Where does one begin to explain how they are not the same person that they were four months ago, but yet still the same person? How to put in words what all has taken place inside me and around me and what my life has been like these last four months. What do I communicate in order to give you a glimpse of what God has walked me through and worked in me these last couple of months. I know that I have posted some of it, but as I have been thinking back I realized how much more I could share! There is so much more of what I have experienced, even on a day to day basis.
I’m actually in bed as I type this, at 1:16am in the morning, Sunday, the day before we leave for our “holiday”. I really should be sleeping, but alas I’m too wired. One of my roomies, Beka and I made some hot apple cider…minus the cider…mainly we used the apple juice that we purchased the other day and poured it into a pan, put caramel syrup and cinnamon and perhaps a little bit of sugar. Yummy. Not too bad. I feel super cozy. Like fall. Today we went on a lovely picnic, the sky was bright blue, with a few white puffy clouds, in the shade it was cool, but in the sun it was perfect, with an ever slightly caressing breeze. We had cheese, crackers, bread, salami, olives, cucumbers, and wine. Oh, nice. Then we went to the park and played on the equipment and felt like kids again, it was quite splendid and a lovely reprieve. Can I just say how blessed I have been getting to live life in this great community. I greatly enjoy every single one of these people here on base.
Since coming here to Scotland, I feel as if I’ve become more alive. I’ve become more comfortable with who I am….me! And that I’m ok with that…most of the time ; )
***
So, now it is an hour before we leave for the airport!! What a crazy two days it has been! I’m surprisingly function on little sleep, perhaps adrenaline is helping, that and having a million things to do before we head out! The room is spotless, our bags are packed, and now our bellies our full of wonderful Scottish Breakfast! Such amazing sausage! : ) We’ve had to say several “good-byes, see you in two months”, but then also about to have to say more, but a few are going to be “good-bye, hope to see you again.” Because John and Sarah and their son Bayne are moving back to the States while we are in Turkey. So, hard. I love them dearly and it is hard to say good-bye!
Well, know that we are all excited. Eager. Ready. Pray for safe travels, good health, easy maneuvering of customs, unity, communication, divine appointments, alertness, wisdom, and boldness(wise boldness!), and deep relationships! : )
Off to yet another adventure, full of the great and beautiful unknown! Love you all so dearly, praying for you continuously, missing you greatly, and eager to hear what God does in your life while I’m away. I love that fact that God is with me here in Scotland and my team and going with us to Turkey and at the same time with you all wherever you are! He is truly an awesome Daddy!
Write to you all in two months!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Iona
Iona:
How do I describe the Island of Iona? Breathtaking. Awe inspiring. Deep. Truly a “Thin Place”. I especially experienced these moments when I was are gallivanting in the southern hills or exploring the cliff and caves of the western shores, or watching, on a rock, the sunrise from the northern beach, or star gazing while walking back to the house part of my team was staying at. The week on Iona is not soon to be forgotten in my mind or heart, and not just because of these moments that I mentioned above, but for how much Jesus walked me through and how much I grew in my walk with Him. I love getting to journey life with such a strong, faithful, just, loving, and tender Maker. What a blessing and honor! Oh, how I pray that everyone would know this! What a burden it is on my heart that everyone would come to know our Savior in such a deep and intimate way, and not just for the fact that He saves us from being separated from Him, and that we get to be with Him in Paradise, but it is that and then some! He desires and offers us an opportunity for an incredible and precious relationship with Him. A beautiful dance to such an intricate and heavenly song; an exciting and adventurous story written just for me and Him! And not only to tell people of the fact there is a Savior, but then also to tell people of this relationship who already believe and follow Him. There are too many Believers out there who have settled and grown stagnant and content to just get by, but NO!!! There is much, much more! Such greater depths and heights to explore and travel with Him, if only we press in and take hold of His Hand and accept the challenge of traveling this dangerous and wondrous road of Relationship.
My time on Iona, it was not necessarily a time of physical rest, nor even mental….come to think of it, not even emotional, and not really spiritual either. For I was stretched in all these areas last week while on the Island. Firstly, because of having that Sunday that we were there to explore the Island and I was out all day with some of the team explore and enjoying God’s amazing creation here in Scotland. My goodness, what incredible creativity He has.
Lectures were brilliant. They were on Spiritual Authority and we had the blessing of having Mariette Lowe teach. She is South African, but has made Scotland her home base for the last 15years. She is one scary woman, but absolutely fun! She prays at least 6-7 hours a day, she gets up early stays up late praying and reading the Bible. She has had some amazing experiences, she knows what she is talking about and allow the Holy Spirit to truly lead her what she needs to teach in each class and allows Him to direct her accordingly. She got to some pretty hard issues on all of us, which was good. Specifically, the Fear of Man versus the Fear of God; which one do you tend to live and operate in? Hmmm…..be honest. I know that I’ve operated out of the Fear of Man for as long as I can remember and this has held me back and caused me more pain then it is worth. It is so freeing to realize that I do not have to operate out of the Fear of Man anymore (granted this is a daily thing that I must surrender to and I often fall flat on my face, thank goodness for God’s grace!), but operating out of the Fear of God is so much more powerful! What a difference to know and walk in confidence that God approves me already, but that out of my fear for Him…..fear meaning reverent respect and hate for sin….yes it is okay to HATE sin….that I diligently pursue His truth, grow in His knowledge and wisdom, and work and live my life in this form. Amazingly, we have given such incredible tools that we barely, if ever, use. Think of all of Jesus’ teachings! Think of the Holy Spirit!
