Be Intentional

We recently went to a wedding. I usually cry at weddings, as they are soooo beautiful! Unfortunately, crying causes my nose to fill up with so much mucus, that at my own wedding, when they told us: "you may now kiss the bride."  I responded with "nooooooooo!." My husband jokes to this day that we never got married because I wouldn't kiss him.  Anyways,  I didn't have any Kleenex, so I intentionally worked hard to not cry; it wasn't easy, but I did it.

Then, at the reception, most people got up and danced on the dance floor. I had to intentionally refrain because I knew that in my effort to prove I'm not too old to "work my groove", I might injure my back, knees or feet. 

I felt The Lord told me afterwards, to be intentional in my prayers. When I enter an arena where I know the enemy is active in peoples lives, I need to intentionally guard my heart through prayer. It requires paying attention to my surroundings, being a Watchman on the wall. I am not to be ignorant of the enemies schemes. I need to always be prepared.

Eternity Has One Last Voyage

Eternity, our Sailboat is sold. She took her last voyage like a trooper? Steve helped the new owners motor her from Madeira Beach to St Pete Beach, a 90 minute ride.

A couple of people prior casting off, remarked to us, the overused phrase: "the happiest days of a boat buyer are when they first buy it and when they finally sell it."  

Steve remarked, " No, the happiest day for me will be when I put this boat behind me to go overseas and serve Christ. I wouldn't have given up the boat, but it's far more enjoyable to do kingdom work."

After docking the boat. nearby sailboat owners came over to check out their new neighbors. Chris, chatted with us for a while, then followed us out to our car. Steve expressed our reason for selling the boat. He then asked Chris if he was a Believer in Jesus. He answered," I don't think so, but I want to be". After expressing how he could be certain to be saved, we gave Him a bible, leaving our phone number inside, so; if he had questions he could call us. 

It's so cool how God has used even the sale of the boat to touch lives.  It is worth any trouble, if a life comes to the saving knowledge of Christ!  Pray that Chris finds salvation.

Influence of Normal, Natural, Right

Recently, I've had this inner struggle to own a pet again, even if it would only be a short time, let's say six months. Yes, I have trained myself to bond then break that bond, when it comes to pet ownership. Although, I'm not thoroughly convinced I have recovered completely from those past bond, thus the struggle now.

I explored the possibilities with Steve, suggesting a cat. The expected response came: "no, cats shed."  My brain couldn't accept that answer and I went into resolve mode by having a dream last night.

In my dream I began searching for a kitten to adopt. I picked up newborn kittens, all which were a variety of colors, both short and long hair. I showed one to Steve and he reminded me of the shedding. Then I found a hairless animal that had its tail torn off midway from its body. I wasn't sure it was a cat, but it didn't have fur to shed and besides it looked injured, it need of rescue!  

Needless to say, I carried this animal around in my pocket and took care of it. Then, I took it inside a vets office to find out what it was. It was a rat!

In my view of normal, natural and right, a rat does not fit the description of a proper pet. If I had known it was a rat in the first place, I probably wouldn't have chosen it a a pet. In fact, I doubt that I would have even considered it at all.

However, in another culture, rats may be considered good pets, but then again, better as food! But, the fact remains, am I willing to adopt into a culture knowing that some things may make me uncomfortable as I weigh out my normal, natural and right against theirs. The important thing is to weigh the differences again the plumb line of Gods word. If it doesn't break biblical principles, then will I enter their culture and adapt?  Even so, I don't advocate a rat for a pet for obvious reasons, it's just something to think about as Steve and I move closer towards serving cross culturally.

Heart Ripe To Receive

We went to visit my uncle in St Paul. He had no idea we were coming as we had no phone number and he doesn't own a computer to receive emails. The main doors to his apt complex are kept locked so we went to an open window and called out his name. Thankfully, he was living in the same apt as eleven years ago, when I last visited!

We shared with Bruce about what God was doing in our lives. He asked plenty of questions. We answered them with as much love as possible. Bruce admitted to belief in God, in fact he had felt this conviction to attend a downtown church, but never did. He doesn't drive. He stated that he has had two major heart attacks and he felt God was keeping him alive for a reason.

