Stoke Our Hope!

Yesterday during our ifast call I  prayed about GREY! I begged God to stoke our hope! 

Do not see “Grey” as a shade descending into black, but as a color that’s on it’s way to becoming light.

As we battle in the throne room we face harsh realities like LITTLE VIRGINS BEING RAPED! That there are those in authority over them that PLOT for this to happen! 

if you follow the link you'll see:

Last, and most importantly, you need a good supply of virgins. For that you have an arrangement with the local boarding school for girls. Potential customers browse through your photo book of potential child sex victims. Once they make their choice, you bring the girls
to your brothel to be raped for profit.

Sadly, this true story is unfolding right now in India.

and then an update-go read-let it OPEN your eyes! 

What would YOU sell to save your daughter?  

Instead of letting anxiety or doubt paint the darkest possible conclusion to our problems, we need to stoke our hope, to let it advance against the shadows until darkness recedes.

BE HOPE! Be the RESCUE!

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/redletters/2010/07/how-to-make-a-profit-selling-virgins-for-sex.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TomDavisBlog+%28Tom+Davis%27+Blog%29#ixzz0uQeAezKd

HOPE of ISRAEL
MIQWEH YISRAEL

The NAME:
Hope is the great stabilizer. It steadies us in times of fear and difficulty, not because we know that everything will turn out as we want, but because we know that God is trustworthy.  Hope is what helps us stay on course regardless of circumstances. Biblical hope finds its roots in God and in his goodness, mercy and power.  We exercise our hope when we endure patiently.  We nurture our hope when we read God’s word.  Though we hope for earthly blessings, our greatest hope is aimed at the life to come, when God will not only wipe away our tears but invite us to share his joy forever.  When you pray to Miqweh Yisrael, the Hope of Israel, you are praying to the One who saves all those who trust in him.  

Do not see “Grey” as a shade descending into black, but as a color that’s on it’s way to becoming light. 

Instead of letting anxiety or doubt paint the darkest possible conclusion to our problems, we need to stoke our hope, to let it advance against the shadows until darkness recedes. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. 
Jeremiah 29:11

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Praying the Names of God By Ann Spangler  (taken from pp267-272)

Other people who are talking about this:

Brandi

Parading Around 

Lindsey 

A COACH purse for $20? WHAT!! 

The Price of Virginity

Amy-

If you could RESCUE, would you?

YOU! spread the word!

BE THE RESCUE! 

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

PRAISE GOD!!!

http://www.brandilea.com/2010/07/treasure-hunting.html

Grace

I am grappling with many things in my Spirit...

Orphan Care
Water Crisis
Life & Death
Sex Trade
RESCUE!

and why God's people (self included) don't care more! 

Why we don't cry louder.  


...I sometimes feel like I MUST post something...or you 2 readers will forget about me. 

And with so much HURTING in my heart, and not knowing HOW to put that hurt into words...how do I share it with you. 




...I found out by "coincidence" {insert eye roll here-don't believe in those} that one of my favorite artists will be in my town for FREE tonight! Thank you Jesus! 


I was looking for a song to share with you...and it found me (by coincidence meeting both needs)

GRACE!!!

I need eyes to be my guide
I need a voice that’s louder than mine
I need hope I need You
Cause I can’t do this alone

Lyrics to Grace by Phil Wickham :
The sky is grey and the light is far
The sea is a rage within my heart
I turn my sight to the crashing waves
I cry in the night just to be saved

I need eyes to be my guide
I need a voice that’s louder than mine
I need hope I need You
Cause I can’t do this alone

Grace I call Your name
Oh won’t Your smile fall over me
I’m cracked and dry on hands and knees
Oh sweet grace rain down on me I need You grace

I pray for dawn a new day to live
I pray for mercy only Jesus gives
Though darkness falls and a million cry
I believe over all there’s a greater light shining for us

Come down and save me
[ Grace Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

Still Here?

