I was blessed this morning to have a quiet house all to myself. Joey took the kids to church and I stayed home with a baby sleeping, my Bible, a journal and a heart ready to receive from the Lord.
I am currently studying the book of Isaiah and it is proving to be a wonderful journey.
The poetry in this book is amazing and beautiful to my soul. I feel like I am experiencing his life as he pleads with the people to repent and come back to the Lord:
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease
to do evil..." Is. 1:16
Then he goes on and says in the Spirit,
"Come, let us reason together."
Says the Lord,
"Though your sins are like scarlet,they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you
are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land." Is.1:18-19
First, I am just blown away once again at how much the Lord loves this nation. He calls them to repentance all the time. He reminds them of what they are doing that is grieving His heart... They were worshipping idols, marrying the pagans, participating in disgusting things that perverted their worship to the Lord. But He loves them so just as He loves those who have been grafted in.
So He offers them a pardon, a way of escape to those whom He loves. We just need to choose it. We reap what we sow, but He still offers goodness and freedom when we choose His ways.
To be cleansed from all unrighteousness:
"Say to the righteous that it shall be well with
them for they shall eat the fruit of their doings."Is. 3:10
And you know why? Two things come to mind,
1. Because He loves His kids and wants the best for us.
2. But ultimately He desires to bring glory to Himself in every way.
When He sets us back onto the straight and narrow, people will notice and will rejoice or get saved! We are giving honor to Him when our lives are renewed and put back where they belong, in His loving and powerful hands!
AWESOME!!
I was also blessed by another passage in Isaiah,
"He will lift up a banner to the nations from afar, and will whistle to them from the
end of the earth...no one will be weary or stumble among them,
No one will slumber or sleep nor will the belt on their loins be loosed
nor the strap of their sandals be broken."Is.5:26
That word banner reminds me of the song His banner over me is love from the book of Song of Sol.
I was meditating for quite some time on what it means to have His banner over me. The first thing that came to my mind was how an army goes forth under a banner or a flag of colors which represents what they are fighting for. I have never seen a war movie or history book on war that did not show an army without their banner.
There is a powerful presence when you see an army well trained and lined up orderly ready to fight with their colors or banners waving in the wind, (see Joel 2:7-8). They know what they are fighting for or getting behind in a sense. They have purpose and a goal. Both demonstrated this sense of determination and pride in a belief.
The Lord also uses a banner to show His protection over us. He covers us with His banner of love. That gives me a security that nothing else can give me. That is powerful!
I am blessed to know that my belief in the Lord God, is unwavering and worth fighting for.
His banner which offers me protection, a purpose, and a sense of security makes me motivated to share this hope with others.
Some other references to His banner are found in:
Ps. 60:4-.You have given a banner to those who fear You, it will be displayed because of truth! (love that!)
Ps20:5
Song of Sol. 2:4, 6:4
Is. 13:2-Lift up a banner on a high mountain , raise your voice to them wave your hand,
that they may enter the gate of the nobles.
Is 5:26
I wrote out the two I like the best knowing that some of you won't bother to look up the passages. I know I
don't always :)
The last thing that I will leave you with today is from Joel 2:15-16, 18
"Blow the trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly;
gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the
children and nursing babies...then the Lord will be zealous for His land, and
pity His people."
God desires a people to be set apart! To pray and seek Him to come together in one accord, fasting and praying. This is really on my heart and I know the heart of my husband, especially being on the verge of a church plant. The call is to consecrate, to gather, and to assemble. To consecrate is to give your whole heart. Rom.12:1 states,
"I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."
Proverbs 23:26 is a good ref as well.
And of course when we gather in unity under the banner of Jesus Christ there will be victory or should I say the recognition of the victory we already have! Praise the Lord!
I pray this blessed you today and restores your soul.
SEEK HIM! Pray with us as we move forward in His will.
