I love this photograph. With all of the amazing Indian women in my life - my heart's desire is that they will all come to know the True and LIVING God.
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Music in My Head
Flat out, no competition, KSBJ, is my radio station. Truely...well it's God's, but He lets me claim it as mine.
This year for the 4th year in a row I participated in KSBJ's Sharathon. This is an amazing 3 days of the year when the radio station raises money for operations for the entire year (meaning absolutely NO commercials) and for all sorts of incredible special projects that further the work of the kingdom around the globe. I have had the honor of supporting this radio station for five years and working at Sharathon for four.
Even though I live in Dallas I continue to volunteer as my hope is one day the signal will be strong enough to reach all the way here. Until then I listed by webcast!
Every year, simply gets better.
This year, I was up at 4am to make the drive from The Woodlands to Humble, and start my shift at 5 am. This year, rather than answering phones I volunteered to fill into areas that might need the help of some of the more experienced volunteers. So I started by checking in the phone volunteers and it was fun to see those from previous years, and see how their year had gone. Each year there are a lot of new faces and people to meet and learn about. However, there are also friends from years gone by, and Sharathon is simply a reunion to share all that God has done in our lives!
At around 8 am, I moved into phone central where all the action happens! :) Phone answerers were at every table taking pledges and the DJ's were floating around talking to the audience and the volunteers. I worked at the verifiying table...verifying the pledges that came in and making changes where necessary. Later in the afternoon I was able to do a bit of floating, answering questions of volunteers and spending time with Sharathon friends!
Also, thanks to a webcam set up in Phone central, my parents were able to see me from across the water in Botswana. Everyone got into the fun waving at them and saying "hi mom and dad!" When my dad called my friend Coop (KSBJ's summer intern) waved with me and his mom happened to be watching at the same time. So she texted him "how did you know to wave right then?" We haven't told her that he wasn't waving at her!
Also I started to wonder later what others watching the webcam right at that moment might be thinking...(who is this crazy girl talking on the phone and waving and turning round and round.) ha ha ha
I found myself in some of the photos of the day...they are horrible! I was so exhuausted by the time they got around to capturing my face.
The highlight of my day was my time spent in the Prayer room with the women of Pray the Word Ministries. I have had the honor of praying with and being prayed for by these amazing women. I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for the time spent with me on Friday...praying the words of Jesus over me and reminding me of His unending faithful promises to me and my life. Also teaching me how to pray these things for myself. Thank you Lord for this ministry and the work that you do through them.
The second highlight of my day was getting meet Becky Kankelfritz, I have had the pleasure of getting to know her via her blog and a mutual love of photography this past year. I have also had the distinct honor of getting to pray for her and her sweet family as the Lord walks us through similar lessons on different paths. Becky, I am so excited to continue to develop our friendship!
Our on time God helped us meet our Sharathon goals this year right at the closing minute of this pledge time. I am so thankful for His faithful work in this ministry year after year! I am honored to get to be a part of it!
I can't wait till next year to see what all God has done, in this year of "New Beginnings"
This year for the 4th year in a row I participated in KSBJ's Sharathon. This is an amazing 3 days of the year when the radio station raises money for operations for the entire year (meaning absolutely NO commercials) and for all sorts of incredible special projects that further the work of the kingdom around the globe. I have had the honor of supporting this radio station for five years and working at Sharathon for four.
Even though I live in Dallas I continue to volunteer as my hope is one day the signal will be strong enough to reach all the way here. Until then I listed by webcast!
Every year, simply gets better.
This year, I was up at 4am to make the drive from The Woodlands to Humble, and start my shift at 5 am. This year, rather than answering phones I volunteered to fill into areas that might need the help of some of the more experienced volunteers. So I started by checking in the phone volunteers and it was fun to see those from previous years, and see how their year had gone. Each year there are a lot of new faces and people to meet and learn about. However, there are also friends from years gone by, and Sharathon is simply a reunion to share all that God has done in our lives!
At around 8 am, I moved into phone central where all the action happens! :) Phone answerers were at every table taking pledges and the DJ's were floating around talking to the audience and the volunteers. I worked at the verifiying table...verifying the pledges that came in and making changes where necessary. Later in the afternoon I was able to do a bit of floating, answering questions of volunteers and spending time with Sharathon friends!
Also, thanks to a webcam set up in Phone central, my parents were able to see me from across the water in Botswana. Everyone got into the fun waving at them and saying "hi mom and dad!" When my dad called my friend Coop (KSBJ's summer intern) waved with me and his mom happened to be watching at the same time. So she texted him "how did you know to wave right then?" We haven't told her that he wasn't waving at her!
Also I started to wonder later what others watching the webcam right at that moment might be thinking...(who is this crazy girl talking on the phone and waving and turning round and round.) ha ha ha
I found myself in some of the photos of the day...they are horrible! I was so exhuausted by the time they got around to capturing my face.
The highlight of my day was my time spent in the Prayer room with the women of Pray the Word Ministries. I have had the honor of praying with and being prayed for by these amazing women. I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for the time spent with me on Friday...praying the words of Jesus over me and reminding me of His unending faithful promises to me and my life. Also teaching me how to pray these things for myself. Thank you Lord for this ministry and the work that you do through them.
The second highlight of my day was getting meet Becky Kankelfritz, I have had the pleasure of getting to know her via her blog and a mutual love of photography this past year. I have also had the distinct honor of getting to pray for her and her sweet family as the Lord walks us through similar lessons on different paths. Becky, I am so excited to continue to develop our friendship!
Our on time God helped us meet our Sharathon goals this year right at the closing minute of this pledge time. I am so thankful for His faithful work in this ministry year after year! I am honored to get to be a part of it!
I can't wait till next year to see what all God has done, in this year of "New Beginnings"
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
The Giving of Thanks
Going into the holidays is one of the most difficult times of the year for me. As a TCK it is a fact of life that my heart is in several different pieces and has its place on several different continents, however, during the holidays those feelings are magnified a thousand times over.
This year is no different. The past few weeks have been a struggle with my coming to terms with the fact that once again it doesn’t matter where I am, I am far away from those I love.
Then I took a step back and decided to try the “thankful” route. Starting a prayer with “Lord, thank you for….” and going from there always helps me know just how incredibly blessed I am, and more than not pulls me from the doldrums that threaten to take over if I am not careful.
My prayer this week started like this…I pray that it brings hope to you wherever you may be in your walk.
“Lord, thank You that I am breathing. I realize that every breath that I take in is not only a miracle, but it is mercy from Your hand, and that every breath I breathe out is simply Your grace imparted on my life.
Thank you that I can get out of bed in the morning. Even when my brain is tired from lack of sleep that comes from an unfaithful lack of trust, You still bless me with energy and sufficient muscle combinations to get out of bed.
Thank You for blankets that keep me warm through the night, so many are cold this morning.
Thank You for clean running water and electricity that is on as long as I pay the bills (thank You for the money to do so). I know these are conveniences that not everyone is blessed with and I confess that I so often take them for granted.
Thank you for creating animals to have as companions. Thanks for giving me a cat that wakes me up with a warm purr every morning, even when I do not want him too. His antics make me laugh out loud and he is a blessing from You.
Thank You for my cute little car, Cecil. Thank You that not only does he run smoothly and get me from place to place, but that you gave me the type of car that I had wanted for such a long time. Thank You for knowing and granting the details.
Thank You that all the lights were green this morning, and that You granted me safety on my way to work. Thank You for the patience to sit in traffic when every single one is red.
Lord, thank You for an amazing job that I so do not deserve and for a boss that inspires me daily and is so incredibly kind and pleasant to work for. Thank You for granting me favor in her eyes. Help me to serve her today in the same way that I would serve You.
Thank You for my coworker friends who make me laugh, and encourage me. Thank You that they listen to me rant when I am frustrated and encourage me when I am low. Thank You for what they teach me and help me to learn. Thank you for a work environment that is safe, clean and, even on the long days, worth it.
Thank You for food that you have blessed me with throughout the day. I confess that I do not always eat what is good for me, forgive me when I put gross junk into Your temple.
Thank You for the beauty of the sunset I get to watch on my way home at night, or in the winter time the beauty of the moon as it rises. How different this world would be if You had created it in only monochromatic colors.
