As I was seeking the Father about the new year and the new decade ahead as I typically do at the beginning of each new year, the only words I kept hearing were "rest" and "peace". I knew what He was trying to tell me. He is my rest and He is my peace. However, knowing how critical 2020 is to be for our nation, all I kept thinking about was what kind of activism would He have me do. I am an activist at heart. So, the words rest and peace really weren't computing. With that, I began to ask Him over and over again to no avail. Recently, my life has been really busy and with everything that goes along with the Holiday season, it has been even more so. So, I thought well maybe I'm just too busy to hear from Him. Maybe I can't settle down my thoughts enough to hear that still small voice I've learned to rely on over the years for direction and understanding.  I put down my pen and paper and I thought to myself that I would seek Him again later and off to the store my son and I went. While in the car, feeling a bit flustered, I began to tell my son how grouchy I've been feeling as things just feel out of order. He responded, "well mom, maybe you should do some pruning". Pruning? That is not a word my son typically uses and it  went off like an alarm in my spirit.  The Lord had my attention. I told my son, "I think the Lord just used you to speak to me". My son said, "mom I just meant that maybe we should clean our house when we get home". Simple enough conversation but I knew Holy Spirit was all over this! My first impression was that this was a personal word for me to remove everything from my life that was getting in the way of spending quality time with the Father but soon, I began to feel it was more than that. I also thought it was significant that He used my son to speak it. 

I began to pray and research.

Pruning Synonyms
cut back - snip - eliminate - exclude - reduce - shape - thin

Scripture
"Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit." John 15:2

"For before the harvest, as soon as the bud blossoms and the flower becomes a ripening grape, then He will cut off the sprigs with pruning knives and remove and cut away the spreading branches." Isaiah 18:5

Meaning
The word "prune" in the original Greek means to cleanse, make clean by purging.
Strong's (https://biblehub.com/greek/2508.htm)

House Synonyms or Metaphors
body - temple - family - household - dwelling - community - house of God - legislature - business organization

Scripture
"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
1 Corinithians 6:19

"And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."
Psalm 127:1

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was it's fall." Matthew 7:24-27

"For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?" 1 Peter 4:17

"And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" Luke 2:49

Pruning is performed not only on dead branches that no longer serve a purpose but also on fruitful branches. This allows them to grow back stronger to produce even more healthy fruit. This seven letter word carries with it so much meaning and not only as a form of gardening. Add the word house to it and it's multiplied. After prayer, research and gleaning from things the Father has put on my heart over the last several years, I believe my son speaking this out represented the Lord using the next generation as pruning tools in His hand for His Glory. Sometimes our kids can teach us! Also the next generation will benefit greatly by this pruning process. They are depending on us! Furthermore, I believe "pruning (cleaning) our house" is referring to the following three main areas. 

1. Personal/Family
Reducing unhealthy foods and physical inactivity to honor and steward the body God gave me/us, the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Removing old assignments from the Lord from my/our life that are no longer for this season, seeking only now assignments.
Eliminating our to do list that may be good but not actually from God. 
Cleaning out our house and discarding items we no longer use.
Whatever else you want to prune Lord!
​
2. Body of Christ/House of God
​God is about to deal  with the Religious spirit
Removing of the infiltration and corruption
Thinning out those not adhering to the Word of God and Spirit of the Lord
Shaping or re-shaping that which is good, who's hearts are towards Him, so it can produce more healthy fruit

3. Governmental/Legislative Body
God is about to deal with the Political spirit
Removing of the infiltration and corruption
Thinning out those not adhering to the Word of God and the Constitution on the U.S.
Shaping or re-shaping that which is good, that has God's and the people's best interest at heart so it can produce more healthy fruit


May the grace of God be sufficient as we embrace this pruning process. What many believe God wants to do, including myself, is very exciting but cannot be stewarded well without going through some pruning, some cleansing first. Everything that can be shaken must be shaken but praise God if we build our house on the Rock, the firm foundation, Jesus, we are on good stable ground. It is important we know our capacity and be intentional regarding how we spend our time and energy as we go about our Father's business. I believe in 2020 we will begin to learn what it's like to come into alignment more fully (Wholly Alignment) with our Father and His plans. It is sure to be an exciting wild ride. Hold on to the One that loves us the most! A great Harvest is on the horizon!

Much love and many blessings,
Trisha

Sometimes when difficult topics are presented, it is seen as divisive. However, if something is revealed from God the Father, with a calling to share, it is better to be obedient than to be concerned of how the message will be received. The truth is, God’s heart and intent for revealing things is to bring healing. But, when things are kept hidden, healing cannot come. This is the same on both personal and corporate levels. That being said, to prevent greater suffering, God will reveal those things kept in the dark. Many examples of this are occurring in our society and government right now. But as for Christians, those that call ourselves His, He loves us too much to allow us to stay where we are. God’s desire is to bring us out of deception so that we can see clearly and align with Him to fulfill His purpose for our lives. After being warned, if we continue to dishonor our Father, he must discipline us for our own good as well as for the good of others. May those who have ears hear what the Spirit is saying, read on...

Click on the links below.
​
Ohio RTL and NARAL team up against Ohio's Heartbeat bill
​
Ohio RTL supports Heartbeat after 8 years of fighting against it

Georgia Legislator’s break-up letter with Georgia RTL

National RTL testifies against Heartbeat turned Conception bill in Tennessee

The following is an interview with Janet Porter, crafter of the original Heartbeat Bill, righteously
proclaiming “we will end abortion!”  Watch here

So back to the word "fake" and the outstanding questions I still had regarding my dream. This may sound harsh but it is also reality.
The baby parts represented dismemberment and dolls represented fake.
You may have even heard “fake” pro-life group in the above video. To me, it is now easy to see what the Lord was trying to show me. This was never supposed to be about awards for the best bills written or building a system or kingdom unto one’s self. It was supposed to be about ending the murder of beautiful, innocent babies that Father God created. God is due all the Glory when Roe vs. Wade crumbles and His Kingdom comes! The bonfire in my dream representing the All-Consuming-Fire of God stands for the cleansing that is coming and is now here. This cleansing or burning of the dross has to occur so that His Church, His Bride, can be seen without spot or blemish before the Lord Jesus’ return. The meaning of the broken lamp that needed to be fixed was twofold. The light was needed to reveal what was hidden in the cabinet but also we, as His bride could be seen as the Light again.
It grieves me to have to write this.
It grieves me to learn what I have learned and experienced what I have experienced.
It grieves me that people seem to be making decisions based on friendships or connections rather than
seeking the heart of the Father and doing what He would want.
It grieves me that there are really wonderful, godly people I know and love who are still caught up in the
deception giving their hard earned money and precious time to this organization-
an organization I used to believe in too, until all this began.

