Psalm 146:2 "I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."

Friday, December 31, 2010

The Last Day Of 2010

Hi Everyone,

Today is the last day of 2010. What an amazing and special year this has been for me because of our amazing God who has transformed my heart and my life. It almost feels a tiny bit sad that the year is coming to a closeI am so very thankful to Him. I am looking forward to the days in the year of 2011 and all that God is going to do.

I know that my God who has been faithful in this past year is going to be faithful in the future as well.

Tonight I am bringing in the new year with some friends from my church. I was with them last year as well on this same day, and again I just have to say that I am amazed that God has brought me so far from where I was a year ago. Last year I was absolutely miserable even though I was surrounded by a group of people that realy cared about and loved me. I can't even imagine where I would be if God had not intervened in my life.

May this new year FOR YOU be one of peace, joy, obedience, and falling more in love with the Lord in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Worship Is More Than What Happens On Sunday Morning

Hi Everyone,

I've been thinking again lately about something that I may have talked about a few months ago. I've been thinking about how worship is so much more than what happens on Sunday morning. Sometimes it can get easy to reduced worship to the "Worship Service." Now there's nothing wrong with worshiping God at church as long as it really is that and not simply mere entertainment.

But worship is so much more than that. A friend the other day was mentioning how many times in the Bible Worship was connected to sacrifice....it isn't just some giddy feeling that we get, although emotion and feeling can be a part of it.

Worship in part really comes down to how we live our lives before God and everything we do is to be done for the glory of God.......worship can be a result of obeying God and living a life that pleases Him....having a heart response to our God who has so graciously set us free from the law of sin and death....that our every action, thought, and all that we do is done unto Him and in gratitude to Him-----remembering that He is worthy of all of the honor.

I've been thinking, "How much do I do out of self and flesh, and what do I do out of worship to Him?"

I definitely don't have everything "figured out" yet, and never will on this side of Heaven, but one thing is clear.

Worship is so much more than what happens on a Sunday Morning.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Winter

Hi Everyone,

I am continuing to enjoying God's creation...in a winter-wonderland!





It has been an encouraging day of getting back to my normal routines and helping at the medical clinic and things.

Monday, December 27, 2010

God Is The Best Artist Ever!

Hi Everyone,

On the way home from my friend's today, I got to see two and a half hours of this while I was on the bus!




The trees are all decked out in ice and snow and it delicately outlines them! It was a delightful ride home looking out the window at everything so beautifully covered!



God is truly the best artist ever-don't you agree?

Sunday, December 26, 2010

We Must Continue To Reach Out To Others Around Us!

Hi Everyone,

Today I went to church with my friend's family and was made aware of a very tragic and sad situation involving the death of one if their church members. Although I do not know them, my heart breaks for the family tat is left.

It was all really a reminder to me that we must continue to reach out to those around is and nor offer up excuses of why we don't, because we have no idea what people are going through or what they are really thinking, even when things can appear to "be just fine."

And not only that, but it was also a reminder that this time of year is really a hard time for many people--people that need to know how much Jesus loves them in the midst of their loss and pain. We want to think that everyone is enjoying things around us, but that isn't the case.

So let's pray for those that are hurting and seek to minister to them as Jesus would--offering the gift of our presence and not the "know it all" answers.

And Lord, I lift up this family that has been changed by such a sad loss and many others like them. May Your presence be near to them in a very real way, reaching to the depths of their need as only You can. Show those around them how to be there for them through the days. months, and years ahead, and the funeral this coming week.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Jesus--Our Continual Celebration

Hi Everyone,

I am so glad that This day isn't about the gifts we get, or the gifts we give, or being healthy (or not), or being able to be physically present with family.

I am not with my actual family today---they are many miles away. I am with a friend and her family instead. And about half of the kids are sick with the stomach flu.

BUT JESUS is our source of continual celebration---and the day is really about celebrating that He came and lived a sinless life and died for us. I know He wasn't actually born in December, but even if the world stops and plays Christmas carols on normally not so good radio stations, I think it's worth it.

Jesus, our greatest gift, is the reason why we as believers are truly celebrating. Celebrating for anything less than Him can lead us to disappointment--although it is a true celebration to be together as families and friends--there is nothing wrong with that. But JESUS is our greatest HOPE!

HE NEVER CHANGES---and that is worth celebrating!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

The World Is At My Finger Tips

Hi Everyone,

Here is a little video I made from my friend's room that I am spending Christmas with! The "World is at my finger tips" with the painted world map behind me! This was kind of all just for fun!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

An Audience Of One

Hi Everyone,

Sometimes it can be easy to get caught up in the trap of pleasing other people. But this can almost become immediately frustrating because no one can please everyone all of the time. Really our goal should be two-fold: 1)To live a life that is a clear testimony of Jesus to others around us and 2) To live a life obedient and pleasing to the Lord. In reality we live our lives for an audience of one becuase in the end it is God that we wil give the account of our lives to. However, this does not mean that we avoid respecting the thoughts and advice of others when it is truly godly and beneficial.

What are my real goals?

How am I really living?

Who am I realy living for?

Good questions for me and all of us to evakuate and think about.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Thoughts On Missions And Transition

Hi Everyone,

One of my great secrets and weaknesses is that I don't really like change or transition. However, as a cross-cultural worker I have a life that is quite full of both. Actually everyone's life is full of both, but there can be some added transitions when you live and work in another country and culture.

Transitions make me usually feel very vulnerable and I have to really keep my guard up when I am in the midst of them. Times of transition are the times that I am more likely to give into discouragement, and a whole host of other behaviors that I would much rather not have in my life. Anyone who thinks that a cross cultural worker or missionary's life "over there" is better than where you are right now really may have an inaccurate idea of things.

New support systems, friends, language, culture, and learning, understanding, and ministering according to how the people you are working with to communicate the gospel clearly,----- have to be in place and that can take much time. It can be hard to leave when you absolutely love where God has placed you, but at the same time you realize that God is leading you to serve Him elsewhere for this time, and you know that OBEYING HIM is what matters and will bring the greatest joy and reward. You have to continually try to "get out of the box" somewhat from your own thinking and cultural ideas so that you can begin to grasp where those you are seeking to reach are coming from.

But transitions in missions (or any other type of transition) are also a time for great growth if you allow God to use it in your life. He wants to use everything to shape us and mold us to be more like Him--and many parts of the transition although hard at times can truly be enjoyable when they are faced with Christ's attitude and perspective.

I have to remind myself of these things when I go through the moments where I realize that I am already beginning to feel the "crunch of the clock"---recognizing that I won't have time to see everyone that I desire to before leaving, or when I just need to prioritize and really examine what is important.

