Imagine...cactus, 100 degree heat and 80 degree wind, little curly-headed children, new friendships and old friendships re-united!
This was what AZ was like! Beside that, I also experienced an incredible sweet savor of the Holy Spirit. The church I visited was about 1500 people and they were bubbly and talkative. The Spirit came and touched me right in the middle of worship...his presence was on my lips. It was in a moment where I got on my knees and said, "Lord, I surrender." In this moment, a sweetness which I cannot describe came upon me. When I opened my mouth, it was more precious than the most costly perfume to breathe in this presence. It filled my lungs and my being with an indescribable warmth and sweetness and I loved it. This was definitely the highlight of my experience, and how fitting as Pastor Paul Owen spoke about worshipping in "High Praise."
My meeting with Pastor Paul was very special, for God is truly using this congregation and this minister to plant fruit and seeds into the nations. Lighthouse Christian Center made the decision to support me $100 per month, and they generously provided for my traveling expenses. What a privilege to serve our Lord!
I am praying for God to help me to take every opportunity, and it would take me pages to write to you all the opportunities he gave me, even on the flight down and home again!
I'm looking forward to re-connecting soon my friends! Remember, God knows exactly what you need and His timing is never early, never late but always right on time!
Thank you Jesus! My best friend forever.
If you haven't begun supporting me financially yet, do not wait another day! I still need your help! I love you my friends!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
I love you, I need you
"This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:10
Amazing how Your love pulls me back on the path of righteousness when I have strayed to my left or right.
My love for you surpasses anything else. I am grateful for your forgiveness.
I weep, yet I smile
When I remember all that you went through on Calvary for someone like me. I cannot love myself the way you love me Lord because sometimes I am not looking with your eyes. I see all the things I have done to hurt you and the ways I have compromised.
You on the other hand, see your creation. You see all that you made me to be, and claim that it was worth it for me. WORTH IT FOR ME!!!
Wow. Lord. you are too much for me time and again.
I hunger for you more than anything. Show me how to love you more and to fiercely love others the way you love me.
1 John 2:5 "But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him"
Phillipians 1:9 "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,"
Amazing how Your love pulls me back on the path of righteousness when I have strayed to my left or right.
My love for you surpasses anything else. I am grateful for your forgiveness.
I weep, yet I smile
When I remember all that you went through on Calvary for someone like me. I cannot love myself the way you love me Lord because sometimes I am not looking with your eyes. I see all the things I have done to hurt you and the ways I have compromised.
You on the other hand, see your creation. You see all that you made me to be, and claim that it was worth it for me. WORTH IT FOR ME!!!
Wow. Lord. you are too much for me time and again.
I hunger for you more than anything. Show me how to love you more and to fiercely love others the way you love me.
1 John 2:5 "But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him"
Phillipians 1:9 "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,"
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Life lessons: Enjoy the Journey!
Yesterday morning, I had a sudden idea to go rollerblading at the park. I needed a break from my tedious job, and I hadn't been rollerblading in over 8 months or maybe even a year!
At about 3:30 pm, I put on my blades and left the house without any other protection...just skin! It was a gorgeous afternoon, but I quickly discovered that rollerblading is not that easy. I had only gone a short ways and I could already feel the workout. "This is going to be great!" I thought to myself, in reference to burning a lot of unwanted calories, and I continued down my normal biking path. On the way to the main trail, there is this awesome bridge that goes over the highway. I'm sure you've seen one of these bridges that rolls around up, and then goes down. I thought to myself, "Sure, no problem, I can take this." Yeah right, famous last words for an inexperienced blader going down a steep hill! Going up was not the problem although it was hard work. However, on my way down the steep and paved path, I got scared. Because I was afraid, I ventured off the trail to the right and tried to slow myself down on the grass. This grass was dry, crisp and full of thorns and weeds. Instead of simply slowing me down, the grass stopped me completely and lunged me forward as I fell flat on my face! After rolling over, and trying to breathe, having all wind knocked completely out, and none the worse for wear except very dirty and a bit scratched up... I made a wobbly attempt at getting up and went down the rest of the way.
Mistakes I made: 1. went in over my head 2. Got scared instead of just following through
However, I consider it a great success because 1. I didn't quit after falling down, and 2. I gained insight into the journey of life.
When on this journey, we must remember that we do not travel alone, and stick close to God. It is only when we get off the path that we have problems even if we are going too fast and God has to tell us to slow down or back up a bit. I know that my adventurous spirit often has to be reigned in by God, when he softly tells me...not yet, be patient, turn left, don't go so fast, wait, WAIT. Sometimes I have had God re-focus my eyes when I have looked at all the problems instead of just allowing him to bring me to each step at a time. He doesn't want me to work on the steps further down the road while He has me here. I pray for God to help me to be focused!
It was a fun experience. and remember, that at times we will fall down and get dirty and mess up... still, the journey is what is important, not the success of the ride. It is in the journey that we gain fulness. Also, even though going uphill is hard, it is in the uphill journey that we gain the skills and control we need to coast downhill.
Prov 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and He will direct your path!"
