He will provide

When Jeremy and I decided we needed to go to India the first thing we were concerned with was paying for the trip. It was a substantial amount of money to come up with. The expenses for the trip were thoroughly outlined so we knew exactly where our money was going. The total costs include a donation to the orphanage and funding for a feeding and clothing program.

The first idea was to cut a portion from our tithe check each week. The money was going to do God's work, so it's all the same right? We know that our church sends out 17+% of the money they receive to fund hundreds of programs around the world. (Including Children of Faith Ministries in India). So we thought about it and we didn't want to take away from the other great organizations our money would have gone to.

So eventually we decided, if this was really God's plan, He would provide everything we needed to make it happen. Very scary, but we left it all up to God to make it happen. We prayed about it, we cut our own expenses, we worked extra wherever possible. We also sent out letters to friends and family who might be interested in sponsoring our trip.

In the end God did provide, in ever changing and amazing ways. We received a great response from very supportive friends and family who went out of their way to make this possible. Several people, including Jeremy's office and our local bank collected cans. We received a scholarship from the church and more opportunities for odd jobs to bring in more money. Jeremy gained several home inspections which brought in more income, and my commissions hit an all time peak and we delegated 100% of that to this trip as well.

Not only did we collect enough money for the trip but we also have a nice chunk in addition to donate directly to the orphange. Thank you to all of you who contributed financially and prayerfully.
"I can do all things through Him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13

Let Go and Let God

Just as children bring their
broken toys for us to mend,

I brought my fears & broken dreams
to God, who is my Friend.

But instead of leaving Him
in peace to work alone,

I hung around and tried to help,
with ways that were my own.

At last, I snatched them back again
and cried, "How can you be so slow?!?"

"My child, "He said, "What could I do?
You never did let go!"

-Author Unknown

Superman

I have the greatest husband around. Jeremy is just working so hard to keep everything together this week. We're having some house issues that have left us with no hot water or heat for a few days now. It started with replacing the hot water heater but we found there were more issues. We are blessed to have found the problems now before we were in big trouble, and the in-laws have been letting us sleep and shower at their house. So the we are as, always, provided for.

However, Jeremy is putting a lot of time into fixing the issues and I am just more amazed everyday at what he can do. I always thought he was my superman who could do it all, but he goes beyond and proves it everyday. Along with working full-time I know he's stressed a little with going to school part-time. It's a struggle and he makes it through, he is committed and works hard. Now he's also working every available minute on the house. Yet, he still has a smile on his face, it's just amazing.

In the stress this week has brought, I have also been pretty sick with some flu bug. Still my husband has only had patient kind words for my grouchy attitude. Along with work, school and the house he still take time to make sure I am well and resting. I haven't been able to help with much of anything around the house right now, yet he loves and comforts me.

This Friday is Jeremy's birthday and he plans on spending this weekend on a side project to make some more money for our India trip. With everything going on this week and the extra work coming this weekend we won't be celebrating until the end of the month. My super-husband deserves to be celebrated everyday, and I praise God for creating this man for me and bringing him to me.

"As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD" Joshua 24:15

I love my....

How would you finish that sentence?

Last week during church our music director prompted everyone with a cell phone to pull it out. He then instructed everyone to call the 3^rd person on their contact list, right then and tell them that you love them. Make sure they know that they are loved.

I didn't have my cell with me at the time, but I was curious to see who would have been number 3 on my phone. So when I got back in the car I scrolled down to check it out.

Number 3 slot in my list of contacts: my car. (Jeremy and I just traded in our vehicles and share one now. It's new so there's an integrated phone on the car for OnStar). So yes, I would have been calling my car to tell it how much it is loved.

Unfortunately, that is the truth, for a lot of people, myself included. We will let many days go by without letting those around us know they are cared for. Yet, we talk so freely about the THINGS we have in our lives.

"I couldn't live without my cell phone"

"I love this house!"

"We have the coolest TV"

"I can't wait to get home to my bed"

Has a day ever gone by that we haven't been thankful and appreciated the things we have in our lives. We say we have our priorities straight. God, family and friends above all else, but do our actions back that up? It's time to re-evaluate, make sure that your actions prove what you say. Let's try living our lives with the same passion for people as we have for things. Let's finish the sentence with God, family and friends.

I love my God, family and friends. (My pets can count too, right?)

