simply stuff

The Prayer of Jabez

2010-08-27T22:35:00.000-04:00

1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV)
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.
I remember when the book the "Prayer of Jabez" came out and how when I read it I had prayed that God would enlarge my territory. I asked that He would give me greater influence to expand His kingdom and now years later God has granted that request. I am thanking Him for allowing me to have influence in two countries. Since I have been in Jamaica we have hosted 13 teams. My prayer for each individual has been that through their mission experience that they would return to the states changed in a way that would last forever. That they would follow Christ more closely, give more generously, pray more intensely for the nations, and love justice more completely. Just as one short term mission trip has forever changed me. Through the duties required to host a team I have worked with many Jamaicans and I am enjoying sharing my knowledge of the word of God as we interact on a daily basis. So I am thankful for the influence God has given me and I pray that I use each opportunity wisely.

What?

2010-04-10T13:45:00.000-04:00

I received an email from my director at CSI. The Jamaican Embassy in New York is now requesting photos of me before I can get my passport stamped with a visa to enter Jamaica. The good news is my director had passport photos that she could Fed ex overnight to the Embassy. Which she did today, Saturday the 10th. However I need my passport returned stamped by Tuesday the 13th so that I can board the flight I have booked for 8 a.m. Wednesday the 14th. I know God can make it happen but if you would take the time to ask Him to help make this happen it would be appreciated.

Departure Date

2010-03-31T21:45:00.000-04:00

After many weeks of delay we now have word that our letter from the Jamaican Government is ready and will be in the CSI office in Muncie on Thursday, April 1. (No Fooling) So we are setting our departure date for Wednesday, April 14. I would truly appreciate your prayers for the remainder of the process to be concluded without any problems.
I am so excited to finally have a date to be in Jamaica. The process of becoming a missionary has taken almost a year and six months. I can't wait to get started on everything that the Spirit of God leads me to do.

2010-02-22T20:45:00.002-05:00

Marggy's Jamaica Video from marggy hensley on Vimeo.

FAQ's about Jamaica

2009-12-30T23:33:00.001-05:00

I thought I would take a moment and answer a few of the questions that I most frequently get asked:

Q. When will you be leaving for Jamaica?
A. I will be leaving for Jamaica in March. I do not know the exact date yet because I will have to apply for a work Visa from the Jamaica government. I will be sending in my visa application the first part of January and will then have to wait on the response from Jamaica before I can book a one way flight.

Q. Are Aaron and Melissa Black and family going at the same time?
A. Yes, and I feel very blessed to have such wonderful friends to work, live and serve God with.

Q. What will you be doing in Jamaica?
A. CSI Ministries mission statement is "Mission Experiences in Jesus' Name". So we will be hosting short term mission teams. This means; making the connection with those in Jamaica who have needs and the teams who will serve them. It also means, food, transportation, cultural experiences, supplies for the work projects, etc. need to be in place before the teams arrive. CSI also has a Student Support program which provides funds to help kids get to and stay in school. I think this involved visiting schools, teachers and children to check on grades, attendance and also help them with home work. And I'm sure that God has plans that I don't see fully right now. So this answer is to be continued...

Q. Where will you be living?
A. I will be in living Saint Mary Parish, town of Highgate which is in the interior of Jamaica. As far as I know right now I will be living in a block house down the street and around the corner from the Mission House. And yes my house will have electricity and indoor plumbing. I will have hot water! (This is picture of the house I will most likely be living in with Jamie Barton.)

Q. How do I join you in ministry with prayer and financial support?
A. I have prayer cards which I would love for you to put on your refrigerator or in your bible as a reminder to pray. I will also be sending out a monthly news letter by e-mail and I will be contacting my partners with prayer requests. If you want to send financial support mail a check to CSI Ministries, 1714 W Royale Dr. Muncie, IN 47304 with my name in the memo line. Or ask me and I will give you a response card and envelope.

Q. How long will you be gone?

A. CSI requests that you make a three year commitment, however I really hope that I will be in Jamaica much longer. This doesn't mean that I will be gone three years straight. I will be home for about six weeks each year. Four of those weeks are used to reconnect with those who are partnering with me in ministry and continue to raise support. Two week are vacation time.

Q. What do you think you will miss the most while in Jamaica?

A. My family and friends of course! But I will also miss fresh milk, the change of seasons, the ease of shopping we have, and I'm sure there will be other things also.

Feel free to leave a comment with your question.

Departure Date

2009-12-17T11:02:00.001-05:00

Last night our Executive Director at CSI Ministries announced that I will be leaving for Jamaica in March. This is what I have been waiting for. It was just over a year ago when I knew that the Love God has given me for the Jamaicans required action. But now that I know when I will be leaving there are many mixed emotions and tons of thoughts running through my mind. Will I be home for Christmas next year? Boy Oh Boy is it going to be hard to say goodbyes. I'm praying that there will be many Good times within the goodbyes. I wonder how involved the visa application process will be. My comfort in this is that many others have successfully completed the visa process before me. I wonder if I will be fully funded before I leave, right now with earthly eyes it sure doesn't look like it. But I say, God is more than able, after all everything in heaven and on earth belongs to Him. I wonder how many suit cases I will want to take with me? I don't have many possessions left, at least by American standards but still, it will probably be more than a couple of suit cases. How do I let all those who have come into my life know just how much I will miss them? What is in store when I arrived in Jamaica? What wonderful acts of God will I witness?
What? How? When? Where? Why? Many, many questions.

Right where I'm at

2009-12-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task,

but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks

as if they were great and noble."

Helen Keller

Jamaica

2009-12-11T12:02:00.001-05:00

Today my heart is full of love. Do to my journey to Jamaica and the need to raise support I have a greater understanding of the importance of interdependence of the body of Christ. Without others coming along side me and offering their prayers and financial support I would never be able to accomplish the dream God has placed in my heart. That dream is to live in Jamaica and to love the Jamaican people with the love of God.

