Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The Last Day of the Truck Fundraiser

If nothing else comes in, I will be wiring Fatima no less than $8,356 tomorrow (Thursday April 1). She will travel to Durban South Africa next week to buy her vehicle, that God has planned for her in His great and Holy name.

But I want to send her more. Could you please consider making a paypal donation today? And yes, I have put my money (God's money) exactly where my mouth is. Joe and I donated more than we ever pledged, by about 50%. While we continue to face debt, Joe pledged his entire bonus and I have donated 25% of my earnings....some of those earnings I won't even get until the end of next week. Trust me....we are serving and giving by faith, not out of an abundance. Will you join us?

Praises be to God! All glory to His name. He's got this. AMEN!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

$25

A dear friend of mine deposited $25 into my paypal account today! Thank you M! I should have one final update for you all tomorrow and I will be wiring the funds on Thursday! Praises be to God on High. May He alone be glorified!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Monday

Hi sweet peeps. No updates today. I had a solidly swamped weekend! I hope to be back to regular blogging tomorrow.

Love to all! God is so good!

Friday, March 26, 2010

workin' all weekend

It is not unusal for me to work all weekend. I do that quite a lot. But it seems to be kept to about 6 hours on Saturdays and maybe just a couple of hours on Sundays. This weekend it is all day, both days. I'm thrilled....but I'm also already exhausted just thinking about it. I'll likely not be blogging. If money comes for the truck I'll update you no later than Monday.

I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend! Be blessed.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

dollars and cents

I have had an extremely busy few days. Today was a real estate closing! Yippee! And, I was able to check my balances for the truck. I have exactly $5,801. As I had mentioned in the previous email, I am sending Fatima no less than $8,000 at the end of the month, but now you have a "to the penny" update.

If you are planning to send me a contribution, please consider doing so very soon. My plan is to initiate the wire transfer on March 31 or April 1. Please remember that every dollar is a big big big deal. Even if you feel that your contribution would be too small....it isn't! I promise! My mailing address is 6840 Bridgewater Drive, Nashville TN 37221. I prefer checks because paypal charges a fee, but if you prefer, the paypal "donate" button on my blog makes it easy. :)

I also mailed books today....to everyone but Pete & Yvonne (because I didn't have your mailing address in time, but have it now). So - if you were on the book list, yours should be arriving in a couple of days. Hope you all enjoy the book as much as I have. Please let me know!

Please keep me in your prayers. Those precious children in Zimbabwe and Fatima have been praying for everything in my life to increase...and wouldn't you know it....I'm slammed with business. My desire is to be an awesome asset to my clients, to be productive and effecient, with minimal stress and maximum time with my kiddos. That's a tall order, but I'm believing God.

Truck Fund

Anonymous asked me via a comment what is the latest of the truck fund? I have posted every update here on my blog, so there is nothing new since the last update. The funds I have in my hands are a few dollars short of $6,000.

I am receiving a donation next week from my friend Pam for an unspecified amount. My husband and I are contributing a minimum of $2,000 to this fund in a few days. Based on what I know now, without any further donations.... I will be sending Fatima at least $8,000. It is my goal to have at least $10,000 by the last day of March.

Thanks for asking! I'm trying to be an open book here. All inquiries are welcome.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

hi friendly peeps

i'm so busy

i'm so happy that i'm so busy

busy busy busy

and hopefully i'm mailing books tomorrow, or thursday at the latest.

yee haw!

have a beautiful and blessed day!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Territories - and Leaning Back

*******

As you can see, my blog is receiving a makeover. Yay.

A sweet neighbor brought me $50 for Fatima's truck. Glory be! AND, today another friend of mine hired me to help her with some things next week in exchange for some truck money. The cool thing....she knows I would have done it for free.

*******

Sometimes I receive emails from Fatima saying that she and the teenagers are praying for God to increase my relationships and to increase my contacts. She prays for abundance for my family. The children pray all sorts of things regarding me. I have stood with them and listened while they pray. I have come to see that the less a person has, be it money, relationships or health, the more that person relies on God. I know this is true in my life with the ebb and flow of have and have not. But there is something incredibly special that seems to happen in the heart of the person who lives in a perpetual state of "have not". I might even believe on some level that those who live in 3rd world countries with little resources whatsoever, (if they know Christ) can have the deepest level of intimacy with God. These children and Fatima have such faith. They have such love for the Lord. I cannot even put it into words. Their prayers are just so very special.

When I was there in December of 2008 the girls asked to sit with me and talk. I could not believe the questions that they asked me. Almost everything they wanted to know involved how they could increase their faith, how they could show God more and more how much they love Him. They wanted to know more about obedience. And then they taught me way more than I taught them. Again, not capable of the words to explain it.

