The rewards of serving: Peace and Joy

I'm in a position at church where people want to volunteer to do something in The ReignForest and I get to help them get engaged. Sometimes it's holding babies. Recently I sat down in Origins Cafe' and introduced myself to Penny M. Her husband was busy tearing down (taking down chairs) in the auditorium. I found out after talking with her that they had been coming to NPCC for about a year. I asked her if she was ready to do something like hold babies. She said "Yes, I'm ready to start. I'd think I'd like doing that." I can't possibly express how much this encouraged me. She's serving in the Grasshopper room and has attached herself to one of the little ones who is very precious, a little guy waiting for a heart transplant. Can you believe it ! I believe that she is there at the right place and the right time. This little guy needed someone who wouldn't be afraid to care for him while mom and dad are hearing the message. That's cool, but there's more.

I was so excited that day to have taken the time to meet Penny and her husband and then talking with Penny later I asked her if she was in a Small Group. She said No, that they had not joined one yet. So I invited her to join one that we were joining. Well six weeks later, her and her husband Jerry are now in Small Group with us and they are so cool !! Jerry is just overflowing with the freshness of falling in love with Jesus, he's a new believer and Penny is excited that she has renewed her commitment to Christ. There's something about fresh commitments that makes me re-evaluate whether my Love is FIRST and FOREMOST to God.

I have another story to share with you...normally I like to keep things shorter, but this is really good. I hope you'll read on.

Many people don't realize that The ReignForest is setup in 3 different zones; a nursery zone: ages birth - 24 months, The Reign Zone: two year olds (25 months - 35 months) The Preschool Zone are those children who are 36 months (potty trained) and ready to be promoted the first Sunday in September of the current year. The various stages of preschool children can be lots of fun to engage children in activities. It can be challenging also. Two principles we implement is: we teach them what is relevant to their age and we teach "with the end" in mind.

Here's a story from a mom who is seeing the benefits of The ReignForest:

"Walking to our car after church on Sunday, Cassidy says “You made the world and everything in it! Sam 89:11!!” The smile on her face was just beyond words. I am so excited and blessed that my 2 ½ year old already knows a BIBLE VERSE!! Cassidy sees a tree, “God made trees”. She sees a cloud, “God made clouds”. Whatever is happening in Monkeys and Canopy is working and my child is learning and growing and feeling good about it! A happy 2 year old makes for a happy Mommy!"

Thank you Tammy for sharing this story. You have encouraged me and others.

Come serve in The ReignForest, learn memorization and application...it's so easy a 2-1/2 year old can do it.

Romans 5
Peace and Joy 1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Cat & Dog Theology

Tonight the Small Group I attend began a study on Cat & Dog Theology. I'm familiar with this study because it was part of a presentation included in the Christian Perspectives class I took last year. Brief summary from the 1st lesson is this: Most Christians live like cats thinking their relationship with God is all about them. However if you live like a dog would live, you'd always be acknowledging that life is truly all about God and His receiving the glory.

It's amazing how different I look at things now just because of that Christian Perspectives class. I'm definitely mission minded. Tonight I remembered that even though mission mindedness is a good thing...the most important thing to maintain is: "Is God getting the glory?". Whatever is going on, my eyes should be looking for the how that God is going to be glorified. It's really about HIM, it's not about you or me.

This is going to be an awesome study with Dave, Carol, Penney, Jerry and Len. Stop back and check out the summary for lesson 2.

Thankful

Cooler weather, fairs, festivals, and "trick or treat",
colors of trees, shrubs, apples, gourds and pumpkins,
decorations on porches, lawns and doors,
orchards full of the plenty of Summer.
We are so fortunate to live in an area where the season diversity is prominent.

All of the colors and beauty that are being celebrated with come from God.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Things don't always go the way you expect

That's how it is for all of us. At least most of the people I know have experienced the best laid plans don't always work. I had hoped to blog while in Florida on vacation, it didn't work. When I got back, the pace was pretty fast and here I am really needing to go to bed but feeling so guilty about being away from BlogWorld for so long.

There's been so much that has happened so here's a brief outline:
*Vacation was great: good times with the grandkids, kids and making the long haul to Destin, in the Florida panhandle. It ended up being well worth the 18 hour drive. The water...emeral green, white beach - was breathtaking.
*Len had his heart cath when we returned .. Praise God - no heart disease or any problems.
GOD is GOOD...GOD is GREAT !!
*My grandchildren are such a joy and provide me with lots of smiles and chuckles: Josh with his heartfelt prayers for his Big Papa before surgery, Paige with her fashion sense and giggles, Tori with her fresh phrases only an ornery 2 year old can say and make you ooh and ahh...such as "Oh my goodness"; "Hany, watch this.."; her newest request to "Hold on" while mommy is dressing her. Too cute !!
*Dr. Hany Rizkalla, returned home today to Cairo, Egypt after staying with Len and I for a few weeks this summer. He's a great friend and I highly respect his advice and counsel sessions with me. Len and I love him very much and we will miss him.
*I've heard from many of my friends from Bring Me Hope Camp in Beijing China which I attended in July. I cried from many of their stories...it was good to hear from them. Best of all...it was great to hear from my friend who accepted Christ.
*I praise God for all the volunteers who helped me do Summer in The ReignForest at NewPointe. Connie, Geneva, Doreen, Day - thanks for your help during the week.
*The Summer is over...my summer flowers are spent and need to be pulled, it makes me sad.
however------
*New work, challenges, growth, excitement shines bright with each sunrise that the Lord provides and now...
*It's time for sleep---

Destin, Florida

We've been thinking and planning for this vacation most of 2007. How exciting it is for us to get the entire family to be together so we can enjoy the beach, golf, parasailing, go-karting...game time (Suduko's the rage) good family time together.

