GOD RESTORES OUR "IF ONLY" AND "WHAT IF"

Joel 2:25 KJV "And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm..."

God resolves the "if only" and "what if" of our lives!  "If only" I did not take that job, "if only" I shopped around before I bought this new car, "if only" I took better care of my health while I was young.

"What if" I surrendered my heart to God  as a child?  "What if" I listened to my parents when they told me not to drop out of school? 

"If onlies and What ifs" are the locust and caterpillars of our minds that eat gapping holes in our lives and hearts.  If you play the scenarios over and over in your mind, you will be consumed and eaten alive with depression and regrets.  But thanks be to God, through His unconditional love, He resolves and restores ALL the "if onlies and what ifs" of our lives! 

The great promise of restoration found in Joel 2:25 is built upon the instructions of Joel 2:12- 13.  Before one can obtain full restoration, we must repent and turn back to God.  Repentance ALWAYS comes before the gift of Restoration.  Joel 2:12-13 NLT "That is why the Lord says, Turn to me now, while there is time!  Give me your hearts.  Come with fasting, weeping and mourning.  Don't tear your clothing in your grief; instead, tear your hearts."  Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful.  He is not easily angered.  He is filled with kindness and is eager NOT to punish you. 

God is more eager to restore all that we have lost throughout the years from sin and disobedience than even we are desparately longing to receive restoration into our lives.  Repent from deep within your heart, while there is time.  It is NEVR too late to be restored and recieve the gift of restoration through Christ! 

IN HIS PRESENCE CONFERENCE 2012

“How happy are those who fear the Lord, all who follow His ways!
You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.  How happy you will be!
How rich your life!” Psalm 128:1-2  NLT

As host and coordinator of the “In His Presence” conference 2012, I could not be more pleased with the event!  God showered us with His glorious presence, changed lives and continues to move in the lives of everyone who attended!  To God be glory!

As I viewed the video tapes of the event, I personally got to see and enjoy my efforts and labor of love.  I wept as I saw everyone participating, so many beautiful women and men!  Volunteers were serving but all were enjoying the wonderful presence of the Lord. 

I saw many tears, heard the beautiful release of laughter and saw the glory of God blanketing the day with His faithfulness, goodness, mercy and love!  Thanks be to God!

Every volunteer served with a cheerful heart, every speaker presented a powerful word along with amazing ministry to the attendees, and every singer flowed in the presence of God.  Each attendee heard the call to worship and answered the call with enthusiasm.  And that level of thankfulness and enthusiasm continues in the hearts of the attendees to this day!

I want to personally say ‘thanks’ to all who made this event such a special day for Pearls of Shalom Ministries and me.  I want to thank my Lord for all His provisions and meeting my needs and granting my special requests regarding this event. 

Surely, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Ps. 16:11 NLT

Theresa Westbrook – Conference Host and Speaker

IN HIS PRESENCE CONFERENCE…I KNOW that God danced on Saturday! ☺ We opened our hearts to HIM in worship; and the Lord opened up heaven. What a phenomenal day with a group of remarkable women from all around the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

Thank you Theresa Westbrook for your vision and leadership. I’m so very thankful that the Lord placed us together in friendship and ministry. He knew I needed you!

A host of volunteers made it come together seamlessly- to each one of you, THANK YOU!!! It just couldn’t be done without you. Thank you Hope of Glory Church! You NOT ONLY opened your doors to host the conference, you provided an amazing staff to attend our every need.

Narda Goodson…you “all nations” girlfriend, YOU ROCK!!! What a unique ministry God has given you.

La’Netia Taylor...what a privilege to meet you. You have a beautiful spirit and an incredible ministry.

Sis (Sheila Penick)...thank you for the beautifully signed song. So happy and thankful God has allowed us to minister together.

Thank you to each and every one who attended. Your desire for His Presence was truly evident.

Above all, thank you Jesus. We are forever indebted to you. YOU are the air breath we breathe. You showered us with your love and we were renewed, restored and healed mind, body and spirit.

Laura Henry – Conference Speaker, Pearls of Shalom Ministries Board Member

I would like to take this opportunity to say just how much I have enjoyed being a part of the In His Presence Conference. It was an honor to be in the midst of great women of God, who not only were thirsty and longed for God's Presence, but precious women who brought their alabaster boxes of worship with them.

I experienced alabaster boxes breaking before His Majesty, and one by one, as its sweet aroma of love and adoration inundated the air, the atmosphere became charged with His Power as His Grace fell upon us in the beauty of holiness.

Oh, how words fail to describe the joy I feel in my heart. It is all about Jesus and an occurrence that can only be experienced In His Presence.

Narda Goodson – Conference Speaker, In His Presence FB Administrator

Two Poems - One Inspiration

As I communed with the Lord last week about the upcoming "In His Presence" conference, I was inspired by the Holy Spirit with the following words put into a poem. 

I shared this poem with an accomplished poet, Sharon Brown and she wrote another poem inspired by the one I had shared with her.  When I read the two poems, it is as if her poem, "Father God Come Soon" is a prayer request and when I read my poem, "Gather ' Round Children, Father Is Here" I interpret it to be the answer to her prayer.  Read and allow the Lord to speak to you!

