Leaves of Autumn

Once again I am back in the Ozarks to enjoy fall in all it's glory...and what a beautiful season it has been. Bright orange and red leaves, beautiful waterfalls, refreshing sunshine, sacred fellowship, and for good measure, lots of fresh juicy apples which we've been turning into apple-sauce. It truly doesn't get much better than that...

However with fall, there comes a bit of sadness too...for after the leaves have displayed their glory and splendor, they must fall to the ground leaving the the tree branches bare and unsightly. I hate it when all the leaves fall off...makes my heart broken, and yearning for spring when new life will spring forth and appear.

But as I ponder the cycle of the season's and God's plan in our lives, I realize that even though we relish the beauty of Spring and Summer...there would be no spring and summer if some leaves did not fall in the autumn. For as they die and nourish the ground, new life can spring forth. And it is only after the long hard winter that the true beauty of the Spring can truly be seen.

As I've been enjoying the last few beautiful days of fall, I've also been reminded in a new way, that even as the leaves fall off and die, there is a spiritual lesson true for me. I must die daily, yielding myself, my heart and my desires, my will and my way, and be buried in death (death to self and to all that gets in the way of the spiritual life that God is seeking to build)...all this must happen before I can truly live and enjoy the treasures of Spring.

I am reminded of the verses in John 12:24-25 which say:

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."

So while it saddens me to see the leaves fall, I know it is in God's best plan and will, and that because of this time of death, new life is sure to spring forth!

"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it?" Rom 8:24,25

Lessons from Weeds...

Even the ugly things of nature can teach us beautiful lessons about God and our growth with him. I was pondering one such simple lesson this past week.

Being a beautiful October day...I set outside looking for some productive activities to do that would help a local fami-Lee. The breeze was refreshing, just right in fact, it had just stopped raining and the sun was now playing hide and seek behind the clouds.

I worked on one project for a bit...but then needed to wait for more supervision, so had to stop. So then, I turned to the weeds. Here and there, in between the cracks of concrete in the drive, some daring little weeds were just beginning to push their heads to the sun. I felt sorry to uproot their progress, but they had unfortunately chosen to bed down in the wrong location...no doubt influenced by their friends. (Doesn't pay to hang with the wrong crowd!) So I set to work pulling them up. These came out quite effortlessly and with ease.

However, there were other weeds that had been around a while and were already well rooted. And they were NOT about to give up their place of establishment easily...I could just hear them taunting me "We've been here awhile, and we aren't moving! Go try working somewhere else!" Even though I pushed and pulled and dug and prodded...they did not want to come out. When I did finally get them out, they still left some of their roots behind...and since their roots were stuck in between the cracks of concrete, it was hard to get to the bottom of things. Uggghhhh....if only these had been pulled sooner.

And so my time went...back and forth...easily plucking the baby weeds, and fighting with the older ones. And it made me stop and think...

You know, our bad habits and wrong choices work a lot like these weeds. Initially, if we do something wrong and are convicted by God to change, we can quickly root out the evil tendencies. But, if we ignore the convictions of the Holy Spirit and allow things to grow...they get stronger...and pretty soon they are sooo strong it is VERY HARD to uproot them. Oh, it's still possible - with God, ALL things are possible!!! But just imagine how much easier it would be to keep a clean heart (free of weeds and other debris) if, as soon as we noticed a weed (bad behavior, attitude, habit or action), we'd go and viciously rip it up and give it to God. "There, over and done with!!" Isn't that the way it is suppose to be??

Yes, weeds may be ugly little creatures...but even through them...God wants to teach us how to better live for Him.

Considering the above, I found the following quotes really convicting:

"It is My Father's good pleasure," Christ says to His disciples, "that ye bear much fruit." But you can not bear much fruit unless you take out of your lives the weeds of selfishness and sin. We do not ask what your past life may have been. We ask you to take out of your hearts, now, the weeds of evil, and let the word of truth dwell in you richly, that your lives may produce the fruits of righteousness and holiness. If you will do this, you will see in the kingdom of God the result of what you have learned on this school farm. Pull up the weeds of evil in your hearts, and plant the seeds of truth. {GH, June 1, 1904 par. 10}

"And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up, and choked them." "He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful." Matt 13:7,22

Here is represented the controversy between satanic agencies and the Prince of Life. Which will obtain the supremacy? Which will become possessor of the soul? If the truth impressed upon human hearts is carefully cherished, and the weeds are uprooted, there will be a precious crop of grain. But the gospel seed often drops among thorns and noxious weed; and if there is not a moral transformation in the human heart; if old habits and practises and the former life of sin are not left behind; if the attributes of Satan are not expelled from the soul, the wheat crop will be stunted. The thorns of sin will grow in any soil. They need no cultivation. But grace must be carefully cultivated." {RH, October 3, 1899 par. 2-3}

So my friends...I think we probably all could find a few weeds in our lives...maybe attitudes of "ungratefulness, impatience, selfishness, vanity, or vain glory..." Let's get on our knees and go find them, whatever they may be, and pull them NOW...quickly, before they get ANY bigger. God will help us!!

Moving again: The Broad or Narrow way...

Once again Melody has been packing...but this time, it's not to go on another mission trip or family vacation. No, it's time to uproot and find a new home base.

Yes, believe it or not, after almost 3 years since I moved to Southern California, I am finally leaving..."Whew - what a relief! Away from Sodom and Gomorra at last!" Ha ha!! (Of course, more truth is in that statement than jest! Even though I never really did anything in the city, I never was comfortable with being soooo close to LA and Hollywood. The whole place has just seemed kinda counter-productive to the spiritual journey God is calling us to take.)

But of course, besides being sooo close to the big lights and the big city, being in Southern CA has not been all bad. In fact, it's largely been rather good. I've made soooo many friends in Loma Linda and Advent HOPE and made so many awesome memories, I can't even count. So, while it's a relief to leave the valley, it's also very hard to uproot and say goodbye. In fact, as I packed, I got rather depressed. This move has made me realize just how much I seem to invest emotionally, mentally and physically into not just the people I meet, but also my places of residence.

Spare me a few moments to reminisce: My dear little home in Loma Linda has been such a cozy comfortable spot. In fact, since I've been living on my own, it's probably the largest and nicest place I've ever had...complete with my dream view of a snow-capped mountain peak.

From the first night Susy and I moved into it on our air-mattresses, we prayed and dedicated it to God. And since that time, I feel God has richly blessed. I painted some of the walls. I tore out the guest bathroom wallpaper and remodeled it with a wild exotic missions theme. (I got more compliments on that bathroom than any other room in the house too!!) I planted my first California garden there. Even if it was only the size of my back patio, I had tomatoes and peppers and squash and all sorts of goodies that contributed to our health and happiness during our first summer there. I planted ferns and rose-bushes that will probably be thriving till the next century, or till their new owner uproots them all! I've fought with ants, moles and set-up my first "miracle swing." And the list could go on. Even though I am packing up and leaving...I feel like I'm leaving part of "myself" behind...

Of course, beyond the physical love my little home has received, is the people that have occupied it's walls. In the course of my time at this location (2.5 years to be precise), we've had at least 10 girls call this place their home!! (Some for 3 months, others for 6-8 months, and others for more!) We've had dozens of people over for Sabbath pot-lucks, birthday parties, girl-friend parties, prayer sessions, Bible studies and more. It's been the girl's hang-out for many, the place where the guys could come get a yummy bite to eat, and a "home away from home" for more. And now, I have to say goodbye...I hate goodbyes.

My current roommates weren't too keen on me leaving actually (that's kinda nice), and have been coming up with all sorts of reasons to try to convince me to stay. Or, if I wasn't going to stay, to leave as much of my stuff as possible. I guess they really did like my pictures and decorations hogging up ALL the walls! (Laugh laugh smile smile - yep, one of my roommies even told me that it actually "comforts" her to see my stuff around, and makes her feel like I'm not far away! Whatever that is suppose to mean!?) At first I thought that was kinda cool...you know, them wanting me to leave stuff around. And so, I decided I wouldn't take all my pictures or decorations just yet, after all...if I leave a few things about, it also makes ME feel like it's still "my home" when I come to visit, and I still have my foot in the door. Yes, the warm feeling of security from "still belonging here" was wonderful. But then the thought hit me...I have this problem everywhere I go, and leaving my "foot in the door" does nothing for helping me move on. I need to let go, pack it up, and just go. I need to just take the PLUNGE!!!! Ouchhh..... sniff sniff.... "Ok, here goes..."

So I did it!!! All my mission pictures down...all my bulletin board mementos off the wall, all my keepsakes off the shelves...and as for the bathroom...well, let's just say they are going to have to completely redecorate the bathroom, because there's nothing there now! (I think I over-heard them say something about having a "theme contest" to see who could come up with a replacement theme!! So we'll have to check back and see what happened?) And yes, I still had stuff in the kitchen. I took that too! So...no more crying! I had to keep reminding myself, I don't pay rent here anymore. This isn't my home anymore. I am moving on!!!! It was kinda hard to do, but once I did it, it was liberating too...

As I drove away...headed to some Northern new destination and work place, my moving situation reminded me of what it's like for us spiritually as we prepare for Heaven. As we journey onward, we know that we are going to have to let go of more and more of this world and depend more and more upon Christ...yet we still keep holding on. We can't let those worldly treasures or worldly memories go it seems. "Maybe if I just keep a few, you know, so I still have my foot in the door...I can leave that way. But I still have the security of knowing, I can come back if I want." But how can we truly be ready to meet Jesus when He comes back, IF we still have our foot in the door....still holding on to our place in the world.

Or maybe there are those of us that are willing to pack it all up, but what we can't take we aren't going to let go of. We'll just store it away. In case we need it for a rainy day!! That's just as bad as leaving it all upon our walls or shelves. Even stored treasures, hopes, dreams or plans can tie us down and keep us from really growing and becoming who God has called us to be. We must prepare to meet our soon coming Lord...and this means, we must LET GO of the WORLD!!!!

There's a dream a women named Ellen White once had about the journey towards Heaven. It's called the "Narrow Way." Let me share it with you here:

"While at Battle Creek, Michigan, in August, 1868, I dreamed of being with a large body of people. A portion of this assembly started out prepared to journey. We had heavily loaded wagons. As we journeyed, the road seemed to ascend. On one side of this road was a deep precipice; on the other was a high, smooth, white wall. As we journeyed on, the road grew narrower and steeper. In some places it seemed so very narrow that we concluded that we could no longer travel with the loaded wagons. We then loosed them from the horses, took a portion of the luggage from the wagons and placed it upon the horses, and journeyed on horseback. As we progressed, the path still continued to grow narrow. We were obliged to press close to the wall, to save ourselves from falling off the narrow road down the steep precipice. As we did this, the luggage on the horses pressed against the wall, and caused us to sway toward the precipice. We feared that we should fall, and be dashed in pieces on the rocks. We then cut the luggage from the horses, and it fell over the precipice. We continued on horseback, greatly fearing, as we came to the narrower places in the road, that we should lose our balance and fall. At such times, a hand seemed to take the bridle, and guide us over the perilous way.

As the path grew more narrow, we decided that we could no longer go with safety on horseback, and we left the horses and went on foot, in single file, one following in the footsteps of another. At this point small cords were let down from the top of the pure white wall; these we eagerly grasped, to aid us in keeping our balance upon the path. As we traveled, the cord moved along with us. The path finally became so narrow that we concluded that we could travel more safely without our shoes; so we slipped them from our feet, and went on some distance without them. Soon it was decided that we could travel more safely without our stockings; these were removed, and we journeyed on with bare feet. We then thought of those who had not accustomed themselves to privations and hardships. Where were such now? They were not in the company. At every change, some were left behind, and those only remained who had accustomed themselves to endure hardships. The privations of the way only made these more eager to press on to the end. Our danger of falling from the pathway increased. We pressed close to the white wall, yet could not place our feet fully upon the path; for it was too narrow. We then suspended nearly our whole weight upon the cords, exclaiming: "We have hold from above! We have hold from above!" The same words were uttered by all the company in the narrow pathway.

As we heard the sounds of mirth and revelry that seemed to come from the abyss below, we shuddered. We heard the profane oath, the vulgar jest, and low, vile songs. We heard the war song and the dance song. We heard instrumental music, and loud laughter, mingled with cursing and cries of anguish and bitter wailing, and were more anxious than ever to keep upon the narrow, difficult pathway. Much of the time we were compelled to suspend our whole weight upon the cords, which increased in size as we progressed. I noticed that the beautiful white wall was stained with blood. It caused a feeling of regret to see the wall thus stained. This feeling, however, lasted but for a moment, as I soon thought that it was all as it should be. Those who are following after will know that others have passed the narrow, difficult way before them, and will conclude that if others were able to pursue their onward course, they can do the same. And as the blood shall be pressed from their aching feet, they will not faint with discouragement; but seeing the blood upon the wall, they will know that others have endured the same pain.

At length we came to a large chasm, at which our path ended. There was nothing now to guide the feet, nothing upon which to rest them. Our whole reliance must be upon the cords, which had increased in size, until they were as large as our bodies. Here we were for a time thrown into perplexity and distress. We inquired in fearful whispers, "To what is the cord attached?" My husband was just before me. Large drops of sweat were falling from his brow, the veins in his neck and temples were increased to double their usual size, and suppressed, agonizing groans came from his lips. The sweat was dropping from my face, and I felt such anguish as I had never felt before. A fearful struggle was before us. Should we fail here, all the difficulties of our journey had been experienced for nought.

