I am excited... Mark ran our PIM numbers today - we've achieved 58.7% of our budget! And, to top the day, we received a call from the Foreign Missions Division telling us that they had received a $2K project offering... they just needed to know "where to apply it." *smiling* That puts us at 75% with our miscellaneous project needs! We are gaining ground, knocking the numbers down a little bit at a time, and to God be all the glory for it!
We have "all" been back on the road nearly 1-1/2 months, and we're having a good time! The girls are still "doing school"; because of our schedule, this will probably be our lot through July. But, there are tradeoffs, so we're not stressing about it "too" much. Services are going well; God is performing the miraculous, and this makes us excited. We are trying to become vessels that He can continually work through, and while we are human and have so far to go, I believe that He knows our heart and intent. While we are here in the U.S., our purpose is to "touch" the American church - to be Jesus to them. So, we pray that He continues to 'show up' and 'show out!'
Here's our schedule:
TENNESSEE 09 Jun 9-21 12
WEST VIRGINIA 09 Jun 23-28
NEW JERSEY/DELA 09 Jun 30-Jul 5
NEW JERSEY METRO 09 Jul 7-12
NEW YORK METRRO 09 Jul 14-19
NEW HAMP/VERMT 09 Jul 21-26
ATLANTIC 09 Jul 28-Aug 2
We would appreciate your prayers for traveling mercies.
God bless, and thanks for your interest in Finland.
11 June, 2009
15 April, 2009
Renewal, Refreshing, Refocus
The last 3-1/2 months have been... Hard. Impacting. Illuminating. Lonely. Enlightening. Frustrating. Fulfilling. And now, our family's time apart is coming to an end. All of us have learned things about ourselves - some of it good, some of it not. But, we have all grown in different ways, and for this, I am thankful.
I have personally dedicated this week to focusing my mind on the things that matter most - my relationship with Him, my focus on His vision for Finland. But, mostly, retraining my mind to think 'out of the box' with regards to ministry, and harnessing my mind so that my thoughts can be one with His. He is my Teacher - the One who brings revelation and hope to the forefront of my thoughts. This morning, He took me to 2 Corinthians, and in chapter 2, it says (NLT) "But thank God! He has made us His captives and continues to lead us along in Chris's triumphal procession. Now He uses us to spread the knowledge f Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ's authority, knowing that God is watching us." Then, in chapter 4 and verse 8, "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, by never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed." Verse 13: "But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, "I believed in God, so I spoke." We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to Himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving and God will receive more and more glory."
Mark called on Sunday and told me of a lady who claimed a healing of scoliosis, and yet another who said she was healed of glaucoma (along with a myriad of other problems). I was so excited... the Lord has allowed us to move in the realm of healing, but outright miracles had not been occurring since Mark went to the country of Belarus with Missionary Mark Shutes. This is a dimension of the Spirit that I have longed to see happen - and I am bold enough to ask God for the ability to move in it, too. You see, it's not enough just to watch... to receive. I want to be in the place where I am soundly "sold out" to the cause of perfecting this Gospel in myself. Some may disagree with asking to be used in this manner, but are we not supposed to hunger after the things of God? To see His glory fall is my heart's deepest desire, and He has placed within me a longing to be used as an instrument to touch other's with His presence. I want to be "smack dab in the middle" of the miraculous!
I know that this means trials will continue, for such growth - and moves of God - never come without sacrifice or trouble. But, 2 Corinthians 5 says, "Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too...if it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will not longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them." We have actually been told that we were crazy for doing what we've done - selling our home, taking our kids/our life on AIM to Estonia, for abandoning all because of our trust of Him. For me, how can I not? The 'normal' life that I have been living for the past three months has driven me crazy. I thought I wanted it... but I really don't. "Ministry-immersion" is what I long for!
I've been watching Because of the Times 2009 DVD's, and Steve Warman said something that many times, we all forget. "The Lord is in the high places, but He is also underneath...we may fall, but we won't fall through." In the midst of my learning curve, when it seems like I can't reach Him, He is bolstering me up! So, in the midst of the crazy life I'm about to begin again (smile), He will be looking down upon me from His 'high place,' but He will also be holding me underneath. Ah, the thought of it. I've always known it, but yesterday was the first time I'd heard it put "quite like that."