Speaking of Whom, He woke me up early, 5:45am, on Tuesday morning to spend some extra special time with Him while watching the sunrise. (Pictures of this incredible sunrise are on my Facebook profile in my Albums under Iona Adventures). I was conversing with Him back and forth and I started to ask about His Faithfulness, because I honestly didn’t know if I really understood it or rather struggled with this Characteristic of His. Then as I looked up into the sky, and to the left of the rising sun, I saw a small portion of a rainbow! I opened right away to my Bible in Genesis about Noah and the Covenant that God made with him…with us. Talk about WOW!! As I was staring at this rainbow that had formed in the sky I couldn’t help, but cry out, “What a great God!!” He does listen, He is present, He is attentive to our hearts’ cry, and He is Faithful! No matter what, good times or bad. I had a continued time of worship and praying and read scripture aloud (by the way I’ve been doing this more, reading the Word of God aloud and you know what? There is something incredibly powerful to it when it is spoken out, it truly makes it a declaration, and then especially if you pray it out! You should try to start incorporating it in your daily quiet time!)Anyways, as I finishing up my time on my rock, I felt the Holy Spirit press upon me that I would be really thankful for my extra special time this morning and the revelations that I had had, because that day I was going to need it. Sure thing. When I got to the cottage I got the hard, but good news that my Papa was in the arms of Jesus. Talk about wow. God is faithful, He knew that I really needed to understand this and truly know it as I faced that day, of having to know that I’m on the opposite side of the world and not able to be with my family during this time so of saying “see you later” and figuring out a new “normalcy” of not having Papa with us on earth. So, my heart hurts because of grieving though not the death of my Grandpa because he is no longer in pain and he is in heaven in a fully restored body, but rather my heart hurts with grieving the loss, knowing that it’s going to be awhile til I get to have a conversation with my Grandpa again. It has been such a blessed journey with the Holy Spirit to discover and experience His faithfulness in such greater depths. Thank goodness that He is a God of comfort and compassion.
This last week was on Cross-Cultural Missions and Communications. Great stuff. Necessary, and good. I think I have been made to travel into other cultures, for I love learning and discovering about other people groups and their traditions. For several reasons, but the main one being that it helps me to be aware of what my culture is and it takes me out of it and allows me to be a lot more holistic in my thinking and approach to life. Which is good and necessary. It helps me to make sure not to grow too comfortable, but to appreciate how I’ve lived, how I’ve grown up, but then to learn to appreciate others cultures as well! Even living here in Scotland for the last three months has been absolutely amazing for this! Thank goodness for modern day technology and easier ability for travel, because coming here has further embedded this in me!
Continue to pray for me and my team as we prepare to leave for Turkey in just two weeks! We are greatly needing it!
How do I describe the Island of Iona? Breathtaking. Awe inspiring. Deep. Truly a “Thin Place”. I especially experienced these moments when I was are gallivanting in the southern hills or exploring the cliff and caves of the western shores, or watching, on a rock, the sunrise from the northern beach, or star gazing while walking back to the house part of my team was staying at. The week on Iona is not soon to be forgotten in my mind or heart, and not just because of these moments that I mentioned above, but for how much Jesus walked me through and how much I grew in my walk with Him. I love getting to journey life with such a strong, faithful, just, loving, and tender Maker. What a blessing and honor! Oh, how I pray that everyone would know this! What a burden it is on my heart that everyone would come to know our Savior in such a deep and intimate way, and not just for the fact that He saves us from being separated from Him, and that we get to be with Him in Paradise, but it is that and then some! He desires and offers us an opportunity for an incredible and precious relationship with Him. A beautiful dance to such an intricate and heavenly song; an exciting and adventurous story written just for me and Him! And not only to tell people of the fact there is a Savior, but then also to tell people of this relationship who already believe and follow Him. There are too many Believers out there who have settled and grown stagnant and content to just get by, but NO!!! There is much, much more! Such greater depths and heights to explore and travel with Him, if only we press in and take hold of His Hand and accept the challenge of traveling this dangerous and wondrous road of Relationship.
My time on Iona, it was not necessarily a time of physical rest, nor even mental….come to think of it, not even emotional, and not really spiritual either. For I was stretched in all these areas last week while on the Island. Firstly, because of having that Sunday that we were there to explore the Island and I was out all day with some of the team explore and enjoying God’s amazing creation here in Scotland. My goodness, what incredible creativity He has.
Lectures were brilliant. They were on Spiritual Authority and we had the blessing of having Mariette Lowe teach. She is South African, but has made Scotland her home base for the last 15years. She is one scary woman, but absolutely fun! She prays at least 6-7 hours a day, she gets up early stays up late praying and reading the Bible. She has had some amazing experiences, she knows what she is talking about and allow the Holy Spirit to truly lead her what she needs to teach in each class and allows Him to direct her accordingly. She got to some pretty hard issues on all of us, which was good. Specifically, the Fear of Man versus the Fear of God; which one do you tend to live and operate in? Hmmm…..be honest. I know that I’ve operated out of the Fear of Man for as long as I can remember and this has held me back and caused me more pain then it is worth. It is so freeing to realize that I do not have to operate out of the Fear of Man anymore (granted this is a daily thing that I must surrender to and I often fall flat on my face, thank goodness for God’s grace!), but operating out of the Fear of God is so much more powerful! What a difference to know and walk in confidence that God approves me already, but that out of my fear for Him…..fear meaning reverent respect and hate for sin….yes it is okay to HATE sin….that I diligently pursue His truth, grow in His knowledge and wisdom, and work and live my life in this form. Amazingly, we have given such incredible tools that we barely, if ever, use. Think of all of Jesus’ teachings! Think of the Holy Spirit!
