I was reading about the extreme drought in California this morning and how they are responding with water regulations that will devastate local farmers. In the article, there was a picture of a dry farm with rows of uprooted dead almond trees. One of the farmers explains that they are in "survival mode" and these nuts (80% of the US supply coming from CA) are a "famously thirsty crop", so they were the first to go.
This farmer factoid immediately brought my mind to Scripture. I remembered a puzzling verse in Jeremiah. When God calls Jeremiah to rise up as a prophet in Chapter One, the first thing He shows him is an almond branch.
And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see an almond branch.” (Jer 1:11 ESV)
The next verse (God's answer) and the footnote is what always confused me a bit. In verse 12, God says, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.” The Bible footnote claims that "almond sounds like the Hebrew for watching". Huh? (head scratch) - has been my response up to this point. BUT TODAY, my response is 😱😭🙌.
You see, almonds are a crop in Israel. I've received them in my treasured monthly subscription boxes. Jeremiah would KNOW that they are water intensive. He would also know the words of God through his predecessor Isaiah:
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it produce and sprout, And providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10-11 NASB)
This was God preparing Jeremiah for a really hard season of ministry that confronted the nation who had turned away from God. He was dismissed, mocked... thrown into a well and left to die at one point (for not wanting "good" for them)! But God's promise was sure:
They will fight against you, but they will not [ultimately] prevail over you, for I am with you [always] to protect you and deliver you,” says the LORD. (Jer 1:19 AMP)
Are you in a season of waiting right now? Rest assured that God's word and promises are alive and active over you. He is moving behind the scenes and He is faithful to perform what He has spoken over you. BELIEVE!
And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45 ESV)
Praying for you today, even as you pray for me. Love you all!
Alli
Here's the article link for reference.
https://gizmodo.com/california-s-farmers-face-unprecedented-water-restricti-1847429075
NOTE: You'll have to create a free, private account here on Locals and click to be a member of this Keola Family to follow along with the freely shared divorce and baby news, as well as some of these little encouragements and public workout/wellness resources. No payment required to see these open posts, but you'll need that account to access all of them. You won't be targeted with ads and your content isn't taken (remains solely your property) or censored here. (You do have to support in order to comment and share your own stuff, though.) That doesn't mean you won't be challenged by THIS community to step into MORE and BETTER with God. It's a great place to connect, share things in your life, pour into others, get vulnerable, and GROW. I'm blessed by your presence here!
Extra Note: Be sure to set your notifications to alert when something new posts. You can also follow each other within the community and set notifications for each others content. 💗 (Video explanation to maximize your Keola Family membership coming soon!)
#firechallenge #faith
This 30-Day Steel Focus Challenge starts today in the Keola Fit & Fiery Club and will help you sort through the more than 6,000 thoughts that cross your mind each day, so you can live more deeply in the freedom of God's Spirit! Here's the welcome activity, just to get you started. You can jump into the first 7 days of the challenge for FREE through the challenge freebie on the site or by starting a free trial of the Club.
I hope you join us!
Start your membership trial at:
https://keolafit.teachable.com/p/keola-fit-fiery-club-streaming-1
I've got a new Basic Membership option now, too! Just to help ease the burden from all the other prices that are jumping in this economy. I don't want you to miss out on all the stress-busting and body-soul-spirit strengthening resources available in the Club! Find out more at that same above link.
Supporters make a comment and I'll give you a special gift with this trial. I'm so grateful for you!
Get the whole workout as a free download. It's an excellent core strengthener with a powerful message on beating fear and discouragement. Available until April 30th. 👇
https://keolafit.teachable.com/p/live-virtual-keola-class-recording-weekly-wellness-challenge-2
#keolaworkout
Do you want to build FOCUS, INTIMACY WITH GOD, and GAIN CONFIDENCE in hearing His voice?
In working with Christians for over 12 years, I've learned that we all struggle with discerning the voice of God. That's normal. The struggle is real, but YOU CAN WIN!
It takes intention, risk, and vulnerability, but you can know His voice and gain confidence in following Him. This newest resource, week one of the 30 Day Steel Focus Challenge, is a great place to start. It is the foundational element of the Challenge and I want everyone to have access to it FOR FREE
By signing up, you'll receive daily email reminders for a short video (most are just 5 minutes) with a simple action step to implement what we talked about. Right now is an excellent time to break from busyness and set your focus on JESUS. Click the link to learn more and get started today!
https://keolafit.teachable.com/p/7day_focus
#christianmeditation
Starting these daily again, some of them with a little twist! Kicking off this first week by splicing the blessing into a pretty awe-inspiring sight. Check it out!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-2doVeOkeI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Summer Confidence 2024 Starts Here: This Amazon Shirt is the Key to Your Best Look
Summer is officially here, and it's time to ditch the sweats and embrace sunshine-ready looks! That's why we're so excited to share this amazing find with you: the Finegoodwei Women's 2-Piece Knit Skirt Outfit from Amazon! https://amzn.to/4bgi9S6
Why We Love It:
Comfy & Cool: Made from breathable knit fabric, this outfit is perfect for beating the heat in style.
Flattering Fit: The crop tank top and high-waisted skirt duo flatters all body types, leaving you feeling confident and beautiful.
Versatility Galore! Dress it up with heels for a night out, or keep it casual with sandals for a day at the beach. ️
Locally Sourced Fashion: Did you know Amazon offers a wide variety of products from local businesses? This outfit might be the perfect way to support a local seller while looking fabulous! ️
Ready to level up your summer wardrobe?
Head over to the link https://amzn.to/4bgi9S6 to snag this trendy ...
After 30 years, I always go back to these Pilates centric moves to feel and look my best.
These 3 help:
•Strengthen your core
•Lengthen + stretch/release your posterior chain to help prevent back pain or support relief
•Improve posture
•Remind you that 👉you are “immersed” in God’s grace + Spirit, 👉you are “enough” for Heaven’s best, and 👉you are “regal”, a king/queen in Jesus carrying authority + influence in your workplace + home life.
I recommend taking short movement breaks throughout your day. See these moves in workout #1 and this week’s highlighted workout #32 in my Free Weekly Workout resource.
Email me, if you’re looking for a body, mindset + faith boost. I have a few private virtual coaching spots available + I’d love to work with you. It’s never too early or too late!
Building faith + identity in Jesus with every move. This is the Keola® way. 🕊️
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4u8E9Rrqjz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==