An adventure with Magdalene Hope...and how I got stuck in San Diego

Hello friends!

I'm home after another adventure...last Monday I went with Magdalene Hope (the ministry I belong to that does street outreach to prostitutes) to San Diego, about four hours from where I live.  It has been a goal and a dream for some time that we would have a safe house with a program in place to help them improve their lives.  This has finally happened!  The ministry has purchased a home, and now all we need is to get it up and running.  Our first young lady is currently in a shelter waiting for us to open.

So, we were traveling to San Diego to meet with the director of a house that has been up and running for some time to get ideas about programs to put in place for our house.  We met at the church at 5:45 a.m. to begin the trip and I felt terrific.  I'm so glad to be a part of this ministry.  We did a Bible study on the way and my spirits were high.  I felt fine when we got there, but about halfway through the morning presentation I began to feel extremely cold.  I thought maybe the air conditioning was just high, but by the time we broke for lunch...I had to run to the bathroom and empty my stomach.

Great, just great.  I am very private about my illness in that while I may talk about it, I really don't like anyone to see me that way.  But I couldn't even begin to hide it.  I went to lie down in the back of the church van and my stomach kept emptying....luckily I had a cup from my coffee earlier!  What made it unusual was the amount of pain I was having.  Only a few times have I had pain like that.  I stayed in the van while everyone else went back in for the afternoon session and it got worse from there.  By the time they came back, I was losing my self control and moaning, which was very embarrassing to me.  They rushed me first to an Urgent Care, who said I needed a hospital.  I was very lucky that they got me right in at the hospital, but none of the medications seemed to be working.

I was extremely blessed to have one of my friends in the back with me.  She rubbed my back, prayed for me (as did the rest of the group) and kept me covered in warm blankets as I was still freezing cold.  I needed to be transferred to another hospital that took my insurance, and the group stayed until they were sure that the transfer went through and I'd be admitted.  I can't put into words how grateful I was for their love and support....yes, I can.  The love of Christ is what they showed.  Before they left, they all layed hands on me and prayed for me one by one.  Through the pain, I could feel the Spirit.

To make a long story shorter, I'm back at home now.  My mother, who lives a few hours from San Diego, came to pick me up and I spent a few days recuperating at her house.  While there, I read a book that I must recommend.  It's called Safely Home by Randy Alcorn.  It talks about the persecution of Christians in China, and I must say that after reading it, I felt truly ashamed.  With all my freedom, how much do I really do for the kingdom?  One of the most touching scenes in the book is when one of the main character is jailed for owning a non authorized Bible and attending an unauthorized church.  Many Chinese Christians meet in house churches, because the authorized churches are not allowed to teach certain fundamental beliefs.
Anyway, so now he's in prison, being beaten and tortured.  So what does he do?

He offers the jailer to clean the floors in the cells.  And as he does, he spreads the gospel to the other prisoners.  He tells his friend that he is so grateful that God has provided him a ministry!

And I complain about my stomach and don't get up to write on the computer and spread the message about God's love because of my trifling pain.

No more!  I pray God will give me the courage, the strength of character, and the promptings of the Holy Spirit to share Him with all who need to hear about Him.

I think I've shared this song before, but it's been on my mind all week; I was singing it to myself in the hospital.  It's in Hebrew, but here is the translation:

Those who trust in God are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken, but stands forever.  As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people...Psalm 125 1-2

Another point the book made is that this life down here on earth is not our "real life."  Our real life begins when we leave the shell of a body we currently inhabit.  I believe that with all my heart.
So let us make the most of each day, reaching out in Christ's love, to those who need His forgiveness and His Holy Spirit to live the life that our Father has called us to.

Please pray for the success of Restoration Ranch, the name that has been chosen for Magdalene Hope's house.

Wishing you all blessings in Christ!

Hello, my name is....

I just had to share this video with you!  It's as though it was written just for me; maybe you can relate to it too.  No matter what our past holds, through forgiveness we become a child of the One True King.  How amazing is that!  I hope you'll enjoy the message of the song as much as I have.  To become a new creation is a great and wonderful gift....