Speaking of Whom, He woke me up early, 5:45am, on Tuesday morning to spend some extra special time with Him while watching the sunrise. (Pictures of this incredible sunrise are on my Facebook profile in my Albums under Iona Adventures). I was conversing with Him back and forth and I started to ask about His Faithfulness, because I honestly didn’t know if I really understood it or rather struggled with this Characteristic of His. Then as I looked up into the sky, and to the left of the rising sun, I saw a small portion of a rainbow! I opened right away to my Bible in Genesis about Noah and the Covenant that God made with him…with us. Talk about WOW!! As I was staring at this rainbow that had formed in the sky I couldn’t help, but cry out, “What a great God!!” He does listen, He is present, He is attentive to our hearts’ cry, and He is Faithful! No matter what, good times or bad. I had a continued time of worship and praying and read scripture aloud (by the way I’ve been doing this more, reading the Word of God aloud and you know what? There is something incredibly powerful to it when it is spoken out, it truly makes it a declaration, and then especially if you pray it out! You should try to start incorporating it in your daily quiet time!)Anyways, as I finishing up my time on my rock, I felt the Holy Spirit press upon me that I would be really thankful for my extra special time this morning and the revelations that I had had, because that day I was going to need it. Sure thing. When I got to the cottage I got the hard, but good news that my Papa was in the arms of Jesus. Talk about wow. God is faithful, He knew that I really needed to understand this and truly know it as I faced that day, of having to know that I’m on the opposite side of the world and not able to be with my family during this time so of saying “see you later” and figuring out a new “normalcy” of not having Papa with us on earth. So, my heart hurts because of grieving though not the death of my Grandpa because he is no longer in pain and he is in heaven in a fully restored body, but rather my heart hurts with grieving the loss, knowing that it’s going to be awhile til I get to have a conversation with my Grandpa again. It has been such a blessed journey with the Holy Spirit to discover and experience His faithfulness in such greater depths. Thank goodness that He is a God of comfort and compassion.
This last week was on Cross-Cultural Missions and Communications. Great stuff. Necessary, and good. I think I have been made to travel into other cultures, for I love learning and discovering about other people groups and their traditions. For several reasons, but the main one being that it helps me to be aware of what my culture is and it takes me out of it and allows me to be a lot more holistic in my thinking and approach to life. Which is good and necessary. It helps me to make sure not to grow too comfortable, but to appreciate how I’ve lived, how I’ve grown up, but then to learn to appreciate others cultures as well! Even living here in Scotland for the last three months has been absolutely amazing for this! Thank goodness for modern day technology and easier ability for travel, because coming here has further embedded this in me!
Continue to pray for me and my team as we prepare to leave for Turkey in just two weeks! We are greatly needing it!
Friday, August 27, 2010
After and such
Much has been going on these last two weeks since getting back from Edinburgh. We jumped right back into to normal schedule, with group Celtic prayers, lectures, work projects, intercession, and the like, but then also we had to prep for VBS that we did this whole last week in the evenings. So, we’d have normal schedule in the days, but then we’d go to do VBS at night! It was a great full week; I was in charge of the story time or rather “Bible Voyage Adventure” it was a lot of fun, though quite a bit of work. The kids were great, the week I believe was successful and God will and is doing amazing work in these kids’ lives. It is almost scary how quickly kids pick up things and remember! It makes one stop and think what one says, because they sure are listening, watching, and ready to do it to.
Lectures have been stupendous. Last week was on Identity, Destiny and Calling. AWESOME! Here is a basic for you; God made you. He loves you for you. He likes us. I’m not just talking about looks, but about your personality, your talents, your skills, abilities, passions, desires, hopes, dreams. He’s given us all distinct and unique callings. I whole heartedly believe that I’m called to be very non-traditional. To expect the unexpected with my life and to sit back and enjoy the ride with God walking right along with me! I know this seems basic, but perhaps remind yourself. Or, perhaps really stop and think about it a moment and determine if you have been living your life, operating your decisions or how you think of yourself or what you are capable of by having this mentality. That you are special and important and not just another human being on this huge planet. But you. Me. Are vital. Walk in it. Be bold in it. Delight in it. I’m not a mistake and He has a calling for me, the first one being walk with Him and listen to His heart beat…for me (you)! There is so much more that I could say that I learned and took from this week, but instead I quickly mention this week’s lecture which was equally as brilliant it was called “Plumb line”. Talking about what have you allowed to build your wall, and how vital it is to allow God to be my plumb line because on how it can affect all aspects of my life if I don’t have the right wall built and in the right way.
A week ago today I became an Aunt for the third time however I have a nephew now! Myles Alan Wicks. 8ilbs 9oz 20 inches! He is so very handsome! I got to meet him today on Skype and I’m in love. What a miracle. What magic it is to see such a little bundle and fall so in love with him! Amy is doing well and his older sisters are loving being big sisters.
Today, I’m leaving for Iona with just my DTS team and leaders. Iona is where the Celtic Christians came from, there was/is a monastery there where they sent many missionary monks into the nation: it is the birthplace Christianity for this nation. We are all very excited. We will be having lecture there (on Spiritual Warfare), we will be having a day of Solitude (which I’m very excited about) and then just resting and getting to process, which there is plenty to do of that with all the last couple of weeks and three months. Can you believe that it has already been three months!? I can’t. Oh, so good. What an amazing three months it has already been and I get another three more!