In the end it really is worth it all---and a privilege that not everyone has in the exact same way!--even in the midst of missions and transition.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Every Day Is One Day Closer!!!

Hi Everyone,

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words."

Every day is one more day closer to the Lord returning! This thought has really encouraged me lately. Although we don't know the day or the hour, lets hope expectantly, serve Jesus faithfully, and seek to be a bride as the Body Of Christ prepared to meet Him. The world around us is going to do as it does but we have a wedding with the LAMB to prepare for and a world that desperately needs to see Jesus reflected as clearly as possible in us as we are here obeying as God has called us each to do.

In the midst of all the activity of daily living, lets remember that each day is one day closer. Maybe we should each ask the question, "How can I prepare myself today to be more ready for His coming than I was yesterday?"

Seven Months Today!

Hi Everyone,

I can't believe it has been seven months since God totally changed my life! It seems like a whirl-wind like it is going so fast and yet I am enjoying every moment of it. God has indeed been very good and gracious to me!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Trust In Christ--The Results

Hi Everyone,

I went to church today and it was my last Sunday School class on Hebrews. It was such an awesome time to be able to study the Word together! A section of our Bible Study and teaching time was on Hebrews 13:1-7. This section talks about having a faith that produces and what is expected to be results of our faith. (being one who has placed their complete trust in the person of Jesus Christ)

Faith in Christ is expected to be shown through various ways-maybe it is better described as a call to Christian living

Hebrews 13:1 "Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.

OUR FAITH IN JESUS SHOULD RESULT IN GENUINE CONTINUAL LOVE FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST.

Hebrews 13:2 "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."

OUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST SHOULD RESULT IN HOSPITALITY AND CARE FOR STRANGERS---SEEING A NEED AND BEING WILLING TO TAKE CARE OF IT

Hebrews 13:3 "Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

OUR FAITH IN JESUS SHOULD RESULT IN EMPATHY AND CARE FOR PRISONERS THAT ARE ILL-TREATED ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT ARE BELIEVERS PERSECUTED FOR THEIR FAITH.

Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."

OUR FAITH IN JESUS SHOULD PRODUCE AN HONORING AND PROTECTING VIEW OF MARRIAGE AS GOD DEFINES IT AND CONDUCT THAT IS LIKEWISE.

Hebrews 13:5-6 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

OUR FAITH IN JESUS SHOULD PRODUCE THE RESULT OF HAVING A CHARACTER FREE FROM THE LOVE OF MONEY AND NOT SIMPLY MAKING DECISIONS BASED UPON THE FINANCIAL RESULT. WE ARE CONTENT TRUSTING IN GOD'S CARE AND PROVISION FOR US.

We also discussed in class how there are other things that can go along with or be tied in with money such as power, control. material possessions, and other things that can be good gifts from God that we could easily allow to "get in the way" of having God first or obeying Him.

Hebrews 13:7 "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."

OUR FAITH IN CHRIST SHOULD PRODUCE VISIBLE DEMONSTRATIONS OF THE FACT THAT WE BELONG TO HIM.

None of us has perfectly arrived in all of these areas but God is working in us to make us more like Him day by day!

Ministry This Morning!

Hi Everyone,

This morning before I went to church, I went to run a quick errand and it as really a God thing because I ran into one of the people that I know without a residence. We got to talk together for about fifteen minutes. We were both heading off to church, so I gave her a hug and left but before I did she pulled out my prayer card and said, "I think of you and pray for you often." She said that she is renewing her vows with her husband this week so I was excited to hear that and see evidence, it seems, from both of them to make their marriage as God intends it to be. Hopefully she will be off the streets too now.

It was quite an exciting start to my day! God is good!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Echoing My Thoughts!

Hi Everyone,

Today I ran across one of the people that I interact with someone and their first comment was along the lines of, "I wish I obeyed the Lord more. It's no wonder His Spirit isn't able to work through me like He wants to." And my next thought was, "yeah that really echoes what I have been thinking the last few days myself." It's really cool when people come alongside you and admit they aren't "there yet" either because none of us are. The whole conversation was actually quite encouraging.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Humbled

Hi Everyone,

As I am sitting here today I am humbled as I am so clearly reminded of how much I need God to be in control of my every move, thought, and action. By no means have I arrived. I realize that there are things I do that reflect Him so poorly. I need to grow so much. But yet I know that He sees something so different.----He sees the outcome of what He is making me to be and that one day I, and all of us who trust Him, will be transformed even more to be like Him. God is so patient with us and His love is absolutely amazing! I am so glad He never gives up on us!

Praise God for His goodness that extends to all generations!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Benefits Of Community

Hi Everyone,

Being in community is a very good way to grow and realize things as you interact with others. However. sometimes it is challenging too. God seems to be continuing to challenge me lately in my relationship with Him and interacting with others. We learn things being amongst others that may be harder to learn on our own.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

The Legacy Of Our Words

hi Everyone,

"What you say always produces some kind of harvest. What is the lasting legacy of your words?" Paul David Tripp

Proverbs 12:18 "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

What we say and how we say it is so important. Our words can have an amazing impact on the people--to bless and encourage them or to destroy and discourage them. Our tongue and how we use that very small instrument that God has given to us can give such a reflection of what is in our hearts. We can leave a legacy with our words remembered by others in one of two ways.

If we can't say something truly uplifting, then maybe it is better to say nothing at all. Sometimes being silent. listening, and just "being there" for someone is a greater encouragement than any amount of words could ever be.

Lord help us to both leave a legacy and have a harvest of great honor to you and to one another by how we speak to and think of those around us. May we be a people that know how to have wisdom to speak truth in love and to use our words to edify and build up those who listen.

Monday, December 13, 2010

What God Is Interested In

Hi Everyone,

There is a lot of emphasis today in our culture of doing and having whatever makes you "happy." The problem `is that if we are simply living for the sake of our personal happiness alone, we are always going to be coming up empty and wanting something else eventually.

Some people think that God is like that--I mean they live by this philosophy that God should just do "what makes everyone happy." But the truth is that God doesn't work that way.

God is a lot more interested in matters motives and the true character of our hearts than us being happy. It is about us giving Jesus our trust on a personal basis and accepting His payment on the cross in our place and living accordingly. He is also much more interested in us who have trusted Him being transformed into the image of His Son through the trials, mundane times, and challenges of life.

Someone once said "your character is who you are when no one is watching."

But nothing escapes God's notice-those of us who have trusted Him are called to live lives set apart from the world because we have been sanctified-set apart.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

While There Is Still Life, There Is Still Hope!

