Happiness vs. Holiness

Hi dear ones,

I shared this quote and some thoughts on my IG today and wanted to share them here, as well.

This is something I've been pondering for years. **Happiness vs. Holiness** I believe it is a man-made theory that has messed us up in such a profound way. Father never said, 'If you're happy, you cannot possibly be holy.' Nor did He say, 'If you're living in holiness, there is no room for happiness'! It's not one or the other. It's BOTH. 

✨✨Heaven is happy! God is happy! And guess what, He wants His children to be happy, even while we're still here on this earth!!! What a gift!✨✨ 

Photo re-post from@randyalcorn_epm. I haven't read Randy Alcorn's new book yet, but I have a feeling I'm going to love it.

May you be blessed in your holiness and your happiness today! He is glorified in both. And what a beautiful picture of heaven we have to give to everyone around us when we live this out. I love learning how to walk in the role of an ambassador of heaven. 

Have you read Randy's new book, Happiness, yet? What are your thoughts on it or on this idea that we are to be bright, shining lights of holiness, righteousness, happiness and joy, that we cannot separate them or chose just one?

Blessing and love. xo

God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation in Our Country

You guys, I read this story on The Elijah List last week and cannot stop thinking about it (I'll share the story in a minute). 

I know God's heart is for all people. Every single person ever born or to be born on this planet has incredible, intrinsic value. It was God's idea to create us and it is His love that sustains us. He loves people. We have gotten so far away from His plan and heart when it comes to relationships, in so many ways. Slavery was not His will and plan. Divisiveness in 2016 is not His heart. I could write pages on those issues, but I'm not going to take the time right now, because I want to get to the story. I believe with all my heart that reconciliation is God's heart. Unity and honor and doing life together on equal ground. Those are the things God wants for His precious creation.

My family and I watched the Academy Awards last night. We enjoy movies and although we haven't seen even half of the movies nominated or mentioned last night, we are genuinely interested in the lives of the actors and actresses (and producers, composers, designers, musicians, etc.) in those movies. We don't worship them, but we do care deeply about their lives. We have also followed the controversy surrounding the #OscarsSoWhite issue this year. And while I understand that this is a genuine and important issue, I believe it could've been handled differently. I believe there can be healthy, productive conversations. There can be healthy, fruitful dialogue. The divisiveness is not necessary. It's actually harmful and unhealthy. It only adds fuel to the fire and divides our country even further. 

So, what do these two things have to do with one another? Let's get back to the original reason I'm writing today. I am encouraged, and want you to be encouraged, that God is working. He is weaving us together with people who can bring His Kingdom to this earth and see lives changed. I read this amazing story by Will Ford, as well as this one mentioned in that post. I wept and will probably weep again when I share it with my family. This is Who God is! He is a connector, not a divider. He draws us to Himself, instead of pushing us away. Jesus says "Come." To every single one of us, this is His beautiful, incredible, life-changing invitation.

This is a story we need to read. This is a story we need to tell our children. This is a story we need to share with the world, because this is God's story of providence and reconciliation and purpose and love and answered prayer. Please click on the links and read it. This testimony is going to be a catalyst for even more reconciliation and healing.

I also found a church service where Will Ford and Matt Lockett share this unforgettable story. You can go HERE to watch. 

May we, no matter our skin color or gender or socio-economic status or age or background or experience, join in His Kingdom assignments and see heaven come to earth in a way that we have never seen before. May we all be faithful to press in to our God-ordained purposes and to see those purposes fulfilled for His honor and glory.

Blessings and love. xo

The Unhurried Homeschooler: a simple, mercifully short book on homeschooling {review and giveaway}

{Disclaimer: I received a copy of this product in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my very own. This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you.}

Hello Friend,

I'm sharing a wonderful resource for you today, Homeschool Mama. 

Homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile pursuit, but many homeschool parents struggle with feelings of burnout and frustration. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Most of us need to be reminded of the “why” of homeschooling from time to time—but The Unhurried Homeschooler takes parents a step further and lifts the unnecessary burdens that many parents place on themselves.