We will be fasting and praying every Tues. so if you would, please remember us in your prayers and if the Lord puts it on your heart, fast with us as we seek His will concerning Cambridge and the work He wants to do here.
God bless and I love you all.
Sunday, 24 February 2008
Friday, 15 February 2008
Saturday, 9 February 2008
Laugh for the week part II: Josiah gets a hair cut.
We had Bible study last night.
My kids were the only children I had to watch, so
I carried on and taught the lesson I had
prepared.
As we read through the story of Jesus and Nicodemus
I notice that Josiah has a bald spot on the top of his head.
I kept thinking that it was just bed head or something,
but noooo it was a bald spot!! But wait...not just one, but two
bald spots and a side burn cut off as well!!
I had to hold back the giggle and mental image
of my mom scolding my brother for playing "barber"
with my head of hair as I stared down Maddie in
disbelief that she would do something so irresponsible.
This is the dialouge...
"Josiah, what happened to your hair?"
Josiah responds,
"Maddie took your razor thing and cut it.
"I told her not to but she didn't whisten(listen)"
I ask, (with a slight smirk on my face),
"Oh, so you just sat there and let her cut into your hair, almost
cutting you, after you told her not too?"
"It sounds like you wanted her too."
"Weeelll, I told her not too."
So I turn my gaze upon Maddie,
She is standing sheepishly with her head lowered.
Of course my heart was a bowl of mush, but I still
had to let her know that she is not a hairdresser and
should never do that again.
So I say,
"What were you thinking? You know better!
Now he has funny looking hair."
"I know. I'm sorry. But he cut mine too! Only a little."
You must promise to never do that again okay?
"Okay mommy. Please don't be mad at me. I'm sorry."
Of course I forgave her and then proceeded to tell her about my barber
experience with uncle Chaddy. He took scissors to my bangs and cut
them into a mountain range! And then took off a huge chunk of my long
locks! Needless to say, my mom flipped out on him. She wasn't as gracious
due to the long hair thing and it being the front of my hair and all. I would've
been a bit more miffed had she done the front of his hair.
So we will wait for it to grow back and thank the Lord that she didn't cut his
scalp because she came awfully close!!!
Gotta laugh!!
My kids were the only children I had to watch, so
I carried on and taught the lesson I had
prepared.
As we read through the story of Jesus and Nicodemus
I notice that Josiah has a bald spot on the top of his head.
I kept thinking that it was just bed head or something,
but noooo it was a bald spot!! But wait...not just one, but two
bald spots and a side burn cut off as well!!
I had to hold back the giggle and mental image
of my mom scolding my brother for playing "barber"
with my head of hair as I stared down Maddie in
disbelief that she would do something so irresponsible.
This is the dialouge...
"Josiah, what happened to your hair?"
Josiah responds,
"Maddie took your razor thing and cut it.
"I told her not to but she didn't whisten(listen)"
I ask, (with a slight smirk on my face),
"Oh, so you just sat there and let her cut into your hair, almost
cutting you, after you told her not too?"
"It sounds like you wanted her too."
"Weeelll, I told her not too."
So I turn my gaze upon Maddie,
She is standing sheepishly with her head lowered.
Of course my heart was a bowl of mush, but I still
had to let her know that she is not a hairdresser and
should never do that again.
So I say,
"What were you thinking? You know better!
Now he has funny looking hair."
"I know. I'm sorry. But he cut mine too! Only a little."
You must promise to never do that again okay?
"Okay mommy. Please don't be mad at me. I'm sorry."
Of course I forgave her and then proceeded to tell her about my barber
experience with uncle Chaddy. He took scissors to my bangs and cut
them into a mountain range! And then took off a huge chunk of my long
locks! Needless to say, my mom flipped out on him. She wasn't as gracious
due to the long hair thing and it being the front of my hair and all. I would've
been a bit more miffed had she done the front of his hair.
So we will wait for it to grow back and thank the Lord that she didn't cut his
scalp because she came awfully close!!!
Gotta laugh!!
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Just getting some water, mom!
