Do you find that you become anxious or fearful when you KNOW you are about to take a step in the right direction?

Is it adrenaline? Is it fear? Is it....intuition?

This topic of conversation has been highlighted to me since the beginning of the new year! Fear keeps creeping in as I actively walk in a new season I undoubtedly know God is calling me into. However, I have noticed that many close to me are also experiencing the physical manifestation of fear - anxiety.  So, I have been inspired to use this topic, which the enemy has actively been using to prevent me from moving forward, to help walk us out of that place we find ourselves "Stuck" in. Obviously, with the help of Holy Spirit!

You may have noticed I have not been so active on here since we came into the year 2016. (I hope you've noticed !) I ended last year on a very high note! I had just had my first Silent Auction where I successfully auctioned off my original art pieces in efforts to raise money for our first Family Missions Trip! Which, by the way, has helped me purchase our passports and tickets to Switzerland!! Praise the Lord!! That was only the beginning of this "Inspired Art" adventure!  What I thought may only provide a means to raise money for missions trips is indeed proving to be in high demand! Hmmm, not sure if that sounds right.  Basically, what I am learning is that God is using this art to inspire His children in a very intimate way, and He has no plans of stopping this movement through me!  I have been asked, by people I have come to know , to do private painting sessions!  What does that look like? You may be wondering.  It's simple, really!  I set up my station and let my music play in the background while you simply read a book or relax.  I am constantly in prayer during my painting.  I don't need to know anything from you in order to paint something specific for you! I ask the Lord to express His Love for you in a deep way.  I am just allowing Him to use me.  Sometimes I won't even have an interpretation for you... because you will just know when you see it! Besides, the same picture will undoubtedly speak something different to anyone else.  But this is a special moment and I would LOVE to see some testimonials in the comments below from anyone who has ,or will, receive one of these paintings! ;)

No, I have not forgotten the topic of this post. Yes, it is necessary for you to understand this little backstory of mine.

God, my Papa Love, has given me clear direction of my call in this life!  He has promised me some BIG things and is bringing them to pass! I mean, I still cannot believe we are going to Switzerland in just a few short months!  He has given me BIG dreams! And He has even been speaking some bold words into my life. Like, very specific things! Concerning Love and marriage and even where I'm going to live! This is " deep territory" He is walking me into.  And, I admit, from the outside I look like a crazy lady sometimes.  I gotta stop caring how I think other people see me as because that's exactly what will cause me to cower into a ball of insecurities and not move forward in His promises!  And THAT is my introduction to addressing FEAR!

I would be foolish to underestimate the craftiness of my enemy!  I am thankful that I have grown a lot in my understanding of my God-given authority I am to walk in!  Otherwise, I would continue to be ruled by the debilitating fear that constantly shoots up like a huge mountain as I walk the straight and narrow! The thing about those mountains on a straight and narrow path is that you naturally cannot see beyond them! You are aware of how far you've walked and all you have already been able to overcome.  Then you are faced with a decision... do you set up camp and just retrace your past steps and remain in what you have come to "know", and allow that mountain to keep you from going beyond?  Or, do you refuse to remain in what you are meant to walk out of and scale that mountain?

My mountain is usually formed by the fear of expectation and even success!  Which really forms an even bigger mountain of responsibility and reliability!  I'm just gonna name it because my enemy already knows my fears and I believe that by being transparent about this I will gain strength! As will you! As I see the good that is produced by my obedience to His leading and my public vulnerability, I begin to see the magnitude of the influence He is allowing me to have on a large scale! And it is daunting!  I mean, really, if I mess up in a big way, suddenly the world will know it and my entire reputation can be destroyed!! Suddenly my circle became bigger! By no means am I putting myself on a "celebrity" status pedestal!  The reality of putting myself out there publicly is just really scary to think about, you know?  People I don't even personally know suddenly really know me!  And some of the people I do know and hold in high esteem don't even have a clue that I exist!  Which, by the way, is not healthy, I know.  What I really need to get over is needing the approval of man!  And I know this!  I am just laying before you the real fears and thoughts I face on a daily basis that are constantly surfacing in efforts to get me to stop sharing! And let me tell you about this fear of success I have!  I didn't even realize that would be a fear until it was actually put into words!  Doesn't everyone want to be successful?? Well, ya, of course!  But to remain successful is a big deal!  All these things, which have not even become tangible yet, stir a great ,breath-taking anxiety within my belly!  But you know what?  All these what ifs are really smoke and mirrors!

Want to know how to combat this tool of your enemy? Do you want to know how to use it against him, for your gain? Here's how...