I watched as this man's heart seemed to be ripe to come to The Lord.  I asked him if he wanted to pray, he didn't say yes or no. I gently asked again. We bowed our heads, being careful not to pressure him into "saying a prayer". We did not want a false conversion. But, after praying he remarked, " I feel better."  Time will tell if his heart made that true commitment, but, I believe it was sincere!

On The Road Again

We left Colorado and the beautiful landscape, entering into flat-land, definitely boring. We are heading for Minnesota, 16 hours away, making for long days of driving, no time to waste.

Like lightning, Steve pulls over to help a man who's Lexus suddenly stopped in the middle of nowhere. ( yikes!). Mr. Z had just bought the car in Las Vegas and was driving it home. A tow truck was coming. 

Meanwhile, Steve talked about why he stopped.  We gave Mr. Z our water as the radiator was bone dry, but what the man really needed was living water! The man implied he was financially well off. Steve encouraged him not serve money as it will never satisfy. He shared how he gave up a high paying job for something more valuable. The mans arms were crossed in a defensive pose, listening to Steve but uncomfortable. Perfect timing, the tow truck pulled up.

I sat in our car an waited.

Still Learning

After having a beautiful opportunity to share Jesus with an older man, expressing why we came and what Jesus means to me in my life;  I was sure I had been cured of my ugly attitude and could now move forward in the process, but God had to stop me in my tracks again.

First prejudice, non believers helping to sift through valuable items. I was very suspicious of them, certain they were pocketing items. I was also angry that Samaritans Purse would allow them to wear their Samaritans Purse logo tee shirts and work along side us Christians! They had to gain special permission because they refused to sign the "statement of faith" paperwork. Their boss routinely has them take a day off with pay, in order to do community service. However, it was easy to see that God was not surprised, in fact, it was in His plans!

 

Steve took time during lunch to share with them about Jesus, and they "hung" on to every word. Then, Steve said to me, "these guys really worked hard today, we really needed their help!" Ouch!

Man, did I need to bite my lip and ask for forgiveness! 

Learning About Myself

Steve felt led to change our plans and return to Colorado In order to help Samaritans Purse with the flooding victims. My heart was disinterested. But God had something to show me. 

My first prejudice. The first home we helped out at, it felt as if the homeowner just wanted to remodel, so he declared his back pantry area a disaster and we tore out cabinets, walls, and flooring. I had trouble seeing the damage. I thought, " why are we here?"

My next prejudice. I saw so much stuff out in the streets that could have been recycled or washed off with bleach and reused, that I found myself irritated, questioning peoples motives.

Then came my third prejudice. We were asked to wash the mud off some very nice collectibles out on their driveway. One of the other workers dropped a very elaborate and expensive vase. I was certain we would be harassed and scolded.  The homeowners response, "don't even tell me what it was, I've lost so many things so far, what's one more! "

I needed to not harden my heart, but to work as unto The Lord, the material stuff was irrelevant, my job was to love the people, but could I ?

Voluntary Coming Agnostic

A guy from Eastern Europe saw us setting up camp and asked if he could set Up near by. We are at a free campsite next to an itsy, bitsy town called Liberty, Washington. . It's a town you would expect to see during the gold rush times in the Great Northwest,  Complete with the equipment to pan for gold.  There are no more than fifty people living there. The area for the most part is secluded. 

Igor shows us his Washington license,  to prove he is not a axe murderer. We don't even suspect that, but he didn't want us worried.  Little does he know that his visit was planned by God. 

For most of the evening and into the early morning hours, they discuss religions of the world. They eventually get into the serious eternal stuff and Igor hangs on every word, but expresses that this is all "in-theory";   there is a battle for his soul. He leaves the next morning with a lot to weigh out in his mind.

Inside the town Liberty, Washington

Who knows?

Andrew is a server at a local franchise restaurant here in Spokane. The funny thing, he wasn't our server; yet, Andrew spent more time with us than our server did. In fact, I can't recall her name. Andrew never commented the whole time, he just listened. We found ourselves treating Andrew like a full fledged believer of Christ, sharing with him about how the Holy Spirit whispered His desires to us. We shared our story as to how we were called into cross cultural missions. Andrew excused himself once to get someone's order, then promptly returned to hear the rest of the story. He showed no emotion, no hint as to whether or not he was a believer of Christ or not. It was weird, we couldn't read him. We found ourselves deep in the story and not in a questioning mode. The cool part is, God knew what Andrew needed to hear.