It's the first time we all have been able to get together since the kids are married. Will there be ups and downs...I think we can count on it. None of us are perfect and all of us have areas to grow in. I think all-in-all it will be a good time.

There's so much to do yet to prepare but one thing I've decided to do...is pack light only in clothes not in books. I'm counting on getting some really good book time in. I want quiet time on the beach to clear my thoughts and hear God speak. That alone excites me as much as being with my family...cool beans.

Vacationing with a plan to meet God alone. How can it get better than that?

Renewing the Mind, Counting the cost..."paid in full"

Before I begin telling you something that recently renewed my mind, I want to share a picture of the group shot from Week 3 at Bring Me Hope. What a group, what a response to the need they had for operating costs to be met for week 4.

I think I've said this before - God is Good.

Yesterday during my devotional time I think I was whining in my prayer time about some recent issue with not having the cost of the China trip covered and some other things that were taking place....come on be honest - aren't there times when you find yourself whining. Well anyway, God brought to my mind something really significant...

Matthew 11:30"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

He made it clear to me that everything that was taking place in my life was free of cost...he had provided everything that it would cost to follow Him. Not just for salvation but for every need I would have, every problem that would come. He would supply what I needed...AND here was the real word that got my attention...if you think about cost real cost... those without Christ are paying everything they have to spend eternity outside of the presence and security of living with God... Now that's costly !!

I'm glad for the patience of God...that He works in us as we read and meditate on his word and pray asking Him to renew our minds. You don't have to keep the same way of thinking you had yesterday or last week...His word has a better way for you. Here's some of my favorite verses:

Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Isaiah 30:21 (Contemporary English Version)
21Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice saying, "This is the road! Now follow it."

Isaiah 42:16 (New Century Version)
16 Then I will lead the blind along a way they never knew; I will guide them along paths they have not known. I will make the darkness become light for them, and the rough ground smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not leave my people.

Isaiah 42:16 (Contemporary English Version)
16I will lead the blind on roads they have never known; I will guide them on paths they have never traveled. Their road is dark and rough, but I will give light to keep them from stumbling.
This is my solemn promise.

These are promises worth banking on.

Back in the USA

I can't believe it's been a week since I returned from China.
Here's my family.


This is princess Erica, my Chinese daughter.

It's been a whirlwind since I've returned.

Jetlag stinks. China doesn't - except for the wastebaskets.

I appreciate Western bathroom facilities - they are a blessing. God Bless Levi for going to China...God used him to speak to so many people both American and Chinese. You are an amazing young man.

Orphans are amazing. Translators are terrific!! I really really love them. Google Bring Me Hope Diary and watch camp footage. It's cool !!

A very special Chinese translator made an important lifetime decision.

God is good.

Here's David & Faye at the Great Wall.

BRING ME HOPE - YOU HAVE AN AMAZING STAFF !!

God Bless you as you finish this last week of camp.

Thanks for helping me learn what's going on in China and being part of something really wonderful.

More to come...stay tuned, God continues to speak. R U listening?

Dancing

I missed posting this on Wednesday night. I wish I had pictures to show you.
Well...maybe not.

The China team had it's second dance class. That's right we are learning dances from Thelma. She's amazing, she can move and groove and I think she is most likely retired but NOT really if you know what I mean. She's living life with zest, gusto, bravado, exuberance. I found out I can scare her pretty easy though with my aggressive dance moves.

We are learning the Macarena, the Electric Slide, the Bunny Hop, Hokey Pokey, just to name the ones I can remember this late at night. What a HOOT !!

I don't dance that well.
I don't have good rhythm (I think).

But I did have fun learning these dances, well some of them I already knew, come on...

Who would have guessed going on a mission trip could be this much fun in preparation.

We sure are meeting and making lots of new friends.

If they don't go to church anywhere we hope to invite them to NewPointe for a swingin' praise time. Maybe we'll get a little Electric Slide action going ?

Packing & Chinese culture with the Li's

I have to tell you that my husband, Len is an amazing man. I am so blessed to have him. He is so thoughtful and considerate of the mission drive I have. He sits back and watches me go a hundred miles a minute, be gone to meetings, come home late, work on the computer...he's a true partner in ministry.

Last night I invited him to our China team meeting. Yeah! with a mission in mind. I asked him if he would repack the suitcases for the team getting them close to the weight that they needed to be for the airport. He agreed to go and do this for the team.


Meanwhile we were upstairs having cultural lessons from the Li's. Dean, Ying and Jessica were invited to come to our team meeting to provide cultural information from their homeland. What a lovely couple. We sure enjoyed getting to know them. They were friendly, open and generously gave us information to help us while we are there in China.

Their daughter, Jessica, was adopted 7 months ago from China and is adorable. She loves melon, orange melon (cantaloupe) that is. She has a bottomless pit for a 3 year old.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to get to know the Asian culture and develop friendships with people from China.

I'm awed at the bigness of God in the world.

Thank you God for doors opening in China.
Thank you God for the China team going where YOU are leading.

