Artistic Jewels: I Carry Gifts The World Needs
the arts express’d
Spontaneous Expression Of Creative Arts, Gifts, And Talents
Hearing And Seeing The Frequencies Of Heaven On Earth
Training In Playing and Singing Skillfully

His Kingdom Come And His Will Be Done

Practical Teaching Tools
• A Vocabulary of Life
You Are A Good Idea: A Letter From God
I Am A Good Idea: A Letter To God
• I Have A Gift Within Me: Practical Teaching Lesson For Kingdom Jewels
Our Spiritual Kingdom Inheritance
Kingdom Jewels
• I Carry Gifts The World Needs: Transforming The Seven Mountains
• A Model For Hearing The Voice Of The Lord: Adapted From Matthew 6:9-13
• Hitting The Mark
• The Open Door: The Third Heaven
• The Open Door: An Invitation To The Throne Room
• The Open Door: Singing The Scriptures
• The Open Door: Singing The Scripture References
• The Open Door: Kingdom Warriors
• The Open Door: Unity Is Key
• A Vocabulary Of Life Word List

*ALSO AVAILABLE: No More Orphans! Intercessory Piano CD. Below are intercessory title themes from the CD:

Blessed are the Children, Not Forgotten, I Am, Every Child is a Gift, For the Orphaned, For the Poor, For the Sick, For the Persecuted and War-Torn, For the Unborn, Isaiah 61 for the Abused and those in Slavery

These items will be available at www.theartsexpressed.com web store soon.

TO CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE:
www.theartsexpressed.com or www.jaranministries.com
jaranministries@izoom.net or 763-262-2607

I first heard this song, “When the Music Fades,” at an Awake America Conference at the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN, as led by Lyndell Cooley, back in the Fall of 1999. Matt Redman, it’s writer, and many others have since made it a familiar worship song to many. As a worshiper, a pianist and vocalist, the song gripped the depths of my heart. I played and sang it over and over for many years. Back then, I actually thought I understood what the lyrics meant. Ten plus years later, I realize how much I had yet to learn about the meaning of these words, and about the true worship Jesus spoke of in John 4:23-24.

Over the course of the past ten+ years, since first hearing the song, I suffered a major car accident and survived, not only the accident, but years of doctoring and dentists. The Lord has moved our family four times. Our biological children have grown from ages 6 and 9, to ages 17 and 20 (we have twin 17-year olds). We traveled to Guatemala and adopted three children in 2002, who have grown from ages 5, 8 & 10, to ages 12, 15 and 17. We spent much of these growing years trying to train up all of our kids for the Lord and His Kingdom purposes, equipping both their natural and spiritual giftings according to His Word and to the leading of Holy Spirit. Our oldest son graduated from high school and technical college with a degree in audio production. He is currently preparing to “leave the nest” and pursue his calling as a professional musician. Within two years, three more will prepare to leave and pursue their callings as professional musicians, graphic designer/artists, photographer, and missions.

As a family, we have ministered at camps and conferences throughout the upper Midwest, and have been involved in worship ministry and/or children’s ministry leadership at four different churches in the midst of our moves. We shared ten Family Destiny Conferences together. We also did a CD project to spontaneously capture our journey as worshipers, musicians, and family. There have been many other significant family, music, and ministry “events;” too many to list for the purposes of this article.

We have tried to be obedient to follow the Lord’s leading in such way that everything we have known and loved, with the exception of our marriage and our children, has come and gone…good friends, homes, church families, jobs, things we loved to do together, music, pets…to name only a few. When we moved to our current location, we were told that faith is spelled R-I-S-K, and that was what we needed to be willing to do, in order to follow the Lord wholeheartedly in His Kingdom purposes for our entire family.