Before us, on the other side of the chasm, was a beautiful field of green grass, about six inches high. I could not see the sun, but bright soft beams of light, resembling fine gold and silver, were resting upon this field. Nothing I had seen upon earth could compare in beauty and glory with this field. But could we succeed in reaching it? was the anxious inquiry. Should the cord break, we must perish. Again, in whispered anguish, the words were breathed, "What holds the cord?" For a moment we hesitated to venture. Then we exclaimed: "Our only hope is to trust wholly to the cord. It has been our dependence all the difficult way. It will not fail us now." Still we were hesitating and distressed. The words were then spoken: "God holds the cord. We need not fear." These words were then repeated by those behind us, accompanied with: "He will not fail us now. He has brought us thus far in safety."

My husband then swung himself over the fearful abyss into the beautiful field beyond. I immediately followed. And oh, what a sense of relief and gratitude to God we felt! I heard voices raised in triumphant praise to God. I was happy, perfectly happy.

I awoke, and found that from the anxiety I had experienced in passing over the difficult route, every nerve in my body seemed to be in a tremor. This dream needs no comment. It made such an impression upon my mind that probably every item in it will be vivid before me while my memory shall continue." By EG White, Christian Experience and Teachings, 1922

Wow - what a powerful dream, huh?? And to think, that she had this dream back in 1868. It certainly contains a powerful message for us today as we are even nearer to Jesus coming. Are we on the "Narrow Way" or have we chosen the wider more traveled path???

"Before you are two ways--the broad road of self-indulgence and the narrow path of self-sacrifice. Into the broad road you can take selfishness, pride, love of the world; but those who walk in the narrow way must lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset. Which road have you chosen--the road which leads to everlasting death, or the road which leads to glory and immortality? There never was a more solemn time in the history of the world than the time in which we are now living. Our eternal interests are at stake, and we should arouse to the importance of making our calling and election sure. We dare not risk our eternal interests on mere probabilities. We must be in earnest. What we are, what we are doing, what is to be our course of action in the future, are all questions of untold moment, and we cannot afford to be listless, indifferent, unconcerned. It becomes each one of us to inquire, "What is eternity to me?" Are our feet in the path that leads to heaven, or in the broad road that leads to perdition?" Our High Calling, page 8-9

So, as I've packed and am moving again...I am reminded...it's not the THINGS that really count...I can leave them behind. I'd rather make sure my life is cleansed from all that would keep me from God...and that I am safely in His care...on the Narrow Way!

HOPE for Bengali Orphans...and HOPE for me!

Well, after a 48 hour long Monday (in Bangladesh & Hong Kong...and then starting it over again once we crossed the International date line coming to LA), and hours and hours of uncomfortable travel on the airplane...I am back in the land of technology and modern convenience. Back in the land of prosperity and plenty. Whew!!!! And yet, although the world that I have returned to seems about the same...I am not the same. You cannot step into another culture or get a glimpse into the need of another's heart and stay the same.
Between visiting the destitute children of the slums, to the sweat and push of thousands of desperate bodies seeking medical care at our clinic in Madhupur, to the sweet scent of dozens of newly bathed Orphan children as they clamoured into our laps wanting a bedtime story at Bangla-Hope...I have once again seen both extremes of Bangladesh. The side of despair and the side of HOPE!! The side of caus and pain, and the side of what could be if ALL of us "Rich American Christians" (we are rich compared with them) truly went out of our own comfort zones to give and care. And once again, my heart has been touched...and challenged.
After spending a grueling challenging week at the medical clinic where, as I mentioned before, we saw over 3,000 patients, going to the Bangla-Hope Orphanage in Northern Bangladesh was a real vacation. I had visited last year and spent time with the children, so it was a joy to return and be welcomed with open arms and delighted squeals from all the little kiddos... "Melody!!!! Melody!!! Melody is here!!" And they all clamoured for hugs and kisses. Melony, my little girl who I want to adopt someday, was the first that came running into my arms. (She was the first that I met last year when I came too!) I was sooo happy, I couldn't help letting the tears flow as Melony snuggled close and they gave us their welcoming ceremony. (Of course, it was sooo hot, my tears just mixed with the sweat - so it wasn't very obvious I was crying!) The kids were also quick to accept and welcome Valerie, and right off Valerie began to love and reach out to them as well. (It was a real treat to share this experience with my best friend!)
Thankfully, with the help of generous donors, I was able to bring clothes and supplies for the Orphanage as well as a special toy for each child - a doll for the older girls, animals for the younger, light-up balls for the boys etc. Orphan kids very rarely can claim something of their very own, so it was a joy to see the delight in their eyes as we wrote THEIR name on THEIR very own toy! Here I am below with my girl Melony (on my right) and Kocolie (on my left) who is the first child the Waid's took into their orphanage!As to be expected, our remaining week in Bangladesh at the Orphanage went all too quickly. Each day we spent as much time as possible with the kids, telling them stories, playing with them on the playground, doing games and teaching them songs. We also spent time with the care-givers (who are mostly local Christian women who have no formal education.) I talked with them about the principals of raising and loving children (as outlined in "Child-Guidance" - after all, I am not really my own expert on the topic, though I like to pretend to be at times. Ha ha!!) Then Valerie did basic CPR education and had the women take turns resuscitating a toy doll. (That was kinda funny!!!) Of course, another great joy was to see my Bengali sister Shati, who has such an incredible heart of gold. She always takes such good care of us when we visit and cooks the best food ever. But not only does she serve just us....she's one of the most hard-working and unselfish of the team and the kids just love her to death. It's nice to see the touch that Shati has with them. The most difficult part of the whole trip was saying goodbye...I literally thought I (if not the kids) were going to get "dehydrated from crying." In fact, the kids started crying 2 days BEFORE we left when they heard our time was almost over. I felt soooo bad. In fact, it made me wonder if maybe coming and then leaving again did more damage then good...after all, so many of these kids have either lost or been abandoned by their own parents. But after talking with my good friend Litton (who works in the Administration at Bangla-Hope, but also spends as much time with the kids as he can), I was encouraged that even though our time was brief...it meant sooo much to the kids to know they were loved and cared for, and that they mattered to people on the other side of the world. "They always remember you in their hearts...and just like this time...they can look forward to when you come again! It gives them a reason to HOPE...knowing someone cares!" So...with hugs and tears, we once again said goodbye. But the children and Bangla-Hope staff, and the sacrificial dedication of the Waid's and all those that help sponsor the children of Bangla-Hope are not forgotten. And Valerie and I are determined to be more frugal in our own lives so that we can help the Orphanage with their many needs and expansion.Already they have almost 100 children (there were 69 last year when I visited), but they are running out of room (they need to build a second floor). They are building a medical clinic for the Hindu community right at their doorstep, but need medical workers to come and staff it. They do multiple trips to Dhaka (7hours away for staff or supplies) and yet all they have is a 4 seater Toyota truck that breaks down or has to be pushed to start every time you turn around. (They need a larger vehicle or van that can carry their staff and supplies.) They have a huge beautiful lawn, but must put all their money into upkeep and feeding the children rather than buying a lawn-mover...so they cut the grass all BY HAND. (Can you imagine?? Yes, they need a lawn mower!) They have a garden, but need more tools to work it. They have an office where they keep up with all the business of running an Orphanage plus taking care of almost 600 children in their community feeding school programs, but their office equipment is old and breaking down. (They need new up to speed equipment.) They already have many "feeding day-schools" around Bangladesh, but they need funds for more. (There are sooo many kids yet unreached!) And the list of needs just goes on and on!!!!!!
If only all of us, would truly reach out with the resources God has given us...we could do SOOO MUCH MORE...yet...we are comfortable; Comfortable in our spacious mansions (you should see what little space they have to live in those Orphan rooms - clean and tidy, but still some with 18 kids to a room), comfortable with our heaping tables of food (the kids are well fed...but they pretty much only eat rice and curry with sometimes some vegetables and a banana for snack!) We are comfortable with our nice car or the variety of ware that our ward-robe boasts. (These kids are clean and clothed, but rarely have clothes or toys of their own!) We are comfortable giving our 10% tithe and offering, comfortable doing Sabbath afternoon outreach, and comfortable sharing our lunch with a friend at work. But the Bengali missionaries that work for their people often live on less than $100 a month and barely get by, living in conditions that would make us stutter. Sacrifice...true sacrifice for the Orphan, the widow, the outcast... Who of us really knows what that is???? I'll be the first to say, "I don't!"

Valerie and I have been humbled and challenged...and convicted...in a deeper way to make priority to share the resources God has given us...with Bangla-Hope, but also with anyone that God brings us in need.

"Said the angel, 'Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye will have to die a greater death to the world than ye have ever yet died.' I saw that there was a great work to do for them and but little time in which to do it." Early Writings, Page 64.

"By all that has given us advantage over another, be it education and retirement, nobility of character, Christian training, religious experience, we are in debt to those less favored, and so far as lies in our power, we are to minister unto them. If we are strong, we are to stay up the hands of the weak." Ministry of Healing 29

"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." Matt 19:21

*To donate to Bangla-HOPE or help sponsor a child, you can visit their website at: http://www.banglahope.org/ I am hoping to help them completely redo their website in the near future as it is in severe need of a face-lift, but for now, this is their contact info.

Let me be a Servant...

“Hundreds of people push and shove their way forward as they clamor their way towards the gate entering our medical clinic and compound. Each one has been given a ticket with a number, and each one will be seen at some point in the day by our medical team, but each one still struggles to be first. Each one is sure they are number #1. In fact, as I triage and register the patients we’ve called thru the gate, I am constantly called away from my task…back to the gate by the guards. “Madam…this person has a very special case, we must let them through first.” Or “Madam, this person is a very important official in this community…even though he came late and does not have a number, we need to let him in first.” (Granted there are hundreds of more urgent and critical cases in line begging to be seen, this “important official” is convinced that he deserves to be first.)

Then there are the areas of religious prestige. “Madam, I’m Muslim or Hindu, so you should see me first.” Or “I’m Christian like you, so you should see me first.” (As if either are more deserving of help then the other.) And on and on the request go. Even the policemen, who are suppose to be helping us with crowd control, push and shove their own way to the entrance, begging to be seen by our doctors and dentist...FIRST! It is mayhem…all pushing and shoving, and all feeling that THEY of ALL PEOPLE, should receive our special services FIRST. It is only a bit of concrete and metal that keeps the mob from stampeding forward and crushing us all…”

Thankfully, the above scenes are now only a memory. Yet, amazingly, during our five days of medical work in Jalchatra, Madhupur Bangladesh…we did not get stampeded, and we saw over 3,000 patients – a number breaking the record of the last 3 years. While our medical team was smaller this year, most of the care‐givers were much more experienced and efficient…and this truly paid off in the long run.

However, as I reflect back on the scenes that took place before me just a few brief days ago, I realize that while we were in a struggling third‐world country, filled with poverty and despair…the actions of those around me really weren’t all that “third-world”after all. No, in fact, they are rather akin to our own…even back in the land of freedom, plenty and prosperity (or at least what is prosperity in comparison with this.) Yes, even back in the homeland of the good old USA, it’s all about the “ME FIRST”mentality. And we have just as many reasons and a thousand excuses for why WE of ALL PEOPLE should be receiving the special treatment we deserve…FIRST!!

It could be, “I'm a doctor,”or “I'm a lawyer”…"I'm a celebrity,” or “I'm a high‐ranking official”…or “I can pay whatever is required, so treat me accordingly.” Or “I’ve made a large donation to your organization so I should receive extra perks.”Or on the flip side it could be, “I’m a struggling single mom, I’m a poor student,” or even… “I’m a missionary, I’m a conference president, I’m the head deacon,”or “I’m part of the leadership of such and such an organization...if anyone deserves special treatment, I do!” Status is such a huge thing…even if it’s negative status…but especially if it is “Religious status” and the list goes on and on and on…

In fact, even in Christ’s time…the same struggle was taking place…not just in the heathen mobs around him, or within the obvious pride of the pompous Pharisees, but among his very own disciples. “Who is going to sit next to Christ on the throne? It has to be ME…I deserve to be FIRST.”

Yet, how contrary to Christ whole nature and mentality this struggle is. In fact, it makes me wonder…If this is our mentality, are we truly surrendered to Christ, even now??

Christ has left us a very clear pattern and example…and yet we always seem to be looking for “exceptions”or reasons why WE should not have to follow it.

“Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matt 20:27‐28

“Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus. Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant…” Phil 2:5‐7

The FORM OF A SERVANT!!!!! Wow…what a concept! How many of us are seeking to pattern our lives after the “form of a servant”?? Can you just imagine the latest breaking news from Hollywood Boulevard, “Celebrity clash over who gets to pick up the trash and feed the homeless!” or "Celebrity does not want to accept Oscar award, but pushes for it to be given to another!" Or what about from our own comfortable church pews…“Conflict at Central SDA over who gets to wash everyone’s feet!”In fact, we could even make headline news from our own homes. “Family members fight over who gets to clean the house, wash the dishes, take out the trash, be last in line to eat…and on and on!”The above scenarios are so unheard of, they are comical. (Of course, if “true servant hood”was practiced as God ordained it, there would be no fighting either… it would be a team spirit of give and take and working together in unity and peace for the betterment of all involved!) And yet, how we struggle with this whole concept of “servant hood”as people and as Christians. In fact, sadly if we are acting the part of “servant”we often stumble over “pride in our service”and if not pride, then feelings of “martyrdom”or something else…

As I contemplate these concepts and our need of “true Servant’ spirit formed by a surrendered heart,” I’m reminded once again…“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God.”II Cor 3:5

Only GOD…HE ALONE can give us this HEART!!!!!