Today I received an email from Fatima. She reminded me that the children are praying for me daily. The end of her email said "Thank you for allowing Jesus Christ to use you in such a manner. May He increase your territory and be your closet companion like never before." I'm not sure what God is planning with my territory, and I'm not picky. Make it big or make it small. But I'll tell you what thrills me. God will be my closest companion like never before. How do I know that? Because He listens to those children. He placed an incredible ministry in the heart of Fatima and He is blessing her territory. Their faith is so incredible that if those children begin praying for my mountains to move, they will move.

I am sitting here with a lump in my throat and tears welling up under the territory of my eyelids. The territory of my heart has swelled to a size that feels like there is not sufficient room in my chest cavity. My stress is gone. My worry about my finances is gone. My distress over my marriage is gone. My friendships are stronger than ever. Healing has spread through every dark alley in my mind. Since the day that the fundraiser began until today, I am a new person. I am a new, new person.

**********

This morning in the quiet (praise the Lord, hallaluia, amen) I did one day of homework in the "Believeing God" bible study. I did one day in my prayer journal and I spent almost an hour studying the book of John, which I have been re-reading for several days. Something caught my attention this morning like never before. In chapter 13 Jesus is having a discussion with his disciples about events beginning to take place. John points out that he (John) is reclining next to Jesus (at supper). Then at a point in the conversation with all of the disciples, John leans back against Jesus and asks Him a question. I believe with all of my heart that in Spirit, Jesus reclines with us now when we ask. And I believe we can figuratively lean into Him at any time. (Praises be....cuz I need that a lot!). But what I picture in the eyes of my heart is the time of fellowship in Heavenly feasts, where we can take turns sitting next to Him. We can recline with Him there and we can lean back on Him and just talk. We will be filled with such joy when we can lean back on Him. And we will be filled with equal joy when we can watch our other brothers and sisters lean back on Him.

I cannot see them today with my eyes, but I can see them with my heart. My friends in Zimbabwe are leaning back on Jesus right now. And in return, He is caring for them with all of his comfort and compassion. He has given them a portion of peace today and their hope is in abundant supply. I am so glad it is their turn.

Friday, March 19, 2010

$200

$200 from a dear friend arrived in my mailbox yesterday for Fatima's truck! Yahoo!

Today, the hubs and I played frisbee golf. This is part of the dating continuum. Did I spell that funky?

Tonight, Miss Sara gave me, Asher, and Shawnie haircuts. We are lookin' GOOD! Shawnie was only slightly traumatized, but not too bad. Actually, he only slightly whined, which is an improvement overall.

I received an email from Fatima today. She is now using public transportation for everything in caring for the 4 orphanages. It is very expensive and obviously very complicated. I honestly cannot even imagine what she is going through right now. All I know is that God has timed this perfectly, as her need for the truck has never been greater than it is right now. I continue to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Love to all!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

You Can Just Blame Jesus For My Crazies

Could you imagine that a stream of living water would ever run dry? No.

Most of the time that I think about water these days, I think about my friends in Africa. And yes, now that I have been to visit these beautiful forgotten peoples more than once I can call them friends. And I do. With privilege for which I cannot even find words.

Water. You go to your kitchen sink, and there it flows. In fact, you often let it run carelessly and in waste. I do too. You need it to boil your vegetables, and there it sits in a pot on your stove. It cooks your veggies until they are nice and tender, or still firm and crisp...however you like. And then you pour its waste down the drain. When you go to your toilet, there it sits in a bowl, waiting to flush away what you do not want lingering in the same vicinity of your nose. Water is something to treasure.

Have you ever seen a waterfall? I was blessed beyond my wildest dreams to see Victoria Falls the last time I visited Zimbabwe, one of the worlds 7 natural wonders. Water seems in some ways to be everywhere, but it is not. It is not everywhere. Not everyone has water. Not everyone bathes in it. Not everyone is nourished with it. Some people are parched. Some people are wasting away. Some people have no gratitude whatsoever. Some people are dark, sick on themselves, and evil to the core. Whether you recognize it or not, or believe it or not, we live in a world of horrific darkness. The devil has a tight grip on all who do not believe in Christ.

I'm just meditating today on what the bible says about the Holy Spirit in the context of living waters. God promises throughout scripture over and over, that if we believe in Him, through the acceptance of Jesus, then we receive His Holy Spirit in our hearts, immediately. The Holy Spirit is described and taught to be of His spirit, a counselor, a resource for faith and guidance, sound teaching. The spirit helps us interpret the Bible and helps us know God and trust God and love God. But in the book of John, chapter 7, verses 37 and 38, Jesus says "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." Jesus was quoting scripture that had been prophesied in Isaiah.