I am not writing this for positive attention as I’m sure it will create a following against me. I am not writing this to be divisive, as I know the importance of unity (although, Heartbeat has reached out to RTL for unity on multiple occasions to no avail). I am saying this because I have been compelled to do so regardless of the quantity of signatures gathered for each bill. Whether the needed Dismemberment and Heartbeat petition signatures are gathered or not, is not why I wrote this. This needed to be said regardless of the outcome. So, please support the Dismemberment petition if you feel led to do so. This is not to discourage anyone from doing that. I also encourage churches, organizations and individuals who have stood against Heartbeat, to thoughtfully consider this dream, this warning, and seek the Father yourselves. Please know that my love is vast and deep with godly concern for God’s people as well as all humanity. I wish no harm on anyone but rather the best that God has for each one of us. I am no better than anyone else. We all fall short of the Glory of God daily. However, I try daily to walk in His grace…to do as He has called me to do even if it requires sharing information as difficult as this. 
Let the pieces fall where they may.

The innocent blood cries out from the ground for justice. May we, as Christians, not repeat what Christians did back during the Holocaust when Jews would be transported via train off to a torturous death. As their screams for help got louder, the church just sang a little louder thus drowning out their pleas for help. May we hear and respond to the cries of the unborn, not sing a little louder thus choosing cowardliness or willful ignorance. Seek truth, pray and act!
​
With tears, love and humility,
Trisha 

released on: 12-12-19

Written by:  Cherise Krum (July 14, 2019)

​Recently I had a practical and real reminder of the basics after our neighborhood lost electricity for several hours due to a summer storm blowing through. During these experiences the step-by-step processes for doing things like eating, seeing at night, bathroom routines, and staying cool in the summer heat are re-visited and adjusted while people who are ready to get back to the normal routine wait eagerly for the next text update from PP&L Electric Co.
 
So what are the "basics" aside from the practical realities of life on earth like when going without electricity?  Thanks to Google I found a couple definitions and will share one that stood out:  Basic – “forming an essential foundation or starting point; fundamental.”
 
Fundamental.  Essential foundations.  Do images of math flash cards and grammar phonetics come to mind? What about lessons in learning to drive or ride a bike?  Or perhaps the basics of salvation through Jesus and the gospel message come to mind.  There have been many reminders to me recently on how far reaching basic foundations are in countless aspects of our life -  spiritually, relationally, in family, in communication, in health, in finances, etc.  I’ve been discovering fresh revelation lately that JESUS who is my friend and ultimate foundation is “into” the basics. Sometimes, as a deep thinker and processor I find my brain doing calisthenics during times of focus on the basic steps of something, but it can be a good healthy thing when I’m willing to process it with Him. In fact, it has been humbling to me recently to recognize on a deeper level that I don’t need to try to “work” my way to get to Jesus, but He came into my world in human form to meet me where I am at.  Jesus is the ultimate bridge.  He understands.  He has made provision. By His very example I believe He is “into” the basic foundations, from salvation to learning to ride a bike.  
 
So why do we spend time on the basics of something anyway?  The starting points. The foundations.  Though there may be varied answers, I think a primary one is that it’s because there is something new that we or another are encountering, acclimating to and/or discovering – big or small.  It could be a new relationship, a new culture, a new habit or skill, a new job assignment, a new family member, a new word from God, etc.  His mercies are NEW every morning, right? In any area we or another move forward in life we encounter the NEW. There is a step one, two, three process that is foundational and healthy. And step 1 in the basics of anything new can carry the same worth and impact that step 20 does! 
 
Taking New Steps
While thinking about basic foundations, I remembered an experience from last December.  During the Christmas season, I joined in a Christmas caroling time for children in a large local hospital for the first time.  I was looking forward to it as I had missed being able to do so the previous year.  Musicians were invited to bring their instruments so I took my keyboard and gear in to participate with a group of local folks from the community wearing red elf hats. We chatted and waited for our fearless leader. When he arrived, we greeted one another and eventually he smiled and nicely said something along the lines of, "Unless that keyboard has wheels it's not gonna work for Christmas caroling." Reality hit. We were going to be going to the children's rooms not having the children and parents come out to the lobby. It made perfect sense, but my brain simply hadn't considered that scenario.  It was a NEW environment and I was receiving my first lesson real-time in the basics of “music in motion” in a hospital.

To make a long story short, I quickly decided I would join with the group by singing.  So a couple kind gentlemen with red elf hats offered their muscles to help me move my keyboard and gear to an employee closet nearby for safe keeping while we traveled about. Later on in the evening some carolers with "mini guitars" arrived and began to play with us. It fit the environment perfectly! Not knowing what these instruments were for sure, I asked.  The response? “A ukulele.”  I was both intrigued and slightly challenged simultaneously.  The ukulele became a lead instrument and my keyboard sat in a closet.  It was a new environment! As I began to sing with the carolers and witnessed the atmosphere of oppression begin to shift again as the guitar and ukuleles played, I realized it was perfect for what was needed. 
 
Did I miss playing the keyboard?  Of course!  But, as I watched the caroling group leader/musician demonstrate in his own way the simple ability to love people on a basic level in this place, I realized I could still love, bring life, and pray. I could still carry and release the God of love inside of me – it was just in a different language and through a different way, or a different instrument than what I was used to – singing, talking and being present.  Though it took some acclimating time in the beginning, it was a growing experience I value and know I would not have had standing behind a keyboard that night.  So when we finished caroling, I sat down in the lobby with some of the ukulele players and was offered a brief lesson. “Now put this finger here, and that finger there...”
 
Discovering New Instruments
Recently, God has led me into a couple other new steps, one being connected to the basics of evangelism.  I’ve found that every step in this area and in others is like learning to play a new instrument.  There were two statements that came to mind recently that I felt the Lord challenge me in that I think are healthy to consider and will share:

1. If more attached to the "instrument" than to the call, I may miss the heartbeat of God being communicated in a new way and in a new season.
2. Unwillingness to learn new "instruments" may delay or prevent the purpose God has for me and/or others in new seasons.  

Questions we can ask ourselves for healthy positioning to step into something “new” whether a big step or small one:

1. Do I find my identity in an “instrument” or thru the God who gave the instrument? 
2. If God leads to do so, am I willing to express and communicate a message He has entrusted thru a different instrument, vehicle, or language than what I’m used to, and that may take time and effort to learn?
3. Am I willing to be a beginner?  
4. Do I find my security and confidence in my sense of “proficiency” (or appearance of it) more than my heavenly Father's declaration of identity to me and over me?
5. Am I willing to rely on Jesus's perfect love and grace to work in me as the ultimate message versus relying primarily on personal efforts and willpower?

