So all week I have been down with a sinus infection after pulling up some old rug upstairs 🙁.  It's a different way the LORD "makes you lie down", Psalm 23:2a.  But the lying down was necessary as He began the week telling me to "slow down".  You heard that if you listened to Tuesday's podcast. 

In the lying down to get better, I started reflecting on healing waters that I got to soak in at the end of June.  And in that, I realized I hadn't really shared the experience with you the way I wanted to yet!  So today is that post, complete with 2 videos and some pictures with captions for context....

If you've been getting the email blogs for last couple of months, you know that at the end of June, I went on a road trip that was part vacation, part ministry.  I've referenced it a few times in email blogs I've sent and in some podcast episodes, but haven't shared many pictures or videos of the first part which was the "restoring my soul part".  I've wanted to give the LORD public thanks for it.  He was so kind to refresh me with natural beauty of His making, with quiet, still waters to restore my soul!  Be encouraged as you read, that it is His nature to bless and restore His servants!   

First how did this "restore my soul" trip come about?  It came about as I started dreaming about "what if"... 

"What if" I could go on a "healing waters" type of vacation within a reasonable budget?  This made me remember that I always wanted to visit a place with natural healing springs.  So I got on the internet and found a place within driving distance called Warm Springs, VA.  Turns out they have a natural hot springs, one with a facility that was under renovation, but was recently opened in Spring of 2023.  So I booked a bed and breakfast nearby, and hoped it would be a refreshing part of my get-a-way. 

God answered big time!!!

Right below this post, is a video of one of the natural hot springs that I experienced!  This is a natural stone basin whose octagonal facility recently underwent a $4M renovation.  This place was established way back in 1761!  It was the first spa structure in America!  It was not covered by a bath house until the mid-1820s, at which point it was covered by an octagonal frame building. A second structure, the Ladies’ Bath House, was built in the mid-1870s.  As you will see in my video, there are changing stations, as well as pool noodles so you can float easily and relax in the mineral rich waters!  It was an amazing experience and soooooo relaxing!  Float times are one hour and cost just $35.  

One the day I went, it was an unusually cool and rainy summer day.  Normally rain ruins a vacation, but for this experience it added to the refreshing!  I was glad it was not a hot, sunny day because when your body is immersed in 99 degree water for one hour, I wouldn't want to be sweltering in sweat, sun beating down on me.  It was wonderful to have a cool breeze to refresh me and living water from the sky (rain drops) gently falling.  There is also a generous white noise experience from the sound of the spring waters tumbling out of the basin, and into the natural creek outside.  I did a women-only soak, and it was just 8 of us ladies.  And while they didn't have to do so, everyone stayed silent and simply floated in the water.  It was absolute bliss for this introvert!

I was able to experience a second hot spring through a tip from the bed and breakfast owner where I stayed.  He told me to make sure to visit Omni Homestead to just walk the grounds to enjoy it.  He said that I wouldn't be able to use the facility since I was not a guest, but he said they let people walk the grounds. 

So after the warm springs experience, I realized I had enough time to visit the Omni before sunset.  I walked as much of the grounds and indoor areas as was accessible to me.  It was amazing!  During my wanderings, I grabbed the hotel activities brochure and noted there was a guest experience of pool and sulphur spring for hotel guests.  

Initially, I was bummed that it was for hotel guests only, seeing priority first given to hotel guests also  getting spa services like a massage.  I saw the hotel was packed, so I figured with the number of rooms and the number of spa services, there was no chance of getting in.

But then next morning I felt stirred again to say, "What if?"  "What if they don't have a lot people booked because it is cool again and forecasted to rain all day?  What if they let me in?  What if God steps in and gets me in?"

So I prayed and told the LORD that nothing is impossible with Him and and asked Him to help me.  Then I called and told them, "I'm not a guest; and I do not have any spa services booked, but I would like to use the pool and spring facilities for the day.  Will you let me do that?"  The guy immediately says "Yes, what is your name?  I'll reserve your spot right now."  I squealed with delight upon hanging up!  I knew my KING was in every part of that!  

