(this was auto-posted to twitter and facebook via su.pr plugin for wordpress)

I feel like I am quitting smoking or something.

Cold turkey. Just like that.

Cutting something out of my life that I relied on.

Relied on it for entertainment, connecting, pass time, fulfillment, outreach, busyness and procrastinating.

And today. Nothing.

I almost felt lonely.  bored.  anxious.

No shakes though ha! And no food cravings!

Quitting Facebook affects my routines.

(Missed why I quit facebook?  Click Here for the full story)

I woke up.  and fought back the routine to login to facebook & twitter.

Shower. breakfast. no coffee and facebook.

and opened my computer– logged into the Prayer Room to stream from IHOP instead of logging in.

I feel stronger.

Starting my day.

Hmm.

I feel crappy.

Allergies.

Puffy eyes.

Head in the clouds.

Ugh.

I feel a bit weak.

Time to drive 3ish hours.

Music selection?

The lollapalooza 2010 channel on slacker?

sure. why not.

While driving I fought back urge after urge to log on to facebook and read updates.

I was ashamed of how much I relied on it to pass the time while driving.

I found myself thinking of status updates in my head.

Witty things to share with others.  Moving lyrics that played over the radio.

Ahh! I am lusting still.  Running away. Hiding.

The enemy is trying to break in and tempt me. I know it.

So, I refused the distraction.

Plugged in the loudest, moving worship music I could find and sang out to God.

I must have looked crazy.

But I didnt care.

The more I drew near to place of pure worship-not just singing along-not just repeating some lyrics– but my heart crying out in worship—

I felt the enemy slip out of my car and the peace of the Holy Spirit fill my skecher-mobile.

A song changed.

I can not really remember the lyrics, something like “turning my heart back to you God…change me, fill me set me free”  God gave me a vision of one of my family members and His desire for them to turn to Him.  I saw this family member go from held back, pent-up, locked up, broken-hearted, ashamed, lost, sad— and physically turned their body into repentance and with arms held high– receiving the fullness of Gods love.  I saw them physically, spiritually and literally turn thier heart to God.

I began to weep.  I couldnt see to drive.

I felt His desire so strongly that I could think it is was my own.

I cried out to the heavens and began praying for God to open their eyes and open their heart and bring down the walls. Binding the enemy from having a hold on their life anymore.  For God to break in and break their heart and save them from Hell and the bondage they are drowning in.

I cried and prayed and sang and shouted.

I must have really looked crazy now.

But I wasnt thinking about that.

I was thinking this is how it is supposed to be.  Contending for our loved ones.  For the lost.  Fighting the Invisible War one prayer at a time.

And now that I am winding down the evening.

Digesting my meal and day.

I feel happy that I am still leaking tears.

This is what being human feels like.

This is what being alive in Christ feels like.

I feel blessed to have spent the day with the Lord.

Even though I had urges and temptations-God spoke to me today.

It’s only day 1.

But I’m coming back.

I’m coming back to You Lord.

Not only to be Your hands and feet.

But a strong and mighty warrior.

Will you do this?

Will you allow God to move?

Ask Him to speak to you.  Show you His heart.  His desire for His people.

Tonight.

Pray for that one person that God is placing on your heart.

That one person who would be forever changed by LOVE and FREEDOM.

Stand in the gap and contend for them tonight.

Fight for them to know God.

Fight the enemy who controls thier life.

Ask Jesus to set them free.

Holy Spirit.

Come.

Take us away from our selfishness, our problems and our narrowly focused ideals.  Open our hearts to feel your desires.

Hear our cry for our brothers and sisters and move in thier hearts.

We may have our own issues and needs but GOD, we know that you are all we need.

You are all they need, so come tonight and break in.

Oh we love You Abba, Father.

Thank You for Your mercy.

Thank You for Your Son.

In His name we pray.

Amen.

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Goodbye Facebook.

So long Twitter.

I was convicted that I was spending more time on social media than with my Father.
Concerned with others updates/lives than the souls of the lost, I quit contending for.

That the intimacy with the lover of my soul was fading.
My passion for prayer was weakening.
My heart stopped breaking.
Weeping for my family and friends dried up.
And  I stopped being anguished and only concerned for the lost.
Selfish of my time.  Focused on my plans.  Passionless.

He is calling me into place of pure focus, complete brokenness and unadulterated repentance.

