Manifesting Love

I had a sweet time with the Lord Saturday morning. The past few months I'd felt so tired and drained. See my focus for awhile had been on taking care of all my children (preschoolers and spiritual children). Saturday was the start of my two week Christmas break and I just looked at Daddy exhausted. He so sweetly wrapped His arms around me and told me, "We've been so busy with the kids haven't we." I replied mildly, "yah." He then told me how He would spoil me over the next couple weeks and we could enjoy each other. He wanted to simply love on me. It reminded me of married couples who finally take a break from the kids. Then God began to unravel to me a beautiful revelation... one that I am still meditating on.

Fruit naturally results from love. When couples are wildly in love all they are concerned about is loving one another and in their love for one another wonderful little surprises can happen along the way. Love cannot help but to manifest itself. And the greatest moments of love bliss is where the manifestation of love starts. Now I am in no way saying that we have physical, marriage intimacy with the Lord, but I am saying that marriage is simply a representation of the greater union we share with Christ. This glorious union began with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and could not help but manifest in the lives of all human beings and could not help but also fix every human being through the cross. I cannot imagine the fellowship Father, Son, and Holy Spirit had! And now we are joined to that union through Christ! It no longer becomes an effort to love others. We just be ourselves and enjoy being loved on by our God and loving Him back and naturally you will produce the greatest fruit. A father and mother cannot help but radically adore their new born baby and pour everything into it. And every person God wants to love on and birth life out of. He wants His children to have their mother's eyes, similar quirks, and more. Truly He allows us to become Fathers and Mothers of His children.

The whole reason Jesus died and fixed us was so we could enjoy love and love. It is who we are now. It is the most wonderful thing. Simply let Jesus love you. He always has and He always will. And enjoy being His love slave and enjoy the manifested results of love. Maybe you will see druggies and prostitutes turn from old ways and be soooo happy and drunk on Jesus, maybe you will adopt an orphaned child, maybe you will write books that lift up hearts of people around you, maybe you will create movies that stir the soul, maybe you will build houses for the poor, maybe you will be an ear to the elderly, or anything. There are no limits and rules on LOVE. And then when you get a little too wrapped up in the "kids", your loving Husband will pull you aside and assure you He will take care of the children, get you to let go all your concerns, and just love you.

Something yummy from McVey

A friend/big brother in Christ had this posted on his facebook. I just had to repost it. Steve McVey is another wonderful guy with deep revelation of the grace of Christ. A few more peeps I like and trust are Georgian and Winnie Banov, Heidi and Rolland Baker, John Crowder, Benjamin Dunn, Steve McVey, and John Eldridge. 


"Grace throws parties for returning prodigals without saying a word about their sins. Grace pays everybody the same regardless of what time of day they began to work. Grace restores dignity to whores that everybody else wants to stone. Grace hugs the diseased leper (or AIDS patient) that nobody else wants to touch. Grace looks past a person’s behavior and sees the person for who they are in the eyes of God. Grace is irrational to the thinker. It is unfair to the judge. Grace is foolishness to the achiever. It is a waste to the selfish. Grace is a mistake to the disciplinarian. It is shame to the religionist. But it is a stream of water to the thirsty. It’s freedom to the imprisoned. It is life to the dead. Grace is rest to the tired. It is another chance to the failed. It is hope to the despondent. It is a way out for the lost and a way in for those who can see the Door. Grace. It’s not a theological premise. It’s not a doctrine. It’s not a philosophy. It’s not something to be balanced with anything else. It’s not even the most important thing. It’s The One Thing – The Only Thing. It’s a Person – a Person who has held you in His heart before the first molecule existed and One who will never let you go."


 Steve McVey

Here Goes

Well, I am actually going to let you all in my life a little bit and get a feel for what has been going on around me.

First off I am about to be shown God's grace manifested in what lately has felt like a big old storm. My work basically has been a negative mess. Everywhere I turn some complaint is spouted and no one ever has any solutions or ways to help fix things. I feel so bad for the children because it seems we are all far too concerned about ourselves. And my usually giddy me was starting to somewhat crack. Praise Jesus for my Bible study peeps and family who reminded me of who I am and the Christ inside of me. I don't have to try to be joyful or change the atmosphere. I can just be me- who is the joy of Jesus and just be the atmosphere. Others may wallow in lies if they like, but I do not have to. So this week is my last week before break and here goes nothing. Glory to glory for sure. Gulp. I know Jesus has this. I am definitely out of my comfort zone, but I am very glad He does that to me.

Also God is beginning to show me many more radical things. Things of which I am still processing myself. They concern God's love and how far salvation goes. I'm going to drink more of this up first and then I am sure it will show up more in my writings.

I also am very much longing for snow. It was really neat when I was running the other day after feeling really down from work a few flakes began to fall. Such a sweet Jesus blessings. I am sure I will get my white Christmas. 

O, did I tell you all I am an aunt. Well she (I think she's a she) isn't born yet, but I still consider myself her aunt now. She's already kicking in the womb. I believe she's going to be a dancer or at least like dancing. 