Thank you God for the generosity and kindness of my husband.

Thank you God for friendship with the Li's.

You are good all the time.

Before I go...

Haven't been blogging in almost two weeks. Incredible...ridiculous...time flies by when you're having fun or learning so much that your head is spinning.

This is truth - I am learning and relearning and it's ok.

God is good as I'm preparing to go to China to work with orphans. Kids that nobody wants. Kids that need to know they are known, loved, remembered.

It's easy to get callous to the needs of the world.
It's easy to say let someone else go.
It's easy to get busy and put them out of your mind.
I did.

"God change my heart and let it break for the things that break your heart. By the power of the Holy Spirit please let me never again grow insensitive to the overwhelming needs of people both near and far. Help me to remember that you are bigger than the overwhelming needs of the world. If I trust you to do "all things" then you can use me to make a difference in people's lives anywhere you take me....as I trust in you - you will be the difference in me. Amen."

Huddle Laughter

This morning during huddle time with The ReignForest volunteers I shared about a 30 day spiritual journey book I had just completed, well it took me 60 days to complete it. I got stuck on Day 26 - "Idolatry" for two weeks and the rest of the days took another 2 weeks.

It seemed that there was something wrong with me, I just couldn't get past my adultery. I continued speaking that I kept asking God "what is wrong with me, what is keeping me from this breakthrough, what idols am I putting before God". It was at that moment, I realized I had used adultery rather than idolatry. They got it, and started laughing and I said, "no not adultery - idolatry". It was rather funny. If anyone was dozing in the huddle - they were wide awake now. We all laughed and I was glad to be able to bring light hearted laughter to the team. They are great volunteers and I share with them with such transparency of my life because I want them to be encouraged to go deeper on their journey too. God has shown me that even though He deals with me firmly in areas of my life there is also a gentleness that draws me closer to him.

Later that hour my friend Suzanne mentioned to me how God told the Israelites they had committed adultery by leaving their first love of God and turning to idols so I wasn't exactly wrong in saying adultery. Thanks Suzanne.

Here's what encouraged me; eight people are interested in getting the book I just finished. This book sent me into the Word of God and to my knees. It was deep God country.

Filtering your life through the truth of God's Word is painful. I'm not perfect..far from perfect. But I'd like to look more like Christ so that's going to require more journey time, more breakthroughs.

Thanks

When illness strikes or calamity arrives in the midst of your family, your life or your friends you realize just how not in control you are. You realize at those moments just how much you need to depend and look to the one who is control.

Last month I began a devotional to study the names of God and how to call on him. Here is one name; Hashem (ha-SHAME) which means "The Name". You'll find when you read I Kings 8:28-29 that God promised Solomon when he finished the temple that His name will be there forever and that His eyes and heart will always be there too.

Please don't think that there are magic results in learning the names of God or being able to pray them. That's not the goal. What I'm finding it does is it creates a bridge of familiarity in drawing close to your friend - God. In a small way, it's similar to knowing your best friends middle name or using their nick name. I would encourage you to begin to know the names which God is known by in the Bible. Along with those names you will learn many of his attributes. You know, those characteristics which if you are a Christ follower you are to reflect.

Here's my response to a challenging review of the past six weeks....there are times when all you can do and all you need to do is say - thanks.

THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE
The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to whomever He wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men. I will bless the Most High and praise and honor Him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. He regards all the inhabitants of the earth as nothing, and does as He pleases with the host of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: "What have You done?" I praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true, and all His ways are just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.
(Daniel 4:17, 34-35, 37)

"Father God, may the words that come from my mouth bring glory and honor to Hashem. May my life reflect the spirit of your Son Jesus Christ which by choice is being renewed daily through the power of the Holy Spirit and by your Holy Word. Teach me to walk rightly before men so that they might find forgiveness, peace and healing through the power of your name. Amen"

Acceleration

Acceleration is a transitive verb with one meaning of a: to enable (a student) to complete a course in less than usual time b: to speed up (as a course of study). Well that's the journey I thought I was on until a month ago. I had been doing this spiritual journey book by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson. It's the second time I've read the book. I had been sharing in huddletime in The ReignForest that I've been stuck on the last three days but actually it was Day 26 of the book entitled "Keep Yourself from Idols". Whatever takes our hearts from him, or shares it with him, is an idol. There are three species of idolatry: 1)desire of the flesh - refers to all the outward senses; 2)desire of the eye - gratified by such objects as either grand or beautiful or uncommon and 3)"the pride of life" - seeking happiness in the praise of men or "taking care of our reputation". While trying to find the idols in my life I prayed the prayer "God remove anything from my life that takes me from knowing you more intimately, if it is pride remove it or rout it out." Ahh...dangerous prayer - almost as dangerous as praying for patience. So the past ~30 days I had been doing soul searching about idols in my life.

Speed up to this past week-end. I had a lesson..uhm "a God moment" in my flower garden. I was trying to remove a little wild tree/shrub thingie that was developing in my garden. I wanted to chop it out. I went to the shed to get the ax but couldn't find one but found an ax pick instead. Well, that'll do. There I am wielding this big thing swinging the pick into the ground to get to the bottom of this stubborn root. As I swing and strike deeper into the ground I'm saying to myself "Man this thing is deep-just how deep do I have to go?" and suddenly there was the picture before me and the softness of a familiar inner voice "Your pride is just like that root and that's why your stuck and you're experiencing so much pain lately." gulp... God moments don't always make you stop in your tracks and lights go on well at least this one wasn't like that. It seemed like this one kept low and started grower brighter and clearer until - the lights are fully on.