Hi Everyone,

Someone that I know and really consider a friend is struggling very much right now....struggling with regret over personal choices that have led to a very difficult place in life.

It is hard to watch. I care deeply for this person and know that they are not beyond the reaches of God's mercy and grace.....but they feel as though they are....and that they have failed in every area of their life.

It was just a year ago that I felt that way myself--so I can relate.

I pray that as a testimony of His goodness this individual would be brought to the Lord and be a testimony in whatever way that God allows with the time that is left.

While there is still life, there is still hope--of grace and redemption.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

I Used To Be A "Miser," but Now I am Becoming Wiser

Hi Everyone,

Another thing that really amazes me since God found me this summer and since I have Him my trust is how my mindset has changed about money and possessions.

I used to be the "miser" type that would hold onto everything, living in extreme frugality as sort of this pride thing to show I "could do it." I would always hold on to money because in a way it was kind of like my treasure--like I had to hold on to it for the day I wouldn't have any.

Now I want to make it clear that there is nothing wrong with saving your resources and using wisdom in that, and there is nothing wrong with having to live carefully and not living beyond your means in itself.

It really is an issue of the motives and heart. Lots of times people blame "rich people" for having money or possessions as the "god of their lives." But even in "having little" someone can still have the wrong attitude about it. I ma only saying this because I myself had the wrong attitude.

It really isn't an issue of "having little" or "having much." The true question is "Is what we call "our own" something that we will allow God to use as He want us to, or are we just going to hold it with a "tight fist."

For some people spending beyond their means is a weakness, others, like me had to learn it really was okay to get the things I truly needed--even if it is something that costs and seems like a "huge purchase" to me...as long as it is truly going to be useful and needed and even sometimes something to be enjoyed. The Bible tells us that "where our treasure is, there our heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, Lukw 12:34)

I used to be a miser, but now I am becoming wiser and it isn't about buying more stuff for myself, although on occasion I do buy something for fun to enjoy. It is now about having my resources whether that be the post it notes on my desk or what I have in the checking account available for the Lord to use for His glory and furthering of His Kingdom.

When your GREATEST TREASURE BECOMES CHRIST HIMSELF instead of your greatest treasure being the things you "own," your main desire becomes to serve the Lord and use all that you have for His plans and purposes.....and you are generous to others because HE is the giver and Sustainer of all things....and everything we are able to give is only what He Himself has already given to us!

The Ways God Gets glory..............

Hi Everyone,

Sometimes the ways that God gets glory from peoples lives can seem quite strange to us.

The friend of a good friend of mine went home to be with the Lord this Summer at the age of 27 dying from a very rapid form of cancer. Lately my friend and I have been discussing the events of all of this. Her friend was heading to the mission field but God had other plans.

I actually got to see some videos of the girl that went home to be with the Lord. I didn't know her that well, but two things were very evident from her life. The first was that she deeply loved the Lord and the second was that even in the face of her illness, she chose to believe that God was doing much more in her life and there was so much more going on than just the "fact that she had cancer."

God used her life to bring MUCH glory to Himself....and used her on a home-front mission field in mighty ways----greater than she could have ever imagined.

God is loving and God is good---even when we don't understand why He does what He does--and in reality there is so little we know of the "Why?" behind life's circumstances and situations----because HIS ways and thoughts are higher than our own.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Obeying God When It Hurts......

Hi Everyone,

Sometimes God calls us to do things that are not always easy, and yet we have to choose if we are going to obey Him. Sometimes the things He asks us to do can mean great sacrifice on our part, but we must remember that we are here to serve Him and do His will and NOT serve ourselves.

Lord, help us in the times when obeying you makes us feel torn or it is hard. No sacrifice is too great because You gave Yourself and All you had sparing nothing on our behalf....Help us never to forget that.

Airport

Hi Everyone,

I am actually back home now from my visit to the sending base. I had a neat opportunity to share with someone a little about the Lord and the work in Mexico while I was waiting for one of my flights today. I find that most people are genuinely interested in hearing more about what God is allowing me to do when they hear I work out of the country. Just having the "job title" I do opens up unique opportunities.

Here is a very quick video I took at the airport this morning.

Blessings to you all!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Sending Base Time Reflections

Hi Everyone,

I certainly have had a lot of different opportunities here at the sending base over the past week and a half-it has been good for me. Another post for today is below for you all, but here is a quick video.

,

Street Ministry Thoughts

Hi Everyone,

Today I went out to do street ministry on Kensington Avenue--quite an eye opening and what would be shocking environment to many. I went out on Tuesday and Thursday (today) of this week. My eyes have seen many things---people held captive to addiction and lifestyles of self-pleasure and sin. And yet at the same time I was reminded of the depths of God's love for each one----and how much He longs to bring sinners to repentance.

I heard a mother's heart break as she told of the difficult choices her son had made to live and sell his addiction on the streets, and I listened to her prayers that God would break him and bring her one and only son to Himself. Some of the choices that people are making on this avenue and many other places in our world and nation lead them to time in prison. But whether or not they end up in a physical prison, they are definitely bound in a spiritual prison controlled by the father of lies that tells them they need substances of various sorts, pills, or sex to fulfill their needs.

Sometimes it takes going through much and exhausting all of the options, continually coming up empty-handed to realize that JESUS is who they really need.....and we aren't any different than those who some would classify as being "out there."

So my prayer for those on the streets is adapted from Psalm 142:7 with some slight changes in the pronouns.

"Lord, Set them free from their prison, that they may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about them because of your goodness to them."

So being out on Kensington Avenue has been very good for me to ponder and pray for those I've seen, and to remember that, "but for the grace of God, who's to say that I would not have done the same things?"

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Wherever You Are--Be "All And Fully Present" There

Hi Everyone,

Wherever we are, we need to make the most of the present--obeying God, loving others, and using the GIFT of the moment NOW that He has freely given to us. We need to not be constantly caught up in the future or the past. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Here is a video for today.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Worth It All

Hi Everyone,

My friend that I had the pleasure of seeing yesterday in the morning just took off for the airport to go back to where she is serving......it was so neat that she was here! What a gift that was to me......and many others!

For some crazy reason tonight all of the transitions that I have gone through over this past year are just catching up with me for a moment...kind of a bitter-sweet thing. But I am not alone.

I don't like transitions, but as a cross-cultural worker for the Lord, my life is one of constant transition...and yet I am not complaining because I know that I am blessed to be surrounded by so many people who are doing the exact same thing here at the sending base.....and I know when I see Jesus it will be worth it all.

I know the best place is to be exactly where God has placed me--I wouldn't trade it for the world!!!!!!