... Do it anyway! It will not go away as you continue to walk forward.  But you can experience peace during those times.  God has not given us a spirit of fear.  So, we know it's not from Him, which means it's from the enemy.  And why would he try to stop us in our tracks with fear?  Because, unlike us, he does see what's on the other side of that mountain!  He does not want us to go out into all the world and make disciples! He doesn't want us to know our true value!  He doesn't want us to know that we, in Christ, are a force to be reckoned with!  What is his main goal?  To steal kill and destroy US! And why did Jesus come? To give us life more abundantly! Again, fear will pop up constantly, but as you gain more momentum and seek first the Kingdom, you will rise up on wings like eagles and gain new strength and He will provide all that you need and beyond! Yes, I combined a few different paraphrased verses, but it's all true!! The true key is to acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your path! And cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you!  Do you want peace of mind? Give Him your time and attention.

So, next time I have the privilege of painting in front of the church during worship service, I will enter into His presence and climb that mountain in anticipation! 
If what you do in life is pleasing and acceptable to the Lord, yet causes an anxiety within you, you must bring it before Papa Love and talk it out with Him. Ask for understanding and wisdom.  You will gain it!  Never get too busy with even the good to set aside time with your Papa! He's the only one who can give you the fulfillment you seek.  And, if you are not careful to keep Him first, the good works He once produced through you can become dead and even destructive.  I pray I never boast in anything I do but that I forever sing His praises and boast in His everlasting Glory!

Aahhhhh.... that was refreshing!

Be inspired to keep going!  And let God go as big as He wants with you!