Thank You for friends to talk to on the phone even if they live far away, and thank You for the friends that live close by. Forgive me for not taking more time to live life with them. They are all so incredibly wonderful and offer friendship and love that I do not always deserve.
Thank You for an incredible apartment to come home to. It is warm and clean, and in a safe neighborhood. So many people cannot claim these luxuries and I confess that I do not always see them as such.
Thank you for the fact that even though I am always way too far away from people in my life, whether they be in Africa, Europe, Asia, or the USA that I still have them in my life. Thank You for the roles they played in the season that we were actually in the same place at the same time, and for the roles they play now even though we are so far apart. God I ask for Your blessings to pour out on them. For those of them that do not know You, may they find You, for those that do may they rejoice in the knowledge of You.
Thank You for my family, both blood related and God related. Each one is a gift from you, thank You for the relationships I have with each one.
Thank You most of all for the gift of Your Son. Without Him my life has absolutely no meaning, hope, joy, peace, or purpose. Please forgive me when I allow my selfishness to get in the way of remembering that.
Thank You for walking through my day with me. Bless those I love who are laying their heads down at the end of a long day, bless their sleep and their dreams, and bless those just starting into what is my tomorrow in far away places, keep them safe and bring us together soon.
I love you, Lord!
Amen
This year is no different. The past few weeks have been a struggle with my coming to terms with the fact that once again it doesn’t matter where I am, I am far away from those I love.
Then I took a step back and decided to try the “thankful” route. Starting a prayer with “Lord, thank you for….” and going from there always helps me know just how incredibly blessed I am, and more than not pulls me from the doldrums that threaten to take over if I am not careful.
My prayer this week started like this…I pray that it brings hope to you wherever you may be in your walk.
“Lord, thank You that I am breathing. I realize that every breath that I take in is not only a miracle, but it is mercy from Your hand, and that every breath I breathe out is simply Your grace imparted on my life.
Thank you that I can get out of bed in the morning. Even when my brain is tired from lack of sleep that comes from an unfaithful lack of trust, You still bless me with energy and sufficient muscle combinations to get out of bed.
Thank You for blankets that keep me warm through the night, so many are cold this morning.
Thank You for clean running water and electricity that is on as long as I pay the bills (thank You for the money to do so). I know these are conveniences that not everyone is blessed with and I confess that I so often take them for granted.
Thank you for creating animals to have as companions. Thanks for giving me a cat that wakes me up with a warm purr every morning, even when I do not want him too. His antics make me laugh out loud and he is a blessing from You.
Thank You for my cute little car, Cecil. Thank You that not only does he run smoothly and get me from place to place, but that you gave me the type of car that I had wanted for such a long time. Thank You for knowing and granting the details.
Thank You that all the lights were green this morning, and that You granted me safety on my way to work. Thank You for the patience to sit in traffic when every single one is red.
Lord, thank You for an amazing job that I so do not deserve and for a boss that inspires me daily and is so incredibly kind and pleasant to work for. Thank You for granting me favor in her eyes. Help me to serve her today in the same way that I would serve You.
Thank You for my coworker friends who make me laugh, and encourage me. Thank You that they listen to me rant when I am frustrated and encourage me when I am low. Thank You for what they teach me and help me to learn. Thank you for a work environment that is safe, clean and, even on the long days, worth it.
Thank You for food that you have blessed me with throughout the day. I confess that I do not always eat what is good for me, forgive me when I put gross junk into Your temple.
Thank You for the beauty of the sunset I get to watch on my way home at night, or in the winter time the beauty of the moon as it rises. How different this world would be if You had created it in only monochromatic colors.
Thank You for friends to talk to on the phone even if they live far away, and thank You for the friends that live close by. Forgive me for not taking more time to live life with them. They are all so incredibly wonderful and offer friendship and love that I do not always deserve.
Thank You for an incredible apartment to come home to. It is warm and clean, and in a safe neighborhood. So many people cannot claim these luxuries and I confess that I do not always see them as such.
Thank you for the fact that even though I am always way too far away from people in my life, whether they be in Africa, Europe, Asia, or the USA that I still have them in my life. Thank You for the roles they played in the season that we were actually in the same place at the same time, and for the roles they play now even though we are so far apart. God I ask for Your blessings to pour out on them. For those of them that do not know You, may they find You, for those that do may they rejoice in the knowledge of You.
Thank You for my family, both blood related and God related. Each one is a gift from you, thank You for the relationships I have with each one.
Thank You most of all for the gift of Your Son. Without Him my life has absolutely no meaning, hope, joy, peace, or purpose. Please forgive me when I allow my selfishness to get in the way of remembering that.
Thank You for walking through my day with me. Bless those I love who are laying their heads down at the end of a long day, bless their sleep and their dreams, and bless those just starting into what is my tomorrow in far away places, keep them safe and bring us together soon.
I love you, Lord!
Amen
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Just Jesus only will never fail!
The past few months have been kind of rough for my family. Some of you know the details, other's don't but are still praying. For both sets of people, I am thankful. Not every day is bad, but everyday is uptight with the thought of what might occur within that day to send everything spiraling down again.
I am learning to trust. Looking back on some posts from last summer I realize that what God was teaching me during that time was simply a stepping stone for the trusting, waiting and obedience that would be required of me just a year later.
Last night was another long night. At times I am not sure what awakens me at 3 am, but I have learned like Samuel of old to say "Speak, for your servant is listening." It has taken me a while to get to this point as I did not have one as wise as Eli to instruct me to do so.
I am learning in these wee hours of the morning to pray. I am learning to pray scripture, to ask for miracles, to boldly come before the throne, to be sensitive to a dream that I might just have awakened from and to lift people and their known struggles very specifically to the Father, to pray for myself and seek His face.
Today I am weary. Not just becuase I have been up since 4 am, but I am weary of the lies that the enemy tells that we so easily believe, and in so believing hurt ourselves and those around us. Our lives can be so futile, a deep rut of running after what we think is the best for us, when all it takes for pure joy is stopping, taking a breath and saying "God, what do You want for me."
This morning after a long night of tossing and turning, reading, kneeling, and seeking, God brought to mind (and to my playlist)one of my very favorite songs sung by the Gaither Vocal Band, the lyrics are listed below. It describes in picture perfect rhyme my life and the lives of several I know right now that are just pursuing the dust and lonely winds of this world, and ends with a promise so simple and true "Just Jesus ONLY will NEVER fail!" Praise His Name!
I'll worship only at the feet of Jesus
GVB
I went to visit the shrine of plenty,
But found its store-rooms all filled with dust,
I bowed at alters of gold and silver,
But as I knelt there they turned to rust.
So I'll worship only at the feet of Jesus,
His cup alone, my holy grail,
There'll be no other gods before Him,
Just Jesus only will never fail.
The call of fortune made me a pilgrim,
To journey to fame's promised heights,
But as I climbed the promise faded,
And wind blew lonely all through the night.
Just desert dust and empty shadows,
All promises that turned to lies,
The gods of earth fail and betray me,
You alone are Truth and Life.
So I'll worship only at the feet of Jesus,
His cup alone, my holy grail,
There'll be no other gods before Him,
Just Jesus only will never fail.
Just Jesus only will never fail!
I am learning to trust. Looking back on some posts from last summer I realize that what God was teaching me during that time was simply a stepping stone for the trusting, waiting and obedience that would be required of me just a year later.
Last night was another long night. At times I am not sure what awakens me at 3 am, but I have learned like Samuel of old to say "Speak, for your servant is listening." It has taken me a while to get to this point as I did not have one as wise as Eli to instruct me to do so.
I am learning in these wee hours of the morning to pray. I am learning to pray scripture, to ask for miracles, to boldly come before the throne, to be sensitive to a dream that I might just have awakened from and to lift people and their known struggles very specifically to the Father, to pray for myself and seek His face.
Today I am weary. Not just becuase I have been up since 4 am, but I am weary of the lies that the enemy tells that we so easily believe, and in so believing hurt ourselves and those around us. Our lives can be so futile, a deep rut of running after what we think is the best for us, when all it takes for pure joy is stopping, taking a breath and saying "God, what do You want for me."
This morning after a long night of tossing and turning, reading, kneeling, and seeking, God brought to mind (and to my playlist)one of my very favorite songs sung by the Gaither Vocal Band, the lyrics are listed below. It describes in picture perfect rhyme my life and the lives of several I know right now that are just pursuing the dust and lonely winds of this world, and ends with a promise so simple and true "Just Jesus ONLY will NEVER fail!" Praise His Name!