“What is man, that thou art mindful of Him…?” Heb 2:6

“For ye see your calling brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. And the base things of the world, and the things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea and the things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. That according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”I Cor 1:26‐31

And Paul continues in the next chapter, with what I believe should be the summary and sole focus in all that we breath, live, and do:

“For I am determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” I Cor 2:2

So simple, and yet so profound…yet I think this is the KEY to true “Servant hood”…the servant hood that Christ asked that we embrace.

For we are nothing apart from Christ, we can glory in nothing apart from Christ. But when we have Christ, we have everything…and through Christ, we can do what the carnal man cannot do. We can be a servant!! But the key is Christ!! Not I and Christ, or Christ and I, but CHRIST!!!

The following quote sums it up precisely I think, and gives all of us a convicting challenge.

“You may have left much to follow Christ…you may have believed on him, and worked for Him, and loved Him, and yet may not be like Him. (Ouch!! Really??) Allegiance you know, and confidence you know, but not yet union….There are two wills, two interests, two lives. You have not yet lost your own life that you may live only in His. Once it was I and not Christ; then it was I and Christ; perhaps now it is even Christ and I. But has it come yet to be Christ only, and not I at all?” The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life, by Hannah Whitall Smith p. 156‐157

As I have once again experienced a few short weeks of service in Bangladesh, I am again reminded of the inadequacies and weakness of my flesh, the struggles of my will, the sin of my own heart…and my prayer for CHRIST and only CHRIST grows stronger.

Live out Thy life within me,
O Jesus, King of kings!
Be Thou Thyself the answer
to all my questionings;
Live out Thy life within me,
in all things have Thy way!
I, the transparent medium,
Thy glory to display.

The temple has been yielded,
And purified of sin;
Let Thy Shekinah glory
Now shine forth from within,
And all the earth keep silence,
The body henceforth be
Thy silent, gentle servant,
Moved only as by Thee.

“There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God.” Desire of Ages, p. 250

So my inspiration for today ends as it began…

“But he that is greatest among you
shall be your SERVANT!” Matt 23:11

May we learn to truly be…His Servants!

Please break my heart...

"Please break my heart!!"

That doesn't sound like a good prayer to be praying, does it? No, not really from our world's perspective. But it has been my prayer recently!! My prayer to God...

"Please break my heart with the things that break your heart...please don't let me heart grow cold!"

The faster life goes, the more I realize my need of Him, and I crave to be filled...completely filled with His passion, His love, His power and Holy Spirit zeal. How easy my heart grows hard and cold...

I'm preparing to leave on yet another mission trip tomorrow...this time to Bangladesh. I will be returning to the same location I visited last year, and having experienced the utter poverty and despair that this country holds, I realize I do not have the strength to be who God has called me to be...at least not on my own!!! For as I have shared previously...the call is beyond Human compassion, and it is beyond Human strength! Only through HIS STRENGTH can I reach out to the hurting, only through HIS LOVE can I truly care.

I was sooo touched and moved by the following short video clip, as well as the quotes I've included here, that I just had to share them with all of you!!!!! Please take time to WATCH and LISTEN...and if your heart has grown a bit calloused, too occupied with non-essential matters, tied up with treasures or things of the world, or just plain turned to stone, as you WATCH and LISTEN....pray that God will change your heart...and give you a new heart, focused on priorities that are truly eternal!

"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also...so lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven..." Matt 6:20,21

A powerful video clip: The call to Serve

"By all that has given us advantage over another, be it education and refinement, nobility of character, Christian training, religious experience, we are in debt to those less favored and, so far as lies in our power, we are to minister unto them. If we are strong, we are to stay up the hands of the weak." Ministry of Healing page 105

"Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your concience, obcures your sense of God, takes off your relish for spiritual things, whatever increases the authority of the body over the mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may seem to itself" - Susanna Wesley (mother of John & Charles Wesley)

"Perhaps if there were more of that intense distress for souls that leads to tears, we should more frequently see the results we desire. Sometimes it may be that while we are complaining of the hardness of the hearts of those we are seeking to benefit, the hardness of our own hearts and our feeble apprehension of the solemn reality of eternal things may be the true cause of our want of success." -Hudson Taylor

Let Your Heart Be Broken*

Let your heart be broken for a world in need,

Feed the mouths that hunger,

soothe the wounds that bleed.

Give the cup of water, and the loaf of bread.

Be the hands of Jesus, serving in his stead.

Here on earth applying principles of love.

Visible expression, God still rules above.

Living illustration of the living word,

to the minds of all who've never seen or heard.

Blest to be a blessing, privileged to care,

challenged by the need, apparent everywhere.

Where mankind is wanting, fill the vacant place.

Be the means through which

The Lord reveals His grace.

Add to your believing deeds that prove it true,

knowing Christ as Savior, Make Him Master too.

Follow in His footsteps, go where he has trod;

In the worlds great trouble risk yourself for God.

Let your heart be tender and your vision clear;

See mankind as God sees, serve Him far and near.

Let your heart be broken by a brothers pain;

Share your rich resources, give and give again.

* I realize I just shared this song a few posts back...but I think we need to be reminded again. At least "I" need to be reminded again!!!

~ Time with Fami-LEE and Friends up North ~

Hold mouse over photos for captions!

And THANKS SUE for all the great photos!!!

So...if you can't guess by the pics above...I have had an awesome vacation in the beautiful North West this summer. (Specifically, Oregon, WA, Montana, & Idaho!) In fact, I liked it up there sooooo much that I am thinking of moving there to live. Now wouldn't that be a change from Southern CA?!


After helping host our first ARME BIBLE CAMP in Central CA (which I shared about below), I headed North with my Asian friend and twin Sue. Since we spent a mission trip in Korea together this summer (you can also read about that below) we have become permanently attached I think, a little like Siamese twins! (We have either talked or texted each other at least once every day since we came back from Korea!! Like I said, "Siamese twins." I think Sue is the "twin" I always dreamed of, but never had...truly my "Harmonious Joy.") She is overflowing with energy (relax Sue!) and loves people, but also is personable and down to earth. While a Speech Pathologist by training, she has a heart for serving and looking out for the underdog and those less fortunate. The more we get to know each other, the more we find in common...even to our shoe size. And our personalities have really clicked. We both thank God for allowing our paths to FINALLY cross. Sue has become a true friend, sister, and inspiration...and adds so much laughter to my days.

Actually, the whole Lee family (or "Fami-LEE" as I like to call them) has taken a very special place in my heart. I told them whether they like it or not, I am adopting them! I think they are still deciding IF they like that. Ha ha...) Anyway, I have been privileged to get a peek into their lives and who they are, and being in their home was such a blessing. Let me share a little below:

Dr. Harold Lee is the patriarch of the family, and a very godly one at that. He specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and has a heart for ministry and service. He's especially in tune with prophecy and the signs of the times, and helping people get ready for Jesus coming. And he speaks and shares as God gives him opportunity. His wife Sylvia (who incidentally has the same name as my own mother) is a sweet home-maker and caregiver for her family. She's also a retired nurse. I really enjoyed getting to know her some in Korea, and then while visiting a relative in Loma Linda, she got to stop by my place and we visited more. Sadly, she was not in Oregon during my visit, so could not be part of our adventures together while I was there. Dr. Lee and his wife Sylvia have two adult children, Jed & Sue. (Sue was mentioned above, and I will continue with Jed's family below.)


Jed (who was the director of our Korea team) and his wife Irene are also an incredible godly couple. He is an excellent teacher and enjoys giving Bible studies, mentoring young people, and sharing the Biblical message of Creation as well as many other inspirational Biblical insights. (I am already trying to book him more speaking engagements!) There's lots more I could say about Jed, but he's very humble and doesn't like my public appraisals, so suffice it to say, just as Sue has become my "Ssang-doong-Eee" (or twin), Jed has become my "Obba" or big brother. And we'll leave it at that!

Irene (or Kyung for short) is Jed's beautiful wife. My respect for Irene has been high right from the beginning because she was brave enough to go with us all the way to Korea with their 2 year old and 8 month old, even though Jed was busy most of the time with the school and program. Yes, Irene is a real trooper, and cheerfully followed us here and there in our busy schedules. Back here in Oregon, I have observed her to be an awesome homemaker and mother, and an incredible VEGAN cook. She has a great sense of humor and made me laugh so many times. She also did so much to make me feel accepted and welcome while I was visiting.

Theophilus Harold TaeHo Lee & Helaine Serenity HeeSun Lee are Jed and Irene's two adorable little ones (as you can see by the pictures above). TaeHo is 2yrs old and loves to look at books, ride his little truck, spend time with his daddy, love on his sister, and even take walks and pick berries with Auntie Mel. And he really likes pretending to drive Auntie Mel's car!! HeeSun is 9 months now and even while I was away from her for only a week, when I came back, I could tell she had grown. She loves her mommy, but even goes to sleep for Auntie Mel...that is if I take her walking. She has the cutest grins, and loves putting things in her mouth, especially paper. I expect that before they know it, she will be walking as she is sooo strong already. Jed and Irene are great parents and have much to be proud of in their children.

The Lee's all share one large home together...as is very much the Asian culture to do. And while it may not be typical "American" as most of us are used to, as I saw the peace and the tranquility of the home, and how they all work together, eat together, worship together, play together, and work things out together...it made me think of what our true home in Heaven will be like. Living, loving, giving, and sharing together.

"Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Ps 133:1

So, as is probably obvious in the photos...my first and longest stop on this road-trip was in beautiful Portland Oregon, at the Lee's. While I only planned to spend a couple days, I ended up spending like practically a whole week...and would have stayed longer if I could. As they live out in the country with a beautiful view of Mt. Hood, it was such a breath of fresh air to be able to rest and relax and just be with the little ones. It was also an extra treat to catch up with several other Korea teammates that go to their church...Mitchell, Michelle, Keeler and Megan.

Seattle WA was my next stop...although brief, I was blessed there as well. As I had promised my friend Calvin for some time that I'd come speak at their church, I drove up for the weekend to be with them! (He's one of my fellow teammates in ARME.) His family spoiled me royally, and I enjoyed the fellowship with their group. I also had the privilege of connecting with several more Korea teammates as Monica, Chris & Julie also live in the Seattle area. To make my Washington stay complete, a new friend, Dawn, went with me to spend a day hiking around the slopes of the beautiful Mt. Rainer.

From Washington, I drove over to visit childhood friends in Montana, the Ellers. Having spent a lot of my summers on their blue-berry farm, it brought back many memories. We enjoyed great fellowship, and even a little huckleberry ice-cream. As I've decided to be Vegan 100% now (thanks to Obba's logic), I can say at least that my last indulgence was a memorable one!

Then as my time was starting to run short, I headed back to Idaho for a night at Beav & Becca's. They are expecting their first child in October, and as she will be a little girl, I can't wait to meet her. They are missionaries to Mongolia, so it's a real treat to see them as much as I have this summer. (Both in Phoenix, and now in Idaho.)

My final Sabbath up North was spent back in Portland at the Lee's. This time, my stay was only for 2 days, and it was sad to have to say goodbye so soon. But as my mommy always says, "Leave while you are still welcome," so it's probably best I moved on! ;-) Before I left though, we had some awesome fellowship with their church family, I got to help them with a presentation on the Korea trip, we had a great Sunday breakfast out at a Vegan restaurant, I got a tour of Portland, we barely missed getting in a wreck, and had tea and goodies with Mitchell and Michelle while we watched "Animals are Beautiful" back at home. But alas, all good things come to an end eventually...and I had to say goodbye.

The drive back South was long and tiring...as most long drives are. But I was able to take a relaxing breather in Placerville (central CA) on the way back to Loma Linda, and spend a few days with my good friends Joy and Daryl. They just had a baby this past July, and she is a little doll as well. There's something I love about little "Asian babies" I think. (I keep teasing my sister Sunny and telling her, IF she and Tim will hurry up and have kids, maybe I will come live in their neighborhood again!!) Anyway, my time with Joy was a blessing as we got to talk and catch up on life...and she helped with Bangladesh plans. Yep, you heard right...I can't sit still for a second...I am taking off again soon....in only 2 days now. And this time it's on a long awaited return to visit my Orphan kiddos back in Bangladesh. (Along the way I'll also be assisting the Loma Linda University Medical Team and teaching at some of Dr. Moskala's schools in the slums in Dhaka!)

So....that's my last three weeks....in something a bit larger than a nutshell. I've been back in Loma Linda, all of 2 days now. My tongue is hanging out, and I'm tired of living out of a suitcase. But ready or not...here I go...AGAIN! ;-p

Are you ready for the ARME???

No...most of us aren't ready to join the ARMY...much less, go to WAR!! Yet we are told in the scriptures that we are to "endure hardness as good soldiers" and we are in a war...a spiritual war!

This past 6 months, a group of us have been on a thrilling journey as God has paved the way for the development of a new ministry...a Bible boot camp you could say, a ministry that we have decided to call: "ARME BIBLE CAMP." In other words, "Arm or Equip me - with the WORD of GOD!"

In II Tim 2:15 it says:

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

However, before this verse comes the solemn admonition:

"Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." II Tim 2:1-4

Our war is against SELF...and against the things that entangle us to the world. But we can only be victorious through the GRACE that is in Christ Jesus. Thus as we press forward as soldiers, our one goal and aim is clear - To please God, who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light...and to entangle ourselves with the things of Heaven!