Much Love!
~ Rach

Still trying to figure out how to post things in specific categories...in the meantime, I will just continue to post everything here.
What I am going to be writing today simply cannot wait another day!  I have had this on my heart for quite sometime now, but have had every excuse possible to not get it down.  So, no more excuses! I'm pumped up after a great sermon in Church today and God's persistent pursuit!
Let's get down to business already...
I am a visionary.  I long for the lost and broken as though I have the heart of Jesus. Sadly, my heart is bent.  It procrastinates.  It becomes distracted.  And becomes selfish most times. Wonderfully, though, I am NOT Jesus!  Nor do I wish I were.  I much prefer needing Him and having Him to rest my head on.  I say all that to share the JOY I have to be able to share this vision the LORD has given me, in hopes and anticipation of partnering with you, known and unknown, in walking this out!  I AM SO EXCITED!!
This gets quite lengthy, and is incredibly detailed.  So, please, go to a quiet place and soak it in, or read it out loud to those you are with right now. This is intended for the entire body of Christ to hear, as we all have necessary functions and gifts to work together in order to represent HIM well.
Ha! Now, for real, I'm getting to it... I promise I'm not stalling!
About 6 or 7 years ago I received a vision.  I wrote it down in my journal and then forgot about it due to the craziness of my life at that time. *NOTE: I encourage you all to write down, or record in any way, any visions, words of knowledge, and dreams you are divinely given. Because, I promise you, they WILL become relevant and pertinent to the call God has on your life! And it's not only for you...it's for the people God wants to impact THROUGH YOU!*
During that time I would only write in my journal a couple of times a year. So inconsistent. However, I am even more amazed by the unfolding of this because of that! Time doesn't tick the same in the heavenly realm.  I was going through life-changing difficulties that I wasn't sure I'd even survive! Let me encourage you right here, right now.  When you feel that you are under major attack that doesn't seem to stop, yet in moments receive words, dreams, visions, or any other divine occurrences, you are in a process of being refined and groomed.  The enemy will do anything in his power to make the problems bigger than any hopes and blessings.  He is so scared of what you will do once you recognize your true identity and authority in Christ!  And that's even an understatement! THIS is why you need relationships with others. You NEED the rest of the body in these times.  It's not a sign of weakness on your part, to ask for help.  It's literally how we are designed.  We are designed to need each other in order to function properly. Take an anatomy class and you'll figure it out real quick!  Because if I break down everything here I may as well just start a book and bypass the Blogging stage. ;)
Aren't rabbit trails fun?! You never know what you're going to discover on one!  Now, back on the main path... hmm....oh ya! Sooo, as I was saying, er... writing, in that journal entry I had written about this vision, also a specific dream, and the fact that Switzerland was on my heart.  My next journal entry was quite a few months later and it was dated in red ink, then I ran out of that ink and switched to black. (Hahaha... oh my word, the details we aren't even aware of until God chooses to reveal them... it's quite amusing! Don't worry, you'll get it...soon.) So, in that entry, Holy Spirit was stirring within me the urgency of walking out what God has called us in. I had written that, when we are called to step out in Faith, shouldn't we just do it? Do we question it?  Why would we question it?  When God speaks, you know that you know that you know... You know?  I found myself getting discouraged by the doubt, hesitation, lack of zeal or passion in other people's responses.  I shouldn't have, however.  There's a reason why God speaks specific things to specific people.  I guess it's like the hand doubting it should grab because the foot doesn't see the point.  That may have been a weird way to put it... hahaha, but I'm sticking with it!  I'm pretty sure you get the concept.  So, I wrote about the " URGENCY" on that specific date, which will soon be revealed.  Still, I did nothing. I'm really trying to break the habit of procrastination.  But, had I done something, I wouldn't have this incredible series of events to share! Focus Rachel! Ok, then, approximately a year later, I had written a song as my journal entry.  The song "Give me Jesus".  That was it.
Now, fast forward to late 2013. A couple of months after filing for divorce and now a working woman. *Take note here, God didn't reject me or become silent while I was going through a divorce. This was a huge revelation to me, as I had a fear because of a religious influence and mindset on the matter. He quickly revealed His heart to me in that moment!* I started seeing numbers. specific numbers. 911... 9:11... 9/11.... any of those, all of those. I would look at the clock every morning and night right at that time, without fail. I saw it in random places all the time.  Not a day went by that I did not see it.  It would even amount to change back on receipts!  Naturally, my first thought was," Oh No! What's going to happen? Am I in danger? is something bad going to happen to the people I love?" God gave me peace, though, that it wasn't that.  It was driving me crazy though.  My coworkers and friends were even noticing the strange coincidences ... it was just weird. ( By the way, I never have believed in coincidences.) After months and months of not getting any answers, I found myself sitting in my living room, alone, worshiping my LORD. The song Give me Jesus started playing, which didn't stand out to me at the time.  I just continued to sit and worship.  Suddenly, I started getting divine inspiration.  I wanted to do an outreach! I got a journal and started jotting everything down.  I was filled with excitement!  Then, I realized, I had this vision years ago!  It was looking familiar to me.  I was soon after led to search in my journal to find it. I opened up to it and then turned to the next entry. The one that had the date written in red... it was dated 9/11! I read over it, then turned the page to the next entry dated nearly a year later,btw, which was the song! My mind was blown!! I felt like I was on a treasure hunt!
This was the vision I had, which HE has since added new details to. I will include those details also...
Place: Stockton, CA at The Waterfront
I saw booths set up all along the perimeter of the park.  These booths were of organizations that offered services to the people of the community of Stockton.  All Gospel teaching churches had voluntarily come together as one body. This was NOT an act of religion. This was God's Heartbeat! The whole purpose of this was to show His heart, His love for the lost and the broken.  To break the walls and lies that religion has formed.  God is angered by the religious who claim to be followers of Christ, yet reject His people.  Those who have falsely led people astray and making their sin acceptable, yet causing those who move outside the box of religion to be labeled heretics, hypocrites, new aged, etc.  Even a lot of our God- fearing leaders have been led astray.  God is going to break that box apart. He is going to move in a mighty way. The vale will be lifted!  He is going to use His people who have been broken and rejected and KNOW HIM better now to speak truth, life, hope and love into the people of Stockton!  It will be an undeniable act of God!  Worship teams, young and seasoned, will lead people into worship. Dramas were being performed to music. People will be saved.  The enemy will be pushed away by the people God has specifically equipped to do so, alongside Angels. I saw peoples faces lifted towards the heavens and tears streaming down the cheeks of old and young.  I saw a light in the night sky that was the sound of our worship joining in with Angelic worship.  There were prayer warriors praying over the region during this all.  Specific speakers that felt the call of God for such an event were speaking powerful testimonies and truth and bringing freedom with their words.  Holy Spirit was freely moving through this arena.  HUGE Angels were guarding the walls of this city!  People were being delivered by the hand of God.  Radical things were happening!  God is taking ownership of His people! God wil reveal His heart and put to shame religion and the enemies tactics.  And we all have the opportunity, the call to be part of this!
God is doing a mighty work and I am thrilled to be an instrument to which He chooses to use!
If this stirs within you and excitement, a desire, PLEASE contact me! Leave a comment! Make it known! And let's start working together and walking as He directs!
I would like to recall and highlight those other things I made mention of earlier, in that one journal entry that lumped the vision, dream, and Switzerland all in one entry.  Keep your eyes open for when I write about those. Remember, there are no coincidences!
God Bless !
~ Rach