I'll worship only at the feet of Jesus
GVB
I went to visit the shrine of plenty,
But found its store-rooms all filled with dust,
I bowed at alters of gold and silver,
But as I knelt there they turned to rust.
So I'll worship only at the feet of Jesus,
His cup alone, my holy grail,
There'll be no other gods before Him,
Just Jesus only will never fail.
The call of fortune made me a pilgrim,
To journey to fame's promised heights,
But as I climbed the promise faded,
And wind blew lonely all through the night.
Just desert dust and empty shadows,
All promises that turned to lies,
The gods of earth fail and betray me,
You alone are Truth and Life.
So I'll worship only at the feet of Jesus,
His cup alone, my holy grail,
There'll be no other gods before Him,
Just Jesus only will never fail.
Just Jesus only will never fail!
Friday, June 01, 2007
His burden is easy.
Sometimes life is simply overwhelming. One lays awake long into the night and wonders why the Lord would allow situations of struggle into the lives of families that are so obviously in love with Him, striding to the right thing, and are in His service.
If one is not careful, the overwhelming thoughts of anger and bitterness can quickly arise as these same situations spin out of our control and leave us awake struggling to understand. Thus a vicious cycle can begin.
The events of life lately have reminded me of verses in the New Testament that I never quite understood and still grapple with…
“1 Peter 4:13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”
Be glad in the trials? Are you kidding me? This verse would seem to indicate that those preachers of the prosperity gospel that promise your best life now, are liars. We have been called to suffer right along side Him, and that suffering may not take on the form of a cross and nails. It may take on the form of overwhelming loss, or stress, or concern for one that you hold dear. It may be grieving for a soul that is so far from the Light.
"The things we try to avoid and fight against - tribulation, suffering and persecution - are the very things that produce abundant joy in us. Huge waves that would frighten the ordinary swimmer produce a tremendous thrill for the surfer who has ridden them. "We are more than conquerors through Him" IN all these things - not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. A saint doesn't know the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it. Paul said "I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation". Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (Rom 8:37, 2 Cor 7:4)
I believe that the trials, the long sleepless nights, the trials that make us so weary, are to simply draw us in…to focus our eyes not on the storm but on the One who controls it. To lean in and cry out “I cannot do it on my own, I am not in control, I need You, I need your help.”
Oh that I might be able to cling to the promises of Him that are faithful and true. “When I am overwhelmed I go to the Rock that is higher than I. Ps. 62” in the words of Charles Spurgeon. "Your sorrow itself shall be turned into joy. Not the sorrow to be taken away, and joy to be put in its place, but the very sorrow which now grieves you shall be turned into joy. God not only takes away the bitterness and gives sweetness in its place, but turns the bitterness into sweetness itself."
Last night when tired and weary and searching for an answer, I was reminded that He inhabits the praise of His people. I found this new song and remembered that I could turn my overwhelmed feelings over to Him and exchanged it for a lighter burden and he would carry mine..Matthew 11:30.
I’m Overwhelmed by your love
Your amazing love, for me.
I never will understand why you chose to be my friend.
Oh I will not forget the price You paid with love on Calvary.
Amazing love, amazing grace, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and praise
And I will rejoice and fall on my knees, lift up my voice, a love song I will sing…
Serenade of sweet worship to you my King.
For those of you in the battle know you are loved and being held up in prayer. Read the last chapter…WE WIN! Love you!
If one is not careful, the overwhelming thoughts of anger and bitterness can quickly arise as these same situations spin out of our control and leave us awake struggling to understand. Thus a vicious cycle can begin.
The events of life lately have reminded me of verses in the New Testament that I never quite understood and still grapple with…
“1 Peter 4:13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”
Be glad in the trials? Are you kidding me? This verse would seem to indicate that those preachers of the prosperity gospel that promise your best life now, are liars. We have been called to suffer right along side Him, and that suffering may not take on the form of a cross and nails. It may take on the form of overwhelming loss, or stress, or concern for one that you hold dear. It may be grieving for a soul that is so far from the Light.
"The things we try to avoid and fight against - tribulation, suffering and persecution - are the very things that produce abundant joy in us. Huge waves that would frighten the ordinary swimmer produce a tremendous thrill for the surfer who has ridden them. "We are more than conquerors through Him" IN all these things - not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. A saint doesn't know the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it. Paul said "I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation". Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (Rom 8:37, 2 Cor 7:4)
I believe that the trials, the long sleepless nights, the trials that make us so weary, are to simply draw us in…to focus our eyes not on the storm but on the One who controls it. To lean in and cry out “I cannot do it on my own, I am not in control, I need You, I need your help.”
Oh that I might be able to cling to the promises of Him that are faithful and true. “When I am overwhelmed I go to the Rock that is higher than I. Ps. 62” in the words of Charles Spurgeon. "Your sorrow itself shall be turned into joy. Not the sorrow to be taken away, and joy to be put in its place, but the very sorrow which now grieves you shall be turned into joy. God not only takes away the bitterness and gives sweetness in its place, but turns the bitterness into sweetness itself."
Last night when tired and weary and searching for an answer, I was reminded that He inhabits the praise of His people. I found this new song and remembered that I could turn my overwhelmed feelings over to Him and exchanged it for a lighter burden and he would carry mine..Matthew 11:30.
I’m Overwhelmed by your love
Your amazing love, for me.
I never will understand why you chose to be my friend.
Oh I will not forget the price You paid with love on Calvary.
Amazing love, amazing grace, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and praise
And I will rejoice and fall on my knees, lift up my voice, a love song I will sing…
Serenade of sweet worship to you my King.
For those of you in the battle know you are loved and being held up in prayer. Read the last chapter…WE WIN! Love you!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Venture
My pastor has called us as a church body to 6 weeks of prayer and fasting to seek God's face and wisdom regarding what our next move as a church will be. We have currently seriously outgrown our current facilities, and are stretching our resources as far as is possible (farther in some cases due to His grace and mercy,)
Having grown up in the church, and among believers I had heard about fasting and even knew people that practiced it on a fairly consistent basis as they faced big decisions, or some just to simply come to a deeper knowledge of the Father.
I have only felt the call to fast one other time before, it was in the past couple of years when a burden laid so heavy on my heart that I felt that I could only find peace in the sacrifice of fasting and praying. Until that day I really had no clue what people were talking about when they talked about coming closer to God.
After seeking God regarding this 6 weeks, I decided that I really wanted to press in more and participate in this fasting. Every Wednesday those of us who have committed to this fast and then at the end of our day we come together for a prayer service and break the fast that evening with the observance of communion.
The past two wednesdays of my life have been interesting....
Our first week we began our 6 weeks by praying for God's protection....I understood this from a spiritual point of view....in Ephesians 6:12 the Word tells us that "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (KJV)
I have experienced spiritual warfare on many levels and even in studying about fasting knew that this was something that needed to be prayed for. However, my pastor had us pray for several other areas that I found facinating...and refreshing.
First he had us pray for Truth...anyone who has attended a service at the village or heard a podcast knows that Truth is preached without apology. Often times when a church realizes that they are going to have to go through a period of expansion the first thing they do is try to keep everybody happy (so that they can keep all those potential givers to the project in the building)...when this happens the Truth, often begins to be watered down. Feel good happy semons are preached and anything that might caust feelings of angst (i.e. sin, blood, etc) are put in the background. So my pastor asked that He and other members of the teaching pastors would be protected from that temptation; that the Village would continue to be a place where the self - disclosure of God (the "kindness and the severity") is preached without apology.
Next we prayed for protection for Spirituality.
We prayed that our church would be protected from cold religion (which is full of do's and don'ts that are not in any way bibilical, but are put on the church as a measure of control and legalism over the people.)
We prayed that we would be protected from any cold, methodical dead traditions....and in the same way cling to those traditions that are healthy and right and full of life.
We prayed that we simply would be people with a Love for Jesus.
We prayed for protection for our Community.
That in our expansion and addition that we could continue to be the family of God that he has called us to be. That He would protect us from being a disjointed congregation who did not know each other and had no service other than to show up to a service and be preached too. That God would protect us from cheap, shallow relationships and show us what it looks like to be brothers and sisters.
We prayed for protection from Partiality.