Enjoy a few of my favorite pictures from our first ever ARME BIBLE CAMP. (We thank Lawrence Rupsas for his awesome photography skills.) After the pics, I will have a few brief testimonies to tell.

From start to finish, this Bible camp/conference was a complete miracle. We got the dates, the speakers we wanted, (which in it self was a miracle - as they were Stephen Bohr, Emanuel Baek, Taj Pacleb, Ivor Myers, & Doug Batchelor), and we got the perfect facilities that we needed. We decided we would take a max attendance of 300, so we could keep it small enough to be personable. Well, 1 month before we only had 45 registered even though we had advertised extensively. Some of our team questioned whether we were pushing too much and if we could really get a group together sooo quickly that was passionate about studying the word of God...but we continued to pray and plan. 2 weeks before we had almost 200 registered. Progress was being made...but still, to cover expenses and meet our goal, we needed more. While we were tempted to prepare for less, we decided to "pray for rain and prepare for rain!" We would plan for 300!!

By the time the conference started, we had almost 260 in attendance, and over 300 registered. And sure enough...they came. In fact, by the weekend, our numbers swelled to 350-360 and we wondered if we had enough room. But God provided. Our attendee's came from all over the West coast, and as far away as from South Carolina, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ontario Canada, Fiji and Indonesia. (That's right, several people flew all the way from Fiji and Indonesia to be part of this event!!)

Sabbath evening I had the delights of planning an "Agape Banquet" - and we told everyone that whether they had purchased meal tickets or not, they were invited to come. After all, God wants ALL to be a part of His great feast. And so, as special ending on the Sabbath, everyone lined up to enter the banquet hall. We had scrambled and had seats for 370, but as I saw the line, I wondered... "Can we all really fit?? Oh God, help us all to fit!!!" As the room filled up, I prayed and prayed...and amazingly, we all fit. We had 5 seats left over, and no one was turned away. I cried with relief and gratitude for God's provision...

The most impacting part of the whole conference though...I think everyone would agree...was the times of Prayer and deep Bible study. And this is, after all, why we hosted this conference. To get people deep into the WORD of GOD. But you can't go deep without the Holy Spirit, so each morning at 6:15 we'd start with a group prayer time. Some people wept, others cried out their praises, as we all opened our hearts to God in prayer. It was such a powerful unifying experience, and you could feel the Holy Spirit's presence. Oh for more time of such powerful group prayer...

In answer to our prayers, the lectures were powerful, and many people responded (50 at one call) to surrender their lives to God. The speakers shared some of their own secrets of how they dive into the WORD of GOD, and then hosted small break-out sessions for people to practice what they'd been taught. It was powerful to watch the lives being changed, and made me humbled to realize how hesitant at times our team had been to trust the provisions of God to fill the great need.

As our last morning together drew to a close...Taj shared his amazing testimony, and practically everyone came forward in the closing prayer and appeal. It was sooo incredible to see the way God worked, and the hunger and thirst people had for what was being shared. Afterwards, we had many people talk to us about hosting Bible camps all around the country...and it was obvious that our work had just begun...

Thank the Lord, despite our slow faith and our many weakness...His strength was made perfect. Again I am reminded... "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to shew himself strong in behalf of them whose hearts are perfect toward him." II Chron 16:9

As a end note I must not leave out: We gave away many scholarships for this conference and we're determined that we didn't want anything to come in the way of someone attending, if they desired. However, to make up for the extra costs and expenses, we took up an offering. Initially our director said, "Let's pray for $10,000." Then he felt convicted of the Holy Spirit and said, "No...let's pray for the offering that God would have us to receive to move forward. Whatever He wills is best..."

Well the offering was taken...and we had received over $34,000. We were all in awe!! And it was obvious to all of us on the team that ARME BIBLE CAMP is to move forward...forward, as we like to say, ON OUR KNEES!!

Survey results from those who attended our first ARME Bible Camp:

- My experience here was BEYOND WORDS. God is getting His soldiers in line with Heavenly agencies to finish the work!

- This was an eye-opening start to my journey of Bible study and devotion to the time spent alone with my Lord.

- God has incredibly blessed and renewed my love for His Word through this conference. I love Him so much.

- Through Pastor Myers (and the others) my heart and mind has been transformed and equipped to see Christ in ALL of the Scriptures. Praise the Lord.

- An awesome experience packed to overflowing of vital spiritual food that I will have to digest for many months. The emphasis of the morning prayers were so powerful!

- It has opened my eyes to all I have been missing in not truly having a close relationship with Jesus, and has given me tools to grow this relationship to be strong. Also made me want to share this with others.

- This was an amazing, life-changing, and eye-opening event that has changed my life and the way I do "business."

- Loved Stephen Bohr's presentations, Pastor Myers, Emanuel Baek, Doug Batchelor, & Taj Pacaleb as well. Everything was so convicting, and yet practical. The morning prayer sessions with Melissa Miranda and Martin Kim were powerful, and I loved all the testimonies. The vegan food was excellent.

- The personal atmosphere, love of everyone towards each other, the agape banquet, and the deep Biblical messages shared. My eyes have been opened. Thank you!

- I am so excited to take this back home to share with my church. I learned so much about personal Bible study. It's exciting!

- I cannot express the blessing received here.

- This conference has been an answer to YEARS of PRAYERS!!!!

- Was impacted so much by the deep quality of the speaker's messages, the atmosphere of reverence and the prayer times. I am going to cross the Jordan and stop sending spies!!!

- It has rejuvenated me tremendously. I've never experienced anything so impacting in my walk with God!

- Powerful presentations from each speaker with no competition between ministries, great break-out sessions, powerful prayer time. My mind and life has been revolutionized. Keep doing this PLEASE!!! The godly unity of the staff and speakers was inspiring.

- You need to take this camp to every Union and globally!! We need this everywhere.

- For 20 years I have believed that God would raise up an ARMY of YOUTH rightly trained...I see it happening, praise God!

*I have in my possession almost 300 surveys, all with these kinds of comments and testimonies. It's amazing...we are amazed, and we just PRAISE THE LORD!!!! Pray that He will continue to guide us, our direction, our future, and where to host the next ARME BIBLE CAMP!!!

A New Bible and New Discoveries...

I just recently purchased a new Bible, and so have begun underlining it as I do whenever I read. However, it's amazing the new thoughts and passages I have been discovering, as if, for the very first time.

Somehow, in my old Bible, amidst all the underlining, I had skipped over certain areas for quite awhile, feeling as if, "I already know what's in that area" etc. But now that I am reading a NEW Bible, fresh and untouched by my markers from the past 18 years, thoughts and ideas are leaping out anew like never before. I keep thinking, "Wow, amazing! That's just what I needed to hear!" or "Wow, I forgot THAT was there!" (Hmmmm.... maybe I should start over with new Bible's more often!!)

Anyway, so I've been reading in Romans the last couple days...one of my favorite chapters, Romans 8. And these are some thoughts that I've discovered afresh:

"That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled (or made complete) in us, who walk not after the flesh (or after sinful human nature and inclination), but after the spirit (or supernatural power of God)." (Rom 8:4) and it goes on:

"For they that are after the flesh (or earthly nature of man apart from divine influence, and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God) do mind the things of the flesh, and they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded (again here referring to "fleshly minded") is death (eternal death or separation from God); but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind (or human willpower and flesh controlled mind) is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." (Vs 5-7)

Oh yeah, that's all fine and dandy, and we've all heard these passages many times. And we know that if we don't surrender our lives and hearts to God, we will die. But the next passage makes things a little more practical and close to home and kinda hits you in the face and shakes you in surprise. Or at least, it did me!

"So then, they that are in the flesh CANNOT please God..." (Vs 8)

Whoa, hold on here...cannot please God???! Yep, that's right! Why does that hit me in the heart even harder then the threat of eternal death?? I don't know, but it does...

It's like I am told, "You're gonna get sick and die if you don't take care of your body!" Yeah, I know that...don't we all?? But it's such a far and distant thought! But the next verse is like, "Not only will you die someday, but you are basically committing spiritual suicide right now and separating yourself from the very ONE person in the Universe who did everything to save you!!!!" Ouch....the last thing I want to do is displease and separate myself right now from the ONE who has saved me!!

I horror to think of myself standing before my heavenly father...with tears in His eyes as He says:

"Melody, I love you, but I am sooo displeased. I wanted to save you...I wanted to live through you...I wanted to crucify your flesh...but you wouldn't let me. Thus your flesh has crucified you."

How it would break my heart to hear such words! Yet how careless even I can be as I find myself at times floating passively through my Christian experience just expecting to be spared from the effects of the "Carnal/fleshly nature" while all the time it is slowly controlling my very life. Thankfully, as the first few verses of Romans 8 indicate, there is hope. But it requires an active CHOICE...not a passive one, to be successful!

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh." (Vs 1-3) And again repeating verse 4:

"That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit." (Vs 4)

It's interesting how everything is backward, at least humanly speaking, when it comes to the things of God. The spiritual realities of life are so against our carnal self-filled nature of the world. A grain must fall into the ground and be buried before life springs forth, the bread must be broken before it is multiplied, a heart must die to itself and yield to God before it can truly live...

But as I've read these verses again, I am reminded of what is truly important in my life. Not what I've done, not where I've been, not who I know...but am I dead to self, am I covered in His Blood? Does my life please Him???

As a general rule, I love to please others, and I thrive on affirmation, especially from those I am close to. In fact, it hurts me if the slightest disappointment or dissatisfaction is shown by those I love. I think this is true for most of us. Yet, how often do we as Christians try to please our human companions and forget about the most important of all. ..our Creator and our God! Oh how I want to PLEASE HIM!!!!

"For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." Gal 1:10

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." Luke 9:24

So once again...God's Word has convicted me afresh...and I am praying that He will help me more fully live, and only live, to please and honor Him!

My Answer to Prayer in Korea

Well, believe it or not...my time in Korea has ended and I am back on American soil! The flight was bumpy and I was relieved to touch the ground in LA. At the same time, I was sad to say goodbye to Korea, and sad to see the time over. It's amazing how much just a couple weeks can impact your life!

There were many special experiences while I was there. Although the kids challenged me, and sometimes stretched me (It's been awhile since I've taught in a regular classroom), being back made me realize that TEACHING and working with kids is still one of my first loves.

Each child was special in their own unique way, but one girl in particular became very near and dear to my heart. Her name was Anna.

From day one, she seemed to be set in her own ways. She was a second year student, and so had already been through the program. So she often seemed disinterested or wanted to do her own thing. When she would come late to meetings, or not participate in an activity, she always had some good excuse. I grew weary with her, and strengthened my resolve to "make her" obey. But often I felt my efforts were fruitless and I was just spinning my wheels.

Somewhere in the first few days, she skipped out on a evening worship session. (Or maybe she slipped out when I wasn't looking!) Someone found her back in the dorm. When I questioned her, she only had excuses. She was always falling asleep at meetings and ignoring what was being said. I decided more than likely, she just did not want to hear the messages. I didn't know what to do, so I kept being firm with her. But things didn't get better. Halfway through, I had to take her to our director for a second time...for more behavior issues. He told me, "If she has a third offense, we are just going to send her home! She signed the agreement for summer camp that she was going to cooperate, but she's obviously not doing that." I felt horrible as a teacher. What was I doing wrong with her?!

At some point in time during our first week together, during evening family time, I'd asked my kids about their religious backgrounds. Only three of them even attended church, and the others said they came from homes where no religion was practiced. As I shared the "Creation Story" and the basics of the "Plan of Salvation" I could tell that this was all new to most. And so I prayed...

As things intensified with Anna, I began to realize that this wasn't just happen-stance behavior, but that we were in a spiritual battle for her soul. And the devil did not want to allow a single foot-hold of faith for her to hang on to. So I began to pray more earnestly. "God, please help me to reach her heart! You brought her here for a reason. You brought her to my class for a reason. I don't want to have to send her home. Please help me reach her."

Our team even gathered in prayer, to pray for each other and for our kids. And amazingly, it was then that things began to turn around.

God impressed upon my heart to be firm, but to add more love, to be strict but add more good-natured care, and I sought to reach out to her more. With time her attitude softened, and she began to relax. She began to actually stay-awake in meetings and pay more attention. She began to try to help out more in the classroom. Finally one day, as we got in our circle for evening prayer before I sent the kids off to their dorms, she piped up, "Teacher, can I pray tonight?" I was shocked!! "Of course Anna, I'd love that!"

And she prayed,

"Dear God, thank you for today. God, I love you! Goodnight God...Amen!"

That was all, just simple and sweet, but how that prayer must have touched the heart of God. The prayer of a little child, spoken with all sincerity and trust, and child-like love.

As to be expected, there were no more issues with Anna, and when my director made the call for those to come forward that wanted to accept the "Creator God," she was one of those that responded.

At the end of the camp, after the talent and award ceremony had finished, she came up to me to give me one last hug and she slipped a card into my hands. In beautiful English she had written,

"I am so glad you were my teacher. You are a good teacher and a good nurse. And I will never forget you. Please, let's keep in touch. Don't forget me. I love you and I will miss you so much."

Of course, it melted my sentimental little heart. And I thank the Lord for answered prayer!!

Like I shared before, it's been over 16 years since my very first over-seas mission trip...the one that I incidentally took to Korea. Many more mission trips have followed, and I am sure many will continue to follow.

