On Monday, I started reading Philippians…the entire chapter. I have been blessed by a cutie from FBC Euless who blessed me with some precept upon precept studies that He has used to transform my life. I am so grateful for their generosity and obedience. Today as I was enjoying a beautiful morning on the balcony with Him, a cooler breeze, a delicious cup of coffee, and just meditating on His Words. He pointed out several things that Paul kept repeating in this letter. Rejoice in Chrst! Here Paul was in prison and is reminding the people to rejoice always in Chrst. Then He hit me with 4:11, I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. At this moment, I was not completely content with my circumstances and I had to repent of that asking Him to allow me to find my joy and satisfaction in Him and Him alone. How many times I have asked this of Him? It was a great start to the day and then I received a call from the imaging clinic asking me to come in to receive my MRI results. I was obedient and took one of the many huge books for my seminary class with me and spent the next couple of hours finishing my reading for the week while I waited for them. I finally am seen, they show me all 3 MRIs, and I just start crying with joy! The last two images show the exact same thing…the popliteal tendon is attached, no inflammation at the insertion, and does not appear to have elasticity in the tendon. WOW!! I wanted to hit my knees in praise for His healing but He had another agenda for the next hour of my life. As the technicians and doctors asked me hundreds of questions trying to figure out how this happened, doing every physical test known to man to test my knee, and then finally asking me what I thought about all of the images. I simply explained My Father healed me. I had been asking for healing for over 4 months and He did it to glorify Himself…and then had an opportunity to present the gospel! Did the message fall on deaf ears, we shall see as they are making me go back next week for another image. I left the imaging center crying, singing His praise, and feeling His love in a way that I have not felt it before. AMAZING! I came home, hit my knees (for the first time in A LONG TIME), and just sat in His Presence crying. I mean, what else can you do. I just experienced another miracle and now need to share what He did so that others can give Him glory!
You guys know the rest as I sent you the email and hundreds of people joined with me glorifying Him and believing that He is a miracle working Father. It was really an incredible day after that and I really do not remember what else I did but I know it was incredible.
Tuesday, I woke up and for the first time in a long time pryd on my knees at the corner of my bed! Such a sweet time at my Dad’s feet and I didn’t want to leave. I left to walk/jog with Brody, came back and spent my time with Him. I watched a couple of classes, packed for Palenque and waited for Drlys to call me ready to go. Well that call came at like 3:00pm and I decided it would be a better use of our time to leave early the next day for Palenque. So we spent time in pryr, study of His Word, and working on some discipleship material for the local club. Afterwards, I was about to talk to my mom and dad (always a blessing) and finished most of my class work for the week.
Wednesday, we left early for the village but had to stop by the farm first to drop a bag off for Mike. It was so great to see all of them again just for a minute. Oh how I had missed these families and I was excited for the opportunity to hear all about what He had been doing in their lives over the past 6 weeks. We arrive in the village and receive the amazing news that there is no water, the river has dried up in most parts due to some machine that they used 2 weeks ago, and that the village is not stable politically. On Tuesday we were told that someone was killed on Tuesday in the plaza as a result of this political fighting…praise Him from keeping us from entering yesterday! We spent the AM spending time with several different women who passed by the house, talked with two couples who were having issues (seeking us out for help), two leaders came by the house to welcome us back in, and then we walked around trying to follow His lead where He wanted us to go. He gave me the opportunity to talk to the inspector of the village and find out more about what is going on. I pryd over him, at his request, and set up a time to come back and spend time with his wife. PRAISE HIM! That night, the youth came to the house and HE showed up in a big way. I had told Drlys that I wanted her to pretend I was not there and I wanted to see what she had been doing without me around. He told me it would be a good way for us to evaluate the work and allow Him to make changes and make us more effective. That night as we sat on the front porch several people walked by and joined us as we worshipped, shared, and then she told a story. Then He did the coolest thing…opened the door for me to share part of the gospel with these youth to correct some things that they were saying. It was incredible as His Presence fell over us while He spoke through me and it was like some scales fell off of their eyes. It was incredible and I am excited to see how He will use these words to change these people. That night, Drlys and I reviewed the day and pryd like we had done before. I praise Him because He had given me favor with the people and they all received me like I had not been gone for 2 months. Not to mention, that every single one of them commented on how fat I was…oh the joy of being back in the village!