Still here...


Living in this:

Frustrated because my "stuff" is here:

 Yes, that is my couch in the garage!

 My "everything" else is in the guest bedrooms!

Wanting things back to normal.  Pressing in to Jesus because my heart if for this:

So, as I sit here. Praying, fasting, and desiring God to meet the needs of organizations that serve the poor and oppressed.

I want to ask for God to meet my needs, but then I realize ARE YOU KIDDING ME-look at your life! Not that God is saying that---because I KNOW HE WILL meet my needs! But I must gain perspective and realize all the blessings I have...in the chaos!

These are just a FEW!

Well, those that know me know-scripture covers my walls.  With the fans and flood, most are down.  Have any new scripture you'd like to suggest? 

Sex sells...you just won't find me buying

Craigslist was introduced to me years ago.

I have purchased a mini-trampoline, an ice machine, two baby cribs, a dog (from a very sketchy character), a crate for said dog, and sold a video game system (to someone, who coincidentally was a former neighbor of all things) ...but I did not know you could BUY & SELL Sex until this week. 

Maybe I live in a bubble or something ...under a rock in somewhere, Florida.  I don't know.

Thankfully I have people SHOUTING to me living under said ROCK telling me come out! and fight! There is a war going on people.  ...and it isn't about Craigslist.

  ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.   
(Ephesians 6:11-13, New King James Version)

I am now Boycotting.  WHAT?!?  Ugh! I know! Very inconvenient since my husband really wants to buy P90X and the first place we would look would be Craigs List.  In fact he already did so right in front of me knowing I was boycotting.  Nice!

Will me BOYCOTTING make a difference?  Will it CHANGE the world?  Maybe not THE world but MY world. So, if you see #BoycottCraigslist in my posts this POST explains the reason (a little).



Wednesday is my ifast58 day. I spend my day fasting & praying; battling in prayer for the hungry, the orphan & widow, the oppressed. Fighting for justice on my knees.

Yesterday was spent on those involved in the sex-trade.  Specifically, yesterday CRAIGSLIST (CL).


So, if you have never heard about it let's start here:

Mostly I share this "first" because you "recognize" the Today Show:

WARNING: Graphic images of women (no nudity-but nearly)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

My husband was very concerned annoyed about my boycott and wanted me to check out CL and see if that is really going on.

So, I logged on...clicked on the "Adult" section under Services...

Unless all of the following points are true, please use your "back" button to exit this part of craigslist:

1. I am at least 18 years old. (yeah right--thinking of my 16 year old son and countless others)
2. I understand "adult services" may include adult content.(Understatement!)
3. I understand that my use of craigslist is governed by the Terms of Use.
4. I agree to report suspected exploitation of minors and/or human trafficking to the appropriate authorities.(this must be them doing their part...effective...probably not)
5. By clicking on the links below, I release craigslist from any liability that may arise from my use of this site.

I will tell you what I saw broke my heart! I didn't "see" any children.  Who knows though. I know it goes on.  I wept. I prayed. My son (who wasn't around while I was exploring) wanted to know if I was okay.  I wasn't but I couldn't explain to him why. 


Today, I am still shaken.  Thinking about those woman (and girls, boys, and men) that are giving themselves away by choice (some by force) are LOVED by God! are LOVED by me.  

If CL shuts down their adult services section (which is ultimately what I have to fight for!) they will find another way to peddle their wares.   There will always be prostitution.

Then...
I read a blog about "Why Christians Shouldn't Boycott Craigslist" 

In the comments section--it gets REAL good.  By good I mean-each side has valid points! and it's GOOD!

I repeated the sentiment yesterday in my response to Anne's post:

Like Brandi said I would not stay in a hotel that got 1/3 of their income from prostitution…would Jesus be there…most likely…but not me. Does that mean I am not a respectable believer? Tough question…

Anne, wrote to me in her comments section; she wanted to know "articles" that explain the "facts" of some of the claims about finances and children for sale.  I posted.  I will put the links below for you to explore if you desire.  I explained that I went on CL and looked at the adds...and prayed over the women giving themselves away. She agreed that PRAYER was the right action. 