Joy is coming -break my heart again Lord.

As I spend time seeking His heart and away from the frenzy of  filthy TV shows, Facebook mindlessness and time wasting twitter— ask yourself this..

How many hours a week do you spend on facebook + twitter+ watching TV?

How many hours do you spend quiet and alone with God in prayer? in worship? in learning?

If your heart feels conviction, check out this sermon=http://su.pr/2XijAU and allow God speak to you through this.

I will come back.

When the Lord says so.

And I will share what God shares with me during my fast.

I would sign off with “Be blessed”  but I would rather wish you to “Be focused”

Be focused on what matters, on what is important and what is urgent.  And Who matters, Who is important and Who’s mission is urgent.  Stay focused on seeking His heart and His Glory.  He wants to share His burdens and His joys with you.

Will you focus on the desires of your heart?  Or His?

Be focused.

Melissa <3

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Check out this segment from Indy Style TV.

My buddy and co-worker,  Pro Staff Jared Brunner explains what Skecher Shape Ups can do for you even while you are eating higher calorie foods at the Indiana State Fair.

Isn’t he fabulous?

Would you like to know the damage of your favorite fair food?

Comment below of your favorite fair food and I will let you know the average calories and what you would need to do to burn those extra calories off!

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Do you use a GPS as much as I do?

It might be a possibility if you use to get the grocery and back.  Or how to get out of your neighborhood!

My reliance on a simple piece of technology is a little pathetic.

I use it so much that I actually named it…. errrr I named her

Her name is Marge the Magellan and even though she gets me where I need to go about 90% of the time– the other 10% is spent making me do u-turns, drive down dirt roads and taking me to Canada on accident. (whew that was a mess, especially with no passport! eek!)

It’s funny-ish when I get lost, with a GPS,  but I really don’t know how I could get to where I needed to be without her help.

I am so grateful for good directions!

I found this scripture today by accident while clicking through an automated twitter DM they sent to me. It’s  a cool website called “Called To Business” .  The first post I read had this scripture about direction.

“She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.” (Proverbs 5:6)

After reading it I remembered that time in my life when I was her.

How lonely that felt.

How fearful I was.

The anxiety I had.

I felt so empty.

I was in college and like a fart in the wind… just wondering aimlessly and only focused on parties, boys and a little bit about class.  How empty I felt to have no direction.  I knew I just had to graduate but I didn’t know why and what I really wanted to do with my life.  I had an idea.  But I didn’t feel 100% about it.

All of a sudden I was walking down the aisle, diploma in one hand and HUGE DEBT in the other with a foggy idea of where I wanted to go next but no clear direction on how to get there.

So, I froze.

Not knowing where or how to get there.

And sunk into a deep depression for a few months.

Then, the Lord picked me up out of my misery while I was helping folks in gulf pick up their lives after hurricane Katrina (but I will save that longgg story for another time).  And began laying out the steps that has helped me get to where I am today.      Healthy, Peaceful, Loved, Joy-filled & Beyond Blessed.

Have you ever felt aimless?

Like you were just wandering from day to day?

….aimless from job to job?

….or relationship to relationship?

With no real purpose or motivation?

I love this quote…

If you don’t know where you are going, then how will you know if you get there?

I believe we all need direction and deserve to know how to get from point A to point B.

I will tell you again, that you were created for a special mission and a certain purpose.  When you team up with God you are able to tap into a confident flow of clear direction.

He doesn’t work like my GPS Marge and only work 90% of the time.

He shows me where to go, what to say and how to get there 100% of the time (if I ask and choose to listen).

How often do you ask for His direction?  How often do you pray for your circumstances rather than praying to hear Him for clear direction?

We can only be obedient to His divine direction when we hear.

But we can only hear if we ask Him to speak to us!

Here is a quick prayer for you today. “Lord, send me where I can be used. Choose the path that I should walk and guide my every footstep.  Help me not to stray from the direction You have set for me.  Show me where You need me, not where I want to be.  Amen”

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Skechers USA Pro Staff

I want you to meet an amazing team who is passionate about what toning and resistance footwear can do for your body and life.

<—Here they are

This tiny yet powerful group covers the entire United States educating customers, sales associates and managers about the technical aspects and benefits of toning and resistance footwear.

This picture was taken at our Sales Conference this weekend where we learned about new product that is just simply amazing!

