Following the Journey

Devotion

2012-01-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

I have been on an adventure that I have told a few of you about in which I am reading through the Bible from beginning to end. It is a new way of discovering the riches of God, rather than reading in different places. I just finished reading the book of Esther.

Esther has always been one of my favorite books. She was an ordinary girl about whom God had extraordinary plans and through whom Yahwah delivered his people Israel. She was taken from her simple peasant home right into the arms of the king of Babylon, and God caused great favor to be on her. She could have covered her head in shame because the youthfulness of her virginity was taken away from her, but instead she embraced the opportunity as God's will and became a refreshing joy in the harem of young virgins.

Behold the greatness and good love of our wonderful Maker who gave her wisdom beyond her youthfulness. She could have told all, but she heeded the wisdom of her uncle Mordecai and did not reveal her people. It took great courage for her to obey the king's command. She was also respectful and submissive to her uncle Mordecai, and although she feared her own death, she took strength in the embrace of her heavenly Abba and walked into the king's chambers uninvited awaiting her certain execution.

When she saw that the king was pleased to receive her, she did not become hasty in pleading for her people nor did she demand in anger for the king to deliver her, but took time to adore her king and pour blessing on his head. Once she had secured his favor, once she had found that he was certain about giving her anything she requested, then she took the opportune time to plead for her life and that of her family.

Such wisdom and courage who can find!! Queen Esther (the young maiden Haddassah) is still celebrated to this day among the Israelites in exile who were rescued by God's great hand through the queen. Every 12th month on the 15th day, they remember how God had mercy on them through her and they celebrate by giving of gifts to the poor and to their neighbors. This holiday is called Purim.

I am thankful for the favored people of Israel. Without their deliverance, would any one of us be delivered? Yet through this people has arisen the Son of God Most High and He was delivered into the hands of men unto death, but God rose him again! I believe that through Israel is my inheritance and have heard my loving Abba say my name. He knows me, and has put his banner over me (a Gentile no less).

In the Bible it says that God has chosen a people who were not a people. How magnificent is His name in all the earth, and Blessed is the King of Israel who has become Lord of my heart over all the earth!

ALthough Israel was God's chosen people, through the Messiah grace and forgiveness has been extended to any people group. I recognize who Israel is, AND I also recognize who I am.

Thank you Jesus Christ for saving me. I am devoted to you.

Love you friends.

Re: The Culture War

2011-09-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

My dear friends,

To where or whom do you trace your heritage? We are living in a time of crossing cultures every time you get on the internet. Every time you step outside your doors and into the grocery store, the United States of America is full of diverse cultural values and systems.

We have been taught our history in grade school, and we believe without question that the stories are our valid true history, but many have brought questions out today. Many have researched different tales. Stories that were left untold about the Native Americans who the Europeans encountered when they arrived.

Our history is based on our pioneers. The frontier people who courageously went out on the queen's commission unsure if they would arrive or not. Colombus had a vision and a mission, and his name was written in history as a result of his passion and fervent effort.

However, we miss a huge part of what really happened in the land we call home. Our homeland had a people, in fact, had several peoples in it already. We have never questioned them as to whether they were the natives of this land or not, however, some new theories bring those questions to the front.

Could others have reached the Americas before the European and Spanish settlers and conquistadores? Could there be Asians, Turkish, other groups?

The beauty of this diverse nation has started and been destined long before it happened. The people who arrived here were people of passion, of vision and of great courage. Mysteries that are held in this land may never be uncovered.

Comments are welcomed! :)

By what do you measure a person?

2011-07-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

"Whoever takes my words and lives by them..." It is not he who hears the words but he that acts on them... Luke 8:21,

Jesus has a lot to say about how we offer and live our lives. We can be full of study, much learning, and continuously found in the place of worship desiring and longing to understand His teachings.

However what good does it do me or you, should we hear these words and not live according to them? Romans 10:17

When is the last time we have gone out and given our possessions to the poor, helped to set a captive person free, given of our time in prayer or our food in fasting for the needs of those around us?

"Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to the least of these in My Name, He does it unto me...and He who refuses water to one of these little ones...He refuses Me."
(in Matthew 10:42, Matthew 25:43-45)

What we do, do we do it to gain status? To gain some sort of earthly recognition? Are we free with what our Father has given to us, or do we hold onto it with our hands and try to keep things for ourselves?

"Let not your deeds be seen before men, that they might glorify you, but let not your right hand know what your left hand is doing... that your good deeds might be seen by your Father in heaven..."
(Matthew 5:16,42,46, and 6:3)

The good that I do is not measurable when compared to the Beloved, He completes us and we are not good without Him nor can we know good without him. All my own shortsighted righteous deeds are to him described as dung, worse, as my period blood...to disgusting to even mention. Isaiah 64

Without His power, there is nothing. How we need Him, How we must search for him...

I long to serve him, and have dedicated my life to Him.

How can a true follower after Christ turn a cold shoulder to anyone who is in need?

Of theological opinions and of much knowledge, ... let God be the judge, but

Blessed is He who is found working when His Master comes... doing as He did, bringing joy and comfort to those who are in need. This life is so short, and we have such privilege, such joy ...and no fear in death... This means we must live as if we have EVERYTHING TO GIVE... and NOTHING TO LOSE.

Loving you.

Why do I aspire to do social work on the mission field?

2011-05-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

For the safety of little children like this one. Knowing that this little boy has two parents who love and provide for him is important. This child will have the ability to grow up in an environment with nurture, food and clothing, and where he has the security to develop and experience life to the full because his first basic emotional and physical needs are met in a stable home.

I aspire to provide a special caring companionship for the elderly who have lost so much and feel so alone. I am passionate that the people need to see how valuable and important their elderly are. I would love to help a downtrodden or sad elderly person find opportunities and bring life to those around them, while releasing positive endorphins to strengthen them as well.

I aspire to be a mentor to young preteen girls, helping them to set boundaries in relationships and in life, and helping them with different issues in their families and lives. I also believe that each one of these young girls need to feel safe, have education and food as well as an evironment that allows them self respect. Being a missional social worker will provide me many opportunities and challenges in the spiritual, physical and emotional well being of youth like these.

Please friends, pray with me, as I should hear in two weeks whether or not Missouri State University accepts me into their program. I believe firmly that God has directed me to this place. It will not be easy, but I am excited to take the tools I will learn at MSU to places on the streets where homeless children and elderly are helpless, voiceless, needy. I put my dreams into God's care, because I know only HE can make the right things fall into place.

Blessings dear brothers and sisters.
Love you.

Live out Loud

2011-03-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Exceptional people still live relatively normal lives, but they live every moment with character and integrity built into it. They have walked through fires, but allowed the flames to make them grow stronger, rather than be burned up.

What do you see in a homeless man or woman? I see desperation, I see loneliness, and hunger and OPPORTUNITY!

Here are some great suggestions of how you and I can make a difference to this expanding and hurting community.

http://www.soulwinning.info/hm/starting.htm

"Let us always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks for the hope that is in us. with gentleness and respect" 1 Peter 3:15 (paraphrased)

Command: Have No Other gods before Me, Says YHWH

2011-02-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

Passages from Isaiah on Yahwah's jealous love and devotion towards His own people, whom he has chosen:

---Bring out the blind people who have eyes and the deaf who have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled.

Who among them can declare this, and show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; or let them hear and say, 'It is truth.'

You are my witnesses, Says YHWH, and My Servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I AM HE.

Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me I, even I, am YHWH your God, and besides me there is NO other savior.

I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, and there was no foreign god among you; therefore you are my witnesses," says YHWH, that I am God. Indeed before the day was, I am he; and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it? [that is to say, what god can reverse the work of YHWH? *my addition]
Isa. 43:8-13

v18-19 Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

v22-24
But you have not called upon Me, O Jacob; and you have been weary of Me, O Israel. You have not brought Me the sheep for your burnt offerings, Nor have you honored Me with your sacrifices. I have not caused you to serve with grain offerings, Nor wearied you with incense.
YOu have bought Me no sweet cane with money, Nor have you satisfied Me with the fat of your sacrifices; But you have burdened Me with your sins, You have wearied Me with your iniquities.--

[What sin is this? but the worship of other gods before Him. The bringing of sweet cane and incense to foreign gods... How sad when they had everything they ever needed from Him. How sad when we look elsewhere to be satisfied??? WE have an ABUNDANCE and an OVERFLOW from our YHWH, yet when have we taken matters to lesser beings who can do NOTHING for us? what saint, actually lives? what idol or god has breath? what friendship can deliver you from any trial? what relationship can bring true love or healing to your heart? WHO IS HE WHO DELIVERS>>> THERE IS NO ONE BUT YHWH, THE ONE AND ONLY...who provided for our deliverance... look]

44:6-8
Thus says YHWH, the King of Israel, And his REDEEMER, the LORD of hosts; 'I AM THE FIRST and I AM THE LAST; Besides Me there is no God. and who can proclaim as I do? Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me, ... Since I appointed the ancient people. And the things that are coming and shall come, Let them show these to them. Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed, there is no other ROCK; I KNOW NOT ONE.

The beauty of Isaiah is in these chapters magnified in the urgency of YHWH's call to His chosen people. He calls the ears to life, that they might hear and understand that HE IS ALL AND THE ONLY GOD AND SAVIOR... He continues on for several chapters concluding with his plan that He will Redeem them through His Servant Yeshua Mashiach, whom the Gentile church recognizes as Jesus Christ, in a beautiful monologue as he refers to His Servant. The longing is evident and the love and passion also.

Idolatry is still evident in many religions, but there is only ONE RELATIONSHIP THAT SAVES... Religion is stifling, arrogant, haughty, baffling, choking, legalistic, requiring too little, requiring too much, dependent upon man, divisive, a headache, binding, among many other things. Although I do not say there is not good to be found in religion, religion alone is idolatry.

My relationship with Yahshua, known also as Jesus Christ, is the relationship that has made me EVERYTHING that I am today. It is the most precious and valuable treasure that I have, and I would lay down EVERYTHING to obtain it. It is like a parable of old, written in Matt. which speaks of a man who found a pearl of great worth. In his excitement he goes quickly and hides the pearl in a plot of land. Then he goes and sells EVERYTHING HE HAS, to purchase that plot of land.

The Holy Bible teaches us to "hide God's Word in our hearts, that we might not sin against God."

He is the ONLY ONE. HalleluYAH.

What about child labor?

2011-02-15T15:47:00.000-08:00

My appetite has been insatiable in these past few days. Just as happens to me every once in a while, I cannot seem to be satisfied. (I'm pretty sure its a hormone thing.)

As I sat enjoying some chocolate that my roommate brought from valentines day, my mind began to spin over about what I recently learned about the Hershey's and Nestle's company. I do not know how many others engage in this. It became newsworthy that these companies were exploiting young children, using their little nimble fingers to collect a greater crop of cacao and employing them in their cocoa factories, making quite a living, and paying unfair wages.

Then on the flip side of this unfair work, I remember fondly stories from my father about the days that he worked on his uncle and aunts farm in fifth grade. After school, he would go out into the fields and drove a tractor mowing the fields and caring for the incoming harvest. He got up at 4 am to milk cows and was up sometimes until midnight finishing schoolwork. Was he a victim of child labor?? NO. He remembers fondly those days, and it was a year that had great impression upon him. It was hard work, yes, but enjoyable, and although he may not have enjoyed every day's work, he got the great pleasure of freshly baked bread from his auntie, speaks of drinking ice cold lemonade after a hot afternoon, and enjoyed driving the tractor around the land.

The questions I have been pondering include but are not limited to:
1. When do children chores become child labor or when is it part of the development and maturity of that child?

UNICEF says of child labor that it is "when a child is required to work Full Time for minimum pay" and it effects their ability to do well in school.

2. What happens if I take away that child's job by trying to protect him, instead suffering his family those 3 extra dollars he would have brought in per day?

3. How does the child feel about it? Is he being forced to work, does he enjoy other things children enjoy? Is he being OPRESSED?

4. How much is society willing to sacrifice? Do we make exceptions and give conditions to children working? What are people doing about it?

5. How does Fair Trade certification actually diminish the problem? Can we impact the world through Fair Trade development and working with local farmers?

6. How should we be praying? What kind of impact can we have on these children?

7. What kind of mission can I have that will cause children to move from merely surviving to thriving?

I have many more questions, and as many of you know, have a stirring passion in my heart towards the suffering children whose voices have yet to be heard.

I'm interested in hearing from you about this.

Yours.

Systems: We are a unit.

2011-02-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

There are many different kinds of systems that are put in place for various purposes. A water system is intended to hold the water into place and send it to one specific reservoir, but imagine if that system began to unravel when corrosion ate away at one of the pipes. The guardian of the system is at this point extremely important because this guardian must identify the corrosion, and correct it before it gets further down the pipe and the corrosion spreads. It is important that the said “guardian” remove the corroded area and replace it with good new pipe so that the entire system could work properly. It only took that one piece of pipe or that one area to corrode the otherwise good and functional system.

We in the body of Christ are a system. God created us to work that way, together as a system. It is a system that intends to love Yahweh, to worship and be a reservoir of His glory. Together we are to be glorious and beautiful in a way that is not worldly. It is through the power and working of the atonement of the Messiah (Yahshua) the One and Only, through whom we are created, rejuvenated, washed, beautified, purified, sanctified, glorified. He calls this system, this unit, you could say, “Beloved,” “Jerusalem,” “Redeemed,” “Chosen one,” “His Bride,” “His Follower,” “The Apple of His eye,” “Elect,” “Sheep,” “the Clay,” and “the Church.”

Yet as a whole unit, ... have we have traded our beauty, which is His glory, for a much lesser garment? The garment of praise for garments of pride, division, self importance, and other lusts?

How do we go about being the Called and Chosen and doing all that He has sent us to do? Becoming a unified body and working as a regenerated and reborn people who have been born into a family much greater than what we had been born into on earth? Do we live as a reborn family, or are we sickly and false, only putting on the show of rebirth, while truly an imposter of earth struggling to belong in a society that is full of reborn and sincere children of God?

Self consciousness a form of pride

2011-02-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

"Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it." Psalm 141:5

What was David really saying here? He is giving up self so much, that he would prefer rebuke to keep him on the right path, rather than stay where he is in sin.

Would you do the same?

The Word says in Proverbs that "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." This is a great truth teaching us not to rely on what people say good to us about ourselves, but to be established in truth, seek out friendships who will correct you when necessary. Be in good company. "Bad company corrupts good character." (Prov 26:6, 1 Corinth 15:33)

If we are so focused on ourselves that we are always worried about what someone thinks of us, or putting forth the best image, looking our best, dressing the best, making an impression in various circles, this can inhibit us from giving our all to God. We may "appear" to give all and be a "good Christian leader" but in our hearts we are wanting for more.

A true leader and Christ follower is someone who denies their own gain, this includes the over awareness of our own selves, picks up our cross and follows in His way. His way was to bring a call to repentance to Israel. He proclaimed that His kingdom was coming and signs followed him. Captives were set free, people were healed, even raised from the dead, and delivered from demons as well as all kinds of infirmities.

Our focus being out ward will encourage and demand change from ourselves as well as others. It will not be afraid to lay hands on people and pray for them, because we do truly know who our redeemer is, and who cares what the family sitting two tables down thinks of us?? It is more focused and concerned about the eternal welfare of others than it is about present personal welfare.

This should tranform our giving.
Transform our ideals.

If more "Christians" would focus less on self, even if it is focusing on our lack, there would be more true Christ followers, and it would cause many to follow in our footsteps.

I challenge you, reader, and I challenge myself also, to "Let your light shine" Shine where? on you??? NO! Shine on the Messiah and His soon coming return. We shall proclaim that He is truly coming soon and cause many to glorify our Father in heaven through "good works" according to Matthew 5, it is our good works that bring glory to His name when we do them with His name.

dear God

2010-12-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

I am so hungry for You and so at a loss of myself.

I am ashamed of all the sins that I am so aware of... and yet your TRUTH has freed me.

I long to be in your presence and share eternity with you. I long to be freed from the curse. Freed from earth's grasp on me.

I must be renewed. I cannot stand without your power. I need you.

I know in my head that my good desires are not bad, but my heart says they are wrong desires... wrong because they are misplaced, out of focus.

I long for you. I want to live every day to its fullest, yet I cannot live faster than I am destined. Sometimes I prefer thoughts of death, than the idea that I could disappoint you today.

Sometimes I feel I understand a little of what the apostle Paul said when he said that "to live is Christ, but to die is gain." It is more suffering sometimes just to live when we struggle to live correctly and to be ALIVE rather than asleep in a very spiritual manner, than just to die physically which means we will be ever present with you. Yet it is a worthy battle. If we are to be like Him, and like Him in his suffering, how much greater will be our rejoicing when we rise to spend eternity with You.

My laziness and my flesh wants to just be done and go with you now... because I do see imperfections, and I do not want to fail. But I will stand and take courage, with the thought that I could just minister to one more person, today.

I recognize that I will minister imperfectly. It is a great risk that I might be wrong in some of my approaches to people or theology. It is a risk I am willing to take, the risk of being wrong, if it means that one more person is brought closer to you. It is a risk battling the pride, lust of eyes, insecurity, and other things that I battle every day, but I will battle them just to be closer to my Daddy. It is a risk giving up a simpler lifestyle, little pleasures, more time in general, but I am up for the challenge.

I could die and feel fulfilled today, knowing that I have given my very best and that there has been fruit to evidence that, but I will not let any past successes OR failures determine what lies ahead. I refuse to let anxieties enter or have a foothold in my life manipulating me and paralyzing me from moving forward.

Yes, I struggle with these feelings, and yes, I would like to be with my Abba, YET I PRAISE HIM WITH SHOUTS OF PRAISE,
for His work is fearfully and wonderfully made and He will be faithful to complete all that he began.

So Papa, I choose to give You the rest of it. I don't know how much I have left, but I am grateful that I served well on this first quarter of the journey... very imperfectly, but well. Please, Abba, Please help me to remain in your care and continue to serve my Daddy well.

Let all who read these words be encouraged. Let us live every day with passion and compassion. Let us live with our focus on the lost, with our arms open and our spiritual ears intent on what the Holy Spirit speaks.

Shalom to you and yours.

Cries from the broken children

2010-12-02T09:41:00.000-08:00

I hear them as they share their longing for a "father figure," their questions as to whether a God really exists, and if He does, then why they have felt so abandoned, their shame, their disgrace, their loneliness, their suffering, their invisible and visible wounds...

Any words I would have to comfort them ... Seem insufficient, ... but an expression of love, a teardrop for them, a kind touch, a loving smile, a word of affirmation, ... I freely offer on their behalf.

My loving and compassionate God longs for them with earnest longing, and was willing to give every thing it took so that they could be made free. If anyone understands or knows their suffering, it is He. Yahwah sent the greatest gift of all time through his One and ONLY Begotten.