Today, Tom Davis (you have heard me speak of him before if you have been following for anytime-he wrote Red Letters: Living a Faith the Bleeds which is the book Hunter read that he started Heart 4 Homeless Ministry), wrote this post: Praying for the Victims of Sex Trafficking it sums it up.

We need to PRAY!!!

TODAY is the NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER! Join my in praying that CraigsList would be forced to take down their Adult Services Section to eliminate illegal prostitution and child-sex-trafficking.

My good friend, Melanie said yesterday:

What if other patrons raped little girls one aisle over while I shopped & the store owners didn’t do anything about it...

Anne, said:

Kids also get sold at hotels, gas stations, truck stops, and cafes. Should we also boycott these places?

Geesh!...but link the two together...Melanie & Anne's comments---IF I KNEW! Yes! ...and so I KNOW! So, I am Boycotting. 

It's great because in my house we have me, boycotting.

and my hubby who thinks boycotting is utterly ridiculous. (and he makes VERY good points)

 Our attempt at looking like we are fighting :)

It makes for great debate.  Hubby loves it! He hasn't had time to look at all these links and ultimately I don't care if I win him (or you) over because THAT is NOT the point. 

 ¹⁰ If you extend your soul to the hungry   
      And satisfy the afflicted soul, 
      Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, 
      And your darkness shall be as the noonday. 
       (Isaiah 58:10, New King James Version)

So, I know my time is not wasted.  My light will shine as bright as the noonday sun!  I will fight! and shout! and most importantly PRAY!  and the "least important" thing I will do is not use the service of an organization that facilitates illegal prostitution and child-sex-trade.


____UPDATE___

A friend on FaceBook just sent me a link to this video.  While it does not specifically refer to CL it is about child exploitation in AMERICA!


Watch!  http://www.playgroundproject.com/index.pg?loband=true

Back to our previously scheduled post
______________________________________________

Articles:
About the sale of a child:
Letter to CL about a 12yr old girl who was sold
Child Sex Trafficking Growing in US and mentions CL

About profiting from sex adds:
NY Times
More from NY TImes
1/3 of Revenue from Sex Ads
Human Rights Advocates decline donation from CL

A PETITION to sign:
 Make a Change in Adult Services Section

What Craigslist says about it: 
http://blog.craigslist.org/2010/04/sad-state-of-affairs-at-the-new-york-times/

http://blog.craigslist.org/2010/04/misdirected-outrage/

Bloggers:
Vince: 
http://vincegiordano.blogspot.com/2010/05/im-outraged.html

http://vincegiordano.blogspot.com/2010/05/i-hate-boycottswill-you-join-me.html

Sarah:

http://threetimeslife.blogspot.com/2010/05/scream-for-innocent.html

Brandi:

http://www.brandilea.com/2010/05/craiglists-blog-craziness.html

Tom:

http://tomdavis.typepad.com/tom_daviss_blog/2010/05/shutting-down-americas-online-sex-cafe.html

http://tomdavis.typepad.com/tom_daviss_blog/2010/05/craigslist-supports-sex-trafficking.html

 (also shared earlier in post)
 http://tomdavis.typepad.com/tom_daviss_blog/2010/05/praying-for-the-victims-of-sex-trafficking.html

Anne: (also shared earlier in post)

http://flowerdust.net/2010/05/05/why-christians-shouldnt-boycott-craigslist/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+flowerdust%2FaILX+%28FlowerDust.net%29

Restoration

You've clicked over to see what I have to say. Maybe you just have a second.

Do you need to stop? Stop for a moment and consider the RESTORATION you have or need.