Thursday, we woke up and still no water. About 5 ladies came to the house and we spent time studying His Words together and pryng. We headed out to visit several different people as HE led. It was a beautiful morning of women serving other women, listening to each other, pryng for each other, sharing His Stories, and ministering in anyway that we could. It was a long morning/afternoon in the intense heat but HE was there ordaining every moment. In the afternoon, Drlys and I met with two different families to catch up, pry together, and share His Stories. He revealed a lot to me as I observed and shared. That evening, the youth came over again for a time of drama – where they each had to choose a story, write it out, and share it with the group. It was neat to watch Drlys lead the youth and Him revealing different things in our approach with the Palenqueros. He gave me grace and love to share some of the things I had observed in her that day and how the people were reacting to her and ways we needed to be more sensitive to their culture and their ways of communicating. She received it well and thanked me for sharing.
Friday, we had devotion with the family in the house, packed up and then left for Turbana. I dropped off Drlys and headed to the farm. I had a great morning hearing all about what HE had been doing in the lives of Luz, LF, and the kids. After a cup of coffee and some amazing conversation with them, I headed down to Stacy and Mike’s house where I was greeted by my so very cute nephews and nieces. They were adorable wanting to tell me every little thing that they had done while I was gone. After I listened to each one, we sent them outside and Stacy and I had some time to just talk. It was great to be around her again and we talked about what we should study this next time as a group of ladies. Finally when the kids could not take it any longer, we had to go back up to the main house so I could watch each one of them ride their bikes. Julie came back and she told me about her month in the States. The highlight for her was that her brother who had been chained to a legalistic lifestyle for son long was set free and finally understood grace and the gospel. She said it was beautiful! I say goodbye, head home, take a shower, take care of some Internet issues/house issues, work on class work, and began preparing for the weekend of studies with youth.
Saturday, I woke up early and had an amazing time with Him. I listened to a great Piper sermon, read in the pool, and just enjoyed being with Him. That afternoon, the youth came over to study Romans. I absolutely love how HE is opening their eyes to His Truths and they cannot get enough. It is cool that He gives me a front row seat to ask questions and watch them search His Words for His Answers. These youth have definitely become my kids and I love them. I think for so long I tried to see them as my friends but He showed me that they are my kids and it gives me a new look on my reactions with them. It is neat. After I finally kicked them out of my house, I headed to the local club to an activity for the youth girls. I have been elected the “counselor” of the young ladies and they wanted me to lead them in a study as we kicked off the New Year together. They had asked me to talk about the girls being valuable instruments in the hands of Him. So I pryd about a story to share and He said no. I thought about sharing from Romans about being instruments of righteousness and He said no. He clearly told me you will share with them what I taught you on Feb 25th. Me the not so great pupil did not honestly remember what HE taught me off the top of my head so I head to my journal and start reading…who knew…the gospel. To remind these girls that Chrst did not die to make our happiness/joy possible, He died to be our ultimate and supreme joy and happiness. So I share, they listen, they are quiet afterwards, and we end our time together. I came back home and continued to prepare my SS lesson for the next day from Ezekiel. I love the prophets from the OT. I rarely understand them at first but He always clearly explains their words to me if I will sit and meditate on His Words.