Wait till you see some more from our Resistance Running Category– including the SRRs (Skechers Resistance Runners).  We are so excited we can barely keep our mouths shut!

We have all been running in these shoes (the SRR) for months and we are all very passionate and well educated about this new running technology.  We are the premier experts about Skechers Resistance Runners and other Shape Up technologies.

How would you like to test run these new shoes too?

Do you have customers?

…a running group?

…a walking group?

…an event or race?

…store associates?

Or,

Do you own/manage a gym?

…Corporate Wellness?

…College Wellness?

………..that would benefit from you hosting your own running demo or clinic?

We would love to partner with you,

bring our new running shoes and

allow you and your peeps to test run this new product

(and the new ones coming out…)

Please let me know, by commenting below, where you would like  us come to so you can actually go for a test run in this new running technology!

Also, let me know of any questions you have about SRRs, Shape Ups and any other toning/resistance footwear!

P.S.  Here is a Video of what the Pro Staff team can do for you—>
Click Here To Watch

P.P. S.  Do you have any running or fitness celebrities in your local area that may want to train and be an ambassador for resistance running?  Please let me know your recommendations!

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So…

I pass a lot of people from day to day.

In malls.  In my hotels.  Driving down the freeway.  In line at the coffee shop.  Working in a store.

And.. sometimes.. the Lord places spotlight,

a heavy brick on my heart

and tears in my eyes to lift a certain person in prayer that I pass.

For example:

1.  I was in a Lady Foot Locker and a man came in wheeling an oxygen machine and belt that held some sort of mechanical contraption.  He wanted the T-shirt that read “Every Damn Day”  by nike.  this is what it looks like.

He has lost 100 lbs and is waiting for a heart transplant.  the contraption on his waist IS HIS HEART as his is not working any longer.   He wanted this shirt in his size because when he wakes up in the morning this is motto.  He keeps moving, keeps living , “Every Damn Day”.

and the Lord made me want to fall and weep at this very moment, in the middle of this store while talking to one of my managers…

I began praying for him and followed him around the mall for a bit as my eyes welled up and I fought back tears and I asked the Lord to heal his physical heart and his spiritual heart.  I wanted him to know what it felt like to live “Every Awesome Day” not every damn day no matter what his circumstances.  I cried when I got to my car.  And 2 days later I am still praying for his physical health, for a new heart for this man and a revelation who his True Healer is.  But did I miss a moment to witness?  To lay hands on him?  To help set him free?

2.  I just left the hotel bar.  5 minutes ago.  I was enjoying a late night dinner snack– b/c that was all that was open at this hour (11pm).  next to me was a Swedish-American woman– about 37ish and an ok looking younger guy 34ish.  She is married i hear from down the bar and he is very in love with his girlfriend of 1 year.  She reads his palm, and says he will have a long love life and make great money.  He coyishly asks about his “sex line”  and the communication between them quickly changes to an increased sexual desire for one another.  Another drink later they are flirting so much its making me uncomfortable, my face must be red, I can feel my cheeks radiating.  She invites him to go on a trip with her, Ireland she says… or maybe “back home” to Sweden and he says it would not be so kosher with their significant others –for they would not be going, they would have a fit.  But maybe they could meet up next time he is in town, and “see where it goes from there?”  As their drinking has progressed so has their attraction for each other.  I can sense thier body language from the corner of my eye.  I am feeling sick.   He grabs her hand and they talk about her ring.  And she shyly describes how she couldnt leave her husband because she just couldnt go to sleep at night not being held.  Another drink and they are hugging and stroking each other and thier laughing has turned into whispers.  And he says how he could never be married.  And they leave together for a smoke and I run to my room –nauseous that adultery could happen right in front of me and i couldn’t stop them….and cry for them and the people they may hurt.  And I cry for the nation and the millions of others that are making a terrible decision at this very same moment. Choosing sin over holiness.  For how empty they must feel and what they “think” they are fulfilling by this disgusting game.  So I pray for them that the Lord fills them and meets all the desires of their heart– not their flesh.  My heart is breaking as I see how broken, lonely and sad they must feel on the inside.  Is praying enough?  Should I have spoke up?  Should I have entered their conversation and helped them see the Light?

