Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas friends!!!
Can't believe another year is now almost History?! In place of sending Christmas cards or a Newsletter, I decided to post a "Christmas Card Newsletter" here on my blog. How's that sound? (At least all my electronically advanced friends can keep up with my life.) As you can see by the pics above, God has truly blessed me with a Wonderful Life filled with lots of love and lots of friends. Of course, life isn't all just fun and roses...I've had my hard knocks this year as well. (We don't take pictures of those times...) But through it all, God has been teaching me to Trust Him even more.
Some of the things I'm grateful for this year include:
But there's an even more important ADOPTION that has changed my life...and that is what I am most thankful for this Christmas. That is the adoption that God has given me. He chose me and loved me before I had the slightest idea what that love meant. (Just like my friends who adopted baby "Harper" - a little Korean girl handicapped and outcast in her culture, I was a babe, and I had no idea the gift He was giving me or the life He was preparing me for.) I struggled along, seeking to walk, seeking to win His love...but despite my best efforts, I kept failing. I was handicapped and hopeless. While my outward life may have seemed beautiful to the world, my inward heart was a mess...filled with pride and selfishness and sin! And just like the city of Dhaka in Bangladesh, it was impossible for me to fix, impossible for me to clean, impossible for me to heal alone. But even though I doubted God's love and power, and often pushed Him aside over the years as I sought my own stubborn way, He has STILL loved me and kept following after me, claiming me as His own. Yes, I still have much to learn about this LOVE, yet it is a LOVE that is becoming more and more real...and it is an "Adoption of Love" that has forever changed my life!! What precious precious LOVE, a LOVE that will not let me go!
"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him IN LOVE: Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." Eph 1:4-7
I pray that this IN LOVE experience with God can be real for all of us. Times are tough all around...we can see the signs of the end drawing closer. And we must know this LOVE and not only know it, but be sooo grounded in it, that nothing, no storm, no tempest, no economical crisis, no relationship, no worldy attraction, no earthly tie....can pull us away. Otherwise, we are going to be like the five foolish virgins, caught unprepared when Christ comes to take us home!
Sending Christmas Hugs and Greetings to you all.
My love and prayers are with you!
Mel
PS: To encourage you in your journey of building a "Faith that Endures," I invite you to listen to a recent talk I gave on this subject. Also - if you haven't done it recently, go back thru the last 13 chapters of the Great Controversary! It's powerful!! ;-) Merry Christmas everyone!
Can't believe another year is now almost History?! In place of sending Christmas cards or a Newsletter, I decided to post a "Christmas Card Newsletter" here on my blog. How's that sound? (At least all my electronically advanced friends can keep up with my life.) As you can see by the pics above, God has truly blessed me with a Wonderful Life filled with lots of love and lots of friends. Of course, life isn't all just fun and roses...I've had my hard knocks this year as well. (We don't take pictures of those times...) But through it all, God has been teaching me to Trust Him even more.
Some of the things I'm grateful for this year include:
- God's Grace amidst pain and trials
- Finding greater joy in deep soul-searching prayer
- Watching my sister Sunny's courtship and marriage to her True Love, Tim - the Love that was worth waiting for! (And yes, I will wait for mine as well.)
- Stepping out in Faith and watching God provide
- Visiting Bangladesh - an experience that broke my heart and also helped me see my heart for what it truly is - totally lost without a Savior!
- Enjoying the gift of FRIENDSHIP with some of the greatest people in the world
- Realizing there is more joy in "giving" then in "getting"
- Having incredible books and resources constantly within my reach to help me grow. (Check out my previous blog post about the book "Intercessor" by Rees Howells, or get the newest book by my friend Eric Ludy "The Bravehearted Gospel")
- Seeing God answer prayer...and personally knowing His LOVE!!
But there's an even more important ADOPTION that has changed my life...and that is what I am most thankful for this Christmas. That is the adoption that God has given me. He chose me and loved me before I had the slightest idea what that love meant. (Just like my friends who adopted baby "Harper" - a little Korean girl handicapped and outcast in her culture, I was a babe, and I had no idea the gift He was giving me or the life He was preparing me for.) I struggled along, seeking to walk, seeking to win His love...but despite my best efforts, I kept failing. I was handicapped and hopeless. While my outward life may have seemed beautiful to the world, my inward heart was a mess...filled with pride and selfishness and sin! And just like the city of Dhaka in Bangladesh, it was impossible for me to fix, impossible for me to clean, impossible for me to heal alone. But even though I doubted God's love and power, and often pushed Him aside over the years as I sought my own stubborn way, He has STILL loved me and kept following after me, claiming me as His own. Yes, I still have much to learn about this LOVE, yet it is a LOVE that is becoming more and more real...and it is an "Adoption of Love" that has forever changed my life!! What precious precious LOVE, a LOVE that will not let me go!
"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him IN LOVE: Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." Eph 1:4-7
I pray that this IN LOVE experience with God can be real for all of us. Times are tough all around...we can see the signs of the end drawing closer. And we must know this LOVE and not only know it, but be sooo grounded in it, that nothing, no storm, no tempest, no economical crisis, no relationship, no worldy attraction, no earthly tie....can pull us away. Otherwise, we are going to be like the five foolish virgins, caught unprepared when Christ comes to take us home!
Sending Christmas Hugs and Greetings to you all.
My love and prayers are with you!
Mel
PS: To encourage you in your journey of building a "Faith that Endures," I invite you to listen to a recent talk I gave on this subject. Also - if you haven't done it recently, go back thru the last 13 chapters of the Great Controversary! It's powerful!! ;-) Merry Christmas everyone!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Mel's Version ~ T'was the Night before Christmas...
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through Mel’s house
Everyone except Mel was dreaming, even the pet mouse.
The Christmas lights were shining and soft music filled the air,
It was warm and cozy and Mel wished her family could be there.
The rabbit was nestled all snug in its bed,
While visions of carrot sticks danced in its head.
And Susy in her ‘kerchief, and Cristy in her cap,
Had just settled down for a short night’s nap.
When out in the driveway there arose such a clatter,
Mel sprang from the computer to see what was the matter.
Away to the window she flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the wet grass green
Gave the lustre of mid-day like never before seen.
When, what to Mel’s questioning eyes should appear,
But people unloading gifts and wishing each other "Christmas cheer."
Mel went back to thinking as she returned to her task.
"God, I want to give you something special this year...but my heart, is this all you ask?"
But God just smiled at Mel as He prepared to send His gift, the Morning LIGHT,
And Mel realized, it was His gift, not hers, that made Christmas Eve such a special night!
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12
"Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you." John 12:35
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." II Cor 4:6
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." I John 1:7
Everyone except Mel was dreaming, even the pet mouse.
The Christmas lights were shining and soft music filled the air,
It was warm and cozy and Mel wished her family could be there.
The rabbit was nestled all snug in its bed,
While visions of carrot sticks danced in its head.
And Susy in her ‘kerchief, and Cristy in her cap,
Had just settled down for a short night’s nap.
When out in the driveway there arose such a clatter,
Mel sprang from the computer to see what was the matter.
Away to the window she flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the wet grass green
Gave the lustre of mid-day like never before seen.
When, what to Mel’s questioning eyes should appear,
But people unloading gifts and wishing each other "Christmas cheer."
Mel went back to thinking as she returned to her task.
"God, I want to give you something special this year...but my heart, is this all you ask?"
But God just smiled at Mel as He prepared to send His gift, the Morning LIGHT,
And Mel realized, it was His gift, not hers, that made Christmas Eve such a special night!
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12
"Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you." John 12:35
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." II Cor 4:6
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." I John 1:7
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
GYC was powerful this year...at least from what I did hear. Between helping with Registration or late nights at the booth, I had a hard time getting in on many of the seminars. I did enjoy Justin Kim's morning devotionals though, and I managed to catch a couple of Nathan Renner's seminars on The Three Angel's Messages - very powerful! But otherwise....I missed out. Thank God for audioverse!! (Yes, I love you guys...and you know it!!)
Since I've been back here in Loma Linda, besides catching up on some much needed sleep, I've been on AudioVerse listening to a few that I had heard were really good. I could jot down a bunch of notes here...but for now, I want to share about two seminars that have not only blessed my life, but I believe will be a big encouragement for many of my friends. They revolve around the topics of "Prayer and Faith" and "Dating and Romance." Ahhhh....now you can't wait to see what I have to say huh? I can just see the curiosity growing...
Well, what I think or have to say does not matter....and believe me, I could say a bit. But let me share the highlights of what these two seminars have given me....
GYC Seminar by Pastor Jerry and Janet Page ~ A Life of Prayer
- We must not only pray in Christ name, but by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
- Our greatest need - a revival of primitive godliness. This revival can only be expected in answer to prayer...1Sm121
Pastor Jerry and Janet shared story after story of how God has answered prayers and worked in their lives. From their own conversion experiences, to watching others lives grow and change.
Janet talked about how she doesn't teach any new method or doctrine, just that we must take time to spend with God in prayer.
- God says, "Will you just be STILL in my presence?"
- Start your day, not pouring through the testimonies or heavy topics, just take your Bible and stay there until you get Happy with God....let God lead you!
- Praise God, confess your sins, pray for guidance...Pray scripture...
She shared about a women that was wanting to get a divorce, but how she began to pray with this woman and encourage her...don’t complain about his faults, praise God for what He has done in your lives. Look for ways to praise your husband....and the more she did, the more she loved her husband! Their marriage was saved and turned around!
Then she talked about pain and trials and how....even in these, we must learn to praise God. She lost her first husband (also a Pastor) to a drowning accident....and didn’t know how she could go on, but although she cried, she sought to praise God in the trial and despite her pain. And she had such peace. She went on, "There is power unleashed when we choose to praise God in our trials! God needs people that will surrender their pain and trials to Him, and let His name be glorified."
"In the future life, we shall see that some of our seemingly unanswered prayers and disappointed hopes have been among our greatest blessings." MH 474
Her husband shared about how, often we think we are awake when actually we are asleep. Of course, none of us think we are asleep...we think we are awake....but most of us are just sleep walking. Then he shared secrets of prayer that their team has learned...
1. Power of united prayer - pull together
"Where two or three are gathered together, God is in the midst"
2. Pray much, preach little
Early apostles....Prayed for 10 days, preached for 10 minutes and thousands converted
Today, we pray for 10 minutes, preach for 10 days, and hope someone gets converted.
"At the sound of fervent prayer, Satan’s whole host trembles..."