It did rain gently ALL DAY.  And that was fine with me. I reveled in it.  I realized because of the sprinkling, it kept people away!  There WERE hardly any people enjoying the facilities!  I had a blast!  And typically I am not one to be in water for very long!  I can't remember the last time I was in a pool for more than 30 minutes.  But I spent 6.5 hours in and out of all of the water experiences!  I cannot explain how truly refreshing it was to my soul!

The idea of the set up was that you are to go from hot waters to cold waters.  It's a therapeutic activity called "contrast bathing".  Blood rushes to your skin to help you cool down in the hot water and then blood reverses course and rushes to your organs to protect them from the cold.  It strengthen your immune system and helps your parasympathetic nervous system engage for deep relaxation!  It was so awesome!  It makes me want to go back as I review these memories within this post! 

I figured out a circuit and spent most of my time outside.  I went from the hot tub to the eternal springs pool (cold water) to the natural sulphur springs (99 degrees) to the natural cold spring shower, to the dry sauna, then back to the natural sulphur spring, then the cold pool, to sauna, to pool, to sulphur spring, to natural shower, to sauna, etc.  Over and over and over again.  5 hours went by in a flash!  Then I finished up in the women's facilities!  They have a steam room with essential oils being released and little stone cubicles that you tuck yourself into and do not have to see anyone else!  It feels like you are in it by yourself.  Your skin sweats out toxins.  After that you are encouraged to head to the cold shower experience where you push a button to release ice into a bowl to rub on your face and body, then press another button for cool air, then another button for a cool rain shower.  To warm up, you lay down in heated chairs contoured to your body and rest.  Those chairs were amazing! So peaceful!!!

I didn't do the sensory shower which included a thunder storm audible experience.  I finished up by taking a shower, putting on a fresh comfy robe and heading up one floor to the relaxation room and brought my bible.  I read and praised Him, and ate fruit and drank herb tea.  I felt so pampered by the LORD.  Truly it was all more than I ever expected!  The LORD was so kind to me to surprise and delight and refresh my soul in this way!  So thankful!

As a servant of God, this experience was rest I truly needed!  He saw.  He knew.  He provided and encouraged me to dream a little and think "What if..."  

So consider, are you pouring yourself out in service for ministry?  To others?  He promises to refresh the weary!  Ask!  Pray!  Seek Him!  Pursue the rest HE promises!  

He leads me beside quiet waters.  He restores my soul, Psalm 23:2b-3a.     

Now take time to watch the videos and scroll through the photos! All glory to God! His handiwork!  His provision!  His goodness! 

Believe!  The LORD is your Shepherd!  You lack nothing!  

This video shows you the Warm Springs, VA hot springs pool.  You are immersed in a natural mineral rich spring that is always at 99 degrees, as it releases from the earth!  This spring is magnesium rich, while the one at Omni Homestead is sulphur rich!  

These are just a few snapshots from my travels which includes 1 night in a NY state park and then the rest are from Warm Springs/Hot Springs, VA.  There are captions for each for a little context!  Click to see full picture!  Enjoy!  

​A handful of months before C19 changed our lives, the LORD transitioned the ministry from being mostly in person group sessions to instead being online ministry.  I started using Zoom in September of 2019 and started holding group prayer and meditation sessions that way.  Then in the Spring of 2020, after we were instructed to lock down, I felt urgency to reach people on a more day-to-day basis.  I felt very burdened about the emotional and mental state of believers and how to offer an easily accessible prayer resource people could do on their own time.  The result was the Monday through Friday podcast that offers interactive prayer exercises in less than 10 minutes per day.  

It's been about 2 years of online ministry.  And it's easy to wonder what difference I really make.  The whispers of God come to turn my thoughts away from needing to know and remind me of the simple call, "Feed my lambs.  Tend my sheep."

