Darlene Rose

Definition of homestretch

1 : the part of a racecourse between the last turn and the winning post
2 : a final stage

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained

Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2 Cor 1:20 For as many as the promises of God are, in Him they are yes; therefore through Him also is our Amen to the glory of God through us.

I remember when I first began this journey.

Richard had just had a little stroke in Sept 2009. They wanted to put him on coumadin and he didn’t want to be on it. He said “isnt there something you could whip up to keep me off coumadin?” Meaning, herbals.

I didn’t know.

I only knew how to have a hobby.

I didn’t know how to help people with serious stuff.

So I was sitting in my car, just before going into work, praying. I said “Lord, how can I help him or anyone?”

The next thing I saw in my mind’s eye was Jesus holding His hand out to me and said “Come”.

Somehow I just knew it meant “Let’s take this journey through schooling one step at a time”

I said “One step at a time?? I’ll be 70 years old before I graduate!”

He said to me immediately “Creation belongs to Me. Take back the Land. If I let you live til 70 years old, you will have your degree if you begin now.”

So one class at a time, in November 2009, it began. I can’t look at it all.

I took two placement tests yesterday to see what else I need to move on to my vision of becoming a naturopath. Looks like I need to take nine more classes before even stepping into the naturopath course.

It overwhelms me. But, nine more classes is nine more months. Then four classes of naturopath is four months. Nine plus Four is 13. If I start in September, and continue I will be a naturopath by October 2023.

It’s not really about the end goal, however. It is about the journey. Every step helps me shed old baggage and makes me proud of who I am, not because I did this. I have relied upon the Lord every moment and have had to be protected from beliefs that were not mine – or false beliefs, counterfeit, of another spirit, learning discernment, keeping my head in the word and my heart in prayer.

Why does the home stretch seem so long?

It’s because we get tired.
Stamina diminishes.
Money dwindles.
Not enough people take me seriously.
Many will cheer me on, but the fruit of having sown so much time and money is not there.
It makes me wonder if it’s worth it.

I do not own the rights to these videos.

But then, the original vision comes back around. My heart leaps with love and I can see no other way unless I die. It is only worthless if I give up now.
If I quit now, then I receive an “Atta girl! At least you gave it your all”

I don’t want that. I want the PRIZE! I want to finish this race with my eyes fixed on Jesus. I could list all the obstacles, one by one by one by one. I could list the sacrifices of resources. One by one by one by one. But that receives the consolation prize. I don’t want that.

What is your vision? Ask the Lord to remind you of the vision He gave you ten, twenty, thirty years ago that you don’t yet see.

Does your heart leap in love? It’s not really about the end goal of naturopath for me. It’s because I see Him right in front of me as I press on towards the prize.

Naturopath is just a title. But when He leads me in the journey, it is a crown of victory.

I do not own the rights to these videos.