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Please Note: There will be no link up party next week Thursday July 4th … I pray you have a wonderful, restful day filled filled with family, friends and food as you celebrating our Nations Independence!

Welcome to Week #12  of the Dreamers Series

If you missed a previous week you can find them by clicking on the pictures below: 

Road to Restoration

Dreamers Series

I ran out of the meeting and jumped into my car and left as quickly as I could. I couldn’t stay, I had to get home. I pulled out onto the street and began to navigate my way towards the freeway and home.

The silent tears that were streaming down my face had now become a flood joined by deep guttural sobs.

I navigated onto the freeway, doing my best to contain the tears and sounds coming from the depths of my soul.  My heart felt like it had been stabbed a thousand times and yet, it was still beating.  The deep breathing exercises I learned for childbirth years earlier were slowly helping me regain some semblance of control.

As soon as I navigated onto the freeway safely, I began to ugly cry again, this time peppering God with all kinds of “why” questions.

As I continued to make my way home, my cell phone rang. I took several deeper breaths trying to control myself before I answered.  I am not even sure why I answered the phone. I guess I was hoping it would be my husband checking on me and I could share my pain and hurt with him. However, it was not, it was my best friend and she was related to the person I had just met with.

I managed to answer with my hello sounding somewhat controlled and normal.

“Well, how did it go?” she asked.

I hesitated a little too long as the tears began welling up in my eyes again and this time my attempted to respond with garbled voice gave it away.

“Oh no, what happened, I know how she can be sometimes. Tell me what happened.” She demanded.

I couldn’t not respond. I know I never should have answered the phone, but I longed to have someone be with me in the pain I was experiencing.

Through tears, I responded, “I… I can’t tell you what happened, she’s related to you and you’re my friend. I can’t make you choose sides.  Let’s just say, it didn’t go well at all. I feel like I was ambushed and left for dead.  I will talk to you later.”  I then hung up.

This was one of the most hurtful, painful times in my life. I was hurt by someone I trusted.  We were in ministry together and we should have been able to have a mature discussion on the matter at hand. However, in the end, I walked away hurt and wounded.  I tried several attempts at restoration, but to no avail as each encounter ended up hurting worse than the times before.

It would have been so easy to let the hurt and pain turn into unforgiveness, bitterness or even offense. It was a long season of walking through the pain and hurt. Choosing to continually forgive and being diligent to make sure bitterness and offense didn’t set in, and when it did, to root it out as quickly as possible, which is not always easy.

I have always wondered about Joseph’s motives and actions regarding his brothers in the chapters that followed him being promoted to a position of power within the palace.

• I wondered if Joseph had truly forgiven his brothers.
• I wondered if Joseph had any bitterness or offense towards his brothers.
• I wonder if Joseph wanted to make them suffer just a little.
• I wondered if Joseph wanted to get revenge.
• I wondered if Joseph wanted to say, “Look at me now!”

I wonder if Joseph thought he had forgiven his brothers only to discover, seeing them face to face brought up hurts from the past, he thought were long dead, buried and he had moved past.

The moment Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them even though nearly 20 years had passed since last he saw them, but he treated them like strangers and spoke gruffly to them (Genesis 42:7 The Voice)

He then remembered the dreams he had as a young man regarding his brothers. (Genesis 42:9 The Voice)

Have you ever had a broken relationship with someone and you think that you had forgiven or let go of your offense, only to find that when you see them face to face that your emotions come back as if you were still holding onto offense or unforgiveness?

I sure have. It’s not something I am happy to admit, but it’s the truth.  Forgiveness and letting go of offense is a choice.  It’s not always easy but it’s a necessary one.  If someone viciously set out to harm or destroy you, much like Joseph’s brother did, then it is a process of choosing to let go of the offense and to walk in forgiveness.  It can often be a long road through forgiveness and towards restoration.  Even if someone has hurt you and it was not intended, there is still a process we must walk through to forgive and let go of any offense.