"Okay where are you Josiah?"
I ask for the 3rd time.
"Didn't I ask you to come here?"
As I shove baby food into the yelling little person in front
of me.
"Coming mom. I'm just getting some water!"
Then I hear the sound that every mom cringes at.
"Splash, crash, glugg glugg glugg!"
"What was that?"
I calmly exclaim as I get up.
Josiah's eyes were about the size of golf balls;
"OH it was just an accident mom!"
"I didn't mean to do it."
Okay breathe...
I slowly walk into the kitchen and there on the floor
is a large bottle of sunflower oil nicely spread accross
the floor. Gushing torrents of slick oil for me to clean up
before we have people over. Have you ever tried to clean up oil?
It is next to impossible. After the sopping of towels,
you mop. After you mop, you get on your hands and
knees to find any left over residue. After the hands on experience,
you take another go at it with the mop.
Needless to say, 2 days later, we are just now walking on the kitchen floor
without slipping all over the place.
I have to say it has been funny watching Jordan(the baby)
crawl accross the slippery floor.
His legs kept sliding out from under him.
So of course I forgave him, until he took a marker and decided
the bathroom door downstairs needed a little red marker on it
to livin up the color. And then Maddie knocked over her cup in
the living room the next day and then Joey knocked the tea pot spilling tea
all over the counter...I know it will never end, because I go with
me everywhere and I make disasters all the time.
So thank God for forgiveness, laughter and lots of Bounty paper towels. :)
I ask for the 3rd time.
"Didn't I ask you to come here?"
As I shove baby food into the yelling little person in front
of me.
"Coming mom. I'm just getting some water!"
Then I hear the sound that every mom cringes at.
"Splash, crash, glugg glugg glugg!"
"What was that?"
I calmly exclaim as I get up.
Josiah's eyes were about the size of golf balls;
"OH it was just an accident mom!"
"I didn't mean to do it."
Okay breathe...
I slowly walk into the kitchen and there on the floor
is a large bottle of sunflower oil nicely spread accross
the floor. Gushing torrents of slick oil for me to clean up
before we have people over. Have you ever tried to clean up oil?
It is next to impossible. After the sopping of towels,
you mop. After you mop, you get on your hands and
knees to find any left over residue. After the hands on experience,
you take another go at it with the mop.
Needless to say, 2 days later, we are just now walking on the kitchen floor
without slipping all over the place.
I have to say it has been funny watching Jordan(the baby)
crawl accross the slippery floor.
His legs kept sliding out from under him.
So of course I forgave him, until he took a marker and decided
the bathroom door downstairs needed a little red marker on it
to livin up the color. And then Maddie knocked over her cup in
the living room the next day and then Joey knocked the tea pot spilling tea
all over the counter...I know it will never end, because I go with
me everywhere and I make disasters all the time.
So thank God for forgiveness, laughter and lots of Bounty paper towels. :)
Thursday, 31 January 2008
America the Beautiful part III, CA. Part I
Landing in CA. on Dec. 31st was such a relief. The planeride was uneventful, but we were still glad to get there.
The weather was wonderful! Warm and sunny, so we decided to hit the beach! We drove down to Balboa and take the ferry to Balboa Island where we walked the pier and put our names in at the Ruby's Diner which is a 40's diner (not like a typical NJ diner at all!). They have the best burgers around (my personal opionion of course=>)
It was so great to feel the sand and watch our kids go nuts. They have been deprived of the coastal enjoyments for quite a while so it was such a treat for them.
Ahh the beach at last! My little sunshine Girl!
Jordan and Poppa bonding.
It was Jordan's first time, not that he even cared, but it was fun. A good first day I must say.
My parent's really enjoyed the interaction with the kids and it was so wonderful to see them with Jordan. It really was a great first day.
Chad, Sarah, Tiff and Joey out for Dad and Chad.
the night!
