The Olive Press Mentoring Group

07/26/2024

Thank you to my students for their kindness in showering me with gifts last night. More photos from the night will be
posted soon.

Sign ups for the fall cohort will begin on Thursday, August 15. Details to follow!

07/23/2024

I am excitedly preparing for the first ever graduation for The Olive Press Mentoring Group. 🫒🪔🔥

Seven amazing Women of God will be celebrated on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Glory to God!!

07/11/2024

🌿Welcome to the Olive Press Overcoming Series 🌿

This week's focus is Overcoming the Lack of Commitment

➡️Work with all of your might. 💪

One of my favorite sayings is, "Go big or go home!" 🚀 In other words, plan your best, bring your best, do your best - for the Glory of God. Easier said than done - for certain. Life gets in the way, doesn't it?

📖 Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men.

➡️Keep and be committed to your word.

One of my other favorite sayings is I have a powerful 💥NO and a valuable 💎YES.

Setting your priorities is paramount to having a valuable 💎YES. Our word is our honor and reflects a strong, godly character👑.

So, when I refer to overcoming a lack of commitment - I'm talking about keeping my word when I give my word - staying committed to my YES. Not necessarily a lack of committing to things (although that also applies, but is for another post, perhaps).

In the sermon on the mount - in Matthew chapter 5 verse 7 📖 Jesus tells his disciples "Let your 'YES BE YES' and your 'NO BE NO.' Anything more than this is from the evil one." Yep - going back on your word is demonic. YIKES! 😈

➡️You cannot save the world - that job belongs to Jesus.

When we have a weak "no" and over-commit ourselves, or impetuously commit, or feel guilty or incapable of saying "no" we devalue our "yes". Having a valuable YES means those we love, minister to, work with, can trust that we will follow through, keep our word, and produce fruit that lasts.

Having a valuable 💎YES also equals fulfilling our call and walking in our gifts according to HIS plan and purpose. My mentor, Dr. Jamie Morgan says, "narrow your focus to broaden your reach." When we guard our commitment, then we are empowered to steward our commitment, so it is NEVER lacking! 🎯

➡️Lack is not your portion, Sister. We lack nothing - and that includes our ability to commit to those people, places and things that the Lord has appointed to us - counting the cost and our capacity to do it as unto HIM!

🌟I hope this helps! Let's pray. 🙏

Father in heaven, I confess that I over-commit and allow my compassion and mercy to lead me to places where I cannot follow through. I confess that I often regret that I gave my word and find myself frustrated or simply devaluing my YES. Forgive me Lord! Holy Spirit, I ask for your discernment and the gift of Self Control to have a more powerful NO and an anointed and valuable YES.

May I walk in the freedom of knowing the things I place my hand do will be accomplished according to your will and purpose. In Jesus, Mighty and Matchless name. 🌟

The next Olive Press Mentoring Cohort will begin in September. The school will be held on Zoom. If you are interested, please visit our website at Olivepressmentoring.com.

Our call is to raise us women to lead, filled with the Oil of HIS Presence, with their lamps lit and burning brightly.

Fulfill the call of God on your life through Holy Spirit led mentoring.

07/05/2024

🌿 Living in the Olive Press 🌿

Living in the Olive Press is a beautiful time of surrender and the very uncomfortable experience of being pressed. Being filled with the Oil of the Presence of the Lord is both sweet 🍯 and bitter. But it produces in you an everlasting weight of glory. GLORY TO GLORY! 🙌

We are continuing our OVERCOMING series... today's focus is OVERCOMING LACK OF SELF CONTROL! 🌟

Join our fall Olive Press Mentoring Group starting September! 🍂 Visit olivepressmentoring.com for more info.

Eight weeks of rich, Holy Spirit led teaching that will press you into a pure and fresh encounter with our KING.

