Wednesday, December 31, 2008
17 Day to Jamaica
I know I am not the only one looking forward to FFC returning to Jamaica. There is a family there who are anxiously waiting their new home.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Count Down
This is one of my favorite pictures from FFC's mission trip to Jamaica last October. I am posting this picture in celebration! Our next mission trip to Jamaica departs in just 18 days. I am so looking forward to building another home for a Jamaican family and watching how this trip effects the team members lives.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
Monday, December 15, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
God Speaks
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Next step to Jamaica
The test is called the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. It took me a little over two hours to answer all 566 true and false questions. While I believe that the cumulative answers to these questions reveal a persons personality, each question on it's own seems a bit strange. I wonder what the questions I liked "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carrol, My hands and feet as usually warm enough, and I think Lincoln was greater than Washington reveal about your personality.
So my part of the next step is completed and now I wait again for the results......
Monday, December 8, 2008
Next Step to Jamaica
PS: I feel so excited I can hardly contain myself. I want to move to Jamaica right NOW! But my self disciplined part knows that God's timing is perfect and anything outside of his timing just wouldn't be as good.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Jamaica Update
"My first trip to Jamaica was last August and after that trip I came home with a tremendous love for the people of Jamaica. The desire to serve the people of Jamaica continued to grow in my heart; as Psalm 37:4 says “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” I know God placed this desire in my heart because it is not like me to want to make major life changes. I have lived my entire life in this area of Indiana, close to my family, and until this trip I did not have any desire to move anywhere else. But now I know that God is calling me to explore a position as a full time missionary to Jamaica. I have heard him call me as he did Jeremiah in verse 1:7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. So I made a second trip to Jamaica in October and at that time I investigated the ministry of CSI in Jamaica and spent time with the other missionaries posted there. We discussed what God has placed in their hearts to do for him. I am beginning to understand what God would want me to do in Jamaica and as the vision becomes clear I will be sharing with my family and friends at the proper time. So I have surrendered to God in this matter and have begun the process of becoming a full time missionary. I can not begin to know God’s timing in this but will be faithful to move forward each step as he leads."
I will keep you updated as I learn more about this journey.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Jamaica Update
1. Send a current resume to the office headquarters.
2. Complete an application, and return it to the office.
3. If thought necessary, administrative personnel from CSI will conduct a reference interview with the applicant's pastor.
4. Reference questionnaires will be sent to all of those listed as references in the application. A second roundof reference questionnaires will be sent to those listed by the primary references.
5. CSI will follow up with the applicant concerning the reference questionnaires either in person or by electronic means, determined by the matters that may need further explanation or discussion.
6. Applicant should schedule a visit to the home office in Muncie, Indiana, after the references have been completed and are acceptable.
7. Applicant will complete psychological testing under the direction of a Christian psychologist or psychiatrist designated by CSI.
8. Schedule a two-week visit to a field (at the discretion of the International Director).
9. Undergo a complete medical/physical evaluation by a licensed physician. This evaluation must contain all elements required by the current "Plan Administrator" for CSI's group medical/dental insurance plan.
10. Upon successful and acceptable completion of the foregoing items, the applicant will be designated as a "missionary under appointment" with CSI.
11. Newly appointed missionaries will work with the CSI administration is setting budget and target dates for departure.
12. CSI will help the appointee with putting together a ministry support team.
13. The appointee will attend a pre-field orientation at Mission Training International in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is a three-week program, and the cost for this training will be included in the "one-time" expense portion of the budget.
14. New appointees must raise 100% of annual support, in cash and faith-promise commitments that will provide sufficient support for at least 18 months (commitments plus reserves). as well as 100% of one-time expenses before the final process of securing visas, work permits, airline tickets, etc., is initiated.
15. The appointee arrives on her/his field of service and begins serving as a CSI missionary!
As of this date I completed items one and two. I think that, Ronn Oren with CSI, has spoken to Pastor Kris about my desire to become a long term missionary to Jamaica. I may have a bit of an in here since Ronn is Kris' brother in-law and I have ministered under Kris for two years. The reference questionnaires have and are being completed by those I listed as references. So the next step I am waiting on is CSI to contact me about the references. Others who serve as missionaries with CSI have said that it took two years before they arrived in the field. For me it is still very early in this process and only God knows exactly when I will begin serving as a CSI missionary in Jamaica.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Paradise?