During this season, pray for these little ones. Their cries go forth, ... they suffer for issues that are much greater than them, and they need your love. Pray that the Almighty God would continue to give me as well as the other staff favor and grace with these precious ones. That we would provide structure, discipline, stimulation, and NURTURE to these. That there would be healing, and MUCH healing.

Your prayers and thoughts are appreciated during this time. Each one has their own story to tell.

LOVE YOU!

The truth and the lie. Whom we serve?

2010-11-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

father of lies

This is your people
We call out to you from desperation
Angry, hurt, forgotten

This is your people
Afraid to hold on or let go
Hungry, but there is nothing

This is your people
Confused by religion, judged
Enslaved by bitterness

This is your people
Mesmerized by the paranormal
Without experiencing any miracles

They are yours
Blinded by desire
Hungry for more

Violence and greed
Pleasure in power
Ignoring poverty

Tell me, father of lies
Do you hear them
Tell me
What is your deliverance?

Your people
Held in high captivity
Illusional moments
Lifeless eternities

___________________________________________________________________________
Prayer to
Abba Father. THE GREAT I AM.

Deliverer we cry to you for mercy
Healer we cry to you for patience
Righteous judge you release chains
Their father the devil leads them through lies
Healer...touch their eyes, open their ears
Forgiver...heal their hearts to receive from You
You are not willing that they continue in chains
You give freedom. ... Free them from pain
You satisfy hunger with REAL food and drink

Father and friend, You are my ALL. I am undone. I am not able.
I NEED YOU TO FILL ME.

Spirit of life, Fill me again, so that I may be a blessing, that my light may shine forth. Bless those who otherwise would be cursed. Jesus I love you. Yashua you are my Savior. My love and comfort. Fill me. Oh Father, rescue me from this dying age. Rescue your own from the corrupt enemy who has infiltrated us. May they turn and adopt your ways and choose life and find rest in eternal life.

The momentary pleasures of this earth are the corruption of the soul and lead to eternal damnation, yet the joy of the presence of God through service to him, leads to true freedom. This freedom comes only in the death to self. Perfected in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, Son born by the power of Holy Spirit to Mary and her husband Joseph. He who became our punishment and took upon himself our burdens, now leads us to eternal life with His Father (and ours if we choose him!), should we release our lives into His care, forsaking all worldly cares.

What could be greater or more significant?

...This is love. not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son to be the propitiation (appeasing sacrifice...in our place) for our sins. (1 Jn 4:16)

"By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:16-18)

King of Glory

2010-11-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

Praise the King of Glory for all the good things He has done!

He has set my feet on the rock. YAH is worthy of all the praise. His love is a flowing river that NEVER runs dry.

Are you weary? Are you thirsty? Stop here. Taste and see that He is good. He is our peace and our hope.

Let our words be few today. Lets be in awe of His Majesty!

POUR MY LOVE ON YOU
Phillips, Craig & Dean

I don't know how to say exactly how I feel
I can't begin to tell you what your love has meant
I'm lost for words

Is there a way to show the passion in my heart?
Can I express how truly great I think You are?
My dearest friend

Lord this is my desire
To pour my love on you

Like oil upon our feet, Like wine for you to drink
Like water from my heart, I pour my love on you
If praise is like perfume
I lavish mine on you
Til every drop is gone, I pour my love on you

Is there a way to show the passion in my heart?
Can I express how truly great I think you are?
My dearest Friend

Lord, this is my desire
To pour my love on you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk5Z1f04Q5A&feature=related

I pour my love on you, King of GLORY I LOVE YOU SO!!!!!!!!!!!

Selling Grandma???

2010-11-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

I'm reading these Spanish stories to help me maintain and improve my abilities in Spanish. I just finished a story about this Chilean family who lived in Oregon. The husband began to enjoy a new hobby here in the United States with our many summer garage sales. His wife sometimes was driven crazy with different odds and ends he would bring home.

Through this story, He takes you into many aspects of cultural differences between Chile and the United States. Author, Juan Armando Epple, tells this tale called "Garage Sale." The Chilean man and his wife also have a daughter who doesn't understand why they just can't go back to Chile. She has heard many stories of the beautiful land, the grapes that are as big as our figs, the watermelons that are sweeter, redder and juicier, and large beautiful mountains. She also heard that her grandmother made Chilean desserts the absolute best. She wanted to return, but the family had an "L" on their passports significant of people who were refused re'entry into Chile because of political exile. He offers her the solution that maybe they can bring her grandma to the US.

In this hilarious story, the man ends up purchasing a grandmother at a garage sale when the idea comes upon him after seeing an eccentric grandmother sitting in an antique rocking chair. The family holding the garage sale actually offered to sell her to him seeing it as a positive alternative to finding her a nursing home, yet having very little to offer her in their tiny apartment.

This is a shocking presupposition about the way we care for the elderly in the US. Although fictional, the irony of this purchase reveals a deep gap between family bound systems typically found in other cultures in contrast to the independence found here in the US.

Love

2010-10-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

I love a lot of things about God and I could never end being grateful for the intimate relationship that I have been allowed to enjoy with Him. He is my Creator and yet He is on my level. He is SO FAR ABOVE us, and has galaxies of control and knowledge, yet He takes the care to hear even my whispers and reach out to me.

I love my sisters and how God has given me them as treasures. Rachel brings treasure in her speech and obviously lives with passion, Sarah touches my heart with her smile and her lifestyle preaches to me, teaches me.God blessed me richly. We are connected, my sisters and I with greatness. Greatness in our character and integrity, greatness in our passion for truth and service.

I love the fact that God allowed us to each grow towards him, and that we three have something special and different than others.

Being God's favorites, what can I say? Its obvious that His love envelopes us and directs our steps. Its obvious how He has protected me, watching over me and picked me up when I have fallen down.

I love the fact that God gave me humble, delightful, fun, honoring, patient, providing parents. My mom listened and had great compassion on me when I suffered heart aches in grade school, and she made the absolute best choco. chip cookies. She bought gifts that had special meaning in them, and let me sit on her lap even when I was way too big for her. hahaha. My dad provided us with everythiing to a fault. He made wise financial decisions that enabled him to help us through college. He taught us to pray and to read God's word and had devotions with us every night, ever patient with our giggling at the wrong moments. He disciplined us when we disobeyed, told us we couldn't date until we were 35. (Only 7 more years and then i can start dating hahaha). One night he gave me such geat encouragement. I was confused and discouraged at that moment, and I asked him why he never gave me his opinion about men to which He responded, "Joanna, No guy is good enough for you in the eyes of your Father." He is the most amazing counselor and friend and example.

Why would God be so good to me with all these wonderful gifts? And I could go on about the wonderful friends he has given me and the beautiful cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles, who have all made their mark on my life.

God gave me all these blessings just to tell me through each one that He loved me.

God teaches us through his Holy Scriptures that GOD IS LOVE.

well... I am so thankful becuase without Him, what would I have? I LOVE YOU FATHER GOD!!! THANK YOU!!!!

Happy Sabbath day to all. Peace and love and may you UNDERSTAND and EXPERIENCE the fullness of His love towards you as well.

This is His day. Bring honor due him.

Awkwardness

2010-10-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt awkward around someone?

Maybe it happens to you often, maybe not, but for me, it is possibly the worst feeling ever. I don't feel awkward with people very often, but when I do, it is a very unsettling feeling.

Possibly, I think--the other person doesn't know how to act or what to say around me, but quite possibly, I am also having a hard time relating to that individual or to their circumstances. Every attempt at conversation or nonchalance is halting and unnatural.

I have been known in these moments to ask strange questions, which I rather wish the recipient had not heard and with great effort try to not allow my pale face to grow red. OH THE RELIEF when you actually find some way to relate to that person. It is like a great pressure lifts off...

I have no problem enjoying a comfortable silence between friends, but when there is an awkward silence between two people who barely know each other and here they are in a situation trying to make small talk, yet it seems to come out chokingly almost. Until you find some sort of equilibrium between your wildlly clashing chemistry ... it is an unbelievably charged atmosphere.

Naturally, awkward conversations are unnatural.

The weed analogy:

2010-10-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

Many who love to garden understand the importance of maintaining their flowers and plants with proper nurturing. They must be given correct amounts of water and sunlight to absorb the nutrients and fertilizers for the soil. In gardening, the gardener thinks of the finished product with such joy that the patience endured and toil necessary to take proper care of the garden becomes a pleasure. Every gardener is aware of the difficult process to extract various kinds of weeds that are attracted to the nutrient rich soil and sprout up throughout the lovely garden posing a threat to the plants and flowers.

These weeds if not dealt with properly will always grow back. If they are uprooted while they are still little, then they can successfully be eliminated from the garden, but if they grow to be as big as the plant itself, the danger is present that they will hinder the growth and development of the plant. In this case, uprooting the weeds could also cause the good plants to be uprooted with them.

Regardless, weeds grow back if they are not pulled up from their roots.

In Matthew 13:24-30 we see a master who is so concerned about the good wheat he has planted being uprooted along with tares (weeds) that have secretly been planted alongside the wheat, that he allows them to grow together, lest the wheat should be uprooted before its season and destroyed.

Jesus says that this is what the kingdom of heaven is like. Enemies have been planted among His chosen people, and these enemies will remain until the end. He also says in another place that "a little yeast makes the whole batch of dough full of leaven."   We must revere God's Word and be aware of these things. It is VITAL to use discernment in all things and to practice the disciplines and gifts of the Spirit in our lives lest we also be deceived by the greatest enemy of mankind.

The message of Christ was quite simple, "If you love me, you will follow my commandments." To go out and do as we saw Him do. This was what the Messiah asked us to do, yet the Body of believers has found it so difficult to do just that.
"and the greatest commandment is this, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Love Justice and hate evil. Yet we are found closing our ears to the cries of the poor who "pollute" our streets with their filthy stench and alcohol laden breath. Jesus said to LOVE them. We are to open to them the doors of healing. Yes, the poor we will always have among us, and I cannot judge what you have done to help, but you know in your heart when you have run away from them, when they need your embrace. Do you not have a MUCH greater Advocate? (I point at myself first)
We are to hate evil, yet we allow the traditions of devils to be in our midst! In the name of something called acceptance or tolerance, we allow others to speak of their faith and to share and be in our midst without defending our own faith and showing the new life and incredible work of God that will actually transform them. In order to not bother or offend the person, we allow them to keep being a victim to the lies of the enemy and try to play nice with danger! We also keep their traditions and just "christianize" them. Doing this does not do anything except for trim the weed. It is a cover up and not deliverance. You know that if you suppress anger or a painful past, you only can suppress that for so long, but if you actually seek forgiveness and healing you will be delivered. So it is with the Church's cowardice and "nicey-nice" with idol worship. We cannot play around here.   We do not devote our time or pleasure around a false image or ancient mythology. The Church has denied to have such devotion, yet refuses to eradicate the partying that revolved around this idol worship, instead only making them a Christ centered party, but still partying at the same date and time even with some of the same symbols used in those pagan practices.

The extent to which this enemy has put tares in with the wheat has not been fully exposed. We must be watching and prayfully repenting before God our Father. God is calling us to devote wholly to him and not pay attention to enemies who may grow right at our very side.

Each one of us must give an account for our words, actions and all our deeds on the final day. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God. Yet in our faithfulness, WE ARE ENCOURAGED! For even when we fail, He is still faithful. Therefore, be strong and put on the full armor of God. Do not look to your right or to your left, but set your eyes on the Savior who is the author and finisher of your faith and perfectly able to keep you until His appearing.

For his INCREDIBLE love, He allows the enemy to be among us for a period of time, because He is not willing for anyone to die.

If what I have said makes sense to you, WONDERFUL! if not, do not let your heart be troubled, but turn your feet from doing evil and keep your eyes on the path of truth.

If you read this and are utterly confused as to what I am talking about, I encourage you to email me.

I long for each of my friends to know God with the fullness that I know him. If you were to experience His presence as I do, you would no longer doubt in your heart and would believe that He truly does exist. Life is not the same and is a meager existence without him who can give you eternal life.

Some reflection on the Acts: A Challenge

2010-09-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

As I was reading from the book of Acts this morning, I noticed a few important things. The opposition to the gospel came most from those who were trying to control the people. It seems that religious leaders of the Jewish synagogue were HIGHLY resistant to the changes that the apostles were bringing to both Jew and Gentile. Political leaders of the time were not as concerned about the gospel in itself so much as the idea of revolt against them or their system. Religious and political leaders didn't want their pious feathers ruffled. Obviously this is a rough compromise. Heros of our faith, Steven, Paul, Silas and many others, including Apollos, and MANY others, were persecuted with imprisonments, beatings, and death. Today I think leaders attitudes are not much different. Religious leaders are very resistant to change, and political leaders are concerned with an uprise. Things must always be done in an orderly manner and people are very sensitive to being told that their choice of lifestyle is directly against God's order and will send them into utter desolation from God.

What are our "Acts" to be spoken of? Are we resisting the flow toward utter desolation and bringing the gospel of deliverance, freedom, love towards all, salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Are we resisting the legalism that can so easily entangle us in a spirit of religiosity in order to embrace all people in the love that was so freely offered to us through the Word? Do we experience persecutions to mark us with honor? This is great joy if we have experienced persecution, but do we run away as a coward?

It came into my mind this morning that we can write as a way of testifying of all the great things that God is doing among us, just as the authors of the gospels and Acts did. Do we have this to write about? I desire to testify of the miracles, of the hungry fed, of people who have moved from death to life. To testify of persecutions faced with great joy. Isn't it amazing how God used Paul to testify to his very persecutors? If God used this man that way, a man who himself was a great persecutor of this "way" and held steadfastly to the traditions of the elders, yet Christ still was able to open his eyes and literally jerk him off his feet and course of destruction... and God used him to bring salvation to many, with all his faults... then Cannot God use me and you?

IS anything to hard for God? Can he not use the weak, the humble, the willing?

I believe that I will be used of God in ways that only my great imaginations can fathom. I believe that he can use me, in spite of the many faults that I have.

Dear Heavenly Father, will you use me? will you allow me to write of your great deeds, as did the disciples before us? I know I have so little to offer my King, but it is all yours.

Friend, If he can use me, so limited as I am in so many ways, He can use you too. Ask him today.

With love.

False Images II

2010-09-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBkYpe1SA24&feature=related

This is a good testimony and question.

What do you think? What kinds of false images have we brought into the faith and called them true? Under what basis?

Idol worship

2010-09-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

Command number 1 and 2 of the 10 commands of YHWH.

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me, and thou shalt have no carved or graven images."

It may be easy to outwardly agree with this command, and follow, but the church has twisted and allowed false idols in its midst. It must be eradicated and we must speak and bring all to repentance of these false images in order to give true worship to our Father.

The devil is tricky and has used what appeared to be good to bring his same wicked spirits into the church that he used in times of old. Always it was his intention to lead astray the people of God.

He did so when he led them to worship Ba'al and the Ishtar or Ashterah in the times of the OT, which was revived again after the people had been redeemed through Christ in the Corinthian church. They began again to worship the image of Ashterah. Paul called the Corinthian church back into fellowship with his open condemnation of this idolatry and abolition, yet has the church today opened their arms to "her" again?

This female goddess was one of fertility and life, she also promoted feminine rights. She makes apparitions to people and she symbolized new life and pregnancy. She was an image refered to as the "queen of heaven" and the "Mother goddess."

This is the same who has appeared to many, old and young, and convinced them of her state in the heavens and the "queen of heaven," and the "mother of God." She is this same virgin Guadalupe, Fatima, Lourdes, Cartago. She makes claims which have the appearance of recognizing the Lordship and authority of Jesus Christ, yet she denies his power to save as a mediator, putting herself in the position of mediator. She has made every effort to re'instate herself, and in some of her divine apparitions, calls people to repent and pray earnestly with the threat that "if my people do not submit to God, I will be forced to let go of my Son's hand."

My question, to which God does she refer? and to which Son? My statements may appear to the devout Catholic as perhaps blasphemous, and without desire to offend, I ask you, Do you worship Jesus Christ, or do you worship Mary? You cannot worship man! Do not be fooled. We are not worthy of worship even to the holiest degree, for this is in violation to the first commandment to worship the Lord your God and to have NO OTHER before him. Neither should we take his name in vein in command 3. meaning that we should not blaspheme him!

I wonder with the man from "understandingthetimes.org" is this really whom the great prophets Jeremiah and Isaiah prophesied about?

Interesting that I found this article when I have felt the same way, and feel challenged to share with as many as possible this truth. Christ desires salvation for all who will come to him, and it is written in his word, "Awake you who sleep and rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you." in Ephesians 5. This was a metaphor to those who are dead and cold, that the Spirit of Truth will illuminate them when they ask Yahoshua the Messiah for salvation and bring them back from darkness into the glorious light.

I quote from understandingthetimes.org

"This location according to Michael Brown was the site of the first church built and dedicated to "Mary." A statue was also placed there of "Mary" holding "Jesus," the first of many that have followed through the centuries. Now in this location, a huge domed basilica stands (the precise size of the famous goddess temple in Ephesus). 5

The book of Isaiah provides some interesting insight regarding a certain woman that seems to play a role in deceiving the world. We read: "Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate. Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called, The lady of kingdoms." 6

Are the apparitions of "Mary," actually Mary, the mother of Jesus? Or could this be the same Queen of Heaven that we read about in the book of Jeremiah - chapters 7 and 44? Jeremiah called this personality an abomination unto God."

Be careful body of Christ, and be aware. I do not mean this as a specific attack against the Catholic church, though my current example of Mary worship is against that institution. However, the church as a whole needs to evaluate and test if there are images that have become a hindrance to our unadulterated adoration of God. Have we been guilty as well of "man" worship? This is worth evaluation. Let it not be so! Wake up and serve only Yahweh, our Adonai and the Creator of the world. There shall be no other gods before him.

2010-09-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Let all be done in an act of love.

The Day of Atonement is a corporate day of repentance. A day in which we recognize everything that has escaped us in the past year. Acts of unrighteousness, unfaithfulness, or errors committed in our lives.

We, in the body of Messiah, recognize that his death paid the penalty. He bore our sins upon him, and all forsook him in his hour of suffering.

He hung on the tree and bore everything, and we were helpless and weak. The darkest hour of history in this moment in these hours that our Messiah hung there. A penalty that I should have paid, for all the lawless things I have done. The empty promises never fulfilled, the lack of faith, the cowardice, the rejection, the pride, stubborness, unbelief, shame, guilt, lies believed and lies told.

His victory over the grave ensures our victory with him, if we truly lay those things behind us. Death of selfish desires and ambitions, in order to raise up to life everlasting. Love of this world is not comparable to love for the kingdom. Love for the kingdom means that I lift my eyes up, and work and live not for a worldly treasure but that there be great treasure in Him.

Materialism. What stuff can I live without? What things are keeping me from experiencing my lover in a deeper way? He valiantly gave all to free me. He delivered and set free. He sent the oil of His Spirit and now I am overflowing with joy, with abundance. What earthly thing would compare?