Added Value

2009-09-20T15:02:00.000-04:00

Today a friend that I had met in Colorado at missionary training joined me for worship service. By taking the time to make almost an hour drive to come to church with me he added such value to my life. I know that he has family, co-workers and many friends to say goodbye to before he leaves for the mission field at the end of the month, but he took this morning just to see me and say goodbye. Each and every one of the 42 adults and 16 children that I had the privilege of getting to know and loving during this three week training hold a piece of my heart now so I understand why he came.

I have learned a great lesson today from a great man of God. I would normally think that it would not matter much if I went to see someone who I will not be around again for the rest of my life on earth, but not this man. He knows how important it is to love well and say goodbye well.

My prayer for this wonderful man is that:

"The LORD bless you
       and keep you;
  the LORD make his face shine upon you
       and be gracious to you;
  the LORD turn his face toward you
       and give you peace."
Thanks for making me feel special. God Bless!

Training

2009-07-30T13:46:00.002-04:00

On Monday morning August 3rd I will be boarding a plane to Colorado Springs, Colorado where I will be picked up by a shuttle and transported to three weeks of training on cross cultural ministry. My training will take place at Missionary Training International (MTI). You can check out what MTI looks like here. I will miss being home with my both my family and my church family, but this will be a good chance to practice being away from home.

I'm in awe

2009-07-17T15:55:00.002-04:00

This little house that God has allowed me to take care of has been listed with a realtor for just eleven days. Amazingly I am expecting an offer tonight, a second showing to someone else tomorrow afternoon and also a good friend is interested in this lovely little home for her parents. In my opinion this is God's hand at work and I am in awe.

My expectations were that in this economy with the housing market depressed it would take a long time and a miracle to get this house sold for what I have in it. I think I may be about to get my miracle in short order. God is so awesome!

To me this is one more confirmation that I am to go to Jamaica!

Can't wait to see how God works all this out.

View of the Cross

2009-03-09T14:45:00.001-04:00

While in Jamaica on our mission trip I asked the members of our team and the missionaries there to each take a picture of the cross using my camera. I did this simply for my own entertainment, but thought I would share some of the pictures on the blog.

I love the contrast between this photo of the cross and the picture of the cross I posted before. The cross in this photo is integrated into the picture so much so that it becomes a part of the background and in the previous picture the cross is definitely central to the picture. I wonder if the photographers see the cross in the way it is portrayed in the photographs. Maybe this photographer sees the cross as so much a part of their life that is completely integrated into their life. And maybe the previous photographer sees the cross as big and powerful and clear as it looks in the picture.
Feel free to share any thoughts you have about these two photographs.

View of the Cross

2009-03-06T19:32:00.000-05:00

Still

2009-02-25T19:21:00.004-05:00

Ok, here is the update after my CSI Executive Board interview on the 17th. I am still waiting. It has been 5 months this week since I first applied for a full time missionary position in Jamaica and I am still waiting to be approved. I knew that this could be a long process, but still it would be nice to get to the approved stage so that I could begin the next phase. There is still so much to be done before I ever have a departure date. Oh well, I guess I will just be still. After all this is God's idea and His timing is perfect.

Psalm 46:10 (New International Version)
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

News

2009-02-14T22:34:00.003-05:00

Well as many of you know I have been in a waiting pattern with the process of becoming a full time missionary to Jamaica. A couple of weeks ago I received a call from Christian Service International (CSI) saying that there was no news and that it would be mid March before I would hear anything more. So I thought, I have news, at least the news that there is no news and there won't be any news for at least a month. I relaxed and felt good in at least knowing that there is nothing happening and won't be happening for a month. Well a week later I really got news. At least the news that the executive board of CSI would like me to come meet with them. So now my news is that I have a meeting next Tuesdaythe 17th at two with the board of CSI. So after this meeting I hope to have real news-something like,you are approved and can continue the process and take some next steps. I will let you know when I actually have real news.

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in Song

2009-02-10T22:06:00.002-05:00

Don't watch this unless you are willing to sit quietly and watch the entire video with an open mind and heart. I guarantee that you will be moved.

1 day to Jamaica

2009-01-16T11:16:00.000-05:00

1 day to Jamaica.

May the words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart

be pleasing in your sight,

O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer Psalm 19:14

So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." John 20:25

Lord, my prayer is that the FFC mission team will show your hands to the Jamaican family we will meet and build a home for. May our attitudes be the same sacrificial attitude as that of your son so that those we minister to may be touched by you and believe.

2 days to Jamaica

2009-01-15T11:09:00.000-05:00

2 days to Jamaica. I hope that all those going have their bags packed. I also hope that each one has also prepared spiritually for this trip. I am extremely grateful to all of you who have been and are praying for this trip. We need your prayer support and the preparation and protection that it provides.

3 days to Jamaica

2009-01-14T18:00:00.000-05:00

3 days to Jamaica and some time for quite reflection. This truly is a spiritual journey as much as it is a physical journey. I know that each participant will experience God in new ways.

4 days to Jamaica

2009-01-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

4 days to Jamaica and a stop at Yow's for amazing views and the sound of the Caribean sea, jerk chicken, rice and peas and a rest from the three hour drive from the airport to the mission house.

5 days to Jamaica

2009-01-12T14:00:00.000-05:00

5 days to Jamaica and a weeks stay at the CSI mission house.

6 days to Jamaica

2009-01-11T18:00:00.000-05:00

6 days to Jamaica and a cultural experience that will change each participant.

7 days to Jamaica

2009-01-10T13:42:00.002-05:00

7 days to Jamaica and another "Juicy Patty"
(Juicy patties are filled with your choice of beef, chicken, shrimp, or cheese and are a bit hot and spicy. They are great when placed inside coco bread.)

8 days to Jamaica

2009-01-09T17:10:00.000-05:00

8 days to Jamaica and the opportunity to experience worshiping with our Jamaican brothers and sisters in Christ.

9 days to Jamaica

2009-01-08T16:55:00.003-05:00

9 days to Jamaica and a new roof to protect a Jamaican family

10 days to Jamaica

2009-01-07T16:53:00.001-05:00

10 days to Jamaica and more of Arthur's antics.