 
I believe Jesus extends His grace, all we have to do is receive it in each of these areas.  Whether it’s overcoming fear, insecurity, or pride, the grace to move beyond these things in greater ways as we move into new areas is always there.  It's of course a journey, but He invites us to walk it every day WITH Him.  There are times when learning “new instruments,” new languages, or ways of doing things comes naturally with little effort.  And sometimes, it flat out takes a little more “spunk” or courage to dive in to learn to swim in deeper waters.  The instrument(s) may be really different than what we’re used to.  The environment may be really different than what we’re used to.  I think these are times to be real and be okay with our "humanness."  Know that Jesus is okay with it.  He has led us to those points and all we need to do is look TO HIM.  Ask Him for His hand to walk us through, the grace to be empowered, and start to step (or leap) into what He is saying by simply EMBRACING the basic of the next step.   
 
The Basics of ABC and 123
So obviously there can be varied basics for different things. It can vary based on scenario.  However, there are certain heart postures and practical steps I think are fairly helpful across the board in stepping into the basics of anything new.  They are summarized below in ABC and 123.
 
A - Ask questions!
“Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4).  This simple posture causes me to need to hit the pause button sometimes.  I’ve been trying to more purposely observe the basic characteristics of children around me lately. What is it about children that Jesus pointed to them as a model for humility and how to enter the kingdom? What is it that God deposited in us as children that we can invite Him to re-kindle? I will let you interact with the Lord on that as you are led, but will mention one of the things I find intriguing - children are constantly learning. They are asking questions continually. What are you doing? Why? Can I do it? What is it? How does it work?  Why?  Giving ourselves permission to ask questions (to the Lord, to others, even ourselves), even that we “think” we should know the answers for, can be empowering. The disciples asked Jesus questions frequently, too.  They learned and so do we now.
 
B - Be authentic 
The life of Peter in the Bible has been a huge encouragement to me for the past several months. Peter was so real. He was passionate. His mistakes were plain as day and so were his victories.  He would step out one minute and say or do something faith-filled and anointed and a short time later he was being rebuked for saying things contrary to God’s will. He declared zealously from his heart that he would die with Jesus and yet soon after he denied he even knew Jesus three times.  YET, Jesus said to THIS Peter, “and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)  I recognize there are different interpretations to this verse, but the Holy Spirit has brought it to mind repeatedly as a personal reminder and encouragement that He is not intimidated by authenticity and willingness to try. He can change and empower us in the process, just as He did with Peter.  Authenticity is a necessary part of the basics to moving into anything new. It can open doors to growth and freedom.  
 
C - Confidently embrace our God-given purpose and identity
Stepping into anything new, whether big or small can bring with it an automatic stretching or flexing to our “confidence muscles.” Every time we try something new, there are usually moments when situations occur that challenge confidence.  It’s part of the growing process and the deepening of our roots. Ultimately whenever we come to one of these points, our ability to move forward is based on how much our confidence is based on skills, circumstances, appearance, and/or what others say, or if it is it based on what our heavenly Father says? This is a basic of all basics, an essential foundation.  When we are in the midst of trying something new and experience the challenges that cause questions of purpose or identity to arise, the words of what HE says are a firm foundation that will not be shaken.  “For when He spoke the world began!  It appeared at His command.” (Psalm 33:9)  
 
1.) Take Lessons and be Teachable  
Engage in settings or with people that facilitate the development of learning to play that "instrument,” communicate that "language,” function in that gifting, etc.  Whether it’s in person or online, there are other people, places, and resources out there that can help us grow and learn the basics of the instrument, tool, and language we are learning.  One of the big areas I’ve received lessons/training in recent months is in rediscovering the truths in the basic gospel message and Jesus' love and interacting and sharing this with others in public places like a grocery store. Though stretching and I'm still growing, the willingness to be a beginner and learn from others has made a huge difference.   
 
2.) Practice
In my opinion this is the hardest part of learning anything new.  A new instrument.  A new skill.  Sometimes the repetition can be grueling and hard to stick to, but the humbling reality is that many times obedience in the basics of the nitty gritty is what opens the door to move forward.  Sometimes it’s not a divine download or revelation, it’s just practice. God will meet us in the nitty gritty.  He was born in a dirty manger.  He died on a cross. He worked as a carpenter and lived with human people.    
 
3.) Be Open to New Mindsets and Habits
When I was college my classmates and I studied hard for Microsoft office certifications (Word, Excel, etc.)  Within one year, however, Microsoft rolled out the next version to the software program which involved a complete overhaul of the layout going from the standard menu to the infamous “ribbon layout.”  EVERYTHING CHANGED.  When the employer I worked for a few years later determined it was necessary to implement the upgrade it led to spending a significant amount of time in the “help” section, hollering across the hall to co-workers, and googling technical questions for the simplest steps that formerly took seconds to complete. But it did eliminate some of the basic technical communication challenges with vendors.
 
Sometimes when we step into something new, “software updates” can come with the package where we are learning new thought processes, new habits, and new focuses. These “updates” or changes can be a gift and a needed tool to support us in new steps or new seasons.  How can I move forward in learning a new instrument to play in a hospital setting if I have subconscious mindset of a ukulele as “old-school?” How can I communicate effectively with vendors if our files are in two different styles or languages?  Are there perspectives of others different than me which I need to consider?  Are there assumptions or prejudices based upon a simple lack of understanding that can be corrected which can help bridge culture differences? Are there new habits for new skills I need to develop? Like when learning a new software program, it takes time and patience and a willingness to ask basic questions, be flexible, keep learning, re-learning and LAUGH in the process.  Do NOT use a hammer on your computer, just laugh or step back if needed.  If necessary say out loud, "I am human, I am learning, and that is a good thing!"  It honestly is a brave thing.     
 
Synergy of the Ages
There are a lot of different "instruments," skills, and languages we may learn over time.  Talking with a 5 year old is obviously something very different than talking with a 10 year old.  Sometimes, especially for those of us who have carried a lot of vision and played a lot of varied instruments, I believe it is important to be reminded of the importance of all those "sounds" that have been released. Why would God take us from learning one “instrument” to another?  What is the purpose? I recently recalled a dream I had read about in a book and thought it might be encouraging for anyone possibly asking this question and needing a reminder.  
 
The dream involved various scenes of people coming forth over time in the United States.  Each carried a unique “sound,” beginning with the pilgrims and puritans in ships, to the pioneers in covered wagons, to the planters in Model A’s and combustion engines, and on through generations to the present.  These sounds were added one after another in harmony.  In the dream there was an auditorium where group after group would file in over time.  As varied groups entered, the others already there would shout and celebrate exuberantly.  In each of these scenes, the sound would build until it began to feel like an anthem of the ages, layer upon layer.  The sounds released through each assigned generation did not diminish with the arrival of a new sound.  It was an increasing synergy of sounds that God was releasing through many people – a synergy of the ages through epochs of time.  It was an accumulating and building work. 
​
I believe sometimes it can be easy to think that the sounds or investments of one instrument are discontinued when we pick up another. However, I believe the sounds or songs God has each of us release through one instrument or song continue to resound in some way even when we begin playing another instrument.  They are just added on as another layer.  The “Orchestra Director” may call us to pick up new instruments or assignments for new parts in the symphony.  This may obviously require going back to basics to learn a new instrument or language in order for the fullness of His sound and message to be released.  A symphony requires many layers, pieces, parts and movements.  If our focus is on the symphony, of which MANY OTHERS are a part, and not just the instrument itself, I believe we will not lose heart and be able to engage in the fullness of what God is releasing in EVERY season in a greater capacity.    
 