If this is true, and I believe that it is....then there is a spring of living water flowing in me. God poured that spring in me with His love and it will never stop flowing. It is my portion of His very spirit. I see Victoria Falls, in my heart. It is clean. It is nourishing. It is for me and for everyone around me. This living water is not to be kept a secret in my heart, for me to greedily enjoy on my own and by myself. I'm supposed to let it pour out all over my life and the lives around me. I am to share this nourishment. I'm supposed to let it spill over onto you, believers and unbelievers. I'm supposed to beg it to cleanse me and then let you see how it did just that.

I love sharing my faith with you. I am not naieve. I know there are people watching me who believe that Jesus is a hoax and that I am a holy rolling bible thumper who is judging from my high horse. And some of you think that because you have met Christians who really give Christianity a bad name. Of course. I have too. It is so easy to discount a persons entire belief system when they behave badly. Until I met Jesus for myself, I almost did the exact same thing, discount it all and go my own way.

All I can do, or anyone can do, is share the overflow of our living water within. If you drink of it, then you will see for yourself that God is real, that the Spirit is real, and that Jesus was not just a man who did cool things while He walked this earth. He actually came to cleanse the world. Then you will stop worrying about my behaviors or others behaviors while we are trying to be made perfect in Christ. When you receive the living waters, you will only concern yourself with you and you will march with vigor toward your perfect completion in Christ Jesus.

At least once a day in this life I live, I think to myself, "I am completely crazy!". Crazy in a good way. I acknowledge my obsession with Jesus, my adoration and my utter desperation to feel heaven and enjoy it for eternity. I am so deeply grateful for these crazies. I'm just kinda guessing that His ministry spread like wild fires through the spanse of time because people have been absolutely crazy about Him, crazy about His word, crazy thankful for the blotting out of our horrific sins, and crazy wild about His promise of a life in heavenly eternity where no pain exists...but where life does go on.

Was I crazy to go to Zimbabwe by myself? Sure.
Am I crazy to exploit my financial struggles? Probably.
Am I crazy to reveal that my marriage suffers instead of keeping that private? Yea.

But if I don't share my living water with you, you might not get wet. I believe only the powerful gush of slippery living water can loosen the devils grip. I want everyone to have their own portion of God's living waters to splash in. He has called me to want that. Go ahead. Call me crazy.


Romans 8:6
"The mind of a sinful man is death but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."

Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Galatians 1:10
"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to plesae men, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Philippians 2:13-14
"for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe."

Philippians 3:10-14
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers (and sisters) I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Colossians 1:6
"All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth."

Colossians 3:2
"Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things."

Monday, March 15, 2010

The Giveaway *Update*

So you may recall I posted a giveaway recently. Only 7 of you left comments, and I ultimately decided to send each one something. I have finally made my decision of what it will be. As challenge would have it, I discovered today that the book is very hard to get. I'll explain more about that later. Several phone calls later, I have collected a variety of them from across the country and they are all being shipped to my house. They should hopefully all be here by the end of the week and I'll begin distributing them. I just want to shout Halleluia that not a single one of the retailers is charging me for shipping!!! Praise the Lord! The recipients are:

Julie P.
Heidi W.
Sarah B.
Sharon J.
Erika B.
Pete & Yvonne A.
Elaine S.

I am so excited for each of you!

I am so thankful for the way that God has used each of you to encourage me. Every one of you has spoken such sweetness to me and you inspire me to keep sharing. Thank you so so so very much!!!! I love each of you.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

$50 today

The truck fund received $50 today from a sweet sweet friend of mine, JR.

More money is greatly needed. The end of this fundraiser is coming to a close at the end of this month. It is not too late to click on the donate button in the left column on my blog. Please. Please. Pretty please.

Thanks everybody!!!!!

From Shawnie




You do not have to tell me how adorable I am in my striped green jacket and my navy & white snowflake hat. I hear about it ALL.THE.TIME. from my mommy and my teacher (who happened to take this precious photo of me).

So, here's what is new with me. I am almost 1 year post-op from open-heart-surgery last March. I'll be visiting my cardiologist soon where I expect he'll tell me how adorable I am. He'll put me through some very aggravating tests where I'll have to be hooked up with sticky things to some machines, all so they can tell me my heart is perfect and that I will never have to come back. My mommy is looking forward to seeing my doctor because he is a sweet and adorable man from Haiti and she wants to ask him about his family. And then she just wants to get the heck out of there, F.O.R.E.V.E.R.

I'm not a good eater. I think I'm vegetarian, except that I also don't eat vegetables, so I guess I'm a cheese-n-cheerio-atarian. And, from that, you can see that my vocabulary is growing. I am, indeed, creative with my sounds and words.