And He is totally there in the challenging moments when I realize that I love both parts of my life and live it in two different places....yet heaven is my real home and I don't perfectly fit in either spot here on earth.

It's LIFE----Life of hope, life of transition, and best of all LIFE with HIM!!!!!!

Monday, December 6, 2010

God Qualifies The Called

Hi Everyone,

Here is a video...thoughts from our morning prayers time today.



We will be going out and doing street ministry tomorrow afternoon--just so you know.

God Is So Good!!!!!!

Hi Everyone,

My time out here at the sending base continues to be quite eventful! GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!

All of the time out here there was one person that I was just wishing I could see....

I had no idea that this was going to happen, bu today she came here to morning prayers....and in my mind she was half-way around the world!

Of course I was screaming in excitement and we are both saying "What are YOU doing here?"

We might actually be going out and doing street ministry together this afternoon...not sure if that is going to happen or not.

Pray for the ordering of my time here---there are tons of people that I want to spend time with yet!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

How Do We Wait?

Hi Everyone,

How do we wait? We Wait...

IN HUMILITY

Romans 11:36
"For from him and through him and" for him are all things. To him be the glory forever!"

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

1 Peter 1:3-7 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

IN HOPE

Hebrews 9:27-28 "Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."

Titus 2:11-13 "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,"

THROUGH FAITH

Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope."

Saturday, December 4, 2010

A Partial Tour Of Our Castle

Hi Everyone,

This is actually my SECOND video for today. For those of you that are interested in seeing what the inside first floor of the sending base Castle Building looks like-Here you go. A personal three minute tour by video from me---for fun. ENJOY!!!!

Good Morning....From My Sending Base

Hi Everyone,

Here are some reflections and thoughts from last night....

(Sorry that the lighting wasn't so great on this video...it would be some work to redo it so I will leave it as is.)

Friday, December 3, 2010

This Life is NOT My Own!

Hi Everyone,

Tonight we had our "Right Hand Of Fellowship" here at the WEC International USA sending base to accept our new workers that completed their candidate orientation and will be going out to serve all over the world as cross-cultural workers for the Lord.It was really a special time for them as accepted new workers and for us as well.
I'll try to have a little video up tomorrow.

Last year I was also here at the same time for the same event, but it was under such different spiritual and emotional circumstances on my part. I remember thinking last year that this was probably the last RHOF "Right Hand of Fellowship" that I would ever attend--and I certainly didn't think I would ever be going back to Mexico-my field of service at the moment.

But last night was not only special for our new workers but it was also very deeply special for me in a personal way. I didn't announce it to anyone, but it really touched me when my candidate directors, addressing the new candidates, talked to them about how they were now under the leadership of our sending base leaders and how our sending base leaders would stand by them through the rest of the journey.

I think it meant so much to me because I have seen the reality of that in my life over the past year when things got really hard-and I saw how my sending base leaders with the love of Christ, stood behind me and how people here must have really prayed for me. I am part of an amazing family here-a small portion of the bigger body of Christ-the church.

And as I was thinking about this all and sort of "rededicating myself to go out and serve again in Mexico"--a couple came up to me and asked if they could pray for me.

Of course, I said, "yes!"

It was really neat--as they prayed for me, I pondered the JOY of the fact that my life is NOT my own and that God has called me to serve and obey Him wherever I am---but also for the next chapter in Mexico as well.

1 Corinthians 6:19b-20a "You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God......' (I just couldn't resist putting this verse this way--no taking it out of context is meant by doing so.)

Sometimes In The Darkest Moments

Hi Everyone,

I had a talk with my current sending base leaders and future sending base leaders yesterday. I basically shared my testimony of the past year, and what led up to it, with them all. It was a really special time of fellowship.

One of the things that we were talking about was that how sometimes when we get in the most desperate and "darkest" moments that us when God really does a work in our lives--because we come to the place of realizing that in and of ourselves we CAN'T do it---we get to the end of our own rope and discover that His in there and always has been-and He takes us the rest of the way--in HIS strength and not our own.

THAT really is what happened to me--God found me.

Thankfully not everyone has to go through such intense circumstances to come to the conclusion of the reality of ho much they need Him--and need His forgiveness and HIM controlling their lives. But God knows what each person needs and is totally capable of working in people's lives to bring them to that place of peace with themselves, peace with Him, and a greater understanding of who He is!

Psalm 145:14 "The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."

Psalm 16:11 "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Video Update From The Sending Base

Hi Everyone,

It's been getting really cold out here--so doing some of the outside videos that I had planned aren't working too well. However, here is just a little quick update about my life today!

Hope That Never Ends!

Hi Everyone

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."

What a gift it is to be given HOPE that never ends! Hope that is greater than our trials and present circumstances..and HOPE that does not disappoint us. It is that HOPE that we ourselves are strengthened and encouraged by through CHRIST, and it is that HOPE that affects our every deed and action. By all that we do, THAT HOPE is made evident to the men, women, and children of this world.

It is JESUS CHRIST and God our Father that strengthen us.....and it is by HIS GRACE alone that we have received such a truly amazing gift-----to GOD be the glory!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Decorating

Hi Everyone!

Today has been awesome! Today was the day that we all at my sending base headquarters decorated the "castle"-one of our major buildings--for Christmas! We had a delicious breakfast where everyone brought different dishes to share prior to decorating. The rest of the morning I helped being receptionist and then helped some with preparing dinner for the evening meal. I LOVE being here! I am truly blessed to have amazing servants of the Lord and friends as a part of my life---here at the sending base it is like we are a huge family that cares about one another. It is a blast to work together during the day doing our different jobs and then eat a meal together at night! I wouldn't trade being a part of this for anything else in the world! Tonight a friend of mine and I are going to spend some time hanging out together......I am NOT disappointed!





James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

It is INDEED a GIFT to be here!!!!

In Christ We Are......

Hi Everyone,

In Christ we are....

1) Dead to sin (Romans 6:2,5-11,22)

2) Dead to the world (Colossians 3:3)

3) Raised up together with Christ and seated with Him (Ephesians 1:17-21 Ephesians 2:6-7)

4) Delivered from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13)

5) Reconciled to Him (Colossians 1:21-22)

6) Forgiven all of our sins (Colossians 1:14)

7) A member of his family ((Ephesians 2:19)

8) Placed into His Kingdom (Colossians 1:13)


Pretty EXCITING, don't you think?

All of these things are the true inheritance of those who have TRUSTED in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation--and are ours in reality!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Breakfast----Outside My Window!

hi everyone,

I guess this is probably kind of irrelevant, but there are all kinds of birds and squirrels that are enjoying breakfast outside my window-----it has been fun to watch!