3.Claim the Promises, and expect Great things
"It’s part of God’s plan to grant us in answer to the prayer of faith that which he would not bestow did we not thus ask..." GC
4. Be earnest in Prayer...
God answers every earnest prayer
Power given proportionate to the unity of the members and the faith expressed
Their personal testimony of prayer for their conference and church over the last 10 years has seen offerings go from less than $100,000 a year to over 3 million a year at SoCal campmeeting....
II Chron 16:9 - God wants to shew himself strong on behalf of them whose hearts are perfect towards Him.
Janet encouraged everyone to Journal God’s blessing....the more you remember what God has done for you, the more He will do! The more you remember, the more He pours out his blessings upon you!!
And finally, if you are praying with a sincere heart, God is working...you may not see evidence of this right away....but HE IS WORKING!!!!
[I love Jerry and Janet and hope to get them down here to Advent HOPE to help with a prayer weekend in the future. Janet has already told me she will come....if we can find a time where both our schedules fit!]
The second seminar I am going to share about here is by Dr. Mills on relationships. I haven't listened to all of the series, but this one I heard, really had some insightful concepts that I wanted to share with all my single friends. So enjoy... ;-)
GYC Seminar by Dr. Phil Mills ~ Love and Friendships
"God wants you to have a match made in Heaven...But if you are looking to others for the happiness only God can supply, you will be disappointed in marriage. Once you have found fulfillment in God, then you can be happily united with another."
Things to Watch for as you look for a potential marriage partner:
- Observe those that are faithful
- Note those that take responsibilities and fulfill them
- Don't miss those that see what to do and do it
- Become better acquainted with those who are studying the Bible and have a genuine prayer life - Watch those who are always thoughtful to clean-up after themselves and helpful with others
- Take note of those that seek out the lonely and befriend the strangers
- Watch how people interact, watch for those that are humble and teachable
- Be guarded with those that don't work well with others or have difficulty with authority
- Note those that are upbeat and positive when life is difficult
- Note those that are adaptable and uncomplaining with an unexpected load
- Learn to appreciate those that are happy and content no matter their situation
- Look for those well adjusted people who are not restless but at peace with life
- Look for those that are courteous and thoughtful to old and young alike
- Listen to conversations, see who are supportive or critical
- Pay attention to those who know how to economize without being shabby
- Look for those that have spiritual insights and promote the spiritual growth of others
- Take note of those that are concerned with health and lifestyle
- Take note of those that are tidy, attractive, yet modest in their dress
- Do they seek to please the Lord in their dress, or are they slaves to fashion
- Watch for those that are not argumentative about their beliefs, but just quietly live their convictions
Become a student of human nature! People SHOUT out what they are really like if you just watch and observe...
Alan & Nicole Parker also talked last GYC on how to know if you've found THE ONE. They brought up some really profound thoughts that I've never forgotten that go right along with what Dr. Mills was talking about this year.
If you think you've found the ONE.....Pray pray pray!!!
(The following is from Adventist Home pg 45)
- Weigh every sentiment, watch every development of Character, know someone over time...
- Ask yourself "Would married life be happy with this person?"
The three MOST IMPORTANT Questions to consider
- Will this union help me Heavenward?
- Will it increase my love for God?
- Will it enlarge my sphere of influence/usefulness in this life?
If the answer seems to be yes, make haste slowly! Study the character...are they Selfless to others? (See questions above that Dr. Mills mentioned.) How much is this person like Jesus? The more you have in common, the better off you are.
- After 5 years we don’t even know what our spouse looks like, we only know how they act!!
- True Love is based on qualities not passion
How much does this person and I have in common?
- Spiritually
- Socially
- Intellectually
- Habits
- Good fit, enjoy same things
- Lifestyle
- Doctrine
- Integrity, truth
- Trust
- Personality - Can you work well together personally and in ministry?
- Friendships
- Goals and dreams
- Communication
- Ability to say "I am sorry" and work out problems
- Promote each other to positive growth and closer walk with Christ
God warns us of following our hearts in the choice of a marriage companion.
Just because someone is a baptized SDA, does not mean they are a safe person to marry!
Wow...lots of powerful concepts there!!! So for all my dear friends out there that are "Looking for True Love," involved in what they think is "True love," or like me "Waiting for True Love"....let's keep these things in mind.
Marriage is the second most important decision (after that of choosing to follow Christ) that we will ever make. Let's make this choice wisely!!!!
To hear more great seminars and talks from GYC - click on the following link: GYC 2008 on AudioVerse
Since I've been back here in Loma Linda, besides catching up on some much needed sleep, I've been on AudioVerse listening to a few that I had heard were really good. I could jot down a bunch of notes here...but for now, I want to share about two seminars that have not only blessed my life, but I believe will be a big encouragement for many of my friends. They revolve around the topics of "Prayer and Faith" and "Dating and Romance." Ahhhh....now you can't wait to see what I have to say huh? I can just see the curiosity growing...
Well, what I think or have to say does not matter....and believe me, I could say a bit. But let me share the highlights of what these two seminars have given me....
GYC Seminar by Pastor Jerry and Janet Page ~ A Life of Prayer
- We must not only pray in Christ name, but by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
- Our greatest need - a revival of primitive godliness. This revival can only be expected in answer to prayer...1Sm121
Pastor Jerry and Janet shared story after story of how God has answered prayers and worked in their lives. From their own conversion experiences, to watching others lives grow and change.
Janet talked about how she doesn't teach any new method or doctrine, just that we must take time to spend with God in prayer.
- God says, "Will you just be STILL in my presence?"
- Start your day, not pouring through the testimonies or heavy topics, just take your Bible and stay there until you get Happy with God....let God lead you!
- Praise God, confess your sins, pray for guidance...Pray scripture...
She shared about a women that was wanting to get a divorce, but how she began to pray with this woman and encourage her...don’t complain about his faults, praise God for what He has done in your lives. Look for ways to praise your husband....and the more she did, the more she loved her husband! Their marriage was saved and turned around!
Then she talked about pain and trials and how....even in these, we must learn to praise God. She lost her first husband (also a Pastor) to a drowning accident....and didn’t know how she could go on, but although she cried, she sought to praise God in the trial and despite her pain. And she had such peace. She went on, "There is power unleashed when we choose to praise God in our trials! God needs people that will surrender their pain and trials to Him, and let His name be glorified."
"In the future life, we shall see that some of our seemingly unanswered prayers and disappointed hopes have been among our greatest blessings." MH 474
Her husband shared about how, often we think we are awake when actually we are asleep. Of course, none of us think we are asleep...we think we are awake....but most of us are just sleep walking. Then he shared secrets of prayer that their team has learned...
1. Power of united prayer - pull together
"Where two or three are gathered together, God is in the midst"
2. Pray much, preach little
Early apostles....Prayed for 10 days, preached for 10 minutes and thousands converted
Today, we pray for 10 minutes, preach for 10 days, and hope someone gets converted.
"At the sound of fervent prayer, Satan’s whole host trembles..."
3.Claim the Promises, and expect Great things
"It’s part of God’s plan to grant us in answer to the prayer of faith that which he would not bestow did we not thus ask..." GC
4. Be earnest in Prayer...
God answers every earnest prayer
Power given proportionate to the unity of the members and the faith expressed
Their personal testimony of prayer for their conference and church over the last 10 years has seen offerings go from less than $100,000 a year to over 3 million a year at SoCal campmeeting....
II Chron 16:9 - God wants to shew himself strong on behalf of them whose hearts are perfect towards Him.
Janet encouraged everyone to Journal God’s blessing....the more you remember what God has done for you, the more He will do! The more you remember, the more He pours out his blessings upon you!!
And finally, if you are praying with a sincere heart, God is working...you may not see evidence of this right away....but HE IS WORKING!!!!
[I love Jerry and Janet and hope to get them down here to Advent HOPE to help with a prayer weekend in the future. Janet has already told me she will come....if we can find a time where both our schedules fit!]
The second seminar I am going to share about here is by Dr. Mills on relationships. I haven't listened to all of the series, but this one I heard, really had some insightful concepts that I wanted to share with all my single friends. So enjoy... ;-)
GYC Seminar by Dr. Phil Mills ~ Love and Friendships
"God wants you to have a match made in Heaven...But if you are looking to others for the happiness only God can supply, you will be disappointed in marriage. Once you have found fulfillment in God, then you can be happily united with another."
Things to Watch for as you look for a potential marriage partner:
- Observe those that are faithful
- Note those that take responsibilities and fulfill them
- Don't miss those that see what to do and do it
- Become better acquainted with those who are studying the Bible and have a genuine prayer life - Watch those who are always thoughtful to clean-up after themselves and helpful with others
- Take note of those that seek out the lonely and befriend the strangers
- Watch how people interact, watch for those that are humble and teachable
- Be guarded with those that don't work well with others or have difficulty with authority
- Note those that are upbeat and positive when life is difficult
- Note those that are adaptable and uncomplaining with an unexpected load
- Learn to appreciate those that are happy and content no matter their situation
- Look for those well adjusted people who are not restless but at peace with life
- Look for those that are courteous and thoughtful to old and young alike
- Listen to conversations, see who are supportive or critical
- Pay attention to those who know how to economize without being shabby
- Look for those that have spiritual insights and promote the spiritual growth of others
- Take note of those that are concerned with health and lifestyle
- Take note of those that are tidy, attractive, yet modest in their dress
- Do they seek to please the Lord in their dress, or are they slaves to fashion
- Watch for those that are not argumentative about their beliefs, but just quietly live their convictions
Become a student of human nature! People SHOUT out what they are really like if you just watch and observe...
Alan & Nicole Parker also talked last GYC on how to know if you've found THE ONE. They brought up some really profound thoughts that I've never forgotten that go right along with what Dr. Mills was talking about this year.
If you think you've found the ONE.....Pray pray pray!!!
(The following is from Adventist Home pg 45)
- Weigh every sentiment, watch every development of Character, know someone over time...
- Ask yourself "Would married life be happy with this person?"
The three MOST IMPORTANT Questions to consider
- Will this union help me Heavenward?
- Will it increase my love for God?
- Will it enlarge my sphere of influence/usefulness in this life?
If the answer seems to be yes, make haste slowly! Study the character...are they Selfless to others? (See questions above that Dr. Mills mentioned.) How much is this person like Jesus? The more you have in common, the better off you are.
- After 5 years we don’t even know what our spouse looks like, we only know how they act!!
- True Love is based on qualities not passion
How much does this person and I have in common?
