!!! LIVE FROM COSTA RICA !!!

Living from the Heart....

2011-07-21T16:53:00.002-05:00

One sure way to live my life from my heart is to listen to it.

I've been caught up lately living my life by a list of unconscious "should do" instead of " want to". I've been living from the outside instead of in the deep place of my heart...where God is....passion & desire are rooted in this relationship.

I've been so busy setting up my new life since being back from Costa Rica that I feel my heart has wondered and I've lost my passion and desire and have had an empty ache that up until now was difficult to pinpoint.

Today the Lord spoke to my heart in the quiet place....."What is it you desire? It can only be found in your heart, it is the well-spring of Life...Guard Your Heart...
Streams of Living water will flow with My Love...that is what you desire. That was "I" you desire..I was whispering to your heart ....nothing you do for me, no ministry work, no good deed, can compare with simply spending time with your heart with me."

Who wouldn't want that?

2011-01-29T12:57:00.011-06:00

As I was sweeping the floor yesterday morning, a song of praise starting coming from my lips. I love to sing and I love to sing to the Lord. There’s just something so natural about expressing our love or our hearts in song to the Lord. As I continued to sweep, a thought came into my mind. It was kind of crazy but I began to see a correlation between massage and singing. Singing and massage are both something felt internally that manifests itself outwardly. Say what? For me, singing is an outward expression of the heart & massage is an outward expression of the heart. Both singing and massage are a release and they are good for us. Who doesn’t feel better after pouring their heart out in song ? As a christian, pouring out & releasing our heart in song to the Lord is pure. As we seek to worship Him, God receives it and inhabits the praises of His people. That means God shows up! We link up with His spirit within us. His presence is felt when we praise Him! It’s like clearing away the clutter in our lives we get caught up in so that God’s glory can be seen and felt. What about Paul and Silas singing praise songs to God in prison? Those shackles came right off! As for receiving a massage, it is good for releasing stored pain in the body in physical, emotional, & spiritual ways. It clears out the toxins so that we can be better.The list is long for the health benefits. So if this be the case, why are people reluctant to sing to the Lord or to receive a massage?
My thoughts took me back to some words that had once held me prisoner. They were words like unworthiness, not good enough, insecure, self-doubt, inferiority, & loneliness. It got me thinking that maybe some of the reason some people won’t take part in the “singing” at a church service & won’t “receive” a massage had something to do with these “feeling” words. Now don’t go thinking I’m making a blanket statement. This is from my perspective and something I myself have experienced in my own life. God used massage to heal me of some emotional wounds I was carrying. It was shortly after that time I became a massage therapist.
Some think you have to be a recording artist in order to sing publically. Singing publically is something one does in front of people and people listen to that person. However, singing worship songs is entirely different. Singing worship songs is worshiping the Lord. Singing worship songs are like prayer in some ways. It’s communicating heartfelt praise to God. That is all that matters. He knows you love Him, just show it! Some people think that since they can’t sing in tune, they shouldn’t sing at all. The real truth is that that doesn’t really matter. Some might say that they just like to hear the worship music and I suppose that works for some. I believe they miss a great deal by not putting their own voice in with those who are singing….those who are singing with their voice to the Lord. There is a time to listen that is worship, but this is not that time. We are told in scripture to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. And the reason being is because singing is an expression of the heart, an expression of your spirit in adoration to God. In Ephesians 5: 19 it says to “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” What this says to me is that when we sing to God with others , or sing to one another, the Lord strengthens us with His love, we strengthen one another too and it brings unity to the body of Christ & ultimately it shows the Lord how thankful we are to Him for everything! Are you sure you want to go on NOT singing at the worship portion at Sunday service? He wants to hear you because he wants your heart!
Now, with massage, some think that they don’t want to be touched because they don’t like to be touched. Where did this thought get into their mind? That can’t be really true. I think we all like to be touched. I’m talking about being touched in a healthy way. Massage is a healthy way to be touched. Studies show that newborns need to be touched right from birth to be healthy and to grow. We were made to be loved & to be touched. It is a human need. When Jesus walked this earth all who touched Him were healed & all who He touched were healed. (Matthew 14:36 ) Why would someone not want healing? That’s what massage is. Massage is healing. Somehow and somewhere those “feeling” words have a stronghold on them. Just maybe the person who doesn’t think they like to be touched, needs the healing touch of Jesus and then they would allow someone to touch them. That’s how it happened to me. Has anyone ever wiped your tears away? How did it make you feel? It took someone to reach out and touch your face. It took the love that is in them to express it to you. They wanted to share in your burden. Many a time I have had clients who after 5 minutes of massage have shed tears of healing because someone took the time to touch them. They also took the time to let someone in their life. They shared their burdens and were healed. Share in each other’s burdens and in this way fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 I dare you to receive a massage and see if some healing begins to take place. Whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual, it will happen! Now, who wouldn’t want that?
The result of making a joyfully noise unto the Lord and allowing some healing with the touch of massage will replace the “feeling words” to some such as forgiveness, Love, confidence,strength, courage, an upright heart, deeper joy, genuine well-being, thankfulness & fullness of heart. Only God knows what you need. I pray that the next time the door opens for Sunday church, you will sing outloud to the Lord. I pray you will praise Him with all that is within your heart and see if God doesn’t show up with something for you. He’s already there even when we don’t feel him. I also pray that if you are reluctant to get a massage, that you will find a good christian massage therapist and go for it. You will never be the same. Do it for Him & do it for yourself, He needs you at your BEST to be your best!
Now, I repeat….who wouldn’t want that?

Glistening in the Son

2011-01-20T10:54:00.005-06:00

Hebrews 4:13
Your Grace is like the ocean tide
Bringing up things to the shore
That are now easily seen.
For just a moment I see them
Asking for your forgiveness,
You alone know my heart
I feel your Love for me
Then, just as quickly as they came ashore,
You washed them Away-
Never to be seen again.

Some were large and some were small-
Just like the shells that drifted to shore
All carried forward
Touched by the Son
Glistening in the Sonshine
For our eyes to See
And yet....your love covers them ALL
Each in Turn
Disappearing completely
Visible no more.

Dear Lord God,
Thank you for always
Drawing us toward holiness.
We believe in your Love
That will never Let Go...
Psalm 32:1 & 103:12

4th Pastor's conference

2011-01-16T10:38:00.011-06:00

Just got home last night from the conference. I'm so grateful and blessed! I'm actually recuperating, reflecting, & just chillin at home today. The worship led by Rebecca quickly centered our focus in praise. Her voice and gentle & loving spirit does that so well! The teaching from Stuart & Jill Bricoe brought God's spirit, his presence of love, peace & understanding. I hung on every word Jill Briscoe spoke. It was as if she was talking directly to me. She talked about seeking wisdom and passing it on. She also touched my heart deeply when she talked about missing and worrying about her children and grandchildren as well as the balance of ministry and marriage in the ways the Lord had spoke to her and sustained her. What wisdom she imparted to us all. Stuart chose to speak on 2 Corinthians for the answers on "Sustainability in Ministry." It also happens to contain my favorite verses of scripture! We all have our favorite verses, right?(2 Cor. 4:16-18)
It was evident that the pastors and their wives were renewed in God's strength and in His power with alot of refreshment. Along with the excursions and massage, it nourished the whole person by challenging them physically as they explored God's beautiful creation, and massage to foster healing, relaxation, forgiveness and learning to be good to themselves. New friends were made & relationships restored. God is amazing in the work he does when God's people come together seeking His truth. This conference was different than the other 3 because it was all in English. Wow! To be apart of this ministry of helping Pastors and their spouses to get away from their daily lives to hear from God in a deliberate way by pulling them aside and loving them is far more valuable than I had ever known. These conferences help them in more ways then we know for sure. During the testimony time it was shared what the conference meant to them and how it will help them serve God with their whole heart, mind, & strength. What we do know is that their churches will be strengthened and with that strengthening, they will take that strength out to their community and the community will be strengthened and the community will grow because God is in it!
Like a stack of dominoes....you touch the first one and all will be touched right on down the line!
Thank you Lord for your Touch in our lives to serve you. Thank you Lord for your presence in and through these servants our yours. My prayer is that this conference will live out in ways beyond what I could dream of....ultimately saving the lives of many for your kingdom. Thank you for enriching our lives and thank you for the brothers and sisters of Christ laboring in your love.

In the quiet place

2011-01-16T10:11:00.006-06:00

Wind of Change

"Feel that wind going by? I give it direction. It has a purpose. I give it purpose. It can't be seen quite yet, for the winds of change are producing something marvelous along it's path. Just ride it & feel it's affects. Before long, everything will settle into place."

In conclusion:
We see God's hand upon our lives, giving us direction for the purposes He has for ourselves and others. However, like the wind that moves, it can change direction at any time. God has a purpose for us each and every day. Marvel on the path He has for you today. To follow Him, be willing to change direction like the wind. You might not see clearly or understand, just be obedient to what He tells you today. Listen in the quiet place for His direction, it's there; even in the breath of wind.

Mi Casa es su Casa

2011-01-04T22:33:00.006-06:00

I'm getting to know a few more of my neighbors. I discovered that who we have been calling Emil, is actually Badgro. He comes over everyday now and I had to set him straight not to come over too early and to knock on the door first! Yesterday his mother Carmen came over and she wanted to look around my house and she was talking up a storm. She just keeps talking as if I understand her. I could make out a word or two, but not really grasped what she was saying. I realized soon enough that she was asking if she could have a pan to make tortillas and a couple of bath towels. She quickly handed the items to Badgro to bring promptly home. Badgro and I read maps, & worked math problems on the calculator and sang some childrens songs that each of us were familiar with. I'd start the song in English and he would finish it in spanish. After we shared a cup of coffee, I asked Carmen if I could see her house. Starting on the right side of the barn was a small bathroom with a stand up shower, then 2 horse stalls side by side. Next, was a tack room and then last, but LEAST was their home. It was just a bit bigger than MY CLOSET. I was realizing their living conditions as I was looking around when Carmen insisted that she give me 2 plastic pink plates. I told her she needed them. She was not going to take "No" for an answer. I felt my heart sink and tears welled up in my eyes and I tried hard to hold them back. Little Badgro had no bed to sleep in.
Shortly after I got back home, little Rachel came over. I made a deal with her that I would pay her to clean my bathrooms. In this way, she could earn the money and save it to buy the bicylce she wants. I emptied out a bucket of dried beans I had on the refrigerator and she wrote "bicicleta" with permanent black marker on the front. When her mama Caroline came over to see her progress, she told me a bit about what has been going on in her life. We printed 5 flyers for her to post around town for childcare in her home. She was so grateful and asked me to pray for her.
I don't want to be known as the rich lady in the big house, because I'm not. I would rather the lady who has a heart like Jesus. That's what He wants....He wants them to know Him..... through me....I'm no better....I have very much to learn ...I want a heart like Jesus.

Christmas Love

2010-12-27T21:53:00.006-06:00

We celebrated Christmas so differently this year than we ever have the past 30 years. We had no tree, no decorations, and no family. We spent the day of Christmas eve at the beach with Janene & Brian as it was their last day of "Vacation with a Purpose." I remember laying down flat on the beach in a warm embrace of peace when all of a sudden I heard just to my left fireworks going off. Here in Costa Rica fireworks go off every evening on the weekend! I was reminded that every day is simply something to celebrate. Seeing a roman candle go off in the daytime says more about celebration than filling a night sky with color. It is celebrating the savior's birth!
After we dropped off the Smales at the Lucas home, we arrived back home and gave our neighbors the gifts we got them. Little Emil's mom has come over a few times to chat and share a cup of coffee with me. I'm amazed at what you can talk about and understand speaking two different languages to one another! I was reminded that love is it's own language. It comes from the heart. What a gift friendship is. From there, we headed on over to the Lucas' for a special Christmas dinner that Angela had for all of us. It was scrumptous! & so was the wine! I was reminded that friends love no matter what.
On Christmas morning we got to talk with our children and family on skpe. What a blessing it was to see them all together without us. I never have missed a Christmas with my children before and God has provided for us a way. It may not be the same as being together, but it's all we got. I miss them so much. I am grateful for a program like skype that I get to see their faces. I don't think I want to miss another Christmas without them. Next year will be different. Later on for dinner,we got picked up by our new friends Russ & Shirley. We made a couple of new friends too! We all brought a dish and ate a great meal together. It was funny and great that we all ended up going back to our houses to get our dogs to join the Christmas celebration with us. We had just as many people as there were dogs! All the dogs got along and I was reminded that where the spirit of God is there is peace and goodwill.
Thanking God for His presence, His reminders, my husband & children, the gift of friendship with my friends both old & new, and for the babe born on Christmas Day who makes everything possible!

HIS SECOND COMING

2010-12-27T07:10:00.003-06:00

It seems every year after Christmas, I always yearn even more for the Lord’s second coming. As Christmas day approaches, I think of the way He humbly came into the world as a baby born of an unknown virgin from Palestine. The “WORD” became human flesh and dwelt among us. His birth was only announced to a few shepherds. A few wise kings seeked him out. I think about how in the gospel of John it says that the true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. Although the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.
When the day finally comes, nothing about His second coming will be secretive. EVERYONE will see it. Jesus said that the gospel of the kingdom would be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the end would come. In other words, the task of world missions will be completed and not a single person will be left out.
“At the time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.” Matthew 24:30
What a complete contrast to the way He came into the world!
The world still carries on with business the day after Christmas. The second coming of Christ will be an earth shattering event. Nothing about it will be a secret. Man will not be able to hide or pretend or ignore Him!
Are you ready?

DAY BY DAY

2010-12-24T00:34:00.002-06:00

As I was reading the story in the gospel of Luke about the man who was asking for bread not for himself, but for someone else in need; I thought about our 2 couples Angel & Tanya Cheek & Brian & Janine Smale that have been here in Costa Rica with The Brook Ministries “Vacation with a Purpose."
This story takes place at midnight! That tells me it was a desperate situation. The man had nothing to give to his friend, so he had to leave his home to go ask someone else for bread so he could return and give it to his friend.
How many of us have bread to give someone else? How many of us have no bread to give someone else who needs it? I believe the object of when Jesus said at the end of the Lord’s prayer “Give us this day our daily bread” is not only that we may have our needs met, but that we may receive something spiritually and physically and in turn pass it on to someone else.
Many of us are willing to share the spiritual bread, but reluctant to let go of the physical bread. Some will minister spiritually, but will not be anxious to help someone temporally. Sometimes it’s easier to just pray for orphans, than it is to do something tangible to help them.
For these 2 couples, they gave of themselves in both of these ways. They gave out of the overflow of their daily bread that they received from the Lord. They have not only enjoyed God’s physical & spiritual blessings, but have had the privilege of sharing them with those less fortunate. YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!!

