Eight~
A Big Juicy Grape
Hello Everyone! Its been so long since my last post. But if i could i would have to take out time to write a book and a sequel with all that`s happened since the last time I wrote about my missionary adventures.The way that I could best describe my experience in the months that have just passed is like this. God decided that it was time for me to get a bib bunch of juicy grapes and so that i could see how wonderful and sweet those grapes are, He fed the to me one by one. Why? So that I could savor them and know His grace and goodness. How sweet He is. I will now go through some of the grapes in the bunch that i have decided to share.
Grape One- The Grape of Healing
After two months of suffering with a dislocated knee and experiencing some of the most excruciating pain i have ever known, i pressed on. I served in the missions field assigned to me and stayed in my post. Was it easy and fun? Not at all. There were days that i felt that the pain and the darkness would swallow me. and there were days when my prayer was just His name whispered in pain. Also the brace added to the discomfort, since it could not be removed, only for quick showers. I could not sleep right for almost two months, and if that doesn't make you cranky add pain, sadness and despair. I went t my Ortho Surgeon appointment ready to endure the pain of him twisting and prodding my knee till the tears ran down my face. This appointment was to decide when my surgery to repair my two torn ligaments would be. I closed my eyes when the doctor took off my cast. To my surprise ( and to the doctor`s and my husband) i had no pain at all!!! God had healed my knee! Just like that, God gave me the sweet gift of healing! What a juicy grape! Since that day i have been able to walk normally,go up and down stairs again,shop for the school feeding program,dance and play kickball! Amazing!God is still in the business of miracles, God heals! This urban missionary is a living breathing testimony of that.
Grape Two- The Grape of Help
After a long period of time, in which my core team has been the most amazing support at the ministry and we were diligent to do all the work together and joyfully. The Lord has blessed Freedom Square with help, with laborers. We have prayed for them and the Lord has sent them. And he has been faithful to send the ones who have the perfect heart for the work in Brooklyn. I am blessed to say that they all are not only prayer warriors, evangelists and worshipers but also creative,kind, full of humor and ideas. We are all prepared to pour our heart and lives for what we must do in Brooklyn. After many days of packing 100 snack bags for the schools a week just Richie, the kids and I,and praying for help. Its good to see that God heard our prayers, and right on time since we will now be packing 250 bags a week.Thank God for His listening ear, and for His faithfulness to send help when we need it. A sweet grape indeed! ( would it be too confusing to say that each new helper is like a sweet grape fro God?? hehehe.... Thank you Lord for my grapes The Hoglund Family,Will,Patrick,Vlad,Josh,Jacki,Isha and Eden)
Grape Three- The Grape of Answered Prayer
i went to visit my mom recently and saw hid my eyes answered prayed. I was able to love and care for her. As many of you know my mom just finished an intense battle with inflammatory breast cancer. But God allowed both her and me to rest in His promises, to that He is who He said He is and that He never leaves or nor forsakes us. My mom is healed, she will be able to see her grandchildren go through many more milestones in life. What an answered prayer! My Mom is healed from a disease that would have put her in the grave in 4 months flat. He gives life,He gives hope. He answers prayer!
Grape Four- The Grape of Joy
My friend Bonnie is one of the coolest people out there! She speaks her mind, is passionate and tender.And she shares my love for I love Lucy :) It has not been an easy time for her as she suffered a great loss in her family, and her son Brandon was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. How else can i describe it, but that my heart went into her heart. I saw no other answer but to pray and pray and pray. To trust God. I was overjoyed to hear of Brandon`s healing from cancer! He`s cancer free!! And the joy in my heart is amazing,I cant even imagine Bonnie`s joy!!! Keep on dancing Bonnie!! God has given you the grapes of joy,answered prayer and healing!!
Yum,Yum, Come and see that the Lord is good and his mercy endureth forever!
~ In any adventure we must always be aware that we have the right thing to eat, to keep us nourished and strong.What a sweet surprise to find in the road that The One who loves us the most had packed a sweet meal for us, without us even knowing!
Cheers!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Eight- This song is the story of my life
I am by Nicole Nordeman
Pencil marks on a wall, I wasn't always this tall
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed
You watched my team win
You watched my team lose
Watched when my bicycle went down again
And when I was weak, unable to speak
Still I could call You by name
And I said, Elbow Healer, Superhero
Come if You can
You said, I Am
Only sixteen, life is so mean
What kind of curfew is at 10pm?