I can’t wait to report back to you some of my adventures and encounters with God while I’m there. Keep me and the team in your prayers not just for safe travel and health, but also that God would truly work in my heart and in the hearts of my team mates. That He would renew us body, mind, and soul and that He would cultivate in our hearts and lives the key things that He needs us to get and develop! Also, for revelation and direction for our(my) past, present, and future! I love you all!
Lectures have been stupendous. Last week was on Identity, Destiny and Calling. AWESOME! Here is a basic for you; God made you. He loves you for you. He likes us. I’m not just talking about looks, but about your personality, your talents, your skills, abilities, passions, desires, hopes, dreams. He’s given us all distinct and unique callings. I whole heartedly believe that I’m called to be very non-traditional. To expect the unexpected with my life and to sit back and enjoy the ride with God walking right along with me! I know this seems basic, but perhaps remind yourself. Or, perhaps really stop and think about it a moment and determine if you have been living your life, operating your decisions or how you think of yourself or what you are capable of by having this mentality. That you are special and important and not just another human being on this huge planet. But you. Me. Are vital. Walk in it. Be bold in it. Delight in it. I’m not a mistake and He has a calling for me, the first one being walk with Him and listen to His heart beat…for me (you)! There is so much more that I could say that I learned and took from this week, but instead I quickly mention this week’s lecture which was equally as brilliant it was called “Plumb line”. Talking about what have you allowed to build your wall, and how vital it is to allow God to be my plumb line because on how it can affect all aspects of my life if I don’t have the right wall built and in the right way.
A week ago today I became an Aunt for the third time however I have a nephew now! Myles Alan Wicks. 8ilbs 9oz 20 inches! He is so very handsome! I got to meet him today on Skype and I’m in love. What a miracle. What magic it is to see such a little bundle and fall so in love with him! Amy is doing well and his older sisters are loving being big sisters.
Today, I’m leaving for Iona with just my DTS team and leaders. Iona is where the Celtic Christians came from, there was/is a monastery there where they sent many missionary monks into the nation: it is the birthplace Christianity for this nation. We are all very excited. We will be having lecture there (on Spiritual Warfare), we will be having a day of Solitude (which I’m very excited about) and then just resting and getting to process, which there is plenty to do of that with all the last couple of weeks and three months. Can you believe that it has already been three months!? I can’t. Oh, so good. What an amazing three months it has already been and I get another three more!
I can’t wait to report back to you some of my adventures and encounters with God while I’m there. Keep me and the team in your prayers not just for safe travel and health, but also that God would truly work in my heart and in the hearts of my team mates. That He would renew us body, mind, and soul and that He would cultivate in our hearts and lives the key things that He needs us to get and develop! Also, for revelation and direction for our(my) past, present, and future! I love you all!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Edinburgh
I can’t believe that it has been a month since I last posted an update on here! When I got back from Edinburgh, I had so much to share that I didn’t know where to start. And so much to process that I hadn’t even finished thinking through that I didn’t know what to share!
Can I just say how incredible blessed I am to be here in Paisley, Scotland. I live in Scotland is such a wonderful thing to say and wake up to!
Let me do this update on Edinburgh! It was amazing! A crazy, wonderful two weeks, filled with tons of walking, learning, praying, stretching, spiritual “war- faring”, cooking, fellowshipping, exploring, and creating!
As I had mentioned previous, we (my DTS team and a few other staff members of the house) went to Edinburgh, which is about an hour’s drive from the house, to serve at Shine which is an outreach that works to be involved within the “Fringe” Festival, the world’s largest performing arts festival. I will start off that I absolutely love Edinburgh (pronounced: Edin-bur-ougha, but of course run-together). Beautiful city, the history, the architecture, the creativity, the set-up, the people, the life, the buildings, the rhythm of everyone/everything, is amazing. There is such life and light there, as well as darkness and heaviness. We definitely encountered some spiritual warfare, especially the first week that we were there. Our DTS was there to be apart of Shine, and we were the cook team and as well as the Media team.
Shine, is a two outreach that takes during the Fringe Festival (the World's Largest Arts Festival) and Shine is a way to bring in several Christian Artist from all over the world and perform within the Fringe Festival and do special outreach events and also they run a kids performing arts camp. YWAM Edinburgh started this years ago, they try and get all of YWAM Scotland to be involved, but so far it is just our Paisley base that participates. Some of the artist this year that came was a band called Anchor of Hope that were a Screamo/heavy metalish Christian band from Florida and they are on tour with a ministry that helps raise awareness of Human Trafficking, they were they the first full week. Then we had a team from South Africa that were a dance and singing group, phenomenal dancers, they didn't arrive until the second week. Then we had a team from 24-7 house of Prayer from Portland, Washington the last full week where they were running a room for 24-7 prayer for the city and Shine and Fringe Festival. There was the band Trelese, they are the worship band for Amy and Spencer's church in Kansas City....they were my favorite! They would of course lead worship for us sometimes, but then when they were "Busking" or performing in the clubs/pubs they were more of a easy rock/listening band with fun and funky songs to dance to. I loved them because of how non-cheesy they were. They were talented artists who happened to be Christians! They would easily have a group of 100-200 people watching and listening when they were "busking". They would interact with audience, they formed friendships, they partnered with some of the other "buskers" that were performing before or after them, they made cookies and handed them out while they were playing. The presence of God was heavily upon them and I loved watching them and learning oh so much from them! That you can actually have quality in your art and be a Christian and not be oober-preachy or showy about it. Just live it.
Well, we helped feed all these teams as well as the staff of Shine so because of the staggering of people coming and going we would have about 50 people max at a time, but I think it was about 100 people or so that were involved in these last two weeks with Shine.
