Sunday, January 25, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, January 23, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, January 05, 2009

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

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

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

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

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