Don't Panic!

Have you ever run into someone you knew from FOREVER ago, and then all of the sudden, you feel like you don't know them outside of the memories you shared? Then you bring ye olde times up, and they look at you with this blank eyed look that says, "Haha, yeah, you're living in the past!"
I hate living with my head in the past, but sometimes aside from all the grief that history holds, I always seem to find one good memory that I would love to go back to and relive.

There's a girl I know pretty well who comes asking why she feels like the person she is today, is a thousand miles away from the person she was last year?

I know that God says he knows us inside and out, he's counted every hair on our head; God also knows the number of the stars. And yet, stars change, sometimes they get warmer, sometimes they get WAY warmer, and other times...they just explode.
Haha, that's what life feels like! We start to change further into the person God has made us every year, but we don't change from who we are, just like the star is the same star as it was before it exploded! ;)
I a lot of times feel like my life is exploding from change--of all kinds.

 I think so many times Christains use the phrase, "God made you special," without REALLY believing it for themselves. They'll gladly say that to someone else on the street, but to accept it themselves is a lot harder of a challenge.
How can we say something like that to someone else, and not truly believe it about ourselves? If we don't then we're sending a mixed message! Also, you're putting yourself down. When I say that to someone without believing it for myself, I feel like I'm saying, "You're more special to God than I am, you're more equipped and talented than I am..."
Yeah, I know, it's a pretty pathetic story! But that's what happens to me all the time; but only because I need to start learning that I'm just as special, and God loves me just as much as anyone else.

Just because you're moving further into YOUR character doesn't mean the person you were doesn't exist anymore, it simply means that you're growing further into the person God made you to be!
I'm who I am right now, and tomorrow I'll will be even more of who I am without trying because tomorrow is a step in the future; but think of it like this: Every day, you're a day older than you were yesterday, it doesn't make you old, it simply makes you one step into the future that you weren't in yesterday! That's how moving into your character works!

SO! My epic conclusion is this...don't panic if you're star explodes, life truly does get better--life isn't always a black hole!
My advice to all the readers who have or is going through this, don't be afraid to let yourself shine, stand out and be who you are, because...(dare I say it)...you're SPECIAL!
I love you guys!
And remember, don't panic.
~Wren
If you have any questions or comments I'd love to help/reply.

So you think you're not good enough?

Have you guys ever felt like your life is constantly changing?
One moment you feel great, and in one instant, your mood changes; and stays that way for the entire week?

I often feel that way when it comes to my life, my dreams, my personality, even the people I know change on me.
Have you ever felt bothered that your life has taken such drastic measures from what it was a week ago? Or even a month ago? Maybe even a year ago?

These questions only continue to recycle in my head.
I'll get my confidence back up for two second before something or someone says something, and! dun dun dun...POOF! It's gone.
The first few thoughts that go through my head are especially with the "people situation" is the ordeal of--what did I do wrong? Did I say something or do something weird? And, can I fix what I did?

I'd say seven times out of ten would be the fact that it isn't me at all. Those seven times are usually me questioning or the better word would be,critisizing myself until I end up on a character bill board; Ya know, this part of my personality goes on the blue sticky note, this side goes on orange; oh and the green one is the part of the story where I screw up again.

The times I'd say that the three out of ten is directed towards ourselves are things that every human being deals with; whether it's bad communication, lack of respect, lack of attention, etc. What I'm slowly discovering is how to see if I'm doing the three or the seven out of that ten.

I seek God, and search my heart. I like to think of it as an X-ray or a Cat-scan; where you just analize yourself to see what you're doing "wrong," ONLY so you can fix it. NOT beat yourself up about it.

In the end, it's not a problem with my dreams, personality or my life; what it's really about is how you choose to use your dreams, personality and life. And if life continues to change on me, that's okay; because the only way it'll get better is if I let it get better instead of dwell on the past.

And when your dreams are questioned by people, go back to the Father and ask him again.