I don't know what the future holds, or what exactly God has in store for the next 16 years of my life. But one thing I do know, and that is, I am thankful for each new day and each new opportunity to serve Him! I'm thankful for the kids I got to teach and the memories we made. I'm thankful for the teammates and friends that He gave me on this trip, that have forever etched their ways into my heart, and most of all, I'm thankful for another opportunity to grow my faith and trust in Him.

And hopefully, it is NOT 16 years before I visit Korea again! ;-)

Pictures, pictures, pictures...

And there are many more where these came from... :-)

Korea Summer Camp - Updates

Can't believe we've been in Korea almost a week...time is going sooooo quickly, and we are having sooooo much fun!!! 150 kids joined us this past Tuesday, and since then we've had a full schedule of classes, art, fun and games...with lots of singing and stories in between. We have a great group of kids...infact, they say it is the best group they've had at this camp. (I think it's because we prayed sooo much for the kids before they came!!!) We also have a great team of leaders. I'm going to miss them when we separate. I'm soooo busy I don't have time to write more details now, but just wanted to share a few pictures! God is blessing and we are having such a good time!!!! Keep praying for us!!!

Love from Korea, Melody

PS: Hope you enjoy the PHOTOS....I've taken almost 600 so far!!! My teammate Sue thinks she has me beat, but I'm not so sure?? Anyway, as you'll probably figure out, the pics are of the school and the area here (It's beautiful) as well as my wonderful teammates (Sue, Bryan, Kindra, Keeler, Sherri, Megan, Marlena, Chris, Julie, Dave, John, Monica, Mitchell, Michelle) and our directors/leaders family. (Thanks director Jed and Irene and little ones! It's sooo great working with you here!) Stay posted for a slide-show that will be coming!!

Korea - Here we come!!!

It's hard to believe that it was over 16 years ago now that I took my first mission trip! It was a very last minute affair. Some of my high school classmates were headed off to Korea and Thailand to do a musical ministry mission trip...and I was to be left behind. However, at the last minute some friends stepped forward and put up the funds so I could go. I was ecstatic, but I had no Passport. So we sent off my application.....RUSH!!!! And we purchased my tickets. My passport and papers came back like the day before we were to leave. Wow....that was close! But God had worked it out, and I couldn't believe it. I was off for my very first over seas mission experience...the beginning of many!

In the sixteen years since, I've continued to enjoy missions. Amazing God has opened the doors for me to live or serve for short periods of time in Asia, South America, Central America, Africa, and even Northern Europe. (Yeah, I have to admit, Norway was a pretty upper class experience!) And my blessings from God and experiences have been multiplied many times over. But I have never forgotten the miracles God worked on that first mission trip many years ago, and now...over 16 years later...I have returned to Korea. To help a team lead a summer camp (language school) vacation Bible school for about 150 junior high kids. This trip too has been a miracle...how God provided my way and has opened the doors....

We've just barely arrived, and I still haven't got my land legs yet, but I am looking forward and expectant for what God is going to do!

Watch out Korea, because here we come!!!

A call to Anguish...

Just listened to another powerful stirring call...a call to 

"anguish"...yes...a call to be broken with the heart of Christ!

I encourage you to watch with PRAYERFUL HEART!

"Call to Anguish - by David Wilkerson"

I'm reminded of the Hymn...

Let Your Heart Be Broken

 

Let your heart be broken for a world in need

Feed the mouths that hunger,

soothe the wounds that bleed.

Give the cup of water, and the loaf of bread.

Be the hands of Jesus, serving in his stead.

 

Here on earth applying principles of love.

Visible expression, God still rules above.

Living illustration of the living word,

to the minds of all who've never seen or heard.

 

Blest to be a blessing, privileged to care,

challenged by the need, apparent everywhere.

Where mankind is wanting, fill the vacant place.

Be the means through which

The Lord reveals His grace.

 

Add to your believing deeds that prove it true,

knowing Christ as Savior, Make Him Master too.

Follow in His footsteps, go where he has trod;

In the worlds great trouble risk yourself for God.

 

Let your heart be tender and your vision clear;

See mankind as God sees, serve Him far and near.

Let your heart be broken by a brothers pain;

Share your rich resources, give and give again.

The more I seek Him, the more I find...

"And ye shall seek me and find me, when you search for me with ALL YOUR HEART!" Jer 29:13

The more I seek Him,

The more I find Him.

The more I find Him,

The more I love Him!

I want to sit at your feet

Drink from the cup in your hand

Lay back against you and breath

Feel your heartbeat

This love is so deep

It is more than I can stand

I melt in your peace

It's overwhelming...

The more I seek Him

The more I find Him

The more I find Him

The more I love Him!

This love is so deep

It's more than I can stand

I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming...

And it's Beautiful!!! I love you Lord!!!

Joys forever more...

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fullness of Joy. At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Psalms 16:11

Had the wonderful joy of SURPRISING my family last weekend!! It was all rather last minute. I was thinking about all I had to do, and the stuff I had to move home (which has multiplied) and wondering how I was going to manage it all in only one trip. Then I talked to my mom on the phone and she told me about how they were having a big canoe trip and weekend with friends and how sad she was that I would miss the weekend (Since I still had 2 wks to work!) After I hung up the phone, I was like, "Why don't I just drive home and surprise them! It's only 10 hours (ha ha), and I can drive all night after work Thursday and be home for a full weekend before I have to work again on Tuesday!!"

So......that is exactly what I did! Thursday am I got up early and packed, loaded down my Honda with as much stuff as I could cram, and then left for work. When I got off work at 11:45pm, I headed North on I-35.  I arrived at "Country Loven' Farm" at 9:30 am...almost 10 hours later!!! You should have seen the look on my parents and brothers faces when they saw me. (I snuck into the kitchen where everyone was, but my mom had her back to me and didn't see me. What made it more funny is, she was TALKING ABOUT ME to some friends. So I got in on the conversation. Initially everyone else saw me, but they kept quiet. When she finally turned and saw me standing at the foot of the stairs, her jaw about hit the floor. It was GREAT!!!!!)

So we all had a wonderful weekend together, and had a blast canoeing the Buffalo!! I've grown up on this famous Ozark river, but have been out West for the past few summers, so it was great to get in on the family fun again!

Now I'm in Texas for my last few days of work....then heading home one more time before I leave for CA, Korea, and more adventures. God is good...and I am sooo blessed!!

Where in the World is Melody???

I've had a few e-mails from concerned friends... "Where are you Melody? What's up with your life? Things have been kinda silent on your blog. Is everything ok?" And I just chuckle...

Everything is more than "ok." Yes, my life continues to be full and blessed!! (Just see pics above!!) The problem is, it is sooooo full and blessed, I've not had time to write about it. To catch the highlights of where I have been or what I've been up to...you have to be a friend on FACEBOOK!

Here's an overview from the last 6 weeks - Facebook Style :-)

May 3rd - Melody wants to GROW FAITH like potatoes!!! ;-) [Note - if you haven't watched the documentary, it is great! Not the movie, the DOCUMENTARY in the special feature section of the movie.]

May 4th - with a heavy heart, is reminded this earth is NOT our home...we're just passing through!! [Friend's child drowned!]

May 8th - Melody has seen AGAIN this week....His Strength is Perfect!!!

May 10th - I just called and wished BOTH my MOTHER'S a Happy mothers Day!! I am sooo blessed!!! [Still have warm memories of their visit here in TX this spring!!]

May 12th - Melody had to call a CODE BLUE tonight!!! [It was too late...his heart recovered, but his brain never did! He transferred to ICU and family pulled life support a few days later...soooo sad! I can't ask myself "If only" - God is in control...]

May 13th - Melody is sooo proud of her sister SANDRA....graduating and about to join our ranks of "REGISTERED NURSES"!!! [Sandra completed Nursing and we all celebrated in Oklahoma for her Nurse's pinning ceremony!]

May 14th - Time to mark your calenders and plan to attend our first ARMe Bible Camp!!! It's a conference you don't want to miss! It's gonna be AWESOME!!!! http://www.armebiblecamp.com/ [This is one of the ministry projects I've been working on this spring with a team of dedicated leaders. Our speakers will be Pastor Ivor Myers, Pastor Doug Batchelor, Pastor Stephen Bohr, Evangelist Emmaneul Baek, and Taj Pacleb! We are thrilled and know it will be an awesome conference!!]

May 16th - Melody is learning new things about Medical Evangelism from Mr. Fiedler, and enjoying time with OA family! [Mr. Fiedler was one of my favorite teachers in highschool, and I still enjoy listening to him share! He's gained quite a reputation for his knowledge in SDA church history.]

May 17th - Melody is hanging out at Ouachita Hills Campus in AR, with Tim and Sunny!! It is soooooo green here!! [Went over with them to Alistair Huongs graduation!]

May 18th - Melody is thankful for His GRACE...and energized for a wonderful new week!!

May 20th - Melody is having fun training in my REPLACEMENT at work! She's gonna be great!! [They've had me doing specialized "plastic surgery patient" care, so now that I am leaving, they wanted me to train in a replacement!]

May 21st - Melody is praying about WHAT TO DO next?! It's exciting walking by faith, because you never know what Great things God has in store around the next corner, and I'm approaching another corner... ;-)

May 22nd - KOREA - here I come!!! (God has opened the doors for me to work with a mission team doing child/youth evangelism for a couple weeks this summer! I'm excited!)

May 26th - Melody is on a treadmill that keeps going FASTER!!!! Help.....stop this thing!!! ;-)

May 27th - Melody is seeing how long she can burn the candle at both ends and still LIVE! ;-) Worked til midnight, and haven't been to bed yet...leave for airport in a hour!! (You're RIGHT, I am nuts!!!)

May 30th - had a great evening with old Loma Linda friends, and thankful for Sabbath tomorrow!!! [Traveled to CA for Dave/Vanessa wedding weekend, and then to help Tim and Sunny drive to Ohio!]

May 31st - Melody is TIRED...but enjoying vacation with friends. Tomorrow is the BIG DAY for Dave and Vanessa!!!! Congratulations guys!!!!! [See slideshow and post below for more glimpse of this beautiful occasion!]

June 1st - is helping Tim and Sunny move to Ohio!!! I even get to help drive the big 26 foot truck....YEAH!!!!

June 2nd - 1:15 am - is having fun reading Tim and Deb's status updates...we are all on our computers (well 4 out of 6 of us) and we are all crashing after a long day!!! I drove the big 26 foot Penske all afternoon! Wooohoooo!!!! [Written from Flagstaff AZ]

June 1st - 8am - Grand Canyon HERE WE COME!!!! This is not my first time, but it's fun to be with everyone else when it is their FIRST!! ;-)

June 3rd - drove the big truck ALL the way from CA to OK (all but the first 4 hours - my daddy would be sooo proud of me!) Praising the Lord to get it here safely...and excited to be having Dad and Mom Holland join our travel crew for our last LONG day of driving to OH!!

June 5th - It's 1:18 AM....and we arrived safely to Sunny and Tim's new home in Ohio!! We've set up our air mattresses, and tomorrow will unload the truck! Praising the Lord for safe travels!!!! ;-) (PS: I am going to miss driving that BIG truck...it was a blast!!!)

June 5th - 6pm - Truck unloaded, food for Sabbath ready, rooms in house are in progress...still can't decide where to put mirror! (It's a looong story!!) We are all pooped!! Praise the Lord for a day of rest!!!

June 7th - Got to take a quick trip to Illinois and visit Carolyn and 3ABN!! Enjoyed touring the sets and seeing more behind the scenes!

June 8th - Melody has enjoyed the time with Tim/Sunny and family and is heading back to TX to finish her contract!! Then on to NEW ADVENTURES...

June 9th - Melody missed both flights out of Ohio today...first one was over-booked, second one had mechanical problems!!! (So....sigh....I got a free round trip ticket and get to hang out with family for 1 more day...minus all my luggage!!) [During this extra day, we toured the National Airforce Museum in Dayton. Even toured all the planes that the President - as recent as Clinton (yeah!) have ridden in!]

June 11th - I did NOT make it to my destination airport but am very glad to be ALIVE!! Wildest flight of my life! (Now I've got to figure out how to get to Killeen as I'm not ready to fly again right now!!) [This flight, obviously also had problems, due to weather! It's a long story I will write out soon, hopefully! Or maybe you can read about it in the next SetApartGirl online magazine!]

June 12th - The storms are still raging, but I am back in TX safe.....FINALLY!!! And I'm thankful for human guardian angels! [God sent someone to give me a ride from Abilene (where we had our emergency landing) all the way to Killeen! What a huge blessing!]

June 13th - Melody is listentening to: "My redeemer is faithful and true....everything He has said He will do, and every morning His mercies are new, my redeemer is faithful and true..." (I LOVE IT!!!!!)

June 15th - Melody can't go to sleep because she's reading the new SETAPARTGIRL online magazine!!! Wow...it's amazing how all our articles fit so perfectly together!!! I am sooo inspired!! http://www.setapartgirl.com/

June 17th - Melody is LOVING the life God has given her!!!!!

June 18th - Melody just finished a 60 hour work-week (5 twelve hour shifts in a row!! Wow! I am dead tired!!!)