As of July 4, this past summer, 2009, Jaran Family Ministries officially ended: our music and our ministry. It was not at all what I had expected, hoped or dreamed, but we want the Lord’s will, not our own. He was clear that we were to pray over our children, anoint, and release them to do and be all He has purposed and called each of them to. We sold our ministry motor home, exactly when, where, how, and for the exact price the Lord prompted us. Now, at the onset of 2010, we wait on Him to lead and guide us into this next season; particularly for our kids’ individual callings, and His plans and purposes for the arts express’d (see www.TheArtsExpressed.com). I am currently working on a book, entitled, “No More Orphans,” subtitled: “I Am A Good Idea…I Have A Gift Within Me…I Carry Gifts The World Needs.”

I have spent the past twenty years parenting, homeschooling, teaching music, and serving the Lord in children’s/worship/house of prayer/and family ministries. Today I awakened to revisit the lyrics of the song that propelled us through these past ten years up to this juncture in life. I understand the meaning of the words, “When the music fades, and all is stripped away, and I simply come,” with very different eyes than I did ten years ago. I desire more deeply than ever to bring Him something of worth that will bless His heart in 2010, so I simply “come.”

“Lord, let everything in this coming year – in my life, in our marriage, in our family, in the lives of our kids, in this nation, in this generation, and in the Kingdom plans and purposes You desire on Earth as it is in Heaven – be all about You. It’s truly is all about You, Jesus!”

When the Music Fades – Matt Redman
Copyright 1999 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music

When the music fades, and all is stripped away, and I simply come;
Longing just to bring something that’s of worth that will bless Your heart.

I’ll bring you more than a song,
For a song in itself is not what you have required.
You search much deeper within, through the way things appear,
You’re looking into my heart.

I’m coming back to the heart of worship, and its all about You
It’s all about You, Jesus.
I’m sorry, Lord, for the things I’ve made it,
When it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus.

King of endless worth, no one could express how much You deserve,
Though I’m weak and poor, all I have is Yours, every single breath.

I’ll bring You more than a song,
For a song in itself is not what you have required.
You search much deeper within, through the way things appear,
You’re looking into my heart.

I’m coming back to the heart of worship, and it’s all about You,
It’s all about You, Jesus.
I’m sorry, Lord, for the things I’ve made it,
When it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus.

We have been learning to stop striving, controlling, and acting independently of Holy Spirit. We have been learning to let go, and to let Father God through Christ in us take the lead. We have been learning to walk in deep intimacy and relationship, as opposed to religion and “good works.” We have been learning to discern powers and principalities at work in regions/nations, as opposed to being personally offended or frustrated with people. We have been learning to see our own circumstances and all that’s going on in the world around us from Heaven’s perspective and not our own. We have been learning to exchange a life that vacillates between the natural and the spiritual, for a life completely dependent on Holy Spirit in a supernatural way. In that place, we have been learning how to cooperate with Holy Spirit in order to bring His Kingdom to come and His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

We have been on a journey that others before us have traveled as our examples. What Mary and Joseph must have incurred as they humbly and obediently trusted in God to walk them through the incredible calling He had purposed for their lives! Their unyielding faith and trust in Heavenly Father brought forth the birth of the Savior and Restorer of all mankind: the one and only reason we even celebrate Christmas today!

Our own unyielding faith, humility, trust, perseverance, and obedience will result in the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, who came to Earth first as a humble babe and the Lamb that was slain, being revealed in every sector of society in every nation: government, media, education, arts and entertainment, science and technology, business, church and family. The glory of the resurrected Jesus Christ, through the power of Holy Spirit, has been prophesied to rise and manifest through His Kingdom people.

I believe He has prepared a people even for such a time as this: a people who have said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow, regardless of the cost. I will seek You and I will obey. You are my Savior AND my Lord. My heart’s desire is You, Lord, and I say, ‘yes,’ to the identity Jesus purchased on my behalf as Your son or daughter. I say, ‘yes,’ to You fulfilling and advancing Your Kingdom plans and purposes on Earth in and through me. I say, ‘yes, Lord!’ Let the world experience Your love and compassion through more of Jesus in me…whatever it takes, Lord, I am Yours. I am learning to surrender my heart, my will, my mind, my emotions my circumstances, and my all to You, Lord!”

“Cancer will not defeat me. Financial disaster will not defeat me. My family being broken will not defeat me. Being isolated and alone will not defeat me. Depression will not defeat me. Losing it all will not defeat me. The enemy of my soul will not defeat me. Yes, Lord, I am learning to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the words of my testimony!”