🍇 THE FRUIT OF SELF CONTROL

Jesus told the disciples that we would be known by our fruit. And Paul's list in Galatians 5 ends with the Fruit of Self Control - with a caveat that "against such things there is no law. Those who BELONG to CHRIST JESUS have crucified the FLESH with its passions and desires."

One of my favorite authors is Danny Silk, who wrote the book "Keep Your Love On." And one of my favorite quotes from him is "On a good day, I get to control myself." ON A GOOD DAY! 🌟

Where is your greatest struggle with this essential element of your character? We can go from the top of our head to the soles of our feet and find hope in the Holy Scriptures to access the fruit of self-control.

🧠 MY MIND: Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, and acceptable, and perfect.

👀 MY EYES - Proverbs 4:25 - Let your eyes look forward, fix your gaze straight ahead.

👄 MY MOUTH - Psalm 141:3 - Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth, keep watch over the DOOR of my lips! Proverbs 4:24 - Do not let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don't let your lips talk deviously.

❤️ MY HEART - Psalm 141:4 - Do not let my heart turn to any evil or perform wicked acts with evildoers. Proverbs 4:23 - Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.

🍽️ MY APPETITES - Psalm 141:4 - Do not let me feast on their delicacies.

👂MY EARS - Mark 4:24 - Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use it, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. John 10:27 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

🏃‍♂️ MY BODY - Romans 8:13 - For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the SPIRIT, you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

🦶 MY FEET - Proverbs 4:26 - Carefully consider the path for your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right or to the left - keep your feet away from evil.

🌿The Vitamin of Virtue - We all know SELF-CONTROL is a struggle. So into the OLIVE PRESS we go. Self-control is a daily choice and discipline - and with the HOLY SPIRIT it is not only possible - but a victory that was paid for you at the CROSS! 🕊️

I love what Peter writes in 2 Peter Chapter 1, verses 5 - 9 For this reason, make every effort to SUPPLEMENT your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

🛡️SELF CONTROL = FORTIFICATION

As we live an anointed and self-controlled life - we are like a city fortified with strong impenetrable walls. We are a gated fortress of glory where others can come and find refuge and hope! (See Proverbs 25:28)

🌟THE VICTORY IS YOURS! Where will you begin - choose any body part and surrender it the Olive Press today! 🌿

Raising up women to lead, full of the oil of HIS presence with their lamps lit and burning bright.

07/04/2024

Happy Independence Day! 🎉🙏 May God bless our nation abundantly! ✝️

06/27/2024

🌟 Welcome to the Olive Press! Today's focus is on OVERCOMING PROCRASTINATION.

Alright, here's a scripture that might make you chuckle: Ecclesiastes 9:10 - "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."

King Solomon had a sense of humor (and maybe a touch of darkness too 😄).

"Wait, I'll think about that tomorrow." "I didn't get to it." "I'll have to get back to you on that."

One of the most crucial traits you need in fulfilling your calling is the ability to follow up and follow through. Being a strategic planner and actually executing the plan is essential in all areas of life—home, marriage, work, ministry, and for me, mentoring. Plan the work - work the plan. Stop dragging your feet (as my mother used to say!).

Hosea 10:12 reminds us: "Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you."

We all battle with procrastination—the art of delaying or postponing. What has the Lord assigned to you that you have not planned, started, implemented, and completed?

Don't let the dream the Lord Jesus has for you go unfulfilled. Get 'er done! You can do it!

If you need help moving forward in HIS plan, mentoring might be the answer. Reach out to me at [email protected] or visit my website and fill out an information form. It would be my honor to come alongside you and help you overcome procrastination.

🌿

Raising up women to lead, full of the oil of HIS presence with their lamps lit and burning bright.

06/20/2024

Welcome to The Olive Press! This week's focus in the Overcoming Series is OVERCOMING DISTRACTION.

I would venture to say that in today's world DISTRACTION is one of the biggest hindrances to deep intimacy - with the Lord, with your husband, with your children, with your friends.