Pretty cute! He is actually holding a corn kernel!

"Don't mind me," he says, "This corn is REALLY good!"

Monday, November 29, 2010

At My Sending Base Headquarters!

Hi Everyone,

Here is a quick video!



Being here has been absolutely awesome so far! God has indeed been good to me!





Sunday, November 28, 2010

Be Intentional

Hi Everyone,

We have to Be INTENTIONAL about our relationship with God and take every opportunity pursue and get to know Him.

That foundation that we build getting to know Him because He first KNEW us, will be crucial to the future and the challenges and situations we face and how we respond to them--whether it is today or ten years from now.

Being INTENTIONAL about our relationship with God also is a way that others see His reflection in us-----because as we are intentional about Him, we are intentional about how we act and respond to others.

What is our greatest desire in life?

Hopefully it truly is to KNOW HIM and MAKE HIM KNOWN---and I don't say that in cliche because I know that the phrase gets used a lot in believing circles as a ministry statement or whatever.

How can I be intentional about getting to KNOW GOD better today?

How can I be intentional about how I reflect Him to the World around me?

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Caught Up In God's Story!

Hi Everyone,

Whose "story" are we caught up in?

Are we caught up in God's story, plan, and absolute best for us?

Or are we caught up in our dreams, our desires, and having life "as We want it?"

The only way that life is going to be really fulfilling is to be caught up in God's story, will, and plans--even when they don't make sense to us.

Being caught up in God's eternal plans means being a tiny part of something that is os much bigger than our minds can imagine and that lasts forever--with a perfect-all knowing author--the one and Only living Holy God-----in charge.

He already IS in control---the question is---do we truly want him to be in control or would we rather just be "in control" ourselves?`

Object To Being Talked To Like An Object!

Hi Everyone,

You know something? I've been getting lots of awful comments from men "out in the world" lately

I think it is a fairly common occurrence and obviously not all men treat women like objects, and I am NOT trying to imply that in any way, but I just have something to say.

"Women are not simply objects for men's thoughts of gratification--we object to being treated as such. We are created in the image of God as SUITABLE HELPMATES----and having a role as a man as the head does not mean that we should be degraded in ways that are really inappropriate. We just think it is really sad that so many men out there view us simply as a means to their end and nothing more. Men that view women that way are really missing the real point."

I know I can't expect the unsaved world to act like believers----but lately I guess it has just been challenging out there.

Friday, November 26, 2010

A New Day

Hi Everyone,

I had to get on the bus really early this morning to head back to my state where I live and woke up in time to see this display of God's glory along the way!



Isn't that beautiful? What a display of God's artwork!

Psalm 113:3 "From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised."

Let's live this new day for Him!

Snow

Hi Everyone,

While I spent Thanksgiving with my friend and her family, I got to see this!!!!





Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

I also had an amazing God-given mentoring opportunity....it is amazing how God uses our experiences to help others! It was a blessing to be with my friend as well!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

My Cup Overflows!

Hi Everyone,

Psalm 23:5b-6 "my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

I was just thinking of another way to express my gratitude on this Thanksgiving day!

My CUP indeed OVERFLOWS....with God's amazing care and love----TODAY and FOREVER!!!! And One day I will Be With Him!

Count Your Blessings

Hi Everyone,

A year ago, due to the eating issues and the struggle that I faced, I distinctly remember that I could not taste a single thing when I had Thanksgiving dinner at my missions agency headquarters. This year I am DEFINITELY able to taste that celebration meal! This is definitely a blessing among so so many! This time of year has been quite a celebration for me--as I've remembered, but not dwelt on, where I was Last year Spiritually and emotionally and as I know NOW that God has brought me to Himself and healed my life in so many ways! Life is an incredible gift to me!

Count Your blessings

Written by Johnson Oatman, Jr., published in 1897 Copyright: Public Domain

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Chorus

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]

2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

As I have already said--my blessings are so many---I could never be able to count them all!

Thanksgiving is not just a day out of the year--it is an attitude of gratitude that should flow from our hearts all year long for who God is and what He has done, and the privilege we have of being used in His plans and purposes!

WHAT CAN I SAY?? MY HEART IS OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS!! AND IT IS ALL BECAUSE OF JESUS AND GOD'S MERCY IN MY LIFE-----WITHOUT HIM----I WOULD BE IN A VERY DARK, HOPELESS AND DESPERATE PLACE.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Pure Thoughts

Hi Everyone,

Right now I am at my friend Kember's house to spend Thanksgiving together. We are going shopping today for things and then eating lunch at her parent's place.

I found it interesting that on my bus ride up no "inappropriate language" is allowed. Actually this is a good thing--I am thankful for the rule.

But the wierd part was that putting in a quite vulgar movie was totally acceptable---and there weren't even headphones so we all had to hear the audio.

I don't watch T.V. really at this point in my life and am selective on the movies I watch, so just over-hearing it all caused a battle with the impure thoughts.

It was NOT good.

We always talk about our men having issues with their thought-life, but really if we are all honest, we all have issues male or female to some extent. Some of my friends and I have discussed this topic lately. Maybe the nature of the struggle varies some according to our age, spiritual maturity in dealing with it, or the points and situations in life that we are at.

So I came back to one of my favorite verses as I prayed, "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Harvest Of Righteousness--Walking in Wisdom

Hi Everyone,

My mentor and I had a great talk today. She pointed out to me something in the Word that God had shown her over the past few days. I thought it was really near!

We know that when we lack wisdom God tells us to ask for it and He will give it to us. James 1:5 tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Often we think of wisdom as gaining understanding or knowledge that we lack. But here are a few verses that describe more of what wisdom is!

James 3:17-18 "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."

Wisdom is PURE, PEACE-LOVING, CONSIDERATE, FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUIT, IMPARTIAL, AND SINCERE.

We can have an "attitude of Wisdom" as we seek to obey the Holy Spirit and approach situations in life on a daily basis.


Aren't those two verses an AWESOME WAY TO LIVE???

THAT IS THE WAY THAT GOD INTENDS US TO LIVE--AS WISE CHILDREN OF HIS----REAPING A HARVEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS!!!!!

Thank you, Deane, for sharing what God taught you--I was and am indeed so blessed by you!

A Pebble In Your Shoe

Hi Everyone,

Sometimes when we are really hurting---be that physically or emotionally, all that we can think about is the pain that we are in.

It is sort of like when you are walking with a pebble in your shoe and every time that you walk, you feel the pain-----and sometimes that is all that you can think about. However, when the pebble gets removed, you can begin thinking about other things---like the world around you and what they are facing.