Cooking went well, it was a bit crazy at times because our sleeping/living space was the universal meeting area for everyone! The kitchen and the big open space were connected and people would come with their stuff and practice there or just hang out there...which was great I loved it, but sometimes a bit overwhelming with all the noise at times. When we weren't on cook team or in the kitchen we were doing media stuff. Which this was the first year that they had a media team so it was a huge learning curve on everyone’s end of things, but the fact that it was the first year, I think we did great! We got some great footage that Raj, is going to be working on as well as photos and some of us made some videos that we posted...one that Kelsey and I made with a few of the others..."what's your beat?" and it was fun! Challenging. Here is the link for you to watch some of these videos...and yes there is one on there that is of me crying like a baby...lol. http://www.youtube.com/user/ShineConnect#p/u/3/H4gGwloL12E. These will be used for promos and stuff for Shine.
During these two weeks, I learned a lot about myself and the time there really helped d my DTS team and helped to understand one another better and taught us ways on how we can function as a healthy team! God taught me a lot, but two basic things were this: Make the most of every opportunity and to be truly content in whatever the circumstance…..by me saying that He has taught me these lesson does not mean that I ignorantly think that I have them mastered, but to say that I was always aware we needed to have this, but He has revealed it to me in a different way and it is something that I am praying into and seeking it in my mind and heart-set.
Can I just say how incredible blessed I am to be here in Paisley, Scotland. I live in Scotland is such a wonderful thing to say and wake up to!
Let me do this update on Edinburgh! It was amazing! A crazy, wonderful two weeks, filled with tons of walking, learning, praying, stretching, spiritual “war- faring”, cooking, fellowshipping, exploring, and creating!
As I had mentioned previous, we (my DTS team and a few other staff members of the house) went to Edinburgh, which is about an hour’s drive from the house, to serve at Shine which is an outreach that works to be involved within the “Fringe” Festival, the world’s largest performing arts festival. I will start off that I absolutely love Edinburgh (pronounced: Edin-bur-ougha, but of course run-together). Beautiful city, the history, the architecture, the creativity, the set-up, the people, the life, the buildings, the rhythm of everyone/everything, is amazing. There is such life and light there, as well as darkness and heaviness. We definitely encountered some spiritual warfare, especially the first week that we were there. Our DTS was there to be apart of Shine, and we were the cook team and as well as the Media team.
Shine, is a two outreach that takes during the Fringe Festival (the World's Largest Arts Festival) and Shine is a way to bring in several Christian Artist from all over the world and perform within the Fringe Festival and do special outreach events and also they run a kids performing arts camp. YWAM Edinburgh started this years ago, they try and get all of YWAM Scotland to be involved, but so far it is just our Paisley base that participates. Some of the artist this year that came was a band called Anchor of Hope that were a Screamo/heavy metalish Christian band from Florida and they are on tour with a ministry that helps raise awareness of Human Trafficking, they were they the first full week. Then we had a team from South Africa that were a dance and singing group, phenomenal dancers, they didn't arrive until the second week. Then we had a team from 24-7 house of Prayer from Portland, Washington the last full week where they were running a room for 24-7 prayer for the city and Shine and Fringe Festival. There was the band Trelese, they are the worship band for Amy and Spencer's church in Kansas City....they were my favorite! They would of course lead worship for us sometimes, but then when they were "Busking" or performing in the clubs/pubs they were more of a easy rock/listening band with fun and funky songs to dance to. I loved them because of how non-cheesy they were. They were talented artists who happened to be Christians! They would easily have a group of 100-200 people watching and listening when they were "busking". They would interact with audience, they formed friendships, they partnered with some of the other "buskers" that were performing before or after them, they made cookies and handed them out while they were playing. The presence of God was heavily upon them and I loved watching them and learning oh so much from them! That you can actually have quality in your art and be a Christian and not be oober-preachy or showy about it. Just live it.
Well, we helped feed all these teams as well as the staff of Shine so because of the staggering of people coming and going we would have about 50 people max at a time, but I think it was about 100 people or so that were involved in these last two weeks with Shine.
Cooking went well, it was a bit crazy at times because our sleeping/living space was the universal meeting area for everyone! The kitchen and the big open space were connected and people would come with their stuff and practice there or just hang out there...which was great I loved it, but sometimes a bit overwhelming with all the noise at times. When we weren't on cook team or in the kitchen we were doing media stuff. Which this was the first year that they had a media team so it was a huge learning curve on everyone’s end of things, but the fact that it was the first year, I think we did great! We got some great footage that Raj, is going to be working on as well as photos and some of us made some videos that we posted...one that Kelsey and I made with a few of the others..."what's your beat?" and it was fun! Challenging. Here is the link for you to watch some of these videos...and yes there is one on there that is of me crying like a baby...lol. http://www.youtube.com/user/ShineConnect#p/u/3/H4gGwloL12E. These will be used for promos and stuff for Shine.
During these two weeks, I learned a lot about myself and the time there really helped d my DTS team and helped to understand one another better and taught us ways on how we can function as a healthy team! God taught me a lot, but two basic things were this: Make the most of every opportunity and to be truly content in whatever the circumstance…..by me saying that He has taught me these lesson does not mean that I ignorantly think that I have them mastered, but to say that I was always aware we needed to have this, but He has revealed it to me in a different way and it is something that I am praying into and seeking it in my mind and heart-set.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Heart of the Matter
News Flash: We are going to Turkey for our “Extended Special Excursion for 6-8 weeks”!! I’m so very excited, I truly believe this is where God has and is directing us. We just don’t know all where specifically we will be going, but it is looking like it will include Selçuk (modern-day Ephesus), and Istanbul. Pray for continued wisdom and clarity, that God would open and close the doors that need to be opened and closed! : ) That He would prepare our hearts and mindset for what He desires us to do while we are there! We will leave the end of September, so of course I will be letting you know more details as soon as I find out!