I've always felt that I've needed to be fed and tended to by God before I can pour out something that ministers to others.  So for each day, I'm first spending time with God in the Word and in prayer.  Then based upon inspiration from that time with God, I'm writing up the podcast session, and then recording and editing it for daily upload.  One of my least favorite activities is recording video messages for various social media sites.  It still feels so awkward for me to talk a little camera hole on my laptop or cell phone 😆.  I also type replies to prayer requests or posts, but am often limited to number of words for response.  So basically there is limited knowledge and interaction I have of what God is doing for the person on the other side of the screen or phone.  And as the days have turned into years, I have moments where ministry can get pretty lonely.  I often wonder who is listening, watching, reading, engaging, and what the Spirit is doing.  I really miss being face-to-face with people, hearing their voices, connecting before and after sessions, praying in person with people, getting in-person reaction.  But God has called me to surrender to the change, so I have learned to release the outcomes to Him and just keep obeying to the call, "Feed my lambs.  Tend to my sheep."

He knows just when to sustain me in weariness with a word, as Isaiah 50:4 prophesied that He would do!  He's sent words to encourage me over the last couple of weeks!  

Recently, a few people have taken extra effort to give me feedback, which has meant so much to me! I want to share it because it is for God's glory, and maybe their messages are meant to sustain you too! 

At the end of April, I got an email from a man named Doug.  He's been listening to the podcasts for awhile.  It was so kind and generous of him to encourage me! He has pressed in to know Jesus during his long and painful trial; and as a result, the LORD has strengthened him physically, mentally, and spiritually through regular listening of Peace Be Still!  You can read his words for yourself in the screenshot capture below! ⬇

Isn't his testimony so encouraging?!  I am so honored to be one small way God has reached in with His healing hands!  I believe God to do deeper levels of healing in Doug and to continue to give life to his mortal body through the Spirit of God who lives in him, Romans 8:11!

In addition to Doug's email, recently a podcast listener by the name of Peggy took extra steps to leave a comment on the blog.  ​

Over the last many months I have started doing some prayer coaching.  These are prayer appointments I set with people I know or who are personally referred to me. 

During these sessions, the Spirit of God impresses things upon me, and often times they are words of affirmation and words of knowledge.  The Spirit speaks and reveals things for the purpose of setting people free and deeper levels of healing.  He does it in a way that honors privacy and deepens their trust in His perfect knowledge of them.  So during a recent session, He revealed the person receiving prayer had misperceptions about God as Father. 

The first 15 to 20 minutes of a session includes talking about what is burdening, so I have an idea of how to begin in prayer and what to cover in prayer.  What's interesting is the LORD often takes the time in a direction that reveals a root issue that was either not mentioned in the beginning or something the person was not aware of.  During the time of intercession, the LORD brought a word to my mind, which I didn’t understand, so I shared it, and it led to this confession coming out, “Nothing’s happening because I’m being punished.”  It shocked her that she said it, realizing right after that she didn’t know she believed her life frustrations were because she thought God was punishing her.  It was truly a moment of revelation for her!

But you see, God saw that in her, and reached in during our session, and drew it out through giving a Spirit led word for us to talk about.  This then it steered her heart to make an honest confession that was a unspoken belief causing her lots of distress.  It was the answer to her prayer request, to understand why she just recently started struggling with feeling lost, anxious, and carrying a gnawing and continual undercurrent of anxiety.  After God spoke what He spoke, it all made sense to her!  

This is a critical example of why we are not to search ourselves.  When we do it, leads to burden and lies.  This is why we come into God’s presence and ask for his insight. 

Proverbs 20:5- The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

The things brewing within us are indeed deep and dark waters.  We aren't to plumb the depths.  It overwhelms us.  Instead, we are to turn to the One who has insight, the One who knows our thoughts (1 Chronicles 28:9).  The Spirit of Christ has insight because the Father knows the mind of the Spirit and intercedes for us according to His will.  He reveals and is Wonderful Counselor, Isaiah 9:6.