As we navigate the soap opera story of Joseph’s brothers coming to Egypt to buy food so they can live, we see Joseph doing some rather strange things. He gives them back their silver in the bags filled with grain. He keeps one of the brothers imprisoned so hopefully they will return for him and bring Joseph’s youngest brother Benjamin along.

But their words moved him, so he withdrew from them and cried. When he had composed himself, he came back and spoke to them again. He selected Simeon to remain behind and had him bound in ropes right in front of them. (Genesis 42:24 The Voice)

The brothers think the worst when they discover all their silver is returned.  Once home, they share what happened with their father and don’t return until they have gone through all the supplies, they purchased the first time.  The return trip is necessary and yet there are many obstacles standing in their way. They have to bring Benjamin back, but Jacob, their father is reluctant and refuses. Finally, Jacob agrees to let Benjamin go and they set out on the long road to Egypt yet again.

Joseph had a lot of time to work through his hurt, pain and offense towards his brothers. Joseph had matured and changed, but he wasn’t so sure about his brothers.  Joseph was testing his brother’s loyalty to Benjamin. Would they sacrifice him to save themselves like they had done with Joseph?  Or would they love him and defend him.  Thus, all the strange plotting and scheming on Joseph’s part.  In the end, Joseph reveals who he is and shares with them Gods bigger plan.

 God sent me here ahead of you to makes sure you and your families survive this terrible ordeal and have a remnant left of earth (Genesis 45:7 The Voice)

Hurt, pain, offense and unforgiveness are all things that can hold us back from taking our rightful position in the Kingdom. These are things that can hinder us from truly walking in freedom and walking in the calling and purpose God has for us.   God needed Joseph healed and restored so he could fulfill His purpose, and God wants the same for us.

The road to restoration can sometimes be long and it isn’t always easy, but it is worth it.

I invite you to join me and others for the all NEW, FREE Monthly 5-Day … Dare to… Challenges which will be held the 3rd week of the month. Next 5-Day Challenge begins Monday July 15 – Friday July 19.

July’s Monthly Challenge is: Dare to: PRAY.   You can find all the details about what the 5-days will look like, in my post: Up for a challenge by clicking here:

This month’s challenge is almost over, but you can still jump in and participate.

If you would like to signup for the monthly email reminders for this 5-Day Challenge, please fill out the form below and you will be notified when next month’s challenge is live.

Last week top viewed post was: What I learned when I didn’t listen … from Laurie over at Meditations in Motion:

Thank you Laurie for sharing with us the importance of really listening to someone.

I love these words you so beautiful wrote: “To truly listen is to stop narrating my own life and see things from someone else’s perspective. I must learn to put my own agenda aside long enough to focus on another’s point of view.”

Again Welcome and Thank you for joining me for #TuneInThursday it is an honor to have you here!

I have had a few people ask for a badge/button to display on your blogs.  I would absolutely be honored if you would display it, or link back here in some way.  Thank you!

Now let’s get this party started, feel free to link 1-3 posts:

 

Join the fun at #TuneInThursday and link up your family friendly post.

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Check out the NEW Podcast from @Dare2Hear Episode 12: Guest Robynne Miller  CLICK TO TWEET

Episode #004:  Ways God Speaks “Dare 2 Hear The Podcast” is now live!

Thank you to those who listened last week and have already left reviews!  You have blessed us so much!

Would you please consider subscribing to my podcast on the platform of your choice, sharing it on your social media with friends and if you like what you hear, would you leave a review so others can know what you think.

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For those who like to watch and not just listen, I will also be posting new episodes on my YouTube Channel.  You can find it by clicking here.

New episodes will be released every Wednesday. Next week Episode #013:  The Prophetic Isn’t Weird

Can I ask a HUGE Favor? 

Would you Please Listen & LEAVE A REVIEW ON iTunes…

It know it may seem like a lot to ask, because it takes time. However, if you can leave an honest review after listening, it would really be a HUGE blessing. Each review helps the podcast rank higher and get more eyes. If you’re interested, here’s how you do it:

1. Go to the iTunes podcast page for my show – CLICK HERE
2. Click on the blue button that says “View in iTunes.” (If you are prompted to launch iTunes, you’ll need to do so)
3. Listen to Episode 1  How to Hear the Voice of God
4. Click on the “Subscribe” button
5. Click on “Ratings & Reviews” tab (if on your computer) or “Reviews” (on your phone)
6. Under the title “Customer Reviews” click “Write a Review”
7. Leave a simple and honest review then click “Submit” and you’re done!