This week’s lecture was on Our Daddy: Father Heart of God.
Yet another week where I’ve received so much and am going to be processing and working in my heart, mind, and soul this next week and for the rest of my life! But please take a moment today and just pause. Be still. Just be in His Presence and talk with Him. Imagine you climbing right next to Him on the couch and snuggling up in His safe, warm arms. Isn’t it the loveliest place to be. He loves us doing this, He desires us to have a relationship with Him where we have this healthy respect, fear, reverence for Him, but also I believe He wants us to see how much He cherishes us and longs to just hang-out and chat. Let us face it, it all really boils down is relationship, that is what life is about, relationship with our Heavenly Father. I could write probably 20 pages from all the notes that I took from class, but I won’t. I won’t be able to do it justice how my heart-set has changed, in such a good and healthy way. How wonderful, that we worship God, who is the Creator of the Universe, Who resides in us, and who is our Daddy. He’s there to comfort, nurture, discipline, hang-out, dream, talk (that means pausing and listening too), and discuss, and cuddle up against. He loves us unconditionally, He has forgiven us all of our sins, He casts them far away, as far as the east is to the west. He doesn't hold anything against us. I know this seems basic, but really it is good to be reminded of this, for this is vital. God has gone to great lengths since the beginning (Read Exodus for a reminder of all that He did for the Israelite people and then of course the Gospels) for us to be in a relationship with Him. He doesn’t force it upon us, but wants us to want it as much as He does! I love that. If you want an incredible book to read and give you a better and deeper understanding into our Daddy’s heart, read “My Father’s Heart” by Mike Oman (He was our lecturer) Brilliant.
Up and coming! Well, this Friday we, the DTS team are heading to Edinburgh for two weeks to work with/for “Shine” which is a ministry that has been going on for about 12 years . It is a YWAM outreach that participates in the “Fringe” Festival, which is the largest arts festival in the world (Has things like: Children’s shows, Comedy, Dance & Physical Theatre, Events, Exhibitions, Music, Musicals & Opera, and Theatre). And performances take place all over the city, in the streets, in coffee shops, in pubs, in alleys, and local businesses. Well known artists come, as well as the unknown that are hoping to get discovered! Shine exists to integrate itself in and amongst the festival whether it be thru performers, techies, to people who are serving the performers and groups,to prayer walking; the goal is really just being serving evangelists. We specifically are going to serve those who are in Shine by providing meals for them as well as work in Shine, by being the film and photography crew! I’m so very excited, not only because it is an arts festival and we are going to be doing outreach through servicing and through friendship, but the fact that the arts are functioning as a way to bring people from ALL over the world in one location!! It is truly uniting the nations through the arts!! I’m stoked! I can’t wait to report back to you all about it, I know I’m going to be in for endless adventures while I’m there!
Be praying for safety for us. We will be driving out at 6 tomorrow morning to Edinburgh, and then hitting the floor running! We are staying on a churches floor and will be on our feet all day, running around the city, so pray specifically for stamina and endurance. But also, that we stay alert and in-tune for divine appointments and God opportunities! And for unity amongst us as a team and us working with people from all over the world!
Thank you again and again, as always, for your faithful prayer and support! Please write me and let me know how life is going for you and what things I can pray for you about!
This week’s lecture was on Our Daddy: Father Heart of God.
Yet another week where I’ve received so much and am going to be processing and working in my heart, mind, and soul this next week and for the rest of my life! But please take a moment today and just pause. Be still. Just be in His Presence and talk with Him. Imagine you climbing right next to Him on the couch and snuggling up in His safe, warm arms. Isn’t it the loveliest place to be. He loves us doing this, He desires us to have a relationship with Him where we have this healthy respect, fear, reverence for Him, but also I believe He wants us to see how much He cherishes us and longs to just hang-out and chat. Let us face it, it all really boils down is relationship, that is what life is about, relationship with our Heavenly Father. I could write probably 20 pages from all the notes that I took from class, but I won’t. I won’t be able to do it justice how my heart-set has changed, in such a good and healthy way. How wonderful, that we worship God, who is the Creator of the Universe, Who resides in us, and who is our Daddy. He’s there to comfort, nurture, discipline, hang-out, dream, talk (that means pausing and listening too), and discuss, and cuddle up against. He loves us unconditionally, He has forgiven us all of our sins, He casts them far away, as far as the east is to the west. He doesn't hold anything against us. I know this seems basic, but really it is good to be reminded of this, for this is vital. God has gone to great lengths since the beginning (Read Exodus for a reminder of all that He did for the Israelite people and then of course the Gospels) for us to be in a relationship with Him. He doesn’t force it upon us, but wants us to want it as much as He does! I love that. If you want an incredible book to read and give you a better and deeper understanding into our Daddy’s heart, read “My Father’s Heart” by Mike Oman (He was our lecturer) Brilliant.
