I am honored to be married to a tender and loving man who over the last 10 years has been a reflection of Jesus to me. I have learned a lot about the kindness of the Lord through my husband and I sometimes think to myself, "If this is how Shane feels, how much more does my eternal Bridegroom, Jesus, feel about me?".
We spent our anniversary in Kansas City this year. We spent 12 days together and we loved it. If I would get my wish, Shane and I would do just about everything together. We would partner together in accomplishing the activities of the Kingdom side by side day after day. That is my heart's desire in walking life out this side of eternity.
After returning from our time together, it was time to go back to work and in my first few shifts back, I got a sweet email from my husband. It was another one of those moments when my husband's words or actions made me have one of those moments of pondering about what Jesus must feel. His words that touched me were "I think us being together for so long has created a greater longing to be with you all the time.".
This email touched my heart from my husband, but it was more than that. It touched my heart from Jesus. Jesus speaking love to my heart through the reflection He's gifted me with this side of face-to-face relationship with God.
In John 17:24 Jesus says, "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory...".
It is Jesus' desire to be with me. He wants me with Him all the time. He never tires of me, never wants a break from me and never leaves me. He is always with me and promised me that, but more than that, He wants me with Him!
If my Shane longs for me to be with him, how much more does Jesus long for me to be with Him?
I'm thankful for my own personal reflection of Jesus and I'm longing for the Day that I get to see Jesus face to face.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Don't try to move the Hand when you can't see the big picture
Shane and I are constantly asking the Lord to direct us and sovereignly lead us in our lives and callings. We regularly find ourselves seeking Him in a focused way in the area of direction.
Constantly reevaluating make sense to me with the kind of life we are living. It feels risky, but it is also exciting. There are so many dreams that we have and stages of life that are nearing and sometimes I'm totally at a loss to know how they all fit together. House, children, full-time intercessory missionaries.....and how does that fit together financially?
Sometimes I feel like we live on a yo-yo. On one extreme, the Lord breathes life and vision into us and we know we are doing what we are called to do, despite how absurd it looks to the general public. When He gives us the big picture, the sacrifice isn't so big and the future isn't so overwhelming.
On the other extreme, it is hard to see how in the world the callings and dreams we have will work with natural circumstances. Those are my low moments of faith when it's hard to keep the vision and easy to think about living "normally". On these days, normal jobs with normal salaries, a house and a family sound awesome.
But, I don't want to live for a number of things that won't satisfy and in the end, ultimately aren't my true reward. I don't want to live for a house that at any moment could be taken away. As trouble increases, many of the Church will lead lives that include fleeing and persecution. That doesn't sound like sitting in a beautiful, cozy house to me. So, why would I live for walls and a roof that I want to own when it truly won't satisfy?
Then there is the desire for comfort and security. If I am living and aligning the things in my life so that it fills the desire in me for comfort and security, but they are found in things other than God, I'm mistaken. If a "normal" job or "normal" salary are my desire so that I'm comfortable, I've place my hope in something other than the Lord. My comfort and security should rest in Him alone, despite any hardship or challenge that I come across in life.
The Lord has been speaking to me in this area with a picture of a puzzle. He sees how the whole puzzle of my life fits together. He knows the right sequence to putting the right pieces together to create the masterpiece. Then I come along and though I can only see one or two pieces, I try to control the hand of the One putting the puzzle together. That is ridiculous! He alone sees the whole puzzle in it's completion. I can see a tiny bit of the pieces, and yet I try to move His hand?
Or like a game of chess or checkers. If you can't see all the pieces and don't see the whole board, trying to move the one piece I can see is like a huge guess in the big picture.
I feel like I'm in a place of surrender these days. I am aware of my fears that would hold back. I'm also aware of my desire to control the steps of the journey. I feel that lately the Lord has been so good to consistently call me back to the place of surrender.
I do not want to try to move His hand when I can't see the full picture.
Lord, have Your way and direct us sovereignly every step of the way. I lean into You and choose to trust Your perfect leadership.
Constantly reevaluating make sense to me with the kind of life we are living. It feels risky, but it is also exciting. There are so many dreams that we have and stages of life that are nearing and sometimes I'm totally at a loss to know how they all fit together. House, children, full-time intercessory missionaries.....and how does that fit together financially?
Sometimes I feel like we live on a yo-yo. On one extreme, the Lord breathes life and vision into us and we know we are doing what we are called to do, despite how absurd it looks to the general public. When He gives us the big picture, the sacrifice isn't so big and the future isn't so overwhelming.
On the other extreme, it is hard to see how in the world the callings and dreams we have will work with natural circumstances. Those are my low moments of faith when it's hard to keep the vision and easy to think about living "normally". On these days, normal jobs with normal salaries, a house and a family sound awesome.
But, I don't want to live for a number of things that won't satisfy and in the end, ultimately aren't my true reward. I don't want to live for a house that at any moment could be taken away. As trouble increases, many of the Church will lead lives that include fleeing and persecution. That doesn't sound like sitting in a beautiful, cozy house to me. So, why would I live for walls and a roof that I want to own when it truly won't satisfy?
Then there is the desire for comfort and security. If I am living and aligning the things in my life so that it fills the desire in me for comfort and security, but they are found in things other than God, I'm mistaken. If a "normal" job or "normal" salary are my desire so that I'm comfortable, I've place my hope in something other than the Lord. My comfort and security should rest in Him alone, despite any hardship or challenge that I come across in life.
The Lord has been speaking to me in this area with a picture of a puzzle. He sees how the whole puzzle of my life fits together. He knows the right sequence to putting the right pieces together to create the masterpiece. Then I come along and though I can only see one or two pieces, I try to control the hand of the One putting the puzzle together. That is ridiculous! He alone sees the whole puzzle in it's completion. I can see a tiny bit of the pieces, and yet I try to move His hand?
Or like a game of chess or checkers. If you can't see all the pieces and don't see the whole board, trying to move the one piece I can see is like a huge guess in the big picture.
I feel like I'm in a place of surrender these days. I am aware of my fears that would hold back. I'm also aware of my desire to control the steps of the journey. I feel that lately the Lord has been so good to consistently call me back to the place of surrender.
I do not want to try to move His hand when I can't see the full picture.
Lord, have Your way and direct us sovereignly every step of the way. I lean into You and choose to trust Your perfect leadership.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Book Review - Plan B by Pete Wilson
What do you do when God doesn't show up the way you thought He would?
I've had the pleasure of reviewing this new book, Plan B, which is available in stores May 4. I had to read it with a time crunch, but it was worth it! I found it an easy read, very applicable and easy to identify with.
We all have things in our lives that don't go the way we had hoped or planned. Disappointments, unmet expectations, circumstances, illnesses, loss and pain. Pete discusses the human experience of pain that none is exempt from. Each one of us has pain and I think each person could identify with the ideas discussed in this book.
Pete writes in a honest and clear way. He draws from his own personal experience and incorporates many life stories from those he knows which makes this book very interesting, yet involves the reader emotionally. I enjoyed the way he references the struggles that some of the people in the Bible faced.
The critique I would make is that Pete seems to be trying to be more culturally relevant that I think is necessary. He didn't have to put in certain parts just to draw an audience. I would assume that some of my convictions are a little different than his by some of his writing.
