An Open Invitation

Apr 22 1:56 PM

Apr 22 1:56 PM

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar in lebanon.

Psalm 92:12 NIV

What each of us requires to flourish varies by degrees. Although we all want certain things, such as love, contentment, provision and time. There are certain elements that pertain to atmosphere and surroundings that are required for particular plants to thrive. In the verse above, it is interesting to note that the climate the Palm tree needs to thrive is a dry one which is exactly the opposite of the wet climate needed by a Cedar tree. But both flourish when planted by God. Righteousness is a big word but all it truly means is to be in “right standing,” which is essentially being planted in the right place to flourish. It is impossible to flourish without being planted properly.

“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” Psalm 1:3 NLT

We have the privilege of setting ourselves up to flourish by planting ourselves by rivers of living water. Living water is the pure, holy, perfect, Word of God. And wherever that may be flowing, is where we find the river, the source. As our lives demand so much time and attention, we often do not recognize the beautiful opportunity to be fed by the banks of the river as it comes near.

Amos 8:11 tells us that a famine is coming. But not a famine of food or water, but a famine of hearing the voice of the Lord. God does not suffer from famine. So His Word does not dry up. The famine is not one of speaking, but one of hearing. So as God speaks, many will not hear what He is saying.

But some will.

The vision God has given me for Flourish is a picture of women as strong and vibrant trees, planted by a deep and quiet, but powerful river. I see women with deep roots and strong branches, ripe with the fullness of God.

My heart and desire, as is my mother’s (Pastor Kathy Hayes), is not to mass produce ministry to women. For the vision we see cannot be stamped out but must be tended as a gardner would a beloved garden. This vision has caused us to invest more, plan better and prepare for the women who hear the call to Flourish. Although we wish that every woman was ready to go to another level, we understand that some do not recognize the season and so are not prepared to invest themselves. As God is faithful, their day will come.

But Flourish 2013 is for those who know that the time is now.

I will read an entire book and finding just ONE truth makes all the reading worth it. I go to a conference and just ONE moment of revelation makes all the difference in the world. Maybe I am a little odd but I am keen on digging in deep for the best soil. When I know by the Spirit that I am ONE connection away from my epitome I look for opportunities to excavate. I believe that a group of women are prepared and ready to roll up their sleeves and roll back the excuses in the way of uncovering greatness.

This is an invitation to Flourish. Is this your season?

I certainly hope so.

With much love and anticipation,

Amie Dockery

4 comments

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Belinda

So powerful, we are indeed in a year of personal revelation. May the good Lord continue using you woman of God. l can not wait to hear what God has placed on your heart, my His annointing rest on you as you teach us.

Posted on Mon, Apr 22, 2013 @ 7:34 PM CST

Jessica Franco

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I will never forget the first time I heard you give the word. It was the one about the pressing for the olive oil. That will always stay with me. You're strength and determination is that of a true woman and warrior in Gods army.

Posted on Mon, Apr 22, 2013 @ 7:39 PM CST

Barbara Giberson

hi Amie,
JUST yesterday I was conversing with the Lord about being the Oak of Righteousness that He said I am. I have been buffeted by so many storms in the recent past, and I know it is to make me stronger so that I can stand tall and provide safe haven for all those who seek Him. THANK YOU for sharing this about the palm and cedar being by the river. I didn't think of an oak by the river, just standing out there in the field alone!! But I do know the roots go deep to seek the pure water. Flourish is going to be so REFRESHING for me!

Posted on Wed, Apr 24, 2013 @ 9:32 AM CST

Sheri Andrews

Amie,
Thank you so much for being obedient to the Lord and sharing with Doug & me that we are around the corner from His outpouring! I have been basking in the message you spoke and the word since then. We were in Boston during the capture of the bomber brothers. I felt so strongly in my spirit to pray over different areas of the city throughout our trip so we did. God's anointing was with us, as well as His protection because our hotel was within walking distance of the beginning and end of the capture. God Is Good.
We will be praying for your anointing and protection in China!

Posted on Sun, Apr 28, 2013 @ 3:50 PM CST

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Road Rage, Candy Wrappers and Gratefulness

February 02, 2014 01:22

Anitha Abraham

Pet peeves; we’ve all got them. Some of us have more than 1 or 2 or…

One of mine: people that don’t say thank you.

Unfortunately, it seems to happen all of the time. In fact, it has almost become an experiment for me. I hold the door open for a total stranger at a store and I wait for something (anything!) that acknowledges my kind gesture.

Then, there are the roads. Nothing brings out the best in us like a little traffic. I oh-so graciously let someone in and they don't give me "the wave".

I know that I shouldn't do things just for a thank you but it is nice to hear.

A lifestyle of gratitude can really impact the way we live. It can change our perspective on just about everything.

Pet peeves; we’ve all got them. Some of us have more than 1 or 2 or…

One of mine: people that don’t say thank you.

Then, there are the roads. Nothing brings out the best in us like a little traffic. I oh-so graciously let someone in and they don't give me "the wave".

I know that I shouldn't do things just for a thank you but it is nice to hear.

A lifestyle of gratitude can really impact the way we live. It can change our perspective on just about everything.