And in our new life, we grow from taking our first steps of faith, continually growing.  This Sunday my pastor spoke on maturing in Christ, and he said something pretty interesting.  He said that who we are inside is more important than what we do.  At first this seems puzzling, but he explained that if who we are on the inside is a person following the Lord with the whole heart, then the actions will follow.  When we love God with our whole heart, soul, and mind we don't want to engage in sin.  When we are filled with His Holy Spirit, our lives will be full of that fruit:

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.  For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. -Galatians 5:14

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. - Galatians 5:22-25

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness....this is the kind of person I want to be, and it is the Holy Spirit within me that draws these characteristics out more than I am able to show them in my own strength.  On my own, I am a miserable sinner; but by God's grace and Spirit, I can say in all humbleness that I am a child of the One True King...with LOTS of room to grow.  As long as we're here drawing breath we have issues to work on and a reason for being here.  But it's an awesome journey, isn't it?

Wishing you all many blessings in our Father :)

Encouraging Words!

Here's some encouragement, straight from the Word:
Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.-Psalm 96:2
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.-Psalm 28:7
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
-Psalm 100:5
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.-
2 Corinthians 4:17
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!- 1 John 3:1
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.  I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. -Ephesians 3:14-20


Be blessed and rejoice, you who are children of the King! And if you're not, he's knocking on the door to your heart right now, ready to forgive you, fill you with the Holy Spirit and fill your life with a love that is unimaginable.  Click on the link "salvation."

Anguish

Though anguish burns like hot coals in my soul
Though it feels the world has turned it's back
My strength comes from the Lord who makes me whole
My hope is in him alone; people can't help but fail 
Though my heart is breaking, someday he'll wipe my tears away
I know he is beside me and loves me
And he always hears every word I pray
I know he is beside me and loves me
Even when it's hard to love myself
Until I finish walking this long road home.
Persevere, my heart
Persevere, my feet
Let me learn your patience
And Father, would you just carry me
for a bit
Until joy returns again....


This song was written by Steven Curtis Chapman after his daughter died, and it's been on my mind all day.  I hope you enjoy it.  No matter what this world dishes out, we're going home someday.  Some days it feels like such a long way....but take heart! He has overcome the world.

Grace, faith, and purpose

You know, I've often heard that God has a specific plan for each of us but this verse really hit me with the truth of it. You and I are here to fill some specific purpose that our Father "prepared in advance for us to do." For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10
The question for all of us is are we doing it?
Oh, how I struggle with this sometimes! There's so many things I'd love to do for God; work in an orphanage in Romania, or with the children in Africa that have lost their families to HIV...or maybe travel with some sort of medical team, using my nursing skills? How do we know when we're doing what God has made us for?
Well. I'm by no means an expert, but I believe that when we're heading in the direction he wants us to go he will do two things: he'll give us a peace in our hearts and he'll let events fold out in a way that confirms what we're doing. Or not! If everything is going wrong, perhaps we're going the wrong way. Sometimes the enemy attacks us when we are doing right, but I've experienced both and they feel different.
The best we can do is search his word and pray with all sincerity.  Sometimes I think he just wants me to do what I'm doing right now, writing for his kingdom. I joined the ministry at the church going out on the first and third Friday nights ministering to the prostitutes and I find that I absolutely love it. I can't tell you how rewarding it is to pray for these young women who are in the worst place of their lives.

So why did God put you here? Is there a person that would only listen to matters of faith from you, perhaps a sibling or parent or close friend? Do you have a particular talent you can use for his glory? I've always wished I could sing for him, but sadly, no.
One thing to remember is that our every action and word is our testimony to whomever sees us at the time.
Now we ALL blow it from time to time. That's our humanity. But when we blow it, what an opportunity to go back and humbly ask for forgiveness or whatever is needed. That in itself can be a very good testimony.

One more thing about this verse: it reminds us that no matter what good works we do, we are saved solely by our Fathers' grace and mercy.  Hang onto your gratefulness for that and it will keep away pride, I believe.

We are God's workmanship! Created in Christ Jesus to do good works that he planned out ahead of time.
How he must love us...
I was wondering what song to share with you today and it just occurred to me...it fits! Thanks, Father.