Thanks again for helping spread the news about the podcast!

With Much love and Appreciation,

Debbie 

Debbie Kitterman is a natural born encourager who is on fire for God. She is passionate about equipping individuals, so they can go deeper in the relationship with God, reach their God-potential and claim their Kingdom inheritance. Debbie is a wife, mother, author, pastor, speaker and the founder of “Dare 2 Hear,” a ministry that trains individuals to hear the voice of God. She travels to churches internationally and is the founder and teacher of d2htraining.com, an online course designed to equip the believer in releasing God’s heart. Her writing and teachings inspire faith and build bridges for people to believe and expect the impossible. She is also an ordained Foursquare pastor, currently serving with her husband, John, as senior pastor of Restoration Church in Lacey, Washington. Learn more at: www.debbiekitterman.com

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YouVersion 7-Day Devotional

This is a 7-day Devotional you can get on the YouVersion Bible App

I am blessed and honored to have a 7-day devotional on the YouVersion Bible App. YAY!!! It is a great way to kick start the 7- days before my on-line Bible Study starts next week. I would be so blessed if you would check it out and share it with your friends. You can find it here: Be The Gift Someone Needs Today!

Have you had the opportunity to read my new book  “The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for others.” ?  This book is about learning to hear the voice of God in our own life so we can respond to those God bumps and little nudges He gives us on a daily basis.    God is calling us to be agents of encouragement and to be the gift the worlds needs today.

We live in a time, where those around us are in desperate need of a real encounter with Jesus and in need of encouragement. We are called to encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13), and to build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).  My book will teach you how to step out and do just that.

To order your copy today: You can find it at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, OR your favorite online retailer, Plus, newly added, you can now get a signed copy from me.  Click Here to order yours today! 

We all have the opportunity to #BeTheGift of encouragement others need today.

Do you wonder if God still speaks today?  Do you wonder if He would ever speak to you personally?  Do you long to hear the voice of God in your life?

Have your read other books on hearing from God, but long for hands on practical application? or are you looking for ways to  move you forward  hearing from God?

If you answered YES to any of those questions, then I have exactly what you need.  I now have an online e-course designed to equip you in understanding that God still speaks today, and He longs to speak directly to you, through His word, and others.  He longs to encourage you, strengthen you and comfort you.  The training on this site, is fully based on Scripture, and taken from my training manual Releasing God’s heart through Hearing His Voice. 

God is speaking, Can you Hear Him?

d2htrainging.com membership site is open, I invite you to check it out today, and develop a deeper relationship with the Lord, as you learn to hear Him speak to your heart.

Looking for other Great Inspirational Parties. Click Here to see where I Link-Up weekly.

Several Submissions have been featured at Blessed Transgressions, an Online Magazine:

Balancing the Warrior & the Princess We’re Called to Be

Who we Are and Whose We Are

Trusting God When it Seems Illogical

Will You Sit with Me? (Jesus is Calling.)

My Post:  Adjust the Flow was featured here:

Over the Moon Linkup

My Post: The Reluctant Encourager was featured here:

My Posts:  The Most Wonderful Time of the Year & And So Do We! & Know Your Why & Jesus in Us! were featured here:

My Post  #BeTheGift was featured here:

My Post “Climb Every Mountain” was featured in the August monthly link-up at : Life on Intention Link-up Party

My Posts: “Will You Sit with Me?”  & New Mercies Everyday & Wait for it were featured here:

My Post: The Power of your Story, The Reluctant Encourager and #TeamJesus were featured here:

My Post “What’s in a Name?” was featured here:

My Post: “The Journey through Change” was featured here:

Again,  I have been know to link to the following Inspirational Parties:

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