"I thank God everytime I think of you." Philippians 1:3

India blog from Jeremy

Back on Sunday, April 9th Anand and Rosie Thandu came to a mission’s potluck lunch at LOL. They presented what they were doing at their orphanage and how the Lord was using their ministry. This year the orphanage doubled in size, and therefore has many more needs. While we observed pictures of the children and heard stories of how the orphanage was changing their lived and giving them a chance we felt moved to become involved.
On the ride home I asked Heather, “So how do you feel about going and working in an orphanage for a week?” Heather was up for it and excited. We both felt so drawn to this opportunity. We reflected a bit about the cost and the work involved, and we prayed and we left it in God’s hands.
That week we called to find out if there was any chance we could visit India to help out. Anand and Rosie were very excited to have us come and we discussed the details. Every step of the way seemed to have God’s hand pushing it along. From the visit from Anand and Rosie to our church to how the schedule just fell into to place and it continues.
Now it’s finalized and we are going the 1st week in January ’07 for 10 days. There is a lot for us to do in the meantime, like getting passports and vaccinations. At first we worried about how we would come up with such a large sum of money. God is moving! We came up with a three part plan.

1. We are collecting cans.
2. We have a savings plan in place.
3. We asked friends and family to sponsor our trip.

All three plans are doing extremely well. In the first week we got 2 huge bags from the bank where we opened a savings account. (Thanks Chase Bank of Batavia!) 2 days after getting a can at my office my boss called and told me to pick up my cans because it was overflowing! (Thanks Adesta!)
The savings plan is going well too. Heather had a sudden rush in commissions which will cover almost 1/3 of the expenses. Last our friends and family have given an enormous response to our letter we sent out last month. People are giving very generously. (Thank you everyone!)
We ask that you continue to pray for us on this trip. Pray for safety, that we effectively share the gospel; and for the children in the orphanage.

Jesus said, "And whoever welcomes a little child like this welcomes me." -Matthew 18:5

Children of Faith Ministries

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father” –Apostle Paul

We thank God for the work that He has done in our lives. Our involvement in our Church, Lord of Life, is preparing us for what lies ahead in our lives.

Along with the daily routine of life, we believe that there is a need to expose the Gospel and Christ’s love to a lost, hurt, and dying world. It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget that there are people all over the world who are hurting and need help. We have the opportunity to go on a short-term mission trip in January 2007. We are excited to be working with Children of Faith Ministries.

While in India, we will be ministering to children touched by the work of Children of Faith Ministries; as well as participate in outreach to the surrounding community; www.cofmvizag.org. We feel privileged to be able to encourage, teach, and pray with these children. Primarily this mission is focused on children ministries, but also encompasses community outreach and special projects.

We are prayerfully prepared to follow where God leads. We are looking forward doing God’s work to help make a difference in other people’s lives as He has in ours’. Others who have participated in mission trips have testified that this is a life changing event; it will strengthen our walk with the Lord, and expand our understanding for mankind.

Christians aren't perfect just forgiven

My bumper sticker is falling off. So before I retire it and replace it with "My mutt is smarter then your Honor Student", I must take I moment and share it with you.

Christians aren't perfect just forgiven

Most people know I am a Christian, Jesus freak even, sure call it whatever you want. What they dont always know is that it doesnt mean I am perfect and judgmental of all those who fall short. Its quite the opposite. It doesnt mean I judge others, it opens the door for others to judge me. Go ahead, scrutinize away. If you expect to find a perfect person here you will only be disappointed. I have a goal to be a better person, but I am human and fall short many times. Yes, I swear sometimes. Yes, I drink. Sometimes it is easy for me to hate, and difficult to forgive. I sin on many different levels. Yes, sin is part of my daily life.

The only difference between myself and someone who does not have a relationship with Jesus, is that I confess my sins and find forgiveness. I am given a new gift everyday when the Lord wipes my sin clear away and gives me yet another opportunity to strive to be better another day. He will never turn his back on me, and will always be there to pick up and push me to do better. He is my goal, who will provide the ultimate reward one day. When I meet him face to face and hear the words I long to hear one day. Well done, good and faithful servant. Until then, there is very little difference between you and me.

So many new and exciting things...

I have so much to say. So much I want everyone to know. Life has been pretty hectic the last couple of months. I can't make my mind slow down long enough to put a whole statement on the paper though. I promise I will update soon and share with you all the new and exciting things going on. Including the work we're putting together write now in preparation for our short term mission trip to Children of Faith Ministries in India. I can't wait to meet the children!

Jealous much?

I am a “why” person, always have been. I guess that’s why I am stubborn when it comes to following God’s will. It’s not enough for me to know where he wants me to be or what he wants me to do, but sometimes in order for me to really get moving I think I need to know why. (That is when I am actually open to hearing God’s will and hear His plan in the first place). So I am compelled to question myself the same way. I asked myself tonight why am I writing this blog?