This book has been beneficial in my walk with the Lord over the last week. It has made me examine areas in my heart that need to be looked at a little closer. God is so faithful to do that, and He also used this book as part of the process!
(Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com
Monday, April 19, 2010
I'm awake Lord....are You up to something at 3:30am?
I am generally a good sleeper. I have great nights of 8-10 hours of sleep that my body loves. Lately, I've been on nights and NOT sleeping well during the day, but as soon as I'm back sleeping in the nighttime, I'm good.
I finished nights on Friday morning and have slept well since.
But today I find myself very awake. I tossed and turned for 3 hours, sleeping and dreaming. By 3 or 3:30am, I decided to get up and see if I could restart my night with a trip to the bathroom, a glass of water and stretching out the kinks in my back from all the tossing and turning.
It's 4:30am and I haven't returned to bed. I'm hoping my husband is sleeping without difficulty because whenever I wake up in the night, he almost always comes to check on me. Sure enough, tonight is no different. He's such a sweetheart =) I know he cares so much.
I've been praying and listening, waiting to hear what the Lord might have for me at this time of night. I have my uncle and my extended family on my heart. He's super sick in the ICU and I'm praying over that situation. Being awakened in the middle of the night, makes me wonder what is going on in that hospital room at this hour.
I also checked out a website that my sister sent me to look at (www.drawnfromwater.org). She's been updating me on this ministry called Drawn from Water for a while now and I love hearing her stories. Well, here I am, tearing up watching their video and longing to give and go from a world away at 4:30 in the morning.
Since returning from Haiti, my heart is so stirred to go on adventures with the Lord. I don't want the cares and concerns of this world, or fear or worry to prevent me from doing all the things the Lord has invited me to do alongside Him! My heart is drawn somewhere but I don't even know where.
Since I can remember, I have always had a longing to go to Africa. I've yet to be there. Haiti is the closest I've gotten. I hope one day to make it to Africa.
Tonight, and after watching and reading about the beautiful Mingi children, I so desperately want to go. I'm feeling the increased longing tonight. I want to go on an adventure with my husband and go love on some beautiful African children. The L & D nurse in me wants to catch some African babies. I want to have my heart melt over the things that melt Jesus' heart.
Oh Lord, lead us and guide us according to Your Will. Break in over the Mingi children of Africa. Spare their lives, rescue them and show them Your love through mamas and papas who love you.
I finished nights on Friday morning and have slept well since.
But today I find myself very awake. I tossed and turned for 3 hours, sleeping and dreaming. By 3 or 3:30am, I decided to get up and see if I could restart my night with a trip to the bathroom, a glass of water and stretching out the kinks in my back from all the tossing and turning.
It's 4:30am and I haven't returned to bed. I'm hoping my husband is sleeping without difficulty because whenever I wake up in the night, he almost always comes to check on me. Sure enough, tonight is no different. He's such a sweetheart =) I know he cares so much.
I've been praying and listening, waiting to hear what the Lord might have for me at this time of night. I have my uncle and my extended family on my heart. He's super sick in the ICU and I'm praying over that situation. Being awakened in the middle of the night, makes me wonder what is going on in that hospital room at this hour.
I also checked out a website that my sister sent me to look at (www.drawnfromwater.org). She's been updating me on this ministry called Drawn from Water for a while now and I love hearing her stories. Well, here I am, tearing up watching their video and longing to give and go from a world away at 4:30 in the morning.
Since returning from Haiti, my heart is so stirred to go on adventures with the Lord. I don't want the cares and concerns of this world, or fear or worry to prevent me from doing all the things the Lord has invited me to do alongside Him! My heart is drawn somewhere but I don't even know where.
Since I can remember, I have always had a longing to go to Africa. I've yet to be there. Haiti is the closest I've gotten. I hope one day to make it to Africa.
Tonight, and after watching and reading about the beautiful Mingi children, I so desperately want to go. I'm feeling the increased longing tonight. I want to go on an adventure with my husband and go love on some beautiful African children. The L & D nurse in me wants to catch some African babies. I want to have my heart melt over the things that melt Jesus' heart.
Oh Lord, lead us and guide us according to Your Will. Break in over the Mingi children of Africa. Spare their lives, rescue them and show them Your love through mamas and papas who love you.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Haiti Mission Trip - Update 3
To my friends and family,
I am home safe and sound in Winnipeg after an incredible experience in Haiti. I arrived home on Thursday, March 18th after 11 days away. I am so thankful to be home and so thankful to be with my wonderful husband again, who was so supportive throughout this whole process. Hopefully, we get to go on our next missions trip together!
Sadly, I brought home a bug from Haiti and have been ill over the last 6 days. I’m hoping whatever is bothering me leaves quickly! I have been to see the doctor and we’re working on finding out the cause of my symptoms. I am not alone in my troubles, as 11 out of 12 team members came down with something while in Haiti. Please pray for my complete healing and for healing for the rest of my team!
I am so thankful for all of you who gave, borrowed, blessed and prayed. I want to give a very special thanks to all the generous people who gave financially to my trip. Through you, God made this trip possible when in the natural I didn’t know how it would work. Your generous hearts and hands made it possible for me to go to Haiti and you gave more than I had hoped! Thank-you so much! More donations came in than I ended up needing, even after all the extra expenses, and I was able to contribute to the Food Program!
We spent 3 days with a village near Leo Gane, 45 minutes out of Port-au-Prince. The Lord specifically directed us step by step and we ended up finding this village of about 350 families who had not yet received medical care or supplies after the earthquake. Unlike many groups who have had tents and tarps supplied to them, this village had sticks and sheets.
Over those 3 days, we saw 150-200 patients. Nobody was ready to have a baby at this village over the time I was in Haiti, but I got to give a gift to 3 different pregnant ladies by letting them hear their babies’ heart rates! That was so special for me! We saw many children and adults with the majority of complaints dealing with skin infections/wounds, gastrointestinal issues and symptoms of dehydration.
The patients would be seen by the medical team and then had the opportunity to get prayer/counsel with the pastors and the children could participate in play therapy. In 2 days, we had 37 salvations! Praise Jesus!
On our last day with this village, we shared some of our Food Program supplies and fed 116 families with enough dry beans and rice to last a number of days depending on the size of family! The next day, we fed 325 families in Port-au-Prince and over the next few days, gave beans and rice to two different orphanages. All these supplies were bought with donations given by our 12 team members, meaning that your donations went directly to feed these beautiful people in Haiti! Give yourselves a pat on the back!
A highlight for me was the day we spent at an orphanage. I loved the baby tent, which was made in Canada! I spent a long time assessing, holding, loving, feeding and praying over these beautiful Haitian babies! 14 babies for 2 nannies and 1 nurse! They melted my heart and made me cry…multiple times. I also loved playing with the children and singing songs with them. I tended to their scars, scrapes and sores with band aids and ointment. Everyone that wanted a band aid, received some care, whether they needed it or not!
We had many challenges as a team on this trip. 3 of our girls needed medical attention at a military hospital and many of us were touched by the heat, dehydration and some kind of GI bug. We had many challenges as a team to overcome, and we did so together and with a growing heart of thanksgiving. We bonded quickly, learned to love and listen and banded together in prayer.
What an awesome experience! God did many things in my heart. You know, you think you are going to help others and often it’s your own heart that gets worked on and impacted. That’s the way the Lord often works!
