A Personal Note from Jamie
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Hey, beloveds.
I just wanted to write a personal note today, about several different things. Please forgive the seeming randomness of this note. 🙂
First, I hope you’re well. I have been praying for you.
I get so many emails and messages and comments, and I am so thankful that you take the time to share what’s on your heart and going on in your life. I know many of you have been hurting, and I’m sorry. I’m praying for you, because in many cases that’s all I can do. But know that I am praying for you.
I also wanted to remind you that the 21-day fast leading up to Rosh Hashanah begins on Monday.
That’s only a few days away! I am really looking forward to this fast. I just want to be closer to Jesus, and fasting for more intimacy with our Bridegroom always brings the desired result.
If you haven’t already started preparing for the fast, I’d encourage you to do so. Here are a few things that help me prepare, both physically and spiritually:
- Begin to cut back on (or eliminate) sweets from your diet. It will help you reduce cravings on the actual fast.
- Drink lots of water. Many times, your mind mistakes water cravings for sugar cravings. They feel the same. Getting hydrated will help a lot.
- I’ve heard that drinking distilled water when fasting is much better than tap or regular bottled/spring water, and keeps you from getting sick. I’ve been trying distilled water lately, and I felt like it made me feel better. Just something to consider, if you have access to distilled water.
- Begin to pray now for the endurance, desire, and anointing to fast.
- Ask God now what to fast for, if you haven’t already.
I’m really looking forward to this time separated with the Lord, and I believe He’ll reward each of us with a greater intimacy with Him and greater anointing than ever before.
Thirdly – I need to adjust a few things regarding my schedule for a little while.
My husband and I just returned from spending nearly a week in the wilderness at a couple of parks. (Some people like beaches; some people like cities; we like wilderness and parks. And mountains. Definitely mountains.) 🙂
This trip was for our 10th wedding anniversary, which is this month (plus kind of for my birthday, which is today). 🙂 This is why I didn’t post on a regular schedule this week: we had zero internet or cell phone reception for most of the time. Despite the no internet (which I didn’t realize would happen), however, we had a good time. It was nice to just be together.
I did realize something, though:
I’m exhausted.
I slept a lot. We did a lot of driving around the parks, and I fell asleep in the car continually. Plus one day, I felt so tired I just collapsed and slept most of the day.
It was kind of a wake-up call, no pun intended.
I feel great health-wise; but I think I need to change a few things about the way I’ve worked my schedule for the last couple of months, in order to avoid more exhaustion and burnout.
I have a partner update queued up for next week with all the ministry work that we’ve accomplished together over the last month or so. But in September, especially in light of our corporate fast, I feel like I need to pull back a little bit from outside ministry, focus on God and you (my precious, amazing readers and friends), and rest a little bit more (instead of doing so many in-person ministry activities).
I hope you understand. It won’t impact you as a blog reader–you will actually see more of me than you have been seeing. But when I send out September’s ministry update, it will be more about the fast and ministering to people through this blog and online, rather than attending meetings and leading Bible studies and so on. That will allow me to be at home more for a few weeks, and to rest more this month and overcome the exhaustion. I do already have a number of things already scheduled for September, and I’ll keep those–just not add much in the way of outside work.
Fourth – and this is really on my heart: Do you have written goals?
One-year goals, next month goals, this month or this week goals? Five-year goals?
I really believe it’s important in this season for us to write down goals. God told Habakkuk to write the vision and make it plain, that they may run who read it (Habakkuk 2).
I was reviewing my goals (and re-writing them) earlier this morning, and I could see that some things were happening that would not otherwise have happened if I had not written them down. Writing down things solidifies them in your spirit. It keeps you motivated and inspired. It keeps things top-of-mind, so that you remember to do what the Lord is leading you to do.
I don’t think goals have to be hard. But we all need them.
If you haven’t written down any goals for your life, would you take a few minutes this weekend to do so? (And if you need help with that, you can always grab a copy of my Arise, Shine! Vision Retreat Handbook, and it will help.)
