Since I totally miss Thanksgiving being celebrated at all in any stores or mentioned anywhere except in women's magazines that pretty much only celebrate how to cook a turkey, I thought I would post this...The First National Thanksgiving Proclamation (really)
Whereas, it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; Whereas, both the houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness." Now therefore, I do recommend next, to be devoted by the people of the states to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be, that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country. - George Washington, 1779
Way to go, George!!

Politics

I voted today. Early voted. I still believe that my voice deserves to be heard through a vote. We can do better. We need to think differently, work harder, care deeply, pray and get involved in making a difference in our country. We live in an amazing place, in an amazing time so what's with the apathy?

We are here for a purpose. What's yours?

Picture this...a hilltop covered with lush trees of every kind, a view of the city in the distance, enticing aromas from the "community" kitchen, the best coffee in the world, monkeys in the mornings and a group of committed people who love the Lord. These were some of my first glimpses into Brazil, the YWAM base that we stayed at and the YWAM people who live there.

I loved not going to work every day and sitting behind a desk, planning, talking ministry, having meetings. I love my work, but this was an incredible change in my schedule and it was a perfect setting. Our team from Chase Oaks was a dream team! We loved being together and working side by side. We cooked, cleaned, prayed, and loved on those who we met!

Those who serve at Jocum were lovely people, uniquely called by God to be exactly where they are right now. I'm thankful for them and the steps they have taken to follow the spiritual journey that God has them on. It has not been easy for any of them and they continue to struggle in their endeavors - financially, emotionally, physically and I would suspect spiritually. And, they keep going. I loved their perseverance in the midst of their difficulties.

This was a beautiful experience. Recife and the places we visited are beautiful. The people are friendly and beautiful. But, their struggles and needs are great. We attempted to help those we could. We did what we believed God asked us to do. And now that we're home, we will continue to pray for them, tell others their stories, love them, facebook them and support them as we can.

If everyone does something to love another as they do themselves, to impact another life, we can make a difference. What will you do today?

Future Participation

Here we are at the beginning of June and it feels like the summer is over. How is it that I seem to dwell in the future and don't fully live in the present? I admit it. I do like to plan and think ahead and be prepared. But, I'm also enough of a realist to know that I can't always prepare. No one knows the future...

What I do know is that I will be participating in a missions trip to Brazil in a couple of weeks. I am very excited to work in another part of the world and to see what God is up to. I'm always encouraged about the future when I travel or experience different conferences, church services, or how a community is being impacted by the people who live there. I sometimes get so caught up in my own world, that I forget that God is everywhere, working everywhere, listening everywhere, and answering prayers everywhere.

I'm not approaching this trip with any expectations - other than God will be there. Flexibility and open-handedness seems like the right way to go into this. I've refused to plan much because I just want to be available. Well, I'm packing a suitcase and preparing for a women's retreat we'll offer while there and praying for everyone involved, but I'm trying to surrender everything else that might be of me. Whatever God. Let's just do this together. I'm leaving this future participation in Your hands.

Practicing Holiness. What does that mean? Romans 12:1-2 are verses that have been very meaningful to me for a long time. It seems easy to present myself to God but when it involves being a living sacrifice, that feels painful. Presenting, being a living and holy sacrifice, my spiritual service of worship, not being conformed to this world - those things take discipline. They take practice. It can be a one time decision, but I find I have to remind myself frequently and surrender my way to His more often than I want to admit. God knows my heart and he knows humans aren't very good at this discipline thing, so I'm thankful for the Holy Spirit who counsels me and guides me in holiness. I can practice holiness because I have the Spirit in me. Jill Briscoe says, "Do not say, "I can't" to God. Be honest and say "I won't", but ask Him to get you ready to start. Say, "Lord, I'm not willing, but I'm willing to be made willing." To start loving, to start practicing holiness, to start something!

Jesus, in His humanness, even prayed thse things authentically before His Father. He said, "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" when He was facing His purpose on earth. He prayed, "Father, let this cup pass from Me. But, don't let my will get in the way, I want Your will." He was practicing holiness. Let Him transform your will and your life. It is an on-going, sometimes minute-by-minute thing.

An opportunity

Decided to go to Brazil with my daughter in June. She's been on several trips outside of the US but I've only been on two! This seems like a great opportunity for me to experience an out-of-the-home-country service trip. I've had plenty of service opps here at home, in my own community and out of state, but this will be a first for me. I'm praying that the group we will be visiting in Brazil will accept our attemps and that we will make some small difference in someone's life by being there and showing them that we care. I just want God to use me; whever I am. I don't always know what that is going to look like. It's usually an adventure. I see my job as saying "yes" when I'm supposed to and leave the "how" and "why" to Him! I would love your prayers.

January has been jam packed full of activity, pressure, meetings and challenges. I'm so thankful for the opportunities God continues to place before me and I can't wait to see what 2010 holds for me in my relationship with Him personally and for the ministry that I'm involved in at Chase Oaks Church. I continue to be overwhelmed with His grace and mercy. I find myself in critical places sometimes instead of experiencing the blessings that are unfolding in front of my own eyes. This year, my desire is to love more and to cease striving in those areas that bring out the "I want it to be better" attitude.
How are you wanting to grow or change in the year ahead?