3.  I could have many more stories as examples…I just need to go to bed for now… there is at least one new story a day– and anothor stranger to lift in prayer…

As I understand more that I am being called to a life of prayer for others– I find myself wondering.. Is prayer enough?  Lord, You have given me this burden for others and I gladly bring them to you– but I feel like it isn’t enough– make my faith bigger God.

Its so hard to hear Your voice.  Should I do more?

Should I grab these people by their ears and grip them by their hearts?  Share with them the good news that they can be FULL and FREE and HEALED in the name of Jesus?

Am I doing enough God?  You hear my cry for them Lord– I am standing in the gap for them when they can’t stand for themselves.  God–my heart is breaking for YOUR broken people, for my brothers and sisters, am I doing enough God? What more can I do for you?  Give me the confidence Lord that you hear my prayers and give me the boldness and discernment to speak when I need to.

When is prayer enough? I feel so helpless sometimes God.

When do I need to speak out with Your Truth?

Help me to know this Lord.  Help others to have the burden in their hearts to pray for strangers, or their relatives or distant friends– Give us all courage and increase our Faith in the name of Jesus.

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So, I travel a little bit.

and by a little bit– I mean ALOT.

I cover 6 states and some large cities in my territory.

So I set out on a mission to find the best hotels in each of those cities I visit the most.

City # 1 is….

Indianapolis, Indiana

Indy has many malls that I call on and I have stayed all over the city in every kind of chain hotel you can imagine.

I have a soft spot for boutique style hotels that are super comfortable,very fun and relaxing.  But they are hard to find in the Midwest.

But I found one– and its affordable!

It is so clean and the decor feels like home to me.  I will be staying here during all of my overnights in INDY!

It is really close to one of my malls, Castelton Square, and its just awesome.

I almost don’t want to tell you what is called because I want to keep it alllll to myself

Here are some pics:

This dog lives here at the hotel:

entrance.

Isn’t it lovely?

A little blue trendy gem in the midwest

Disclaimer:  It is ran by Intercontinental and there are more Indigos all over!!  I just happen to like this one in Indianapolis, Indiana!  Even though its boutique-ish its still a monster corporation.

Here is where you should go to book your next stay in NE INDY!!!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ROOM OR GET MORE INFO!

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When I first started walking with Christ, many years ago, I just didnt quite get the idea of baptism.

(actually, I didn’t really know what I was getting into…or any idea about anything for that matter…but that would fill a novel.. so today I will just explain how I was deceived by the concept of baptism..)

I thought, I was baptized at birth so that’s all I needed. Right?

I asked Jesus into my heart.  Check.

I was forgiven of all sin.  Check

So why did I need to be baptized for all the world to see?

Why do it as an adult?  Just for public display?

So everyone at Church would know I love Jesus– psssh.  I knew what I knew, why did I have to put on a production?

I scoffed at new believers getting baptized at Church just so everyone could see their “dedication.”  Not only were they putting on a show and still living in all of their sin,  but they had no idea what they were doing and why they were being baptized. ( I am generalizing here but this is what I believed at that time)

Neither did I for that matter…

—

I read and believed the word that I was already a new creation.

So the scripture: “Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4) really confused me that baptism was important for this newness that I already thought I had…

Diving deeper to understand, I found in Greek, “baptizo” means “to immerse, cause to be dipped, to submerge, to overwhelm”. To baptise something in water means to put it under the water. Therefore in the Biblical sense, to baptise a person in water literally means to put that person wholly under the water. Water baptism for the Christian symbolises and appropriates our death, burial and resurrection with Christ. It means identification with Christ.

I let lots of things die… or so I thought.. My control, my addictions, most of my insecurities, my anxiety and my sexual sin.  But I find that though many things have died — I need a complete death and a complete newness.

I began to feel that just peices of me wasn’t good enough.

I want His whole heart, and He deserves my whole heart in return.

God showed me that I was still a bit prideful about the whole display or production ideal that I believed– that Christian baptism is a dedication to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and to be His disciple. (Mathew 28.19). To be baptized you must do something practical. You must humble yourself. In Christian baptism you must identify yourself with Jesus Christ. As He dedicated himself “thus to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15) so must you when you are baptized in water.

You make a covenant with God to submit yourself to obey the Spirit of God to the point of death, dying to the deeds and lusts of the body and all that is old, to let the past be buried and to rise up to live to fulfill all righteousness – not through your old life but in the new life given by God.