11 Days to Jamaica

2009-01-06T19:44:00.000-05:00

11 days to Jamaica and more of Pinto's culinary delights, coconut chicken and pumpkin soup, Yum!

12 Days to Jamaica

2009-01-05T19:39:00.000-05:00

12 days to Jamaica and more rides in the work truck.
(the views from the back of the truck are amazing)

13 days to Jamaica

2009-01-04T21:00:00.001-05:00

13 days to Jamaica and a little rest for PK

14 days to Jamaica

2009-01-03T21:00:00.000-05:00

14 days to Jamaica and gecko's

15 days to Jamaica

2009-01-02T21:00:00.000-05:00

15 days to Jamaica and a new group of individuals whose lives, hearts, and minds will be changed by the experience.

16 days to Jamaica

2009-01-01T21:00:00.001-05:00

Sixteen days to Jamaica and another opportunity to reconnect with new friends.

17 Day to Jamaica

2008-12-31T21:00:00.000-05:00

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.

Count Down

2008-12-30T23:17:00.002-05:00

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.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T10:40:00.003-05:00

This Christmas day my heart is filled with gratitude, love and joy because I have received the greatest gifts. One of my gifts is my family, I have great parents, sisters, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews and even a great nephew. Then there is the extended family, grandparents, aunts and uncles who have prayed for me - the effects of which I will not fully understand this side of heaven. They truly love each other and have blessed me with many wonderful memories of time shared. Another gift I have received is the group of individuals that I minister with at FFC. We have grown to trust each other, love and support each other and we are not afraid to have the difficult conversations that help us become more like Christ. These people have helped me to be a better person. And then there is the gift of friendship. I am amazed at the number of wonderful people who are a part of my life, each one brings me something unique in our relationship and for each friend I am thrilled to have them influence my life. I also feel that our blogging community is a gift - I love reading about your thoughts and lives and feel that I know some of you even though we have never had a face to face conversation. Thanks for sharing your lives on the web. So my greatest gifts outside of salvation is relationships. Thank you for the time you have given to me.

Now to each and every one of you may you enjoy the greatest gift, your relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, who blesses us with every good thing.

God Speaks

2008-12-15T23:40:00.000-05:00

God Speaks through friends who give you songs:

God Speaks

2008-12-14T14:00:00.000-05:00

God speaks through friends who send poems by e-mail.

I said, "Let me walk in the field";

God said, "No, walk in the town";

I said, "There are no flowers there";

He said, "No flowers, but a crown."

I said, "But the sky is black,

There is nothing but noise and din";

But He wept as He sent me back,

"There is more," He said, "there is sin."

I said, "But the air is thick,

And smog is veiling the sun";

He answered, "Yet souls are sick,

And your work is yet undone."

I said, "I will miss the light,

And friends will miss me, they say";

He answered me, "Choose tonight,

If I am to miss you, or they."

I pleaded for time to be given;

He said, "Is it hard to decide?

It will not seem hard in Heaven

To have followed the steps of your Guide."

I cast one look at the field,

Then set my face to the town;

He said, "My child, do you yield?

Will you leave the flowers for the crown?"

Then into His hand went mine,

And into my heart came He;

And I walk in a light Divine,

The path I had feared to see.

-George MacDonald

Next step to Jamaica

2008-12-13T15:51:00.004-05:00

I received my psychological evaluation forms (Life History Questionnaire) and test from CSI this week. The life history covers everything from mental illness in any blood relative to medical conditions to spiritual history. It feels as though I have bared my entire live in these pages. Then they ask for a autobiography defined as "very brief summarization of life from childhood through the present time." So what exactly is "very brief" when it comes to almost half a century of life? It feels weird to summarize your life in a couple of paragraphs, but that to me is what very brief means.
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......

Next Step to Jamaica

2008-12-08T14:04:00.002-05:00

I had my meeting this morning with the staff as CSI and I feel that everything went very well. They ask me many questions which lasted about 2 hours. When asked about my call to long term mission work, I was able to quote the scriptures that God has laid on my heart and also explain about the many other ways God has confirmed this call to me. In my last post I let you in on two of the scriptures that God opened up to me as I was considering this calling. We had great conversation about CSI ministries, their vision for short term mission trips, the role of being a long term missionary with CSI. The next step is the psychological testing. This comes in the form of a questionnaire which I will fill out and Pastor Kris acting as my proxy will return to the company that evaluates the forms and sends the results to CSI. After this test, I will possibly have an interview with CSI's personnel committee and or the executive board. The board does not meet again until May but they may agree to meet with me prior this. So as God leads I will follow him step by step.
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.

Jamaica Update

2008-12-07T21:53:00.004-05:00

Bright and early on Monday morning (9:00 am)I have a meeting with the CSI staff at the Muncie office. I think this is steps 5 and 6 as listed in this post. I am excited about visiting CSI World Headquarters and learning about my next steps in the process of becoming a missionary in Jamaica. However I am a bit apprehensive in communicating my calling. I find it difficult to adequately describe exactly what God has done in my heart and how He has communicated to me this calling on my life. Some of the things I will be sharing are how God placed a desire in my heart to live with and minister to the Jamaican people. How I believe that God has revealed to me in a dream that I would be moving into a new opportunity, and the instructions that He gave me in that dream. I will also be sharing how God has confirmed this calling through the words of fellow Christians and the bible. The following is a part of a letter I wrote to family and friends to describe my future plans.
"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.

Jamaica Update

2008-11-30T23:37:00.002-05:00

Because I have had several people interested in what my process of becoming a long term missionary with CSI will be like I am posting the document from CSI titled:

Becoming a Missionary with CSI Ministries, Inc.

Any applicant seeking a ministry assignment must be a committed follower (disciple) of Jesus Christ, must agree with the doctrinal statement of CSI Ministries, Inc. (hereinafter refereed to as "CSI"), and have a clear understanding that missions is God's will for his/her life.
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.