Yah saves, Yah lives and Yah will reign forever. Yah gives love, desiring mercy over sacrifice, for sacrifice is only a demonstration of love. Only out of abundance of love can come such sacrifice. Halleluyah for Christ is mighty to save and loves perfectly. :)

Analytical writing for the GRE, Practicing using persuasion

2010-09-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

Issue Task:   My answer/thoughts on the following issue...

                      "Tolerance is necessary for the greater good of our society. World peace can be found in coming together with the understanding that what is true for you may not be true for me."

            Before coming to a specific position on this issue, one would need to define tolerance. I have seen tolerance described in more than one way, but some equate tolerance with full acceptance. This is the way that I am going to approach this issue. Does full acceptance truly bring about the greater good of our society? Is it not better to see intolerance as the greater good? Is it for the greater good that one who believes vengeance should be taken in his own hands and does so, must be tolerated? Must we then tolerate murderers? If I were to commit a crime like robbing a store, and used these items to feed my starving family, would it then cease to be a crime because it was done in good morale?

            If we make tolerance the rule for society, then who can tell any other how they are to live? What is intolerance then? The definition of intolerance must be defined by the definition of tolerance. Then if I must fully accept all, I make all men to be liars. If we make all things true, we are calling all men liars, thus making only important the views of the individual; and corporate order is eventually ruined. I propose that the tolerance agenda is only for the greater good, then, of the powerful of society.

          In our society today, many advocate for tolerance as a means of creating a solution to the passionate and different viewpoints expressed in our culture. Their advocates follow tolerance religiously in an effort to create world peace and bring opposing views at rest with one another.

If it is true that tolerance is necessary for the greater good of our society, then what do these advocates do about the belief systems that are inherently intolerant of other belief systems? If the belief system of these people is true, then the other belief systems must be false. I cannot believe one thing, and truly believe it, and then say that your truth is true for you. I cannot accept that.

Two people are put in a room and told tolerate each other. They are told to put their differences aside and discuss their morale in such a way that they are tolerant of the other's views. I propose they could accept the other person as free to make their own decisions and morale, however now make it a full acceptance. It will be impossible for either of them to hold to their current positions without making compromise on some level and coming to an agreement. In order to fully accept the other person without desire of changing their mind, they must lay to the side their personal convictions. The dominant party will win in the agreement, for it will be impossible for them to say in their hearts, "your truth is right," although they might openly confess that it seems to be right for them.

   Therefore, if dominant society can come to a place where they are willing to sacrifice morale and spiritual convictions so that the world can come to peace, they are in essence creating a strong force that will oppose any group which has claims or beliefs incapable of compromise.

_-----------

We passionately believe that there is only one way to our Father in heaven, and that His kingdom is not of this world.   This world peace which people seek to enforce will rise against the believers in THE way. We have no hatred towards any, rather must confess the truth in intolerance to the "wooing to sleep" that is happening in a big way around the world. How can we silently watch and what kind of shepherd allows his sheep to walk into a pit or off of a cliff? We have an enemy working to hypnotize and put to sleep every one, but we have been given a Greater Advocate, that is the Spirit which sets us apart. He has already paid our debt in full and leads us to His kingdom which leads in all righteousness and justice. He did not come to kill or destroy humankind, but to lead all to Him by his great love through repentance.
Again, if all things are true, then all things must be false.
           If you call my beliefs false, then yours must be also. You cannot believe your beliefs and at the same time think that mine are true for me. So then, what stops you from turning and receiving the Truth? If I did not believe it were true I would not say so.

Come to the Messiah through the open door while it is still open, for soon it will shut and those left outside will be weeping and in utter darkness forever. Yet the Messiah is willing to receive any who will call upon his precious name and be redeemed from their sins.

Turn and trust the Messiah who showed us the only way to obtain world peace which is by rejecting its domain, and recognizing the domain (that is dominion) of the Almighty God who is the maker of heaven and earth and ultimately rules and reigns forever.

"I will show mercy on whom I will show mercy, and have compassion on whom I have compassion." Come Today while it is DAY for THE NIGHT IS SOON FALLING.

He says, "I will lead him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on me" (Isaiah 26:3)

References:
(Matthew 7:13-14, Psalm 95:6-7, Hebrews 3:7,12-15, Romans 9:13, Matthew 24:36-44, Luke 18:6-8, 1 Thess. 1:5-11)

Take the throne of my life

2010-09-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

I'm studying for a GRE graduate level exam that I will be taking on the 24 of September, and keep getting distracted. My hunger for the things of God has increased over these days, and I long for him to take the throne in my life. I completely surrender again to my Lord and my God. These days there are a lot of details that have been slowly coming together.

He is faithful to supply, and I wait for the answer from the graduate school and from the emergency shelter. In the process, I have been studying and learning amazing things about Yahweh, the Great and Mighty and I want to love him in his fulness. I know that he is jealous for our love, and He is deserving of all the honor and praise.

I have found that there are poor and hurting anywhere we go, and have seen that the needs of many can overwhelm and surround us no matter what area of the world we are. It is in keeping our eyes centered on Jesus, Yahoshua the King, that we can produce a fullness and a fruitful tree. We must stay in the river of life and drink from it often, or we miss the purpose. His love, His oil, His fruit, He fills us to overflowing and gives freely to those who ask of him.

Jesus, you see my dreams, you see all things. I surrender all that I have to you. Please forgive me for things that I have done in error or that I have not done, and lead me in your way everlasting. Thank you for your patience with mankind, that you are not willing for anyone to die, but that all men might know you. Thank you for giving freely of the oil of your Spirit in abundance, so that we may be like the virgins with oil in their lamps to the overflowing.... the wise virgins who were ready when you the groomsman opened the door and entered. The foolish were not full of oil, were not ready at your call, were still dry, but the wise knew their SOURCE, and there was no drying of that oil that flowed abundantly like a never ending fountain, lighting their way as they went.

Let your Holy Spirit, yes your Ruach ha Kodesh, lead your children to unity through the matchless power of Messiah's ressurection which overcame the grave, yes overcame our sickness and death. He bore our burdens and our suffering and sin was upon him. We are not worthy Oh Lord, but you are ALMIGHTY. and full of mercy.

I come to you Father. Take your place in my life. I put to the grave my flesh, my desires, myself, that I might rise with you, as your chosen one together with your beloved Son.

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his path, let him return to YHWH, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He does abundantly pardon." (EST) Isaiah 55:7

Tu Fidelidad es Grande: Great is your faithfulness

2010-08-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

Wow. Its incredible what God does for his children who love him.

I Got a Car!!! but its a much better story than that. :)

I actually laughed in joy as I drove this blessing back to my house. Blessing number 2 :) my second car.

here is the story:
My dad and I have been searching for a car between 2 to 3 thousand dollars for the past couple of weeks before I move to MO. I wanted something reliable, economic, and not too expensive. We were specifically looking for certain toyotas and also hondas. So my dad calls me into the living room last night and says, what about this Joanna? it checks out great. It was listed as a Prism Toyota 2001 for 3800 dollars. Of course, I admit, I was irritated becuase it was too expensive for me, so I didn't know why he was even looking. But He said it was probably the best he had found that looked like it was correctly priced.

So, tonight, I gave the lady a call and she sounded very pleasant and said we could come see it, but that it would have to be "after church"

Then I got kind of excited because I knew she was a women of faith. When we arrived it was actually a Prism Chevrolet. I was slightly dismayed again, but yet the car looked like it was in great condition, and we gave it a test drive. It ran great :)

In my gut, I thought I should go for it and offer her 2800, even though I already knew she wanted 3300 for it. My dad encouraged me to at least ask for that price, and guess what.

I got it! She said could I pay 2900. So, now I have a car to go to MO with, but much more than that, I learned about the ministry that this lady does. She and her husband have a ministry called Operation Living Hope and they work to help missionaries raise funds to go to foreign countries and also have a feeding program. They go to the church which was my grade school from 6th to 8th grades!!!

Isn't God amazing? I laughed and smiled and sang HalleluYAH all the way back to my house. If I hadn't gone over to see the car, I wouldn't have been blessed to make connections with some like minded people whose hearts are also for service.

thank you Father!!!! :)

p.s. whoever reads this first is the first one to hear this story besides mom. (hahaha) ;)

"Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep..."

All that I am

2010-08-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

I lay them down before you Lord. My fears, trials and temptations. My desires, longings and deep needs. I lay before and surrender my knowledge and my lack of knowledge.

I surrender my dreams. I ask for your improvement, I ask for your guidance, for your will.

One true and merciful God. I love and adore only you and ask for your steadfastness. For your consistency and for your focus.

It is not mine to direct myself. I can only ask you to direct and I will play the part. I want to be all that I can be for you and give the very best that I can.

Help me to count the cost of each decision and to move forward with patience and endurance. Help me to walk forward without doubt, but with kindness and firm character.

Forgive me Father, for all the times that I have failed, but THANK YOU FATHER, that you are GOD. CONQUEROR, DELIVERER, and HEALER. I will fail again, but I cannot rely on myself,

I have You for that.

Yahoshua rah ha da'aim hashem Yisrael.

The man who will not die for something, is not fit to live. --Dr. Martin Luther King

2010-06-07T21:38:00.000-07:00

As a child,

I longed to express my faith in a measure that would be worthy of leaving a mark.
I spent countless hours in conversation with Father about His will for me, and dedicated my life to service that many could come to salvation from their sins. I heard many stories which inspired me and took my breath away.

The shadow of people such as Dr. Vernon Johns, who left a mark so deep, he inspired the likes of 26 yr old Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Johns was an inspiration and laid a foundation, just as the Word of God says, some plant the seeds and others water and others harvest. The fight for freedom was a worthy cause, and yet exists this fight among humankind.

The heroes who had gone before me were people who stood for another worthy cause. The cause for the case of Christ. A cause greatly rejected... They sought to bring redemption to many and were sent away, killed, and publicly ridiculed for their stance.

The sovereign hand of the Most Holy One calls many to walk the path that the Messiah walked. For he says in his Holy Word, "whoever would follow me, must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me."

Human rights are still to this day being denied. Children are being taken captive by evil men who have stolen them to do their will, and their parents cries have been silenced. Naive women are promised a brighter tomorrow as they are welcomed into the "good ol' USA" and then trafficked into a ring that is so secret, that no one even knows about these rings.

We, the people, are becoming more aware of such heinous acts, yet our fear and timidity withholds our hands and voices. I am so grateful for the leaders in a movement to free these and to discover these rings.

The corruption in our world finds many different forms, but God grieves over all of it. His Spirit roams the earth looking to comfort the broken hearted and bring reconciliation with God and man.

I say to you, If you are going to go out, go out with flying colors. Be hot or cold. Stop being lukewarm. I want to be radical for Christ.

How easy for me to write these things, and my heart's desire is to be that radical. I want my life to leave a mark and impression for many youth to follow. If Christ' work can be unfolded through my life, let it be done how He wills it. Let His justice reign.

Just some thoughts. I know this is not all connected completely, but I just share my heart with all who are reading.

The earth trembles

2010-05-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

"God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the depths of the sea."
Psalm 46:1-2

May 8, 2010

In our day that there have been so many troubles, we who are in Christ can rest assured of our deliverance.

We have been forewarned. It is written, "In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world." John 16:33

We have seen massive earthquakes, wonders in the heavens, wars, destruction, floods. We have seen death and pain. Yet we have also seen great victories. We have seen God's very hand reaching down and embracing and protecting. The Bible states that all these are signs of the times. Matthew 24:3-8

I have heard testimonies of people who were rescued from the recent Hatian earthquake, whom by all odds should have been crushed. Many people gave glory to God and came back to worship and recognize Him. Testimonies of the soon there-after earthquake in Chile, and the massive volcanic eruption in Iceland, which obstructed air traffic throughout Europe. Floodings, draughts and the such.

There is a dear friend in Haiti right now, delivering medical service to children there and going outside of what is comfortable, so that children can receive help and healing.
Pray for her.

A great distrust has come throughout our world along with all these other natural disasters. This great distrust has turned many away from the truth. They have blinded their eyes and closed their ears as a means to protect themselves. But All along they miss the fact that the truth will set them free!

Beyond this concern I have, there is another. The concern that too many so called Christians are silencing themselves, afraid to speak out that others might be saved. They will not speak to the things that are sending others into eternal disilusion, and they believe they are living as Christ would have them live?

I am responsible to share what I have seen and experienced, but this is not my burden alone.

"Do not grow weary in well doing, for you shall reap a harvest, if you do not give up."

How would Christ have us respond to the signs of today?

"Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts..." Heb 3:15

Challenges

2010-04-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

God is an expert at finding new challenges to bring glory to His name. If we allow him, he will make us into the most beautiful vessel that is like no other.

The most priceless pieces of art are so original that there can be no copy. Any copy is still missing the authenticity that comes with the original. A secret recipe is made so well that it cannot be repeated.

Some of these touches to us may seem insignificant or unnecessary. I know how quick I can be to complain to the Master about some of what He is doing in my life.

He just wants me to trust him. His hand is smooth and firm. He does not do anything vainly, rather the marks and pressure of his hands and arms are full of love and passion.

How foolish it is to cause him sorrow, to diminish the value of His work. When I rest in his hands, I see miracles at work. When I fuss and flutter, stress and worry, or run to and fro trying to make things work that are seeming to fail, it is unnecessary stress that I am causing myself. It can make me sick or depressed.

But to just trust him is the very best I can do. If I will just rest my heart in his care, He will take care to see it is not damaged.

When I want to serve him, it is enough to have this desire and willingness. This willingness alone pleases him. I fret and worry b/c I want to do better. I look for answers that I often cannot find.

I am not alone. He has a divine purpose. If I stopped believing that, I would cease to have meaning and would feel that I had died.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

My heart is troubled

2010-03-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

I see so many needs in this world and so little time. It is comforting to see the grace of God at work in our world, and the great news is that He is coming soon to take us home. The great news is that we are His children.

The realization of my own selfishness has been quite startling to me. I would like to be radical and go out to see the dreams in my heart come true. But not out of selfishness or for vain glory.

It would be better then for me to stay in my own country, rather than go out to another with vain ideas. The problems that we see here are startling. The truth is that God's grace is not selfish. God's grace is given freely to all regardless of our human stipulations.

What kind of stipulations do we put on grace?

Do we give grace EXCEPT for when it means injustice? Maybe we can give grace except for when we have been offended?

Can we give grace except when it is admitting our own imperfection?

Can we give grace except when it may mean temporary failure?

Can we give grace except when it is just taking TOO long or it is the VERY last straw?

What kind of grace does Christ give? and... are we, or are we not His imitators?

Never Give Up

2010-03-13T19:42:00.000-08:00

You were called with a purpose

All of us have our story. Mine starts in an anxiety filled home, parents who love each other unconditionally, and 2 amazing sisters.

I remember getting into my closet and singing to God, singing from my heart, the safest place I knew and the most comforting as He wrapped His arms around me; and standing in front of my mirror as a little girl singing melodies to him when my house was full of chaos.

Later on, my mirror wasn't my friend anymore as I looked and saw someone I thought was fat, ugly and too selfish. What happened to that simple childishness, that simple faith? God has always been there, He didn't let go of me because of how I felt!

#1 Feelings can be deceptive

Called to be a missionary at a young age, it became the place I entirely focused on. My world became a battlefield, and from a young age my eager zeal to demonstrate God's love to my friends and the world consumed me. I knew I had found my purpose.

I remember crying myself to sleep some nights because I felt trapped by my fallibility and I just wanted to be perfect. I was so afraid that I was hurting God by sins in my life. Whenever I failed, I felt it deeply. I was taking responsibility for something that I later learned was not my job. I felt pain for God. I thought we were hurting him and it was sad.

He already paid that on the cross. He already suffered. It is Finished.
I was missing the point. Our humanity makes it impossible to do better and we can only choose to receive His grace.

Every Sunday night, I listened to "This world is not my home" on the radio as I lay in bed, praying to God that I might soon be "HoME" with Jesus. I saw myself as a messenger on earth and that it was my job to share the good news with everyone around me.

The world has been corrupted from its original purpose which is to bring glory to God, but we have an enemy who has captured mankind through vanity, desirous of the glory for himself. He is the truest man hunter and has lied to so many people, but the true Son of God came to free us from the enemy's evil plan and to free us from the curse of death. Praise God!

The Bible says we must be born again in a supernatural act of God in order to enter into true life. This life is one that we must all die to at one point, for we cannot live forever in it, but if we become united with Christ and are born of His spirit by faith in Him, we will live forever. This is a trustworthy promise.

God's love never fails.

God's love had been my greatest comfort and joy during family conflicts. The Bible says he has no preference.. He is just. Meaning... He loves YOU and ME equally! and I know that must be an incredible amount when I see how much He loves me!

So often, I see hurt and anxiety where God intends to bring peace, comfort and love.

God loves you demonstrated through Christ the Savior of mankind.
If we are his children, we are marked by His Spirit for the word says he has put his mark upon us, and we know we are God's children when we receive his forgiveness and grace which he freely offers through the blood sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ the Holy Lamb of God who is the Only perfect man who has ever existed, and Rose from the grave because of His authority. He died to pay for our punishment giving us everlasting life with him.

I'm not here to impress anyone or to gain a name for myself or to make people feel good.

The believer is here to complete the work of Christ... which was to testify to the truth which is very VERY good news. The enemy doesn't want you to know it... because this truth is the key to power of EVERLASTING LIFE with the FATHER in BLISSFUL LIGHT where there is no darkness.

Wake up. God is real, and the time is coming that the Savior of mankind, Christ Jesus of Nazareth, is returning for His people to take them home.

DO not be surprised at his coming. Be prepared for it.

I bless you in the name of the Almighty and I plead the ears of all who will hear to hear, and the eyes of all who will see to see.

Never Give Up.

Please email me with needs or questions:
childofYAH@gmail.com

Mentors

2010-02-24T06:45:00.000-08:00

How important to have them in your life. They have been a strong encouragement to me in the ministry, and books leaders and friends have greatly helped me to find balance in my weaknesses.

As I look forward to two years of possible schooling and waiting to go back to a foreign country, I see the importance of mentorships right now.

Attitude checks, character checks and inconsistencies show their faces when you have someone checking in with you. I want to be making a difference no matter where God puts me, and that can only happen as I keep my spirits lifted up in spite of circumstances.

I want to be like Jesus in all that I do.

There are many things that have signaled God's voice to me. More than all of them his Word has been the foundation of all. I believe that He is coming back soon, and I must be ready to bear His message to all even when they are ignorant or deaf and when they do not want to hear the truth. They must hear the truth so that all will be held accountable.

Stand with me

2010-01-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends, God knows exactly what he's doing, but sometimes I am left wondering. As I look at leaving Costa Rica, I think of many things.

How grateful I am for all of the wonderful prayer and support I've received during this two years. I think of all the things I have learned and am in the process of learning. I dream of work yet to be done and the many needs which God alone can meet. I dream about many things.