It is the same way when we are hurting--sometimes our own pain can make it difficult for us to give out to others and focus on them. But when God heals us and does His Work in our lives, we are able to be a reflection of His Light to the world.....

So sometimes maybe we need to check and see if there is a pebble in our shoe----whether that be literal or symbolic of something else going on under the surface.

To be emotionally healthy, having an understanding of what is truly going on inside us, seeing our identity in Christ and seeking to understand things from God's perspective, and dealing with what is going on by acknowledging it honestly are great steps to take.

Monday, November 22, 2010

More On Hebrews

Hi Everyone,

Here are a few more thoughts on Hebrews.

Hebrews 10:19-25 "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Since those of us who have trusted in Christ, there are three things that we are instructed to do.

1) We are to draw near to God with Confidence with a sincere heart in full assurance of our faith

2) Hold Unswervingly to the hope we profess--our hope is CHRIST and what HE has done for us! This is a HOPE that is sure, unchanging, and definite!

3) Consider how to spur (encourage) one another on to good deeds----essentially partially doing this by staying connected to one another in the body of Christ---(It is hard to spur one another on if we aren't regularly being together)

Our good deeds are NOT by any means a "way to obtain salvation"--THAT only happens through TRUSTING in CHRIST ALONE. But rather EVERYTHING THAT WE Do is a reflection of what Christ has done in us---an outpouring of our love and gratitude to Him---and a desire to have those around us KNOW him in the same way.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Set free

Hi Everyone,

As I was out and about this afternoon, I was reminded again of the great privilege that I have been given of being set free by the Son of Love--Jesus. And as I saw so many interacting around me with one another, I was reminded of the great need for so many to yet come to that place where the Lord works in their lives to draw them to a knowledge of the truth and they give Him their trust.

Let's keep praying for those that don't know Jesus around us and use every opportunity to share Him in love and in truth.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

Hi Everyone,

I have received some news today!!!!! And it is time to tell the world......

















I'll be STAYING after conference too!!!! YEAH!!!!

Please pray for me over the next two months as I transition and wrap up things here.......that I will do it well....it isn't going to be totally easy.

I am looking at a possible date of January 28th for the flight back to Mexico

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!!!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Advice For Resolving Conflict

Hi Everyone,

The best advice for resolving conflict is to see others as God sees them and have that correct view of them as He does.

When we see ourselves as truly having our identity in Christ, we are also able to see others from that same perspective!

When we have God's view of others, our opinions of the other person fall to the wayside.

Because I Love Jesus And Belong To Him

Hi Everyone,

So I seriously had the most awesome morning ever! Let me tell you why!

I went and grabbed a little breakfast---just for something different---on my way down to the medical clinic to volunteer this morning.

I was almost ready to leave when one of the women without a residence that I know walked right in the door of the establishment I was eating at!!!!!

Awesome! I haven't seen her for over three months! We both recognized each other. She came and sat at my table.

She finally let me buy her a cup of hot water for tea so she could warm up.

We must have talked for over half an hour! It was great! She invited me to go to a Bible study on John with her Monday morning. I really want to go to check it out with her and make sure she is getting biblically solid teaching.

I also got the privilege of putting a little more money on her gift card to where we were eating---so she can have a few meals over the next few days.

And while I was in line waiting to put the money on her gift card, I got to share the gospel and my testimony with a guy that knows her.

Awesome! I needed an opportunity like that! I get wierd when I haven't directly been able to share the gospel with someone for a few days-----it's true!

I am so excited that God brought her back across my path---we are hoping to meet (her and I that is) on Monday morning again before I leave town for Thanksgiving!

I love this ministry to those without a residence.......such a strategic place where God has placed me right now-------and I am really going to miss it!!!!

Why do I do all of this?? Answer: Because I love Jesus and I belong to Him---and I want to share His perfect love with the world!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Condemnation Vrs Conviction

Hi Everyone,

CONDEMNATION
tends to make us want to be far away from God. Those who have not given Jesus their trust are in this category.

John 3:18 "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."

But God longs to bring all men to the place where they have a knowledge of the truth--His truth and what Jesus has done by taking our punishment for sin upon Himself, dying in our place, and rising from the dead three days later.

CONVICTION tends to draws us closer to God--It is the process that the Holy Spirit uses to show us our sin so that we can confess it to God and be walking more closely with Him as a result.

And there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)

Six Months

Hi Everyone,

I just can't believe it's been six months with this whole personal relationship with God--I am still having an absolute blast! I am hoping to get some more devotionals put on my blog soon-I've just been busy doing a lot of helping at the Medical Clinic this week and things. I've had a little less time to post than usual. I will write again soon!

Blessings to you all! Keep seeking after Him!

Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Not Just Going Through The Motions

Hi Everyone,

In our walk with God we have to be sure that we are not simply just going through the motions with no reality connected to our relationship with God. Obviously there are days where it may seem like that is what we do, and really this is something that is just between each of us as individuals and God--because only God and you know the status of your heart.

But this is just something I have been thinking about lately....we don't simply just want to give Jesus Christ "lip service" and then live a totally different lifestyle that does not reflect what we say.

Here is the chorus to a song I heard the other day--I thought it was neat and challenged me.

"The Motions"--chorus
by Matthew West

"I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
Without Your all-consuming passion inside of me.
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything
Instead of going through the motions."

Hebrews 4:13-13 "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Lord, help us-We do NOT just want to "go through the motions" with You!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Cost Of Discipleship

Hi Everyone,

Mark 8:34-37

"Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"

Essentially the cost of following after Jesus is EVERYTHING----but when He gave everything for us, why should it NOT be that way?

Will we allow HIS WILL and HIS PLAN and HIS WAYS to become our own? We are but vessels that He chooses to display His glory through.

Stayed Upon Him

Hi Everyone,

Like A River Glorious

Words: Fran­ces R. Ha­ver­gal, 1876; first ap­peared in Hymns of Con­se­cra­tion and Faith.

Music: Wye Val­ley, James Mount­ain, 1876

Like a river glorious, is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious, in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth, deeper all the way.

Refrain

Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.

Refrain

Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do.
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.

Refrain

Just another hymn to remind us to keep our eyes on Jesus---the author and perfecter of our faith.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Security

Hi Everyone,

Think about these verses and the depth of what they say.

1 Corinthians 1:4-9
"I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."

I guess when I read them-one word comes to my mind-security----security in the Lord

Because
1) We are enriched in every way
2) We don't lack the spiritual gifts that God has for us to use
3) He will keep us firm to the end
4) He is faithful
5) HE has called us into Fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Look at how the passage started 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 "Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"

Yep! Obviously Paul's letter was for the church in Corinth and for their specific areas of concern that He saw that they were dealing with, but his words are also meant for us as well.