We are most certainly living in difficult times, yet from Heaven’s view, these are amazing and exciting times! ‘Tis the season to let faith arise, and to give Him all the praise, thanksgiving, glory and honor! ‘Tis the season to seek and find Him. I absolutely love to celebrate the miracle of the first Christmas! There is such joy to be experienced in this season if we allow Joy Himself to manifest in our lives and in our families! He truly desires to exchange our sorrow for His joy, and our ashes for His beauty. He delights in turning our mourning into dancing!

I am counting down to Christmas and 2010 with greater anticipation and expectation of His glory being displayed for all the world to see and experience! There may be those who wonder if they’ve been forgotten. ‘Tis the season to focus on His truth: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.”

I love a word Holy Spirit spoke through a 10-year old boy in December of 2007. For specific details concerning this word please read my article, entitled: A Season of Expectation. Below is a promise awaiting His manifestation:

Word Received in Kingdom Kids – 12/16/07 – Danny (age 10, grade 4)

The 2008 Christmas Gift!
I herd (heard) God say “I am giving you a gift to all that no one haves (has). It is so precious that the glory of it is shining briter (brighter) than the sun! It’s power is felt all over the earth!” I herd (heard) God say agian (again).”What I speack (speak) is important. It’s might is so far beyond yours.” He said agian (again), “This Christmas I am giving you a restorement (restoration?). My perpose (purpose) is berdond (burdened) on your harts (hearts) so now you know what to do! For now all will (be) and are healed. I am soon coming so rase (raise) up mighty warriors to win the battle that has allready bine (been) won by the blood of Christ. We won and now are going to flood your homes with the glory of me!!!!!”

I remember being slightly puzzled at this particular word because the boy had written, “The 2008 Christmas Gift!”, in big letters at the top of the page. I remember wondering if the boy had mistakenly gotten the year wrong, knowing 2008 was just around the corner, or if there was more to be revealed than we could understand at the time. I also remember how we all waited so expectantly for something spiritually significant in Christmas 2007 that didn’t manifest tangibly in this realm. Another Christmas of expecting the manifestation of this word came and went in 2008.

We now find Christmas 2009 rapidly approaching, at the conclusion of a year in which our nation has changed significantly. Many Believers have been in such a place that if the Lord Himself does not break into their circumstances there are no other options…no other hopes…no Plan B’s. Regardless of whether it’s the need for a miracle healing from cancer, a financial miracle, a breakthrough from hope long deferred, etc., we have had yet another year to stand in faith on His promises; to persevere through trials and tribulations; and to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the words of our testimony. We’ve been given yet another year to live and pray in expectation and anticipation of our Heavenly Father breaking into our circumstances, and of the Lord pouring out His Spirit (Christ in us) in greater measure throughout the Earth (the hope of glory). In the midst of it all, I again find myself more stirred, more thankful, more in love with Jesus, more emboldened in the revelation of who He is in me, more excited, and waiting with an ever increasing measure of expectation of what the Lord is about to do this Christmas. I do not know yet understand why the word given through this young boy was dated 2008, but I do know the Lord has a perfect time and season for everything under Heaven. I know He is sovereign and He sees everything from an eternal perspective that we can only see dimly through.

I also know when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord raises up a standard again him (Isaiah 59:19). Throughout this past season, the enemy has come in like a flood against so many of the Lord’s people, and he has certainly come in like a flood against our nation. As we cross over from Thanksgiving, to Christmas and into the New Year, we, His Kingdom kids, will focus our eyes upon Jesus, worship Him, give Him thanks and praise, and watch expectantly in this joyous season for a manifestation of His glory to pour out on His sons and daughters in greater measure. It truly is a season to sing, dance, laugh and create!

