Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Accessories...Wear it well!

2012-02-08T12:40:00.005-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation."
~ Proverbs 3:3-4, New Living Translation (Tyndale)~

I answered the phone. It was my dear friend Caitlin and one whom I have the privilege to mentor. With great excitement she proclaimed, "Mama, God is so good all the time." It's very rare that she screams, but today she screamed with joy as she took a quick break to call, she told me of the beauty of God's favor along with man's as she has seen in the past year the unfolding story of God's grace upon her life.

The praise report I received over the phone of MAJOR breakthrough as she has put into practice Proverbs 3:3-4. Of course she struggled at times, as we all do, but it is simply excellent and amazing that no matter what has come against her she has utilized God's Word as her EVERYTHING. The greatest accessory she could ever wear, she has worn with great splendor, revealing God's glorious majesty bringing refreshment to her workplace.

Photograph from Google Images

In the midst of other people's bad attitudes and typical drama she has found favor with both God and man as she has risen above many adversities in the past few months by utilizing her greatest accessories given to her so freely by God, none other than loyalty and kindness. Along with this favor that she has lavishly received, she has also earned a good reputation.

Today I am reminded that the favor of both God and man is right there for us to receive...we may not 'see' it right away, but it's there.
Will we do our part to eventually receive it?
Will we stay the course by focusing on the Prize of all prizes, Jesus Christ?
Will we wear the accessories of loyalty and kindness and KEEP them on?
Or will we take the accessory off because it's uncomfortable and we have the 'right' to be disloyal and unkind?
Will we forsake God's blessings for our 'mere' rights?

I am victoriously reminded that as I look to God for HIS Wisdom, He will faithfully and clearly show us how to walk out in His righteousness and justice not as weak, defeated people but as meek conquerors seeing breakthrough not only for our lives but for the lives of others for His great glory!

Royalty not Peasantry

2012-01-31T05:41:00.006-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation."
~ Proverbs 3:3-4 ~

(Photograph from Google Images)

The unsettling in my spirit and mind were fully apparent physically as the first five minutes of speaking to the ladies were horrendous. My mind and mouth were trying to do everything and the only result was tripping over my words and becoming more cotton mouthed the more I spoke. You could see the desperate eyes looking upon me, wanting to rescue me from me. They each knew something was going on as they know it is not like me to struggle when speaking.

In one moment, instead of continuing in pride and stupidity, believing that no one was noticing my struggle when it was fully apparent that they not only noticed, but even the atmosphere was turning cold. The compelling need to stop and ask the ladies to stretch their hands out in prayer towards me was incredible. It was as if I could hear the Holy Spirit say, "Teresa, humble yourself! No more pride...don't rob yourself or My daughters of what I want revealed Reveal My royalty, not your former peasantry."

Suddenly I heard my voice interrupt the atmosphere, "Okay, does everyone notice I'm struggling?" Hilariously, without saying a word, everyone nodded their heads as their eyes were open wide. I said, "I need all of you to please extend your hands towards me and pray." As they stretched out their hands, it was incredible...I couldn't believe the power of God's love shown through each of these daughters, the power of compassion as each of them loved me despite of me. I asked for a drink of water and then one of the dear ladies, my sweet friend spoke forth God's blessing and prayed that the unsettling in my spirit would be replaced with peace. It was incredible.

As everyone looked up at me, I began to cry, saying, "Every week, I pray, "God, I do not want to screw any of these women over. I don't want to 'jip' any of these ladies of what You want to do." Ladies, tonight, I almost robbed all of us of what God wants to do. Do you see what happens when we try to rely on our own strength and not His? I was revealing my former peasantry and not His royalty." After this happened, the exercise that God had revealed to me that morning began to unfold. Although earlier that day I had no idea how it was going to go down...my embarrassing moment became a classroom of lessons I will never forget.

It was astounding to see the 'word' I received that morning as I was taking the sheets off the bed to place in the wash. The motion in which my arm threw the comforter off the bed was in the same way someone would throw out a life preserver. I 'saw' the life preserver, then I 'saw' the word, "Lifesaver"...then what came together was remembering the story of Joseph and even Esther, 'seeing' the following words, "Favor is a tool that saves lives...Favor is a tool that saves nations." Further explaining that the nations can be the places where we work, frequent, and even our neighborhood, etc.

I picked up the 'Lifesaver' gummie candy package (On a side note, before the ladies arrived, I was led to cut up 8.5 x 11 paper four ways. I had no idea why...but I did. I placed a piece of paper on each seat provided and had extra ones just in case). Before passing out the 'Lifesaver' package, it started to come to me what the piece of paper was for. Looking at each beautiful daughter of the King I said, "Everyone of you should have a piece of paper that was placed on your seat. Please take that sheet of paper and place the names of those who have hurt you on that piece of paper. Whatever you write is not going to be exposed or shared with anyone." Then, I passed the package of lifesavers around and they were instructed to place the candy lifesaver on the list of names.

Before going any further, when I began to speak forth what the Holy Spirit wanted to teach us, passion was bubbling out of me and the words began to flow, "We are the ones who determine the IF and the THEN. We pray the Deuteronomy 28 blessing...but are we being obedient? We ask God why we aren't seeing the blessings, but He is saying, "The blessings are yours...but you determine whether you will receive or not...you determine the 'IF' and the "THEN'." Ladies, the Lord continually and lovingly teaches me, "Teresa, you can justifiably take your rights and be angry, mad, offended, and try to figure out how you can 'get back at those who have wronged you, try to devise a plan without taking it to me. Teresa! Go ahead...take your rights, but when you do, you forsake MY BLESSINGS!" We are daughters called to a royal standard. This gathering is not about placating situations...ganging up on those who have hurt us...this is not a gathering where it is a 'safe place' to gossip. It will not happen because when God deposited the name of this 'group' it was specifically revealed, "I will teach you how to reveal My Royalty so that you do not reveal your former peasantry."

In that moment, there was quietness and then this intertwining of events fit together like a beautiful symphonic melody. Joseph revealed with beautiful excellence what Jesus would urge each of us to do and that is to "Love our enemies, pray and bless those who spitefully use us, persecute us and hurt us (Luke 6:27-36)." We must learn to immediately pray to God when we hear of situations taking place, whether they are minor or horrific, take it to God immediately and ask Him for Wisdom as we reveal our trust in Him. Even moreso, we must do this together, not becoming isolated or alone. When we do this, we see with 'God vision' versus our mere 'eye sight'. As we do what Jesus commanded, it echoes Proverbs 3:3-6. Never (This is an absolute...not sometimes or most of the time, or saying, "It depends on the circumstance") Never let loyalty and kindness leave you. Bind it around your neck, wear it as a necklace and THEN you will find favor with both God and man. Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding (or our old way of doing things), but in ALL your ways ACKNOWLEDGE HIM and HE will direct your paths.

As the exercise continued, the revelation of God's favor was showing how God even wants to save the lives of those on that sheet of paper. If we don't accessorize our neck with loyalty and kindness, the continual cycle of hurting people hurt people who will hurt other people and hurt even more people. We must become a royal spectacle just as the scene in the movie, Princess Diaries 2. If you've seen it, do you remember the scene in which the princess stops the procession during the parade as she notices the orphans? One of the little girls, who was an orphan was being made fun of and bullied by another orphan. As the princess walked over to the little girl, she first addressed the bully with authority addressing what he had done as he runs off. She then looks to the little girl, bends down to her level, lovingly takes her hand and softly says, "Do you want to be a princess today?" And in a sweet, tiny voice the little girls says, "I can't, I'm too little." And the princess says, "I declare that anyone can be a princess..."

The tears flowed as you could see a shift in each of our hearts as we went from hurt to compassion as God was able to utilize each of us as a conduit toward those who had hurt us.

Wrapping up the moment, this is what was spoken, "Ladies, daughters of the King, we must remember that favor is not to hoard but to be extended to others. We must declare over the daughters that they too can rise up and be crowned as God's princess. We are crowned with favor to empower others. We are royalty; and true royalty steps down and picks others up."

I was honored to echo what God has revealed to me through my mentor as he has challenged me. I was able to challenge myself and the other ladies with the following: "When we leave this evening, let's not leave here, another Friday night with knowing we had a great time, but not remembering what we have learned. This week, give some examples of what we could do for others in our 'nation'. Let's see application, even if the person receiving doesn't show any appreciation, let's keep doing it.

The things that were mentioned amongst the ladies were simple yet amazing.
Some of the ideas:
* Making cookies for our neighbors with a note of encouragement.
* A smile.
* An embrace.
* Calling, texting or sending a letter to someone with encouragement (I received a letter in the mail from a dear friend I haven't seen in 5 years and O how it blessed my heart...thank you Ellen).
* Making dinner for someone.
* Letting someone have a better parking place.

The challenge is so that we come together next week, sharing, not bragging, but BRAGGING on God what He was able to do through us for someone else. The more we do this, the more it becomes like the air we breathe...we won't even have to 'think' about it, it will just happen, we will be conduits of God's beautiful royalty instead of our former peasantry.

Another Story of A Penny...

2012-01-26T15:47:00.009-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

If you have not read the original post titled, "A Glimpse of God's Master plan through a Penny", then please click here.

Paused with awe.
What? Another story involving a penny?

I am overwhelmed by the resounding testimonies that have been relayed back to me either by phone, email, text message or in person.

"Teresa, I got a 'God Kiss' today as I found a penny."
"Teresa, I was at work and on the floor in the bakery department there was a shiny penny."
"Look! I found a penny in my jacket pocket."
"Teresa, I thought of your mom today. I received a God Kiss as I found a penny."
"I'll never look at a penny the same way again! ;)"

Sharing some of the text messages and comments from my last post, I am delighted to share with you today's 'God Kiss' (as my mom would say), comes from a dear friend of mine. I wrote it according to how I remember the story was told.

Paula text me with a message, "Do you want to go with me to the new house?" In which I replied, "Sure".

About an hour later she came by to me pick me up, I got into her car and as we were putting our seat belts on she said, "I have a great story to tell you. Look what I found!" As I looked down at her opened hand, there was none other than a battered, ugly, scraped, 'been through the mill' and back penny. She placed it in my hand and began to tell me the unfolding story of God's reminders of His Masterpiece.

She proceeded with her story by saying, "Teresa, I went to Whataburger today. I experienced such wonderful customer service from a young man who had special needs."

As she told me the story of his eagerness to help, she remembered how she stood there in that moment, humbled by his willingness to serve. She was taken back by his uninhibited ambitious ways to go above and beyond, as she had eight large orders of juicy hamburgers, with a side of fresh hot french fries along with eight large drinks. Placing her order, he made sure each individual lid was pressed inward according to the soda that was in the cup.

Paula was walking out to her car when he practically ran her over with excitement to want to open the door for her and then help get the food and drinks to her car. He flung the door wide open and smiled with pride as he was showing her, "this is what a gentleman does for a lady."

Impressed by his eagerness to help she couldn't hold back her appreciation of what he had done. As they began to place the food and drinks in the car, they visited some more as he candidly talked about how he had been hit by a car a few years ago and with an adorable cheesy grin he proclaimed, "But I'm still here."

She laughed with joy at his sweet innocence and said, "Well", and then realized she didn't know his name, but then noticed his nametag which read, "Garrett". She proceeded, "Well Garret, God obviously has a plan for you. Do you know that?" His shoulders squared back, his face lifted up as the light from the sun shone round about him and said with a big smile, "Yes I know. I go to a Southern Baptist Church and I go to get to know the pastor more." She giggled at his response and said, "Well Garrett, you truly are a blessing and I want you to know that Jesus loves you." He said, "Yes ma'am. He loves me. What church do you go to?" When she told him, his eyes opened wide, along with his smile as he happily said, "I know where that is."

In that moment as he continued to speak, in Paula's peripheral vision she noticed something shiny on the road. As she looked again, she asked herself, "Is that what I think it is? Is that a penny?" As she saw it, he was still talking and yet she could hear my mom's words, "Scoop down low to pick up."

Meanwhile as she told him that she needed to get going, he excitedly said, "Ok. Have a great day ma'am." In which she responded, "Garrett, God bless you as you have a great day."

The young man walked inside and as he did, she walked over to the shiny, round object. Sure enough! It was a penny.

She found the penny with the back side up and when she flipped it over, this is what she found...

A penny scratched up, beat up, most likely ran over many times as I could see the silver coming forth from underneath the copper overlay. Yet in one moment, while the penny was still in my hand, after listening to Paula's story, my perspective changed on how I looked at the penny. I saw it be transformed from an ugly, scratched and battered penny to a beautiful, stunning reminder of what others see as awkward or unattractive, He calls skillful and beautiful.

While Paula was reminded to scoop down low to pick up the penny she sensed God's reminder...what seems beat up, left for dead and worthless is yet again My opportunity to transform into My masterpiece of beauty.

A Glimpse of God's Master Plan Through a Penny

2012-01-19T11:15:00.012-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."
~ Ephesians 2:10, New Living Translation ~

My beautiful mom who is from South Korea is a proverbial woman to say the least. In her Korean accent I have heard her say many times, "You never think you too good to pick up penny. To pick up penny, you must scoop down low to pick up. Not many see value ~ but you must. For it is like what God did when no one else saw value in us, He did and scoop down low in form of man who is Jesus and pick us up."

Understanding the significance of what I share next gives me great joy. For my mom, who, as she would say, enjoys her 'bling-bling', had a teachable moment one day a few years ago when she spotted a penny in the parking lot. In a moment, as she was about to bend down to pick it up, she was hesitant to do so, as she had a quick thought, "What might others think?" But that thought immediately left her when she was reminded, "You think you arrive?" And her answer being, "No", she came back to herself and with excitement picked up the penny and said, "O, this is 'God kiss' to me." From that time on, after she picks up a penny, she says a prayer for dad and herself and us, her daughters.

I have known the story as she told me quite often of what the penny meant to her. So last week, I received a phone call as my mom was so happy. In her accent she exuberantly said, "Treesa (this is how she says my name), I got God kiss. We come back from out of town and see shiny, new penny on door mat. I saw it, but didn't think. Dad saw it and he walked over it and then I remember, penny! So, I thought Mary Kay, your sister left on porch. I call her and ask and she said, "No Mom. It's from Jesus." "O Treesa, penny from Jesus! There was no penny when we left and now penny here. It's from Jesus. O thank You Jesus."

Of course, my mom is so adorable and I was happy for her, but yet the significance in her experience trumped my lack of experience as she was sharing her story with me. I was happy for her, yet it wasn't significant for me as it was for her.

Now let me take you to another part of my day yesterday. So, I went to a friends house who was suffering from a migraine. She had text me in the morning to pray for her and she was going to rest where it was dark. I text her back and told her I would pray. As I began to pray, nothing specific was being declared over her.

Immediately I asked, "God, what is going on?" In that moment I felt impressed to go to her house and pray over her. After taking my daughter to school, I went to her house just two blocks away. I was parked in her driveway and text her the following message, "I am at your house, if you are up, I would like to pray over you." Within seconds, as I approached the door, she opened the door and let me in. I asked the Lord to anoint my hands with Who He is as He is Healer and said, "Lord, I know it is not my hands or my prayer but YOU who heals." I knew healing was taking place over her body after I was led to massage her upper shoulders and her head. I then asked, "Is the headache gone?" And she said with a smile and a sigh of relief, "I can barely feel that I ever had a headache." So after this beautiful moment, we fellowshipped for a while longer and then she said to me, "Teresa, after reading part of your book, I was reminded of another book and was led to this particular page, I made a copy of it for you. She read it to me and then gave me the piece of paper and the title of the message was, "My Princess...You are my Masterpiece."

After leaving my friend's home, I had to go to my friend Paula's house to pick out a paint color as they are about to move in. On my way to her house, I had an imprint of a beautiful lady's face I know, pressed into my thoughts. Whenever that happens, I know I am suppose to pray. I believed in that moment I needed to call her and so I did. She did not answer which allowed me to leave her a voicemail message.

Fast forwarding to the end of the night, I was taking our garbage can out to the front. Now very rarely do I ever go through the front entrance, so as I was bringing the garbage out, my eyes were drawn to look to the ground and BAM! There was none other than a PENNY!

I was like a little girl, jumping up and down in my pajamas, outside in front of my house! I proclaimed with excitement, thinking of my mom and shouted, "God! A God kiss!" As I picked up the penny, I put it back down so I could take a photograph of it. I ran inside the house, grabbed my tablet, ran back outside, hunched over the penny as the porch light was overhead. I didn't care what I looked like. I was capturing a very significant moment. BUT, the story doesn't stop there!

Now leading to this morning. Every morning, one of my dear girls, a young woman sends out a voice memo reading a daily devotional, Jesus Is Calling written by Sarah Young. Before reading the devotional she said how she heard, "Masterpiece" and received confirmation from the radio and then the devotional she was about to read and was led to Ephesians 2. As I am listening to her voice memo, I was incredibly moved and thought, "Wow! This is amazing." Especially with the piece of paper that was handed over to me yesterday from my friend while at her house.

To this very moment as I was catching up on some emails, suddenly my phone rang. It was the woman whose face was imprinted into my thoughts yesterday. Remember, she is the one I left a voicemail for. She said, "Teresa, you couldn't have called me at a better time." She proceeded to tell me that she has been having a difficult time with getting things in place like she needs to. She said, "I need something. I just don't know what it is."

Suddenly, and yet again, imprinted in my thought was the penny. I thought, "Really, Lord?" And then continued to say, "Can I tell you a story?" As I told her the story of the significance of the penny and what my mom has taught me about God scooping down to pick us up and then what happened last night as I found a penny on my front porch, she said, "This is freaking me out. I have to tell you what happened yesterday."

She began to cry as she said:
I was driving around as I was collecting my thoughts. Yesterday was the third anniversary of my best friend's death from suicide. We went over to his house where he use to live as we were going to clean it out when I realized my mother-in-law had already completed the task. Before leaving the house, I went into the garage where he was found and when I looked down, there was a penny. With tears she said, "I felt like it was a sign from him."

In that moment as I heard her tell this story, I said, "May I ask you a question?" She said, "Sure". I asked, "Out of all the stories I could have told you, God led me to tell you this one. Do you know Jesus Christ as your Personal, Rescuing Savior?" And she said, "I know I need to go back to church." And I said, "I want you to know that it isn't about 'going to church'. It is about having a relationship with God through Jesus Who is the only One who has the power over death and resurrected from the grave."

Praise God! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! I can't contain myself...for within moments, God received the increase as she received her Rescuing Savior Jesus Christ as we were able to pray with one another. I am still in awe that I got to be a part of His Master plan in her life, as she is His masterpiece.

As we closed our conversation over the phone, I asked the Lord,"Will you please give me something she can hold onto?" Then, I remembered 'masterpiece' and said, "I have something for you from Ephesians 2:10." I was then led to speak it over her to make it personal just for her, "You are God's masterpiece. He has created you new in Christ Jesus, so that you can do the good things He planned for you long ago."

In closing, I am reminded of what my mom said today, by the power of the Holy Spirit,
"We are a masterpiece and have a master plan from the One who scooped down low to pick us up."

Lesson of Repentance

2012-01-18T15:06:00.012-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"
~ Romans 2:4 ~

Slipping back into time, it was 1988; my eighth grade year. My parents experienced grueling frustration as they were continuously receiving reports from my teachers of me carrying on in class, not taking my classes seriously and consistently getting into trouble for being one of the 'class clowns'.

In hind sight, as a parent myself, the acting out wasn't their greatest frustration; it was my overall attitude of not caring, which to say the least, my grades mercilessly reflected.

Meanwhile, during this time, I still remember my wonderful dad. I shake my head in awe as my dad continuously believed in me. He would even say in the darkest times of my life, "Teresa, God has a great plan for you." I can still remember being in the awkward 'skin' of a young teenage girl; it was one of those situations where I sadly could not receive his words because of the inner turmoil stirred by insecurity and unworthiness stemmed from not knowing the value from within. The concerns of what the outsiders thought was more important to me than the ones who loved me the most.

Reminiscing this particular moment my eighth grade year is in regards to my dad (Including my mom and sisters) who never gave up. Although there were times he was justifiably on the brink of seeing no hope in sight, I can still remember that moment in eighth grade as though it were this very moment.

I remember it like this:
Dad set his schedule aside and asked me to come down to the light and airy family room. He brought two chairs and placed them in the middle of the 'love-filled' room adjacent to the red brick fireplace. He had me take my seat as he walked away for a moment into another room. When dad came back, he was holding a medium sized cardboard box with certificate frames inside. He had my full attention as I wondered, "What is he doing?"

Curiosity detained me in the midst of my dad's quiet demeanor. He sat down and now we were practically knee to knee. He looked at me with his soft hazel eyes, framed by his glasses and began to speak life into me. I remember how he began to one by one, show and tell me of his accomplishments backed up by the certificates in his possession. One of his accomplishments that I still remember so vividly was the one in which he graduated number one in his class for morse code in the ARMY. For a moment I was captivated by this untapped perseverance, integrity and tenacity that I had not yet chosen to experience for myself. Looking back, I am still in awe of my dad who chose to possess these attributes even after the setbacks of his own choices being a high school drop out. Dad revealed in his story as he patiently spoke to me how in one moment I could make a choice to turn it all around for good. He was showing me the power of repentance.

This reminder of this teaching moment from my dad with me, reveals a glimpse of how the goodness of God leads man to repentance. It was the goodness of my dad and his love expressed over me that enabled me to finally receive the message of God's rescuing power from sin and myself by turning away from my old ways and clinging to the new ways that God abundantly provided, revealing life and prosperity in my spirit from Jesus Christ.

Perhaps there are those of you who may know part of my story as it took more than a decade to finally get to the point that I truly knew in my heart I needed to be rescued from one of my greatest enemies ~ myself. This incredible beginning took place on March 6, 2003. Actually, let me back up, interestingly enough, it was five months before my incredible beginning that my dad and mom flew to Michigan to come see us and gift me with a ring that he designed just for me in October of 2002 (He also did this for my sisters who were already following after Jesus).

I remember when I put it on my finger my dad said, "Whenever you look at this ring, say a prayer for your mom and I." I remember thinking, "Yeah right...they know I don't pray." Well, I truly believe that the ring I still wear 'til this day was truly a 'point of contact' from my parents prayers of hope in God over my life to be redeemed and restored back to Him. The moment from my eighth grade year was a defining reminder of discovering the power of repentance; allowing God's Holy Spirit to rule and reign over my life.

I am reminded that my dad took on a glimpse of the perseverance, integrity and tenacity of Jesus Christ which was victoriously revealed at the Cross of Calvary. Death, hell and the grave shook in fear as they surrendered all power to Jesus as God raised Him from the dead!

The reminder set before me is realizing yet again God's glorious power as He sent His Word Jesus to become a mere man to pay the debt of sin as He 'suffered long' even while we are known to be 'quick to quit'.

We must remember when we find ourselves being faithless, let faith rise up as we remember that He is still faithful even when we aren't (II Timothy 2:13).

God Is Mercy, Grace and Unfailing Love...and so much more!

2012-01-16T10:34:00.005-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

Before leaving for church, I was in a hurry, as one of my downfalls is being late.

My beautiful daughter was sitting on the chair, playing with her itouch, glassy-eyed and completely enveloped by a video she had just made of our cat, when I said, "Honey, we need to go."

Usually she is quick to listen when we need to go, yet this time, there was no response.

So I said it again with a bit more of a demonstrative tone.

Still nothing...
Now annoyed, I raised my voice volume a bit higher, revealing my frustration and said it again.

When she looked up at me, her eyebrows scrunched low, as they told on her annoyance with me as she simultaneously raised her voice with frustration and said, "WHAT?"

In that moment, it was, "O God, hold me back" as all cylinders were on and the very thing I was angry about, was the very thing I did right back raised to the one hundredth degree (It was an ugly sight on my part, to say the least).

The laws of cause and effect were so evident in that very moment, forgetting about the obedience of God in nurturing her even in that very moment. Now, I have been dealing with an attitude from her ever so often, and my attitude back is beyond ridiculous. Yet, to the degree of her overemphasized, disrespectful, "WHAT?" I had not yet experienced this from her before to this degree and to say the least, I was beyond ticked off.

As she was pale from my outburst, she hesitantly walked to the car as I followed behind her, slamming the door so hard it shook the foundations of our home. I was still fuming and yes, out of all places, on my way to church. Yet in that very moment in the midst of the angry quietness, still emitting angry, smoking fumes; breathing as though I was about to give birth, I experienced the peace of the Holy Spirit so calmly say, "Teresa, be an example of what you expect from her just as I Am an example for you."

O man....Ugh!!!!! I swallowed the big gulp of pride that was right in the middle of my throat, breathing in and breathing out slowly. I could feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit and so with embarrassment, I apologized to my daughter, and asked her to forgive me. She began to cry and expressed her apologies as she also asked me to forgive her which allowed the atmosphere to change instantly from an atmosphere of war to an atmosphere of God's peace. We of course began our dialogue as this will happen again, yet showing her how it was wrong for both of us to act the way we did, as it shows disrespect on both parts.

Learning from this scenario, especially as a parent, we walk into church and the Lord moved on our pastors heart to change the teaching from what he was originally planning to teach, to teach us simply of Who our God Is, revealed by Jesus through His Holy Spirit!

Refreshingly, as this was the very medicine for my soul that I desperately needed ~ one of the many scriptures Pastor Chris shared, waved for my attention like a flag flying in the rapid wind. It was none other than, Psalm 103:8 ~ "The Lord is merciful and gracious; He is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love."