Here's the reality...I had cried for something to be revealed, my sinfulness, disobedience, guiltiness so that I could be discovered and be made known more to myself than to God. He knew what the problem was all along. Sometimes I don't know what the problem is because I don't want to or don't want to face the reality of myself.

Here's the results...once God showed me what it was, I repented of it and received a spiritual breakthrough.

Here's some hope...you know that root I dug out. The deeper the pick went the root got smaller and then relief I yanked it out. By tending my flower garden more closely I'm going to be checking for any wildshoots before they take deep root. In my life, it means staying close-intimately close to God my Father, Jesus my Lord and Savior and being sensitve to the Holy Spirit so that the revealing of self (weeding) is less painful.

While this was not an easy breakthrough Dr. Bruce says the insights that I learn from pain will endure. I'm finding that the cost of daily discipleship has some benefits...one is to encourage imitation of Christ and allow me to act in ways that are centered in God's will.

May the hand of God be upon you as you seek His face to receive His peace.

Catch up

I can't believe it's been 10 days since I've blogged. Last week flew by and I was zoned out because of a hit with a "bug" that took at least a full day out of of my life. Last week was a busy one that kept me hopping with preparing totes for July. Thanks to Gwen Hamsher, Justin Neel and Doreen Ley for all the help during the week.

We also had storytime from 11:30-12:00 in The ReignForest Monday - Friday for the grand opening of Origins Cafe', where you can find cheesecake that makes you think you taken a wrong turn and went to Easton in Columbus to that other place that offers cheesecake. Anyway, what a week!

BIG Thanks to Big Dan who covered storytime on Monday and Thursday and assisted everyday in running the show. A special thanks to Mrs. Wishywashy, Gaila Gartrell, who did an awesome job with stories and music on Wednesday...you rock woman ! Then on Friday, Miss Judi Houston was the teacher. YOU are an outstanding storyteller. I notice every time I watch you that you absolutely love it too. BIG THANKS to Alissa West, Maddison Mullen and Devon DeMonte who came in to be singers and actors in the story of Solomon and what he wanted most from God.

Thanks again to all of you who came to story time and for all the positive feedback.

Sessions in the prayer closet

The lessons continue in the prayer closet. It's bitter sweet at times. To be honest there are days I don't want to go into the closet because God is faithful in answering my desire of learning and living a disciplined life.

Discipline is found in many commands from the Bible to believe, obey, walk, present, fight, reckon, hold fast, pursue, draw near, and love.

I continue to find the strength of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit at work to accomplish needed change in my life through sessions in the closet.

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." Galations 5:25 NASB

This is a choice I make daily towards spiritual maturity. To actively have my mind and emotions guided and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.

Hope for Today

My journey involves putting God first daily in my life. Not only spending time in prayer but also renewing my mind through His Holy Word. Ministry requires a constant flowing of the life of Christ and that can only come through reading the Bible, prayer, submission and surrender of those areas in my life that are not pleasing to God. I can't do that if I don't spend time with Him and allow Him to search my heart and mind?

Sometimes it's very painful. I'm a broken person, a sinner.

Sometimes it's very rewarding. I'm a child of the King, Redeemed by Jesus & HIS victory over sin.

I'm reading through the Psalms, studying the Names of God and working on disciplines and spiritual breakthrough by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson. It's taking longer than 30 days to go through this 30 day book. Yep, I need these lessons

Here's my verse of hope and encouragment.

Psalm 30:5
For His anger is but for a moment His favor is for a liftime. Weeping may last for the night but a shout of joy comes in the morning.

God's Word is good. God is GOOD.
Peace be with you.

Skipping chores

For the past two hours I have been reading blogs. Oops, what about those chores...well, I'm blog addictive at times. It's probably about once a month. I like reading what other people are saying, feeling, thinking, sharing, holding onto, releasing, coming to grips with and hopefully giving up to the One who has provided the ultimate Hope to each one of us through Jesus Christ.

Well, I have a half-hour of daylight left...I can surely get something done.. maybe one thing done to finish the day before I sit down and watch a movie with my husband, Len. (I think he's been a busy worker bee...God Bless him, he's a good man.)

Word for the day...Peace

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Provision of Bread

In my devotion and prayer journey this week I'm reading and reflecting upon the legacy that Abraham left. He realized the simplest form of success was obedience to God not in somethings-but everything. He didn't need to work hard or count on the bull market for success. His success depended simply upon the blessing of God.

"Without obedience we will never experience the provision God intends for us." a quote by Ann Spangler. Consider these words by a nineteenth-century Scottish preacher, Alexander MacClaren from her book, Praying the Names of God. "If we wish to have our outward needs supplied, our outward weaknesses strengthened, power and energy sufficient for duty, wisdom for perplexity, a share in the Sacrifice which takes away the sins of the world, we receive them all on the condition that we are found in the place where all God's provision is treasured. If a man chooses to sit outside of the baker's shop, he may starve on its threshold...And if we will not ascend to the hill of the Lord and stand in his holy place by simple faith, and by true communion of heart and life. God's amplest provision is nought to us; and we are empty in the midst of affluence."

WOW-starving for the blessing of God...Sounds like small steps of obedience lead to larger ones and to a steady habit of obedience. This leads to deepened faith in God and will allow a person to experience God and his provision.