- Spiritually
- Socially
- Intellectually
- Habits
- Good fit, enjoy same things
- Lifestyle
- Doctrine
- Integrity, truth
- Trust
- Personality - Can you work well together personally and in ministry?
- Friendships
- Goals and dreams
- Communication
- Ability to say "I am sorry" and work out problems
- Promote each other to positive growth and closer walk with Christ
God warns us of following our hearts in the choice of a marriage companion.
Just because someone is a baptized SDA, does not mean they are a safe person to marry!
Wow...lots of powerful concepts there!!! So for all my dear friends out there that are "Looking for True Love," involved in what they think is "True love," or like me "Waiting for True Love"....let's keep these things in mind.
Marriage is the second most important decision (after that of choosing to follow Christ) that we will ever make. Let's make this choice wisely!!!!
To hear more great seminars and talks from GYC - click on the following link: GYC 2008 on AudioVerse
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
I have just finished reading a mess-up-your-life kind of book: Rees Howells "The Intercessor." This biography of Rees Howells was written by Howells’ friend and colleague, Norman Grubb (in cooperation with Howells' widow, son and secretary, and having at his disposal Mr. Howells' letters and the transcribed talks where he told many of the stories in the book). If you haven’t ever read it, you should. Well, maybe not. If you’re happy with the way you are, don’t. Because it might stir things up.
Born in South Wales October 10, 1879, Rees was always a good boy. As a youngster he loved to be in church "under the influence of God." When he was 22, he left Wales for America with the ambition to see the world and make money. When he got to America, he got a job with his cousin Evan Lewis and continued living the religious life he had lived in Wales. Thus when his cousin asked him one day if he was ‘born again,’ he was miffed. "My life is as good as yours," he said.
However over the next weeks, his cousin kept at him. After a time of seeking, an illness and hearing the testimony of a converted Jew, he saw himself for the sinner he was, and personally accepted Jesus into his life.
Shortly after he returned to Wales in 1904, the Welsh revival broke out. He became involved in it and worked at discipling new converts. However, he and his friends sensed spiritual needs in their own lives. And so in the summer of 1906 they spent their summer holiday at the Llandrindod Wells convention (a Welsh equivalent to the English Keswick Conference) where Howells made a pivotal decision.
From the first meeting, Howells was deeply moved. The realization dawned on him that the Holy Spirit was meant to be more than just an influence in His life. In his words:
He said to me, "As the Savior had a body, so I dwell in the cleansed temple of the believer. I am a Person. I am God, and I am come to ask you to give your body to Me that I may work through it. I need a body for my temple but it must belong to Me without reserve for two persons with different wills can never live in the same body. Will you give me yours? But if I come in, I come as God, and you must go out. I shall not mix Myself with your self."
This precipitated a five-day struggle in Mr. Howells. From the first, he realized it was an unconditional surrender, of which he said:
"I had received a sentence of death, as really as a prisoner in the dock. I had lived in my body for twenty-six years, and could I easily give it up....I wept for days. I lost seven pounds....Nothing is more real to me than the process I went through for that whole week. The Holy Spirit went on dealing with me, exposing the root of my nature which was self, and you can only get out of a thing what is in its root. Sin was canceled, and it wasn’t just sin He was dealing with; it was self...the root of all sin!"
Some of the things he came to a point of surrender over:
1. His love of money: "The Lord told him that He would take out of his nature all taste for money and any ambition for the ownership of money."
2. His choice in making a home: "I saw I could never give my life to another person, to live to that one alone. Marriage would be given as a gift to assist my work for God, not as a selfish gift just to please my own body."
3. His ambition:"Supposing he had a mission in a town and another mission opened in the same place; if there was jealousy between the two, and it was better for the town only to have one, then it would be his which would have to go."
4. His right to a good reputation: "As he was thinking of men of the Bible who were full of the Holy Ghost, and particularly John the Baptist, the Lord said to him, "Then I may live through you the kind of life I lived through them."
Finally on Friday of that week he came through. The book continues with stories of how God worked through this man teaching him faith and intercession as he prayed for the sick, prayed for the salvation of friends and acquaintances, gave up raising his own son to work as a missionary, traveled without any money in his pocket, bought estates, established a Bible school, and prayed for international events, especially during the World War II. And all the while God also continued to deal with his self-life.
Does this ring familiar to you as it did for me? I wonder if it isn’t on exactly this issue – the surrender of the self-life to the Holy Spirit – that we who have come to Jesus are most radically sifted. It determines whether we grow or remain stunted, are useful to God or detoured from completing His assignments because of our own agendas, will someday see our life’s efforts pay off or will see everything we have done go up in smoke because it was done through self.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
"Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – which is your spiritual worship." Romans 12:1
"Jesus takes us over for His enterprises, His building schemes entirely and no soul has any right to claim where he shall be put." Oswald Chambers
"Being filled with the Holy Spirit means that I am willing to live the life that Christ would have lived if He were in my place..."
Ouch....this thing called "Surrender" is not easy! It's a slow painful crucifixion...a dying process. Yet, if we are to be ready to meet Christ when He comes, it must happen. For self, nothing of self can be alive and face Christ. Self is sin, and all sin will be consumed.
This book "The Intercessor" has been hugely challenging to me. And it is powerful, not just about praying for others and seeing miracles and answers to prayer, but about an inner heart change, and living a life set-apart, filled with the Holy Spirit, and patterned after Jesus Christ. I have friends that have encouraged me to read this book for several years now, but I put it off. I only wish I'd read it sooner.
I encourage you to read it, read it NOW, and I pray that it can be the same encouragement for YOU!
Born in South Wales October 10, 1879, Rees was always a good boy. As a youngster he loved to be in church "under the influence of God." When he was 22, he left Wales for America with the ambition to see the world and make money. When he got to America, he got a job with his cousin Evan Lewis and continued living the religious life he had lived in Wales. Thus when his cousin asked him one day if he was ‘born again,’ he was miffed. "My life is as good as yours," he said.
However over the next weeks, his cousin kept at him. After a time of seeking, an illness and hearing the testimony of a converted Jew, he saw himself for the sinner he was, and personally accepted Jesus into his life.
Shortly after he returned to Wales in 1904, the Welsh revival broke out. He became involved in it and worked at discipling new converts. However, he and his friends sensed spiritual needs in their own lives. And so in the summer of 1906 they spent their summer holiday at the Llandrindod Wells convention (a Welsh equivalent to the English Keswick Conference) where Howells made a pivotal decision.
From the first meeting, Howells was deeply moved. The realization dawned on him that the Holy Spirit was meant to be more than just an influence in His life. In his words:
He said to me, "As the Savior had a body, so I dwell in the cleansed temple of the believer. I am a Person. I am God, and I am come to ask you to give your body to Me that I may work through it. I need a body for my temple but it must belong to Me without reserve for two persons with different wills can never live in the same body. Will you give me yours? But if I come in, I come as God, and you must go out. I shall not mix Myself with your self."
This precipitated a five-day struggle in Mr. Howells. From the first, he realized it was an unconditional surrender, of which he said:
"I had received a sentence of death, as really as a prisoner in the dock. I had lived in my body for twenty-six years, and could I easily give it up....I wept for days. I lost seven pounds....Nothing is more real to me than the process I went through for that whole week. The Holy Spirit went on dealing with me, exposing the root of my nature which was self, and you can only get out of a thing what is in its root. Sin was canceled, and it wasn’t just sin He was dealing with; it was self...the root of all sin!"
Some of the things he came to a point of surrender over:
1. His love of money: "The Lord told him that He would take out of his nature all taste for money and any ambition for the ownership of money."
2. His choice in making a home: "I saw I could never give my life to another person, to live to that one alone. Marriage would be given as a gift to assist my work for God, not as a selfish gift just to please my own body."
3. His ambition:"Supposing he had a mission in a town and another mission opened in the same place; if there was jealousy between the two, and it was better for the town only to have one, then it would be his which would have to go."
4. His right to a good reputation: "As he was thinking of men of the Bible who were full of the Holy Ghost, and particularly John the Baptist, the Lord said to him, "Then I may live through you the kind of life I lived through them."
Finally on Friday of that week he came through. The book continues with stories of how God worked through this man teaching him faith and intercession as he prayed for the sick, prayed for the salvation of friends and acquaintances, gave up raising his own son to work as a missionary, traveled without any money in his pocket, bought estates, established a Bible school, and prayed for international events, especially during the World War II. And all the while God also continued to deal with his self-life.
Does this ring familiar to you as it did for me? I wonder if it isn’t on exactly this issue – the surrender of the self-life to the Holy Spirit – that we who have come to Jesus are most radically sifted. It determines whether we grow or remain stunted, are useful to God or detoured from completing His assignments because of our own agendas, will someday see our life’s efforts pay off or will see everything we have done go up in smoke because it was done through self.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
"Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – which is your spiritual worship." Romans 12:1
"Jesus takes us over for His enterprises, His building schemes entirely and no soul has any right to claim where he shall be put." Oswald Chambers
"Being filled with the Holy Spirit means that I am willing to live the life that Christ would have lived if He were in my place..."
Ouch....this thing called "Surrender" is not easy! It's a slow painful crucifixion...a dying process. Yet, if we are to be ready to meet Christ when He comes, it must happen. For self, nothing of self can be alive and face Christ. Self is sin, and all sin will be consumed.
This book "The Intercessor" has been hugely challenging to me. And it is powerful, not just about praying for others and seeing miracles and answers to prayer, but about an inner heart change, and living a life set-apart, filled with the Holy Spirit, and patterned after Jesus Christ. I have friends that have encouraged me to read this book for several years now, but I put it off. I only wish I'd read it sooner.
I encourage you to read it, read it NOW, and I pray that it can be the same encouragement for YOU!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A "Giving" Christmas...
Tis the Season to be jolly...and this year has been no exception! Since I can't make it home for the Holidays (sniff sniff), I decided it was time to create my own joy. So Dayana and I went shopping for the perfect Christmas tree...and we found it! (Believe it or not, it was the cheapest on the lot, and all 8 feet of it I managed to stuff in the trunk of my little Honda!) Then we invited a few of our favorite girlfriends over to help decorate it. We made popcorn and cranberry strings, and had a glorious riot....as usual! Then one morning soon after, as I was praying, God impressed me with the idea of making this a more "GIVING" Christmas. Instead of the usual White Elephant Party that we usually have, I decided to ask everyone to put their $5-10 dollars towards helping needy children around the world. I put together "stories" and "scenerios" (thankfully, I have lots of Missionary friends), and wrapped these projects, then put them under the tree. Then people took turns drawing a child or project to support! It was awesome.... To see pics from this fun Christmas, click on the following Facebook links.