When he does the searching, it leads to breakthrough and peace.  In the prayer appointments God often goes further with people, to reveal root issues.  In the session I'm referencing today, God went further to show his little one that her self-talk was a form of self-torture, taking herself through endless questions.  “What am I doing wrong?”  “What have I missed?”  “What do I need to do?”  “I must not be getting something.”  “I must be missing what God is saying.”

This type of continual self-talk is creating confusion, fueling a feeling of being lost, creating a continual undercurrent of anxiety, and exhausting her.  But God was present to call it out and speak tenderly to her in terms to validate her as his child, invite her closer, remind her to enjoy his presence, deepen in trust, and use the season of waiting to prepare for His timing of promotion!

Jesus too had to wait on God’s perfect timing.  He had a season of waiting.  The Son of God was not released into ministry until 30 years old.  Think about the fact that He was not BAPTIZED with the Spirit until he was baptized by John, Mark 1:9-11. 

Certainly prior to this, He carried the Spirit (Luke 1:35), but there was a BAPTISM of the Spirit to drive Him forward in greater power from then on.  We are told in the moment of his baptism, the Heavens opened; the Spirit descended upon him; and the Father affirmed him, “You are my beloved Son, in you I am well pleased.”  Immediately after this, the Spirit drove him into the wilderness to face and overcome temptation, Mark 1:12.

The Spirit is also to drive you.  He is your power to overcome all forces against you and reveal the life of Christ through you. 

John's baptism was unto repentance, but Jesus came to baptize you with the Holy Spirit, Mark 1:8.

Romans 8:16 tells us the Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.  Through the Spirit of God in you, HE TESTIFIES TO YOU.  He leads you to life and peace, not confusion and disorder and death.  The Spirit is the voice who speaks the words of the Father to your spirit to affirm you.  Do you hear God in this way, or are you torturing yourself with endless questions and thinking God is punishing you?   If you have never had affirmation within that you are a child of God, that is a red flag for an area of healing desperately needed.

Have you been baptized?  At the end of the Gospel of Mark Jesus says, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Remember, Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit.  This is not a religious requirement of water baptism.  It is a spirit requirement poured out upon those who profess the name of Jesus, Acts 1:8.  Today, I invite you to meditate upon Jesus’ baptism and let it uncover longing.  Do you want more?  Do you want greater revelation, encounter, a closer walk with God? 

Be bold!  By faith, ask for more of the Spirit!  By faith, ask for baptism!   Don't reason it through!

I was already filled with the Spirit, but a time came where God challenged me to ask for more!  Read that blog HERE- ARE BELIEVERS FILLED MORE THAN ONCE?  

"God, with help from the Holy Spirit, help this one envision the moment of Jesus' baptism.  Give them eyes to see the Heavens open, give them sight to see the Spirit descend on Jesus.  Give them ears to hear the Father’s words of affirmation speaking from Heaven, "You are my Son, with you I am well-pleased"  Stir them within to long for Spirit-filled encounter.  What are they longing for?  What thoughts and unspoken beliefs block the work of the Spirit in them?  Lord, you have perfect insight to what is happening within them.  God show them what is blocking their freedom, preventing deeper healing, and standing in the way of joy filled time with you.  Baptize them afresh with power from on high.  Move in them to ask for more of the Spirit!  ASK FOR MORE OF THE SPIRIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Amen!  

Hi folks!  Things have been very busy with ministry!  Still producing a daily prayer podcast, have begun a new private Facebook group, and have held some private meditation sessions!  Had a men's group a couple of weeks ago.  Also have an upcoming group session this week.  God is good!

The video above is a welcome video I shared in the group to welcome new members.   We have over 225 members for the first week!  It's very encouraging!  I think it is a sign that people are making more time for prayer and obviously are being driven to engage online because of current circumstances with social distancing.

In the video I share a welcome to new members as well as personal testimony of God supernaturally healing me of depression.  I hope you listen in.

For the Facebook group, Peace Be Still Daily Prayer Download is a private group and requires an invite for you or you can request to join.  I hope you consider it, there have been good engagement so far. There is a link at the end of the video to find the group on Facebook.  Otherwise just search for "Peace Be Still Daily Prayer Download" on Facebook.