Paradise?

2008-10-30T17:40:00.004-04:00

Allow me to tell you about an experience I had while in Jamaica. I wish that you could see what I saw, feel what I felt, and smell what I smelled. I will do my best to describe to you this experience. Come with me now and stand in the hot sunlight, narrow and shade your eyes, and look at the two long block buildings painted in worn pastel colors. Step inside and allow your eyes to adjust to the dim light. Don't breath too deep the odor is offensive, make sure your hands are empty, you will need to shew the flys away. Now brace yourself as you look at all the people lying in the small beds lined up against both walls of the narrow room. They are sick, weak and many are not mentally alert. I want to look away, fix my eyes on the floor, the ceiling or the door. Really I just want to run outside, but instead I watched as the sound of a single guitar began filling the air with music. As the voices of the visitors began to sing praises to God the people in the beds who has at first appeared to be just this side of death, came to life. They clapped their twisted and gnarled hands, some sat up and sang along. One woman even began to dance around.
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.

the shack

2008-10-07T19:44:00.002-04:00

I read "the shack" over the weekend and came away from reading this book with three things.
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.

I'm Stuck

2008-10-05T15:11:00.002-04:00

I'm stuck in Jamaica, my heart just will not come home.... so I am going back. I will be leaving on the 18Th for a week long trip. The purpose of this trip is to seek God and his will for my life. I'm exploring the possibility of becoming a full time missionary in Jamaica. If this is God's call for me it will be the biggest, hardest, most exciting and wonderful thing I have ever done. This trip is just step one in what is expected to be a year long journey of preparation. While I am in Jamaica, I am asking the Lord to help me grasp the vision of CSI's ministry, to help me see what role he would want me to fill and to speak to me in profound ways that will confirm beyond any doubt my next steps in life.

Jamaica

2008-08-28T20:31:00.003-04:00

Meet Phillip Ramsook. Shake his leathery hand and know the hard labor he does to survive. Look into his eyes and see the hope and excitement of having a new home. Watch his actions as he looks on while others construct his home. He has ideas and dreams for what his new home will bring. Listen to the tone of his voice while he says, I so thankful, thank you for my home. View the increasing smile while you hand him the keys to his new home. Let him melt your heart as he did mine.
My prayer for you is that you will someday meet a Phillip Ramsook and that your life will be changed by the encounter.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder

2008-08-27T20:30:00.000-04:00

Mountains of Jamaica and Beans of Indiana are both beautiful in my eyes.

Love

2008-08-26T20:00:00.000-04:00

I never thought I would fall in love, but I have... with a country and it's people.

Quote

2008-08-25T20:06:00.003-04:00

Most of us sincerely love the Lord and are thankful for all He has done. However, too many are more comfortable celebrating what Jesus has done than accepting who He desires to be to us. We sing of His victories and teach of His mercies, yet rarely do we quiet our hearts and surrender to His presence. We want Him near enough to protect us but not so close that our consciousness is captured by His presence.
Frances Frangipane

Link to the entire article.

Inheritance

2008-07-10T09:00:00.001-04:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about inheritance. In our culture we only receive an inheritance when someone in our family line dies. It is only after they have lived their life and accumulated wealth that we receive our inheritance. This is the same with God's culture. Because Christ died, and His life was filled with wealth, we have our inheritance now. We have inherited the kingdom of God and God's kingdom is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control. Our inheritance is freedom from slavery and everything that binds us. It is the promised land where we are able to overcome all of our enemies and live in perfect peace. Our inheritance is the promised land flowing with milk and honey, filled with fruit larger than we have ever seen. Our inheritance is a mansion in heaven, it is eternal life and so much more than I can understand.

Art

2008-07-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

In earlier posts I have shared with you some of the art I have in my home. I most enjoy the pieces by people I know and love. So here is a picture of a water color by mygrandmother, Garnet Allen.

Blogging Vacation

2008-07-07T21:23:00.002-04:00

I took a blogging vacation. I just felt like getting away from it for a while. It's not that I don't want to interact with all of you, honest, it's just that I got tired of messing with blogging. I have still been reading blogs from time to time, but sometimes I feel like so many blogs to read and so little time.
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.

Joy & Relationships

2008-06-01T20:24:00.002-04:00

Thanks PK. We had a great time at Chili's today for lunch! It was wonderful reconnecting with the Grime's family and the Bickford family. Before I left church I was stopped by another family, the Webb's, who were planning on having lunch at Chili's so we added them to our party. They shared about their Colorado vacation. It was good to get to know them better. For me my relationship with the Webb's began at the altar in prayer. I am glad that our relationship moved a step further to sharing a meal. During lunch the conversation moved to, "We should do this more often." We talked about finding a family we don't know and having lunch with them. It would be wonderful if we just follow through on this and begin a relationship with someone new. My church family sure brings me a great deal of joy.

Whatever

2008-05-31T22:15:00.002-04:00

I have learned that whatever Satan says to you God has declared the opposite first.
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.

Tagged

2008-05-16T21:39:00.003-04:00

This is for all of you who tagged me.
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.

Art

2008-05-09T22:28:00.002-04:00

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.

Art

2008-04-08T18:54:00.003-04:00

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.

One more I want to know

2008-04-04T23:02:00.000-04:00

What makes a verbal church announcement memorable?

I want to know

2008-03-28T15:05:00.003-04:00

Here is the next thing 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.

I want to know.

2008-03-26T20:08:00.003-04:00

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.

Master Pieces

2008-03-22T22:04:00.007-04:00

I thought I would share my first ever pottery with you. It is all very "kindergarden" but I have really enjoyed Jasen Combs class at Corner Stone Center for the Arts. Maybe some day I will be able to control the clay. Right now it seems as though the clay has a life of it's own and does just as it pleases.

My pinch pot.

My coil pot

My slab vase

My thrown pot (made on the pottery wheel)

I have made some progress, my pieces are improving.

Thirsty?

