Don't Hang Your Harp on a Willow

By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the willows, we hung our harps. Psalm 137:1-2

Friday, April 14, 2006

Testimony on Philippines Outreach!



We are back! Happy, safe and richer for this experience! Thank you everyone for your prayers! This trip was indeed very, very fruitful! We could feel your prayer covering in a very real and powerful way. We had traveling mercies, health and safety and as we all hoped for many souls were saved! This is a picture of one of the nights of the crusade. The crusade ran approximately one week. The agenda for each night was worship music by a youth team from a church from Suriago they were awesome, they performed music from Hillsong and they were really gifted. Then time for the Good News. This night Papa Ron (in the yellow shirt with back to the camera) did the preaching, this is a picture of the alter-call time. Then after alter-call we would show a movie about Jesus (a different move everynight). The first night we had about 200 people, there after 300 to 500 each night. And at alter time, each night, about half of that number of people would come forward to give their heart to the Lord. It was amazing and the children out numbered the adults 3 to 1. The children of Dignagat really touched our hearts, but then again the children all around the world always do! I always say, "It's all about the children!" They truly are the future! They are precious, beautiful, little, potentials, full of wonderful, possibilities, I would look out at the crowd each night and think, look at the lifes we are touching, here are the future, Doctors, Teachers, Preachers, Evangelist, etc. It is very inspiring. In addition, World Outreach found some beautiful land to plant a new church and is helping a Filipino Man named Nick with his, feed the children program and school. He will be the Pastor of this new church. This trip was meet with much success! We couldn't have done it without your prayers and for that we feel the most blessed! I will write more later, as you can see by the time of this post 1:55 a.m., I am phyically on the Philippine time-zone! That whole jet-lag thing! Well I think I'll try and hit the rack. This moring we were up at the crack of Noon, hope tomorrow is better.

Monday, March 27, 2006

Souls, Souls, Souls!

Well we're off y'all! We leave for the Philippines tomorrow, so this will be my last post for a couple of weeks. We are going with World Outreach and our mission is to plant a new church on the island of Dignagit. Please remember us in prayer as we are believing for souls, souls, souls! Today was quite a test of faith. We could not find my husband's passport! We looked and looked and it was nowhere to be found. After two hours of turning the house upside-down (well almost) we prayed once again, this time even more earnestly, we informed the Lord that if we didn't find this passport we couldn't go! (yea, as if He didn't know this) and that we needed His help to find it, and that if He didn't allow us to find this much needed passport, we would accept this result as a sign that we were not to go on this mission trip. We looked around a little more and I sat on the couch totally frustated, exhausted and fighting to hold back the tears. My husband then said how about checking the pockets of the clothes he took to Uganda, (we traveled to Uganda in August and have been back since October 5, 2005) I looked at him, as if to say, "Were did that lame idea come from?" But, willing to look anywhere out of shear desperation, I agreed. I started in the drawer that contained his summers shorts, when I got to the third pair I felt something waded up in the pocket I thought to myself what is this? It couldn't be his passport! I pulled out the wad and lo' and behold! The passport! Granted it had been washed and dryed along with a couple of dollar bills, nevertheless, it had held up, ( a bit worst for the wear after all it was in a wad) but we believe this washed and dryed version will be acceptable to the authorities (we have faith). So I have learned from the school of hard knocks, to check those pockets of his before washing! I knew this lesson, I just somehow forgot. Nevertheless, this situation has put confirmation in our hearts, that this trip is indeed commissioned by God and that we definitely SHOULD be on that plane tomorrow. And we know that all things work out for the best for those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28). So onward Christian Soliders!

Saturday, March 25, 2006

Darrell Scott Testimony


Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm? On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:

"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.

"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.

"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent. I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy-it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. " I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:

Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!

"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, soul, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and reek havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. "Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.

"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes-He did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999 , at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA - I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"

Do what the media did not - - let the nation hear this man's speech. Please send this out to everyone you can

To all Introverted, Extroverts

I've dedicated this picture to all of you that posted yesterday, that a Willow Tree is your favorite tree. And a (sidenote), notice how she has not, hung her harp on this willow, you go girl!

When the artist painted this picture, I'm sure the point was to express the beautiful peace that comes with solitude and nature and the joys of summer. However, Lauren's post yesterday got me thinking and I became I bit introspective I've come to the conclusion that I'm a total extrovert and wouldn't last five minute under that tree with her, I want to ask her:

What's you name?
That's a pretty dress, were did you get it?
That's a pretty hat, were did you get it?
How do you get your whites so white?
How do you feel about wearing white pass Labor Day?
Are you from around here?
It is beautiful here, where are we anyway?
Do you use Skin-so-Soft to keep the bugs away?
We must not be in Minnesota, Matt tells me the state bird is the mosquito, am I right?
Are you married?
Do you have children?
Do you have internet access out here?
Have you ever posted or commented on a blog-site?
Do you want to swing? (I'll push you!)
Let's put our feet in the water, O.K.?

See, not quite the same, with an extrovert in the picture. Don't get me wrong, I love to read and appreciate solitude (once in awhile). But for the most part I have to say, I'm really a people person. I love to connect with people. Thank you Lauren, the ultimate introverted, extrovert, for introducing me to blogging, very cool for an extroverted, introvert like me!

On, another subject, I am going to Mary's husbands memorial today. I spoke with her yesterday, she sounded so good on the phone, I could tell her faith was really strong (see Mountain Moving Faith). I told her that I knew many people were praying for her (referring to this blog site and my home church) and she said, "she could feel all the prayers and they were really carrying her through!" Praise God!

Friday, March 24, 2006

The Lord is my Shepherd!





