Ch-ch-ch-changes!

Just a quick update... after much thought, I will be officially "ending" Destiny Driven"... I feel this blog has been fabulous and therapeutic in my life, but I feel the need for something fresh! So, I will be creating a new blog which will link to here. The url will be transferred.

I am in a new season and I feel the time for something fresh and new is upon me.... so, I'll catch you at the next blogstop!

His Presence

About a month ago, we started having a time of intercession and worship on Saturday nights. An unrehearsed flow that ushers in the presence of the Lord. Though the motivation in doing so was to seek God and set the atmosphere for Sunday morning, I don't think any of us had an idea of what God was about to unleash in Christ Central Dallas, in us corporately and individually. The worship and prayer is raw, real, from the heart. Most nights it is rare to see anyone standing, they are face down on the floor or in a kneeling position. Children, youth, adults in an intimate time with Jesus.

This past weekend, the CCD worship team, Remnant led us in powerful worship woven with powerful intercession. The presence of God was so evident, so awesome, thick. And Sunday morning the same presence was there again, and we experienced such a powerful move of God initiated by our worship to Him. Matt and Brandon began to sing "Marked by Heaven" and something in heaven broke open. There is such an intense hunger and yearning for Jesus in our House.... and it is being carried outside the House... and drawing others in...

Some exciting things are happening and about to happen in and thrugh CCD in this season we are in... it is so muc bigger than any person or persons... it is His and His alone... we are only vessels... what a privilege and honor...

Greeting from Hiram, GA

I am back my friends. My computer has been in Chicago being fixed. There was an issue with the port in the back. And we finally got moved into Hiram, GA... YEA!!!! We are still doing some unpacking and settling and we'll be painting in the next few weeks but it is all coming together! And I need a fridge... ugh... I SOOO need a fridge! We're using a mini fridge right now and with seven people, it really isn't working out! Pray with us that we can find a used fridge at the right price in the next few days!

We are in project mode at Christ Central. Our offices are being overhauled for maximum use. I saw a design I liked at Free Chapel for desk space and then we incorporated it in two of the shared offices for our pastoral staff. In one of the offices that two people used to use, we will now be able to fit up to 6 or 7 if necessary, but generally it will be used by five. The other office will be used by three or four, as it is a little smaller.

The last few weeks have been so amazing at CCD. The more we seek Him and obey Him, the more we pray and worship... He just continues to show up and amaze us. The Lord has been speaking prophetically and opening doors that are impacting our community.

On the Sloanfront, the belles are loving being close to their Georgia peeps and I rarely have all five at once, and as of late have been having other belle-friends join us.

The three eldest belles will be headed to ROC Youth Camp in a couple weeks, and Craig will join them. He will be speaking one night at the camp. So, it will be just me and the little belles. We are planning on some belle-like fun! :)

I'll try to get some photos up tonight or tomorrow. Like I said, we are still transitioning!

Love to you all... it's good to be back in blogdom!

I was beside myself. Izzie, our curly headed three year old had broken a rule, was disciplined and now she was missing.

I ran through the house, frantic and close to tears. Craig and Kaitlyn joined the search. We could not find her. Finally, out of desperation I stopped and cried out at the top of my lungs, "Iz-zie!!! Isabel-laaaa!" Suddenly the Holy Spirit spoke to me to check my bed where I had been packing a huge suitcase for Craig and I. Throwing back the flap of the case I saw a small lump under my comforter. Qickly I yanked the quilt back and found Izzie hiding with her hands covering her sweet little face.

As I gathered her in my arms and hugged her close to my chest she looked me in my eyes. "Are you mad at me Mommy? I'm sorry Mommy, I love you!"

Of course my heart melted and I quickly forgot and forgave whatever the wrong had been. My little girl was back in my arms!

Fast forward a day later. I was in an intimate time of worship with the Father. His presence was so heavy, thick. I could hear Him so clearly.

"Tara, do you remember yesterday when Isabella was missing?," He whispered in my ear.

"Yes Lord, I was so desperate to find her. Nothing else mattered except finding Isabella!," I replied.

"There was desperation, and emotion in your voice," He reminded me. "When you yelled her name, that was a testament of your genuine love for her."

"I do love her and I was so set on finding her even though she had disobeyed me," I said.

"Tara, there was a day that I was that desperate to find you," the Father said. "I looked past every wrong and I yelled your name in declaration that you were mine and I would hold you in My arms again."

Immediately, my heart overflowed with gratitude, my eyes spilling tears. In my spirit I saw the Father, at my lowest points in life, stand up and with everything He hadn yell my name at the top of His lungs. He was calling me back home.

That picture has stayed with me. It is one I cannot forget.

The Word tells us that He has redeemed us, He has called us by name, we are His! And no matter what wrong we've committed or discipline we require, His love is unconditional.He will always be desperate to hold us in His arms again.

Kris Allen... God of This City

Kris Allen Singing "God Of This City" {American Idol} from Rick Smith on Vimeo.

Prayer Tonight

I felt the presence of God so strongly tonight during Hunger Night.
While praying for souls to come into the Kingdom, I was moved to pray that we would have the heartbeat of God. Personally, I have had such a burden for those who do not yet know the Lord. I find myself wondering if those I run into have the awesome privilege of knowing Christ. And that is when that burning passion
Begins and I begin to share my faith.
What an honor it is to share His love and life changing power.

Be Action Oriented!

L O V E this Q U O T E by Bill Hybels....

“Personally, I’ve never understood inactivity. Why a person would sit when he can soar, spectate when he can play, or atrophy when he can develop is beyond me. I feel sure Jesus felt the same way. A lot of adjectives might describe Jesus’ time here on planet Earth, but comatose would not be one of them. In the span of three years in “vocational” ministry he performed dozens of miracles, healed hundreds of people, catalyzed thousands of conversions, set the stage for the most ambitious church plant in history, and died for the sins of all humankind. He was the epotime of action oriented.”