Thank-you for all your support and thank-you on behalf of all the beautiful people of Haiti whose lives were touched by you!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Book Review: The Language of Love and Respect; Cracking the Communication Code With Your Mate by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
The Love and Respect concepts discussed by Dr. Eggerichs in this book are great truths for any marriage or relationship!My husband and I had the pleasure of watching the Love and Respect DVDs before I read this book. Personally, I preferred the DVDs as we could do it together, at the same time, and have immediate discussions afterward. Because I already knew a lot of the information, this book was quite repetitive.
But, if readers don't have the chance to see the DVDs, I would totally recommend the book!
The truths discussed are so helpful for any relationship between males and females, especially marriages. I think it acknowledges and gives understanding to the different ways men and women think, feel and act. This book is filled with practical suggestions, clear explanations of concepts and good reminders.
One of my favorite parts is the Rewarded Cycle. "The Rewarded Cycle is not primarily about you and your marriage; it is about you and Jesus Christ" (p.230). How true and what a great refocusing on the things that have ultimate eternal value.
My marriage has personally benefited from the concepts found in Love and Respect and I would suggest that every married couple find the book or the DVDs and learn these concepts together!
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Leaving on a jet plane....
In 10 short hours my flight leaves to begin the journey to Haiti! I am looking forward to this ministry/medical trip to Haiti and I am excited about what the Lord is going to do and all that He will do in my heart!
There has been a number of emotions that I have felt in the last number of weeks as this trip has come together. I have felt some fear and some anxiety and battled against those demons. I have felt some sadness at the thought of leaving my husband for the longest time apart in our marriage. I have also battled through spiritual attack, alongside probably many of my team members.
But thankfully, and increasingly in the last 2 days, I have felt peace and growing excitement! I think people are praying because I'm feeling peace in a stronger way than usual and I really like it =) Especially today, the excitement in my heart is growing!
A huge thank-you to each one of you who gave financially to my trip! The Lord provided ALL my funds through people like you and He provided more than I needed, even with all the added expenses that arose! He is so good! Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you! I couldn't go without your generosity!
So, I ask that you would hold me up in prayer over the next 11 days. I need your prayers as my team and I are out there doing the stuff of the Kingdom!
Blessings until I return!
There has been a number of emotions that I have felt in the last number of weeks as this trip has come together. I have felt some fear and some anxiety and battled against those demons. I have felt some sadness at the thought of leaving my husband for the longest time apart in our marriage. I have also battled through spiritual attack, alongside probably many of my team members.
But thankfully, and increasingly in the last 2 days, I have felt peace and growing excitement! I think people are praying because I'm feeling peace in a stronger way than usual and I really like it =) Especially today, the excitement in my heart is growing!
A huge thank-you to each one of you who gave financially to my trip! The Lord provided ALL my funds through people like you and He provided more than I needed, even with all the added expenses that arose! He is so good! Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you! I couldn't go without your generosity!
So, I ask that you would hold me up in prayer over the next 11 days. I need your prayers as my team and I are out there doing the stuff of the Kingdom!
Blessings until I return!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Recent Haiti Trip Changes
A few more changes as of this evening. Now we are flying from Miami directly to Haiti, which brings us to Haiti a day earlier. It is nice to arrive earlier, travel less and not take a long bus ride. I'm sure it's good in the area of traffic, travel and safety.
This recent change means I need an additional $200 American for my flight.
Yesterday morning had some added expenses as well. After some drama with the specific airline I'm flying to Miami from Winnipeg with, the ticket price raised a couple hundred dollars within a few days. Also, I found out that I will need some finances for a hotel in Miami from the 8th to the 9th, because I can't get to Miami in time for my Haiti flight if I leave on the 9th. I've been in contact with a team member about sharing a room that night, because some of the others are having the same flight issues and need to fly in a day early as well.
So, though we were getting close to the amount needed, there are additional expenses coming up that require more than we thought. If you were hoping to give but then thought it wouldn't be needed after all, please still consider giving to my trip!
Also, to add some just for fun info, I let my husband give me an intramuscular injection this evening! I needed my typhoid shot updated, since my last one was in 2003 for my medical mission trip to El Salvador. I think I'm quite the trooper for teaching him and talking him through the steps, which watching the needle hanging out of my arm for a bit of time! But, the smile and proud look on my husband's face was worth being a little nervous =)
This recent change means I need an additional $200 American for my flight.
Yesterday morning had some added expenses as well. After some drama with the specific airline I'm flying to Miami from Winnipeg with, the ticket price raised a couple hundred dollars within a few days. Also, I found out that I will need some finances for a hotel in Miami from the 8th to the 9th, because I can't get to Miami in time for my Haiti flight if I leave on the 9th. I've been in contact with a team member about sharing a room that night, because some of the others are having the same flight issues and need to fly in a day early as well.
So, though we were getting close to the amount needed, there are additional expenses coming up that require more than we thought. If you were hoping to give but then thought it wouldn't be needed after all, please still consider giving to my trip!
Also, to add some just for fun info, I let my husband give me an intramuscular injection this evening! I needed my typhoid shot updated, since my last one was in 2003 for my medical mission trip to El Salvador. I think I'm quite the trooper for teaching him and talking him through the steps, which watching the needle hanging out of my arm for a bit of time! But, the smile and proud look on my husband's face was worth being a little nervous =)
Haiti Mission Trip - Update 2
To my friends and family,
My trip to Haiti is now less than 2 weeks away and I’m growing in excitement! There is much packing and organizing to do in the next 2 weeks but I’m certain it will all come together at the right time. All the details will fall into place and I’m sure this experience will be a life changing one.
A few details for the trip have changed since I sent out my first email. I will be flying out of Winnipeg early on March 8th and returning late on the 18th. My team was originally going to fly out of Miami together and directly into Port-Au-Prince. Haiti is still pretty unpredictable and it is predicted that aftershocks will likely take place for the next months or years, which could affect commercial airlines in getting to Port-au-Prince. We want to make sure we get there, which meant taking a different route. We will be flying into the Dominican Republic as a team from Miami and then driving the 5 hours to Port-au-Prince by bus.
My team will not be staying at the school base anymore, but on the other side of the city. The school we were going to be staying at already had medical supplies for us to use. Now that we are across the city, we need to gather our own medical supplies before our trip. My workplace is collecting opened but clean, unused items that we aren’t able to use in our facility. I also got my hands on a doptone to borrow for the trip and am so excited to be able to listen to fetal heart rates in Haiti! What a gift to the pregnant mothers in a ravished country to be able to hear the sweetness of their unborn baby’s heart beat! I think it will be a special gift that I can give them!
We will be doing medical and pastoral care in tent cities, in orphanages and possibly in hospitals. We will spend one day at an orphanage 3 hours outside the city and another day at some orphanages within Port-Au-Prince. We hope to feed 10,000 or more people with our Food Program on one of the days, as well as the 1000 children we will be visiting at the orphanages. If there are enough resources, we hope to make that number 20,000 people in Haiti that won’t be hungry that day!
I’m looking forward to meeting my team members and had the pleasure of meeting one of my team leaders and the director of One Heart Ministries International: Haiti while in Kansas City last week. A meeting in person was a nicer way to dialogue than a phone interview, since we had the opportunity! It sounds like the team is made up of nurses, a doctor, a paramedic, pastors and counselors. I think it will be a good group of people to work with in Haiti!