Video summary of dream:  https://vimeo.com/128525323
Book: The Next Great Move of God – An Appeal to Heaven
 
Summary
I believe ultimately God is releasing Who He is into the earth.  And everyone has the opportunity to be a channel for that every single day.  “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (Hab. 2:14) There are many people waiting to hear a message of life and love in their language. This requires communicating thru varied instruments at varied times.  So let's look to the Instrument Giver and be ready to pick up a new one or put it down when needed. Then put that learner t-shirt on boldly and confidently.  Smile and slap the student driver sticker on if needed!  Give grace to other student drivers!  Find a teacher or two, and pull out the instruction book boldly without any hesitation.  We are wired to be a courageous people and release a beautiful sound.  Let's embrace the basics unashamedly as we learn, move into new seasons, and take new steps. There are people waiting…
 

References
-Dictionary.com
-NLT & NASB Bible
-Strong’s Concordance
-The Next Great Move of God – An Appeal to Heaven (Jennifer LeClaire). Chapter 5
-Pixaby (picture)

Several years ago, my core body temperature was extremely cold and I had no idea until I was encouraged to take my temperature daily for two weeks. I was a bit shocked to say the least at how cold my body actually was.  As I began to get treatment for Lyme Disease and started therapies, my body began to warm up. Although I took my remedies and ate rather well for the most part, I slacked on regular exercising and sauna use knowing that I needed to be doing both of these things. It went on this way for years. I would go out of state to a holistic clinic and I would take my remedies but I was not doing the hard work that was required for true health. Something had to give! Something had to happen so that I would be forced to put myself above all the other things that were pulling for my attention. 

Recently, while I was in prayer, I got a wake up call about my health. I knew this was serious and that I had better listen to God. So I went on a Candida Cleanse, eliminating sugars, breads, night shades...etc. for over thirty days with the help of my friend, Rene Deachin at Living Well Nutrition. At the same time, I decided to set a goal of exercising at least three times a week and using the sauna at least once. Thank you to my friend, Amanda, for keeping me accountable.

When I started out, I would and could not sweat! I would stay in the sauna for over twenty minutes in over 120 degrees and I would barely get hot let alone sweat. I kid you not! But, I kept at it! Now, after about seven weeks of exercising and using the sauna regularly as well as continuing with my remedies and better eating patterns, I am so happy to say that I am able to start sweating in a normal fashion! I feel so much better too! I don't have as many aches and pains. My extremities aren't always cold any more. I have way more energy. And, I'm just able to live life more fully! Our bodies were created to move and when we treat ourselves well, we can start living the life God created us to live for Him and His purposes instead of being sick and tired all the time.   

To read more about our Core Body Temperature, how to test and what to do about it, click on Dr. David A. Jernigan's blogposts here!
To learn more about the Candida Cleanse I did as well as the remedies I tested needing, contact Rene here!

Thank you for reading! I pray this will help you as you seek better health for yourself so you can live the life God created you to live!

Blessings,
​Trisha

Although it isn’t always possible practically to purchase a sauna or fit one into your home, they usually can be found at a local chiropractor office or wellness center available to use at a very reasonable charge or simple "try out." Taking an hour “time-out” to drive to town and spend 30 minutes to re-charge I’ve definitely found as a blessing here and there and usually feel the benefit for a couple days after. 

Some saunas have Acoustic Resonance Therapy, as well. Plugging a worship CD or soaking CD (Wholetones is great) and soaking in these frequencies (literally) while turning it into a prayer time or study time is an added plus. (See below for Acoustic Resonance Therapy). 
https://www.sunlighten.com/blog/benefits-sound-therapy-sunlighten-infrared-saunas/?fbclid=IwAR3rDmR8welOIqs8zf8E-Ij-W5UPtMI-Es5Nnp1hoUXJj37O9j_KUJ3LNy4

What is the difference between far, mid, and near infrared light? Each have different therapeutic benefits. And what is a “full spectrum” sauna? See below link: 
https://www.sauna-talk.com/full-spectrum-sauna.html
 
Using an Infrared Sauna.  See below link: 
https://www.healthline.com/health/infrared-sauna-benefits#4
 
INTERESTING FACTS: 

• The sun gives off half of its total energy as infrared
• There is healing power in light. The light the sun gives provides energy that living things use to thrive and grow. Without light, our bodies cannot properly absorb certain nutrients.
• Far infrared light goes beyond the surface of the body and penetrates up to several inches into the body. 
• Infrared saunas are seven times more effective at clearing out toxins than traditional saunas
• Perspiration is one of the best ways to eliminate toxins from the body.
• The heat causes the body to raise its metabolic rate as much as 20 percent, which causes the body to burn more calories for up to a few hours afterward. 

See below links for further details. 
https://www.livescience.com/50260-infrared-radiation.html

https://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2009/6/Far-Infrared-Therapy/Page-01?fbclid=IwAR1HvYvGKnyGt2dHizUy_RNwUzW9zHsvWFSz5ffvlMx6QFJlyq6ug6ZOySc

https://www.naturalnews.com/042620_infrared_sauna_detoxification_environmental_toxins.html?fbclid=IwAR3vhoS27xxlIbFAqtnxDn3MP04q2-4cbQAJjFF2U4P-G2pm4ui6CCMw4x8

References: 
-Inserted in text above (as links)   
-Picture: Pexels 

(Written by Cherise Krum - 10/15/2018)

"Mom, my shoes are too small! My feet hurt! My toes are squished."  Have you ever been involved in or overheard a conversation sounding similar to this? 

This came to my mind recently while thinking about seasons of growth in life. Sometimes the "shoes" all the sudden don't fit as our feet develop, change, and grow. This can create discomfort and eventually discomfort can lead to pain if we do not respond and/or give attention to the change happening with our feet.  They are growing!  I've discovered in situations like this it can be easy to...

(1.) React and get mad at "the SHOES." Until we remember our feet grew, the shoes didn't. Shoes are designed to support our feet for a specific stage and season of God's purpose for our "feet."  

(2.) React and get frustrated with our FEET.  But God has designed our feet as beautiful with a beautiful purpose to carry His greatness in the earth in a unique way. The only way to discover that purpose and be released in walking it out is to receive it and God's design in it.

(3.) React and get frustrated with GOD in His design and growing process. But how brilliant His plan for us and all humanity as we partner with His design and embrace His wisdom and His ways!     