Protection for our staff that they would not be swayed by the temptations of things, money and power. But that they would be humble, and be able to be just as partial to those who gave much as those that gave little (cause that is all they had to give.). Protection from wolves dressed as sheep who would seek to come in and find false favor to gain control and take over God's church.
Lastly we prayed for protection for the mission of our church.
Our mission statement is simple "We exist to bring Glory to God." We prayed that we would stop making the gospel about me and what it could do for me and what God bless us with,etc and rather make it what it is really about...His glory and His renown.
This has gotten long so my next post will be about this weeks time of prayer regarding Guidance.
I ask that you would pray with me and over me this next few weeks. Pray that God would protect me from the spiritual battles that are going on in my own life and in my family and in my friendships, etc. Pray that I would be able to simply focus on my mission of "Existing to bring Glory to God."
You are all missed....prayed for often....loved more than you know.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Leaving Africa
My parents and youngest brother (who was born in Kenya and holds Africa in his soul) get on a plane today. Devin must come stateside for college though it is killing his heart to do so.
Please be in prayer as they travel and as his heart hurts. Pray that God's amazing grace will transend all the pain of leaving and they will feel the comfort and love of HIM.
Thanks.
Please be in prayer as they travel and as his heart hurts. Pray that God's amazing grace will transend all the pain of leaving and they will feel the comfort and love of HIM.
Thanks.
Friday, October 27, 2006
ONE WEEK!!!
**DANCES FOR JOY!!!!**
This time next week, I can be found in a little white minivan, somewhere between Birmingham, AL - where I will have just spent a wonderful time with three very dear friends - and Atlanta, GA - where I will be on my way to the airport to pick up my mom, dad, and brother (provided they let him out of Africa....ha ha!)
But seriously, please pray for my family in the next few months....
#1. Packing and final preparation to leave will go smooothly.
#2. Emotions as Devin leaves his homeland Tuesday, October 31st.
#3. Safety as they travel - Flight to England - time in London with friends-flight to USA.
#4. Sanity as a family comes back together to be one for a little while.
#5. The church family left behind, that they will continue to grow
#6. Devin settling in to college and a job and a good church home.
Thanks for all your prayers and support....I cannot express how much I can feel it coming from every corner of the globe.
You are treasured.
This time next week, I can be found in a little white minivan, somewhere between Birmingham, AL - where I will have just spent a wonderful time with three very dear friends - and Atlanta, GA - where I will be on my way to the airport to pick up my mom, dad, and brother (provided they let him out of Africa....ha ha!)
But seriously, please pray for my family in the next few months....
#1. Packing and final preparation to leave will go smooothly.
#2. Emotions as Devin leaves his homeland Tuesday, October 31st.
#3. Safety as they travel - Flight to England - time in London with friends-flight to USA.
#4. Sanity as a family comes back together to be one for a little while.
#5. The church family left behind, that they will continue to grow
#6. Devin settling in to college and a job and a good church home.
Thanks for all your prayers and support....I cannot express how much I can feel it coming from every corner of the globe.
You are treasured.
Monday, October 09, 2006
CHECK, CHECK,CHECK
I am gaining weight inappropriately - Check
I'm unable to lose weight with diet/exercise - Check
I have hypothermia/low body temperature - Check
I feel fatigued, exhausted - Check, check
Feeling run down, sluggish, lethargic - Check, check, check
My skin is coarse, dry, scaly - Check
I have puffiness and swelling around the eyes and face - Check
I have pains, aches in joints, hands and feet - CHECK!!
I have female issues no one wants to know about - Check
I feel depressed - Check
I feel restless - Check
My moods change easily CHECK!- check...CH!$#CK!!!
I have feelings of worthlessness -Check!
I have difficulty concentrating - Check!
I have more feelings of sadness - Check!
I seem to be losing interest in normal daily activities - Check!
I'm more forgetful lately - Check!
Ok, see this beautiful list? "What is it?" you ask. This the list of every symptom that I have made excuses for in the past 2 months. "Of course, I am tired and discombobulated I just made a major move in 3 days." "My skin is so dry since moving to Dallas." "I am feeling sad because I just moved and am in "transition"." "I must workout more and harder, I cannot lose this weight and I will not buy bigger clothes!!"
Let's not even get into the "feelings of worthlessness" issue.
Yesterday after crying myself to sleep in the middle of the afternoon for the 3rd day in a row, I finally thought....'Wait! I'll bet my meds are off!' So, now to find a new doctor in this land of OZ that I seem to be living in and come back to the Amanda that we all know and - hopefully - love!
Body chemistry is a horrible thing!
I'm unable to lose weight with diet/exercise - Check
I have hypothermia/low body temperature - Check
I feel fatigued, exhausted - Check, check
Feeling run down, sluggish, lethargic - Check, check, check
My skin is coarse, dry, scaly - Check
I have puffiness and swelling around the eyes and face - Check
I have pains, aches in joints, hands and feet - CHECK!!
I have female issues no one wants to know about - Check
I feel depressed - Check
I feel restless - Check
My moods change easily CHECK!- check...CH!$#CK!!!
I have feelings of worthlessness -Check!
I have difficulty concentrating - Check!
I have more feelings of sadness - Check!
I seem to be losing interest in normal daily activities - Check!
I'm more forgetful lately - Check!
Ok, see this beautiful list? "What is it?" you ask. This the list of every symptom that I have made excuses for in the past 2 months. "Of course, I am tired and discombobulated I just made a major move in 3 days." "My skin is so dry since moving to Dallas." "I am feeling sad because I just moved and am in "transition"." "I must workout more and harder, I cannot lose this weight and I will not buy bigger clothes!!"
Let's not even get into the "feelings of worthlessness" issue.
Yesterday after crying myself to sleep in the middle of the afternoon for the 3rd day in a row, I finally thought....'Wait! I'll bet my meds are off!' So, now to find a new doctor in this land of OZ that I seem to be living in and come back to the Amanda that we all know and - hopefully - love!
Body chemistry is a horrible thing!
Monday, September 18, 2006
News from Botswana
Hello all, due to an overwhelming response to a call for prayer for my sweet brothers, I am posting my mom's latest update rather than try to reiterate all the details myself. Thank you so much for praying and continuing to pray!
News of the new job, and journey to Dallas soon!
*******************************************************************************
Dear Loved Ones,
In our last update, we said that Devin and I would be going to Johannesburg for further tests to see if we could find out how to help the pain Devin has been experiencing. We thought we might be there four-five days, but we were there nine days! Steve was here for the church, working on the government papers and building a desk.
The doctors ran tests that ruled out things like Chron’s disease and leukemia but did not find anything definitive. They believe all his problems stem from the glandular fever or cytomegalo virus that he has had this past year. This morning, he had another painful attack and we stayed at home. The doctor here did send out some medication that actually helped! That’s a huge prayer because nothing has helped up til now.
We are thankful for all of your prayers.
Steve said that last week, Dut stood in church and committed to helping build the church. He is the young father who’s unborn child died last month. Please keep praying for him and Anne.
Today we were able to have the youth back at our home after a few weeks of being unable to have them because of traveling and Devin’s sickness. It was such a joy to see them and listen to the questions and answers they have during our lesson time. Today’s lesson was on how the prodigal son came to be a prodigal. His wrong attitude toward authority led him away from the Father’s safekeeping. Every day we pray God will keep them walking in His ways.
Botswana culture comes through often when we play games. Today we were teaching them TABOO, the game where you try to get people to say a word without saying certain other words. The key word was POSITIVE....the girl picked it up and without missing a beat said, “When your HIV test has this result you are very upset.” !!! That was the first thing she thought of when she read the word positive. HIV/AIDS is devastating this generation, and we are asking GOD to powerfully change the lives of our youth.
Our son Derek, is also some better although still struggling some with his blood pressure. We appreciate your prayers for him. We are also thankful for one of our dear friends who has reached out to him in the past week.
Amanda, has moved to Dallas this week to take a job working with a company doing cross-cultural training. We are so grateful that God has supplied a steady income for her and has given her a place to stay while she looks for an apartment.
This morning, when Devin was hurting so bad, we were very discouraged, but we looked into each other’s eyes and said, “OUR GOD IS BIGGER THAN THIS!” Thank God he is feeling better this evening.
There is an undercurrent of sadness is our home because in just a few more weeks we will return with Devin to the States.