Up and coming! Well, this Friday we, the DTS team are heading to Edinburgh for two weeks to work with/for “Shine” which is a ministry that has been going on for about 12 years . It is a YWAM outreach that participates in the “Fringe” Festival, which is the largest arts festival in the world (Has things like: Children’s shows, Comedy, Dance & Physical Theatre, Events, Exhibitions, Music, Musicals & Opera, and Theatre). And performances take place all over the city, in the streets, in coffee shops, in pubs, in alleys, and local businesses. Well known artists come, as well as the unknown that are hoping to get discovered! Shine exists to integrate itself in and amongst the festival whether it be thru performers, techies, to people who are serving the performers and groups,to prayer walking; the goal is really just being serving evangelists. We specifically are going to serve those who are in Shine by providing meals for them as well as work in Shine, by being the film and photography crew! I’m so very excited, not only because it is an arts festival and we are going to be doing outreach through servicing and through friendship, but the fact that the arts are functioning as a way to bring people from ALL over the world in one location!! It is truly uniting the nations through the arts!! I’m stoked! I can’t wait to report back to you all about it, I know I’m going to be in for endless adventures while I’m there!
Be praying for safety for us. We will be driving out at 6 tomorrow morning to Edinburgh, and then hitting the floor running! We are staying on a churches floor and will be on our feet all day, running around the city, so pray specifically for stamina and endurance. But also, that we stay alert and in-tune for divine appointments and God opportunities! And for unity amongst us as a team and us working with people from all over the world!
Thank you again and again, as always, for your faithful prayer and support! Please write me and let me know how life is going for you and what things I can pray for you about!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
People OF Paisley
People.
I like people. I’m a people person I’ve determined, and I have come to love yet more! The people of Paisley; how I love them. The people of Scotland are some amazing individuals, their tenacity, their fiery spirit, and their ability to speak whatever, and I truly mean whatever, is on their mind!
I’ve been praying for a heart for these people and this nation to develop even more strongly in me and even ability to understand some of them through their thick brogues and God has and is granting this. Every Wednesday we (the people at the base and I) fast (whatever of our choice) if we feel led, and pray for the city of Paisley.
There is a great deal to pray for and see change in this area, as is the case for any and every city. These Scottish men and women are amazing and have such incredible minds, gifts, and abilities, but they have such a spirit of defeat for themselves and have no vision or hope for the future and hate their city and they think that Scotland isn’t that great. Well, the staff here at Stanely house thought of this idea: P.I.G. = Paisley is Great. Where we once a month, or sometimes more, go to the town square memorial and grill sausages and give them away. To just brighten their day and say that we think Paisley is great and hope that they can be reminded of this and see it too. People’s response to this is fun, one they get delighted to find out that there are free sausages! They then hear us say that we love Paisley and they then think we are crazy! They think we are crazier for thinking Paisley is great then for handing out free sausages. This is funny. However, after they say that they think that we are crazy for being Americans who think that Paisley is wonderful, they pause, they smile at us and say “Cheers” (“Thank you”) and they walk away with a new spring in their step and shake their heads in wonder if whether or not we are sane! : ) Don’t worry we are. We just are eager to work in the opposite spirit that the people of Paisley operate in. We want to bring them joy and remind them that there are things about their city and their country is great! And not give into the negative spirit of despair and hatred. God’s love, hope, and creativity is what we want to bring. The teens especially need this! Just talking with them they can’t wait to get out of this city, but they don’t see how it is possible and they seem to be afraid to dream big because they don’t think it is possible.
This last Saturday there was a wonderful Pipe Band Festival, it was a competition to go onto the world championships. This was phenomenal, the music of course send chills up my spine and makes my heart beat with pure joy, but it was insightful peek into the people as well. There was such an excitement amongst the people that were hearing and watching Bag Pipe Bands marching down the road to the town square, in their clan tartan and the rest of the traditional garb. There was this sense of ownership in the air, whether they would admit it or not, they do have pride in their heritage and nation, I think they just need to be reminded of it. However, I think that it is not just a problem of reminding them of what a great country they live in and come from and being confident in their “national identity”. It goes much deeper than this. I think it has all to do with the people finding their identity in the real identity giver: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.This is something for all of us to remember, that no matter where we live, no matter what current political or economic times we live in we must rest secure in the fact that we find our value, worth and identity in God, and God alone. This is something that we hope to give them a glimpse of when we hand them a sausage or are walking into or around town and as we give them a smile or nod a hello; that they see a peace and a love radiating out of us that is not coming out of us by our own strength or will-power, but by the One who resides in us.
I like people. I’m a people person I’ve determined, and I have come to love yet more! The people of Paisley; how I love them. The people of Scotland are some amazing individuals, their tenacity, their fiery spirit, and their ability to speak whatever, and I truly mean whatever, is on their mind!
I’ve been praying for a heart for these people and this nation to develop even more strongly in me and even ability to understand some of them through their thick brogues and God has and is granting this. Every Wednesday we (the people at the base and I) fast (whatever of our choice) if we feel led, and pray for the city of Paisley.
There is a great deal to pray for and see change in this area, as is the case for any and every city. These Scottish men and women are amazing and have such incredible minds, gifts, and abilities, but they have such a spirit of defeat for themselves and have no vision or hope for the future and hate their city and they think that Scotland isn’t that great. Well, the staff here at Stanely house thought of this idea: P.I.G. = Paisley is Great. Where we once a month, or sometimes more, go to the town square memorial and grill sausages and give them away. To just brighten their day and say that we think Paisley is great and hope that they can be reminded of this and see it too. People’s response to this is fun, one they get delighted to find out that there are free sausages! They then hear us say that we love Paisley and they then think we are crazy! They think we are crazier for thinking Paisley is great then for handing out free sausages. This is funny. However, after they say that they think that we are crazy for being Americans who think that Paisley is wonderful, they pause, they smile at us and say “Cheers” (“Thank you”) and they walk away with a new spring in their step and shake their heads in wonder if whether or not we are sane! : ) Don’t worry we are. We just are eager to work in the opposite spirit that the people of Paisley operate in. We want to bring them joy and remind them that there are things about their city and their country is great! And not give into the negative spirit of despair and hatred. God’s love, hope, and creativity is what we want to bring. The teens especially need this! Just talking with them they can’t wait to get out of this city, but they don’t see how it is possible and they seem to be afraid to dream big because they don’t think it is possible.