Now related to current situation of the virus, during times of intercession, here are some scriptures that God has been putting on my heart over the last month: 

• Matthew chapter 6 (all of it)
• 2 Chronicles 7:14
• Hebrews chapter 12 (all of it)
• The book of 2 Peter (all of it)
• Psalm 4 
• Psalm 144

It would be interesting for you to read through those scriptures and see what the LORD speaks to you.  It's an excellent time to develop a deeper walk with the LORD.  I wonder how He has been speaking to you during this time?  If you are willing, let me know in the comments!

Here is the content of Podcast 15 if you want to review it first and then listen.  
Episode 15- “she judged him faithful… he gave glory to God”

Hello my name is Gina, your prayer partner from Into the Waters.  Our promise that brings peace today comes from Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Let’s pray as we begin.  “Lord Jesus, I humbly ask for your power to rest on each one as they listen.  Open their ears to hear, open their eyes to see, give them the ability to understand what the Spirit of the LORD wants to say to them today.  Position them by faith to believe and judge you as faithful.”
Yesterday’s episode shared that for God to be your strength means he is a PLACE of strength.  As your place of strength, he is a hiding place for you, and one who pours out his strength by dispatching supernatural forces to surround you and deliver you.  If you haven’t yet listened, please listen to yesterday.  But for today, instead of the focus of him surrounding us with his power, the focus is his miraculous strength pouring out through you."

Listen to these scriptures- You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 2 Cor 4:7

Though you are merely a clay vessel which is fragile and powerless, yet the excellence of his power and strength is to be shown through you… as being from God, not yourself.

Who really believes this?  Who really believes the miraculous power of God will be poured out through their frailty?  A woman named Sarah did.

Hebrews 11:11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.

By faith… big words.  She judged God faithful, more really big words.

If we are honest, they are so challenging.

Write down this question.  What is the state of my faith?  How am I judging God right now, as faithful or unfaithful?

Some seasons our faith is great with full faith in God.  In others, we waver.

We are in a difficult season right now due to the virus.  God wants us to position by faith, and judge him faithful.

How are you judging God right now, as faithful or unfaithful?  Make a note to talk to God about that.  Unburden and ask for revelation so that you judge Him correctly.

Because when you judge God as faithful and by faith believe, God will do amazing things through you.  Scripture says that Abraham (Sarah’s husband and known as the father of our faith) grew strong in His faith as He gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised. 

Abraham had excellent opinion of God and his faith grew strong as He gave God glory.

The promise of God’s miracle working power being poured out through you is only activated by faith and good opinion of God.  Abraham and Sarah had a clear vision and promise from God.  So for this kind of miraculous experience, you have to have a promise from God.  It has to be personal to you.  Sarah had a promise from God.  She would give birth at a time in her life when her womb was dead.  She judged God faithful to deliver.  She laughed at first; then she tried to make it happen on her own power; but somewhere along the way, she stopped reasoning and she believed.  So, He poured his miraculous strength into Sarah and supernaturally enabled her to give birth to a promised son at the ripe old age of 90 years old. 

Many of us also laugh at the absurd thought God could do something miraculous through us.  Often we may grab a promise; but then attempt receive it by striving in our own power.  Somewhere along the way we need to stop reasoning and believe in the supernatural strength of God manifesting in us. 

Write down this question.  What promise has God given you that requires His power? 