Here are a few tips that help me with the goal-setting process:
- Use key dates, like “by my 52nd birthday” or “by 12/31/16.” Dates, especially birthdays for me, make things personal and real.
- Include some dream goals–stretch goals, dreams that are worthy of God. Don’t be afraid to dream big. (I have a whole ebook that God’s been downloading to me about dreaming dreams that are worthy of God. It’s far from finished. But just grab that phrase and pray into it. Ask Papa to give you dreams that are worthy of Him–worthy of the full measure of His goodness, generosity, greatness, love, and magnificence that He wants to show you and pour out into your life.)
- Write your goals down in your journal, and re-write them often–even if you don’t change a word. Just re-copy them by hand. Writing your goals embeds them in your heart and spirit.
It’s so important for us to run with a vision.
We need a vision of Jesus. We need a vision of Who He is. And we need a vision of His promises and what He wants to do in our lives. So, ask Him for goals. He’ll light things up in your spirit that will grip your entire being. When He does, write it down.
That’s all for today, beloveds. Next week, we’ll return to the normal blogging schedule. I’ve got the next post in our series about the power gifts–about interpretation of tongues–queued up also, and I can’t wait to get that out to you.
I love you all. Have a fantastic weekend.
Together with you in His harvest field,
Jamie
Happy Birthday, Jamie, and thanks for the wonderful encouragement and guidance!
Thank you, Lisa! Thank you for also encouraging me, and for reading! It takes a village. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
Happy birthday, Jamie! I pray your day is blessed by the Father in a special way. Thank you, also, for the encouraging words. They are appreciated.
Thank you, Mara. It was a wonderful day. Thank you for reading my blog! You encourage me back, and I appreciate you!
Have a fantastic weekend!
I love you, Jamie. God bless you in and out.
Thank you, Dumebi. I receive that! May Papa bless you abundantly too, and send you special notes just from Him today, telling you how much He loves you! <3
Happy Birthday, Jamie! And Happy Anniversary as well. I’m glad you were able to get rest. I’m looking forward to this fast! The Lord has been speaking to me a lot about dreaming again lately. I think it’s so easy to get focused on what God wants for us, which is a good thing, but we forget that He made us individuals, and that He delights in us! Just as parents enjoy their children’s differences, He enjoys ours. We have the freedom of creativity and individuality on the path that He has for each one of us. We will not be the same after this fast. You are such a blessing, Jamie. Enjoy your day.
Amen and amen and amen, Leslie. I’m really looking forward to it too. If you got the special Presence Seekers University encouraging word I sent out this morning, you will like it. 🙂 It’s time to dream and believe for bigger! Papa is so much bigger than we can conceive!
Happy Birthday Jamie!!!!!!!?
Thanks so much, Elisa! <3
Happy Birthday, Jamie! Our Daddy God bless more abundantly and refresh you with His Spirit as you continue to shine bright for His glory.
Amen! I receive that, Ian! Thank you! 🙂 And thank you for reading my blog. 🙂
Hi Jamie, I just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY….I’m glad to hear that you took some time off, just for you and your husband to celebrate your 10th anniversary, and also for you to get the much needed rest that I’m sure you really needed, to get your physical and spiritual battery recharged. Looking forward to the time of Fasting and prayer to gain intimacy with the Lord and for further direction on where He’s leading me. Have a blessed day and weekend, Love in Him, Maria
Hi, Maria! Thank you so much! Yes, the time away was so refreshing and truly healing for body, soul, and spirit. I’m eager to get going again now… but trying to pace myself better, so I don’t wear myself and others out as well! 🙂
Birthday Blessings, Jamie, now and throughout your new birthday year. I pray that God will gift you in terms that you recognize to be His special way of communicating with you.
I am learning about the need for rest before tackling whatever comes next. The one-year anniversary of our youngest son’s stroke is just past with all the shock, grief, prayer, and sheer physical work of support that event entailed for him and his family. Today marks the six-week point of his brother’s recovery in our house from seven nerve-wracking months of schizophrenia. While the gratitude and joy for ongoing recovery and redirected lives lifts my spirits, my body has called a halt!