I needed to stop this morning. This is a day for the orphan, the widow, the least, the sexually exploited...and sometimes to feel worthy of that honor, I have to realize what God has TAKEN from me and then reflect what He has GIVEN! All things new!

This is a 10 minute "experience", if you haven't taken time today to spend with the Lord, do it now! If you already have had time with the Lord have some more. You won't be disappointed!

For the ifast58 prayer request: HERE

Diana's Love Story

Diana's Love Story from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

 Today's ifast58 message shook me.  HERE

" The truth is, my heart is broken. Every 2 minutes a child is being prepared for sexual exploitation and 2 children are sold every minute. Children."

Sex trafficking isn't a pretty subject - but would you want people to stop talking about it if it were YOUR daughter...or mine?

More Videos: http://love146.org/videos

 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
       whose confidence is in him.

He will be like a tree planted by the water
       that sends out its roots by the stream.
       It does not fear when heat comes;
       its leaves are always green.
       It has no worries in a year of drought
       and never fails to bear fruit."      Jeremiah 17:7-8


*****ADDITION***** I just read this article about a 7 years old in NJ that was sold for sex by her sister.  I know I am new to this: I was thinking this only happened in other countries.  SO sad!!!!!   http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9EPUI781&show_article=1

If Love Protects...

Why don't we?


Love146 History from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

Father Will You Come

Today I am PRAYING for James & His Family!  Thank you for those of you who are joining me! 

If you would please pray for them.  Yesterday's post: HERE

I was not able to make it to the corporate call today; God had other plans for my morning and they were delightful!  If you made it I am sure you were BLESSED! Just "knowing" they are praying-I can feel the POWER! 

I am still praying and fasting and asking FATHER WILL YOU COME!



I got this song from a fellow ifaster, Jena,  this morning-her shared songs are always TIMELY! 

Lyrics: HERE

If My People Called by My Name

It's right above my computer.  A reminder.  A challenge. A promise.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

I listen to it.  In song. Running through my mind this morning is this,

If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray

What if His people prayed!

You may remember me telling you about my friend Amy who is in Uganda to bring home her medically fragile daughter.  Here is a link to her latest blog: Glimmer of Hope

Well, James is from Canada and has been in Uganda for MONTHS because he can't get visas to come home. 

There are other families that I am not aware of that are effected as well.

SO, what if WE prayed? Do you believe that we can move the mountains from here to there? 

A fellow ifaster, Jena, who is also a Ugandan Momma, is organizing a TIME OF PRAYER!  Here is her message to save a step. This is the same momma that sent the email I posted in my UPDATE. 

I know there are lots of different bits of information floating around out there right now. There is a lot of fear. There is a lot of confusion.

"For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints." I Corinthians 14:33.

I would ask that we all pray for this situation. Pray it will be resolved. Pray there would be no more confusion. Pray that those obtaining legal guardianship in Uganda would be filled with a peace that surpasses all understanding and can only come from Him. Pray He will do more than we could have ever asked for or imagined for these precious little ones in Uganda. God loves each of these children more than we ever could. He formed them, He knows them, He adores them!

I have been thinking about Matthew 18:20 a lot today. "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." On Wednesdays I am blessed to sometimes get to join a conference call with other people who have a heart for orphan care. It is a wonderful time of coming together praying for God's heart for the least of these. I think that we are better together and would love for us to go to the throne room together on behalf of the people in Uganda, the judges, the lawyers, the babies, the kids, the families...

Would you please join me in a time of corporate prayer this Sunday, February 7th at 5:00-6:00 PM EST? We won't be spending time discussing the situation. We won't be asking or answering questions. Those who wish to pray can simply pray what is on their heart. I will open us in prayer at 5:00 PM EST and I will close us in prayer by 6:00 PM EST. Please join us for the entire hour or five minutes, whatever works for you.

Some particulars about the call:

*The call will ask you to introduce yourself. If you are calling in after we have begun, please just remain silent and join in the call.