I love the account of Jesus when he visits a village called Bethany and is welcomed into the home of Martha. Luke Chapter 10 verses 38-41.

"While they were traveling, he (Jesus) entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was DISTRACTED by her MANY TASKS, and she came up and asked, Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.

The Lord answered her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but ONLY ONE THING IS NEEDED. Mary has chosen the better portion, and it will not be taken away from her"

1) Distraction taints the presence. It spoils everything. Busyness creates anxiety.

2) Distraction opens the door to controlling spirits which will dominate your life and steal your peace (think about your phone - a thief at the highest level!)

3) Distraction shuts down the flow of refreshing between you and the Holy Spirit. It wastes your time. The Lord of Heaven is not interested in hitting a moving target. He wants you to CHOOSE to sit down and be WITH him.

4) Distraction ushers in worry, frustration and anxiety. It keeps you from experiencing the Lord. Distraction is a THIEF.

5) When distraction is shut down, we will turn our full affection toward Jesus. THIS ONE THING IS NEEDED.

Pray with me. Lord I confess that I permit distraction in my life. I confess that I waste valuable time when you are in the room.
- I invite you in and I welcome you.
- I will look for you in the scriptures as I meditate on your word.
- I will consider you only as I pray
- I will minister to you as I worship
- I will give you my FULL attention as the scriptures are taught and preached.
- I invite you in to encounter me.

I set aside every distraction intentionally Lord. I "beat back" the birds of the air that will come and try to steal this word. ONE THING IS NEEDED - I choose the best portion. I sit at your feet Lord and drink from the cup in your hand.



To learn more about The Olive Press Mentoring Group or to consider joining our Fall Online Cohort, please visit OlivePressMentoring.com.

Our mission is to raise up Christian women to lead through Holy Spirit led mentoring. Dressed and ready for service with their lamp lit and burning brightly.

06/13/2024

OVERCOMING ALWAYS DEFENDING YOURSELF

Psalm 18:1-3. How I love you, Lord! You are my defender. The Lord is my protector; HE is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with HIM I am safe. He protects me like a shield; HE defends me and keeps me safe. I call to the Lord, and HE saves me from my enemies. Praise the Lord!

There is something to be said about being picked on, bullied, continually criticized by others - this is called being attacked. There are those who will never give us credit unless the credit is related to something we've done that is either wrong or they didn't like.

Think of Jesus - He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, but HE DID NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH. When we are caught in the cycle of defending ourselves, instinctively having to give an answer, explanation, a manifesto for the things being said to us, about us, behind our backs - then we are the one in bo***ge. Take that thought CAPTIVE to the obedience of CHRIST.

Bo***ge to the fear of man, bo***ge to our own reputation, seeking approval, even the simple pleasure of being understood versus misunderstood. This is a frailty in all of us. But it is a frailty, nonetheless.

Overcoming always defending yourself means a visit to the Olive Press to spend time with Jesus - the lover of your soul. Jesus made himself of no reputation (Philippians 2:7) and took upon himself the form of a servant. A SERVANT. Someone who has surrendered their right to be heard.

Now JESUS is no longer in this position - although you and I are - HE IS NOW OUR DEFENDER, PROTECTOR, SHIELD.

The next time you feel the instinct to defend yourself - DON'T. Call out to Jesus! He will turn it all around for your good.

1 Peter 3:16-17. Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Pray with me: Lord Jesus - thank you for setting the example for me - glorious Son of God - you made yourself of no reputation. I lay down my life, my rights and this burden, habit, and bo***ge to defend myself. I rest in your strong, gentle and loving arms. Thank you for being my shield.

Preparing and raising up women to lead and to fulfill the call of God on their lives through mentoring.

06/11/2024

Isaiah 9:2 - "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."

06/10/2024

Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together.

Starting the week with a fresh word from the scriptures. Jesus is the word who became flesh. Become part of the Olive Press Mentoring Community. Visit www.olivepressmentoring.com.

