The Key to entering God's gates!

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

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise.  Give thanks to him and bless his name.  For the Lord is good.  His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation."
~ Psalm 100:4-5 ~

Image from Google.com

Are you being seduced?
You know that moment where you are no longer focused on the abundant goodness of God, instead now focused on the fierce lack of this life (Consisting of difficulties in circumstances, people, trials, hardships)? 

Do you want to kick some major a@% in this area of discontentment, complaining and seeing with mere human sight of your facts and reality resulting in only seeing obstacles?  Do you want to begin living in the place of God's abundant, supernatural vision of Truth revealing faith seeing opportunities in the midst of the obstacles?

Here's an exercise for the remedy...are you and I ready?  Maybe the question isn't "Are we ready?" But more so, "Are we willing?"

I know and believe that in order to see the victory I must be willing to partner with God in obedience.

This is how I enter His gates...the key to 'entering' is with the key of thanksgiving, revealing my grateful heart toward Him, for Who He is.  As I enter His gates I can now enter His courts with praise.  The thanksgiving is my vehicle to get into God's courts, as I enter in I marvel at His greatness; it is breathtakingly difficult not to praise Him.  As I praise Him, my spirit leads my mind to a place of worship in which every circumstance, every growing seed of depression that was a mighty fortress and mountain is now brought down to nothingness because of His eternal majestic splendor.  His All Consuming Fire, for this is Who He is, brings it all down, consuming it to ashes and now we are able to operate in His unfailing love, drowning out the superficial, conditional love of my mere humanness.

Therefore, let us not be seduced away from our Author and Finisher of our faith.  No matter what we are doing, let us rise up, get ready, run, eat, and work knowing Whose side we are on.

In closing, today my Triumphant Victorious Reminder is that my partnership or lack of partnership with God reveals one of two things:  We either live in the world by our sight resulting in facts or we live in the supernatural world of vision because of Truth via the vehicle of faith in our God!

When hopelessness tries to whisper, speak or shout lies into you, then with the same measure; whisper, speak and shout God's hope over the people and situations.  Even if nothing changes, the truly powerful change comes from within the heart!

Mother's Day!

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

Dear God, You are the most beautiful MOTHER, revealed by your Holy Spirit; our Comforter, Nurturer and Teacher...When we as mom's feel as though we are at our wit's end, YOUR SUPERNATURAL POWER TO NURTURE and TEACH is ever present in our time of need and when we recognize that power; your gifts, our children truly flourish! Happy Mother's Day to YOU LORD!

To my earthly Mom, you are a beautiful woman, hilarious to be around and amazing to listen to!  Your words coupled with that irresistible accent which flows out of your mouth with passionate wisdom is a blessing!  Your way of wanting to surprise us with your presence has become a contagious tradition in which we attempt to find ways to do the same for one another and for our own children!

Mom, the way you look at life, your perspective, is many times seen through the passionate love of God! 

I know many adult children are blessed to call their mother's "mom" and "mum"; but I feel as though I am enormously blessed beyond them all.  It is not out of bias, but truly from experience that I write this.  God knew He could trust you (and dad) to nurture and parent someone like me.  Your prayers of persistent faith in our God over me while I was yet afar off is what saved my life.  Even though with your sight you could not see what I was to become, with God's great VISION you were able to hold onto the GREATEST FATHER AND MOTHER OF ALL...ALMIGHTY GOD!

Flowers, gifts, a card and a hug are good; but my appreciation for you within my heart squashes even the beauty of those things.  Thank you for holding onto HIM while He held onto me!  

I love you Mom...I love that you are not only my mom, but also my sister in Christ, my Starbucks buddy, my butt pinchin', neck huggin', small but mighty embracin' mom!

Happy Mom's Day!

Love, Teresa - -

                      [

                     V

That's suppose to be a 'replica' of your Asian smiley faces that you placed on every note you wrote to us when we were little girls!!!! 

Simple gift, yet profound in their delivery!

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

"God is my strength and power, He makes my way perfect" (complete).
~ 2 Samuel 22:33 ~

Moments ago, I was cleaning my son's old desk.  My mind stayed focused on the chore, when a familiar voice interrupted my fixed thoughts as I scrubbed away the dirt.  Hearing him say, "Mom" so playfully is quite a blessing.  Actually, altogether to hear the precious word "Mom" be said of me, by him, this handsome young man is beyond joy to my ears.