Here are some promises that are yours by faith in Jesus- You are adopted and heir to the kingdom of God.  You are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms.  Do you see yourself there?  Do you see yourself seated with Christ?  You have been given the authority of Christ Jesus, the maker of Heaven and earth.  He is King of kings.  You are part of his royal lineage.  Do you see a crown on your head?  He has promised to give you a crown of beauty instead of ashes.  Are you holding ashes of death or do you see yourself as crowned in beauty?  You are charged by Christ to do greater works than he did.  He will do whatever you ask in His name so that Jesus can continue to bring glory to the Father.  You are his masterpiece created in Christ Jesus to do good works that he planned long ago for you to do.  Do you believe you will do greater works than Jesus?  Boy is that a challenging one.  Yet he said it.  Do you believe it?  You are Jesus’ friend.  You have been made whole in Jesus Christ.  With God as your shepherd, you lack nothing, not one thing.  You are more than a conqueror through him who loves you.  Since God is for you, who can be against you?  You are fearfully and wonderfully made.  You are the apple of his eye.  You are forgiven.  You are chosen by God, holy and dearly loved.  Your soul is sealed by the Holy Spirit he has deposited in you.  Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  You are precious in His sight.  Your life is not your own, you’ve been bought with a price.  Have you surrendered?  Not your will, but his will?  It is key to receiving supernatural strength.

As an exercise for deeper meditation, which of those promises I just read struck you?  Find your promise.  There are over 3K promises in the bible.  After you find your promise, position by faith!

That gives you a sense of an episode if you haven't listened yet!  God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.  He provides for those who seek first the Kingdom of God.  Seek God first! Blessings on any who take that time with God.  Hope some of the prayer inspiration we are offering is a blessing also!  

Since Fall of last year, Into the Waters' prayer and meditation sessions have been held in an online format. They have been going very well, with every survey revealing 100% would recommend the session to others! It is precious time with God.

Here is one comment from a participant in the January 25th session-

"I liked the ability to do this online in my own space. Great job in guiding us through the exercises."

It was an early morning start at 8am EST, with the majority connecting from the East Coast, a couple others connecting from CST, and a couple more from the PST (a 5am start!) This the very cool thing of gathering for a session online. You connect from the comfort of your own space and time zone! God will bless those early birds!

I started the session by sharing a few personal examples of difficult moments of mental battle, confusion, and burden that have happened since the start of the year. For the most part I started the year pretty positive; but it didn't take long until battle ensued. I've learned God leads me in a process, taking me through lessons that are not just for me; but for others. As I share, I see that my experience comforts and encourages others, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. We are in this together! God wants us to know we are not alone in our trials. You will experience that if you participate in a session.

Related to the lessons God took me through, I was able to share how God led me to victory in 3 different ways; the lesson being there is no formula with God. We need to hone our skill set in spiritual terms and tune to the leading of the Spirit. Do you know how to do that? He wants us to be aware of the variety of weapons at our disposal to gain victory in our troubles. Do you know what some spiritual weapons might be?

Most Christians are very limited in knowing how to battle through. So as I got closer to the session, I realized that the WORD of GOD session was to partly be about how we overcome. I shared 4 ways the enemy of our souls attacks us. Participants were led through prayerful reflection time with God to meditate and ponder how the enemy might be tempting them. 50% of participants noted they received revelation from God on an area that needed healing. PRAISE GOD!

"My joy of the Lord was restored in realizing I was allowing it to be stolen." - Jan 25th participant

Also the sessions always include a good portion of time to still ourselves before Him and invite His presence. 70% of participants particularly enjoyed being able to still and quiet themselves in His presence. In the hustle and bustle of our attention deprived lives, it is more critical than ever to make hard stops, to be vigilant in protecting quiet time with the LORD. Many of us need to be hyper-vigilant in an aggressive way, especially if we are exhausted, depleted, burdened, complaining, and anxious. We say we don't have time, but Jesus was very clear with Martha telling her that only one thing was truly necessary. He stood in defense of her sister Mary who chose time at the Lord's feet. He made it clear IT WOULD NOT BE TAKEN AWAY FROM HER, Luke 10:42. God's defense of your time with Him is already there, are you letting Him defend your time with Him?

"I really sense a need to be more mindful of listening better this year. I tend to want to do all the talking. This process was very helpful to me in practicing that." - January 25th participant

That feedback makes me so happy and thankful! It's testimony of one who is being self-reflective and wanting to "practice"! We can talk, talk, talk to God; but do we stop and listen? Each session always includes time to ask God for things, for vision of the unseen, and then wait on what is impressed, to make note of what comes to mind as we meditate on His truths. In the last session, we asked God to do something new! Something supernatural and of the Spirit! ASK.