I really enjoy bread, let's journey inside the bakery and to receive the provision of The Provider..The Ultimate Baker so we too can leave

a "legacy of faith" like Abraham.

Finished the pizza sale..YEAH !!

The 2008 China team has finished their pizza sale tonight. It's really good to have that behind us. Now we trust God for the rest. He knows our need and we are truly blessed by those who have been kind to support us.

Last night the team met at Lynn's house and we began our book discussion from "The Language of Love" by Graham Cooke. It's an awesome book. Lynn and I went through it for Egypt. Loving it again. It was good to hear each team member share their story of why they want to go to China. We found we have common threads in our stories: want to go deeper with God, committing our lives to serve Him wherever & however, willing to go into the unknown, finding renewed love and passion in living for Christ, finding that God moves mountains of doubt and replaces it with assurance. I'd like to say that there are no fears or difficulties but that's not how it works: there's: travel issues, fear of flying, culture shock, weather (hot), real-life stuff...

Someone asked me how can you decide to go and know that it's God's will for your life. Well, I guess I step into it knowing that there are easy things many people will do here in our own country as first steps of serving but not everyone will go take the light of Christ into the Middle East or China. I've also found that something has been ignited inside of me...not a fear of going, but rather a fear of not going. I want to be obedient to hear and see Him work. Start walking into challenges, if your not supposed to go, God will close the door.

Philippians 2:12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

Believing a lie

The objective of my quiet time has been to develop a personal relationship with God and to grow my devotion to Him.

I believe there was a time I thought I could really hide some of the things in my life from God. That was a lie. I think we all do it. We think we can hide those attitudes, thoughts...the real unattractive characteristics that aren't Christ-like. We try to pretend they don't exist or bury them beneath busyness.

Hey, what about this cool truth..He wants me to fully comprehend that He knows everything about me and that He still loves me unconditionally? He pursues me so I can know Him intimately and submit to how He is recreating my heart, renewing my mind and establishing me.

God always sees me as PresentFuture. It's a reality about God. He sees me now who I am but also can see me as who I will be. Will I be honest with myself and Him and allow Him to create in me His likeness?

Yes and yes.

Are you alright with that? God is pursuing YOU. To know God intimately, passionately, confronting Him personally everyday may be a struggle for you. It's been one for me. I encourage you to begin and not give up, press on.

Be known by the One who loves you with perfect love-God.

Peace be with you.

Pursuing God

I've been blogging about going deeper with God through my journey and my prayer life. This week it is striking me like a brick against my head as I study the Hebrew name of God "Yahweh Yireh" which means "the Lord will provide" that God is the one who is pursuing me.
Have you thought about it ? You think your seeking God but He's always the one seeking you out first. You have a choice everyday to make. Give back to Him what He's giving you or... not. The not is a dead-end, dried-up existence that is futile. Not a good choice but one, if I'm honest, that I find I make too often.
Could it be that my pride and selfishness gets the better of me? Most likely. I think I blame it on the busyness of life and other various reasons, but the bottom line rests within me. Sin...don't candy coat it...call it what it is. That way as the Holy Spirit brings it to your attention you can confess it and surrender it. Hey, for me, it feels like an ongoing project. How about you?

Reflect on: Genesis 22:9-12
Praise God: He is highly exalted, glorious beyond our understanding
Offer Thanks: That God is pursuing a relationship with you
Confess: Your tendency not to face the difficult things that God wants you to face.
Ask God: For the grace to make the necessary sacrifice

Great book: Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler

I'm so thankful God is pursuing me. I've heard....that He's after you too.

Persecution

We are so fortunate here in America to have freedoms that are protected. It is a great privilege to be able to worship God and not be verbally abused or threatened to be killed. I'm sure I don't always appreciate this freedom as I should.

One of my dear friends in Cairo, Egypt was telling me early this morning over the week-end (late morning for her) that it is very difficult there for Christians, especially since the recent conflict between Muslims and Coptic Christians. The recent clash has increased tensions in that country. Many persecutions are now taking place but since their government is Muslim they often can experience injustices because they do not possess equal rights with Muslims.

Could this be and indicator as to why Egypt recently was mentioned in an article in Christianity Today that about 35% of the country, the lowest percentage of concern in the world, regarding the tragedy of persecution and extermination of life that is taking place in a country that is their neighbor, Sudan.

May we all remember to be thankful for our freedoms and to pray for those who are being persecuted in the Middle East and around the world.

Pizza Night

On Friday night the Beijing, China team and 26 friends got together in the kitchen at NewPointe Community Church and made 500 pizzas. Whew, we did it in two hours too. Our team is selling pizzas to help offset the expense of this trip.

This is the 2nd year of the Bring Me Hope camp in China. The orphans there often know nothing else other than an institutional life during their childhood. For many it is the first time they will leave the institution and travel in a car or see outside the institution walls. They will play games, swim, have character studies, learn songs, become friends of the counselors who are spending time with them to show them the love and hope that is in us. Most of our opportunities to share Christ will come only through contact and relationships we develop with translators. Fruit is becoming known from last years trip.

How encouraging it is for last years team to come and give support and for some of the previous Egypt teams too. We had some people who just wanted to come and help to show their support.
Even if you don't make the 6,871 mile trip to Beijing (14 hours in the air) you have joined us as ministry partners in loving those orphans .


