Tag: Numbers

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Church attendance, Evangelism, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

It’s All About Numbers

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journey gal

Numbers 9:18

At the commandment of the Lord the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the Lord they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.

I’ve been in the book of Numbers for a couple of days, and I’m really not a numbers fan. I speak of numerical numbers not the book. Speak math to me and my eyes glaze over and I go semi-comatose until our conversation is over. It’s true. It’s just never been my forte. But the book of Numbers has captivated my attention as well as broken my heart in several verses. Moses, having been instructed by God, is numbering the servants in the service of the Lord. Even as I type those words my eyes well up with tears; for they are few in the modern church. Even in a church with big numbers of bodies there is not necessarily a big number of servants.

I was born with a servant’s heart. But that too gets me into trouble, because I can get pulled into serving others and away from serving God for whom I’ve been called to serve. What about you? Have you been called to serve? Well… if you are a child of God, then the answer is yes and it might shock you to know that God is pretty serious about it, after all, you are a priest.

What? Yep, it caught me a little off guard too, even though I knew it. It wasn’t until I related an Old Testament truth with a New Testament truth that it clicked. As Moses was numbering the Levites and the Priests, doling out their responsibilities to the house of worship, bells went off inside my head and drew my mind’s eye to my very own verse in 1 Peter 2:9 ~ But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Every child of God is a member of the priesthood. And while we’re not to don robes and hats, the responsibility is the same. We have a role in taking care of the church. Everyone. Not just the preacher, the deacon, the Sunday school teacher, etc. Even the guy or gal on the 8th row back, who shows up on Sunday to do their due diligence of church. And I meant that totally sarcastic. Showing up on Sunday is not your due diligence… well it is, but it doesn’t end there. Paul told the church of Corinth in 1 Corinthians 12:27-31

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

You have a gift that is intended for the service of the Lord, where ever that may be. Which brought me to the verse in Numbers 9 this morning and the little girl packing the suit case. God expects the church to be on the move and ready to roll when service calls. In less than two weeks I’m headed to Minnesota to serve in a Revival. I’m excited, God’s been speaking to my heart about “stuff.” Just as He spoke to Moses, He speaks to us. Perhaps not audibly but every bit as real. Instant in season and out of season the scripture says, be ready! Are you? My heart is broken for the churches across America because Revival is hard to come by. Too many people are sitting and waiting for the Lord to show up, when actually the Lord did show up… they just weren’t willing to move out of their seat to greet Him and so He moved on.

God is in the details. There are many details to a church service and everyone is important. Serve well friend… It’s all about numbers, for which you are one.

Posted in Life Inspiration

Social Media: Inherit the Land, don’t buy the farm

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chick friends

I have watched it play out so many times it’s ridiculous. And every time I’m shocked that people had the audacity to say such things as my stomach twists and turns for the person to which they said it to; because usually it’s someone who will take the cut and go on in life  because “that’s what people do.” It happened on the Facebook page of a young friend not so long ago when a “so called” professional tried to smash her dreams by insinuating she wasn’t qualified for a job she was enquiring about. My blood went to the boiling point in seconds. I wanted to lash out and give that woman a piece of my mind, but I knew I didn’t have much to spare. My solution was to private message my young friend and tell her that the professional which offered her advice not to seek the “highly qualified” position was an idiot and I encouraged her to chase her dream. For the record, she was qualified for the position because it was a position that she could apply for and then seek the training, I wasn’t adding to a pipe dream, she was qualified. There are just as many other illustrations about every subject matter out there where people will comment hurtful, maliciously under toned comments that tear at the fabric of people and feel that they are entitled to do so in the name of “friendship.”

If I post on a public website I can expect that people who thrive on making others feel less, wrong, unimportant etc. will comment. If you post it they will come. But on my social media page, where I am queen of that domain, I will not cut your head off, but I’ll cut your access and be no worse for the wear because it’s biblical.

I don’t know what the “social media” site was in Solomon’s day, but he had a handle on it when he wrote Proverbs 27:6 – Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

For some reason today I felt compelled to post on the need to self-assess your self-access.  Who has access to you and how do you feel when you’ve come into contact with them? Because she’s the ultimate bestie, I’ll use my friend Gloria as an illustration. When Gloria and I converse I always leave the conversation feeling better than before, she’s an encourager. Apostle Paul’s advice to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – was “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”

So as you self-assess or self-access ask yourself these questions:

Have you been comforted or discomfited? When someone was discomfited in the Bible they lost the battle after being attacked and were often times caught off guard. An attack of a ne’re-do-well often comes without warning. You posted something innocent enough and before you know it the conversation turned into a judgmental rant and stirred up all kinds of feelings in you and none of them were good. Pray and delete.

Have you been exhorted or exiled?  Are your friends invested in what you’re interested in or are your conversations one sided… and it’s their side? A real friend may not love all the things you love, but they love that you love it, or at least tolerate you while you talk about it. I won’t say you should delete this person, but I certainly wouldn’t recommend you investing in a one sided conversation. I would however recommend you search out Facebook friends who have a like passion. They’ll love listening to you and it may just open up doors to wonderful honest friendships that you never expected.