I still get speech, physical and occupational therapy. So many pretty ladies coming to visit me all the time and teach me things. I really dig those ladies. I'm a real ladies man. I am 3, you know.

I still got the groove. Major.

I did not enjoy the snow. Cold weather makes me angry. Ever since being introduced to the sunny beach last September, I'm pretty sure I know where I belong, and it ain't Canada.

My big brother Asher and I are pretty even steven around here. Asher thinks I don't know that he gets extra snuggles with mommy at night while I am in bed. But he's a sucka....cuz he don't know I get all mommies snuggles in the morning while his lazy butt is still in bed. It all works itself out, you know...and I'm cool with that. I am way cool with that. I am the definition of "cool". Look it up.

I'm finally learning a little about how to say prayers. I still have no real clue who Jesus is and why mommy and daddy insist that we talk to him all the time, with our eyes closed and our hands folded in front of us....but I think it's cute so I join in. I mostly smile with my eyes open while their all busy with Jesus this and Jesus that....and my favorite part is the end where I get to say "Memen". Like I said, I'm cool.

Basically, I'm a happy dude. And why shouldn't I be? I got it made. These people love me higher than the sky and deeper than oceans. I don't know what that means, but my momma is always saying that, and I've come to realize that is a whole dang lotta love. (oops, i'm not 'posed to say "dang" so don't tell my momma that I just did.). And I love them too, as is evidenced by my recent separation anxiety. I just want my momma, you know. Can you feel me? I just want that woman. She is da bomb!

My life is a gift. I bless my family and they bless me. And that's what life is about.

You know you love my mad typing skillz. Peace out y'all. I hear the cheerios a callin'.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Footprints

I'm selling houses y'all. I'm just sayin.

Today after I finished my bible study and then my prayer journal, I spent some time asking God to awaken me to verses that would speak to me. He sent me to Psalm 77 first. At first I was discouraged. The psalmist was really wondering where in the heck God was in his distress. I have certainly been there before, and I may find myself there again some day. I mean, really, where is God when you witness orphans being neglected, refused medical care, and starving? And where is God when your boyfriend dies in a car crash? And where is God when your best friend betrays you? And where is God when your perfect new sweet baby has a very imperfect diagnosis? And where is God when the creditors are calling? Don't we all wonder this sometimes? This psalmist was going through distress and wondered the same? Chapter 77 is full of doubt and pain.

v.7-9 "Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger witheld his compassion?"

See, the psalmist had a lot of questions too. But then that psalmist gets a fire in his spirit and he thinks to remember about all the things God HAD done. In fact, he purposefully begins to recall and give deep thought to the years that God exercised great power and authority by performing miraculous wonders that were witnessed by many. The psalmist vows to "remember your miracles of long ago". I love verse 19. "Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen." He is speaking of the parting of the Red Sea. His beloved Israelites were permitted a miraculous crossing out of Egypt, without fear of drowning. Without fear of drifting off to the wrong place. God, with His incredible power and His great intention, parted the sea. After they crossed, their enemy was gaining on them, until God allowed the sea to clash back atop the enemy where their journey would end right there, in defeat. Mission accomplished. (hint hint...God's mission is always accomplished.)

God parted the Red Sea, but His footprints were not seen. But His footprints were not needed for evidence. He was faithful. He parted the sea. Who needs footprints for proof? I guess, often we do.

I bet that the earth the Israelites walked on while the waters were writing on edge was muddy earth. I bet the Israelites left thousands and thousands of footprints. Their footprints were left by faith and obedience.

There are times when I believe we sense God so strongly that we cannot deny His presence. We're not even looking for His footprints because we see Him. Other times, we just have to turn around and reflect on our journey and see our own footprints, knowing that it was Him who cleared our path.

I love Him for that. He made the way for the Israelites out of their desert, and He makes a way for us out of ours. Oh mercy!

In Luke Chapter 1 it says about God's mercy (verses 78 - 79) "because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

My sweet Father sent me to some other verses. I'll share more tomorrow.

Truck Update: ***I know that many of you are waiting for a truck update, and I'm sorry I haven't mentioned it much lately. I received a donation today for $50 from some friends in my neighborhood! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!

I have noted every single donation here on my blog, so you are not missing any information. :) The only thing you don't know is how much Joe and I are giving, but that is because we are not sure. We know for sure that $1,000 from my upcoming closing will go toward the truck....plus the other donations we've been thankful to be making along the way. But maybe more. Quite possibly more. Almost definitely, more. Why? Because I don't think that tug from the spirit is going to let up any. And that's cool. Joe and I could use another great adventure. A fresh leap of faith might just be the ticket.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

I Surrender All

Worldy pleasures, all forsaken. Take me Jesus, take me now. I surrender all!