Below is a reminder to me that if Steve and I keep our eyes upward, the outflow of our love for Jesus will spill out and people like Andrew will see that relationship of love.  I took this photo in a cemetery ( of all places) and applied photo shop to the picture.

The Ending Of The Day

Light filters through the cloud filled sky,

Just as evening winks goodbye before my weary eye.

Such a lovely way to send a message of tender love,

Piercing my heart with flashing beams from above.

Lead me to Your lingering light,

Draw me closer to heavens celestial sight. 

Let me dance on glistening beams of white and blue,

Let me imagine what hides beyond my view,

And kisses the horizon of eternity new.

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Below is a picture taken our last evening before our arrival in Spokane, Washington. I enjoy pictures like this, which inspires poetry to flow, and reminds me to look for the arrival and return of Jesus! 

Raining Grace

Steve went back after dinner to continue helping with remodeling for the new Calvary Chapel of Laramie, Wyoming. We had the tent set up with the top canvas off, so that we could enjoy the stars. It was a beautiful clear evening. I had just finished writing the poem on last blog and was now relishing a gorgeous sunset.

In the distance I saw rain streaking down in the orange sky. I knew I had to prepare for rain. Normally, both of us have put on the canvas top over our eight man tent, but tonight it looked like I was flying solo.  I prayed and asked for help and the canvas spread over the top in one sweep! I started praising Him whom issued me grace. 

Steve was anticipating the worse as he raced to the campsite with forceful winds, lightning and heavy rain ahead. He expected me to be angry and balling with tears. Instead, I gave praise and honor to Him who is worthy.

Below is a picture of the beautiful sunset at the campsite.

Remembering A Hearts Melody

We stopped in Laramie Wyoming yesterday. Steve spent the day doing construction on a old church with beautiful stain class window. This is to be the new Calvary Chapel. While he worked, I sat outside and read the word and composed a song. The poem below was a result and reflection of the day.

The journal pages are open for view,

I ponder my day and write something new.

My pen is ready to use as applause for my King,

My heart in tune resonates its happiness, wanting to sing.

Entering into His presence started my day,

An intermingling of communion came into play,

With eagerness I sought Him out,

Now remembering, my heart wants to shout!

With accolades the chorus continues its beating,

Like a deer panting, I desire Loves' repeating.

Remember my soul how grace abounding elicits this appeal,

Journal its remembrance, journal This wonderful zeal,

Describe with me how a relationship with my Savior is real. 

Below is a picture of a stained glass window inside the church.

A Tribute to Compass Family

Community of Compass, Welcome to my heart!

How beautiful are the feet who bring Good News abroad,

To your faithfulness I applaud.

Keep standing on the solid rock, and remember,

It's not about the destination or the time on the clock.

It's about leaving what's familiar, comfortable or sound,

It's about getting out of the boat and not looking down,

Trusting completely even when you feel your heart pound.

Its about moving with Him into deeper waters as they appear,

And knowing that as you delve deeper, His heart becomes precious and near,

You taste the chambers of His Holy of Holies, then,

this faith walk becomes treasured and dear,

And you see the beauty of trusting each path, 

Your character in fellowship, and His, becomes clear.

Memorials Of Compass

We went through a session yesterday on grief and loss, writing our laments on paper. Little did we know that we would be reading those laments out loud with everyone else in the room! With candles lit, we all poured out our hearts before The Lord and each other. 

Today as we said our goodbyes to the people here who have become our friends and I concentrated on putting my emotions on paper, to keep from sobbing. Many people shed tears both yesterday and today. Later, I went to our room and sobbed. Here is a poem, written in the mist of the pain.

When I see the pain of others,

It's sensation feels like smoke that smothers.

My eyes start to sting,

Tears swirl like ashes rising in a ring.

Movement rises upward toward Heaven as the fire burns,

With the eyes of my heart, Discernment yearns.

I am breathless as I respond to pain,

Pleading inwardly for the cleansing like a gentle rain.

I understand with tears, this clay will soften,

As frequent loss hardens and rolls into ruts so often.

Please take the potter's tools to smooth areas over me,

Scrape away this stinging, bring about change, don't let me be.

Alas, now I can say, "all is well with my soul",

The potter has molded me and made me whole.

Once wounded hearts are united by grace,

And I see tender new growth, brought on by every loving embrace.