I have 1300 or so friends on Facebook and truthfully only interact with about 10%. It’s those 10% who have invested in me and I in them. They encourage me for the battles I face in life. The Lord told Moses in Deuteronomy 3:28 to “…charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.”

If Moses had a Facebook account he would have had a few million friends, but not all those were encouragers. When they originally set off on the journey it was the bad advice of a few of his social media buddies that had them wandering around 40 years. (Numbers 13:32) But Joshua was an encourager and in return God made sure he was encouraged too.

We don’t have 40 years to wander. Invest wisely in your time on social media and make sure your friends encourage you to inherit the land, not buy the farm.

Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Posted in Life Inspiration

Boho Vibes: Embracing Bohemian Style with Summer Dresses

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Summer is the perfect season to embrace the free-spirited, relaxed vibe of bohemian fashion and womens summer dresses canada. With its roots in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s, boho style is all about self-expression, comfort, and a connection to nature. It’s a look that’s easy to love, especially when it comes to summer dresses. From flowy fabrics to earthy tones and intricate patterns, boho summer dresses capture the essence of laid-back elegance. Whether you’re heading to a music festival, a beachside picnic, or simply want to bring a touch of boho charm to your everyday wardrobe, here’s how to fully embrace the boho vibes this summer.
1. The Magic of Flowy Fabrics

One of the hallmarks of bohemian style is the use of flowy, lightweight fabrics that move with you. Think cotton, linen, and chiffon—materials that are breathable and perfect for hot summer days. These fabrics drape beautifully, creating an effortless, ethereal look that’s both comfortable and chic.

Why It’s Essential: Boho summer dresses often feature loose, relaxed silhouettes that allow for maximum comfort without sacrificing style. Whether it’s a billowy maxi dress or a breezy sundress, the flowy fabric is key to achieving that quintessential boho vibe.

Styling Tip: Look for dresses with tiered skirts, ruffles, or bell sleeves to add extra movement and texture. Pair with simple leather sandals or espadrilles for an easy, relaxed look.
2. Embracing Earthy Tones and Natural Hues

Bohemian fashion is deeply connected to nature, which is reflected in its color palette. Earthy tones like terracotta, olive green, mustard yellow, and warm browns are staples of boho style. These colors not only complement a sun-kissed summer glow but also evoke a sense of grounding and harmony with the natural world.

Why It’s Essential: Earthy tones are versatile and easy to mix and match, making them perfect for creating a cohesive, boho-inspired wardrobe. Whether you opt for a solid color dress or one with a subtle print, these hues will help you achieve that relaxed, bohemian look.

Styling Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix different earthy tones together—boho fashion is all about creative expression. Pair a terracotta dress with an olive green cardigan or layer a mustard yellow kimono over a white lace dress for a look that’s effortlessly cool.
3. Unique Patterns and Prints

Patterns are a key element of bohemian fashion, with designs often inspired by global cultures, nature, and vintage aesthetics. Paisley, floral, and geometric prints are all popular choices, adding a sense of individuality and artistic flair to your outfit.

Why It’s Essential: Boho prints are typically intricate and eye-catching, making them the perfect way to express your personal style. A printed boho dress is a statement piece that can stand on its own, or be layered with other elements for a more complex look.

Styling Tip: Balance bold patterns with neutral accessories to keep the focus on the dress. A wide-brimmed hat, a pair of oversized sunglasses, and a fringed bag are perfect boho accessories that won’t overpower your outfit.
4. Accessorizing the Boho Way

Accessories are where you can really let your creativity shine in boho fashion. From chunky jewelry to wide belts and floppy hats, the right accessories can take your boho summer dress to the next level. Natural materials like leather, wood, and stone are often used in boho accessories, adding an organic touch to your look.

Why It’s Essential: Boho style is all about layering and texture, and accessories play a big role in achieving that. Whether it’s a stack of bangles, a long pendant necklace, or a braided leather belt, these pieces help to create a rich, eclectic look that’s uniquely yours.

Styling Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different accessories to create a layered, lived-in look. A statement belt can add shape to a flowy dress, while a pair of ankle boots or gladiator sandals can give your outfit a laid-back, festival-ready vibe.
5. Layering for the Perfect Boho Look

Layering is another key aspect of bohemian fashion, allowing you to create depth and dimension in your outfit. In the summer, light layers like crochet vests, kimono jackets, and lightweight scarves can add interest without weighing you down.

Why It’s Essential: Layering not only adds visual interest to your outfit but also gives you the flexibility to adapt your look to different settings and temperatures. A light, flowing kimono over a simple dress can transform your outfit from day to night, or from beach to bar.

Styling Tip: Opt for layers in complementary colors or textures to keep the look cohesive. A white lace kimono over a floral dress creates a soft, romantic vibe, while a denim jacket can add a touch of casual cool.
Conclusion

Bohemian fashion is more than just a style; it’s a way of life that celebrates freedom, creativity, and a connection to the earth. With the right summer dress, you can capture the essence of boho vibes and create outfits that are both beautiful and meaningful. Whether you’re drawn to flowy fabrics, earthy tones, unique patterns, or creative accessories, embracing bohemian style with your summer wardrobe will have you looking effortlessly chic and festival-ready all season long. So go ahead and let your inner free spirit shine through—boho vibes are just a dress away.