Jesus blessings everyone.

Perfect Love

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out all fear." (1 John 4:18 NASB)

Many times I've looked at this verse and simply thought that God's perfect love meant we don't need to be afraid of anything. We can live our lives with no fear. And yes, that is all very true. But God has been showing me today that there is so much more involved.

If one looks at the entire context of John 4 we see that it is about outward manifestations of love. This perfect love does not just keep us from getting afraid of things, it is the power that compels us to love. It is our greatest weapon.

During my prayer time with God today He was showing me that perfect love is what Jesus used when He was about to go to the cross. If you read in Luke: 42-44 we can see that before the cross fear was present. Jesus knew the pain and agony He was about to face. I mean we are talking about one man dying the death of every single human being on earth. But love was stronger then fear. And His love cast the fear aside and made it possible for Him to be the hero of everyone.

Now this perfect love of Christ is in us. It fuels us. As Romans 5:8 states we first come to know this love that was demonstrated to us by Jesus' death on the cross, then come to realize that this love casts all fear aside, and then realize that "the love of Christ controls us." (2 Corinthians 5:14)

We can see this perfect love demonstrated in many seemingly "fearful" situations and how love has conquered. First look at Christ- at twelve He had no fear but was teaching religious leaders; He had no fear of being tempted by women when He spoke to the women at the well (see we have His perfect pure love too that causes us to not fear a dead flesh and dead lusts/temptations); and to Him declaring to His Father at the cross about those mocking Him "Father forgive them for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34 NASB) Then look at Stephen who was controlled by this same love- as Stephen was being stoned to death he too yelled for God to forgive his accusers. Then look at Paul who was beaten, ship wrecked, thrown in jail, and so much more the whole time totally confident and possessed by Christ's perfect love. Then of course one can look at modern lovers like Heidi and Rolland Baker who left all to serve orphans in Mozambique Africa; Georgian and Winnie Banov who travel all the world and even speak at garbage dumps; Benjamin and Stephanie Dunn who love on lepers with no fear of getting ill; people who adopt children who are handicapped; mothers who chose to give all for their children; couples who chose to forsake their old way of life to join together in marriage; and so much more.

Love is the most powerful thing. Love is God. God is love. And love looks so simple. Just check out 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. But the amazing thing is there is nothing stronger. Instead of picking power, anger, lighting bolts, swords, etc... God chose perfect love to conquer the world. And perfect love looks like Jesus defeating all wickedness and imparting all goodness to the world. This perfect love that shoves fear aside to take that bullet declaring "I love you." And it is this perfect love that has been imparted to us. We live for love just like Jesus did. We are obsessed with love. And actually Jesus chooses to love though us. We are one with him and feel how He feels about others and cannot help ourselves but to love. We are so connected to Him that we do not know if it's His love we are feeling for someone or our own or a mixture. And our response/reaction to anyone and anything is love.

Now you might be wondering why I shared this video with you about the very cranky bear. Check out that sheep in the story. Love casts her fear of that cranky bear aside. Instead she loved that bear and love won. Love always wins no matter what or who tries to oppose it.

Enjoy being controlled by Christ and His perfect love. Love is so fun and so addictive and it so works.

Thoughts on Unity

I have begun to see why Paul says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). I believe Jesus has such a heart to see His people get along as family and understand that we are a family no matter what. 

I have a family- a large family. A regular Dudek bunch we are- three girls and three boys. Our family grew up in a small house with three girls in one room and three boys in another. We were home schooled. But we were also one of the coolest, funniest (and still are) families ever. We have always been loud, interrupting each other and crazy open. My parents were always willing to be real with us and we could be real with them... so real that at young ages we could rebuke our parents. A couple times when our parents were fighting (which was rare) we kids actually made them work it out and would tell them they were both being selfish. We do not all agree either. I mean we all believe in Jesus and love the Lord, but yes some of our theologies even differ. We can annoy each other and hurt each other. And yet we were the home (and still are) where everyone wants to be. Our holidays are the best and we all just enjoy and legit love one another. We are always there for each other no matter what and we would give everything to help one another. Even if we went off a wrong path I know we would still be family.

I believe this is what God wants for His church. And by church I mean "His people." If I was upset with a family member I'd work it out and we'd still be family. I see so much in the church that can honestly be quite silly. Sometimes we act like to be a family we have to meet certain qualifications and believe the same thing perfectly. Then each talk behind the other's back. And I can  just see Jesus saying, "Guys, you are a family. Why are you living a lie. Let love reign." Control, winning an argument, proving who's right and wrong is not what it is about. Jesus got down and washed the disciples feet and they didn't even understand who He was and their theology was wack. Love will show the way. And love is what the world needs. And satan knows that if he can get the church to act the opposite of their real identity the world will not want anything to do with Jesus.