June 19th - Melody is taking some extra time SET-APART (from FB) for her greatest LOVE, Jesus Christ!! "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the [woman] that trusteth in Him. O fear the Lord ye his saints, for there is no want to them that fear Him!" Ps 34:8-9

Yep, just acknowledging what has been obvious to everyone else...I've been on the treadmill too long, and need a break from it all. Don't get me wrong...I love FB, and I'll be back, but it can take up precious time, and since time is very limited right now as I am working soooo hard to finish up this contract and get ready for my next adventures, I decided I'd take a step back from it for a bit! Thus...my final and most recent status update...Besides, now that I'm off Facebook for a bit...I can actually take time to update my blog!! Yeah!

So...you see, it's been a full 6 weeks!!! ;-) All I can say is, through it all...God is good! All the time, God is good!!!

And they lived...Happily Ever After!!

*Thanks Wanda, for the Great photos!!

To see the professional slideshow - click here Rowena Curtis Photography

In tribute to Dave and Vanessa...

Being a true romantic at heart, it's always exciting when another one of my girlfriends get's engaged and starts planning her wedding! I'm all ears, for all the excitement and all the details!!

Last summer it was my sister Sunny's big day...this summer it was Vanessa's!!

From the very beginning I've enjoyed watching Vanessa and Dave's love blossom (it all started in the California poppy fields). And when Dave finally asked Vanessa to be his wife...well, you can just imagine the excitement for us all!! Then there were the trips to "David's Bridal" (how ironic is that), and trips to more wedding stores. What a fun time of life!!

Well, this past May 31st, they finally tied the knot...in the most beautiful and sacred way I think I have ever seen! I knew Vanessa was working like crazy trying to iron out all the details...but since I've been away in Texas this spring, I had no idea...just how many details. Once the big weekend came, it was evident...there was much thought, prayer, and planning in this wedding.

Of course, the setting was scenic, as you can see by the pictures. But more than a beautiful scene, and a lovely bride and groom, was the emphasis they put on God and His glory and honor. It was a beautiful tribute to a marvelous Creator...the author of true romance! I was inspired and impressed...and very blessed.

So Vanessa, you did good...on your man, on your day, and most importantly...on making a memory that ultimately glorified God!! May the rest of your love story be as beautiful as the beginning...and grow more beautiful through the years!!

And don't ever forget...your girlfriends will always love you!!

Our prayers...God's answer...

Isn't it interesting?? Much that perplexes us in our Christian experience is but the answer to our prayers... I can only smile thinking about it all...and the times when I've asked "Why" and God has softly replied, "But Mel, that's what you prayed for! I am only answering your prayers!"

Soak in the depth of one author's insights below. It is profound!

• We pray for patience, and our Father sends those who tax us to the utmost; for "tribulation worketh patience."
• We pray for submission, and God sends sufferings; for "we learn obediently by the things we suffer."
• We pray for unselfishness, and God gives us opportunities to sacrifice ourselves by thinking on the things of others, and by laying down our lives for the brethren.
• We pray for strength and humility, and some messenger of Satan torments us until we lie in the dust crying for its removal.
• We pray, "Lord increase our faith," and money takes wings; or the children are alarmingly ill; or a servant comes who is careless, extravagant, untidy or slow, or some hitherto unknown trial calls for an increase of faith along a line where we have not needed to exercise much faith before.
• We pray for the Lamb-like life, and are given a portion of lowly service, or we are injured and must seek no redress; for "He was led as a lamb to the slaughter...and opened not his mouth."
• We pray for gentleness, and there comes a perfect storm of temptation to harshness and irritability.
• We pray for quietness, and every nerve is strung to the utmost tension, so that looking to Him we may learn that when He giveth quietness, no one can make trouble.
• We pray for love, and God sends peculiar suffering and puts us with apparently unlovely people, and lets them say things which rasp the nerves and lacerate the heart; for love suffereth long and is kind, love is not impolite, love is not provoked. Love beareth all things, believeth, hopeth and endureth. Love never faileth.
• We pray for likeness to Jesus, and the answer is, "I have chosen thee in the furnance of affliction." "Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong."
  

The way to peace and victory is to accept every circumstance, every trial, straight from the hand of a loving Father; and to live up in the heavenly places, above the clouds, in the very presence of the throne, and to look down from the glory upon our environment as lovingly and divinely appointed.

-Author Unknown-

You're NOT GUILTY anymore...

“It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, doesn’t matter what you’re coming from, it doesn’t matter where you’ve been. Hear me tell you, I forgive.

You’re not guilty anymore. You’re not filthy anymore. I love you, mercy is yours. You’re not broken anymore, you’re not captive anymore. I love you, mercy is yours.

Can you believe that this is true. Grace abundant I am giving you. It’s cleansing deeper than you know. All was paid for long ago.

You’re not guilty anymore. You’re not filthy anymore. I love you, mercy is yours. You’re not broken anymore, you’re not captive anymore. I love you, mercy is yours.

There is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Jesus. You’re not guilty anymore. You’re not filthy anymore. I love you, mercy is yours. You’re not broken anymore, you’re not captive anymore. I love you, mercy is yours.

You are spotless. You are holy. You are faultless. You are whole. You are righteous. You are blameless. You are pardoned. You are MINE! You’re not guilty anymore. You’re not filthy anymore. I love you, mercy is yours. You’re not broken anymore. You’re not captive any more. I love you, mercy is yours.”

Praise the Lord, IN HIM who is our judge, lawgiver, and King....our Righteousness...we stand NOT GUILTY anymore!!!

Announcing the GREAT THINGS of THIS month of MAY!!!

To read some powerful articles, go to http://www.setapartgirl.com/

Wow...for the month of May, where do I begin???

With this month comes my sister Sandra's graduation from Nursing, my brother-in-law Tim's graduation from Medical School (He will now be a MD/PhD), one of my closest friend Vanessa's dream wedding to her best friend Dave, and my preparations for the big move with Sunny and Tim to Ohio. Besides these big monumental events though, there are lots of little things that make a difference in each and every day...

Yesterday it was delivering a warm banquet of Spring flowers to someone I appreciate, today it was spending some of the midnight hours in prayer and then waking up to discover the latest issue of SET-APART GIRL ready to read! Today it was also getting the routine "Happy May First" message from my college friend Mary, and having a good talk with one of my childhood best friends Val. These are blessings I just cannot keep to myself, but must share!!! Big things are exciting...but it's also the little things that make a big difference!

Happy May everyone...and remember...

"Happy is that people whose God is Lord..." Ps 144:15

Sharing the Colors of Spring with those I love...

"Bloom where you are planted!"

Flowers have always been a favorite of mine...in fact, as long as I can remember, I've always been "Mom's lil flower girl" picking everything I found, and revealing in its beauty. So it is even today. Every place I travel, I am always looking for the local beauties and the life and color they display. Last spring it was the California poppy fields and the famous Southern CA Daffodil Hill which I just heard will be closing to the public after this season.

Well, this year my discovery has been the Texas bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush. (Not hard to spot in spring!) And I have been extra spoiled in the fact that My Mom and brother from Arkansas came to visit, and my Mom Holland from Oklahoma also came to visit and enjoy the beauty with me. Below are a few of my favorite pics from our time together!!

One of my handsome brothers...just so you girls know there are still some good ones out there, in the making...a true Warrior poet and man of God!

I love you guys, all of you!! Thanks for coming and enjoying spring with me, and brightening my life!

Sometimes I wonder what God can create from all the brown and drab of my life...the mistakes and failures, and the times I've wasted. Yet God is in the business of miracles, and in bringing beauty from ashes. And if he can do it with the soil of our earth, He can surely do it with me! What hope and courage that brings!

"For the desert shall rejoice and blossom as a rose." Isa 35:1

I am tracking YOU!!!

This month my personal "Site-Counter" for this blog hit 10,000.....(Granted many of those hits are repeats!) Anyway, it's been fun to watch as I've had "repeated hits" from almost every continent. However, I've lost track of all the different countries around the world where people have visited from, so I just added a new feature "Cluster maps" to start visually tagging all the countries that I have page hits from! (Should have done this a long time ago!) So whoever is reading this, tell your friends they need to stop by....and let's get this "Cluster Map" clogged!!! ;-)

"Banana's 4 Bangladesh" is launched...

Before any more time goes by, I'd like to OFFICIALLY announce the website: http://www.bananas4bangladesh.com/

Please visit!! It shares about "The Moskala's Ministry of Love" and the Country that has captured my heart...I'm sure it will capture yours as well!!

"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." I John 2:6

It's tough to be a Nurse that cares...

Texas nursing is really no different than nursing in Oklahoma, California, Colorado or anywhere else I've been. They are still the same sick people, struggling to ward off some deadly disease, cope with the new realities of life, or simply make it through more meds, more treatments, and just another day....

Nursing can be very depressing sometimes though...you see the sickest of society, in times and conditions that are less than flattering, and in circumstances that are often very grim. Pain, discouragement, despair, and hopelessness are all around you...and so is frustration, anger, complaining, and sometimes downright rudeness from those who haven't learned how to cope with their lot in life. As one quote goes, "If your day is going wrong, just pass it along to someone else!" And so, although trying to mend the wounds, soothe the fears, and bring some hope to my patients and their days, I still often get mistreated and lashed out at.

But then again, should I complain....I am certainly not the first to walk this path!

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isa 53:5

"Don't let yourself care too much! You have to be tough so things don't effect you." I was once cautioned by an older wiser nurse. "After all, death and pain are all around you....constantly!! You can't cry every time a patient dies (I usually do), you can't stop and wonder what it must feel like to have just received such dreadful news (I wonder), you can't dry every tear they shed (I still try)....you just can't let yourself care!"

Yet...with all that admonition, it hasn't changed me much....because I can't help it...I still care!!

Oh, I've learned how to have more professional composure, I've learned how to pick up and go on, I've learned how to know when to share and when to be silent...but I still care! I just can't help it! I pray that somehow, while they may be losing their opportunities for health in this life, that they'll somehow find hope for the next life to come!

Some of my patients I'm able to share Christ with in words, but most aren't ready...so I just share about Him in my actions, for they say, "Actions speak louder than words!" Yet I still pray for and care for each one!

There's a couple patients that have impacted my life in a more dramatic way these last few weeks.

Let's start with Kyle* - a bronzed 17 year old, athletic, good looking and obviously very talented young man with his whole life ahead of him. However, he didn't have a whole lot of respect for his parents or for the important things of life. He was just having fun!! Then one day this past weekend, while in the fast lane speeding with friends, their vehicle rolled. Now he's a paraplegic, for life!! And with the desperateness of a hurting child he clings to his parents for support. He wouldn't even allow me to give him his meds.... "Mom - will you give me my pills?" His brother gives him hugs, and when his dad leaves he hollers, "I love you!" as if it may be his last.

How many young people today are going to have to roll their cars in the fast lane of life, before they wake up to the reality of the value of life...the value of their family, the value of health and arms and legs that move?? It's sooo sad....but I am afraid, it will be many more.

Then there's Miss Becky*, a sweet 49 year old abdominoplasty and breast augmentation patient. Desperate to be more beautiful and reverse the signs of age, she's paid thousands to have a professional "tummy tuck" and "breast enlargement" and liposuction job. Yet it is obvious that she does not know God and her life will continue to be empty and shallow...even if in a more beautiful form.

When will she discover that true beauty is not made up of a sleek trim frame, or alluring curves, but rather it comes from having a living relationship with Jesus Christ....in the heart...a meek and quiet spirit, a humble servants heart, an attitude of love and gratefulness, a giving spirit?

Then there is Mrs. Lindsey* - a patient that has Congestive Heart Failure and is forced to wear oxygen everywhere she goes. She's in the hospital for Pacemaker repair, but hopes to be home soon. When we meet and she learns about my travels and that I don't even have my own place, but am staying with friends, she sweetly offers, "Well if you ever need a place to live when you are here, you can come live with me?!" I think she is joking, but the more she talks, I realize, this lady is serious. She doesn't know me from Adam...or should I say, Eve...yet she has bonded with me and is inviting me to come share her home!! What a giving spirit.

While no longer beautiful in outward form, there is a radiance and life in her eyes that even 72 years have not dimmed.

Then there's Mr. Morris* - an elderly man that was happily enjoying his retirement years when suddenly he had a stroke, and now he can only move one half of his body. He's sooo large he is difficult to turn, and he is getting bed sores. When I approach him and ask how he's doing, he whispers "Horrible." With some more prodding about where it is "horrible," he finally points to his head... "Up here it is horrible!" Ahhh...now I understand. I take his hand gently in mine. "It must be tough lying here feeling like there's nothing you can do, huh?" I softly begin. Tears come to his eyes as he nods. We talk some more. His body may be crippled, but there's obviously nothing wrong with this 80 year old man's mind. Finally I ask, "Do you know Jesus?" he shakes his head. I tell him about my story and how Jesus has changed my life. Then I softly ask, "Would you like to know Jesus? Would you like to make things right with him?" His whole body shakes uncontrollably! He cannot speak, he only cries...Finally he says, "Yes..." And I help him pray.

It may be close to the end for Mr. Morris...yet, it's still not too late to make things right! As long as there is life, it never is...

Then there's Mr. Henry* - Diagnosed with metastatic bone cancer, he barely gets around and lives in pain. His family has signed the DNR papers and stand beside him in support. We do all we can to keep him comfortable. But one evening, with an extra burst of energy he says he has to go to the bathroom. A bedpan will not do, he wants to walk there himself. Two people steady him as walks to the commode with his oxygen line in tow. Once there it is evident that he's not getting back to bed without major assistance. He is collapsing! Three of us literally drag him back to his bed and he dies in our arms along the way. For Mr. Henry there is no more chances. He will never see another day. While we knew his death was coming, it is so sudden and unexpected. All the nurses break down...even our CNA is crying.