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We then piled on rocks as a group for a memorial of our time here.

Reflection Times

We did a simulation at Compass which frazzled many of us. We went through a hostage scenario. At one point, it became very realistic. During the debriefing time, we felt its full impact on our hearts; a couple of people were filled with tears as they described their feelings. It turned out to be a true time of reflection.
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The next day we spent most of the day Seeking refuge in The Rock of our salvation. As I walked around the beauty of this mountainous area, I found this unique rock which spoke to me instantly of the purpose for being out here. My pockets start to fill up with rocks as I start seeing a picture/symbolism in each one.

It's so easy to get busy and not have your meeting times with God. Sometimes, it takes jostling from outside stimulus, to encourage me that refreshment time is necessary. My emotions become frazzled but quickly change in His presence.

Before

After

Half Full or Half Empty?

We have been learning a lot about how we resolve conflict here at Compass. As I look and examine my conflict style, I also see the need for the Holy Spirit to help me morph into other styles when it is appropriate, and to understand the styles of others. It's also important to realize how we perceive things, namely from what angle. Do I confront assuming the other person is wrong? Or do I think the best and ask appropriate questions?

Just for fun, what do you notice first in this picture?

Are you drawn to the flowers or the horse ----?   I know that's not fair. Why would anyone in their right mind take this picture anyways?   I was drawn to the oddity of this scene and giggled knowing it would be fun to use on a blog!

On Second Thought!

We went to Kmart. A man greeted us, wanting to sell newspaper subscriptions. Steve greets him and asks " are you a follower of Christ?"  The man pauses, almost puzzled, then responds, " well, yes I am!"  Steve quickly responds with, "if you have to think about it, your not". That remark sets the man on edge, " I don't want to talk about it." He replies gruffly.  Steve politely tells him, " I understand" and walks away.

" Hey sir!" He calls to him.  "You might be interested in a bible display here locally. A group has been collecting bibles to give away, and they've collected some unique ones." They wind up talking about Jesus after all! He asks, " why would a loving God create people capable of sinning?" The conversation turns to love requiring a choice. I left to do my shopping, sensing this could be a lengthy talk. I pray silently.  When I return, they are shaking hands.  Sometimes, fish nibble on the bait just to taste it, then bite, fully committed. This man certainly is pondering on what he heard!

Mountain of Praise

Most of you who know me are probably surprised, that I even attempted to take a four hour hike, little less climbing up a 500 foot rocky, incline.  We were already at a 6,900 ft elevation before the climb.  Breathing in itself has been difficult for me.  Looking through the natural, how would I accomplish what I set out to do?

 I had made the commitment to the group and spiritually, I was fully committed.  We walked about the length of one block and I was huffing and puffing, trying to catch my breath!  I told Jesus at that very moment, that I wanted to be Caleb this morning.  I asked Him to empower me with the physical strength, as a way to show me that He would ultimately empower us for the mission field! I told Him that He would get all the glory!

This morning, after that four hour hike, my body was not in rebellion.  I was not regretting my decision to go.  I have never accomplished anything of this kind before, without suffering from muscle soreness. Jesus is wonderful and I have to follow up yesterday's mountain experience with praise!

Hiking Up A Mountain

We are currently in Colorado attending MTI. We are taking a month long course on language learning and culture.  The first week felt like hiking up a mountain within the realm of indoors. Today we left the building for a four hour hike up a real mountain!  There were thirteen of us who braved the hike, seven made it to the top. The rest of us tuckered out and rested about 3/4 of the way up, waiting for the "stronger" to return.  

This first picture was a "setup photo."  They told us that here is a picture of us standing around the reservoir. Laughing, they implied that we didn't miss a thing!

The next picture is what the "real" view was like!

How Can I Be Judged?

CJ was sitting in the breakfast room at Castle Inn where we stayed. Others came and went quickly as we started chatting about Jesus. TJ immediately wanted to know about those people in other parts of the world who don't get a chance to hear the gospel. Would a loving God send them to Hell? We talked about Psalm 19 that man has creation to show them God.  We talked about the conscience which means, "with knowledge."  

CJ was defensive and claimed he has a brain injury which prevents him from understanding everything. Would God send him to Hell? His heart filled with anxiety as the Holy Spirit is drawing him. He insists that he is a good person "most of the time."  A struggle is going on for his soul. The Good News is told to him, grace is issued from the throne room.  CJ feels the tug and his struggle is weak. This fish doesn't know what to say. A long pause. Finally CJ thanks us and stands to leave. A few minutes later he is found pacing outside smoking on a cigarette. Is he pondering?