Stand With me
I am infuriated by the work of the enemy to steal, destroy and kill. He has been hard at work, but we as a church can work twice as hard if we are based in the Rock of Ages. It is through the strength that comes from our God alone, that we can be ministers of healing, justice, grace and love. We can be ambassadors of hope and there are great heroes of faith who have effected incredible changes on our behalf. Together we will all rejoice in the heavens at the marvelous things in which God has shown himself strong.

recently I wrote a few different poems as a reflection on some of the injustices that the vulnerable have lived with. Things that have happened to rob innocence and to support habits. These things can be broken by the power of the cross, and I stand on his promises. Many have already been ministered to by the blood of Jesus, but there are yet many who live without that comfort.

Injustice

Injustice has been done
Painting a pretty picture
Becomes the masquerade
Deep inside were tears
Now only cold, lifeless

Many nights of dry heaving
Nothing to eat or drink
Whatever was there nauseating
Inhumane humanity

Longing for freedom
Has almost died
Along with the beating
The last tear she cried

The Streets

An elderly lady stares
Blankly smiling up
From her perched position
On the Cathedral's steps

Extends her palms
Hoping for a handout
Without qualms
I shift, shaken

Money or food
Maybe some warmth
Don't be rude
Give her your scarf

She smiles, she sighs
Her small hand waves
She sells it, she buys
Another three days

Social justice

2009-12-16T11:10:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Did you wake up in your own bed this morning? Enjoying the warmth of your family. Sitting under the christmas lights and dreaming?

There are many who do not have this luxury. They scrounge for food, they hide from police, who have watched them be beat, and done nothing, they live as invisible trying to escape from existence. they are dead people walking.

What of these? Wake up! Get on your knees. Cry out to the living God. He is not ignorant to our pleas. and He will let justice be done.

Repent all you people. Repent from your wickedness.

My opportunities were given to me by my Maker who loves me, those who did not have my opportunities, along with those who have victimized them, are also loved by God. He will bring justice.

Fight for these.

An update

2009-10-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

So what have I been doing this past couple of months?

We had the first ever HIMAD + camp for those pastor’s kids ages 21 and older. It was a very refreshing time of renewal in the Lord and challenges. We did rock climbing, ”Jump of faith” and a couple of other challenges which depended on team work, getting beyond your fears and embracing a courageous attitude.
For this I not only enjoyed the camp and made a personal renewal with the Lord, but also was able to serve the Dahlagers by taking care of their kids during the altar time. We played hide and seek, made up our own dances to the worship, roasted marshmallows, and drank too much hot chocolate.

I have been enjoying teaching English once a week in one of the Latin American Child Care schools, and the took pictures at the kids special “Day of the Child” celebration. It is such a joy to hear the kids begin to speak in class little by little and very rewarding.

Each of us have an important role to play when it comes to bringing others into a closer relationship with Jesus. A smile, a touch, and a word of encouragement are all things that can enlighten the day of those around us and give them the strength to take another step.

Jesus says that “even a cup of cold water given in my name, … will be rewarded.” How important that we give those cups of cold water, give those significant hugs and smiles, and let our lights shine as people see what kind of difference that we make they will want to serve this God.

I went to a compassion forum in the end of August and learned many important areas that I can implement into the work I do with street children. I am excited to look into the next couple of years, when I can work with the vision of the national church to reach 1 million children for Christ in Costa Rica. These children are the ones with a whole life in front of them, imagine what a difference it can make in their lives to have a friend with them to help them through any situation they suffer or go through. Jesus walk with me and kept me from substance abuse or from promiscuity. There are so many temptations that our children confront every day in this generation, and the education that we can give them and the resources that we can partner together to bring them, will prevent them from the paths that lead to death, and lead them on the path that leads to life.

As I have been praying about the focus God wants to give me for this next step in the journey, a word has come to me again and again which is “prevention.” The process of restoration is so important, but what can we do to prevent these children from being abused and running to the streets for protection? What can we do to prevent these kids from STDs and from drugs and alcohol? There is such a great need for education and for values in Costa Rica among the youth. A need for education on behaviors, for preventative measures from the abusers and rescue for the victims. This is a culture that has been overly exposed to sexuality at a young age, and the kids are not protected from billboards of half clothed woman or commercials on TV these days. We cannot protect them from the environment in which they live, but we can give them tools to help them focus and find purity and greater hope.

I need your continued partnership with me. I want to help to enable these children who have been victimized in their settings. I want them to be empowered to escape from the abuser. We can be a part to create a safe haven for these children. One that King’s Castle is trying to create for them here in Costa Rica. There are people here already working to educate these children, and building relationships with them and the parents who are there.

I want to see His name honored and glorified. He is great! One of the many opportunities I have had are to go to different places and preach about missions. I believe that God wants to transform communities and be involved in the every day lives of his people. For that reason, I have enjoyed going and sharing with congregations, women and youth about missions, purity, and various topics. I remember one place that I visited, that I felt like this small church has incredible potential in their community and that it is God’s desire to see that whole town worshipping him. These people can be missionaries in their own towns, they can live by example and spread God’s love abroad. They can make a difference through the way that they live, and God can be glorified for his name.

I have many things to learn, and often my heart is sad for many reasons. I am sad by failed dreams, I am sad by misuse of resources, I am sad by imperfection, and poor use of resources. I feel humbled and amazed at how God uses us in all of our weaknesses, but never consider that my weaknesses are acceptable. I feel an eagerness to be used by God, and yet a failure to always be sensitive. I feel caught by a lack of focus. The devil is sneaky but God is victorious. I am grateful for God’s hand, and I desire to serve him, yet I am always testing my motivation. Oh that we could be less self seeking, less desirous of praise, because when I do something, I want it to be all for his glory, yet I see that many struggle with these things.

When God calls you to do something, that does not mean he makes it perfectly easy to do, nor does he tell you all the answers to the problems. But we must take His hand and trust him. Not be afraid to make mistakes, but be only determined to never quit and never leave His side. Determined to stay on your knees, and take the time necessary for Him regardless of all the demands that people wan to make on your schedule. ALWAYS schedule in time for God and DON”T COMPROMISE this time for anyone else. Also make time for yourself, and have it FULL on your agenda. Be the most time efficient as possible and don’t back down on your purpose, but keep it in focus at all times.

THAT CHRIST MAY BE PREACHED TO ALL GENERATIONS AND THAT HIS PEOPLE WOULD SEE AND HEAR HIM!

ALEF

2009-09-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.

Blessed are those who keep His statutes, and seek him with all their heart.

They do nothing wrong, they walk in all his ways.

You have laid down precepts, that are to be fully obeyed.

Oh that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees.

Then I would not be put to shame, when I consider all your commands.

I will praise you with an upright heart, as I learn your righteous laws.

I will obey all your decrees, do not utterly forsake me.

I am working on memorizing more scripture so that I can be full of the Spirit of the Lord at all times.

Friends, memorize with me if it so delights you... I know that it delights the Lord.

I find that with God as my director, I am strengthened and encouraged. I make all kinds of mistakes, and I am an imperfect worker, but my goal is to follow him with an upright heart just as David wrote in Psalm 119. My desire is to know my Heavenly Father in His fullness, because He loves me. "OH THAT MY WAYS WERE STEADFAST, IN OBEYING ALL HIS DECREES>"

The Word says in Psalms 37:4 to Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

To know him... to serve him... to live for him... to MAKE HIM KNOWN!

Values and Investments

2009-09-14T12:29:00.001-07:00

What are those things that you value most?

I have been thinking about what is most valuable to me, and how those things have had to come under the cross.

Paul says some encouraging things. He says to the Macedonians, that Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

I think sometimes we let life become so complicated. I do anyway.

I was reading some stuff defining limits in your life. Life is full of investments.

We constantly make investments of time, money, people. All of these are very important. I have been re-evaluating my investments and how they show a picture about who I am.

Are the investments I am making an accurate picture of what my core values are? It is too easy to just live according to the needs of everyone around you, and according to the pressures around us, when Christ says we are to walk the straight and narrow way.

He says "Enter the narrow gate," he says that "Wide is the road to destruction and there are many on it..." "But narrow is the road that leads to life, and there are few who find it."

Of course there are basic needs that must be considered in a fair evaluation of one's values.

If you do not value sleep, you will probably not be well rested or as effective. Sleep is an important value.

If you do not value food, You may make all the wrong choices and end up still hungry, unsatisfied and malnourished because you are eating poorly.

Those are two givens: FOOD AND REST.

Then you have other values that are going to be important for you.

I value giving very much. It is a very important thing to me to give of myself and to give quality. I have learned that the more that I can invest in saving... the more I will be able to give. Thus saving is also important for me.

These are principles that I have learned recently to re-evaluate and focus to realize what causes me to behave the way I do, and what areas I have been suffering.

Many of our sufferings and confusion can come from displaced values or lack of them. I believe that focusing on core values is something that will bring clarity to many areas of my life.

I am so happy that God has revealed this to me, and used some great friends to help me. I had heard their story more than once before, yet this time, somehow, a different light went off and I learned something I had not previously caught on to.

I hope reading this, you as well, will begin to think about what are the things most important to you, and evaluate how you have aligned your life in such a way as to match up with those things.

Paying attention to yourself is important.

Biblical Boundaries: PART ONE

2009-09-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Titus 33:11-14

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "NO" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."

My dear friends,

So many times I have fallen into the hands of perhaps well meaning people with a "Yes" or "sure" or "I guess so" when the Bible makes it clear that we are to say NO. I am so grateful for the unfailing love and redemption of Jesus Christ, but I take it very seriously that my sins have been what has nailed him to the cross.

When we take lightly the things that we have done wrong or any correction that we receive, it is as if we are saying,

"Jesus, oops, I nailed you to the cross." and we are taking for granted our salvation, when really the pain and suffering that He went through was something that NO OTHER human being could have suffered. I am so grateful that my FAITHFUL LOYAL AND DETERMINED BEST FRIEND EVER chose to bear my sins and suffering. He bore each of our sins. He bore our burdens. He saw what was yet to come as well as what had passed.

When learning to say NO, it is important that we learn when we can say YES as well. This task is a great joy when done correctly, and frustrating from time to time as well. I have found myself angry and frustrated, but also peaceful and free because of learning this word. When I utilize it, I begin to realize the good I can do with this word.

Sometimes we say NO to things that we could have chosen to say YES, and it is possible that we go overboard on saying no when we are first realizing its power. We must also remember that in Christ Jesus, His promises are always YES and AMEN. (2 Corinthians 1:19) Paul says this in a very serious tone in this scripture, because he is speaking of the ownership that we have in Christ Jesus, who accepts us as we are without finding fault.

We, in and of ourselves, are weak, and it is only by the grace of God that we are able to stand up to the deceitfulness and the temptations that are present in this world. I have failed to say No too many times, and this has caused me great pain and conflict. It has also caused me confusion.

Although I see myself as a fairly conservative person, and I am extremely passionate about serving my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as so many of you know about me, I have had great trials and I have been in slavery.

Slavery, yes, slavery. I was in slavery to everyone's will. I wanted what everyone wanted. If it was their will that I do such and such, ok... and if it was their will that I be at such and such a place ... ok. The more that I wanted to please such a person, the more I was a slave to their desires. I was also held captive by some of my desires like marriage & perfection which I choose to nail to the cross. From time to time I was able to break free from this problem, but although "Whom the Son (Jesus Christ) has set free is free indeed," (John 8:36) I was blinded by my overpowering desire to please. So this part of my life was not under submission to the Spirit of God, but was still sin, working and alive within me.

I have no desire for that. The small little taste of freedom that I had the other day in my empowering ability to tell a friend NO about staying at my house was very liberating. I want to walk in freedom, in Christ. This means I have the freedom to choose activities, times of rest, friendships, and the things I do, which of course for me will be centered around the love of my life (Jesus Christ.) He is really the one I desire to honor, and I am forever grateful to him for the sacrifice he made for me.

This is a very complicated topic and I am sure that you will be hearing more from me about it. The desire for change is there, and I repent of my old ways, but I have to tell you, that this journey has been extremely difficult. I am reading the BOUNDARIES (by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend) book for the 4th time, and you know what? It is a great tool, but of itself it is not sufficient. I mean, I almost have some of this stuff memorized. This time through, I have learned even more, but until I took the steps to repentance and actually recognized my aversion to putting up boundaries for many various reasons, I was not able to feel good about the boundaries that I was putting up.

The roaring lion (the devil 1 Peter 5:8) looks around seeking whom he may devour. He is hungry to steal from us (the body of Christ) our unity, love, inner peace and purity, and he comes to rob, kill and destroy (John 10:10). and he has robbed so many Christians of these things by attacking their first love, which is in Jesus Christ.

I want to pour all my love on Him. He is the first and last and He is and always has been the GREATEST DESIRE of my heart. Since the day of my birth in Christ, there has been no hunger so great as the hunger to see Him face to face and to give my all to Him. So ... NO to guilt NO to depression, and NO to false securities and insecurities, NO to overresponsibility and NO to selfish ambition.

I say YES to forgiveness, YES to the joy of the Lord, YES to confidence in Christ and in my salvation, YES to self responsibility and Spirit-given responsibility and YES to godly righteousness.

I am FREE. "You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

BE BLESSED PEOPLE!

The greatness of the Little

2009-07-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated; you can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps. –Lloyd George

Have you ever had one of those "I can't" attitudes?

"Pues Dios no nos has dado un espiritu de timidez sino de poder, de amor y de dominio propio."

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

2 Timothy 1:7

On Tuesday night of this week, Pastor Maicol, (the youth leader) shared a message titled Lo grandeza de lo pequeño, or the greatness of the little. It was a great reminder of things I have heard before, and of the greatness of God.

Why say "but I can't?"
God always delighted in taking the little and making great things of it.
It doesn't mean I will ever be Big, but great isn't BIG. Sometimes great is little.

If God says that I can, why am I going to believe a lie.
LIE: I can't. TRUTH: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Imagine the awe and wonder of a baby. It starts from something invisible but yet full of power. It starts with passion. You can't measure it and its too little to touch. But its quality creates many things, a baby, dreams, great things.

Maicol talked about the mustard seed. The Bible says that if we come to him with just a mustard seed of faith, we can see mountains be shaken!

I have had the habit of trying to do more. Feeling that what I was doing was not enough, and always pushing to do more. However, the more that was added to the plate, the more I was feeling unsuccessful. Was I really doing things for God? Was my heart or service in the right place?

I am praying,
Lord,
Help me to do the best I can for you. Whether I fail or whether I succeed, I give all my works into your hands. I ask you to keep and purify my heart. May I have the kind of self discipline that you have given me, and may my moments be in your hands.

Forgive me for giving too much time to others and not enough to you. I ask your help in saying no and in trusting. I thank you that everything that I do in service to you in enough.

I thank God because everything I have is His and he has blessed me with good health, great friends, support, the ability to reason and learn, the heart that loves others, and he has given me every opportunity that comes my way. He has used me, even when I have had an "I can't" attitude.

When I have failed in my own eyes, He has still found something successful that He has accomplished in me, and He has still brought glory to his name!

HE is not finished refining me and making me like him, and the process is so beautiful and worth it.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

Hungry for Him... He consumes me.

2009-05-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

Today is the day of salvation.

My heart burns and my spirit cries within me, to see the salvation of our God, the deliverance of His people.

This is a time in which many have confused the truth, and traded it for a lie. Many are choosing convenience instead of justice, and are lazing through life instead of realizing the battle they are fighting.

Since the beginning, when Lucifer turned against God, there has been a great battle throughout the world. This angel of light, would like nothing else than too take you down with him as a revenge against God for casting him out of heaven.

He is not happy that God sent him away, and he does not like humankind. He hates us. But God LOVES us. God created humankind in his own image, with the ability to be creative, think, love and have give life.

We were limited but created to be a design replica of him. He gave us even the ability to choose. Something that most animals don't have. He gave us a will that we could make choices about how we would live our lives.

The thing is that our race, humankind, chose to believe a lie instead of the truth, and it has cost us a paradise world, instead turning this world into a battle grounds. It was through the first of humankind, that the ground was cursed and that animals began to be killed for our use and protection.

We have been here for thousands of years now, but we were created with a purpose. Many have lost that purpose. The purpose we were created with was exactly this...

To be in relationship with the Creator and give him great pleasure. To be set apart and holy as his prize of all creation. Innocent, vulnerable and unashamed, clean with a heart and transparency that is unequaled in all creation. With eyes that reflect the light of our Creator and a love that is incredibly intimate between Him and us.

We were created pure, but our choices forever marred this purity. Forever marred our vision. We could no longer be innocent, for our eyes had been opened to the vastness of the world, the hunger of power, the naked desperateness that we had without Him. We became obligated instead of pure. We became slaves to knowledge, to conscienceness...instead of freely basking in our Father's presence without knowing punishment, evil or vulnerability.

My desire for him consumes me. Yet all around me, I see the turning waters. I see the growing confusion inside and outside the church. People are looking for the truth and are not resting. People are growing more and more complacent. We have some atheists more determined to convince that God doesn't exist, than Christians that He does.

What does the Atheist win by an unexistant God? just a loneliness... an unpurposeful life, ... an excuse to live how they desire while here, ... but nothing afterwards. No purpose, no hope...no leader.

What does a Christian win by perseverance, a dedication to the truth and belief in spite of all odds? He wins everything. A relationship with a loving God ... meaning relationship, not loneliness, a purposeful life driven by love in his/her heart towards a Creator, a leader and a guide, IMMORTALITY, and a reason to live the best possible so that you will have more to give in the eternal.

If a man lives 120 years, and then dies, how many will remember him, and for what fame? But in eternity? 120 years is little in terms of 2000 years but what about infinity? I want this time on earth to be a time of great preparation for my immortality with my Father after I leave this earth. This earth is a temporary time, but afterwards, I will live forever.

Please, if you are reading this and you think I am crazy, please think about what I am saying.
and study. The Word of God will lead you to all truth and holds the secrets of Immortality.

Mankind has looked for immortality through every method possibly in all kinds of fairy tales and fantasies. The only reason these fantasies would be created is by a real dream and desire that mankind has. The reason we have this hunger comes from our true need and true intention in creation. We were never intended to be mortal. But we went our own way.

We must come back home, to be able to be everything that our Creator intended us to be.

Why wait? He already paid the price so that you would come home to him!!! The death and ressurection of His Son on the cross redeemed us from the curse that came. Our forefathers didn't have the opportunities that we have, why do we still reject Him?

Would you spit in the face of someone who just saved your life? Would you haughtily reject someone's outstretched arm to you while burning alive?

Don't reject him any longer. He loves you and it cost him everything. If you reject the Messiah, He will also reject you, because there is no other way to the Father by which you can be saved from death. Look into it. You will find that I tell you the truth.

Peace to you. I hope that you who read this, choose immortality rather than a moments pleasure and an eternity of darkness. I want to live in Christ!

"This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son, as a ransom for many."

Being a missionary

2009-04-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

Is about surrender.