"It is more BLESSED to GIVE than it is to receive." Acts 20:35
Truly this is the best kind of Christmas!! Now I'm off to GYC. ;-)
Monday, December 15, 2008
Prayer Inspiration Weekend
This last Weekend, Dec 6th, Advent HOPE hosted a "Prayer Inspiration Weekend" with visiting friend and guest speaker, Dave Steward. Above are a few pics of the afternoon retreat we took that finished with an "Agape Banquet." God really blessed! To enjoy some of the inspiration from this weekend, click on the following AudioVerse link! Prayer Weekend Talks
Friday, November 28, 2008
Pondering life and Thanksgiving...
While the computer keyboard has been silent the last few weeks, my mind has been staying active...and I've been doing a lot of thinking.
I guess things just haven't been the same since I came back from Bangladesh....it wasn't long....my time over there, but I have to admit, it has really given me a fresh perspective on life and service...I just don't see things in the same light anymore. What exactly God is doing in my heart, I don't know...but whatever it is, I pray He will keep doing more.
Yesterday was THANKSGIVING!! It's a Holiday that holds many memories and sentiments for me. Many good, some sad! It was on this day 11 years ago that my Holland family and I lost our dear Debbie. She was only 25 and died from Colon cancer. At the time I didn't understand "why" God let her die...I still don't. But now...I've come to realize even when I don't understand "why" certain things happen, I can still trust God!!
Thanksgiving is also a very happy time...and is a time to reflect back on the years and how God has blessed. It's the favorite Holiday of my family in Arkansas, and it's a holiday that I have only missed celebrating with my Mason family three times in the last 15 years. (Once because I was overseas, and the other two times have been the last two years since I've been living out here in CA! I guess I'm growing up more and more, and at the same time, it's not so easy to go home when home is over 2,000 miles away!)
But what is "Thanksgiving" really all about anyway?? Is it just a time to spend with family stuffing our faces? Is it just a time to spend goofing off and enjoying friends?? I mean, I can't point any fingers...that's what I've been doing. And yesterday was just another one of those times!! Had a blast at my best friend Valerie's home, and enjoyed the time with our Loma Linda friends....had a great meal....didn't get too stuffed, but was sufficiently filled....took a walk, sang our lungs out around LLU campus, played word games, and watched an inspiring movie "The Sixth Inn of Happiness." It was a great day.... Yet behind the gaiety and fun, my heart was burdened...and there were questions in my mind...questions that have been plaguing my heart ever since I walked the poverty laden streets of Bangladesh. "Isn't Holidays like this and my life suppose to be about soooo much more?? How I can enjoy this bounty when there are sooo many starving around the world?? How can I sleep in peace when so many can't sleep at all??"
I am probably sounding very "melancholy" at the moment...and it's probably because I am! But God is doing something special in my heart...and I don't know what He has in store or where He is taking me! But I guess it doesn't matter....as long as He walks beside me!
"And the LORD, He it is that goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." Deut 31:8
I guess things just haven't been the same since I came back from Bangladesh....it wasn't long....my time over there, but I have to admit, it has really given me a fresh perspective on life and service...I just don't see things in the same light anymore. What exactly God is doing in my heart, I don't know...but whatever it is, I pray He will keep doing more.
Yesterday was THANKSGIVING!! It's a Holiday that holds many memories and sentiments for me. Many good, some sad! It was on this day 11 years ago that my Holland family and I lost our dear Debbie. She was only 25 and died from Colon cancer. At the time I didn't understand "why" God let her die...I still don't. But now...I've come to realize even when I don't understand "why" certain things happen, I can still trust God!!
Thanksgiving is also a very happy time...and is a time to reflect back on the years and how God has blessed. It's the favorite Holiday of my family in Arkansas, and it's a holiday that I have only missed celebrating with my Mason family three times in the last 15 years. (Once because I was overseas, and the other two times have been the last two years since I've been living out here in CA! I guess I'm growing up more and more, and at the same time, it's not so easy to go home when home is over 2,000 miles away!)
But what is "Thanksgiving" really all about anyway?? Is it just a time to spend with family stuffing our faces? Is it just a time to spend goofing off and enjoying friends?? I mean, I can't point any fingers...that's what I've been doing. And yesterday was just another one of those times!! Had a blast at my best friend Valerie's home, and enjoyed the time with our Loma Linda friends....had a great meal....didn't get too stuffed, but was sufficiently filled....took a walk, sang our lungs out around LLU campus, played word games, and watched an inspiring movie "The Sixth Inn of Happiness." It was a great day.... Yet behind the gaiety and fun, my heart was burdened...and there were questions in my mind...questions that have been plaguing my heart ever since I walked the poverty laden streets of Bangladesh. "Isn't Holidays like this and my life suppose to be about soooo much more?? How I can enjoy this bounty when there are sooo many starving around the world?? How can I sleep in peace when so many can't sleep at all??"
I am probably sounding very "melancholy" at the moment...and it's probably because I am! But God is doing something special in my heart...and I don't know what He has in store or where He is taking me! But I guess it doesn't matter....as long as He walks beside me!
"And the LORD, He it is that goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." Deut 31:8
Friday, November 07, 2008
This morning, about 4:55am, Dayana and I once again found ourselves on the steps of Burden Hall, waiting for Prayer Group to begin. The weather was crisp and chilly and we clutched our blankets close as a shooting star zoomed overhead. It was beautiful! I opened my Bible to Psalms 92 and began to read about the magnitude and wonders of our God. Then we just sat in "awe" of it all for a few moments...
Then I broke the solemn silence in laughter... "Look at us Dayana! We can't even get our colors to match. We look like Hobos here clutching our blankets!"
And it's true! We did! We both had rolled out of bed at 4:45am and had to work to pry our eyes open. I had put on black sweats and a blue sweatshirt, a black scarf and a brown hat. I'd pulled on soft rainbow blue socks and quickly jumped into cheap white tenni shoes. And now I sat wrapped in a bright green blanket! What more amusing site could I be?? Dayana's attire wasn't much better...And yet, here we were, bowing before the God of the universe, pleading for His Holy Spirit and blessing...
Would we dare to go dressed like this before some earthly magistrate or king?? Would we dare to even go to work dressed like this? Of course not....yet, here we were before the King of the Universe...looking just like Hobos!
After I'd finished laughing about it, I paused to contemplate it all. Whether I was wearing nice clothes or a mismatched rainbow of styles, it didn't really matter to God did it? The most beautiful clothes I could wear, or the greatest deeds of love that I could summon forth, were only but filthy rags anyway....for it says, "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away..." Isa 64:6.
Yet, I am sooo grateful that the God I serve, takes me, in all my amusing and hopeless styles of filthiness, and holds me close, and says, "Come now and let us reason together. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow..." Isa 1:18
Amusing as this whole situation was (And I took pictures just to prove it), it reminded me of this quote from steps to Christ.
"Jesus loves to have us come to Him just as we are, sinful, helpless, dependent. We may come with all our weakness, our folly, our sinfulness & fall at his feet in penitence. It is His glory to encircle us in the arms of His love, and to bind up our wounds, to cleanse us from all impurity." pg 52
Wow - what a beautiful personal and loving God we serve!!!
Then I broke the solemn silence in laughter... "Look at us Dayana! We can't even get our colors to match. We look like Hobos here clutching our blankets!"
And it's true! We did! We both had rolled out of bed at 4:45am and had to work to pry our eyes open. I had put on black sweats and a blue sweatshirt, a black scarf and a brown hat. I'd pulled on soft rainbow blue socks and quickly jumped into cheap white tenni shoes. And now I sat wrapped in a bright green blanket! What more amusing site could I be?? Dayana's attire wasn't much better...And yet, here we were, bowing before the God of the universe, pleading for His Holy Spirit and blessing...
Would we dare to go dressed like this before some earthly magistrate or king?? Would we dare to even go to work dressed like this? Of course not....yet, here we were before the King of the Universe...looking just like Hobos!
After I'd finished laughing about it, I paused to contemplate it all. Whether I was wearing nice clothes or a mismatched rainbow of styles, it didn't really matter to God did it? The most beautiful clothes I could wear, or the greatest deeds of love that I could summon forth, were only but filthy rags anyway....for it says, "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away..." Isa 64:6.
Yet, I am sooo grateful that the God I serve, takes me, in all my amusing and hopeless styles of filthiness, and holds me close, and says, "Come now and let us reason together. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow..." Isa 1:18
Amusing as this whole situation was (And I took pictures just to prove it), it reminded me of this quote from steps to Christ.
"Jesus loves to have us come to Him just as we are, sinful, helpless, dependent. We may come with all our weakness, our folly, our sinfulness & fall at his feet in penitence. It is His glory to encircle us in the arms of His love, and to bind up our wounds, to cleanse us from all impurity." pg 52
Wow - what a beautiful personal and loving God we serve!!!
Saturday, November 01, 2008
I'm back, but WHERE am I??
This is the all too sobering question of the moment....I'm back home, in my snug little comfort zone again, with all my friends, and all those that I love, but WHERE am I?? Something seems amiss! Something seems wrong...
Could it be that God doesn't expect me to stay here...could it be that He opened my eyes in Bangladesh, not so I would SEE better....but so that I would become something MORE??
I'm still pondering this question, as I sort through the maze of my life....a life filled with trials and challenges, a life filled with joy. I've made my mistakes, and I've stumbled and fallen, yet with God's strength, I've picked myself back up, and I've moved on. My life has been filled, my life has been full. And it's been full of good things. This last month has been especially rewarding as I've focused my time around service and around ministry....around doing good....to the least of these! I can surely be proud of that fact, right?!! Or can I?? Does it really matter what I've done?? With the billions lost and hurting on our planet, does my little feeble efforts really matter? Maybe they do...maybe they don't! Maybe it's not about ME anymore....maybe it's not about what I've done or where I've been....
Maybe WHERE I am is not where I am suppose to stay....maybe God is asking for MORE....
I just listened to an incredible sermon by my friend, Eric Ludy! And it's challenged me to the core, in a new way....like never before...I encourage you to LISTEN and be challenged as well!
http://www.ericludy.com/ericludy.com/Featured.html
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matt 16:24
Could it be that God doesn't expect me to stay here...could it be that He opened my eyes in Bangladesh, not so I would SEE better....but so that I would become something MORE??