The kingdom was near to this man today!

Beauty Within Blah

104 degrees as we near Armarillo, Texas. Nothing to see, too hot to do anything. Oil drills, flat, golden prairie land dot my view. i am bored at the mundane. i try to find things to be grateful about, as I sense my attitude waning into negativism.  I  am thankful that our car air conditioning works!  I find excitement In finding interesting types of "road kill" , an armadillo and coyote. My mind becomes stimulated. 

Then our Creator shines in magnificence by placing beauty inside a wrapped colorful package. After six hours of blah landscape which caused me to yawn over and over in boredom, a state park called "Palo Duro Canyon State Park" in northern Texas erupts to remove the nothingness. From THIS................

To THIS..........joy joy!

Be A Bear and Just Grab The Fish!

Bears use their claws and scoop up fish from rivers. If we aren't doing the same thing, reaching out, initiating conversations, the fish just swim away, totally oblivious to the Truth.

 We have been doing repairs on a rental house of our son's.  We were on our last day, completing a list of odds and ends and laying down mulch outside around bushes, when a car pulls up. He saw the rental sign out front. 

We see his features, the man is Muslim. Steve dropped what he was doing to go scoop him up (talk).  Mr.  Faheed was in his twenties, from Saudi Arabia!  The man quietly listened as Steve talked about Jesus and his purpose for coming. He gave no rebuttal, just listened. He heard the gospel message. I was quietly praying. Then his cell phone rang. The slippery fish dropped out of our hands and back into the water.  We pray now that Jesus appears to him in his dreams tonight! 

Side note:  we went to Lowes tonight just before they closed. A man walked out wearing a tee- shirt which read........"Got Bait?".........(yeah, but this time we are in a time crunch!) LOL!  

God of Second Chances

I chickened out in the library today. I saw a Muslim women with three children walk inside as I was typing the blog about the Mormon. You can't very well ask if she knows of a good church! I just couldn't begin a conversation. We smiled at each other, that's all.

We left the library and travelled four miles away, stopping for a late lunch at KFC. Guess who was in line? Yep!  Was God saying something? I commented to her, " this is weird, we meet again! " Susan responded, " yes, we were both at the library. It must be purposed."  (Yikes! )

We sat nearby each other. We were told, it would be eight minutes for our chicken. (Another yikes!). I chickened out again. Finally, as she spoke Arabic to her children, Steve turned around to ask "what language is that?" (Whew). Susan is scouting out the area looking for English teachers to teach in The capital of the United Arab Emirates  (Interesting).

Our God planned that we meet and talk, comparing notes on religions. Muslims love to talk about God, we just need to start the conversation!

A Mormon Fish on The Line

Steve and I like to open conversations by asking if the person attends a local church or fellowship.  That opens the door to explain that we are traveling through, meeting with churches, who are missions minded. 

We asked this question to a receptionist at a dental office.  I've had some sensitivity to cold on my right side and they were about to close the office, but saw me anyways. The dentist left the office and it was just the receptionist and us.  We popped the question. He bite the hook.  Immediately, he went on the defensive with us, stating Mormonism and Evangelical Christians were the same!  He denied having a different translation, the Mormon Book is simply the King James Version! (not)

When I brought up Ephesians 2:8,9 he became nervous.  The Mormon (King James) says "We are saved by grace, after all we can do........"  The actual King James reads, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:......"  (apparently, the Mormons think we no longer read that version and won't be Bereans) Once I started mentioning the difference, he shut us down, stating, "I'm solidly established in my faith and you can't change me!"

He threw the hook.

Prayer Warriors also at Walmart

    Steve saw a Bible on a dashboard of a car at Walmart and we decided to leave a prayer card, so they could pray for us. Before we could finish writing a note on the back, they showed up.  Steve and I chatted and held hands to pray in the parking lot. We talked for a hour, as our new found sisters Erika and Faith. encouraged us with their testimonies.

They vowed to keep in contact and to pray earnestly for us!