You saw my mistakes
And watched my heart break
Heard when I swore I'd never love again
And when I was weak, unable to speak
Still I could call You by name
And I said Heartache Healer, Secret Keeper
Be my best friend
And you said, I Am
You saw me wear white by pale candlelight
I said forever to what lies ahead
Two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream
Too much it might seem when it is 2am
And when I am weak, unable to speak
Still I will call You by name
Shepherd, Savior, Pasture Maker
Hold onto my hand
You say, I Am
The winds of change and circumstance blow in and all around us
So we find a foothold that's familiar
And bless the moments that we feel You nearer
When life had begun, I was woven and spun
You let the angels dance around the throne
And who can say when, but they'll dance again
When I am free and finally headed home
I will be weak, unable to speak
Still I will call You by name
Creator, Maker, Life Sustainer
Comforter, Healer, my Redeemer
Lord and King, Beginning and the End
I Am
Yes, I Am
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed
You watched my team win
You watched my team lose
Watched when my bicycle went down again
And when I was weak, unable to speak
Still I could call You by name
And I said, Elbow Healer, Superhero
Come if You can
You said, I Am
Only sixteen, life is so mean
What kind of curfew is at 10pm?
You saw my mistakes
And watched my heart break
Heard when I swore I'd never love again
And when I was weak, unable to speak
Still I could call You by name
And I said Heartache Healer, Secret Keeper
Be my best friend
And you said, I Am
You saw me wear white by pale candlelight
I said forever to what lies ahead
Two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream
Too much it might seem when it is 2am
And when I am weak, unable to speak
Still I will call You by name
Shepherd, Savior, Pasture Maker
Hold onto my hand
You say, I Am
The winds of change and circumstance blow in and all around us
So we find a foothold that's familiar
And bless the moments that we feel You nearer
When life had begun, I was woven and spun
You let the angels dance around the throne
And who can say when, but they'll dance again
When I am free and finally headed home
I will be weak, unable to speak
Still I will call You by name
Creator, Maker, Life Sustainer
Comforter, Healer, my Redeemer
Lord and King, Beginning and the End
I Am
Yes, I Am
**Cheers
An adventure can be described in a song, for those with a poetic heart.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Seven- Show Me The Way
Seven - Show Me The Way
In my very early twenties I was already a wife and a mother. I remember the days as a young Christian sitting in church, my heart pounding, as I heard the words of my beloved pastor reach to me week after week. I was one of thousands who was there, listening and being provoked to a deeper walk with Jesus. I was challenged to be genuine, I was taught to live simply by the principles that Jesus showed me in the bible. I was taught that suffering might come, but I would never be alone, the God I served would always be with me. I was taught to be bold and to share truth. It was when my son was six months old that I was provoked to go out and feed the homeless and drug addicted of NYC. Who was I to do that? I thought, after all I was just a young girl that was still learning her bible and didn't understand much. It was then that I read the Cross and the Switchblade for the first time. This was a book that my pastor wrote many years ago, Pastor David Wilkerson.I read it four times in a row. After reading it I felt that with God nothing is impossible. I served with the Raven Truck at TSC for 7 years. We fed the homeless,prayed for the drug addicted and brought truth to many. I remember pulling up to church after a long night of ministry, sometimes pregnant and about to pop, and seeing Pastor David coming over to encourage us. I remember on two occasions walking down the street and meeting him either with Sister Gwen or by himself and having a little visit in the middle of Times Square. I remember Sister Gwen's hugs and how much they cared for me as they asked me about my life and family. He was my Pastor truly, as I was his sheep and he watched over me. When I had my little daughter I would meet him backstage almost every Sunday as I dropped her in the nursery and he would ask to hold her. They would have great conversations, I stood and watched. He would speak to her and she would talk back in baby talk. I learned from one of his sermons about his prayer walks and was encouraged to do the same with my husband around Bushwick,NY. It was then, birthed in prayer that we began feeding people out of our minivan. I had the opportunity to share twice before the congregation at TSC about our work in Brooklyn. Pastor Dave not only encouraged us but facilitated the way for our ministry to grow and feed even more people. He was like a father to me and I remember feeling very insecure before the first time I stood before the pulpit. He met me after and encouraged me and even commented on my coat and it's color. Just like a father would. I spoke to Pastor David maybe 10 times in my life, but every time it was very special. He spoke powerful things into my life. When I see the task before me in Brooklyn I remember his obedience and his trust in God and I know God will be faithful to a work He began here so long ago. It is with utter sadness that I write this today, the day of his funeral. He passed away on Wednesday in a car accident. In my sorrow I know that the Lord is calling me to follow his legacy of obedience and trust. So even in the pain I'm in now, which as many of you know is also physical, I know great things are to come to this city. I will like to end this post by sharing some of the words of Pastor David that touched my heart the most.
"The Lord is warning, “Don’t trust in man. If you put your faith in human power rather than in me, you’ll be cursed.”
Yet, if we put our trust in the Lord, here is what our faith will produce: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit” (17:7-8).
As we trust wholly in the Father, we put down roots in his river of health. And his divine strength—luscious, green, spiritual health—flows in us and through us. While everything around us is decaying, we’ll flourish as green trees, healthy and strong. And when the hour of trial comes, we won’t languish or wilt. Instead, our faith will be growing.