I'm still pondering this question, as I sort through the maze of my life....a life filled with trials and challenges, a life filled with joy. I've made my mistakes, and I've stumbled and fallen, yet with God's strength, I've picked myself back up, and I've moved on. My life has been filled, my life has been full. And it's been full of good things. This last month has been especially rewarding as I've focused my time around service and around ministry....around doing good....to the least of these! I can surely be proud of that fact, right?!! Or can I?? Does it really matter what I've done?? With the billions lost and hurting on our planet, does my little feeble efforts really matter? Maybe they do...maybe they don't! Maybe it's not about ME anymore....maybe it's not about what I've done or where I've been....
Maybe WHERE I am is not where I am suppose to stay....maybe God is asking for MORE....
I just listened to an incredible sermon by my friend, Eric Ludy! And it's challenged me to the core, in a new way....like never before...I encourage you to LISTEN and be challenged as well!
http://www.ericludy.com/ericludy.com/Featured.html
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matt 16:24
Friday, October 17, 2008
I'm back from the other side of the World!!!
I bet you all thought I dropped off the edge of the earth, didn't you?? Well, I have about thought that myself...if you've ever been to Bangladesh, it feels like the edge of the earth! (In actuality though, it's only the other side of the earth....13 hours difference!)
This last month has been an incredible blessing (most of which I spent on a mission trip to Bangladesh, as I've mentioned in my last couple posts!). But I've been incredibly busy, and most of the time, not even near electricity...let alone a computer with the modern convenience of Internet! (And when I did have Internet, it was slow as molasses....and just trying to communicate with my mom was all I could do, let alone update a blog. So this has been on the back burner....but let's see what I can do now about catching up!!)
Curtis, Janine and I, left for Bangladesh the 14th of September...it was a long and tiring trip - 14 hours across the Pacific Ocean to Hong Kong, hours of layover there, then another 4 hours to Dhaka Bangladesh where the hot balmy monsoon weather greeted us, along with Dr. Moskala's open arms! ;-) Dr. Moskala took us to his dental clinic, a sweet cool haven in the midst of the wild city, where we crashed and slept for hours. Well, at least Curtis and Janine did! I woke up at 8am the first morning, and was ready for the adventure, but it was mid-afternoon before my teammates opened their sleepy eyes! Dr. Moskala gave us time to rest and re-coop from the long journey though, so that was a blessing.
That first week was spent visiting Dr. Moskala's "Schools" in the slums. This is where he has rented a small shack, building, or bamboo lean-to and is seeking to give them some type of education, which they would never have otherwise. And his teachers are doing a marvelous job!! We got lots of awesome video coverage for CCBN, and also got to participate in the classes. I taught them basic health and hygiene principles along with stories and songs. The kids favorite was often "David and Goliath" which I shared, or "Noah and the Ark" which Janine shared with the aid of a felt board that I'd brought along. Most of our students were Muslim and Hindu children, and just bubbling over with life and enthusiasm for what we shared.
Walking the streets was the most heart-breaking of all though....you could hardly go anywhere without tripping over a crippled beggar or homeless mother and children sleeping on cardboard or the bare stone. Everyone is soooo skinny and kids were always begging us for food! Dr. Moskala is always giving away banana's to the hungry, so we began doing that too. One of the first nights there, Dr. Moskala took us to a nice restaurant to eat (the only food that would have been safe for our American stomachs). It cost about $10 American dollars....but when we did the math, we realized that with what we'd just spent on that meal, we could have fed over 350 hungry people a banana!!!!! So...we couldn't stomach the thought of eating out anymore, but instead ate bread and butter and banana's at our room, and focused on giving out MORE banana's. The filth, the stench, the disease and sickness, the poverty, the despair....and the beggars and homeless, too numerable to count, was heart-breaking....and we often came back from our street walks or school trips in tears!!
But God had a lesson He was teaching us....and as our heart's broke, they also grew....
The second week, Loma Linda University's Medical/Dental team joined us, and we headed about 4 hours into the jungle/countryside. This was an all night drive in a huge bus that spent the majority of the time, driving into on-coming traffic!!! Talk about scary!! I had chosen to sit near the front with Raja so I wouldn't get car-sick, and my throat ended up being in my mouth practically the WHOLE trip!!! We were within inches of hitting other cars, buses, rickshaws, and who knows what else, time after time after time!!!! But God protected....and again my heart grew....
This week was a very hectic adventure, for once we got camp set-up and got through the welcoming ceremony, we began seeing between 400-700 patients per day! They were at the gate just waiting to get into the school/compound where we had set-up camp. (Made me wonder about the fact that if we only knew what God had for us in his kingdom, we too would be beating down the gates of Heaven, begging to get in!!!) I was in charge of Registration and Education, and would have been horse within the first couple hours if I hadn't had a great team of assistants to help me teach and keep things organized! (Thanks - Lorinda, Carrie, Chris and others!) God blessed. We taught health education, hygiene, cleanliness, the eight natural laws, and told a variety of non-threatening Bible stories and parables. What fun! Towards the end, Carrie and I even sang them some special songs. (I bet they never heard that kind of music before!!!) At times between the heat, sweat, crowds, smells, and mud, I wondered how long I could hold up...but God was growing my heart.
For pictures of the first TWO WEEKS of Adventures in Bangladesh, click on this link!
The last week in Bangladesh, I was driven 8 hours North....to the Bangla Hope Orphanage!! I have to say, this was probably my favorite part of the whole trip! This is an Orphanage that Americans Dave and Beverly Waid started about 5 years ago, and they have done a marvelous job. Currently they have 69 children all under the age of 6 (with more on the way), and they are doing an awesome job at raising them and giving them an education. While I was there, they put me to work as well! Every day, I did staff worship for the core staff, a couple classes a day for the older little ones, evening worship for all the kids, and then evening worship for the care-giver women. (FIVE meetings to prepare for a day - let me tell you, I was hopping like a Kangaroo!) Plus I spent a lot of time just playing with the kids and reading them stories, and loving on them! You can hardly imagine the joy....And again and again I thought of how Jesus said, "For of such is the kingdom of heaven."
The drive up to the Orphanage was wild (as was most driving in Bangladesh), but unfortunately I inhaled too much smoke and fumes from other traffic around us during the 8 hour drive....so right from the beginning of my arrival at the Orphanage, I felt like I was getting a chest infection. Every day I woke up feeling worse, and by Wednesday, I was feeling sooo sick, I knew I couldn't go on (was worried I might be getting Bronchitis or Pneumonia). That morning I pleaded with God in tears to please HEAL ME so that I could continue to teach my classes and love the children. It wasn't immediate, but He gave me strength to get up...and by noon of that day, I suddenly realized that all my symptoms, pain, congestion and problems in my lungs, had gone away!! It was ALL GONE!!! He had healed me!!! I was ecstatic!! (I never suffered any more problems....and even traveling back to the USA, despite missing 2 nights of sleep....and even more with jet-leg after being back - it's taken me about 12 days to begin to sleep during the night like normal, yet I haven't gotten near to being sick!!! Tired, yes...feeling like my head is in a fog, yes....but no sickness, sore throats or chest congestion!!!) I just praise the Lord! What a great God we serve!!!
But back to Bangladesh.....I soooo enjoyed my time there at the Orphanage, and with new friends, and by the time my week at Bangla Hope was over, I was heart-broken with the thought of leaving all my little ones....for they had adopted me into their hearts. And I had adopted them!! When I left, we all cried....and I'm already dreaming about when I can go back, and what I can do to help these kids....and the many others like them, around the world!!
For pictures of my week at BANLGA HOPE click on this link!
God grew my heart in sooo many ways on this trip....And I'll be sharing some of those ways hopefully, in my upcoming posts!
For now, I just wanted to say, I'm back....and the trip went well!! And to all those that contributed to help make this happen, my deepest gratitude!!!
May God continue to be glorified...
This last month has been an incredible blessing (most of which I spent on a mission trip to Bangladesh, as I've mentioned in my last couple posts!). But I've been incredibly busy, and most of the time, not even near electricity...let alone a computer with the modern convenience of Internet! (And when I did have Internet, it was slow as molasses....and just trying to communicate with my mom was all I could do, let alone update a blog. So this has been on the back burner....but let's see what I can do now about catching up!!)
Curtis, Janine and I, left for Bangladesh the 14th of September...it was a long and tiring trip - 14 hours across the Pacific Ocean to Hong Kong, hours of layover there, then another 4 hours to Dhaka Bangladesh where the hot balmy monsoon weather greeted us, along with Dr. Moskala's open arms! ;-) Dr. Moskala took us to his dental clinic, a sweet cool haven in the midst of the wild city, where we crashed and slept for hours. Well, at least Curtis and Janine did! I woke up at 8am the first morning, and was ready for the adventure, but it was mid-afternoon before my teammates opened their sleepy eyes! Dr. Moskala gave us time to rest and re-coop from the long journey though, so that was a blessing.
That first week was spent visiting Dr. Moskala's "Schools" in the slums. This is where he has rented a small shack, building, or bamboo lean-to and is seeking to give them some type of education, which they would never have otherwise. And his teachers are doing a marvelous job!! We got lots of awesome video coverage for CCBN, and also got to participate in the classes. I taught them basic health and hygiene principles along with stories and songs. The kids favorite was often "David and Goliath" which I shared, or "Noah and the Ark" which Janine shared with the aid of a felt board that I'd brought along. Most of our students were Muslim and Hindu children, and just bubbling over with life and enthusiasm for what we shared.
Walking the streets was the most heart-breaking of all though....you could hardly go anywhere without tripping over a crippled beggar or homeless mother and children sleeping on cardboard or the bare stone. Everyone is soooo skinny and kids were always begging us for food! Dr. Moskala is always giving away banana's to the hungry, so we began doing that too. One of the first nights there, Dr. Moskala took us to a nice restaurant to eat (the only food that would have been safe for our American stomachs). It cost about $10 American dollars....but when we did the math, we realized that with what we'd just spent on that meal, we could have fed over 350 hungry people a banana!!!!! So...we couldn't stomach the thought of eating out anymore, but instead ate bread and butter and banana's at our room, and focused on giving out MORE banana's. The filth, the stench, the disease and sickness, the poverty, the despair....and the beggars and homeless, too numerable to count, was heart-breaking....and we often came back from our street walks or school trips in tears!!
But God had a lesson He was teaching us....and as our heart's broke, they also grew....