And so our patients come, and so our patients go...some to their rest, some to rehab, and some to what they hope will be a improved life! But each one impacts me...and no matter the pain, I am determined to not grow hardened to it all!

If Jesus heart still breaks for our pain...and has for thousands of years now...why do we consider it such a sacrifice to carry "his cross" for just a few years...

"For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now." Rom 8:22

And so... "Jesus [too] wept..." John 11:35

No, I will not just turn and walk away! I am determined, I will continue to reach out and CARE....

*Names and some circumstances changed to protect identities.

Radical Feminity...dusting off the woman of Proverbs 31!

As women, in the modern world and church, we are fast loosing sight of the true spirit of femininity and passions that God has called us to uphold. In place of seeking to become the woman of Proverbs 31, we have been seeking to become the independent self-sufficient, new super-women of the modern age (aka "Martha Stewart"), cut and dried with clothes and make-up in place...a batch of cookies in the oven...an agenda that would make the Queen of England blush, and a calender of activities that would make our grandparents turn over in their graves. We try to do all the right things, have the right looks, go the right places, date the right guys, and even show our face in just the right "good Samaritan activities"... but more than not, it has become all about us!

What is life going to give us...what is God going to do for us...what is true love going to win for us?? When we stop a moment to take a breath, have a massage to de-stress, and take some "me time" to keep from turning into a mess, we discover, "Maybe being this woman of the new age isn't that spectacular after all. Maybe there is something more!"

Could that something more be "Biblical Christ-centered Femininity"??

Being a carefree-country-girl-tom-boy from my early years, one who didn't care about fashions much less wearing dresses or staying in the kitchen with the girls, most would not have looked at me as a champion of sweet simple godly femininity. "Come on, she'd rather be building a fort in the woods, climbing a mountain, or planting trees!" But actually, surprise of all surprises, I am!! I am a huge champion of Biblical Christ centered femininity, and I have been for most of my life. However, the older I get, the more important it has become to me.

No, I'm not talking about the quaint prissy type of woman that can't get her fingers dirty, or play in the rain. I'm not talking about the fragile pale princess that can't do good deeds unless a guy is watching her or make any decisions on her own. I'm talking about the Christ centered vigilant woman...the woman that will do whatever it takes to take care of others, comfort the hurting, and rescue the lost! (This can get pretty dirty sometimes!) I'm talking about the daring kind of woman that will do whatever it takes to guard her heart...even if that means acting by principle instead of emotions! (In other words, she doesn't play around with guys just for fun!). I'm talking about the woman that will at all cost take care of her body (it's not just to be used as an "Entertainment center" but rather was designed to be a "Holy Temple"). I'm talking about the kind of godly Christ centered femininity that will jealously guard her bridegroom and love (Jesus Christ) with a holy jealousy and passion that will not let go!

The woman of Proverbs 31 was definitely a hard worker...and she was beautiful in her own rite, but she wasn't consumed with "herself." She was consumed with others...to minister and to serve, to feed her household, to be productive and do things that count for eternity!

This morning I was reading in John 6 and when I came to verse 27, I came to a thoughtful stop. While the passage is not about women, it really spoke to my heart about the type of "Woman" God wants his daughters to be. It goes like this:

"Labour not for meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give to you."

The thing that sets apart (no pun intended) the woman of Proverbs 31 is that she doesn't labour for "meat that perishes." She labours for that which is eternal...the welfare of her household, her husband, and her walk with God!

And straight and simple, I believe that is what God is calling us to be as women...set-apart for Him! He desires us as woman to labour for things of eternal value! Forget the foolishness and vanity...forget trying to climb the ladder of prestige or popularity...forget about making money and trying to be on top of a worldly career! We don't have time for that... In Matt 6:33 it encourages us:

"Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and ALL these things shall be added unto you!"

I don't know what "all these things are," but I'm pretty sure it means that God will take care of my needs, and He'll take care of where I should be. My task is to re-evaluate the priorities of my life and to put away anything that is keeping me from seeking Him first. My goal is to learn to put my time and energy where it really matters, in nurturing relationships, winning souls, and saving the lost for God's kingdom!

I may not be all elegant and dignified, wear robes of silk and purple, or make fine linen to sell (I did try a few times, but always decided playing with the boys in the mud was more fun)...but I long to be the woman of Proverbs 31 that will never let my lamp go out ("Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Ps 119:105), that will always be quick and ready to offer a hand to those in need, that will do good to my husband all the days of my life (even before I ever know him), and that will be more concerned with others than I am with myself!

No, that doesn't mean "girly things" don't matter to me! I may be a country-girl grown-up tom-boy, but just in case you were worried...I am still a true girl and romantic at heart. I do wear dresses now....sometimes....I love children, and I actually love working in the kitchen! And my closest friends are not boys anymore, but a group of priceless treasures...godly, set-apart, beautiful feminine girls! (Yes, if there are any guys reading this, these kind do still exist! But in case you were hopeful, I'm not passing out numbers. You have to find them yourself, and I suggest the first place you look in the search is "Jesus Christ.")

But more important than all of this beautiful "girly stuff," I am a champion of Biblical Christ-centered femininity...the kind of femininity that will do and dare to live for God...even if its unpopular, even if it means getting a little dirty, and even if it means doing things completely different than the rest of the world. I wont ever be on the cover of a vogue or beauty magazine (never wanted to) and may not be beautiful to the vast populous of the world, but that doesn't matter.

After all, my only goal is to please my true bridegroom, Jesus Christ!!

"Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31"30

[End Note: In my pursuit of this goal over the last 10 years, there is a special couple that have been a huge blessing and inspiration in my life, and that is Eric and Leslie Ludy.

I was first introduced to them by my friend LaRae, when she gave me their book "His Perfect Faithfulness." (This book has been revised and expanded to the current title "When Dreams Come True" - Eric and Leslie's true story of how God brought them to each other and scripted their love story.) Authors of almost 15 books now, all dealing with living the set-apart life for God, and getting out of the world and closer to God, they have had a huge impact in my life! Back in 2005 I started attending their seminars and retreats...I've been to six of them now, and can't wait for the next!

If you read any of Leslie's work, you will see how (while we are very different and come from different perspectives and backgrounds) she's blessed and encouraged "godly femininity" in my life in a profound way. And she has become a true inspiration and friend. Well, this past fall, she shocked me by asking if I would be willing to help write for her new girls Online magazine, "The Set-Apart Girl." I love to write, and I definitely am a champion of godly femininity, but I was humbled at the prospect. What an honor, to consider the opportunity to share beside one of my favorite authors and inspirations!

Unfortunately, the last few months have been busy ones, (including another "Set-Apart Discipleship Retreat" that I attended and actually filmed in the Ludy's home), and I have had no time to write...much less time to think about writing. But things are finally beginning to settle down again, and this March will be the second time I've been able to contribute to her magazine!

As I've already mentioned, Leslie is a huge champion of Christ centered Biblical femininity...seeking to pull girls out of the pit of the modern "Play-girl" and point them to their true anchor and Love in Jesus Christ. Her last article "Captivating Selflessness" shows what God is truly calling us to be, Set-Apart Selfless women of service, honoring Him! Turning our eyes from the media and the images of the world to focus our eyes on LIVING in the POWER of JESUS CHRIST.

I've been encouraged by Leslie, and I'm honored to be able to stand with her to encourage others...to be truly "Set-Apart Girls" for God! To visit "Set-Apart Girl" go to:

www.setapartgirl.com

I invite you to check out their ministry and consider attending one of their discipleship retreats. If you do, you're life and walk with God will never be the same again!

And oh yeah, before you're done, don't forget to check out my article in this March issue of "Set-Apart Girl." It's called "Jealous Love"...and it's about a love you don't want to miss!!]

From CA to TX ~ Put mouse over picture to see captions!

God continues to answer prayer...from California to Texas!!

Well, here I am finally in Texas...exhausted, tired and trying to catch my breath, but feeling very very very blessed! I have a job, a roof over my head, family not far away, and my life continues to be over-filled with blessings and answered prayers....more than I can count!!

Yes, as most of you know, I've spent most of the last 6-7 months doing various ministry projects and working with my Advent Hope ministry team in Loma Linda, CA: Very fulfilled, lots of adventures, but no job and no money! Since the economy has gotten tighter, getting another "Travel Nursing job" has become more difficult than I imagined. I started praying for another job back in November...but even after several months, there was no hope on the horizon. So.....I just kept doing the daily tasks and projects that I knew God was calling me to do, and amazingly, He supplied my needs and kept taking care of me. (Even to paying for over $600 in mechanical problems that I've had with my car the last two months! I didn't have the cash, but He always sent it right when I needed it.)

Well, at the last minute, towards the end of January (just after I'd invited Amanda to come stay with me for a couple weeks) I got a call that my Nursing Agency had an opportunity for me to go work in Texas for a few months! "Texas!?" I exclaimed... "Would God lead me back to Texas?? I'm all settled here in Loma Linda." Of course I forgot that I had also been praying for some time that He'd help me move OUT of Loma Linda and start to get out of the big city environment of Southern California..... "Maybe this is His way of doing that?" I mused.

I was deep into editing "Set-Apart Life" sessions for the Ludy's, preparing for Amanda to come, and now....NOW, I had to start thinking about packing for Texas!!

Not long after, as you've seen in the previous posts....Amanda came to visit, and what a great time we had. But I was also beginning to really feel the pressure. As she and I swamped our bodies with fresh fruits and veggies, watched Nedley lectures, and studied the Bible, after she went to bed, I stayed up nights trying to get my first round of edits completed on the Ludy videos, and began to mentally plan and pack for my soon coming move to Texas. I would have to leave for TX only 2 days after Amanda went home....that didn't give me hardly ANY time!!!!

My friend Season was preparing for her 26 mile Marathon in Huntington Beach and I felt like I was preparing for the mental marathon of the decade!! I didn't think I could do it...it all seemed sooo impossible, so fast, so last minute, so overwhelming. But one day at a time, one night at a time, with God by my side and lots and lots of prayer....I made it through!

Finally....tearfully....after Celebrating Season's 26 mile Marathon Victory, my early birthday, and many answered prayers with Amanda, I said goodbye to my Loma Linda friends and I hit the road....headed over 2,000 miles for Texas....all alone in my Honda car, packed to the gills! (I was sooo tight on space, I even packed food around my spare tire, and prayed the whole way I wouldn't have a flat!) I didn't try to make the trip in one day though...I stopped the first night in AZ to visit my childhood best friend Heather and her family. Then I spent Sabbath in OK with my Holland family. Grandma Hiner was in the hospital and struggling with her health, so it was kinda sad. Mom and Dad also made me a cake and brought it to the hospital where we were congregated to be with Grandma. But they couldn't light the candles for fear they'd set off the sprinkler system in the whole hospital....so they just sang, and I didn't get to make my wishes. (I thought it might have been kinda fun to set the sprinklers off, but no one else thought so!)

Then the next day, on my actual birthday, I headed for Temple TX. (It's kinda funny, because when I started travel nursing, three years ago, my first day as a travel nurse was on my birthday, and it was on a job in East Texas!!)

All the drive from California to Oklahoma, I had either listened to sermons, music, or prayed. One particular prayer was for a place to stay. "God, I've been soooooo busy I haven't had time to even look for a place to live in Texas! I don't have the slightest idea even where to begin!? So far when I've gone to my nursing jobs you've always provided the perfect place to stay with a church family or friends....but I don't know anyone in Temple, TX....could you find someone for me again??" It was a big prayer of faith. And to make it bigger, I added "And God...If possible, could you provide a furnished apartment, separate from someone's home so I wont be in their way...in the country a bit, and at a low price so I can save as much possible for paying my bills?"

A few hundred more miles down the road I would pray again, "I know this may seem like a selfish request, because beggars can't be choosers they say, but please....a furnished apartment....surely you know of someone down there who has one available they would let me rent? I know this is a small thing for you, and you delight to have us share the desires of our hearts." (God was smiling upon me I know and I can just imagine Him thinking.... "Oh Melody, how I am going to bless you! Just you wait...")

But time went on and I knew and heard nothing. My mom had tried to contact some friends she knew in the area, but no word. Then Sunday morning came and I was to leave Oklahoma and make the final leg of my journey to Texas. I still didn't know where I was to stay. I resigned myself to the fact that I would probably just need to rent a motel.

Right before I left home, I looked on the Internet for church phone numbers and stumbled across one, not only the church number but also the Pastor's number. When I called, the Pastor pleasantly answered. I told him I was a "Travel Nurse" looking for suggestions on a economical place to rent or stay, was single, and wanted to be close to a church family, and did he know of anyone? (I didn't tell him what I'd asked God for.) Well, he and his wife talked things over and they called me back. "We have an apartment, fully furnished," he said. "We built it for our daughter, but she doesn't live with us anymore. It's open right now. We're a ways out in the country, so it may be farther then you care to drive, but you can use it if you want, and we'll even give you a good deal on rent!" I was speechless....it sounded exactly like what I'd been praying for. Privacy, furnishings, in the country, economical....I could hardly dare believe. They gave me directions and told me I could go ahead and come that night.