~ Pastor David Wilkerson
-- an adventure is usually navigated by maps left behind for us by great men. My map says pray,fast, trust and obey. It has valleys and mountains but the treasure is marked by a cross and the treasure itself is eternity.
~ Cheers
In my very early twenties I was already a wife and a mother. I remember the days as a young Christian sitting in church, my heart pounding, as I heard the words of my beloved pastor reach to me week after week. I was one of thousands who was there, listening and being provoked to a deeper walk with Jesus. I was challenged to be genuine, I was taught to live simply by the principles that Jesus showed me in the bible. I was taught that suffering might come, but I would never be alone, the God I served would always be with me. I was taught to be bold and to share truth. It was when my son was six months old that I was provoked to go out and feed the homeless and drug addicted of NYC. Who was I to do that? I thought, after all I was just a young girl that was still learning her bible and didn't understand much. It was then that I read the Cross and the Switchblade for the first time. This was a book that my pastor wrote many years ago, Pastor David Wilkerson.I read it four times in a row. After reading it I felt that with God nothing is impossible. I served with the Raven Truck at TSC for 7 years. We fed the homeless,prayed for the drug addicted and brought truth to many. I remember pulling up to church after a long night of ministry, sometimes pregnant and about to pop, and seeing Pastor David coming over to encourage us. I remember on two occasions walking down the street and meeting him either with Sister Gwen or by himself and having a little visit in the middle of Times Square. I remember Sister Gwen's hugs and how much they cared for me as they asked me about my life and family. He was my Pastor truly, as I was his sheep and he watched over me. When I had my little daughter I would meet him backstage almost every Sunday as I dropped her in the nursery and he would ask to hold her. They would have great conversations, I stood and watched. He would speak to her and she would talk back in baby talk. I learned from one of his sermons about his prayer walks and was encouraged to do the same with my husband around Bushwick,NY. It was then, birthed in prayer that we began feeding people out of our minivan. I had the opportunity to share twice before the congregation at TSC about our work in Brooklyn. Pastor Dave not only encouraged us but facilitated the way for our ministry to grow and feed even more people. He was like a father to me and I remember feeling very insecure before the first time I stood before the pulpit. He met me after and encouraged me and even commented on my coat and it's color. Just like a father would. I spoke to Pastor David maybe 10 times in my life, but every time it was very special. He spoke powerful things into my life. When I see the task before me in Brooklyn I remember his obedience and his trust in God and I know God will be faithful to a work He began here so long ago. It is with utter sadness that I write this today, the day of his funeral. He passed away on Wednesday in a car accident. In my sorrow I know that the Lord is calling me to follow his legacy of obedience and trust. So even in the pain I'm in now, which as many of you know is also physical, I know great things are to come to this city. I will like to end this post by sharing some of the words of Pastor David that touched my heart the most.
"The Lord is warning, “Don’t trust in man. If you put your faith in human power rather than in me, you’ll be cursed.”
Yet, if we put our trust in the Lord, here is what our faith will produce: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit” (17:7-8).
As we trust wholly in the Father, we put down roots in his river of health. And his divine strength—luscious, green, spiritual health—flows in us and through us. While everything around us is decaying, we’ll flourish as green trees, healthy and strong. And when the hour of trial comes, we won’t languish or wilt. Instead, our faith will be growing.
~ Pastor David Wilkerson
-- an adventure is usually navigated by maps left behind for us by great men. My map says pray,fast, trust and obey. It has valleys and mountains but the treasure is marked by a cross and the treasure itself is eternity.
~ Cheers
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
SIX- LIFT YOUR HEAD
SIX
Lift Your Head
Hello everyone! I have missed you and I have missed writing my adventures too. I have been in the battle so strong, so many things have been coming against me. But today I felt a breakthrough and I am writing again. In the past weeks I have experienced so many emotions and feelings. I have been crushed, pushed down, almost stopped, stomped on, betrayed, hurt, sad, disappointed and discouraged. But at the same time I have also had moments that I have felt unchanging love, kindness, deliverance, pure joy and rest. It has been such a contrast. Have any of you had a time like that in your lives? I feel like I'm in a missionary theme park!! And there are some rides I was forced on, that I did not want to experience. Well, the good thing is that I survived them. Of course, not on my own. Really, if I didn't have Jesus I don't know what I would do--- I would be BALD!! why? I would've pulled out all my hair right now in pure anguish.. BUT, I do have HIM, so I'm able to continue on in the battle, knowing he's with me all the way and my hair remains intact-- :)
I have 2 more weeks left in my dandy leg brace, and I can now bend my knee 60 degrees! It's been very uncomfortable, and I haven't gotten a good nights sleep in over a month! Even so I must continue doing what the Lord called me to do. He continues to show me the blessings of obedience. There is nothing more that I have wanted then to remain in my bed for all these weeks-- but as I " lifted my head" I knew the Lord would be my strength and wisdom. I have seen Him do miraculous things.