06/06/2024

OVERCOMING INSECURITY AND JEALOUSY

James 3:15 and 16 - For where there is envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come from down from heaven, but it is earthly, unspiritual and demonic.

For where YOU HAVE envy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every evil practice.

Yep ... WHERE YOU HAVE.... Not much to add to this narrative by the Lord's own brother, James. I wonder if he recounted this because of his initial unbelief of our Lord (his own flesh and blood!). At one point - James accused Jesus of being "out of his mind." One day we will know. But for sure when we entertain insecurity and jealousy, we have lost our connection with Jesus - and have tethered ourselves voluntarily to the flesh, the world and the demonic.

The remedy is in verses 17 and 18 of the same passage.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

I recommend also reading Jesus' own words in Matthew 5 - the Sermon on the Mount.

Overcoming is your portion. IT IS YOUR PORTION - DO NOT SURRENDER IT TO ANYTHING OR ANYONE! Repent and reject what your flesh is screaming out for. Pray with me.

Father in heaven, I confess that I am insecure and jealous of __________________________, I repent of this earthly, unspiritual and demonic inclination. Lord, I turn to you in humility and brokenness, and I ask for your healing touch. Jesus you are the perfect example and I acknowledge you and ask for your forgiveness.

Holy Spirit, blow a fresh wind on my mind, heart and emotions, I look to you first of all for purity. Create in me a peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful and fruitful mindset in keeping with repentance. Thank you for touching me and showing me the inclination of my heart. I bless your holy name. AMEN!

Preparing and raising up women to lead and to fulfill the call of God on their lives through mentoring.

06/04/2024

Preparations are almost complete for Thursday's first-ever "inaugural" (love that word!) Olive Press Mentoring Group. Lessons have been printed, journals delivered, intercession on-going. FYI - I printed one extra copy of Module One for one more student. You know who you are, and the door is still open! Do not delay one more moment! Reach out to me today! There is room and HE is inviting you in.

06/04/2024

Ephesians 6:8-13 - For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible - and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.

06/03/2024

The Journey to The Olive Press begins in just 4 days! The inaugural cohort with six beautiful women is set. They are olive trees planted and ready to be harvested! Jesus have your way!

There is room for 2 additional students - visit our website at www.olivepressmentoring.com and send me an email. You can also send me a message through Messenger.

05/30/2024

Proverbs 29:25 - The fear of man brings a snare, but she who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.

We do care about the impression we give as we live our lives. Of course we do! And more importantly, we care about HOW we live our lives. Recently, as I was being trained as a certified mentor, we talked about having a "Heart of Obedience" versus "A Head of Knowledge".

When we are connected intimately to the Lord Jesus, devoted to walking as Jesus walked - which was in complete obedience to the Father, and led by the Holy Spirit - there will no doubt be folks who do not want or think as you do. As we purpose in our heart to obey his commands and his ways - remember that He always invites us to Come, with tenderness, humility, and compassion. Resisting the impulse to please those around you is a trap. The Lord Jesus is our great hope - trust and obey his commands. Always and every day. Amen!

05/27/2024

Start your week with fresh, pure oil from the Word of God. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6

What makes you hunger and thirst most for Jesus? How does HE satisfy that desire for righteousness?

05/27/2024

Start your week with fresh, pure oil from the Word of God. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6

What draws you closer to the Lord Jesus? How is that hunger and thirst best satisfied in your life?

05/27/2024

Remembering those who served and gave their lives for our freedom from Olive Press Mentoring

05/25/2024

Shabbat Shalom! Lord, you make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

05/23/2024

OLIVE PRESS THURSDAY. Overcoming being the victim.

Trauma and pain. They are real and without a touch from our Lord, impossible to overcome. Especially when the offense has been delivered by the hands of those you love, trust, and depend upon. The pain of being victimized is tormenting. Pursuing healing, deliverance and transformation is possible and yours for the asking.