For me it has always been about surrender. Since very young, it was a deep desire within me for the power of God in my life. I wanted to see Him glorified and see many coming to know Him.

This Father intrigued me. I found Him extremely interesting. I found great delight in sharing with others, gum, money, whatever I had to share with them. I liked sharing and giving to others.

The thought of an adventure where I could give even my very life for the gospel. So that others might know Christ. but perhaps there was also a selfishness in my dream.

A desire for personal gain? Honor? Wanting to be loved by others?

These things are ALL disillusions of a little girl who wants to be noticed by the world. My calling was real, and my promises to God were not given to him in vain. Rather it was the deep desire for intimacy within this heart, that pushed me to make crazy challenges with him. I loved that we could do that with each other.

But when does one of us fail to believe in the other? I admit my sinfulness. I have been faithless and given up time and again in my heart or in my mind. Seeing it as impossible and saying, "I can't" but the Word of God tells me that
"Even when we are faithless, He is faithful still! because HE cannot deny himself!"

He will still do it! He will still obtain all the glory! He will still give all the love and attention that my heart of hearts desired from him. In spite of my failures. In spite of my disillusions. And HE probably

winks and laughs...

because He planned it all along. And used my childlike faith mixed with a deep desire for love and attention to gain my confidence...so that I would never be afraid to go.

TO GO....

thats what I have done. Gone into another country specifically so that I might share the love of Jesus Christ. and although there are days, there are weeks, and there are hours, where I feel like I have failed...

God NEVER fails! and it is not about us anyway. And He is bringing about the good work that He has begun. He also delights to prune and shape us so that we will be even more fruitful.

As I prepare my heart for a very special message this weekend, I desperately cry to God for his help. Because I know that God can heal women of their pain, and that God can challenge them to remain faithful even when the going gets hard. and He can also heal them of their illnesses of all kinds.

I trust him and love him more than anything else. And I will love Him until I die. For me being a missionary, was a very selfish thing. It was all about me displaying before God my hunger and love for him.

But he has taken and shown me my poor efforts. He has shown me that being a missionary is just another title, but that as a minister of the gospel, one thing is important.

Bringing others into right relationship with Jesus Christ. Whose faithful love for them will conquer the enemy.

And God delights in showing up the enemy and causing all opposition to Him to be destroyed.

I completely LOVE being a missionary. Because I am discovering here how immature that I am, and how much I still have to count the cost every day, and how much that I need to trust him. It is a very difficult situation.

Because He is TOO kind and gracious and ETERNALLY loving to allow me to remain in sin. Rather He
Disciplines those that He loves.

Yes, I fail.

but He never EVER will!!!!

Thank you Lord for loving me and calling me your daughter!!!! I am eternally grateful and once again I commit my life to you just like I did back then as a little girl!!! I never want to grow tired or skeptical of what you have called me to do! I always want to be an instrument of reconciliation and peace and love to a lonely, empty and overly self - important world!

I love you all, and I hope that you were able to get something out of my little reflection! I hope that you will let me know if you have any questions about what it means to have a reconciled relationship with the Father of all righteousness, and the Son of God!

The dreams are taken to fire

2009-03-16T13:27:00.001-07:00

There is a burning within my heart for this incredible vision. This dream I see but I don't talk about.

I have so many dreams, and I definitely talk about them, maybe too much, but I cherish closely the deepest desires of my hearts.

God, will you take me through the refining fire? Will you try me and see what things will stand the test?

You have said you are sending your fire to burn away sin and to purify your people. Father, purify my heart and make me like you. Make my dreams yours. I want nothing else!

1 John 2:15-17
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has adn does--comes not from the Father, but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."

A poem

2009-02-17T06:54:00.000-08:00

written Feb 11.

Lastimada niña

Venga para escuchar

En sus brazos

Sanidad

Ponga sus hechas

Lo bueno y malo

Donde condenacion

No hay

El nombre precioso

Sobre todos

Toma sus manos

Libertad

Jesus la conoce

Niña, es verdad

Antes de que naciera

La vio

This is a poem I wrote about a girl who has been hurt. I wrote to her that Jesus loves her and knew her before she was born. I will translate it, but I don't think its poetry will be quite the same.

Injured girl
Come to hear
In His arms
Healing

Put your deeds
The good and the bad
Where condemnation
Is not there

That precious name
Over all names
Take his hands
Freedom

Jesus knows you
Little girl its true
Before you were born
He saw you

Tears

2009-02-09T11:04:00.000-08:00

Tears mean a lot of different things.

To me, they can be a sign of joy and relief. as well as the expression of love.

Pain, longing, compassion, bitterness, loneliness, feelings of being overwhelmed...relief, healing, vulnerability, misunderstanding, (or being understood profoundly) physical, emotional or spiritual pain, travail, fear, again Longing. . .

Tears of Joy when good news is told, tears can also be very cleansing.

When I was a kid, I clung to the verse of the Bible that said that God holds all our tears in a bottle. I selfishly longed for all of his love. I clung to this promise and cried all my tears out to him... knowing that He cherished me was enough.

Knowing that my pain was not stupid, but that He saw and He was capable of comforting me. And He did.

Jesus says that in this world we will face trouble...but take heart!
I have overcome the world!!!

We will only be here on earth for a time. We will spend eternity with the Father when we live for him.

The heavens and the earth will pass away, but the Word of God remains forever!!!!

That makes me SO CONTENT!!! He is ALWAYS with us! He has promised to be our guide forever as we remain in His LOVE.

He sees your tears... and He understands, when no one else does.

Your friend.

Take from me this heart of stone

2009-01-31T07:56:00.000-08:00

El pueblo que andaba en la oscuridad, ha visto una gran luz; sobre los que vivian en densas tinieblas la luz ha respandecido.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

Isa. 9:2

The Cynic

The cynic within you
Tells you these things are fake
Tells you it is vain glory
The cynic tears down

Beliefs and Faith
Hope in something great
Victory, healing, deliverance
The cynic stares

Human mistakes, man's pride
Faith wavers
It has seen the false
Hope cries out

Cries out for truth
Cries out for the glory of God
Longs in spite of the
Cynical voices

Lord Jesus,
Thank you for lifting my burdens. You have said to me in your word, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Lord I chose to believe in your power in spite of man's errors. Man is under your grace and you have favored us by the move of your hand. Please keep your servants Father. The servants who sometimes fail you. Who sometimes gain pride. Keep your servants Father, and glorify your Name.
Help the cynic. Help them to hear what you told me. It is not our job to judge, rather to love. That the body of Christ might be built and may be edified to the glory of the Father.

Thank you Heavenly Father for writing your law on our hearts and minds as prophesied by the prophet Jeremiah.

I see things sometimes, my friends, things that may not be true or may. Things that cause my cynical side to start to shout, but you know what? God is good. And He will cause all glory to come to his name. Men, great men, greatly used by the Lord, WILL FAIL him. We are not above them to be able to judge them. Rather, we shall be known by our love says the Word of God. IN 1 peter it says "They shall know we are Christians by our love"

Well, This is my prayer.

Lord,
Take from me this heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26
"I will give you a new heart and put a new Spirit within you; I will remove from them their heart of stone, and give them a heart of flesh."

Thank you Father,
For loving us in spite of our failures. Please take the cynic my dear Lord. Please help me to be wise as a serpent, yet innocent as a dove. May I take humility as my cloak. May we your church be humble in all our ways, and faithful to teach the truth.

Be glorified.

Have you ever had one of those nights?

2009-01-29T17:18:00.001-08:00

I had a night last night where I was literally acting things out in my sleep. I woke up to punching a pillow and clenched fists. I had to literally tell my self to relax and put my hands to my side. I couldn't feel them.

Who knows how long I had been in that position? It was like a fight.

The Word of God says that we are in a battle against our flesh. It is a constant battle, but we know that we have the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. We have nothing to fear when we are in His presence.

The most important decision I ever made was to choose Him over my life. There have come many different teachings which lead away from the truth, but the Word of God says,

"I am the way the truth, and the life, no man can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." John 15:9

Good morning!

2009-01-28T06:45:00.000-08:00

My dear friends.

It has been so long since I have written, and I have a lot of news for you. May God be my strength and help to get my newsletter out to you and get on the roll.

Today, is Wednesday, and we are nearing the end of January. This month has been full of many exciting things, amidst camp for the PKs, seeing them renew their lives and feeling an exciting direction from God myself. It encourages me to pray more for the pastor's kids when I begin to see and understand what they suffer. Many do not understand these things.

We had a national emergency on January 8th, the first day of our pastor's kids camp, as a 6.5 earthquake shook our grounds, but the Lord faithfully protected us at the campgrounds in Sarapiqui, although we were quite close to the source of the earthquake. I have never felt something so powerful or incredible in my life, and I was reminded of the power of God.

Incredible damage was done and relief groups are still being sent to help re-build homes for the 2000 people who were misplaced. The work is going well, and God is providing.

This month has been so full of things, so that time seemed to go slow in a wierd way. Yet, one finds it difficult to get everything done. One of my favorite children, from the children's home that I visit in Cartago, is getting a home with her 3 other siblings and I am so glad for her!!! They will be going to stay with her uncle. I see the difficult things these children have struggled with and please remember to pray for Nicole, (11 going on 15), Alison (3), Marcos 8, and Michael (?). They are precious kids, but this transition will not be easy for them. It is so much better that they are in a loving home where they have two parents. Pray for wisdom for their adoptive parents who are actually their uncles, and pray that they would be well cared for. They have been children who were living on the streets and suffering the hardship of life on the street before PANI (child protection here in Costa Rica) took them to this children's home.
I am going to miss them, but I am so happy for them.

We are full fledged into the project of Jon's book. I am working on surveys for him. The Dahlager kids are getting big and they are so precious.

This month I have begun working on developing the plans I have for future ministry. I am constantly seeking God for his direction and guidance, and I have been working with a friend in the area of evangelism. Right now, we are asking everyone to pray for these two guys we have recently gotten acquainted with who are interested in the word of God but feel bound by sin. Pray for freedom, and that they will feel the love of Jesus. My friend and I are seeking the Lord for a greater compassion and that God would give us grace as we minister.

I have a meeting this Friday with one of the English teachers from the PIEDAD schools here, and we will be discussing the English program. I hope that I can continue to be of service to them.

God has strengthened my faith over this past month, as I have struggled with some basic issues of our theology. It is interesting how things that you have always believed so firmly can be challenged, and in one moment you can have a shift in your whole view on things, but then God just took those moments and used them to strengthen my faith and cause me to come back stronger. I have been diving deeper into his Word these days and enjoying knowing Him more.

There are too many things I could tell you, my readers about. Too many dreams, hopes, and risks that I am beginning to take to even tell you all about them.

May my life be all about him and all about making his name known to the ends of the earth!!! Jesus is my rock. My dreams could die, my hopes could vanish away,

but my Jesus is the best friend I have, for He has given me the only thing that really matters: and that is a restored relationship with the Heavenly Father. It is for the matchless love of a Father and His Son that have given me reason to shout, reason to be a missionary.

This is all I want. That the world may know him. However possible!!!

"and to all who received Him, to those who believed on his name, to them he gave the power to become children of God. These were not born by blood, nor by human desire or will, rather they were born of God." John 1:12-13

Home for the Holidays

2008-12-23T19:18:00.000-08:00

Right before leaving Costa Rica. . . I had an amazing time of prayer and fellowship with some special friends, and I praise God who has known all that I needed. It was very important and special to me.

I long for more time in his presence and have been finding myself diving into His Word hungry for more of His understanding and him in my life.

Being home for the holidays is great because I have stayed up late and slept until 10 every day since I've gotten here. It could potentially be a very stressful holiday with an aunt in the hospital, and a very complicated start to Christmas. We have floated from Christmas eve to the 26th to who knows? for when we will celebrate with the extended family. Thanks to God, I have learned how to be flexible and am also familiar with how things work.

We have figured out as of today, the 23rd, that we will have the extended family Christmas TOMORROW and at MY HOUSE. so . . .

as you can imagine, I have been busy cleaning and getting things ready. My parents are gone to finish their last minute purchases, which is kinda nice 'cause it gives me a chance to just pray and clean and not be distracted.

It was great to see church people on Sunday and catch up a bit with a couple of good friends, and I also got to make "arroz con pollo" for my family. They loved it! They liked it so much that I have offered to make it for our extended family Christmas party tomorrow, and my sisters get in tomorrow as well which I am very excited about!

My best friend Naomi came over and chilled with me on Sunday and we are planning to get together with a bunch of our girlfriends before I leave on January 3rd to come back home to Costa Rica.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and may God's presence surround you and protect you.

Te quiero mucho. Que el Senor les proteja y cuide con todo lo que hagan en este tiempo. Disfruten tiempo con su familias y nos vemos!

Love
me

Opportunity

2008-12-15T17:37:00.000-08:00

Today I had the opportunity to share my faith with the sister of my landlord. She is standing in his place while he is in Argentina, and we went together to the bank. Afterwards, she treated me to coffee and we talked quite a while.

She was very sweet and motherly. She reminded me not to go out on my own and she also went to the grocery store with me, and kindly assisted me in everything. How difficult however for her to hear the gospel. I am hoping for the opportunity to get to know her better, and I pray that God opens her eyes about works. You see, when someone thinks their salvation depends on how hard they try to live correctly, they are sadly mistaken. We cannot live perfect, which is the requirement of God. Although it is wonderful to do our best and strive to make a difference in our world, without Jesus' sacrifice we would still be condemned.

How beautiful however the promise that Jesus brought. For he has promised that there is NO CONDEMNATION for those who BELIEVE IN CHRiST. The reason is because He took the penalty of all the sins of the world upon his shoulders! What great love!

This lady talked about being religious, and just being who you are. She seemed very taken with the idea that is very common these days. This is the idea that if you are religious that is wonderful and if you are not religious that is fine too. She would call me "religious." However, I am not sure that it is an advantage to be considered religious, because misguided religion leads you more into slavery, rather than the freedom that God intended for His children.

I am grateful for the possibilities God has brought to me through his mighty power. How beautiful that we can chose to serve him.

What a beautiful and dear lady. May God by His power and great love reach her heart.

Love you all!

Joanna Joy Finkenbinder :)

December in Costa Rica

2008-12-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

A Costa Rican Christmas

Warm and windy

Streets buzzing with traffic

Coffee, milk and tea

Gallo pinto and Tamales

Long sleeves ward off

Chilly winds, and sunshine

Keeps away colds

Bright colors everywhere

Parties (too many)

New Years plans

Friends and family

Spreading love and cheer

The penniless lady

Her beautiful smile

Receives an inheritance

More rich than mine

A gem and a crown

Will be placed on her brow

She spreads wealth with me

As we eat together

Christmas cheer

Is not dead nor gone

In Costa Rica

We sing Christ's song

My time in December this year is only the first 19 days and I have been busy helping with camp registrations, phone calls and christmas newsletters, as well as different parties that signify very much networking.

About that penniless lady. Her name is Zoila and I love her so much. I have enjoyed getting to know her as I pass by San Pedro and stop and talk with her. She sits there on the side of the sidewalk asking for money. Pray for her. She needs a miracle. I want her to be especially blessed this Christmas. She has especially blessed me.

Well, better get back to that calling now actually. One job down. . . one more to go.

Take care everyone. I'll be sure to get back to you in a few. I have more to share!

Re: Honor the Family Name

2008-12-01T13:01:00.000-08:00

Hey all.

I can't believe how fast this year has been flying. It is already December 1st! I have been here for almost 1 yr now and I can hardly believe all that I have learned.

Being a missionary is a constant learning process. Right now I am thinking about finishing 12 credits that I need to make my teaching English official. 12 credits later I can have my certificate. I see a great need with these precious children in this area. This week I believe we are having a Christmas party for them. I am very excited! The plan is to have the whole class in English, which will be a great challenge for these students. We will teach them how to make candy cane reindeer but they must follow our instructions in English. and we have a movie planned.

It is a great challenge to teach these kids the basics of English because many of the previous programs just had them memorize words, but if they tried to put it in context or heard it in a different context, they would not recognize it.

We just finished a the Central America Field Fellowship meeting in El Salvador this past week. It was incredible to be with other missionaries and hear their stories from all over Central America. I was encouraged to learn more about King's Castle ministries in El Salvador, different MAPS building ministries in both Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador, many great missionaries and kids... and to pull an "allnighter" hahaha with the youth. Well we tried but the parents didn't let us hang out later than 2 am. so ... oh well... I prefered that anyway. shh.... don't tell them that.

We also had a water baptism and 10 missionary kids and youth got baptized, praise God!

It has been so encouraging to hear the Lord speak to me. Many times, I have felt that I should be doing more, and discouraged because I think I am not reaching my full potential. But then I am amazed as God shows me that I am doing what He wants me to do right now, and that I am exactly where I am needed.

I will do all with a cheerful heart. I am so blessed to be able to serve under Jon and Jen Dahlager. I watch them in all they do, and I have learned so much from them. They are humble, faithful, hard workers, and great examples of purity and love. I love seeing their interaction with the youth and pastor's kids. It has brought great connections getting to known the pastor's kids through them as well, as many of their PKs are 15 to 25 yrs old.

I met some incredible people at MFCA. These are people that I hope to work with for many years to come, who I felt were like family. They are very special.

I also have found great truth in the verse that "a good name is more to be desired than great riches..." My name Finkenbinder, has opened doors and caused recognition that I do not deserve, but receive because of the honor bestowed on my great uncle Paul. He has paved a road for me that I want to honor. I hope to do that name pride.

This thought causes me to think of our God. We all are adopted into his family, and receive honor, not because we are worthy of it, but simply because we bear his name. What a privilege, but also what an important task!

I want to live to make his name be lifted high, and I do not want to bring him any dishonor.
I want to be a daughter that causes others to be reminded of how great our God is. Don't you?

Well. I love you all :) Peace out!

Blessings!

We are Finite, Human and God is Incomprehensible

2008-10-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

As I am sitting here doing my devotions today and thinking about what I need to accomplish in the office, I suddenly felt quite embarrassed at the comforts which I enjoy.

Praise God for good friends, and last night I had a great time with another single missionary friend, Bethany. She was a great blessing, and I need to hang out with her more. We played a game and enjoyed making Christmas cookies.

So this morning, I was enjoying a Christmas cookie with my cup of coffee, as I played worship music, "Vengo A Adorarte" "Here I am to Worship" and read the Word of God in Isaiah.

The song begins to say, I'll never know how much it cost, to see my sins upon that cross... and they flashed pictures of the crucifixion as pictured by The Passion of Christ. Such emotion raised within me, that I did not want to look. I felt ...embarrassed... that I was sitting here eating a cookie and drinking coffee. I could hardly do that and think about what Jesus had done for me.

It hit me. How often do we turn away our faces from those beaten down on the streets? How often does the tragedy hit us, and we stuff it away, not wanting to deal with the ugliness of it? If we acted in compassion, perhaps we would do something, ANYTHING.