WE hAVESUCH SECURITY IN WHO GOD IS AND WHAT HE HAS PROMISED.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Remains Of Autumn

Hi Everyone!

Look at this awesome tree that is outside my window! Quite great for mid-November!

Here is the daytime view that I get to enjoy



And the night time view follows-----



P.s. The street light hits it just perfect doesn't it?

I really could look at that all day!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Compassion For The Lost

Hi Everyone,

Sometimes I feel sad when I hear the way that believers sometimes talk about unsaved people......we really have to remember that they are deceived and prisoners held captive. When we start viewing them as anything different, it creates distortion in how we perceive them.

Look at how Jesus responded upon seeing the lost Matthew 9:36 "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

Do we have that same compassion for the lost? In our immediate response we may say, "yes," but maybe it is something we all need to think about a little bit more and evaluate in our hearts....myself included.

Lord, give us YOUR compassion for those that don't know you. We don't excuse their sin any more than we would excuse our own, but we know that YOU love them, even those that are deceived into such deep false beliefs---and that YOU desire to draw them to a knowledge of the truth.

Waiting For God's Best

HI Everyone,

It seems like one of my topics of frequency lately is waiting for the Lord--I guess that makes sense with where I am at in life right now.

Sometimes when we want something and don't see it happening, we can tend to settle for something other than God's best for us.

And God allows us to either choose the "second best" or to wait for Him. He isn't going to stop our every wrong choice.

Sometimes when we see the "roadblocks" we tend to want to take things into our own hands.

But as my pastor said today, "can we trust that we have a bigger God than any roadblocks that we see in the path?"

And can we trust that even the roadblocks are a part of his timing, protection, and provision for us??

Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."

Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry."

Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope."

Saturday, November 13, 2010

God Loves Her................

Hi Everyone,

Today at my home church we had an outreach called the Holiday Speacialtea. This is an event where women in the church invite their friends that aren't believers. There s a delicious meal and hear a presentation of the gospel by one of the women from our church who shares her testimony.

Well, there is a certain woman that I have thought of for years--actually my last memory of her was when something happened and I got profoundly hurt in second grade. But I've thought about her a lot and always wondered what happened to her.

Well, I went out to check on water and punch for the guests and she recognized me. So we talked for a little bit.

And then I had to go back to my work area in the back and just spend some time in prayer because I wanted to be sure I wasn't holding onto any bitterness about what had happened back then and just wanted the Lord to know that I forgave her for something that she probably doesn't even remember.

And after I prayed, it was so cool because I went out and talked to her again...I wanted to be sure we left each other really well.

It was such a privilege that she came to our church and was there. And I can't help but think about how much God loves her and wants her to be in a personal relationship with Him.......

Friday, November 12, 2010

Spanish Opportunities

Hi Everyone,

I had a really awesome opportunity tonight to worship with a few Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters in Christ! It's been awhile since I have had an opportunity to do anything like that---and I had this realization of how much I miss that!

Another cool thing is that there is a lady that is Spanish speaking that is interested in running her errands with me and just "hanging out" which would give me some MUCH NEEDED Spanish practice---It will be fun to meet her. I am hoping to get something set up with her this week before I leave town for my various small trips between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

God is definitely preparing me to head back to Mexico....so THAT is pretty exciting!

Wait In Hope

Hi Everyone,

Psalm 33:20-22 "We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you."

These verses are amazing! we must wait in HOPE for Him---He IS our hope!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Continual Praise!

Hi Everyone,

May our lives be a continual act of praise to the Lord in everything that we do, think, say, and reflect to the world

Hebrews 13:15-16 "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."


Praise goes beyond the music---it is the result of living a life of gratitude to the Lord.

It's More Like Falling In Love!

Hi Everyone,

Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is more like falling in love than a mere assent to a bunch of facts----and I haven't gotten tired of it or lost the awe and wonder yet.

Giving Jesus Christ Your trust is the key to having an intimate relationship unlike anything You've ever known---a relationship of the deepest purity, integrity, and is an invitation to knowing the Lord over all with an intimacy that words can't quite describe.

NOTHING ELSE MATCHES IT.

And it isn't just simply that You love Him, but the miracle of it all is that HE loved YOU first.

Lord, may we fall more in love with YOU today----and may nothing be allowed to take that place of YOU!!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Did God Really Say?

Hi Everyone,

Satan's greatest goal is to get us to doubt the goodness of God.

This works for unbelievers so they will never want anything to do with God in the first place.

This also works for believers---so that they never live the life of confident trust and abundance that God intended for them.

What Satan asked Eve in the garden, he still tries to tempt us with today

Genesis 3:1 "Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

I See One Side But God Sees It All!

Hi Everyone,

It has been a little bit of a challenging day for me. In the midst of talking with God, dealing with some disappointments, celebrating joyous news with a quiet unspoken grief mixed in, it occurs to me again the thought that I see one side of things----I see God's plan being carried out in my life every day---and 99% of all days that is an extremely deeply joyous, deep, elating experience-----walking with God on the journey.

But I struggle when there are those occasional moments where I forget that I just see a portion of this great plan that God has in store--I only see it as I live it out in my perspective-------and that HE SEES THE WHOLE PICTURE---beginning to end--and sees and knows the perfect reasons as to why--my "life" isn't the more "Typical type" let's say. And that even though I would NEVER change or "trade in" what He is allowing me to have and blessing me to experience in truth and in Him, I have to remind myself that HE KNOWS TRULY WHAT IS BEST--even when it comes to deep unspoken desires of the heart------He knows----HE KNOWS THE WAY, THE PLACES, THE EVENTS, THE PERFECT TIMING-----and I can trust Him for that.

It all reminds me of a little poem--that explains it like this:

The Weaver

by Benjamine Malachi Franklin

My Life is but a weaving
between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors
He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow
And I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the under side.

Not til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares,
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives His very best to those
Who leave the choice with Him.

As the Prophet Isaiah put it this way: "You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,“You did not make me”? Can the pot say to the potter, “You know nothing”?" Isaiah 29:16

Our desired response should be: "Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." Isaiah 64:8

God knows how fragile we would be if we constantly got "our own way."

Appointed Time

Hi Everyone,

It's amazing how the phrase "appointed time" is used at least 30 times in the Bible. God has this way of doing things.....a perfect time for everything.