Wishing you all blessings.

The Miracle Truck

Does God work miracles in the lives of believers today? My pastor calls these “God stories”, and he has plenty of them, as do a lot of us. This happened to me this past July.

I walked out my front door and stopped dead in my tracks in amazement. I park my 1992 pickup truck directly in front of my house, and this morning it was gone! Gone. For a minute or so I just couldn't understand what had happened to it, but unbelievably, it had been stolen. It's old and not in the best condition, but it's vital to me. In the mornings I'd been helping a family member who had a brain infection and now through inactivity had deteriorated to the point that she was unable to even get up to the bathroom. Since her husband called me about a month before and told me how bad things had gotten, I'd gone over and spent every weekday morning with her doing exercises. She'd improved greatly, but she would need a lot more help before she'd be able to make it through the day on her own. Then in the afternoons I help Harold and Sue, my former in-laws, with their family business. Harold fixes commercial cooking equipment, and I help Sue with the bookkeeping. I'm glad to help my family in these ways, but without a vehicle it would be impossible. Riding the bus would take too much time to do what I need to do for them effectively.

So immediately I went to my Father in prayer. When I first started to pray, I felt desperate, but as I continued to beseech Him I felt a calm and certain sense of peace fill my heart. And since I know that my Father can do anything He chooses, I began to thank Him and praise Him.

I had absolute faith that he would help me. Either the truck would be found or he would make another way for me.

I called my daughter who had left for work at 6:30 am. “Was my truck in front of the house when you left for work?” I asked her.

“Yeah, of course,” she asked. “Why?”

“It's gone!” I said. “Since you left two and a half hours ago, someone took it.”

So whoever had taken it had taken it in broad daylight. My next step was to notify the police, who took a report over the phone, and then I took off walking to see if maybe it had been dumped near my house, but it hadn't.

I called a friend and we drove around for a bit before he had to go to work, but we didn't find it. When we got back I went to ask Kate, my neighbor across the street, to ask if she'd seen or heard anything. She said she'd heard it start up and go down the street about 8:00, but that she hadn't looked because she thought that it was me, leaving a little bit early. She came and sat with me on my lawn while and we talked about it. We've know each other for some time and she has different beliefs than I, but we talk often about what we believe.

“You seem so calm about it,” she commented.

“At first I was really shook up,” I told her. “But I prayed about it, and felt an overwhelming sense of peace. Either I'll get my truck back, or I'll somehow get access to another. Either way, I felt like God was telling me that it would turn out okay and I won't let the people down who I'm trying to help.”

She looked at me with skepticism, and I couldn't blame her. She doesn't believe in God in the way that I do; she believes there is something out there, but she's not sure who or what. We spent some time talking, and I finally called Sue to see if I could borrow her car to look for mine. I'd have asked earlier, but I had really thought that the police would have located it by now.

They live about thirty minutes away from me on the edge of town. Several miles away the countryside starts, and I thought somewhere out there would be a good spot if someone had taken a joy ride and dumped it. I began my search out there, listening to Christian music and praying hard for guidance. I'd only looked for a few miles when I felt that I was looking in the absolute wrong place. It's not far from home kept running through my mind. So I hopped on the freeway back to my side of town, continuing to pray and worship with the music.

And not a mile from my house, parked in an apartment complex where the parking spots couldn't be seen from the street, THERE IT WAS! My heart hammered in my chest as I parked Sue's car back out on the street and ran back to my truck. Had they stolen parts out of it or would it start? I turned the key on and that beautiful V-8 engine roared to life. I drove home bursting with excitement, praising God all the way. Kate happened to be out front watering her flowers as I pulled up. She came running across the street.

“How'd you get it back?” she asked with a stunned look on her face.

“Found it. I believed all day that God would help me, but I didn't think it would be this fast,” I said. I was stunned myself at the speed at which he'd helped me. I really thought that he'd use the police. But having me find it personally seemed to be such a personal answer.

My daughter had just gotten home from work, so she gave me a ride to pick up Sue's car.

I can only imagine what the thief must have thought! I would have loved to have seen the look on their face when they discovered it gone. Driving it out of there felt like a victory in the wild west!