If they say things that go against what God has told you to do, the problem isn't you. The problem is that they don't see what God has shown YOU, and what he shows you is what is important. However, do not throw out wise counsil about your life if someone comes to you in a respectful manner, and tells you what they think God has shown them; try it. See if it #1 If they're behavior and what they are saying lines up with God's word. #2 If it lines up with something God has already shown you. #3 If they say something to you that doesn't contradict what God has shown you, and it isn't contradicting his word, then go to him and ask Him about it; because maybe it's another part of your life he's revealing to you through another person. Always go the Father FIRST though. 

My personality is challenged a lot of times by people; some think I'm way to happy and hyperactive, others think I'm loud and obnoxious. Then, on the flip side to that coin, I have people tell me that I'm sweet and bring joy to others. Is my voice loud? Yes! But not obnoxious. Which one do I believe?
First of all, I know what my God believes about me because of his word, and what he's told me personally. If I've accidently been obnoxious at times, that doesn't mean I'm just, "That way," it means I made a mistake and I'm going to work on being a little less loud around other people. But in the end, the problem still isn't "me," because the word "mistake," is not my identity or any one of my bro's and sis's in Christ Jesus are either. Neither is Cancer, Lupus, Migraines, Tumors, etc.

None of that stuff could be any one of you. Some may think, well, I'm not very gifted in who I am or what I can do; so I'm going to use my sickness as a ministry; because God obviously wants me to have it.  
I don't mean to step on anyone's toes, but you can minister to someone through the example of how you handle your condition, but you know how you can really show who God is? It's by being who you are instead of hiding behind an insecurity of disease; which only sets an example of you being more capable of ministering to others compared to if you didn't have a disease. A lot of people let those things become they're identity.

You don't think you're good enough because of what someone else has told you. You don't need to be what anyone has ever told you that you are, or do what someone else has told you to do unless you know for a fact that is what God wants you to do; sickness is not something he allows or gives to you.

How do I handle my life? Huh, well, I don't! I leave it in God's hands, at least I try my best too. He's a great God and I know that he'll take care of everything that I need.
And when hard times come up, I face it just like I'd be facing any other kind of spiritual warefare.

I want this message to reach out to all those who struggle with the same things as I do; and I want you to know that you are not alone. There are others who have problems trying to find out who they are and who they're God is; the one thing I do know, is that God cares about you and loves you just the way you are!


I hope this encourages you guys! If you have any questions or comments I'd be more than happy to be a listener.
Love,
Wren.