Sunday, amazing day in His Words along with a great RUN on the beach! Yes, my first day running and it kind of felt good as I sucked wind on my 20 minute run. Brody was thrilled to finally be running again and He gave me the strength to finish and the intelligence to put ice on my knee afterwards. I head to club, SS was good and HE seemed to speak through me to a very diverse group. That afternoon, another group of girls comes over because they were interested in studying His Words together. We took time sharing our testimonies…and HE revealed exactly what HE has for this group and what He desires to teach them. I just love all these opportunities that HE is giving me to be His instrument to speak His Truths and help His people return to His gospel saving message. It is an honor and a privilege. I took a long walk with Brody and we sat on a pile of rocks for a while and watched the sun set. I couldn’t stop singing His praises as I thought about all He had done this week and what I had seen Him do in and through me. As sometimes it does and not always is it a good thing, my singing draws a crowd but unfortunately of some persistent young men. I politely tried to let them know I was busy and definitely not interested but they just did not understand. So I ask Him if it is wise to share, He says no, so I excuse myself and keep praising Him as I walk back home. It has truly been an incredible week and I praise HIM for you who are faithfully and fervently pryng for this work. He is hearing them and answering them!
Here’s to what He will do this week…
You guys know the rest as I sent you the email and hundreds of people joined with me glorifying Him and believing that He is a miracle working Father. It was really an incredible day after that and I really do not remember what else I did but I know it was incredible.
Tuesday, I woke up and for the first time in a long time pryd on my knees at the corner of my bed! Such a sweet time at my Dad’s feet and I didn’t want to leave. I left to walk/jog with Brody, came back and spent my time with Him. I watched a couple of classes, packed for Palenque and waited for Drlys to call me ready to go. Well that call came at like 3:00pm and I decided it would be a better use of our time to leave early the next day for Palenque. So we spent time in pryr, study of His Word, and working on some discipleship material for the local club. Afterwards, I was about to talk to my mom and dad (always a blessing) and finished most of my class work for the week.
Wednesday, we left early for the village but had to stop by the farm first to drop a bag off for Mike. It was so great to see all of them again just for a minute. Oh how I had missed these families and I was excited for the opportunity to hear all about what He had been doing in their lives over the past 6 weeks. We arrive in the village and receive the amazing news that there is no water, the river has dried up in most parts due to some machine that they used 2 weeks ago, and that the village is not stable politically. On Tuesday we were told that someone was killed on Tuesday in the plaza as a result of this political fighting…praise Him from keeping us from entering yesterday! We spent the AM spending time with several different women who passed by the house, talked with two couples who were having issues (seeking us out for help), two leaders came by the house to welcome us back in, and then we walked around trying to follow His lead where He wanted us to go. He gave me the opportunity to talk to the inspector of the village and find out more about what is going on. I pryd over him, at his request, and set up a time to come back and spend time with his wife. PRAISE HIM! That night, the youth came to the house and HE showed up in a big way. I had told Drlys that I wanted her to pretend I was not there and I wanted to see what she had been doing without me around. He told me it would be a good way for us to evaluate the work and allow Him to make changes and make us more effective. That night as we sat on the front porch several people walked by and joined us as we worshipped, shared, and then she told a story. Then He did the coolest thing…opened the door for me to share part of the gospel with these youth to correct some things that they were saying. It was incredible as His Presence fell over us while He spoke through me and it was like some scales fell off of their eyes. It was incredible and I am excited to see how He will use these words to change these people. That night, Drlys and I reviewed the day and pryd like we had done before. I praise Him because He had given me favor with the people and they all received me like I had not been gone for 2 months. Not to mention, that every single one of them commented on how fat I was…oh the joy of being back in the village!
Thursday, we woke up and still no water. About 5 ladies came to the house and we spent time studying His Words together and pryng. We headed out to visit several different people as HE led. It was a beautiful morning of women serving other women, listening to each other, pryng for each other, sharing His Stories, and ministering in anyway that we could. It was a long morning/afternoon in the intense heat but HE was there ordaining every moment. In the afternoon, Drlys and I met with two different families to catch up, pry together, and share His Stories. He revealed a lot to me as I observed and shared. That evening, the youth came over again for a time of drama – where they each had to choose a story, write it out, and share it with the group. It was neat to watch Drlys lead the youth and Him revealing different things in our approach with the Palenqueros. He gave me grace and love to share some of the things I had observed in her that day and how the people were reacting to her and ways we needed to be more sensitive to their culture and their ways of communicating. She received it well and thanked me for sharing.