As he and his wife entered the room, their adorable grins never grew faint.  Cody looked over at his wife and then looked back at me and bashfully said, "Mom, we couldn't wait.  Happy Mother's Day".  Slowly getting to my feet I was beyond blessed noticing in Cody's hand, a long rectangular plaque and a card decorated with large letters, spelling "Mom".  Elated, I said, "For me?!"  With proud smiles they said, "Of course.  Thank you for everything you and dad have done for us."

My eyes began to sting as I could feel the tears welling up from within.  On their end, a bit startled, my daughter-in-law asked Cody, "She's crying?"  He nodded as he knows me all too well.  :)  All I could do in those moments was continue to happily cry and say, "Thank you", embracing them wholeheartedly.

Moments later, with a huge smile, Cody looked at his wife, his chest sticking out, saying, "See, I told you she would like it."  Within moments, I excitedly found a perfect spot for the plaque that declares, "God is my strength and power; He makes my way perfect."
~ 2 Samuel 22:33 ~

You may think, just as they did, "What's the big deal?"  But little do many know the regrets I have had, wishing I would have raised him better.  Wishing I could get back those years and really show him my enormous love for him.  I must allow you to know that these regrets are no longer heavy weights of condemnation, instead, they are only that I wish Cody knew what a blessing he truly was and is in my life. 

As I was honored this evening in being one of the mom's in his life; a son not from my womb, but from my heart; the 'bonus' son gifted to me from God through my husband from his previous relationship was truly humbling.  To experience Cody and his wife's honor and kindness toward me is a head shaking honor.  To know such beautiful people, such as them, calling me that beautiful name, "Mom" brings me to my knees with extreme gratefulness.

In this moment, getting to have our son and his beautiful wife stay with us for a while is seen with new perspective.  I no longer am experiencing the news as a burdensome sigh, but rather an exciting moment to be a part of their story in this season of their lives.

Upon receiving their gift and heart felt words within the card they gave me, I was overwhelmed by their generosity.  They revealed a glimpse of God's faithfulness even when I was faithless.

Beautiful Mom's!  Remember, even though we are being honored and held to high esteem this Mother's Day, may each of us remember that it is our duty, honor and mandate to nurture, love, and embrace God's beautiful children; as many of you know from experience, they don't stay small for long.  The greatest assignment for a mom is to impart hope and faith in God in the process of their lives.  Just as we didn't develop in a day, as we are still going through the process, so we must remember the same for our children.

Their precious gift may have been simple, yet so profound in their delivery!

Thank You Lord for the reminder of Your strength and power when it goes through us as mother's, utilizing and exercising your grace to parent; causing our ways to be made complete for your beautiful gifts, our children.

Contributing Writer, Poppa C.O.

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Teresa Criswell

Today's 'TVR' Contributing Writer: Poppa C.O. Farmer

Let me introduce you to a wonderful man of God.  His name is Poppa C.O.  Yes, that's right, we call him Poppa.  He is a man who spoke God's faith, hope and love revealed by God's wisdom into my parents when I, their daughter had gone astray for many years. Many of you know about God's testimony in Poppa's story...please read on as Poppa has had an online daily devotional for many years now.  Thanking God for His blessings as we partner with Him in our obedience revealing our love for Him as He first loved us!

Good Day to you, my Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus.

This is the day the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

As we continue our journey through the Gospel of Luke,
we pick up in Chapter 13, verse 10.

The Word says:

"On a Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman  was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years.  She was bent over and could not straighten up at all.
When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her,
"Woman, you are set free from your infirmity."
Then he put his hands on her, and she immediately straightened up and praised God."
Luke 13: 10-13

This parable is about healing on the Sabbath, and the reaction of the people involved.
We will discuss part of it today, and  continue the teaching from the Lord in the next message.

My heart goes out to the lady who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years.
The Word says, "She was bent over and could not straighten up at all."