Please pray for each of us during this time.Thank you so much for your prayers,
Reaching the Unreached,Steve, Pam and Devin Workman
News of the new job, and journey to Dallas soon!
*******************************************************************************
Dear Loved Ones,
In our last update, we said that Devin and I would be going to Johannesburg for further tests to see if we could find out how to help the pain Devin has been experiencing. We thought we might be there four-five days, but we were there nine days! Steve was here for the church, working on the government papers and building a desk.
The doctors ran tests that ruled out things like Chron’s disease and leukemia but did not find anything definitive. They believe all his problems stem from the glandular fever or cytomegalo virus that he has had this past year. This morning, he had another painful attack and we stayed at home. The doctor here did send out some medication that actually helped! That’s a huge prayer because nothing has helped up til now.
We are thankful for all of your prayers.
Steve said that last week, Dut stood in church and committed to helping build the church. He is the young father who’s unborn child died last month. Please keep praying for him and Anne.
Today we were able to have the youth back at our home after a few weeks of being unable to have them because of traveling and Devin’s sickness. It was such a joy to see them and listen to the questions and answers they have during our lesson time. Today’s lesson was on how the prodigal son came to be a prodigal. His wrong attitude toward authority led him away from the Father’s safekeeping. Every day we pray God will keep them walking in His ways.
Botswana culture comes through often when we play games. Today we were teaching them TABOO, the game where you try to get people to say a word without saying certain other words. The key word was POSITIVE....the girl picked it up and without missing a beat said, “When your HIV test has this result you are very upset.” !!! That was the first thing she thought of when she read the word positive. HIV/AIDS is devastating this generation, and we are asking GOD to powerfully change the lives of our youth.
Our son Derek, is also some better although still struggling some with his blood pressure. We appreciate your prayers for him. We are also thankful for one of our dear friends who has reached out to him in the past week.
Amanda, has moved to Dallas this week to take a job working with a company doing cross-cultural training. We are so grateful that God has supplied a steady income for her and has given her a place to stay while she looks for an apartment.
This morning, when Devin was hurting so bad, we were very discouraged, but we looked into each other’s eyes and said, “OUR GOD IS BIGGER THAN THIS!” Thank God he is feeling better this evening.
There is an undercurrent of sadness is our home because in just a few more weeks we will return with Devin to the States.
Please pray for each of us during this time.Thank you so much for your prayers,
Reaching the Unreached,Steve, Pam and Devin Workman
Monday, September 11, 2006
Change
My life...is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. - Gilda Radner
ditto. -Amanda Workman
This time my adventures are turning me towards the Dallas/Ft.Worth metroplex.
As most of you are aware, my passion lies within the cross cultural world. I was raised in a cross cultural environment, spent time in high school with an expert in this field, and subsequently pursued this area of study in my studies at Hardin-Simmons University.
Since graduation, I have found the field a difficult area to get into and yet have continued to pursue volunteer activity on the side.
I spent my JR/SR year with Ruth VanReken. She is a specialist in transitional studies and a well known author on the subject. We have kept in touch in the years since our Africa adventure. In fact, many of my long time readers will remember “Tigpan’s adventures in Thailand” where I met Ruth and her husband for an adventure filled week.
Now that you have that background information….
Ruth emailed me about a month ago and talked to me about a fellow MK (missionary kid not Mary Kay) in Dallas who was looking for someone to come along side her to do some cross cultural training, but it would probably be more piece meal work. Her name is Nancy.
I met with Nancy about three weeks ago in a whirlwind trip to Dallas. It was there that I found out that she was a MK in The Sudan and she went to boarding school in Ethiopia, and then later on to west Africa. I asked her how old she was; and after her revealing that to me, I asked if she knew the Konnerups. She said that Jackie Konnerup was her roommate in college. Jackie is the sister of my father's best friend Ole, who I consider my uncle. Yep once again my world is tiny.
It gets tinier. In May of last year some of you may remember, I sent an email to a company in Dallas called Cultural Awareness International. I found them on the web, and saw that they did relocation assistance and cross cultural training. I send them an email asking if they had ANYTHING available in their company. They called me and asked me to come up to Dallas for an interview. I drove up and back in the same day. They ended up offering me a position in the relocation department as there was not a lot going on in the cross cultural side of things. I decided at that time to turn down what was seemingly the job of my dreams. I just did not have a peace about taking this job.
When I turned it down, several people who I respected told me that I should have taken it; that I could not live a life where my feelings of peace controlled my actions. No offense to those parties, but they were wrong. That is how I have always made decisions and the Lord has protected me in so many areas. He did again here. In speaking with Nancy I found out that the company that she works for is the EXACT same company. The cross cultural training department has taken off, (which I knew with the right person in charge it would), and the relocation department has had some set backs and has even had some lay offs. Now what if I had taken that job!?!?
Long story…longer…..I went up again last weekend to interview with CAI again, and have been hired on as an admin in their cross cultural training department. It is the ground floor, but with plenty of room for movement! I am so very excited.
So, once again God has brought an opportunity that I really wanted, something I am incredibly passionate about!!, to me in His timing not mine.
In His timing, I have struggled....in His timing, I have learned more about Him than I ever would have before....in His timing, I am now more equipped to do this job....in His timing, I have a business that easy supplements any short comings in salary (one of my reasons to turn down before)....In His timing, I have gone against all things that made sense to everyone else even me and waited on the Lord.....In His timing, I do have peace.
One more time...."That's God!" From my tiny tiny world...I bid you adieu....I will keep you updated as I know more (i.e. my new dwelling place, etc)
Love you all
Friday, September 08, 2006
Praise and Prayer
DALLAS BOUND!! That's right, ladies and gentlemen, I am headed to Dallas. The move will be quite swift as they want me there on Wedneday of next week. However, never fear my Houston friends, I will be back in a few weekends to say official goodbyes. Besides, Dallas is only a 3 hour drive away.
I will be working on support staff at Cultural Awareness International, as I step into the industry, and will hopefully move up into a consultant position in the next few months. I am very excited. Very nervous. Very, very overwhelmed! But also praising!!! I am also forever grateful for each prayer that was lifted up for me! The love and support I have received in the past few months has been amazing, I can not imagine where I would be without each one of you.
As for my brothers, thank you, thank you, thank you, for your many emails, text messages and calls to check on them.
Derek, (in Atlanta) has been put on blood pressure medication, and is still in need of a lot of prayer. He is under a lot of stress and pressure at his job, and is not the type to just take it easy because he is not feeling well. The doctor has cautioned him to slow down to a crawl, until his blood pressure goes down. Please continue to pray for him, that the Lord will protect and heal him. More so I ask that you pray that Derek will turn to the Lord for His help.
Devin, (in Botswana) and mom are in Johannesburg, South Africa with the Dr.s there. Praise the Lord his liver and kidney screens came back clear. However, he is still in an amazing amount of pain that they cannot seem to narrow down. He did have to have a colonoscopy, all they found was inflammation in his stomach and intestines, but the doctor said it wasn’t enough to cause the pain he is having. They will probably wait there until Monday to see another doctor, the one who diagnosed his Epstein Barr last year. Again, please continue to pray.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you
Words are not enough. You support me in ways you cannot imagine. I am so blessed because each of you are in my life!
AW
I will be working on support staff at Cultural Awareness International, as I step into the industry, and will hopefully move up into a consultant position in the next few months. I am very excited. Very nervous. Very, very overwhelmed! But also praising!!! I am also forever grateful for each prayer that was lifted up for me! The love and support I have received in the past few months has been amazing, I can not imagine where I would be without each one of you.
As for my brothers, thank you, thank you, thank you, for your many emails, text messages and calls to check on them.
Derek, (in Atlanta) has been put on blood pressure medication, and is still in need of a lot of prayer. He is under a lot of stress and pressure at his job, and is not the type to just take it easy because he is not feeling well. The doctor has cautioned him to slow down to a crawl, until his blood pressure goes down. Please continue to pray for him, that the Lord will protect and heal him. More so I ask that you pray that Derek will turn to the Lord for His help.
Devin, (in Botswana) and mom are in Johannesburg, South Africa with the Dr.s there. Praise the Lord his liver and kidney screens came back clear. However, he is still in an amazing amount of pain that they cannot seem to narrow down. He did have to have a colonoscopy, all they found was inflammation in his stomach and intestines, but the doctor said it wasn’t enough to cause the pain he is having. They will probably wait there until Monday to see another doctor, the one who diagnosed his Epstein Barr last year. Again, please continue to pray.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you
Words are not enough. You support me in ways you cannot imagine. I am so blessed because each of you are in my life!