Hearing the voice inside of you

Hey People!
So, I've talked a lot about listening to the directions that God is giving you, mainly, your dreams.
How do I know that God is the one who put the dream in my heart? Well, okay, here we go.
You know if God put the dream in your heart if He told you so. Yeah, that's right, I said if HE told you so.You can know that he told you so, in several different ways.
Not to mention, if you have a deep, deep, deep desire in your heart, and it follows you around wherever you go, whether it is to be a singer, dancer, minister, pastor, preacher, teacher, etc. You're not going to feel like you're doing what you're supposed to do unless you do what you've been called to do; and you only feel 'fulfilled' by doing it, if God is in it. One, if you're doing it for Him. Two, doing it with him; aka, with love, respect, wisdom, humility and a lot of other good stuff. You might say, why in heaven's name, would the God of Heaven and Earth want to talk to me? I'm just a normal, every day ordinary person. I'm not anyone important. WRONG! You're not a 'normal people.' you're God's people! So, if you're not normal, then obviously....you're a freak! A Jesus freak! (didja guys get it?) I love being a freak for Jesus. Why wouldn't God want to speak to his people? You don't have to be a pastor, preacher, teacher to hear straight from God; those people are just the same as you. They started out listening, and God led them to where they are now. God will do the same with you! Listening to his voice isn't hard. You simply block out any distractions, and go somewhere quiet and peaceful, for starters. Then just start worshiping him. When you've entered into a special place that you've opened up for Him (you basically just made room for God, out of all the stuff you're typically distracted with) Then you ask God questions, sit, and wait for the answer. Sometimes it will sound just like your own thoughts. Other times it will be in pictures, or in literal words you see spelled out when you close your eyes. God talks in a thousand different ways, each time. And you don't 'have' to enter into worship to hear his voice; that is not what I am saying in the slightest. What I'm saying is that I personally find it easier because when I do that, I shut down all other distractions, so I can easily 'hear' his voice better. Those who have ears to hear, listen. And those who have eyes to see, see. Meaning, if you truly want to, do it! The more in you get into His word, the more time you spend thanking God and focusing on positive things, the more time you just spend listening, and not always talking; the more and the clearer you will hear his voice. Now, I'm not saying you just go and believe every voice you hear in your head. Okay? Test the spirits. If the thoughts that come into your head, do not agree with the word of God, throw it out. God's word says for us to focus on things that are true, good, lovely, kindness, encouraging and of good report. There are times God gives us warnings, insights into situations, and revelations about things to come. And those aren't always looking 'positive,' but he shows us those things to both be ready and prepared for them; to pray over them in advance. (so they do have a more positive outcome) We have an enemy that will also try to say thoughts into our head, but he can NEVER be positive. Let me say that again, he can NEVER be positive. John 10:10 The enemy ONLY comes to steal, kill and destroy. If you've ever had thoughts about your dreams that said, "I can't do that. I'm not strong enough. I can't sing on key. I can't, I can't, I can't. What if I can't do this? What if, what if, what if....? Don't listen to it. God told you that you could do ALL things. Any thought that comes in and says what if I can't, or I just can't," don't listen to it! There are also times God will say, "We're not going to do this particular dream RIGHT NOW because you're still preparing," or, "Wait a little longer and you will be fully equipped." God is not going to send his soldiers out into the field without being fully and entirely equipped. Why? Because he loves you and he cares!So, throw trash out, invite God into a place of worship, and sometimes you start the conversation, other times you need to just shut up and listen. (Princess Diaries quote for all those who caught that) The thief comes to both steal your dreams, by saying, "What if," and kill them by saying, "I can't," and by saying I can't, that totally destroys it. He wants to move you off the path of positivity and God-given dreams, because he only wants one thing in your life...Hell.
A wise thing to do, before you start your time with God; is to just tell the enemy to shut-up and go away. Then focus on God. Worship really helps you to opening your mind and heart to him. Then tell your flesh and soul to shut-up, rebuke any words or thoughts that are not of his. And the more you do it, the clearer you'll be able to hear His voice. A still small voice.
This is all I'm going to say on this topic for now, I'm going to write another article here soon talking to you about a very special Gift of the Holy Spirit called, The Prophetic gifting. Once you learn about this, it will help you both hear and listen and speak God's words with more clarity and confidence. But, rest in knowing that GOD DOES and WILL talk to you!'
Love you guys!
Wren.