Do not stay there! Break the cycle of the victim - including suspicion, mistrust, and judgment. PRAY WITH ME ...

Holy Father, I need your touch. Jesus the price you paid for my healing, I confess is more than enough. Holy Spirit I come to you and ask you to blow life into me - Fire of Heaven, I repent of coming into agreement with the lie that I am a victim. I ask you to forgive me Lord Jesus for not walking in YOUR victory. I renounce my agreement with this lie. And I come into agreement with the promise that "She who the Son sets free is free indeed - John 8:36."

Father, I freely forgive those who inflicted pain and torment on me, and I break the cycle of judgment against them. I no longer hold them responsible for who I am today. And release them from any debt. I take this trauma and pain and send it to the feet of Jesus to be completely dealt with. I fully turn and break the soul tie I have with __________. Thank you for setting me free today, Lord.

The Olive Press is where you go for fresh, pure oil - the Oil of Anointing, the Oil of Gladness, The Oil of Joy - The Oil of His presence. The Lord is waiting for you there.

www.olivepressmentoring.com

05/21/2024

Matthew 5:14-16. You are the light of Christ to the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

You are invited to join The Olive Press Mentoring Group - Our mission is very focused. We are preparing and raising up women to lead, full of the oil of HIS presence, with their lamps lit and burning brightly as they fulfill the call of God on their lives. www.olivepressmentoring.com

05/20/2024

Start your week with fresh, pure oil from the Word of God. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

How would you express meekness in your life? Inheriting the earth is a big deal!

05/18/2024

Shabbat Shalom! I will go with you and give you rest. Exodus 33:12:14

05/16/2024

OLIVE PRESS THURSDAY! A smoldering wick he will not s***f out! Matthew 12:20

Disqualified defined: declared ineligible for an office, activity, or competition because of an offense or infringement. Yep! I've been there.

There is nothing like disappointing yourself. We are so good (I use that term lightly) at declaring ourselves disqualified. Or perhaps someone very important in your life has sidelined you and you not only feel misunderstood but disqualified. Who gives us the right to disqualify ourselves (or anyone for that matter) when Jesus has made all things new. You. Are. A. New. Creation.

Remember this from the prophet Isaiah 42:3 -" He will faithfully bring forth justice". Remember He is the olive press, you are the fruit of His sacrifice. You are NOT disqualified - go to the olive press and receive fresh, pure oil today so that your lamp is burning bright and allow him to re-ignite the fire of first love in your heart.

05/13/2024

Lookie what arrived today! Everyone’s journal. June 6th here we come!!! There are still 2 seats! There is no reason to wait! If you can meet in person in the Southern New Jersey Region - reach out!

www.olivepressmentorimg.com

05/13/2024

Start your week with fresh, pure oil from the Word of God. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 When you are mourning or sad, what brings you the most comfort?

05/12/2024

To all Momma's out there who are keeping their lamps filled with Holy Spirit oil and lighting the narrow way for the generation they are raising - THANK YOU. Happy Mother's Day. We rise up and call you BLESSED!

Her lamp does not go out at night. Proverbs 31:18

05/12/2024

To all the Momma's mentoring and raising up women of God - Thank you.

05/11/2024

Shabbat Shalom! He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

05/09/2024

OLIVE PRESS THURSDAY! For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again. Proverbs 24:16

A cycle of failure and stumbling (code for sin) can be incredibly discouraging. I've been there right with you. But to park there and pine over our failures is to invite more failure and more stumbling - the enemy of your soul LOVES when you sit in this place. Remember the promise that Jesus has made you the Righteousness of God by taking the punishment for all of our failures and stumbling. (2 Corinthians 5:21).

For though you fall - righteous sister - SEVEN times, YOU WILL RISE AGAIN! Rise Up and go to the olive press - press into the Father's heart for fresh and pure oil for your lamp - that it might burn brightly for HIM.

www.olivepressmentoring.com