AW
Monday, September 04, 2006
Request for Prayer
On Thursday this week, I got a call from my brother Derek. He was concerned because he was having chest pains. He has had a heart condition since birth that has not given him much trouble since he was about two.
He checked his blood pressure, which registered at 160/100.. NOT GOOD. Friday, he was still not feeling well, so he went to a doctor that evening. The doctor told him that if he did not go home and go to bed, he would have a stroke within 3 days and a pacemaker by the end of the week!
Yikes! Derek is only 25. I thank the Lord for a doctor that knew about this condition and one that treated him for FREE. I am constantly amazed at our AMAZING GOD. This is not the first time that his life has been spared by our great God.
My youngest brother,Devin, who has been struggling with Epstein Barr and a mirror virus called cytomegalo virus for the past few months. His immune system is really down due to these two viruses and this past week has been down sick again last week. He continues to have pretty severe pain in his left side, even keeping him from church yesterday. The doctor in Botswana has refered him to Johannesburg for a full checkup once again. Pray with my family that they will find the cause of this pain. He has had it for a long time. Sometimes it is better than others, but it is definitely always there. We have an appointment for Wednesday morning in Johannesburg. Pray for my mom and he as they travel, and my dad as he stays behind to try to get some paperwork wrapped up with the mission before they return stateside.
Lastly, after 9 months I FINALLY have an interview that is a very good opportunity. It is this upcoming Friday, and I so I want it to happen.
Thanks for praying! I know I can count on my faithful readers!
He checked his blood pressure, which registered at 160/100.. NOT GOOD. Friday, he was still not feeling well, so he went to a doctor that evening. The doctor told him that if he did not go home and go to bed, he would have a stroke within 3 days and a pacemaker by the end of the week!
Yikes! Derek is only 25. I thank the Lord for a doctor that knew about this condition and one that treated him for FREE. I am constantly amazed at our AMAZING GOD. This is not the first time that his life has been spared by our great God.
My youngest brother,Devin, who has been struggling with Epstein Barr and a mirror virus called cytomegalo virus for the past few months. His immune system is really down due to these two viruses and this past week has been down sick again last week. He continues to have pretty severe pain in his left side, even keeping him from church yesterday. The doctor in Botswana has refered him to Johannesburg for a full checkup once again. Pray with my family that they will find the cause of this pain. He has had it for a long time. Sometimes it is better than others, but it is definitely always there. We have an appointment for Wednesday morning in Johannesburg. Pray for my mom and he as they travel, and my dad as he stays behind to try to get some paperwork wrapped up with the mission before they return stateside.
Lastly, after 9 months I FINALLY have an interview that is a very good opportunity. It is this upcoming Friday, and I so I want it to happen.
Thanks for praying! I know I can count on my faithful readers!
Friday, August 25, 2006
Still Waiting....
Wait on the Lord and be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart.
Wait on the Lord and be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart.
Wait, I say, wait on the Lord.....wait upon the Lord.
Wait, I say, wait on the Lord....wait upon the Lord.
Still, in a holding pattern. Know that the potential short term living would not work out....and position in Cross cultural training still on hold....
So, we'll just see what God has in store.
That is my news for now...
Tired and discouraged, but mostly tired.
Still processing the rest.
Still trusting.
Still Praying
Still Seeking Earnestly.
Wait on the Lord and be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart.
Wait, I say, wait on the Lord.....wait upon the Lord.
Wait, I say, wait on the Lord....wait upon the Lord.
Still, in a holding pattern. Know that the potential short term living would not work out....and position in Cross cultural training still on hold....
So, we'll just see what God has in store.
That is my news for now...
Tired and discouraged, but mostly tired.
Still processing the rest.
Still trusting.
Still Praying
Still Seeking Earnestly.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
The Power of Pink
"Pink is an attitude not a color!" Imagine my excitement upon hearing these words at my very 1st Mary Kay seminar, kicking off the beginning of the 2006/2007 seminar year. (Namely because I am learning to care for pink, so to know that the power of pink was an attitude was something I could grab a hold of rather than have to wear all the time.)I learned some amazing things at this meeting and after being back home for week, and having some time to reflect on all of my reasoning wanted to share a little with you.
1st of all I went to this meeting expecting to come away with new ideas on booking classes....and I did. And new ideas on recruiting and team building...and I got a few of those as well. However, I did not expect to come away from a corporate meeting having been abundantly blessed by God, and having heard from HIM and about Him from the stage. This was a corporate meeting not a revival, right?
I heard lots of great advice and testimony after testimony of women giving God the glory for blessing the work of their hands. However, I learned the most from Candy Lewis. She was the queen of sales for our entire seminar and she was powerful!
Listen to what God spoke through her to me:
"God's delay is not God's denial!" - Ok, after hearing that I could have gone home. God touched me in that one sentence in ways I could never have imagined.
Next she said,
"Turn your problems into God's promises." - Hello!
" After you finish crying, what are you going to do?" - Wake up call!!!
"When trials come your way, they are there to see how badly you want it." - (gulp)
"God will sign you up for the same course, until you learn the lesson." Ok, Ok, I am learning! I am learning!
Lastly, and I swear even though she was being telecast from the other room, she looked me straight in the eye - don't you hate it when speakers do that! - and she said
"If you don't know your 'Why', your 'Want' doesn't matter"
Ok now, here she got me. I know my want. I have my goals set, on my goal poster, I affirm them and pray over them every day. But I never really set forth my why's clearly and directly. In fact, I believe my why's changed daily. So, I went to a quiet place - hard found by the way with 10,000 plus women - and I began to write my why's and prioritize them. And now I am listing them for you. Why? You may ironically ask?
Well because my goal is big. I am looking to wear that director's ring by October 1st. I want to be a director, and I want to have a team of women that are in the business of enriching the lives of others. I want you to know the Why's because there are going to be days that I lose sight of these why's. There will be days I am tired and discouraged and don't think I can make it any more. And when I call you and I am crying and exausted, I want you to ask me
"Amanda, when you are finished crying what are you going to do?" And then I want you to remind me of my why's. Put their faces in front of me and remind me that I have a purpose and a plan directed by God and they are the reason.
With that my friend's I give you my why's.
#1. to be out of debt
#2. to get my parents out of debt that they are in because they have supported my dream.
#3. to help pay for Devin’s education so he does not come out of school with the debt I currently have
#4. to help fund whatever opportunity God opens up for the orphans in Botswana
#5. to be able to get on a plane and go to be with my mom and dad whenever I feel like it because I can afford it.
#6. to be able to meet a special need for a missionary when it arises
#7. to further the work of the gospel
#8. to enrich the lives of women with the love of God by one on one contact in my business
#9. to invest in the lives of people around the world with Kingdom good news
#10. to be able to say “To God be the Glory” every step of the way.
To all these reasons I step out of my house in faith, believing His plan is for me.
The struggle of the past nine months has simply been to set my focus and to strengthen my relationship with my BEST FRIEND. Pray with me, as I know that the War is WON, but there are battle’s yet to come.
1st of all I went to this meeting expecting to come away with new ideas on booking classes....and I did. And new ideas on recruiting and team building...and I got a few of those as well. However, I did not expect to come away from a corporate meeting having been abundantly blessed by God, and having heard from HIM and about Him from the stage. This was a corporate meeting not a revival, right?
I heard lots of great advice and testimony after testimony of women giving God the glory for blessing the work of their hands. However, I learned the most from Candy Lewis. She was the queen of sales for our entire seminar and she was powerful!
Listen to what God spoke through her to me:
"God's delay is not God's denial!" - Ok, after hearing that I could have gone home. God touched me in that one sentence in ways I could never have imagined.
Next she said,
"Turn your problems into God's promises." - Hello!
" After you finish crying, what are you going to do?" - Wake up call!!!
"When trials come your way, they are there to see how badly you want it." - (gulp)
"God will sign you up for the same course, until you learn the lesson." Ok, Ok, I am learning! I am learning!