At about 3:30 pm, I put on my blades and left the house without any other protection...just skin! It was a gorgeous afternoon, but I quickly discovered that rollerblading is not that easy. I had only gone a short ways and I could already feel the workout. "This is going to be great!" I thought to myself, in reference to burning a lot of unwanted calories, and I continued down my normal biking path. On the way to the main trail, there is this awesome bridge that goes over the highway. I'm sure you've seen one of these bridges that rolls around up, and then goes down. I thought to myself, "Sure, no problem, I can take this." Yeah right, famous last words for an inexperienced blader going down a steep hill! Going up was not the problem although it was hard work. However, on my way down the steep and paved path, I got scared. Because I was afraid, I ventured off the trail to the right and tried to slow myself down on the grass. This grass was dry, crisp and full of thorns and weeds. Instead of simply slowing me down, the grass stopped me completely and lunged me forward as I fell flat on my face! After rolling over, and trying to breathe, having all wind knocked completely out, and none the worse for wear except very dirty and a bit scratched up... I made a wobbly attempt at getting up and went down the rest of the way.
Mistakes I made: 1. went in over my head 2. Got scared instead of just following through
However, I consider it a great success because 1. I didn't quit after falling down, and 2. I gained insight into the journey of life.
When on this journey, we must remember that we do not travel alone, and stick close to God. It is only when we get off the path that we have problems even if we are going too fast and God has to tell us to slow down or back up a bit. I know that my adventurous spirit often has to be reigned in by God, when he softly tells me...not yet, be patient, turn left, don't go so fast, wait, WAIT. Sometimes I have had God re-focus my eyes when I have looked at all the problems instead of just allowing him to bring me to each step at a time. He doesn't want me to work on the steps further down the road while He has me here. I pray for God to help me to be focused!
It was a fun experience. and remember, that at times we will fall down and get dirty and mess up... still, the journey is what is important, not the success of the ride. It is in the journey that we gain fulness. Also, even though going uphill is hard, it is in the uphill journey that we gain the skills and control we need to coast downhill.
Prov 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and He will direct your path!"
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
This Sunday in Bagley, MN...last Sunday @ LGCC
On the road again, I am traveling through trees about 50 feet high, I'd say...or at least 25 feet high.
This scenic trip took me through Lake Itasca, Park Rapids, and many MANY beautiful trees and lakes.
One special highlight was being able to share with the kids about the p
oison frogs I heard they have in Costa Rica! (I'm sure you could ask the Ticos about them!)
I also got to help lead worship!!! Very fun, but the piano was a bit out of tune!
oison frogs I heard they have in Costa Rica! (I'm sure you could ask the Ticos about them!)I also got to help lead worship!!! Very fun, but the piano was a bit out of tune!
On July 8th, Brookdale Christian Center (my home church) had the opportunity to sing up at Lake Geneva Christian Center, our camp in Alexandria, MN.
The kids choir did a great job, and then the African choir sang as well. As you can see, our church has been blessed with many beautiful African children and their families. In the past ten years, our congregation has increased to become about 60-70% African.
We love it!
This Sunday will be in South Minneapolis again with some old friends! Blessings to all!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Update
Today was an incredible day.
I called several pastors while I was at work, and had the opportunity to speak with Jon Dahlager!!! :)
I am really praying for the final finances to come in, but in the meantime...it is wait and pray.
Also I am constantly being humbled, for to walk this journey is not easy, and it requires me to give up some of the little pleasures that I have enjoyed. I need to truly be self less and allow God to shape and mold me however He chooses regardless of how uncomfortable it may make me feel. The question is: Do you trust him?
I am so thankful for His hand on my life, and it is my greatest desire to belong to Him and be called by His name. How may I be of service to you, my Lord?
I called several pastors while I was at work, and had the opportunity to speak with Jon Dahlager!!! :)
I am really praying for the final finances to come in, but in the meantime...it is wait and pray.
Also I am constantly being humbled, for to walk this journey is not easy, and it requires me to give up some of the little pleasures that I have enjoyed. I need to truly be self less and allow God to shape and mold me however He chooses regardless of how uncomfortable it may make me feel. The question is: Do you trust him?
I am so thankful for His hand on my life, and it is my greatest desire to belong to Him and be called by His name. How may I be of service to you, my Lord?
Monday, July 9, 2007
This crazy girl
NIGHT IS QUICKLY FALLING ! ! !
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Yes, I did it. I looked for a ticket to Costa Rica, and found out that on August 25th, I could be very tempted to buy a one way ticket for $270 dollars! OH how very tempting and exciting it was to find it, and yet I know...God in His way and HIS perfect timing will get me there.
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Yes, I did it. I looked for a ticket to Costa Rica, and found out that on August 25th, I could be very tempted to buy a one way ticket for $270 dollars! OH how very tempting and exciting it was to find it, and yet I know...God in His way and HIS perfect timing will get me there. I'm still looking for those willing to sacrifice their $3.00 lattes in order to sponsor me $15 dollars a month. That means that only 5 times a month they tell themselves...no this latte is going to buy groceries for Joanna when she has no money in Costa Rica, or she will spend it to pay for postage so she can let me know how she's doing.
I NEED YOU!!! :) "Porque la paga del pecado es muerte, minetras que la dadiva de Dios es vida eterna en Cristo Jesus, nuestro Senor." Romanos 6:23
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