DAILY Pray for physical Bread…..DAILY Pray for Spiritual Bread

Growing Pains

2010-12-21T00:12:00.005-06:00

Like any good relationship, it takes work, it takes acceptance, it takes communication down to the core, to get to the issue at hand. It takes knowledge and understanding because no two people are alike or think alike. It's like a snowflake that God has made differnt and unique like no other. It takes understanding and God's great love within us to overcome our own selfish desires and to put on his understanding and not our very own.

a servant is the least....the last shall be first and the first shall be last. To me, there is great satifaction in that. For Jesus is our example. He took on the sin of the world and yet had great understanding far beyond our own comprehesion. It was narrow focus on what the father wanted, what the father would be proud of and what the father ultimately would accomplish by having his son die on a cross for the sins of the world.
Our relationship with Christ and how we allow him to work through us is ultimately the joy of our lives. The choice is ours, the result is contentment that this physical world can not give. It means service with excellence and giving all for His glory and to show the world just how marvelous He is!
As we live each day in relationships it's in small ways our love is evident in little ways day by day. Our relationship with Christ is to be lived out daily in love. It will be manifest in our desire to offer up every "least" thing to Him, to do the smallest task faithfully, confess the "little" sins quickly, be strict with our minutes as well as our hours.
"Do you love me?" Jesus asks.
"Why of course Lord- didn't I do this great thing for you?
"But child- I am looking for something much smaller."
"Do you care about our relationship" asks the wife.
"Why of course Dear- didn't I buy you this grand house?"
"Yes my husband, I'm looking for something much smaller. I'm looking for understanding, a tender word or touch day by day"
There are smaller things that matter more at the moment. Seize those moments. Be obedient....live a life of Love

Celebrate

2010-12-13T12:54:00.008-06:00

The last few weeks have really flown by. We've been on the move!
A few weeks ago we went with some friends to attend their church down in Jaco. The services are in English & Spanish and they have a good mix of people too. The Pastor is from the states and he started the church about 5 years ago. There is a problem of theft, drugs, and prostitution in this area. We heard 4 life changing testimonies and I was really surprised when Steve went up there. It was God's call for him to speak as well as for us to attend this service. It ended with some powerful prayer and praise.
On Friday we attended a benefit Spaghetti dinner for the English speaking church Pastor here in Atenas. His name is Bob and the money that was raised will help support his medical bills as he just got out of the hospital healing from heart surgery. The picture is his wife Marlene and the owners of Kay's Gringo Postres(Kay & Tom). The restaurant is well known by all the gringos. It was great to meet new people and connect and so wonderful for the community to get together to support Bob.

Yesterday we went to our church's annual Christmas party held at a beautiful place that I heard was owned by Channel 23. We loaded up the Bushwacker and brought a few families so they could attend. It was a wonderful service with lots of praise, then we shared a good meal together and alot of the children went swimming. It warmed our hearts to see the childrens happy faces when they received their Christmas present. Pastor Oldermar passed them out to each child by name. Three church members stood up and shared their testimonies and Pastor Oldemar made a point by expressing how grateful he was for all the new people the Lord has brought to the church this year from all over the world and then he named them specifically too. They have welcomed us and made us feel apart of the family with plenty of opportunity to serve. We really like our new church family!
We've been praying to fill our next conference in January. Please pray with us as this is our first U.S. Pastors event. Steve and I have been working a little each day on our individual ministries and missionary support. I've been working on contacting the Pastor's wives from the past 3 conferences to follow up with them with another massage and to help them by providing education materials on the importance of physical renewal. I've got my first appointment scheduled today! I'm excited! Steve is going to be my driver! I'm also in the process now of building a database of health tips to pass out to their specific need & I pray for a workshop in the future for these ladies in the area of health and wellness. Please pray for wisdom,direction,& fluidity with my daily schedule for the best use of my time when I'm not serving at our conferences. I'm in process of working at a quiropractic office in town and starting my own massage business in our home to help support our living expenses and another tent-making opportunity on the horizon. God is good! Thank you for your support & prayers friends!

DOS CUMPLEANOS

2010-12-03T07:14:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was The Brook Teams last day for spanish class for awhile. It was a memorable finish especially since we celebrated two members of the teams birthdays! That would be my love Steve and Steve and Angela's daughter Stephanie. Steve's birthday was on the first and Stephanie's is today the 3rd.
The school had the works: a pinata and a delicious birthday cake for them and afterwards we played two games that challenged us with speaking in spanish. It was alot of fun!
I feel so blessed to be apart of this great team! And I am in agreement and prayer with the director as she blessed them both by saying " I pray for continued health and many more prosperous years!" God Bless you my Love!....God Bless You Stephanie! & FELIZ CUMPLEANOS!

Giving all you have

2010-11-25T00:37:00.003-06:00

Giving all you have.

I was reading in the book of Luke tonight about the widow’s offering and what Jesus said to His disciples about her. He made it a point to teach them something about giving. He said “ This poor widow has put in more than all the others.”
It wasn’t about the money. It was about sacrifice. Jesus saw all the wealthy people put money in the offering. It’s as if He didn’t notice the size of their offering,, but the abundance they kept for themselves after they gave to God and it’s as if He didn’t notice the size of the widow’s offering either, but He noticed that she didn’t have anything left. It was all she had to live on as Jesus said. She would starve. So, it didn’t cost the wealthy anything and for the widow it cost her everything.
How much did it cost us to give our money, our time, our service, our talent? How much did it cost us to become a missionary or to become a pastor?
We see the offering.....God sees the sacrifice

1 Thess 5:16-18 & Mom

2010-11-21T22:33:00.012-06:00

Today I'm thankful for God's word. It brings life better than any kinda medicine! I got a triple dose this morning at church. For weeks Pastor Oldemar has been preaching from the book of 1 Thessalonians and we are coming close to the end of the book at chapter 5 verse 16-18. These verses have alot of significance for me, especially today, the 21st of November. Today is the day 11 years ago that my mother went home to be with the Lord. It is also 11 years ago today that the Lord gave me these specific scriptures as a celebration of her life and now as a rememberance of her life. These verses are ones that I remember well, for I included them in the write up obituary for the newspaper. I still remember. This morning as I listened, by heart burned inside for I felt the Holy Spirit speak to my heart as I realized what day it was after I heard the scripture. Wow!

"Be Joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

So, I'm reminded and encouraged to keep loving more and more, to stand firmly in the faith, to work with my hands, to not grieve like those with no hope, & whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him....

I'm reminded that....deep JOY is not circumstantial...it comes from constant communion with my heavenly Father...giving thanks IN ALL circumstances....that's the proof of JOY..knowing He's got the world in His Hands....The JOY is in KNOWING... The Joy is in COMMUNION

I'm also believing my mom taught me these things..by who she was and who she is.
Thank you Lord for your word and thank you Lord for my loving mother. Your word is like opening a new wrapped gift everytime.

Time moving Be still

2010-11-17T20:34:00.003-06:00

It's seems the dry season here in Costa Rica is upon us. The transition is happening. We are having less and less rain. It didn't rain today and yesterday it rained in the evening for about 10 minutes.
We welcomed the rain each day. It was a comfort to us because we knew to expect it. A good soaking gave water to every living thing. However, it also brought alot of damage and death.
It seems I've been in a transition for about a week now. And even though I knew to expect it, it didn't make it any easier. We've lived here In Costa Rica for 3 months and I believe the honeymoon is over and real life begins here.
I trust God to take care of our needs and the needs of the ministry, but now I'm feeling the desperation in it. In my devotional reading I reread the story of Hannah and it spoke so clearly to me. Her story is one of desperation. It is a story of transition, of breakthrough, and obedience. All these I have poured out my soul to the Lord. I have reached a place of peace. I praise God and give Him the glory. For only He can do the impossible
Dear Lord,
Help me Father, enable me to depend on you to do what I can not do. Help me to remember that you depend on me to do what I can do. Thank you Lord for your promise to fit things together in spite of our plans as you put order to our steps. All I need to see is what is in front of me. I trust you Lord, everything is totally under your control.
In the precious name of Jesus
Amen

Bicky's double Ducha de Bebé

2010-10-31T07:53:00.017-05:00

This afternoon Steve and I were invited to our next door neighbor Bicky's double baby shower. Both her twin sons wives are both pregnant and both are expecting (boys)in December...on my birthday! See if you can figure out some of the games we played...

Scenic, Sunny, & Stormy...Solo Bueno!

2010-10-30T12:36:00.015-05:00

Right this minute Pastor Dan and his wife Stephanie are sitting in the airport waiting on their flight to take off. It was our pleasure to serve them this week. It has been a week packed full of all kinds of adventure, times of relaxation & reflection, physical & spiritual renewal.
Yesterday, Steve and I brought them to La Paz Watergardens and took them to the Poas Volcano. Lots of towns along the way. I'm pretty sure La Paz was their favorite place. They certainly were good sports when we had to wait around 3 hours for the road to clear of a trailer accident on our way back from the San Luis Canopy tour. The morning started out with a group waterfall hike as the theme for the day was physical renewal. The massage I gave Stephanie that evening helped work out her tense muscles. I think Dan really liked the Tarzan swing and Stephanie liked the Superman Line. She said now she could imagine what it felt like to fly!
The day Steve and I took them to Herradura beach it began to rain about 30 minutes after we got there and just as we approached for lunch at Villa Calletas Resort, the rain really hit and stormed hard while the fog clouds really got thick. You couldn't see a thing! They experienced that full "Rainforest" affect. I took that as a sign that no matter what goes on around us, we can always rejoice within the storm. It was a day picked for marital renewal. Even though it rained and the spectacular view was not to be seen, the reality is, that the beauty was found in each other. They have a wonderful, beautiful and loving marriage!
They learned alot at The Britt Coffee Tour. It was funny to me that Dan had the same thoughts like me about the similarities of the process of our salvation as the process of a coffee bean. I wrote a blog about it a few weeks ago when Steve and I visited the coffee plantation here in Atenas.
I pray now for their safe arrival home. I can see their two boys wrapping their arms around Mommy and Daddy and welcoming them home. They got some trip gifts to pass out!
I pray the Lord gave them a gift here during their time here in Costa Rica that they will keep for the rest of their lives!

Latin American Pastor Conference #2 & #3

2010-10-25T22:17:00.007-05:00

The Brook Ministries Latin American Pastors Conferences were so good! For 6 days The Brook team arrived every morning around 5:30am and most nights we travelled back home around 8pm. We went straight to bed! The coverage of your prayers smoothed the way for the pastors and their wives to learn new ways of handling conflict within their churches. Many had never had this kind of formal training. It had been years since many of the couples had free time together and time set aside with other pastoral couples. All but one person had ever been on a canopy tour. All but one of the wives had ever had a massage before. They were so excited to actually have the time to relax, fellowship, worship, & laugh together, and unwind in such a beautiful place such as Vista del Valle Resort. The last night at "testimony time" for each conference group, was a deeply moving experience of powerful sharing,prayer and worship. As a result, the needs are known and the direction can be easily seen. Keep your eye out for the ways you can continue to help by reading Pastor Steve Lucas' blog and The Brook Newsletter.
As for my part at the conferences, I gave ever bit of my energy, my love & prayers to each woman I served. His joy, His peace, & His love that it brought to our spirit was the gift we each received. It is so real that we are more blessed when we give than when we receive.
My spanish isn't so great, but better than it was at the first Latin conference in January. I also was better supplied. I created a spanish health history form, a spanish Massage Menu, and had matching "Ministerio del Arroyo" labels on each of the massage gift bags given to each woman along with a bottled water. About half of them wanted a Hot Stone Massage. One of the ladies gave me a beautiful scarf that she got on a mission trip to Chile. On the last morning of the last conference I was given strength first thing in the morning. I was really dragging and I'd been praying that the Lord would give me strength and he did. The first lady for massage took my hands and prayed for them. It moved me and gave me encouragement, strength, & power for the rest of the day! God is so good, He always is faithfull and gives us what we ask for. I will never forget her face or the power of her prayer!
After these 3 conferences, is it so obvious that Latin American Pastors and their wives are getting what they have prayed for....God is faithful and His church here in Central America is being built up, equipped, and strengthened to reach further into some remote areas and into the 10/40 window.
I am looking forward to serving the next conference in January for U.S. Pastors and the wives!
Please don't miss the opportunity to send your Pastor and his spouse. You can't even imagine how good this will be for him and his spouse & how far reaching it really is! Pay it forward!

"Hi!" verses "Hola"

2010-10-17T14:52:00.006-05:00

Everyday we go walking. We walk to the grocery store, we walk to the bank, we walk to the gym, we walk to church, and to any other place we need and would like to go. Steve and I realized this morning what a blessing it has been to just walk. We would be missing so much if we drove in a car everywhere. We would miss the opportunity to meet our neighbors. We would have missed the encounter with a dear woman this morning. We will be praying for her and her family. Each day we meet new people. We say "Hola!" as we pass by the neighbors that are usually outside their homes along the way into town. It's getting pretty regular that people must be saying..."There's those gringos again!" On our walk this morning to church, we happen upon a gentlemen who said "Hi!" I was taken aback. Not that the tico said "Hi" but that the word itself sounded strange! I guess that was a clue to me that I'm adjusting to the culture and the language is getting into me! LOVE it! DIOS ES BUENO!

Friends build us up!

2010-10-13T13:38:00.006-05:00

Yesterday I was reminded how important friends are and how we need each other. We've met alot of people here in Costa Rica and have made quite a few friends. Emilio came by yesterday to chat. He is a very nice man and there is always laughter being in his presence. He made these chairs for us and he's building us a bookshelf. My husband met a friend at the gym named Russ. He's a kind hearted guy who Steve became instant friends with. He's been helping us get the bushwacker some parts. We are getting to know our friends at bible study who are Abraham & Claire, Cerca and Red along with Pastor Steve and Angela. Abraham is an outstanding teacher!He gives a jewish perspective since he is a jewish christian. This is all new stuff! Pastor Steve is very knowledgeable and with them along side of us,we are learning far more than we had ever before about God's word.
Last night we were invited to Vicky's house for a memorial service for her husband Horst who went home to the Lord on October 2nd. Abraham and Claire came to pick us up. There were alot of people at her home. We shared a few songs and shared a great meal and fellowship. Our new friends Cindy and Tom were there with their children. Cindy is a volunteer nurse at Hogar de Vida Orphanage and her husband Tom works for a mission organization called EMI. We attend Iglesia Biblica with them as well.
eThis morning was our last class in spanish. Our teacher Isabel took us to the beautiful park in Atenas.Our assignment was to ask people walking by if we could ask them some questions so we could practice our spanish. What a great experience! The people are so friendly here in Costa Rica. We will begin a new session in spanish after our conferences. I hope that Isabel will once again be our teacher. We don't want to loose what we have learned so far and want to continue our friendship with her.
When we returned home from school, we noticed Vicky was home and we rang the bell at her gate. She gave us a big hug and she shared a little bit about her family things that you wouldn't talk to a stranger about. The Lord has given us friends for strength and encouragement. I hope to be that friend to her.
I am grateful to God for all the friends He is putting in our lives. I thank God for them.
There is strength in numbers.
A threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

The Aroma is Divine!

2010-10-09T10:44:00.006-05:00

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I LOVE COFFEE! So, when we went on our coffee tour yesterday, I was excited! Our spanish teacher Senora Isabel met us up at the catholic church in town and we took a taxi to CoopeAtenas. All the cofee growers in this area have formed a union. This way they are not competing with one another, but work together and through it give back to the community.
The process of turning a coffee bean into a cup of coffee is something I'd never thought about until moving here. Our tour guide took us around and showed us each stage the beans went through before being put in a bag for market. Those little beans are cleaned and dried. They are kept a little humid for the removal of the outer hard shell. Then they go through another cleaning with heated water in a huge round mixer. It removes all the debris. The trail leads to another machine that separates the beans by shape and size.(this determines the quality of the bean and in which bag they go in) Lastly, is the removing of the inner shell by fire. The beans that are lower quality are put out in rows to dry in the sun.
I thought about the process we go through from the beginning of our salvation to the working out of our salvation. It's all good. We are in good hands. We will be cleaned by the removal of debris, we will experience intense heat as that hard exterior and inner shell is removed. The the hands of God can mold and shape us, being ready in an out of season for market. Cleansing brings communion with God! Taste and see that the Lord is Good!