Lastly, and I swear even though she was being telecast from the other room, she looked me straight in the eye - don't you hate it when speakers do that! - and she said
"If you don't know your 'Why', your 'Want' doesn't matter"
Ok now, here she got me. I know my want. I have my goals set, on my goal poster, I affirm them and pray over them every day. But I never really set forth my why's clearly and directly. In fact, I believe my why's changed daily. So, I went to a quiet place - hard found by the way with 10,000 plus women - and I began to write my why's and prioritize them. And now I am listing them for you. Why? You may ironically ask?
Well because my goal is big. I am looking to wear that director's ring by October 1st. I want to be a director, and I want to have a team of women that are in the business of enriching the lives of others. I want you to know the Why's because there are going to be days that I lose sight of these why's. There will be days I am tired and discouraged and don't think I can make it any more. And when I call you and I am crying and exausted, I want you to ask me
"Amanda, when you are finished crying what are you going to do?" And then I want you to remind me of my why's. Put their faces in front of me and remind me that I have a purpose and a plan directed by God and they are the reason.
With that my friend's I give you my why's.
#1. to be out of debt
#2. to get my parents out of debt that they are in because they have supported my dream.
#3. to help pay for Devin’s education so he does not come out of school with the debt I currently have
#4. to help fund whatever opportunity God opens up for the orphans in Botswana
#5. to be able to get on a plane and go to be with my mom and dad whenever I feel like it because I can afford it.
#6. to be able to meet a special need for a missionary when it arises
#7. to further the work of the gospel
#8. to enrich the lives of women with the love of God by one on one contact in my business
#9. to invest in the lives of people around the world with Kingdom good news
#10. to be able to say “To God be the Glory” every step of the way.
To all these reasons I step out of my house in faith, believing His plan is for me.
The struggle of the past nine months has simply been to set my focus and to strengthen my relationship with my BEST FRIEND. Pray with me, as I know that the War is WON, but there are battle’s yet to come.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
How Great is Our God!!
I spent the entire day at KSBJ our local Christian radio station yesterday. From 5 am to midnight. My shift was not that long to begin with, but I ended up staying the whole day anyway.
It was for their once a year faith promise share-a-thon. This year was amazing. For the 1st time in the 24 year history of the station….they met their monthly Monthly Operations Need: $248,000 by 6 pm on the second day. And their Special Projects Goal Phase One: $1,145,000 before noon on the 3rd day.
The rest of the 12 hours were God’s time…above and beyond. Apparently we had been praying too small for months….because by 11 pm last night we had raised over $5 million dollars.
This is more than any other Christian radio station has raised ever by about $300,000. Isn’t that amazing!! They will now be able to set their sites on “phase two and three” of the special projects goal….which was actually set for the next two years.
What was amazing was the staff….no one knew what to do. God kept bringing in the money and the staff (who are all so humble and amazing) kept looking at each other dumbfounded. Things like this had never happened before. They were humbled by the fact that they had asked God for what they thought was a "stretching dream" hoping to make it, and He said “oh yeah watch this!”
The theme this year was “How Great Is Our God”. Over the past year the radio station has been able to touch over a million lives (which was our theme and goal last year), including mine. I could not have made it through the past few months without the songs of Jesus and the encouragement of the DJ's broadcasting at all hours of the day and night through this station.
This will take the station even farther over the airwaves into HD technology so there can be 3 different genres all under the same name and dial. They will be able to expand the Nigeria project which is currently broadcasting over all of Nigeria and into parts of other neighboring countries. (That is a station they were able to put online last year). They will continue with domestic and international mentoring of other Christian radio stations. To bring them out of the dark ages of being a station that just plays Christian music, to a station that is out there in the community touching lives and spreading the Word through being the hands and feet of Jesus.
This is the third time I have volunteered….and it was amazing. So much fun to have God show up and be right there in phone central!! Our last hour was pure praise. Over a hundred people (staff and volunteers) in singing and praying and praising God. The president and CEO who is such an incredible man of God spoke from the Word….plus I suppose if you consider the pledging an offering….we had church!!
Two or three or a city of believers were gathered in His name for HIS purpose. It was amazing!! HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!
AW
p.s. for those of you keeping up...God is also working in my business!! I need 3 more active team members by the end of the month and I will be on target for directorship!! God is moving!!
It was for their once a year faith promise share-a-thon. This year was amazing. For the 1st time in the 24 year history of the station….they met their monthly Monthly Operations Need: $248,000 by 6 pm on the second day. And their Special Projects Goal Phase One: $1,145,000 before noon on the 3rd day.
The rest of the 12 hours were God’s time…above and beyond. Apparently we had been praying too small for months….because by 11 pm last night we had raised over $5 million dollars.
This is more than any other Christian radio station has raised ever by about $300,000. Isn’t that amazing!! They will now be able to set their sites on “phase two and three” of the special projects goal….which was actually set for the next two years.
What was amazing was the staff….no one knew what to do. God kept bringing in the money and the staff (who are all so humble and amazing) kept looking at each other dumbfounded. Things like this had never happened before. They were humbled by the fact that they had asked God for what they thought was a "stretching dream" hoping to make it, and He said “oh yeah watch this!”
The theme this year was “How Great Is Our God”. Over the past year the radio station has been able to touch over a million lives (which was our theme and goal last year), including mine. I could not have made it through the past few months without the songs of Jesus and the encouragement of the DJ's broadcasting at all hours of the day and night through this station.
This will take the station even farther over the airwaves into HD technology so there can be 3 different genres all under the same name and dial. They will be able to expand the Nigeria project which is currently broadcasting over all of Nigeria and into parts of other neighboring countries. (That is a station they were able to put online last year). They will continue with domestic and international mentoring of other Christian radio stations. To bring them out of the dark ages of being a station that just plays Christian music, to a station that is out there in the community touching lives and spreading the Word through being the hands and feet of Jesus.
This is the third time I have volunteered….and it was amazing. So much fun to have God show up and be right there in phone central!! Our last hour was pure praise. Over a hundred people (staff and volunteers) in singing and praying and praising God. The president and CEO who is such an incredible man of God spoke from the Word….plus I suppose if you consider the pledging an offering….we had church!!
Two or three or a city of believers were gathered in His name for HIS purpose. It was amazing!! HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!
AW
p.s. for those of you keeping up...God is also working in my business!! I need 3 more active team members by the end of the month and I will be on target for directorship!! God is moving!!
Monday, June 05, 2006
An Update
Well, it is 10:17 pm. And I have just finished watching Sean win the Apprenticeship under Donald Trump. Yea for Sean!
I however, would just like to find the job of my dreams somewhere. :)
Today, I woke up with a spliting headache, so rather than get out and do some Mary Kay warm chattering as I was planning to do, I instead took some pills and came upstairs to do some email answering and to send out some more resume's. As of 10 minutes ago I believe that today alone I have applied to about 10 jobs.
I have, of course, marked in my calender to follow up with each of these at the end of the week.
I also followed up with the Korea position. What an amazing opportunity that would be if I could get it.
My spirits are definately higher this week. I know this comes as a result of my friends who spent time last week fasting and praying on my behalf. I still do not have any definative answers, but the peace that things are moving is there.
In the meantime....I have a HUGE Mary Kay goal that I need to reach by June 15th. It is a sale's goal and so I am putting it out here for all to help me with. Please log onto my website http://www.marykay.com/amandaworkman and find something to buy. :-) There will be a 10% discount off of all web orders. Perhaps you do not currenly use their top selling skin care system or their makeup. That is ok, there are sun care products, spa products, and a whole section of gift ideas for any upcoming birthday's, weddings, etc that you might need gifts for.
(p.s. let me know it is a gift and I'll wrap it for you)
For those of you who live far away...that is ok too...free shipping! Who could ask for more!
I am working so hard to meet this goal and I know that you can help!
Thank you so much for all your prayers.... don't stop God is working!
Thank you for your encouragement.....don't stop phone calls and emails get me through my day!
Most of all thank you for loving me....don't stop I can't live without you! :)
I however, would just like to find the job of my dreams somewhere. :)
Today, I woke up with a spliting headache, so rather than get out and do some Mary Kay warm chattering as I was planning to do, I instead took some pills and came upstairs to do some email answering and to send out some more resume's. As of 10 minutes ago I believe that today alone I have applied to about 10 jobs.
I have, of course, marked in my calender to follow up with each of these at the end of the week.
I also followed up with the Korea position. What an amazing opportunity that would be if I could get it.