Provision has been coming in and blessing me incredibly! Within the first week, we had an incredible response and we are so grateful! Thank-you to every one of you who has given so generously for my trip to Haiti! The people of Haiti will be blessed by your contribution!
We are getting close to our expenses being covered! A few expenses were added in the process and so our amount needed is a little larger than I thought. But we’re getting close! Anything that comes in over and above our expenses, I will give directly to the Food Program. Our team needs to raise $5,000-10,000 to reach our goal to feed 20,000 people. 100% of the funds will be used for the food program. The money for the Food Program has to be in by March 1, next Monday. I will be sending a cheque on that day so let me know before then if you want to give to the Food Program.
My greatest request is for prayer support as the trip nears and throughout my time away. Pray for safety and protection, everything to run smoothly with flights and travel, grace and strength for the packing, traveling, serving and giving of myself. Pray that my team bonds and works well together. Pray for miracles and the nearness of God. Pray for physical healing, emotional healing and deliverance for the people of Haiti.
Thank-you so much for your prayers and support! I couldn’t go without all your prayers and finances!
My trip to Haiti is now less than 2 weeks away and I’m growing in excitement! There is much packing and organizing to do in the next 2 weeks but I’m certain it will all come together at the right time. All the details will fall into place and I’m sure this experience will be a life changing one.
A few details for the trip have changed since I sent out my first email. I will be flying out of Winnipeg early on March 8th and returning late on the 18th. My team was originally going to fly out of Miami together and directly into Port-Au-Prince. Haiti is still pretty unpredictable and it is predicted that aftershocks will likely take place for the next months or years, which could affect commercial airlines in getting to Port-au-Prince. We want to make sure we get there, which meant taking a different route. We will be flying into the Dominican Republic as a team from Miami and then driving the 5 hours to Port-au-Prince by bus.
My team will not be staying at the school base anymore, but on the other side of the city. The school we were going to be staying at already had medical supplies for us to use. Now that we are across the city, we need to gather our own medical supplies before our trip. My workplace is collecting opened but clean, unused items that we aren’t able to use in our facility. I also got my hands on a doptone to borrow for the trip and am so excited to be able to listen to fetal heart rates in Haiti! What a gift to the pregnant mothers in a ravished country to be able to hear the sweetness of their unborn baby’s heart beat! I think it will be a special gift that I can give them!
We will be doing medical and pastoral care in tent cities, in orphanages and possibly in hospitals. We will spend one day at an orphanage 3 hours outside the city and another day at some orphanages within Port-Au-Prince. We hope to feed 10,000 or more people with our Food Program on one of the days, as well as the 1000 children we will be visiting at the orphanages. If there are enough resources, we hope to make that number 20,000 people in Haiti that won’t be hungry that day!
I’m looking forward to meeting my team members and had the pleasure of meeting one of my team leaders and the director of One Heart Ministries International: Haiti while in Kansas City last week. A meeting in person was a nicer way to dialogue than a phone interview, since we had the opportunity! It sounds like the team is made up of nurses, a doctor, a paramedic, pastors and counselors. I think it will be a good group of people to work with in Haiti!
Provision has been coming in and blessing me incredibly! Within the first week, we had an incredible response and we are so grateful! Thank-you to every one of you who has given so generously for my trip to Haiti! The people of Haiti will be blessed by your contribution!
We are getting close to our expenses being covered! A few expenses were added in the process and so our amount needed is a little larger than I thought. But we’re getting close! Anything that comes in over and above our expenses, I will give directly to the Food Program. Our team needs to raise $5,000-10,000 to reach our goal to feed 20,000 people. 100% of the funds will be used for the food program. The money for the Food Program has to be in by March 1, next Monday. I will be sending a cheque on that day so let me know before then if you want to give to the Food Program.
My greatest request is for prayer support as the trip nears and throughout my time away. Pray for safety and protection, everything to run smoothly with flights and travel, grace and strength for the packing, traveling, serving and giving of myself. Pray that my team bonds and works well together. Pray for miracles and the nearness of God. Pray for physical healing, emotional healing and deliverance for the people of Haiti.
Thank-you so much for your prayers and support! I couldn’t go without all your prayers and finances!
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Haiti Update
To my family and friends,
By now, many of us have heard and been moved in compassion by the news of Haiti’s 7.0 M earthquake that took place on January 12, 2010. An estimated 3 million people have been affected by this natural disaster, leaving many dead, wounded, homeless and lacking the very basics of necessities.
The need in Haiti has become urgent, as you well know. Many of the primary relief agencies are pulling out of Haiti due to their temporary nature. With many of the relief workers from around the world returning home, and medical professionals estimating that 50-60% of the people treated will die in the next few months and many more left deformed, Haiti is in need of long term help.
With great excitement, trembling and many different emotions in my heart, I write to tell you that I have the opportunity and pleasure of going to Haiti in March!
I will be going to Port-Au-Prince with One Heart Ministries (www.ohmhaiti.org) based out of Kansas City, leaving on March 8th or 9th and returning on March 18th. My team will be staying at the Quisqueya Christian School, which is also a base for US military personnel providing relief to Haiti. The mission work we will be doing off the base and in Port-Au-Prince, includes providing medical care through clinics in the tent cities, providing food, water, clothing and personal necessities, rebuilding homes, carrying for the orphans and elderly, offering individual group counseling and therapy, doing outreach, preaching the gospel and ministering in prayer.
It is my desire to take what the Lord has given me in my skills as a nurse and go and serve the people of Haiti in this way. In the first few weeks after the earthquake, whenever I saw the images of the people of Haiti on the news, my heart would long to go and help, yet it felt so impossible.
God has made a way, pointed me to the right people to go with and given me peace about taking the plunge!
A friend of mine who was in Haiti last week with One Heart Ministries reported seeing and treating 1800 patients in one week. She said they are working 12 hour days, hoping for two 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute lunch, but not guaranteed. This is exhausting, but rewarding work.
Shane and I are praying that God would move peoples’ hearts to partner with us financially and in prayer. We need $3000.00 for the trip, the flights and to pay the bills back home as I will be taking a 2 week unpaid LOA from work. This does not factor in the things I need to purchase to bring along, the prescriptions or any vaccinations I need updated. We are not able to issue tax receipts for any donations. My workplace has been fabulous about giving me the time off. That is a huge mountain that could have been difficult to cross, but it wasn’t! Praise God!
I am also asking for your prayers. Prayers during the next few weeks as things come together with flights, plans, finances and packing. Prayers during the time that I will be away for protection, safety, health, strength, the nearness of God and the guiding of the Holy Spirit throughout out trip. Pray that my team bonds well and serves the people of Haiti well. Pray that healing flows from our hands and knowledge abounds, even with medical issues we are unfamiliar with.
In the first few days after my trip was confirmed, I was thinking about the verse in Isaiah, “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” (Isaiah 58:10). Spending ourselves on behalf of the hungry and oppressed means we give something that requires a cost. We actually spend something. The cost may be energy, sleep, strength, finances, comforts, time, or emotions. Whether you get the chance to go to Haiti, like I have right now, or not, we all have opportunities here or there to spend ourselves on their behalf.
I’m asking for you to give generously to my trip to Haiti and join me in spending ourselves on behalf of the hungry, oppressed and wounded of Haiti. If you are wanting to give, contact me directly by email, facebook, phone, in person or leave a comment. Thank-you and bless you!