The next couple of days were full of spending time with my parents, brother Chad, wife Sarah and my neices, Hope, 6 and Naomi, 2 (in Feb.). It was so good to be together and watch the kids play and giggle. Maddie and Hope play so well together.
Hope loooooves horses so they imagine themselves as horses and prace around together including Josiah. Naomi in an independant explorer and Jordan is just discovering the world around him, so they were in their own worlds.
We have been blessed with the opportunity every Jan. since leaving CA. to go to Disneyland as a family. This is a highlight of our trip most of the time, and this time was no exception.
We went on the new Nemo ride, went on It's A Small World, Bugs life, the ropes course, had ice cream, watched the High School musical show,...the list goes on.
Grammies bought the kids hats and a toy for Josiah. They were spoiled, but had a wonderful time. Chad and Sarah met up with us in the middle of the day and we hung out for the afternoon. It was good.
We got a shot with Mickey!
Maddie and Hope in their new hats!
Another tradition is to drive to Los Angeles and have lunch at the American Girl store where the girls can indulge their girly fantasies. Hair salon, a doll hospial, tea time, theater and of course loads of outfits to wear for every occassion. They had such a lovely time with their auntie's and Grammies. Thanks again mom!
Maddie and Emmalyn.
Maddie, Hope and Grammie Pammie.
We spent one evening with good friend of ours, Katie and Craig, Erin and Andrew and their parents. They are such a blessing and pray for our ministry all the time. We had a wonderful time of fellowship with them. Thank you again for dinner Kate!
This was such good family time and ministry time, but there was of course the main reason why we even came out in Jan. It was to attend the Missions Conference, hosted by CCCosta Mesa. We spent half of our second week in CA. in the city of Murrieta and enjoyed messages by Godly men and met so many wonderful missionaries as well as those who are praying about going out and those who just support. I will talk about that in my next blog.
It is sure alot of work trying to keep up with all this goings on. =)
In the mean time...God is doing amazing things here.
The Friday night study is growing and is such a blessing in our weekly life.
The Tues night pray time was so refreshing and liberating. Julie came out for it and she seemed to be refreshed as well. Its a wonderful feeling to know that you have done business with God on behalf of yourself and others around you.
Homeschooling went well this week, thanks be to God!
My kids are healthy for now!
My frigerator is full and our home is warm!
I was able to encourage another pastor's wife today and pray with her.
My marriage is awesome.
AND...
Last week I had spent a coulple of days on my spiritual reserves, not taking a moment to just rest with my Lord waiting for Him to speak to me. Until the moment I finally did and WOW!
Just like that my soul was nourshed. It felt like dehydration during a good workout or soccer game and as you take a good swig of water or suck down an orange slice, you feel the sudden revival of your senses and energy. I felt so pumped! The Lord spoke to my heart right away. HE was just waiting there with some wonderful nuggets just for that moment. The fresh manna of the day and I had missed it for 2 days I think. Not good.
So thank you Lord for reminding me that I am not sufficient on my own. I need to be saturated by Your word of Life. May I desire them more than the physical wants in my life or needs. You sustain me. I love You, Lord.
May you all be blessed and remember...He wants aaalll of you not just bits of you. Take time for Him.
There were so many other moments that I could share, but this will have to be enough for now.
Thank you Lord for all that you do and bless us with!
The weather was wonderful! Warm and sunny, so we decided to hit the beach! We drove down to Balboa and take the ferry to Balboa Island where we walked the pier and put our names in at the Ruby's Diner which is a 40's diner (not like a typical NJ diner at all!). They have the best burgers around (my personal opionion of course=>)
It was so great to feel the sand and watch our kids go nuts. They have been deprived of the coastal enjoyments for quite a while so it was such a treat for them.
Ahh the beach at last! My little sunshine Girl!
Jordan and Poppa bonding.
It was Jordan's first time, not that he even cared, but it was fun. A good first day I must say.
My parent's really enjoyed the interaction with the kids and it was so wonderful to see them with Jordan. It really was a great first day.