It's good to be with friends who are passionate about missions and who committed time to come alongside of those who are going. Thank you to all of you.

I hope you know how far and how much time God takes just to show His love for you.

Gracie puts color dots on boxes to distinguish what kind of pizza is in the box.

Life's joyous moments

Saturday night Len and I went to see our grand-daughter's first dance recital. How enjoyable, adorable, fascinating and exciting it is to watch her perform before a couple hundred people. It helped that her best friend Ally was there dancing beside her. The girls looked so adorable in their outfits...and of course my little Paige was ...pretty top of the line cute. Would you expect me to say anything else !

It was hot, it was sweaty and you know that feeling of sticking to those metal folding chairs...but it sure was great to be there to watch these kids.

It's good to enjoy family, see friends, and watch their children growing up before your eyes. Life goes so fast...I mean it's really really fast.

God is so good to us. The freedoms we enjoy...I want to be thankful for all of them. I want God to know I really appreciate the opportunities to love family and friends and to know and be known by Him too. How encouraging is this verse: Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn [a] of my salvation, my stronghold. ****God is Good.****

In the Know ?

Sometimes during my quiet time a verse stands out and strikes like a hammer so I wanted to share this with you.

Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

So what's your plan of action today ? Your actions will have an outcome.

Take time today to have a heart of gratitude today for all that God has done for us through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:3[ Praise to God for a Living Hope ] 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,

Faith, Hope and Love

Yesterday, I had a great time in the prayer closet....is this the way most Saturday's are going to be from now on ? I doubt it but it sure is great while it's happening. Anyway, the gist of what took place is confirmation again of how God uses devotions, books or people to speak to me. Yesterday the message was calling me to Faith, Hope, and Love. (These were the lessons taught by the 2007 Egypt team in Cairo). OK, I'll learn more about it. Faith says, "I believe what God says about the invisible." Hope says "I believe what God says about the future." (Hebrews 11:1) I loved this quote by Pamela Reeve "Faith is...doing the right thing regardless of the consequences, knowing God will turn the ultimate effect to good." That's a short synopsis of the closet.

Then I leave the closet to finish a book I'm reading "Confessions of a Pastor" by Craig Groschell, his next to last chapter is "I'm Afraid of Failure"...specifically "Failure by Faith: You must take faith risks." He says, "You can't please God by giving in to complacency and comfort." At the end of the chapter he shared the story of the disciples in a boat on the water and a storm arises and it looks bad for them but then they see Jesus walking towards them (Matthew 14:27). Jesus attempts to give them a greeting of peace and then Peter decides to speak up and said "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water" (v. 28). Jesus gives Peter the "Come" and He heads over the gunwale and begins his water walking journey to go to Jesus. Had he lost his mind or did he "get it" for a brief moment?

I soaked that story in to my brain and spirit like it was new to me and it's definitely not, but...you see I believe I'm heading over the gunwale and out onto the water. I'm in that "seconds" response similar to Peter...I get it ...I'm over and I'm on the water...can't get distracted and look down at the water...gotta keep my focus on Jesus-I know he's there, just follow His voice calling "come".

Stay tuned to this Faith Channel for an update to Hope and Love.

Where My Heart IS...

Many people who know me know that I have a heart for missions. I think I always had an interest but something drastically changed last year when I came back for Cairo, Egypt.

David Bolt, Director of Bring Me Hope, stopped in at our Allstaff meeting to share his vision of the orphange camp program he runs in China. WOW - this young man is passionate and is going after a heart for God and so is his apprentice and friend Andrew.

Anyway, David was sharing how difficult ministry can be with Miriam and I. We both understood what he was saying because we personally experience it. It's the hardest job we've ever taken on. Often people have a different picture of what working for the church or a ministry organization looks like than it really is.

I wanted to encourage David and said perhaps someday I could come and work beside him in building bridges of friendships and care for orphans and translators. I asked him when his deadline for this year's trip was and he said April 15th. Too bad, he added something like if I wanted to come and join them they would extend the deadline to me. Well I told him I'd pray about it. So I did (closet) and a couple of days later I asked Lynn Allison to pray about going with me.

Then I told my husband, Len, what I was praying about. After a brief conversation about ...all money being God's money, he said "Have you left yet?" (He's a very funny man, ha, ha funny. A good hearted person - ask the people that traveled with us to Biloxi in October, 2005.)

So thus began my mission trip to China. It's on an accelerated pace of God bringing along just the right team together, as only He can do. So now a couple - weeks later, there's Carol Miller, Gaila Gartrell and Gwen Hamsher going. 100% committed to saying Yes to the journey God is taking us on.

Today I knew God was up to something when my friend and previous co-worker Lish Kandel came to say Hi to me and brought me up-to-speed on her life. As she was telling me about her new job it burned in my heart you need to ask Lish to go to China, my mind is having this conversation with my heart (this takes "seconds") "are you crazy, didn't you hear her, she just started a new job!" Just as my conversation, in my head, finishes- I hear her say "I'd really like to go to China." WHAT! That's awesome! I share with her what just went on in my spirit (heart/body/mind) and I respond enthusiastically Of Course! Ask your employer and see where this leads you....

I LOVE IT when people risk it and say YES to God.
We're now at possibly 6 women going to Beijing, China, July 19th - 29th or 30th This is big. Our God is bigger, we're pushing the borders of where He wants to take us.