The second week, Loma Linda University's Medical/Dental team joined us, and we headed about 4 hours into the jungle/countryside. This was an all night drive in a huge bus that spent the majority of the time, driving into on-coming traffic!!! Talk about scary!! I had chosen to sit near the front with Raja so I wouldn't get car-sick, and my throat ended up being in my mouth practically the WHOLE trip!!! We were within inches of hitting other cars, buses, rickshaws, and who knows what else, time after time after time!!!! But God protected....and again my heart grew....
This week was a very hectic adventure, for once we got camp set-up and got through the welcoming ceremony, we began seeing between 400-700 patients per day! They were at the gate just waiting to get into the school/compound where we had set-up camp. (Made me wonder about the fact that if we only knew what God had for us in his kingdom, we too would be beating down the gates of Heaven, begging to get in!!!) I was in charge of Registration and Education, and would have been horse within the first couple hours if I hadn't had a great team of assistants to help me teach and keep things organized! (Thanks - Lorinda, Carrie, Chris and others!) God blessed. We taught health education, hygiene, cleanliness, the eight natural laws, and told a variety of non-threatening Bible stories and parables. What fun! Towards the end, Carrie and I even sang them some special songs. (I bet they never heard that kind of music before!!!) At times between the heat, sweat, crowds, smells, and mud, I wondered how long I could hold up...but God was growing my heart.
For pictures of the first TWO WEEKS of Adventures in Bangladesh, click on this link!
The last week in Bangladesh, I was driven 8 hours North....to the Bangla Hope Orphanage!! I have to say, this was probably my favorite part of the whole trip! This is an Orphanage that Americans Dave and Beverly Waid started about 5 years ago, and they have done a marvelous job. Currently they have 69 children all under the age of 6 (with more on the way), and they are doing an awesome job at raising them and giving them an education. While I was there, they put me to work as well! Every day, I did staff worship for the core staff, a couple classes a day for the older little ones, evening worship for all the kids, and then evening worship for the care-giver women. (FIVE meetings to prepare for a day - let me tell you, I was hopping like a Kangaroo!) Plus I spent a lot of time just playing with the kids and reading them stories, and loving on them! You can hardly imagine the joy....And again and again I thought of how Jesus said, "For of such is the kingdom of heaven."
The drive up to the Orphanage was wild (as was most driving in Bangladesh), but unfortunately I inhaled too much smoke and fumes from other traffic around us during the 8 hour drive....so right from the beginning of my arrival at the Orphanage, I felt like I was getting a chest infection. Every day I woke up feeling worse, and by Wednesday, I was feeling sooo sick, I knew I couldn't go on (was worried I might be getting Bronchitis or Pneumonia). That morning I pleaded with God in tears to please HEAL ME so that I could continue to teach my classes and love the children. It wasn't immediate, but He gave me strength to get up...and by noon of that day, I suddenly realized that all my symptoms, pain, congestion and problems in my lungs, had gone away!! It was ALL GONE!!! He had healed me!!! I was ecstatic!! (I never suffered any more problems....and even traveling back to the USA, despite missing 2 nights of sleep....and even more with jet-leg after being back - it's taken me about 12 days to begin to sleep during the night like normal, yet I haven't gotten near to being sick!!! Tired, yes...feeling like my head is in a fog, yes....but no sickness, sore throats or chest congestion!!!) I just praise the Lord! What a great God we serve!!!
But back to Bangladesh.....I soooo enjoyed my time there at the Orphanage, and with new friends, and by the time my week at Bangla Hope was over, I was heart-broken with the thought of leaving all my little ones....for they had adopted me into their hearts. And I had adopted them!! When I left, we all cried....and I'm already dreaming about when I can go back, and what I can do to help these kids....and the many others like them, around the world!!
For pictures of my week at BANLGA HOPE click on this link!
God grew my heart in sooo many ways on this trip....And I'll be sharing some of those ways hopefully, in my upcoming posts!
For now, I just wanted to say, I'm back....and the trip went well!! And to all those that contributed to help make this happen, my deepest gratitude!!!
May God continue to be glorified...
Friday, September 12, 2008
There's one rather large item that I've been keeping in storage for a few years....a special steamer that some precious relative gave me, but I've never found a use for! Well, finally last week, I got rid of it!! I gave it away! What relief!!! No more lugging it around or trying to store it.
Well...today....I found my nicely wrapped steamer packed neatly inside one of my large storage suitcases in the garage. (I discovered it because I am packing for Bangladesh!!)
Well...as you can imagine, I was utterly perplexed at finding it there!! Then the "horror" suddenly hit me.... just like "Anne of Green Gables" gave away her neighbors cow (thinking it was hers), I had given away my roommates huge steamer pan!! Oh no....
Thankfully.... my roommate was more forgiving than Rachel Lynn!! But we all had a good laugh!!
I've been furiously packing for Bangladesh....and getting posters and educational materials ready, and shopping for socks, and medical supplies and other things to take to the Orphanage!! I am very excited, but very exhausted!!
Also, to add to the fun moments, I have a new roommate.....from Peru!! I think it's interesting that I had actually planned to go work as a missionary in Peru this fall, but it didn't work out. I guess God had something more special in mind! Instead, He sent a "Peruvian missionary" to me!! Yep, He sure did! Dayana came to volunteer full time with Creator's Call. And we are very happy to have her here! She is a real sweetheart!! (Be watching for pictures!)
So....life's exciting, but I am very blessed....and now, I am thankful it is Sabbath!! And...if you don't hear much from me for a few weeks....well, know I am having a blast in the warm tropical monsoon season Bangladesh, loving and hugging dozens of little ones!
Keep me in prayer!!
Well...today....I found my nicely wrapped steamer packed neatly inside one of my large storage suitcases in the garage. (I discovered it because I am packing for Bangladesh!!)
Well...as you can imagine, I was utterly perplexed at finding it there!! Then the "horror" suddenly hit me.... just like "Anne of Green Gables" gave away her neighbors cow (thinking it was hers), I had given away my roommates huge steamer pan!! Oh no....
Thankfully.... my roommate was more forgiving than Rachel Lynn!! But we all had a good laugh!!
I've been furiously packing for Bangladesh....and getting posters and educational materials ready, and shopping for socks, and medical supplies and other things to take to the Orphanage!! I am very excited, but very exhausted!!
Also, to add to the fun moments, I have a new roommate.....from Peru!! I think it's interesting that I had actually planned to go work as a missionary in Peru this fall, but it didn't work out. I guess God had something more special in mind! Instead, He sent a "Peruvian missionary" to me!! Yep, He sure did! Dayana came to volunteer full time with Creator's Call. And we are very happy to have her here! She is a real sweetheart!! (Be watching for pictures!)
So....life's exciting, but I am very blessed....and now, I am thankful it is Sabbath!! And...if you don't hear much from me for a few weeks....well, know I am having a blast in the warm tropical monsoon season Bangladesh, loving and hugging dozens of little ones!
Keep me in prayer!!
Friday, September 05, 2008
Well....where do I begin? It seems that I can't keep up with this blog anymore...just too many things going on!!
The most recent exciting news is: I'm going to Bangladesh!!! Can you believe it?? I am still getting over the shock myself!!
I'd been praying all summer about a couple specific mission opportunities, but none of them came together as I had hoped! Then just a little over a week ago, I talked with Paul (the coordinator for the Loma Linda University Medical/Dental mission trip that is going to Bangladesh in Septemeber) and he talked about the fact that they could still use some help in "Health Education" if I was interested in going with them. Well, I grew very excited at the prospects, although to be honest.....Bangladesh was the last country I'd thought or prayed about reaching this summer! Anyway, the difficult thing was, I didn't have much time to prepare....they were leaving in 3 weeks!
Well, I decided to come home and pray about it....so I stalled on action for another 3 days (which left me with 2.5 weeks), and made things seem even more impossible to pull together! Finally I had peace to put my feet in the water and see what God would do!! If I could get the financial support I needed, as well as get all my paperwork together by the deadline....I would move forward!
I'm here to report, that God has worked in an amazing and incredible way......far beyond my imagination or hopes!!
Even though I was sooo short on time, and even delayed some more to pray about it all, He is working everything out perfectly. A number of friends came forward in my plee for support (Thanks to all of you that were a part of this!), and the very next day after I decided to put my feet in the water, I had enough financial backing to pay for my Visa expenses (which the group was sending off that very day), as well as make the down payment on my ticket! Thankfully, the price hadn't gone up yet! (And I'm once again reminded...though God may not work on our time-table, He is always on time...never late!!)
Furthermore, I'm not only going to be assisting with "Health Education" with the medical team, but the doors have opened up for me to go volunteer at the Bangla Hope Orphanage while I'm there, where I'll be doing a variety of things....but most importantly, getting to love on the children! I can hardly wait!!!
So, all in all, I'll be gone a little over three weeks. And my date for departure (Sept 14th) is fast approaching!! I'm soooo excited and humbled at this incredible opportunity, and just pray that God will use me as well as our team, in a very special way!
If any of my blog readers would like to contribute.....I'm still accepting tax-deductible donations*....which will go towards sponsoring waiting Orphans as well as building a web site that will continue to support the needs of the "least of these" around the world. My vision and dream is expanding, so pray for me, that God may truly be glorified!
"In as much as you have done it unto the least of these, you've done it unto me..." Matt 25:40
"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matt 19:14
The most recent exciting news is: I'm going to Bangladesh!!! Can you believe it?? I am still getting over the shock myself!!
I'd been praying all summer about a couple specific mission opportunities, but none of them came together as I had hoped! Then just a little over a week ago, I talked with Paul (the coordinator for the Loma Linda University Medical/Dental mission trip that is going to Bangladesh in Septemeber) and he talked about the fact that they could still use some help in "Health Education" if I was interested in going with them. Well, I grew very excited at the prospects, although to be honest.....Bangladesh was the last country I'd thought or prayed about reaching this summer! Anyway, the difficult thing was, I didn't have much time to prepare....they were leaving in 3 weeks!
Well, I decided to come home and pray about it....so I stalled on action for another 3 days (which left me with 2.5 weeks), and made things seem even more impossible to pull together! Finally I had peace to put my feet in the water and see what God would do!! If I could get the financial support I needed, as well as get all my paperwork together by the deadline....I would move forward!
I'm here to report, that God has worked in an amazing and incredible way......far beyond my imagination or hopes!!
Even though I was sooo short on time, and even delayed some more to pray about it all, He is working everything out perfectly. A number of friends came forward in my plee for support (Thanks to all of you that were a part of this!), and the very next day after I decided to put my feet in the water, I had enough financial backing to pay for my Visa expenses (which the group was sending off that very day), as well as make the down payment on my ticket! Thankfully, the price hadn't gone up yet! (And I'm once again reminded...though God may not work on our time-table, He is always on time...never late!!)