Sharing my heart

2010-10-07T00:07:00.004-05:00

I’m writing to you today to share my heart with you. I know there are some of you that are honestly wondering why in the world did we get rid of all our stuff, sell our home, and leave all our friends and even our families. Why go to another country? Can’t you serve God in Texas? How did we get involved with The Brook Ministries? Could it be that you were trying to get away from a job you didn’t like? Were you just looking to retire?
These are all good questions. I just thought it would be good to lay it all out because I feel that many are wondering and I hope that by clarifying some things, that you will take a hold of the vision that God has a hold of us.
Now, Pastor Steve Lucas is the director and he was the first one that God gave the vision to. I remember hearing about The Brook Ministries and remember thinking how awesome a ministry it would be. At the same time, I was planning a trip to Costa Rica to go on a Medical Massage Certification program. I ended up in a tent for ten days all by myself and had extensive time to pray, read my bible, and hear from the Lord. The Lord put in my mind and in my heart a spiritual connection to the body of Christ in Costa Rica. How I understood the Holy spirit speaking to my heart, was that the body of Christ was made up of many parts and that I had a part to play, & that some parts of the body needed some tender care and mostly that the body of Christ needed one another. I had a fresh stirring within me and an expectation that God was doing a new work in me and I couldn’t pinpoint what that would look like. I didn’t know that when I returned home from that trip, things were going to change pretty rapidly.
When Pastor Steve approached my husband Steve about him possibly being involved with the ministry, it was as if Jesus said “Follow me.” I’ve been married to Steve for almost 30 years and I can honestly say that this has been the desire of his heart for many years. It was as if God opened the flood gates and released his purposes for him after waiting for this his whole life. From all our past experiences and up until the present time, the gifts, our personalities, & talents that the Lord has given to us, is a perfect fit with the vision of The Brook Ministries. This is not about us, but a perfectly fit plan that was already set in place.
The ministry of The Brook Ministries gets us excited because we are a part of something God is using to strengthen His church! We are a part of something bigger than ourselves! We get excited at the opportunity to serve pastors and their wives who give so much of themselves to God’s people. We want & will provide for them opportunities for physical renewal, a time of restoration to renew their souls, a time to renew their relationship with their spouse, a time to make new friends, and time to relax with no demands, distractions, or commitments. We all know how important it is to our well being to take care of ourselves. The battles we face as Christians are in the mind, the physical body, & in our emotions. We must take care of our leaders to grow healthy churches. Healthy churches go beyond just inside their own doors. They go refreshed in God’s power to share his love, his grace, and his word to this world who desperately need it. It’s about saving lives. That’s what the vision is all about! We are passionate about being missionaries for building God’s kingdom. This is our part in this life He has given us. We are not wasting time, but providing a time for those to make the most of it so they can be the most for God. And ultimately that’s what we want. We want to give to God the time He has given us and do the most good with what He has given us to do.
That’s why we have left everything. All we have is right now and we are getting on with making a difference for His kingdom. Now, I ask you…..boldly…..will you help us? You are part of the Body of Christ. We need your support in this. We are excited as the next two conferences for Latin American Pastors is fast approaching on Oct 18th thru the 23rd. It costs us $500.00 for a couple to attend and we invite 15 couples to each conference. In 2011, we have scheduled nine Latin American Pastors Conferences and two U.S. Pastors Conferences scheduled for January & June. We have a full schedule and lots of work to do to prepare.
Just as we can’t do this without the Lord leading us, we can’t do this without you. Will you pray and support us with a monthly donation of $20.00-$25.00? That’s all we are asking for. If you can give more that is good. We want you to be a part of our team , to take hold of the vision that is changing lives. Humbly I say, there is nothing more valuable than God’s creation walking in the freedom of their creator. Will you take hold of that and plant it in your heart and give out of the abundance he has stored up in you?
I have another idea of a way to support the ministry by getting others involved with your efforts. Maybe at your job you receive tips from your clients. You could set aside $5 for each tip you receive & collect it and send it to us at the end of the month. You could possibly raise your rates by $5 or $10 and tell your client you are donating the increase to the ministry. They could match it with an additional tip!
There is opportunity for you to pray during the conferences as well as getting involved in our “Vacation with a Purpose.” Check The Brook website for information and to make an automatic monthly donation go to www.thebrookministries.org. I also have a blog www.kellyezell.blogspot.com that I post about living life here in Atenas, Costa Rica.
Please let us know if we can answer any questions you might have about our ministry and how we can serve & pray for you. Again, thank you for your financial support and prayers to this ministry.
Will you do it now? The need is great….and great is the need!
Blessings in Christ,
Kelly & Steve

The Birdcage & The Funeral

2010-10-02T23:08:00.006-05:00

What a great evening we had at "The Little Theatre Group of Costa Rica" We saw the movie made into a play called "The Birdcage" The actor Robin Williams had starred in it years ago. My husband and I had thought we had heard of it before but we weren't absolutely sure. When the lights went on for the first scene, four men dressed as woman came out dancing! I was stunned and my husband started laughing and then I started laughing too. I mean, it was suppose to be funny, wasn't it? I just didn't hear anybody else laughing. The acting was really good and I kinda wondered if some of them were really acting! But, it was very entertaining nonetheless! I ended up with a migraine by the time we got home and woke up this morning with it.
This morning our neighbor Bicky yelled out to my husband whom she could see from the open window that her huband had died in the night. There were 2 police cars at her house and now we knew why. There have been cars coming and going all day. I never met her husband Horace but my husband had when he brought a pie to their house that we had bought them up at the market. I was cooking dinner when my husband went over to their home. They invited him in and he stayed a bit and got to know them. I met Bicky as we were walking past her gate and my husband & I both knew she was a special lady and we instantly felt a special love for her. Bicky told us that her husband had a bad heart and that the doctors had said that they could do nothing for him. We got a phone call just a while ago to come to her house because they were fixin to have the funeral. Wow, that was quick. They don't waste anytime here in Costa Rica. The open casket was right in the center of the room and there was Bicky over it. Some of the people from our Tuesday night bible study were there as well as our pastor and other family and friends. We all got in a large cirlce and some prayed in English and some in spanish and sang some hymns in spanish and some in English. It was beautiful and from the prayers of those that loved him, he was a good man and a man of God. He is at peace now and with the Lord. He sees him now face to face. Even now as I write this, I hear the cars still coming and going at Bicky's house. Praise God for all His blessings and for life eternal!

Cooking Costa Rican Style!

2010-09-30T22:01:00.007-05:00

As part of the curriculum of the spanish school we are attending, the school offered to us a few extra outside activities to acclimate ourselves with the ways of the Costan Rican culture. This evening The Brook Team went for a cooking class at the home of a local Tica woman. I think her name sounded like Letrysa. When we arrived she welcomed us in her beautiful home and gestured for us to sit down. What we didn't know and found out quickly was that she had no idea why we were there! Yet, she was so kind as we just waltz in her home and sat down. One by one and step by step she had each of us share in making a typical costa rican meal. We first made a salad. We then squeezed the lemons to make some fresh lemonade, & then the corn empanadas. Delicioso! She topped it off with a wonderful unique dessert of iced milk with nuts and jello. She talked slowly and pleasant. Such kindness to share with us her love of cooking, her heart for sharing, and the pride of her country.
Costa Ricans are people who live for enjoying the present moments of their lives one day at a time and don't seem to be worried about tomorrow, but make the most of today. I love that and have longed for that simplicity. I am learning what it really means to slow down to stop and smell the roses.
I'm grateful too for the moments of today. It is all we really have by the way, at the moment.

Rain & Lunch

2010-09-29T16:24:00.007-05:00

The last few days have been raining ALOT. Heard that some neighbors in town had to evacuate their homes last night due to the intense rain that wants to possibly slide their home away! The rivers are running rapid around here and are as black as coffee! We have still gone up to town each day to work out and then again this morning to pay our bills. I found it really hard to sleep last night because of the thunder and intense raining. I pray for the folks who don't have a place right now to rest their head and I praise God at the same time for what the rain provides. Right now the wind is picking up and it is getting rather chilly. It's time to enjoy lunch and to praise God for being alive, for providing for our needs, for a roof over our heads, for my husband to share my life with over a yummy meal! This is a typical lunch for us: The Costa Rican Gallo Pinto(rice & black beans)( I use brown rice)a salad with fresh vegetables and fruits,(today my salad is tomatoes, spinach, avocado, green leaf, & mango) fresh cabbage salad with carrot & red pepper, and pear nectar to drink. I'm praying it stops raining very soon!

An Ant's Life

2010-09-28T18:00:00.005-05:00

Can you imagine how heavy that leaf is to the ant? That ant is called a "leafcutter" here in Costa Rica. I see them everywhere. I've been on a quest to see an army of them all in single file. I thought it would make an interesting photo. It just amazes me how even the little ant is burdened with a heavy load. He manages to carry it to his destination. Only difference between what the ant was carrying and what we carry is neccesity. There is so much we carry that is not neccesity. So, as a reminder to me and to you, let go of what is not neccesary for you to carry. Give it to God. Only carry what is necessary. You will have a much lighter load and a free hand for someone else!
On further reflection, it just might be that the load you carry is a sacrifice that is costing your faith to stretch. The Lord sacrificed His life for us and carried all our sins to the cross. What sacrifice is the Lord asking you to carry no matter what the cost or how heavy it is ? To be a christian it is in sharing in the sufferings of Christ we become like him and in dying to ourselves we truly live.

TheRIGHT Place

2010-09-25T21:47:00.007-05:00

Steve and I took off early this morning for a tour of Turu Ba Ri Parque. We are looking for TheRight places for our excursions. Something that grips me everytime we drive on the roads here in Costa Rica....Everytime you take a turn...which is very often....you never know what's coming or what lies ahead. Another thing about the roads here in Costa Rica are the deep gulleys on both sides of the road. That means you gotta have a narrow focus!

Boy, that sure speaks to me right now! Keep your focus straight ahead. In this way, you can see clearly where your going...for what lies ahead is just around the next bend!

After we left Turu Ba Ri Parque I set the GPS for HOME. It took us another route than the one we came on. The road kept getting narrower and narrower until we finally got to a one lane dirt road. It seemed we were on it for at least 3 or 4 miles. We were wondering if the GPS was to be trusted. We came and crossed over a bridge that extended over a rip roaring river and a breath taking waterfall. I fumbled with trying to reach for my camera and didn't make it in time as we approached the end of the bridge. The minute the back tires reached the end, the road IMMEDIATELY took a right turn STRAIGHT UP! We went right up as if a unseen force had scooted us up. I was wondering how in the world we made it. Finally, we came out on the access road of the Autopista. Thank God we trusted the GPS and thank God for providing a short cut no matter what we had to go through! Isn't that the way alot a times in life....keep trusting....no matter what things appear to be...The Lord will provide a way out.

The Mission

2010-09-22T00:23:00.006-05:00

Today has been a full day! Tuesday morning is the day I spend time on skype with my accountability partner. It's also the day we have our Brook Team meeting followed by the English speaking Bible study up at Iglesia Biblica in Atenas.
Having an accountability partner keeps my life on track. She gives me encouragement and counsel and prayer. I look forward to our talks together.
I get all fired up and full of purposeful passion after a Brook Team meeting. Today we had so much to be thankful for and had praises for what God is doing in the ministry and in our lives. As I write this, the Lord is putting everything into place. The Lord has picked a professor from the theological seminary in Guatemala to be our guest speaker.He is bilingual. We also have a worship leader as well! We now have 17 each Latin American couples attending our 2 mini conferences on Oct 18th through the 23rd! Praise the Lord! We are now asking those to step forward and sponsor each couple with a donation to cover the cost. We are asking for a one time gift of $500 per couple. Also underway, is our silent auction up at Nate's Seafood Restaurant in Allen. Hope that you will not only buy a ticket to attend, but you will bid on a treasure. Just remember your purchase or your one time gift for a Latin couple to attend the October conferences, will be a purchase with eternal value.
In between the Brook Team meeting and the bible study today, we met with Pastor Oldemar & his wife Maritza. He's been the pastor at the church for the past 11 years. We are so blessed that the Lord would lead us to such a bible believing church and a wonderful Pastor and his wife to lead it. Each Sunday the message is strictly out of the word of God, verse by verse. The first Sunday of the month is translated into English. Tonight we got aquainted with one another and it might be that my husband may lead a small group of men on the subject of finances and I may try singing worship with the keyboard player in a service done in English. There was also talk of us joining Pastor Oldemar and a few of the members of the church on a medical mission trip in December to visit a remote spanish speaking Indian community south of here. Maybe, or shall I say, I WILL BE MUCH BETTER AT SPEAKING SPANISH BY THEN!

Costa Rica Independence Day

2010-09-14T23:20:00.004-05:00

Tonight we went into town for the evening festivities. We decided that we would first eat dinner at one of our favorite places real close to the City Park. There was a woman sitting there and she was selling these lanterns that were red and some were blue. I liked them so I bought one for 200 colones. As it turned out, as people began to show up, all the children and even some of the adults all were holding lanterns. In fact, they were all highly decorated and very creative. Their was a loud voice of a woman speaking that was leading on the mike. Then all the people sang the national anthem for Costa Rica. Everyone was standing. We quickly finished our dinner and headed over to where all the people were at.
I was standing there and I looked around at all the families and how many small children were there. Father's and mothers interlocking hands, putting children on their shoulders, & holding them in their arms so they could see all that was happening. I think I have fallen in love with this community.
Looking forward to seeing the parade in the morning!

Going to School

2010-09-08T23:48:00.004-05:00

This morning The Brook Team enrolled in language classes. The place is just a few minutes down the street. We drove up to a green gate and entered into the most beautiful place. You would have never thought what lie just beyond the gates. The only way to know is to go inside. I can describe it to you, but until you enter in yourself, you really can't experience it like we all did. Oh yea sure, I know you will feel the passion in my words and I hope to cast a vision that will work in your heart so you can feel the passion too of what this is all about. The Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church said it when he said "The church is the hope of the world." Anyways, I'm getting a little off subject you say....what is this all leading too? It's about the church. It's about those he came to save. Going to language school to learn how to speak spanish will open doors we didn't know we could open. Getting to know the language is a step inside from just staying on the surface. God never intended for us to skim the surface...but to go deep...deep enough to where he does all the leading and mostly to love one another deeply from the heart. I am so excited and so very challenged and expectant of what God has in store. Lead on Lord! Thank you for our new teacher Isabel. Bless her and my your face shine upon her and her family.