I believe there is a 2009 Christmas gift coming that cannot be compared to anything or anyone, or described with any words; one the generations will always remember. It will resound with the glory of the Lord, as on the very night Christ first came to earth – the first Christmas – many years ago. This Christmas gift, however, will surpass the first, because the first time He came as a child; as flesh; as a lamb; to one location on the earth. His life, death and resurrection paid the price (the ultimate and final sacrifice as the Lamb of God), and accomplished the will of our Father to reconcile anyone who believes in their hearts He is their Savior and confesses Him as Lord…anyone who desires Christ to be living in them through the power of the Holy Spirit. I believe a greater measure of Christ in us is about to be poured out ALL OVER THE EARTH (not just in one location) through those who have received the Father’s revelatory love as sons and daughters, having been adopted into His Kingdom as co-heirs in Christ; willing to be the footstool He’s been waiting to rest on (Acts 7:49)…vessels of Heaven’s love and dominion all over the Earth. An abundant harvest is about to be reaped eternally for the Kingdom of Heaven…all for Jesus, who is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!

As a manifestation of His glory, supernatural and creative anointings and strategies are about to be poured out and carried into all sectors of society through the sons and daughters of the Most High God. All the world will come to understand there is only one God, and there is only one way that reconciles us to Him…through Jesus Christ, His only begotten and beloved Son. There truly is no greater love. It’s always been about love, and His story is the greatest love story ever told. It’s the love of our Heavenly Father and the love of His Son for all mankind, and the amazing gift He was willing to give. Isn’t that what Thanksgiving and Christmas are all about?

When Christ finally returns at His second coming, He will come as a Lion in all His glory (the Lion of the Tribe of Judah). He is about to roar through His Church – through His multi-generational, multi-denominational, multicultural Body of Believers – His sons and daughters – and He will take back all the enemy stole from Him, from His Kingdom and from His people (“we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against the powers and principalities of darkness”). He will take dominion on the Earth (His Kingdom will come and His will will be done on the Earth just as it is in Heaven) through His people who are carriers of His glory and anointing…through the manifestation and revelation of His love…through creative miracles (healing, financial, provision, protection, deliverance, suddenlies, etc.)…through the creative arts and creative strategies in every sector of society…through the Church He is building that the gates of hell cannot prevail against. He will return for a Bride who has made herself ready and prepared herself for her Bridegroom.

To those who have a revelation of our King and His Kingdom: get ready for His 2009 Christmas Gift…get ready for His anointing…His supernatural creative anointing…get ready for a supernatural revelation of His glory to manifest on Earth as it is in Heaven!

Word Received in Kingdom Kids – 12/16/07 – Danny (age 10, grade 4)

The 2008 Christmas Gift!
I herd (heard) God say “I am giving you a gift to all that no one haves (has). It is so precious that the glory of it is shining briter (brighter) than the sun! It’s power is felt all over the earth!” I herd (heard) God say agian (again).”What I speack (speak) is important. It’s might is so far beyond yours.” He said agian (again), “This Christmas I am giving you a restorement (restoration?). My perpose (purpose) is berdond (burdened) on your harts (hearts) so now you know what to do! For now all will (be) and are healed. I am soon coming so rase (raise) up mighty warriors to win the battle that has allready bine (been) won by the blood of Christ. We won and now are going to flood your homes with the glory of me!!!!!”

There is only one answer, regardless of what government, the media, our educational systems, business and economy, the arts and entertainment industry (including sports), family, and yes, even the church, are trying to tell us. The only true answer: Jesus – period. We must keep our eyes and our lives focused on Jesus more intently and more purposefully than ever before, if we truly desire to get to where we need to be in the midst of what’s going on all around us; in the midst of all we are personally having to discern and walk through.

There are multiple “voices” attempting daily to capture our attention and support: every voice is trying to convince, attract, or direct us in whatever path the experts (man) in that position or field have determined to be the “change,” the “right way,” or the “direction we need to go.” This is precisely why our nation has become so polarized throughout the past season. People have been “blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14). Jesus is the only way we need to concern ourselves with (John 14:6). The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and Jesus is the only way to our great need for God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25). (In spite of certain political agendas, America’s motto remains, “In God we trust.”)