Where else would I decide to bury the old, rise anew and experience God on a new level..??

Kansas City, IHOP

no not pancakes.

IHOP=The International House of Prayer

You have to check this place it out.  They have live streaming and amazing 24/7  prayer room you can go to.

Its my Church, my place of worship, my time of intercessory prayer and I have only been there via online web stream.  Thank You Jesus for this technology.

I would ask that you pray for me and my friend Becca this weekend as we journey there.

For safe travels, refreshment of provision,  healing & deliverance and that we would be filled with greater measure. (and some prophesy would be cool too

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with a new revelation of freedom?

I am expecting to just get filled and rocked by the Holy Spirit and I am just so pumped!!!

Tune into the Awakening Service and look for us… you will possibly be able to watch me get baptized too.

http://ihop.org

Awakening Service  6pm-Midnight Central Time

July 2nd & 3rd!

Click Here To Watch Live!

If you are a follower of Christ and have yet to be water baptized, I pray that God would make it real to you, that He would reveal a deeper meaning and break any lies that clouds the way you feel about baptism.  I pray, that when you make the decision to do so, that you would know how special the covenant you are making really is.  Beloved, be ready to experience God on a new level.  Praying for a new revelation of His Glory for you and for me.

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You may know that Skechers is coming out with a sweet new running shoe, SRR (Skechers Resistance runner) in July 2010– I of course– have been running in them for the last few months… well, because I have connections wink wink.

(they will be available at select finish line stores, famous footwear, nordstroms, Academy, Modells, Lady Foot Locker, Foot Locker, Hibbetts, TSA, skecher stores and online right away at roadrunnersports.com.)

They are by far the most comfortable ride in running shoes I have ever felt.  (Because of their rocker bottom and smooth ride they almost do the work for you.. jk. i wish.)

So… I may not be the biggest fan of Nike running shoes — (unless they are the Free or the Vomero feels super comfy too but only 2 exceptions from me)– but I am ADDICTED to my Nike Plus IPod system.

Seriously, that thing keeps me more motivated than anything in the world.  I love it!

I plug it into my ipod, set a goal, run… runn…. and runnnn.   When I am done,  I wait, sweating profusely, can’t breathe…crossing my fingers.. anxiously for Lance Armstrong’s voice to come into my headphones and tell me I hit a new PR in the mile!  Aww I just love it!!

So my dilemma–Since I train in the Skechers Resistance Runners—  how can I use  this Nike Plus Ipod system with my non Nike running shoes?

Options I thought to myself…..

1.  I could cut a hole in the sole, under the sock liner  to place my sensor in. (eh too much work and not into tearing up expensive shoes)

2.  I could cut open the tongue and place the sensor in and sew it back up.  (yea, too much work)

3. I quit running altogether and get fat and lazy.  (hmm maybe?  my knees would agree to hang it up)

4.  Buy something that holds the sensor on top of the shoe. ( hmm.. hmm..)

hmm guess which one I chose?

# 3?

Nah.

jk  of course # 4 silly.

(and I found it for 50% off on a site called blueproton.com)

Its called the sportsuit relay by Marware.

( I copy and pasted the description below–)

Marware 8212-RNBK Sportsuit Relay Case for iPod nano 3G and Nike Plus
The Sportsuit Relay is designed to accommodate the iPod nano and Nike + iPod Sport Kit receiver and sensor. This case was specially designed to make Nikes innovative, i-Pod-based fitness technology available to all running shoes.

The Relay includes a protective Nike sensor pouch and convenient wristband carrying case. An armband expansion piece allows you to also wear your iPod on your arm two cases in one! The case completely but safely encloses your iPod to provide you the comfort and protection necessary for an active lifestyle. And, of course, you have the assurance of Marwares lifetime guarantee!

FEATURES:
•Accommodates the iPod nano and Nike + iPod Sport Kit
•Wrist/armband case gives two-in-one case, flexible wearing options; includes a protective sensor pouch that works with all running shoes
•Protective, durable neoprene and rubber construction supports active lifestyle

So …I thought I would pass this along just in case you wanted to use this technology and run in other shoes besides Nike.

Here is a direct link to the product  CLICK HERE (and no its not an affiliate link)

Make sure you check out the new Skechers Resistance Runners (SRR) too ….  http://jointheresistance.com

God Bless You And Keep Running!

…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.. . Hebrews 12:1

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