Even the police were surprised when I called them to tell them I'd recovered my truck. And I made a vow that very day that every time I told the story, I'd give the credit where due: my Father who loves me. My neighbor Kate has said that she's rethinking her opinion.

Matthew 7:7-11 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Mark 11:22-24 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his hear but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

This doesn't mean that God will ultimately give us everything we ask for. Sometimes he has to tell us no. But we can be assured that he loves us as sons and daughters, and in everything, he wants us to draw close to him, and he will draw close to us.

The cowgirl antenna ball lives on!  If only she could talk....

Let Everything That Hath Breath

One of my favorite memories in Israel was listening to this song on my earphones while on a boat in the Sea of Galilee.  The water was a glassy, blue-green color, the sun was warm on my arms, and a gentle breeze was blowing.  As I took in the sea surrounded by hills, I thought of Jesus walking on this same water.  Would I have enough faith to step out of the boat like Peter did?  You bet.  Every day he's calling us to take steps of faith, and it's he who holds us up above the water.

Passing it on

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.-Matthew 10:42

Remember when it became popular to do random acts of kindness?  It's a wonderful idea.  In fact, my pastor exhorts us to do at least one thing each day for someone as the Spirit prompts us.  Last week, when I had someone in the hospital that I was really worried for, a woman came out of the chapel and stood next to me by the elevator.  I could tell that she'd been crying.  I struggled with myself, because I didn't want to intrude, but I turned to her and asked softly if she was okay.  When she turned her face toward me, I could see a bit of relief; she did want to talk.  She told me that her aunt was dying, and she'd be gone in a few hours at most.  I listened to her story all the way up to her floor, and prayed for her and her aunt to have peace and comfort.  In the end I felt blessed to be able to be there, if only briefly.
My pastor has a lot of ideas of things we can do for people.  One that has really caught on is to pay an extra ten or twenty dollars if you can afford it towards the person behind you in a fast food drive through. This makes it totally anonymous, because you're gone by the time they find out about it.  So many people were doing this there was an article in our local paper!
The Spirit will prompt you.  I challenge you to step out in faith and do those acts of kindness, and don't be afraid to share your faith.  The world is starving for it.

Developing Perseverance Through Trials

2-1-1

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  James 1:2-5

Last night was rough.  But the sun has risen, my faith remains strong, and I thank God that He is helping me right now to grow through these trials. He makes an excellent point; if things were always smooth and easy, then how would we mature?  Not to say that I am, but living faith day by day is not for the faint at heart.
Sometimes I think that the world has this imagine of us as weak people, clinging to a false hope.

Nothing could be further from the truth.  It takes courage to keep on believing, to rejoice in trials, and to continue to share our faith with others.  We have an advantage in this though; it is He who lives within us that gives us this strength, if we only call on Him.  He is a roaring lion, a burning holy fire, all powerful.

Father, today I pray for courage and comfort, for myself and everyone else out there who needs Your strength.
Help us to be warriors for You!  Please guide us, give us the words to say to those who need to hear our message of hope and lead us in the direction you'd have us go.

As usual, I have a song to share: Courageous  It's a great fighting song!

Not Alone

standing in the icy sea
suffocating waves washing over me
I can't breathe, too much pain
drenching, pounding, pouring rain
and as I stand here screaming "why"
does anyone even hear my cry?
so alone I seem to be
my head goes under
and I can't see

the urge to fight has somehow gone
there seems to be no way to carry on

give up, give up, I think but instead
I feel someone lifting up my head
and swimming me toward the shore
though I don't want to be there any more
on dry land He lays me down
and with tenderness He says:
"I won't let you drown;
don't you know I'm always here?
I'm the One who will rescue you
My grace covers all you do.
When there is no one else at all
I'm the one who'll break your fall."
shame washes over me for my despair
my doubt, my fear, thinking no one there
human I am, and human I fall
thank you God for the grace that covers all

Father, thank you for getting me through another difficult day.  I would ask you to reach down and
comfort and give courage to those who are going through painful times of their own....including me.

Psalm 130:1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice.  Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.                                  
Psalm 25:20 Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.