With all of the reports we are hearing daily (i.e. left media news verses right cable news), how do we really know which one is telling us the truth? Jesus is the only truth (John 14:6, 17:3, Ephesians 4:21,1 John 5:6). Unless He lives in us and His Spirit is teaching us, there is no way to discern the real truth in these times we are living in (John 16:13). If we’re not keeping our eyes on Jesus, and are not being led by His Spirit of Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Might, Knowledge and Fear of the Lord, we are at risk of being deceived by those vying for our attention; those who do not really know Him, and those who are being used by the father of all lies (John 8:44, 1 John 2:22). (There are multiple references and warnings in the New Testament pertaining to our vulnerability to lies and deception. The original sin occurred because of deception (Genesis 3). The devil is a master deceiver and he knows how to manipulate man to deceive and be deceived.) The end result of deception is fear and death.

If we are truly honest with ourselves, we are currently experiencing on almost every level and in almost every sector of society, the fruit of a culture with a spirit of death. Even conservative cable news is not able to speak into a culture of life, because they report and expose “what is seen” from a natural perspective (which is of course, negative or fearful, because “rotten” is the fruit of a culture with a spirit of death). The media is not speaking life and hope into the lives of their viewers (speaking or prophesying the unseen according to the truth of Scripture or to the revelation and leading of Holy Spirit). As Christians, we are being called to a new level of carrying the life of Christ – the fruit of a culture of life – to a world around us in need of choosing life. Unless our eyes are focused on Jesus, the only true life, (John 3:16-17, 14:6), we will not be able to think life-giving thoughts, much less speak life-giving words or carry life-producing actions into our families, schools, workplaces, or communities.

Fact: we are accountable for the next generation. They are trusting the adults (parents, teachers, mentors, and leaders) in their lives to equip them in the way they should go. If our eyes are focused on anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ, we will fail them. In this season, we need to cry out to the Lord, who alone empowers us to keep our focus on Him, and who alone is able to guide, protect, and provide for us. We must stay on the path of truth and life. We need to lead our children and youth on this very path of choosing eternal truth and life. We cannot entrust this generation to our government (not executive, legislative nor judicial), to our educational systems (I have such a burden for our children and youth who are being immersed in humanism, but that is for another article), to the media, nor to the arts and entertainment industry. This is first and foremost, the responsibility of the family (mothers AND fathers), and then, for the Church to come alongside the family to encourage, support, equip, and edify.

We, the Church, MUST NOT COMPROMISE the truth of the Word (for the sake of being politically correct or seeker sensitive), nor can we be complacent or indifferent to this challenge. Let us continue to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things…Only let us live up to what we have already attained” (Philippians 3:14-16). Let us rise up and answer His call to speak and carry Life and Truth throughout this nation and into this next generation.

I awoke one morning earlier this year to the question posed at the beginning of this article: “How did we get to here?” The following words are the words the Lord sang through me in answer to this question:

I Am
Copyright 2009 Tammy Sorenson/Jaran Family Ministires/the arts express’d

I see every face on every single child
That nobody wanted
The world threw them away
I see every tear on every single face
Of every broken heart needing someone to look their way

I Am the only answer
Don’t believe the lies they say
I Am the only hope
You’re all crying out for this day
How did we get to here?
And how do we get to where we need to be?
Jesus is My name

I see every child, hungry, sick, abused
Crying for someone to take away their pain
I see every child empty and alone
Fearing that no one cares or knows their name

I Am the only answer
Don’t believe the lies they say
I Am the only hope
You’re all crying out for this day
How did we get to here?
And how do we get to where we need to be?
Jesus is My name

I Am the love you’re looking for
I Am peace and so much
I Am your way, your truth, your life
I Am

I am the freedom that you seek
I Am your strength when you are weak
I Am the shelter from this storm
I Am

How did we get to here?
And how do we get to where we need to be?
Jesus is My name

Specifically seek to be informed via websites such as Generals International (Cindy and Mike Jacobs: www.generals.org), Glory of Zion International (Chuck Pierce: www.gloryofzion.org), and the United States Reformation Prayer Network (USRPN National level: www.generals.org/prayer/rpn and state level(s): MN/RPN www.calltothewall.org), to name only a few. An important and Urgent Call to Prayer: Signs of the Times came out today, September 20, on www.elijahlist.com, from Lou Engle (please don’t delay in checking out the details on this alert because it pertains to this week: September 21-25). Prayer and fasting for the 40 Days for Life campaign begins in the midst of this prayer alert as well.