Walmart A Good Fishing Hole

     I sat on a bench next to a Tony while Steve stood in line with our cart to check out.I asked Tony if he attended a local church. He said, "occasionally, Sacred Heart Catholic Church" I told him that we were visiting in the area andI attended a great church tonight. i explained that i was asking so as to invite him to a good church, if he needed one. he seemed interested. Then i explained why I liked Calvary Chapels. I gave him a prayer card and said, "if your a man of prayer, I covet your prayers. I explained further my concern that I'm finding a lot of people who claim to be Christians, may occasionally read the Bible but never talk to the Creator of that Bible. How can they have a relationship if they don't communicate with Him! He needed to hear that!  He asked for the name of the church again.

Right place, right time

As we visited a Calvary Chapel church tonight, we chatted with a man and his son, Payton. We were sharing about our plans for Thailand, when the son said, "can I go?" Steve with passion spoke about Bruce Olsen going down to South America at 15 years of age. Then he encouraged him to draw near to God and His word. Steve asked him if he was a believer, expecting him to say yes, but; he didn't respond that way. He said, "no, I'm not, but I'm trying." 

We came there tonight to encourage this young man to come completely to Christ! It turned out that the father is the associate pastor!

Pending prayer and references, we may have monthly financial support from this church!  Thank you Jesus!

Famine or Feasting At His Table

I have been told that there are 200+ churches in Cullman County, Georgia (along the Bible Belt) . Two years ago 12 tornadoes ripped down churches and homes in downtown Cullman. Many large, brick churches stand reborn in that wake.  Many of the same denominations can be found across the street from each other. I wonder why? 

We were invited to a church this past weekend; there were about 400 members. The pastor of twenty years has just resigned, and the congregation awaits a new pastor. Meanwhile, a young pastor filling in has been critiqued by the congregation . The result , " his sermons are too long." He vowed the sermon would only last ten minutes today and from here on out.  He jested about the time as he preached, asking the audience, " do side notes count?" He doesn't want the pastoral job. It begs to wonder, why not?

Calvary Chapel is an "all you can eat buffet" compared to this! One of Danny's sermons would be a month long or longer series here!  It breaks my heart to see The Body wanting less of His Word. 

Purposed Pot-bellied Pig

A distinctive snort came closer, then wandered into camp. "Are there wild boar in these parts? After the fox last night, I would'nt  be surprised."  A talkative pot-bellied young pig greeted us. I knew immediately that some ones pet was on the loose.  Steve searched for owner while I entertained piggy with MY Turkey Jerky. (Thankfully it wasn't a pork product!) I was rewarded with a lick on the leg as she begged for more, her tail whipping back and forth.

The owner picked up "Charlotte" who wasn't excited to go home. They invited us to a nearby church which was having a week long VBS.  There was also a class for adults. Even though it was the last night, we still took up the offer and attended.

The pastor spent a year in northern Thailand! Steve was given time to share with the adults about what we were doing! They want us to give them updates! We had a wonderful time of fellowship and  blessing!

Fox News Live

Steve and I were in awe last night as we watched a grey fox calmly cross our path next to the cabin at dusk.  He or she was heading out for its nightly run for food. We will try to record the visit tonight with our iPad.

This made me think about Song of Solomon 2:15.  "Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom."

Father, as we begin searching Through Your vineyards and looking for blossoms ( people open to the gospel, or people needing tending), keep away The FOX who wants to spoil the vine and cause that potential to become blossom end rot. Go before us and keep the heart prepared. Don't allow any harm from our speech or our actions, which could spoil the fruit from being produced. Allow us to be true encouragers for those who are both barren or stunted.  Amen!

Prosperity Gospel

We attended a church service last night here in Live Oak, where a woman preached on the book of Esther. She kept emphasizing the word "favor" in the text. Esther quickly won favor, as she was advanced to the best place in the harem. (Chap 2:9)  This set the stage for the sermon to preach on the "power of our words" to advance in favor for a better position and greater wealth as King's kids.

I'm not necessarily against prosperity. See (3 John 1:2)  I'm just wanting to be taught the whole counsel of God and not just in part.

What will happen to a saint who only taught, "God has a wonderful plan for your life" (emphasis on wonderful)?  Jesus taught that in this world we will have tribulation. (John 16:33)  He taught that we would be "hated" by all nations for His name's sake. (Matt 24:9)

I'm just concerned that if we only preach prosperity, then; when persecution comes, we won't be prepared, and many will fizzle out in disappointment.  (Matt 13:21)

A Prodical Fish

Late last night we went to Wal Mart and a man greeted us, "How's things going?"  We both responded with our normal "Excellent!"  Doing this, seems to catch most people off guard, it did again this time as well.  We started talking, now having the opportunity to explain why we felt this way.