Now let's muster up all that is good within us and go speak to the shrivelled up old man, lying in the bed, next to the screen door that is hanging about half open. Say hello and he will responded with a smile and introduce himself. Then he will tell you just how blessed he is that the Lord has given him one more day to live. He will tell you about what a good life he has had and how good God has been to him. He will then tell you about what he has heard as he lies there listening to the "BBC" on his small transistor radio. He says that he has heard about the financial problems in your country. He is concerned about the war in Iraq. He knows more about the Presidential candidates than I do and is concerned about the upcoming election. He then says, "I am praying for your country." There is nothing to say. All I can do is express my thanks, wipe my eyes and walk away.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
the shack
First I have a renewed appreciation for all the relationships in my life. I have the best parents who truly love and seek the best for me. I have wonderful friends who will settle for nothing less than my giving my best to God. I work with the best staff ever, I love those guys and gals. I want to love deeper and better and without fear. My prayer is "Papa - teach me to love like you do." Second I came away from reading this book by walking down the path of remembrance of all the times that the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have met with me and brought healing and freedom to my life. How wonderful those meetings have been. I look forward to many more meetings with them. The third thing reading "the shack" did for me was to bring me to the point of awareness of the fact that I often come to God with expectation of how he should bless me, answer my prayers etc. instead of coming to Him in love with expectancy of Him giving me His very best. I recommend reading "the shack" it was a great way to spend a weekend. You can find out more about the book here www.theshackbook.com.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
I'm Stuck
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Jamaica
My prayer for you is that you will someday meet a Phillip Ramsook and that your life will be changed by the encounter.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Quote
Frances Frangipane
Link to the entire article.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Inheritance
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Art
Monday, July 7, 2008
Blogging Vacation
I like the new blog list that shows when someone has posted recently so I may give that a try. It looks like an easy way to keep up with the fresh posts without visiting each and every blog. Pastor Kris, Pastor James and I had a conversation a while back about reading blogs with an RSS feed or on blog line and I explained that I like to go to the actual blog. It feels to me like the difference of calling someone on the phone or visiting in your living room. Pink agreed with me but Kris is an RSS feed guy.
I also think I need a blog update class. I feel like I am so far behind in all the new templates and features. Any volunteers to tutor me on new blogging features? So to those of you who wondered, I am still here and will continue to blog occasionally.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Joy & Relationships
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Whatever
If Satan says you are worthless, God has said you are of great worth, first.
If Satan says you can't do anything right, God has said that I have given you gifts and abilities to use for my glory, first.
If Satan says you have nothing of value to say, God says you have written my word on your heart so proclaim it, first.
If Satan says your life has no value, God says you were bought with a great price, the life of my Son and he has given you abundant life, first.
I need to get first things first and remember what God said first before the voice of Satan says the opposite. So when Satan comes against my mind I am going to say whatever! God said the opposite first so if you are attacking me in any area of my life I will remember that it is because God has a great plan for my life. Satan says the opposite to keep my from believing that what God has said first is true.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Tagged
I have included the instructions just in case you are as slow as I am at getting in on the game.
(1) Each player answers questions about themselves.
(2) At the end of the post, tag 5 people by posting their names.
(3) Go to their site/blog and leave a comment telling them that they have been Tagged. Invite them to your site/blog so they can read the Tagged post.
(4) Let the person who tagged you know when you have completed your Tagged post.
1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
Getting to know Jesus Christ and allowing Him to transform my life. Praying with Farmland Friends Church about building a bigger church at a new location.
2. What are 5 things on your "To Do" list?
Finish my degree, the one I have started a couple of times.
Be more disciplined about reading and studying, first the Bible and then other material.
Payoff my Building to Bless pledge and then my mortgage.
Continue learning to love others as Christ does.
3. What are 5 snacks you enjoy?
Popcorn, Ice Cream- just plain vanilla, Cheese Curls-puffs not crunchy, M&M's, Plain Hershey's chocolate bars.
4. Name some things you would do if you were a millionaire.
Payoff the debt of the church and build an administration building.
Make my entire family debt free. Give some to my friends. Remodel my kitchen.