 
Drawing on twenty years of homeschooling her eight children, Durenda Wilson gently reminds parents about the things that really matter, as she offers a clear portrait of what a life-giving home life can be during the homeschooling years. Reading The Unhurried Homeschooler is like having coffee with a trusted friend. You’ll be encouraged as you learn to do what God has put before you. This book will lighten your load while helping you learn how to raise life long learners and ENJOY the homeschool years with your kids.

Isn't it fun and so encouraging to read and learn from the home-educating Moms who have gone before us? The Unhurried Homeschooler, by Durenda Wilson, has been a delight to read. I found myself nodding in agreement, page after page. I think you will be blessed and encouraged by her experience and her advice. Don't be burdened by trying to "do school" the way the public school does it or even the way the homeschooling family down the street does it. There is so much freedom in homeschooling. Let Holy Spirit lead you. 

Guess what?! Durenda has kindly offered to give away a copy to one of my readers. Woohoo! See the Rafflecopter below to enter.

By the way, if you are burned out and discouraged, please feel free to email me {scarlettroyce(at)gmail(dot)(com)}, and I would be honoured to pray for you. We can do this, Mamas! We're in this together. Don't give up. God loves us and has a purpose for our lives and our individual homeschools. He will provide all that we need. Put your hope in Him.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blessings and love. xo

Passion: Salvation's Tide Is Rising - Giveaway

Hi Guys,

I have a fun giveaway to share with you today! Many of you already know of Passion and Six Step's Records, and this is their latest recording, Salvation's Tide Is Rising. Check out the specs below and then enter to win a copy of the CD in the Rafflecopter below.

About Salvation's Tide Is Rising:

This brand new Passion album contains new studio recordings from best-selling artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, and Kristian Stanfill.  It features new songs written specifically for Passion 2016.  Release Date is January 29, 2016.  

Track List:

1.  Salvation's Tide is Rising - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill

2.  My Victory - Passion featuring Crowder

3.  Remember - Passion featuring Brett Younker and Melodie Malone

4.  God and God Alone - Passion featuring Chris Tomlin

5.  Simple Pursuit - Passion featuring Melodie Malone

6.  I Turn to Christ - Passion featuring Matt Redman

7.  Your Grace Amazes Me - Passion featuring Christy Nockels

8.  All We Sinners - Passion featuring Crowder

9.  Surrender - Passion featuring Jimi Cravity

10. Good Good Father - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill 

About Passion albums:

Since the first release in 1998, Passion albums have sold over 1.3 million units while introducing the church to worship songs like "Our God", "Holy Is The Lord", "How Great Is Our God", and "God Of This City".  Passion is coming off its best charting radio success in 5 years with the single "Even So Come", which went Top 5. 

About The Passion Movement:

The Passion Movement and the messages of founder Louis Giglio have marked the lives of millions of people around the globe, calling people everywhere to live for the glory of God.  From its inception, the movement of Passion has birthed new anthems of worship, influencing countless churches and helping to define the current worship climate and establish artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and others.  Louie Giglio is the pastor and founder of Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA. 

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"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

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The Power That Changes The World: Creating Eternal Impact In The Here And Now by Bill Johnson {Review}

The Power That Changes the World: Creating Eternal Impact in the Here and Now by Bill Johnson

This is our brightest hour!

Every day we make choices that influence the culture and atmosphere around us. We are designed, as part of our purpose, to invade and solve problems here on earth. We've been given the keys to unlock infinite change in the here and now.

Take hold of God's power and God's wisdom.

As we wield the long-term strategy of His wisdom and the immediacy of His miracle-working power, we will live out the most undeniable demonstration of the heart, passion and nature of God. We will touch--and restore--the hearts of individuals, families, communities, cities and nations. We will create eternal impact and significance right now.

What a moment to be alive!
As we live out God's power and wisdom, and fully yield ourselves to His purposes--maintaining a heart of hope and promise for the days ahead--we will work wonders for His Kingdom.