It's all for you Jesus. It is all for you. Humbly at your feet I bow. All to thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

Are you ready to live sacrifically for Him? Because He certainly lived and died sacrifically for you and me.

This is what God has impressed on me in the last week. It might not be for you, but it is for me and my family. Before we satisfy any of our "wants" we must first help someone else. Before we go on a vacation, we will make a donation to somewhere. Before we buy patio furniture, we will make a contribution toward a cause. Before we do anything for our luxury, we will serve someone else. I challenge you to the same.

Here are some great ways to do that!

www.barefootrepublic.org

www.amazima.org

www.womenforwomen.org

www.compassion.com

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/stp10/jbercher (my friend who is raising money for Lymphoma)

www.wayfm.com (for all you music lovers)

I DARE YOU TO BE GENEROUS WITH GOD'S MONEY.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

My Money

I knew from the beginning of this truck fundraiser for Fatima in Zim, that my Heavenly Father would be teaching me more about money. I knew He would, and I have been praying that. I believe to my core that if we earnestly seek God's will, that He will begin to show it to us with a little more clarity, and that He will also have it make sense. I'm covered in goose bumps as I type this. He means for our lives to glorify Him. He intends for His light in me and His light in you to illuminate. A light that doesn't shine simply isn't a light.

The bible says both that we are supposed to not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing....meaning that we are not supposed to brag about our good deeds or acts of giving....but we are to give and serve joyfully without drawing attention to ourselves. But the bible also says that we should let others see our good deeds so that they can come to know Christ. That is confusing, right? I think maybe there are times for each of these examples. And I believe in our hearts we will be convicted to know when and how and where to share the experience of our deeds....only when it can glorify God. Only when others can see the evidence of the provision and the generosity of the Father in such a way that they would beg to know Him.

There are some things going on in my life, with me as a giver...that I have not been sharing with you because if my right hand isn't supposed to know what my left hand is doing, then I'm pretty sure I'm not supposed to blog about it. But then that leaves me unable to share with you the way that God is working in me....and that is no good. So here goes my best attempt to share, because I want to glorify God. I do not want my acts to be glorified. I do not want my faith to be glorified. I want you to read this and to know that my God in Heaven is your God in Heaven, and He is so eager to bless your giving.

I'm crying.

We are in debt. We have struggled through this economy. There have been times when I wasn't sure we'd ever get out of our mess. Last year I even wondered if we should walk away from our house and let it foreclose. We didn't. I'll spare you the description of every worry.....but it has been hard. Slowly but surely, I sold a few houses last year and have paid off a couple of things, paid down a couple of things...and still we have continued to struggle. I had to let one credit card go into default because we were robbing Peter to pay Paul and it got to be too much....so I sacrificed my incredible credit history and impeccable score and watched it plunge. It has been humbling, eye-opening, scary, and well....educational.

So......that part is just key in you understanding this. Remember...if I cannot be authentic, I really don't even want to be here.

Right before I began the truck fundraiser for Fatima God impressed it on my heart to give financially to a family who was in the midst of adopting 4 children from Ethiopia. They had revealed how much money they still needed via their blog and I knew that I had to step out in faith and give them money that my family literally needed. I made a pledge and then the very next day, they had a donor that gave them the remainder of every last penny that they needed! Great for me, right? I could keep my money. But no.....that isn't how it worked. They have friends who are adopting...and those friends need to still raise a lot more money. So, even though I don't know them, don't read their blog....I knew that I was being led to just redirect our pledge to this other family. It is $400. Do you think I would love to give that $400 to the truck fund? Absolutely. Do you think I could use that $400 to pay down some debt? Uh, duh! I made the pledge in 2 installments of $200 each and mailed the first a couple of weeks ago. That week, my husband got an unexpected bonus of $440. This isn't a co-incidence. This is a God-incident!

I am covered in goose bumps again.

A good friend of mine, Jay, lives in DC and is currently in the process of training for a 100 mile bikeride in the Northwest, to raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma cure. Jay supported me on my last trip to Zimbabwe....and I want to support him on this effort....because I care about him. He is good people. He is a great encourager for me through facebook. He's a husband and a dad with a great heart. He works so hard. I don't know much at all about Lymphoma and Leukemia, but I know that it matters very much to him. I sent him a little money this month and will send a little next month to contribute to this cause for him. Again....would I like to add that to the truck fund or pay down a bill with that? Yes. But my money is really just God's money and I am diversifying because He has asked me to. I am investing in His people for His purpose. It is not about me. He has strengthened my faith to know that He is in control....and if I am giving in His name, His accounting cannot go wrong.