Mother's Day @ Christ Central... It's a WRAP!

My blogging has unfortunately remained sporadic over the last few months. As much as I don't like it, I have also decided to stop apologizing for it. I have 24 hours in a day and well, about 30 hours of work to do each day not counting sleep, so some things are being minimized for now!

Anywho.... MOTHER'S DAY!!! It was (as PD says) UH-MAZING! I am fully convinced and confident that Craig and I have some of, if not the MOST incredible people at Christ Central! These ladies BROUGHT IT! Not to mention that their efforts brought in over 30 new guests! We had a record crowd!

We had our ladies doing everything on Sunday! We celebrated WOMEN! They greeted, they ushered, they led worship, they danced, they performed drama and they ministered!

The theme was "The Real Housewives of CC: No Obstacle is Lethal Enough to Erase the Potential We Possess!" I wrote a 20 minute drama that portrayed a "reunion" special of a 'faux' reality show featuring CC housewives. It was awesome! And our graphics gal went ALL out with the video graphics... they were incredible!

I brought the Word following the drama, "No Obstacle is Lethal Enough to Erase the Potential We Possess,,, So ARISE!" and them we ended the day in the presence of God with salvations (woo hoo!!!!), healing, restoration and a fresh infilling. The ladies made a demand on the anointing and God showed up in a powerful way!

We also gave away movie tickets, a Cuisine Art Coffee Maker, I-pod, massage, manicure, facial, haircut and coffee. And every woman received a swag bag filled with makeup, hair care, perfume, and lotion samples, jazzercise lesson, pens, tissues, nail care items, candy, homemade fudge and cookies, and $50 in coupons and discounts!

I have been in such awe of what GOD is doing... it is HIM... and I feel humbled DAILY to be used by Him...

You can hear the drama and message here... and I have included a link to photos here and YouTube clips of the dance ministry and a little bit of worship as well... enjoy!

BTW- for those of you who have contacted me wanting a "how to" and the drama and message notes... give us some time to pull these together and in the meantime... email me at pastortarasloan@gmail.com with your email AND mailing address. We are full aware that there is nothing new under the sun and we would be thrilled to share!

Use Me Lord!

I wanna be a vessel You work through... I wanna be more like You!

In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing. 2 Timothy 2:20 (The Message)

A Peek at "The Real Housewives of CC"

He's So Mmm-Mmm Good!

What a beautiful weekend it was at Christ Central in Dallas, Georgia! As Bishop Miller always says, "It is amazing what can happen when you just show up!" Show up we did, praying, expecting, believing and full of faith...

We had close to thirty guests... and ten responded to the altar for salvation and rededication and God is proving Himself in other areas as well... it was an awesome day in the House of God!

This week we will hit the ground running. We are planning a huge Mother's Day event where we will celebrate mothers and ALL women. Our theme, "The Real Housewives of CC..." will exhibit drama, a message, powerful worship and dance ministry... AND we're giving away a spa package!!!! And every woman will receive a swag bag with goodies! And yes, chocolate will be involved!

We're believing for a powerful move of God! I'll post a lot more throughout the week and after the event... but I'll tell you now... I am SO excited!

Believing Together

I am sitting here watching "Walk the Line" with Kaitlyn. Craig is out with the guys seeing the new Wolverine movie.Christy and I had our girls' day out today. We did a little window shopping, talking, laughing, lunch, and yummy dessert at Garfield's. It was such a fun day!

I came home to a spick and span house and Craig firing up the grill. Ah, what a treat!

I am so looking forward to this weekend at CCD. We are calling in ten souls a week... Join us in our prayer!

What are you believing for? Comment me here or email me at destinydrivendiva@gmail.com

Believing Together

I am sitting here watching "Walk the Line" with Kaitlyn. Craig is out with the guys seeing the new Wolverine movie.Christy and I had our girls' day out today. We did a little window shopping, talking, laughing, lunch, and yummy dessert at Garfield's. It was such a fun day!

I came home to a spick and span house and Craig firing up the grill. Ah, what a treat!

I am so looking forward to this weekend at CCD. We are calling in ten souls a week... Join us in our prayer!

What are you believing for? Comment me here or email me at destinydrivendiva@gmail.com

Around My House...

The Rapture

There has been a lot of talk about the end times lately in our house. That and discussion on how to hear the voice of God. Needless to say, family devotions have been very interesting. Kelsea and Haley have been listening to Pastor Lonnie's three set CD series on Revelation. It has stirred up a spirit of evangelism in our home. They have all been sharing Christ at school more than they ever have before. This makes a mother proud and it also stirs my spirit.

I have always believed that a great spiritual awakening and worldwide revival is going to take place through young people. Watching such an awakening occurring in my home right now, I am looking for an extreme global outpouring to take place at any time.

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams" (Acts 2:17)

Ministry Stuff
Every week I try to sum up in words what God is doing... and well, there aren't enough words. In our home, family, community, church, ministry... He is moving. As the church, we have made it a priority to solve the problems nearest us, and as we have started to do this we are seeing increase. As a family, Craig and I make our girls and each other our first ministry... and we see increase... our relationship with Daddy God... priority... relationships with others... priority... and we see increase.

Personally
I wish I had an extra five hours per day... some days I just have to take a deep breath... whew...! I know it will get easier once we move to the Dallas-Hiram area. I just have to hold it together until then. Seriously, I have SO much to do... and 24 hours just ain't cutting it! BUT... as Bishop says, "TIME is something we're all given the same measure of daily..." So, I will make it work... just like everyone else!

And right now it it TIME to cook dinner....