All Is Well with My Soul

2010-09-06T12:06:00.002-05:00

Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. That's it. That's what I needed today. It's my first thoughts as I start again to write in this blog. We just got internet a few days ago here in Atenas, Costa Rica and this is my first time in a long while to write in my blog.
We are going on our 3rd week here. We've come along pretty good & we are cultivating a new way of living. We are liking our new life and enjoying the benefits of living simple lives. We decided to not get a TV. We didn't watch it much back in the states anyhow. We did get a membership in town at the local video store to watch an occasional movie from our laptop as a treat. We still have an empty house and we will get all the essential needs in due time.
We really enjoyed the Pastor's message at our new church yesterday. It was translated in English. He talked about the faithfullness of the Thessalonians. The gospel came to them not simply with words, but with deep conviction in the power of the Holy Spirit. Even though they were suffering severe persecution they had JOY given to them by the holy spirit. They became a model for Jesus Christ and their faith became known everywhere by the Joy the holy spirit had given them.
When we share the gospel with someone it must not be done in our power or some clever words that sound good. It must come from the spirit of God within us. Because of their strong conviction that God was at work within them it produced faith. Because of their love for God, they labored for it, & because of their hope in God, it boosted their endurance. Faith, Hope, & Love equals serving God!
That's all I need today

Tear Stains

2009-10-28T00:42:00.004-05:00

The other night our group got together and one of the things that was said has really stuck with me for the last week. It was what Pete Briscoe had said in his sermon. He prayed that what broke God's heart, would break his too.
Today I had a strange thought. What if tears were ink instead of water? What if we couldn't wipe our tears away and they left behind a mark on our face? Then I pictured all the inky faces I would see on EVERY person I saw! Including mine!
What would happen if tears were out in the open? Would we realize how common tears are? Or would we just grow used to them, not even noticing anymore?
I don't need to see people's tears to know that they have cried. I want what would break God's heart to break mine too. I pray that I become more sensitive to the invisible tears around me.
God asks us to weep with those who weep and laugh with those laugh...rejoice with them. Jesus always shared concern, sympathy, empathy with those who wept. And he also shared joy, hope, and laughter.
Let's each pray to see beyond the surface and to minister to those whose tears are invisible and to increase the joy of those around us by being joyful with them.

The TWO sides of being ALONE

2009-10-01T00:57:00.008-05:00

To express the pain of being alone is "loneliness." To express the glory of being alone is "solitude."
Loneliness is pretty common these days and is increasing more and more. As common as single parenting is, many kids are lonely because their parents are busy working. Many elderly people are shut in their homes and are alone and lonely while the world outside keeps moving. There are many causes & reasons people isolate themselves and the result of that is loneliness. We were created to be relational and loneliness is not okay within us.
Solitude on the other hand, is when you finally get home from a busy day and turn down the noise and curl up with a good book. The joy of being alone is time for yourself to unwind & relax. A young mother looks forward to having some alone time after the kids go to school or when they go to bed in the evening.
Jesus often went off alone to pray and to meditate. He did this not just to get away from people. He did this so that He could be with God. He sought out his heavenly Father, he listened to him, he communed with him. We would do well by following his example. He beckons us to do the same. Not just for seeking times of solitude, but also when loneliness tries to invade us.
Jesus himself is never alone. He is not all by himself. He never feels loneliness, because God has always been a fellowship. He has always been Trinity- the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus promises us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. With Him we are never alone.

The Firm Hand of the Father

2009-09-25T00:16:00.004-05:00

My daughter told me that my grandson refuses to hold her hand. Still, she reaches for his hand and gets a firm grip and he struggles to break free of it so he can move ahead to do what ever he wants to do.
When my grandson came to visit with us, there were many circumstances that he needed for me to hold his hand. When walking around the swimming pool I held his hand, when we went walking down the sidewalk I held his hand, & when getting up and down on the kiddie rides at Chucky Cheese I held his hand.
He sure didn't like anyone to firmly hold his hand. The little guy is not even two years old yet! YOU HAVE TO HOLD HIS HAND!
From the day we are born, we spend alot of time trying to do things our own way. It seems that during the most difficult times we fight the hardest to be independent.
That's when God reaches out and holds onto us even tighter. He knows when we need His hand the most, and he refuses to let go of us.
Have you come to understand His love for you to the degree that you understand the protection in His hand and instead of feeling restrained, you ask for it on a daily basis?

Faithful until the End

2009-09-23T03:05:00.003-05:00

Have you ever watched a football game or some other kind of team sport and all through the game one team is way ahead of the other team except during the last 60 seconds? They got over confident and lacked in dedication and lost. That is such a drag!

Lots of us have been there. We have lost because of our unfaithfullness or overconfidence. It brings feelings of frustration and sadness.

Lots of things we do in life start out well, then after a time we can get distracted, we slip and finally fail. We start out doing our very best but then we grow indifferent and unfaithful. It happens with college students, a new job, a new marriage, a team game...

I read this in Eccl. 7:8 "the end of a matter is better than it's beginning, and patience is better than pride." The Lord Jesus has said ," Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life" Rev. 2:10

What are You & I believing God for?

2009-08-14T01:07:00.015-05:00

Let's get to the specifics. What are you & I believing God for? He knows the beginning and the end. It's already in the past what your believing God for! He said he is only interested in your good and that when you have your eyes focused on Him, He can move mountains. I mean, He put the moon and stars in space. He created the heavens & the earth and everything in it. He only has to say ONE WORD ..and it was spoken into being. He is the WORD that became flesh and walked among us.
Pray as if it already is a reality. It's not God's will that someone should die of cancer. It's not God's will that we should be filled with fear. Do you have faith as small as a mustard seed? Do you believe God is bigger than any of your problems? Do we want to wonder around wondering for 40 years if God can do what He says He can do & miss the Promised Land? Why I ask...do we have such a hard time believing? It's a matter of trust...it's a matter of little, great, or perfect faith in God. Little Faith says "I will pray about that." Great Faith says "I believe God can do that." Perfect Faith says " It's a done deal!"

I'm making a declaration right now! I'm believing in Perfect Faith that God will move what He knows needs moving in our lives. I'm believing God for all the things my husband & I prayed about tonight. We wrote them all down on paper & tucked them into our bible to give to Him, and as visual reminder for us. I'm believing The Brook Ministries Golf Tournament & Motorcycle Tour will be a huge overwhelming success and glory upon glory....victory upon victory God reigns! All for His Glory! We will be overwhelmed of how his plan unfolds as He makes our way to Costa Rica !
We believe Him! I'm believing in the plans He's got in store for me and my household & The Brook Ministries. One day we will be looking back to marvel at the work of the Lord & all that He set in place for The Brook. It's so exciting what is happening now! I'm praising Him NOW! Pastors will come from all over the world to receive what they need from the Lord after having spent time at The Brook.
I also believe there is no accident in your reading this. What are you believing in God for?
Just remember, sometimes the teacher does no talking when the test is given out!

Mark 11:23
"Have faith in God," Jeus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, "Go, throw yourself in to the sea", and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Romans 4:17
The God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.

Hebrews 11:6
Without Faith it is impossible to please God

The second Journey

2009-08-03T23:34:00.016-05:00

The second journey brings fresh purpose than ever before. The second journey begins when one recognizes that their faith must be alive & growing in wisdom. They have come to the place that they will risk failure in order to grow and that failure must be risked no matter how many times we mess things up. Without going into a great amount of lengthy detail, I've messed up so many times. Recently, I read in a book that God expects more failure from me then I do myself, & yet He still chooses to work in my weak and sinful heart, challenging me to greater faith & greater love. God's love for us is so outrageous! I don't have to grow, change, or be good to be loved.
I know there is a limited amount of time to accomplish the vision God has spurred on in my heart & has been cultivating for some time. Ready or not, HEAR it comes! He takes us as we are and doesn't condemn us. Like the prodigal son, His Father and ours welcomes us with open arms even when we haven't acknowledged our own sinful ways. We come to Him hungry and thirsty like the prodigal son who came back home just to stay alive. Our Father prepares a feast for us and is just so glad we are back.
The second journey calls me to live a life that truly counts. To have a deeper commitment of faith in God and only want what He wants and nothing more. To understand deeply His heart of love for me as I embrace it,trust it completely, and live it outside of myself wherever He brings me to share it. I must GO!

The Poor in Spirit

2009-08-01T00:47:00.004-05:00

I was reminded of who the poor in spirit are tonight.
It wasn't the "issues" it was the honesty that brought about
the flow of Grace!
I was reminded by these teens...that are ready for the Kingdom of God
beautiful transparency from the desire to commune with God
the poor in spirit throwing themselves at the mercy of the Father.
They have owned up to their powerlessness & helplessness
are becoming to the knowledge that God is making something beautiful
out of them.
Confession is something we do not just do to be forgiven, but we do it because we are forgiven...drawing us ever closer to Jesus Christ who loved us first...sinners saved by Grace.

LIFE HURTS -G.O.D. H.E.A.L.S

2009-07-15T23:34:00.004-05:00

Tonight at LHGH the session was just awesome! Vanda was such a natural at speaking to the students. She presented the Lesson so well & got the students attention right from the start. Then, Tonya gave her testimony for the first time since her near fatal car accident 4 years ago. This is just the beginning of her sharing her testimony! It is incredible that tonight because of her testimony, it will change the lives of those students and go with those students the rest of their lives. What an impact she made! The Lord gave her the words and they spilled out effortlessly with such passion & mercy. I was so reminded how I take for granted the hands I have that move, that I have feet that can walk, & a host of other things I take for granted; which I have quite a bit lately. Then to top it all off, Rebecca sang a song that quickened each of our hearts and brought glory and honor to our God! Lots of thanking and praise after this. Then, all the leaders went to small group with their students as I assisted Tonya and her sister Tasha to the door they had come in. Meanwhile, we once again combined 2 girl groups and I found out what the Lord's roll has been for me all along. The whole experience was truly humbling.
We were all so blessed tonight in different ways & the Lord gave to each according to what they needed. I can't even begin to say in words how wonderful it is to see, to share, & to be apart of what God is doing in the students lives. There is no greater joy than to help another, encourage another, lift another up, and to sit back and see what God does in a person's heart. God is so good! I am truly grateful for all the leaders, Tonya, Rebecca, & Dan.
Thank you for the blessings. It was truly awesome!

Pondering visible and invisible: The Inner Life

2009-07-05T23:02:00.010-05:00

I started meditating on Psalm 1 yesterday and the inner life with God is like a constant flow of himself poured into us. His Word brings understanding of His nature, His goodness, and love for us. Without God's love streamed into our hearts and minds, we would dry up like a withered leaf. This inner life is our delight day and night and in time it produces His peace, His patience, His love for others, & all the other fruits of His spirit in us. And from this constant flow, more fruit multiplies as He perfects us. All this takes place living in a visible world living the inner invisible life.
We live in a visible world. Every where you go and everything you see brings us great challenge to "live in this world, but not be of it." This world can be overwhelming with everything we see & read of the so-called real world. For surely, it will all pass away. I was reflecting on what it would be like if Jesus walked down the street. Would people even if they saw Him with their own eyes, believe that it was Him? Then I thought about the two guys going down the road to Emmaus and it struck me! These two men didn't recognize Jesus because He didn't want them to. He wanted them to know Him and who He was not by seeing Him, but by hearing His words in their hearts and minds.
That's it! That's the inner Life! That was the whole point. WE are to fix our eyes on what is not seen! What was unseen visibly was the burning in their hearts! Jesus was talking to them, sharing His word with them.
BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING!
The inner life is a life of deep humility in learning spiritual truth with utter dependence of God's ministry in our hearts.
"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe" John 20:29
Then it came...God's word came to me...one of my favorite scriptures "Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our momentary troubles are achieving for us a glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes on not was is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor 4:16-18
Today at church Pastor Kyung was talking about eternity in heaven. What came to my mind is the invisible world becoming a visible reality. Even though it is a reality, in heaven we will really SEE IT! WE WILL SEE JESUS! The invisible world will collide with the visible world in heaven. Now we only do see in part.
In the Psalm, David was secure. He lived in the visible world, but was protected & cared for by the invisible unseen God. He lived closely IN this inner life.

A Life more than Guidance

2009-07-04T23:18:00.003-05:00

Something I wanted to remember...that is important...I read from a book I'm reading:

Just as character is revealed only when we are permitted or required to do as we want, so also the degree and maturity of our faith are manifested only in cases where no specific command is given. It is not a great and mature faith that merely does what it is told. Rather- in the words of William Carey as he went out to India as a pioneer missionary-such a faith is one that "attempts great things for God and expects great things from God." It actively gets on with the work to be done, the life to be lived, confident in the good hearted companionship of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Human initiative is not canceled by redemption, it is heightened by immersion in the flow of God's life. People with a mature vision of God and extensive experience in his ways have no need to be obsessively anxious about doing the right thing. For the most part they will simply KNOW what is right. But their confidence is finally not in a word from the Lord but in the Lord who is with us.

Comfort Zone

2009-04-16T00:42:00.003-05:00

I went on a trip a week ago and spent 5 days wanting to experience where I was and yet at the same time, I was wanting to come home to my comfortable life. It was a good trip none the less and I got to spend good quality time with some remarkable people. But, I have to tell you...it was a challenge for me to be out of my comfort zone. Try putting yourself in a neighborhood where people have a hard life, buildings, homes, streets, & people are all broken & old, falling apart, & condemned, . Where every couple of hours you hear either a siren from a police car or the sound of an ambulance. Where every available space is used up and people are crowded on street corners. I felt I was transported to another world. I got to feel what it was like to live in someone else's world. It was far from mine. I had some fear. I had to get over it. It was okay. Jesus let me see how he loves us all for who we are; made in His image..not by where we live or even how we live our lives. He love us anyway. Not by what we have or don't have. None of that matters....each person's heart matters to God...the outward appearance of anything is nothing....God will lead us in it and light the way...no matter how dark. This world would sure be a better place if we would turn the light on in the darkness. He gave me that perspective. He gave me peace, compassion & love to replace my fear. His perfect love casts out fear. He's helping me to look for what's in a person's heart & give them His no matter how uncomfortable the ZONE.

Building the team

2009-03-31T23:33:00.002-05:00

Sunday after church the team met over my house and we all shared out testimonies to one another. This was a great ice breaker. Listening to each person, with tears and laughter, I am just thrilled how God has intertwined our lives and will use us to help a hurting heart to heal. Our first meeting really shook a few of us as we watched a video of some pretty troubled youth dealing with drugs, cutting, alcohol, and divorce. We could see this wasn't going to be just a learning bible study, but one that would take alot of prayer, passion, & persistance. We may not be counselors and have our lives altogether, but we are being obedient to what God has called us to do. Each one of us is being called to a higher level of obedience and dependence on Him. We are all in new territory. We've all been either that kid that needed someone to reach out to us or have given a left arm to have had our own children apart of this bible study.
If you know of a troubled youth who needs help, consider mentioning Life Hurts God Heals to them. It could very well save their life, give them life tools, & be a safe place to share and to be themselves...and mostly give their lives to Christ.

The Miraculous finding!

2009-03-22T08:49:00.011-05:00

Last night we went out to dinner with our son. I was delighted that he had called me and wanted to spend time with his father and I.