My Thoughts:

The one book I always tell my friends, or anyone who asks, that changed my life ten years ago was Bill Johnson's When Heaven Invades Earth. Bill has a way of teaching that is both intelligent and down-to-earth. I am always both challenged and encouraged when I read his books or listen to his messages. When Heaven Invades Earth taught me so much about God's heart as a good Father and about my responsibility as a believer in Jesus Christ to bring heaven to earth. And now, The Power That Changes The World continues the same message and goes even further, specifically pointing out the importance of wisdom and power. 

Do you ever find yourself longing for more? You may have been a believer for 5 years or 45 years but you know there is something missing in your life. It's like this deep craving for something you know to be true but haven't  yet seen materialize in your life. I can relate. One of my favourite Scriptures is Psalm 34:8, "Oh taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!". Once you get a taste, you know there is so much more. If you have been craving more, I encourage you to read this book. In The Power That Changes The World, Pastor Bill shares the values he deems as crucial to us as believers, the church, the Bride of Christ. How are we to think? How are we to behave toward unbelievers? How are we to serve our communities to see Kingdom culture become a reality? He lays out ideas and principles for us to ponder and emulate. 

There are many passages I could quote from the book, but here are just a handful I find encouraging:

Seeing a Kingdom culture established on earth is the dream of God, and it must become the dream of His people. (pg. 15)

Heaven is the model God set for us by which we are to approach life. (pg. 16)

The Gospel is good news for eternity, but also for now. (pg. 24)

Creativity is normal for any believer who is not influenced by anxiety. The purest expression of our faith often can be seen in the unique way we approach life - conscious of a perfect, loving Father, and with a heart that beats to see the impossibilities of life bow to the name of Jesus through our lips. We live as people with access to heavenly solutions for earthly problems. (pg. 67)

Discovering our significance in God's eyes is one of the most important and gratifying revelations we can ever receive. It frees us to live life as a joyful offering unto Him. (pg. 180) 

 

If wanting to know more about how to live from heaven to earth and how to see more of heaven on earth in your own life, family, community and nation is burning in your heart, get this book today! You will be encouraged and, I believe, you will begin to see Kingdom culture come to fruition. 

Buy now!

Blessings and love. xo

Disclosure: I received this book from Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you.

A Dream Come True

Hello,

I haven't been around much this past week. I had a phenomenal weekend, last week, and haven't quite recovered (nor am I really trying to recover!). I had the opportunity to drive to New Jersey for an amazing conference hosted by The Alabaster Group. I'm not really a conference go-er, although I see one or two advertised once in awhile that grab my interest. Normally, though, I don't have money in the budget to go or they just haven't been a priority. 

Then why did I choose this one, you may wonder? Simple. Two of my spiritual heroes were going to be speaking, and it was only a five hour drive. It was a dream come true for me to go and hear them speak, meet them in person, and worship with them and hundreds of others who are seeking and living for Jesus and His Kingdom. 

Not only were two of my heroes at this conference, I learned more about three other phenomenal believers who are impacting their corners of the world in beautiful, powerful, crazy ways. The theme of the conference was "Until the world is filled with love for Jesus"! Yes!!!

Here is a list of the speakers:

Heidi Baker
Bill Johnson
David Hogan
Joseph Garlington
Claudio Freidzon

If you were to ask me who are the people who have had the greatest impact on my spiritual life in the past decade, Bill Johnson would be at the top of the list, followed closely by Heidi (and Rolland) Baker. In fact, it was through Bill's ministry and Bethel Church that I learned of Heidi. They are dear friends and support and honour each other's lives and ministries. Bill's book, When Heaven Invades Earth and then Heidi's book, Compelled By Love have both been life-changing for me. Life-changing. They both carry the Presence of God and have incredible authority and power, with countless miracles on a weekly, if not daily, basis. 

Here is an amazing example of Heidi's ministry in Mozambique. This witchdoctor was coming to kill her with his poisonous snakes. Watch what happens instead . . . 