The Body of Christ as a whole can no longer be silent, nor can we delegate prayer to those few devoted and committed prayer warriors in our churches, or to those who attend local houses of prayer. We cannot put off until tomorrow that which the Lord has set before us to do today! We urge you to please get connected and unite as a multi-generational Body of Christ, and truly begin to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It’s time to get our children and youth involved in prayer on behalf of something bigger than themselves. Many of these current prayer issues will impact them directly. It is time to unite, to rise up and to be the Church that Jesus Christ died and was resurrected for, putting faith into action through the power of the Holy Spirit, through the power of the blood of Christ, and through the power of His Word.

The Scripture verse on our Home Page the day I wrote this article (verses we daily subscribe to rather than select ourselves) was, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” Matthew 18:20. It is not a coincidence I was prompted to write this article on the same day Matthew 18:20 was the selected Scripture verse! His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). We don’t have to understand; only have faith to believe that prayer changes things (James 3:17). It’s time to believe the truth of the Word of God and come together as His Body, the Body of Christ, in unity with each other and with the Father’s heart, to pray (Unity in Christ transcends all cultural, denominational, or generational barriers of any and every kind!). Who knows if you have come to the Kingdom “for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

Our drummer, guitarist, song writer and audio production specialist, Jaran, will continue to be available periodically, but is plugging in at Substance Church in Fridley/Roseville on a more regular basis, as well as following the Lord’s leading for his own calling. Our bassist, guitarist and songwriter, Jadan, will also continue to be available to The Arts Express’d, but is additionally pursuing his own personal call at the Lord’s leading to plug into Evangelist Crusaders in South Minneapolis, Substance Youth Group Worship Band, and the Kelli Rae band; he is also studying graphic design and developing his artistic giftings.  Our singer, keyboardist and dancer, Jessa, will be involved in both The Arts Express’d and Substance Youth Group Worship Band; she is adding the study of photography to her giftings. Jenna, Jocilyn and Josiah will be a part of The Arts Express’d as well; Jenna pursuing art, intercession, missions and spiritual gifts; Jocilyn pursuing prophetic dance, creative writing and spiritual gifts; and Josiah pursuing the Word, evangelism and spiritual gifts.

Tammy is currently seeking, receiving and writing specific and detailed revelation from the Lord concerning The Arts Expressed. “Who,” “what,” “why,” and “how” have been revealed, while details pertaining to “when” and “where” are still in progress. When all of the specifics have been completely revealed by the Lord, they will be written on The Arts Express’d site, as well as some of the teachings on this site. Tammy will be teaching The Arts Express’d more independently (equipping the equippers), along with prophetic psalming and worship (imparting, calling forth, activating and releasing gifts in those being equipped to equip others). Kevan will continue to be involved in all of the preceding aspects, as revealed and led by the Lord.

Thank you for your patience and for your prayers as we seek Jesus first; His Kingdom and His righteousness. We know that all things will be added unto us (Matthew 6:33) for the glory of His name!

Rock the River (see event promotion below) was an amazing day of worship, testimony, salvation, healing, fellowship, Kingdom family, unity and summer weather fun! It brought much glory to the Lord and MANY were blessed by His presence, His goodness, His mercy, His gifts, and His love! There are specific details available on various websites, including Global Day of Prayer MN site, and Rock the River/Franklin Graham sites. The Lord is so abundantly faithful, and this event was strategic in moving Minnesota and this nation forward in His Kingdom plans and purposes for such a time as this!