I have been there.
When I was in my early thirties, my children and I were horseback riding. My daughter was riding ahead of my son and me.  We went down into a ravine, and as we started up the incline the horse we were on pitched us off.  I landed on my back.  After I could breathe again, we went on.
Within a few weeks I began to have pain in my neck, and back, and legs.
A rare form of arthritis had been activated by the fall, and it began to take it's toll.
It is called Ankylosing Spondylitis.  It fuses the back by causing the spinal area to become bone on bone,  and ultimately bends you over making it harder to breathe, and of course difficult to hold your head up to see.  The pain was more than I can explain.  It was horrible.

Fast forward to my late sixties, over 30 years later, and another accident.  I fell across the edge of the tub as I was taking a shower one morning, and broke my lower back.

Through circumstances being controlled by the Lord, I was taken to a Dr that operated on my back.
Ultimately to get the hardware to work in the back, he had to fix the neck as well. This straightened me.
I feel better in my seventies than I did in my late thirties.
I can breathe so much better, and have more energy than I have had in years.
Praise the Lord.

My point is to say, God is good!

When Jesus saw our lady in the synagogue with a big need, He took care of it.
When He saw me with a big need, He took care of it.
When He sees any of us in a big need, He wants to take care of us.

It is in His time.
It is in the place and the way He chooses. 
The lady was in the synagogue, mine was in a hospital. Both were miracles.

When we have a need, let us be expecting the Lord to take care of it.
In His time.  In His way.
He loves us dearly.
He IS love.
Let us trust Him for our needs.  He will provide.

Blessings and Love to you, and yours, my Friends.

Mercy, grace, and peace be yours in abundance.

Poppa

Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, On Line 

To receive this devotional via email, please contact Teresa at bravelyrescued@yahoo.com

Awesome God

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

"You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance."
~ Psalm 32:7 ~

I asked, "Lord, why is it so many of us get delivered, but then we feel we need to be delivered multiple times?"  That is when I heard in my spirit, "Desiring deliverance is not only a one time experience, it is experiencing a moment by moment relationship with Me the Deliverer".

Deliverance isn't just a one time, magic potion moment.  The beauty of deliverance is not about an experience but Who we get to experience it with.  Making ourselves aware to His presence and being awakened to the One Who sings songs of Deliverance over us, is incredibly right there with us.

Some may ask, "That sounds good, but what does that look like?"  I heard it said best from Terry, one of my mentors, "Teresa, you and your husband could be in the same vicinity of the house.  He may be in his chair watching television and you are doing something in the kitchen.  You both are there, but you haven't made yourself aware to one another's presence.  However, as soon as you intentionally become aware of one another, dynamics change, the atmosphere changes...so it is us with God.  He is right there with us, His presence is everywhere, but until we take notice and acknowledge Him that is when we are able to experience Who He is moment by moment being aware of our Amazing God.

It goes back to having a relationship with our God Who is eternally faceted.  For instance, there could be some who are incredibly content and know how blessed they are and if you allow Him, He reveals Himself as the Lover of your soul.  We get to have fun with Him, joyfully communicating with Him, looking up at the sky and even saying, "Wow God, You are so cool, even the heavens declare Your glory."  Maybe there are many reading this who feel or even were abandoned and yet Almighty God reveals Himself as your Father that no earthly man could ever come close in comparison.  Meanwhile, we could be in a situation filled with confusion and anxiety, yet even in that circumstance as we make ourselves aware to the Almighty Counselor and Teacher, He Who is Peace comes in and blows us away as our mind is unable to comprehend such an incredible feat. Perhaps in life we feel alone, yet if and when we allow Him, He gently reveals Himself as our Comforter...not comforting us in a 'coddling', or enabling way, but showing us that He has put bravery and courage within us to keep going as He assures us, "I Am here."  The innumerable amount of circumstances cannot hinder Him from being Who He is in our lives, will we allow ourselves to be a part in relationship of this amazing God? 

So today, let us be aware, 'triumphantly and victoriously reminded' of our God The Father Who is revealed as Father and Protector.  And Jesus Christ who came to reveal the Father, is The Son Who is our Companion and Friend.  And the Holy Spirit Who came to reveal the Son, is The Promised One revealed as a Mother, a Comforter and Teacher.

The Beauty of Forgiveness...