Today I woke-up with one of those fun sinus-headaches, the kind that make you want to crawl right back into bed. I wasn't going to post a blog today. Then I opened up my email and right in front of my eyes, is the most wonderful encouragement all the way from Kenya, it blessed my soul and I pray it does yours too:

PSALM 23

The Lord is my Shepherd...
(THAT'S RELATIONSHIP!)

I shall not want...
(THAT'S SUPPLY!)

He makes me to lie down in green pastures...
(THAT'S REST!)

He leads me beside still waters...
(THAT'S REFRESHMENT)

He restoreth my soul...
(THAT'S HEALING!)

He leads me in the paths of righteousness...
(THAT'S GUIDANCE!)

For His Name Sake...
(THAT'S PURPOSE!)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...
(THAT'S CHALLENGE!)

I will fear no evil...
(THAT'S ASSURANCE!)

For thou art with me...
(THAT'S FAITHFULNESS!)

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me...
(THAT'S SHELTER!)

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies...
(THAT'S HOPE)

Thou anoints my head with oil...
(THAT'S CONSECRATION)

My cup runneth over...
(THAT'S ABUNDANCE!)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life...
(THAT'S BLESSING!)

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord...
(THAT'S SECURITY!)

Forever...
(THAT'S ETERNITY!)

Thank you Beatrice, what a wonderful new way of looking at Psalm 23, I have prayed this Psalm by memory for many years (now I can put more of my heart into praying it) Amen!

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Thursday 13


Thirteen things you learn from the Bible (at least)
  1. A kind answer soothes angry feelings.
  2. A TRUE friend will keep a secret.
  3. Everyone likes to brag about getting a bargain.
  4. A wise friend makes you wise.
  5. It is better to be honest and poor than dishonest and rich.
  6. Telling lies will get in in trouble.
  7. DON'T GIVE UP!
  8. Make your parents proud (especially your Mother).
  9. Respect and obey the Lord.
  10. Teach your child right from wrong and when they are grown they will still do right.
  11. Don't try to get even.
  12. ALL widom comes from the Lord and so do common sense and understanding.
  13. Know where you are headed and you will stay on solid ground!

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

MOUNTAIN MOVING FAITH!


I want to share this lesson from Living the Spirit-Filled Life by Jack Hayford:

Sometimes it seems there are two kinds of faith in Christian living. There is a steady faith in the truth of God's Word that leads us into lives of morality and integrity. We become solid citizens, productive employees, dependable church members, loyal friends, loving spouses, caring parents and faithful followers of Jesus. Then God asks us to do something risky for the kingdom, or He permits tragedy to rock our lives. Suddenly there is a need for mountain-moving faith! What's the relationshp between faith for routine living and faith for crisis living?

Here is the Life Application:

I received one of those heart-dropping calls the other night. I friend who I haven't seen in over a year is struggling through long pauses, with how to start the conversation. When a ask, "How are you stranger?" After another pause, she informs me that her husband (only 48 years old) went to be with the Lord, on March 6th. After, I picked my heart-up off the ground, my next question was, "Oh, Mary how did this happen?" She then begins to inform me, that Monday night, Mary and her husband were in a hotel room because they had traveled to the San Diego area to visit a friend in the hospital who is dying of cancer. She goes on to tell me that at 2:00am she is awaken and turns to look at her husband and he is gone, sometime in the night he had quit breathing. She then fumbles for the light and calls 911, here is the really beautiful part, she did not feel alone at the moment. She could feel a presents there with her, in the spiritual realm. It is so beautiful the way she put it she believes that God allowed her husband's spirit to be their with her (and I believe ministering angels as well) at that moment to comfort her until the parametics arrived. At the hospital, he was put on life-support however, he was brain-dead, (he had been without oxygen for a long time) and so they unplugged the life-support. Anyway, we know that was just his "tent" and the new man, the spiritual man, was already in the presence of the Lord, with his new glorified body! Amen!

So I'm asking you today to remember Mary in prayer, she has two children a boy, age 10 and a girl 15. After the numbness wears off and life goes on, let's pray that she will open her heart daily to the guiding hand of the Lord, as she struggles with the big questions ahead, and the direction she will need in every area of her life, and the hardest part of all, the waiting on the Lord for those answers.

A New Song (for Mary, and all my friends reading this right now)
Sovereign Lord, give us ears to hear and eyes to see that we may not mistake Your voice or miss the signposts along the path. Train me in the usual things, that I may be ready for the unusual ones. Give me a humble heart and patience, so that I may have courage and decisiveness. Let me know Your Spirit so well in peaceful times that I will not mistake You in times of crisis. In Jesus' name. AMEN!

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Don't Hang Your Harp - Part Two


I have dedicated this blog-site to a dear saint, my husband's Grandma, she was one of the original prayer-warriors of this family. She was born in the late 1800's and went to be with the Lord at the ripe-old age of 97. What is really amazing to the family is how we see her prayers still being answered to this day, long after she has departed this world. It is awesome to think that some of our prayers will still be answered long after we are gone. And why not? For God is Alpha and Omega, and beginning and the end, and things will come to pass in His perfect timing, with His perfect will. She wrote a song called Don't Hang Your Harp on a Willow. Here are some of the lyrics:

Don't hang your harp on a willow
Never give up your song.
For a lonely traveler in a strange land,
May be listening for your song.

Never sit down by the river side,
With your harp strings broken down,
For you may meet a pilgrim,
And, he may be listening for your song.

We all have a heart song. For those of you that have been blogging for awhile, isn't it wonderful to have an outlet for your heart song. Thank you Lauren for introducing me to this new world. It is awesome. I love reading and commenting of your blog-site and a few others (the list is growing) and starting my own has been fun too! So keep sharing those wonderful thoughts, you never know who the pilgrim is, that is being encouraged by your daily song (aka blog post)!