*Please don't use headphones or put the call on speaker. This will prevent a lot of noise and make it easier for all to focus.

*Please press *6 to mute yourself once you join the call. Press *6 to unmute yourself if you want to pray out loud.

You can join in the call by calling:
Conference Dial-in Number: (605) 475-4850
Participant Access Code: 244388#

***UPDATE***
Within 10 minutes of posting I received two emails informing me I may want to change the time because the Super Bowl Pre-Show will be on during that time and the call would interfere with Super Bowl Parties. It is my opinion some things are more important than football, just sayin'...

I can tell you I have never been more blessed than to gather at the throne of the King of Kings, with people from all over the country and unite ourselves in one-voice! My Wednesdays are the highlight of my week.  So, I am SO excited to have this opportunity again on Sunday.  

So, want to JOIN ME? 

THIS Sunday: 5pm-6pm EST

If you are in Uganda that would be 1am Monday. 

In case you haven't had the pleasure of hearing this song:



Casting Crowns
"What If His People Prayed"

What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords
Vowed to set the captives free
And not let Satan have one more

What if the church for heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate
Took and stand upon God's promise
And stormed hell's rusty gates

What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face
And turn from their own way

And what would happen if we prayed
For those raised up to lead the way
Then maybe kids in school could pray
And unborn children see light of day

What if the life that we pursue
Came from a hunger for the truth
What if the family turned to Jesus
Stopped asking Oprah what to do

What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face
And turn from their own way

He said that they would hear
His promise has been made
He’s answered loud and clear, Yeah
If only we would pray

If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray

What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face, Yeah
And turn from their own way

He said that they would hear
His promise has been made
He’s answered loud and clear, Yeah
If only we would pray

What if His people prayed
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/castingcrowns/whatifhispeopleprayed.html

UPDATED NEED a Miracle!!

Please join me in praying for this family!

http://james127family.blogspot.com/2010/02/devastated.html

They are in Uganda to bring home their medically fragile daughter and are being denied a visa to come back to the US.  Please pass it on!

UPDATE: LET'S FOCUS OUR PRAYER!!

I got this in response to an email I forwarded to my ifast58 prayer group:

I know this is a horrible situation. 

We should all truly get our our knees and plead for a miracle. 

This precious little one needs to get home with her family. 

She is so sick, so fragile. 

Her family must be weary, exhausted, frustrated and filled with all sorts of other emotions. 

In fact, praying right now would be a good time! 

And then again in about 30 minutes, and then before bed, 

and then when you wake up for that midnight potty run... 

well, you get the idea! 

Being a Uganda Mama I would like to point your prayers in a certain direction, 

if you would oblige me. 

A little history... there aren't many rules in regards to obtaining legal guardianship

in Uganda. 

One of them clearly states that the court order AND/OR court ruling (only one) 

must clearly state "legal guardianship with full and final adoption abroad". 

This is not a new requirement, this should not be a surprise to anyone. 

I think the surprise here is that as of today, the rule is being enforced without exception. 

In the past the consular would make an appt with the judge and verbally ask if they understood

the child in the petition would be fully adopted abroad. 

They could then issue the visa. 

This is such bad timing for this sweet family to have to be the first to have the rules enforced. 

Miraculous big prayers I am praying are that the judge would rewrite the court ruling. 

Since they only have to have one of the two documents say 'full and final adoption abroad' 

and the ruling is one page, this would be much easier and less time consuming to change. 

Even though it is culturally a slap in the judges face to ask, it could be what has to be done. 

Please, please continue to pray for favor for this sweet family. 

Their little blessing is such a gift. 

I pray their family can bring her home and love her up big!
 
Jena

I went to the Us Embassy site and clicked CONTACT US and sent an email.  Besides

prayer and emailing nad more prayer I don't know what else to do. 

http://contact-us.state.gov 

When you click the link you will see "questions and Answers" then to the right of that is an 

EMAIL A QUESTION OR COMMENT!!!! box and that's what I did!

under topic I selected "International Adoption" 

and for subject I put HELP!! PLEASE!!!