"God insists that we ask, not because He needs to know our situation, but because we need the spiritual discipline of asking."- Catherine Marshall, author (1914-1983)

To close this post out, I want to point out the word "mindful" that was used in the participant's quote above. It has become a real buzzword in our culture. And Christians are being led astray related to it. I want to share more about mindfulness; but won't be sharing about it in this blog. I will in the next. It will be about a session I attended recently that was hosted by a national Christian denomination. I signed up hopeful to learn from the PHD who lead it. Unfortunately, I came away very disappointed and concerned. It didn't calm me or benefit my spirit. Will share more next week.

These blogs are sent to those who sign up for our blog email. Please sign up to get announcements of events and resources. Sign up here. Blessings!

As the year comes to an end, did you experience the change you hoped for?  What is the current reading on your hope, joy, and peace meter?  Are you continually experiencing peace like a river within?  Do you need a recharge?  Do you need a supernatural gift this season that takes you into the new year with anticipation?  Really consider it, do you need some deep rest in heart, mind, and soul?  Close your eyes and ask yourself that question.

In the beginning God created...  In the beginning, God's power was executed through His spoken Word and the Holy Spirit.  He hasn't changed.  The Word and the Holy Spirit of Jesus are still His agents of change.  The biggest question for us is, "Do we want that change?"  Will we open ourselves up to linger in His presence for the supernatural newness He offers?

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.- James 1:17

Last Friday I did another "Lingering with the God of Hope" online session for a private group of leaders and their team.  It was a group of 12 made up of men and women with ages that ranged from young adult to seasoned adult.  We had a chance to debrief together at the end of the session.  The things they shared, and the breakthroughs they experienced, were the same as in every other group.  They received personal revelation and love relevant to their deepest needs within.  Without disclosing too much, the bottom line is they heard from the heart of a good Father who affirmed them, comforted them, gently revealed truth, drew near to them, and deposited supernatural hope.  The majority shed tears.  Not tears of sorrow, but tears of joy and relief at the loving and supernatural touch of God!  God was not dramatic with them.  He didn't force himself on anyone or expose anyone.  He led them like a Good Shepherd leads his sheep to lie down and rest, leading them beside quiet waters.  The God of hope deposited joy and peace for an overflow of hope by the power of the Holy Spirit! 

Experiencing this type of rest and quiet under the protective presence of God is a good and perfect gift sent from above.  It is experienced by lingering in His presence, a discipline that needs to be practiced.  It does require that we choose to schedule that kind of time.  But it's not easy on our own to linger for a long time in prayer and meditation.  Most people really struggle for spending some extended quiet, reflective time with God.  That is why Into the Waters is offering these online sessions!  We want to help you flow through the time, prompting you along in simple prayer and meditation exercises.  God's Word and His Spirit do what He did in the beginning, hovers over our deep, sheds light and brings new life!  In the hustle and bustle of your life, in the flurry of your unending thoughts, do you need those types of gifts this season?  

If so you have an opportunity to join us on December 15th at 8pm EST.  See button below to sign up! We are praying that you say yes.  If you need more encouragement to do so, consider even more outcomes... 

Over the last couple of weeks I have been meeting with a few of the folks who attended the November 2nd online session.  I have already posted the survey results which can be found by clicking this link- NOV 2nd SURVEY RESULTS.   However, there are more detailed accounts with powerful testimonies of real strongholds that were broken in attendees.  A few shared those stories with me in detail.  It so touched me that I have asked a couple to share their testimonies in a more public way.  They agreed.  So in the coming couple of months, we are finding a way to record those testimonies to be shared for the encouragement of others.  Stay tuned!

Until then, ask yourself if you need a good and perfect gift from above this season.  God makes it simple for us.  His is a simple invitation, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest."  Say "Yes!"  His Word and His Spirit will be present to do the rest!  This season, be filled to overflow with HOPE!

