Holy Spirit readily available to turn the cheek, to forgive 70 x 7, as well as to not take offense to a fellow Believer's words or actions. To not bloody another or to spit them out, basically tossing them to the wolves. That is going to be a big bill to fill, but honestly, if I become more: mindful, aware, prayerful, and obedient, all because of Christ living on the inside of me, then I believe it can be accomplished.

**And when I believe something that powerful, guess who is going to come knocking at my door? I've got to be prepared and remember that he will come knocking!**

In no time at all, after sharing my heart with Bill, this is what I read in my current bible study:

"Satan so vehemently despises what Christ has done for the mortals that one of his chief objectives is to make the clean feel unclean. Oh, how he desires to stain the beautiful bride of Christ. Satan can't MAKE the bride do anything, so he does everything he can to GET her to. How is this best accomplished? He tries to corrupt thoughts to manipulate feelings.

Satan knows the nature of humankind is to act out of how we FEEL rather than what we KNOW. One of our most important defenses against satanic influence is learning to behave out of what we KNOW is truth rather than what we FEEL. Satan's desire is to modify human behavior to accomplish his unholy purposes." **When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, by Beth Moore**

A scripture that back this up is found in 2 Timothy 2:26 NLT "Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants."

Are you allowing yourself to be caught in the devil's trap, doing his will? Have you allowed your mind and thoughts to become corrupted and manipulative? Have you acted out towards your brothers and sisters with what you "feel" versus what you "know"?

I had a friend this past year share something from her heart that was rich to me, "Church is hard, Jesus is easy." Girlfriends and guy friends, let's be Jesus!

I am praying and believing that we will begin to come together in 2011 as the Body Of Christ, seeking healing and forgiveness. Uniting instead of dividing. Building up instead of tearing down. Restoring instead of demolishing. Will you come along side me and pray for the Body of Believers? Will you come along side of me and be much more mindful as well?

With much love,
Yolanda at Higher Grounds

**Eph 4:20 (NIV) “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Peace

Peace....something that I was searching for and hungering after when God truly began drawing me years ago and yet it seems just like yesterday.

This year, I firmly believe as December 2010 began to come to a close, God spoke softly to my heart that my theme with Him for 2011 would be....PEACE.

Then the test came!! I quickly found out that not only was I weary, but that I was battered and bruised. I thought to myself, did I hear God correctly? And yet as I began to allow myself to truly abide in God as 2010 came to a close, I realized I did hear Him correctly. When I abide in God, then the encouragement and strength come. And with that, even though chaos is all around us, with-in us is the most amazing thing....peace. Why? Because I am the temple of the Holy Ghost. The very moment I gave Christ Lordship, God came to dwell with-in me. And so my first verse for 2011 to put to memory is:

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 NIV

The Prince of Peace, dwells on the inside of me. When I abide in Him, Peace resides in me.

Peace-
Yolanda

**1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"
**2 Corinthians 6:16b NIV "For we are the temple of the living God."