5. Name some places where you have lived.
Muncie, Indiana. Royerton, Indiana, Parker City, Indiana, Farmland, Indiana.
6. Name some bad habits you have.
Straightening up others desks. Being a neat freak to the point it annoys others. Finishing others sentences.
7. Name some jobs you have had.
Hamburger flipper at McDonald's, Waitress at Pizza King and Red Lobster, Administrative assistant at First Merchants Bank. Pastor of Administration at Farmland Friends Church.
.8. Name those whom you are tagging: Abby, Tonya and I think the rest of you have already played.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Art
This old color painting was created by my Great Grandfather Hershel F. Allen. Great Grandpa Allen was a pastor at East 16Th Street Church of God. He was a strong and gentle man. This painting belongs to my mother at this time but will one day be part of my inheritance.
After Great Grandma Jacobina passed away at an early age my Great Grandpa married her sister, so as I grew up we always referred to them as Grandpa and Aunt Kate. I know this sounds kind of strange but it is perfectly moral and legal.
Now you know a piece of my odd family history.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Art
I recently purchased these watercolor paintings from Abby Wagner's on line "etsy.com" shop. (Forgive me for the bad photograph. It does not do the paintings justice.)
One of my goals in life is to collect art from people that I know and love. Abby was one of those people that I immediately liked and clicked with. You know how that happens sometimes. You meet someone and right away you find that you have similar likes and dislikes, your personalities are compatible and you just really enjoy being around them. Abby is one of those people in my life. We got to know each other while serving on FFC's First Impressions team and I have grown to love Abby and her family. I can't wait to get my Polaroid paintings framed and on the wall. Having items created by those I care about brings me a great deal of pleasure. It reminds me of them and brings to my mind how much I enjoy and love each person. This makes each piece so much more than just something pleasant to look at. Each piece of art becomes part of my life story and the people who have touched my life. I have several other pieces of art from family and friends that I will share with you in future posts, and give you some background on my relationship with each individual.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
I want to know
What are the most important aspects to you of a worship service at Farmland Friends Church and why. This can be anything you can think of - from the attitude of the greeters to the temperature of the sanctuary. I really, really want to know what you think, don't worry about what you say just be honest and of course don't be cruel, and don't forget to explain why.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
I want to know.
What do you do when you sit down to your home computer?
How much time do you spend a day playing on the computer?
When I sit down I usually play a game of spider solitaire, work a puzzle on jig zone, read through the FFC blog roll on Pastor Kris' blog, and then I might post a blog of my own. I sometimes shop on line, or research something that I just want to know about.
I spend about and hour or so a day playing on the computer.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Master Pieces
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Thirsty?
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Psalm 63:1-6
O God, you are my God,
I have seen you in the sanctuary
Because your love is better than life,
I will praise you as long as I live,
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
On my bed I remember you;
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Love
Happy Valentines Day!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Focus
I have had a season recently where all I could see was the junk right in front of me. The picture above is my view from my bedroom window. All I can see is the neighbors shed, wood pile, camper, boat and van. This is not the best view in the world. Anyone who really knows me, would say that I am a neat freak. I like things super tidy. I clean off the top of my desk every day before I go home. Everything goes into the proper file and my to do list is ready for the next day. I am just overly organized by nature. So there are times when I can't seem to get my mind off of the junk (life issues) that are right in front of me.
But I am learning to look beyond what is right in front of me and I am working on getting my eyes fixed on Jesus.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Scavenger Hunt
All in all it was fun hunting.
I think that you will enjoy your suprise this weekend.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Thankful
I also keep thinking about next Monday when I get to go play with clay again. Playing with clay is just so much fun!
Then I signed up today to go with some dear friends to a conference called "Restoring the Walls". I am anxiously awaiting the end of February when we get to go be refreshed in the presence of God. I am also very thankful to have friends that will pray for me, minister to me and just help me out when I lose my focus. God is so good to us and gives us so many wonderful things to enjoy.
Monday, January 28, 2008
I'm back
62ND post because no one ever comments on a number like 62.
Tonight I attended my first ceramics class at The Corner Stone Center for the Arts. I made a pinch pot and worked on a coil pot, then watched a demonstration on throwing clay on a wheel. I can't wait until next week. I have always loved playing in the dirt and clay is just another form of dirt.