If anyone has any other suggestions, please comment here.  Thank you for listening as always!

Love, Jen

continued from yesterday:
I have never posted 3 blogs in one day. Here are links to the others to save you a step...


Miracle in My Mailbox

Temporary Home

Temporary Home

Jena @ Organized Chaos posted this!

It made me cry SOB!

As I spend the day considering THE LEAST OF THESE, and allowing God to align my heart with His I am reminded that this place is TEMPORARY! I want to make the MOST of it!

To see today's prayer requests: ifast58



For you FB folks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNV1Hz90vHs

Carrie Underwood: Temporary Home lyrics

Little boy, 6 years old
A little too used to bein' alone
Another new mom and dad,another school
Another house that'll never be home
When people ask him how he likes this place
He looks up and says with a smile upon his face

"This is my temporary home
It's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passin' through
This is just a stop, on the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know this is my
Temporary Home."

Young mom on her own
She needs a little help got nowhere to go
She's lookin' for a job, lookin' for a way out
Because a half-way house will never be a home
At night she whispers to her baby girl
Someday we'll find a place here in this world

"This is our temporary home
It's not where we belong
Windows and rooms that we're passin' through
This is just a stop, on the way to where we're going
I'm not afraid because I know this is our
Temporary Home."

Old man, hospital bed
The room is filled with people he loves
And he whispers don't cry for me
I'll see you all someday
He looks up and says "I can see God's face"

"This is my temporary Home
It's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passin' through
This was just a stop,on the way To where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know this was
My temporary home."

This is our temporary home

Poverty of Heart

Little did I know as a teen, when George Michael was a heartthrob of mine, that these words would be a regular chant of my life--BUT not at all in the way the lyrics of that song intend.

Always it is a cry to God renew in me TRUST so that I can walk in FAITH. The LORD is so faithful.; So, trustworthy. I do not know why He puts up with me sometimes.; Honestly.

This New Year is FLYING by at record pace and at times I feel like I am not even ready for the holidays, oh! Wait, those are gone... Whew!

We are facing hard times! Bu placed into perspective, and with the faith the Lord has given me, not THAT hard of times.

When I think about those in Haiti, Uganda, and downtown Jacksonville... my perspective shifts.  See I will never go without a meal; unless by choice. I will never live on the streets; unless all that love me are on the streets too.  The "NEVER gonna experience" shock me, in comparison to trials "the least of these" face; and yet many seem to have so much more faith and praise than I have.

It's humbling.

So, where is this rambling blog post going?

Well, I read one of my favorite blogger's posts today.; Amy @ Loving The Least of These

I have this picture on my sliding glass door to remind me about FAITH! He had the opportunity to ask for his needs; Many kids asked for school supplies, bedsheets, clothes... and this guy...James Ocen said:

As I consider, this day, the organizations that are serving the least of these, as I spend time reflecting on the needs of others, as I pray and cry out to God on their behalf... I LOVE how it makes my "struggles and hardships" seem so small and insignificant.

I don't like how that is coming off sounding, but I hope you hear my heart...perspective. 

If the Polk's have to eat PB&J everyday for the rest of their lives...so what! They eat.  They will eat them together in a family.  Many, do not have these luxuries.

...and instead of feeling like "Whoa! Is me.  What is going to happen? How bad is it going to get?" I need to have the FAITH of this orphan: 

I TRUST IN JESUS CHRIST FOR MY NEEDS

Watch this: God's eye is on those who respect him,
      the ones who are looking for his love.
   He's ready to come to their rescue in bad times;
      in lean times he keeps body and soul together.

 We're depending on God;
      he's everything we need.
   What's more, our hearts brim with joy
      since we've taken for our own his holy name.
   Love us, God, with all you've got—
      that's what we're depending on.