The Bible says in Isaiah, "The scoundrel's methods are wicked, he makes up evil schemes, to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just

But the noble man makes noble plans, and by his noble deeds he stands."

Isaiah 32:7-8

Are we the noble man? Acting out in love and with nobility, by which our deeds will stand the consuming fire of judgment when Christ shall come in His glory? Or are we REJECTING the face of our brothers and sisters, who are of our own flesh and blood, because we do not want to be contaminated by their "dirtiness" and because it is too "dangerous" to help them? God help us!!!

We are truly a lost people who cannot even reach out our cursed human hands to touch those who have been abandoned... although we as Christians have been found.

My fellow Christians, I call upon you to remember from where we came. Remember that we are no different than those abandoned to their conditions but for the BLOOD OF CHRIST. Who RESCUED us from the grave and FOUND us when we were dirty. Had he considered us unloveable, we would still not be here?

My Father, Please help me, and all my friends to have wisdom in this day and every day. Please help me to reach out my hands to the one in the streets and greet him, giving honor to one who others ignore. Help me to touch those who are untouchable in my day and demonstrate the love of God that has transformed my life. Father, I pray for those abandoned onto the streets, who are held captive to the slavery of drugs, homelessness, abandonment, prostitution, alcoholism. Father, please, teach your servants how to make an impact to these for I know that your Word shows that they are worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven, and that they without home or love, have been loved by you and are worthy to receive adoption into your Home forever because you paid their entrance with your very blood. You have made a blood pact with humankind and have won us back if we will join in this covenant with you.

JESUS WE NEED YOU. Who can understand?

I love you! have a great day.

Growing pains: Be a Christian not a manstian

2008-10-28T08:17:00.001-07:00

There is something amazingly beautiful about the way that a new born baby grows. So quickly within a mother when it is conceived it begins to form different parts. It is important for that little babe's development that it gets the right kind of nourishment to thrive. The conscientious mother takes great pride and care in her little child with the nutrients that her baby needs to grow properly. When that baby is born it sleeps and sleeps and eats.

As the child grows, it needs plenty of sleep and proper nutrition to function well. The body is still changing and developing.

I have been a Christian more than 18 years, but sometimes I feel like that child. I still need the proper rest and nourishment as I grow.

This past week, I think my body needed a break with everything I was learning. I slept ALOT.

The things I was struggling with are not over, but I praise God because I know that I am growing. Hallelujah!!! It is good to be in His fellowship.

When a preteen is growing, many times there is pain involved as the limbs grow and different parts of the body develop. I feel like that pre-teen just developing and in the process I feel sore. There is no way that preteen wants to stay the same size and stop growing. They just don't like the pain. I have been thinking about how it is the same with our faith.

God is greater than our pain and our feelings. Without some of the experiences that I have passed, I would not have grown stronger, but through them, I have learned to be strong. I wouldn't trade it. I want to grow. I want my ears to be trained to hear his voice.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

"Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Philippians 3:20-21

There are so many good things here in the Word of God that lighten our path and teach us how we should go. As we permit God to work in our midst, He is making us more like Jesus, and I am grateful for that process because I know it will bring glory to His name!

Jesus Christ, receive the glory and honor for how I live my life! He is the one that I follow, not a man.

I am a Christian, not a manstian. lol.

Christian = Christ follower

Love you guys!

Stark contrasts

2008-10-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

This morning, I had a wonderful time with the kids at church. We laughed, talked about David and Goliath and sang together. At the end, we had icecream and the team stayed and cleaned up.

On this particular Sunday morning, all of the classes were combined. We do that once a month to give the children a fun diversion from the normal classes the other three or four Sundays. We use art, music and activities to teach the children biblical standards. Today was about facing your fears and not being afraid when God is on your side...hence, David and Goliath.

One of my students came and asked me if I could come to her house after service, because she was having a garage sale, and I decided to go so that I could meet her parents. She and her sister come to the church, but her parents do not come. I had met her father, but I had not met her mother... and she also proudly introduced me to her kitten. :)

However, I was struck instantly when we passed by a teenager sleeping in the streets. I often see men sleeping on the sides of the roads, with very skinny legs and tattered clothes. Some younger than others, but today I felt horrified. This boy could not be over 15 yrs old, and although I had read about street children, seeing one for the first time was overwhelming. He was sound asleep and I felt the sudden urge to go over to him, wake him up and offer him something to drink. I wanted to comfort him, I felt as though he did not belong there. But then... neither do the others. How long have they been suffering on the streets without shelter.

Emerson, who I have talked about before, only was 24 yrs old, or possibly younger, and how long had he suffered the cold nights and harsh rainy seasons without shelter? I cannot bare to think about those who have been abandoned, stuck in drugs, and living without a hope. Why, anyone could come by and injure this child. Anyone could introduce him to all kinds of horrible things.
Jesus loves him and died for him. This little 15 yr old should not have to live life this way. Whatever compeled him onto the streets is destroying his young life that God intended for good.

As we walked to Irina's house, I was struck with thoughts of what I have taken for granted in life. Entering the alley into her house, a young 8 yr old came and tickled my sides...kinda scaring me. then I turned to see a sweetie from the church. I gave her a big hug and found out she lived in this same neighborhood. They are very special children. The patio of my student's house was small and dingy. They were selling dolls, barbies, rollerskates, and different things (mostly dirty). The smell of the dirt and sweat hung stalely in the air. I was very happy to meet her mother...again, I felt a twist in my stomache.

I thought about how my little student caused so much disruption in class, but all of sudden, I didn't care so much anymore about the previous frustration I felt. As she so quickly opened up her innocent little heart to me, I decided that I will pour my love out on her. If she is looking for attention inside of class, I will give her attention outside of class. It was obvious that her needs for attention are very tough to obtain within her families limited resources. I will be attending one of her basketball games with her family as she plays on a team. I am proud of her and see a lot of potential in her.

So many kids in different positions. How beautiful that my student had food, a roof over her head, a family trying to make ends meet even if that means a meager looking garage sale..and selling things of value, like a playstation, that was a sacrifice to get rid of. But they are working as a family to make things work. I long for the sucess of this family. My student's parents love her and are doing what is necessary to keep her and her sister in a home and off of the dangerous streets.

What about the others? Is it possible that their families did not have the means to protect them from the street's peligro (danger)? What about this child? What about the MANY like Emerson who have 11 bros & sisses and hardly have a place to lay their head at night?
How do they survive such a lifestyle?

"When Jesus looked upon the crowds, He was moved with compassion..."

What about you? Does this picture move your heart? Or are we too caught up in our own needs to see those of others?

A thought for my dear readers from an intensely passionate heart

with love

2008-10-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

These last couple months of the year are looking like a busy (and cold) time of the year here in Costa Rica.

As we work to get everything ready for the Pastor´s Kids camp coming up in two short months, I am at work making phone calls with a goal of 80 calls per day. Well, that is my goal, up to date I have not quite reached that goal, but I want to get to everyone as soon as possible so that every young person receives equal chance and opportunity to get their money and camp registration form in the office on time.

Besides that, Jhonatan Salas and his team are working on camp activities and design. It is incredible everything it takes to make this camp go off a success. It is fun!

Yesterday, October 15, I visited at four different Piedad schools which are located in poor neighborhoods around Costa Rica with the goal of giving Christian education to their students. My purpose was to visit the English classes and access their needs. It was an incredible experience, and I look forward to visiting at Linda Vista this next Wednesday. To be a teacher in this kind of school takes love and patience. They are not paid superior, but they work because of their love for the kids, however, many times these schools lose their English teachers to better paying jobs. Please pray for Latin American ChildCare when it enters your mind. Pray that God will continue to do His work in these kids lives and that we will be able to continue being a part of their education, which is SO important.

As it rains and rains and RAINS some more, I give thanks to my heavenly Father, because this rain has made Costa Rica a beautiful land full of many plants and rich soil. It has been a great blessing to Costa Rica to be able to export fruits and vegetables and coffee. Without the plentiful rain, we would not have those blessings here. However this is also the season of head colds, allergies, mold, and ¨I wanna stay in bed¨syndrome. So please pray with me for the health of our missionaries and pastors, as well as an extra strength, super natural motivation.

Next Friday, I will be speaking at a church in Torre Molinos about relationships and purity to the women´s ministry in the church. I am very excited!

On a more personal note:
I have been developing relationships here in Costa Rica relatively easy, but sometimes I find areas that make me uncomfortable, primarily because of cultural concepts and differences. God has been good to me and helped me!
I have also come to face some of my weaknesses and had to humbly ask the Lord´s forgiveness and correction another time. God has been strengthening me and directing me, but I continue to seek his direction as I look at what he has for me in the ministry in the future.

THANK YOU for reading and for thinking of me!!!

You are loved: each one of you!!!

My Amazing Maker

2008-10-02T08:53:00.001-07:00

“Mas yo esperaré siempre, y te alabaré mas y mas. Mi boca publicará tu justicia y tus hechos de salvación todo el día, aunque no se su número. Vendré a los hechos poderosos de Jehová el Señor; haré memoria de tu justicia, de la tuya sola.” Salmos 71: 14-16

“But I will always hope, and I will praise to you more and more. My mouth will publish your justice and your acts of salvation all day long, although I do not know the exact number. I will proclaim the powerful works of the Lord Jehovah; I will make memory of your justice, yours alone.” Psalms 71: 14-16

I want to share with you all the incredible things the Lord has shown me this past week. On Friday morning, September 26th, I left with a team of six people for the province of Guanacaste. We went to the capital Liberia, in a neighborhood called Nazaret. We were about 2 hours away from the Nicaragua border.

The missionaries I went with, Paul and Karla Weis, are the current Area Directors in Costa Rica, and will be moving to work stateside in December. They have had a strong outreach throughout Costa Rica workintg with the drama, Heaven's Gates, Hell's Flames.

The impact of this drama brings all who view it to take a good look at life and death, along with their options for a heart at peace and eternity secure. It is very good.

I would like to testify to the greatness of my Lord. We saw many of the people in this town delivered from illness, suffering, unforgiveness and many other things.

There was an epileptic boy named Tony who I believe God has healed and more importantly I saw the change on his face as he asked Jesus to reign in his life and become his guide. His whole face lit up and his smile now began to reach his eyes in place of the stare that before watched me.
The ministers that were on our team watched as a teenager named Gabriel decided to embrace Christ in place of the wounds from his past and home, and there was an amazing transformation in his face as well. He also took immediate steps of leadership, demonstrating love and joy which only comes from the power of the Spirit of God.

I was amazed. In the course of three nights, 4 presentations, and much hard work, 185 young people and adults gave their hearts and lives to Jesus for the first time as well as over 25 recommitments. There were also many testimonies of people who went home and there gave their hearts to Christ as well as many children. The number I do not know for sure of these.

God is amazing. I was also personally encouraged.

The amount of things I could tell you is endless. I returned yesterday, Wednesday, October 1st, with sunburn (we visited three beaches on Tuesday before our final presentation . . . I brought home TONS of pretty sea shells...so exciting!) . . . and my heart FULL. God has been so good to me.

There are about 10 little kids that I now have in my prayers, several teenagers, and a few priceless mothers.

I hope to return to Liberia, Guanacaste in this next year and spend time reaching out to these beautiful people.

Please remember them in prayer with me as so many of them battle in a neighborhood full of witchcraft, drugs, and poverty. Even though there is a beautiful tourist area about an hour away, the people in this neighborhood are struggling against things much greater. The love in their hearts was obvious as we left.

A little ring that a precious child gave me with glowing eyes begging me to return, the shy beautiful teenager who gave me chocolate and smiled with gratitude and the mother all of them embracing us. They even did a break dance presentation before we left wanting to show us appreciation, and as we applauded for them, they applauded for us and said, no... the applause is for you.

These memories are cherished, but the one we really honor is not ourselves, for the one who did all these things, is our Heavenly Father.

Who loved us so much that he made all of this Joy and Love possible. It is incredible!!!

Te quiero mucho! y que Dios los bendiga mas cada dia!
I love you lots! and may God bless you more every day!

OH.... Becky!!! Congratulations on your engagement! i am so happy for you!!!!!!

Your sister, daughter, friend.

The work continues

2008-09-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

As I imagine what these next months will be like, I am excited and full of intense thoughts.

I am grateful for all of you. Your support makes these days possible. I will be training English teachers every Tuesday and hopefully getting to know some of their students as well.

It is exciting to be available to serve and to be doing the Lord's work, but it is in these things that I recognize my need for him.

The children here break my heart, their honesty is so touching and their laughter is contagious. I am anxiously waiting for my camara charger which I accidently left in the United States so that I can take pictures of these beautiful little ones.

I was taken right away by them in the Cartago where we celebrated the national day of children with these who are taken away from their parents.

Since I got back 14 days ago, I have been helping out with meetings, translating materials, visiting children, given new ideas for children's church, building new relationships, and dreaming about how God might choose to open doors.

As many of you have been praying for my friend, Emerson, please continue to pray not only for him, but for the many in Curridabat just like him who are struggling against addictions to drugs. Our God is a healing and miracle working God.

How incredible if parents didn't have to lose their children because of drugs and alcohol and their apparent neglect becuase of problems in their lives. God is able to deliver them from all these things.

Pray with me for these children.

The HIMAD (children of ministers assemblies of God) is doing well. We had a great meeting last Friday in which we spoke of the unique challenges that they face.

Remember our ministry in prayer please, as also I think of each of you.

Your financial and emotional support has been sustaining me through it all.

I love you so much!

Joanna Joy Finkenbinder

My trip home

2008-08-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

These two weeks are chock full of time catching up with friends, preaching, going to weddings, and finding out that one of my best friends is pregnant!

I realized that it had been quite a while since I have written on here, so I thought I better update you.

This past month has been so busy. In the very beginning of August, a young new believer came to the Lord, and I have been crying desperately to the Lord on his behalf. I am also rejoicing to the Lord for bringing in another to his fold. His name is Emerson, and I am believing God for complete deliverance from alcohol and drugs with this young man.

I also graduated from language school on the 14th of this month and will be working directly with the Dahlagers from this point on, daily being responsible to practice the Spanish I have learned. My work will involve planning training sessions and speakers for children's pastors, prayer support and ministry with children, youth and young adults, as well as different projects here and there.

I am so excited to be working for the Lord and it has been such a privilege to see people's lives changed by the power of Jesus Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

My busy schedule since I arrived home has included one wedding and one presentation at Life church as well as a trip to Missouri to visit my younger sister. This week I have one more wedding and a message to give this coming Sunday at my home church.

It has been way to easy to fill the spaces during this week chock full of meetings with friends, and I have to remind myself to REST!

At the same time, I praise God for how He has led me, and used me. I am so thankful that he chose me as I recognize that anyone else could have been used as well in my shoes.

This morning in the worship service God touched me in a very special way. I was reminded of those first moments when his saving power cleansed me and made me into a new creation when I was six years old. I was never reminded so strongly as I was this morning of God's love and his compassionate favor towards me. How that when I was only six years old, I asked him to be the King of my life, and he came and transformed my stubborn willfulness and all the things I had done to displease him and my parents. I remembered in that brief moment how I had changed, and how my desires turned from being focused only on myself, to suddenly consider those around me. It was a VERY real transformation that began that day.

His transformation lasts forever, and I am not that old person anymore that was born into this world. What a beautiful thing to be reminded of his salvation, and to be reminded of how He has created me.

Truly anyone who calls upon His name, (the name of Jesus Christ) will find freedom from condemnation, and will find themselves captured by the loving gaze of a God who also suffered as a human being with them in mind.

He loves you my friend. And He will do nothing less for you than he has done for me. How great is my best friend and how I love him.

Your friend and partner in prayer,
Joanna Joy Finkenbinder

Three adventures... Take a weekend off!

2008-07-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went to the Jaco beach which is 2 - 3 hours away from my home in Zapote, and I spent the weekend with a Tica family who have become great friends of mine. Although this meant that I did not attend any of the church activities for the weekend, I had an incredible time and I believe it was definitely of God.

Thus I give you three short stories that I had this weekend not including the great refreshment that I have returned with.

1. At the bus stop where I waited to catch my bus to the beach, I met two girls from Israel who spoke very little Spanish, but a bit more of English. They were excited to see a more white than usual face and quickly approached me asking if I spoke English. I was so inspired by knowing them, and I believe that it was an inspiration for us both. One of the two girls was a devout Jew and the other was not religious. They were here for two months and go home in one or two more weeks. What a joy and pleasure to be able to share with them!

2. Sunday, when we were returning home in my friend´s car, we stopped at another beach on the way back, because Katherine wanted me to be able to see more of Costa Rica´s beaches. It was gorgeous! The waves were spiraling and crashing, and I thought of the beauty and majesty of God and how powerful He is... I thought of how He must have created water with such passion and as a demonstration of his powerful side. Something to be respected and feared, and yet something so beautiful and appealing, that you love it and are refreshed by it.
Anyway... It was on this beach, that my friend´s cousin and I began to look for seashells called ¨conchas¨in Spanish. We only stayed for about 45 minutes here before we continued on our journey back to San Jose, but God gave me a special reminder of how much he loved me as we were searching carefully for the ¨conchas.¨ Just as we were finishing to look for shells and returning, I found one last shell in two halfs. it was little, but it was so precious. It was purple!
The color of royalty... and so rare! it signified to me how valuable I am in God´s eyes and I was filled with love and joy :)

3. The third most profound and stretching part of my time with Katherine and her family was our time we spent walking the beach together in the morning on Sunday before any of the family was up. Katherine and I had decided the night before that we were going to arise at 6 am and go and walk along the beachside to have fewer distractions (i.e.... her cousins...) who although are precious, keep us busy making sure they don´t go out into the waves and get swept away to sea. Katherine and I began to talk about some aspects of culture which are very different for us both, and we began to learn and grow and sharpen each other with our differences. I felt humbled by our conversation, as I also felt enriched. We view things differently on some counts, not only for our religious values, but also by our cultural values. It was incredibly beautiful to hear God speak through another individual and stretch our brains to hear what the other was saying and understand why one thinks they way they do.
Praise God for friendship like that! My prayers grow more intimate and more full of emotion after a conversation like the one we had.

.... I was reminded by our conversation to stick to the Bible at all times and let cultural values and religious values that are extra Biblical remain as personal preference.
It is not always good to say all you think or all you know, but rather to be a great listener and reiterate the truth of the Word of God. As man, we have ideas and perceptions that may be false and are usually greatly influenced by our culture and our upbringing, but the Word of God will stand forever.

When God dreams...

2008-07-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

Praise God for His faithfulness. He likes to give dreams, but often we don´t understand the way those dreams are coming to us, and every day he fine tunes us.

I have found that it is in humility that I must remain, for in humility God is able to bring me all kinds of understanding that I would have passed right over had it been in pride.

For this, I recognize that I am nothing without him, and He has given me some incredible dreams that I am so excited to be living. We need to be full of the Holy Spirit at all times, my friends, so that we can be ready to share the good news in every situation and with all wisdom.