The very whisper I heard in my car during the moment of 'battle', "Teresa...be an example of what you expect from her just as I Am an example for you" melted my heart as I heard the confirmation of Who He is and What He so lavishly displays upon us and what He is able to do through us by the power of His Holy Spirit.

I am reminded in what I have received for the taking so freely ~ His Mercy and Grace which reveals His unfailing love as they are tools to allow even our God to be slow to anger. This revelation shows me how it is imperative that I pay forward upon others what I have graciously received, revealing yet again, WHO HE IS!

Sharing video!

2012-01-12T09:16:00.004-06:00

The following video is a beautiful reminder of Why I Hate Religion, BUT LOVE JESUS!
"Jesus is the cure while the other is the infection"
~ Paraphrased quote from the following video ~

Please note: If you are watching from my blog site, go to the bottom of the page and 'pause' the music so that you can hear the video.

Breaking Loose the Valiant Sounds of A Victorious Warrior!

2012-01-07T19:38:00.007-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is His faithfulness."
~ Lamentations 3:22-23 ~

The sounds of his neighing and the strength revealed by the deep resounding breaths assists his agility to run with power. Muscles defined as they bow out with every stride. This horse an incredible creation runs with spurts of great speed running against the wind as he makes the valiant sounds of a warrior.

Seeing this vision played out in my mind as I write, causes me to be inspired by God's creation as we are seven days into the new year. As we have stepped foot into this new year, let us intentionally see the beautiful definition of God's resounding mercies that are NEW every day. We don't have to wait 365 more days to make another resolution to better our lives. If we run with spurts of great speed and then rest, then let's go at it again.

May the wind of defeat that attempts to come against us break loose the valiant sounds of victorious warriors. Let the sounds that come forth be the declarations of who we belong to ~ our Majestic God and King!

When defeat comes, speak Victory to it and run toward it with confidence knowing Who has allowed us to be Triumphantly Victorious! Circumstances may not change right away, but our attitudes will and gratefulness to our God becomes the sharpening weapon of praise, revealing the readied warriors in 2012!

LET'S GO!!!!!!!!!!

Deliverance from defeat and into victory

2012-01-02T05:57:00.004-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory (with songs of deliverance)."
~ King David, recorded in Psalm 32:7 (NKJV and NLT)

The dark sky, dimly lit by the beautiful stars, accompanied me as I made my way home from the airport this morning. Praying and communing with God in the quietness of my car came forth these words like a 'ticker', "Deliverance from and deliverance into victory; I Am your Deliverer."

The beauty in these words as we enter into our second day in 2012; may we be moved by the Faithful, Victorious Deliverer.

He sings songs of deliverance, of victory over us...
There are those who are longing to be delivered from a dangerous situation revealing deliverance and victory into safety.
Perhaps you are desiring to be delivered from affliction revealing deliverance and victorious comfort.
It may be you need to be delivered from shame and delivered into a victorious place of honor.

Whatever you need from our Faithful Deliverer, may you see that no longer do circumstances determine your destiny; but your circumstances be reminded of Who you trust...Your Victorious Deliverer Who is Faithful and True.

May our circumstances be reminded of Whom we are moved by...and that is the One Who victoriously delivers us from destruction, having faith that He will bring us through and into His life changing LOVE!

Scripture References:
Psalm 32:7
Deuteronomy 32:4
Isaiah 51

Jesus Chose The Womb Of A Teenage Girl Over Heaven

2011-12-25T12:04:00.002-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

I leave you with a a few thoughts this Christmas...
"Jesus chose the womb of a teenage girl over heaven."
~ Joy Dekok

Jesus, The Word, gave up His right to what was His ~ uncommon and divine royalty.

The surpassing understanding of Jesus' amazing sacrifice, would be one of many more uncommon sacrifices that Jesus lived out; revealing the incredible, indescribable, majestic compassion of our Father God Who SO loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whoever believes in Him should not die in eternity but have everlasting life.

As we tear open gifts, give gifts or ponder this day whether it be with sadness or gladness...may we be quick to lift our eyes and intentionally gaze with incredible awe upon the Father's heart and being truly humbled by His great majestic love toward each of us.

Therefore, as we are reminded of the Triumphant Victory that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord revealed by His Spirit of Life. The Holy Spirit reveals not only life but the life that Jesus revealed and that is the great, abundant life...this life He reveals to us is the very same life that caused resurrection power to conquer not only His own death, but also conquered death, hell and the grave.

Finally, be strong in the Lord. Know that He is with you. He is near. He is your ever present help in your time of need. As you remember this promise, feel free to call on Him, and as you call on Him, not only will He answer you, but He will ALSO show you great and mighty things which you have never known before.

You are loved with God's eternal, glorious and incomprehensible love,
Teresa

Scripture References:
Psalm 8
John 3:16
John 10:10
Psalm 46
Jeremiah 33:3

We WILL Rejoice and be glad in it!

2011-12-14T07:18:00.007-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!"
~ Psalm 118:24 ~

In a hurry to get ready for the day, thoughts of gratefulness sped through my mind. Suddenly, what seemed random, was truly the cataclysmic reminder of Who intentionally and on purpose made this very day!

Captivated by the reminder of Psalm 118:24, the writer of this Psalm was overwhelmed by the reality of what surrounded him...his present moment; the moment he was awakened to the reality of being allowed to be a part of God's eternal calendar.

Compelling intentions of God led the writer, who could have very well been Abraham, to not only rejoice, but passionately proclaim to his people, "Right now! This very moment is the day that our Yaweh, our Jehovah, our God has made! We WILL rejoice!" Notice he didn't say, "If you want to rejoice then go ahead. Instead, with the purposeful intention of God that impressed him provokingly led him to a place of, "No matter what we are going through...we WILL intentionally and on purpose rejoice to the One Who has made this day and allowed us to be a part of it and not only rejoice but we will be GLAD in it!

While the arresting thoughts of this Psalm moved me with gratefulness, I smiled thinking of who I get to enjoy my day with.

Overwhelmed by the reality of getting to be a mom to my beautiful, precious daughter as The free spirit of Truth leads her innocent heart, challenges me with beauty, to be and remain valuable, for just looking at her as my undeserved gift, I am reminded yet again a glimpse of God's declaration of worth over our lives!

In the moment of actively pausing, the aweing thoughts were interrupted with my beautiful daughter bringing me up a cup of morning java along with a sweet note which greeted me. Her gesture of kindness revealed what she had written to me, and that was how she embraced the morning to be...and that was 'good', along with a smiley face! :)

May we be reminded throughout our day of God's captivating embrace as He longs to cover each of our lives with Who He is!

Revised: Need A Gift Idea?

2011-12-13T00:23:00.001-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"The King is enthralled by your beauty."
~ Psalm 45:11 ~

God Is Enthralled By Your Beauty, is a book that I have self-published and getting to promote. Although some may think I am promoting myself, be assured, this is not the case. I truly believe in the message of this book while God continues to do an excavation of my heart; I have been awakened to the mandate and responsibility of rising up in that place of beauty knowing that not only I, but the other daughters who have been declared, 'Worthy' by the King of kings! This awakening has compelled me to not only rise up on my behalf, but also to see and to be moved with incredible passion to awaken the many daughters who have fallen asleep to their own cries of hopelessness, shame and thoughts of unworthiness.

If you are looking for a gift that will not only bring the reminder of significance but also bring to light the power of worthiness, then this book is just for you!

To order, please click here . Remember, 20% of the book proceeds goes to SCTNow.org which is an amazing organization actively and effectively fighting child trafficking both in our nation and the world!

Thank you for your support!

Love,
Teresa

Stillness; the Beautiful Stance of Worshiping God

2011-12-06T10:09:00.010-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty (remarkable) things which have never seen before."
~ God, as recorded in Jeremiah 33:3.

You may be going through grief caused by divorce;
an unexpected death of your precious child, or beloved spouse, a beautiful family member and friend.
Maybe you have just found out you have been betrayed by your spouse, friend or family member.
Or it is possible that you are the one who has betrayed someone and regret overwhelms you, you even feel that your life is over.
Perhaps you are torn with knowing that the relationship you are in is destructive, and you know you need to pray for that person, but you also know that you need the courage to leave.
Others may have experienced a job loss and with that, your identity unknowingly was wrapped up in that position you held.
You may feel stripped, exposed, naked and unclothed by any of these countless situations...but please know that this is your opportunity to cry out to Jesus Who clothes, embraces and comforts as revealed by the Holy Spirit.
Don't move.
Don't speak.
Listen.
Look and see.
He is right there with you.
Yet, not only is He with you, He longs to hold you and embrace you.
He desires to show you remarkable exploits which you have never seen or heard of before.
Open your eyes and listen...do you hear the whisper within your spirit?
He bids you to come to Him.
Will you come? Please, do so now.
In the middle of the chaos, just be still.
Breathe through your nose, all the way in and slowly. Now, exhale, meditating on the 'giganticness' of God. Watch and see how He tears down, annihilates and obliterates the intimidating giants that are insatiably drooling for your very life. God longs to dwarf every real situation that comes in the form of a giant and put them in their place.

In the midst of the whirling, destructive winds of life, stillness is your recognition of declaring "I know You are God; you are My God."

Stillness is a beautiful stance of worshiping God.

Scripture References:
Jeremiah 33:3
Isaiah 61:1-3
Isaiah 26:3
Psalm 46:8-10

Submitted Article as a contributing writer for "Family Face Ministries"

2011-11-30T00:24:00.007-06:00

Contributing Writer for Family Face Ministries

The Deceptive Battle Cry is Truly an Outcry
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Women Rule!"

When I saw this slogan a few months ago in a news article, my heart sank. I shook my head in sadness. If I would have seen this slogan ten years ago, I know I most likely would have held my head up high, arrogantly sniffed my nose, clearing my throat and saying, “That’s right! Women rule!”

Although, I am blessed to be a woman and I LOVE being a woman; this is a slogan I do not want to be associated with. For when we see a woman ruling alone, versus ruling with man, most of the time this is a sure sign that a man has relinquished his role and right as ruler. This deceptive slogan, “Women rule” is an outcry not a battle cry. This unknowing outcry reveals the neglect of man’s rightful role not standing in their God given abilities to be Protector, Conqueror, Provider and King.

Have you walked in the power that we as women possess? Look at Jezebel. Yes. I said, “Jezebel”. That almost sounds blasphemous, doesn’t it? Yet, because King Ahab relinquished the role of courage and bravery of holding fast to what was right and true, the role of the manipulating spirit of this woman was able to rule. This is a reminder that the power we hold must not be misused. We are to take this power that has been given to us, not for our glory. However, we must realize with action that we are to assist the men and awaken the Protector, The Conqueror, The Provider and The King that is within them. We must awaken the men, whether they are husbands, fathers, sons and/or brothers and with administrative power encourage and edify, resurrecting back to life the heaven meets earth power of what it looks like to truly have dominion.

So what does it look like to rule ‘with’ man versus ruling alone? As a wife, I must speak and declare that my husband is a mighty man of valor. This is crucial to those who may not see this at all. I must pray to God that my husband’s will bows down to the will of God, executing righteousness and justice for every situation assisted by God’s Wisdom. I must realize that the words that flow out of my mouth must be intentional words of life so that the temptation for my husband to relinquish or misuse his role would be zero.

If we look back just three or four generations as a whole; we see the dwindling role of man ruling effectively. Notice one of the number one attributes of a man is to be a protector. A protector keeps what they already possess. A protector guards what is precious and valuable and those who are valued seize the responsibility to maintain what must be kept. When the attribute of protection begins to dissipate, yet the role of conqueror remains, we find that the results can be devastating. When the ruler no longer sees the value of what they have or been entrusted with, then they do not see the value to keep or to guard, so they will leave behind and continue to conquer, revealing barbaric results.

Do you see the echo of this in our society today? We have seen the heart wrenching effects as many have been abandoned, left behind and deemed useless and invaluable because of the lack of being kept. What has been revealed in turn is the walls of the city have tumbled to the ground. A city with no walls, allow precious people to become prey to the warriors of death revealing the lack of protection.

So how do we hear what should be the God given slogan, “Mighty, courageous, protecting men rule as the virtuous women rule by their side”? We will see this as we hold up the arms of our tired warriors. We must encourage not nag. We must build up not tear down. We must have faith in God that our men will echo a glimpse of the All in All Protector, Conqueror, Provider and King, Almighty God.

Therefore, we are to assist in the dreams that our men have within their spirits as given by God. We do not want to break their spirit, but remind them of those dreams. Even though many times we do not know the how or when those dreams are fulfilled; we must actively assist the men in seeing the fulfillment of their dreams come to fruition, resurrecting new life for “a dream fulfilled is a tree of life”.

Scripture References: Proverbs 2:7, I Kings 18-21, Proverbs 25:28, Proverbs 13:21

Giving thanks!

2011-11-24T01:55:00.007-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in prayer with thanksgiving."
~ Colossians 4:2 ~

Gratefulness. Thankfulness. Appreciation. These words reveal the state of thanksgiving allowing us to be reminded of what we do have; versus what we 'feel' we lack and don't have.

Thanksgiving is a great tool that alleviates the temptation to compare, however, complaining fuels the fire of comparison which leads to the thwarted reminders of what we don't have and what we uselessly long for.

On this beautiful day of Thanksgiving; let us do what this day is set aside for, which is living a life of giving thanks.

God bless you and keep you in all your ways. May your day that is set aside with your friends and family be joyous, filled with forgiveness, love and extended mercy as we have freely received from God; so we must freely give to others.

A great applicable way to live a life of giving thanks:
Write to God on a daily basis what you are grateful for and then read it aloud, "God, I am grateful to You for..."

"And I am grateful to God for each of you."

You are loved,
Teresa

Confessions of a daughter of the King

2011-11-15T16:52:00.002-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life."
~ Proverbs 18:21 NLT ~

"I never do anything right."
"Just when I think everything is good; I'm broadsided with something else."
"If things are good now; I just know something bad is about to happen, I better brace myself."
"I can never get a break; people just don't understand me, and I don't understand them."
"It would have been better if I just didn't get out of bed this morning."
"When will I ever catch a break?"

Have you caught yourself confessing such things? I know I have caught myself in this vicious, cynical rhetoric.

However, there is hope even in the midst of the circumstances.
Really! There is!

Do you suffer with issues of wanting control? I know I do...well, we are in store for a cure...are you ready for the prescription?

Prescription:
Take every moment.
Cannot overdose.
'Changeyerperspective'

Here's the deal, we may not be able to control our circumstances; but we can control and bring change to our perspective.

Yes! We have the power to control our attitudes, which brings change in us through our circumstances and in that we allow God to set us up on high, versus being overwhelmed by the surroundings of despair.

This leads me to what our pastor has been teaching us from the book of Proverbs. To seek out God's wisdom. In this series, there is an applicable challenge that I have taken, and in that, here is my confession, especially when I don't 'feel' I am adequate to confess such things:

"I am a daughter of the King who seeks Wisdom."
"As His daughter, I must NEVER let loyalty and kindness leave me."
"I must bind loyalty and kindness around my neck as a beautiful necklace."
"As I cling to wisdom, as revealed by the Spirit of God, I am a fountain of blessing to my husband; for he rejoices that I am his wife."
"My husband is captivated by my love and I have his full attention."
"I am a wise woman who builds her home and I am also a woman of understanding, and because of this understanding; knowledge comes easily to me and when I arise my children call me, "Blessed"."
"As a daughter of the King I also acknowledge conviction and seek out reconciliation. "

These confessions are helping me throughout the week.

Do I feel like confessing it all the time? No, but once I do, my outlook changes on God, then myself. In that change, loyalty and kindness are extended to others.

Today, I am reminded that healthy confessions, bring health to our mental state and even brings health to our bones and allows others to experience what should be contagious and infectious...and that is health!

Scripture References:
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 3:3-4
Proverbs 5:18-19
Proverbs 14:1
Proverbs 14:9
Proverbs 11:25
Proverbs 11:27
Proverbs 11:17
James 4

Contributing Writer for Sanctified Together Online Magazine Publication

2011-11-08T10:31:00.005-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell
Excerpt from online magazine, November 2011 Issue-Life Lessons

Sanctified Together, an online magazine publication, consisting of articles filled with inspiration and applicable ways of living life has allowed myself and other writers the opportunity to contribute our nuggets of lessons learned through faith in God in this month's issue called, "Life Lessons" .

It is an honor to share an article I wrote for November's issue, titled, Teachers of Life:

Interrupting her father's counsel, Catherine scooted her chair out from the table with indignation, stood up with frustration and said, "Dad, I already know that!"

Catherine's father replied with the rhetorical, "Are you sure you already know? Do you know what I was about to say?"

Ignoring his question as her voice became a shout, "Dad, why do you always treat me like a stupid child?"

Shaking his head, he slowly looked up at her. As if to control the raging volcano within, seated at the head of the table with his chair pulled out sideways, his left hand grasped the edge of the table, leaning forward, with his eyes piercing hers, causing her to sit back down. He said in a calm and steady voice, "My intentions are never to cause you to feel that you are a stupid child. As a matter of the patterns in your life, you have made some very childish decisions based on emotions, resulting in destructive consequences. It is not that you are stupid. Catherine, that is the furthest from the truth; however, because you 'think' you know 'everything' and in disrespect you interrupt my counsel, you are going to have to learn from your own experiences and consequences."

He continued, "My heart aches to know that you are going against what I know is best for you. My advice is to see you through the 'right now' and assist you to your destiny. This decision you are about to make is going to cost you. Are you willing to pay the price that you have priced yourself? I plead with you to know that I can foresee what you can't. It's called life experience. Many times, my daughter, experience trumps knowledge. Unfortunately with your interruption today, you have already made your decision. You are going to allow the little knowledge you do have to override both the knowledge and experience that I have survived and walked through. My daughter, I have many scars, and only by God's grace am I able to sit here with you today, still alive."

Humbled by his calm words for a moment, pride suddenly swept in taking her captive as the painted pictures of her mind led her away by the lies disguised in romance, success and invincibility, she made a decision in that moment to ignore the voice of wisdom and heed to the voice of what would become a path of shame and burdensome guilt.

Does this scenario bring back memories of your youth? It does for me.

Just as the fictional scenario, the life lessons in my youth were unfortunately based on ignored wisdom from those who loved me the most. I continue to have to learn even in my adulthood. It would have been one thing if the Holy Spirit had led me in an area that would have seemed absurd, yet without doubt was based on the Word of God, leading me to honor my parents and others. However, in my case the decisions I made were based on the inexperienced, romanced, unrealistic conjured up thoughts in my head leading me away from the Word of God, resulting in dishonoring not only my wise advisers, but also dishonoring myself.

Through these choices that I made, I was led to roads of destruction that I could no longer tread upon. The fear of knowing that I could not do it anymore my way led me in the turnaround on the road to repentance -- asking God for His beautiful forgiveness.

In this leading to the path of repentance, I know my heart has answered the call of God's voice, empowering me by His glorious, rich love to influence many young women who are about to make life altering decisions. I must echo His voice, leading them back to the unfailing love of God and His Glorious Word led by the Holy, Majestic Spirit of God.

Life lessons -- they are beautiful reminders of when we depend on God and His Spirit being confident in His Word knowing that He is our teacher, we become teachers of life; versus life becoming our teacher.

Experience may trump knowledge, but God's Spirit who guides us through His Word, trumps both life experience and knowledge leading us to the abundant life of what God longs for us to experience and know and that is HIM!

Do you know Him?

The Beauty of Gratefulness

2011-11-07T13:18:00.004-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything that is praiseworthy - meditate on these things."
~ Philippians 4:8 ~

A cloudy day embraces me as I imagine being accompanied by the fresh, steaming apple cider that bolsters from my favorite coffee mug.

Fresh baked pie, cooling down on a metal rack and Sweet Cake candles burning as the grey lit sky pierces through my windows.

I imagine sitting with you as we breathe in the moment of fresh, right now, today's present moment. The gift of today. The gift of right now. The beauty of the present moment.

With all that life and time within our life tries to suck out of us like an 'all you can drink' straw; what is it that we are truly grateful for?

As though I am gently holding onto the precious feet of my once upon a time baby...I grasp one toe at a time and say,

"This is what I am grateful for...
* Getting to talk to God whenever I want and hearing His voice through His Word.
* Getting to experience the unctions of His presence and seeing His voice displayed as pictures form before my mind.
* The moment that I can wake up my daughter with a kiss
* The ability to pray for my daughter, the words of God's blessings, as I echo the love of her God from my mouth to her ears.
* Getting to hear my husband snore for the first time in a long time.
* Getting to hold his gigantic hand as I feel protected and loved, whether we are in the car or walking in the grocery store.
* Catching a scent of his fragrance and feeling his presence come into the room, even when my eyes have not yet seen him coming around the corner.
* Refraining from childish arguments; and enjoying one another's company and laughter.
* Enjoying our son pay us a visit on his day off and seeing him enjoy one on onetime with his dad.
* Enjoying this moment right now, as my fingers dance upon the keyboard, accompanied by the melody of gratefulness to God."

What are you grateful to God for today?

For just moment; kick the distractions of technology that rob us of right now. Breathe in slowly, now slowly exhale.
Look around with great intention and be moved by the beauty of gratefulness.
Be moved, drawing closer to the One to Whom we get to be grateful to...and that is our Awesome God Who allows us this very moment.

You are an Answer!

2011-11-01T18:15:00.004-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have life more abundantly."
~ Jesus Christ, as recorded in John 10:10 ~

You are an answer to someone's breakthrough!

Does that seem arrogant? It may for the religiously minded...for I am reminded that as our spirit is possessed by the Holy Spirit of God, Who is the Answer, we are able to lavishly reveal The Answer through us!

Lisa Bevere said it best, "We are NOT a problem; but an answer to a problem!" Now the question is, "Am I willing to walk in this truth?" Instead, let me say it like this, "I know I am willing but am I able?"

This is so freeing to realize that it is not about my ability; but God's ABLE POWER through me to accomplish the ability of being an ANSWER...not just 'having' an answer...but BEING an answer!

What does it look like to be an answer?
Here are some ideas:
* A smile...
'What if' they don't smile back? Then, keep smiling!

* Opening the door for someone...
'What if' they are insulted, saying, "I can open the door on my own." Then, we must continue to err on the side of kindness...don't give up, because of one hurting person, who is unable to receive it.

* When led, ask if they need prayer...
'What if' they say, "No", then pray for them when you walk away.

* Be kind to the unkind and unlovable...
'What if' they...?

In these examples, and so many more not mentioned, we have the honor and privilege to be the seed planters...later on, some will water...but guess what? The Lord receives the INCREASE!

Today, I am triumphantly reminded that God is able, which confidently allows me to walk in willingness without fear of rejection, no matter the other person's reaction.

Let us show others Who Is Willing and Able to continue to love us, as we love ourselves. We GET TO freely and lavishly place God's Love upon others. We get to reveal God by being an Answer and Breakthrough in this journey called, LIFE! As we live, may we demonstrate in potent power the One Who gave us life and life more abundantly...Jesus Christ as revealed by the Holy Spirit!

Need not be ashamed of what?

2011-10-29T14:04:00.004-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

II Timothy 2:14-19

I think on a potential scenario, that has likely happened...

"I can't stand her."

"I know! Who does she think she is?"

"You know what? The only reason she got that job is because of her favors!" With their 'hyena like' gasps, it was followed by the ugly, head shaking judgement placed upon another person.

As I imagine the women's hateful words spewed out in a low whisper, revealing the sharp knife of hate, which permeated the atmosphere revealed this dark cloud of disgust and disdain for another human being.

The choice of their theoretical conversation causes me to lose my once roaring appetite...but then it brought me to a place of looking at my own life and asking myself, "Do I do the same thing?"

Today, as I read II Timothy 2:14-19, verse 15 stood out like it had never before, as I read in the context that Paul had written it specifically to Timothy.

Paul warned Timothy to remind EVERYONE to command them in God's name to stop fighting over words. He was urging them to realize that the arguments were useless, not profiting anyone and they were only ruining those who heard them. Then, Paul says, as recorded in verse 15, "Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed..."

The Holy Spirit stopped me.
Which led me to ask myself, "Need not be ashamed of what?"
Do I need not be ashamed of being a hard worker?

As I asked the question, revelation came! I began to see this scripture more clearly!

When I am a good worker, working hard so that God is able to approve me, I will not need to be ashamed of foolish talk or useless arguments. I always thought that it meant I didn't need to be ashamed of being approved unto God. However, it is more so that Paul was urging Timothy for the people to 'save face' from looking like foolish idiots, wrongfully representing Almighty God!

I am reminded today that when I focus on myself on being approved by God; I can take a hold of His heart and be ruled by His heart to love others because of His glorious strength through me. As His strength goes through me, my actions and the way I talk will follow, revealing my pursuit of who I want the approval from...and that is from My Father God, The Author and Finisher of my faith!

"The Power of Remembrance"

2011-10-26T23:02:00.003-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by The Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old."
~ Psalm 77:11 ~

The constant wind within my heart that stirs the fiery passion for God is consuming.

I remember that specific day in 2004 being in a women's bible study. Every woman was asked to share a brief testimony of how they encountered a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The testimonies were incredibly amazing, revealing the power of God in ways the greatest novel could not romanticize.