By now, many of us have heard and been moved in compassion by the news of Haiti’s 7.0 M earthquake that took place on January 12, 2010. An estimated 3 million people have been affected by this natural disaster, leaving many dead, wounded, homeless and lacking the very basics of necessities.
The need in Haiti has become urgent, as you well know. Many of the primary relief agencies are pulling out of Haiti due to their temporary nature. With many of the relief workers from around the world returning home, and medical professionals estimating that 50-60% of the people treated will die in the next few months and many more left deformed, Haiti is in need of long term help.
With great excitement, trembling and many different emotions in my heart, I write to tell you that I have the opportunity and pleasure of going to Haiti in March!
I will be going to Port-Au-Prince with One Heart Ministries (www.ohmhaiti.org) based out of Kansas City, leaving on March 8th or 9th and returning on March 18th. My team will be staying at the Quisqueya Christian School, which is also a base for US military personnel providing relief to Haiti. The mission work we will be doing off the base and in Port-Au-Prince, includes providing medical care through clinics in the tent cities, providing food, water, clothing and personal necessities, rebuilding homes, carrying for the orphans and elderly, offering individual group counseling and therapy, doing outreach, preaching the gospel and ministering in prayer.
It is my desire to take what the Lord has given me in my skills as a nurse and go and serve the people of Haiti in this way. In the first few weeks after the earthquake, whenever I saw the images of the people of Haiti on the news, my heart would long to go and help, yet it felt so impossible.
God has made a way, pointed me to the right people to go with and given me peace about taking the plunge!
A friend of mine who was in Haiti last week with One Heart Ministries reported seeing and treating 1800 patients in one week. She said they are working 12 hour days, hoping for two 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute lunch, but not guaranteed. This is exhausting, but rewarding work.
Shane and I are praying that God would move peoples’ hearts to partner with us financially and in prayer. We need $3000.00 for the trip, the flights and to pay the bills back home as I will be taking a 2 week unpaid LOA from work. This does not factor in the things I need to purchase to bring along, the prescriptions or any vaccinations I need updated. We are not able to issue tax receipts for any donations. My workplace has been fabulous about giving me the time off. That is a huge mountain that could have been difficult to cross, but it wasn’t! Praise God!
I am also asking for your prayers. Prayers during the next few weeks as things come together with flights, plans, finances and packing. Prayers during the time that I will be away for protection, safety, health, strength, the nearness of God and the guiding of the Holy Spirit throughout out trip. Pray that my team bonds well and serves the people of Haiti well. Pray that healing flows from our hands and knowledge abounds, even with medical issues we are unfamiliar with.
In the first few days after my trip was confirmed, I was thinking about the verse in Isaiah, “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” (Isaiah 58:10). Spending ourselves on behalf of the hungry and oppressed means we give something that requires a cost. We actually spend something. The cost may be energy, sleep, strength, finances, comforts, time, or emotions. Whether you get the chance to go to Haiti, like I have right now, or not, we all have opportunities here or there to spend ourselves on their behalf.
I’m asking for you to give generously to my trip to Haiti and join me in spending ourselves on behalf of the hungry, oppressed and wounded of Haiti. If you are wanting to give, contact me directly by email, facebook, phone, in person or leave a comment. Thank-you and bless you!
Friday, February 05, 2010
Haiti!
In less than 5 weeks, I will be on the ground in Haiti serving alongside One Heart Ministries to the people of Haiti that have been effected by January 12th's massive earthquake.
I am calling on anyone who's heart wants to help the people of Haiti in this time in history by generously helping me get to Haiti to provide medical help and many other things to this nation. I need major prayer and generous financial donations to make this possible.
The first chunk of trip money is due in 1 week today!
More details coming...
I am calling on anyone who's heart wants to help the people of Haiti in this time in history by generously helping me get to Haiti to provide medical help and many other things to this nation. I need major prayer and generous financial donations to make this possible.
The first chunk of trip money is due in 1 week today!
More details coming...
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Throne room Revelations
In my writings and records of what the Lord speaks to me, I have started something new in the past week and a bit. They are called "Throne room Revelations".
I had a significant encounter with the Lord about 9 days ago where He really spoke to me and interacted with me as I pictured myself in the throne room before Him. It started with reading Power of the Blood by Bob Sorge. As I was finishing the last chapter of the book, Bob encourages readers to take the time right then to get "sprinkled with the Blood", picturing ourselves in the throne room (out of Hebrews 12:22-24). I didn't really want to take the time, but ended up doing so. And good thing I did!
The Lord encountered me and since then I have repeatedly gone back to the throne room where I talk to the Father and/or Jesus. Oh my, it's awesome! He speaks to me, He allows me to rest, He listens to me, and He is revealing the heart of the Father to me through my time spent with Him there. There is such life in this place for me lately and He's continued to speak to me regularly in this place. I thank Him for this tangible gift in my heart and life right now!
So, I want to share these steps from Power of the Blood with you all.
1. Visualize the throne room
2. Ask to be sprinkled
3. Draw near with confidence
4. Nestle between Father and Son
5. Receive the Holy Spirit's Fire
If this tugs on something in your heart, I would strongly recommend you get your hands on this book. It's an enjoyable and easy read, only 148 pages and it is filled with the truth of the Word. So often, I forget about the gift of Jesus' blood, thinking that it is just the doorway into everything else I get as a Christian. That is so incorrect! The Blood and the sacrifice Jesus gave for our eternal life is crucial, constantly necessary and always on the Father's heart. It is all about love!
I had a significant encounter with the Lord about 9 days ago where He really spoke to me and interacted with me as I pictured myself in the throne room before Him. It started with reading Power of the Blood by Bob Sorge. As I was finishing the last chapter of the book, Bob encourages readers to take the time right then to get "sprinkled with the Blood", picturing ourselves in the throne room (out of Hebrews 12:22-24). I didn't really want to take the time, but ended up doing so. And good thing I did!
The Lord encountered me and since then I have repeatedly gone back to the throne room where I talk to the Father and/or Jesus. Oh my, it's awesome! He speaks to me, He allows me to rest, He listens to me, and He is revealing the heart of the Father to me through my time spent with Him there. There is such life in this place for me lately and He's continued to speak to me regularly in this place. I thank Him for this tangible gift in my heart and life right now!
So, I want to share these steps from Power of the Blood with you all.
1. Visualize the throne room
2. Ask to be sprinkled
3. Draw near with confidence
4. Nestle between Father and Son
5. Receive the Holy Spirit's Fire
If this tugs on something in your heart, I would strongly recommend you get your hands on this book. It's an enjoyable and easy read, only 148 pages and it is filled with the truth of the Word. So often, I forget about the gift of Jesus' blood, thinking that it is just the doorway into everything else I get as a Christian. That is so incorrect! The Blood and the sacrifice Jesus gave for our eternal life is crucial, constantly necessary and always on the Father's heart. It is all about love!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The North and South Winds - Song of Solomon 4:16
"Awake, O north winds and come, O south! Blow upon my garden that its spices may flow out" Song of Solomon 4:16
I have not yet come to the place in my Christian walk where I've had the maturity to pray "Awake O north winds". I do not desire the seasons of trial and testing. If it were up to my emotions, I'd live in the land of the forever south winds.