Just this past weekend we celebrated our Easter Banquet and Freedom Square. Through the pain it was amazing to see that we were blessed with the baptism of joy in the Holy Spirit! We sang and sang and we all felt happier then ever, from the church members, to the children, to the workers. There was such an outpouring of joy in the place, which meant everything to me. After experiencing so much pain, physical,emotional and spiritual, I could not believe I was surrounded by dozens of people experiencing such joy. I " lifted my head" and saw God's promises come true right in front of me. "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness" Psalms 30:11. I saw the faithfulness of God once again. He is so good.
At the end of the day as we were just relaxing getting ready to close up one of our regular Freedom Square members Kolanji, invited his friend Nico to come inside. Kolanji is in his mid thirties and he has Aspergers. He's the most special person, and my sweet brother in Christ. I have seen him grow in his walk so amazingly. So, Kolanji brought Nico to the mission. Nico lives in a nearby squat, about 28 people live there, they call it communal living. Nico met Kolanji there as he went to a pot luck BBQ once months ago. Kolanji loves food, free food is his favorite! Hehe. At this pot luck there was food, but there was also tons of beer, liquor and weed. Kolanji told me about his evening there over and over. He told me that when he got home that night, he got on his knees and prayed for all the people there. Nico was one of the people there that he prayed for. Now Kolanji brought Nico to Freedom Square, and after talking to my husband,Nico stayed around and even helped to clean. I was informed that Nico was an atheist. As we were ready to close our day in prayer we all went around prayer, and behold who started praying? Nico, the atheist!! Wow! After his prayer Kolanji told him that he had gotten on his knees and prayed for him months ago. I " lifted my head" and saw and atheist pray to God and so is he and atheist anymore? No! Now we will water and plant in Nico's life, but only God gives the increase. So my brothers and sisters, today " lift your head" to the miracles small and great around you.. God is there-- " lift your head" and see that He is at the front of the battle, " lift your head" and see that He is leading you in green pastures, " lift your head" and see that He is listening to what you just prayed. And if all you can do is " lift your head" but for a moment, just know that He will never leave you nor forsake you!!! Even if you cant "lift your head" he promises to do it for you!
But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
Psalms 3:3
How do I know this? I'm a living, breathing testimony to this! Ask me and I will tell you, there will not be enough hours in a day to tell you all He has done for me! " LIFT YOUR HEAD"
I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth"
Psalms 121 1&2
" When on an adventure always lift your head, you don't want to miss what's going on around you"
~ Cheers
Lift Your Head
Hello everyone! I have missed you and I have missed writing my adventures too. I have been in the battle so strong, so many things have been coming against me. But today I felt a breakthrough and I am writing again. In the past weeks I have experienced so many emotions and feelings. I have been crushed, pushed down, almost stopped, stomped on, betrayed, hurt, sad, disappointed and discouraged. But at the same time I have also had moments that I have felt unchanging love, kindness, deliverance, pure joy and rest. It has been such a contrast. Have any of you had a time like that in your lives? I feel like I'm in a missionary theme park!! And there are some rides I was forced on, that I did not want to experience. Well, the good thing is that I survived them. Of course, not on my own. Really, if I didn't have Jesus I don't know what I would do--- I would be BALD!! why? I would've pulled out all my hair right now in pure anguish.. BUT, I do have HIM, so I'm able to continue on in the battle, knowing he's with me all the way and my hair remains intact-- :)
I have 2 more weeks left in my dandy leg brace, and I can now bend my knee 60 degrees! It's been very uncomfortable, and I haven't gotten a good nights sleep in over a month! Even so I must continue doing what the Lord called me to do. He continues to show me the blessings of obedience. There is nothing more that I have wanted then to remain in my bed for all these weeks-- but as I " lifted my head" I knew the Lord would be my strength and wisdom. I have seen Him do miraculous things.
Just this past weekend we celebrated our Easter Banquet and Freedom Square. Through the pain it was amazing to see that we were blessed with the baptism of joy in the Holy Spirit! We sang and sang and we all felt happier then ever, from the church members, to the children, to the workers. There was such an outpouring of joy in the place, which meant everything to me. After experiencing so much pain, physical,emotional and spiritual, I could not believe I was surrounded by dozens of people experiencing such joy. I " lifted my head" and saw God's promises come true right in front of me. "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness" Psalms 30:11. I saw the faithfulness of God once again. He is so good.