I think back upon that moment. It was my turn to share God's testimony in my life's story. I had just surrendered my life to Jesus a year prior and there was a fiery zeal for the Lord that was exceedingly overwhelming. I can still remember that moment when one of the ladies I highly respected said, "O Teresa, that is so amazing. I remember when I had a zeal like that for the Lord. Just embrace it now, because one day that zeal will slowly fade away."

I was so taken back by this saddening comment. I was disappointed as I thought, "I don't want this trust and belief in God to go away."

It was a critical moment. Sitting in my chair, I felt I was the only one in the room. That was the moment I told myself, "I will not lose this passion for God, this is not a man made passion; this is truly God's passion through me."

I must say that upon looking back on this, I shake my head laughing remembering that very moment. I was intensely on fire for God, yet many times I allowed the burdensome, religious lies to come in as I became insensitive to others.

I call to remembrance that very moment which allowed me to be intentional in serving God in ways I never thought possible. I can see God's faithful patience over me as I have continued to grow in Him, which is a constant and continual process with His ability through me.

Incredibly amazed, the pursuit of God's heart is more than I could have ever imagined for myself. I believe the key was truly realizing that God gifted each of us who believe in Jesus. The power of God's Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us, in us and through us as we allow the Holy Spirit of God to lead us into all truth.

With that reminder and now, leading to right now, I was lovingly reminded of the moment I finally said, "Yes" to being rescued as I surrendered my heart to Jesus.

It seems that as I take a moment to look back on that momentous day; the falling in love with God is rekindled all over again. I love His reminders, so that as we remind Him of what we are grateful for; it is not only a passing thought of His goodness, but I remember that He is The All-Consuming fire that burns so fervently on the inside of us as we are powerfully reminded of Who He Is.

This dynamic tool of remembrance reminds me of how we can do the same for the ones we are married to. Many times the daily grind of life, the difficulties of life, and the what seems like 'mundane' routines of life can be a vice which can strain a marriage; especially when allowed. May we intentionally think back on the day we fell in love with our spouse. As you remind yourself of that day you fell in love, may it rekindle that love that has fallen asleep; and let the remembrance become the kiss that awakens the deep sleep of your love for one another.

Remembrance is also a great tool to utilize when it comes to our children. Even through the bickering, arguing, whining, crying, the tugging, the sassy'ness', and the abrupt disrespect, the daily vices that ware on our last nerves, may we intentionally remind ourselves to look back on the day we first met our children. As we remember, may it awaken the love deep within the reservoirs of our hearts as they come home today from school, or if they are in the other room destroying your 'Tupperware' cupboard, or clanging on the pots and pans. Perhaps they just started to drive to and from school. Wherever they may be, no matter the season of their lives; may we embrace them as we did the first day we met them.

Let us embrace our God and bless His heart to desire Him, because of Who He is. Desiring Him, to be more like Him and to run after Him! Let us utilize the tool of remembrance for God's glory;. The purpose is so that we progress, advance and proclaim through our lives and with our mouths the greatness of God!

Abandoned Yet Chosen

2011-10-24T09:27:00.005-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows-this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy..."
~ Psalm 68:5-6a ~

She stood before the mirror, staring at her saddened reflection. The thoughts entering her mind, whirling about at catacosmic speeds as she was on the brink of making the biggest decision of her life.

Torn by the news of her pregnancy, her mind led to the unknown experience of adoption. The thoughts invoked fear, which led to the 'quick fix' lying thoughts of abortion. The more she allowed that destructive thought to burrow into her mind, it dangerously became a 'logical' option. She would not only have to experience seeing her baby at the appointed birth, but she would not have to feel the aching pry from her arms as she delivered a beautiful gift into the world. The turmoil haunted her. The quick fix would have a more tragic outcome as she might hear haunting whispers of, "What was I suppose to be?"

As she warred with the decision of adoption and abortion; she knew that she could not kill the child growing within her womb. Suddenly, the nurturer, the warrior and the mother rose up on the inside of her and said, "I will see to it that my baby lives and does not die, and will be 'chosen' by a family who will see the desires of their heart fulfilled! Not only will this beautiful life live; but my mandate is to pray continually for my child. My beautiful gift from God, no matter how the baby was conceived, will live an abundant life in Jesus, revealing God's power in this earth."

I interrupt this with the thought of the many who have experienced abandonment in this life. Whether you were the one who abandoned someone, or the one who was abandoned. Perhaps you were adopted, and you have dealt with those real feelings of abandonment. It is a possibility that you are one who was treated worse than an animal, even left for dead. It may have been that you have experienced the life as an orphan, tragically losing your parents.

The circumstances are innumerable; but God's powerful love that king's cannot speak of, who can only weep from such Power, is before you in this very moment. Holding out His glorious hand, encouraging you with His desire that you receive His irrevocable, unconditional love.

We must rise up as the woman did who was at a crossroad in her life. There will be times where the decision on either side will be difficult. However, in our decision making, we must be a warrior for someone else, seeing life comes forth because of the obedient decision, no matter how incomprehensible the situation.

Will we receive the One Who allows us to dream BIG?
Will we receive Him, moment by moment, the One Who is Love?
As we do, how can we not be willing to share His love that is continually being lavished upon us with others whom He lavishly loves?
Will we lavishly reveal God's love, expressed through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, upon someone else who is in desperate need of God's love?
Will we be assistants in the breakthrough over another individual, who is similar to us, allowing them to see God's love expressed through a person?

I don't know what God has in store with the following, however, I am led to write:
If you have a dream, see to it that it is developed. In the development, do not be solely focused on the development of the dream, but envision the people who will be forever changed by the dream. Most importantly, to ensure you don't abort the dream, is a direct result of not giving up...in other words, as Nike's slogan simply puts it...just do it!

The 3 D's...Discover, Develop and Disciple!

2011-10-17T08:06:00.005-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has appointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce the captives will be released and prisoners will be freed."
~ Isaiah 61:1 ~

The sadness overwhelmed her. Yet, she arose out of her depression. The heavy dark cloud that consumed her for way too long; in a suddenly moment, disappeared.

The result was from the whisper she heard. The rescuing still small voice which beckoned her to come.
With hesitancy, yet with humbleness, she was brought to her knees.
In that moment, she heard the freeing words of victory:
"When you need encouragement...go and be an encouragement."
"When you want someone to smile at you...go and smile at someone."
"What you pour out; it shall, it will, for sure be reciprocated."

Our perspective is gained when we focus on the needs of others. I have found this to be truth. While the truth and the facts are different, the fact is that we can easily slip into depression, caught unaware and suddenly consumed is a reality. However, the truth is that the potential within us to praise God for Who He is, in the midst of our life is a weapon that we will not understand...yet, just know it works!

In this knowing, we realize by experience, it is not by our power or our might but by the Spirit of God that we can live a life of POTENT POWER to deliver us out of depression which causes us to see the potential; the POTENT POWER within ourselves and others to do the same and that is living in refreshment.

We know our focus - must be on God - we know this in our heads. But is it a revelation? Often times we know the 'right' answer, but have we experienced the 'right' answer?

What does focusing on God look like?
What has been your experience when you took your focus off yourself and placed it intentionally upon someone else?

These are questions to really ask ourselves.

When we see people as valuable, the bottom line will change.

I must confess, my passion in the 'someday' is to discover, develop and disciple people who manage companies to shift their management skills into managing people. The reason is because there is a discovery of great potential that takes place. The product does not move on its own, it is moved and consumed by people. In that discovery we find out the strengths within people are so great and can be utilized effectively in ways never imagined. Just imagine, we get to be a part of not only a success story, but a significant one!

For instance, you want to be profitable?
If you are a business man or woman, then, we can no longer see the 'product', the 'numbers' or the 'profit margins' as the bottom line. Instead, we must see people both within the company and the consumer as valuable and by default we will see the manifestation of those 'numbers' and 'profit margins' soar. When your people are soaring in their talents and gifts, everything else follows.

Do you know who the first person in my life to expose this truth was? My awesome, earthly Dad and the second is my 3D small group leader, Terry...and guess who they learned it from? JESUS CHRIST! He is the perfect example of leading people into discovering, developing and discipling others!

I have learned NOT to be threatened by someone's talents, but to constantly excavate that which is within them, because when they soar, so will I. Another lesson learned in life, is that when a manager leaves, and the place falls apart, this is not a compliment to the manager; it is sadly a sign that the manager has not empowered the people to lead.

We need to stop training people on the successes of others, but develop people in their own successes. We have done things the opposite of God's ways. For instance, God didn't provide a training manual for David based on what Moses did...He provided His significance upon David that was already in David, and as it was discovered, David developed into a man that has left a legacy based on his best in God...not Moses' best in God.

Finally, the summary of today's reminder is to focus on what God's focus was, is and will always be and that is on OTHERS! As the focus of what we need is shifted to what others need; our needs will automatically be fulfilled.

Remember, we may not see results right away; but realize that life is a marathon, not a sprint...this principle is applicable to every part of our lives; from raising children, to being married, building and maintaining relationships within companies. As we discover, develop and disciple from this day forward; watch our 'world', our circle of influence radically change!

Are You Protecting or Violating?

2011-10-14T08:30:00.002-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that His love has not been perfected in us. We love each other as a result of His loving us first."
~ I John 4:18-19 ~

"How dare you!" followed by the sound of a heavy slap across his face.

The quietness became louder than the disturbing slap. His whole countenance slumped over as though he died. All that remained was a zombie of 'going through the motions'.

Her loud cries of offense revealed the distorted perspective of her past betrayals. His quietness of frustration and at his wits' end, followed by the continual thoughts, "I can't do this anymore. No matter what I do or say, she is not convinced that I am true to her; that I love her."

Every attempt to cover her with his love; she rejects with hateful words, belittling him. She was a victim who is now the perpetrator.

She believes she protects herself; yet, she is a victim of none other than herself. The charge? Victim and perpetrator of theft and robbery.

She has robbed herself from the very act of love.

Not only has she robbed from herself, but also this man, her husband. He has been robbed in the act of receiving from her; a daughter of royalty, who only identifies with peasantry.

Is this you?

Have you been rejecting others unintentionally as you truthfully assumed you were protecting yourself. What you thought was protection was truly violation from receiving what is rightfully yours. Could it be possible that you may experience rejection? O yes!
But the risk is beautiful.
How could this be? It is beautiful because relationships are formed.
Will those relationships be hurt proof? Absolutely not...but you know what comes forth?
The beauty of getting to know another human being, who God knew before they were ever formed in their mother's womb. Enduring with them in love. Working through in love. Allowing love to triumph in ALL situations.

I urge and beg you and myself to break down the walls of seclusion and be vulnerable to one of the most beautiful gifts that God designed...the beauty of relationships.

Let us not slap the One Who loves us the most, by rejecting those He loves...yes, even the most unlovable. For I was once the one who many ran from...yet, I needed someone to run to me. When the 'Christians' had given up on me, there were good people in the world who God utilized to open my eyes to see my selfish ways.

I needed someone to say, "You are worth fighting for. You may drain me more times than you fill me up, but I am still here." I want to be the one who echoes the words of my beautiful Savior, the Lifter of my Head when everyone else saw that my head should remain hanging in shame. Praise God there was the One who spoke forth, "You are worthy". The shame I carried was from my own doing; but who will stand for the ones that I once was?

I am grateful for my parents and my sisters who truly loved me unconditionally...they didn't rescue me from myself; but they loved me in spite of myself.

Will we discover the potential within ourselves to love?
As we do this, we can then properly discover the potential within others, not rescuing them, but showing them how they can be rescued.
As we discover, we then develop others by the power of the One Who develops us...Jesus! This is true discipling.
We can then teach others how to discover and develop; constantly paying true love forward.

Imagine a little boy...scared...

2011-10-04T15:33:00.006-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

This was written to a friend of mine; and when I wrote it out being led by the Spirit of God, O how it ministered to me BIG TIME!

I Corinthians 13:13, Proverbs 17:9, I Peter 4:8

Imagine a little boy...scared.
He knows what he is suppose to do...but the distractions of 'right now' blind him. He feels alone.
He needs help.
But, doesn't ask for what he needs because of the fear of
"What if they think I'm weak?"

Surprisingly, many times this can be our husbands.

They are the provider,
the conqueror,
the one who extends the boundaries,
the one who is the husband,
the father,
the one who others work with.
They feel the pressure of splitting their time among
so many people and things as so much is required of them.

We must cover our husband with the same love we have so lavishly received from our awesome God.

Praise the King of kings,
so that you can encourage the king of your home.

Let us cover our husbands with love in both word and deed.

Prayer for Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani

2011-09-30T08:07:00.001-05:00

Father God in the Name of Jesus, the One Who Was, Who Is and Who Is To Come, we pray your uncommon protection over Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. Father God, I thank You that Your angels heed Your Word as they keep Pastor Youcef in ALL His WAYS! Father, we know that the prayers of the righteous avail much...we are not righteous on our own; BUT because of WHO YOU ARE!

Lord Jesus we pray as He is an Ambassador of Truth, that He shall not be touched...for we know the rights of any ambassador...their EVERYTHING is taken care of...if anyone touches an ambassador of this world, it is an international incident...so Father God, Pastor Youcef is much more than an ambassador of this world, he is an ambassador of Your Kingdom....so in this Truth, we thank You Lord that He shall LIVE AND NOT DIE, declaring the Works of You Lord! Father, we thank You that as the eyes of the world watch...may YOU INTERVENE...a thousand may fall at Pastor Youcef's side and ten thousand at his right hand, but it shall not come near Him. Father, He knows Your Name and He will not deny You and as He has not denied You, You will not deny Him. Father, thank You for your peace that surpasses ALL UNDERSTANDING as his family begs, interceeds, pleads with You to set Him Free!

Father, we Love you and this is a brother in You, Lord! In this Truth, we thank You Lord that praises come forth out of His mouth confusing the enemies and the songs of Your deliverance be sung out and declared right there, right where he is...may there be men and women who are near him who with zeal believe they are doing the right thing, may their eyes become unveiled and see that they MUST SERVE JESUS CHRIST! Lord, encounter these people like you did with Paul as he was on his way to Damascus...God we pray a Supernatural, Heaven meets earth pardon over this man's life in Jesus Name!!!! We declare that You are God, forever and ever...As we complain about who wronged us, may we remember the ones like Pastor Youcef who are truly suffering for Your names sake! In Jesus Name. Amen!

Pastor Youcef's Sister in Christ,
Teresa

The One who could have...did not.

2011-09-28T10:41:00.005-05:00

TRIUMPHANT VICTORIOUS REMINDERS
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
(A re-post from May 1, 2009)

"So when they continued asking him, He lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."
~ John 8:7 ~

This is the scene played out in my mind:

The door swings open by FORCE as they are caught in the very act of adultery. She screams in horror as she not only knows her demise of death at this very moment but they are dragging her outside like an animal being led to the slaughter. As she screams she does everything in her power to hide her frail naked body. She kicks and screams, weeping with little dignity she had.

As they drag her, she tries to defend herself as the men pull her by the hair, and beat her, cursing her. She experiences one of the lowest blows of disgust upon a human being as she is spit on. I can just hear the 'stone' blood thirsty voices shouting at her, "You no good, waste of trash, you are a dead woman!" They throw her around like a rag doll, not caring that she might be someone's daughter, someone's sister, even someone's mother.

As they scream and taunt her, they throw her at the feet of Jesus. Their judgement setting forth her death sentence. They say with their noses in the air, as though they had never sinned before (John 8:4-11), "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?" They wanted to use this moment against Him, however Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, stone her. BUT let those who have never sinned throw the first stone!" He stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When her accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to her, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?" "No, Lord," she said. And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."

I love this story, knowing that they watched mercy unfold like they had never seen before.

I am intoxicated by Jesus' comment. "You who have not sinned cast the first stone." Yet, the only person who would have been able to cast the stone would have been Jesus. He was the only One who had no sin, who could have exercised His right to cast it. Yet, He did not. Instead He chose to mercifully take her hand, dust the dirt off her tear stained cheeks and I would imagine He took the cloak off Himself and wrapped it around her, embracing her as he held her head close to his chest, comforting her.

Something she had never experienced before, a warm embrace with no intentions of wanting her body in return, she received a pure embrace from God in the form of a man. She experienced unfailing love from someone who could have rightfully stoned her, yet He chose to stand up for her. He didn't embrace what she had done; He embraced her.

I want, need and must do the same. I want to embrace the hurting, even though they may be called the 'throw aways' of society or labeled as 'skum' even by the world. I must do as Jesus did. He is such a wonderful example of loving the person, BUT not the sin. For He is righteous and just.

Lord, I don't want to be the voice of condemnation when I was shown mercy and compassion. I want and know I must be the voice of love embracing the hurting, who long to know what it is like to be held for a moment finding out that nothing will be asked in return, resulting in change for the better.

This life must be about paying it forward to someone else, the love that was shed upon me must be revealed over others because of my Source of Love, Jesus Christ.

What was it like the day after Jesus saved her?

2011-09-28T10:15:00.003-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
By: Teresa Criswell

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified."
~ Isaiah 61:3 ~

From yesterday's devotional, I ponder the woman that encountered Jesus as she received her pardon from the sentence of death by stoning. I would like to wonder what became of her?

The touch of His gentle, strong hands, by The Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. Was she grateful beyond her wildest imaginations?

I imagine that as He held her close to his chest she was forever changed. Wiping the dirt from her tear stained cheeks as she uncontrollably wept. Experiencing His unbelievable, indescribable mercy, He looked at her with those piercing eyes of love placing his hands gently under her chin as He lifted her downward head that for most of her life had only seen the ground as she walked in shame. I would love to imagine that He said, "I am the lifter of your head, you go and love others the way I have displayed My love towards you."

With the cloak of Christ that was wrapped around her; hiding her frail, naked body, I believe from that day on she had a different walk. She saw the path before her. It was all brand new to her. It was as though she saw for the first time. The market filled with vivacious colors of the fruit and vegetables on display, the sky beautifully revealing the majestic, glory of God.

I imagine this scene the day after her encounter with Jesus:

Morning came. She awoke. Yet, this time, there was no man sleeping by her side to fulfill the void within her heart.

She was awake! This time with a smile of gratefulness.

She inhaled and exhaled on purpose, no longer holding her breath in shame. She rose up from her bed imagining she would have a new garment to wear. As she turns she notices something. She places her hand on her mouth in shock as she sees a beautiful white dress carefully draped over the stone chair. She was stunned, for the only garment that she ever wore was a heavy, black, dress that revealed who she was...a prostitute. The dress she had worn long enough had reminded her of her life of mourning. Yet today her garment was different.

She ran to the stone chair and hurriedly placed the new dress on herself. She surprised herself as she giggled. She was taken back by the sound of her own laughter. To hear pure laughter ringing in her ears was a refreshingly yet foreign, delightful sound that came from her own voice.

Her heart led her mind to the thoughts of yesterday. She thinks about this amazing man. A man like no other she had ever encountered. Her Jesus, who forever changed her life in history. She thought to herself, "No one had lifted my head like that before. I know what that word means now, the Word called Love. That's Him, He is love!"

She dared with boldness to open that door to the world outside her house. She was ok, no matter what they would say or do, she experienced His love and that was all that mattered anymore.

As she stepped foot into the world outside her house, she noticed the beautiful creation around her. She remembered the past when she only remembered seeing things in a gray tone before her encounter with Him. But today she sees everything in 'technicolor'; the colors so beautiful and breathtaking.

As she walks by the people in her village, she hears them snicker and whisper with sarcasm, jealousy and disgust, "That's her, she's the one who deserved to die and that Jesus who calls Himself the Son of God, let her live. Look how she walks now. I can't believe she can lift her head so high. She is a whore, yet she acts like she is a virtous woman, HA! I wonder who got her that dress?" As they mockingly laughed, making fun of her.

I believe at that moment, she looked at them with eyes of love even in that moment. Like the Man she encountered, she smiled at them with compassion. They were shocked and insulted realizing that shame had no chance.

I would have to think that there were others who would look from side to side with caution to see if anyone was watching as they ran to her. They had to know as they asked her in desperation, "Why are you different?" In that very moment, with her mouth, she was able to reveal that she was redeemed, and she had to say so! She was able to have the oppportunity to share as she might have said something like this, "I had an encounter with my Lord, He freed me from my death sentence..."

As she shared her encounter with Him, those that knew of her, wanted what she had. They had to have this life-altering encounter with Jesus, no matter what the cost.

This leads me to ask, "Lord, do those around me know that I have encountered You? Have I continued to lift my head, when You lifted it the first day I met you? Or, do I still walk in shame? Do I walk in Your freedom that You so lovingly provided? I want to be grateful as I display your love Lord, not just by my actions but also by my words of love. Help me Father God, let me walk in daily rememberance the day I encountered you.

Will the world run to Jesus by running to me as I display the freedom I have in Him?
I desire to be like her after her encounter with Jesus; forever changed by THE ONE WHO IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER!

2011-09-26T10:41:00.002-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
Feedback comment by: Kristen Eggers

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (atonement) for our sins."
~ I John 4:10 ~

Need to be inspired?

Then, you're right where you need to be...
You are an inspired thought from God as He placed into this earth to reveal His glorious beauty!

Do we need inspiration?
Then, we must inspire ourselves to inspire someone else because God first inspired us!

Do you need encouragement?
Then, we must encourage ourselves to encourage someone else because God first encouraged us!

Do we feel the need to be loved and appreciated? Then, we must love and appreciate the gifts within us that are from the Lord so that we can love and appreciate the gifts of God within others because God first loved us!

Please go to the following link that inspired me this morning. It is feedback from a very dear sister in the Lord:
http://godisenthralledbyyourbeauty.blogspot.com/2011/09/inspired-feedback.html

What are we nurturing?

2011-09-17T07:06:00.006-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"The Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have. But what I do have I give you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."
~ Acts 3:6 ~

Beginning in verse 1 of Acts 3, the setting brings us to a man who was born lame. He was carried daily to the gate of the temple called, Beautiful. The purpose for his being carried by others to this place was to collect alms from those who entered in. As this man saw Peter and John entering into the temple, he had also asked them for alms. Peter then said, "Look at us." As the man turned to face them, he expected alms when Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have. But what I do have I give you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."

This story leads me to what the words I awoke to this morning, "Nurture only warts the problem..." I was stunned and quite frankly upset. I thought, "No, 'nurture' doesn't do that; that can't be true."

As I prayed about this, I said, "How can this be?" That is when I heard more, "What are you nurturing?" I began to think about this poignant question. I realized, "O my goodness, I see it more clearly Lord." The Lord was helping me to distinguish the "what" to the "who". Does that make sense?

Let me further explain. Notice the man who was born lame. He was carried daily by one or more people to the gate of the temple to collect alms for himself. The people really thought they were doing what was right. Upon this eye opening moment, I realize that when I nurture the "what", I am not focused on the person, whether it is me or someone else, I am focused on what the need is, versus the one who needs. Notice how Peter addressed the true need, it wasn't the alms that he truly needed; it was the potential of healing that was within him. Peter addressed it immediately and then with boldness nurtured the man's need to walk. He walked away that day no longer lame but whole.

Praying more about what I had awoken to, only confirmed what was being brought to the light. Terry, our small group leader was helping us last week to distinguish the difference between what small group focuses on and what it does not focus on. The tool that small group provides is to focus on discovering the God-given potential within people, developing them to become leaders by the power of His Holy Spirit and His Word. As they discover they are a leader, they are then able to disciple their nation (sphere of influence) by the power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word. It was an eye opener to realize that small group is not about discovering potential within a program, developing a program and then discipling others with the program. We as a whole must shift from developing programs to developing people.

When we nurture a program and not the people involved in the program; we only cause the issue that people are dealing with to fester; causing setbacks as they continue to experience the vicious cycle of defeat. The program draws the people with their issues; but it doesn't draw the 'defeatism' from the issues out of the people.

I am reminded that Peter no longer nurtured the man to remain in his state of being lame; but he nurtured the need for this man to walk away from his state of being lame. By God's Spirit and the authority of the name of Jesus, Peter knew to draw the issue out of this man as he experienced what the 'program' of alms never provided; the ability to walk.

The rest of the word came to me, the word that I had awoken to was 'buttoned up' like this:
"When I nurture people's problems, it only warts and glorifies the problem. However, when I nurture people, they become thrivers in their discovered God designed destiny. Take notice! God does not nurture sin; but He does nurture the person with the sin. He calls them forth as Redeemed, Liberated, Victorious, Free, Triumphant and Restored because of what He has done."

We are His!

2011-09-13T07:44:00.003-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

Micah 6:8

This morning, I have been reminded of the call within each of our destiny's.

My destiny must be assisted by The Holy Spirit and what is recorded in Micah 6:8, "What is it the Lord requires of us? To do what is right (no matter the wrong that has been done to us), to love mercy (as though it were the air we breathe), and to walk humbly before our God (the Awesome Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and The End. As I am reminded of Who He is, there's no room for pride or haughtiness. The reason is because of His glorious Majesty puts me in my place of my nothingness without Him!

We are His beautiful daughters.

The King's daughters.

What a powerful knowing...WE ARE HIS. HIS DAUGHTERS!

As His daughters we must reveal the King! Not the peasantry life we were rescued from.

Let us allow this reminder to lead us in doing what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly before our God; Who just so happens to be our Daddy, our King! This is where I scream...Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

He used a necklace to share His great love?

2011-09-09T23:00:00.005-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell

Romans 8:38-39

Ann had a great thought, "Go into the store and you will find some great deals." She warred with her thoughts, thinking, "Yeah right", yet walked in anyway...and as though she had a shopping epiphony...there they were...confirmed deals galore!

