Family Ties

The Kennedy's are off. The army of God is on it's way to Calgary/Airdrie. Chris and I were able to go to their farewell last night, and it was amazing. What an awesome family we have. There was a time for people to share words of encouragment, and there seemed to be the same theme with many. That was, that the Kennedy's were always able to be "themselves". To be comfortable in who God created them to be. "Comfortable in their own skin" as Dianne said. Knowing their purpose and going for it, with a 'Sam' laugh of course.
I recently read this article speaking on Acts 19:15 "One day an evil spirit asked them, 'I know Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" It went on to ask, if satan and his board members were having a meeting about you, what would they say? Are you a threat? Or do they leave you alone? It was nice to have read that in time, because I was able to share with Sam, that it's very evident in his walk, that he in deed is a threat. One Sunday morning, I first handedly experienced his threat. I had a bout of depression this last Christmas, which lasted through the months of Janurary and February. I went on anti-depressants as a quick fix, but for those of you who were privy to the situation, know that it was not a quick fix at all. They gave me severe insomnia, and I didn't sleep for two weeks. I felt adandoned by my doctor who had left on vacation right after seeing me, and no professional would help me without the advice of my family doctor. I started popping gravel to drug myself to sleep, and slowly weened myself off of the "quick fix". All the while, I was still in self pity, still in the desert, and still wanting to throw in the towel. One Sunday, I raised the white flag of surrendering, I knew I couldn't fight this fight anymore, or I would die. I receiced prayer from many. My eyes were closed and I was crying, so I wasn't aware of what was being said, or who was saying it. But I knew when it was Sam (the awesome touch of the shaking hand), and I knew whatever was being prayed was penetrating. I could literally feel things being broken and falling off. I could feel things being released like I've never experienced before. It was like I came alive that day! Thank you Lord for people like Sam, who are a threat in times of need. Who are willing to walk in Your spirit and giftings You've given. Thank you Lord for sending Your spirit to me, through Sam, to rescue me, to heal me, to bless me and to release me.
I want to be a threat to the kingdom of darkness. I want to pray with confidence and authority for those who are bound in sin. I want to be comfortable in my own skin, and to pass all these characteristics onto my child and future children. I want to be known for being free in who God has created me to be. And if the Lord were to ever lead me and my husband elsewhere, I would want to leave as much of a mark and an influence in our body as the Kennedy's.
Thank you Lord that you are continuously growing us, and sending us out into new things. May we be a church that encourages growth, that releases and blesses. I love our family so much, and am so blessed to have all of you! Thank you for helping me grow. Peace and Love,
-Nin