Furthermore, I'm not only going to be assisting with "Health Education" with the medical team, but the doors have opened up for me to go volunteer at the Bangla Hope Orphanage while I'm there, where I'll be doing a variety of things....but most importantly, getting to love on the children! I can hardly wait!!!
So, all in all, I'll be gone a little over three weeks. And my date for departure (Sept 14th) is fast approaching!! I'm soooo excited and humbled at this incredible opportunity, and just pray that God will use me as well as our team, in a very special way!
If any of my blog readers would like to contribute.....I'm still accepting tax-deductible donations*....which will go towards sponsoring waiting Orphans as well as building a web site that will continue to support the needs of the "least of these" around the world. My vision and dream is expanding, so pray for me, that God may truly be glorified!
"In as much as you have done it unto the least of these, you've done it unto me..." Matt 25:40
"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matt 19:14
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Do you ever feel lonely and homeless...you know, like this world is not your home?! I've been feeling that a lot lately...and I think it's because God has been reminding me, this world ISN'T my home!! And it was never meant to be my home...
A new song* I just discovered lately, has been a huge blessing in my life as I'm encouraged where my security rest...and where my TRUE HOME is!! It's beautiful, and I pray you too will be touched as you hear the message...
A new song* I just discovered lately, has been a huge blessing in my life as I'm encouraged where my security rest...and where my TRUE HOME is!! It's beautiful, and I pray you too will be touched as you hear the message...
"I will Be your Home"
Though you are homeless, though you're alone, I will be your home...
Whatever's the matter, whatever's been done, I will be your home...
Chorus:
I will be your home...I will be your home.
In this fearful fallen place, I will be your home.
When time reaches fullness, when I move my hand, I will bring you home...
Home to your own place, in a beautiful land, I will bring you home...
I will bring you home, I will bring you home...
From this fearful fallen place, I will bring you home!
I will bring you HOME....
Praise the Lord that He will soon bring us HOME!!
*Words and music on new album by Christian Berdahl, "A Vision of Heaven." To be released this next month! (I got a pre-released version at ASI!)
Though you are homeless, though you're alone, I will be your home...
Whatever's the matter, whatever's been done, I will be your home...
Chorus:
I will be your home...I will be your home.
In this fearful fallen place, I will be your home.
When time reaches fullness, when I move my hand, I will bring you home...
Home to your own place, in a beautiful land, I will bring you home...
I will bring you home, I will bring you home...
From this fearful fallen place, I will bring you home!
I will bring you HOME....
Praise the Lord that He will soon bring us HOME!!
*Words and music on new album by Christian Berdahl, "A Vision of Heaven." To be released this next month! (I got a pre-released version at ASI!)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The Divine Appointment...
It was a normal afternoon, but God had something special in store.
My friends and I headed up into the mountains, hoping to find a nice peaceful lake, and some quality time in nature. Originally, the plan was to go to "Big Bear" but as it was getting late in the afternoon, I suggested that we go to "Lake Gregory." So that's where we went!
The weather was perfect and the conversation entertaining, as we walked around the lake, pausing at various exercise stations to practice our skills. There were a few other hikers out, but not that many, and we enjoyed the peace and solitude.
Later, as sundown approached, we grabbed our Bibles and Dave got his Guitar, so we could have evening worship and talk about how God had been leading in our lives. As we walked along the lake, past the many fishermen and picnickers, we looked for a quiet secluded spot. And finally we found it! It was beautiful to sing and share...
What we didn't realize was, that a young couple nearby, had been watching us, and felt that God wanted them to talk to us. But it took them awhile to get the courage up to come approach our group. Finally they did...disguising their interest in asking "if" we knew of a good place to eat. We ended up inviting them to join our group, and they did! Then they shared their story.
The girl had been a Christian for many years, but her husband had just given his life to Christ. In fact, only a few days before. And as he was seeking for victory and peace in some important areas of his life, he had felt God calling him to come to the mountains. But, after sitting by the lake for a couple hours, he hadn't found what he had been looking for...until we walked by! Then it was he knew that they were to talk with us!
We each took turns sharing our testimonies and talking about God's faithfulness. We were sooo encouraged and blessed to see how God had been working in their lives, and also, that He had ordained our paths to cross....just so we could encourage and pray with them!
By the time we reluctantly parted later that evening....it was well past dark! But the light of God's love was shining in our hearts...
What a special time we would have missed...if we hadn't followed God's call to the mountains!
My friends and I headed up into the mountains, hoping to find a nice peaceful lake, and some quality time in nature. Originally, the plan was to go to "Big Bear" but as it was getting late in the afternoon, I suggested that we go to "Lake Gregory." So that's where we went!
The weather was perfect and the conversation entertaining, as we walked around the lake, pausing at various exercise stations to practice our skills. There were a few other hikers out, but not that many, and we enjoyed the peace and solitude.
Later, as sundown approached, we grabbed our Bibles and Dave got his Guitar, so we could have evening worship and talk about how God had been leading in our lives. As we walked along the lake, past the many fishermen and picnickers, we looked for a quiet secluded spot. And finally we found it! It was beautiful to sing and share...
What we didn't realize was, that a young couple nearby, had been watching us, and felt that God wanted them to talk to us. But it took them awhile to get the courage up to come approach our group. Finally they did...disguising their interest in asking "if" we knew of a good place to eat. We ended up inviting them to join our group, and they did! Then they shared their story.
The girl had been a Christian for many years, but her husband had just given his life to Christ. In fact, only a few days before. And as he was seeking for victory and peace in some important areas of his life, he had felt God calling him to come to the mountains. But, after sitting by the lake for a couple hours, he hadn't found what he had been looking for...until we walked by! Then it was he knew that they were to talk with us!
We each took turns sharing our testimonies and talking about God's faithfulness. We were sooo encouraged and blessed to see how God had been working in their lives, and also, that He had ordained our paths to cross....just so we could encourage and pray with them!
By the time we reluctantly parted later that evening....it was well past dark! But the light of God's love was shining in our hearts...
What a special time we would have missed...if we hadn't followed God's call to the mountains!
1/30/09 - Update Note: I kept in touch with Alan and Amanda, and God has continued to lead. Almost 6 months after this "Divine Appointment" Amanda came to spend a couple weeks with me as she sought for complete Freedom in Christ, and for strength to walk and live a new healthy life. And God has been working miraculously for both of us in this experience!! (Read newer posts from January and February 2009 for updates.)
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Where are YOU in this picture??
A sobering picture that has convicted my heart! I pray it will convict yours as well!
Wow - this whole summer has been a whirl-wind of activities...[work, travel to CO, Northern CA, Family reunion, Special wedding, travel home to Oklahoma, Arkansas, ASI in Tampa FL, back Home to AR, and now back to California etc] and just staying on my feet, much less blogging and telling everyone about it, has been a challenge!! God has been teaching me many things and has impressed many things upon my heart though...which I'll be sharing as I can make the time.
For the moment, I'd like to share about this week's Prayer Meeting that I held here at Advent Hope back in Loma Linda, and about the burden that God has pressed even more upon my heart lately.
This week we talked not just about the work that is being accomplished in saving souls, but rather in the GREAT WORK there is yet to do!!! It is painfully sobering...
We took turns reading through the inspirational quotes below, then we took time to reflect on the picture shown above, as we asked ourselves the question....
"Where do we fit in this picture?"
Are we American Christians sooo occupied with the good things of life, eating great food at awesome vegetarian restaurants.....(You know they have everything now days!), pampering our vanity with this luxury or that, saving up for a new outfit, car, computer, or expensive toy, enjoying peaceful vactions or entertaining amusements (do you know that 25-30,000 children die every day from starvation and poverty? How many more still alive are starving for a Savior??), going to Christian concerts or conferences where we talk about reaching the lost but rarely go home to actually reach the lost (hey I'm guilty - I do it too!!), negotiating important business deals (after all, we give our money to the Lord's work), working hard to pay off our debts or provide for our family....(none of these activities are bad, you know)! Or maybe we're just buried in our studies, trying to get through school or trying to raise our family!!
But have we gotten sooo preoccupied with our lives, that we have FORGOTTEN that THE WORLD AROUND US IS DROWNING WITHOUT A SAVIOR?!!
God commands us to give to the poor...and anyone who doesn't know Christ is poor... So, as you read through the following quotes - ask yourself - "Where do I fit in this picture? What do the priorities of my life reflect?"
"Only in eternity can we rightly estimate the loss of a single soul." 4SP 457
"Are we as a people asleep? Oh, if the young men & young women in our institutions who are now unready for the Lord’s appearing, unfitted to become members of the Lord’s family, could only discern the signs of the times, what a change would be seen in them! The Lord Jesus is calling for self-denying workers to follow in His footsteps, to walk and work for Him, to lift the cross, and to follow where He leads the way." Maranatha 138
"[Context] God is permitting the elements of confusion and disorder to bear sway for a season. A power from beneath is working to bring about the last great scenes in the drama - Satan coming as Christ.....Transgression has almost reached it’s limit. Confusion fills the world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings. The end is very near. We who know the truth should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise!" 8T 28
"The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show that the time for God’s visitation has about come. Although loath to punish, nevertheless, He will punish, and that speedly. Those who walk in the light will see signs of the approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expectancy of ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter His people in the day of visitation. Far from it. They should realize that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong faith to God for help. ‘The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." 5T 209
"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
"The people of God should be wide awake, not trusting in their own wisdom, but wholly in the wisdom of their Leader. They should set aside days for fasting and prayer. . . ." 3SM 414
"We Are Nearing the Crisis. We are nearing the most important crisis that has ever come upon the world. If we are not wide awake and watching, it will steal upon us as a thief. Satan is preparing to work through his human agencies in secrecy. . . ."3SM 414
"It is not excitement we wish to create, but deep, earnest consideration, that those who hear shall do solid work, real, sound, genuine work that will be enduring as eternity." Letter 102, 1894
"The signs are rapidly fulfilling, yet it would seem that but few realize that the day of the Lord is coming, swiftly, silently, as a thief in the night. Many are saying, "Peace and safety." Unless they are watching and waiting for their Lord, they will be taken as in a snare. . . ." 3SM 408
"The Lord calls for volunteers who will be self-denying, who will endure hardness as good soldiers of the cross of Christ. He calls for workers who are willing to be laborers together with Him....The last great battle in behalf of truth and righteousness is to be fought, and God would have His soldiers go forth in faith. Christians, do you discern the signs of the times?" ST, June 21, 1899 par. 10
"Religion, pure, undefiled religion, is intensely practical. Nothing but earnest, wholehearted labor will avail in the saving of souls." Letter 43, 1902. CM 77
"When we labor diligently for the salvation of our fellow men, God will prosper our every efforts." 9T 86
And finally, the ultimate challenge...