God, grant me the grace to endure whatever comes my way. Shower me with the boldness that I need to say and do that which You long to see happen, but need my human hands, feet, and mouth to perform. Enable my mind to have the understanding that I need to hear, and understand, what You are saying to me. Strengthen my faith so that it matches Yours. Let my trust be heightened so that there is no doubt in what You can - and will - do; I want it to be second nature for me to expect You to "show up and show out." Let my spiritual senses be honed in such a way that everything I feel, see, and hear is filtered by Your Spirit. Fill my mouth with the words that You would have me to say, and grant me a greater heart of compassion, that I may show Your love to others even more than I have thought possible. May I be a greater servant that I have ever been before; to be used by You is the greatest thing that I could accomplish in this life.
AND...
Mark comes on Thursday - surprise! - in order to celebrate my birthday. Then, he is taking me "north" to Michigan for an extended weekend with him prior to our whole family "hitting the road" together. I am looking forward to the services already... I can't wait to see what miraculous things that God is going to do! While we can't wait to arrive in Finland and reach out to those who are hungry for something More (but may not know it), this portion of our lives is being dedicated to the people of the U.S. - we pray that He uses us to touch those who are hurting, lonely, and lost. Grant it, Jesus, I pray.
I have personally dedicated this week to focusing my mind on the things that matter most - my relationship with Him, my focus on His vision for Finland. But, mostly, retraining my mind to think 'out of the box' with regards to ministry, and harnessing my mind so that my thoughts can be one with His. He is my Teacher - the One who brings revelation and hope to the forefront of my thoughts. This morning, He took me to 2 Corinthians, and in chapter 2, it says (NLT) "But thank God! He has made us His captives and continues to lead us along in Chris's triumphal procession. Now He uses us to spread the knowledge f Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ's authority, knowing that God is watching us." Then, in chapter 4 and verse 8, "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, by never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed." Verse 13: "But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, "I believed in God, so I spoke." We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to Himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving and God will receive more and more glory."
Mark called on Sunday and told me of a lady who claimed a healing of scoliosis, and yet another who said she was healed of glaucoma (along with a myriad of other problems). I was so excited... the Lord has allowed us to move in the realm of healing, but outright miracles had not been occurring since Mark went to the country of Belarus with Missionary Mark Shutes. This is a dimension of the Spirit that I have longed to see happen - and I am bold enough to ask God for the ability to move in it, too. You see, it's not enough just to watch... to receive. I want to be in the place where I am soundly "sold out" to the cause of perfecting this Gospel in myself. Some may disagree with asking to be used in this manner, but are we not supposed to hunger after the things of God? To see His glory fall is my heart's deepest desire, and He has placed within me a longing to be used as an instrument to touch other's with His presence. I want to be "smack dab in the middle" of the miraculous!
I know that this means trials will continue, for such growth - and moves of God - never come without sacrifice or trouble. But, 2 Corinthians 5 says, "Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too...if it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will not longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them." We have actually been told that we were crazy for doing what we've done - selling our home, taking our kids/our life on AIM to Estonia, for abandoning all because of our trust of Him. For me, how can I not? The 'normal' life that I have been living for the past three months has driven me crazy. I thought I wanted it... but I really don't. "Ministry-immersion" is what I long for!
I've been watching Because of the Times 2009 DVD's, and Steve Warman said something that many times, we all forget. "The Lord is in the high places, but He is also underneath...we may fall, but we won't fall through." In the midst of my learning curve, when it seems like I can't reach Him, He is bolstering me up! So, in the midst of the crazy life I'm about to begin again (smile), He will be looking down upon me from His 'high place,' but He will also be holding me underneath. Ah, the thought of it. I've always known it, but yesterday was the first time I'd heard it put "quite like that."
God, grant me the grace to endure whatever comes my way. Shower me with the boldness that I need to say and do that which You long to see happen, but need my human hands, feet, and mouth to perform. Enable my mind to have the understanding that I need to hear, and understand, what You are saying to me. Strengthen my faith so that it matches Yours. Let my trust be heightened so that there is no doubt in what You can - and will - do; I want it to be second nature for me to expect You to "show up and show out." Let my spiritual senses be honed in such a way that everything I feel, see, and hear is filtered by Your Spirit. Fill my mouth with the words that You would have me to say, and grant me a greater heart of compassion, that I may show Your love to others even more than I have thought possible. May I be a greater servant that I have ever been before; to be used by You is the greatest thing that I could accomplish in this life.
AND...
Mark comes on Thursday - surprise! - in order to celebrate my birthday. Then, he is taking me "north" to Michigan for an extended weekend with him prior to our whole family "hitting the road" together. I am looking forward to the services already... I can't wait to see what miraculous things that God is going to do! While we can't wait to arrive in Finland and reach out to those who are hungry for something More (but may not know it), this portion of our lives is being dedicated to the people of the U.S. - we pray that He uses us to touch those who are hurting, lonely, and lost. Grant it, Jesus, I pray.