Event Promotion
Don’t miss the Rock the River Tour this Sunday, August 16, 2009 from 2:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. at Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul, MN! Gates open at 1:00 P.M.. Franklin Graham will bless all with a message, there will be seven hours of amazing music with Kirk Franklin, Flyleaf, Superchick, Canton Jones, Decemberadio, Flame and LeCrae, and JSAW will present incredible skateboard performances. Great vendors, great food, great prizes, great summer weather, and great fellowship promise to make this an exciting day for all! Bring your friends, your family, anyone the Lord puts on your heart, and come expecting surprises, celebration, and the Lord to embrace the Twin Cities area with His presence! ]]> http://jaranministries.com/rock-the-river.htm/feed 0 http://jaranministries.com/waiting.htm http://jaranministries.com/waiting.htm#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:29:58 +0000 Tammy http://jaranministries.com/?p=84 The Lord has always been faithful to confirm to His people what He is speaking, and the specific things He is desiring us to learn through interesting and difficult seasons of transition and change. Our family has been blessed to partake of several equipping conferences and statewide prayer events over the past few months that have truly encouraged us. Confirmation and strengthening comes when hearing others in the Body of Christ speak what we’ve recorded in our Bible notes and personal journal entries throughout the years; Scriptures, prayers, dreams, revelation, prophetic words and promises that have been waiting on Him for their manifested fulfillment.

So many in the Body of Christ are being stretched in waiting on Father God to do what He said He would do and what He alone can do in each of our individual circumstances: for some it’s healing in our physical bodies; for others it’s financial provision; for yet others it’s the opening of doors that will launch us into the very things of destiny and purpose we were created to be doing on earth that will bring His Kingdom to come and His will to be done in and through us; for others it’s the manifestation of years of believing, trusting and preparation.

This season reminds me of our two pregnancies and the birth of our three biological children (We are a blessed and unique family that has experienced two pregnancies and six children: a single, twins, and the adoption of a sibling group of three…Father God’s way of enlarging our tent.). With our first child I gained 100 pounds, was two weeks overdue, and the doctor scheduled an induced labor delivery. The induced labor pains were intense, and I’ll always remember the doctor’s response: “until he saw tears there wouldn’t be any results and we would continue to wait.” Twenty-seven hours later, having not progressed past a two in the process (even though there were many tears by then), an emergency C-section brought forth our first beautiful ten pound six ounce baby boy.

Having lost the 100 pounds, I again gained them two years later with our second pregnancy, which was a far more complicated one; a high-risk twin pregnancy with three months of bed rest, a diagnosis of our daughter having hydrocephalis, many tests and negative delivery reports about C-sections, shunts, not being able to deliver at our local hospital, being air-lifted to another hospital after birth, etc.. During that time, the Lord spoke to me about not believing the negative reports, but rather resting in Him, pouring His Word into my heart, standing in faith, and trusting what He would do. This delivery brought a scheduled C-section at 39 weeks, an eight pound twelve ounce beautiful baby girl (delivered at our local hospital with an MRI and other test results from Children’s Hospital in the Cities declaring her perfect and healthy – a miracle) along with a perfectly healthy seven pound six ounce baby boy…yes, that’s nearly sixteen pounds of beautiful new babies all at once…and yes, that’s the weight equivalent of two full-term single births! God is good and God is faithful – always!

(Our adoption story is for another blog. However, I will state the entire journey reveals God Himself as the orchestrator of the pregnancy, its lengthy waiting period, and His sudden divine delivery of three beautiful children in His perfect timing, proving Himself once again to be amazingly faithful.)

Why am I being reminded of these major events in our lives? With all that’s going on in our nation and throughout the world, I believe the Lord has spoken many words to many people similar to the words He spoke to me back then: keep focused on Him, stand in faith on His Word and trust what He will do. This season is much like a pregnancy…Kingdom life is growing inside of us. Each passing week gets closer to the delivery date of something new and exciting…something beautiful yet something that is already changing us forever and preparing us for life as we have known it to never again be the same…something that will require of us things we never knew were in us. Many are growing more and more uncomfortable and the waiting is stretching us in ways we didn’t even know we could be stretched. The process is not only uncomfortable, but in many cases painful. We are waiting on what only Father God can do in His appointed time and in His perfect way…the delivery date. This is not going to be a natural delivery because we are not going to be doing anything that is coming in our own strength or according to how things appear in the natural. We are waiting on the C-Section…where God Himself steps in and suddenly brings forth this new baby that will require much supernatural love, faith, perseverance and responsibility; not by might or power but by His Spirit.