Gather ‘Round Children, Father Is Here

Theresa Westbrook:  Heavenly Inspired 4-12-2012

Gather children gather

Gather ‘round

There’s no need to fear

Our kind Father is near

Gather children gather

Gather ‘round

Gather children gather

Gather ‘round

Is that His footsteps I hear

As His hand opens the door

Listen sons and daughters

Your mighty Father is here

Gather children gather

Gather ‘round

Oh how sweet His voice

You are His darlings

The ones He loves so dear

Children its time to rejoice

Your generous Father is here

Gather children gather

Gather ‘round

Look children Father is here

He brings us gifts

He brings us love

He brings us treasures from above

See children

Your abundant Father is here

Gather children gather

Gather ‘round

Run to Him children, run to Him

Fall into His strong embrace

Let Father kiss away all the hurt

Let Him heal all your pain

For in His presence there is never shame

Rest now children

Your loving Father is here

Gather children gather

Gather’ round

Oh what a happy day children

Your glorious Father is here

Let Him mend your wounds

Let Him dry all your tears

He brings you hope

He brings you cheer

Thank God children

Our heavenly Father is here

Gather children gather

Gather ‘round

Father God Come Soon

Sharon L/w Brown

4-13-2012

(Inspired by Theresa Westbrook)

Oh Heavenly Father, come soon

Come into the house of my heart,

I’ve waited long for You to rescue me,

To hold me, love me, to make my days right.

Please tell me You are near

That Your journey in my behalf goes well,

I long for Your words of love once more

For Your divine presence in my soul.

Even now, I can hear Your sweet voice

Consoling me in my wounds and hurts,

In my defeats and losses, my grievous errors

That only You can make right.

With other kindred souls we gather and wait

Our rejoicing has already begun,

We can feel Your nearness in our hearts

Your love, gifts, and treasures near.

I need You Father God; We need You

To wash away all our fears and shame,

And in Your strength and forgiveness

Becoming the same for You and even our offenders.

Oh Heavenly Father, come soon

Come into the house of our hearts,

We’ve waited long for you to rescue us,

To hold us, to love us, to make our days right.

Please tell me You are near

That Your journey in our behalf goes well,

I long for your words of love once more

For Your divine presence in our souls.

Father God … Come Soon …

"IN HIS PRESENCE" WOMEN'S CONFERENCE MAY 19, 2012

How many would have loved to live in the lifetime of Jesus? How many of you would have loved to see his miracles, hear his teachings, and watch him heal the sick? I know I would have loved to witness all these wonders and that is why I am looking forward to being at the "In His Presence"  conference as the Lord ministers in special ways! Come out and be a part of this wonderful meeting! Shalom.

Announcing New Time With Theresa TV Intro

http://vimeo.com/36119515  (click this link ot see the new TV Intro)

I am pleased to announce that we are finished with the new TV Intro for my local cable television show, Time With Theresa!  It is amazing how long it takes and how much hard works goes into just a 30 second clip!  There is much editing before a final product is suitable or what the director/producer had envisioned when he first began the project.  But once the director/producer has finished editing and is pleased with the end results, then the project is complete and ready to share! 

I was thinking that is what it may be like with the Master Editor, God himself!  Before we get to heaven, I am sure He will spend a great deal of time editing our life story and leading us into the great master clip He has envisioned for our life!  And I am confident that His vision is much greater for us than we can think or imagine for ourselves.  So yes Lord, please edit our lives for your glory and for our sakes, amen!

Jer. 29:11

THE GREATEST PRESENT IS HIS PRESENCE!

We are celebrating one of the richest gifts ever given to man today, Jesus Christ!  Just to be in His presence is more than enough to cover anything we need or desire. 

We have received so much through the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  We want to share just a few wonderful gifts given to us through His birth with you today.  Please take a few moments to discover other gifts we have received because of the most important birth of all, Jesus Christ, and share them with your loved ones today.  

HOW WONDERFUL TO KNOW, GOD IS WITH US: IS. 7:14

WHAT A BLESSING TO KNOW THAT GOD IS FOR US: IS. 54:17

LOOKING FORWARD TO WHEN GOD WILL RETURN TO TAKE US HOME: MATT. 24:31

You are invited to post some other wonderful gifts given to us by the birth of Jesus Christ and you are invited to post your Christmas prayer on the Pearls of Shalom Ministries FB page.    https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Pearls-of-Shalom-Ministries/150362108312595

More than wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Shalom, (Num. 6:24-26)
Theresa and Don Westbrook

Were you there when Jesus was born? Will you be there when He returns?

I wonder if I would have been one of the chosen ones to witness the birth of Jesus?  What would that have felt like?  How would that have made my life different?  Of course we all have the opportunity to read all about the birth of Jesus in the Bible. Lu. 2:15-20  And all of our lives have certainly been changed for the better because of that one precious birth.  But reading about the birth of Jesus can't compare to being there in the moment and seeing it with your own eyes. 

No, I wasn't there when Jesus was born and neither were you.  We missed out on that blessed event but I do believe in His virgin birth and that He is the son of God and that He will come again.

Praise be to God, one day, I will see Him on His next visit and this is gauranteed.  It won't matter if I am dead or alive when He returns;  I will see Him, and I will live with Him forever!  And you can too!  Are you ready, watching and waiting?  He is coming again and you don't want to miss this blessed event.  In the words of TD Jakes, "Get ready, get ready, get ready!"
I Thes. 4:15-18