Before we can share the good news with someone, we must know that they will see how this news affects them and how it is so good. The best news that ever existed. For if we do not present it as so, many see this news as a painful news, and as a news that is not that good. To share the good news, we must have the Holy Spirit´s wisdom, because the Holy Spirit is aware of the inner workings of our hearts. He knows our love languages and our fears.
The Holy Spirit is God... and He knows everything you know...

It is a beautiful thing to be able to express to someone how great life can be with Jesus Christ, but many times we believers shy away from our calling, as found in Matthew 28:19, to go into all the world and share the gospel.

My question is why.

I believe that many times it is because we are not in tune with the Spirit. For if we had His wisdom every day, and if we were walking with his touch in our hearts, we would speak when the soil is fertile, and we would have the confidence of His words within us.

I want my eyes and ears to be open to the inner workings of the hearts, so that I will know when to give an answer for the hope within me.

¨Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within you.¨

There is a song from hillsong that I remember. the second verse goes like this...

¨The Holy Spirit fills me up and I need him every day,
For fire, faith and confidence and knowing what to say,
I gave my heart and all I am to the one who needs me most
I´ve got love grace peace and power and joy in the Holy Ghost
...

I had a dream last night of one of my friends praying for me. For that I thank you. It means so much. God is awesome, and every day He surprises me with new opportunities. If you are the person who prayed for me yesterday...July 20th, ... or this morning perhaps... thank you so much for being used by the Holy Spirit. I felt his presence and his love.
...

God bless all of you deeply and richly. May you walk by him, and may be you be surrounded by His presence in your life. Thank you so much again... for all of your prayers.

Another day, I will re'count to you another story... until then.

Dream with God and the angels...

To Panama and back again

2008-06-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

Included in this expedition:

2 10 hour bus trips. Thurs morning through Sunday evening

3 night hotel stay

A great breakfast buffet!

Great break from school and time to get to know the newer missionary families that got here in May. No way two months almost since they got here! Time flies!

Great shopping! Things in Costa Rica are expensive so it was nice to be able to buy a pair of shoes for only 3 dollars and 10 cents including tax!!!

Also found a couple of great shirts for under five dollars! and some great prices for the kids!

but alas... we are back from Panama, a small bit tanner, and refreshed to begin school again tomorrow!

I will keep you updated! :) Tonight there is a new newsletter in my brain, and in this next week we will see about sending it out.

Always something exciting and always something new.

May you be blessed and feel my love from afar!

Joanna Joy :)

Who I am...

2008-05-23T17:02:00.000-07:00

Just a little poem to begin with but turns into a bit more. not sure how correct it is, as I have reviewed it a few times now, and continually find errors with things I am saying here. Hahaha.. Just like me to overly analyze myself. :) But it is what it is... a reflection of sorts.

Who am I?

I will stop being defined by those around me

I am free to be who I was created to be

who is that? Lord won't you teach me?

I am being molded, shaped and changed

Moment after moment

Some steps are easy, others are hard,

But I find such beauty in getting to know

me.

Me. The one I have hidden from so long and denied

In efforts to be a better person, to serve others

I have lost my own desire

I have drowned out the sounds of my wild spirit

Trying to control with my hands what was

within me burning...within me bursting forth

The love.

Often rejected by the ways I express it, however embraced by the needy, lonely, hurting and rejected.

The cross.

I want to take my cross. I want to be His bride. He has promised to be my Saviour, and He has told me to need him. He has told me that it is okay for me to need Him and that none of my needs are too big for him. He has told me to stop hiding my needs and trying to live in such a way that it is impossible to live.

I can find peace.

Peace in knowing that He is my shelter and that He does not push me away. He does not regret loving me...EVER... and I can be sure and secure of His love. Because HE will never NEVER abandon me!!!

You who are with me...who also believe...we are the body of Christ. He died so that we might live. He is not willing for us to die, but has promised us life.

Eternal life.

What a word. Whatever unhappiness we had in our flesh, he has taken and given us joy and freedom. I like being able to dance like a baby.

Discipline.

My lack of it has bit me in the face, and caused me to feel yucky. Discipline is an important part of my daily life. An important part of what I do on the mission field. taking care of my physical body is also important for not only now, but the years to come. I believe that if I am to feel wholesome, I must take care of my body by eating right and excercising frequently.

These are all important things. Things I have not yet conquered control over. Areas in which I long to grow.

For it is in the deepest desires of my heart to be close to Jesus, who has delivered me from all evil and has held me up in His arms. He has protected me time and time again, when I have acted from my heart instead of my head.

We cannot deny the needs of the poor, the broken, the addicted, however Jesus has given us wisdom in how we approach their needs and it is my desire and passion to share the love of Jesus, although I might get dirty.

"Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" Matt. 5:3

"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news of the kingdom as well as healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, becuase they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harves is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the Harves, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matt. 9:35-38)

God has been so good and I have endless accounts that I can share with you about things He has taught me. I will have to save another story for another day... but just ask my father. hahaha :)

With sincere love.
Joanna :)

2008-05-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

During my two week break, I went to visit my friend Katherine who lives in Cartago. May 1st, their labor day, her mother got off work, and we all visited "the Chayote Fair" "Feria de Chayote" (which my camera died, unfortunately) and we visited the ruins of this Catholic church which is one of three that were destroyed in earthquakes "terramotos" It is an important part of the history of Cartago, Costa Rica.

I got totally made over. I finally decided I was going to die my hair and so my friend from Venezuela did it for me, and then we straightened it. She also does makeup excellent...so we had fun. Since then... well, is a different story. NO WAY am I showing you the before picture we took. hahahaha !!!!

2008-05-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

Jonathan, Joshua and Julia & FINGER FUN!

Kimberly was one of the sweethearts at the outreach in Pavas, Costa Rica

"I love you. I want you. I am jealous for all of your love."....journaled may 10.

2008-05-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

Today is already May 10th and I can hardly believe it. The time is flying so fast. I have been in Costa Rica for four months now. I am so tired because I have been working in every fiber of my being: physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.

I have seen some very great successes in these past couple of weeks, and I praise God for those victories. We had a great turn out last Saturday for the L3 meetings, and I praise God because lives were impacted and three people got saved that night. I am sure that others left with food to chew and new perspectives that they had not had before about Christians. The whole purpose of the night was to draw in the unbeliever and join together with them in a show of talents. It was incredible. We had a group of bikers who were unsaved, and some fire-breathing antics with another unsaved group. We also had two outside Christian singers, a “worship” band, musicians, drama, and choreography. We also had artists in our young people who drew incredible things on the walls, we did graffiti, and it was an all out party. We also re-arranged the sanctuary in such a way that it would be like a circle. The congregation on Sunday morning was a bit shocked I am sure at the condition of the church, because we kept it the same so that they could see it.

Although we passed out invitations for a few hours the day of, my critique is that it may not have been enough time for many people to come. I feel that it was a bit too ambiguous for many and that while they expressed half-hearted interest, they couldn’t actually come. However, if we had been out there a different day as well as the day of, I feel it possibly could have been more effective. The thought of the others was that doing it the day of was the best, because it gave people just enough time to remember about it and not forget when it was. We had a blast.

The last Sunday of April, we had a special “Pirate” theme Sunday for the kids. As most of you know, I am a part of a team that does a special outreach one Sunday a month to the kids of Curri. It was extremely successful. In it we had a big pirate ship, three classrooms transformed into cabins of the ship. We all dressed up in Pirate gear and we played pirate like games. We had a map in which they had to pin flags on the X marked on it. It was like pin the tail on the donkey. We also had many decorations that we spent hours working on. I told a lesson about pirates and finding treasure. And we learned the verse about Guarding your Heart. I also talked about the most important treasure ever, which is having a relationship with Jesus! And how no one had the ability to take that away from us.

Monday, May 5th we started up classes again. This week has been all about Missiology. We have reviewed the Indigenous church model which makes every effort to keep the church run by national people. This is important so that there does not become a reliance on the missionary, but rather the people are being trained so that they can grow in their faith and they can have ownership of the church. We have talked about many things in regards to what our goal is as missionaries in proclaiming the good news and as we say in the Assemblies of God, the FULL gospel. This implies that we are centered on Christ and bringing him to all people by means of the Spirit of God working within us. It is through the power of the baptism of the Holy Spirit that we are blessed to see people come to Christ, but on our own we recognize that we are weak. We talked about the problems that can happen when we start to try to do things in our own strength and forget to rely on prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us. This is often how burn out and different kinds of moral failure happen, because people get disconnected from the source of all which is Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit whom he has sent as our Advocate and our Comforter.

It has been enriching and convicting to have this class.
Sometimes when we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, he takes us places we don’t desire to go or that may seem insignificant to ourselves or others, but the important thing is that we are following His call. When we lose sight or hearing of His voice, is when we start to get off track.

Today I pick up a team of construction workers who are here to help with the Bible school construction. It is so very exciting to be a part of what God is doing! I will be with the team on Saturday and Sunday and we will be doing an outreach concert on Saturday night, and doing a service on Sunday morning in a little village. The construction guys will give testimonials and I will look forward to this!

As you can hear, I have been incredibly busy, and I am praise God for every opportunity he has given me. I pray that I will be able to be faithful to share his word. My prayers are out to you back home because I believe God is going to begin a new work in you and that we have barely tapped into our potential as a church. It is amazing the kind of outreach we can do, if we are just faithful. It doesn’t mean we will always see great results but we cannot measure those results with human eyes because the Spirit sees something completely different than we do.

MY BATTLE
As you all know. I am a very relational person, and relationships are important to me. Herein lies my weakness. I have been battling some loneliness, but at the same time, I feel ashamed of this need I have. God has always blessed me with many friends, and I love them so very much.

I have been fighting, however, and I have lost some of the battles. I desire to have a relationship one day that is pure and holy. I desire to have the relationship that is right for me. However, this only comes through fighting and prayer because there are all kinds of opportunities for the wrong relationships. Although this should be only secondary right now, because I am focused on many other things in my life, and I have committed not to date for the next couple of years, I find myself yearning for the right person. I see children and can't help noticing how much they look like their parents, I sit at home and cook for myself, iron for myself, and I simply struggle from time to time...in the times of quiet.

Please pray for me that I will trust God, and not be afraid of what he may be telling me. One of the most important things for me right now is discernment and focus. Pray that I will put such thoughts out of my mind, because I know that I can trust God who knows the desires and seasons of the heart. He knows my ways. Please pray that I will grow in Him and in His desires for me and in His understanding!

Sometimes our dreams must die, in order to find life and grow into something beautiful.

I am sure every young single woman has to deal with this on occasion, but the most important thing to me is my relationship with Jesus. He is the greatest passion of my heart. I struggle with the tensions of these two things. Because I feel that if he is truly my greatest passion, then marriage should dwindle, rather it is still strong. Other single missionaries struggle with this tension as well, and I ask you to pray for us. We are called, and God loves us so much. He is our husbandman and best friend.

God is faithful and good. His love never fails and I am forever grateful for who He is. I need him every day and I am thankful that He can be strong where I am weak. I acknowledge that I have not handled this desire with perfection.

If he can use me…one of the least of these…friend, He can use you. All it takes is a willing vessel and a willing heart.

God would say to you..."I love you. I want you. I am jealous for all of your love." I know He says this to you. He told me that. It was so beautiful and I felt His presence and I could barely breathe.

?Donde esta tu tesoro?

2008-05-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

"Donde esta tu tesoro" means "Where is your treasure" and it is a song that I was using for a very special Sunday school that we had on Sunday, April 27th.

We worked so hard, and the kids absolutely loved it! I wrote the lesson about a special treasure from many years ago, and a family's discovery of the most important kind of treasure we have.

It was all in Spanish and it was so fun, but hard work! This Sunday we did something really special. We painted a HUGE ship on the outside of the classrooms and in three classrooms we had different cabins of the pirate ship. We drew anchors, bones, a skull, and gold of course as well as had a ship steering wheel and a map to find treasure.

The kids learned a verse in Proverbs 4:23 that says, "Above all things that you guard, guard your heart, for from it spring the waters of life."

It was a huge adventure for the kids, and alas, my lesson was more or less a success. I was so nervous about my Spanish, but they understood pretty well and I was impressed that they got the concept.

The concept was that we can be ambitious towards many things, but love and family are much more important.

Also, the Bible says that we should store up our treasure in heaven. When we devote our lives to helping out each other, we can find true joy and happiness, and this is the will of God. There is greater treasure than any one can buy in our love for one another.

My greatest treasure is found in God. I have the most intimate relationship with Him and His Spirit leads me into everything that is good and true. I couldn't ask for a better friend or leader.

I have found that God is devoted to me. He has hidden His treasure deep within me and is devoted to shaping and molding me in such a way that I experience Him fully.

I encourage all of my readers: Devote some time to seeking after this God. He will build your character and change your life. Lately He has been strengthening me in so many ways, and as I have been working doing things for others, I find He (God) is doing things for me! Incredible!

How true it is what He says in 1 John:
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us: and sent His Son to be a sacrifice for our sin."

Some one may ask why this needed to happen? But I can see how imperfect I am. I know that I am not worthy to inherit the kingdom of heaven, but for His love and His sacrifice,

I was made an heir of the kingdom of God!!! A child of a King!

?Donde esta tu tesoro? Where is your treasure?

Sera Valiente: Be Bold

2008-03-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday night we had a great time of prayer and sharing together at Renacer, my church, and I felt greatly encouraged about what this life is all about.

The pastor spoke about a short encouragement that Paul gave to Timothy in 2 Tim 1: 13-14. It says this: "Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us."

Just a funky side note: It is raining hard outside and it is the middle of the summer here. How strange! This is normally the hottest time of the year, and I am sitting here in a long-sleeved black shirt and I am not hot. Super strange. Ok... sorry for the distraction from the point, but it just started raining like that.

I was saying... How encouraging his words were about faith and love. Everything that we do in an ideal world should be based from faith and love. It was a good reminder that when the hard times come, we need only to hang on tightly to our love and what we believe and know to be true. It is like when two young people fall in love. The moment of falling in love may fade, but their trust in each other maintains a firm bond in their relationship. They are continually stimulating the fire of their love as they grow in their friendship and commitment to each other. The walk with Christ is very similar to this.

I want to be so full of Christ and so confident of him that I couldn't waver in the difficult moments.

Sometimes the translation in Spanish sounds cooler than the English translation. For example. Instead of sound doctrine, it translates healthy doctrine. The point is that your foundation needs to stay firm.

God has been doing great things here. We began our children's ministry thing at Renacer and we were exctatic. The biggest thing I need to work on right now is studying forms of Subjunctive, present participle, past perfect versus imperfect.

We have a huge test the first week of April which is basically an interview. It is so easy to get distracted doing all sorts of different ministry things, but right now, I need to really focus on my Foneticas, Gramatica, and Conversacion classes.

God is so good. I will write to you all soon. Have a GReAT Easter and miss ya!

Escuela, ...y errores culturales... School,...and cultural errors.

2008-02-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

Bueno.

"This is the confidence that we have in him(Christ Jesus), that if we ask anything according to his will, He hears us." 1 John 5:4

My dear friends,

I am learning so much Spanish...but my speech is so SLOW!!! Thank you all for your prayers. I am hoping that I will be able to communicate the gospel and for this I need the language.

So many of you have been in my thoughts and prayers lately, and I hope you are doing wonderful.

OK...so there is this REALLY strange icecream here. It is like a popsicle but it is really icecream...and it has all kinds of ingredients...but a mild sweet flavor.

I ate one yesterday that was called "Fresa y Natilla." That means Sour cream Strawberry. It was so strange. It included all kinds of ingredients like peaches, chocolate-covered toasted rice, chocolate cookies, bananas, coconut, milk, pineapple, caramel... basically it just tasted like a very light strawberry shake, but I was greatly amused by the amount of ingredients it has.

Right now, I am part of a team of 8 people who are working at Renacer to develop the children's ministry. We will be putting on a "black theatre" at the end of this month and also separating everyone into 4 teams. My team is the yellow one and we are going to win! :) We are committed to helping mentor these children in life. We will provide them opportunities to grow socially, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

I am having to be careful about how much I get involved yet because I am still working on the language alot. I am also studying with this wonderful women, Aida, who is learning English. I usually tutor her for about an hour and then she works with me on my Spanish. There is this wonderful girl, Katherine, who is also helping me with my Spanish. She is a good friend.

I miss all of you and pray God's blessing on you. Thank you for your friendship and your faithful support. You are helping me to be able to pour my love on others.

The people of Costa Rica are friendly and helpful, but I have made cultural errors. I am constantly learning about things I should or should not do. Many things are involved just in the tone of voice that you use. Please remember to pray that God will help me with the language so that I can communicate correctly what my heart is saying.

There are lots of southerners here... so ...

Talk to y'all later, and love y'all!

yours for him.
Joanna Joy

What a weekend...what a great God

2008-01-28T10:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

My God is so wonderful, good and kind. It has been taking time to adjust to all the differences down here, but I am so excited to be getting into ministry.

This weekend was very exhausting and fun. I had the opportunity to help teach a Sunday school class on Sunday, and will now be helping out with ages 6 to 7 at "Renacer" in Curridabat.

On Friday, all the women got together and had a sleepover party. None of us slept very well and we all ate tons of chocolate. Sister Nancy, gave a short devotional on Saturday morning and we spent a time of prayer. (Her cooking is amazing by the way.) One of the missionary's, Cathy, has been on the field with her husband for 38 years. They were in Tanzania, South Africa for many years, and have been serving here in Costa Rica for 8 years. Both Steve and Cathy need our prayers as they will be returning to the U.S. in December. Steve is sick and they are not sure what the next steps will be, but they will be very sad to leave the field. Please pray for them.

My Spanish is hopefully improving, but I know that I have a long way to go. I hope that all of you are doing wonderful as well. You have been in my thoughts and prayers.

One of the highlights of this past month has been when Pastor Luis Apuye came to my house. He gave a short message at this "prayer meeting," where Cecilia, her daughter Diana, and I hosted about 20 women...and only one man! haha. He spoke a message about seven important keys we must hold in our hands to receive from God what He has for us. The prophetic word He spoke into my life that night was an exciting confirmation to the desires in my heart. I have always hoped to learn Hebrew one day and to use that in my ministry, and I did not tell that to anyone. His words could not have come from man. Praise the Lord!

I am so excited about what this next month will hold! When you think of me, pray that I will learn so much Spanish, and be able to balance all of the relationships. Pray because at the church "Renacer" we will be looking to start a children's ministry program in the church.

Let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to talking to you soon! There are so many of you that I wish I could talk with more frequently, but alas! it is so hard to balance my time. Hopefully in the nearby future, I will be able to get internet in my house so that I can connect with you easier.

Peace and love.
Joanna Joy :)

Opah... I have to go back to classes in like...1 minute

2008-01-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

My dear friends,

Thank you for all your prayers. I have learned so many things about the Tico people and their way of life. I especially love my friend Cecilia... or "Mama Tica" who is quick to give me advice of so many kinds. It has been fun to connect with many people here as well. The teachers are very patient with us and help us with many things.