When we got to the restaurant, we parked the car and locked the doors. Once inside, the hostess walked us to where our son was seated so we could join him. I distinctely remember I laid my keys at our table & left for the restroom. I left my purse in the car because I didn't want to bother with carrying it.
You see, to save some time, I picked my husband up in the front our home so we could be on time to join our son. I never got out of my car. I did however, have to clear off the seat of a couple of books & my purse before he sat in the passenger seat. I put them all in the backseat.
Anyways we enjoyed our steak dinners at Logan's Roadhouse & hearing all the latest from our son. We invited him to go with us on a trip to Ireland this summer. I wanted a cup of coffee and I told them if we were going to sit there a little longer, I'd like to get a cup. We DECIDED to leave the restaurant & go to the Starbucks around the corner for a latte. We left the building and I NOTICED our son jumping into his car to follow us and I NOTICED he was parked facing us & one row to the right of us. There wasn't a car directly to the right of my car. I remember this because that is where my son walked to get to his car and where my husband got in on the passenger side of my car as I unlocked it for him. We got to Starbucks and I DECIDED to grab my purse to pay for everyone's latte because my husband had just paid for our dinner. I couldn't find my purse. I couldn't figure out where it had gone because we had locked the car doors at the restaurant and I knew I didn't bring it in. Immediately I freaked out thinking the worse of my credit cards and checkbook being stolen. My husband SUGGESTED we go back to the restaurant and ask them if anyone turned in a purse. As I approached the parking lot, my husband also SUGGESTED I park at the same area I had parked earlier and we could look around just in case my purse was laying on the ground somewhere mutilated. I pulled up in the exact parking spot and looked around briefly of the parking lot and then went inside and no one had turned in a lost purse. As I walked outside and got closer to my car, I noticed something underneath a car parked two rows beyond my parked car; and as I got closer I realized it was MY PURSE underneath the car! I grabbed it in total shock and was even more shocked to find it untouched!
We can't figure it out....all I know is that the decisions we made brought us back to my purse. I'm glad I decided to pay for our coffee, I'm glad my husbands suggestion to go back to the restaurant & his suggestion to park in the same area happened. If we had made other decisions, my purse would have really been lost!
I know, I know....this still doesn't explain how my purse got there in the first place!

Evaristo's 40th Birthday Party

2009-03-12T23:46:00.009-05:00

POOL OF SILOAM
JOHN 9
Tonight I attended a birthday party of a dear friend to me and to many others. I've known Evaristo for many years. If you go to the downtown McKinney square you may see him hanging out somewhere. He's got friends all over town! Some pretty prominent people were at the party along with a host of business owner's, members of his family, nieces, nephews and cousins. Even the Mayor & Fire Marshal were there! He has touched the lives of so many in different ways. There had to have been about 100 people present.
Evaristo was born on this day March 12, 1969 with Cerebral Palsy. He can't talk to you, but after you get to know him a bit it's amazing how you can figure out what he's trying to tell you. Most often, he'll be sitting somewhere relaxing in the sun and I come rushing out of the building from work and I hear him yell to me only the way he can. He is so special. We sit and talk sometimes & we have lunch together sometimes. I've met his family & have visited their home his church had rebuilt for his family. Over the years I've driven him to where ever he's needed to go & we pray together on numerous occasions. I've even given him a massage that he just loved! What a blessing that was! What a blessing the Lord has given us folk who work on the square!
Tonight at the party when I arrived they had just started presenting him with gifts. Many talked about how they met him or what he meant to them personally. Before I left the house, I thought a second of what I should bring to him as a gift. I went straight to the shelf of one of my most treasured possessions. I picked up the little bottle of the Jordan River water and put it in my pocket. When I presented it to Evaristo, I was astounded at what came out of my mouth. Just last night, my husband and I had read Joshua 4 and at work today during some free time, I was reading a book that was also talking about that same chapter. So when I went in to the party, it was fresh in my mind and heart.
God so publically displayed His glory in that place through the words He put in my heart....scripture...Hidden in my heart.... you could have heard a pin drop!
Evaristo believes in God and that God not only parts the waters for those who believe, but that those who have faith as small as a mustard seed can tell a mountain to move and it will move. But for some...like Evaristo....he climbs the mountain everyday WITH his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I believe thats what God was telling us all tonight. We may have limitations with our physical bodies and our prayer to have it removed might not happen, but it doesn't mean our faith is small, it only means that we climb above it victoriously!
What a great God! Happy Birthday to Evaristo! I thank you for teaching all of us how to live victoriously through watching your life! Could it be that someone like Evaristo was born to display the glory of the Lord like the man born blind from birth in the book of John? i would like to think so. I thank God for Evaristo. What a mountain top birthday party!
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus. "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:3-5

Que'Tal What's Happening?

2009-03-11T10:39:00.004-05:00

There's alot happening! 1.The Brook Ministries may have found the Land! I've started a folder with floor plans & spa ideas for The Brook Spa!
2.The new job is coming along slowly as I build my client base. My time management skills have really been stressed & challenged, but I think in the near future are some good changes in that regard.
3. I've got a fantastic team of people (along with myself)who are going to lead a youth bible study (Healing Ministry) this summer at Grace Community Church in Plano. It is called "Life Hurts God Heals" It's for middle/high schoolers. The kids don't have to be a member at Grace to attend. It will be starting in June! God has so prepared the way for this particular ministry to come about. And now, it is finally happening!Let me know if anyone would like information about it.
4. My husband & I have done well with our 2009 commitment to read through the bible together everyday. We just finished Deuteronomy. Weeks back reading in Exodus, I had a dream about the breastpiece that Aaron was to wear when entering the Holy of Holies. It was about the gemstones all over it. The dream was about decisions I make without consulting with the Lord first. I woke up with a repentant heart!
5. I made it through Spanish 1 and I bit off more than I can chew with taking the Soteriology class. I over loaded my schedule.
6. And oh yes, my goal for 2009 is to be debt free. I have just paid off 2 bills! Just 1 more to go which will take a while. It will be good when this burden is lifted!

I'm Good & Tired!

2009-02-07T00:33:00.002-06:00

It sure has been a while since I've posted on here. My daughter & grandson came to visit and we celebrated his 1st birthday. We had a house full and it was so good to share this day with family, friends, & relatives. They stayed almost 3 weeks. I took my daughter out shopping and we spent all day at the mall. She just loved it. I wanted her to feel special and buy her something new. One night she wanted to go to a club with some friends and I let her use my car. She told me she just wanted to be with friends and she wouldn't even have one drink. Now that's just too good for me. It did my mother heart good to see how much her life has changed and what a good mother she is. She's finally realized that she is happy without any help from artificial stimulants! Her brother came over too and we helped him get his car running again. That boy is surprisingly dedicated to school and work and doesn't have a whole lot of time for play. I admired his idea of taking off this summer before he resumes school in the fall to dig deep after having completed all of his basic classes. He's taken his time getting there. Three years is alot more patient than I would be to not miss a summer class and at it for 3 solid years. He's incredibly determined. He really fits the bill of slow and steady wins the race.
We had to put our dog down old Mr. Feshi. He was 19 yrs old. We miss him and we had many years to enjoy him.
My husband & I started our spanish 1 class this week and it is exciting to learn & I'm glad we are doing it together. I also started back up at the theology program and on class #5 Soteriology (the study of the doctrine of salvation & sanctification) on top of starting a new job this week!

Just a quick catch up...I'm off to bed
God is good ALL the time

Talking to the Cat on New Year's Eve!

2009-01-01T15:08:00.006-06:00

It was New Years Eve and my husband and I had gone out to dinner and came back home and did our usual year end prayer and discussed & wrote down the goals we have together and individually. It's going to be a great year! After that, he was tired and went on to bed. I did my usual bible reading. I'm a night person for sure! Anyways, after that I went into the hot tub. My cat Persia is 15 years old and lives in the hot tub. She likes to walk around the perimeter of the hot tub and then sits on the cover (I open it halfway when I'm by myself) and she wanted me to rub heads together. She likes to do that and she loves it too when I pet her and get her forehead all wet. She likes the water, always has. There was a party going on at my neighbors behind us and to the left. Anyways as the parties going on I'm thinking about my cat and rubbing heads with her and I started thinking about how old she was and I told her outloud "Persia, you and I have been together for a long time; we have made it another year!" I then started remembering a specific time when we lived in Wheaton Illinois back in '94. Persia wasn’t even a year old yet. She had climbed up my neighbors tree so high that she was higher than the house! She was waaaaayyy up there. Their dog was after her, which sent her high tailing it up the tree. I quickly got the ladder and braced it on the tree and climbed up it and then climbed up the tree from there to her. I remember thinking at the time that I had to reach for her up over my head and that she was really going to have to trust me and know that I could save her. She let me get her and I remember wrapping my arms around her. I thought, she has trusted me ever since.
Okay, back to the hot tub....that's when God said to my spirit "Yea Kel, you were in a pretty bad spot yourself with no where to turn but to me." “You trusted me and I wrapped my arms around you and you’ve been trusting me ever since." I felt His warmth wrap around me there in the hot tub with Persia and I thanked God for all the wonderful memories of yesterdays and all the years since & for that very moment! I thanked him for always wrapping me in His love.

Eternal Security Part 2

2008-12-30T23:41:00.011-06:00

Defending Eternal Security

(My notes taken from Reclaiming the Mind Ministries Theology program)

#1 I would be denying the clear teaching of these scriptures...
Romans 9 & 10
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified,(made right with God) and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

#2 The bible clearly teaches that a true believer cannot ever be lost.
John 10:25-29
"Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
So no one can take my salvation away. Looking from God's perspective who has a hold of me, I can't imagine me being able to get out of His grasp once I am truly there it's totally impossible.

#3 Romans 8:29-30 Predestination...I'm saved and in the process of being saved (8:38-39 This is a completed action! This is not just based on affection for us or from God, but Paul has put this in to explain our salvation. This is an ACTIVE love of God.

#4 Eternal life begins the moment you have it or receive it.
John 5:24
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned, he has crossed over from death to life.

#5 This is a down payment...a guarantee
Ephesians 1:13-14
"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory."
John 6:39-40
"And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day."

#6 Scripture clearly teaches we can be CONFIDENT of our salvation:
2 Corinthians 5:6-10
“Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Response to "Conditional Security" arguments
1.TWO THINGS WRONG
*Based on faulty notion of free will. Our free will is limited by ability, and no one has the ability to choose God on their own (Romans 3:11)
*Even the conditonal security advocates believe that in eternity we will not be able to reject God.

None of these passages teach that a person can loose their salvation

2. John 5:16
Death here is not spiritual, but must be physical. If this was a reference to an unforgiveable sin causing spiritual death, God did not do a good job of covering a spiritual topic.
(there is a sin that leads to physical death)

3. MATTHEW 3:28-29
The unforgiveable sin, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, is the sin of unbelief or rejection of Christ.

4. Hebrews 3:26-28
HAVE YOU NOT SINNED WILLFULLY AFTER RECEIVING THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH?
They have overturned the system of sacrifice for 2,000 yrs. Now everyone is still doing this system of sacrifice, their saying the old system does you no good, after you've been introduced to Christ, He does away with the sacrifices.)

5. 2 Peter 2:19-22
THE FALSE TEACHERS WERE NEVER TRUE BELIEVERS
They escaped this thing of this world in that they made an outward change, but they never really had a change of heart.

6. Galatians 5:1-4
"Falling from grace" does not mean that they fell from saving grace, but sanctifying grace. This is the entire argument of the book. Paul is wondering why people think that it is possible to be sanctified by the law when they have been saved by grace (3:1-3) When a person tries to be sanctified by the law, he or she has fallen from grace in that they have no power to grow in Christ.
(Not using the provision of grace from God-they have fallen outside the use of God's grace. Every one of us can fall from grace, if we are not using God's grace or power available to believers. In other words, the flesh instead of the spirit.

7. Matthew 18-23-25
This passage is not speaking about salvation, but about forgiveness.

8. Hebrews 6:4-9
This passage does not suggest that true believers can leave the faith, but if they could they could not be restored to repentance. This is made clear in verse 9, "But Beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, & things that accompany salvation." Things that accompany true salvation must not include apostasy. Perseverance would have taken hold.

9. Hebrews 4
These scriptures are real warnings. The writers all encourage their readers to persevere in the faith, but are not suggesting that one can lose true faith. The scriptures do, however, teach that many people have a nominal or "said" faith. People are encouraged to examine their faith, to make sure it is true. If people do not persevere until the end, they were not ever true believers.
Matthew24:10-13, John3:16, 2 Cor.13:5, 2 Peter1:10, 1 John2:19
Matthew 7:21-23 (sure would look like a true believer!)

****************THE OUTCOME TOTALLY RESTS ON GOD*************************************

The means by which you are saved is also the means by which you are kept. If you were saved by grace, you are kept by grace. If you were saved by faith, you are kept by faith. Both are true. God graciously gave us the gift of faith when we were not seeking it. If we were to loose our salvation, God must take the gift back. But if man produced faith by his own volition, as the conditonal advocates teach, then his own volition can also decide to reject God.
While it is true that the majority of church history has believed that one could forfeit their salvation either through mortal sin or apostasy, this does not make it correct. The majority of church history also believe in baptismal generation. (saved when baptized)
CONCLUDING PRINCIPLES

1. Our salvation is protected by the Power of God

2. If you are trusting in Christ for your salvation, you have eternal life as a present possession.

3. We are to persevere in our faith.

Eternal Security Part 1

2008-12-30T15:18:00.009-06:00

(These are my notes taken from Reclaiming the Mind Ministries Theology program)

A lot of people wrestle with their salvation. They don't know if they are saved for all eternity or not. Well, maybe they are more confused by their own actions to keep it. Some believe God gives us the freedom to choose him or to reject him and some believe he doesn’t' take that freedom away when we become believers. So, by means of their own actions, they believe their salvation is on a "conditioned" basis. According to the conditional security position, they believes that they can never be sure if they are saved until when at death they die with all sins confessed & before they die they are in a state of believing at that time.

Some scriptures seem to indicate that we can lose our salvation (eternal security) Hebrews 6:4-6... a falling away...turning away from God after having been enlightened & have shared in the Holy Spirit.

Check these scriptures out:
Hebrews 10:26-27, 2 Peter 2:19-22, & Galatians 5:1-4

The scriptures clearly teach that people must continue to believe:
Matthew 24:10-13, Hebrews 3:6, John 3:16, John 10:26-27

There are lots of scriptures that command us to persevere and those are the over-whelming ones. One thing, don't presume too quickly that someone is a believer. Test yourself to see if you are of the faith...Read the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4)

Seeing Miracles

2008-12-26T10:42:00.011-06:00

My sister called yesterday to wish me a "Merry Christmas"
Then, she told me how she & her husband spent their christmas day feeding the hungry. She shared with me that she was blessed. I could hear in her voice that a miracle had happened within her heart.
It's just a miracle what God can do in our hearts. God is doing an internal work with them with external manifestations. Their hearts and minds are witness to the miracle power of the holy spirit working not just around & with them, but IN them. I can see how the Lord has prioritized performing a miracle IN them over a miracle concerning their circumstances. But I believe He can perform a miracle with their circumstances too at the same time! He knows what is best & His timing will be perfect. All of us suffer in this life, but I know God will use it & I can see this miracle... that He is using it... for His greater good... as I see here with my sister and her family!
God Bless you dear sister Sue and Stu! for all that you do for Him!
I love you both so much!

"Did I tell you, that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
John 11:40

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

Roman's 8:17

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurabley more than all we ask or imagine, according to HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen."

Ephesians 3:20-21

Tim's Memorial Service

2008-12-23T02:03:00.009-06:00

Thank you so much for your prayers for my family and I. My brothers memorial
servicel was a great blessing for my family & we all agreed it was what Timmy
would have loved. Each member of my family spoke. It was what God
wanted. I didn't plan on singing, I was led to. It was sad and there was alot of
tears and alot of laughter too. We all went to dinner afterwards and then had
dessert at my youngest sisters house. My Dad is doing really
well. When he spoke, it was deeply humbling, confessional, & loving. I already have
witnessed the good God is doing through this & with your prayers. God is so GOOD! My brother Kevin from Japan called me tonight. It was so good to talk with him. Now, that's a far away call!I will miss Timmy & his way of always making us laugh, his warm smile, & his love to me.