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell Excerpt from post in www.giebyb.wordpress.com

Photograph excerpt from Google Images

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

The beauty of God’s love is indescribable. Even in the attempt to describe such massive, exploding and delicious truth, where does one begin?

Today, I am made aware of the beauty of forgiveness.

A simple truth that God revealed to me was truly experienced in an unforgettable way. Proper forgiveness does not validate the wrongful hurt and betrayal; it validates the person who has committed the act of hurt and betrayal.

Don't give up!

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

"So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters."
~ Galatians 6:9-10 ~




A young man, 25 years of age, enters the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in San Antonio. Every Monday for months, labeled as a 'stand by', he drives several hours with hope that there is an opening to enter basics for the Marine Corp. Every Monday, like clock work, he goes in with an attitude of, "This time they'll say, "Yes". Upon his head held up high entering the station, he hears the disappointing words, yet again, "No openings, come back next Monday."

I have to ask myself, "Upon all those no's, was he temped to say, "Maybe this isn't for me. Maybe I'm just not meant to join the Marine corp."? Yet, something inside him; everything from tenacity, destiny and purpose compelled him to keep his hope alive.

In another city, another young man, our son Cody, ready to depart Monday, March 26th for Camp Pendleton is ready to go. Although newly married to his young bride, they have readied themselves, prepared themselves for a life of sacrifice just like any other military family. Upon his goodbyes, his young wife takes him to the recruiting office where the young men await being transported to San Antonio.

All the while, the dreams our son had possessed of being a Marine since he can remember was becoming a reality. Upon his arrival, all the young men were constantly reminded of their own decisions to want to be a Marine. They allowed anyone who were to have second thoughts to let it be known now and if they didn't, once they stepped on that plane to depart for Camp Pendleton, they were no longer their own, but now they belonged to the United States military. This reminder seemed to haunt our son as his anticipated reality was being dissipated with second thoughts outweighing his initial dreams.

Hearing the reminder in his head over and over again, "Once you step on that plane you are now ours", he realized his mind wasn't ready. Although he 'fit the bill' of a Marine; from stature, intelligence, the look, but when it came down to it, he realized he wasn't ready.

Cody later said, "I didn't realize how much my priorities changed until I got there." As he made his decision, little did he know what was about to happen next. Because Cody had scored quite high on his testing, he was going in as an aviation mechanic. To be able to possess this type of job would be considered quite successful.

So, with that said, it brings me back to the 25 year old young man, who on that Monday morning, the 26th of March, drove down to San Antonio, yet again, his head held up high, knowing that maybe, just maybe, this would be the day he would hear, "Yes!" As he walked into the station, he was greeted by one of the men who worked there and was told, "Well, you will be going to Camp Pendleton today and you can thank this young man." The man in the office pointed at Cody. With restrained excitement he came over to Cody and said, "O man, thank you, I don't mean to be so happy, but I have been waiting for months for this day!"

Tears welled up in my eyes as I heard this story, realizing that everything Cody had was transferred over to this young man. This young man's persistence, perseverance and tenacity outweighed every "no", every temptation to give up and trumped every assumption and speculation that "Maybe this wasn't meant to be."

To reminisce of this moment, I wonder did he ask God for a miracle, or did he ask God for the grace to be patient and persevere?

This leads me to the Triumphant Victorious Reminder, that even when others we pray for and see no hope in or it seems like there is nothing left to live for, we stay fixed on our God Who is The Way and has a way already made, even when there seems like all hope is lost. Don't give up in doing well...like this young man who went to that station, consistently every Monday, he was unknowingly growing in character and now possesses a story, an experience that no one can take from him. For his experience will trump every doubt and fear in the things to come.

I must not give up, but give in to what is good and that which leads to perseverance assisted by patience resulting in being whole in character.

I often think, "Wouldn't it be interesting if God utilized Cody as a vessel to get where he was to pass it on to who it was truly meant for?"

Perspective Challenge

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



"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
~ Psalm 118:24 ~

I am challenging myself to see things differently. Being more aware of the perspective from God's abundant 'vision', versus my mere human 'sight'.