That leaves us with another option we all know so well, a better option - CHANGE. God leads us from strength to strength, glory to glory, and one level to the next level.  I've heard it said before that "when the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of changing, you'll change." Though growth and change can bring about discomfort and be stretching (sometimes to the extreme), I truly believe there can be freedom in the process as we learn to change and adapt giving HONOR to what's occurring internally by God's Spirit and design and allowing that to shape our choices in the external.  This is what determines the "shoes" we wear. 
 
Change is actually one of the very tools God has designed with the heart and purpose to build us up, equip us, strengthen us, and EMPOWER us.  In fact, change may just be part of the reality of God's response to our prayers.
 
I believe firmly that every single person can walk with vision and assurance regardless of the internal and external shifting that can come in seasons of  growth and change. Here are some keys that came to mind and have been a blessing to me as well:  
 
C - Challenge yourself to take new steps in new territory 
H - Hold on to God's promises and Word to you and trust His leading
A - Allow God's hand to work in you and around you
N - Never look back with regret, but gratitude 
G - Grow by embracing the season of transition and transformation (not resisting it)
E - Expect miracles from a miracle working God - the best is yet to come.
 
Another foundation to experiencing freedom in seasons of extreme growth and change is our openness to see it thru our Father's eyes, especially in the real and gritty of every day, and embrace HIS vision (new mindsets and heartsets). Through His eyes and by His supernatural grace we can...
 
1.) Value our stages of growth! There is something truly beautiful in EACH stage.
 
2.) Value others' stages of growth. EACH stage holds intrinsic beauty and worth just as each person does. 
 
3.) Value the stages of growth that we take together as relational units (family, marriage, friends, etc). Though stretching it can be a healthy and utterly beautiful encounter of God's GRACE weaving together what only He can in our connections and relationships. 
 
In closing I pray Isaiah 41:18 over each person reading this as you walk forward on road to which Jesus has called you and embrace His process of growth and maturation:
 
"I (God) will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus. I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. I will fill the desert with pools of water. Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground." 
 
JOINT PRAYER:
"Father God, I ask You to show me the shoes you desire me to walk in in this season. I ask You to super-infuse me with Your grace and power to EMBRACE what You are doing and releasing... even in shifting, shaking and "growth spurts." I know that You ARE the solid rock I stand on in every season. In the Name of Jesus I decree new things being birthed and released in the earth and in my God-designated arenas of authority as it has been purposed in heaven.  I thank You Lord for Your provision in the process of change to see this happen and for teaching us to see as You see as we partner with You in each season.  May we embrace Your value system Jesus above all others and be enabled to walk and abide in it.  In Jesus Name, amen." 

Blessings to you each! 

References:
Bible - NLT (New Living Translation)
Tony Robbins - (quote)
Picture - Pixaby

Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest! (Matthew 11:28) 

Lately the Lord has been emphasizing to me that He is the One steering the ship and all we need to do is partner with Him in what He is doing and wanting to do in our lives and in our nation(s). We can easily get overwhelmed and burdened if we take all the stress upon our shoulders, trying to do things in our own power and in our own way! But that is not what He is wanting! It is not by our will or by our might but by His Spirit! (Zechariah 4:6)

​When we look around us, to the natural eye it, seems many things have been heading in the wrong direction but may we buy eye salve from Him that we may see (Revelation 3:18) that He is turning the ship around! We, as His children, are the captains but He is steering the ship! We do this together!

Get on board the ship! It is soon departing! I will lead you across the water! I will teach you how to swim! I will teach you how to ore! I will teach you how to navigate! It's time My people! It's time!

Spirit Lead Me (Us)!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g3EdgZ34u0

Do you think that I have come to play games with the enemy? No I have not! His time is through! His time is finished! Rise up My people and take your place! The time has come!

​ Arise, shine, for you light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness is over the peoples; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1-2)

Written by Cherise Krum - June 2018
 
“Just trust the Lord” is a phrase I’ve probably heard for most of my life.  However, it’s also been a phrase that I’ve heard so often the words had unknowingly become almost cliché in certain situations. So when I was journaling with the Lord several weeks back and scribbled on to the pages “trust me” (coming from God to me) I found myself slightly dissatisfied.  It almost didn’t seem like a “real answer” in my brain at that moment, more like spiritual jargon.  Trust became a repeated theme popping up frequently, however.  When I prayed about a next blog topic a couple weeks later and the immediate word that Holy Spirit gave was “trust” I knew it was something He was intent on me pressing into.        

One evening a few weeks later, I picked up my journal while talking to the Lord.  I was looking for specific direction on some things and found myself in a “let’s do business and get’r done” frame of mind.  As I journaled and found the Holy Spirit bringing up the “trust me” theme again, I put the pen down.  This did not exactly comply with my “get’r done” mindset at that moment. J  “Really?”  I wanted something hardcore tangible I could grab on to.  Something specific I could “do.”  I suddenly had a surprising response well up and come to the surface.  “God – I don’t know how.”  I then found myself asking – “Father, what IS trust?”  Freedom settled.  This was key for me in opening the door to a greater personal revelation and understanding of trust that God had been moving me toward all along. 

Trust isn’t necessarily one of those topics that I find particularly motivating to delve into. It seems plain and ordinary.  It doesn’t stand out as a shiny “first pick.”  In my mind, it could probably be compared to mortar in between the stones of a house.  You don’t even really see it when you look at the house unless you’re specifically looking for it.  However, it contributes immense stability to the building.  God was beginning to draw my eyes to take a closer look at the mortar of trust.  As I did, I found the “sound” of it began to be rewired in my brain.

Tightening and Re-wiring Our Connection
The sound of trust??  Yep.  The sound of trust.  Did you ever try to listen to music through speakers that have faulty wiring which causes static and crackling in the background?  (As a musician just thinking about this made me groan J).  The song can be beautiful but the disruption in the connection muddles the sound that is heard and directly impacts the communication of the message.    
I believe there are sounds and frequencies in heaven that are pure and undefiled.  Sounds like trust, love, joy, etc.  In the gospels Jesus directs us to pray to our Father saying “Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” I have found individually, and jointly, that God wants to tighten our “wires of connection” to Him so that we are greater enabled to hear the pure sound of heaven and to release it.  In doing this we’ll find the “static” (doubt, fear, worry, anxiety, etc) diminished and removed.   