I've been amazed from time to time when I hear people that are able to pray this prayer. My thoughts are that they must be right in the midst of south wind comfort, they may be crazy or they may have no idea what they are actually praying! I greatly respect and admire those who are able to ask for whatever season would cause more growth in their hearts and I have come to reason that they must have a greater measure of spiritual maturity than me.
Lately, I've been thinking about these north winds more and more. As I look around, the outward appearances of many around me would lead me to think they are sitting under the apple tree, soaking in God's love and delight, in the middle of the south winds.
I, myself, feel like I'm living in an igloo in the middle of nowhere with no life in sight and the winds are blowing at blizzard speed.
Singing the words, "Awake, awake o north wind. Awake, awake o south winds and blow over me" from Misty's song Fling Wide at the mic on stage at Sanctuary the other week was so painful. As I looked around the room, the appearances of people on the outside would lead me to assume they were loving the south winds, while I am standing there enduring the winds of the north. All I could do was bawl, recognize a small amount of humor in the irony of it all and try not to let the wind blow me over.
It is actually much easier to pray for the north winds when you feel like you are in them. When times are easier, I dread the idea of testing and trials. When I'm in the midst of them, though it's painful, I'm already there.
I've been thinking about three things in the last few weeks through my travels in the north.
1. If I draw near, I win.
God promised to draw near to me as I draw near to Him (James 4:8). So, I pray for the grace to draw near.
2. If I lean, I win.
I want to be found leaning, just like the Shulamite is found at the end of the Song of Solomon. She goes through the journey of love, experiencing the north and south winds, the trials, the nearness and apparent absence of the Lord, yet by chapter 8, she is found leaning on her Beloved as she comes out of the wilderness (Song of Solomon 8:5). I want to be found leaning. So, I pray for the grace to lean, even when it feels like I'm going to lose my balance.
3. If I don't quit, I win.
If I keep praying, I win. If I face the tough questions instead of ignoring them, I win. If I put myself before the Lord no matter how I feel, I win. If I don't give up, I win. So, I pray for the grace to carry on.
I am not going to be in the north forever. It's not always going to be blowing snow with the risk of frostbite. Weeping only lasts for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). It's going to be morning at some point and I'm looking forward to sunbathing in green meadows in the south.
Until them, I'm choosing to believe that He's working all things together for my good (Romans 8:28). I'm choosing to believe He's got a greater goal in mind than my comfort and I'm going to be far more glorious if I let Him take the lead than if I chart the course myself.
I have not yet come to the place in my Christian walk where I've had the maturity to pray "Awake O north winds". I do not desire the seasons of trial and testing. If it were up to my emotions, I'd live in the land of the forever south winds.
I've been amazed from time to time when I hear people that are able to pray this prayer. My thoughts are that they must be right in the midst of south wind comfort, they may be crazy or they may have no idea what they are actually praying! I greatly respect and admire those who are able to ask for whatever season would cause more growth in their hearts and I have come to reason that they must have a greater measure of spiritual maturity than me.
Lately, I've been thinking about these north winds more and more. As I look around, the outward appearances of many around me would lead me to think they are sitting under the apple tree, soaking in God's love and delight, in the middle of the south winds.
I, myself, feel like I'm living in an igloo in the middle of nowhere with no life in sight and the winds are blowing at blizzard speed.
Singing the words, "Awake, awake o north wind. Awake, awake o south winds and blow over me" from Misty's song Fling Wide at the mic on stage at Sanctuary the other week was so painful. As I looked around the room, the appearances of people on the outside would lead me to assume they were loving the south winds, while I am standing there enduring the winds of the north. All I could do was bawl, recognize a small amount of humor in the irony of it all and try not to let the wind blow me over.
It is actually much easier to pray for the north winds when you feel like you are in them. When times are easier, I dread the idea of testing and trials. When I'm in the midst of them, though it's painful, I'm already there.
I've been thinking about three things in the last few weeks through my travels in the north.
1. If I draw near, I win.
God promised to draw near to me as I draw near to Him (James 4:8). So, I pray for the grace to draw near.
2. If I lean, I win.
I want to be found leaning, just like the Shulamite is found at the end of the Song of Solomon. She goes through the journey of love, experiencing the north and south winds, the trials, the nearness and apparent absence of the Lord, yet by chapter 8, she is found leaning on her Beloved as she comes out of the wilderness (Song of Solomon 8:5). I want to be found leaning. So, I pray for the grace to lean, even when it feels like I'm going to lose my balance.
3. If I don't quit, I win.
If I keep praying, I win. If I face the tough questions instead of ignoring them, I win. If I put myself before the Lord no matter how I feel, I win. If I don't give up, I win. So, I pray for the grace to carry on.
I am not going to be in the north forever. It's not always going to be blowing snow with the risk of frostbite. Weeping only lasts for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). It's going to be morning at some point and I'm looking forward to sunbathing in green meadows in the south.
Until them, I'm choosing to believe that He's working all things together for my good (Romans 8:28). I'm choosing to believe He's got a greater goal in mind than my comfort and I'm going to be far more glorious if I let Him take the lead than if I chart the course myself.
Monday, January 25, 2010
A suggestion I might take her up on...
As my previous post discussed, I am unsure of my future in the blogging world. But, the first step was to get away from the old layout. I knew with that layout, I couldn't keep blogging =) So, here's the first step...a new look. I needed something brighter and more enjoyable visually.
Back to my decision making. It warmed my heart when a friend of mine communicated to me a few weeks ago that she would be interested in hearing more about my thoughts, revelations and studies on a blog. The day to day stuff that happens, I want to talk about face-to-face with the people I love, which I don't want to be telling the whole world. But, what about an outlet for the things the Lord puts on my heart and I just want to write and post somewhere? I would be sad to have no outlet for that.
I have loose leaf pages in piles in my bedroom and office with writing about all kinds of things. I have a desire to write things down. But, what stops me from doing so, is my fight with a perfectionist spirit. I would want it to sounds perfect or else not post it. And, I know that I'm not perfect, so most of the time the thoughts stay just that. Thoughts. And they never make it on paper. Or part of it makes it into a journal and it never gets completed.
So, I'm still deciding and we'll see what happens. But it's a suggestion that I've been thinking about and I might take her up on...
Back to my decision making. It warmed my heart when a friend of mine communicated to me a few weeks ago that she would be interested in hearing more about my thoughts, revelations and studies on a blog. The day to day stuff that happens, I want to talk about face-to-face with the people I love, which I don't want to be telling the whole world. But, what about an outlet for the things the Lord puts on my heart and I just want to write and post somewhere? I would be sad to have no outlet for that.
I have loose leaf pages in piles in my bedroom and office with writing about all kinds of things. I have a desire to write things down. But, what stops me from doing so, is my fight with a perfectionist spirit. I would want it to sounds perfect or else not post it. And, I know that I'm not perfect, so most of the time the thoughts stay just that. Thoughts. And they never make it on paper. Or part of it makes it into a journal and it never gets completed.
So, I'm still deciding and we'll see what happens. But it's a suggestion that I've been thinking about and I might take her up on...
Monday, January 11, 2010
To stop or not to stop? That is the question.
It's been a while since I blogged and I'm honestly thinking of dropping the blogging world. I haven't blogged since October and I've been off facebook since November. Life just seems more simple and more peaceful that way. The amount of time I've spent on the computer is way reduced and I like that!