Okay, so here's the challenge:
When I crave more food, want another purse, outfit and another pair of shoes, complain to myself about my husband, kids or the chores I must get done, etc. I will then go get a snack out of the pantry, wearing a purse I already have, an outfit that fits and a pair of shoes I am already blessed to own and notice the husband that I couldn't live without in my youth, embrace the child I never dreamed I would have and whistle as I have things I 'get to' pick up, wash and fold and be aware of the vast wealth around me. I will then go outside, look up at the sun lit sky, be enamored by the skies declarations of God's glory, intentionally hear creation sing, and delightfully take notice of the detail in the leaves and flowers around me, intentionally focus in on the intricate detail of His glorious creation, humbling me to a place of majestic and incredible awe.



And when the craving, want and complaining starts up again...then yet again, I will be incredibly grateful for Who I am loved by, what I do have, looking through the eyes of abundance and no longer seeing through eyes of lack.

Jesus Is Alive!

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



May our life declare:
The 'Triumphant, Victorious Reminders' that Jesus is Alive;
That Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly;
And as we live with abundant joy, may we declare the love of God over ALL, including especially the ones we have offended and those who have offended us.

I am reminded today that His LOVE declares that He is ALIVE!

He is the Most Famous One, and in spite of all His fame, He knows you and longs to rescue you. Will you let Him?
Call on His name, the most beautiful name, the Name of Jesus!

A great man of stature, called Dad!

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

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;"
~ Psalm 103:13 ~



The moment she was born, he called this baby girl 'his'.
Resting on his chest was undeniably her place of safety and rest.
A man's man, yet not moved by his own stature; only moved by love for his precious little girl.

As she went to school, the reward when coming home was awaiting her father's arrival so he could twirl her in the air.
Every insult at school as she became filled with despair,
his loving twirl, as he lifted her in the air cast off her every sadness and every care.

Growing older and more concerned with the cares of her own,
she came to a crossroads and took the path many footprints shared.
The reports of her travels, reached the ears of her father as he would fall to his knees in prayer.
The disappointments that caused his heart to ache began to see the hope within to dissipate.
As he was tempted to give up, he would give in to God on her behalf at 4 am every morning since before any of his family knew, he would petition his requests to God.
This man of stature, strong and mighty, filled with quiet strength, his prayers along with his passionate wife shook heaven and the altered destiny his daughter would take.

This girl is now a woman, who loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind and strength.
She has a husband who provides, protects and strengthens along with two children by their side.
You may wonder, who is she and what did she become?
'She' happens to be me who lives in her true destiny by God's majestic grace.

Because of my earthly dad who gave me a beautiful way of how to see Father God, I honor you for loving me in spite of my actions that would cause you to shake yet you stood still because of God's unshakeable faith.

Today is my dad's birthday and I am so grateful that God allowed me to have a dad such as him. To be placed in a family so blessed even in my actions of disappointments and head shaking shame; the unconditional love of God was revealed with such grace through my dad who had every right to forsake.

Daddy, happy birthday. I love you so much!
Love, Twiggy

Making Yourself Aware

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

"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
~ Philippians 4:6-7 ~

Upon my focus during the walk to my planned destination, I ignored my surroundings. Yet a question came to mind, "Have you considered making yourself aware to God's creation?" As soon as that question came to mind, I 'snapped' out of the mundane and into the extraordinary as I made myself aware to my surroundings compelling me to the point of awe.

Maybe you are unintentionally ignoring your surroundings?
Perhaps you are planning for the future but ignoring your present moment with those you love?

If it is possible, for a moment, pause the necessary 'job' that must be done and pick up the phone and call that' special someone'; let them know you were thinking of them. Maybe send an email, a text or even write an 'old-fashioned' letter. Maybe consider going outside and making yourself aware to what surrounds you. Whether it be making yourself aware to the vast skies, or the branches stretched out and extending it's arms to the sun. You could even intentionally listen to the birds sing. Whatever you choose to do, marvel, take it in slowly and exhale with intention.

Are you praying for God's presence? Instead of praying for His presence, make yourself aware to His presence that is already surrounding you.

I am reminded to make myself aware to God's presence.

I am also reminded to make myself aware to my daughter's voice as she speaks. She has something to say, it is my mandate to validate her voice and make myself aware to the treasure that is before me.

