SMOKE & MIRRORS
Have you ever heard of the saying, "It's just smoke and mirrors"? Google defines it as, "the obscuring or embellishing of the truth of a situation with misleading or irrelevant information."
Sounds like an effective tactic of the enemy, doesn't it? It’s one we became very aware of recently. . . God spoke to my heart yesterday and said, "It's just smoke and mirrors." In that moment, the enemy's plan against us, and others, was wholly revealed to me.
The last couple of weeks, among other things, we were faced with back-to-back health concerns for Brian that each could have been life-threatening situations. The first issue was one in which we both had total peace and knew that although the doctors were validly concerned, we knew everything was fine and pretty much laughed through it. The second? That one really tried to rock us. Both of us faced the enemy's lies during the night hours and fought for peace found on His truths.
During this time, my favorite place to hang out was in The Passion Translation’s version of the Psalms. I can’t even begin to tell you how the Lord spoke to my heart chapter after chapter, verse after verse, giving me peace when everything was fighting to steal it away. Over and over in different ways, they confirmed the truth of who God is as our Good Father and who we are to Him. The verses I read gave me courage and helped me stay standing in the face of the enemy.
One of them was Psalm 18:30, which says, “Yahweh, what a perfect God you are! All Yahweh’s promises have proven true. What a secure shelter for all those who turn to hide themselves in you, the wraparound God.”
When I read that wording, it held me in awe of God’s love and goodness. It made me feel utterly protected, safe, and secure in the shelter of His presence that was literally wrapped around me. I can tell you - it’s a beautiful place to hide away in the midst of storms raging around you! It reminded me He’s met us in hard places countless times before and He would do it again – no matter what that looked like in action.
Satan’s smoke and mirror tactics can be incredibly effective at stealing our peace, joy, and time. He embellishes the truth of a situation or feeds us misleading or irrelevant information, causing fear and anxiety. Even when there’s more substance to his attacks, remembering the battle has already been won and we’re the victors through Jesus changes everything as far as how we view and approach the situations we face.
Even something as simple as remembering God’s faithfulness in past situations can be enough to give us the courage to face current challenges. Knowing that if God did it before, He’ll continue to move on our behalf, again and again, gives us the grace and strength we need to take steps forward on the battleground before us. Oftentimes, recognizing the enemy’s schemes for what they are is enough to cause them to lose their effectiveness against us, rendering the enemy powerless by means of God’s revelation within us.
Psalm 25:1-2b (TPT) says, “Always I will lift up my soul into your presence, Yahweh. Be there for me, my God, for I keep trusting in you.” Our souls are comprised of our mind, will, and emotions. Our minds and emotions are key battlegrounds for the enemy. He’s often called the “enemy of our souls.” Psalm 143:3a (ESV) says, “For the enemy has pursued my soul . . .” Satan is tactical. He strategically tries to fulfill his plan of stealing, killing, and destroying (John 10:10) by hitting us where he knows he can gain ground – our souls. By lifting our souls up to God, we become protected in those areas within us.
When the call came yesterday telling Brian all was well, both of us let out the collective breath we’d been holding, and the weight lifted. Thankfully, the news was good for us. God’s “smoke and mirrors” word to me in that moment reminded me that ultimately, whatever the enemy brings against us is smoke and mirrors in light of the truth of the power we walk in as children of God. When our hope is placed in God, we can see ourselves as the overcomers God has created us to be – even in the face of challenges that could radically rock our world.
God’s got us wrapped up, surrounded by His love and presence. Being enveloped in that truth brings such peace to our souls and gives us the courage to stand – even in the face of the enemy, because we know when Satan comes in like a flood, God Himself raises a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19b NKJV)
Sounds like an effective tactic of the enemy, doesn't it? It’s one we became very aware of recently. . . God spoke to my heart yesterday and said, "It's just smoke and mirrors." In that moment, the enemy's plan against us, and others, was wholly revealed to me.
The last couple of weeks, among other things, we were faced with back-to-back health concerns for Brian that each could have been life-threatening situations. The first issue was one in which we both had total peace and knew that although the doctors were validly concerned, we knew everything was fine and pretty much laughed through it. The second? That one really tried to rock us. Both of us faced the enemy's lies during the night hours and fought for peace found on His truths.
During this time, my favorite place to hang out was in The Passion Translation’s version of the Psalms. I can’t even begin to tell you how the Lord spoke to my heart chapter after chapter, verse after verse, giving me peace when everything was fighting to steal it away. Over and over in different ways, they confirmed the truth of who God is as our Good Father and who we are to Him. The verses I read gave me courage and helped me stay standing in the face of the enemy.
One of them was Psalm 18:30, which says, “Yahweh, what a perfect God you are! All Yahweh’s promises have proven true. What a secure shelter for all those who turn to hide themselves in you, the wraparound God.”
When I read that wording, it held me in awe of God’s love and goodness. It made me feel utterly protected, safe, and secure in the shelter of His presence that was literally wrapped around me. I can tell you - it’s a beautiful place to hide away in the midst of storms raging around you! It reminded me He’s met us in hard places countless times before and He would do it again – no matter what that looked like in action.
Satan’s smoke and mirror tactics can be incredibly effective at stealing our peace, joy, and time. He embellishes the truth of a situation or feeds us misleading or irrelevant information, causing fear and anxiety. Even when there’s more substance to his attacks, remembering the battle has already been won and we’re the victors through Jesus changes everything as far as how we view and approach the situations we face.
Even something as simple as remembering God’s faithfulness in past situations can be enough to give us the courage to face current challenges. Knowing that if God did it before, He’ll continue to move on our behalf, again and again, gives us the grace and strength we need to take steps forward on the battleground before us. Oftentimes, recognizing the enemy’s schemes for what they are is enough to cause them to lose their effectiveness against us, rendering the enemy powerless by means of God’s revelation within us.