I feel like I can rest a little more and focus on relationships that I have in person. I just don't like spilling my thoughts and feelings with whoever may be out there and reading this. That is kinda creepy. I would rather sit and have a coffee with you or connect by email. It's just weird and not fulfilling my need for socializing and connecting when I post something on here and know there are some people reading, minimal comments and no dialogue. You know? I'd rather have a conversation.
That been said, I haven't totally decided whether or not to drop blogging and facebook altogether. I like the socializing aspect of facebook. That's the problem with it. It's empty. And I like deeper relationships than that.
But, what about those that I want to keep in contact with who I can't sit down and have a coffee with because they live somewhere else? That throws in a twist!
Also, as for blogging, sometimes I would love to have a place to just write our needs down as intercessory missionaries. We used to send out a support letter but got frustrated with writing them. It seemed we spent more on paper, ink and stamps than we got in support in response to sending them out. We know we probably should write one again but it can be a little discouraging and we greatly dislike support raising.
So, these are some of the reason for my absence. I'm taking a little vacation. I'm rearranging the unnecessary things in my life to fit in my priorities. I'm wanting to sow a little more into real relationships. I'm wanting to spend my time on other things than the internet.
We'll see if what I decide. Not sure yet. But I won't quit without telling you =)
And as for needs, our January and February needs (over and above our usual expenses) include dental work (finishing the root canal from last July with a crown) and van insurance.
Adios.
I feel like I can rest a little more and focus on relationships that I have in person. I just don't like spilling my thoughts and feelings with whoever may be out there and reading this. That is kinda creepy. I would rather sit and have a coffee with you or connect by email. It's just weird and not fulfilling my need for socializing and connecting when I post something on here and know there are some people reading, minimal comments and no dialogue. You know? I'd rather have a conversation.
That been said, I haven't totally decided whether or not to drop blogging and facebook altogether. I like the socializing aspect of facebook. That's the problem with it. It's empty. And I like deeper relationships than that.
But, what about those that I want to keep in contact with who I can't sit down and have a coffee with because they live somewhere else? That throws in a twist!
Also, as for blogging, sometimes I would love to have a place to just write our needs down as intercessory missionaries. We used to send out a support letter but got frustrated with writing them. It seemed we spent more on paper, ink and stamps than we got in support in response to sending them out. We know we probably should write one again but it can be a little discouraging and we greatly dislike support raising.
So, these are some of the reason for my absence. I'm taking a little vacation. I'm rearranging the unnecessary things in my life to fit in my priorities. I'm wanting to sow a little more into real relationships. I'm wanting to spend my time on other things than the internet.
We'll see if what I decide. Not sure yet. But I won't quit without telling you =)
And as for needs, our January and February needs (over and above our usual expenses) include dental work (finishing the root canal from last July with a crown) and van insurance.
Adios.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Off we go!
We're just getting ready to head out for our trip to Kansas City for 2009! I'm getting excited!
We got to bed FAR too late (after 1am) and planned on getting up at 4am, which was far too little sleep. So, we planned to wake up at 5am. Good thing I happen to look at the clock at 5:09am and realize that I had set the alarm for 5 PM, not AM, after coming off nights yesterday morning! We both hardly slept, but we're up and getting ready to go! Pray for safety as we travel today =)
Again, it has been confirmed. I have the most awesome husband. The awesome guy was scrubbing the tub, cleaning the bathroom and sweeping the floors after midnight, so we can leave with a clean house! I was shocked and again blessed =) I am a lucky woman!
Off we go!
We got to bed FAR too late (after 1am) and planned on getting up at 4am, which was far too little sleep. So, we planned to wake up at 5am. Good thing I happen to look at the clock at 5:09am and realize that I had set the alarm for 5 PM, not AM, after coming off nights yesterday morning! We both hardly slept, but we're up and getting ready to go! Pray for safety as we travel today =)
Again, it has been confirmed. I have the most awesome husband. The awesome guy was scrubbing the tub, cleaning the bathroom and sweeping the floors after midnight, so we can leave with a clean house! I was shocked and again blessed =) I am a lucky woman!
Off we go!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
2 more shifts!
I'm getting more and more excited as our trip gets closer!
2 more nights shifts, which start in an hour or so and then it's time to go! I will wake up Friday evening, do the last minute packing and errands and try to get to sleep early enough to get up early and off we go!
I'm looking forward to getting our van all beautified for the trip. We took it in to the shop and did a few repairs this week. Now, we'll wash it and clean the inside, complete with a new air freshener =)
I've already started packing and did a bunch of cleaning in the house, include an overhaul of the office. What a relief to have that done, as it has looked like a tornado in there for months already! Papers everywhere!
Most of my number of lists have been finished and I just have a few more things waiting until Friday to be done.
I'm looking forward to hanging out with my honey and spending time with our buddies, the Coopers and the McAnnulla's! Kristi Cooper (www.somedaysremembered.blogspot.com) has the sweetest blog post about our coming =) I love it!
Off I go!
2 more nights shifts, which start in an hour or so and then it's time to go! I will wake up Friday evening, do the last minute packing and errands and try to get to sleep early enough to get up early and off we go!
I'm looking forward to getting our van all beautified for the trip. We took it in to the shop and did a few repairs this week. Now, we'll wash it and clean the inside, complete with a new air freshener =)
I've already started packing and did a bunch of cleaning in the house, include an overhaul of the office. What a relief to have that done, as it has looked like a tornado in there for months already! Papers everywhere!
Most of my number of lists have been finished and I just have a few more things waiting until Friday to be done.
I'm looking forward to hanging out with my honey and spending time with our buddies, the Coopers and the McAnnulla's! Kristi Cooper (www.somedaysremembered.blogspot.com) has the sweetest blog post about our coming =) I love it!
Off I go!
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Whirlwind of October
Wow! This month has been a whirlwind!
I had a ton of birthday celebrations with friends and family which made me feel special! I got a whole bunch of cards with really nice things written on them, which is my perfect gift! I have one birthday celebration left (with my bro) that will have to wait until November, because October has been too full! Thanks everyone for making me feel special this month!
On the conference front, Pure Heart was amazing at the beginning of the month. Then came the AWHONN conference...a work conference. I actually really enjoyed it and took a number of points away as things I'd like to try to implement more in my own practice. I enjoyed being with a group of nurses, in a non-hospital setting and discussing relevant topics and learning about topics that are applicable to my job.
Last but not least, the Kingdom Come Conference was this last weekend. I worked nights all weekend but went to the prayer room that we put on in the basement for an hour before work each evening. It was a whirlwind. Sleep 9-5pm, prayer room 6-7pm, work 7:30pm-8am. That is super tiring!
The Lord totally blessed me by allowing me to have 4 hours of work off on Friday night. There was an LOA available, which doesn't usually happen...and especially on the weekend! I got to work, found out that I could come back in 4 hours and went back to the prayer room. It was good that I did, because the Lord totally met me there. I'm so grateful!
In all this month's excitement, I was waiting for the arrival of a certain little princess and hoping she would make her appearance when I wasn't at work. The Lord handpicked a special day and Rayah came forth on October 21st! I had the honor of being with Jacquie, Joe and Rayah during Rayah's birth!