Be aware and in that awareness you will see the treasures unfold right before your eyes!

Subtle reminders

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


Photograph taken by Teresa Criswell

"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life ~ whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to Him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't He more surely care for you? You have so little faith...seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and all these things (mentioned) will be added unto you."
~ Jesus Christ, quote recorded in Matthew 6:25-30, 33 NLT & NKJV ~

A penny, a coin; scooping down low to pick them up, stranded and alone.
Flowers; taking a moment to breathe in such detailed beauty so often ignored.
Kind words; hearing the sound of the vibrations of life spoken forth from another spirit that God so beautifully created.
Hugs; experiencing an embrace from another soul.

Opening the door for someone; an expression revealing that you are noticed and important.

I am reminded to intentionally pause and smell the flowers in the midst of the rush of life; to take notice and be more intentional as I look into the eyes of the people I surround myself with, especially my husband and children; to intentionally be thankful to my Amazing God who allows me to live and freely declare Who He is by being who He has called me to be, a woman of great faith in God.

Challenged to Live in the NOW!

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

"Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself."
~ Matthew 6:34 ~

Have you been challenged to live in the time of 'now' and in the space of 'here'?

On Saturday, many of us were as we were able to attend a LIVE taping of XMOglobal.com with Terry Pruett and Steve Koening.

Let me share a glimpse of the 'now':

The door opens and closes revealing the sound of the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
Feet shuffling.
Zippers zipping.
Computers chiming.
Sniffles.
Sighs.

My 'now' moment brings me to the attention of a little boy talking, enamored by what is before him.

An older woman speaking kindly to the little ones.

The sound of an object falling on the ground.

Voices fill the room.

More feet shuffle coming in and going out.

Now I can hear the undertones of someone reading to themselves.

In this moment, I notice a woman looking for a place to sit as we exchange smiles, she finally sits down. My attention is taken to my water bottle which has just fallen on the ground, as I glance down I take notice of a fire extinguisher directly to the left of me, and a little further down the wall I notice a phone jack and electrical plug outlets. I now notice a fan, and a circular table with magazines.

Suddenly I hear a little boy's voice as he says with pride, "She's my favorite sister in the whole wide world."

Then, a little girl, so helpful says something profound to the receptionist, "A girl who was bullying me found out that I had a birthday. She started to be nice and I asked her if she wanted to be my friend, you know what she said? She said, "Yes". I learned that sometimes a bully can become your friend." Enamored by her willing to forgive, I can now hear fingers dancing upon the keyboard.

I now notice a man playing Words with Friends on his iphone and a woman on her ipad. I look all around me and seven people our of the sixteen in the room are preoccupied with an electronic device from ages 5 to adult.

I am awakened to my surroundings. The smells of the outside attached to people coming into the building are coupled with the smells of what seems to be maple syrup and a hint of orange.

Suddenly, the atmosphere changes as I see a man, a dad, coming in with impatience all over him. Then, my attention is interrupted by someone coughing, leading to hear a little girl tell her parents a story as she is interrupted by a phone ringing.

To behold the interaction of these beautiful people who are before me leaves me in awe of our Amazing God. Every person, so unique, incredibly different.

My senses are interrupted yet again as I can now hear an intuitive and animated little boy talking and elated by the 'now'.
I giggle to myself as I can hear him ask in his sweet yet demanding voice,
"Do you have a dad?"
"Do you have a mom?"
"Do you have a sister?"
"Do you have an aunt?" I discreetly giggle as I hear him say, "I don't have an aunt."
The young man that he is asking all these questions to is attempting to ignore him, but the little boy demands his attention.

Suddenly, another phone rings. Then, I change seats with a man who needs to plug in his computer. As I move, I see with new perspective as I can now see outside, the trees, the parked cars, people walking along the sidewalks.

What is everyone's 'now' that is passing them by?

I am greatly convicted as I realize that 'intention' is rarely utilized in this gift called life. As I ponder, sudden quietness fills the room. Slowly, the quietness is interrupted as I notice a woman across from me with her leg crossed as her foot quickly bounces up and down with great speed.

I can now hear buttons being pressed on a phone, and now the receptionist makes a phone call as her voice carries throughout the room, notifying a parent that their child forgot their bag.