2008-02-19T19:32:00.004-05:00

Psalm 42:1-2

As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When can I go and meet with God?

Revelation 21:6

"It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega,

the Beginning and the End.

To him who is thirsty I will give to drink

without cost from the spring of the water of life.

Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

Psalm 63:1-6

2008-02-18T00:05:00.001-05:00

Psalm 63
O God, you are my God,

earnestly I seek you;

my soul thirsts for you,

my body longs for you,

in a dry and weary land

where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary

and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life,

my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,

and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;

with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
On my bed I remember you;

I think of you through the watches of the night.

Love

2008-02-14T20:05:00.003-05:00

Because today is valentines day I thought I would blog about love. Specifically about love languages. I recently read The Love Languages of God by Gary Chapman. In this book he describes five love languages that God speaks: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. While reading this book I discovered that my primary love language is Physical Touch. There is nothing that is more wonderful to me than being in the presence of God where I can feel His touch. This helped me to understand why I am so moved to raise my hands, dance, sway, and just move physically during musical worship. It is my way of expressing back to God, in my primary love language, my love for Him. When I raise my hands in worship my heart is saying what Romans 12:1 states. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. At other times I raise my hands in agreement with the words of the song, while singing "I am free" my heart is giving God thanks for all the freedom He has given me. At other times I reach up to ask my Father to pick me up and comfort me when I am down. I know that expressing your love for God physically is very uncomfortable for some of you. But each of you have a primary love language and we all tend to express our love in our primary language. Think about what your primary love language might be and how you can express your love back to God.
Happy Valentines Day!

Focus

2008-02-05T18:50:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have times is your life where you can only focus on what is right in front of you?
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.

Hebrews 12:2 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

When my eyes are fixed on him the junk in front me does not bother me so much.

Scavenger Hunt

2008-01-31T21:51:00.001-05:00

I made a trip to Muncie tonight to find 450 of the same item for church this weekend, and to get food before the snow hits. Stopped at Target and found about one third of what I needed. Then on to WalMart and believe it or not WalMart did not have any of what I needed, and I thought that you could buy everything at WalMart. I then tried Marsh, again no luck. Dollar Tree was the next stop, none there. Walgreens stuck out, Aldi's was a big chance and no luck. Tried CVS, they had some but not the right size. I found a few at Deals under a Dollar. Found the rest of what I needed at Dollar General. It was a fun hunt and I got pretty excited when Dollar General had exactly the amount I needed. I then spent quite a while for the cashier and manager to figure out how to process a tax exempt purchase.
All in all it was fun hunting.
I think that you will enjoy your suprise this weekend.

Thankful

2008-01-30T19:15:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have times in your life where little things are very enjoyable. I have had several items lately that have brought me joy. For the first time in many years I have subscribed to a magazine. I would not have done this if it was anyone other than my niece selling magazines. But I caved in and ordered Birds and Blooms. I received my first issue this week. The pictures are beautiful and I enjoy reading the articles written by other lovers of birds and blooms. It makes waiting for spring a little easier.
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.

I'm back

2008-01-28T21:37:00.000-05:00

Just thought I would let you know that I am still around. That little project I posted about is what I have been spending my time on. I should have it finished up in a few more weeks. Now that I can see the end of the project I will try to post a few blogs. By the way this is my 62ND post. I just thought I would comment on my
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.

8 days to Jamaica

2008-01-09T17:05:00.001-05:00

8 days to Jamaica and the experience of worshiping with our Jamaica brothers and sisters in Christ

13 days to Jamacia

2008-01-04T21:00:00.000-05:00

13 days to Jamaica and a "bit" of rest for PK.

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T01:04:00.000-05:00

A healthy and prosperous New Year to you all!

New Project

2007-12-20T20:07:00.000-05:00

I purchased a new project yesterday. I can't wait to get started on it. I am going to try some stitches that are new for me, and this is the first time I have tried working with circular knitting needles. This project is for a gift and I can't go into any details because the recipient might be a blog reader. But I know that I will enjoy creating it. But first I need to finish baking cookies and wrapping presents.

Details

2007-12-19T20:29:00.000-05:00

I have not blogged in quite a while. I have been busy with the bathroom remodel. I am down to the details now. Each day I have tried to finish some small detail up. Yesterday it was the towel bars. Today I finished grouting the baseboard. I still have a new door to stain and the tile above the tub to grout, then its on to decorating. I am still not sure that this bathroom will ever really be completely finished. Why get in a hurry now, its only been 10 months since this all started.

Yesterday I have the tremendous privilege of experiencing chicken tacos made by James Pinkerton. They were wonderful, I fully enjoyed them and even went back for one more. But I am not sure that they are good enough to eat out of the trash.

I am not ready for Christmas yet. I still have gifts to wrap and need to pick up one more. On the note of gifts I did a lot of my shopping by purchasing Scrip gift cards (check out the retailers here and order your cards before weekend services at FFC.) which help our youth earn money. I know there is differing opionions about giving and receiving gifts cards, but I am not one of those people who are able to purchase just the right gift for each person. I am also the kind of person who loves to get gift cards. I am picky and hard to buy for. I can't tell you how many gifts I have received that ended up benefiting Good Will.

I am looking forward to Worship services this weekend. We will have a new sermon on Saturday night but for those who did not attend last Saturday you will get to experience the service this Sunday. It was one of those moments where my eyes filled with tears and my heart with gratitude for all the lives that have experienced Christ's presence. Can't wait to experience His presence with you this weekend.

Construction

2007-12-01T21:02:00.001-05:00

This morning the trustees had a meeting with Culy Construction who is our general contractor for our new gym, outreach center and remodel for our children's ministries. I was able to join them for part of the meeting to talk about flooring choices. It is fun to be planning for the new ministry areas. I am excited about the new look they will have and how the new spaces will effect our ministries. I have watched how "The Teshuva" our youth group has grown just by sharing space with the kidzone and believe that the new youth space will help Pastor Pink reach even more youth.
Here is a picture from this morning of the foundation progress.