She found three beautiful necklaces; $1 each...yes...$1 each! The price and the necklace were a beautiful contradiction, to say the least. Ann thought, "Wow! I know if I received these necklaces as a gift, I would really like them. These will make great gifts!"

After making her gorgeous, yet, more than affordable purchase, she walked out of the store, and began to crave an ice cold frappucino, filled with java chips and a pump of rasberry topped with whip cream and chocolate syrup. The very moment she craved it, she knew it was meant to be...LOL! Right there before her, stood none other than...you guessed it...a Starbucks!

Upon ordering her amazing drink, she walked over to the condiment station to grab a straw, when she heard in her spirit, "See the blonde girl in the corner? Give her one of those necklaces." Ann thought, "Really? Well, ok." She opened her bag, carefully opening the wrapped necklace, peeled off the price tag and folded it gently back into the tissue paper.

As Ann was about to approach the young lady, she noticed that she and a gentleman seemed to be in a deep conversation in which it almost moved her to turn around and say, "Maybe not." Simultaneously as she was tempted to walk away, she knew what she must do; interrupting their conversation she gently said, "Excuse me, I apologize to interrupt." The man turned with a puzzled look, then a smile as she with a smile and yet hesitancy said, "That's fine." Ann continued, "I know this seems awkward, but I feel led to bless you with this necklace, God bless you." As Ann was about to walk away, the man seemed dumbfounded. He asked slowly, yet with a gentle smile, "What moved you to do that? This is so amazing, we were just talking about this very thing. What you have done means more to her than you know."

Ann, choking back tears said, "My husband and I have been blessed; not extravegently, but we have been blessed and with all that is going on in our community and in this world, I must reveal the God kisses as much as possible."

He shook his head in amazement and said, "You have no idea what this means." Ann also shaking her head in disbelief, placed her hand on her chest and said, "I'm going to cry." She couldn't believe that God was allowing her to be a part of such a moment.

In that moment, Ann leaned over introducing herself, she found out what the young lady's name was. Ann couldn't believe what was happening next. She squatted down to her level and said, "May I pray with you?" When the young woman replied with gratitude, "Yes", Ann gently said, "You do not have to tell me what is going on, for God already knows", and she proceeded to pray, declaring that which the Holy Spirit knew which was beyond significant.

Ann told me that as she opened her eyes after praying over this young lady, she witnessed this handsome man; muscular build, with a barbwire tattoo on his left arm, had tears streaming down his face.

He was moved by God in this experience that Ann got to be a part of, and I got to hear about; and what did God use? Yes! None other than a dollar necklace.

This testimony of God's love through a small monetary thing moved me to know, that He wants His message of Love to be spread; especially in ways that we could never imagine. I am reminded of God's unfailing love and how truly NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING shall separate us from the Love of God!

I am reminded today that what we may think is insignificant; God will mess us up and show us His powerful greatness even through the smallest things that we would deem not usable; He not only uses but reveals His great love through what we call nothing in His everything!

Enamored!

2011-09-01T10:06:00.001-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock."
~ Isaiah 26:3 & 4 ~

I believe this scripture as recorded in Isaiah says it all. Verses 3 & 4 are part of a song of praise unto the Lord that was prophesied would be sung by everyone in the land of Judah.

Our God is so Awesome! We are surrounded by the walls of God's salvation as stated in verse 1.

I do not have words to articulate such power as I am humbly awed by God's glorious, incredible presence.

The only words that come forth, are words that form sentences of powerful questions.

Do I truly know Who I am allowed to worship?
Am I enamored by the One who bids me to come into His glorious embrace?
Does this knowing move me to a place of humbleness?
Does that place of humbleness move me to reach out to others with His glorious love?
What about the ones whom I deem undeserved?
What about the ones who struggle in their walk not knowing the power they walk in?
Will I judge them in their struggle, turn my nose up in disgust and walk away?
Or will I stop and by God's Spirit be impressed as I have been impacted by God's glorious love to assist, love and pray with and for?
They are not the only ones who struggle; for don't we all? I know I struggle. Now I may have strengths that others don't have; BUT I am humbly reminded that OTHERS have strengths that I don't have.

We are a great and mighty force by God's Spirit to be reckoned with in this world...we may have heard this, but do we know it?
Do we have such a revelation of this power from God that we could not be convinced otherwise?
Are we moving and seeing that power revealed that it shakes the foundations of the earth as the earth applauds His glory?
Do we know our God and His power like we know our own name?
If someone came to you and attempted to convince you that your name was not yours; would you be able to confidently rise up and say, "No! My name is_____________!"

I long to get to that place with the power of God that is on the inside of me because of His glorious, Holy Spirit!

How can we know it, if we don't have a revelation of our amazing, awesome, eternal, glorious God?

Am I digging in the Word of God, the Treasure of all treasures?
I say I know Him; but am I living out what I know. It is not only what I know; it's what is revealed in the knowing as I get beyond the hindrance of self and into the freedom of our Glorious God and King!
I want, desire and long to be moved by Who He is as I read the many accounts in the Word of God of the ones who have gone before us. They were regular, sin-filled human beings; who were great at 'being human', allowing the God of the Eternal Universe to touch them in such a way that could move heaven and earth in ways they could never dare imagine!

My spirit is reminding my mind by the Word of God to trust in God Who will keep us in perfect peace IF and WHEN we trust Him as our thoughts are FIXED on Him! I must ALWAYS trust in the Lord, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock Who is more than worthy to be trusted!

The witnessed aftermath of a fatal car accident

2011-08-24T06:24:00.009-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
"O my God! There's an accident happening right now!" As soon as I heard my friend say it, simultaneously we saw a tractor trailer come up off the ground and back down. Debris flew every which way as the 18-wheeler slowly came to a stop. The front hood of the large truck was now twisted metal, barely connected. In that same moment, we noticed fuel streaming from the 18-wheeler and leaking out onto the four lane highway. Particles of tires, of what was left of them, sporatically laid throughout the highway.
As though it happened so fast, yet, in slow motion, many of us going west bound immediately pulled over and jumped out of our vehicles. A man getting gas at the nearby gas station, ran without hesitation into the road to assist the truck driver as another man ran closely behind. It seemed like a matter of seconds, these brave men were already attending to the truck driver assisting him out of the large truck as smoke was coming out, many of our concerns were, "What if the truck explodes?"

As we watched, many of us were running full speed to another vehicle. I remembered thinking, "O God, where is the other car?" A few seconds after that thought, there it was, the car mangled. My friend kept saying, "Teresa! Pray!" I continued to pray in the spirit and what came pouring out was One Name...The Name of Jesus! Over and over, Jesus' name flowed out of my mouth like a river. My mind and my spirit were not in unison. It was like experiencing being in a bubble, watching good samaritans immediately respond. I couldn't see anyone in the vehicle. I prayed that there were no children inside.
These many thoughts like a ticker going through my mind, yet, prayer was flowing forth. Suddenly, my eyes made out that a man was in the driver seat. The only thing I could see was the car crumpled from within and upon him. A good man, a stranger had hopped in the back of the mangled pick up truck, and continued to hold this lifeless man's head as he patiently stayed with him. My friend heard what seemed like an off duty, trained medical personnel calling 911, saying, "We have a trauma." Then my friend heard two people say, "No pulse" and then she heard someone else say, "I feel a faint pulse."
That moment of praying was surreal. Many of us watched people assist, people praying, a pastor and his staff from the church across the street from where we were got a call from my friend and they prayed with people at the scene of the accident. Firemen were on the scene almost immediately, placing their equipment on the pick up truck to remove the crumpled metal so that they could remove the victim. I remember the merciful peace where I stood. I could sense the Holy Spirit ministering to this man's spirit. I can't explain it, there is no 'Biblical' explanation; it was supernatural. As more emergency responders arrived, they were clearing us out, they had already closed the road down within at least a stretch of a half mile. Many of us were in shock as to what we had witnessed and experienced. We were shaking, yet intercession flowed through me even after that. I didn't understand what was being prayed forth, but I knew to allow it to keep flowing. An hour later, we checked online to find if there were any postings on the accident. That is when we saw more than one confirmed report that the motorist in the pick up truck was killed. All I remember after seeing the reports was the seared picture of this man's face before me. I was so numb as I continued to pray for his family. Then the thoughts of questions came, "What if he had children?" "A wife?" "Was he running a quick errand?" "What were the circumstances in his life just a few hours prior?" "Did he get to say, "I love you" to his family members?"
O how fast death approaches our fragile lives. I am continuing to be reminded to breathe in every breath with great intention. When I see my husband and children, I am reminded to breathe their fragrance in; inhaling life with joy, laughter and love. I am reminded to keep my eye on the Father God and not on people. No matter who those people are; good, bad or indifferent, just pray and love them with God's love.
Today, I am reminded of what we already know; and that is to make an eternal difference and be the first responders with the love of Jesus upon the hurting, broken and those mangled in the debris of anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness.
Let us remind ourselves with action that life is to be lived, to move, like a flowing river, effecting wherever it goes with great power; revealing God's glorious power.

Reminder of God Who is Faithful!

2011-08-20T09:58:00.004-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell

"If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself."
~ II Timothy 2:13 ~

I am so humbled as I look back. It is not regret of my past that leads me to this humbleness, it is the Awesomeness of God that has led me to repentance NOT regret.

I shake my head in awe as the recollection of self-inflicted pain, lies, manipulation, and gossip were what people associated me with. As I reminisce of those times; I am not feeling condemned, yet I am in awe of God's Majestic Love over my life in spite of who I was. I am in awe of God's great mercy over my life. I am truly overwhelmed that He saw past the wretchedness and by Faith, because HE is FAITH spoke forth and knew what He meant for me to become in Him and with Him through Jesus Christ.

I look upon this girl I once was. I don't see her as me, but as another person, longing to embrace her, then taking a hold of her, looking into her eyes and telling her there is more to life than that which she lives. I want to tell her the dreams that she can dream again, the love that she can walk in, and the truth that she can live in.

I am reminded of God's faithfulness even when I am faithless.

I love You my Father. Thank you for adopting me and taking me in as I was dressed in filthy rags made of sin as I was clothed in the spirit of heaviness and removing the burden of sin and replacing the rags with your robe of righteousness. Thank you for removing the ashes that I have given to you and for replacing it with much more than I could ever imagine, your wonderful, indescribable beauty. Thank You for the Oil of Joy as You took away the mourning and sadness replacing it with gladness in You, leading me to rejoice in You my God (Isaiah 61:3)!

August 20, 2011, "Surviving?"

2011-08-19T21:29:00.005-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

I Corinthians 13:4-13

To Do List for the day:
Wake up (Check)
Survive...Have you had those days where you only see evidence of barely getting by?

Do you feel like you're in a 'rut'?
Does it seem that if you were to describe your life in a form of exercise, it would be likened to walking on a treadmill? You know...the same place, same time, same scenery, just different day on the calendar.

How do we get off the treadmill of survival and into the life of right now? Can you imagine with me for a moment?
Notice the sky above you as the clouds seem to drift away in the majestic declarations of God. Notice the sounds of nature notifying all of creation who they were so intricately and beautifully created by. In awe as I walk, I finally see the souls who drive by in their vehicles. Who are they? Marvelling at the question, "What did God intend them to be?" Do they know their part in the destiny of God?

O how our God is so Awesome as He knows the number of our days on this earth. Will I live for His glory or for my own? Will I be one who declares the greatness of God, even when I don't feel like it?

These questions and thoughts remind me of my daughter who was moved to tears after hearing a song on KLOVE radio yesterday. When she heard the words, she pictured her dad longing to be home. I was amazed by her heart that revealed the heart of God as I saw that she wasn't concerned as much about herself missing dad, but she was moved by his pain of missing us.

In that moment I moved out of selfish mode as this learning lesson played out so beautifully. This 'classroom' moment opened my eyes to see that whenever I am concerned about 'my' feelings and 'my' wants, I can't see anyone else's needs but my own. What an eye opening reminder to realize how I can rob myself from being more concerned about others and being a part of their beautiful lives.

In all of this, let's go from waking up and surviving to waking up and conquering the things that God has called us to conquer. I am learning that I must conquer my feelings and grab hold of the heart of God as we connect with others in God's infinitely great, compassionate love.

Revised August 9, 2011, "How is your story being written?"

2011-08-09T12:33:00.002-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by The Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
~ Hebrews 12:2 ~

Anticipation.
Expectation.

The wonders of what we may encounter as joy and excitement are coupled with wanting time to stand still is an aweing thought that compels us to enjoy every waking moment with one another.

The moment we knew would come has met up with us in this dimension of time with rapid acceleration. We are so grateful to The Lord to have had a week full of memory bank moments, and the interest accrued is priceless.

Of course, in this week of great fun, I think of all the years prior made up of successes, laughter induced by happy times, great hopes and dreams fulfilled, and then the other moments that make up the 'DNA' of our lives together. The moments consisting of seemingly hopeless defeats, failures, tears induced by hard times, great hopes and dreams diminished by the crashing waves of 'right now'. It seemed as though the billowing waves swept away our life as a whole into the vast body of water, never to return. Until that life altering moment where heaven met earth as I finally said, 'Yes' to Jesus, my Rescuer!

Through the encounter of this week I am reminded of our short time on this earth. The acceleration of our time growing, enduring great pain, hardships, triumphs, failures, successes, love, betrayal, the losses, the gains. O Merciful God, I am learning that it all passes away.

A new chapter is written. What words will describe our time here on this earth?
Will they be words consisting of a love story between us and our Creator?
Will the words in our story captivate the readers, awakening a deep desire within them to follow The Great Lion of Judah?

These are questions to motivate us in this moment of 'now'.
Others are watching and reading our story unfold.
Do we have a predictable story of barely getting by, playing it 'safe' with religious ideas of our own and others?
Or do we have a story filled with passion for the One who is passionately in pursuit of us?

The Author of our story has a plot that we could never imagine being played out.
Will we allow Him to be the Writer, penning the story of great triumph in the midst of incredible defeats?
Will we allow Him to write the passionate love story of great adventure as He holds us and we hold onto Him?
Will we allow Him to see us through the victory that is readily available, being a victor as we follow after our Awesome God, The Author of all?

Let us awaken to the moment of 'right now' in Who He is and allow the pages to be filled with the revealing declarations of our Awesome God!

2011-08-04T07:36:00.006-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by The Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

1 Peter 4:8 and Proverbs 10:12

Do you have a hard time loving or even 'loving on' your spouse?
Not me, and the reason is because I don't get to see him often. The undeniable privilege to spend time with him, as not only my husband, but someone's son and my daughter's father is truly amazing.

This post is not to awaken condemnation, but to awaken a love and passion from you over your spouse. Don't wait until they are gone to long for them, let us long for them now. You know there is a sad saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder"...this is a fact, but it doesn't have to be the truth. May our hearts grow fonder even when we are together.

Faith goes hand in hand with love...and love which is God, covers a multitude of sins, including annoyances and ugly flaws. Thinking about this truth, I would only hope that my husband love me in that way with all of my flaws, insecure outbursts and annoying habits. Right?

Love enjoys and love believes for change but is compelled to love even before we actually see the change.

Husbands and wives, let us all embrace the gift before us and not reject what we once accepted; and that is one another.

Today my husband asked me to iron his pants and shirt, now mind you, I would have grumbled to myself, "Ugh! You know I don't iron, you are fully capable to iron those yourself." My assessment was correct, for the facts are, I am awful at ironing and my husband is fully capable of this task, however, the facts are one thing, but the truth is that there was a shift in my outlook and attitude. I was immediately reminding myself that he is a hard worker, has made many sacrifices and has been obedient to God to do his best to provide for us, his family. My outlook and attitude became the vehicle to get me to the destination of appreciation. This time when he asked me, I said, "Yes! I'm honored that you asked," and then I giggled with delight.

Do you know how great it felt to say it and do it? I thought, "What if I never get to assist him again?" Now please understand, my actions are not based on potential regrets...but if it's a motivator in the beginning, then so be it...however, if it's only based on that, it won't last and it will be a continual drive from fear and not faith.

Our actions must come from a deep, provoking hunger to love with the Love of God. I must remember that in God's great love for us, He always hopes for the best as He is full of faith towards each of us, yes, especially when we blow it. When we blow it, we realize even more the importance of why we need our Redeemer Jesus to reveal the miracle working power of God!

As the cliches go...but true indeed:
"God turns our mess into His message of merciful love."
"God turns our tests into His testimony of redeeming power."

Please note:
This principle of loving and respecting our spouses is universal to all types of relationships. Now I must add that if you are going through an abusive relationship, you can love, pray, faith and speak life over, yet be confident that with God's wisdom and provision and letting integritable people know, God will make a way to escape. Please know I am not advocating divorce, but I am an advocate for God's wisdom and His provision of safety over both His sons and daughters!

2011-08-02T22:47:00.003-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by The Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life
in all its fulness."
~ John 10:10 ~

How is it that we get to be part of God's amazing, eternal story
here on earth?

There are numerous stories that consist of incredible, devastating
pain, grief, hate, and evil, and yet even in all of this
there is this vast, abundant power from God Who reveals much
healing, restoration, and redeeming stories of Who
He is in the midst of it all.

What are you going through?
Do you believe God is more than able to redeem your story,
unfolding His great destiny over and in your life even in the midst of
herrendous destruction?

At some point our healing is revealed when we shift our question
to "What are 'they' going through?"

However, am I willing to find out?

But, where do I begin? I keep hearing I can begin where He
began with me...His amazing, wondrous LOVE...loving them with His love, definitely
not my own. O, what a turn off that would be. Just thinking about my own
love in comparison to His is quite nauseating.

I am reminded to live for Him, and in doing so others will be led to
His amazing love revealing a dynamic, explosive, passionate life of enormous abundance.
This kind of living is like a compass leading back to Almighty God revealed on this earth
through Jesus and now revealed by His Holy Spirit Who longs to reveal Himself
To us, upon us and through us.

July 21, 2011, "How, Who and Wow!"

2011-07-21T08:12:00.000-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

Numbers 23:19-20

O to be reminded of God's great love for and over us.

Are you bewildered, awestruck and shaking your head in awe that "while we were yet sinners, Christ still died for us" (Romans 5:6-11)?

This truth for me is incredibly moving. To ponder this amazing, eternal, extravagent love shakes me to the core of my every aching part of being human.

"Really God? You love us that much? But how?" Here is the answer I received,
"The 'How' reveals the 'Who' which leads to the 'Wow'!"

As I sit here amazed, I am reminded of the prophet Balaam who was bid to come by King Balak, the king of Moab, to prophesy a curse against God's people. It is quite interesting that even through this dishonorable prophet, he spoke forth truth as he knew he would only be able to speak what the Lord would have him say. King Balak attempted to desperately pay and give the prophet whatever he desired for him to speak curses over God's people. Balaam even in his own shame would not receive the riches because he knew the power of God over the mediocre power of man. Balaam knew the power of God that it would be impossible for him to curse what God had blessed. These are the words spoken forth by the prophet,
"God is not a man, that He should lie.
He is not a human, that He should change His mind.
Has He ever spoken and failed to act?
Has He ever promised and not carried it through? I received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it..."

Isn't this amazing? Thousands of years later, we continue to learn from those who existed before us, the powerful reminder of our Living God.

I am reminded today of this truth...The truth still remains...
God cannot stop loving as He is Love.

He cannot stop being faithful, because that is Who He is; He is Faithful.

He cannot stop being Merciful,
for He is Mercy.

He cannot stop Forgiving,
for He is the Almighty Forgiver.
We as mere human beings may possess and even function in these beautiful attributes, but we are not what we possess. We are humbly who we get to be, because of Who possesses us.
We must remember that this promise is to everyone who accepts Jesus Christ as The Lover of their Soul, The Convictor of their hearts, the Savior of their souls and the Lord and Commander of their lives.

I am triumphantly and victoriously reminded that God is and does because He IS and ALWAYS WILL BE!

July 14, 2011, "Desperately Craving"

2011-07-14T17:50:00.001-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Seek [crave] first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..."
~ Matthew 6:33 ~

She desperately cries out to her Righteous and Just God, "Do you hear me, Lord? I long for You."

Her cries are immediately hushed as she is reminded of the mounting laundry, dishes accumulating in the dirty sink, the ever constant 'to do list', and the 'run yourself ragged' errands leading her to the reality of the right now as she is seduced from her desperate need to experience the intimacy that she so longs for with her Awesome God.

I am reminded by the uncanny 'tug of war' as our days are measured by time, yet Eternal God is not moved by our twenty-four hour time table; He is only moved by faith in Him as He hears His Eternal Word being echoed back with fervent declarations of praise.

As we attempt to stifle the cravings with the distractions of this life may we remember that the constant distractions that we fill ourselves with will only lead to the dehydration and malnourishment of our aching souls that can never be satisified by anything but The refreshing Holy Spirit of God.

I must be overwhelming enthralled by the aching desire of my God and King to run after Him, not growing weary; walking and not fainting as the waiting upon the Lord provides renewed strength (Isaiah 40:31).

I am moved with awe of my aching desire of Him, the One and Only Glorious, Infathomable God and King.

I love You Lord; I am desperately in need of You, as there are others who are praying for someone to love them, to show them they are loved. I need to be overflowing with Your love, not just for me but for others to receive what I have received so beautifully. I can not hoard what I have freely received from You, I must freely give from the portions of your eternal grace, a vessel that pours out with fervent passion.

June 26, 2011, "Forgiveness bringing forth Healing"

2011-06-26T07:26:00.004-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell
Excerpt from post on May 10, 2010

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."
~ Psalm 103:12 NKJV ~

For many who know me, please pray before reading this. I pray that you will not look at me differently, but see the transforming power of Almighty God over a woman's life who went against everything she knew and had been taught. The life I had lived was of great selfishness and vanity, a life with great void, not choosing to walk with God.

"I woke up late. I had RSVP'ed for the event that I was suppose to be attending at 10 am. It was now 9:45 am and I wasn't even close to ready. All the thoughts of, "How are you going to get there without being beyond late?" "The drive alone is 15 minutes." I thought,"Well, I'm not going then, I can't show up late." Yet, the pull on my heart to go was stronger than the arguing voice in my head. My daughter and I with great efficiency was able to get ready...of course it didn't change the fact that I would still be late. As we left the house, my mind was still warring with me, "You can't show up late...that is so rude." I physically shook my head as though it would cast the thought out and I turned on the radio to KLOVE and a song came on that I had never heard before. The chorus I heard was the following phrase: "This is where the healing begins, This is where the healing starts..." by Tenth Avenue North. I thought, "Lord! Okay, I know this is of You!"

I preface you with the above to confess that I am a woman scorned by her own choice to abort and murder more than one child from God. For many years I hid my choice with great shame. Because of the shame, I was never able to mourn over the sin I had committed and mourn over my children. My womb was to be a refuge for these lives, yet it became a place of horror and death. About two weeks ago, I confessed before some dear friends and women from my church as we were in an intimate setting, the horrific, shameful burden that I had carried. At that moment, God's healing allowed me to finally mourn over a regretful choice I made many years ago.

Before my confession to the women from my church, I had been invited to the first annual, "Born Into Heaven" Service held at Gateway Church. I was invited by my dear friend, Jennifer. I was beyond amazed to find out that the 'God Idea' had only been deposited into the hearts of the women two weeks before the event. God utilized these four women who all had experienced miscarriages and a still born birth. Again, their hearts were deposited with the healing of God to be made manifest on men and women who experienced miscarriages, still born births, a death of a child and women who had abortions. To hear the testimony of how everything fell into place for the event was beautifully amazing. All the centerpieces, refreshments, and gifts were all donated. It was a God Divine Service to comfort all who mourn!

I met a few women who experienced the pain in miscarriages, even some who carried their babies to full term, going through labor and finding out that their child had passed away. I was in absolute awe to see that their sadness was replaced with God's supernatural, overflowing grace and strength. At that moment, I remember how shame tried to come upon me again, knowing that many of these women desired to have a child and to receive their children as beautiful gifts, yet were unable to. The beautiful gift that they so desired, I treated as it was nothing.

That Saturday, I mourned what I chose to lose. I wept even more so to witness the women who revealed the grace of Almighty God on their lives. Each table had small stones laid out along with markers. We were told if we wanted, we could place the names of the children that had passed away, upon the stones. After writing the names down, we were instructed to place the stones into a beautiful glass vase. At that moment, I wept with remorse as I never knew the names of my children or who they were suppose to be. I asked with tears streaming down my face, "Lord, what do I write?" The only thing that came to me was to write down the number of children along with the sin of murder by abortion. After writing it on the stone, I wept even more. I rose up from my chair and placed the stone into the beautiful glass vase.

As I sat back down, I noticed the others who approached the glass vase. I was left in awe. I was amazed to see the husbands who wept and embraced their wives as they approached the glass vase together with one or more stones in hand. It was a beautiful picture of God's embrace especially through the sadness that they could never imagine going through, especially on their own.

Going back to my late arrival, a woman was speaking. One of the things that she had spoken that morning, resignated so deep within my heart. The analogy she spoke of was from a devotional written by Oswald Chambers. This is what she said, "Patience is more than endurance. A saint's life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says - "I cannot stand any more." God does not heed, He goes on stretching till His purpose is in sight, then He lets fly. Trust yourself in God's hands. For what have you need of patience just now? Maintain your relationship to Jesus Christ by the patience of faith..."

To hear this statement, was definitely a defining moment of the stretching process which represents growth. I realized that even in my sin, God wanted me to rise up out of the ashes of my shame. I realized that He truly desired that each of us must be stretched so that we can go further than we could ever dream of doing on our own.