2 more shifts to go this week, a bunch of preparing and we are due to set sail to our friends in the south for a time of holidays! I am looking forward to a time of relaxing, getting away from usual responsibilities and being with my husband and some of our friends. I'm looking forward to seeing my husband sit and enjoy a prayer room, without having to run it, which he does so well =) I just think it will be a nice holiday for him to sit and enjoy the ride instead of steer the ship =) And I'm looking forward to sitting beside him in a prayer room instead of across the room for a few days =)
So, in 5 sleeps we are off to Kansas City! Yippee!
I had a ton of birthday celebrations with friends and family which made me feel special! I got a whole bunch of cards with really nice things written on them, which is my perfect gift! I have one birthday celebration left (with my bro) that will have to wait until November, because October has been too full! Thanks everyone for making me feel special this month!
On the conference front, Pure Heart was amazing at the beginning of the month. Then came the AWHONN conference...a work conference. I actually really enjoyed it and took a number of points away as things I'd like to try to implement more in my own practice. I enjoyed being with a group of nurses, in a non-hospital setting and discussing relevant topics and learning about topics that are applicable to my job.
Last but not least, the Kingdom Come Conference was this last weekend. I worked nights all weekend but went to the prayer room that we put on in the basement for an hour before work each evening. It was a whirlwind. Sleep 9-5pm, prayer room 6-7pm, work 7:30pm-8am. That is super tiring!
The Lord totally blessed me by allowing me to have 4 hours of work off on Friday night. There was an LOA available, which doesn't usually happen...and especially on the weekend! I got to work, found out that I could come back in 4 hours and went back to the prayer room. It was good that I did, because the Lord totally met me there. I'm so grateful!
In all this month's excitement, I was waiting for the arrival of a certain little princess and hoping she would make her appearance when I wasn't at work. The Lord handpicked a special day and Rayah came forth on October 21st! I had the honor of being with Jacquie, Joe and Rayah during Rayah's birth!
2 more shifts to go this week, a bunch of preparing and we are due to set sail to our friends in the south for a time of holidays! I am looking forward to a time of relaxing, getting away from usual responsibilities and being with my husband and some of our friends. I'm looking forward to seeing my husband sit and enjoy a prayer room, without having to run it, which he does so well =) I just think it will be a nice holiday for him to sit and enjoy the ride instead of steer the ship =) And I'm looking forward to sitting beside him in a prayer room instead of across the room for a few days =)
So, in 5 sleeps we are off to Kansas City! Yippee!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Book Review: Redefining Beautiful by Jenna Lucado with Max Lucado
This book is geared to young women and is about what God sees when God looks at us. The theme of this book is about knowing God as a perfect Father and the message is revealed through the theme of appearance.
When I started reading the first chapter, it was quite evident that I am not the age of the target audience. In my opinion, this book is very appropriate for 10-16 year olds. The theme of appearance wasn’t my favorite to start but as I got into chapter 2, the importance of the internal began to be discussed.
Jenna writes creatively and clearly about the need girls have for their heavenly Father. I could easily identify with other female readers about our universal longing for a love that only our perfect Father can provide.
I liked the use of scripture and the layout of the chapters that include Beauty Tips, Life Accessories and spaces for readers to answer personal questions. It is an interactive book!
Any woman at any age could get something out of this book, but I would recommend it more so to young women in junior high and high school.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Good-bye 26
Today is my last day as a 26 year-old. Tomorrow I enter the world of 27.
I'm good with that. I don't mind getting older. I already know what I want to do for my 30th and I'm looking forward to it =) Besides, I'm a fan of odd numbers and 27 sounds better than 26 to me. Yes, I'm a little quirky.
I'm hoping to make my usual list today, summing up the events of the last year. It brings one year to a close and lets me evaluate the past year and look ahead to the next year. I like going back to my last birthday list and seeing if the year was anything like what I had hoped it would be. I always write down my hopes for the next year and like to see if they come true.
I love answering questions like "what was the best part of the last year?" or "what do you hope for this next year?". I'm usually the one to ask the family to go around the circle and answer a question like this at the end or beginning of a year =)
Life hasn't had huge changes in the last few years like it did a number of years ago. Between 2000 and 2006 there was a ton of change from grad, moving to Wpg, starting to date, getting engaged, graduating from nursing, marrying Shane, starting to work as a nurse, starting SHOP, and much more. The last 4 years have been sweet as Shane and I have continued together, but the challenges have increased in the area of faith because of the choices of employment we've made and our many health issues that have arisen. We definitely have more mundane day-to-day stuff than the exciting drama of the first few years when monumental life stages are happening.
I'm ok with that too. Life doesn't always have to have a ton of drama =)
So, to get back to the question, I'm thinking the best part of the last year is the little ways my heart grew. The kisses my heart received from the Lord, the areas that I received revelation and the moments I felt an increase of the knowledge of God and His nearness are probably the highlights of my year. I'm also thankful for the ways He corrected me and guided me, helping me to adjust some of my negative attitudes and thought patterns. He has helped me to love more, care more and have more compassion. I'm growing at being less selfish, being a more loving friend and wife, and learning how to release the burdens I carry to Him.
I believe a little more about His affection for me. The truth of how He feels about me has sunk a little further over time. I've heard Him speak more and my heart loves that. He has encouraged me in times of prayer and through prophetic words.
Thank-you Lord for making my heart grow in love at 26. Adios 26 =)
I'm good with that. I don't mind getting older. I already know what I want to do for my 30th and I'm looking forward to it =) Besides, I'm a fan of odd numbers and 27 sounds better than 26 to me. Yes, I'm a little quirky.
I'm hoping to make my usual list today, summing up the events of the last year. It brings one year to a close and lets me evaluate the past year and look ahead to the next year. I like going back to my last birthday list and seeing if the year was anything like what I had hoped it would be. I always write down my hopes for the next year and like to see if they come true.
I love answering questions like "what was the best part of the last year?" or "what do you hope for this next year?". I'm usually the one to ask the family to go around the circle and answer a question like this at the end or beginning of a year =)
Life hasn't had huge changes in the last few years like it did a number of years ago. Between 2000 and 2006 there was a ton of change from grad, moving to Wpg, starting to date, getting engaged, graduating from nursing, marrying Shane, starting to work as a nurse, starting SHOP, and much more. The last 4 years have been sweet as Shane and I have continued together, but the challenges have increased in the area of faith because of the choices of employment we've made and our many health issues that have arisen. We definitely have more mundane day-to-day stuff than the exciting drama of the first few years when monumental life stages are happening.
I'm ok with that too. Life doesn't always have to have a ton of drama =)
So, to get back to the question, I'm thinking the best part of the last year is the little ways my heart grew. The kisses my heart received from the Lord, the areas that I received revelation and the moments I felt an increase of the knowledge of God and His nearness are probably the highlights of my year. I'm also thankful for the ways He corrected me and guided me, helping me to adjust some of my negative attitudes and thought patterns. He has helped me to love more, care more and have more compassion. I'm growing at being less selfish, being a more loving friend and wife, and learning how to release the burdens I carry to Him.
I believe a little more about His affection for me. The truth of how He feels about me has sunk a little further over time. I've heard Him speak more and my heart loves that. He has encouraged me in times of prayer and through prophetic words.
Thank-you Lord for making my heart grow in love at 26. Adios 26 =)
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