"Jesus, your grace has purchased for us not just individual perfection, but the entire church body perfection. I pray for you to bring revelation of this across your people throughout the world and this nation. I pray love will reign and in love things will be worked out. I pray for the manifestation of unity and brotherly love the likes of which we've never seen- a love that the world sees and says, "Wow that's Jesus." A love that without trying we are the home where everyone wants to be just like my Dudek home. It's time Daddy that we stop our silly arguments and fears and lay down our insecurities and walk in our real identity. Satan has lied so long to all of us making us act worse toward one another then the world. No more. Jesus shine on. Thank you that you purchased your entire bride on the cross. Get the reaction that you want from your bride. And start with me. Show me the way. Help me. I love you. It is time.

In Jesus Name Amen."

Life's a Maze

Well I just want to thank my Jesus for a refreshing Friday and Saturday.

Right now I am a preschool lead teacher and also going back to school to pursue my Bachelor's in Early Childhood education. It's been busy juggling school, college, etc. But God has been soooooooooo goood. I am about to make some big transitions. One thing God has really shown me is not to over spiritualize things and just see that He is in everything.Too often I used to make lame excuses about why I was feeling this way or that way and why this or that was happening when some answers are so simple. This week I often just felt anxious, confused, exhausted and God so sweetly told me that I was just tired and about to make some big steps and that it was ok. Sometimes it's just the simple answers like go to school, plan a budget, eat right, get some sleep, enjoy friends and family, watch a movie, etc.

This weekend I got to sleep in, watch a wonderful movie- Real Steel- with my parents, hang out with friends and family, slept in, went on a corn maze, and talked and gave and received hugs. Truly God is in the simple things.

He's been teaching me soooo much about wisdom too. He's letting me see that wisdom is a good thing, a sweet thing that He has purchased for us on the cross. Imagine having the wisest man ever around to help you make decisions, deal with relationships, figure out schooling, etc. I think of how much trouble God saved me from founding me through my parents with a right relationship attitude toward guys. I feel I was saved from so much trouble and heartache and am truly happy. Wisdom is free wine too. Check out Proverbs 9:4-5....yum. It's awesome reading Proverbs through the framework of what Jesus has already purchased for us on the cross. He is wisdom. And He's even given us these minds to make wise choices and be creative! It's so fun. It was actually neat planning a budget with Him today.

So thank you Daddy for being so wise and kind. It's great being yours. I love you so much. Bless all my readers with refreshment and wisdom too. Even overflowing so we can pour your refreshment and wisdom to others from our unique way. Love you all. :)

As I was locating a picture for this... I just realized that a maze can be a truly wonderful and refreshing thing. We go through corn mazes for fun and to spend time with those we love and enjoy. It can take a long time to get through. If it doesn't you feel ripped off. And you all have fun working together trying to figure out how to get through it. Wrong turns become part of the fun. And during it you can't help throwing corn kernals at each other and just being silly. Everyone knows you can't take a maze too seriously. The point is to get lost and have fun through it. It's about adventure and good times. And the more the merrier.

Sometimes life can feel like a maze. We know it might take a while to get through but we don't know for sure. If you take it too seriously you'll miss out. But with Jesus and His wisdom and refreshment it is fun and enjoyable. It's truly a beautiful thing. Life is not about getting through it and figuring it out... it's about enjoying Jesus and all His blessings in it, learning about Him through it, and blessing others as well. It's the adventure of Jesus and His love experienced with others. Thank you Jesus for the mazes of our lives.

Hosting Benjamin Dunn and Friends

Well it all started with me and my sister in law Jodi running into two Jesus guys at Dunkin Donuts. Then we learn there's a new ministry run by a sweet Jesus couple called Love Drunk ministries and meetings they host called Kingdom Culture meetings right here in downtown. Who woulda thunk?! To fast forward a bit me, my brother, my sister in law, and my friend Alanna simply joined in with this family of believers and are all obsessed with Jesus and His grace. And just last weekend God worked it out for all of us to host Benjamin Dunn and Friends- a totally heaven manifesting Jesus band that are doing world-wide tours to raise money to build a leper mansion in India. Benjamin Dunn also wrote one of my favorite books called the Happy Gospel.
So the whole band stayed at my brother and sister in laws help and I simply got to help host. It was amazing meeting these people whom I just heard of about a year ago. They are some of  the sweetest, most chill, joyous, and truly talented people I know. It was such a blessing just getting to talk with them and hear the concert itself. God really worked it out and gave us an awesome location (the auricle in Downtown Canton, Ohio) and brought many people who were already there for Canton's first Friday of the month art festival. The energy, joy, uniqueness blew me away! This was honestly the first concert I've ever been to (I used to be very conservative with music) and it was beyond amazing!!! I felt God so much. The band told us too that it was one of the best shows they had on this tour so far. God is so good using little old us.
This song is one of the songs they do in the album circus of love. If I get videos and pictures up I will be able to show you actually footage from when they were here.
Ben told us at the concert this song "You're the sweetest thing" was given to them from God on the spot as they sang for this lady with leprosy. All I could think of when they played the song here were my preschoolers and other people God has used me to love on. Enjoy. And dream with God... nothing is impossible. You... yourself... are a miracle! :)