There are many answers to that question. The selfish ones are easy. It helps me. Writing helps me organize my thoughts. In chaotic and uncertain times it helps me to organize my thoughts and feelings to get to the root of my question or idea. It can be therapeutic. Plus, since I started it has just become a nice hobby. I also heard that some people actually make a little money with their blogs. (Yes, I already gave up that fantasy).

The other set of answers may interest you though. The reasons that I organize my thoughts so that others can actually read and understand them. Simply put: I want you to be jealous. Of what?? Of the wonderful freedom I have found in having a close relationship with Jesus Christ. My outlook on life is quite different now. I have very little stress and no reason to worry about anything. (That is no logical reason- being human I do still worry unreasonably in times of my own weakness). Knowing Jesus has opened my eyes to knowing the most powerful Father anyone could know.

There is such amazing confidence that comes with knowing that the almighty Father always has my best interest in mind. He will always be there to lead me on the path towards his great plan. Whatever that plan may be, I can have confidence in knowing that it will play out to be greater then anything I could plan for myself. (“You will show me the path of life.” Psalm 16:11).

He loves me, the imperfect human that I am, so much that “he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). There is such immense strength that comes with knowing that no matter where I go or what I do I have Jesus to lead the way. Even through difficult times it is in God’s will that I will come through it with Him, because he has something great planned for me.

Even as the continual work in progress that I am, God loves me even when I fail him. Being a Christian in NOT about being perfect, it’s about the gift of forgiveness. That through being humble and admitting my sins to God with a repentant heart I can be renewed again to try harder next time.

So yes, I hope you read this blog and get jealous, but not just to be jealous. I want that jealousy to stir in you a seeking heart. To desire to know more and want the same strength and confidence in love that I have found with Jesus. Just as Paul openly admitted in his letters to the Romans, “I make much of my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them.” (Romans 11:13)

Paul could not get through to the Jews, so his ministry moved onto the Gentiles. This became a possible win-win situation for Paul. He brought God’s word to a new group of people, and hoped that by uplifting them, his own people would become envious and desire the same for themselves. So I pray that I through sharing my own joys and blessings, it would stir a seeking heart in you; that you may find the same peace in Jesus.

Control Freak

I love my small group. For those of you who don't know "small group" is a little group of girls who meet every Wednesday night for bible study and fellowship. Sometimes we actually get through prayer requests and focus on the bible. Anyway, my point is that I have an amazing group of girlfriends who totally encourage and uplift each other.
One of my ongoing prayer requests lately has been for clear direction on where I need to be right now. Last month I started feeling some stirring in my soul. Something trying to tell me that some big change was coming, that my life was going to move into another direction. Problem was, I was completely content with where I was. Possibly, the first time that has ever happened to me. I was completely where I wanted to be in life. I worked really hard to ignore that feeling. Now all I want is to give up my own direction and follow His path.
"I promise Lord that if you just tell me where you want me to be then I will follow."
Didn't He already give me that chance? Like the stubborn little brat that I am, I pushed Him away so that I could have MY plan. Well, now my office is moving and my commute time is about to be more like 2 hours one way. So I know it's time to explore my options, I've accepted that now, and I'm ready.
I fully admit that I am a control freak. When people have asked before about what this "meeting" is I go to on Wednesday nights, I've joked that it's AA. Not to lighten the work of AA, but I only recently realized how close to being true that is. Only it's more like Control-Freaks Anonymous. I can't speak for all the girls, but at least for me. My biggest struggle, in my relationship with Jesus, is letting go. When I do the benefits are numerous. It's an amazingly free feeling to have someone looking out for you; someone with so much more power and wisdom than you. It is such a great confidence knowing that you can tackle anything with God on your side. Even more is the idea that He has a plan for you. Even more yet, is that His plan is a hundred times better then the one you could ever plan for yourself. I still forget and I stumble and I fall. Yet, Jesus is still there waiting to show me the way. So I am ready now, to let go. I am exceedingly excited to find out what He has planned for me. I have to admit at the same time I am still the little control-freak wanting to have that plan revealed to me NOW. But I have to trust that I will find out when it's time, because God will always have my best interest in mind.

My plan vs His plan

February 15, 2006
My passage for today. Sent to me from a friend.

Proverbs 16:3
"Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed."