Psalm 25:1-2b (TPT) says, “Always I will lift up my soul into your presence, Yahweh. Be there for me, my God, for I keep trusting in you.” Our souls are comprised of our mind, will, and emotions. Our minds and emotions are key battlegrounds for the enemy. He’s often called the “enemy of our souls.” Psalm 143:3a (ESV) says, “For the enemy has pursued my soul . . .” Satan is tactical. He strategically tries to fulfill his plan of stealing, killing, and destroying (John 10:10) by hitting us where he knows he can gain ground – our souls. By lifting our souls up to God, we become protected in those areas within us.
When the call came yesterday telling Brian all was well, both of us let out the collective breath we’d been holding, and the weight lifted. Thankfully, the news was good for us. God’s “smoke and mirrors” word to me in that moment reminded me that ultimately, whatever the enemy brings against us is smoke and mirrors in light of the truth of the power we walk in as children of God. When our hope is placed in God, we can see ourselves as the overcomers God has created us to be – even in the face of challenges that could radically rock our world.
God’s got us wrapped up, surrounded by His love and presence. Being enveloped in that truth brings such peace to our souls and gives us the courage to stand – even in the face of the enemy, because we know when Satan comes in like a flood, God Himself raises a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19b NKJV)
God is our Protector and Defender. Before Him, smoke and mirrors have absolutely no power!
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
Summer Spray HackI'm sharing from another oily friend because this is probably one of the best oil hacks I've seen and it's just in time for summer!
Easy peasy - add a little spray top on your bottle of Citronella essential oil. Spray it everywhere and enjoy the great outdoors!
- On your clothes
- On your skin
- In the air
- On your beach towels
- Anywhere you are . . .
You can use the spray bottles on other oils you love, too! Ones that immediately come to mind include Purification, Citrus Fresh, and Lavender. I'd love to hear your suggestions!
The spray tops fit 5, 10, and 15ml YL bottles and can be purchased online. Here are a couple of links to help you out. (We receive nothing for sharing these links.)
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
WHITE ANGELICAHave you heard about White Angelica? This is truly one of my favorite oils! Let me fill you in on it!
White Angelica essential oil blend has a sweet, warm, and floral fragrance, with a combination of exotic essential oils from around the world in climates such as Madagascar, Italy, France, Egypt, Bulgaria, Somalia, Canada, and Australia. White Angelica combines 10 of Young Living’s 100 percent pure essential oils, including Bergamot, Myrrh, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Melissa, and Rose.
This amazing oil is wonderful applied topically to the shoulders, wrists, neck, and heart, and can also be diffused. If you want, you can even add it to Young Living’s ART® Light Moisturizer because this beautiful, floral, harmonizing blend may enhance the appearance of skin.
I personally love White Angelica for the way it supports my emotions, helping me let go of the negative and bringing with it a sense of protection and strength. It's very comforting to me and makes me feel a sense of security. I apply it to my pulse points and even put a bit in my belly button or over my liver as I release emotions that aren't serving me well, exchanging those emotions for a sense of peace and confidence instead.
White Angelica, #3428, is $30 whsl, $39.47 retail. Not a wholesale customer yet? Ask me how to access the wholesale pricing to save 24%!
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
Happy Mother's Day!
To all the women who have loved me with a mother's heart as I've grown up (and still am growing), thank you! You've loved me well and helped me to love others well. A special thanks goes out to my stepmom, sister, and mother-in-law. Thank you for your love, your sacrifices, and your belief in me!
I've been so blessed to have so many women come alongside me and nurture my heart as only a mother can, reflecting the mother-heart of God in my life, bringing healing to my wounded heart and soul. I'm truly blessed and so very grateful!
I know what it's like to have a biological mother who was unable to mother due to mental illness and addiction. To those who haven't experienced the true love of a mother, you are seen and known and loved. Let God heal the wounds of your heart, fill that empty place, and bring freedom to your soul.
I'm SO thankful to have four incredible children whom I adore, along with a daughter-in-law and son-in-law who are each amazing! I know what it's like to experience motherhood and have your arms full of destiny and I couldn't be more grateful for that.
Yet . . . I know what it's like to suffer loss through miscarriage, having two more babies waiting for me in heaven. I see you, momma, who has suffered devasting loss. My heart and my prayers are with you. I love you. My heart aches with yours and I know that only He can heal it. You're not alone. Reach out to me if you want to chat and pray. I'm here.
To those who have longed for a child to hold and love and haven't yet had that dream fulfilled, I love you, I'm praying with you and for you, and asking God to comfort your heart today. There are also so many who need your mother's touch in their lives! Don't discount the mother impact you're having in the lives of those around you. You're creating a legacy!
To those who are remembering this day while celebrating their momma in heaven, I pray you would sense God's comfort and love in a powerful way today. You are not alone and you are not abandoned.
To all those first-time mommas out there - Happy Mother's Day! Treasure every second - it really does go by SO fast!!!
Happy Mother's Day far and wide! Mothers are superheroes. I'm convinced of it. And we women all have that superhero within us, whether we've given birth yet or not. Live it out loud - the world needs superheroes! Love you!!!!
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
Coffee & Conversations: The One Who Moves Mountains
There's nothing quite like chatting over a cup of coffee, discussing a great book - especially when that book is written by your wife!
In this episode of Coffee & Conversation, Brian and Andrea chat not only about Andrea's book, but Brian also puts her on the spot with some unexpected questions. Join them for a bit of fun and learn more about The One Who Moves Mountains!
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