Relationship is the Soil of Trust
The primary verse God has brought to mind lately is a well-known one. Proverbs 3:5…
“TRUST in the LORD with ALL Your heart...”  (Selah)
Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”
 
TRUST.  Trust in the LORD. Trust HIM with ALL Your heart. 
Seems like hard work, right?  What if it’s not as hard as it sometimes seems?  I think one of the most significant and foundational aspects of trust God’s been clarifying recently is that trust isn’t based on the what to do as much as the Who. “Trust in the Lord.”  We are enabled to trust by WHO we are relating to and connecting to.  Trust is founded and built on relationship. 
I think relationships are like the soil of a garden. The health of the garden is obviously very connected to the health of the soil.  Just like healthy plants are connected and rooted in healthy soil, I believe trust is connected and rooted in the soil of healthy relationship(s).  Trust is not a matter of working up some kind of willpower but abiding in healthy relationship.  We could tell a plant to grow in rock hard soil all day long, but if its soil is dry and needs moisture, it’s not going to grow too much until the soil is nurtured with some water and the roots absorb that moisture, nurturing the plant.  Trust will germinate in healthy soil.

Digging Deeper
One of my favorite tools of discovering greater understanding and truth in words is going to the original language, especially the Hebrew language. The word for “trust” in the above verse (Proverbs 3:5) is “Batach.”  (It can also be translated as “Betach” in some verses.)  There are a couple basic “sounds,” (a.k.a. descriptions and synonyms) for this word that jumped out at me.

1. Refuge
2. Safety
3. Assurance – boldness and confidence   

TRUST - Place of Refuge
When you were a child did you ever have those occasional times of a playmate “picking on you” that got a bit excessive, despite your attempts to stop it?  I think each one of us has encountered this at least once in our lifetime.  When thinking about this the other day God brought a scene to mind of when this “excessive picking” happened to me once as a kid.  Despite my attempts I was not able to resolve it on my own.  Then I did what most any kid would do -- go to one of my parents. Just by being within a certain perimeter of their presence the “picking” and teasing stopped.  In fact, sometimes I didn’t even need to say a word to my parents.  Why?  I was simply taking refuge in their presence and leaning on a higher power.  Just being in their presence caused my opposing counterpart to back off.  Both of us knew the hostility was not permitted in their presence.  It’s really quite amazing to think about as an analogy with God.  In the same way we find can find refuge in the presence of our parents as children we can find refuge in the Presence of our heavenly Father as children of God.
Psalm 46 says, “GOD is our refuge and strength.”  His Presence is simply an outworking of the essence of Who He is.  The sound of trust is sustained as we abide in our ever-present SOURCE of Refuge.

TRUST – Safety
Trust isn’t something we “strive” for, but it’s something we “rest” in.   
Psalm 37:3 says, “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy SAFE pasture.”
This was one of my big “aha” moments.  My safety comes from a person, not comfortable situations.  Safety comes from a person – a relationship.  The same David who wrote the above Psalm was also a warrior and stood face-to-face with enemies and danger often.  But he knew and was surrounded by His God releasing songs over him. 

Ever play the “fall and I’ll catch you” game as a kid where you would willingly fall backwards to be caught by the “catcher” behind you.  (It wasn’t really my favorite.)  There were some people I would be willing to play the game with and others I wouldn’t even consider, especially if they were half my size or had a mischievous grin on their face.  My participation was based on my perception of safety.  I believe God wants us to enjoy safe pasture regardless of our circumstances.   

TRUST – Assurance, Boldness and Confidence
One of the verses that the word “batach” can be found in is Proverbs 28:1.  “The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”

When I know I am secure and safe it creates a boldness and confidence to move forward.  We don’t have to drum it up.
I believe we are in a season where God is calling us to take greater risks both individually and jointly. Trust is a key part of what enables us to move forward in ways that we wouldn’t otherwise do.  When I trust someone, I’m willing to take risks that take me out of my comfort zone and go places I wouldn’t be willing to go because of the trust that has been cultivated in that relationship.   

The story of Ruth came to mind repeatedly while writing.  Talk about trust!  This woman’s heart had been impacted so greatly through relationship (i.e. Naomi, the family, God), she was enabled to move forward and willingly step out from a place of trust and confidence that had been cultivated deeply in her being.  It wasn’t just “Christianese.” Ruth was just as human as we are.  The relationship is what impacted her.  As we read the story we can see the results of that trust.  It moved the hearts of a people in another nation (Israelites).  Ultimately, it became part of God’s master redemptive plan as Ruth became the great grandmother of King David and a part of the lineage of Jesus.  Let us not underestimate the profound impact of deep trust!    

Summary
If there is an area that God has highlighted as you were reading this where the sound of trust has some static in the background, I encourage you to take a moment and ask Father God how He would like to bring further clarity to that sound and listen to what He would say.  Maybe there are some wires that need some tightening or reconnecting.  Maybe there is some relational “soil” that needs watered or fed.  Simply let Him show you.  He is able to bring forth in us a trust that is deep to the core, strong, true and beyond our greatest imagination.    

“Spirit lead us where our TRUST is without borders.  Let us walk upon the waters, wherever you would call us.” (“Oceans” – Hillsong).
(Note: lyrics modified above for adapted grammar usage)
 
References listed above and as follows:
Bible Tools (Strong’s Hebrew/Greek Dictionary)
The NAS and the NASB Old Testament Hebrew Lexicon
The Bible in New Living Translation, New American Standard, and New International Version
Picture: Pixaby

Photos by Pixabay

On March 5th, 2018, I went to see Jeremiah Johnson, a modern day prophet. ( http://jeremiahjohnson.tv/) The Lord had led me to learn from him for a few months prior to this event and I had recently devoured three of his books! I was considering going to a prophetic convocation at his church in Florida at the end of March, (something I had never done before), when a friend told me that he was actually coming here, to my home state, on March 5th. And he would only be about an hour drive away! Wow God!

After the powerful word Jeremiah preached, he then began to prophesy about pregnancies to the crowd as a whole and even specifically to individuals. Pregnancies? Wow God...again! I sensed this was more regarding metaphorical pregnancies rather than actual physical ones. There was much travailing during that gathering!

"Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world.” (John 16:21)

When it was over, I went up to tell him about my most recent dream and he prophesied to me a very simple thing. Basically he said, I needed to have joy for the baby or pregnancy to be healthy. As I intercede in prayer for the burdens on my heart and feel so much sorrow, afterwards I must embrace the joy that comes! The joy of the Lord is my strength! (Psalm 28:7) I need to find that balance between the burden of the Lord and the joy of the Lord! After thanking him, I left. On my way home, the Father began to show me that I had just lived out my dream!

3rd Dream Revelation: I believe the pregnancy represented Wholly Alignment (ministry). My husband represented Jesus (our bridegroom). Destiny represented the destiny of the ministry. The clinic/hospital represented the place (church building) I would go to meet the doctor (Father God, The Great Physician). Jeremiah Johnson, being a prophet, spoke for the Great Physician and told me the remedy to my situation and the life within my womb was JOY!

So on March 6th, that very next night, as I tried to fall asleep and couldn't, I heard...
"Tell My people that the destiny in their womb is dependent upon their joy!"