This last Saturday there was a wonderful Pipe Band Festival, it was a competition to go onto the world championships. This was phenomenal, the music of course send chills up my spine and makes my heart beat with pure joy, but it was insightful peek into the people as well. There was such an excitement amongst the people that were hearing and watching Bag Pipe Bands marching down the road to the town square, in their clan tartan and the rest of the traditional garb. There was this sense of ownership in the air, whether they would admit it or not, they do have pride in their heritage and nation, I think they just need to be reminded of it. However, I think that it is not just a problem of reminding them of what a great country they live in and come from and being confident in their “national identity”. It goes much deeper than this. I think it has all to do with the people finding their identity in the real identity giver: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.This is something for all of us to remember, that no matter where we live, no matter what current political or economic times we live in we must rest secure in the fact that we find our value, worth and identity in God, and God alone. This is something that we hope to give them a glimpse of when we hand them a sausage or are walking into or around town and as we give them a smile or nod a hello; that they see a peace and a love radiating out of us that is not coming out of us by our own strength or will-power, but by the One who resides in us.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Star Breather and Turkey?
This last week was on the Holy Spirit, and this is where you definitely should expect the unexpected, for this is the way this week went.
I’m not even sure what to say except, take a moment and dwell on the fact that the Star Breather resides in you. How does that or does it affect the way you would or do live? The fact that we find all our power in the Creator of the Universe and He resides in us; He is personal and knows us with such intimate detail, better than we know ourselves. Think on this. Because I think this changes how we view our troubles that we may face or are facing or a situation that we need wisdom and insight in. You have the Holy Spirit and He is right there. What a comforting and scary thought all at the same time!
Had a very full week this week, but it has been very wonderful! I’ve loved getting to just relax a bit today and just chill and reflect and hang out with my roommates and other house mates today. We had pancakes and tea/coffee, and bagels. Thankfully I worked out this morning. Hahaha!
Be praying for me as I have a big “Express” time to be preparing of this Monday night, it is supposed to be a 10-12 minute message/teaching/testimony/preaching/evangelism thing….we can choose this week or we can do something on the Holy Spirit whatever we feel like God wants us to share. I have something roughly prepared, but I’m needing an extra burst of inspiration and courage. It has been a really good thing to be forced to prepare these messages and have these ready for outreach and then to just have the experience of sharing in front of a group, but it can sometimes be stressful! So, just pray that I'm not stressed by it, but blessed by it! : )
Also, we as a team for we have been having some great times of intercession and seeking God’s heart on where He wants us to go for our outreach. About three weeks in a row we kept getting some similar visions/pictures and words that have directed us to investigate Turkey as our outreach location. Our team leaders have sent out emails and put calls into just getting some further information on it and contacts and different things so now we are just waiting. This is NOT for sure, we are still really open, we really want to go where God wants us and needs us to go, so we are still seeking confirmation and insight, so be praying for wisdom, visions, and clarity for us all a whole and as individuals! I’m right now in neutral state of mind and heart on the subject, I’m really open and willing to go where He wants us!
I think that is it! Please email me or write me letters just so I can hear how life is going for you all! Or if you have any prayer requests I will pray for you and let the others know (if you want) so we all can pray for you collectively! Love you and missing you all.
I’m not even sure what to say except, take a moment and dwell on the fact that the Star Breather resides in you. How does that or does it affect the way you would or do live? The fact that we find all our power in the Creator of the Universe and He resides in us; He is personal and knows us with such intimate detail, better than we know ourselves. Think on this. Because I think this changes how we view our troubles that we may face or are facing or a situation that we need wisdom and insight in. You have the Holy Spirit and He is right there. What a comforting and scary thought all at the same time!
Had a very full week this week, but it has been very wonderful! I’ve loved getting to just relax a bit today and just chill and reflect and hang out with my roommates and other house mates today. We had pancakes and tea/coffee, and bagels. Thankfully I worked out this morning. Hahaha!
Be praying for me as I have a big “Express” time to be preparing of this Monday night, it is supposed to be a 10-12 minute message/teaching/testimony/preaching/evangelism thing….we can choose this week or we can do something on the Holy Spirit whatever we feel like God wants us to share. I have something roughly prepared, but I’m needing an extra burst of inspiration and courage. It has been a really good thing to be forced to prepare these messages and have these ready for outreach and then to just have the experience of sharing in front of a group, but it can sometimes be stressful! So, just pray that I'm not stressed by it, but blessed by it! : )
Also, we as a team for we have been having some great times of intercession and seeking God’s heart on where He wants us to go for our outreach. About three weeks in a row we kept getting some similar visions/pictures and words that have directed us to investigate Turkey as our outreach location. Our team leaders have sent out emails and put calls into just getting some further information on it and contacts and different things so now we are just waiting. This is NOT for sure, we are still really open, we really want to go where God wants us and needs us to go, so we are still seeking confirmation and insight, so be praying for wisdom, visions, and clarity for us all a whole and as individuals! I’m right now in neutral state of mind and heart on the subject, I’m really open and willing to go where He wants us!
I think that is it! Please email me or write me letters just so I can hear how life is going for you all! Or if you have any prayer requests I will pray for you and let the others know (if you want) so we all can pray for you collectively! Love you and missing you all.
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