Today, as I reflect on what I have been so lovingly forgiven of, I am greatly comforted by my God knowing that my children were born into heaven. I am so sorry to my children for allowing my womb to be a place of darkness and rejection.

I ask You Lord God, will you please tell my children how sorry I am? I am so sorry. I am so sorry that I robbed myself of getting to embrace such beautiful gifts. Thank you Lord for allowing me the gift in my daughter. Thank you for our Tristin. She is our inspiration from You. She is my inspiration to go on and lift my head, knowing that I don't deserve her...but You still allowed me to raise her, embrace her and celebrate her. Thank You Lord. Thank You! Thank You for your healing Lord that You have placed so lavishly upon my life!

To watch and listen to the music video, please scroll down to the bottom of this page and 'pause' the playlist...

Lyrics:
"Healing Begins"
So you thought you had to keep this up
All the work that you do
So we think that you're good
And you can't believe it's not enough
All the walls you built up
Are just glass on the outside

So let 'em fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now

This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

Afraid to let your secrets out
Everything that you hide
Can come crashing through the door now
But too scared to face all your fear
So you hide but you find
That the shame won't disappear

So let it fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
We're here now, oh

This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

Sparks will fly as grace collides
With the dark inside of us
So please don't fight
This coming light
Let this blood come cover us
His blood can cover us

This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

Reminded by a dog named "Hachi"

2011-06-25T15:46:00.006-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."
~ Isaiah 40:31 ~

Have you ever seen the movie, Hachi A Dog's Tale? Richard Gere, Joan Allen and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa are the principal actors in this amazing movie.

I saw this extraordinary movie for the first time today and I admit, I wept uncontrollably. To see the loyalty of a dog who was incredibly grateful to his master, portrayed by Richard Gere. The matchless gratitude of this beautiful animal towards his rescuing master was undoubtedly humbling. I was sadly reminded the lack of gratitude towards my God in comparison to this loyal creature whom God created.

This is an actual photo of the real life dog, 'Hachiko' who lived from November 1923 to March 1935 in Japan. You see, this movie is based on the true story of a college professor's bond with the abandoned dog he took into his home.

Pondering what I had just seen as the credits rolled before my eyes on the television screen, reminded me of a small glimpse of our powerful, rescuing, redeeming adoption story by God through Jesus Christ's beloved action of love poured out upon us, revealing the Love of God over our lives.

Truly think about this...I mean really think about it...Wow! We get to call our God, Abba Father. Incredible! Yet, even in this triumphant, glorious reminder of my redemption, I still do not wait upon the Lord as I desperately need to. What if I have to wait for days, weeks, months or even years? Am I willing to be obedient and wait? I cannot muster within my mind such a feat...a feat to wait!

O, to watch this movie as this dog waited for his master every day for the rest of his life was so heart wrenching. No matter the awestruck observer's who would watch Hachi wait daily for his master, they attempted to talk to this beautiful dog. They would say, "Hachi, he's not coming back". Yet, as though this dog could understand them, he wasn't moved by their gentle facts, he was ONLY moved by the true love of his master.

Are we more moved by the True Love of our Master? Or are we moved by the circumstances that seem to grow more dim, especially when we can't 'feel' His presence at different times in our lives?

A lesson learned today by all things, a loyal animal, a dog. O how amazing to see that God can utilize anything in creation that He wants to. His creation reminds us of His glorious love that craves to be desired by each of us so that we can live a super, overflowing, abundant life in Him, not missing out on the blessings that He so craves to pour out upon each of us.

Be reminded today that God truly desires His glorious presence to be revealed in and upon our lives in the midst of abandonment, hurt, betrayal, disappointment, and offense. Wait on Him...and watch His strength be revealed in the midst of the waiting.

June 22, 2011, "Overwhelming humbleness"

2011-06-22T06:39:00.005-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

Psalm 8

I am reminded with great joy the God we get to worship.
Our Awesome God of His covenant over the many human beings throughout our concept of time and history. It's quite overwhelming, isn't it?

I love it, The Most Famous One allows us to pray to Him without ceasing as He desires to commune with us without ceasing.

The amazing, awesome God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, the moon and the stars that are strategically placed with overwhelming creativity and order, desires our spirits to commune with His Holy Spirit.

As recorded in First Kings 8, King Solomon asks with rhetorical awe, "But will God really live on earth? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple I have built (I Kings 8:27)!" The Wisdom upon King Solomon as He completed the building of the Temple, led him to this wisdom that humbly overwhelmed him as he was constantly aware of his own great nothingness in the midst of God's eternal 'everythingness'.

Let us be overwhelmed today by His glorious awe.
We must let this realization overtake our minds.
When we are finally caught aware of our Glorious God and King, by default, we are unable to walk in pride, as we are humbled by His majesty.

Watching and observing the many people driving, walking, sitting and standing, may we be in awe of the spirit that each person 'houses'. Let us become aware moment by moment of our Awesome God, Who knew their spirit intimately before they were formed in their mother's womb. Let us help them find the Creator of their spirit, no matter if they smile, are kind, if they frown or are just plain mean, we must display with great love that comes from Who He is as their spirit overwhelms their mind and says, "This is what I have been searching for all of my life...YOU, GOD, YOU!"

Today, I am reminded to be a vessel of honor, set apart and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. I must be a rescuing reminder to those I meet to reveal The One Who saved us with extravagant humility...Jesus Christ!

Go in His wisdom and understanding as we do what the Lord requires of us.
When we become overwhelmed by the busyness of what we think our purpose is, let us truly get back to the fundamental reminder as recorded in Micah 6:8...our true purpose is to do what God requires of us:
* To do what is right
* To love mercy and
* To walk humbly before our God.

Scripture References:
I Thessalonians 5:17
Psalm 8:3
Jeremiah 1:5
II Timothy 2:21
Micah 6:8

June 16, 2011, "Decluttered to Restored"

2011-06-16T12:33:00.005-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Restore to me the joy of your Salvation and uphold me by your generous Spirit."
Psalm 51:12, NKJV

A few nights ago I had the opportunity to meet some lovely women as I was invited as a guest speaker to share some creative ideas on how to stage their homes. It was so amazing what the Holy Spirit brought forth as I prepared and spoke that evening representing my staging service, "Decluttered to Restored".

There seems to be a significant awareness that empty rooms don't remain empty. A few of the reality cleaning shows on television have manifested this truth. These homes become filled with 'stuff', as that stuff seems to fill up not only the room but also the boxes, bins of all shapes and sizes storing the owner's once upon a time, 'must' haves.

Upon preparation of what I was going to speak about in regards to staging, I envisioned an analogy of our rooms within our homes being likened to our lives. Keeping this principle in mind that an empty room does not remain empty allowed me to ask myself the question, "Will my life be filled with the clutter of destruction and sin? Or will I allow my life to be filled up with the beauty of our God, revealed by Jesus Christ manifested through the Holy Spirit?

When thinking upon this principle, I asked the ladies, including myself to carry this mindset into our home. Our home can become a reflection of what we have allowed the Lord to set us free from in our lives. The peace that suprasses all understanding revealed in the midst of our own created chaos can be manifested in our humble abode.

This realization led me to even the clutter we collect on the counter tops, our desks, or wherever else clutter seems to multiply. We take a day to straighten, a few days fly by and the once cleaned spaces suddenly collect more clutter. In this reality, it is a humble reminder that our lives are filled with moment by moment decisions to maintain our communion with God as we allow Him to restore our once cluttered hearts and minds.

I am reminded daily that He is ALWAYS present just as His provision in decluttering is present. So in this reminder, are we joyfully coming into His presence at every moment, committing our behavior, habits and decisions to Him? For me, I don't, like I would like to, yet what a beautiful reminder of how simple we can live a life of freedom by the unfailing recognition of our nothingness in His EVERYTHING'NESS'.

Have you ever hired someone to clean your home or organize your home?
What was one of the first things you did before they came over?
Did you stress yourself by cleaning your house?
I liken that to what we seem to do when we feel as though we must clean our lives up first before we can ever go to God. We will never get it perfect, however, we can know the PERFECT ONE!

Moment by moment let us exercise our decisions by going to Him. He is the God of rest and peace. When we allow Him to declutter, confidently know that He restores!

June 5, 2011, "Depressed? Offended? Discouraged?"

2011-06-05T20:02:00.005-05:00

Depressed? Offended? Discouraged? O, let me tell you...I sure have been. I must be real with you. My obedience to submit to God has been absent, leading to the 'praises' of what I am depressed about, of who has offended me and why I am so 'freakin' discouraged. I have tried to invite others to my self-pitied, depressing rants, but no one will join me. What the heck?

Well, praise God that no one has joined me, because I am incredibly wow'ed by Almighty God, The Most Famous One. I am wow'ed in great belief that God in all His glorious fame longs for me to long for Him.

Words cannot explain the incredible, indescribable, mind twisting awe that I have towards Him. I woke up this morning with a text from my friend Julie, who after a series of text messages of encouragement reminded me of what must be continually in my mouth as she pointed me to the Word by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As my mind for the past few days have overflowed with rehearsed hurts that I received, which I should not have, I was so beautifully and lovingly reminded by our God of this beautiful Psalm that David poured forth. This principle of praise is an eternal principle that applied over 4,000 years ago, and still does at this very moment. I was reminded so gently, yet powerfully of what must be continually in my mouth...the praises of God.

When the praises of God are continually in my mouth, then that is what is in the forefront of my mind and heart. The praises to God gives me the ability to cast down thoughts that need NOT be entertained for one moment.

Father God in the Name of Jesus thank You for Your Comforter and Strengthener of Your Holy Spirit. Father, I thank You for the tools that are readily available to each of us...the power of praise is essential as it allows our eyes to be fixed where they must be...on YOU! Thank You Lord for strengthening my brothers and sisters who are in need of this reminder. For some of us it is a moment by moment walk of praise, allowing us with Your grace to rise above the circumstances, proclaiming and declaring the power of Your God! I love You Lord, you are greatly to be praised!

May 29, 2011, Memorial Remembrance

2011-05-29T10:40:00.000-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell, May 25, 2009

"The Lord bless you and watch, guard and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; the Lord lift His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace."
~ Number 6:24-26~ Amplified Version

Grasped hands holding on hoping this moment will not end. Yet reality interrupts as their hands slowly slide apart. The hands of a wife and husband. I imagine a wife holding back the overwhelming emotions that she feels at this very moment. She tries with all her mind to capture this very moment praying it will forever be seared in her heart and mind. Her husband dressed in uniform as he represents his country but also his family. He slowly walks away as his body faces forward, yet his head still turned back looking at his wife; watching the tears softly roll down her rosy cheeks.

Suddenly, the door flings open as his children cry running after him, wanting to touch him just one more time. He swiftly turns back around, bends down with his strong arms open wide receiving each child as his shoulders shake uncontrollably. You can't hear him crying but you can see his whole body cry for the love of his family. I imagine that at this moment he will not allow pride to stop him from the tears that reveal he will miss his beautiful wife and children. The bitter moment of feeling his heart become heavy. He needs supernatural strength to walk away and say, "Yes" to his country.

I interrupt this thought to truly honor those who have served in the military known as our mighty 'veterans', the men and women who currently serve and those who soon will. I want to make sure that every person that wears a military uniform representing the United States of America is honored this beautiful Memorial Day.

We honor the lives that were not lived in vain nor did they die in vain. The vast wealth of life of the families who serve our country, "Wow!" To even think about it is humbling. As I type these words it reveals my freedom that our warriors of liberty and freedom allowed. Thank you for your sacrifice to you and your beautiful families. The amazing part is many of you do not look at it as a sacrifice but as an honor and a privilege. I thank God for all of you.

I thank you and God bless you as you truly are warriors of liberty and freedom. Gratefulness does not come close to describe how most of the country is grateful to God for your lives. I am grateful to God for each of you. I pray God who was revealed by Christ's life on this earth and is now revealed by the Holy Spirit; I pray his grace and peace be upon each of you. I pray His amazing protection over each of you in the Mighty Name of Jesus (Psalm 91).

I pray the scene that I imagined earlier will continue with this soldier coming back, placing his bags on the ground, inhaling the fragrance of home, finally embracing his family once again.

Thank you Lord Jesus for your Ultimate sacrifice yet your glorious resurrection in which we have eternal hope in, IF we say, "Yes" to your freedom and receive You as Lord and Savior.

Do I know my calling to worthiness?

2011-05-28T10:41:00.003-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace...be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
~ Ephesians 4:1-3 & 32 ~

This glorious morning I went on a walk, communing with God as He reminded me to pray over my block, echoing back His Word over the sidewalks, backed up by homes filled with lives in all sorts of situations, from brokenness, to ruin, and the familiar smells of hopelessness and despair. I was reminded to pray forth our Awesome God into the lives of those to bind up the brokenhearted, set the captives free and that the Liberator of hearts and lives overtake each of them with His glorious love accompanied with worthiness (Me and family included).

As I continued to walk, this question came forth from my spirit..."Do you know your calling to know and walk in worthiness?" Whenever I am asked a question, most likely I don't know the answer. So waiting to find out what I needed to learn in this classroom called, Life, I continued to walk with the wind compelling me to be in awe of God's Holy Spirit. As the awesome reminder of what has been bestowed upon me overwhelmed me, the following came forth:
"You have realized you are worthy, and that worthiness must compel you to see the value in others. Worthiness does not seek in pride what I believe is due to me or deserved, but it is truly about knowing my worth from God causes responsibility to rise up and out, valuing others and allowing them to see the worth that God sees and has destined for them to live in."

Today, I have been reminded with such overwhelming power that worthiness does not seek its own, but true worth is driven by Love who seeks to love others.

May 21, 2011, "Out of the mouth of babes"

2011-05-21T09:25:00.004-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Do you hear what these children are saying? 'Yes', Jesus replied. "Haven't you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, 'You have taught children and infants to give you praise'."
~ Matthew 21:16 ~

My daughter has been utilized as a mighty vessel of praise from the Lord and to the Lord. I had a major 'wake up call' this morning in my life. I caught myself scoffing and making fun of Harold Camping who sincerely believes that May 21st is Judgement Day with the Rapture of God's people taking place today. The compassion for him and his followers were absent until this morning.

My daughter came down the stairs and said, "Mom, let's praise God right now together." I looked at her with awe and said, "OK"! I had no idea what she intended to talk to the Lord about. She started talking to God and said these words,
"God, I love you Lord. I thank You for this beautiful day that you have blessed us with. Lord, I pray for the people who believe that today is judgement day. Lord, I feel bad for the kids who are scared and families that are broken up because of this whole thing. Lord, I know that no man knows the hour or the day of your return, not even the angels know. Maybe, this man forgot to read Matthew 24 and only read Revelation, he forgot to read a few pages of the Bible. Lord, I don't want him to be made fun of when today ends up being another day. Maybe he pressed the wrong button on his calculator. I've done that before. I pressed the minus button instead of the multipication button. God, please talk to him and to others so that he won't be made fun of."

She said so much more that just left me with my mouth opened and my head shaking back and forth at such wisdom from a girl, yet within her is a spirit that has no age, covered by the Holy Spirit of God.

Apparently, she had great concern yesterday when she heard from a boy in her class that he was going to go home and pack because of judgement day. She was really sad for him as she said, "Mom, I feel really bad. They are going to find out that when it doesn't happen, they are going to have to unpack."

Let us pray for these people who truly believe they love God, and are sincere in what they believe, and truly feel they are being persecuted for something God did not call us to be persecuted for...believing something He said no one would know...the day or the hour of His triumphant return!

I am reminded today by my daughter inspired by the Spirit of God, to let us love, not laugh at someone else's expense. We must pray for the many who are being led astray. Let us pray that they will hear the voice of The One True Shepherd, who is in no way a hierling.

To read my daughter's blog you can click here.

May 21, 2011, "Forgiveness"

2011-05-21T08:55:00.002-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell

Today's reminder is from two years ago...I pray you are blessed as I was.

"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop."
~ Mark 11:25 ~ Amplified Version

The thoughts of how her friend spoke to her, she rehearsed in her mind like a broken record. The more she 'nurtured' the pain, the more her face revealed pain and anger; unknowingly feeding bitterness.

Surrounded with beauty of her children and the love of her husband she would rather not give place to because her mind was so consumed with how she felt she was wronged. Legitimately, she had a 'right' to be angry, however, that right infringed on her joy from the Lord. It infringed on enjoying her beautiful blessings. Her life itself.

I am amazed when we don't hold a grudge against someone that perception has great life and most things seem to be seen with beautiful technicolor? The way you receive things are different. Yet, have you noticed that when we perceive things through pain and betrayal, nothing seems to be right? When you do hold a grudge or unforgiveness against someone, maybe due to betrayal, your perception truly changes. You tend to look at everything through the 'eyes' of betrayal, grudges, and unforgiveness. Leariness comes instead of compassion.

I believe that one of the many reasons why Jesus said, "When you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, drop it, let it go..." because He knows that when we stand with unforgiveness, we are unable to communicate in prayer with His perception, instead it is through our wronged perception that we 'attempt' to pray.

I believe praying is truly 'echoing' back what the Word of God says over a person or situation. Praying should not be 'echoing' back what has already happened, that's called re-hashing things, meditating on what has already happened only makes it worse.

Writing at this moment has allowed the Holy Spirit to convict me with a reminder of what I am called to do, whether I feel like it or not. I am not here for my own purpose, I am here for His. In that purpose there is constant growth, constant learning, constant reminding and constant changing before The God who never changes. Let us praise our God that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He remains the same as everything else is constantly changing. He is the only One we can trust to never change.

Today, I am reminded of what He has required of me. To do justly, to love kindness and mercy, and walk humbly before my God as I forgive others not holding grudges (Micah 6:8).

Finally, we must not confuse forgiving sin with forgiving others. We do not have the ability to forgive sin, however, we do have the ability to forgive the person by the Grace of Almighty God. Sometimes the hurt caused, allows forgiveness to be a tool to pray for that person or people and loving them with God's love, not our own. I must be reminded at times that forgiveness does not mean I have to 'hang out' with that person; but forgiveness is a tool that God bestows upon us so freely, that we must bestow on others.

Forgiveness is not mine. It has been provided for me, but not only for me but to go through me onto someone else.

It is about...

2011-05-17T23:31:00.002-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them and He healed their sick."
~ Matthew 14:14 ~
I must remember...
It is not about the power of prayer,
It is about the Powerful God to Whom I pray to.
It is not about the power of healing,
It is about the Compassionate God who is Healer.
It is not about our faith in healing that makes us whole,
It is about our faith in God that makes us whole.
It is not about the story that moves us to tears,
provoking our emotions and then getting over it.
It is about the tears provoking our emotions leading us
to action, revealing true compassion.
It is not about the promises,
It is about the One Who is the Promiser who provides the promises.
It is not about me.
It is about our Awesome God.
This life and the life to come is about The Creator of the heavens and the earth.
The First and The Last,
The Beginning and The End,
The Alpha and Omega,
It is about the One Who delivered me.
It is about My Deliverer, My Strong Tower, My Refuge, My Life and My All.
My God is the reason that I breathe,
The reason that I smile,
The reason I can laugh so hard I pee myself.
The reason I live is because He Lives.
The life now and the life to come is about the One Who Lives and is exalted at the right hand of the Father. It is...

Perspective revealed...

2011-05-14T01:40:00.004-05:00

"...Perfect love casts out fear..."
~ I John 4:18 ~

Have you ever sat in the movie theater and wanted to cheer for the character that captivates your heart? I have. I experienced this last night as my son and I watched Soul Surfer.

There was a scene in the movie in which the main character, Bethany, is in the midst of many teenagers and their youth group meeting, sitting and listening to their youth pastor show a couple of close up photography shots that take up the whole television screen. She asked the young people to guess what the pictures were. The answers from the teenagers were interjected throughout the scene as they gave their assumptions. When the still photographs were zoomed out, one frame ended up being a fly and the other frame ended up being a walnut in a shell; their assumptions were not even close to what was revealed. The youth pastor explained that what their assumptions were was likened to life. In life we sometimes see things so up close that it thwarts the real picture. Because of this, the youth pastor reiterated that there are many times when we must see life from a different perspective.

When Bethany's arm was suddenly and violently ripped from her body as she was attacked by a massive shark, her life became different in many ways. The one thing that remained was her tenacity to see life with beautiful perspective. Her perspective became more focused. Her life before and even after the shark attack was consumed with the obsession of surfing. However, when she went on her first mission trip, her perspective changed from the sport of surfing to the purpose for each of our lives to be consumed with true obsession, which is being consumed by the Love of God to be lavishly placed upon others.

In another scene of the movie, there were a few surfboards on the tsunami, ravaged beach in Thailand as they went on a mission trip. In one of the scenes, Bethany tucked one of the surfboards under her arm, and used the surfboard as a tool that God utilized to reveal new perspective as she woo'ed a little boy who was found a few days prior floating to shore after the tsunami had hit. He wouldn't speak, smile or interact with anyone. He was filled with fear in general, but was also fearful of entering the waters. but when she coaxed him into the water, he surprisingly followed Bethany and she was able to see deliverance of his fear of the water; and ended up enjoying every moment of hanging out on the surfboard with her. The fear over that little boy was washed away by the beautiful waters of God's love that Bethany was able to reveal over him.

I was strikingly overhwelmed with inspiration by Bethany's faith in God. As I watched a glimpse of her shaken circumstances squeezing her character, what came out revealed a young woman filled with optimism that God's plan was to take the seemingly impossible and turn it into possibilities she or anyone else around her could never have ever imagined or dreamt.

This unimagniative reminder of when we see issues of our life not panning out the way we planned; we must remember that our life is not over. When life squeezes us; we will truly see what is on the inside of us.

This leads me to the provoking questions of When the circumstances of life squeeze me, do I reveal my trust in God? Do I have a lot to work through? O yes indeed...yet, Bethany inspired me to be my biggest cheerleader over myself towards God and His plans over me to be a ministering laborer towards others.

Delivering flowers!

2011-05-06T06:21:00.008-05:00

"And now abide faith, hope, love; these three, but the greatest of these is love."
~ I Corinthians 13:13 NKJV ~

"It's all about love, love, love, love..." I hummed to myself.

It is, isn't it? It's ALL about LOVE.

God IS LOVE and for those of us who have received His LOVE FREELY; we MUST GIVE FREELY.

I have told a few, that my dream job is to deliver flowers. I tell you this, so that you can appreciate what happened yesterday. I was able to give an encouraging over a woman from Columbia. As she received the words of encouragement, she replied with a gorgeous smile, "Thank you for the flowers."
I laughed out loud and said, "What did you say?"
She said, "In Columbia when someone gives a compliment or a word of encouragement we say, "Thank you for the 'flowers'."

In that moment, not only was my day made, but I realized as though I received a, "God Wink", I'm living out my dream 'job'...I get to give 'flowers' in the form of love-filled words saturated in God's loving fragrance. Did you know this 'job' never gets tiresome? This is so amazing.

Let us saturate the 'world 'around us with the LOVE that we have freely received.
My own love is not enough, but HIS LOVE goes on for eternity.

True love looks past the faults and sees what is to become.
Genuine Love sees with genuine faith.
Genuine Love allows us to pray with genuine faith.
And Genuine Love allows us to see the spell broken over lives that would seem hopeless and wasted.

Some examples of how to saturate the 'world' around us with love:
~ An embrace
~ A word of encouragement
~ Cookies with a card
~ A small gift
~ A phone call

The list goes on...we can make a difference with the ONE who has made an impacting, eternal, indescribably, incredible difference in and over our lives...Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ Who is in us, is the HOPE OF GLORY for others to see and experience (Colossians 1:27).

2011-04-21T08:32:00.004-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
~ Psalm 46:10 ~

I'm driving with the harmonious flow of traffic when my mind takes me to the place in which my destination lies. The destination has me excited as I look forward to surprising my sister who lives in another city. I was imagining the stunned look of surprise on her face as I thought of the different, outrageous ways I could surprise her. Suddenly, my imagination was interrupted as I came back to real time, which was driving, slamming on my brakes as the flow of traffic came to a complete hault.

I felt that tinge of panic go through my body when I noticed the cars that were ahead of me, a few of them were actually turning around. It made me think, "How long have they been sitting in traffic?"

I was subtly being moved by what I saw at that very moment. I was moved by the many cars as far as I could see and we were barely moving; let me just say this, we weren't even crawling. The move to do what the others were doing became quite tempting, hearing in my head, "O, just turn around".

As I entertained the thought, I came to reality within a few seconds saying to myself,
"If I turned around, What road would I take?
I don't know an alternate route to the interstate."

In that moment, I felt as though I could hear the following sentence, "The traffic will clear in a few minutes, just wait. If you turn around, what you think is progress will actually be disguised as delay."

This situation caused me to think of when I'm moved by the easy flow of traffic in life.

Everything is going as planned, we will get there at this time, at this age, at this place and then *BAM* it never fails, what I planned it's knocked off course and an obstacle gets in the way.

We become moved by the traffic flow, versus being focused on God who leads us to our destination. When the circumstances of life seem to come to a complete hault, we begin to see people scrambling to action being led by fear of lack and the absence of what seems like no flow. Instead, I realized before I spring to action, I must bow my knees and my will to the Wisdom of God that will reveal His plan, reminding me that by waiting, I will get through, listening to the still small voice and remembering, "If I am still, I will know that He is God."