Opah! that means oops in Spanish. There goes the bell and I am late. I promise to update you after classes today.

Dios los bendiga mucho MUCHO!

Love your friend and family,
Joanna Joy

A new land, a new language, a new home...and homework!

2008-01-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

My dear friends and partners in prayer. Pura Vida! This means life is an adventure...live well...live fully...enjoy.

You who know me so well, know how much fun I can have, and at the same time how serious I can be sometimes.

Since January 2nd, when I arrived at 10 pm. This has been a full head-on adventure. God is so good.

Jennifer Dahlager picked me up from the "Aeropuerto Nacional de Juan Santamaria" on Tuesday evening. We arrived about 20 minutes late, and I was so excited. I had two students arriving with me. They were Leslie, who I have nicknamed "Le," and LaDawn, who I nicknamed "La." They are my two songnotes and they have both been an incredible blessing so far already. Leslie was a Missionary Associate in Colombia for 7 years and she is now going as a fully appointed missionary to continue working with the street children there. LaDawn was a MK who grew up in a mixture of the United States and El Salvador. She love El Salvador, but is returning to work now in the Dominican Republic with some missionaries in translation and children's ministry (I believe) She is going to be a MIT or Missionary in Training there.
Leslie and Ladawn both knew each other from a previous time when they roomed together at school.

The Dahlagers started their school for "Hijos de Pastores" (Pastor's Kids) on Tuesday the 1st. They had a great time at camp. They hosted 6 guys from Argentina who gave special workshops and spoke in the evening service. Because I had the day off on Friday, I was able to go and be a part of their camp activities. The guy who spoke from Argentina was very powerful and the presence of God was strong. I also saw that God was moving on the behalf of the students. One teenage girl fell under the power of the Holy Spirit right as she was exiting the sanctuary.

Back to Wednesday night, I met my "new" mama. She sends greeting to all my family and says she is taking care of me. She is very nice, and she has three sons and one daughter. She also has three grandchildren. Her daughter is going to be moving in with us soon. I talked with Cecilia (Mama Ceci) until 1 am on the night of my arrival. Since then, we have become great friends.

On Saturday, I met all of the new students of CINCEL and we had a tour with a young man from the school whose name is Pablo. We didn't tour the city so much because even though Pablo was showing us so many things, we were all talking and getting acquainted. It was pretty hard to pay attention. We returned around 1 pm, and we enjoyed a very American picnic with hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad and baked beans. We had an orientation of sorts as well where we were introduced to all the students who were already here and the teachers. We had another orientation on Monday.

On Sunday, I visited "Centro de Excelencia" with my Mama Ceci. She really loves her church, and the pastor is Pastor Luis Apuye. The whole service was very refreshing and enriching. The pastor spoke a very appropriate message for me about life. He spoke on how everything in life is a process. He talked about learning to be patient with ourselves and not "over-achieving." It was very good.

Mama Ceci and I had prepared a room also for a girl who came on Sunday. Angela came to stay with us for one week and she is studying one week's worth of Spanish. She came without knowing any Spanish and she has learned so much!

This has been a huge transition for me, and I am enjoying everything and hope to take it all in. Definitely this is the biggest adventure of my life, and there have been many challenges.

I was up late doing homework last night, and I suspect I will be again. I could tell you so many stories, but here I will cut it short.

Suffice is to say, there have been many new words, people and adventures in this past week.

I miss you all and love you dearly. Please stay in touch.

Joanna Joy

Goodbyes and Merry Christmas

2007-12-27T07:59:00.000-08:00

I know its been a while since I have blogged. My month has been full of packing, saying goodbye to dear friends, and sleep. Plenty of sleep. I have been working on a few projects and trying to adjust to the newness of my soon coming departure.

It is so good to know that God's timing is perfect and that He is watching over me to deliver me out of all my troubles. He is a loving and good God. I am so grateful for His kindness.

As I am getting all things ready to leave, I have been enjoying reading a children's story in Spanish. The story gives a new perspective on Mefiboseth, the grandson of King Saul. It reminds me of how God longs to have us come and share in his kingdom, not because of our inadequacies, but because of His great love. He offers us a place at His table...the same was done for Mefiboseth! He was given a place at King David's table, even though he was a cripple, and had been exiled from the kingdom. He had run for his life, but now He was being summoned by King David. Even though Mefiboseth could not serve in the army because he was crippled, David loved Mefiboseth and gave him freely from his heart. God also loves you and me. I'm so glad that I can be a part of His kingdom.

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and as we look forward to the New Year, mine is full of adventure. I will be starting school in Spanish, starting with a clean slate, and meeting tons of new people. I will be saying goodbye and farewell to the old, and welcoming in the new.

I love you all. I'll write again soon.
Joanna :)

"He shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory."

November: A Month Long Remembered

2007-11-26T12:31:00.001-08:00

Amidst all the bustle of the holidays, my bustle is different than yours.

You see, I received some very special news on November 22nd 2007. After having an extremely successful Spaghetti Luncheon where I made a profit of $369.00 and received a check from Lebanon Lutheran Church for $500, I found out that all I had left to raise was $152 dollars per month for my trip!!!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His love endures forever!"

These past few weeks have been so crazy, but here is a little cue as to how it went.

November 11th: I preached at Mora Assembly of God, and was blessed very generously by Pastor Jim Paydon and his congregation with $500!

November 13th: My last day working for Lunds and Byerly's was a mixture of tears and laughter. My heart has been thrilled to finally be making my goal as a missionary, but it will be sad to leave all of the friends I have acquired over the past 6 years at Sola Squeeze and in the Sign Shop.

November 18th: I had a Spaghetti Fundraiser at Lebanon Lutheran Church, which would not have been possible without the help of my dear friends, Emily Hanf, Mike Carver, Naomi Erickson, Rachel Finkenbinder, Pastor Russel Grigsby, Joanne and Beufah, from the church.

It was extremely successful. Praise God.

November 22nd: I added up all the offerings and promised support from the month of November so far, and realized that I have ALL my funds...yes you heard me... ALL my funds except for $25 per month committed. I realized that I am going to be ready to go on January 2nd! WOOHOO!

November 25th: I worshiped at Eden Prairie A/G where I spoke in two services about the work in Costa Rica and what God has done in me. They have an 8:30 am and an 11:00 am service there. I was blessed to receive a check which put me over and beyond my goal.

This month of November has been full of blessings. I give all glory to God who has made all of this possible!

Thanksgiving was incredible! I know that I have so much to praise the Lord about.

My grandmother, who is 90 years old, came to visit us for Thanksgiving and she has been an inspiration with her stories, words of wisdom and love. I am praying, perhaps rather selfishly, that God will give her many more years. I know she has lived a long fulfilling life, and that when she stands before God there will be many priceless treasures there for her. She has taught me so much.

I also had a great time with my sisters, Rachel and Sarah, who both live out of state. I am glad I will get to see them one more time for Christmas before I leave for Costa Rica. I will surely miss my family and friends very much. I am hoping that I can throw a party before I leave.

Don't ever stop believing God who is the keeper of your heart. My dreams are already coming true. Your dreams can come true as well. I praise God.

Love, Joanna

"Run with perseverance..."

2007-11-13T15:18:00.001-08:00

"Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

As I wait anxiously for the word from headquarters, I look back on a year gone by with great satisfaction. I am so thankful for all that the Lord has accomplished in me.

This great anticipation and yet this great fear has arisen within me. I anticipate with great expectation the adventures that are around the corner, and yet I hesitate. My hesitations lies in the knowledge of my inexperience. Although it will only be experience that cultivates more experience, my heartbeat increases when I think of this.

The dreams I have spun are wildly carousing all about me, and the path I am supposed to travel lays before me, ominously, hidden under the web of dreams that have been spun all over the path. Where the precious gravel road was, is now hidden by many leaves. Leaves of all kinds of beautiful colors...yet they hide the true direction that the road is leading...leaving only piles and piles of beauty to be discovered in every step which could deceptively get one far off the actual path. Each step must be taken carefully with the reassuring crunch of the gravel underfoot giving confidence to my direction.

I praise God because He has delighted to go on this adventure with me. It is so beautiful. I want to thank him and also ask His help. It is vitally necessary that I focus on this month ahead. I must get a criminal background check, buy my ticket with the proper travel agency so that my account can be directly billed, have my address changed to the Costa Rica address, have all my things packed, bringing as many lightweight things as possible, have my insurance letter in hand, my official papers, basically all evidence of my entire life and probably a safebox to keep them all safe, and I also need many MANY prayers for safety.

I have limitations, and your prayers are very important right now. I am so excited because this is the realization of one of my many dreams. This is the beginning of wars in new places. This is the road I must walk. I am also in need. I need God's strength, protection, and focus. I must remember everything. Oh that I could memorize all the valuable necessary pieces of information contained in my week of School of Missions. All the notes I have, I will wish to put in a handbook and refer to them often. How I can do all these things correctly?

Here I am venturing out for two years when I have NEVER traveled to another country on my own. All those details that we did as a group, I will now go through customs on my own. I will have my passport ready, my official papers in hand, and I will become a resident in a foreign land that I never knew.

I am prepared for this to the best of my ability, but am I adequately prepared? The organization skills I have tried so hard to hone are testing and trying me now. The Spanish I will be using on a regular basis, I will no longer be able to run and hide from, and in fact I will relish every moment that I get to speak it. I get great energy from the use of it.

Oh the joy that my heart feels as I speak this language. The delight in meeting and teaching the little children. This will be only the beginning. I pray that God helps my creativity to be a blessing to the children, and that who I am would just explode over there. It will be pure bliss to bless the children, and my prayer is that I can be healing hands for their little hearts.

I could write so much about all that has been whirling in my brain. I have been quite distracted lately, and my desire is to be prepared and ready, although I can readily see my limitations.

Well...I suppose I better get back to work on my organizing things for my trip! How will I keep it all together? May the Lord still my anxieties, calm my fears, and give me His focus.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows." (James 1:17)

Update

2007-11-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

It has been a while my friends since I have updated you on my progress.

God is so good and faithful. I have been learning and growing as God has met me in all my needs. Your support is so important at this time as I am working on the final preparations before I leave for Costa Rica.

God has brought an attractive young man, Erik Kelly, into my life, who He has used to bring glory to His name.

I am at a loss as to why God has done this, and now, but regardless, his presence has caused me to grow spiritually and to be more of the woman that God wants me to be. I have been greatly encouraged with God's steadfast love and his presence in this situation as in all.

With this upcoming missionary journey only two months away, I ask your prayers. I am planning to depart on January 2nd, 2008 should the Lord permit me.

This will not be possible until I finish raising $270 dollars more per month, and until all other promised pledges have been cleared and received.

If you are one of my dear friends who have not yet sent in your forms, please do not delay! I am dependant upon your help!!

Thank you for following along with me, and for believing that God's plan will be accomplished through me. I am so excited to reach children for Jesus and see their child-like faith be put into practice to glorify God.

Your friend and co-laborer in Christ,
Joanna J Finkenbinder

SILENT RETREAT

2007-10-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

Into the silence I went for a very short time on Saturday through Sunday. God met me there.

I've found a quiet peaceful spot
Where all life's trouble
I threw away and soon forgot
Where nature alone is

Become my best friend
The still voice of God
Rustles 'n chirps here
In pure simple bliss

Why must I go back
So quickly it seems
Where life's complicating
And tries to drown me

Deeper the waters swish
Complexity pulls me under
Away from the serenity
In the sweetness of nature

Oh Do not forget, Love
My beloved softly whispers
Right here you can find me
In the soft voice of nature

And when you feel threatened
Silently, He thunders
Your lover is here, sweets
Beneath Noise's murmur

I'm here...I love you...I'm here

There is no greater way to experience God's love and hear His voice than to get away and devote specific time with him. Its like a special treasure. Its amazing the things God will show you when you really get away from distractions and rest with him.

I hope I can do this again soon!

The Bible teaches clearly, "Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, with prayer, supplications, and with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." (Phil. 4:8)

It is easy to get all worried about things, but when we ask God, He will show us what to do. It is not always easy, but it is a wise man or woman who heeds the Lord's discipline...given because of His love. His provision is more than enough for us!

May His grace and love continue to abound to you!

Actually it was Avoca...as in "Avocado"

2007-10-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Wow.

It was an adventurous time in Avoca, MN just North of the Iowa border, and just west of the Wisconsin border.

Pastor John and Terri Stenan have quite a beautiful congregation. I met some sweet new friends and also reconnected with some NCU leaders Michael and MaryJo White.

One of the friends I met were pastors of a four-square church in Denver, CO before they retired. My grandfather, Frank H. Finkenbinder, was a missionary to the blind and a piano tuner. He was also a blind minister of the Assemblies of God, and he and his wife Gladys have been in the ministry for many MANY years. These friends knew my grandfather, who had often tuned their piano, and they were friends with my great-uncle George and his wife Rita.

How interesting that four years ago they retired to the small little town in Avoca, MN, and now divinely met me! I am so richly blessed!

Please pray that God will cause their mentorship of me to be very fruitful. They took me to lunch, and we talked about the four-square church and the well-known pastor, Jack Hayes, who is the leader of the four-square church. These folks reminded me so much of my grandparents, and that was very special. I pray for God to bless them, and also to use them as co-ministers with me in Costa Rica. Obviously, I am hoping they will become financial partners with me :)

I also had the opportunity to pray for their city and for the furtherance of the gospel with the youth generation. Pastor John had all the youth and young adults come forward, and I prayed for God to minister through them, and I am so excited for the fruit that I know they will bring forth! One youth approached me after the service and told me of his visions over the years. I believe God has called him to Africa. One young adult is definitely going to see fruit in his workplace.

Praise God that He has allowed me to have a part in this! Wow!

Oh... and just an added bonus, I am 1% closer to my goal! They gave an offering that divides out to $20 per month! WOW! Praise GoD!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His steadfast love endures forever!"

Your fellow laborer in the Lord!
Joanna Joy ;)

Preaching on Sunday in Avoka, MN

2007-09-28T20:12:00.001-07:00

Please pray with me my dear support team.

I believe God has a very special message and love in his heart for the people of Avoka, and that this opportunity was divinely ordained.

I have just worked out the kinks in my power point presentation, and I am relying on the power of the Holy Spirit so that I can communicate the passion and love of Jesus Christ to these people and His missional desires for the church.

It is my full intention to return to Minneapolis with a higher percentage of my budget complete, which is currently at almost 70% raised. I believe that God has put this church in my path for a reason and that we are to be partners. I believe that they will be blessed, and God will receive the glory.

Together we are preparing for secret blessings that only eternity can unleash. So many times we have an effect on people's lives that we never realize.

Please be a prayer warrior and financial partner with me. There are some very important responsibilities that I have to maintain in order to be the best I can be, and God is able to give me grace and strength in my weaknesses. I am praying that you will see the results of your faith when I step onto that plane towards Costa Rica, and that it will encourage your hearts that God can take your talents of wood and metal and turn them into talents of gold and precious gems.

"Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

My supporters and co-laborers

2007-09-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

I am humbled by your response to the call of God. I feel so unworthy of your love and kindness to me.

Last night I was writing a letter to all of you who have been there with me in prayers, finances, and just listening to me when I needed to talk. Your continued help is necessary to get me on the field, and yet you might be wondering what I am doing.

This past weekend I went to Rushford, MN to help out a lady who had lost all her material possessions in the flood that hit Southeastern MN, Oklahoma and Wisconsin a few weeks ago. I would like to go again, and then I remember my calling. It becomes quite a task to manage working 40 hours plus and still maintain my focus. However, all of you have just amazed me with the way you have stepped in.

I know that God has the perfect time for me to get to Costa Rica and accomplish His will there. I look forward to working with Jon and Jennifer Dahlager as they raise up laborers for the harvest. The Bible says that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.

May you join me as the chosen ones to harvest his field. My heart trembles at His Word which proclaims that "many are called but few are chosen."

Thank you for standing with me. Today is just the beginning, and I see so many talented missionaries with so much promise.

What does God have up his sleeve?

Bumps...cuts and scrapes...and steep climbs

2007-09-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

I read this incredible book several months ago called "Hinds feet in High Places," which I highly recommend to you all.

This book portrays God in such a beautiful way. It shows God as a delighted master who is in love with his creation. However, in order for the fullness of beauty to come out of his creation, he causes you and I to go through rough patches and get dirty from time to time.

I picture a climber who is anxiously trying to conquer a mountain. They look straight up and see the beauty at the top of the mountain. The climber is so excited to get to the top of the mountain that they might pass up some of the important details that would have made the climb safer or easier. Sometimes, when I am looking to get to the top of a rock, I ignore the most obvious choice for the climb and pick a pathway that is too difficult. Try as I might, I cannot conquer this wall, but I keep going with all my strength even when there is an easier more obvious path.

God does not always allow us to take the easy way. He enjoys building character in us through our climb.

A good friend and mentor told me an important truth that I will always carry: It is not the destination that matters as much as it is the journey.

Today is all that counts for today. I must live today at its fullest potential.

One leap for man...

2007-08-27T15:34:00.001-07:00

What kind of steps of faith are you willing to take in this life?

What if the world thinks your crazy?

Sometimes I feel afraid.

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." (1 Jn 4:18)

How are we giving God control? Do we allow him to perfect us in His love?

I challenge you to this prayer:

Father, I submit my relationships to you because You can take better care of them than I can, and give us grace in our weaknesses.

Father, I submit my plans to you, because I know that you care more about them than I do, and I ask you to direct my steps in fruits of right living.

I repent of any unfaithfulness to you and the calling you have on my life and ask your continued guidance in focus, compassion, and relationship building.

Your love is better than life Lord!

For you who are reading this and praying specifically for me,

Please pray for God to continue to help me to persevere in fundraising when I am SO CLOSE and that the social activities I get involved in will be focused and beneficial rather than sidetracks and distractions. Pray for me to use caution and wisdom in the relationships I build with others. Pray for a greater measure of grace in my struggles to balance and organize all that I need to do to get to Costa Rica soon!

"We live by faith and not by sight!" 2 Corinth. 5:7

THANK YOU!

2007-08-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

Dear friends, near and far,

You have each been a valuable part of this journey. As things have been developing, it has been YOU who have kept me sane, kept encouraging and sent support in many ways.

You have given me opportunities to preach, have taken me on as your missionary by financial or prayer promises, have coached me and prodded me to press in when I have felt discouraged.

Thank you so much for the many ways you have stepped in!

Isn't God faithful? His mercies are new every morning!

Arizona Rocks it Out for Jesus!

2007-07-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

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!

I love you, I need you

2007-07-24T06:32:00.000-07:00

"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,"

Life lessons: Enjoy the Journey!

2007-07-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

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!"

This Sunday in Bagley, MN...last Sunday @ LGCC

2007-07-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

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 poison 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!

Update

2007-07-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

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?

This crazy girl

2007-07-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

NIGHT IS QUICKLY FALLING ! ! !

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