Spring 2025 newsletter

​The older I get, the more I learn about myself. I have been told I am an atmosphere shifter. I am beginning to see how I thrive or fail to thrive according to atmospheres. In Genesis, heaven is referred to as a firmament. A firmament creates a greenhouse effect. In such an environment, everything grows.
Just this morning, I planned my day according to the atmosphere. I desired to search the word, write this newsletter, and prepare for mentoring this week. I came to one of my favorite spots to accomplish those things. At home today, I felt a bit under the weather, frustrated and unable to concentrate. I escaped to my favorite coffee shop. I looked around at the most peaceful place I could find. It was on a sofa in the lobby available to study, sip coffee, be alone, or whatever. I found a nearby water fountain and was facing the greenery outside. I could hear, process, and receive revelation easily in this spot.
I love silence, trees, coffee, and the sound of water. It is a heavenly place in time. I need these often. I am drawn to lakes, rivers, trees, gardens, and walks in a park. I thrive in a piece of heaven on earth. I hope dark roast awaits me at the marriage supper of the lamb!
I often tell people to create or find the environment you so desire. Just as an infant flourishes in the womb, it grows and is sustained and protected by the environment of the mother. In Psalm 139 it says, “when we were created in the secret place.”  It is referring to being covered and shaped. The environment of the womb is similar to a greenhouse.
A few weeks ago, at a prophetic gathering, the Spirit hovered over us all day. Everyone could sense and discern it . In this atmosphere, all can prophesy.  When Saul was in the company of prophets, he prophesied.
In contrast, your spirit knows when it is defiled, stifled, or at odds with an antichrist spirit. We were created for heaven. That is why we yearn for peace, rest, and stillness. The garden is where we flourish.
There was a song in the 70’s that Joni Mitchell sang and the words always ring true to my heart. “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”
Find your garden. Make one. Design one. Create the place you long for and will flourish in. Just as the Holy Spirit broods over chaos, the word spoken can change it all. Name your place. It will be your hiding place, your “go to” for refreshing. Sadly, many wait for an annual vacation and spend hundreds of dollars to escape the so-called rat race. In reality, they know what they need. While in Greensboro the other day, I noticed how much greenery and beauty were at my fingertips. The city is known as having some of the most beautiful parks in the nation. Paradise is what you long for and are created for.
As you are sustained and nourished in the Lord, you become the instrument of peace and rest for others.  In your presence, they encounter the Prince of Peace. You can actually carry the essence of heaven on earth. That will define you as an atmosphere shifter.
We can become so complicated in our walk with our Creator that we lose the childlike faith and wonder of our God. Jesus spoke in parables. He used the natural to reveal deep spiritual truths. He spoke of birds soaring and diverse types of soil.
Where do you thrive? Create your heavenly atmosphere. No matter what season you find yourself in, you can always find Him in that special meeting place.
I bless you to prosper, be in health, mature in all aspects of His nature, and bear much fruit for the Kingdom.
I love and appreciate you all!
Ruth