All My Wonderful Brothers

2008-12-18T01:56:00.006-06:00

These are my FOUR brothers
Starting from the left is Timmy (3rd brother) Kevin (2nd brother) Robert (Oldest) & Sean ( Youngest)
I will miss my brother Timmy so much
His funeral will be on friday 12-19-08
It was this brother who introduced me to my husband
That was one of the best things he did for me
He was free-spirited, light hearted, genuine, & lived simply. He didn't need much but the open road to roam and see the countryside of God's beautiful earth.

My Brother Timmy

2008-12-14T23:48:00.003-06:00

A few hours ago I received a phone call from my sister telling me that my brother Timmy has passed away. He was found in his hotel room. They don't know the cause of his death. I'm in shock. We just talked with him yesterday at the family Christmas. He wasn't able to make it because he got held up in Kansas City because of his job. Oh boy, my stomach is in knots and I can't sleep. I know the Heavenly Father didn't let go. Please pray

1 John 2 :15-17

2008-12-14T15:07:00.004-06:00

Do not LOVE the world or anything in the world. If anyone LOVES the world, the LOVE of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2: 15-17 (NIV)
LOVE not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man LOVE the world, the LOVE of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world , the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust therof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV)

Don’t get sucked into the world system. Seems to me that the lust of the flesh is a passion to feel pleasure in sinful ways & the lust of the eyes is a passion to be “ somebody” in appearance whom people idolize by the success standards of the world by what they do & not who they really are, how they look outwardly & all the ways that people achieve that these days, and how much money they have in their bank account. The pride of life is a passion for a position of status which often leads to a boastful & prideful heart. It's that passion that says "I've got all I need in myself & I don't need anyone."

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the Heart”
1Samuel 16:7

Don’t get caught up thinking you need all these things, because if you do, the Lord says you are far from His Love inside you. Your mind is on earthly wants and desires and instant gratification. The Lord wants you to think of those things as stupid. They do nothing to bring Him glory & do nothing to make you more like Christ (James 3:17) Nor do they bring about God’s peace (Psalm 119:165) & are temporary (2 Cor.4:18). The Lord wants you to be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you will be able to test and approve what His will is, His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom. 12:2) Then you will be able to see those earthly desires vanish and a peace will wash over you as the LOVE and mind of Christ works in you His desires to will and to act according to His good purposes that will last for all eternity.

May the mind of Christ dwell in you richly. May your roots grow deep in the soil of God's marvelous Love!

Courageous Leaders Christmas Dinner 2008

2008-12-11T00:37:00.008-06:00

I thank the Lord for these friends of mine! What a blessing they are to me to be in my life and truly a precious gift! We went to the Cheesecake Factory and shared a great meal together. We exchanged our Christmas gifts by the usual number game. This year we decided that the gift would be a book. This book was to be very dear to us and one that had made a significant difference in our lives. No one received a book that they had read before. We decided that we would meet again in February 2009 to discuss what we received by reading the book. I've already read 3 chapters of mine! And oh boy, I'm in for a ride!
Then, we spent time updating & catching up with each others lives and shared prayer requests. It was a great night I will always treasure and I pray we have many more together. Thank you Lord for the gift of friendship!

Are you lIstening?

2008-12-06T00:38:00.011-06:00

Today was one of those days
those good days that you know
couldn't have happened by chance.
What is...by chance anyway?

Not just Pneumonia
but Double Pneumonia
that's a pretty obvious illness

just a few days into recovery
and she walks in wanting an 85 minute
Hot Stone Deep Tissue Combo....

Opportunity knocks....that's when the Lord said (not really)
"Use what I taught you"
"You know what she needs"
As I reflect back...

How easily I fail to remember what the Lord has done
time and time again
Whenever He teaches me something, before I realize it...
here's comes the opportunity that follows

The Lord is teaching me to live expectantly
for what He's going to do...anticipate opportunity
being reliable and expressing faith,
"For without it, it is impossible
to please Him" (Hebrew 11:6)

It is God who has been faithful in the past
I've seen what He has done
His promises are true

I want to be like Samuel who said
"Speak Lord, for your servant hears." (1 Samuel 4:10)
and
Elijah who was expecting God to answer when he called Him
to reign down fire from heaven.

Without you Lord, I am nothing

Thanks-giving

2008-11-30T00:46:00.008-06:00

This is one of my favorite holidays. This day celebrates LOVE to me. It represents God's presence & goodness here on earth. It speaks of His heart. Even a person who doesn't have a relationship with the Lord would look upon this day and could sense the goodness in it and not realize that it came from God. Said in another way, one could sense the good in the world in this one day. It makes me really step back and reflect what I am thankful for. I reflect on the Lord's goodness, His grace, and His greatness.
The Lord does for us what no man can. The Lord provides for our every need and sustains us and looks at us as white as freshly fallen snow. The Lord covered our sins and he has given us Himself & the holy spirit as our helper; & He calls us His friends!
The Lord has given me a loving husband who is patient & kind & children who I adore, brothers and sisters who give me love & loving friends who support me, and a church home of brothers & sisters in the Lord. Thank you Lord for giving us each other!
This specific day I stopped to meditate on Isiaih 53 & to thank Him for what He did and does for me. After reflection, I am reminded to not take anything for granted & to put life's most important treasures in perspective by giving thanks with a grateful heart.

My brother Kevin

2008-11-22T02:27:00.004-06:00

My brother Kevin has been home for about a week now. We are all getting together tomorrow night for his last night before he heads back home to Japan. It has been so wonderful to have another opportunity to be with my family again and so soon. I haven't seen Kevin in 9 years! Months and months will go by before I see some of them. Kevin has lived in Japan since 1987 and is retired from the Navy. He still works for the government as an Explosive Safety Officer & teaches motorcycle safety. All 3 of my brothers will be at the dinner tomorrow night. My youngest brother Sean who lives in Nevada will not be there.
Please pray for Kevin and his long trip home. As Kevin seeks to find the answers to the questions that have been difficult for him to understand or to believe, pray he finds them and he can finally & completely get "off the fence" as he spoke that to me. Pray fervently that he will give his life to Christ, trust the rest to God, and that he will pursue knowing and desiring a relationship with Christ by reading His word daily. Thank you so much.

Speak the Truth in Love

2008-11-12T00:44:00.006-06:00

Here lately, God's made it clear that I was to speak the truth in love. Funny thing about it though is I ended up revising it. It was a letter. The second revision of the letter was completely different from the first one. The first one was my heart, but the revised one was His heart. I'm so glad I listened. Everything has really turned around because of it! What a huge blessing for those I love! More importantly...for who He loves! Whatever you do, always obey the Lord FULLY! Father always knows best!

Be Jesus

2008-11-03T11:24:00.011-06:00

I was listening last night with a friend a video clip called "Trees"
One of the things he said that really spoke loud to me was that in the book of Genesis, it's speaks of the Garden of Eden and in the middle of the garden was the "Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil". (Genesis 2:9) Then, in the end of the bible in the book of Revelation, it speaks of another tree called the "Tree of Life"
(Revelation 22:2)
Do you believe we live in a world between these two trees that is drenched in God? Do you look at the world and say "Where is God?" or do you look at the world and say "Where isn't God?" Do you realize the significance of your purpose between these two trees and that a tree you plant today may be the very trees of Paradise?
He also said "His fingerprints are all over the world. Or maybe it's His world and they're our fingerprints.
So, I ask you, where are you leaving some of your fingerprints on the world?
Are you really being Jesus to this world? Do you make sacrifices for others?
Do you trust God with the circumstances that come up in your life or do you calculate what you will do? Are they your ideas or are you absolutely loyal to Jesus Christ? Are you bearing fruit that heals?
Surrender is that we abandon our will to His. This is choosing to let God put the cloak around our neck and following Him. It's in every thought good & bad, each decision & each choice, all given up to Him in partnership. All this requires us to slow down by turning off the noise in our lives. Then we will be able to listen, then to hear the Lord speak to us.
Jesus layed down His life for His friends. (John 15:13) What is the Lord speaking to you NOW? How does He want you to live NOW? May you truly realize that you are in a partnership with God and that living NOW is just not about hoping and waiting for heaven,but doing His will on earth is still happening today as in the day of Adam. He put us here to tend and keep it. (Genesis 2:15)
Here's some questions to consider:
1.How do you feel about the world? Is it getting better or worse?
2. If we believe God's way of life is the best way to live, why is it so hard for us to do it?
3. Do you believe that the Bible's story of creation is not just something that happened, but actually ssomething that's still happening? Are we faced witht he same choices as Adam & Eve?
4. Are the choices you're making now shaping the kind of person you'll be forever?
5. Where are some places in the world where you see God? Are you leaving some of your own fingerprints on the world? What are they?

Costa Rica Dreaming

2008-10-30T23:24:00.008-05:00

Here's Me kissing my teacher Shamaya after receiving my medical massage practitioner certificate.
the WaterFall
The Poas Volcano on a clear day!
Me, Jackie, & Barbara
The view from the Pura Vida Spa overlooking the City of San Jose in the distance
These flowers are breathtakingly beautiful!

Here's my tentalow. So peaceful!

Weakeness

2008-10-27T20:16:00.005-05:00

The last few days have been kinda weird
I've been wrestling with some thoughts in my head
about trying to make the right decision
I have sought counsel from good friends
I have read God's word looking for the answer.
I was reading about Rehoboam and Jeroboam in 1 Kings and it really has me confused.
I haven't quite figured it out yet.
I do know that sometimes the answer is very clear and we see it.
Sometimes the answer is right in front of us and we don't see it.
Some things look one way and then another.
Man sees one thing one way and another man see's something different.
God see's it for what it truly is
That's what I am
weak & crying out
trapped in indecision
Maybe the answer is "wait"...... and also the answer is "NO"
Maybe this is part of the plan
to get me the answer
He truly wants me to make
Today my prayer of tears is just to be who He wants me to be
wherever He wants me to be
To Love Him with all my heart,
with all my soul,
with all my strength,
and with all my mind.
For His glory....ALL FOR HIS GLORY

Our 28th Wedding Anniversary is TODAY!

2008-10-18T22:36:00.000-05:00

This is where I disappear and come alive!

To my loving husband:
1 Corinthians 13

Always and Forever

By: Heatwave

Always and forever
Each moment with you
Is just like a dream to me
That somehow came true

And I know tomorrow
Will still be the same
Cause we've got a life of love
That won't ever change and..

Every day
Love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away
With a smile

Take time to tell me
You really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
I'll always love you Forever

There'll always be sunshine
When I look at you
It's something I can't explain
Just the things that you do

And if you get lonely
Phone me and take
A second to give to me
That magic you make and..
Every day
Love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away
With a smile

Take time to tell me
You really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
I'll always love you Forever

Same Ole Love

By: Anita Baker

Flashbacks of The times we’ve had
Some made us laugh
But some made us sad

We used to break up to make up
All the fun that came
From those love games

Oh, well
I think I need someone new
Oh, it just won’t do
Because I think about you, baby

From beginning to end
365 days of the year
I want your same ole love
Baby, all I want to do
Is keep on loving you
The same ole love

There’s a reason I feel this way
All the things you do
Well, it might be the
Things that you say

Your love never changes
It’s like a picture in a frame
And it remains the same

Your undying love for me
Oh, it keeps me strong
Keeps me holding on

From beginning to end
365 days of the year
I want your same ole love
Baby, all I want to do
Is to share my life with you
The same ole love

Slowly, love me
All is forsaken
I love the love we’re making
Cause it’s truly lovely
I’ll never leave you
You`ll know I need you, baby

From beginning to end
365 days of the year
I want your same ole love
Baby, and all I want to do
Is to share my life with you
I want your same ole love

4HANDS 2HEARTS MASSAGE

2008-10-17T08:13:00.004-05:00

If your reading this, you have got to experience this!
Lek & I have created a dual massage. "A Touch of Two" 2 people giving one person a massage. 4 hands are better than two!
We had a night of practice at Lek's house & perfected our routine. We massage together in unison as one with long flowing strokes as well as massaging independently. your brain can't keep up with what's going on and gives up for complete relaxation....extremely stimulating.... Here's our celebration cake!
Book your appointment! We are ready! we have two locations and will do outcalls to accommodate you. www.essenceofevespa.com or www.eastwestmassagestudio.com

A prayer for my Sister Jane

2008-10-16T23:03:00.007-05:00

This short poem is what was on my heart tonight as I was feeling the loss of my missing sister Jane (1993). My prayer is that she has been lifted up & is present with the Lord.

http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/crone.htm

Did you give your last breath to Him?
Did you cry out?
Did you see His face?
That's the only thing that matters
No matter what happened
whatever went wrong
I pray that what went right
was that you saw His face
& you let Him in

Did you hear the sound of angels wings
lifting you up
as peace filled in each breath
and exhaled eternity
revealing full knowledge of who you are
and whom created you
and whom has loved you first
with an everlasting Love

Living Large

2008-10-06T00:41:00.000-05:00

The summer is over and the fall season is fast approaching and I guess you could say "HERE". Time is constantly moving us forward. I got alot going on. Seems like when some things end, other things become new. Such is life. Some things are winding down and others are fixing to turn up a notch. And then there are things in the future that take planning now and then there are those things from the recent past that you don't want to forget, but you want to hold on to.
So hold on for the ride and enjoy every minute of it & make the most of every opportunity for eternity. Go for what will last!

Back Home from Costa Rica

2008-09-16T23:20:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much for your prayers for me! I had one of the BEST times of my life in Costa Rica. The spa was absolutely a wonderful place to relax, learn about my passion which is massage, meditate on God's word, & listen to God. I also met alot of loving and caring people. I ended up staying in a tentalow by myself because the girl that was going to be my roomate decided she wanted to upgrade to a better room. It was great for me. I enjoyed the quiet time each evening with the Lord.
On the morning of the last day I read the last chapter of the book of
Romans. I had started reading the book of Romans on the first day. Chapter 12 really spoke to me...
I ended up reading it to a woman I had quickly become friends with. I was led to share it with her because it was obvious from our conversation that it was suppose to be talked about. It was such a God thing.
As we walked to breakfast together, there was Jaqueline and her husband Greg.Romans 12 was written on Greg's T-shirt, & then later that day as we discussed it, we each in turn had a revelation revealed from the Lord to each us(like a lightbulb
turning on simultaniously)It was a powerful moment and so beautiful.
Along with the 40 hrs. of medical massage, we had plenty of time for excursions, relaxtion, massage, & jacuzzi. The food was the healthiest food I've ever had and ALL fresh! The coffee was the best! We went to the Waterfall Gardens, visited the Poas Volcano, & we did the Jungle Canopy Zip Line.
Costa Rica was breath-takingly beautiful, lush, & green, the people warm & friendly, the learning so awesome!
It's looking more like a possibility that we could call it "home"
thanks again for your prayers, I was overwhelmed & still am! I'm grateful to God for giving me this opportunity. I learned more than massage.