At the end of the day as we were just relaxing getting ready to close up one of our regular Freedom Square members Kolanji, invited his friend Nico to come inside. Kolanji is in his mid thirties and he has Aspergers. He's the most special person, and my sweet brother in Christ. I have seen him grow in his walk so amazingly. So, Kolanji brought Nico to the mission. Nico lives in a nearby squat, about 28 people live there, they call it communal living. Nico met Kolanji there as he went to a pot luck BBQ once months ago. Kolanji loves food, free food is his favorite! Hehe. At this pot luck there was food, but there was also tons of beer, liquor and weed. Kolanji told me about his evening there over and over. He told me that when he got home that night, he got on his knees and prayed for all the people there. Nico was one of the people there that he prayed for. Now Kolanji brought Nico to Freedom Square, and after talking to my husband,Nico stayed around and even helped to clean. I was informed that Nico was an atheist. As we were ready to close our day in prayer we all went around prayer, and behold who started praying? Nico, the atheist!! Wow! After his prayer Kolanji told him that he had gotten on his knees and prayed for him months ago. I " lifted my head" and saw and atheist pray to God and so is he and atheist anymore? No! Now we will water and plant in Nico's life, but only God gives the increase. So my brothers and sisters, today " lift your head" to the miracles small and great around you.. God is there-- " lift your head" and see that He is at the front of the battle, " lift your head" and see that He is leading you in green pastures, " lift your head" and see that He is listening to what you just prayed. And if all you can do is " lift your head" but for a moment, just know that He will never leave you nor forsake you!!! Even if you cant "lift your head" he promises to do it for you!
But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
Psalms 3:3
How do I know this? I'm a living, breathing testimony to this! Ask me and I will tell you, there will not be enough hours in a day to tell you all He has done for me! " LIFT YOUR HEAD"
I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth"
Psalms 121 1&2
" When on an adventure always lift your head, you don't want to miss what's going on around you"
~ Cheers
Friday, April 8, 2011
FIVE- Don't Let Anything Stop You!
FIVE
Let Nothing Stop You
Last Friday and Saturday we had the privilege to meet a wonderful woman from Alabama. She came to New York City to minister, hand out tracts and tell everyone Jesus loves them. Many christians may read this now, and think: " Oh, that's nice, but what's so special about that?", it's very special and I'll explain why. Jennifer is a wife and a mother of 4 boys, they all love football she said, they are cute typical little boys. They are filled with energy and boisterous. Jennifer was diagnosed with ALS last year, also known as Lou Gherig's disease. Her speech in greatly affected by the condition, yet she came to NYC to hand out tracts and serve God. It's not easy for her to talk and as she expressed to me, people don't have the patience to listen to her. As soon and she got off the plane she began her missions trip and handed out a tract to a young lady, then the guy who helped her with her suitcases, then the family at a store she went to, the owners of the restaurant she ate in. Not only did she hand them the tract but she also told them about the love of Jesus. Friday and Saturday she joyfully served in Freedom Square, wanting to be involved in everything from shopping, to cooking, to serving and handing out 300 bananas to which she was sure to tell every recipient that Jesus loved them. On Saturday my husband asked her if she would share her testimony and she agreed, touching many lives that were present in the feeding program. As we were driving home one night she shared that God had allowed this condition to happen so that it could challenge Christians. She said if I can do it, why can't other people? I have let nothing stop me from what God called me to do. I agreed with her as I also served in crutches and in pain for those two days. So my question is? What is stopping you friend? What is stopping you from doing what God called you to do? I think it could be fear or insecurity of course. But I think one of the most important factors that paralyzes Christians today is comfort. We become comfortable in our lives, we like them just so. We don't want to be moved, or bothered or challenged. We like our routines, our schedules, our activities. We like to do what we like. Many of us are called to ministry, to evangelize, to speak, to feed the hungry, to comfort the widow. But we just can't fit that in our busy lives. We keep putting that in the bottom of our to do list, and then it goes from being in the bottom to being completely written off. We pray and seek God , we go to an altar call perhaps. We know God wants us to step out in faith to do something, we understand that He will equip us. Then of course the opportunity will present itself to act and many of us look and say: oh, I have to go to the gym, that's the day I was going to organize my closet, my kids really need to get a haircut that day ( even though you had time all week to get it done) What I'm saying is this, don't let anything stop you!!! God has called you right? So that means He wants you to do something great for Him. Step out in faith and do it! Don't let schedules,friendships, fellowships, sports,nail salons,play dates, Pilates, pain, crutches, medical conditions, naps, ADHD, sewing or anything else stop you. Put what God called you to do at the top at the top of the list. Whatever it is, making a sandwich for a sad teenager or going on a missions trip to Africa. When we set this priority in order we will walk in God's will and I believe that to be a great blessing!
~ In God's adventure it is best to throw your agenda out the window and follow God's!
Cheers!