Friday, we had devotion with the family in the house, packed up and then left for Turbana. I dropped off Drlys and headed to the farm. I had a great morning hearing all about what HE had been doing in the lives of Luz, LF, and the kids. After a cup of coffee and some amazing conversation with them, I headed down to Stacy and Mike’s house where I was greeted by my so very cute nephews and nieces. They were adorable wanting to tell me every little thing that they had done while I was gone. After I listened to each one, we sent them outside and Stacy and I had some time to just talk. It was great to be around her again and we talked about what we should study this next time as a group of ladies. Finally when the kids could not take it any longer, we had to go back up to the main house so I could watch each one of them ride their bikes. Julie came back and she told me about her month in the States. The highlight for her was that her brother who had been chained to a legalistic lifestyle for son long was set free and finally understood grace and the gospel. She said it was beautiful! I say goodbye, head home, take a shower, take care of some Internet issues/house issues, work on class work, and began preparing for the weekend of studies with youth.
Saturday, I woke up early and had an amazing time with Him. I listened to a great Piper sermon, read in the pool, and just enjoyed being with Him. That afternoon, the youth came over to study Romans. I absolutely love how HE is opening their eyes to His Truths and they cannot get enough. It is cool that He gives me a front row seat to ask questions and watch them search His Words for His Answers. These youth have definitely become my kids and I love them. I think for so long I tried to see them as my friends but He showed me that they are my kids and it gives me a new look on my reactions with them. It is neat. After I finally kicked them out of my house, I headed to the local club to an activity for the youth girls. I have been elected the “counselor” of the young ladies and they wanted me to lead them in a study as we kicked off the New Year together. They had asked me to talk about the girls being valuable instruments in the hands of Him. So I pryd about a story to share and He said no. I thought about sharing from Romans about being instruments of righteousness and He said no. He clearly told me you will share with them what I taught you on Feb 25th. Me the not so great pupil did not honestly remember what HE taught me off the top of my head so I head to my journal and start reading…who knew…the gospel. To remind these girls that Chrst did not die to make our happiness/joy possible, He died to be our ultimate and supreme joy and happiness. So I share, they listen, they are quiet afterwards, and we end our time together. I came back home and continued to prepare my SS lesson for the next day from Ezekiel. I love the prophets from the OT. I rarely understand them at first but He always clearly explains their words to me if I will sit and meditate on His Words.
Sunday, amazing day in His Words along with a great RUN on the beach! Yes, my first day running and it kind of felt good as I sucked wind on my 20 minute run. Brody was thrilled to finally be running again and He gave me the strength to finish and the intelligence to put ice on my knee afterwards. I head to club, SS was good and HE seemed to speak through me to a very diverse group. That afternoon, another group of girls comes over because they were interested in studying His Words together. We took time sharing our testimonies…and HE revealed exactly what HE has for this group and what He desires to teach them. I just love all these opportunities that HE is giving me to be His instrument to speak His Truths and help His people return to His gospel saving message. It is an honor and a privilege. I took a long walk with Brody and we sat on a pile of rocks for a while and watched the sun set. I couldn’t stop singing His praises as I thought about all He had done this week and what I had seen Him do in and through me. As sometimes it does and not always is it a good thing, my singing draws a crowd but unfortunately of some persistent young men. I politely tried to let them know I was busy and definitely not interested but they just did not understand. So I ask Him if it is wise to share, He says no, so I excuse myself and keep praising Him as I walk back home. It has truly been an incredible week and I praise HIM for you who are faithfully and fervently pryng for this work. He is hearing them and answering them!
Here’s to what He will do this week…
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