Right now there is not much visible change from day to day. They are doing a lot of what appears to me to be measuring and planning. The steal for the structure is on schedule to be delivered the week before Christmas. I hope that the weather permits the pouring of the slab soon, and that we will begin to see visible change.
I truly believe that this project will make a significant difference in the kingdom of God and I am looking forward to seeing lives changed due to our Building to Bless another generation.

SURPRISE Oh Crap!!

2007-11-26T18:14:00.000-05:00

My bathroom now looks something like the Vickery's. However my surprise was not planned and was not for someone else. This morning my father came over and we started in on completing the demolition that was started O' let's say about a year ago. This bathroom remodeling project started due to a busted pipe in the wall behind the shower. I was really happy about this because for a couple of years I had wanted to rip out the shower stall and put in a tub shower combo. So all went well - and for the last year I have had a wonderful shower and tub with a couple of walls of unfinished dry wall. No problem - I was saving up to tear the rest out and put in a new sink, new medicine cabinet, new paint, new flooring, etc. So today was the big day - demo and it was going along real well. We had the two remaining walls stripped down to the studs and went to the attic to work on removing one of two light fixtures. Well... while we were in the attic half of the bathroom ceiling relocated itself to the bathroom floor. This was due to nothing we had done other than freeing it from the support of dry wall on two walls. So now my ceiling looks like this. (nice blue tarp. it matches the tile)

Looks like this little surprise will cost me a few more days of remodel and a new plan for heat in the bathroom since it had electric ceiling heat.

Building to Bless

2007-11-14T21:14:00.001-05:00

Here is a picture of the footing that was dug yesterday in front of the Family Life Center. It is great to see the construction crew at work making our dream of blessing our youth, kids and community a reality. They are saying that we will have the new building up in no time. The steel should be here the second week in December. We are now in the process of looking at paint colors, flooring and such for the interior of the new areas we are creating in the new building as well as the remodel of the existing Family Life Center. I will try to take pictures daily so that you can keep up on the progress.

So Clean

2007-11-14T21:00:00.002-05:00

I had my car, a 1999 Honda Accord, detailed last weekend. It is so clean it feels like new. I made a covenant with this car - it is until death do us part. I am counting in it going first but I plan on driving it as long as it will run. This is part of the reason I had it detailed. I want to do all I can to keep it in good condition as long as possible. The other reason is that I get great pleasure in having things I own well taken care of, clean and neat. (This is also the reason I like to mow the lawn and garden. It keeps my house looking well taken care of, clean and neat.)
It felt like an extravagance to spend the money to have every inch of my car cleaned but it was well worth it to me. I am thankful that I am able to do things like this.

Do we have leaf raking muscles?

2007-11-10T21:15:00.001-05:00

I had a great time this morning as several of us from FFC joined together during our Second Saturday Serve and raked up the leaves from several yards. It was good to just be together with part of my church family. I really feel that serving along side others is one of the best ways to get to know people. It is easier for me to talk when I am busy doing something and others just open up and share parts of their lives. You get to see members of immediate families interact and begin to understand more of who they are. So it was a really good day. The kids, both big and small had fun jumping and playing in the leaves. Tonight I am wondering if I have special leaf raking muscles because I am feeling muscles in places that I did not know I had them. But any slight discomfort I may have tonight just reminds me of the beautiful morning that I shared with part of my church family. I am looking forward to the Second Saturday in December (the 8th) when we get to serve side by side again.

Burrrrrr....

2007-11-05T21:21:00.000-05:00

The weather man says that there is a chance of snow tomorrow. I say Burrrr..... I like the change of seasons but I am not ready for snow yet! The leaves are not even off of the trees. I did spend part of today getting ready for the colder weather. I put the lawn chairs into the attic and brought in the garden hose and closed all the vents around the house. I also got out the flannel jammies so I guess that I am prepared even though I am not mentally ready for snow.

Ahhh ... vacation

2007-10-23T10:26:00.000-04:00

Vacation feels so good. It is nice to interrupt the daily routine and do something different.
I know that most people go somewhere on vacation, so I though I would share.
Here are some of the reasons I like to stay home on vacation.
1. It is cheaper.
2. I'm single and it is hard to find others to travel with.
3. I get to sleep in.
4. I know where the fridge is, so I don't have to find places to eat.
5. I can get some of the time consuming tasks done that I don't make time for regularly.
6. I don't have to fly. (Not my favorite thing to do... motion sickness)
7. I don't have to ride in a vehicle for long distances. (The motion sickness thing again.)
8. I don't have to pack and unpack suitcases.
9. I never have to do without something I forgot to pack.
10. It is cheaper, much cheaper.

Positive or Negative

2007-10-19T16:52:00.000-04:00

Do you ever have those times in your life when everything just feels negative? This has been a hard week for me. I have constanly struggled with keeping by thoughts positive. I know what The Word says and I try to do as Phillippians 4:8 says "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." but sometimes it is harder than others. Today has been a better day and I have been more successful at keeping my thoughts positive. So say a prayer for me when you read this, I would cherish your prayer.
Thanks to all my brothers and sisters in Christ.

No more guilt

2007-10-13T14:59:00.000-04:00

I used to feel guilty when I would go for several days without blogging. I felt like I was letting others down who would stop by the blog and not find anything new. Well after following other FFC folk's blogs and finding that others go for weeks without posting I have determined not to feel guilty when I just don't want to blog. I think that the quilt came from a since being overly self important. I have let the quilt go with the understanding that I am not all that important. Not to say that my life does not have value. I know how vaulable I am to God and how much he loves me and counts on me to make Him known. Afterall there is not anything that Christ was not willing to suffer just to have me and you with Him. So no more guilt. I will blog when I feel I have something that I want to share. Thanks for stopping by even when you don't find a new post for days or more.

Shhhh.... I have a secret

2007-09-30T19:42:00.000-04:00

I know something you don't know and I can't wait until Pastor Kris shares it with all of you.
I added up the Building to Bless pledges today.
It's great to be part of a church who looks beyond themselves and is willing to bless another generation. We have a great number of pledges to date and we will be building on soon. See you all next weekend ... we will celebrate the generosity of God's people together.