Yesterday, we received a very unexpected refund for something we had overpaid. It is $600. This is not a conincidence, this is a God-incident. I could not make this stuff up if I tried. So, my family's personal contribution to the truck fundraiser, just went up again. But I'll be honest....God told me part of this is a reward...so my momma and I are going to Massage Envy in Bellevue later this week and we are each getting a massage for $39 each (their introductory rate). And before that we are grabbing breakfast. My mom helps so much with our kids. This is my "thank you" to her, for now.

Do you think He won't provide your daily bread? He will.

One of my dear friends put this very well in a recent text to me. She gave a donation and I sent her a text thanking her. She replied by stating that "it is all God's money". She understands that her money is blessing and she uses it to bless others.

Proverbs 30:8,9
"Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, "Who is the Lord?" or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God".

Lord God, praise your name and thank you for teaching me about trusting you with my finances. Thank you that you are slowly but surely providing what my family needs to get out of our "bad" debt and impressing our hearts to give at the same time. This alone makes me feel so rich and so blessed. It is all your money Lord. Everything we have is because of you and it belongs to you. Everything we will ever have will be for you and because of you. Please Lord make material things ugly to me. Make fancy cars a joke and make castles a soreness to my eyes. I pray you will remove every material want from my soul. I pray Father that you would guide me to feed others before I feed myself. I pray God that you would make me entirely self-less instead of selfish. I pray Father that I will never spend a dime for the remainder of my life that does not honor your will. My treasures are in Heaven being prepared by your hands. May this life I am living here on this earth be joyful, peaceful and full, with sprinkles of tiny treasure here and there. Lord, I don't want to be so rich that I think I don't need you, or that I would think I earned it all on my own. And I don't want to be poor, Lord, and feel like I would have to sin, steal, cheat or lie to survive. You are my wealth. You are my treasure. You are my accountant. Thank you Lord. In Jesus name, So be it.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

My Blog

Oh friends....I am happy to be back to my blog today. I miss this outlet when my life gets busy. I have been working alot, and I also got to go to a "grown up" birthday party on Saturday night with my hubs. This year tons of my friends are turning 40, including myself....and so this will be a year for celebrating many people who have touched my life in some way. 40 is very special, I think. I am actually looking forward to it.

Ok, and well a deal is a deal. My many lurkers didn't come out of hiding for my giveaway. I needed 30 comments and got 7. The number I picked was more than 7....so I'm between a rock and a hard place. But I have searched my heart...and my heart really wants each of you to have something.....so that's what I'm gonna do! Yay!!!!!! I'll be working on that for the next week and then I'll begin contacting you to get your goodies to you!

And speaking of lurkers....I need to share something on my heart. This is going to seem to come from left field....but here goes. I only follow 3 blogs that could be classified as hugely popular. Sometimes I comment and sometimes I do not. These blogs easily get hundreds or even thousands of comments per day. I am not trying to be in that category....and here is why. All 3 of those bloggers gained their reader base because of a tragedy that was playing out in the bloggers life, or from heightened attention due to positional influence. Many many hundreds and thousands of people swarmed to their blogs from links for prayer, etc. One of those bloggers had to watch her baby die. Antoher blogger almost lost her baby. And another of those bloggers is in the public eye and scrutinized in a way that would send me right to the psych ward. I sure do not want to lose a baby to have a popular blog. And I sure don't want everyone to start staring at me. Even now....one of these popular bloggers who I LOVE to read....she has people that hate her so much (probably jealousy) that they have designated websites and other blogs for the purpose of writing hateful things about her. Trust me....I want no part of that.

But here is what I do want.... I would love for my blog to be able to generate some income. I would love for my blog to help me raise money for mission trips as well as for projects such as the truck fundraiser. But I cannot do that if my community doesn't come out of hiding. So, I need you. I just do. But more than that...I want you. I want to know who you are. I have a few blog readers whom I have never met face to face but I love them so much and we have formed some amazing friendships. I don't think this will happen 100% of the time....but it happens, and it is very valuable to me.

So....I run into people all the time who tell me that LOVE MY BLOG.....people send me emails or tell me on facebook that my blog is meaningful to them. I am always so grateful for the positive encouragement. It means the world to me. But if those of you who just read it and then move on....if you could practice clicking on the comment button and leaving a little comment.....it could help me do good things with this blog.

I'm just sayin.

TRUCK NEWS!!!!! Since my last post about the truck, I received a $250 donation from a dear friend. I got to reconnect with one of my favorite high school friends and she gave $20. Antoher dear friend gave me $100. We're getting awfully close to $7,000. I'll be honest....I'm praying for MORE. Fatima needs a good truck, so badly. But she also will have to spend $ on the transfer fees, taxes and registration in South Africa and Zimbabwe. I'm not sure how much all of that is.