For the moment, I'd like to share about this week's Prayer Meeting that I held here at Advent Hope back in Loma Linda, and about the burden that God has pressed even more upon my heart lately.
This week we talked not just about the work that is being accomplished in saving souls, but rather in the GREAT WORK there is yet to do!!! It is painfully sobering...
We took turns reading through the inspirational quotes below, then we took time to reflect on the picture shown above, as we asked ourselves the question....
"Where do we fit in this picture?"
Are we American Christians sooo occupied with the good things of life, eating great food at awesome vegetarian restaurants.....(You know they have everything now days!), pampering our vanity with this luxury or that, saving up for a new outfit, car, computer, or expensive toy, enjoying peaceful vactions or entertaining amusements (do you know that 25-30,000 children die every day from starvation and poverty? How many more still alive are starving for a Savior??), going to Christian concerts or conferences where we talk about reaching the lost but rarely go home to actually reach the lost (hey I'm guilty - I do it too!!), negotiating important business deals (after all, we give our money to the Lord's work), working hard to pay off our debts or provide for our family....(none of these activities are bad, you know)! Or maybe we're just buried in our studies, trying to get through school or trying to raise our family!!
But have we gotten sooo preoccupied with our lives, that we have FORGOTTEN that THE WORLD AROUND US IS DROWNING WITHOUT A SAVIOR?!!
God commands us to give to the poor...and anyone who doesn't know Christ is poor... So, as you read through the following quotes - ask yourself - "Where do I fit in this picture? What do the priorities of my life reflect?"
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18,19
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"And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather [every] grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God." Luke 19:10
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"If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:." Duet 15:7
~
"I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out." Duet 29:16
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"Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor?" Duet 30:25
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"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." Jam 4:17
"Only in eternity can we rightly estimate the loss of a single soul." 4SP 457
"Are we as a people asleep? Oh, if the young men & young women in our institutions who are now unready for the Lord’s appearing, unfitted to become members of the Lord’s family, could only discern the signs of the times, what a change would be seen in them! The Lord Jesus is calling for self-denying workers to follow in His footsteps, to walk and work for Him, to lift the cross, and to follow where He leads the way." Maranatha 138
"[Context] God is permitting the elements of confusion and disorder to bear sway for a season. A power from beneath is working to bring about the last great scenes in the drama - Satan coming as Christ.....Transgression has almost reached it’s limit. Confusion fills the world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings. The end is very near. We who know the truth should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise!" 8T 28
"The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show that the time for God’s visitation has about come. Although loath to punish, nevertheless, He will punish, and that speedly. Those who walk in the light will see signs of the approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expectancy of ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter His people in the day of visitation. Far from it. They should realize that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong faith to God for help. ‘The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." 5T 209
"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
"The people of God should be wide awake, not trusting in their own wisdom, but wholly in the wisdom of their Leader. They should set aside days for fasting and prayer. . . ." 3SM 414
"We Are Nearing the Crisis. We are nearing the most important crisis that has ever come upon the world. If we are not wide awake and watching, it will steal upon us as a thief. Satan is preparing to work through his human agencies in secrecy. . . ."3SM 414
"It is not excitement we wish to create, but deep, earnest consideration, that those who hear shall do solid work, real, sound, genuine work that will be enduring as eternity." Letter 102, 1894
"The signs are rapidly fulfilling, yet it would seem that but few realize that the day of the Lord is coming, swiftly, silently, as a thief in the night. Many are saying, "Peace and safety." Unless they are watching and waiting for their Lord, they will be taken as in a snare. . . ." 3SM 408
"The Lord calls for volunteers who will be self-denying, who will endure hardness as good soldiers of the cross of Christ. He calls for workers who are willing to be laborers together with Him....The last great battle in behalf of truth and righteousness is to be fought, and God would have His soldiers go forth in faith. Christians, do you discern the signs of the times?" ST, June 21, 1899 par. 10
"Religion, pure, undefiled religion, is intensely practical. Nothing but earnest, wholehearted labor will avail in the saving of souls." Letter 43, 1902. CM 77
"When we labor diligently for the salvation of our fellow men, God will prosper our every efforts." 9T 86
And finally, the ultimate challenge...
"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
Sunday, August 03, 2008
The GLUE that holds us together...
Just watched a DVD called "How Great is our God" by speaker Louie Giglio. It was pretty incredible!
He (Louie) was talking about how inconceivably BIG our God is…how He spoke the universe into being…how He breathes stars out of His mouth that are huge raging balls of fire…etc. etc.
He made the amazing comparison.....say our earth is the size of a little golf-ball, and one of the biggest stars they have discovered out there is like the size of Mt Everest!!! What a comparison....what a great God and creator we serve!
Then He went on to speak of how this star-breathing, universe creating God ALSO knitted our human bodies together with amazing detail and wonder. I remember how I was constantly amazed during nursing school as I learned more and more about God’s handiwork. I remember so many times thinking…’How can ANYONE deny that a Creator did all of this???’
Louie went on to talk about how we can trust that the God who created all this, also has the power to hold it all together when things seem to be falling apart…how our loving Creator is also our sustainer.
Then he started talking about laminin....
I knew about laminin. But here is how wikipedia describes it:
"Laminins are a family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue."
You see….laminins are what hold us together …LITERALLY. They are cell adhesion molecules. They are what holds one cell of our bodies to the next cell. Without them, we would literally fall apart. And I knew all this already. But what I didn’t know is what laminin LOOKED LIKE.
But now I do. And I have thought about it a thousand times since (already)….
"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things are held together [or do consist]." Col 1:12-17
Watch the following clip and tell me that our God is not the most amazing!!! He is the GLUE that holds us together…
He (Louie) was talking about how inconceivably BIG our God is…how He spoke the universe into being…how He breathes stars out of His mouth that are huge raging balls of fire…etc. etc.
He made the amazing comparison.....say our earth is the size of a little golf-ball, and one of the biggest stars they have discovered out there is like the size of Mt Everest!!! What a comparison....what a great God and creator we serve!
Then He went on to speak of how this star-breathing, universe creating God ALSO knitted our human bodies together with amazing detail and wonder. I remember how I was constantly amazed during nursing school as I learned more and more about God’s handiwork. I remember so many times thinking…’How can ANYONE deny that a Creator did all of this???’
Louie went on to talk about how we can trust that the God who created all this, also has the power to hold it all together when things seem to be falling apart…how our loving Creator is also our sustainer.
Then he started talking about laminin....
I knew about laminin. But here is how wikipedia describes it:
"Laminins are a family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue."
You see….laminins are what hold us together …LITERALLY. They are cell adhesion molecules. They are what holds one cell of our bodies to the next cell. Without them, we would literally fall apart. And I knew all this already. But what I didn’t know is what laminin LOOKED LIKE.
But now I do. And I have thought about it a thousand times since (already)….
"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things are held together [or do consist]." Col 1:12-17
Watch the following clip and tell me that our God is not the most amazing!!! He is the GLUE that holds us together…
Sunday, July 27, 2008
My Sister is Married!!!!
In honor of the "One week Anniversary" of Sunny & Tim's marriage, while they celebrate away on their honeymoon, I thought I would celebrate by taking time to post some photos! Here in my blog are a few of my very favorites. (Thx Joelle for the great shots!!!) For those that want to see more great pics, just click on the link listed below in my post.
Congratulations Sister!! And Tim, welcome to the family!
The big day has come and gone...
Wow...where do I begin? How do I re-cap the joy and excitement, love and enthusiasm, bittersweet moments, and sweat of hard work from the last couple weeks??! Sunny & Tim are finally married.... The day we have prayed about and looked forward to for sooooo long has finally happened!!! Praise the Lord!
The week before the wedding was one of the most fun, but busiest, that I've had for a long time. All my and Sunny's close family came out to California for the occasion, and so we not only worked on preparing for the big day, but took some time to hike and enjoy the beach and a few of Southern California's highlights. Especially enjoyable was getting to hang out more with Tim's mom and sister, who we are now priviledged to call "family" as well.
To see my collection of pictures from the week leading up to the wedding, as well as the BIG EVENT itself, just click on the following link: Sunny and Tim's Big Week and Wedding
After the wedding...while Tim and Sunny headed for their honeymoon, I left California with the Hollands and gang as we headed back to Oklahoma. The journey took a couple days, and we stopped at "White Sands National Monument" along the way in New Mexico! It was beautiful!!! Now I am currently back in Arkansas with the Mason family, and am enjoying some clean fresh air and peace. My head is dizzy from all the activity and still spinning from the excitement, but I know the time apart to rest, re-focus and connect with God and those I love will be a huge blessing!
So enjoy the pictures, and I'll be updating this blog more soon, as God teaches me more exciting lessons. I've got like 5 books I am trying to read this summer during my time off....and am already almost through the first one, so I'll definitely have a few insights to share shortly.
"Come apart and rest awhile..." Mark 6:31
The week before the wedding was one of the most fun, but busiest, that I've had for a long time. All my and Sunny's close family came out to California for the occasion, and so we not only worked on preparing for the big day, but took some time to hike and enjoy the beach and a few of Southern California's highlights. Especially enjoyable was getting to hang out more with Tim's mom and sister, who we are now priviledged to call "family" as well.
To see my collection of pictures from the week leading up to the wedding, as well as the BIG EVENT itself, just click on the following link: Sunny and Tim's Big Week and Wedding
After the wedding...while Tim and Sunny headed for their honeymoon, I left California with the Hollands and gang as we headed back to Oklahoma. The journey took a couple days, and we stopped at "White Sands National Monument" along the way in New Mexico! It was beautiful!!! Now I am currently back in Arkansas with the Mason family, and am enjoying some clean fresh air and peace. My head is dizzy from all the activity and still spinning from the excitement, but I know the time apart to rest, re-focus and connect with God and those I love will be a huge blessing!
So enjoy the pictures, and I'll be updating this blog more soon, as God teaches me more exciting lessons. I've got like 5 books I am trying to read this summer during my time off....and am already almost through the first one, so I'll definitely have a few insights to share shortly.
"Come apart and rest awhile..." Mark 6:31
Friday, July 11, 2008
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