A New Day

2008-09-05T23:14:00.001-05:00

The kids where here for 4 days! We got to see little "Daeus" our grandson. He is such a happy baby most of the time with a mild personality. We had a good time! They just left about 2 hours ago and their on their way back to New Orleans.
The highlight was on 9-04-08 (friday)! It was my daughters birthday and her brother and I surprised her. I told her to go up to the spa for a facial. When she got up there she first started with a facial. Then, when she turned down the hall there was her brother to greet her and have lunch with her! She hadn't seen him since she got here. She was so moved to tears when she saw him. They sat at a quaint little table and ate their lunch I had ordered for the two of them and had some good quiet time just the two of them to catch up on each other's lives. They love each other and are very close. He had a gift necklace for her birthday and so did Dad & I! Then, I gave her a massage in my own room at the spa. I made a special point to play just the right music during her session. It all was so wonderful. Her husband ended up taking her out to dinner at their favorite restaurant when they used to live here.
Now tomorrow is a new day...I'm going on my long awaited trip to Costa Rica! I'm really excited for this adventure. It's kinda strange me going by myself, but I know I'm not really alone. When I get back I will post some photos! I've got prayer coverage, I'm ready to go. See ya when I return.

Hurricane Gustav

2008-09-01T23:45:00.000-05:00

Praise God the Hurricane didn't turn out to be a category "5"! My daughter, grandson and her husband high-tailed it to Austin for safe refuge. His mom decided to to ride the storm and stay! I talked with her this morning and they still had electricity. I'm hoping that the kids will stop by here so I can see little Daeus! It sure is a good idea to be prepared. It has benefits. Spiritually speaking, it has enormous benefits! Thank you Lord for the faith to believe that no mattter what hurricanes come our way, your in control of them too!

My Friend Tonya

2008-08-19T23:27:00.000-05:00

I've graduated to another service for my client Tonya. (Tonya was in a near fatal car accident in 2005 and is now a quadriplegia.) I've learned how to move her wheelchair into her room. It's not easy. I just listen and do exactly what she tells me to do and it's like magic. I don't bump into the walls or the doorway. I've graduated in helping her with her morning routine after her massage & now do lots of range of motion exercises with her legs. It adds another 2 hours time. It gives her mom some free time to do what she needs to do for herself or for daily errands that need taking care of. You see, her mom is her full-time care taker. It also gives Tonya some independence of her own. Every time thus far that they have hired a home health care person, the person has either not come at all or have not returned after the first visit. It makes no sense. This has been going on for 3 years. But anyway, I'm glad God had our paths cross. I love them both so dearly. I look forward to each Monday and Thursday morning just to be with them. I'm looking forward to this thursday morning visit because it is Tonya's birthday! She will be 21 yrs old. I plan on spending the day with her and to take her around town in her ramp Van for the first time! On another good note...my husband Steve took one of the flyers for Tonya's upcoming Golf Tournament to work with him to spread the word. Tonya is trying to raise money for college. Anyways, one of the gentlemen took it and then called his connection at the college and they are giving Tonya a full scholarship! I can't believe it! God is taking good care of Tonya. He's got big plans for her! She is a strong, confident, & faith-filled young woman who is determined to live a full life through the hardship of her disability. She is on her way! with the Lord's help!
www.tonyawinchester.com (click on fundraisers)

A Life God Rewards

2008-08-15T00:02:00.000-05:00

The Lord has called me to start a bible study with the women I work with. I posted in the kitchen a sign up sheet and have received a good response. I'm excited for what God will do in our hearts and how that will work out in the workplace & in our daily lives.
The whole thing is God's timing. I sense His guiding hand for this and know it is His will for us. This particular study is right at the right time. The subject is so significant. It's about the opportunities to love and to serve him and how Jesus wants and will reward us in heaven for every good work we do for Him here on earth. It's about making a difference for eternity. It's about our priorities and choices and how each one we make can be chosen with eternity in mind. Wow! The "keepers of the inn" are in for leading the way to a life that counts forever!

"Rejoice in that day and leap for Joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven"
-Jesus Luke 6:23

Life is a Journey of discovery of God

2008-08-08T23:07:00.000-05:00

I've been doing all kinds of things lately. I've done some new things too. But mostly I've come to know how much I love people and how much I need them in my life. The last month has been a new awakening for me. I am so blessed and so loved. It's not that I didn't know it before, there's just something different. I'm trying to explain. I think my heart got bigger. My spirit has been transformed by God's amazing Grace! I think I've grown some. I feel closer to the Lord than I ever have before. I have let go of alot of stuff that I didn't know was inside of me, that the holy spirit has revealed. I have a more confident walk with the Lord and a burning desire to do what He wants me to do. I'm not saying this to boast about myself, but of the Lord working in my life and in my heart and in where He places me. I have seen His love so much in others lately it has been overwhelming and so beautiful. Life is such a journey of discovery of God. Each time the tide comes in it brings something new. The Lord's kindness is like a warm blanket that wraps around every part of our being as if it has layers and layers of loving warmth and we feel it more and more deeply. I discovered that this sheep is directed by the Good Shepard who loves me & without total dependence I will go astray like a dumb sheep...I discovered that all God's sheep are.....
. anointed with the Holy Spirit

. have a wonderful relationship with the Lord and worship him with all that they have

. full of faith and the Holy Spirit’s power.

. attempt great things for God and expect great things from God

. are warriors for Jesus and invade Satan’s Kingdom to win the lost and heal the sick and drive out demons

. have loving relationships

Independence Day

2008-07-05T22:42:00.001-05:00

My husband and I started the day by attending our towns 4th of July parade. Here's a picture of the Fire Truck coming down the street.

Here's my husband standing next to his favorite car at the car show.

To end the evening we watched the fireworks sitting on the back of the car parked in the mediun! I took this picture with my cell phone!

Now, these are all the typical things to do on this holiday. As I watched those fireworks shooting off and the brilliance of the light, I thought of the light of the world and how in Him we are truly free. I thanked the Lord I live in a country that I am free to be me and for the freedom we have in the USA. I thought of the celebration when Jesus returns. I thought of all the soldiers fighting for our country to keep us safe. Thank you God for this land! Oh, come Lord Jesus, COME!

Revival

2008-07-04T23:55:00.000-05:00

Last night I was invited to go to a Revival at the UNT Campus in Denton by one of my massage clients. It was awesome! I never heard of the preacher named Tod Bentley before and my client said she was leaving in about 2 hours. I asked God if he wanted me to go and He did. Check out: www.god.tv

The GLORY of the Lord was in that Place!

Before entering the building, I couldn't believe amongst the thousands attending that I saw my pastor's secretary walking in the same time we were. We ended up sitting together!
I found out that when Todd was 18 yrs. old he answered God's call & gave his life to Christ. He was a drug addict and had been in prison. By the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Todd started a revival one night on April 3rd in Lakeland Florida and has been going strong EVERY NIGHT since then. He said that until the Lord tells him to stop, he's not. That is 94 days straight! The Lord is saving millions of people and many documented physical healings have taken place and there has been 3 cases of people actually resurrected reported! The crowds have been in the millions so far and it keeps growing...so many are hungry for the Lord... The Lord is doing a mighty thing. It was incredible last night. I'm still in awe. ALL GLORY TO THE KING!

Happy Birthday Dear Daddy!

2008-07-01T00:37:00.001-05:00

Today my Dad is 82 years old. He was born in 1926 in New York during the great depression. He lived with his grandmother and her son (his Uncle Elmer) until he was 14 years old & then he lived with his parents, older brother, and younger sister in Queens New York.
The very next year in 1941, the japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and the country was thrust into WWII. My dad's father was sent to Pearl Harbor with his company from the National Guard. Two years later, my dad's brother went into the Air Force and then two years after that my dad went into the Navy for about 5 years until he met and married my mother in 1949. The Navy ended up letting my Dad go because he needed to be home more often to help take care of all the children. My parents were married for 50 years until my mother went to heaven in 1999.
My dad is a good and honest man; an honorable & hard-working man with a good heart. He and my mother are the parents of 11 children (7 girls & 4 boys of which I am number 9 in the birth order) over thirty grandchildren, & 19 or more great grandchildren. I don't know what the real count is.
My dad is now happily married to Sally who is in the above picture with him.
LOVE YOU DADDY! WE LOVE YOU TOO SALLY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

New Beginnings

2008-07-01T00:04:00.000-05:00

Our trip down to New Orleans was even more than we'd hoped for. I'm so glad I took my camera along to share the memory. The studio apartment that the kids live in is part of a huge house.

This picture was taken at a great little breakfast food restaurant called "Slim Goodies" It quickly became our favorite and we ate there both Saturday and Sunday morning.

Again, thank you dear Lord for having your hand upon them!

A Mother's Heart

2008-06-25T13:55:00.001-05:00

I brought my daughter and grandson to the airport last night.They spent a week with us. It was so good to have them home. I sure miss them. We had a great 6 days together. My husband and I are driving down to their home on friday to bring her the last of her stuff from home. It was so sweet of my husband last night to have a bouquet of flowers in a beautiful vase waiting for me when I arrived back home from the airport. He knows me. He knew I'd get that empty nest feeling start to creep in. I was okay though. But, today.....Oh geez I just love spending time with my kids! Praise God for the blessing of our children & grandchildren who make our lives richer and fuller!

Recognize God

2008-06-18T07:30:00.000-05:00

Are there times when you doubt what you hear is Jesus talking to you? The minute you start to wonder, is the minute you start to sink. Like Peter walking on the water. That's the minute he took his eyes off of Him. Why do we look at the circumstances and wonder if it could be Jesus's will. When our Lord gives us even the tiniest glimpse of Him, why do we doubt? Do we need to have a neon sign telling us it is Him or do we only recognize Him after we are drowing? If He lives and is working in our life; to will and to act according to His good purposes, then the road ahead is covered by Him. He does the driving and our will becomes His will. Only by His grace are we able to recognize His voice when sinking deep in water or afloat. When we give Jesus full recognition in our lives and in every circumstance, will we hear him more clearly.
Dear Lord-
We thank you for your grace. We thank you for your love and direction in our lives. We thank you for being ever present in us to do your will. Increase our faith that we can live with reckless abandon for you. May we recognize you & not focus or be distracted by circumstances that you control. Help us not to doubt even in the small glimpses of the way you speak to us. Help us not to doubt those times we start to wonder and go into ourselves for our own answers, but to rely totally on you and to rest totally in you. We need not "go there" but to keep our focus on you because you are the answer. Help us to recognize that in all circumstances you are working. Help us to not loose sight of the fact that you are speaking to us to will and to act according to your good purposes. When we hear from you, let us go all out to do your will! In Jesus' Name Amen

LIFE HURTS -G.O.D. H.E.A.L.S

2008-06-16T15:13:00.000-05:00

This Jr and Sr high ministry provides ongoing support through a biblical small group study called Life Hurts-God Heals (LHGH) created specifically for teenagers who have experienced pain or addiction including: drinking, cutting, pornography, depression, eating disorders, troubled family dynamics, anger, etc. All over the country thousands of students have gone through this 8-step study leaving many encouraged and changed with life long tools to help students heal from their hurts.

8-STEPS (By John Baker, Doug Fields and Megan Hutchinson)

Step 1. G-et help.
I admit that I am powerless on my own and that I need help
Happy are those who know they are spiritiually poor. (Matthew 5:3)

Step 2. O-pen your heart.
I now know that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He is the only One who has the power to heal my pain.
Happy are those who mourn. God will comfort them (Matthew 5:4)

Step 3. D-epend on Christ. I realize I need to turn my life over to Christ. I need to depend on Him in all areas of my life,including all that I say, think, and do.
Happy are the humble. (Matthew 5:5)

Step 4. H-ear and speak. I agree to evaluate my life and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone that I trust.
Happy are the pure in heart. (Matthew 5:8)

Step 5. E-mbrace God's way. I will stop doing things my way and put my life on the path that leads towards God's way.
Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires. (Matthew 5:6)

Step 6. A-sk for forgiveness. I will offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me, and I will ask for forgiveness for any wrong I've done to others.
Happy are the merciful. Happy are the peacemakers. (Matthew 5:7-9)

Step 7. L-ive for God. I will set aside some time for God each day to examine my life, read my bible, and pray so that I have the power to live God's way.
Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor (Matthew 5:3)

Step 8. S-hare with others. I will take the message that God heals to others in need and share it by my words and actions.
Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires. (Matthew 5:10)

Keepers of the Inn

2008-06-11T09:17:00.000-05:00

Luke 10: 25-37

In the parable of the Good Samaritan a pharisee/scribe (teacher of the Law) asked Jesus what must he do to inherit eternal life. The very thing that the pharisee taught about the law that brings life, was the very thing that seized him. He wanted to know who his NEIGHBOR was.
Jesus spoke of the man going down the road from Jerusalem to Jericho (about a 17 miles hike) He was robbed, beaten, stripped of his clothes, & left for dead. A priest and a Levite (both Teachers of the Law)saw the man and passed on by. Then, a samaritan came by and helped the man by bandaging his wounds & carried him on his donkey to an Inn to take care of him. The next day the samaritan took out two silvers coins and gave them to the innkeeper and told him to take care of the man & that when he returned, he would reimburse him for any extra expenses he may have for the care of the man.
A very good friend of mine named Irma had heard a message at church from her pastor who described the beaten man as our "neighbor" and Jesus as the "Good Samaritan" & "US" as the Innkeepers. It made sense to me.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind." and "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father-
You died for us to save us. You laid your life down for your friends so that we may live in eternity with you. Lord, as you told the pharisee to do likewise....may we show mercy even to the point we feel it isn't deserved. Just as we don't deserve your mercy.Help us Lord to be the "Innkeepers" of this fallen world. Help us be a haven for the hurting, beaten, & left for dead; especially those who are spiritually dead and separated from you. With your heart, with your strength, with your mind & soul living in us, may we love others as you would; in the way you would have us to bandage their wounds in however they may come. Help us Lord to be the "Innkeepers" for YOU and when you return, may we hear what our hearts long to hear you say, "Well Done, Good & Faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21)

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever! His faithfullness continues through all generations" (Psalm 100:4)

Pura Vida

2008-06-07T00:17:00.001-05:00

I'm going to do it! The Lord is providing for me to go to Pura Vida Spa in Costa Rica to train in Paradise. I'll be going to get certified as a Medical Massage Therapist. I want to get certified and use it to help others feel better. While I'm learning to do that, I like the bonus of seeing another land of God's beautiful creation too.
I Thank the Lord for being so good to me! I'm so excited! This is a massage therapists dream

Morning Prayer

2008-05-25T22:33:00.000-05:00

Father,
Thank You for awakening me to this new morning! Please help me to begin this day with rejoicing, and with praise to You on my heart and lips for keeping me through another night.

I also praise You for the promise of Your Word in Lamentations 3:22-23 that Your lovingkindnesses never cease, and Your compassions never fail, but are new every morning.

I commit this day to You. Help me to keep You uppermost in my thoughts, and help me to magnify and glorify Your great name in all that I do and say. I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus.

Amen

"In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch" Psalm 5:3

I'm BACK!

2008-05-22T23:04:00.000-05:00

I'm alive and well. It's been a while since I've been on here. My mind & my time has been occupied with many things going on in my life. My daughter, grandson, and son in law moved to be closer to his family for a while. It's good for them and I can see that it will be a learning and growing time for them. My husband and I will miss our grandson, but it was a blessing to have had him his first 3 months! The next day after they left, our son moved back home! What timing! We celebrated his 21st birthday and he had a party with alot of his friends. I just got word from him today that he and his best friend will be moving into an apartment by the end of the month and it's just 10 minutes from the university. He has a plan for his degree and is moving forward. He got a job and is working toward becoming night manager. Also, the place is opening up a new facility close to the university at the beginning of the new year and it will be a great and steady job for my son to carry him through school.
Two of my sisters and I have been visiting with each other more lately. It's been so good to see them both and to share more of our lives with one another. On the monday after Mother's Day, we went to visit our mother at the cemetery. It has been awhile since I'd been out there. It did my heart good as my sister and I prayed together there and thanked the Lord for our wonderful mom.
The Lord has really helped me alot with keeping my focus on my health & not being tempted with food that is not good for me. I'm leaning on him for this weakness and I know it is only by His strength I'm able to do it. So far, 12 lbs are off!