And then there's this man named David Hogan. I am so completely thrilled to know about him and his wife and family and their ministry in Mexico. He is a big, intimidating guy, and at the same time, completely loving. He walks in some crazy, Kingdom authority and has seen some miracles that I have never even heard of before. My faith was stretched and strengthened and reinforced by hearing his stories. And the fire tunnel David and Heidi led on the last night was powerful!

Father also blessed me with this precious group of friends to share and fellowship with all weekend. We met the first evening at dinner and will carry this time with us forever. I love Kingdom connections!

I hope to share more this week about where God is leading us these days. We would appreciate your prayers.  

I'll also share more this week about two special baptisms we had last week!
Blessings and love. xo

Holy Ghost Movie {Review and Giveaway}

Oh. My. Word. 

I was recently given the opportunity to review Holy Ghost by filmmaker Darren Wilson and FlyBy Promotions. I am thrilled to share this movie with you guys. Thrilled!

About the film:

Can the Holy Spirit Direct a Movie?

In this fast-paced documentary from the director of the popular films Finger of God, Furious Love, and Father of Lights, Darren Wilson sets out to make a movie that is completely led by the Holy Spirit. No plan, no script, no safety net — just go wherever he feels the Spirit leading him to try and discover the adventure God has for him. Whether it’s the riches of Monte Carlo, a heavy metal concert, or the oldest city in the world, the result is a film that not only challenges and excites, but also reveals a God who is far more alive and active than you ever imagined.

The movie features names such as Lenny Kravitz, Brian “Head” Welch, Bill Johnson, Michael W. Smith, Todd White, Meredith Andrews, DeVon Franklin, William P. Young, Phil Vischer, and many more!

My Thoughts:

I have seen Darren's other films and have wept and laughed and stared, mouth open, at my television screen as he has taken us on some crazy, God-journeys in those other DVDs. So I had high expectations for this film and yes, they were met and exceeded! 

I've written before about learning to live more according to God's Kingdom here on earth. I've asked the Father what that looks like and how to live it out. This movie is a fantastic example of where I want my life to go. To be completely led by the Holy Spirit. Not that I never have a plan or write down a schedule or get into a routine, but to be so open-handed with my own plan that when He speaks, I go where He says "go" or stay put when He says "stay" or reach out to someone when He says "reach" or drop what I'm doing to pray over someone when He says "now". And even better, to just give Him a blank page and say "please fill it according to Your plan and perspective. I'm Yours." That is how I want to live and how I want my family to operate in this life. Heaven on earth. Here and now.

Darren says: If love doesn't motivate you, there's really no point {see 1 Corinthians 13:1-3}. 

This is a beautiful theme in all of Darren's films. Without love, we are simply clanging cymbals. Holy Spirit is God. He is real. He is here on the earth now. And He wants to release His love AND power in us and through us. Miracles didn't just happen two thousand years ago. They are for now. Our family has seen them and we are asking 'more, please, Lord'. 

1 Corinthians 2:4 

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power . . .

1 Corinthians 4:20 

For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.

Check out the official website here: http://holyghost.wpfilm.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holyghostmovie

On September 6th, Wanderlust Productions will host the FREE worldwide premiere of the film at this site HolyGhostMovie.com

Please, please don't miss this film! I think it is one of the most important movies you will ever watch.

Giveaway Details: 

This giveaway is now closed. 

We have a winner!!!!

Congratulations to commenter #10, Bonnie B.! I will contact you shortly, Bonnie. Thank you to everyone who entered this giveaway. I'll have another giveaway up soon. 

Thanks to FlyBy Promotions, one of my readers will win a copy of Holy Ghost!!! All you need to do is comment (and PLEASE leave your email address) and tell me if you've seen any of Darren's other films OR you can tell me how you have seen or want to see Holy Spirit work in your life. Giveaway is open to anyone age 18 or older in the US or Canada. End date is September 9, 2014 11:59pm. 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Blessings and love. xo