Celebration of Life! Day 399

Psalm 145:13-17  Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.  The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.  The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.  The eyes of all, look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.  You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.  The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.

The LORD is righteous and loves all the beautiful children that he has made.  This weekend I had the privilege of celebrating and honoring the life and faithfulness of an amazing women of God.  A celebration of life for Lisa K Kozak; after a 21 years of defying doctors prognosis about her cancer, Lisa was called home to live life eternal with Jesus.  Lisa`s small and delicate body  was finally overcome by cancer, however her faith in God and the power prayer extended her earthly life beyond  belief!  Diagnosed with breast cancer when her two children where very young Lisa`s desire was to live long enough to see them through school.  By the grace of God, faith and prayers, granddaughter Tatiyanna (6ish), sang, "In The Garden," in tribute to her grandmother.   There was not a dry eye in the room, Holy Spirit goosebumbs covered my entire body!

I first met Lisa through The Walk To Emmaus, I didn`t really know her, I just knew of her and the courage with which she battled cancer.  Several years ago when she served as lay director for a weekend, I recall thinking, this woman is so sick with cancer how could she possibly do the job required of her?  I am now convinced that her amazing strength and desire to please the LORD drove her beyond what most people could endure.   Philippians 4:13  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

Lisa was very active at Connections Community Church, that I am attending.  Several months ago, I joined a Friday night prayer group, I found myself praying right beside Lisa.  It had been several years since I had seen her, it was quite noticeable that her cancer had progressed. Despite her frail and pale stature her spirit and desire for praying was gigantic!  Selflessly she prayed, her true passion and ministry was prayer.

The day that she and her husband received the news that there was no more doctors could do and Hospice was the next step, Bruce drove Lisa to Boscov`s for a beauty makeover.  This outing produced the very photo to be used on her memorial bulletin.  What courage!   Pastors, Alan, Kari and Lori battled  tears as they delivered Lisa`s eulogy.  Much of the scriptures were highlighted and read from Lisa`s bible.  Kari, shared Lisa`s concern for "all to be prepared to meet Jesus."

 Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the plans I have for  you, "declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, "declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.......John 14: 18-19  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me.  Because I live, you also will live.  Revelation 21:6-7  He said to me; "It is done, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.  To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.  He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

In true Emmaus style, the ceremony ended with all present, hand in hand singing "The LORD`S Prayer."  I left the service in silence, thinking what an amazing woman.

Even though I never got to personally know Lisa, I knew her very well.  I knew her spirit and her love for our savior JESUS CHRIST.  I thank God for the  life of such a faithful servant and prayer warrior!  I was so blessed, I prayed with Bruce at church the day before Lisa passed, thank you God for directing my steps to Connections Community Church.  What an incredible church family!  Blessing and peace, for husband Bruce, son John, daughter Lesley, granddaughter Tatiyanna and Lisa`s entire family and many beloved friends.   Amen

        LISA K. KOZAK  OCTOBER 26, 1956 - JUNE 18, 2012

Escape To Jesus Day 398

Psalm 55:6-8  I said, "Oh, that I had wings of a dove!  I would fly away and be at rest---I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.

My place of shelter, JESUS.  Perhaps with age has come wisdom, the wisdom to realize that it`s not about me, it`s all about JESUS.  Without Jesus I wondered aimlessly in a world of darkness, lies, bondage and strongholds.  What a blessing to have received what Jesus died on the cross for me to dwell within.  The forgiveness of sins.  Isaiah 9:6  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and this government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

  Have you received this free gift?  Have you invited Jesus into your heart?  Once I truly desired to know Jesus, God began the process of awakening,  healing and cleansing.  He supplied me with God-sent friends and a well equipped tool-box to get the job started.  Have you erected walls of protection to keep everyone out, even Jesus!  I did, but thanks to the Sozo Healing Ministry, the walls came crumbling down, allowing me to receive God`s blessings!

Ask yourself (the Holy Spirit within) the following questions:  Is there a wall I have used to protect myself?  Is it safe for the wall to comes down?  If "yes" ask Father God to send angels to protect you if the wall comes down.  Show me the wall.  Give me a tool to tear down the wall.  As you pray, tear down the wall.....What do you see now that the wall is gone?  If parts of the wall remains ask, "Who do I need to forgive?"   

Who do I need to forgive, my list was long and painful but God took it easy on me.......directing my from heaven above.  Knowing when I was prepared and healthy enough to forgive!  Indeed a process and long-term journey of healing!  There were ladders to climb and doors to close. 

THE FATHER LADDER, earthly family members representing your heavenly family.  Your earthly father representing FATHER GOD,---your BODY, identity, value, protection and provision.  JESUS, your relationship with siblings and friends, the SOUL--communication and companionship.  THE HOLY SPIRIT,---- your SPIRIT, fulfilled by your earthly mother----the comforter your teacher.   Was there a break somewhere in your family?  Like me, do you need to forgive family members?

THE FOUR DOORS, getting to the root of issues, discovering the door that will allows us to forgive and be released to finally close the doors behind us.   The door of FEAR---includes--worryy, unbelief, need to control, anxiety, isolation apathy, drugs and alcohol.  HATRED--bitterness, envy, gossiping, slander, anger, self-hatred(low self worth).   SEXUAL SIN---adultery, pornography, fornication, lewdness, molestation and rape.  OCCULT-WITCHCRAFT----astrology, fortune telling-tarot cards, seances-Ouija boards, manipulation, participation in covens, casting curses- witchcraft practices.  Oh yea, I had to close some doors!

Spiritual healing, inner healing and physical healing, I encourage you to pray to God and invite Him to begin the process!  Be patient, it takes time--- God`s time, but well worth the journey!  What you might expect to feel--- SYMPTOMS OF SPIRITUAL AWAKENING AND HEALING---- --an increased tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen----frequent attacks of smiling----feelings of being connected with others and nature----frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation----a tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fear based on past experiences-----an unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment----a loss of interest to worry----a loss of interest in conflict-----a loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others---a loss of interest in judging others-----a loss of interest in judging self----gaining the ability to love without expecting anything.

Once restored and healed always healed, not really, but equipped and prepared for battle!  I just strap on my God-given tool belt.  Ephesians 6:10-14  Finally, be strong in the LORD and in his  mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil`s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore  put on the full armor of God, so that when then evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground........

Thank you Father God, for the years of love and Patience as you have walked with me, hand in hand,  navigating this broken vessel into a  journey of healing and  holiness!  I pray Father that you will open the hearts and souls of readers of  your  blog to receive  JESUS CHRIST!  LET THE HEALING SPREAD LIKE WILD FIRE, AMEN