Now my attention is interrupted with a snapping sound as a lady walks out of the building wearing flip flops.

I look around as I can hear the subtle sound of someone listening to country music. A phone rings, a woman answers, then another phone rings.

I intentionally take in the colors of a beautiful tropical plant that has been sitting on the receptionist's desk the whole time, however, I have not made myself aware to it until now. I notice the hot pink colors with lush, long, slim bright green leaves.

Deciding to change scenery, I step outside and hear the sound of a parked car as it runs idle.

The subtle wind softly makes itself known as the pages of my journal softly turn. The sound of another car starting, then another one.

Walking over to my car, I open the car door, sit down and shut the door.

As I look up I see the most beautiful little girl, my daughter who is now finished with class, she opens the door to our car, she sits down and shuts the door and putting her seat belt on. I embrace her as I take her beautiful face into my hands as I intentionally inhale her sweet, familiar fragrance enthralled by the 'now' of being reminded that she is a gift from my God 'now'.

With all this said, with all the taking in of just a few 'now' moments, there was not one moment where I even thought about yesterday or tomorrow...I was simply living in the 'now'.

I am reminded to embrace the 'now', for that is all that is promised to us...the right now. I must remember that I have been given the gift of now the moment I was born.

We get to be thankful to our God in the time called, 'now' and in the space called, 'here'.

The Legacy We Are Called To Leave Behind

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

"Love will last forever...There are three things that will endure - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love...For God is love."
~ I Corinthians 13:8a, 13, I John 4:8b NLT ~

The word 'legacy' has been surfacing around me as though I were wading in the waters of life. This profound word which leads to a common human definition as a gift by will, especially of money or personal property, an inheritance or something acquired without compensation or payment is not the legacy that I have been provoked to think upon. Instead, I have been asking, "What legacy or imprint will I leave behind upon this earth?"

Realizing the answer to this question is not just about leaving behind a part of me but the One who rescued me, leaving an imprint of God's love through me which lasts forever. I am continually learning that living out in this legacy of love is revealed by unselfishness and gratefulness which pulls out God's compassion and seeing through grateful perspective versus perspective of lack or offense.

Truly, the legacy of what is to be revealed after we have come and gone is to leave that which was left for us and that is the revealing 'legacy' which is truly the person, Jesus Christ!

What will they remember me by? I desire to be remembered by Who rescued and loved me, my Jesus.

Video from youtube.com

Trust in the Lord...

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit

The following post was written by Aimee. She is a very precious woman that is part of the life group I facilitate. She wrote to me this beautiful prayer revealing scripture and a brief testimony of what she has seen come forth when it all seemed dead and gone. May this encourage you as it truly encouraged me.

Jeremiah 17:7

Blessed is the my sister ______ who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For she shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

Teresa, one of my pride and joys is my garden! But during these past two years it has been neglected due to lack of money, sickness, severe anxiety from the brokenness of my marriage, pregnancy and of course this summer's drought. It is overgrown w/ weeds, and many of my flowers, herbs, and plants have died completely. They are gone. Usually I have limes, strawberries, and grapes that I love to watch the neighborhood kids pick and eat w/ joy. Of course this year, none yielded any fruit. During the drought this summer, I did not even water my "garden" at all! But near the end, when even the strongest of plants struggled to survive, something started happening to my grapevine.

Strangely new growth was springing forth behind large crinkled dead grape leaves. Branches were springing forth and FRUIT began to grow when everything else laid withered to their roots! Even the timing of this fruit was odd. Immediately God reminded me of this passage and of His promises!! I will continue to pray God will truly provide for her according to His riches and glory!!

Love and blessings....Aimee

Burdened and Weary?

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

"Then Jesus said, "Come to Me all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest"."
~ Matthew 11:28 ~


Photograph from Google Images

Are you tired?
Weary?
Do you feel like the weight of the world is upon your shoulders?
Are you experiencing frustration that if one more situation occurs it will 'be the straw that breaks the camel's back'?

In spite of me, I am getting through this season because of God's faithfulness even in the midst of my 'faithlessness'.

Perhaps you may be the one that is going through this season and you're hoping there is a triumphant ending soon.