This week-end the team of 7 who went last year to the camp are going to meet with us and we're doing a Nightwalk to sponsor and pray for this year's trip. Will you sponsor a child? It's $25.00 Contact me if your interested. You may not be able to go, but you can sponsor BMH orphans or the team.

You see, since last year, the boundaries are limitless for me, the risks are worth it all - whatever, job, comfort, cost...whatever!! Please, please, please allow God to take you out of your comfort zone and see what God has in store for you.
You might find your world rocked because of His LOVE for you and through you.
Caution: It's life-changing.

Happy Mother's Day - Week-end

What a great day...well really, a great week-end !! Had a beautiful day yesterday which began in the prayer closet - it's good, God's good. In fact late in the morning Len called up the stairs to me "Are you going to come out of your closet today?"...there's just something good about the sound of that to me. "Actually Honey I've been out of the closet for an hour, just working on financial stuff."
He really couldn't wait for me to see what he had been up to. He bought me a water fountain for the back deck "our little compound" as my sister referred to it today. It's our little oasis where our Yorkies and Golden have freedom to run without making me turn gray or harrassing the neighbors.
Then there's the awesome day today at church, great huddle, awesome get this "MISS OHIO" visited The ReignForest. What a day to be without my camera. I could've had my picture with her to post....wait a minute, a techie I am not, but I may be can.... yes, I can..heh, heh, heh, check this out:
Melanie Murphy Hometown: Brookpark, Ohio Age: 20
Education:Cleveland State University What a beautiful young lady !
Doesn't she improve the look of my blog ?
Ok, great day. Got a new member to the China team for July....see blog note regarding "Where My Heart IS"...
Then there was this great dinner Greg and Heather prepared for us moms. Wow - am I ever blessed with kids that can cook !! It was a great day with the grandkids too. I love being with family. George and Brigitte (Opa and Omi) are awesome in-laws, just enjoyable to be with. It sure makes life great when you love the in-laws...Have I said I sure am blessed ? I'll bet you are too - if you look closely.

Technology ?

Did you ever feel like technology is passing you by? You're going as fast as you can but it's not fast enough. How can things so easy be so difficult? Well sometimes that's the way it is in doing this blog.

Today I met with double D regarding serving my area for improved communication to volunteers. Anyway, afterwards he asks for me to log in to my blog so he can fix the header line, or whatever it's called, so you can't scroll to the next blog and possibly be somewhere that's inappropriate. I appreciate that kind of care.

Well, here's the gist of my technology "grrr.." I tried and tried to get my password entered in at his computer and I couldn't get it. How embarrassing ! I finally said let me go over to my computer...no problem I got logged on. OK, I remember my password. Go back - no go, finally I just say, you're going to have to come to my machine.

This is probably not technology afterall....just a failing memory. Where am I?

Kudos to Entertainment - MLL

Recently, a couple came in to NewPointe and the 14 year old said "Hey, this place is like a Jesus Mall."

Well, evidently some might think that...it is a place where people like to shop. Sure we have people who are shopping for entertainment, a welcome, a healing, a helping hand, perhaps even a life-changing experience.

My husband, Len, took the opportunity to invite the sales manager where he works to Married Life Live (MLL). Yeah- a night of entertainment. They really had a good time. We enjoyed showing them a place where we love to come on the week-ends. Where we get connected, get our serving fix and get spiritually fed.

They were so jacked about the night that Larry mentioned to Len they were planning on visiting some Sunday and that they would bring their family.

Guess what ? They showed up this past Sunday...all of them, their adult children, spouses, grandchildren - WOW, that's really cool isn't it. Len and I were both tied up with our Sunday morning roles so our friends Tom and Vernita came to the rescue and gave these guests personal assistance helping them find out where to go and how to get the kids registered. That's what people do who are connected and have that family sense of belonging...they step up and take care of one another, even to the point of caring for friends of friends.

We are blessed with a relevant and cool environment where our friends and neighbors can be invited to come and find a personal welcome. Also they will find the best eternal care plan presented and a life changing message.

OH Yes, Larry and Carla are bringing their children back to Married Life Live on August 18th. We have other plans, but cool beans, they want to come on their own.

You might want to start now to take the time to invest and invite someone to MLL. You might light up someone's world with more than entertainment.

A twist on prayer and laughter

Last week my friend who will remain nameless - NOT ...Lynn A. went into her prayer closet with her little dog Autumn. She and I had been talking the day before and I had shared with her how I have this routine in the morning for prayer "1. 2. Do It". I get up, go to the bathroom, brush my teeth and get in my prayer closet. I did this at the prompting of my prayer prophet (see earlier posting). She related easily to the distractions that kept me from prayer time. Lynn felt that she might try this routine also.

So Lynn is in the closet with Autumn and realizes, the dog is a distraction and turns the door knob to let her out and it just turns in her hand. She jumps up in the closet and says "Oh God NO!" (Did God really have anything to do with this ?)

Long story short, she finally gets free of the closet and I'm 3rd on her to-do list: 1) Let the dog out 2) Call her work and let them know and ... our conversation took place something like this (a condensed version):
L: Faye, I was in my prayer closet today.
F: Lynn, that's great !
L: Faye I was in there for 4 1/2 hours.
F: WOW Lynn, that is really great - you get the prize.
L: NO Faye, I was locked in my closet and couldn't get out.
F: Lynn, do you want me to come and let you out?
L: Faye, if I had my cell phone on me I would've called you to get me out of the closet sooner.