I am posting this blogpost just after celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The grave could not hold Him! He defeated death, hell and the grave! He forever lives! So friends, if you are struggling with anything, I pray you can take comfort not in just knowing our Lord Jesus, but also take comfort and rejoice in that He has conquered everything, including death!
​It is finished! Your destiny awaits you!

February 1, 2019 update!
The Lord has been emphasizing to me that this is the year of DESTINY! As we seek the Lord and allow Holy Spirit to do in us what needs to be done, as we allow Him to move us and direct us to where we need to go and who we need to meet,  the "Red Sea" will part and we will begin to live out the destiny that He has created us for. Be encouraged to embrace your destiny in this new year!

Embrace your destiny! 

Blessings,
Trisha

Welcome winter!  Recently I found myself gazing out of the kitchen window as a winter storm arrived bringing with it lots of that cold, white, fluffy stuff.  As I looked out at the snow coming down in bucket loads, I suddenly became aware of feelings and thoughts of deep contentment and gratitude.  Now for some of you this may be a natural response while watching your surroundings get blanketed in a cold, wintery mix.  For me, it was somewhat out of the norm.  I’m usually not so “naturally inclined” to find pleasure in winter weather.  So this experience and moment of refreshment was uniquely special.  I stumbled onto a quote shortly thereafter that got my “wheels turning” and notebook pages filling up.
 
                “Your refreshing comes from the Presence of God, but it can also come because you get refreshed by thinking differently, by SEEING differently, and by connecting with the God of possibilities in a wholly different way…” (Graham Cooke) 
 
Winter snowstorm or flowers and sunshine I was gently reminded how many times true refreshment begins from the inside out.  Thanks to God’s grace working in my life, internal changes occurred and created a new lens through which to perceive that wintery situation.  Instead of seeing the coldness, I was able to see beauty.  Instead of feeling discomfort, I was able to feel warmth and peace.  As a result I was able to receive that beautiful snowstorm as the gift it was. My physical eyes hadn’t changed, and the external situation hadn’t changed, BUT there had been a change with my internal eyes.  I then found my heart thriving in that moment instead of just surviving.
 
Snowstorms or cloudy days, they simply exist.  So HOW do we live life and experience life wholly and fully as God intended it in the midst of the changing “weather patterns”?  Do we try to hide from the inclement weather?  Time to go south for the winter!  (Please know I’m teasing if anyone reading this happens to be a winter snowbird.) Or maybe we can just do a really good job of pretending it doesn’t exist?  “Snow?  What snow?”  (Okay, get your coat on you’re gonna freeze yourself.)  Or perhaps we just give in and get stuck on a never-ending rollercoaster somewhere between Eeyore and Tigger.  Boy does THAT get exhausting!!  In my life, I’ve experienced ALL of the above.  And none of these options work really well or really long.  Yes, it’s important to set boundaries and there ARE seasons of stepping away from certain “storms,” BUT ultimately God’s design is for us to find victory in the midst of each and every situation.  THIS is an ongoing discovery process.  What is one of the secrets?  It starts on the inside—the heart.
 
The Eyes of Our Heart
As I’ve been walking down my own journey in pursuit of greater health and wholeness, one of the things I’m continually amazed by is both the parallels and interconnectedness between our physical body and spiritual body.  I’ve done some recent “re-learning” on the function of our eyes.  What our eyes do in a split second is incredible!  The very fact you are reading this RIGHT NOW is in a large part because of your eyes. 
 
Here’s an example.  Did you know our physical eyes each have a lens? The lens works with the cornea to help focus light rays coming in onto the retina.  These rays are then converted to electrochemical impulses transferred along the optic nerve to the brain.  So if we look at a green pine tree with a cardinal sitting on top, that sight is immediately translated from our eyes to our brain and we can say, “That’s a green pine tree with a cardinal sitting on top.” 

Going through everyday life with your eyes closed for even three minutes will quickly remind each of us the incredible value of our eyes.  If our physical eyes are that important, what about our spiritual eyes?  Just like our physical eyes have a lens the eyes of our heart ALSO have a lens that works synergistically with other parts of our being through which we can perceive the world around us.
 
Ephesians 1:18 states… “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened – enLIGHTened-- so that you may know the hope to which He has called you...”  We have physical eyes but we also have spiritual eyes that affect what we see and how we experience life. I’d like to share a few nuggets of truth that have been profoundly helpful for me in “eye care of the heart.”   
 
Seeing Through Light
Light!  Our physical eyes need it!  It provides direction.  Life gets much more complicated without it.  I think we’ve all tried navigating around the house in the middle of the night at least once without flipping on the night light switch.  If you’re like me it usually results in one or two pretty black-and-blue-marks afterward.  But light is just as needed for the eyes of our heart in order to navigate healthily through life. 
 
So where is the source of light for our "heart eyes?"  It comes from where all good things flow - the Creator of light.  Psalm 36:9 states “For You (God) are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.” Some other favorite verses that came to mind were:
 
Psalm 27:1 - “The Lord is my revelation-light to guide me along the way.”
Psalm 18:28 - “The Lord my God lights up my darkness.”
1 John 1:5 - “God is light, in Him there is no darkness.”
 
Light also provides nutrients and energy.  Many of us can remember how light is a key ingredient to the process of photosynthesis that plants use to make food.  In the same way our heart eyes also need light to nurture and strengthen our ability to absorb truth in all its forms.  Love, joy, peace, etc., these are all truths that flow from the Source of light and feed our inner being!    
 
You may have heard of a reticular activator.  It helps you notice some things and ignore others.  An example would be if you purchase a new white Honda Accord and pretty soon you begin to see white Honda Accords EVERYWHERE.  This is the reticular activator at work.  In my life I’ve personally experienced how my heart eyes have reticular activators, too.  When I begin to dwell and feast on light – on God’s love, on His faithfulness, on His goodness, on His beauty, etc., I begin to see it everywhere.  It begins to change me from the inside out.  (So snowstorms become gifts!)  It isn’t that those things weren’t there before.  I just didn’t see them because without realizing it my eyes had been slowly conditioned to seeing darkness, or maybe just “cloudiness.”  The more we focus on Jesus – the light of the world – the more we see Him around us.  Simultaneously our hearts are nourished.  As we focus on His light, we are able to receive that life-giving truth we are seeing into our beings.
 
Seeing Through a New “Lens”
Another truth nugget I have discovered is that sometimes we just need a “lens” change for the eyes of our hearts.  I am a strong visual learner.  So as I was thinking about this the other day, a scene from a movie came to mind – National Treasure.  In this scene “Ben Gates” is looking at the Declaration of Independence through a newly found “ocular device” (a.k.a. glasses).  He and his comrades, along with masses of other people, had viewed this this well-known, historic document countless times.  But when Ben viewed it through a new colored lens he could suddenly see something written on the document that had never been seen before.  What was being looked at didn’t change in the least, but what they saw did.  They just needed a different lens.   
 