Remember that there is a paypal "donate" button at the top left on my blog. Go click it and give me some money! LOL

God is good. He is better than good. He is almighty!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

God Still Speaks (& my first GIVEAWAY!)

Do you remember my "Super Heros and Me" post from a few days ago?

Here's what you don't know. I have been doing a daily prayer study and journal for 17 days. It's a 6 paragraph written prayer commitment. I do it every morning...but THAT morning, I skipped it. I had angst and I couldn't sit still, so I came to the computer to type that blog post instead. Later that afternoon, I finally sat down to do my study.

My scripture reading was Daniel chapter 6. This chapter chronicles the punishment Daniel was to receive for breaking the (law) decree that he was not allowed to pray to God. Daniel was praying 3 times a day, anyway. He was to be thrown into the Lions Den for the hungry lions to devour his flesh, bite by bite. Already very familiar with those scriptures, I read them again, intently. Then I turned in the book I am studying as a prayer guide and the very first line was this.....(remember my super hero post)

"We're tempted to think of heroes like Daniel as supermen with powers unattainable to the average Joe."

Most of you know, my husbands name is Joe. I had posted about how he is clearly not a super hero.

I read that first line. My heart stopped. I gasped for breath, and in fear, I slammed the book shut and I cried. Why? God had just spoken to me. And He is the very one who stopped my heart and took my breath. He is serious about me knowing that He's got this. He has got it, and He is going to work it out to His glory, and part of that is me sharing it here....for you to witness.

I sat in my chair and I let it soak in that while Joe and/or I either together or one at a time, are in and out of that Lion's den.....no matter how hungry they are, the Lord God can deliver us out of that cave baracaded by rocks without even so much as a scratch nor any saturation from the drool of the hungry lions. He can. And in this case, I believe He will. Just like He rescued Daniel. He did not let those lions touch a single hair of his head.

Jesus, your name is power, breath and living water. Such a marvelous mystery! Praise your precious name!

Today I am overcome with the heart to share some of the books that I love and that I believe are instrumental in encouraging faith and hope in Christ. I am giving away a group of books and some other goodies. Here is the catch....you have to leave a comment, here, on my blog. Emails are not qualified. Your comment can be as simple as "Hi"...or as much as you want it to be. AND.....there must be at least 30 comments by midnight on Friday 4/5. Leave only one comment. I will choose one to send the gift too....and I have already selected the comment # in my mind. In fact, I have chosen 2 numbers, in the event there are a huge number of comments...and then I will draw one from those 2. All I know is that God has already ordained who the gifts to go to.....I just can't wait to know who you are. Please share this giveaway with others if you would like to.

I will announce the winner on Saturday. I don't mind mailing long distance....so no matter where you are, it is fine. If you are reading this on facebook, remember to click over to my blog by going to www.untilthejasperwalls.blogspot.com. Comments on facebook also do not count. :)

I love the hearts of God's people. I am praying that those of you who already know Him are walking in faith. I pray for those of you who do not yet know God through His son, that you are feeling that tug that will drop you to your knees.

so be it.....

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Blessings Rain

I did not know that today would be a $200 day for the truck. But it has been. Yesterday, no money came at all. Today...money. This journey is such a joy for me. I don't believe I have ever trusted God quite this much before. Truly, I just feel like his accountant right now. He's in charge. I'm just the one running back and forth to the bank. I love it. I love and appreciate being in servcie to Him.

I'm a recipient of some sweet love today, too. Blessings rain on me. First, one of my dear friends took me to lunch. She wanted to thank me for something, that I really should be thanking her for. But it meant so much to her....so I didn't fuss about who would pick up the check. It feels good to be the recipient of that....but I know how good it felt to her too, to treat me. It's just a sweet thing that I do not take for granted.

But that's not the only sweet thing. Another friend of mine delivered a meal for my family tonight. A homemade delight. Why? She shared with me what a faith builder and special experience the truck efforts have meant to her as a participant, and as a witness. You know what...her family preparing a meal for my family is such an act of love. I have done not a darn thing to deserve it....but this truck fundraiser is blessing people. I love the stories so much. I did not anticipate that I would be rewarded with such sweetness by stepping out of my comfort zone. Who knew? It just means so much to me that it means so much to many of you. I am humbled and amazed. And I just hope that I am doing a fair job of directing all of the glory to God in Heaven. It is all for Him. I am offering your kindness back to Him. I am offering your generosity back to Him. I am offering your faith back to Him. The only thing I'm keeping......is the food. (Yum!)

Thank you PZ and SJ for your donations today. Ya'll rock....but...you already knew that.