Sometimes we wish the "appointed times" would hurry up! But then they wouldn't be God's best for us....and they wouldn't be according to His perfect plan.

Appointed times.......but Lord help us to be all that YOU want us to be today right here in this moment....because TODAY is what we have in front of us.....and we may not have tomorrow.

So Lord help me to serve and obey as best as I can today as if it were the last day You would have me on this earth...........

But God's guidance never comes too early....and it NEVER comes too late.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Reflections

Hi Everyone,

God works in amazing ways! I just spent the day working at the Medical clinic on a big project. And all day long it was like God kept bringing me back to the joy of this chapter of my life--I kept reminiscing and thinking, "I am going to miss working with these people and seeing the clinic grow and expand it the new location." And as I walked out of the doors at the House of Hope, I thought, "I LOVE THIS PLACE--the real sense of community it provides, How God works here, and the joy and freedom of sharing my life with such dear sisters in Christ---about just about anything---literally. And then I started thinking about my church family and I thought, "Well, how do I spend time with all of these different people in the next months?? I know I won't be able to get together with everyone--unfortunately it is just how it is." I love this chapter of my life...oh how I have loved it!

BUT I know things were never meant to stay the same.......and for the last months since God found me-----MEXICO has been constantly in my thoughts, and my heart has ached to be back with my team----now that I know that "I am more than okay in God's eyes" and I don't need my team to give me the approval and acceptance that only God can give. I can have the joy of knowing that I am NOT what I do---and work alongside them---simply being what God has called me to be----and that is MORE THAN ENOUGH! I know that serving Him has nothing to do with location---I love serving God in my home state---and I love serving God in Mexico---or anywhere else!

Monday, November 8, 2010

By Faith...........

Hi Everyone,

Hebrews 11:1-16

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."

FAITH---TRUST IN WHAT GOD HAD SAID AS BEING ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN-----EVEN WITHOUT SEEING THE RESULTS. What an example so many faithful people have left behind them of an unwavering trust in the Lord! Where there is tribulation, persecution, or even if things are really going well, we must do the same--TRUST IN HIM and live lives that show the evidence of our trust. When You KNOW that CHRIST truly is BETTER than anything else in the world, that His all sufficient sacrifice on the cross took away YOUR sin, and YOU trust in Him, everything changes. We have an amazing privilege that so many in the Old Testament did not have-----we see more of the complete picture of what God was doing. How much more then, should we live from that heart of trust?

Romans 1:17 "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Psalm 34

Hi Everyone,

I absolutely love Psalm 34--my mentor read it to me a few days ago when I was waiting to go in to get prepped for the small surgery--check it out!

Psalm 34:1-22
Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left.

I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his holy people,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry;

but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to blot out their name from the earth.
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;

he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.
Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD will rescue his servants;
no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.


There is a lot of really good stuff in here to think about! Lord, may we extol YOU at all times today with Your praise continually on our lips. Thank you that You deliver us and protect us and that those who take refuge IN YOU will never be condemned. TRULY YOU ALONE ARE THE LORD GOD AND THERE IS NO OTHER!

The Strength of My Heart---My Portion Forever

Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Hi Everyone,

Isn't it just so awesome that no matter what God is the one who strengthens us in the deepest places and that He will be more than enough as our portion forever? HIS STRENGTH is inexhaustible and He will always be who TRULY SATISFIES us regardless of what is going on around us.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

A Life Worth Living!

Hi Everyone,

This is a part of something I wrote earlier this week.

My life is a life worth living. Not a life to be hated and despised, but a life worth living to the fullest and to God's glory.....a life I would NOW not trade in for anyone else's in the world--that I used to want to trade in if I would have but had the chance.

THIS life is my very own--a life worth living--and I absolutely love it about 95% of the time. Lord, without You, where would I be? I think I know that answer, but because of You I am here for the sake of the glory of Your Precious Name.

A LIFE LIVED IN TRUTH----Your constant unchannging truth that is a solid Rock and refuge for me.

A LIFE LIVED IN YOUR LOVE----because in love, YOU found me! A life lived out of an overflowing heart of love simply because YOUR LOVE has filled me to overflowing. And that is what i am taking to the world every day--YOUR unending love!

A LIFE OF HOPE----the greatest gift of HOPE in JESUS----for I once had absolutely none.

A LIFE OF PEACE----Peace with YOU and peace with myself...peace with the desperate one that I used to be. Oh, I am still desperate. I am desperate---but for YOU----I need YOU every moment, but it's a different kind of desperation. Desperation in Unending Hope---oxymoron?? I don't think so!

A LIFE OF TRUST---because YOU are worthy of my trust and total dependence--and this is apart from my circumstances. TRUST because no matter what, YOU are totally forever worthy of it and NOTHING will ever change that!

A LIFE OF SERVICE----service to YOU in humble obedience because my greatest delight is obeying YOU and nothing will ever delight me more than that, regardless of my location.

A LIFE OF JOY---joy unaffected by circumstances--JOY IN YOU!!

A LIFE OF TRUTH---YOU ARE THE TRUTH! YOU ARE IN MR----AND I AM IN YOU!

A LIFE OF HONESTY---I like it much better this way---THIS is how it is suppose to be! What You see IS WHAT YOU GET!!!!

A LIFE---intentionally and perfectly orchestrated by the LORD-all along--for HIS GLORY!

YEP! THIS is my life-a life I will never trade in for anyone else's and I am actualy honestly glad that isn't even possibl;e!

CHRIST LIFE----Christ is in me and HE IS my life!

CHRIST LIFE---simply a little tool that God has used to change my life.

CHRIST LIFE---What more can I say? OUR GOD IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

On Earth As It IS In Heaven

Hi Everyone,

It is a good thing to have to slow down once in awhile....to rest..to be still......to just be quiet and allow the Spirit of God to work and show You what He longs to.

I've been thinking about how in the Lord's Prayer, Jesus prayed, "your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)

I guess I have been thinking about His Will being done in Heaven and here on earth--and just pondering the amazing God we serve and what that completely LOOKS like that His will is being done on earth as it (already) IS in heaven.

I don't quite know how to describe everything I am pondering but it is amazing to consider......God's WILL and HIS PLAN is so incredible and HIS ways are so much higher than we can ever imagine!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Did She See Jesus In Us?

Hi everyone,

So i am almost ready to go to bed for the night.....exhausted from everything. (see previous post if you don't have a clue what I am talking about.)

Well, I just have one more comment about the wonderful nurse that God provided for me today.

At the end when I was almost ready to leave the hospital, she said, "I am going to miss having you two (me and my mentor around."

And my thought was, "Did she see Jesus Christ in us?" I REALLY hope so.