Let Nothing Stop You
Last Friday and Saturday we had the privilege to meet a wonderful woman from Alabama. She came to New York City to minister, hand out tracts and tell everyone Jesus loves them. Many christians may read this now, and think: " Oh, that's nice, but what's so special about that?", it's very special and I'll explain why. Jennifer is a wife and a mother of 4 boys, they all love football she said, they are cute typical little boys. They are filled with energy and boisterous. Jennifer was diagnosed with ALS last year, also known as Lou Gherig's disease. Her speech in greatly affected by the condition, yet she came to NYC to hand out tracts and serve God. It's not easy for her to talk and as she expressed to me, people don't have the patience to listen to her. As soon and she got off the plane she began her missions trip and handed out a tract to a young lady, then the guy who helped her with her suitcases, then the family at a store she went to, the owners of the restaurant she ate in. Not only did she hand them the tract but she also told them about the love of Jesus. Friday and Saturday she joyfully served in Freedom Square, wanting to be involved in everything from shopping, to cooking, to serving and handing out 300 bananas to which she was sure to tell every recipient that Jesus loved them. On Saturday my husband asked her if she would share her testimony and she agreed, touching many lives that were present in the feeding program. As we were driving home one night she shared that God had allowed this condition to happen so that it could challenge Christians. She said if I can do it, why can't other people? I have let nothing stop me from what God called me to do. I agreed with her as I also served in crutches and in pain for those two days. So my question is? What is stopping you friend? What is stopping you from doing what God called you to do? I think it could be fear or insecurity of course. But I think one of the most important factors that paralyzes Christians today is comfort. We become comfortable in our lives, we like them just so. We don't want to be moved, or bothered or challenged. We like our routines, our schedules, our activities. We like to do what we like. Many of us are called to ministry, to evangelize, to speak, to feed the hungry, to comfort the widow. But we just can't fit that in our busy lives. We keep putting that in the bottom of our to do list, and then it goes from being in the bottom to being completely written off. We pray and seek God , we go to an altar call perhaps. We know God wants us to step out in faith to do something, we understand that He will equip us. Then of course the opportunity will present itself to act and many of us look and say: oh, I have to go to the gym, that's the day I was going to organize my closet, my kids really need to get a haircut that day ( even though you had time all week to get it done) What I'm saying is this, don't let anything stop you!!! God has called you right? So that means He wants you to do something great for Him. Step out in faith and do it! Don't let schedules,friendships, fellowships, sports,nail salons,play dates, Pilates, pain, crutches, medical conditions, naps, ADHD, sewing or anything else stop you. Put what God called you to do at the top at the top of the list. Whatever it is, making a sandwich for a sad teenager or going on a missions trip to Africa. When we set this priority in order we will walk in God's will and I believe that to be a great blessing!
~ In God's adventure it is best to throw your agenda out the window and follow God's!
Cheers!
Monday, March 28, 2011
FOUR - Rest in Bed and Weep
FOUR
Rest in Bed and Weep
Monday, Monday, How sweet you are! :)
Monday is usually my rest day. It's the day I pray, study, meditate and watch random movies on Netflix. I also eat too many snacks and nap in the middle of the day. Because of my crutches and my inability to move around today's plan was to stay in bed and rest, because I had such a full day yesterday. Can I just describe it as a full day? NO! I will call it a day full of miracles. I was asked to share a testimony at Times Square Church, during 6 pm service. My first reaction was- Oh no, impossible, I'm in pain, on crutches, I have a torn ligament. But then I checked my heart and I know God was leading me to do it, despite my circumstances. God took care of me all the way! I got a ride in to church, got a great seat with leg stretching abilities for the 3 pm service and was ready to share with a promise in my heart! As I shared the testimony of how my mom became a Christian about 7 months ago and her miraculous battle with cancer, I could feel my knee about to give out, it was trembling and I could feel super natural arms holding me up. God's grace is so precious! I was so blessed and touched to see that one of my oldest and friends parents (mom and dad) came to the altar to give their hearts to Christ. So, like I said, a day full of miracles! :)
So today Monday on my usual " Netflix " time I stumbled upon a documentary on North Korea. I mean I am up on current affairs and events, but this inside look at this country often referred to as " The Hermit Country" broke my heart. I was inspired to study and research later about Pastor Chun Ki Won, who has personally helped 700 people escape from North Korea. I also studied and read about our underground brothers and sisters in North Korea, who are persecuted and executed for their faith. Run over by steamrollers at times. The government has even set up mock underground churches to catch these people and send them to work camps, just like concentration camps. The largest of them just called "Number 22".
I wept for North Korea today for the people there that literally praise " Their Dear Leader" raising their hands in the same way we do to praise Jesus. I prayed for the Christians there and the young men whose picture I saw praying at a underground bible study.
I was reminded of what my former missions director and now friend Bettina once told me, if you don't know what to pray for, just look at a newspaper, God will show you. That phrase has always been dear to my heart. For me it's not that I don't know what to pray for, I just want to pray for what God wants me to pray for...
What does God want you to pray for today friend, a city, a neighborhood, a nation? Be open to His leading and direction. God will give you the wisdom on how to pray and you will have a sweet fellowship with Him as you intercede and He speaks to your heart.