Turning on the Power

You know something that I've been thinking about today? I've been thinking about why it is so easy to doubt instead of believe. How is it that we'd rather believe the negative things about ourselves, the things the enemy tries to plant in our heads; INSTEAD OF believing what God said about us? The very one who created us? That would be a pretty stupid thing to say to God, "Hey, God, you were wrong about me. I'm not who you said I was, I'm not brave, I'm not smart, I can't do anything right...etc." Those are all blasted things Satan tries to tell us, so we accept them, and then result in being them. Why would we want to settle for less?? Another lie of the enemy is that we're not good enough to be all the things we've dreamed; the things that we've longed for.  Because who are we to be more than dirt? Who are we to want to be more than a sinner who deserves nothing but hell? I'll tell you who you are; who you really are! You are the sons and daughters of the most high God. The very same God who sent his son to set you free from sin and death, so that you could be truly free! If you are a believer, you are not damned to hell anymore. If God set you free, then why would you only expect to receive the very same crap that comes from hell?? Not being good enough. I don't deserve to be healed because I'm a sucky person who can't do anything right. Well you know what? You are what you believe. Why put yourself back into the very same shackles that the King set you free from? He stole the keys from the enemy, and unlocked your shackles; so walk away. You CAN do ALL THINGS through CHRIST who strengthens us. (Phil 4:13) Guess what? Christ lives in you. Because he lives in you, that means you're plugged into him whether you like it or not. When you plug in a computer, you have to turn it on to use it. This is the same thing. You're plugged into the power source, now are you going to turn on your belief systems, so you can do all things? It is a matter of knowing and believing you can; because of HE who is in you. He has won the victory for you, now turn on your power and surf that web! See all the things you can do through that power source. When you are online there are thousands of different websites, and you can access them all if you know their name. Same with Christ, when you're plugged into him you can do anything, now starting naming off every possible thing you wish to do, and do it. It's all a matter of typing it in, and  hitting one little button called, "Enter." Enter into God. His word will show you all that you can do. Heal the sick, raise the dead, live life to its fullest. When you hit enter, you go wherever you wanted. Enter into the presence of God and you will get to know the beautiful heart of the King. Turn on who you are, don't hide it because you fear what you can do; because if you're scared, all you're feelings is the enemy's fear of you're getting ready to take down the darkness. Are you afraid that the person you pray for will actually be healed? Or are you afraid that they won't be? It is the very thought of the enemy coming into your head saying, "You can't do that! Who are you to think you can heal someone? Did God really tell you to heal the sick? Ha, he meant the people who are older then you. There are people who are better than you." Tell Satan where his butt belongs! In Hell, that's where. Hell was created for Satan and his demons, it was never intended for people. You are not the creatures of hell, and you are not the people of Earth. You are the children of the most High God who has empowered you to do all that you set your mind too.
You're plugged in, now turn on your power, go to the web pages you've been wanting to see forever! (aka, your dreams/goals) And hit-Enter. Live it up, people! You're God's kids, he set you free, so go be free! And don't be afraid, because God is your firewall. He's got your back, and he loves you just the way you are! He is your security, know who you are in him, to truly know who you are in this world. In Christ alone; he is the way the truth and the life. Just to make my point, I'm turning on my computer. So, I'm turning on D-delivered, E-excepted, L-loved, L-liberated. DELL, is my computer type ;)
Love you guys!
~Wren
Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely (without pay) you have received, freely (without charge) give. Matt 10:8 Amplified Bible.

Comic books v.s reality

Almost every super hero has a side kick. All books have side characters, that come in and make your plot turn out they way you had planned it. The side kick comes in handy to either completely ruin the super hero's scheme or rescue him out of the most impossible situations at last moment scenarios.  Have you ever felt like, just a side character? Never feeling like you play a bigger part in the story than what you were written to do? I feel like that sometimes. But here's a newsflash for you...you are the main character of your story.
You may play parts in other people's stories; but you, you are always the main character of YOUR story. You aren't the annoying little side kick, or the random character that passes the good guy on the street. With every comic, there is always a villain. And each time it is a different villain or the old bouncing back for a big comeback. That is what Satan tries to do to you, the same spirits try to torment you, and you can kick their butts; POW! And they leave. But then, they always try to come back only repackaged in a different form. What do you do? BANG! Take e'm out. You don't have to let the villain win; you can over come him by just saying, be gone in Jesus name! And then resisting the coming thoughts he tries to plant in your head. So, what do you do as the main character of your story? You can live it up any way you choose. As you are the main character, you are also the writer of your story. As I have said in previous articles I do believe in a God given destiny. But, I also believe that you have the power to live up that destiny with everything you've got by creating and making it interesting. Don't you dare ever let anyone tell you that you are insignificant to life, or that there is not reason for you to live. You are being called to a higher calling than what this world could ever begin to see. Satan doesn't know everything you're supposed to do. However, that does not stop him from trying to knock you out of the ring, because there you wouldn't be a danger to him anymore. Take that opportunity to rub it in his face and say, I am a son or daughter of the High King! I am no giving up; especially not to a scum like you. We often times make Satan out to be this big scary monster; with horns and a tail. We as humans, often times make 'everything' out to be a bigger deal than it really is. Why must we do this with a villain? I love the part in the, "Wizard of Oz," in the end, where one of the characters discover a normal every day man, hiding behind a bunch of machinery trying to intimidate all those around him. And he said to them, "Ignore the man behind the curtain!" That is what Satan does. He hides behind darkness to try to catch you off guard, when really, the only thing you're afraid of is powerless blackness. Turn on your light, you'll expose him for who he is. What light? you may say. The light that is in you. You can't turn it off, but you can sure hide it. Remove whatever it is that is blocking it out and expose fear for what it really is. Just the man standing behind the curtain. In this case, just a fallen angel hiding behind the darkness because he can't stand the light, because God IS light. Satan is afraid of our God. Why should we fear something that is afraid of our God, who lives within us? Don't be fooled by the scary masks or the illusions he projects. I'm a huge fan of, "Stargate Atlantis," it is a sci-fi show. And these supposedly big and scary bad guys can project images around you to fool you into thinking they're all around you. When really they're nowhere in sight. They do it to catch the good guys off guard. Don't let the enemy catch you off guard, recognize him when you see him. I like to think of the enemy as, the stupid old Joker, from the old Batman cartoons. Not only acting ridiculous, but looking ridiculous.
Therefor, peace out! And live life freely! FOR HE WHO THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED!!!!!!
"So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free." John 8:36. And the son has set you free, from all things; by using a really, really, really big stick! Aka, the cross.
Love you guys!