The past few months have been filled with encouragement and confirmation of being right on schedule…His schedule…and many of us are still waiting on Him. We know the baby will arrive…we know the approximate time…yet He alone knows the exact day and hour…so we wait. We wait with expectancy, hope, trust and faith. Even though it’s growing uncomfortable, we know that if we keep our eyes on Him, He is faithful to do what He said He would do in each of our circumstances. We know His Word never returns void and it always accomplishes exactly what He sent it to do. We know that He is always faithful to complete the good work He began in each of us.

“Father God, I pray that every child of Yours who is waiting on You alone for the fulfillment of what You have spoken into their lives…whatever their circumstances may be – a very needed healing, financial provision, a relationship or fellowship, a job, restoration, open doors for Kingdom destiny and purpose…whatever the need may be…whatever miracle is being believed for…whatever the wait pertains to, Lord…we pray they will have the faith, perseverance, strength and trust to reach their delivery date…their appointed time…their breakthrough…to receive their miracle. Send people into each individual’s path who will be Your hands and feet to love, encourage, provide, and strengthen. Thank You, Jesus, that You alone by Your Spirit make a way to accomplish in and through us exactly what our Father in Heaven has purposed in bringing His Kingdom to come and His will to be done on the Earth in this time and in this season for each and every child of Yours. We give You alone all thanks, praise, glory and honor. Amen.”

Saturday, July 18, 2009 from noon until midnight has been declared a day for people of all ages all across the state of MN to release a strategic sound of praise to the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings! This statewide event is sponsored by the MN Houses of Prayer and the MN Strategic Coalition, who have put forth a clarion call to focus on the greatness and majesty of our Lord; to create a canopy of praise over our state that will shift the spiritual atmosphere not only in MN but in our nation for such a time as this!

Every individual, every family, every prayer group, every house of prayer, every worship team, every ministry…every one who loves Father God, Jesus our Lord and Savior, and Holy Spirit our Teacher, is exhorted to praise Him wherever we are and with whomever we’re with: in our homes, driving in the car, on vacation, in our churches, at work, at the lake, at Sonshine Festival in Willmar (how awesome that these two events fell on the same weekend!)…

Praise Him with instruments, with cds, acapella, with dancing, with art, with writing, with any and all of the creative art forms…praise Him for His goodness and for who He is: He is holy, He is exalted and He is worthy to receive all honor, all glory, all power and all praise! This is not a time to ask, but rather it is a time set aside to give Him our whole heart, soul, mind and strength (He already knows our every need and He has already provided every answer!).

Declare through praise and worship that Jesus Christ is truly Lord of MN…that He is Lord of this nation! Declare He is Lord of Creation and He IS the love of this generation! Declare His rule and reign is over MN and over our nation! Shout, exclaim, declare, and proclaim an explosion of sound that shifts the focus in MN and in our nation to the Kingdom of God. Praise Him that His Kingdom IS come, that His will IS done in MN, in the U.S.A., and in all the nations of the earth, as it is in Heaven! Praise Him for His glory covering the earth!

Praise Him for the leaders He is raising up in MN and in this nation to lead with His heart, His will and His Kingdom purposes! Praise Him for His wisdom, understanding, counsel, might and knowledge! Praise Him for redemption, reconciliation and restoration! Praise Him for His glory and dominion over the mountains of government, economy, media, education, family, arts and celebration, and religion!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity of a lifetime, especially in this critical season, to spend time praising the One, true God of the Universe. Praise Him and thank Him for initimate relationship being made available to all through the precious shed blood and selfless love of His Son, Jesus Christ, through the power of Holy Spirit. He alone deserves every minute of our time, every thought that we think, and every gift we’ve been given. There’s nothing more important that we could possibly be doing than spending time in His presence and giving Him the glory and thanksgiving He is due!