I have a tiny announcement......I have started a new "mommy" blog. I'm blogging about my kids at a different address....and I'm keeping this blog for the hard core life stuff and the faith journey that I am on with Jesus. If you are a mommy of any age and desire to follow along with me in the greatest privilege on earth....please stop by my mommy blog. You'll be expected to leave comments, though. I'm just sayin. I don't want this to be a one sided relationship. I want community...and you're it....so there. I've only put up 2 posts....but you can visit me at www.MommyOnBoard.wordpress.com I plan to do full length posts as well as very random quick tidbits (like Facebook) as I am able to post to that blog from my cell phone...and some moments are just too good to pass up. So...to visit go here.

Lastly I want to leave you with a challenge. During my women's bible study group today, or DVD teacher, Beth Moore, made a statement about not answering to a calling that God has put in your heart. She reminded us that if we do not step out, God will give that crown to someone else. So....whatever it is that you feel God is calling you to do that maybe you don't have time for right now, or money for, or courage for....remember that He is the God of all things and when He calls you to a calling, He also equips you. Go ahead, step up and grab your crown. Walk with Him in faith. He has a hold of your right hand and there is nothing to fear.

Isaiah 41:13 (look it up!)

For now, I've gotta go heat up some grub and change a poopy diaper. Shoooooo-weee!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Me & The Super Heros

I've discovered in the past few days that what I have is a wall. A very tall wall. A very tall, thick wall. A very tall, thick, reinforced wall. A very tall, thick, reinforced, sealed tight wall. Not even spiderman could climb it. Superman couldn't plow through it, even with all his might. My hubs....he ain't even no spiderman. He ain't no Superman. He's just a broken, bruised and battered human....like me. There are no super heros.

Over the years I have found natural ways to retreat and hide myself from the person who has been assigned to be my life partner, and me his. I am one "me" with him, while I am an entirely different "me" with just about everybody else.

How on earth am I supposed to be just one "me" all the time, with everybody, now? I've done an excellent job of hiding. I've hidden myself so well I'm lost. When I'm with him, anyway.

Relational dynamics are by far the most intricate, complex and intensely critical mysteries of the world. The miracles of technology, walking on the moon, and even child birth....seem to have nothing in the wow factor category that can top the powers that shape us as people, from birth. That might be a slight exxageration, but possibly not. Or not by far. I don't know. I'm only human.

My hubs didn't build that wall around me. I started building it when my Dad left. Every time he hurt my feelings, I stacked more bricks. Unfortunately, it was a lot of bricks, quick. Add a few dozen extra bricks and fresh mortar in about 97% of my dating relationships and about 30% of my friendships....and well folks, what you got there is a mighty solid wall. When you go and marry someone with no experience in dismantling bricks....you got yourself a challenge.

I have received, and fully believe in my restoration in Christ. I could not function if that were not so deeply true to me. And I know that if He could bless me to know that I am a product of Him and that I please Him, that He can break down this fortress barrier I have stacked between me and the hubs. I'm really praying it will come down, in the name of God.

Will you pray for me?

Thank you.

(God bless you A&TB for the $100 donation yesterday for the truck. It will be so!)

Monday, March 1, 2010

March

It is March 1st. I can hardly believe it. Spring will be here oh so soon. I am so thankful for that! I'm ready to see blossoms and blooms. In a big way. But more than anything, I'm dying to transfer money to Fatima in Zim for a blessed truck. Amen! For real!

I am finally going to deposit the monies tomorrow that I have been collecting. I have 12 checks and some cash totalling $3147.85. I also ordered a withdrawal from paypal today, in the amount of $1,613.10. That's $4,760.84. $50 was deposited by SB today in my paypal account. THANK YOU so much!!!!!!

I'm so excited that another friend has pledged $250 by the end of next week...putting us over $5,000 in hand. I know for certain that I am adding $1,000 to that at the end of March, and I'm very hopeful that the other pledge of $1,000 will come through too. My sweet friend "H" pledged it if we can get her house sold in time! So.........if you want to be praying about this...you are all invited to pray that her house sells. Actually...if it does, then I pledge another $1,000....so there are 2,000 reasons to pray about it! :)

We have 24 more days. I'm praying that all of my readers are helping to pray us through this. We are serving the under-resourced.

About them...... I have officially told Mrs. Maruta what I am doing. She is so excited. She is amazing...I just cannot find the words to describe her spirit and her love. She is just an amazing woman! She sent me an email today that she and the children are praying and fasting for us. It blows my mind that kids who don't get tons of food to begin with, will fast from food to be focused in prayer for a cause. They are so beautiful. You would love them! You truly would. (by the way...it is the older kids that are fasting, not the babes.)

Have a beautiful day, you....all of you. My stat counter tells me anywhere from 60 - 80 people are viewing my blog each day. Yet, you are not leaving comments. Please tell me about yourself.....say hi....say something. You're making me feel awfully lonely here. :)