Chad, Sarah, Tiff and Joey out for Dad and Chad.
the night!
The next couple of days were full of spending time with my parents, brother Chad, wife Sarah and my neices, Hope, 6 and Naomi, 2 (in Feb.). It was so good to be together and watch the kids play and giggle. Maddie and Hope play so well together.
Hope loooooves horses so they imagine themselves as horses and prace around together including Josiah. Naomi in an independant explorer and Jordan is just discovering the world around him, so they were in their own worlds.
We have been blessed with the opportunity every Jan. since leaving CA. to go to Disneyland as a family. This is a highlight of our trip most of the time, and this time was no exception.
We went on the new Nemo ride, went on It's A Small World, Bugs life, the ropes course, had ice cream, watched the High School musical show,...the list goes on.
Grammies bought the kids hats and a toy for Josiah. They were spoiled, but had a wonderful time. Chad and Sarah met up with us in the middle of the day and we hung out for the afternoon. It was good.
We got a shot with Mickey!
Maddie and Hope in their new hats!
Another tradition is to drive to Los Angeles and have lunch at the American Girl store where the girls can indulge their girly fantasies. Hair salon, a doll hospial, tea time, theater and of course loads of outfits to wear for every occassion. They had such a lovely time with their auntie's and Grammies. Thanks again mom!
Maddie and Emmalyn.
Maddie, Hope and Grammie Pammie.
We spent one evening with good friend of ours, Katie and Craig, Erin and Andrew and their parents. They are such a blessing and pray for our ministry all the time. We had a wonderful time of fellowship with them. Thank you again for dinner Kate!
This was such good family time and ministry time, but there was of course the main reason why we even came out in Jan. It was to attend the Missions Conference, hosted by CCCosta Mesa. We spent half of our second week in CA. in the city of Murrieta and enjoyed messages by Godly men and met so many wonderful missionaries as well as those who are praying about going out and those who just support. I will talk about that in my next blog.
It is sure alot of work trying to keep up with all this goings on. =)
In the mean time...God is doing amazing things here.
The Friday night study is growing and is such a blessing in our weekly life.
The Tues night pray time was so refreshing and liberating. Julie came out for it and she seemed to be refreshed as well. Its a wonderful feeling to know that you have done business with God on behalf of yourself and others around you.
Homeschooling went well this week, thanks be to God!
My kids are healthy for now!
My frigerator is full and our home is warm!
I was able to encourage another pastor's wife today and pray with her.
My marriage is awesome.
AND...
Last week I had spent a coulple of days on my spiritual reserves, not taking a moment to just rest with my Lord waiting for Him to speak to me. Until the moment I finally did and WOW!
Just like that my soul was nourshed. It felt like dehydration during a good workout or soccer game and as you take a good swig of water or suck down an orange slice, you feel the sudden revival of your senses and energy. I felt so pumped! The Lord spoke to my heart right away. HE was just waiting there with some wonderful nuggets just for that moment. The fresh manna of the day and I had missed it for 2 days I think. Not good.
So thank you Lord for reminding me that I am not sufficient on my own. I need to be saturated by Your word of Life. May I desire them more than the physical wants in my life or needs. You sustain me. I love You, Lord.
May you all be blessed and remember...He wants aaalll of you not just bits of you. Take time for Him.
There were so many other moments that I could share, but this will have to be enough for now.
Thank you Lord for all that you do and bless us with!
Sunday, 27 January 2008
America the Beautiful part II, NC
On Christmas Eve. Joey, the kids and I, hopped into our rented SUV and drove 8 hours down south to N. Carolina to spend Christmas with Joey's side of the family.
Our first stop was Mom and Dad Rozek's where we feasted on a delicious meal and spent time with Grandma Connie, Joey's grandma who was visiting from Fla. and the rest of the gang.