Misanthrope

2008-04-28T23:24:00.001-05:00

My husband and I went to the showing of Moliere's Comic Masterpiece titled "Misanthrope" at the Dallas Theatre Center over the weekend. We are members. We found out we loved seeing plays about two years ago when my husband surprised me on our anniversary weekend and saw "Romeo and Juliet" and the performance of "Hats". This play was about one man's stand against hypocrisy-while all the time remaining blind to his own. Alceste hates the glitter and glamour of his social class, but loves the woman who most embodies it. It was a darkly funny exploration of conflicting obsessions. It is said to be one of the greatest plays every written. It truly was my favorite so far this season. The acting was so superb! and there was an enormous amount of script to memorize. I'd see it again! check it out: www.dallastheatercenter.org

Better Than Life

2008-04-24T01:43:00.000-05:00

a quiet place to rest
to still my thoughts
and listen to yours
To find peace and life
and to live there

To let go of those things
that pull me away from you
The mind set of things of this world
do not bring life, but distract me
of the life You have called me to

take up the cross, laying down the burdens
help someone up, lifting one out of the dark
to speak words of truth, & to be set free
yet while still sinners, You died for me.

Your Love is better than life
better than anything I can taste, hear, or see.
Better than any person, place , or thing
Nothing is perfect
only your love for me
that is pure
that is pure perfection
and that is BETTER THAN LIFE

a grandmother & mother-in-law

2008-04-20T00:37:00.000-05:00

My daughter got married today! They did it. They are a family now. Wow! That makes me a grandma & a mother-in-law. Here I sit with my grandson in my arms. They are out for 2 days to celebrate. It was a very intimate ceremony. God is so good in allowing our pastor time in his schedule to be the one to unite them as husband and wife..and on short notice. In my heart, I feel that was no accident and all apart of God's unfolding plan for their lives... And life goes on... it is good..faith is the evidence of things hoped for....i pray their faith grows more as they seek God as "one flesh" now.

Puppies, Babies, & New Beginnings & Endings

2008-04-17T23:00:00.000-05:00

Life has been really busy the last few weeks. We did get the puppy at the airport. She is adorable! She learned to use the doggy door in one day!
Daeus, my grandson is growing rapidly and has discovered his hands. He smiles all the time and has his grandfather & mother's dimples.
Another thing on my mind is, I was listening to a radio program and heard alot about EFA's. What are EFA's you ask? It is essential fatty acids. You can read all about it at www.nordicnaturals.com. I went out and bought me some of the "Omega Women" today. It is specifically for the premenopausal woman. I started on Jenny Craig on Monday. I have been successful before and I will do it again. It works for me. Please pray for me that the Lord will be my sustainer through any temptation or anything that might try to sabitoge my desire for better health and a trim body. Forty pounds here we go! My daughter is on the "Medifast" plan & is using the food I bought about 2 months ago. She wants to get rid of the baby weight she gained.
My monday night trinitarianism course and the tuesday night leadership class (with my pastor) ended last week. Both have rooted my faith more deeply.
I gotta get to bed...big day at the spa and then tomorrow night's women's conference. It is going to be so good for my heart & others to be there in fellowship with all those women to just give glory to God!

Taste of Galilee

2008-04-15T00:18:00.000-05:00

My husband & I went out to dinner after church saturday night and found a great place for middle eastern food. The place is called "Taste of Galilee" It had all my favorites. You can order from the menu, but the buffet is outstanding! The owner was a very nice & friendly gentlemen. He came to our table several times to see how we liked our food and he gave us the history of his restaurant & his own family who live west of the Sea of Galilee. If you want more information, just shoot me an e-mail. By the way, I took this photo of the Sea of Galilee.

Our newest arrival!

2008-04-11T00:41:00.000-05:00

My daughter has been on a search for another Japanese Chin and she found one. She is a female named Mollie! She is coming to us all the way from South Dakota! We are all excited. We'll be picking her up from the airport next week. Isn't she cute? She is just 4 days older than my grandson!

Special Forces

2008-04-10T01:15:00.000-05:00

Today my friends son-in-law left for war. We went for a walk around the lake at the park and she shared who he was from the inside. She talked about how much they have grown to love him and about moments and memories shared of laughter, hurt, & tears of both joy and pain. He has a little one at home who is 3 yrs old who Grandma just adores.
"Flat Stanley" is going on the mission too and they will be gone for about 8 months.
I pray for their safe return, strength, mental health, endurance, & physical bodies. I pray the Lord's protection and peace that He alone can provide for them and their families. Our hearts ache for them. It wasn't suppose to be this way. The Lord is in control and His timing and His ways are just. Do not fear, God is near, God is here.
I pray for all soldiers everywhere most of all that they come to know the Lord who saves them and is preparing a place in heaven for them with the most magnificient rewards.

Holy Land shots

2008-03-29T00:23:00.000-05:00

EASTERN GATE- The place the bible says that Christ will return. They will open when He comes.
BETH SHEAN- This is the place that Kings Saul's body was found along with his 3 sons on Mt Gilboa. Beth Shean was part of the territory originally given to the tribe of Manasseh when Israel returned to the promised land at the time of Joshua.
JORDAN RIVER baptism- 2nd re-committment for me at this blessed site.
MASADA This is Herod's palace that we took a cable car to reach the summit. This is where jewish zealots made their final stand in their revolt against Rome.
HEZEKIAH'S TUNNEL King Hezekiah (during the time of Isiah the prophet) diverted the water from the Gihon Spring (Jerusalem's water supply)into the city. He realized that the city would not survive with out water during a long siege. The tunnel is about 4 football lengths!

We will miss Minnie

2008-03-27T23:01:00.000-05:00

Today is a sad day for us. My daughter took her dog Minnie up to Petsmart to get her groomed. After being there a short time, they rushed her to the Veternarian and she stopped breathing. We are in shock. She was the best dog we've ever had and she had the sweetest & gentlest personality of any dog we've known. We loved her so. She loved little Daeus too. I thank God for giving us animals to love and care for and for the love and friendship they give us. I pray that when we get to heaven that animals are there too!

The Holy Land Tour

2008-03-24T08:51:00.000-05:00

Easter was yesterday and I am loved and living a filled life! The Lord has blessed my life. I'm so glad He came to save us! I'll never forget the blessing I received specifically at the place of the Last Supper and the Garden of Gesthemane as I visited these sites in Jerusalem.
The trip to Israel was fantastic and much more than I had hoped for. The Holy Land IS the most beautiful place on earth, mostly because it is where Jesus chose to be. All the people on the tour I felt bonded together and we all worked together at looking after one another. Our tour guide was the best! I'll be praying for Andre and his wife. Here's a picture of the Dead Sea looking outside my hotel room.

The First Smile!

2008-03-04T01:59:00.001-06:00

I was sitting in the rocking chair and bouncing Daeus on my lap and singing "Giddy-up Horsey Go to Town" when my husband came in from his day at work. He sat down on the couch right next to me as I began to talk with Daeus. I was telling him he was a good boy and that Grandma and Grandpa loved him. He was stareing intently into my eyes when all of a sudden he started to smile and it became bigger and bigger! It was REAL. My husband and I both looked at each other and realized it was a special moment with our grandson. My husband said " Hey, Daeus really smiled at you Muz! " (my nickname) Then, a few seconds later he gave us another littler smile. It filled both our hearts with so much Joy! I got all choked up when I told his mother later who was taking a nap.

Intercessory Prayer

2008-03-01T23:22:00.000-06:00

We don't know what we are suppose to pray and the holy spirit does that through us. He speaks to our spirit and gives us the words to pray. When this kind of prayer comes upon us, it is an inner awareness that comes alive. The word of God is alive. It's an urgency. He makes it happen.
Intercessory prayer is not the same as prayers for myself. Intercession is not just praying for someone else's needs. Intercession is praying with the real hope and real intent that God would step in and act for the positive advancement of some specific other person(s). It is trusting God to act, even if it's not in the manner or timing we seek. God wants us to ask, even urgently. It is casting our weakness before God's strength, and (at its best) having a bit of God's passion burn in us.
Before I begin a massage, I usually say a prayer for the person and on rare occasions I have been led to tell them about it. This past 2 weeks have been different. On three separate occasions I had this urgency to not only let them know that I have prayed for them, but that I tell them what the Lord led me to pray for them. What a humbling thing. I was like "Are you sure God?" He said "Speak"
All three immediately related to me some personal thing going on in their lives with either them personally or their families. I noticed in those prayers I prayed for them that a "word" or "phrase" would be bold and lit up in my mind that I couldn't get away from.
One was "Bless the work of your hands" This woman had been diligently e-mailing her sister who's child had just died. Her hands on the keyboard was encourgement to her sister and the Lord wanted her to know to continue doing it and that is was good.
Another was "Blessings upon Blessings to you" This young 20 yr. old had just bought her first house the day before. I felt like the Lord prompted me in telling her she needed to hear/ know that the Lord was the one blessing her.
Then yesterday it was the word "Protection" I felt in my spirit that this woman was worried and in fear of something or for someone else. She said her step son had been in Iraq for 3 months and that she was very worried about him. She thanked me for the prayer and I told her I would continue to pray for Seth.
To end this, when God says He wants to use you for something, don't miss it. Don't miss the chance...to be a witness... he'll find someone else for sure. I can't think of anything that feels better than this! As a believer in Jesus Christ....this is what it is ALL ABOUT...
STEP UP TO THE PLATE & SEE WHAT HE CAN DO!

Devotional: Image of God

2008-02-21T23:59:00.000-06:00

Image of God

I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 6:1-5
God is wonderfully complex and can never be fully defined by any single thought or idea. He has many natures, which are all different in function and all equally valid. For example, one of the most cherished images we have of Jesus is that of an accessible and compassionate friend and companion. Without a doubt, Jesus fulfills that role for his faithful. Yet at the same time, consider the image of Christ we get from the Book of Revelation.
"His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were bright like flames of fire. His feet were as bright as bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was as bright as the sun in all its brilliance." Rev 1:14-16.
The contrast is startling. Jesus is kind and loving, but He is also a fierce warrior. The Father is likewise loving and merciful, yet this very same God declares, "I will pour out my vengeance on all the nations that refuse to obey me." Micah 5:15. We can be certain that any descriptive term we use for God, in isolation, will fall well short of all that He is. The best we can do is to continually appreciate, accept, and seek understanding of all his many qualities, without neglecting those we may not truly understand. Jesus' human qualities and His physical and emotional suffering on the cross were very real. Jesus was not merely God in human form. He was fully man & fully God. In (Deut 6:4) it says that the Lord is One. Jesus himself said that “The Father and I are one” (John 10:30) & “Who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9 ) During the time of His crucifixion, He was horrifically tortured and completely alone. The Father could not be in the presence of the sin of the world. I think that may be why Jesus said “ My Father, if it possible, may this cup be taken from me, Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:29) Jesus knew He would be separated from His Father for a little while and in His humanity He cried out in anguish.The other side of the spectrum is to look at another aspect of God's nature which may be equally overlooked. If we sometimes overlook the fact that Jesus became a man, then perhaps we sometimes fail to remember His awesome power, His supremacy and His authority. In the book of Revelation, it speaks of Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father and He is also the one riding on the white horse.

God shares with us his communicable attribute of His Omniscience. God knows all things actual and potential, past, present, & future. There is absolutely nothing wrong with our cherished image of the peaceful and kind Jesus who calls children to Him and always turns the other cheek. It's a completely accurate incomplete description of our Lord. As an extension of that image, we may have the idea that if we were to meet Jesus face to face, we would shake His hand & give Him a hug. The passage from Isaiah is a startling reminder of what would happen if we were to actually meet our God face to face, revealed to us in all His true glory. Like Isaiah, in the presence of the almighty God, seated on His throne, we would fall on our knees and proclaim "Woe is me - my eyes have seen the King!" God is to be feared. God is to be praised. He is the creator of everything seen and unseen, and wants us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24) His power is limitless (Omnipotence) and He is unable to do things inconsistent with His character & always acts in accordance to that which is right and just (righteous). His glory and holiness are beyond our comprehension. He is the standard of all goodness and moral excellence. God is Love and to love is a part of God’s eternal unchanging (immutable) character which is always giving of Himself to others. His grace (unmerited favor) extends to all people and is an outcome of His love for us. While it is true that human language has its limits, God chose to express himself within those limits in His word. The hope is that when you ponder Jesus Christ and all that He is, may you feel His presence dwell richly in you, be in awe of His limitless power, and glory which completely fill the heavens and the earth. As you love and surrender to Christ, may you fear Him and praise Him and may you delight in Him.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.”

Reflection questions:
What image do you have of God?
Why do some people object to the study of God?
What one thing are you in awe about with God?
Is there a difference in knowing about God and knowing God? If so, what is it?

Scripture References: Ps. 145:3 (Greatness)1 Cor. 2:10-12 (Incomprehensibility) Ps.147:5 (Understanding) Rom. 11:33 (Unfathomability)

Kneeling Nana's

2008-02-17T14:45:00.000-06:00

I had a great night with friends. We met over at one of their homes and caught up on each other's lives. We had cake and coffee. We prepared a plaque for one of our friends who had recently moved away that we'll be mailing to her. After that, the Lord moved us to pray together for our nation and the next generation. AS one of my friends said "I believe God called us last night to usher in His purposes for the next generation through prayer. We have a part to play, along with others we’ll not see this side of heaven. We decided to call ourselves "The Kneeling Nana's". We had previously called ourselves "Courageous Leadership" group. What refreshment it brought to my heart to be with sisters in the Lord. He keeps us together and wonderful prayer happens when we do get together!

The Holy Land

2008-02-14T22:15:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I received my ticket for the Israel Tour! I still can't believe I get to go again. I went in 2005 and ever since then I can't get Israel out of my mind and heart. I can't describe how I feel about the place, but it is spiritual one. I had thoughts to visit my brother who lives in Japan, but I just couldn't pass up the chance to be in Israel again!

The Abundant Life

2008-02-04T22:41:00.000-06:00

I've been adjusting to the new changes in my household. I'm getting use to my husband being at work all day.

I'm getting use to my son living in two places at once and seeing him every other day.

I'm getting use to having my daughter, her fiance, and my new 2 week old grandson living with us.

I'm getting better at the adjustment and it is taking some time. My husband and I both feel a little off. Sorta like a whole new life adjustment. Well, that's just what it is. Yet at the same time I am still following my daily routine for the most part. I get into the word everyday. I started the 3rd course (Trinitarianism) in theology last week and the spa has been keeping me busy with a wide variety of people to serve. Leading the worship team prayer chain & the devotionals has really been a blessing as well and I am ready to worship the Lord this Sunday at church in the choir! I've had time to spend with good friends and I've made some new ones. All is well with my soul. And but of course....here's a few pictures of the gift from the Lord! (Psalm 127:3)