My spirits are definately higher this week. I know this comes as a result of my friends who spent time last week fasting and praying on my behalf. I still do not have any definative answers, but the peace that things are moving is there.
In the meantime....I have a HUGE Mary Kay goal that I need to reach by June 15th. It is a sale's goal and so I am putting it out here for all to help me with. Please log onto my website http://www.marykay.com/amandaworkman and find something to buy. :-) There will be a 10% discount off of all web orders. Perhaps you do not currenly use their top selling skin care system or their makeup. That is ok, there are sun care products, spa products, and a whole section of gift ideas for any upcoming birthday's, weddings, etc that you might need gifts for.
(p.s. let me know it is a gift and I'll wrap it for you)
For those of you who live far away...that is ok too...free shipping! Who could ask for more!
I am working so hard to meet this goal and I know that you can help!
Thank you so much for all your prayers.... don't stop God is working!
Thank you for your encouragement.....don't stop phone calls and emails get me through my day!
Most of all thank you for loving me....don't stop I can't live without you! :)
Monday, May 29, 2006
Asking
For my faithful readers who pray,
I am asking of you a favor.
My heart, as you know, is ready to move from this
stagnant place that I am.
I feel that God has stripped all the securities of my life;
Job, Boyfriend, Social Life, and Place to live, from me...
For a purpose.
I am ready to move, ready to follow,
ready to heed whatever HE may have in store.
So this is what I am asking.
Fast with me....pray with me.
Ask of HIM who knows all things,
That HE will reveal to me the open door
That HE wants me to walk through.
His Word promises so many things, but in James HE says...
"If you want to know what to do...then ask of God....HE will not resent your asking...He will tell you. But when you ask be expectant of an answer."
So I am asking of you to pray, expecting an answer.
What city, town, state, or country.
Where He leads I WILL follow.
Thank you.
I am asking of you a favor.
My heart, as you know, is ready to move from this
stagnant place that I am.
I feel that God has stripped all the securities of my life;
Job, Boyfriend, Social Life, and Place to live, from me...
For a purpose.
I am ready to move, ready to follow,
ready to heed whatever HE may have in store.
So this is what I am asking.
Fast with me....pray with me.
Ask of HIM who knows all things,
That HE will reveal to me the open door
That HE wants me to walk through.
His Word promises so many things, but in James HE says...
"If you want to know what to do...then ask of God....HE will not resent your asking...He will tell you. But when you ask be expectant of an answer."
So I am asking of you to pray, expecting an answer.
What city, town, state, or country.
Where He leads I WILL follow.
Thank you.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Praise You through the storm
These are lyrics to how I am feeling! Matches my blog from yesterday. I love when there is a song to match my life!
Praise You in the Storm
Casting Crowns
I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again,
I say "Amen"and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away
Chorus:I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy fallsI
raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away
Chorus
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
Monday, May 08, 2006
Waiting
I read an article the other day on the “Enormous Leisure of GOD.” The particular illustration was of the person Moses. He knew that he was the person who was supposed to free GOD’s people from their slavery, however while he was ready to go right then and free his brothers and sister’s from bondage. GOD had other plans. He sent him into the desert for 40 years to herd sheep!!
Now, think with me here. This man has been raised in the palace of the Pharaoh. Couldn’t GOD have chosen to use him then? I mean he had pretty good access as the adopted son of the princess. But though humanly this would have been ideal, GOD had a greater plan. A plan that took 40 years to bring about.
Why 40 years? To we as humans this seems like…well, almost half a lifetime. But in GOD’s mind 40 years was really nothing. The Bible says that to GOD a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years is as a day. For him 40 years is like a blink.
So what is my point here…..
Why am I so impatient? I am SO tired of waiting on the Lord. Yet at every turn and step I try to take that is what GOD is telling me to do. Over and over I hear…
“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD”
“Wait here”
“Wait for HIS reply”
“Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent? Must I also remain silent?”
“for I am waiting for you, O LORD. You must answer for me, O Lord my GOD.”
“I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.”
“They have set an ambush for me. Fierce enemies are out there waiting, though I have done them no wrong, O LORD”
“You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O GOD, are my place of safety.”
“I wait quietly before GOD, for my hope is in him.”
“I wait quietly before GOD, for my salvation comes from him.”
“I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched and dry. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my GOD to help me.”
“The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him.”
“As for me, I look to the LORD for his help. I wait confidently for GOD to save me, and my GOD will certainly hear me”
“I will climb up into my watchtower now and wait to see what the LORD will say to me and how he will answer my complaint.”
“But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”
I could go on and on. The Lord is asking me to TRUST… to WAIT.
Just to bring this to reality. This is not easy. In fact, frankly, it sucks! (for those of you who do not care for this word please pardon it…but it is how I feel!) It does! I realize that GOD has purpose and a plan for me and I would love for that purpose to be revealed right now.
Yet apparently I am still in the training process. Don’t you know that Moses was so glad for all those years of experience herding flocks of dumb sheep and the years in the desert with GOD, when he then had to herd a flock of GOD’s people!! I am sure there were many times that he wished he could go back to the desert and away from the purpose that GOD finally did reveal.
I am ready for things to happen NOW! But GOD is saying wait. As HE has never failed me yet, I am willing to obey. My prayer is that I learn what I need to learn, and am granted the grace and the patience to not step in front of GOD’s plan for my life. My desire is to serve and to glorify. Nothing more, nothing less.
God is not in a hurry. We are. We get down before God and pray, then we get up and say, “it is all done now,” and in the light of the glory of the “vision” we go and do the thing. But it is not real, and GOD has to take us into the valley and put us through fires and floods to batter us (read..our stubborn selves) into shape, until we get into the condition in which HE can trust us with the reality of HIS vision for us.
Waiting......
The End
Now, think with me here. This man has been raised in the palace of the Pharaoh. Couldn’t GOD have chosen to use him then? I mean he had pretty good access as the adopted son of the princess. But though humanly this would have been ideal, GOD had a greater plan. A plan that took 40 years to bring about.
Why 40 years? To we as humans this seems like…well, almost half a lifetime. But in GOD’s mind 40 years was really nothing. The Bible says that to GOD a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years is as a day. For him 40 years is like a blink.
So what is my point here…..
Why am I so impatient? I am SO tired of waiting on the Lord. Yet at every turn and step I try to take that is what GOD is telling me to do. Over and over I hear…
“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD”
“Wait here”
“Wait for HIS reply”
“Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent? Must I also remain silent?”
“for I am waiting for you, O LORD. You must answer for me, O Lord my GOD.”
“I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.”
“They have set an ambush for me. Fierce enemies are out there waiting, though I have done them no wrong, O LORD”
“You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O GOD, are my place of safety.”
“I wait quietly before GOD, for my hope is in him.”
“I wait quietly before GOD, for my salvation comes from him.”
“I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched and dry. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my GOD to help me.”
“The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him.”
“As for me, I look to the LORD for his help. I wait confidently for GOD to save me, and my GOD will certainly hear me”
“I will climb up into my watchtower now and wait to see what the LORD will say to me and how he will answer my complaint.”
“But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”
I could go on and on. The Lord is asking me to TRUST… to WAIT.
Just to bring this to reality. This is not easy. In fact, frankly, it sucks! (for those of you who do not care for this word please pardon it…but it is how I feel!) It does! I realize that GOD has purpose and a plan for me and I would love for that purpose to be revealed right now.
Yet apparently I am still in the training process. Don’t you know that Moses was so glad for all those years of experience herding flocks of dumb sheep and the years in the desert with GOD, when he then had to herd a flock of GOD’s people!! I am sure there were many times that he wished he could go back to the desert and away from the purpose that GOD finally did reveal.
I am ready for things to happen NOW! But GOD is saying wait. As HE has never failed me yet, I am willing to obey. My prayer is that I learn what I need to learn, and am granted the grace and the patience to not step in front of GOD’s plan for my life. My desire is to serve and to glorify. Nothing more, nothing less.
God is not in a hurry. We are. We get down before God and pray, then we get up and say, “it is all done now,” and in the light of the glory of the “vision” we go and do the thing. But it is not real, and GOD has to take us into the valley and put us through fires and floods to batter us (read..our stubborn selves) into shape, until we get into the condition in which HE can trust us with the reality of HIS vision for us.
Waiting......
The End
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