~Wren

Life has been just a little crazy lately.
I just can't get enough of God, he's too awesome! I love how we can ask him anything at anytime, and he always, I mean, ALWAYS knows the answers.
This blog is something that is so very personal to me, because I am fighting for my own dreams as we speak. Everything I ever tell you guys is something that I'm learning, or learned and still getting the hang of it...even after several years later! I know I'm supposed to be in a band someday; God has called me also specific leadership in the band, and I believe in other areas as well. If I didn't give those dreams all I have, my faith and my hope, they would be lost in the imaginary world forever. I give into doubt as well, and I know I shouldn't. Because doubt is the very thing that can screw up your dreams in the blink of an eye.
However, I choose to keep following in my God destiny and hold onto him. (see, The keys to life) He knows what he's doing. However, the enemy comes to not only just kill and destroy, but to steal. He can kill your dreams by stealing them if you let him, by doubting. Doubt are thoughts that are brought on by Satan himself, God is not he God of doubt, but of Faith. You're not good enough...those people can do it but you can't, just because you're you...you're stupid...what gives you the right to dream, when you're nothing in the eyes of the people? Came the quiet voice that sounds like your own thoughts. When really, they're being whispered into your ear by lying and deceiving spirits. The Holy Spirit, will not deceive you, nor lie to you to get his way or make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. He tells you that he's with you through and through. Jesus said that through him you could do all things, and that nothing is impossible for those who believe in God. Jesus said that you're the apple of God's eye!! Holy buckets, that's cool! It can get extremely difficult on me to not give into doubt and fear of not being good enough. But, in God's eyes I am good enough. I am the bride of Christ, YOU are the bride of Christ. Don't limit God by not believing in the very things he planted in you to do. Why do you think those deep desires of dreams lie within you? God put them there. Why would he put them there if he didn't think you were good enough? Smart or even pretty enough? Don't give in. Why fear when God says there's no point in fear. One of my FAVORITE quotes is this, "Fear is only a cowardly thought."  Keep holding on, keep dreaming, and anything that pops into your head that is not of the things of God, throw them OUT! Things that do not focus on things that are true, lovely, kind, excellent, or of good report, cast it out. Because you know if anything that pops into your head that contradicts those things is not from God. Such as fear, anger, depression, hate, self-pity, envy, etc. You have the very power to just say, "No, I refuse to believe or do any of those things, be gone with you in the name of Jesus!" Even if you have to battle with telling it several times a day, keep doing it. And it will soon start running with its tail between its legs.
I hope this encourages you guys! Love you!
~Wren.