Sometimes I think our heart eyes just need a different lens to look through, too.  In place of a lens of fear, we need the lens of love.  In place of a lens of anxiety, we need the lens of rest and trust.  In place of a lens of hurt and offense, we need a lens of forgiveness and release.  In place of a lens of confusion, we need a lens of confident courage and clarity.  In place of a lens of shame, we need a lens of acceptance and honor.  There are so many tools God’s created to help us see through a lens of truth.  Here are just a few that came to mind: 

• Renewing your mind and soul through the Word of God

Reading the Bible (even in a new translation), listening via audio Bible, talking about what you’ve read with family or friends, watching Bible stories on film (especially for kids).  There are limitless options in how to renew our minds through the truth of God’s Word.    

• Listening to life-giving music

Worship music, instrumental music (Wholetones – is a great instrumental option).  If you are a musician, play an instrument!! It is so restorative.  

• Changing your environment

Getting outside and enjoying nature, even just looking at the sky can re-set our "heart lens."  Going somewhere new.  Taking a short trip or going to the store, or church, or to a friend’s house,  etc.    

• Spending time with a loved one, friend(s) or mentor(s)

Some of us are extremely relational and extroverted and some of us introverted.  Regardless, we need others.  Sometimes just seeing something through someone else’s eyes can open up amazing new perspectives that we have not been able to see before.  We are designed to function together in family connections and in community.  What about spending time with someone in a different age group?  Oh how different life is seeing it through the eyes of a child!! 

• Prayer

Praying simple in-the-moment prayers.  Setting aside focused time for pray or praying with others.   Writing in a prayer journal.  Sometimes I journal my prayers to the Lord and then journal back what He speaks to my heart and mind (i.e. a scripture verse, a phrase, a picture, or a song, etc.).
 
Even just reading new inspirational or educational material, or viewing media with edifying and life-filled messages can jumpstart our ability to see through a lens of truth.  There are endless creative tools through which God can reveal Himself to us.  The very first aspect of God’s nature that He revealed was as the Creator creating something new! He still is JUST as creative today as He was then and desires to reveal Himself and His truth to us in limitless ways.  Just ask Him and He will show You.  Let the Holy Spirit guide you.  
  
Seeing Through Cleansed Eyes
Do you know that there are varied forms of tears our eyes produce?  We have those tears that are stimulated by emotions.  We also have basal tears.  It is a liquid constantly present in the eye which ensures that the cornea is always wet and nourished.  Additionally, we have reflex tears.  These tears are a level of liquid the eye produces in response to an external stimulus, such as an irritation by a foreign particle (i.e. dust, an allergen).  These tears help to wash that irritant out.  The eyes of our heart need that continual washing, as well. 
 
Ephesians 5:26 – “That He (Jesus) might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.”
 
Sometimes our heart eyes encounter “irritants” as well.  Lies.  Non-truths.  It’s part of the world we live in.  They need to be washed with truth.    
 
A humorous memory from many years ago came to mind of serving at my church’s yearly summer kid’s camp.  One night while the camp was settling down and things got quiet, I and a fellow staff member were quietly talking.  A small flashlight laid behind me to provide a little light in the room.  As we sat there quietly talking all the sudden I beheld the shadow of a “monster bug” crawl across the wall in front of me.  My friend immediately stopped talking.  No words were necessary, my eyes said it all.  “What is it??!!”  she asked as her eyes got big, too.  I pointed to the wall behind her.  Needless to say the room went from quiet and peaceful to frantic and lively in about one millisecond.  We looked for that monster bug all over while bouncing around the room and couldn’t find it.  How could a bug so monstrous be so hard to find?  I was five seconds away from going to “extreme measures” in this bug hunt when I all the sudden I had a thought.  Embarrassment slowly set in as the realization of where this monster bug was and what it was.  As my dear friend continued on the lively hunt, I slowly turned around to look at the flashlight laying in the corner of the room.  Crawling across the lens was a tiny little gnat-like bug about the size of a pin-point needle.  I must have stared at it for at least 15 seconds before uttering a word as my brain absorbed the full humor of what had just transpired.  When I announced to my dear friend (still frantically jumping around) that I found the bug and pointed to the flashlight lens we broke out in hysterical laugher that lasted well into the night. 
 
What do we do when the lens on our “heart eyes” get a “bug” on them?  Wash them in the water of the word – in truth.  In John 8:32, Jesus said “the truth will set you free.”  What caused the difference in response from jumping around the room like a paranoid kangaroo to hysterical laughter?  We knew the TRUTH.  What is truth?  Jesus said “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life.”  (John 14:6).  So when the shadows in life are on the walls around us, how do we respond? We look at Jesus.  He is the truth and will cleanse our lens.    
 
Seeing the PERSON of Truth
Could it be that finding refreshment and wholeness isn’t so much about what we see, but about through WHO we see? 
 
In the story of David and Goliath, we see a boy (David) with a little sling and stone addressing a fully-armed giant.  Did David see a giant? Yep!  But David also saw his God. 
 
“David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the Name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies – the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  Today, the Lord will conquer you.”  (1 Samuel 17:45)
 
My personal opinion is that David was no different than you and I.  He was just as human.  David was so fixated on His God in this moment through regularly focusing his heart eyes in His direction that he was able to see through the lens of God’s truth and respond to that giant accordingly.  The "basal tears" and "reflex tears" on the eyes of his heart were working well.  Our eyes are cleansed by focusing them on the Person of truth – Jesus.  It is a continual process, a daily process, and sometimes a moment by moment process!
 
Summary
Just like our physical eyes affect how we experience life, our heart eyes affect what we experience — what we see, what we feel, and what we think.  I am reminded daily that I cannot change me.  It’s Jesus working inside of me Who changes me.  It’s His grace and power!  But He delights in giving us the opportunity to partner with Him.  Regardless of where we are at, the answer to true refreshment and life remains the same—fix your heart eyes on Jesus and then watch what happens.  You may just start enjoying snowstorms!
 
Prayer: 
Father I pray for each and every person reading this that you would enlighten the eyes of their heart that they may KNOW the hope to which You have called them!  I pray that You would provide Your light and Your lens of truth cleansing and restoring vision in hearts!  I pray that You, the Source of all light, would guide and lead each one of us forward in the path of life for which we have been created.  May eyes be healed even now as we look to You, our good Father, that You may be glorified and Your people wholly aligned to fulfill the purpose to which we have been called.  In the mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.
 
References:
References listed above and as follows:
Graham Cooke - “Pastoring People Prophetically”
The Bible in New Living Translation, New American Standard Translation, and the Passion Translation.
http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/nwepphotosynthesis.htm
https://lookafteryoureyes.org/how-your-eyes-work/tears/
http://www.umkelloggeye.org/conditions-treatments/anatomy-eye
Picture: Pixaby