It fits with my own unstable ground at work. Wondering if the Lord is trying to pull me elsewhere, and I don't want to go. This verse helps put my mind at ease. It reminds me of what Pastor Phil was speaking about a few weeks ago. When he said that whatever it is you do, do it for the Lord, and that will be your ministry. Sometimes it's hard for me to remain focused on the larger goal in mind. That I do this all for Him, so that my actions reflect my love for Him. It's "easier" to focus more on my job stability and how that will reflect my family. Maybe easier isn't the word I'm looking for, hence the quotes. It's just where my mind goes first.... if I make a change how will that reflect our current lifestyle? Though it's really not the "easy" way for my mind to go, it's the stressful way. I get far to engrossed on how I will maintain my things, and forgot that God has a plan for me. Sometimes that plan means it's necessary for me to give up what He has already given me so that I can follow the greater plan He has for me.
I say, "Lord could you please just send me a postcard and tell me what you want from me?" Then I also wonder how sincere I am really being; if He has been trying to tell me what I don't want to hear, am I just ignoring Him. I consider myself a young Christian, so am I the 4 year old with my hands over my ears going, "la la la la la I don't hear you! la la la la la." Because life is pretty stable for me right now and I am content with where I am right now. This fits MY plan, but does it follow HIS?

The lies we tell ourselves

I'd like to share a recent revelation with you. A few weeks ago I had a concern that was really weighing on my mind. Like most of my life I believed that I had to be strong. It is my burden to bear. Being strong meant holding it in, and dealing with it alone, not burdening anyone else with my pain. That is one of the lies we tell ourselves. We lie to ourselves when we think that we are stronger when we hold things in and try to handle them ourselves. So I came to realize this function of self-perservation as a lie.
I didn't share my concern with my husband. I thought it would just be better if I kept it to myself and not bother him. Then I came to realize that my strength was only causing distance between us. He knew that there was something bothering me, something I was holding back. There I was, thinking I was being strong by holding it in, not confiding in him. In turn, he had nothing else to think then that it was something about him, or something I just didn't think I could trust him with. I only gave him doubt. In turn I created distance. Not only was I holding back but I was robbing him of being able to comfort and encourage me. Something I know he takes pride in being able to do for me. Something I feel honored to be able to do for him, or any one of my friends.
The truth of it is that by trying to be strong and carry our burdens ourselves we are only proving how weak we are. We are too weak to seek help and are only letting our pride take over. We only cause distance, self-doubt and hurt our relationships. Once I shared by concern with my husband I only grew stronger. It meant having to really open my heart and share completely with him. That takes a strong person, who only grows stronger through the process.
I understand that my relationship with Jesus requires the same strength. He is my friend who is always there waiting to help me. He wants nothing more then to lighten my load and support me. He wants me to share with Him, no matter how heavy the load. This especially takes a lot of strength when it comes to sin. It is easy for me to feel weak when I have sinned. I have created distance between me and Jesus. It's hard to believe that He would want to love and accept a sinner like me. It is easy to lie to myself and say, 'it's just too big. It's your problem you deal with it.' Again, I must instead show my strength and my confidence in Jesus. That whatever I bring him, no matter the weight, He is here to take the burden and carry it for me. It is only when we admit our weakness and expose our vulnerability that we find our strength.

Exodus 15:2
"The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him."

When I say, "I am a Christian"

When I Say "I Am A Christian"
by Carol Wimmer

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I am saved"
I'm whispering "I get lost!"
"That is why I chose this way."

When I say..."I am a Christian"
don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need someone to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are too visible
but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
which is why I seek His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority.
I only know I'm loved.

What are you?

When the subject of christianity comes up I'm often asked, "what are you?".

I try to be a good christian. Maybe faithful, devote christian. There are are plenty of descriptive words that could fit, though possibly gives me too much credit. I try to be those things, though I stumble, like any other person. The joy is that even at my worst Jesus still loves and accepts me. Okay, so maybe my bumper sticker describes it better. "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven." I am forgiven.

Ok I know what the question is really looking for. Baptist? Methodist? Lutheran?
What label do you accept?
I have a church home.
What kind of church is it?
Lord of Life is a loving inviting accepting place where the people challenage and encourage each other.

I guess I tend to shy away from religious labels. I find this really hard to explain. So instead I'll refer to Isaiah 29:13.
"The Lord says: These people come near me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men."

I see many religions being hypocritical in preaching on actions and following rules. I believe chrisitianity is about what you truly feel in your heart, because God will not be fooled by your actions. Though once your heart is there actions will follow, they are the fringe benefits to christianity.

I'm not speaking out against being a part of an organized church by any means. Like I said before, I love my church. I guess the point of my reflection here is to caution against any church that stresses man-made rules and expectations. The focus should be on the teachings of Jesus Christ (easily accessible via the bible) with a goal to grow to be more like Him. Not focused on what someone else says you need to do or say to be a good *insert a denomination here*.

You don't have to impress anyone, or prove that you are a good person. Jesus died for our sins. If you accept Him as your savior, there's NOTHING more you can DO. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast."
Ephesians 2:8-9