The Keys to Life

Destiny. Hope. Dreams. Faith.
These are all very, very important to God. 'Why' you may ask.
Because they are an extremely important key to your life. The kind of keys that if you only have one set of them, and then you lock them in your car, you're probably screwed. Through dreaming, God created. Created what? Everything you see, including you. He didn't just sit there and quickly dream up human beings for the sake of being bored. God was lonely. He wanted someone to love, and to love him back. He wanted that desperately. He dreamed us up, and then spoke us into being. Romans 4:17 talks about God calling, "Those things that are not, as though they were." Now, that is Faith right there. And God has the most faith in the world. Now, in Mark 11:22-25 it says,"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "Truly[f] I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
　
In a previous verse Jesus cursed a fig tree and the next day they came back and the disciples were astounded that it actually died. How often are we astounded that God's power 'actually' works?? Ehem. Yup. Dreams and Faith are very connected. Dream it up, speak it out, and then believe in it. And I believe that why he says that you need to forgive people if you've been wronged, is because you actually create an invisible block between you and God, thus limiting God to what he can do in your life. Along with a lot of other things; but I dont' want to rabbit trail too much here. Did'ja know that Faith and Hope are connected too?? The Hebrew word for faith is, "emunah." It means, "certainty and faithfulness." Interesting. God tells us to put our faith in the unseen. By holding our faith that makes us certain in our God. So if we put faith in the unseen objects does that not mean we are to be 'faithful' in believing that our dreams will come true someday? Staying faithful. Loyalty. Stay loyal to your dreams no matter what. The Greek word for hope is elpis; the definition is this, "favorable and confident expectation." Hmm. Stay confident and BELIEVE in those things that are not as though they were and stay FAITHFUL to them. Then expect while believing. Don't just cast it down the moment you don't see it happening. Stay faithful, stay loyal, trust your God. Have FAITH in GOD constantly. Okay, so where does Destiny fit into all of this. God has a path that he planned out for this creation he dreamed up. But he also gave you these tools to be creative and to help you along the way. God can't do everything he needs to all the time because we can actually limit him by our unbelief. Again, have faith in God constantly. God has so many special surprises on the road you walk. And you can either choose to walk on his road or not. Just because God has a destiny for you does not mean you have to follow it. You can choose not to do it. I choose to follow that destiny. If you're walking in his path and something comes up, like let's say an illness or a tragedy, it is not from God. I do not believe that at all. I believe those are attacks from the enemy. God did not allow it, nor did he want it to happen. But, by living in a fallen world bad things happen. However, if you are truly walking in God's destiny and you know the gifts and the true power he's given to you, you can resist the enemy and he HAS to flee from you. James 4:7. And, John 10:10 plainly states, "
10The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [a]overflows)." And it says that God only comes to do the exact opposite of Satan. I find it histerical that even when the enemy tries to overthrow us, God can still take what he is doing and flip it around and backfire. Romans 8:28 says, "We are assured and know that [[a]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose." Again, I do not believe that any sort of bad thing is caused by God. He is Light, not darkness. If you are not walking with God I do not believe in the slightest that he would use sickness, diseases or tragedy to bring you back into his will. I believe that is also attacks from the enemy. I believe that when you're not walking with God, it opens the door for the enemy to work in your life. You allowed it, not God. The Hebrew word for salvation is, "soteria," which means, "deliverance, preservation, salvation." And the Hebrew word for deliverance is, "nathan," which has many meanings but two of those mean, "to pay or to loan." Jesus PAID the ultimate price dying on the cross, and then loaned his life to death for three days, before rising with full confidence and overcoming the enemy. Jesus overcame the flesh, sin and death so we wouldn't have to be bound by its power anymore. Deliverance doesn't always mean to be delivered from demonic influences, it also means being delivered from sickness and diseases. The word tereo, means to preserve, "spirit, soul AND body." I believe it is a Greek word but don't quote me on that. Nuff said. So, use these gifts that God has given you. Be faithful, expect knowing you have favor, dream bigger than you've ever dreamed before, and call those things that are not as though they were. Dream it, speak it, believe it. You can either take up your keys, or lock them in them in your beautiful sports car, only to end in never driving it. This is choice, as with anything and everything else you face. So, you can either take your keys or lock them in your fancy sports car, and never be able to drive it.