Curious about what happened at last Saturday's online prayer and meditation session?  Listen to the video to hear the highlights or read below for a deeper dive into the participants' survey answers!

Click the link to register for Sunday December 15th at 8pm EST!  Click here- Lingering with the God of Hope

Similar sentiment to the quote above came to me awhile ago from someone who has attended multiple events.  Her name is Marty and I adore her heart in pursuit of God.  She has continued to invest in pursuing time alone with God through these sessions.  She is serious about earnestly seeking the healing and renewal God promises.  She said to me after one session, that attending the event was like getting a massage.  She meant it in the most complimentary way, likening it to how relaxed she felt after, experiencing a release of tension, and wanting to be quiet for the rest of the day so she could get all the benefit from the experience. 

Just like after getting a massage, "I so needed that!" is a common response from attendees.  This is the reason Into the Waters exists.  We believe people SO VERY MUCH need extended time in God's presence for rest, renewal, and relieving their hearts and minds of tension.

And that is what survey after survey proves with November 2nd's online session being no different.  It was our first online session, where people could engage in the prayer and meditation exercises from the comfort of their own home.  The session lasted about 1 hour and 15 minutes.  You might be like, "Whoa, that is a long time to spend in prayer!"  And I would agree with you that yes, if you attempt that on your own, it may be quite a challenge.  But the beauty of Into the Waters' sessions is that you aren't attempting it on your own.  The session is moderated in such a way that you are gently led through a series of biblically grounded exercises so you are not thinking of "what do I say or do next?"  Instruction is clear.  Exercises are easy.  God helps you.  Most people think the time flies by.  So with that being said, here are the full results of the survey that almost 90% of last Saturday's participants took.

• 100% said they would recommend the session to others!
• 75% were very satisfied with the session, 25% were satisfied!    
• 100% thought the length of the session was "about right".
• 37.5% thought it was "very easy" to engage in the exercises.  50% thought it was "easy".  And 12.5% thought it was "neither easy nor difficult".
• Participants were given a choice of 5 answers to express how they mainly experienced God in the session.  They could choose as many options that applied to them.  
  • 4 chose "experienced the love and comfort of God"
  • 6 chose "able to unburden my heart to Jesus"
  • 3 chose "able to quiet and still myself in His presence"
  • 3 chose "able to sens His still small voice"
  • 4 chose "received revelation about areas in need of healing"
  • Some comments from them in this section are the following-
    • Your email instruction prior to the session helped to prepare my heart to communicate with God.
    • In the listening prayer exercise your shared Isaiah 61:3, the Lord gives beauty for ashes.  I believe this was perfect timing and God's message for me from this prayer session.
    • Was encouraging to transfer through direct steps to led to God revealing areas in need of healing, the "root".
    • When Gina makes our time intentional and points us to God and His direction, He always shows up!  She is anointed for this.  I am so grateful and most highly recommend others do this!
• 100% felt they either had "enough time" to process between exercises or "for the most part" had enough time.
• Participants were asked how they would like to experience an Into the Waters' event again.  Since these are scenarios myself and the board of directors are praying through, we will just share that one future option is also a current option.  You can experience this event with your small group together.  Just send an email to [email protected] and she will follow up with you!  30% of survey participants from 11/2 want to have a small group session brought to them or to do together online.
• 100% said the technology worked fine.  They could hear and see the session fine. 

Highlighted at the beginning of the blog is a parting comment in the survey by one participant that perfectly summarizes the reason for investing in this time with God.  She wrote, "Setting time apart and waiting in anticipation to hear from God was exciting.  Allowing my heart to receive from, as well as being still in his praise, healed deep brokenness".  Yes!  The God of supernatural hope showed up!  Thank you Lord!

I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.- Psalm 130:5

​Our sessions are FREE!  It is a ministry by faith, so free-will donations thankfully accepted.  Don't hesitate, invest in this time to linger longer with the God of Hope!  Sign up for the December 15th session at 8pm EST.  Here is the link again to register- Click here.