I was given a beautiful vision of Jesus against the pale blue sky and white mist of early morning on the lake shore, perfectly still and serene telling me that we have entered a time of peace where all has been provided for. Much needs to be done, especially as Canadian winter will soon be upon us and some basic things like a lack of insulation in A’s trailer home, no chimney for the wood furnace (necessary backup for when the power goes out as it often does during the storms), and no propane furnace yet, which has to be the main heat source as he still has no use of his right arm and hand. “Little” things like that, eh? But I know those and other seemingly impossible difficulties will be solved in time. The peace that passes understanding does keep our hearts and minds as we go to sleep earlier, take time to read a book, listen to music (an hour a day with headphones is a great source of energy), and be glad for a lull in the editorial work even if it reduces the cash flow. “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” (Ps. 127:2) He knows we need rest. It seems harder to relax and take time for renewal when you have walked out on a limb of faith, cutting down or off the usual sorts of employment income. But God really will provide for your needs, including the rest you require.
Amen, Laurna. Thank you for those encouraging words, and for sharing your vision. Beautiful. I’m glad you’re resting too. And as far as a Canadian winter goes… Brrrr! I’m feeling chilly just thinking about it. 🙂 LOL. It’s in the mid-90s every day here, and has been for a long time. I’m eager for the heat to break, but down to the 40s and 50s is just fine with me. 😉
Hi Jaime, I already did the fast a few days, but do eat dinner and a snack, and I’m trying to remember my Communion. Hey, the Lord knows giving up a couple of meals and some Pinterest time is good for me. I know He;s there for me, as I write this, I have an aunt in the hospital with a heart stint and low blood pressure. There are unsaved loved ones on that side of the family, I appreciate the prayers.
Hey, sis. Yes, fire always falls on sacrifice when it is made with a pure heart to seek God! I’m so glad you’re with us. I prayed for your aunt, too. Thank you so much for your constant encouragement!
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to you and your husband. Thank God for you and the difference you make in the kingdom.
Thank you so much, sister! And praise God. It’s all Him, for sure! I’m so grateful to be allowed to serve Papa and His people. 🙂 Have a wonderful day, and may you be blessed in all you do as well!
Happy birthday Jamie and happy 10th anniversary too. Keep well and God bless
Thank you, Mainza! It’s a blessed time. Thank you so much for your well-wishes, and thank you for reading my blog!
Happy Birthday, Jamie!!! 🙂
Thank you so much, Cindi!
Happy Belated Birthday… Mine was Aug 29.
?
What type of fast are we going on?
Hi Candace! Thanks! And happy birthday to you too! The type of fast is up to each individual, between you and God. I just personally feel called to a 21-day fast, and so I wanted to invite anyone who wants to join me to do so. But the kind of fast is up to each individual. 🙂 God always honors a sacrifice made with a right heart.
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary Jamie!!!!
I hope you have a fantastic time!
June, thank you so much! The birthday was wonderful. Lotsa snuggling on the sofa with my hubby, who was sick and couldn’t go out. 🙂 But there’s no place I’d rather be!
Happy birthday Jamie,.
Blessings and thank you for your contribution in my life.
Be blessed
Annamerie
Thank you, Annamerie. I’m so grateful Papa has used me to encourage you, and I pray He would continue to do so. Have a wonderful day, and thank you so much for reading!
Jamie
Happy glorious birthday and happy wedding anniversary! may all your dreams be fulfilled mightily in Jesus name.
Amen and I receive that! Thank you! 🙂
Happy birthday and happy 10th wedding anniversary. Stay safe and rest when needed. We want you healthy!
Thanks, brother! I want to be healthy. 🙂
Happy belated Anniversary and Birthday Jamie! Thank you for being there and praying for me! I thank Papa God for you! I am praying for you too. I will be joining all of you for the fast. Praise Papa!
Thank you, Angel! It’s my privilege! Hope your fast is going well. 🙂