If you know me, you know that I like things neat. In fact, the term “neat-freak” may be coming to your mind right now. Thankfully, my husband is neat too, but he is not a “neat-freak”. So, every now and then, I find candy wrappers in the couch or multiple pairs of shoes left by the door for that impending shoe emergency. And we won't even talk about the toilet seat being left up...

Honestly, it used to all drive me crazy! I didn't understand why the wrappers had to be left on the couch instead of put in the trash can that is, literally, right there, or why the shoes couldn't just go back to their rightful home in the closet.

Then, God, as He so often does, made some adjustments to my perspective. He reminded me of how I had waited and prayed (and waited and prayed some more) to be married and how those prayers were answered (did I mention that I waited and prayed??). Those things that were annoyances, now more often serve as little reminders of one of the greatest blessings that God has ever given to me. Yes, even the toilet seat reminds me that there is a man who lives in this house with me and I am glad for it. Let me set the record straight on this: I still like my house clean and I still have my MANY moments, but my husband doesn't have to run for cover as often.

Last year, several family members and a dear friend passed away. As my cousin put it, it's great to remember that they lived a full life, but that doesn't alleviate the sense of daily loss that their loved ones are feeling. To a much, much lesser degree, when my husband travels for work, I am so aware of the fact that he is not here with me. It is on those days especially, that I wouldn't mind picking up a wrapper or two if it meant that he would be home.

My prayer is that God would help me to live my life in constant gratitude. The fact that I can hold the door open for someone means I have arms that are strong enough to do so. If I am on the road, it means that I have a car and a healthy enough mind to drive.

And even when the toilet seat is up, I remember; and then I put it down.

Thank you, God, for all of it.

(This post has been approved by the above mentioned husband, Lance Abraham.)

Anitha Abraham has been a member of Covenant Church since 1998. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in nursing and currently works at UT Southwestern as a nurse supervisor. She serves in various areas of ministry including leading a monthly women’s Bible study and serving alongside her husband, Lance, as leaders in Re-Engage. Born and raised in Texas, she is a Cowboys and Mavericks fan, coffee enthusiast, and Mexican food consumer. You can read more of her articles on her blog mythoughtsifyouwanttoreadthem.wordpress.com.

Friendspiration: Jamie and Amanda

January 16, 2014 21:42

Marinda Rowland

Upon reading about the friendship contest, there wasn’t a question as to whom I would nominate- my best friends, Jamie and Amanda. I knew that the nomination was for a friend (singular), but I couldn’t separate these two ladies, nor choose which one was a better friend.

It all started 8 years ago on our first day of beauty school. I was sitting one table in front of them. I’ll never forget turning around and introducing myself. I was a nervous wreck, but wanted to be brave and say hello. I never would have guessed then, how much these two women would mean to me now. I even remember emailing my mother (I believe she still has the email) and saying, “Hey mom, I met these two really great girls in beauty school and I think I’m going to like them and hopefully become friends with them.” I was so excited! I was new to the area, just moving here from Ohio, and knew very few people. God truly has bestowed upon us, the blessing of friendship. We are all one, and no one girl is liked or favored over another. We have all, at separate times, lived together and helped each other out when needed. Our friendship has grown into a love for one another that is priceless; one that is cherished. We have laughed together, cried together, and a few times fought together. Just like in every healthy relationship, we have grown through it all.

Now, 8 years later, we have flourished into beautiful, Godly women, whom, although are on different levels in the faith, all believe and trust in the One whom is love, Jesus. We lift one another up by sending texts of encouragement or giving little gifts of joy. Jamie and Amanda are successful business owners and always encourage me to take my business to the next level. With all three of us being hairdressers, we have many fun girl nights at the salon trying the new trends. Traveling, shopping, eating, and having a glass of wine are just a few of the many things we enjoy doing together. Through our ups and downs that we face, whether heartaches, death, life, hurts, joys, or sorrows, we are there for one another no matter what. When you truly put one’s feelings above yours, the relationship is destined to last. Unconditional love, the love that God teaches us to have, is what we have. I heard a quote recently that said, “If a friendship lasts longer than 7 years, psychologists say that it will last a lifetime.” This relationship that we have will last a lifetime because God’s hand is in it and over it. We are all very blessed to have one another and we all feel the same way. We have often said that we are each other’s soul mates. No man can replace the love, bond, and friendship between women. I know that this flourish nomination was to be for one special lady, but my main goal in entering was to honor two- Jamie and Amanda, and to thank them for being such amazing and inspiring women to me. I know these two ladies so well that if we did win, we would split the winnings three ways. We share clothes, tears, and laughter, so why not a shopping spree? I hope that my story has blessed you and I hope that you are as lucky as I to have people as special as these two in your life.

Recipe: Ginger Snap Cookies

December 19, 2013 20:43

Evia Wilkerson

¾ c. shortening

1 c. white sugar

¼ c. light molasses

1 beaten egg

2 c. flour

¼ tsp. salt

2 tsp. soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. cloves

1 tsp. ginger

Cream Shortening and sugar; add molasses and egg, beat well. Add sifted dry ingredients, mix well. Roll in small balls, dip in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.