Psalm 33:18-22

________________________________________________________________________
Since my blog now uploads to facebook, many of my friends may not have seen my blog.  Below is a post that was also about faith, poverty and Uganda.  Explore the links-amazing stories that open your eyes. 

Poverty of Heart

Let the Waters Rise

As I consider today the organizations and individuals that battle for the orphan, the widow, and the oppressed, I am so humbled by my struggles.  The cold.  Money.  My troubles are nothing.  I am thankful today that I serve a God that loves the "least of these".  I am thankful that as I consider and serve them, I am serving HIM!  Click: HERE FOR SCRIPTURE

This song is powerful!
There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You

This weeks ifast58 prayer requests: HERE

Mikeschair Let The Waters Rise Lyrics

Don't know where to begin
Its like my world's caving in
And I try but I can't control my fear
Where do I go from here?

sometimes its so hard to pray
When You feel so far away
But I am willing to go
Where you want me to
God, I trust You

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You

I will swim in the deep
'Cuz You'll be next to me
You're in the eye of the storm
And the calm of the sea
You'll never out of reach

God, You know where I've been
You were there with me then
You were faithful before
You'll be faithful again
I'm holding Your hand

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You

God Your love is enough
You will pull me through
I'm holding onto You
God Your love is enough
I will follow You
I will follow You

Ohhh

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You

Ohhh

Non-Stop

Christmas Eve-Mother-in-laws
Christmas Day-Family, Movies, More Family
Day after Christmas Day-More Family (Reuniting time with long-lost-family-amazing) Food fiasco
Day after-day-after Christmas Day-Church family comes to eat food fiasco :)
Monday-(Sick Dog)Christmas returns at too many stores :) but I got the scarf I wanted :)
Tuesday-(Sick dog)Recuperate and try to establish order in house (sick son)
Wednesday- ifast58 day--began praying early-then went back to sleep-THEN Awoke to VERY sick dog (and still a sick son)that I had to take to the vet as soon as it opened (still waiting to hear) Going to minister to a widow this afternoon
Thursday-Lock-In at church with youth (where we are assembling {Heart}4Homeless kits-pray!)
Friday-probably sleeping because of said lock-in


So that is why I have not blogged :)  :( and probably won't get to blog anytime soon.

but to make this a mildly more interesting post I will post a few  favorite "funny" family pics that were from our photo shoot for our Christmas Card  I know that is cheating-but you will like them!

Enjoy!

Hopefully I can catch you guys up on the non-stop action because there are some great things to tell about-but at this point this is the best I could do.

Covet your prayers for the mission this afternoon, my grand-dog, my son and the lock-in!

God bless you all sweet bloggy friends!

Jen

ifast58

Join us on the call at 9:30am est 
1-760-569-9000          ID968101#

"If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." - Isaiah 58:10


Click the picture to learn more about these kids

More info: www.ifast58.org

REPOST from 9/30/09

Spend Yourself

  Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
       you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
       "If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
       with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
  and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
       and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
       then your light will rise in the darkness,
       and your night will become like the noonday.
  The LORD will guide you always;
       he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
       and will strengthen your frame.
       You will be like a well-watered garden,
       like a spring whose waters never fail.
 Read all of Isaiah 58: HERE

Darkness is something that tries to creep into my life regularly.  I NEED a light that shines as bright as noonday.  So, thinking about that "Spending myself on behalf of the hungry and satisfying the needs of the oppressed"... Really?  Really, really?  

While I don't want to draw attention to myself for fasting (totally not my heart), I do want to invite you to experience what I'm experiencing.  Like if I knew I was going somewhere truly amazing, I would want you to come with me.  I go there every week!  One day, one call, a day of prayer and focus, aligning my heart with God's!  It steadies me.  Keeps me on course. 

I spend a few meals, which truly isn't much of a sacrifice; weird, I know.  It amazes me that when I am spending my time focusing on God's heart, I forget my needs.  Showing me how much more we could really go without!   There aren't rules. You sacrifice what you want to sacrifice. 