Storms

2007-09-25T19:57:00.001-04:00

Tonight I am grateful for the rain. I spent my day off yesterday, mowing and sowing grass seed and fertilizer. But without the rain all of my efforts would have been for nothing. This makes me think how we as Christians can do everything we can and it can all be for nothing unless God moves and does his part. I am thankful for God's faithfulness to do His part. We have certainly experienced this through FFC's Building to Bless campaign. We did all we could do to let everyone in on the vision of blessing our children, youth and our community and we watched as God moved in the hearts of His people and they completed the circle by being obedient and pledging an amazing sum of money. I can't wait to see how God and His people finish this adventure. I am looking forward to the entire congregation making their pledges. I am sure it will be amazing.

Administrative Stuff

2007-09-15T00:15:00.000-04:00

Here is some stuff I have been thinking about and doing at Farmland Friends Church:

Personal Performance Reviews which is a great way to do a job evaluation. The conversations with the staff have been really good. It has allowed me to know them and their goals, dreams and ambitions better. Thanks North Point for the info.
Building to Bless meetings. The testimonies and stories of changed lives has been the best part of the campaign and this is just the beginning, many more lives will be changed through your faith.
Budget planning for 2008. I have an idea to make the process much easier on all the clerks and I am looking forward to our meeting in October.
I need an entire day off - so i am looking forward to October 1st with great anticipation. (I know I am whining too PK)
Our telephone system at the church has not worked properly since the lightning strike. I hope we can get the phones replaced or a new system in place sometime soon or you might find cups and string all over the sanctuary running from office to office. This is my new plan for a really cheap intercom system.

The vision is becoming visiable

2007-09-12T22:11:00.000-04:00

Pastor Kris and I are at the half way mark of our Building to Bless meetings for the month of September. I have heard many times about how the new structure will be layed out and how the current building will be remodeled. How the new kitchen will be really big. How we will be set for the future blessings of God and so on. I have heard it so many times that I can now visualize the building and the spaces and how big they will be and how it will all fit together. But the best part is I can now see how the real vision of reaching the lost and helping them find Jesus can happen. The building is a tool that we can use to reach the lost and minister to them and we are the tools that God uses in this world to reach the lost. The building and the lost people in our communtiy is all one in the same vision. I am glad to be able to see it with my eyes of faith.

Digital Fun

2007-09-04T21:46:00.001-04:00

I have been having fun with my digital camera, taking pictures of my gardens.
It always amazes me how God made such variety and put such detail into all that He made. The depth and tone of all the colors wows me! I see God in all the beauty and variety around me. If I were creating the world I would have made one kind of flower in my favorite color and stopped there... but God made so many flowers, in unending colors that everyone finds one that they can admire. I see God in all the different types of plants, flowers, and bugs that He made. So here is my question for you. In what or where do you see God?

Company is coming

2007-09-02T23:56:00.000-04:00

There is nothing like having company come to you house to motivate you to get things done. The furniture is polished. The floors are swept and mopped. The mirrors are shined. The best hand towels are out. The lawn is mowed, the gardens are weeded and tended and the patio is cleared of all the cobwebs. It sure feels good to have everything sparkling clean and in order but it is a lot of work getting the house ready for company. My family is coming over tomorrow for Labor Day and to celebrate family birthdays. We plan on having a big meal and plenty of birthday cake and other deserts. It will be fun having everyone over. Happy Labor Day to all!

Revolving Door

2007-08-28T22:16:00.000-04:00

I am thinking about having one of these installed at my house. I was in and out so much today that I thought this would be useful. I was at the church three times today and at the funeral home once. I went to the church to practice with Debi Howell who is singing at Don Shockney's funeral tomorrow. We had problems with the tape player so I called Dennis and when he could get to the church I met him and as usual he had things up and running in no time. Then Dennis showed me how to turn the stage lights on. Sounds silly that I did not know how to turn the lights on but it is not that easy, they are now controlled through a computer. Don was such an amazing man of God and I am privledged to have known him. I pray that I will do a good job at the sound and lighting tomorrow so that the funeral will honor this wonderful man who is now at home in Heaven.

Sunset

2007-08-27T22:18:00.000-04:00

Just for your enjoyment. Tonights sunset. Taken from behind Farmland Friends Church.

"Want er" Button included with checking account?

2007-08-27T22:10:00.000-04:00

What do you think? Does Old National Bank have one of those "want er" buttons that cut your "want er" in half?. Or how are they going to help you spend less so that you can live better?
At least the sign is true. Spend less. Save more and you will live better. Especially if you learn that you don't own anything. You are just the manager of what God has entrusted you with.

On the right track

2007-08-25T23:24:00.001-04:00

Reassurance is always good. I love to know when I am on the right track. Yesterday as I was reading my "Building to Bless" devotional (day four -August 24Th) I was reassured that we are on the right track with building a larger facility for our kids and for community outreach. The portion that describes what a God-given dream looks like said that The enemy of your soul will attack a God-give dream. The church has recently suffered through a lighting strike, finances, and many individuals have had various accidents and health issues so we much be on the right track.
The four other items listed also line up so keep praying and we will see our dream happen.
Make sure you are reading daily the devotional. It is wonderful. Thank you JR, Rita and the prayer team for putting them together for us.

Lottery

2007-08-22T21:37:00.001-04:00

When I filled my car with gas the other day I saw a notice like this one on the screen .