Jim shared his story with us.  He was in a tough situation right now financially, jobless for four months.  He had been going around and selling jewelry in exchange for cash, so that he could buy baby diapers and formula. We offered our help, making sure to give it in the Name of Jesus. He turned us down.  The man seemed very broken.  He offered jewelry for the cash, we refused. He insisted that he couldn't take anything for free. Steve told him to listen instead.  He did, as we tried spurring him onto love and good deeds, and encouraged him to return to his first love.
Jim expressed how he use to go to church but stopped, he felt the churches he attended were" cold and cultish."

 Jim wanted what he saw in us.  He desired to return to Jesus.  We prayed together, right in the middle of Wal-Mart. We exchanged phone numbers, promising to find a local church for him to attend. 

What a great way to end our first day in Live Oak, which is set aside solely for prayer and seeking His face!

Downsize/Supersize

We finally left D&D late Friday night and went to Brandon to spend the weekend with our grand-kids.  It was difficult fitting everything in our Toyota truck.  I had to downsize twice so that everything would fit!  Even then, I had to balance things on my lap!

Yes, I DO need those extra clothes!  Yes, I DO need ALL my journals!  Yes, I DO need my paints and those 10 canvases! (they are small).....and to think, I really wanted to purchase a rocking chair!

Today, the boys got excited when we invited them out for breakfast.  We walked outside and realized that we no longer have a four door Honda! LOL!  We had to borrow a car to go out!

Funny thing is, I had to get some needed things out of that mess and it took fifteen minutes to juggle things around.  Man, will I need to pack, repack, then downsize that super-size so I can survive with some sort of sanity!  On a positive note, I may become VERY organized! LOL! 

Trophy of His Grace

We listened to a sermon tonight by David Platt.  It really ignited me!  Jesus didn't say, "Go BE fishers of Men"  He said, "Go, and I will MAKE you fishers of men!"

FOUR THINGS I TOOK FROM THIS TEACHING:
1.  Speaking to Jesus....."You've taken the initiative to choose us, now apply your power to use us, and You get all the glory through us!"
2.  Jesus knows a lot more about fishing than we do, after all; He made the fish!
3.  We will follow Him, so that we can say to others follow us.
4.  Stop denying the power of Christ by thinking we can't be used!

                                         We desire to be seen as Trophies of Your Grace
       (examples showing that only God can take us in our weaknesses and do that!)                                                      

Prayer:  Father, shift me from being ME-CENTERED, to OTHER CENTERED, so they can become GOD CENTERED!  Amen....

 

Human Tackle Boxes

We are still at D&D, and if feels as we are going through trials which require sorting, sifting, and replacing old for new.  It's as if the Lord is checking each of us and saying, "This lure is worn and needs replacing, or this piece of equipment is not quite ready to be used for fishing."

For unspecific reasons, the delays in staying have been for a purpose; I have to believe that. I can only speak for myself, but, I have felt battered by it.  My emotions have been in like a fish caught in a hook and struggling to get free!  I struggled until I became both physically and emotionally drained. Once, I resolved to let the Lord sift through me, and show me my lackadaisical tackle box, He finally made progress with me.  The Holy Spirit has shown me that my heart was selfish in some areas and I needed to clear out and rid myself of some bad habits. If these areas are not changed, I can't function properly as a lure which attracts people to Jesus!

   Who am I to say to the Lord over the Harvest, Your going about this all wrong?  I desire to be that shiny lure, that lure that draws people to Jesus! Hopefully, Lord willing, we will be on the road tomorrow.

Fragmenting

I just completed the first chapter in the novel I am writing. In-between organizing and packing up things, so that we can move out of D&D, I'm writing.  The story line flows easily enough, however; the computer has been underlining my sentences, which show me that I have another grammatical error.  I keep getting the message: "fragmented sentence, consider revising." Funny thing, that's how I normally talk! So, I must be fragmented in the normal sense!

 Jesus seems to be augmenting our lives, namely our hearts, so that others can be fed. It's as if we were the loaves and fishes fragmenting and being given to others. Broken, but in a good way.