I am reminded yet again,'if' I do it, determines what I truly will see and experience and that experience is knowing that He is God! I no longer want to be moved by the ones who turn around because it seems everything has come to a screeching hault, but I only want to be moved by the One Who allows me to turn to Him.

April 17, 2011, "My Kindred Spirit and Sister Whom I have Never Met"

2011-04-17T07:27:00.005-05:00

Trimphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

My friend Julie walked into my house, placed a book on my counter and giggled. With excitement when I realized what book it was I burst forth with gratefulness! Embracing my friend who loves me so much, I ended up getting so excited I attempted to climb her as though she was a tree and I was a monkey! Yes, classy I know, but hey, I couldn't hold in the excitement!

Anyways, the past couple of days, I have been drawn to the author of this book. Little did I know the history of the book or the author whose name was L.B. Cowman. She lived in the late 1800's through the early 1900's.

The book is called, Streams In The Desert. To read a brief history of how the book came about was during a time of sadness and watching her husband over six years slowly slip away until he passed away. This book sprang forth during L.B.'s time of heartbreaking experiences. She was a passionate woman after the heart of God and this book reveals her passion for God so beautifully. Her book was published in 1925 two years before the famous Oswald Chambers had his book, My Utmost For His Highest published in 1927.

Being that their manuscripts were written in 'raw' English, Jim Reimann with the power of the Holy Spirit was able to translate these books into a modern, easy-to-understand language that brings forth abundant power, bringing the words of the original authors back to life, as though we can hear L.B. Cowman's and Oswald Chambers voices in this dimension of time.

Today, I desire to share an excerpt from "Streams In The Desert" from February 20th. The following excerpt jumped from the pages as confirmation to what I have been hearing in my spirit for the past couple of years:
"We are able to have as much of God as we want. Christ puts the key to the treasure chest in our hands and invites us to take all we desire. If someone is allowed into a bank vault, told to help himself to the money, and leaves without one cent, whose fault is it if he remains poor? And whose fault is it that Christians usually have such meager portions of the free riches of God?"
Alexander Maclaren

This is so powerfully written and said. When I read this over and over again, it made me thirst for The Living Waters more than I could have ever imagined.

I urge all of us to thirst, pant, and drool for Jesus Who is The Living Water, revealed by the powerful Holy Spirit of God. This Fresh Water will never run out. Don't just get splashed and run away; be drenched. Hold out your arms, lift up your head, stick out your tongue and bask in the powerful burst of effervescent waters that spring forth from the Holy Spirit of God! Let us saturate, soak and bring others to the fountain of Living Waters, hearing the giggles of joy no matter the circumstances of life, for He is God and there is no one else like Him!

Julie, thank you for your sensitivity to the Lord's bidding to introduce me to L.B. Cowman. I am in awe of a sister in Christ whom I have never met, yet even so, L.B. Cowman is my kindred spirit and sister in Christ. I long to love my Father God as she did. What I love about L.B. the most is that her writings did NOT ask the universal question, "Why me, Lord?" Instead the passionate question revealed in her writings were this, "How deep can I go with You Lord?"

Her writings revealed her unwavering faith when everything else was shakeable, her faith remained unshakeable in our Awesome,Indescribably, Unshakeable God!

"I Don't Know How...But I know WHO"

2011-04-14T09:15:00.004-05:00

"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
~ Psalm 119:105 ~

I was overwhelmed by the Greatness of our Awesome, Incredbily Powerful God as I read Exodus 14!

Are you ready for this?
No really...this question I ask is not a cliche.
Are you truly ready for this?

Can you imagine 600, yes 600 of the best chariots and then some more chariots along with horses, horsemen and troops pursuing you?
What about the mighty sound that would echo and quake the earth below you as you tried with great effort to run from death that seemed to be approaching at great acceleration?

What if in that moment you were told, "Do not be afraid"? If we're told 'not' to do something, we normally do it, don't we?
The 'carnal me' would say with my finger waving, "Excuse me? Do you not see what I see?"
Yet, this very statement was made through the mouth of Moses. He said, "Do not be afraid..." after the Israelites were filled with fear and despair of what they saw overtaking them, they said, "Were there not graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us?" (Exodus 14:11-12).

I burst out laughing when I read what they said. I felt so bad for Moses. He had to lead these complaining, unbelieving murmurers. Yet, it is a reminder that even today, we are no different, if we aren't careful.

There are some things I noticed as I read chapter 14:
1.) God commanded Moses to ensure the Israelites were in a specific geographical location (vs. 1- 2.)
2.) God knew Pharaoh's thoughts (vs. 3).
3.) God has the ability to harden and soften hearts as he did with Pharaoah(vs. 4).
4.) God will receive the glory for Himself so that they will know that He is The Lord. (vs. 4).
5.) God used the mighty things of this earth, with the best military as referenced in this chapter and made it into nothing in comparison to Who He is and what He is clearly and indescribably able to do (vs. 9 and I Corinthians 1:18-21).
6.) God appointed a leader who knew that to fear the Lord was far better than the justifiable fears of death. Moses knew God so well and said, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring to you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (vs. 13 & 14).
7.) God told Moses the what and the how (vs. 15-16).
8.) God's angel who had been traveling in front of the Israelites withdrew and went behind them (vs. 19 and reminds me of Isaiah 58:8).
9.) The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them (vs. 19).
10.) The Israelites crossed over all night long (21).
11.) At daybreak the sea went back to its place when Moses had done what the Lord commanded him to do (vs. 26-27).
12.) Not one of the enemies survived (vs. 28).
13.) The Israelites saw the incredible power of God (vs. 31).
14.) The Israelites feared the Lord (vs. 31), not only with a 'cliche'ish' reverential fear, but a fear that would cause us to die if we saw God in ALL His glorious power. Truly an 'afraid' fear.

Can you imagine seeing the majesty of God in ALL His glory? No wonder everytime an angel of God came to someone, they would say, "Do not be afraid". The encounter of seeing a mighty angel would cause anyone to be scared. Now, that is just an angel we're talking about ~ now what about God Himself? Wow! When our circumstances are crying out, "Lack, lack, lack" "Death, death, death" May we shout back, "I don't know how, but I know WHO will deliver me to victory and He will lead us to the how."

Notice when you unscramble the word 'how', it turns into WHO! Haahaa! I got that this morning...silly, I know, but it got me good! I pray you're 'gotten' and smitten by our Incredibly, Awesome, All-Powerful God! Let us remember with great passion to Whom we get to serve!

April 5, 2011, Do you know?

2011-04-05T09:43:00.007-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell Do you know that God is Enthralled by Your Beauty? Please click here to find out more...

April 4, 2011, "Declarations of Awe"

2011-04-04T03:08:00.005-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Then Hannah prayed and said: My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God..."
~ I Samuel 2:1-2 ~

Father God, in the Name of Jesus You are highly exalted.
Without Your Holy Spirit I cannot declare the applauding unctions that desire to flow from my belly like a rushing river that has been held back by the 'dam' of my humanity.

My desperate declaration is the same as Hannah's:
There is no one like YOU...no one besides YOU!
No one! No one! No one!

I praise You Father for You are beyond Glorious,
the heavens dare not contain Your glory!
I laugh in awe as I have attempted with great failure to contain You
for my mind cannot fathom such a Mighty God!

Creation declares Your glory.
Creation brags about Who You are.
Creation proclaims the Glory of You The Creator.
Creation broadcasts for all to see the glimpses of Your Majesty.
The moon, the stars, the galaxies reveal a glimpse of You;
The Most Glorious One.
You considered the moon and the stars and O how they consider You.

God! You are patiently merciful.
Your grace equips us to overcome!
Your mercy equips us to live when we deserve destruction!
Your love overwhelms.
Your love reveals You.
God! You are amazingly incredible;
indescribably overwhelmed by You, I sit here in awe.

My mind cannot wrap around such beauty revealed by You.
My mind is powerful, yet even its power it can not behold the incomprehensible YOU! You were there when...
You were there when I attempted to deceive myself that I was all alone.
You are here.
Your presence I cannot escape.
I love you my Father.
I love you my God.
I love you The Most Famous One!

Thank you for pulling me out of the pit of prositution.
Thank you for pulling me out of the pit of despair.
Thank you for pulling me out of myself.
To be healed I had to turn from me and desperately had to turn my face towards YOU.

When I focus on me, my heart will only grow colder.
Yet, the anecdote to refocus is to remain fixed on you.
I mess it all up; and yet You the Redeemer, redeems me from me.
You are Redeemer, you cannot help but redeem.
You are Creator, you cannot help but to constantly create.
You do not grow weary.
You hold fast and You are full of faith towards each of us...no wonder you are called FAITHFUL!

I am Your daughter and You are my King and to You I am grateful!

Scripture References:
I Kings 8:27
II Chronicles 2:6
II Chronicles 6:18
Psalm 8
Psalm 40:2
II Timothy 2:13

"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"

2011-03-31T12:34:00.003-05:00

I had to share this fun video of my daughter's 'flash dance' at Pizza Hut from last weekend. These girls had so much fun being silly. The theme of my daughter's birthday party was '80's..."Girls Just Wanna Have Fun". They did, and so did I!!! We hope you have some good laughs as you watch!

March 30, 2011, "God is Steadfast"

2011-03-30T14:43:00.005-05:00

Click here for today's devotional. This devotional was written a year ago today!

March 28, 2011, "Revelation through Intimacy"

2011-03-28T00:23:00.006-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell

"Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry."
~ Psalm 88:2 ~

I want to encourage you with some beautiful gifts that I have learned in my intimate time with our Awesome God:
"The power of prayer is not what changes things. The power is from our awesome God Who utilizes prayer as a tool to change things." God so lovingly revealed to me that my focus was on His gifts...He was so kind and patient as he showed me that I must remain focused solely and only on the Gift-Giver!

Prayer is a constant communion with God. Whether it is us responding with words or responding by listening to His Words...this is true prayer."

"The jealousy of God is not about our perspective of sinful or angry jealousy. I truly believe that the perspective of God's Jealousy is driven by His loving protection.

God's Jealousy is His protective power that longs after us to not fall in love or lust with something or someone else that will only result in destruction. O how He is jealous for us!"

You are loved...if you 'see' someone in your heart and mind today, pray for them and ask God through His Holy Spirit how you ought to pray. If you need to call and let them know that God shared a glimpse of His thoughts with you over them...then do so. We never know what that could do for someone.

Encouragement allows others to be led to the Bridge of Hope...our Hope of Glory which is Jesus Christ!

I heard a great quote from John Bevere. "The highest form of worship is obedience."

Hope in the midst of ruin...

2011-03-19T18:28:00.007-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

(Photograph: Associated Press)

"You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and listen to their cry,"
~ Psalm 10:17 ~

I came across this unforgettable photograph from Yahoo News! The woman in the photograph was walking and shouting the name of a loved one who has been missing since March 11th. The road she walked on was surrounded by debris and hopelessness by the tsunami torn area.

Reading the words that described the photograph on the news page, gripped my heart and moved me to gut flowing tears. This woman's shouts had to believe that her loved one was still alive. The human spirit, especially amongst the beautiful asian people is unbelievably valiant. This asian woman dared to believe that she would hear her loved one answer back in the midst of the rubble to confirm her hopes and silence her fears. Sadly, the photograph said it all...there would be no survivors found.

Saddened by this heart wrenching photograph, it became painfully real that this was one 'still' frame of real life out of many. I looked at the photograph and began to scroll to the next frame when I refrained from clicking 'next'. I was reminded that this was not about being sympathetic and moving on; this was truly about being moved to do something...being moved to pray for God to reveal His glorious face and mighty hands. I am convicted to pray by faith in God that His peace ministers to the beautiful people of Japan as He hears their cries.

I can no longer allow a photograph to move me for a moment and then casually 'click' to the next frame.

There are many in the world around us who are walking along the ruins of life.
They are crying out with untamed hope .
Their ears desperate to hear the faint shouts coming forth from the mangled rubble of sins destruction.
Do I hear the voices?
The Rescuer, Jesus Christ, is willing and able...
however, will I shout for them in prayer?
Will I assist among the ruins?

March 17, 2011, "Praise, Encourage and Edify our Glorious God and King"

2011-03-17T17:04:00.003-05:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell

"And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long."
~ Psalm 35:28 ~

Circumstances began to build itself up.
My eyes allowed my soul to be overtaken with fear as they seemed to become larger and larger. Before I knew it, my mind was exalting the circumstances like a massive, giant tidal wave only growing stronger as it came closer to land.
Then, SUDDENLY! Yes! Suddenly! I could hear through the wind of howling circumstances the still small voice whispering with authority, "Praise your God! Encourage and edify Me, NOW! I long to hear the praises of My people!"

O! As soon as I heard this, my heart led my body into this indignant triumphal cheer!
The praises that came forth declared,
"God You are the Mountain Remover!
You are Strength over all strength!
You are Comforter and Joy to those who weep in mourning!
God! You are The Great I Am...there is NO ONE LIKE YOU! NO ONE! NO ONE!
When the world glorifies the famous ones, I can shout, "I know THE MOST FAMOUS ONE! I KNOW HIM! HE LONGS AFTER ME! HE DESIRES ME and I desire HIM!"
With joyous laughter, I declare, "I know THE MOST FAMOUS ONE!"

God! You are The Creator...I am Your workmanship that needs not to be ashamed...if I don't praise You as Jesus proclaimed, then the stones will cry out! I don't want those stones replacing my voice!
My flesh will no longer silence me!
I will not be silenced! You are God!
You are my Triumphant God, Who is, Who Was and Who Is To Come!

God! I come to you and encourage You and edify You; I want to bring refreshment to You...for I know as it says in Your Word, when we refresh others, we, ourselves, will be refreshed!
I get to bring praises of refreshment to The Great Refresher with the praises of Who You are!
I am to be careful not to be a 'Promise digger' to seek out what I can get from You...but I am going to be a 'God digger' and 'God seeker', craving and seeking after Who You are and Your glorious righteousness!!!!!!

I must be a cheerleader for My God!
I heard as I was praising, "All My people whom I have created are instruments of praise!
Let your praises to Me be the 'fingers' that strum your life; exalting, edifying and encouraging Me!
No longer allow the 'fingers' of circumstances, worries and concern strum you, for that does not praise Me!
I Am your God and I Am MORE than Worthy to be praised!
My daughter, be My instrument of praise and no one else's!"

Praise is not only a weapon against our enemy...but it's a weapon against our mindsets and distorted perceptions.
The weapon of Praise to God refreshes the very core of who we are destined to be; designed by our Almighty God!

Let us be trumpets of praise; revealing our Majestic King who enters in...let us honor Him! When we are tempted to complain; let us turn and praise our Glorious God and King!

For remember when we complain, we will remain; however, when we praise, we shall be raised!!!!!

Scripture References:
Psalm 35:28
Ephesians 2:10
Luke 19:40
Proverbs 11:25
Matthew 6:33
Ephesians 6

March 12, 2011, "Love covers..."

2011-03-12T08:01:00.005-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell
Testimony of God through my friend's life.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins."
~ I Peter 4:8 ~

"For a propserous man is generous. He who refreshes others, will himself be refreshed."
~ Proverbs 11:25 ~

Betrayal. Infidelity. Adultery. Anger. Hopelessness.

"Lord, what is his password? I need to know. God, what is it?"
"Where is he?"
"Is he with her tonight?"

She finds receipts of purchases for this woman and her child.
The boiling hate of betrayal rises up out of her and towards him.
When she sees him, it is as though he can feel the weapons of every kind shoot like bullets from her eyes with disgust and shame.
Angry words stir up even more dissension.
The atmosphere filled with hate and anger.

Respect evaporates in an instant based on what he has done many times over.
Love evaporates in an instant based on the justified, condemning words she has spoken towards him.

In the midst of this war, their precious son, confused.
In his own turmoil, he asks himself,
"Did I do something wrong?"
"Why won't they laugh at my jokes anymore?"
"I want to laugh, but this house won't let me!"

Suddenly, she hears the whispers of the Holy Spirit, "Love covers a multitude of sins. The embrace of a wife covers the sinner. I forgave you and you received much forgiveness; now you must give freely what you have received much of."

Her fists clenched in anger as she screams, "God! Have you turned a blind eye to my pain?" Have you not seen what he has done? He is with another woman? Have you seen and heard the dialogue of these two? Everything I dreamed of, it has been shattered!!! God, why didn't you stop it?"
She hears the still small voice, "My daughter, I have also seen what you have done and I love you with My everlasting love. Daughter, he must see Me through you. I am faithful even when you were and are faithless. You are filled with my faithfulness from my Holy Spirit, now let Me pour out of you....I have never asked you to do anything I have not already done."

As she hears these words, she weeps with uncontrollable anguish.
She knows truth, but everything in her wants to do the opposite of truth.
Vengeance is easier; explosion is easier.
Pride revealed as self wants to manifest...yet, humbleness must be revealed through strength under control.

The power of hate that wants to spew out of control is controlled by the power of God's love, manifesting true humility.

The Spirit of God speaks to her heart yet again, "I am your Husband." "I am going to take this sin he has committed and use it as an opportunity to teach you what it is to have a husband who longs for you so jealously. As I teach you, he will learn from My respect through you how to be a husband I have called him to be, as you arise to become the wife I have called you to become. Remember Hosea, My prophet. Do not seek counsel based on what you want to hear; seek My Counsel, for you will hear what you need to hear. I will Restore; but you must do as I say."

Her head and eyes look up. This new found confidence rises up out of her and she says, "I will Arise out of this depression. My son and my husband need me. My husband is a soul who is in desperate need of Jesus." As she cries out she realizes her heart has shifted from selfish human love transformed by God's genuine love.

The Holy Spirit continues to comfort her as she hears, "My daughter, when your son is in the room, overtake him with a hilarious embrace. Kiss him, love him. Look into his eyes and tell him what a gift from God he is to you. He longs to laugh...let my joy burst forth bringing my strength in the midst of weakness."

"My daughter, tell my son, your husband how you appreciate his hard work. Embrace him."
"But God, what if he rejects me?"
"Focus on my acceptance of you, not mere man's rejection. Remember, he is not rejecting you but rejecting Me. Be my vessel. I will restore."

"God, what if I can't take it anymore?"
"Then, My daughter, I will reveal that My grace is sufficient for you. My grace will allow you to soar above what you can not walk through in your own strength. You cannot handle this burden alone; but I can and already have."

To see my friend walk out in God's strength is beyond admirable. It is truly seeing royalty at its finest. I am in awe to write a glimpse of her story as the testimony of God continues to unfold in her life, she is falling in love with The Lover of her soul, Jesus Christ. I asked her for permission to share God's testimony through this trying time...and without hesitancy she said, "Yes, share!"

As God allowed me to stand with her, I felt inadequate.
I told God, "I have no idea what she is going through. I am not qualified to pray with her, nor stand with her."
That is when the Lord pierced my heart.
It was as though I heard God say, "You will give Counsel from the Almighty Counselor.
Do not speak what you you want to speak, for when you hear what has taken place you will want to advise her to do what she wants to hear. You must arise and follow My lead, not your lead or the world's in this situation.
No more pleasing man with what they want to hear; but you must please Me and tell yourself and others what must be heard. Boldness shall arise. It is not something you summon on your own strength...submit to Me, abide and live in My Word and the counsel revealed in boldness will bring refreshment as My boldness is driven by pure, genuine love."

Scripture References:
I Peter 4:8
Proverbs 11:25
Ephesians 5:33
II Timothy 2:13
Isaiah 60:1
I Thessalonians 4
I Corinthians 12:9
Acts 4
I Timothy 1:5

March 7, 2011 "Interview with my daughter"

2011-03-06T22:04:00.005-06:00

This is hilarious and so refreshing! In my daughter's words, she said:
"Mom, I have a perma-grin, I'm so happy to be here (REACH Church). Mom, I can't explain in words how much I love it...my stomach tickles whenever I think about it." We giggled and giggled some more. Her enthusiastic, tickling response led me to the following interview with her and I believe you will enjoy it as much as I did!!!

Interview with my daughter:

Mom:
What caused you to want to return to REACH Church after the first visit?

Daughter:
Well, I love the people there and they are like really nice and kind and fun and full of the Lord. Another thing is I get to see my friends there, and I get to learn about the Lord in a FUN way, instead of just words. They don't treat us like little kids who don't know anything. We sing and jump up and down for the Lord. They do skits, they give you silly bands and the silly bands represent something that they are teaching. For example, I got a heart silly band which represents the Heart of God.

Mom:
That is really awesome. So when you come to church what is it that you look forward to the most?

Daughter:
O, that's easy...Ok...when I look at my silly bands I get excited and am reminded of getting to see Mr. Weiss, Mrs. Jody, and Mr. Isaiah and the reason why is because they do fun lessons about Faith, The Bible, and The Heart of Jesus.

Mom:
Awesome!
So, for instance, when you look at the heart silly band on your wrist, what are you reminded of?

Daughter:
Well, first when I look at the silly band....I don't just look at it as a heart silly band and say, "O, that's cool"...I look at it and I think of God's heart and how His heart is pure and loving towards us.
The second reason why I like the silly band, is because I think of the day I gave my other heart silly band to my friend and got to share the message of Jesus with her on the bench at recess. It was really cool. What was awesome, was that no one was on the bench.

Mom:
That leads me to ask you, are there usually people on the bench at recess?

Daughter:
O Yes, lots. It was such a "God" thing because nobody was on the bench, it was just me and her...she wants to come to church with me.

Mom:
One last question, throughout the week, I have noticed you reading the Bible and you get really excited, so tell me why?

Daughter:
Well, the reason why I get excited is I get to read the Bible. It's cool, they give us these bookmarks and the bookmark gives you scripture to read everyday. We read it out loud to our mom and dad and what I think is really cool, is I get to read something new every day out of the Bible but even though it is different it all comes together.

Mom:
You really are a blessing and I can see through your excitement that the Lord has really blessed you at REACH Church. Thank you for your time, have a blessed evening.

Tristin:
Thank you, you too mom. Ummmm, mom, I live with you. (giggle). Good night mommy (The room filled with giggles).

Mom:
Good night sweetie.

March 3, 2011, "All Consuming Fire that Never Goes Out"

2011-03-03T09:45:00.003-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
~ John the Baptist as recorded in Matthew 3:11 ~

Consumed. Ashes. Destruction. These words describe the outcome of what a fire does. This is incredibly awesome that the fire we are baptized with through Jesus Christ consumes our spirit, resulting in the death and destruction of the old man (II Corinthians 5:17) and revealing a life consumed by Him. Our lives become a revelation of God's beauty and effervescent life that is abundant in Christ Jesus (John 10:10).

Encouragement, refreshment and restoration is made available to each of us through our Father God, revealed in the obedience of Jesus Christ. In His obedience even unto death (Philippians 2) and yet another step of His obedience was by leaving so that the Promised Holy Spirit of God who Comforts and Strengthens could be made manifest. This powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit causes our spirit to be reborn when we receive Jesus Christ. The Fire of God that is set ablaze is revealed by God's Holy, All Consuming Fire! This passionate experience must be constant, moment by moment. God's uncontainable, indescribable Holy Fire does not go out...there are no embers that go out in the midst of God's Holy Fire! Our head, our eyes, our face, our everything must stay fixed, focused on our Awesome God!

As we come to God as we are; and allow His Spirit to overshadow us, this Fire causes a disintegration of our old ways. The cohesion of the burden of sin is loosened and there is an integration of God's powerful Fire that must spread beyond the power of a man made wildfire. The accelerator of this Fire is GOD'S LOVING PASSION! Not our human nature's passionate love, but God's genuine love.

O how this is a fight, isn't it? Initially, there are no logical 'how to's' on our part on being on fire for God...it is God's impartation of His Holy Spirit that blows and beckons us to His Word that flames His Holy Fire within us. The 'how to' comes in with our obedience in answering the blowing, beckoning call as the outcome will be an everlasting flame ALWAYS motivated and moved by GOD'S LOVE bringing about supernatural transforming change!

As we RUN to His Word, revealed by the Spirit of God, we are then able to be 'fire accelerated agents', spreading God's passionate love upon others. The acceleration will only intensify.

I want to close this post with an excerpt from an email I received yesterday from my friend Julie. I am stirred up by her seeking God to trust in the Holy Spirit like never before:

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[b] because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:19-21

When I gave this deep thought/prayer, really taking in that a human being was created by God's HOLY SPIRIT inside of Mary (without sperm which is the way each one of us has had the ability to be), wow. What an amazing miracle that I often miss or at best don't focus on..... we usually focus on the miracles that Jesus himself demonstrates, but how about the miracle of Jesus himself?

Praise be to God!

Julie

Be set ablaze!!!

I want to extend an invitation that when you need prayer, please contact me via email at bravelyrescued@yahoo.com and I would be honored to go with you boldly to the Throne of Grace and lay those burdens with you at the feet of Jesus. We are loved, so let us show our neighborhood and community what we have received much of and lavishly place it upon them!

"Go, Fight and Win"

2011-02-26T16:09:00.003-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

Today, I want to share a post I was able to write via Cody's wrestling blog. In writing him, it truly stirred up what I must continue to maintain...my faith in God...grabbing a hold of the necessary tools that God has so readily available for each of us...strength and courage!

I pray you are blessed and encouraged...the following link will lead you to Cody's blog, click here!

Be blessed and encouraged as we, "Go, Fight and Win!" in the name of Jesus...The Name of Victory!