~ let's not forget those who are on this adventure with us, and are suffering for their faith.
Cheers
Rest in Bed and Weep
Monday, Monday, How sweet you are! :)
Monday is usually my rest day. It's the day I pray, study, meditate and watch random movies on Netflix. I also eat too many snacks and nap in the middle of the day. Because of my crutches and my inability to move around today's plan was to stay in bed and rest, because I had such a full day yesterday. Can I just describe it as a full day? NO! I will call it a day full of miracles. I was asked to share a testimony at Times Square Church, during 6 pm service. My first reaction was- Oh no, impossible, I'm in pain, on crutches, I have a torn ligament. But then I checked my heart and I know God was leading me to do it, despite my circumstances. God took care of me all the way! I got a ride in to church, got a great seat with leg stretching abilities for the 3 pm service and was ready to share with a promise in my heart! As I shared the testimony of how my mom became a Christian about 7 months ago and her miraculous battle with cancer, I could feel my knee about to give out, it was trembling and I could feel super natural arms holding me up. God's grace is so precious! I was so blessed and touched to see that one of my oldest and friends parents (mom and dad) came to the altar to give their hearts to Christ. So, like I said, a day full of miracles! :)
So today Monday on my usual " Netflix " time I stumbled upon a documentary on North Korea. I mean I am up on current affairs and events, but this inside look at this country often referred to as " The Hermit Country" broke my heart. I was inspired to study and research later about Pastor Chun Ki Won, who has personally helped 700 people escape from North Korea. I also studied and read about our underground brothers and sisters in North Korea, who are persecuted and executed for their faith. Run over by steamrollers at times. The government has even set up mock underground churches to catch these people and send them to work camps, just like concentration camps. The largest of them just called "Number 22".
I wept for North Korea today for the people there that literally praise " Their Dear Leader" raising their hands in the same way we do to praise Jesus. I prayed for the Christians there and the young men whose picture I saw praying at a underground bible study.
I was reminded of what my former missions director and now friend Bettina once told me, if you don't know what to pray for, just look at a newspaper, God will show you. That phrase has always been dear to my heart. For me it's not that I don't know what to pray for, I just want to pray for what God wants me to pray for...
What does God want you to pray for today friend, a city, a neighborhood, a nation? Be open to His leading and direction. God will give you the wisdom on how to pray and you will have a sweet fellowship with Him as you intercede and He speaks to your heart.
~ let's not forget those who are on this adventure with us, and are suffering for their faith.
Cheers
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Three: Even when not in Brooklyn, it's a adventure!
Three:
Even when not in Brooklyn, the adventures never stop!
They called to give me the wonderful news that my car was ready on Tuesday afternoon, I was so happy! Unfortunately I was laying in bed in upstate New York with a leg brace that goes from the top of my thigh to the middle of my calf with a pair of dandy crutches staring at me. My car was in a shop in the last corner of Queens! It was then left to my darling husband to pick up the car after working two double shifts. He's a police officer and my own personal hero. We talked on the phone and looked at subway maps to have a strategy on his journey which we calculated would take about an hour and a half. I felt so bad for him, because for those who know me well, I despise the subway. I get hives thinking of it ( no, I really don't , but I feel like I do) I have tried to like it, trust me. Every time I ride I get followed by rats, my biggest phobia in life. And two people have had violent vomiting sprees right next to me. Not to mention, my favorite aroma of" I had scallions for breakfast" right on my face! Anyway, my husband undertook the task with gusto. When he returned with the car that night he told me this story which I thought was so great: I got in the train in Manhattan, with the Manhattan crowd, I felt safe and then little by little the Manhattan crowd started getting off one by one deserting me! I looked up and realized I was in East New York, and a mob of thugs got on the train and came right at me. They tried to corner me and then their leader yelled" C'mon, let's go mobbing!" My husband against ten gangsters! He stood up and proceeded to stare down the leader. They had a stare down until the next stop, and then he silently exited the train. It was like a western movie. He then walked in the rain for about 5 miles to pick up the car. My knight in shining armor!