Normally, I would have been frustrated with all the delays in our plans and needing to stop to help others with their needs, however; I have found a refreshment in letting Jesus lead us. After all,  He is the Good Shepherd.  I have found that by listening to Him,  He has made me to lie down in green pastures. I see His grace flowing in our lives.

 And, like the novel which is a journey unfolding for others to enjoy, our lives also reflect a journey which includes the active participation in the lives of others.

I will always remain fragmented, if I struggle looking for my own pastures to graze on!

Its All About Perception

A precious person gave Steve a gold wedding band yesterday.

Some of you may know that we took Steve's original wedding band to the scrap yard. (actually the Diamond Store) to sell it.  We might have made more money selling it privately but we took the easier route.  The intention was to remove any threat of being robbed overseas. Diamonds and Americans in general are indication of wealth and we didn't want to tempt anyone. I joke about the scrap part now, but it was a disappointment to give up something so costly for the price of melted gold. The alternative of being robbed would have meant much more of a loss.

However, we didn't consider what people here in the states might think of Steve not wearing a wedding ring at all!  It might look as if he didn't consider our marriage sacred; or, on the other hand, we didn't consider a ring important.  It would be like a couple saying that marriage was only a piece of paper.  We didn't want to be a stumbling block or give any impression of a careless attitude toward marriage. We resolved to pick up a cheap wedding band for our trip across country. But, before having to do that, Steve was given a very special gold band, from a very special person, who is like a father to me.  The giver means much more to me than the gift! 

I'm officially remarried!

Thank you Jesus!

Watch For Who's Biting

I went out this morning with a group from another church to evangelize.

I met a Buddhist.  I asked her to share with me about Buddhism.   Shocking really..........doesn't believe in God.   Shared with her about building/builder, painting/artist, creation/creator. Makes sense, right?  If your familiar with the "Way of the Master", then you will know what direction I took to evangelize. Use the law as a schoolmaster to lead them to Christ......."The Good Person Test". Her two grandchildren listened as I asked the questions. Have you ever told a lie? Stolen something?  Anger=murder in the heart....etc.  God set a high standard.  Then she asked in astonished tone, "how then can people go to Heaven?"  Bingo.....bait taken.....share the gospel. The woman was convicted, couldn't talk and went into her house for something. People have to understand they have a disease before they can accept the cure.  I was hoping she would return and want more info.....

  Meanwhile, her granddaughter visiting from Georgia says, "they want me to be a Buddhist, but I want to be a Christian/Jew. Katie was maybe 10 years old. "Christian/Jew?" I questioned. "Jesus was Jewish right? I'd like to be like Him". Then she asked, "how do you know he is alive?" I  told her that the bible says that if you want to come near Him, He will come near you.  Ask him to make himself real. Read His bible and He will speak to you.  I also told her how to pray to accept Jesus.  Katie stated that she didn't have a bible nor has she ever attended church. I gave her the gospel of John with her grandparents permission. The grandparents invited me to a Buddhist seminar, which her husband teaches.  I just might....I have his email to inquire about the class, after my trip.

Funny thing.  I had my attention on catching the bigger fish, and I kept pulling the hook away from the little one, the one that was biting!

Friendship Evangelism

I listened to a missionary tonight, who serves in a Muslim Country, tell a person to "make friends with a Muslim and let your life be a testimony; then, wait until you are good friends, before sharing Jesus with them." Granted, one must be cautious in a country where you could be imprisoned for your faith, or killed for trying to convert someone, however; even in that case, it's more important to follow and trust the Holy Spirit's prompting, then to follow fear.. Here in the United States, however; there is no excuse to wait for a friendship to develop, before sharing one's faith. Currently, we won't be imprisoned, beaten or killed for being a Christian.  Sometimes, waiting could mean one won't bring it up at all.

My concern, even in a Muslim country, is that reluctance will breed fear in disciples. I am to teach obedience to the commands of Jesus, first; by being a living example.  If I am afraid to take a bold stand for Jesus in expressing my faith, then; how can I expect them to be any different?  Just last night, I heard a testimony from a missionary, who advised a newly converted Muslim to be hushed in sharing his faith to his family. Fortunately, this man didn't take his advice, and eventually his family converted to Jesus from Islam through his determination and boldness!