Chapter Six: My Redeemer

2011-02-24T10:37:00.003-06:00

Hello to my endearing and encouraging readers!

Today I have posted Chapter Six of God is Enthralled By Your Beauty...the chapter's title is My Redeemer.

I pray that you are blessed of the reminder of our Redeemer, Who Lives!

Click here for Chapter Six...
If you have not read prior to this chapter, you can do so by going to my blog at:
www.Godisenthralledbyyourbeauty.blogspot.com

If you know anyone who needs encouragement...please feel free to pass it on.

I am so grateful to God for each of you!

Chapter Five: Beauty for Ashes

2011-02-18T09:11:00.003-06:00

I just posted Chapter Five: Beauty for Ashes.

This is probably one of my favorite chapters as it allowed me to fall in love with Jesus in a way I could never imagine or dream! As I re-read it today, this spark of unimaginable love overwhelmed my spirit, which began to overwhelm my mind to another realm of renewal. Our God is so awesome!

If you have not been able to read the book yet, please go to Godisenthralledbyyourbeauty.blogspot.com

Click here to read: Chapter Five

God bless you and please share with other women who could truly utilize this...if you want to purchase a soft back book, please contact me at Godisenthralledbyyourbeauty@yahoo.com

Chapter Four: The Eye of The Beholder

2011-02-16T19:20:00.004-06:00

Written by: Teresa Criswell

Today, I am posting another chapter from my book, God Is Enthralled By Your Beauty.

Click the following links to read the book in order, if you have not yet read:
Introduction
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four

If you would like to purchase a soft back book, you can do so by emailing me at
Godisenthralledbyyourbeauty@yahoo.com

Letter from dad to son...

2011-02-15T14:11:00.005-06:00

I will be posting another link in regards to my book tomorrow...however, I interrupt with today's 'letter' from my husband to his son. Our son, a senior, reached a level of success in wrestling as a state qualifier in the 160 pound weight bracket.

Some of you know a little of our story in regards to Tim's son, my 'bonus' son, and Tristin's brother...but here is another part. I was honored to dictate while my husband reminisced as tears rolled down both our faces talking and walking down memory lane.

I pray you are encouraged to keep on, keepin' on...no matter what we may be going through, as our Pastor Chris has been teaching, How To Stand in Tough Times. The tough times, the tests of life produce patience and endurance and we can count it all joy as we see what the tough times produce...a strength that we didn't have the time before by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Here is the link to Tim's letter of encouragement to his son, Cody:
http://codyiowawrestler.blogspot.com/

The Walk...

2011-02-11T19:06:00.006-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"And how shall they preach, unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!"
~ Romans 10:15 NKJV ~

Need clarity? Direction?
You have no idea how much I needed both. For over six months I felt this indescribable disconnect from the local fellowship of where I was. The word that I kept 'hearing in my spirit' was 'outreach'. The tool for the Gospel to be the most effective is outreach being driven by God's compassion.

Why the disconnect?
You may be assuming the most frequent reason why people leave, offense? Right?
No. Actually, the Lord has pierced my heart to never leave a relationship of any sort because of offense. He has shown me that offense is not a gift to receive, so if it is not a gift, then I can choose not to receive it. All in all, that reason, called 'offense' can be crossed off the list in regards to the disconnection I had been experiencing.

Hmmmmm, maybe it was, not liking how things were done?
No, actually it was just the opposite, things were good.
Showed up on Sunday's, greeted, got to love on people, blessed by corporate worship flowing in the Spirit, a good word from the pastor, loved my family in Christ...but still an undefined, imaginary wall that seemed to be in the way.

The best way to describe it all...I'm going to use the classic cliche...'going through the motions.' Yes, 'going through the motions'. Until one prayer and one action changed it all...my prayer went something like this..."Lord, am I running away being led by my feelings? Do I need to persevere and stay with this local fellowship?" "What will my pastors think?" Of course, when I asked that question, I was reminded that I am not here to be driven by pleasing man, but to be driven by pleasing God and in turn people will take pleasure in what is done, no matter the result.

I was finally praying more specifically, something like this, "Lord, show me where to go, confirm in me what I need to know and then in that knowing from You, I will know I will be led with Your Wisdom to know what to do, how to do it and where to go."

A few days later, a beautiful Sunday afternoon on January 30, 2011. It was a beautiful 80 degrees and all I wanted to do was take my Sunday nap. I was imagining myself gracefully and in slow motion flying through the air onto my fluffy bed resting my head upon the pillow, closing my eyes and allowing the afternoon to slip away, that is when I heard a sweet voice, "Mom, let's go for a walk." When I responded in a whiny, grudging voice, "O, not now, I'm soooo tired." Looking back on that moment I was acting like a spoiled adult. Immediately upon my grudging reply, I was immediately convicted, "Go and go now, make a memory bank moment with your gift, your daughter." So, of course, I said, "Honey, let's go, but we better go now before my laziness tries to take over." She smiled so big, ran upstairs to get her tennis shoes on, ran back downstairs and in her 'ta-da' move, there she was with her arms extended to the ceiling, standing with her legs apart as she posed with laughter. I laughed with her and we were on our way out the door. As we stepped outside with purpose we breathed in that crisp air and started on our walk.

Now on our way back is the miracle in the making that only God could perform. As we turned around and were a few houses away from our house, we saw one of Tristin's friends outside standing in the front yard with a huge smile on her face. Her excitement was contagious as I asked, "Hi Isabella, what are ya doin'?" With excitement, she said, "I'm waiting for my pastors! We're having a whole bunch of people from church come to our house." That is when I saw a black SUV pull up and witnessed Isabella so kindly greet her pastors as they embraced her with so much love. I almost walked away to go towards the house when I was led to stay to meet the pastor and his wife. As we introduced ourselves, we were invited with a great welcome to come inside, and as they invited us in, Rachel, Isabella's mom came out and confirmed the invitation, in which we went home, changed and came right back. As we came back to their house, we were so excited by the 'buzz' in the atmosphere driven by people who love the Lord and one another.

After some fellowship time, the pastor had everyone come together, he led in prayer and cast the vision that God had given to him and his beautiful wife. I stood there with my heart in my throat when I heard the name of the church was none other than, Reach Church and their heart from God is wrapped so beautifully in this motto, "Reach up in worship, reach out in love, reach in for purpose." The testimony of God over their lives in their journey as they were led by the Lord to Austin pierced my heart with confirmation. As the pastor spoke, I said to myself, "Why does he look familiar?" That is when I realized I saw him on tv over the weekend advertising for the 'grand opening' for Reach Church. I was blessed to find out as he spoke more of both he and his wife's reliance on the Lord through fervent prayer and fasting. The excitement had to be contained for a moment because I wanted to be sure I wasn't being led by my emotion.

I went home that night with a knowing. I had great temptation to walk away from my local fellowship and not let anyone know. I tried to justify within myself, "Hey, once I start not coming for a couple of weeks, they'll get the 'hint' that I'm not returning." How rude, right? Well, thank the Lord my justification was interrupted by loving conviction on behalf of my pastors. I heard, "You came in with honor and you will leave with honor." Five days later at about 2:00 pm I text my pastors to see if we could meet right away. They responded immediately and four hours later they were in my home at our dining room table as we were able to share our hearts with one another and I let them know that I felt a release to leave. They prayed with me and were saddened and disappointed but at the same time were blessed that they had clarity. They are such wonderful pastors who have hearts of worship towards our Awesome God. They prayed with me and encouraged me in the midst of their hurt and they left. Now, just because I no longer go to the same building to meet with them, does not mean that our relationship in Christ is over...we are connected by the Spirit of God and I am so grateful to know such beautiful people who love their God.

Well, anyways, I know this has become a longer story than I anticipated, but I wanted to take you on the scenery route, versus the shortcut.

Now to the destination. On Sunday, February 6, 2011, Tristin and I visited Reach Church and were welcomed with the Love of God's embrace. O, how wonderful. This connection with family in Christ that I had been longing for was sealed in that moment. The message from the pastor, a right now, applicable word to walk in the ways of God, declaring His glorious works in the midst of tough times was spoken. I wanted to stand up and cheer for my Lord, my Triumphant Victor, my Teacher and my King of kings who needs no advisors (as my husband declares). I was so blessed and continually being blessed and impressed by the family in Christ at Reach Church.

O my goodness, the bonus...it is when I picked up my daughter from class when I heard the first words out of her mouth, "Mom, this is best church ever!" I was shocked...the reason? Well, right before we came in, she did not want to go to a new fellowship because she was going to miss where we had been fellowshipping. My prayer was that God would confirm in her heart, what He had already confirmed in mine. He did so much more than that inside of her!She was beyond excited, she was ready to evangelize. The teachers that day, so beautifully led by The Spirit of God as a ballroom dance, pulled out of my daughter the gift of outreach. You have no idea, Tristin spoke to me for about 20 minutes of what she learned, what she received and what she was going to do with what she had received. She told me how the kids welcomed her as she had met some of them the previous week at Ivan and Rachel's home. She was amazed by the participation of all the children, she emphasized, "even the 6th graders" were praising God during worship mom." You have no idea how much this blessed my heart as an earthly mother, as I know more than anything this blessed The Father God's heart!

Finally, I have to say the bonus, bonus was finding out that Pastor Chris is a retired high ranking U.S. Marine and a former high school wrestler. Why is this so significant? Well, I'm glad you asked. We have been praying for our son to be impressed by God in a way we could never imagine. His (click here to see Cody's wrestling blog) pondering desire has been to become a U.S. Marine and he is currently a Senior in high school, a wrestler whose goal is to qualify for state. I am not going to speculate or assume how God is going to work, however, it is pretty exciting as our son has not stepped into a church on a regular basis in a few years. He is a good young man, yet, there is so much more to be received in the great destiny that is to be had by the spirit of God, beyond our son's power, might and vivid imaginations.

More than anything, as I close, I praise God for Who He is; The Great I Am. I praise God for how much more I have learned from Him, yet still it is only a 'speck' of the eternal things that must be learned from Him. As I heard so powerfully, yet simply a few years ago, "The more I learn who God is, the more I learn I know nothing at all." God is awesome...He is more than good ALL the time, He is Awesome in every dimension of time, beyond what we could ever hope, ask, imagine or dream.

I am so grateful for the vision that Pastor Chris and Melissa have received from the Lord following His leading as they lead others by "reaching up in worship, reaching out in love and reaching in for God's purpose" to the glorious throne of God. Let us run, run and run some more, not holding back to our Greatest Reward; the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

Chapter Three: The King Adorned In Peace

2011-02-10T21:22:00.006-06:00

Written by: Teresa Criswell

Today is the fourth day in which I post another chapter from my book, God Is Enthralled By Your Beauty. Today's post is from Chapter Three, The King Adorned In Peace.

Click here to read Chapter Three.
Click here to read Chapter Two.
Click here to read Chapter One and
Click here to read the Introduction.

Thank you for your encouragement to press on for it is all to see the glory of God revealed upon and through each of us.

If you would like to purchase a soft back book, you can do so by emailing me at:
Godisenthralledbyyourbeauty@yahoo.com
Please Note: I will let you know when the re-edited version is printed.

Chapter Two: The Place of Secrecy

2011-02-09T16:56:00.006-06:00

Written by: Teresa Criswell

Today is the third day in which I post another chapter of my book, God Is Enthralled By Your Beauty. Today's post is from Chapter Two, The Place of Secrecy.

Please click here to read chapter two. If you have not read the Introduction, please click here. And, if you have not read chapter one, please click here.

Thank you for your encouragement to press on for it is all to see the glory of God revealed upon and through each of us.

Remember, if you want to purchase a soft back book, you can do so by emailing me at:
Godisenthralledbyyourbeauty@yahoo.com
Please Note: I will let you know when the re-edited version is printed.

Chapter One: What Mirror Are You Looking Into?

2011-02-08T09:19:00.004-06:00

Today is the second day of introducing my self-published book,
God Is Enthralled By Your Beauty
Finally Looking Into The Mirror He Sees You In
Written By: Teresa Criswell

For those of you who have already read the Introduction,
please click here for
Chapter One,
What Mirror Are You Looking Into?

If you did not read yesterday's post, please note that the new blog is not replacing
Triumphant Victorious Reminders. Again, with great excitement I want to 'sow' this book 'online' via blog into whomever is willing to realize their worth before the Mighty Eyes of God.

If you are wanting to purchase a soft back book, please email me at: Godisenthralledbyyourbeauty@yahoo.com
Books will be available for purchase in 8 to 10 weeks.

Introduction to new blog for self-published book

2011-02-07T11:06:00.006-06:00

I started a new blog for my self-published book,
God Is Enthralled By Your Beauty
Finally Looking Into The Mirror He Sees You In

Please click here for the first post to:
Godisenthralledbyyourbeauty.blogspot.com

Please note that the new blog is not replacing Triumphant Victorious Reminders. With great excitement I want to 'sow' this book 'online' via blog into whomever is willing to realize their worth before the Mighty Eyes of God.

If you are wanting to purchase a soft back book, please email me at: Godisenthralledbyyourbeauty@yahoo.com

You are loved and adored by the King!

February 2, 2011, "Praising Him No Matter What"

2011-02-02T12:46:00.003-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"But I will hope (have great expectancy) continually, and praise you yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits."
~ Psalm 71:14-15 ~

This morning I was so aware of desiring the presence of God.
The awareness was such a revelation to WHOM lives on the inside of me.
Looking inwardly to my Great Comforter and Helper, the Holy Spirit of God.
In this awareness, there was this praise that was purposefully coming forth, arising up out of me. The amazing power to realize I no longer wanted to unintentionally 'use' God as a 'lucky charm' but knowing He is to be feared. No longer attempting to 'work the Word' to benefit me, but to allow the Word of God to work IN me.

I was reminded that I must fear God; beyond a reverence and an awe, but an unaltering, unknowing, indescribable fear in being aware of my nothingness in comparison to His everything'ness'.

As this revelation was coming forth, transforming by thoughts towards God, it instantaneously drew out the praises unto The Great I Am, out of my mouth. As I thought about the great dissatisfaction I have been experiencing, I realized I was being driven by selfish agendas. Agendas of the vision that God has given me and 'trying' to figure out how 'I am' going to get them accomplished.

Upon realizing my selfish agenda, there was this great understanding that there is no way I can get something accomplished that is of God without His leading. The vision that He has given to me is not my possession, but His. Immediately the need to feel the burden to be responsible for His vision was so beautifully removed from me. I no longer bore the unnecessary burden to see the vision come to pass. I realized in that moment that I needed to cast that vision back to Whom it belonged to and hold onto it, waiting for His call to action. When He says to go...I know that the vision will be backed by His great, unimaginable PROVISION!

In all of this, as I was getting ready for the day, the declarations were arising up and out of my mouth, praising the Lord when SUDDENLY the electricity went out. It was quite interesting...everything was trying to shift to panic, when in my spirit I heard, "Will you still praise Me?" That question itself altered my attitude towards God in the midst of an annoying circumstance. My spirit was allowed to lead my mind away from complaining. When frustration attempted to arise; the praises arose instead towards my Awesome Provider. About 20 minutes later the electricity came back on and we were able to do the things that needed to get done.

A few hours later, I was running an errand, driving my car going about 65 miles per hour, when suddenly it sounded like an airplane was hovering over me. I looked down at my dashboard and realized my RPM's were bouncing around. When I placed my foot on the brake, the overwhelming sound stopped. I pulled over to the side of the highway, came to a complete stop and placed the car in park. I stayed on the shoulder for a few minutes, and while I sat there, panic attempted to arise with every question swirling around me; when a 'rescue' reminder came to me from earlier that morning. "Will I continue to praise the Lord?" At that reminder, on purpose the praises were coming forth again and this is what was declared with great faith towards The Great I Am; Awesome God:
"Father, this has not taken You by surprise, You have already made a way, I don't know how and I don't know when, but I know You Lord. You are the Way Maker; especially when there seems to be no way. I will see Your provision. I will see You!"

I was able to get the car home, I called my dear friend Lori and she gave me a ride so I was able to get my errands accomplished. We were able to laugh together and she shared with me how the pipes in her house froze, her husband's brakes went bad and she told me how she was tempted to get upset and complain. We laughed even more at the greatness of God and how He must be praised. We must echo the praises of the angels in heaven that gather at His throne.

The reminder in all of this today; I must declare the praises of God no matter what I see before me. He is to be praised AT all times...my attitude must come in line with who He is.

Testimony of God of the photograph on Triumphant Victorious Reminders blog

2011-01-31T10:44:00.003-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
By: Teresa Criswell

"But when the Father sends the Counselor as My representative--and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit--he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you."
~ John 14:26 ~ New Living Translation

I am reminded of the beautiful spring, early evening as my daughter and I were taking a walk. I had one mission in mind; to get home. My daughter's mission however, was much different. I was taught a very valuable lesson that beautiful, memorable evening. Her mission being different than mine, it was to enjoy nature; to simply go for a walk. Her cares had nothing to do with getting home 'right now' or to complete the next 'agenda' of life.

I realized in that moment that as adults we can be so 'To Do List' oriented that we do not enjoy what is before us; unless of course we 'plan' a day for enjoyment.

As we went for our walk, I was in an unnecessary hurry to get home. My daughter lagged behind when suddenly she shouted with excitement, "Mom! Look! A lady bug!" At first I must admit, I was a bit annoyed, focused on my destination. At first, I thought, "Big deal." Then at that very moment I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to be intoxicated with this moment with my gift from God; my daughter. In that moment as I hesitantly stopped, I received a whole new outlook on this walk. I stopped and saw this beautiful lady bug, wanting to share in the excitement that my daughter expressed with such livliness. This small lady bug was not just anywhere but on a beautiful green leaf blooming from the branch of a tree adorned with white flowers. Wanting to fully enjoy this moment with my daughter, I became as a child and with a shrill of excitement I said, "Let's go home and get the camera!" Her beautiful brown eyes framed with those gorgeous long lashes along with that excited smile said, "Yay! Let's go home." She jumped up and down with excitement and with laughter we ran home; about three blocks.

As we ran, I prayed, "Lord, I pray the lady bug will be there when we come back." We ran to the house, fumbled through my keys, finally unlocked the door, opened the door, ran inside closing the door behind me, ran up to the office, grabbed the camera, running back down the stairs as we informed my husband what we were about to do.

We were so excited as we hurried back outside running to the spot where we were just moments ago. However, when we had last seen the lady bug I did not realize how many trees were along the sidewalk. I became anxious as the 'get things done' itch started to rise up again, forgetting to enjoy the moment.

My daughter looked up at me with some concern. I looked down at her and said, "Do you remember which tree it was?" She shook her head. Now, I must tell you that when we left the scene, I only remember there being one tree...not four! Yes, there were four trees lined up in a row full of beautiful white flower buds and green leaves. We started laughing with some disappointment as it seemed as though it would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack at that point in the search.

I half-heartedly prayed, "Lord, which tree is it?" Then, it was as though my steps were being ordered by Him. As I moved, I was now planted in one spot. I looked slowly through the flowers and leaves on the tree branches, but could not find this lady bug. At this point, I thought, "Well, I have the camera, and these flowers are beautiful, so I'll take a picture."

I snapped a photograph with my little 'Kodak' camera of the small white flower and when I looked through the digital screen to my surprise, I was in absolute awe! I found that I had unknowingly captured a picture of the lady bug! It was so awesome from the area where I stood! I had taken the photograph not knowing what was right before my lens. It was as though God had positioned me right where I needed to be. The undeniable moment of beauty and awe in something that seemed so small.

O goodness. This moment was so beautiful and beyond memorable. I learned so many lessons in those few moments. I felt I was the student being taught in the classroom of life, the teacher being my daughter led by the Spirit of God.

My lesson that day? The seemingly insignificant are truly significant to God.

I was also greatly reminded of how our children are great vessels to remind us to enjoy the life pleasures that God has given to us. No matter the difficulty of our life that attempts to steal our focus, we can still enjoy that moment that seems so small like the lady bug; for we must know that He takes pleasure in what He has created.

January 29, 2011, Trembling and Shaking at Injustice

2011-01-29T07:07:00.005-06:00

"Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: a servant who becomes king, a fool who is full of food, an unloved woman who is married, and a maidservant (positioned to serve) who displaces her mistress (positioned to lead)."
~ Proverbs 30:21-23 ~

Have you been a witness to someone mistreat a server in a restaurant?
What about a customer mistreating a cashier clerk?
How about a woman being dominated by a man with hateful words?
What about a woman disrespectfully robbing the position of her husband's place?
How about a child being mistreated and instead of being treasured like the rare jewel they are; you witness that they are treated like a piece of trash?

The scenarios could be listed for many years, however, as I think of these few scenarios, I am reminded how I must be a person that trembles and shakes at the injustices done...just as the earth trembles and quakes at injustice (Proverbs 30:21-23).

Our voices are a mighty tool...our stand is a mighty tool. We are meant to declare with the authority given to us by God through Jesus Christ to stand up...even if it 'seems' we stand alone. We may not see with our physical eyes anyone by our side, however, we must know that we have chosen the side of God when we stand...so truly we are not alone...for if God be for us; who can possibly be against us? I love this rhetorical question...in comparison to God....any enemy should look smaller than even nothingness.

There is a boldness from God that arises with great compassion and love...God who is Love also reveals His love even in His wrath. I am learning this even in my life as He has so lovingly corrected me by the Spirit and through my true sisters in Christ. My true sisters that I have relationship with, I have never had to ask or plead with them to be honest with me...they are led by the Spirit of God and they do not keep quiet to appease my soul. Now, is it taken well right away?
Haahaahaa...Uh, no...I definitely experience a squirming in my flesh, sometimes even wanting to explode in anger, yet, the end result is that we have grown closer in the Spirit because they did not compromise quietness to spare my 'feelings'.

I must remind myself that I died when I said "Yes" to life in Jesus...so my feelings that awaken must be reminded how dead and gone they are when it comes to my growth in Christ Jesus. Those feelings that we possess are truly a gift from God, however, those feelings are not to possess and rule over us.

As I write this, I can hear my 'soul' saying, "Are you sure you really want the truth?" My answer by the spirit is, "Yes...as long as it is Truth that points to Christ Jesus who is FREEDOM...not truth defined by opinion or another philosophy that is contrary to that of Christ Jesus."

Am I willing to stand?
Even if it looks like I am alone as we stand for righteousness and justice, we must remember the Great I Am, Holy God is Who we have chosen to stand with in obedience. We must be assured that He is with us along with the angels. He has commanded them to keep us in all our ways!

I pray that I am not moved by their rejection...I pray I am more moved by the reminder of God's acceptance of me even while I was in great sin.

Today I am reminded that the foundation of God's throne is righteousness and justice.

Scripture References:
Proverbs 30:21-23
Romans 8:28-31
Philippians 1:21
Psalm 91:11
Psalm 33:5
Psalm 89:14
Psalm 97:2
Psalm 103:6
Proverbs 21:3

January 25, 2011, Grace and Humility

2011-01-25T11:00:00.003-06:00

Paul pleaded with God three times that the thorn in the flesh that was given to him would depart, which was a messenger of Satan to buffet him, unless he be exalted above measure, And Jesus said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" So Paul said, I most gladly would rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
~ Paraphrased from II Corinthians 12:7-9 ~

Have you been in a situation recently where someone's actions crossed the boundaries of authority?

Have you been in a situation where you had to address the issue?

Well, to answer these questions, this is what took place for me yesterday. I did not want to address it at all. Before addressing the issue I prayed that the Lord would speak to this person about it, not me...but it was something that the Lord wanted me to walk in. He wanted me to walk in obedience, assisted by His boldness and driven by His love.

After the issue was addressed it did not go as I had hoped; actually it did not go as I hoped or imagined. I was told by this beautiful person that I should have prayed to the Holy Spirit to minister to their heart, versus me addressing it. The heaviness I endured before I addressed it was so burdensome...but as soon as it was addressed, the peace of God came upon me and the heaviness was gone!

Now let me say, the thoughts did try to rule over me that I should not have said anything. The regrets pulling and yanking me; attempting to carry me away into the pit of despair and depression. I wanted to crawl into bed and ask that I would be allowed to do the day over again. But then, I think now, if I had it to do over again, would I disobey God to make my life easier? It wouldn't be worth it.

I may have lost a relationship at this time; but you know what I was able to gain? So much more insight from the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God lovingly rebuked me beyond what I could have dreamed or imagined. I learned that when addressing this person on what they had done, I was reminded what I have done to others more often than I would like to admit.

I had to make a few phone calls to apologize for misusing God's zeal. I had been zealous for what I believed, but did it with prideful motives and was not motivated by the love of God, in which it caused hurt and pain.

This morning I received a text from my dear friend Julie who wrote, "Grace. It has been put on my heart to share with you. Let me know what God reveals to you. I love you."

Upon receiving this text, I prayed and thanked God for His grace. His grace is like a 'ski lift'. To get from one side of the mountain to the other, bringing us across. We still must go across but His grace is like that ski lift. That grace allows us to rise above sin and endure.

After receiving this text, I called my husband and asked if he would pray over me. I did not share with him what had happened, I did not share the text with him either and out of his mouth poured forth these words, "God's grace and peace be upon my wife. Lord I thank you that anything that tries to hinder her from insight from You God, You dispel in the name of Yeshua (Jesus)." As soon as he said these words, I wept. He was concerned about what was going on and asked me to share. When I finally did share a little bit with him, he said, "Ok, Teresa, the Holy Spirit is like the wind, so release this as though you were releasing it into the wind and let God carry it away." When he spoke those words it was FINISHED! The tormenting thoughts that attempted to rob the Joy and Peace left; and the thoughts that remained were the beautiful thoughts of God over me.