12 March, 2009
Coffee, Here I Come!
Well, I've been up since 5:34 a.m., but semi-awake since 4:24 a.m. (yawn) It is interesting how the body decides to take over sometimes... I began feeling 'poorly' last Saturday evening - it just felt like the flu, a nasty cold, or sinus infection was coming on. So, the subsequent 3 nights, I took Nyquil flu meds and forced my body to rest. Last night, I decided to give my body a break...not take them...and wa-la. Awake so early that...my goodness, do brains even function at that time? I enjoyed my prayer time, Bible reading, have caught up on all 3 friend connection sites, and am now wondering if I should take a nap! It's 9:23 a.m., and while the girls would usually be awake and having breakfast with me right now, I decided to let them sleep in today... so. Here I sit... :)
I know one thing - I'm more than ready to see my hubby again. It looks like we won't see Mark until April 2 or so, when he comes in for a quick weekend in order to attend our goddaughter's wedding. We will finally reconnect 'for good' a few weeks after that and hit the road running...
Miranda's reflux/gastritis symptoms are somewhat better, and her body is finally showing the signs of 'accumulated rest' that I've allowed her to have. He is faithful! Candace has been schooling like a madwoman and is doing so well (I think the spring fever has set in - she's doing all she can to "get out of the house!)
Spring is in the air (although it won't feel like it today, at 45 degrees)! I love the sunshine, can't wait to see and smell the flowers... God is so awesome. I'm amazed at how much He loves us, how He continually watches over and provides for His own. Thanks for being my heavenly Daddy, Jesus. I Love You!
Blessings, have a wonderful day...
(I'm going to go brew that very-much-needed cup of coffee now, smile)
I know one thing - I'm more than ready to see my hubby again. It looks like we won't see Mark until April 2 or so, when he comes in for a quick weekend in order to attend our goddaughter's wedding. We will finally reconnect 'for good' a few weeks after that and hit the road running...
Miranda's reflux/gastritis symptoms are somewhat better, and her body is finally showing the signs of 'accumulated rest' that I've allowed her to have. He is faithful! Candace has been schooling like a madwoman and is doing so well (I think the spring fever has set in - she's doing all she can to "get out of the house!)
Spring is in the air (although it won't feel like it today, at 45 degrees)! I love the sunshine, can't wait to see and smell the flowers... God is so awesome. I'm amazed at how much He loves us, how He continually watches over and provides for His own. Thanks for being my heavenly Daddy, Jesus. I Love You!
Blessings, have a wonderful day...
(I'm going to go brew that very-much-needed cup of coffee now, smile)
04 March, 2009
Just "47" More Days...
As you can see, I am counting down the days till my family is one unit again (smile). God has been doing some absolutely incredible things, and I now feel like I am ready to travel and share with others once more. I have been able to reconnect with some precious friends, and God is allowing healing and restoration in other circumstances as well; He does all things well, and in His time. I am thankful that, while trials are not "fun," He allows us to endure - growth comes from the pain. Just as we see our children 'sprout up' after a series of "growing pains," I am seeing the newness in the Spirit, and I am so excited! (yes!)
Today, the sun is shining, though the wind is cold. Candace and I are sitting in Cup O' Joe in Bexley, enjoying a java and schooling/working (although I'm not sure how much work I am actually accomplishing - unless you include blogging in that). Miranda is at home resting - I would ask that you pray for her. She was diagnosed last week with acid reflux and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining). It is a repeat of symptoms that occurred several years ago and has been bothering her for some time. She will be taking meds for a minimum of three months and I have to play the Mean Momma, watching everything she puts in her mouth. She is calling what she "gets" to eat her "bread and water diet." (lol) This too shall pass... and God is able to heal.
I am working to get the newsletter out this week - yes, another one, as He is doing marvelous things. We'll see how it goes...
God Bless You all - thanks for praying for Finland!
Today, the sun is shining, though the wind is cold. Candace and I are sitting in Cup O' Joe in Bexley, enjoying a java and schooling/working (although I'm not sure how much work I am actually accomplishing - unless you include blogging in that). Miranda is at home resting - I would ask that you pray for her. She was diagnosed last week with acid reflux and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining). It is a repeat of symptoms that occurred several years ago and has been bothering her for some time. She will be taking meds for a minimum of three months and I have to play the Mean Momma, watching everything she puts in her mouth. She is calling what she "gets" to eat her "bread and water diet." (lol) This too shall pass... and God is able to heal.
I am working to get the newsletter out this week - yes, another one, as He is doing marvelous things. We'll see how it goes...
God Bless You all - thanks for praying for Finland!
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