Once I got on the road, I had another surprise. Another lady called me....the Pastor had given her my name and number and she also wanted to welcome me to Temple and help in anyway she could. It turned out we'd met about 6 years before, and while I hadn't stayed in touch, she and my mom were still friends. When I did arrive in Temple, she and her husband met me and escorted me out to meet the Pastor. They told me I could come live with them in their home if I wanted, as well! I was speechless at the love and welcome. However, when I got to Pastor Harbour and his wife's home, I knew that....at least for now....this was the Oasis I had prayed for and it was exactly what I needed!

How could God be sooo good and answer my prayer sooo specifically!!!! My heart was aglow and my mind filled with amazement. I don't deserve such tender love!!

Yes, God is good, and treats us better than we deserve. That first night back in Texas, as the sun set on yet another birthday, I sunk into a warm comfortable ready-made bed, and my heart danced with happiness. I hadn't needed to rent a motel after all. And I had found some more loving Christian friends. I would miss my old ones from California, but for now I had found my resting place...and my marathon...at least for now, was finally over!!


Follow Up Notes:

Here I am...three weeks later...still getting into my routine, but still glowing with amazement at how God always provides. I miss my roomates dearly, and find it strange to have a room (much less a apartment) all to myself, but the refreshment of having time alone with God has been a blessing from Heaven.

Work is fast-paced and rough at times, but going well. I thought I was going to be working 3p-3a (a very difficult grave-yard schedule), but without my asking, they changed me to 11a-11p!! The perfect schedule. "Before you call, I will answer...before you speak, I will hear!" Again, God knew what I needed!

The first four hours of my shift they usually have me make rounds on all the patients, and help the nurses with admissions and various needs. I love it!! I've already gotten to talk to many patients about Christ, pray with people when I saw a need, and help one man even learn how He can make peace with God before He dies. (He cried and cried!)The rest of the shift I have my own patient load and get to juggle all their needs, plus try to chart and grab a lunch/supper break somewhere.

My first day on the floor I actually met a Nurse who was a former SDA who hadn't been to church in years. I told her about the church here in Temple and that it was a really friendly church and she should come visit. Then I added under my breath, "I haven't been there yet, but if you come to visit, I'll be friendly!" She laughed. :-) I am still praying that she will come!

The local church has turned out to be friendly and has welcomed me with open arms. I look forward to making better friends and being involved. They put on a beautiful Valentines Banquet, and although I was just barely here, they invited me to attend....an opportunity I would never miss as I love Valentines.

The Pastor and his wife are wonderful Christ centered, Bible centered people, and we've been having an incredible time getting acquainted. We're on the same wave-length, and have a lot in common, so I look forward to working with them. Carla and her husband (my old friends) have also been a blessing, showing me around and giving me rides in their "Arctic Cat" on their country property. They just exude the love of Christ to everyone.

It's nice to be only a few hours drive away (in contrast to 2 days drive away) from both my families (Arkansas and Oklahoma) and I plan to visit them both as much as I can.

Grandma Hiner continues to struggle with her health. She's been in the hospital for 2 weeks, come home, gone back to the hospital and come home again. She has CHF and her heart is slowly failing. We are praying that a recent surgery will help her get back on top again. Please join me in this prayer.

Oklahoma Academy has asked me to help with a Week of Prayer for their students, so I've been organizing materials together for that. Much of this I've already put together for Advent Hope. OA's also asked me to help with filming a "Sanctuary Concert" they are doing in Oregon this spring with the life size model of the Messiah's Mansion. Pray that God will bless this endeavor.

Amanda is continuing to study the Bible and grow and flourish. She's hitting all the deep Bible doctrine topics hard....I tell her sometimes, "You don't have to worry about that right now...just focus on your walk with God!" But she's got a sharp mind and is willing to dig, and I know God will continue to bless her for it.

I'm still not done with the Ludy videos.....in fact, I haven't touched the project since I left CA, I've been sooo busy!! But with God's help, I pray to get back on track with this soon. They have been soo gracious and understanding. On an extra special note, Leslie asked me to help write for her online girl's magazine, read by young women all around the world. My first article "My Perfect Valentine" went in this February issue.

And my newest big ministry project is an exciting ministry called "ArMe Bible Camp Ministries" that some friends and I are developing. The name is meant to represent our need to be equipped, trained, and "armed" with the Word of God for all battlefield fronts of life! This is still just getting off the ground, but we're hoping to host our first training camp this summer. The retreats will be intensive training trageted at helping youth and young adults with specific areas of the Christian walk. While we hope to host "Training camps" in a number of Spiritual disciplines and topics, our first camp will focus on teaching people how to study the Bible and really get into the Word for themselves. I'll share more details as things come into place, but please pray for this upcoming venture!!! We're really excited about it!!

In closing, and on a humerous note...since I was just talking about being "armed".....while I'm living in a rural area in the country (about 30 mins from my work) there's no need to be afraid of anything. Only a few miles away lies one of the biggest military bases in the whole United States....Fort Hood, Kileen TX. (I had no clue!!) There are army helicopters flying overhead, or men in uniform going through the check-out lines with me when I buy groceries....so I am well protected. (Smile smile!) But even if I wasn't....I wouldn't worry....I'm willing to go where-ever my Lord leads me, for when He leads, I know He will provide, and as long as I wear His armor, I know I have nothing to fear. (Eph 6)

A friend once shared this quote.

"How come a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor when a commission by our Heavenly King is considered a Sacrifice?"

Hmmm....goood question!! I pray that however God commissions me, or however He answers my prayers or does not answer my prayers, I will consider living in His "Special Service" an honor, not a sacrifice!!

God is soooo good....

Amanda and I have continued to have fun God-scripted adventures together...and we continue to marvel at how God brought us together. (Read previous post from Aug 20th, 2008 for details!) It's been such a blessing praying, reading the Word, teaching her how to live in such a way that will give her Health and strength (physically and mentally) and talking of the Life God has called us to live! Here we are at "Huntington Beach" this past Sunday where we went to celebrate our friend Season completing a 26 mile Marathon! It reminded me of the Marathon we all have to run....only ours isn't over in 5 hours because ours is called "The Race of a Lifetime" as depicted in Heb 12:1. Thankfully, none of us run alone....for Christ is beside us, and whenever we fall down, He even picks us up and carries us. The whole marathon experience brought tears to my eyes more than once as I contemplated the significance of it all. (Just ask Amanda!)

Amanda rented some bikes for us, and we had a blast riding down the coastline. Reminded me of when I was a kid...

Here we are at The Bodhi Tree vegan restaurant where we celebrated Season's completion of her Marathon. They also sang me a "early" happy Birthday! ;-) Amanda and I got to experiment with some more healthy Vegetarian food. It's amazing how well she has done since she came to visit. I cut all dairy, meat, sugar, caffeine, sleep meds and any other addictive or damaging foods out of her system, and she has been feeling soooo much better. God is good! Soon she will be going home, and I'll be heading to Texas for my next 13-week Nursing assignment, but I know God will continue to lead and bless both of us. I'm encouraged of the verse in Phil 1:6 that says, "He that began a good work in you will carry if forth unto completion!" I can't wait to see what adventure God has for me around the next corner...If like the past, I know it will be incredible!! :-)))))

Another Miracle from God...let me introduce you to Amanda!!

My friends and I met Amanda and her husband up in the mtns this summer...some would say by chance, but we all know that God was directing our paths. (Read previous post for more details!) Now Amanda has come to spend a couple weeks with me...and we've been having a blast together as you can see....as I've been showing her the exciting life and adventure God is calling each of us to live! First off though...it starts with having a healthy mind and healthy body!! So NEW START....here we go!!!! ;-)

As part of this "Lifestyle Program" I'm helping Amanda do, we've been on a 3-day Juice cleanse. Now we are preparing to start "raw foods" and so had a hay day at the farmer's market this morning!! ;-) The next step will be to show her how to cook healthy, yummy, and attractive Vegan!! (One of my favorite hobbies!)

Climbing Mtns together...Amanda is doing sooo good! I am soo proud of her!! Today Val and I took her to Mt. Rubidiox near Riverside.

I love this pic at the top of the mtn, for it inspires me of my aim in life. I march and live for Christ who paid the ultimate sacrifice on His cross...and whatever "cross" He asks me to carry...I will gladly carry for Him, for He's already carried the ultimate cross for me!!

Be careful what you Pray for, because you might just get it!!

Wow....where do I even begin....my cup runneth over!

This month has been packed....with answered prayers and overflowing blessings! Let me share just a few:

• Spent the first weekend of January at another powerful "Set-Apart Life Discipleship Retreat" in Colorado with the Ludys. (This is my 6th retreat with them!!) I was a student, but also filmed the entire 8 part series for them, which we will soon have available on DVD! I've been editing for hours, and still have hours to go, but it will be soooo worth it! (It's powerful, so let me know if you want copies!!!)
• Was contacted by a gal I haven't heard from in months (had met by "Divine Appointment" in the mountains this past summer - read the story from my previous blog post if you haven't!) and she asked if I would be a "spiritual mentor" for her and help her with some spiritual and health issues she was struggling with. I was delighted, and knew that God was orchestrating another "Divine Appointment" in our lives together. As we discussed her life and situation further, I felt convicted to invite her to come stay with me for a couple weeks so I could help guide her in a whole lifestyle change program. (I keep praying that God will bring the people to my door that He wants me to "love and reach.") Well, she felt convicted to come....so WALAAA....2 weeks later (and one day after my Peruvian roommate left for a 3 week visit to Michigan) Amanda has moved in! The enemy has really attempted to destroy her life over the last 8 years, but God has a purpose and plan for Amanda and He has slowly been wooing her back to himself. It's been sooo exciting and beautiful seeing how her heart is opening more and more....and the changes she is making. Who knows, she may even turn into a "Vegan Vegetarian" after this experience!! I have a feeling that 2 weeks if not going to be enough time to fit in everything I want to show her! (Please keep us in prayer, that the enemy will not derail the plans God has in place for her!)
• Have had car problems, or this struggle or that as finances have been low lately....but I'm overwhelmed, because just in the nic of time, God has continued to pay the bills, just when I needed most! I have been speechless at times! God is soo good! I can testify more and more of that every day!
• Had another beautiful evening of prayer with Advent Hope friends - Praising God and interceding! I can really feel God's presence and can't wait for this time together with friends!
• Have been praying that if God wants me to work, He will supply the job.....finally a Travel job opened up in TX....and they just happen to need me to start Feb 9th. (Right after Amanda will leave! Perfect timing....God must have planned!) So have frantically been seeking to get all the paperwork together and tie up loose ends here in Loma Linda with everything I am involved in. (Texas wasn't where I thought of going....but I know God has a plan since He opened the doors! But I'm not saying goodbye to Loma Linda forever....I'll be back, after 13 weeks!)
• Also, this last month God has opened several new exciting ministry opportunities....Can't share specifics for now, but stay tuned. It's exciting!!

God continues to bless and amaze me in a thousand ways. Sometimes I feel like I'm on a roller coaster that is going way too fast, and there is no way I will ever stay on....yet I've come to realize more and more.... "Of my own self, I cannot do anything truly worthwhile...it's only through God's strength and power." And so the more I surrender to Him, and lean upon Him, the more I know that truly.....even if headed through life on the "Speed Boat"....I'll be ok, because He is in charge....and the destination is Heaven. And the faster I get there, the happier I will be!! From God waking me up every morning, exactly on que, to supplying my little and large needs, and even filling the desires of my heart....I couldn't ask for a better companion, a better guide, a better friend, or a better King. I love the life He has given me, and most of all....I love Him!!!

"Thank you God for all you are doing in my life! I am speechless....and overwhelmed, but soo utterly thankful!!! I love you...teach me to love you more.... Amen!"

All Night in Prayer...entering the New Year!

This year started on a beautiful note as a group of us gathered together to spend all night in prayer! (Yes, you heard right!) Instead of hosting a "New Year's Eve" party....which I had thought about doing, I felt convicted in my prayer time that we should spend the night welcoming in the New Year with prayer. I didn't think many would be enthused about it, but with God's help I pressed forward anyway. Amazingly, over 25 people were part of this incredible night of prayer as we lifted our hearts to God in praise, testimony, confession, and prayers of Intercession. When it's God's idea, it's always TONS better and bigger than you thought possible!!!

What was personally impacting to me though (besides the actual prayer time) was the fact that a couple members of the group (people I did not really know) had been praying for just such a event. One girl (not a SDA) had been praying about what to do New Year's Eve, and didn't really want to attend any local parties, yet she didn't know where to go. As she was reading her Bible, God impressed upon her mind that she needed to go to "Melodys." But she didn't know a Melody and so told God, "That's not one of the options!" Later she felt the same conviction again!! She still didn't know what to think though, and just brushed the thoughts aside. Then a friend told her about our group. She was sooo excited and came, but she did not realize my name was "Melody" until 30 minutes into the evening, when someone called my name. She then excitedly pulled me aside.... "Your name is Melody??" she asked increduiously??? "Yes! Why?" I replied. "Because God told me to come to Melodys for New Years Eve, but I didn't realize that was your name when I came!" I got goose bumps as she talked....I couldn't believe it! I mean, I know that God knows my name....but does He seriously, honestly, really KNOW MY NAME????

Yes, of course....He knows my name, and yours too....and all the details of every aspect of each of our lives!! God is soo incredible!! All He longs for is us to turn to Him....and surrender....and He will lead and bless in ways never thought possible!

The evening was such an inspiration and blessing to so many of us, that we plan to continue this beautiful time, on a more regular basis....and I am excited, because we need it sooo desperately!! I think God knows we need it too...and maybe He's calling your name too...to be a part of a prayer movement like never before!!