Mom is the hostess with the mostest! She always make everyone feel very welcome and well fed! I love watching her interact with the kids and still manage to serve the food and clean up. She truly is an amazing woman. Dad seemed relaxed as he watched the grandkids run around their new place. It was a great sight! After several hours we left ther and headed over to Joey's sister Kim's place.
Kim and Steve have 3 kids. Noah is 8 going on 13, Karenna is 6, Luke is 4.
-Noah can't wait to play sports and chess with uncle Joey. He enjoys adult conversation and engaging in adult games. He is such an intelligent young man.
He asked for a WII(WEE) for Christmas and received one which resulted in 2 days of no shower or change of pj's (I think he peeled his pj's off at the end of the 2nd day)=>. That one kept us laughing for a while!
-Karenna and Maddie play as many girlie things as they can get their hands on,
-The two mischief makers, Luke and Josiah are just waiting for the next silly thing they can do just to get a laugh.
The cousin's played so well together and even slept well in the same rooms! That was truly amazing! We laughed so much watching Josiah and Luke discover the art of being twin boys. It was so fun. We know we've crossed into a new season with our kids, because they were able to play and sleep so well together. WOW! Time really does fly!
The Willson's have a tradition every year where they read an advent book and light candles every night until Christmas Eve. We have been blessed to be apart of the final lighting the last two years. It is wonderful to have such special traditions.
Afterwards Auntie Kim allowed the kids to open one present before they went to bed on Christmas Eve. which was as you can see...Christmas jammies! Go Aunt Kim!!
Speaking of Kim...we have such an amazing relationship. We have become prayer buddies, confidants, laughing buddies, silly story buddies, homeschooling crazies, but most of all sister's in life and death. I praise the Lord for the sister I have found in her and I appreciate the wisdom that pours out of her mouth. It blesses me all the time. From the day Joey and I met she has done nothing but accept me and treat me as her friend. It has been a wonderful journey together so far and I am looking forward to the years ahead as we both grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Of course Jordan was scooped up and enjoyed to the fullest by everyone. Noah had a blast watching Jordan explore. I believe he asked mom if they could have another baby. I don't think they disagreed! Noah is loving the game of American football so he thought it would be great to take a shot of Jordan with the football. What do you think? It looks good in his hands doesn't it? If daddy has anything to do with it he will love the game as well as baseball!
Well to end a wonderful stay and many nights of "chicken foot", we went out for dinner with the adults and then headed out to the movies. It was such a good time had by all and we pray we get to do it again soon.
Part III, Dec.31st, ON TO CALI!!!
Our first stop was Mom and Dad Rozek's where we feasted on a delicious meal and spent time with Grandma Connie, Joey's grandma who was visiting from Fla. and the rest of the gang.
Mom is the hostess with the mostest! She always make everyone feel very welcome and well fed! I love watching her interact with the kids and still manage to serve the food and clean up. She truly is an amazing woman. Dad seemed relaxed as he watched the grandkids run around their new place. It was a great sight! After several hours we left ther and headed over to Joey's sister Kim's place.
Kim and Steve have 3 kids. Noah is 8 going on 13, Karenna is 6, Luke is 4.
-Noah can't wait to play sports and chess with uncle Joey. He enjoys adult conversation and engaging in adult games. He is such an intelligent young man.
He asked for a WII(WEE) for Christmas and received one which resulted in 2 days of no shower or change of pj's (I think he peeled his pj's off at the end of the 2nd day)=>. That one kept us laughing for a while!
-Karenna and Maddie play as many girlie things as they can get their hands on,
-The two mischief makers, Luke and Josiah are just waiting for the next silly thing they can do just to get a laugh.
The cousin's played so well together and even slept well in the same rooms! That was truly amazing! We laughed so much watching Josiah and Luke discover the art of being twin boys. It was so fun. We know we've crossed into a new season with our kids, because they were able to play and sleep so well together. WOW! Time really does fly!
The Willson's have a tradition every year where they read an advent book and light candles every night until Christmas Eve. We have been blessed to be apart of the final lighting the last two years. It is wonderful to have such special traditions.