Powerball - $245 Million
Next Drawing: 8/22/2007

My mind went wow! What the church could do with $200 million. I would only keep the 45 mil for myself and give the 200 mil to the church. Pretty self sacrificing - right? Then I thought God would you really give that kind of money to the church? We could do so much with it. We could build a great big sanctuary, it could hold alot of people who would hear about you! We could build a parking garage. We could buy a jet plane and send people all over the world to minister and spread your word. We could have the very best children's areas and I know you love kids. Right God? Wow we could really make a difference in our community with that kind of money. We would not have to work so hard at all of this Building to Bless stuff. So God if I buy a ticket would you let me win so that your church could do all kinds of fantastic things?? Oh please God. Well I drove away and did not buy a ticket ...and then
God answered my questions with some of His own. If I gave you that kind of money would you know me better? Would it make the lives of those in your church more like me? Would having 200 million dollars build anyones faith in me? I think the better plan is for your church to work as a team. Work hard on the Building to Bless campaign. Spend time in prayer and make plans to sacrifice for my Kingdom. Then your life and the lives of those in your church will be changed. They will know me better and trust me more. I am the Lord your provider.
Ok God I see that your plan is better.

Computer Problems

2007-08-21T22:06:00.000-04:00

I dislike it when anything breaks and has to be fixed. It always makes me question what the best solution is. Get it repaired or use it until it no longer functions and buy a new one? I always question if I am making the right decision or if I have just fallen into a trap and been taken.
Well this time it paid off to get my computer fixed. The hard drive was still under warranty and was replaced for free. Yippee!! I love free. So it's wonderful to have my computer back and working well. It just took about 3 hours to reload everything but worth the time to have it up and running.

I'm on board

2007-08-15T15:56:00.001-04:00

As I was reading some of the blogs I follow regularly I came across this one from LifeChurch.TV.
I don't know who Scott Williams is (fill me in if you know) but I love the idea of having partners in ministry instead of church members. Just wanted to link to this post so that some of the FFC blog readers would not miss it. Give me your thoughts!

Difference

2007-08-13T13:30:00.000-04:00

Today I have been thinking about why I do what I do. Why did I make the decision 10 months ago to take a position at FFC and become the Pastor of Administration. The conclusion I have come to is I made the choice to work at FFC because I believe that I can make a difference.
I think that this is often the motivation for doing what we do. We believe we can make a difference.
We work to earn money because we believe that the money will make a difference in our lives.
We enter into marriages because we believe that the relationship will make a difference in our lives. I minister at FFC because I know that my relationship with Jesus Christ has made a difference in my life and I want to help others enter into a relationship with Jesus that will make a difference in their lives.
We at FFC are about to enter into a spiritual journey of stewardship where we will be Building to Bless... Another Generation. The difference that this campaign is going to make is one that we may not see all the results of, however I am anticipating that we will see a big difference in each person in our church as a result.

Baggage

2007-08-03T23:16:00.000-04:00

This weekend will be one to remember at Farmland Friends Church. Pastor Kris begins a three part series titled Baggage. One of the advantages of being a pastor on staff at FCC is that you get to read the messages before they are preached. The message for this weekend is going to be awesome. It covers one of my favorite topics - freedom from the baggage that life on this fallen earth causes. I am anticipating many lives changed by the power of Christ when we ask God to renew our minds and restore what was lost. Say a prayer for our church. This message is going to make satan mad. He hates it when The Truth set us free.

Sparkling Gems

2007-07-27T23:00:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share with you a devotional that I often use. It is titled Sparkling Gems from the Greek by Rick Renner. Here is sample of this devotional. You can also sign up for the daily Sparkling Gems here. You will have to enter your mailing address which will put you on his mailing list. Or you may want to purchase the book. This is by far the best devotional I have ever used. It constantly opens my mind to deeper truths in the word of God and knowing the truth and applying it to my life continues to set me free. At least take the time to read the devotional linked to this blog. It is well worth your time. I pray that this knowledge will give you an exceedingly abundant life.

Stuff I did not blog about

2007-07-21T15:57:00.000-04:00

I did not blog for several weeks. Do to a dry spell and computer problems. I still have computer problems but it is working right now. We will see about the dry spell.

I did not blog about Pastors Short Course. The setting was beautiful, the food delicious and abundant, but it was hard for me. I did not know the other pastors and was not willing to open up to anyone because I did not trust them. I probably missed out on many good opportunities to know others and hear about their ministry. I will try to be more trusting and open next year.

I did not blog about our Baptism and picnic. It was truly a blessed day. I enjoyed it very much. It still amazes me how God gets a hold of someones heart and begins to change their entire life... as long as they stay willing.

I have not blogged about James and Tonya Pinkerton's arrival next week. I know that God is up to something great and intends to use these wonderful people for powerful purposes. I can hardly contain my excitement about getting to minister along side the Pinkerton's.

Spider Solitaire

2007-07-19T22:33:00.000-04:00

Have you ever played spider solitaire? You know that card game that you have to put the cards in order and then they clear off the screen. You win when all the cards are in order and the screen is cleared. Well I have been thinking about (and playing way too much of) this game. It is a very easy game and most of the time you win. When I occasionally lose I just restart the same game and play a couple of cards differently then before and I win the game.
Isn't life somewhat like this - a choice leads us to win or lose. You make good choices and you usually win, bad choices and you lose. Wouldn't it be interesting if we could just go back and play the last choice we made differently and the results would change the outcome of our lives.
I am grateful that I have a God that is willing to change the choices of my life into a new outcome.

Thoughts and Feelings

2007-06-30T22:06:00.000-04:00

The Saturday Nights service was so powerful tonight. I can't wait until tomorrow. There is nothing better than being in God's presence, feeling Him near you and seeing Him work in lives. I know that there were lives changed tonight. I am so thankful that I get to be a small part of what God is doing at FFC.
I have long wanted to experience God in new and powerful ways and sometimes pray that God would do as He did in the old testament and fill the temple with His glory. What would it be like to be completely undone? To fall on your face before God? To completely leave everything behind and follow Him? I pray that someday I will know God this way, in all of His glory. I want this on earth but know that I will someday have it in Heaven.
Several of us spent some time in the Higher Ground coffee shop after service. Paul Thompson, Eric Brown and Dave Rees blessed us with music. (Thank you guys!) We enjoyed an extended worship service by singing praises to our God and being in His presence.
What an amazing God we have!