I received an email today (I don't mean to seem like I put Dr. Chuck Pierce on a pedastoll, but these are MOST of the emails I receive and I do interject my opinion in it) about Spring. When Jason and I moved here in September, We were excited to be here, new change, new enviornment...we're not oposed to change, we just didn't like what the change brought. Three weeks after we moved here was the snow storm in October. At first it was all great...snow, the "wow factor", and learning how to live in it. And here's my BUT: but, it just brought a great bit of depression, loneliness, and reality that we didn't know anyone here.

Jason and I have different anointings and are now realizing why God put the two of us together. It wasn't just because we had a natural attraction to each other--it was because we knew in our heart that we were to be together...no matter what anyone thought or said. Our anointings were strengthened while living in Texas. The church we went to was a training "facility". Instead of going to church just to be going or to hear something new...this was like the ultimate training center. And isn't that what church is about? Training us to "go out"? (now please don't consture my enthusiasm as hating Love Joy, by any means)

Everyone here (with the exception of a few we've met) loves Buffalo. It might be a great place to you, but let me just get it out that we will not be convinced otherwise. Let me also say that Buffalo is FULL of potential, and that's what we want to see is that potential come out in everything, person, and place. And when I say potential, I do mean spiritually.

On to my point of the email I received. It's about Spring. However, it's about springing FORWARD into a new place. Now I don't mean physically, it's all spiritually. Let's think about your week. Most of you work, or have some type of job. I have a full schedule myself, but it's filled with things instead of actually working at an office.  Now, take the people you are surrounded by everyday. I like to use my Husband as an example.  He loves his job, it's just some of the people he doesn't love so much. They sometimes ride on him entirely too much because they want him to be like them only. Not learn something in a different light. Now some of the people he works with are very arrogant, immature, and a little mean/sarcastic when it comes to them trying to make a point. Now, my dh (dear husband) and I are sarcastic as well, but when thousands of people's lives depend on it, not really the time (note my sense of sarcasm there).

Spritually you can see the enemy trying to get us to hate Buffalo, want to beat some sense into some people, rather than expressing the fruit of the spirit. Me personally, I don't like sitting in ruts. I left shortly before Christmas to spend Christmas with my family (Jason was there too) but from there I went to Denton for 6 weeks and then flew to Cali for 2 more weeks. I was gone for 2 months without Jason. (btw this is the first time we've been AWAY from each other for any length of time since we started dating 3 years ago) I needed that time to find a focus on what needed to be done in Buffalo. I just want to do what needs to be done with God and be done with this place. (I emphasize PLACE) It's not the people as it is the PLACE. So I'm trying to get out of this rut of thinking we're not accomplishing anything, because the Women's Retreat broke that. We are accomplishing a LOT now that we're connected with people and our new friends.

So, my challenge for you is this: Spring Forward into a new Seasonal Cycle. Know that God has cycles and seasons. What we did last month might be changing tomorrow. Scientific studies show that it takes 21 days to make/break a habit. We get into these habits and we forget that God has a make/break plan instead. I'm not much for what scientists are trying to prove now-a-days, but what God is trying to prove now-a-days. I'm going to copy a piece of the email that will give you some tips on HOW to Spring Forward. Take them and go. Pam (Chuck's wife) actually wrote this email because Chuck's out of the country.

"Your Path is FORWARD and not BACKWARD!
Pam and the kids have been working in the yard this week. Planting and preparing for Spring is one of Pam's joys in life. I love watching her gardens grow. When Spring comes, I always think of these four things.

1. Spring is the time when the Jordan River begins to rise and we prepare to cross over or "pass over" into a new season of growth and inheritance. We let go of some things from the past year or past season and move forward. Crossing over includes moving from one dimension of promise to the next.
2. Spring is a time when kings go to war. I always contemplate the warfare ahead. I pray for God's leaders - that they gain their war strategy for the future, and that they will be ready to confront the enemies that would try to keep them from prospering in God's Kingdom purposes. Make of list of the wars you need to win in the days ahead.
3. Spring is a time of resurrection. Some things have been dormant or else, you have gone through a winter or death season, and now its time for life to spring forth again.
4. Spring is a time for planting, sowing and preparing for the Harvest or REAPING!

Spring is a Transitional Season
Spring is a time when the power of dormancy breaks off of us. We actually come out of hibernation and begin to "roar" because we are spiritually hungry. If Spring is a time for kings to go to war, then make a list of things that you want to be sure are fully defeated in your life. Also, define the place that you are trying to cross over into and how you should be prepared to make this shift. The crossing over place is defined as transition.

This is a time when we must allow God to show us the future so we can advance. You need to reach back and grab hold of those things that have been detrimental and defeating in your past. Then take your other hand and grab hold of God's best for your future. Pull all the defeats of your past and place them under the "best" in your future!

The Body of Christ, the governments of the world, our nation and most of us personally are in major TRANSITIONS. A transition is a place of CROSSING OVER! We are grafted into the covenant of Abraham. Abram, the Hebrew, was one who always crossed over. The word Hebrew is abar and means to CROSS OVER! Therefore, we are a Blood-bought, redeemed people who will always be crossing over to our next place of victory. A transition is also a passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another!

A transition is a CHANGE in a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another. Transition is a SHIFT IN SOUND, or a musical modulation or passage leading from one section of a piece to another. Most transitions begin with a shift in our worship dynamic. A transition is an abrupt change in energy state or level accompanied by the loss or gain of a single quantum of energy. Therefore, we are sent into major transitions when the Lord looses new power into our lives. The power of God seems so many times to upset our ordered apple cart! We must learn to adjust.

Transition has Three Phases!
Transition has three phases, the first of which is an ending or death to something. Then there is much confusion. Confusion is fine for a while. Your cognitive processes are adjusting to many new ideas and environmental changes. Old strongholds are breaking but resisting fully letting go. Therefore, you know you need to move forward. However, many times you do not know how to move forward but are sure you do not want to go back to where you have come from. Then finally, there is your crossing over place into the new! The new will come and you will get to your "there" if you keep going! I believe the Lord watches us very closely in our transitions to see how we process change and keep moving.

Psalm 126:6 says, "He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." That means there comes a time when captivity breaks and even though seed has been drawn out of your basket in some way, it will come back and prosper. If you have wept, you will have joy. If you have given, you will have increase. If you planted, things will grow. Do not grow weary in your well doing because you will eventually prosper as you go forth. Your joy will eventually overtake your sorrow. Your giving will eventually overtake your drought.

Reaping in ancient times, as at present, consisted in either pulling up the grain by the roots or cutting it with a sickle, and then binding the stalks into bundles to be carried to the threshing-floor. There were definite laws established by the Hebrews in regard to reaping. God is reviewing our boundaries so that we fully reap from the fields that we are connected into. I am thankful that you are connected into the fields that I am harvesting. In God's Kingdom there is a division of labor: "He that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together" (John 4:36-38). 2 Cor. 9:6 says, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." I thank God that during these times you have continued to sow into my life and ministry through your prayers and giving. Therefore, I loose the blessing of generosity upon you. May you reap a 10, 30, 60, or 100 fold return on your Kingdom investments."

So I say Spring Forward and Spring UP Oh Well!