Afterwards Auntie Kim allowed the kids to open one present before they went to bed on Christmas Eve. which was as you can see...Christmas jammies! Go Aunt Kim!!
Speaking of Kim...we have such an amazing relationship. We have become prayer buddies, confidants, laughing buddies, silly story buddies, homeschooling crazies, but most of all sister's in life and death. I praise the Lord for the sister I have found in her and I appreciate the wisdom that pours out of her mouth. It blesses me all the time. From the day Joey and I met she has done nothing but accept me and treat me as her friend. It has been a wonderful journey together so far and I am looking forward to the years ahead as we both grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Of course Jordan was scooped up and enjoyed to the fullest by everyone. Noah had a blast watching Jordan explore. I believe he asked mom if they could have another baby. I don't think they disagreed! Noah is loving the game of American football so he thought it would be great to take a shot of Jordan with the football. What do you think? It looks good in his hands doesn't it? If daddy has anything to do with it he will love the game as well as baseball!
Well to end a wonderful stay and many nights of "chicken foot", we went out for dinner with the adults and then headed out to the movies. It was such a good time had by all and we pray we get to do it again soon.
Part III, Dec.31st, ON TO CALI!!!
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
America the Beautiful part I, NJ.
Nic and Mads. Maddie, Lloyd and Josiah.
Joel, Tim, Joey and Jordan. Me and Victoria.
Patty, me and Tammy. Many of the kids we ministered to.
Jon Mac and Mike praisin Jesus. Celebrating Katrina's bithday.
We started out on our journey west on Dec. 17th, 2007 we landed in New Jersey where we stayed with the Ducane family who are basically family to us in every way, and ventured around the area seeing friends and visiting our sending church, CCOB. It was so wonderful being with everyone again. We were able to pick up as if we had never left. What a blessing!
It was so good to share with our family here in NJ all that God has been doing in our hearts since leaving America. Its hard to articulate in words the internal changes that He has done, so it was quite the learning experience for us as well. Needless to say, it became an evolving process as the Lord gave us what to share. We pray it blessed those who heard as we were blessed to share and learn all that God is doing in Calvary Chapel there in Old Bridge.
I was able to catch up a bit with a few of the girls I used to minister to in the high school group at CCOB and I am filled with joy as I think upon each one. Most are walking with the Lord and pursuing His will. I love you girls!
I feel like the highlight for me in NJ was just relaxing with my girlfriends over a cup of tea and casually moving in and out of conversations as if life had never changed. It brought tears to my eyes realizing how blessed my life was and is. God places people in our lives for diffent reasons and for different seasons. Some are forever friends and some are just there to help you along on your way through life with the Lord. Either way, all are used to refine and challenge your growth.
I have been blessed with some of the most wonderful friends in the world...of course some might argue, but that's okay. The distance doesn't hinder our growth together, but is used to draw us closer as we pray and seek Him over the phone or over the internet. I am blessed to know that nothing will ever change in the sense of unfamiliar grounds. The familiar will always be there whenever or wherever we are together in His name.
I know that Jesus uses them in my life to show me glimpses of Him and how much He loves me. What a fantastic gift it is. I pray that I am able to bless them in the same way. (just to clarify...this means friends all over);>
Joey was blessed to share at CCOB the Wed. before we took off. The Lord gave him a wonderful word of encouragement for the church and the response was humbling. We thank the Lord for using these vessels to pour out to the church. What an amazing church we are blessed to be supported by.
There were many tears and laughs, tales told and thoughts given, many questions and some answers, but most of all...great fellowship all around.
Stay tuned for part II of our trip...
Kristen, Shannon, Liz and me. Me and Christine Loures.
Me and Michelle. Joel and Joey.
Kristen, Shannon, Liz and me. Me and Christine Loures.
Me and Michelle. Joel and Joey.
Maddie, Micheala, Chloe. Mike and Chrissy Ducane.
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