The car returned home safely and so did he. Yesterday we went to the orthopedic surgeon and learned that I have torn ligaments on my knee and that I will be in cast and crutches for at least 6 weeks. So since yesterday my adventure has been to learn to walk in crutches and be stable. So far I've flung a crutch while walking, got a plastic bag stuck on one of my crutches and had one of them slide away in the icy snow in front of our house. We were not in Freedom Square this weekend, I am in so much pain! But I heard wonderful reports from one of our leaders of sweet worship and a record number of people attending both the service and the feeding program. The work of the Lord continues in strength, even when obstacles come our way. Why? How?Because God will equip you and bless you with people especially when you are in need. You know what i've been pondering about this week? Pain. In studying physical pain I learned that its our body's way of telling us something is wrong. I feel pain in my knee because my body is alerting me that something is wrong. How many of us are in pain or have hidden pains? I'm not talking about pain because you have a sick loved one, or because you are suffering because of a loss. I'm talking about pain because someone hurt you in the past, because you hurt someone, pain because you feel like you failed, or because you are keep playing a certain scenario in your head over and over again that brings you so much pain. Maybe you said too much or said too little, or maybe you stayed silent. Maybe the pain is there because it's an alarm to let you know that there is something wrong. You see no matter how much you try, pain is very hard to hide. I know this because I have dealt with both physical and emotional pain all my life. I have a defense mechanism, I try to rationalize my pain. I'll talk to myself and try to convince my pain that it's not there. Does it work? No way! The only way to deal with pain is to acknowledge it, target it's source and find a way to make it go away. This process is difficult, but worth it. When we get to the point that we deal with our pain it's such a sweet moment of freedom! As Christians, Jesus bore our pains for us, and He is familiar with pain. He does not look away at it, He knows it well.Even as I write this I am in pain, but I know in my heart that if I trust in the promises that Jesus has given me, I'm not alone. Is the road easy? No, but is NOT a road that we walk alone friends. Our sweet Lord is there every step, wiping every tear.
~ An adventure is better shared with your best friend.
Cheers!
Even when not in Brooklyn, the adventures never stop!
They called to give me the wonderful news that my car was ready on Tuesday afternoon, I was so happy! Unfortunately I was laying in bed in upstate New York with a leg brace that goes from the top of my thigh to the middle of my calf with a pair of dandy crutches staring at me. My car was in a shop in the last corner of Queens! It was then left to my darling husband to pick up the car after working two double shifts. He's a police officer and my own personal hero. We talked on the phone and looked at subway maps to have a strategy on his journey which we calculated would take about an hour and a half. I felt so bad for him, because for those who know me well, I despise the subway. I get hives thinking of it ( no, I really don't , but I feel like I do) I have tried to like it, trust me. Every time I ride I get followed by rats, my biggest phobia in life. And two people have had violent vomiting sprees right next to me. Not to mention, my favorite aroma of" I had scallions for breakfast" right on my face! Anyway, my husband undertook the task with gusto. When he returned with the car that night he told me this story which I thought was so great: I got in the train in Manhattan, with the Manhattan crowd, I felt safe and then little by little the Manhattan crowd started getting off one by one deserting me! I looked up and realized I was in East New York, and a mob of thugs got on the train and came right at me. They tried to corner me and then their leader yelled" C'mon, let's go mobbing!" My husband against ten gangsters! He stood up and proceeded to stare down the leader. They had a stare down until the next stop, and then he silently exited the train. It was like a western movie. He then walked in the rain for about 5 miles to pick up the car. My knight in shining armor!
The car returned home safely and so did he. Yesterday we went to the orthopedic surgeon and learned that I have torn ligaments on my knee and that I will be in cast and crutches for at least 6 weeks. So since yesterday my adventure has been to learn to walk in crutches and be stable. So far I've flung a crutch while walking, got a plastic bag stuck on one of my crutches and had one of them slide away in the icy snow in front of our house. We were not in Freedom Square this weekend, I am in so much pain! But I heard wonderful reports from one of our leaders of sweet worship and a record number of people attending both the service and the feeding program. The work of the Lord continues in strength, even when obstacles come our way. Why? How?Because God will equip you and bless you with people especially when you are in need. You know what i've been pondering about this week? Pain. In studying physical pain I learned that its our body's way of telling us something is wrong. I feel pain in my knee because my body is alerting me that something is wrong. How many of us are in pain or have hidden pains? I'm not talking about pain because you have a sick loved one, or because you are suffering because of a loss. I'm talking about pain because someone hurt you in the past, because you hurt someone, pain because you feel like you failed, or because you are keep playing a certain scenario in your head over and over again that brings you so much pain. Maybe you said too much or said too little, or maybe you stayed silent. Maybe the pain is there because it's an alarm to let you know that there is something wrong. You see no matter how much you try, pain is very hard to hide. I know this because I have dealt with both physical and emotional pain all my life. I have a defense mechanism, I try to rationalize my pain. I'll talk to myself and try to convince my pain that it's not there. Does it work? No way! The only way to deal with pain is to acknowledge it, target it's source and find a way to make it go away. This process is difficult, but worth it. When we get to the point that we deal with our pain it's such a sweet moment of freedom! As Christians, Jesus bore our pains for us, and He is familiar with pain. He does not look away at it, He knows it well.Even as I write this I am in pain, but I know in my heart that if I trust in the promises that Jesus has given me, I'm not alone. Is the road easy? No, but is NOT a road that we walk alone friends. Our sweet Lord is there every step, wiping every tear.
~ An adventure is better shared with your best friend.
Cheers!
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