Well, the fact is, we do get weary and tired after attempting to handle the things of this life on our own. Yet, the truth is, in God's Excellency, He knows He is able to obliterate impossibilities into possibilities.

With this truth that is known, we need to get into the place of 'knowing' and cross over the threshold into that glorious place of 'revelational' experience. Living out with explosive power that the faith inside of us is no longer 'misplaced' into people, potential outcomes or how we think it should turn out. When we begin to explosively live by true faith, it will become properly placed upon our Awesome, Excellent God, revealing our trust in Him. The unfolding agenda is made known as His love reveals His desire for us to yearn for continual relationship with Him, not just in the case of an emergency, but in every aspect; good, bad, or indifferent. I can see more clearly that He desires us to trust Him revealing that we are bragging on His abilities and not our own!

In this reminder today, I am challenged to gauge the cite as on a weapon to properly focus on God, whom I 'say' I believe. As my dad often says, "You gotta walk the walk, not just talk the talk." Or as Terry Pruett often quotes, "Jesus will one day say to us, "Well 'done' my good and faithful servant, He will NOT say, "Well 'said'..."

Happy Love Day!

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

The doorbell rang. Although Julia was not expecting anyone, she ran and leaned on the door, raising up on her toes, looking through the peephole.

Looking to see who was on the other side of her door, she saw it was someone, someone she did not recognize. Her toes lowered her feet flat on the ground and although she had not anticipated anyone, you could see the let down, as her shoulders hunched down and her head lowered that she had hopes for someone that she knew would surprise her this Valentine's Day. She slowly grabbed the handle to open the door as her eyes widened in shock, she saw standing on her front porch, a tall, burly, broad-shouldered man holding onto none other than a large vase of vibrantly, colorful bouquet of flowers. She stood still. She wasn't expecting a delivery. She thought,"Who could this be from? Does he have the wrong house?"

Interrupting the awkward silence, the man's deep voice penetrated the atmosphere as he asked, "Is your name Julia?" Her sparkling eyes widened as she smiled and slowly said, "Yes, I am."


Photograph from
http://www.albertjarvispetrovic.tk/mini-sunflower-bouquet.html
as per Google images

He extended the beautiful bouquet of flowers toward her and said, "These are yours, enjoy!" With hesitancy, Julia awkwardly moved toward him to receive the flowers and asked, "Who are they from?" The delivery man seemingly puzzled, said, "I don't know. The guy who ordered these flowers gave his request and payment and quickly let me go." He continued to say, "Normally I don't take phone orders, someone else does that, but as I took the order for your flowers, the gentleman on the phone was very adamant that you receive the best bouquet we have ever assembled." Her eyes glazed over as he could see her attempt to grasp at who could have sent this beautiful bouquet, an expression of love. Sadly, when she came to, there was no one that came to mind.

However, I interrupt this story from my imagination as I am reminded of God, Who is Unfailing Love. His delivery of Unfailing Love and adamant pursuit of our hearts to be moved by Who He is must compel us to know that when others have failed us, or we have failed others, His Greatest expression of love, revealed by His Son Jesus knocks on the door of our hearts to not only deliver an extravagant blessing, but to extravagantly bless us moment by moment with God's glorious, wowing presence.

Whether you are experiencing loneliness and despair from a loss of your spouse, family member or friend, or whether you are desiring to have a companion to share your life with, or perhaps you have someone you get to share life with, no matter the situation, let us be reassured by the Greatest Companion of all, Almighty God. He is so beautifully revealed by The Holy Breath, The Holy Spirit of God. He expresses with great urgency to forget our former shame and loneliness, allowing Him, the Creator to be our Spouse. We must remember that He will never leave us nor forsake us as we receive the beautiful, vast, one-of-a-kind bouquets of His expression of Love moment by moment, whether it be through a penny, a flower, a word or deed, may we intentionally be moved by His desire to 'kiss' us as we are reminded that He is right there with us and He is for us.

Even in our greatest points of feeling alone in the midst of many, He is and will always be the Author of The Greatest Love and Companionship of All!

Scripture References:
I John 4:8
Isaiah 54:4-8
Hebrews 13:5

Accessories...Wear it well!

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

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...

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.