I am reminded today that this person and so many others need us to reveal God's grace upon them. Just as we have received much grace we are required to give back.

In this learning process, I am so grateful for what has happened. For what the enemy has meant to destroy, God has been glorified as I am seeing evidence of growing pains in my life. My eyes were opened of what not to do to others and the reverberating power of abiding in Him. If I abide in Him, then His Words abide in me and it will be revealed walking in love, especially to the unlovable.

January 14, 2011, "Thorns"

2011-01-15T07:56:00.003-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces some hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
~ Matthew 13:22-23

Thorns?! Ouch! Really Lord?

The rushing of life,
the rushing of time,
the rushing of growing up,
the rushing of getting out of the house,
the rushing of reading the word of God,
the rushing of closing the deal,
the rushing of so-called prayer,
the rushing of so-called praise and worship,
the rushing of technology...
We live a life as though the rushing of time revolves around us...
to do lists that grow...one 'box' gets crossed off and we add a few more.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! BREATHE! Take a breath! STOP! What are we doing?

Distractions allowed to master our lives, instead of us mastering the distractions by the power of God that is on the inside of us, IF we have accepted Jesus Christ as not only our Savior but also our Lord.

With this 'rushing' scenario of life, I was reminded of the parable of the word that Jesus spoke of. The word that comes into our life in the midst of the thorns that surround us. The thorns representing the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches.

The cares of this world does not represent our caring for the world...it is how we allow the world to influence our cares. We not only have allowed the world to influence this, but then we actually attempt to carry these burdensome cares. However, aren't we suppose to do something with the cares? Yes! We are to cast those cares upon Jesus. But, why? Because He cares for us. He knows what those cares will do to us if we don't cast them upon Him...it will destroy us. He knows that the cares that we carry are a tool from Satan that will do what he does best...and that is destroy us. In addition to the cares, it isn't the riches that are decetiful, the deceitfulness is believing that the riches will take care of it all.

How do we cast our cares upon the Lord? We know what we are suppose to do, but HOW? For me, I am a very visual person. In this, I literally must fall to my knees and imagine Jesus seated on the throne. As I imagine such a beautiful scene, I lay prostrate with my arms extended as though every care and burden I have has been laid at His feet. Humbled before His majesty, He then gives me the wisdom to know how to utilize the tools that I must use to be a wife, mom, writer, volunteer, friend, daughter, sister, etc. The cares don't go away; however, they are now placed upon the One who cares and is able to show me how to execute with wisdom how to live in the midst of the cares. The Holy Breath of God, the Holy Spirit show me not to allow the 'cares' to rule me, but allowing the One who Cares for me to rule and reign over me with His overwhelming Love.

I am reminded that my heart need not remain in the midst of the thorns, but my heart can be of good ground who hears the word and understands it, bearing fruit in ways I never imagined.

Lord, thank You for being my Refuge and Help from the cares of this world. The rushing tides of life that attempt to hurry me through, attempting to overtake me and drown me in hopelessness. Thank You Lord that I get to have a relationship with You, Almighty God, the most Famous and Glorious One! Thank You for being our EVERYTHING, not just a supplement to when I need you...but You are my EVERYTHING...I not only need You, but I must desire and want You, humbled by Your Majesty! I love You Lord! Thank you for Your Triumphant Victorious Reminder of what I can possess in You! Hallelujah! In Jesus Awesome, Most Powerful, Majestic, Holy Name. Amen!

Scripture References:
Matthew 13: 22-23
I Peter 5:6-7

January 11, 2011, "Come!"

2011-01-11T04:56:00.004-06:00

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
~ Jesus Christ, The Son of God as recorded in Mattew 11: 28-30 ~

The news a father never imagined would come upon his ears. A single father, receiving word from the doctors that his daughter, 9 years old, has been diagnosed with leukemia.

A knock on the door. She opens the door, and finds the officer on her porch, holding his hat in front of his chest; she falls to the floor as she knows and simultaneously screams in horror, "NOOOOOOOOOOO!" Tragedy, devastated by the 'suddenly' moment of the precious life of her daughter, gone.

A family receives devastating news of their son, a missionary, killed as he would not deny His Redeemer, His Salvation, Jesus Christ.

Another family, as though their hearts were forcefully pulled out of their chest experience a life altering moment, forever changed by their child's abduction.

A father, a husband, comes home to find no trace of his wife and children; she leaves behind a note to write what she could never say. He stands paralyzed as his eyes move upon the words; every word, a forceful stab as though he were stabbed violently with a knife. He falls to his knees, his face in his hands, weeping uncontrollably lying on the floor, as though it is over; his world seems to have ended. Regrets and the 'what if's' fly through his mind, meanwhile, his wife has been driving for miles; tears running down her face as she thinks, "What have I done?" Her thoughts are interrupted as she hears the voices of her children. Their little voices pleading with mommy to go back to daddy. Yet, the thoughts that came into her mind, she allowed to take over and the imaginations of what he must have been thinking of her led her away like a tsunami. She is like a victim within the waves tossed violently to and fro.

The scenarios of real life could be listed for a lifetime; yet, I stop as I hear and see the Voice and Hands of Truth. I can see what He longs to do. He desires in His great power with His amazing, strong, yet gentle hands to pull and hold close the victims of distress, tragedy and betrayal out of the swallowing seas of hopelessness.

It is as though I can see His incredibly massive arms dwarf the once perceived powerful seas and I see with amazing perspective. The roaring seas now look like a dribble of water in comparison to His mighty power. His arms of love long to hold them to His chest. His Everlasting, Powerful heartbeat and His Words of Life desiring to breathe new life over their seemingly lifeless bodies.

The Refuge,
The Healer,
The Great Comforter,
The Strong Tower,
The Deliverer,
The All Powerful, Eternal Great I Am,
The Restorer,
The Redeemer,
The Ever Present Helper in time of trouble weeps over these children and I can hear the Voice of Authority, the Voice of Jesus beckoning them, "Come! Come to me all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Come to Me! Come! Arise and run to me!" I believe as they run, before they can take their second step towards Him they would be swept away into His everlasting arms of love.

I am reminded today to reveal who is on the inside of me...the Holy Spirit, The Holy Breath of God. I must reveal by His power that God is Refuge, God is Healer, God is the Great Comforter, God is The Strong Tower, God is The Deliverer, God is The Restorer, God is The Redeemer and God is The Ever Present Helper in time of trouble.

How can we reveal Him? It can be the most simple, yet most powerful act...a touch on the hand or shoulder, an embrace, a prayer of hope. Wherever and whatever God leads us to do to reveal a glimpse of who He is, let us share what we have so beautifully received. For we have been given much and with what has been received, much is required to give back to others; no matter if I feel they deserve it or not...I'm one who received His eternal Love and I know I did not deserve it...but it was freely given to me and I freely received and so now I must freely give to others; revealing my Hope of Glory, Jesus Christ.

Scripture References:
Psalm 9:9
Psalm 28:8
Psalm 46:1
Psalm 59:16
Psalm 62:7, 8
Exodus 15:26
Matthew 4:23
Matthew 9:35
Acts 10:38
Isaiah 61
II Corinthians 1:3-4
Psalm 61
Proverbs 18:10
Psalm 18:2
Psalm 40:17
Psalm 70:5
Psalm 144:2
Psalm 19:14
Psalm 78
Psalm 46:1
Luke 12:48
Colossians 1:27

January 9, 2011, "Victorious Declaration of Praise"

2011-01-09T14:31:00.005-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble."
~ Psalm 46:1 ~

The Victorious Declaration of Praise even when I don't feel like declaring it:

God You are so awesome!
You are magnificient beyond the boundaries of beauty.
Your Holiness and Matchless Power can never be contained!
Containment itself would never dare to attempt such an action.
There is NONE like You...no not one!
You are the most powerful, Holy, Righteous, Just God!

You are powerful. I am reminded of the powerful oceans in all the world that toss huge vessels to and fro and yet these massive waves are in absolute awe of You, The Most Powerful God.

You are Holy. I am reminded of the mighty angels that declare who You are moment by moment, shouting, "Holy! Holy! Holy!" The angels are monstrous in our eyes and yet in comparison to You, the mighty angels are in awe of such Holiness. Pure power. The pure power of Who You are which is Holy is uncontainably rushing; revealing Your glory. The Holiness of You; All Consuming Fire, would obliterate our physical bodies to particles of dust...yet You love us with a Love that can not be translated into human action or human words of any sort...for You are LOVE.

You are Righteous. I am reminded of Who You are! The foundation that stands; You are never failing to support, never falling apart; never losing Your sustaining power. The changes and shifting of time that passes through cannot penetrate You! For You are the Foundation of which I stand because of Jesus Christ.

You are Just. I am reminded of Your Throne. The foundation of Your throne is righteousness and justice. You are my Advocate and my Standby even though I do not deserve it. You remain my EVER PRESENT help in time of need and trouble!

Hallelujah! Father! You are magnified! You be glorified in my eyes! My eyes must see that which already is...and that is You! You are high and lifted up ~ higher than anything that tries to come against me. As my mind magnifies you; the out of control thoughts become demagnified! Submitting to you, causes a resistance simultaneously to my screaming flesh that wants to receive depression! You are All Consuming Fire that obliterates, annihilates and melts away the unknowing want and desire to be a victim when You see me as a victor! You are so Awesome God...beyond the boundaries of awesome. You are incredibly God! My mouth can not keep up with the praises that surround You...for You are The Great I Am!

Scripture References:
Exodus 8:10
I Samuel 2:2
II Samuel 7:22
Jeremiah 10:6 & 7
Isaiah 6:3
Hebrews 12:29
Revelation 4:8
Psalm 89:14
Psalm 46:1

January 1, 2010, God's Grace

2011-01-02T21:16:00.003-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in your weakness"
~ The Lord said this to Paul as recorded in II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV ~

Resolute as defined in Webster's Dictionary:
firmly determined in purpose: resolved
Synonyms: steadfast, stanch, faithful, true, loyal
Resolution as defined in Webster's Dictionary:
1) The act or process of resolving
2.) The action of solving: Solution
3.) The quality of being resolute: firmness, determination
4.) A formal statement expressing the opinion, will or intent of a body of persons

As I read these defintions of what we attempt within our well intended self-discipline; it is amazing how we are reminded of our strength, determination, and steadfastness that only go so far. Some people have great disciplined strength while others do not...however, when we lean on the grace of God for His strength it doesn't matter if we are the strongest on our own or the weakest on our own...His strength through us allows us to go beyond our dreams and imaginations of what He full in His faith sees fulfilled over our lives. Our hearts humbled before His glorious power and the 'attempts' become fulfilled feats of victory because of Who He is through us!

Let us look at this new calendar year and focus on the day given to us by God abiding in His amazing grace. His grace when we lean on Him brings solution and a passionate determination to fulfill the Will of God through our lives to help others bringing glory to our awesome God!

Whether the resolutions are:
to lose weight,
replace curse words with words of blessing,
workout more
eat healthier
getting rid of a bad habit, etc.

Whatever our goals of change may be...let us allow God to reveal our hearts and see that the things we try to change is not about our performance but about repentance. Repentance is not a 'one time' action...it is continual. The initial move in repentance is turning from sin and following after God. The initial turn is accomplished and maintained as we follow after abundant life in Christ Jesus, staying on the path of His righteousness that He provides.

When we turn from repentance and rebel, let us realize it and repent immediately. We don't need to remain in a state of penance by reminding ourselves how awful we are...let's just get back up and with repenting action allow God to grace us through what needs to be worked on in our lives and let us not only see our lives changed with great accomplishment but may we also see our hearts changed as we moment by moment are in worshipful awe towards our Awesome God. Whether we eat, sleep, sit, walk, speak, or listen may each moment be a moment that we stayed fixed on Him, knowing the great desperation of how much we need and desire Him, humbled by His beautiful mercy and faithfulness.

Daily in 2011, may we say, declare and proclaim with great faith towards our God, "Great is Your Faithfulness; no matter what we are challenged with, You, Almighty God remain faithful. May we see His faithfulness revealed as we trust and obey. He is faithful whether we declare it or not...the Truth of Who He is will always remain...He is Strength; let us cling to Who He is!

Triumphant Victorious Reminders, "Selfishness Revealed"

2010-12-29T08:52:00.005-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice."
~Philippians 4:4 ~

It has been a while since I wrote my last post.

Some may ask and have asked...
Busyness? No Time? Christmas season?
Well, none of these are my excuse.
I will be to the point confessing that I have not written in a while due to my own choice to be selfish.
I have submitted to my flesh, which has resulted in resisting God and I have fled from the purpose-Maker over my life.

I realize that as James 4:6 records, "Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you" is not about a 'Three Step' formula on how to resist the devil.
Apart from God, I can do nothing... absolutely nothing.
However, when I submit to God, trust in God, run to God and HOLD ON to HIM; my Shelter and Safe Place, this beautiful thing called submission results in resistance to something or someone else.

I learned from the Holy Spirit that when Satan sees me in my Refuge, in my Safe Place (Which is Almighty God), Satan can do nothing but cower and flee because of Who God is; not because of 'my' so-called strength to resist.
Satan runs from my Strengthener who hides me under Himself as His massive wings.
When receiving this revelation in my closet, it helped me to see the purpose of submission.
It also became clearer of what Jesus talked about when He said we can not serve two masters. We can not submit or serve two things...we will hate the one and love the other.
In this revealing power of the Holy Spirit there is this powerful reminder that whether we submit to God or submit to our flesh by default resistance takes place.

The scales are coming off my eyes and as I walk in God's goodness upon the path of repentance, I realize that the time I occupy is not my own.
The time that is loaned to me is not my own; but I sure have acted as though it is.
It is being revealed quite clearly that I have not gone to Almighty God Who is not limited by time.
When I finally yield to His abundant grace to get the things accomplished that He would have me accomplish there is glory to be revealed of Who He is.

I am so guilty of having my own agenda list, but I am realizing that being a wife, a mom, a daughter and friend never caught God by surprise.
The agendas of my own must be brought forth and trade out my own agendas with the divine agenda of God.
For His agenda is to replenish and refresh, with His sole focus being on others so that they also may be replenished and refreshed revealing the Refresher of our souls.

My purpose is to REJOICE in HIM and be glad in the day that He has provided.
My purpose is to get the joy again that is from the inside by the power of the Holy Spirit.
To 're' something is to do again!
So everyday, I get to 'joy in the Lord' which provides and is STRENGTH for this very moment on this very day!
As I joy in the Lord of my Salvation, Who is Salvation I realize that I need to commit everything to the Lord and He will lead me to the divine appointments He has set forth manifesting in our dimension of time that has already taken place in His dimension of eternity.
Yes...this is mind blowing to even 'go there', but we must continuously have mind blowing moments toward our God.
It is our Triumphant Victorious Reminder of who we get to be in Christ as we realize that He is Triumphant Victory yesterday, today and forever!

When we give of His time, may we see the great things that He is doing and has done through us for others.
When our focus is on Him, it diverts attention off self...
praise God for the anecdote of self focus...
it is GOD 'AWE'ING FOCUS!

December 15, 2010, "Connecting Bridge"

2010-12-14T23:18:00.005-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts will be established."
~Proverbs 16:3 ~

It was Monday and I was doing the normal thing; driving to the grocery store. I was planning on going to this particular store which I enjoy frequenting. However, this day I was convicted to commit even this 'to do' moment to Him. I prayed to the Lord to guide my steps and as I was driving I was led to go to a different store which I do not like to frequent because of the great lack in customer service. But as I looked back upon that irritation, for me to complain about not having a good customer service experience is truly not suffering. Perspective was put back into its proper place...I was reminded to have options to go anywhere while others experience true suffering was insulting to those who truly suffer; especially for the cause of Christ Jesus.

Hence, as I drove to this particular store, I prayed that God would utilize me. As I entered the store, I literally had a permanent smile, it was so awesome. As I started my grocery shopping; this is where the story I got to experience begins:

I was walking in the main aisle, getting ready to enter the chip aisle when I ran into Angelina. Angelina is a beautiful woman that I was honored to meet at my garage sale earlier this summer. In our introduction to one another, I found out that Angelina makes her own soaps, deoderants, etc. In the chip aisle we visited with one another, catching up with one another. Suddenly, as I turned, I saw another familiar face, Rebecca. Now Rebecca is a wonderful woman who was led by God to start Point of Hope Ministeries, a beautiful ministry that ministers to the homeless downtown. I was able to introduce the two ladies and as we visited some more, I realized as we talked to each other that Rebecca is by faith relying on the Lord's provision; especially for the financial resources to purchase more hygiene products to make hygiene kits. Upon finding this out from Rebecca,
Angelina said, "This is so amazing. I give 10% of whatever I make when I do a 'show' for my products. I have $30 and I asked the Lord today to show me who I needed to give the money to."
Angelina looked at Rebecca and said, "I know that God has shown me who it needs to go to...You."

With tears in Rebecca's eyes she was so grateful and was about to give Angelina her address in which she could have her mail her donation. This is when Angelina said, "No, if I don't do it now, I won't do it." She opened her checkbook and wrote a check to Angelina right there in the middle of the chip aisle. Yes, some may say, it's 'only' $30, but it is much more than the $30, it was one of those 'God Kiss' moments for Rebecca to show her that He is more than mindful of her. I was so amazed, we were in the 'chips' aisle, praying over Angelina's financial blessing that she was placing upon Rebecca, as we did so, the aisle was starting to become congested. As I saw all the people around us, it came to me as I wondered, "There are so many people in this aisle." After that wondering thought, it was as though I heard, "They are drawn to My presence."

Upon meeting between these two beautiful women, I believe God showed me that He allowed me to be the 'bridge' connecting these two women for His purpose. The significance of getting to be 'the bridge' is when the back of Rebecca's hoodie caught my attention, it read, "Bridge of Angels" I sit here shaking my head laughing. Our God is so awesome!

I am truly reminded to be in awe of God as He has eternally awesome intricate plans and purposes; even when we think the little parts of our life are insignificant; our God reveals that He wants us to experience His great significance every moment of the day, committing all we do to Him.

December 11, 2010, "Setting our Gaze on God"

2010-12-11T07:36:00.007-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
~ Jesus Christ as recorded in Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) ~

"If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
~ I Peter 4:11 (NKJV)~

Enamored. Awestruck. Amazed.

I shake my head as I sit here in this place of absolute awe of The Great I Am.
The All Sufficient God who needs know one, yet this Amazing God desires ALL of us as He is beyond amazingly awesome.

For He is All Consuming Fire fueled by who He is; passionate Love.
The Great I Am, The Great Father God,
The Greatly to be Feared God who is the most Famous One;
The Deliverer of the trapped and broken;
The Strengthener of the weak and tired;
The Refuge of the fearful and timid is LOVE.
I know that this is not a secret revelation; yet to truly attempt to ponder this mind blowing thought and attempting to understand such eternal greatness leads me to the cliff of 'vanishing points'.

Wow trusting in Him leads me to His ALL CONSUMING heartbeat of purposeful thoughts as He is full of faith towards us.

Our God is continually desiring to transform us into His glorious light so that the world is able to see the reflection of His Awesome, Uncontainable Glory, consumed by Holiness no one can contend with. This glorious Light of Who He is leads us to the reminder that we can do nothing of great eternal, 'destinal God~purpose' without the Creator of Destiny; Almighty God through Jesus Christ revealed by the Holy Spirit which must be revealed by us who have received and confessed Jesus Christ as Lord not only in word but in deed as we trust in Him to go about doing His excellent plans led by His Compassion and His All Consuming Love.

When we are tempted to do the things of God on our own strength; we will soon learn that our sin nature and frustrated flesh is all that will be revealed. However, when I finally lean on Him forsaking my own understanding; the 'God Nature' on the inside will be revealed as we see the overflowing power of God set forth the gaze of those watching to gaze only upon Almighty Eternal God, giving Him all the glory which is already His!

December 7, 2010 "Jesus"

2010-12-06T23:34:00.003-06:00

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written By: Teresa Criswell

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
~ John 3:16 ~

Holidays, traditions can become such distractions. "Look over here." "Look over there." "He/she offended me." "I have to buy a gift for her, for him...ahhhhhhh!!!!"

When all the while as we're busy being 'petty' someone else is dealing with the 'hefty'. I'm not saying what we are going through is insignificant, but stepping back and truly looking at the other issues of life in which lives are being changed in ways I cannot imagine. Lives are ripped apart, effected by effected by divorce, murder, abuse and the list goes on. There are others effected by sickness, disease and even death of a loved one and a friend.

As I think about the many issues of life. I am also led to think about the one's who have not yet met their Rescuer; their Savior. He longs to rescue them. He longs to embrace them as all of heaven waits with great anticipation to celebrate another soul redeemed by the Great Redeemer...Jesus Christ...the Son of the Most High God.

Today, as I go about my day and an opportunity arises to be upset at someone or to be offended by someone; may I take a step back,and truly focus on The Almighty God. This Amazing God that I surrendered my heart to, my heart leads my mind to imagining I can see Jesus' Amazing Face, as His arms are open wide as I can see His nail scarred hands. As I run towards Him, I can see this amazing light penetrating the huge nail scars on His feet. I cry in utter wonder as most likely the only thing I would be able to do is fall into His chest as I experience the unfailing love beating against my face hearing the sound of His heart beat. Such Amazing Love as The One who holds me is none other than the King of kings, The Lion of Judah, The Amazing Majestic One Whose Name is All Powerful...JESUS! The Most Beautiful One could have come in all of His Royalty shaking the foundations of the earth to utter destruction because of His great power; yet instead, He chose the womb of a teenage girl. Our minds cannot fathom such a trade off. It is such an overwhelming thought to know that Jesus could have had ALL the prestige riches of the world yet, he forsook the Indescribable glory of what was rightfully His by the Father.

Today, I desire to take the opportunity to bow down and worship Him. I want the 'opportunity' (as my Pastor Stephen says) through the 'petty' offenses and shortcomings of others and most of all, myself, letting it become a place of opportunity to effect others for God's great glory, because of The Incredible, Indescribable, Ultimate Sacrifice He made for us. Much love was given, Much Forgiveness was given...much is required from that which we have received. Wow! What a reminder..."Lord, help me to see through eyes of Your Love, not my own. Thank You Father God in the Name of Jesus for the gift of the Holy Spirit!"

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Accessories...Wear it well!

Royalty not Peasantry

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God Is Mercy, Grace and Unfailing Love...and so much more!

Sharing video!

Breaking Loose the Valiant Sounds of A Victorious Warrior!

Deliverance from defeat and into victory

Jesus Chose The Womb Of A Teenage Girl Over Heaven

We WILL Rejoice and be glad in it!

Revised: Need A Gift Idea?

Stillness; the Beautiful Stance of Worshiping God

Submitted Article as a contributing writer for "Family Face Ministries"

Giving thanks!

Confessions of a daughter of the King

Contributing Writer for Sanctified Together Online Magazine Publication

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You are an Answer!

Need not be ashamed of what?

"The Power of Remembrance"

Abandoned Yet Chosen

The 3 D's...Discover, Develop and Disciple!

Are You Protecting or Violating?

Imagine a little boy...scared...

Prayer for Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani

The One who could have...did not.

What was it like the day after Jesus saved her?

What are we nurturing?

We are His!

He used a necklace to share His great love?

Enamored!

The witnessed aftermath of a fatal car accident

Reminder of God Who is Faithful!

August 20, 2011, "Surviving?"

*Revised* August 9, 2011, "How is your story being written?"

July 21, 2011, "How, Who and Wow!"

July 14, 2011, "Desperately Craving"

June 26, 2011, "Forgiveness bringing forth Healing"

Reminded by a dog named "Hachi"

June 22, 2011, "Overwhelming humbleness"

June 16, 2011, "Decluttered to Restored"

June 5, 2011, "Depressed? Offended? Discouraged?"

May 29, 2011, Memorial Remembrance

Do I know my calling to worthiness?

May 21, 2011, "Out of the mouth of babes"

May 21, 2011, "Forgiveness"

It is about...

Perspective revealed...

Delivering flowers!

April 17, 2011, "My Kindred Spirit and Sister Whom I have Never Met"

"I Don't Know How...But I know WHO"

April 5, 2011, Do you know?

April 4, 2011, "Declarations of Awe"

"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"

March 30, 2011, "God is Steadfast"

March 28, 2011, "Revelation through Intimacy"

Hope in the midst of ruin...

March 17, 2011, "Praise, Encourage and Edify our Glorious God and King"

March 12, 2011, "Love covers..."

March 7, 2011 "Interview with my daughter"

March 3, 2011, "All Consuming Fire that Never Goes Out"

"Go, Fight and Win"

Chapter Six: My Redeemer

Chapter Five: Beauty for Ashes

Chapter Four: The Eye of The Beholder

Letter from dad to son...

The Walk...

Chapter Three: The King Adorned In Peace

Chapter Two: The Place of Secrecy

Chapter One: What Mirror Are You Looking Into?

Introduction to new blog for self-published book

February 2, 2011, "Praising Him No Matter What"

Testimony of God of the photograph on Triumphant Victorious Reminders blog

January 29, 2011, Trembling and Shaking at Injustice

January 25, 2011, Grace and Humility

January 14, 2011, "Thorns"

January 11, 2011, "Come!"

January 9, 2011, "Victorious Declaration of Praise"

Revised August 9, 2011, "How is your story being written?"