I'm telling you Lynn and I were laughing so hard we were crying. I was on my knees in my cubicle and I'm sure I was disturbing my neighbor Jessica but I couldn't help laughing so hard. Not only at Lynn as she told me detail by detail of her thoughts and the creative way she escaped. We also laughed at my "blonde" response ( duh !). We weren't sure what this lesson was but we were both sure there was a lesson in this.

Later the next day I thought...Mmmm..., perhaps Lynn would share this story in huddle on Sunday morning in The ReignForest. You see last Sunday I challenged the even months serving team to pray a minimum of 5 minutes each day and this months team was fresh on rotation duty. Well Lynn said yes, she would share. (GOD BLESS HER !!)

Anyone who knows Lynn knows that she can be very animated. Well she came and shared her story and what a "hoot" and a hit it was. Many volunteers laughed until they cried and some came to hear the story twice.

Thanks Lynn for coming out of the closet. Maybe your story will remind the of the laughter enjoyed on Sunday and they will remember to participate in the prayer challenge.

Hey could be that they will find 5 minutes turns into 10 minutes which turns into 20 minutes and before you know it - their prayer life is changed.

Remember God created both prayer and laughter... He's Good.

Powerful Stuff

This is a follow-up to yesterday's posting....click on this link

"The mind ... a fire to be kindled."

We have huddletime each Sunday in The ReignForest before letting families that we serve into our environment. Yesterday I shared a devotional about two men who were walking the Road to Emmaus. (Luke 24)

In Acts 17, Paul went to Mars Hill to declare the truth of the resurrection. The listeners gathered there were not spiritual seekers but spent their days simply wanting to discuss the latest ideas. They had little interest in acting on anything they learned (v.21).

Can too much information be that dangerous? Often an overwhelming amount of ideas can blur together and leave you more confused. There is even risk that information overload rather than helping you can leave you unchanged.

Living life purely on an informational level is dangerous. The historian Plutarch warned several centuries ago of the pitfalls of living on a purely informational level.
He said, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”

As we read the story of two Christ-followers on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24, we find they are grieved at the death of their friend Jesus. Jesus joined them on the road but kept his identity hidden from them. As they walked along the road He began to instruct them on the ancient prophecies of events found throughout the Old Testament. As he prepared to journey on at the end of the day He revealed Himself to them through a blessing of the food and then left them. They realized suddenly that it had been Jesus Christ, their friend, who had been with them. The things He taught were not the latest topics of the day or facts that had no significance but were things that set a fire within them and kindled their hearts and filled them with devotion for Him.

Here's the challenge: today will you trust your hearts to be kindled through His Word...through 5 minutes of prayer time each day of the week ?
Why not start today - "Just Do It" - you'll be glad you did.

A - Adoration
C - Confession
T - Thanksgiving
S - Supplication

I Can't - God Can

I love volunteers. They make The ReignForest at NewPointe Community Church an awesome place for preschool children to come and worship on the week-end.

Today in our huddletime in The ReignForest it was good to have Jason & Katie back from last week-end to continue to share their story with us. Last year Jason was suffering from headaches and had to have some tests to find out what was going on. Not long after the tests they phoned him and said he'd have to come in for surgery...he had a brain tumor the size of a baseball.

He shared how he had not given his life to God at that point. When it came time to go into surgery he knew that it was serious and he decided to surrender everything to God to help him through this. After surgery he was told it was cancerous and there's still a small part of it left.

He shared how he hasn't worried about anything since his time of surrender, how he's hoping that he will be a light to his family so that they can see God working through his life.

A lovely slender woman stands by his side, his wife Katie and she says she knows that she could lose her husband but she's trusting God.

This past week J was in the hospital for several days with pneumonia. He wanted to be here for the week-end to share his story. I called him while he was in the hospital and he said he was taking the time to rest and look for opportunities where he could share his story of trusting God.

They are young...less than 30 years old. But they get it !

They can't handle life on their own but they are calling on a God who can.

This is just one of many recent stories being shared by volunteers in The ReignForest. It's a safe place to serve, a safe place to stretch your faith and a safe place to share your story of life change as a volunteer in our environment.

I openly share that I can't lead these volunteers, but God can.

So.. I surrender it to Him.

Thanks volunteers for challenging me in my journey into a deeper and even more transparent relationship with Jesus Christ.

New Friends

Great weather this week-end. We had a bonus too. We had new friends from southern Ohio come for a visit.

We met Tony & Sarajane about six weeks ago while moving some shelves into NewPointe. They were visiting Amish country and stopped by to why the silo had a KidStuf sign on it. I quickly gave them a tour and talked with them for an hour. I found out that they were attendees to GrowUp. They were probably at GrowUp when Len and I were there. They also are intimately involved in KidStuf at their home church. We decided we'd keep in touch by email. During the last six weeks that we've been in touch we invited them to stay with us and visit the church.

We absolutely love the Frocks. They blessed us so much this past week-end. They have so much enthusiasm for ministry and their transparency and love for the Lord is awesome.

How about this..the girls ages 9 and 13 jump in and want to help out in The ReignForest. They helped out during the first service in North Canopy, our large group teaching time. They loved it.

Did I mention that I met the girls for the first time yesterday. They were so excited to learn the songs and signing last night. It's really cool to see these girls exhibiting excitement about serving just like their parents.

God is good at bringing families together...He's good all the time!