The conference call is AMAZING.  Truly the highlight of my week.  Like a treasure I experience.  Standing shoulder to shoulder with those all across the country petitioning our Father for the least of these.  But, I want to invite you to experience the treasure!

So, all that to say this:
Would you like to join us?  Leave me a comment if you want to join us.  We are trying to grow to 1,000 participants by the end of January.  (side note: not all participants participate in the conference call, there is usually just a few that call in. ) It isn't about the numbers at all, that is not the point.  It is just about encouraging others to meet God where HE is at work already. 

Rereading this I feel like it sounds like a sales pitch-NOT!  That isn't my point AT ALL!  

My point is: if you are looking for a way to help orphans, widows, helpless, impoverished... PRAY. and... You can do it corporately, with others, for accountability and fellowship by joining ifast58. 

This weeks requests: ifast58

Watching THIS reminds me about who else is important to God:
I have posted this video before, but I have some new friends to the blog so wanted to repost. 



Resources:
Video from the site of one of my FAVORITE bloggy friends and fellow ifaster @ Loving the Least of These

How ifast58 all began: HERE

My past ifast58 blogs: HERE

Waiting on the Lord

This week's ifast58 prayer list brings a welcome refreshing scripture to GLOWING light:

Brandi quote's Beth Moore in her message:

Beth Moore spoke on Isaiah 40:31 recently.  "³¹Yet those who wait for the LORD, will gain new strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."  What she said really stuck out to me.  She said, notice that it says WAIT ON THE LORD. Not an event or a person or anything else.  If you are weary and tired in the waiting, maybe you aren't waiting on Him.  He promises that if we wait on HIM we will run without getting weary. 

 Well, as I was preparing this morning the Lord led me to Isaiah 55.  As I read it it was like the Lord speaking a special, personal, beautiful HOPE to me. 

Isaiah 55

Invitation to the Lord’s Salvation

 ¹ “Is anyone thirsty?
      Come and drink—
      even if you have no money!
   Come, take your choice of wine or milk—
      it’s all free!
 ² Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength?
      Why pay for food that does you no good?
   Listen to me, and you will eat what is good.
      You will enjoy the finest food. ³ “Come to me with your ears wide open.
      Listen, and you will find life.
   I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
      I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.
 ⁴ See how I used him to display my power among the peoples.
      I made him a leader among the nations.
 ⁵ You also will command nations you do not know,
      and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey,
   because I, the Lord your God,
      the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.”
 ⁶ Seek the Lord while you can find him.
      Call on him now while he is near.
 ⁷ Let the wicked change their ways
      and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
   Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
      Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
 ⁸ “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
      “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
 ⁹ For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
      so my ways are higher than your ways
      and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
 ¹⁰ “The rain and snow come down from the heavens
      and stay on the ground to water the earth.
   They cause the grain to grow,
      producing seed for the farmer
      and bread for the hungry.
 ¹¹ It is the same with my word.
      I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
   It will accomplish all I want it to,
      and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
 ¹² You will live in joy and peace.
      The mountains and hills will burst into song,
      and the trees of the field will clap their hands!
 ¹³ Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow.
      Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up.
   These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name;
      they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.”

As I seek and pray for orphan's today I am humbled that the Lord would take time to speak to me.  HE always does, when I take time to listen for His voice. 

While you can click on the prayer list link (above) and see all the requests from participating organizations I want to highlight a few things that are on my heart:

Pray for BOSCO'S LEG, more importantly DO something if you feel led!

Don't just look at the picture and blow past, click on the link, read the story, 

We are praying to collect ALL the money TODAY! This is urgent.   As a woman (paraphrased) on our call said "Bosco is one of us, we need not let geography stops us, we (the church) need to rise up and care for this orphan"

Send and email, blog, get the word out-let's be part of God's miracle!

In case you passed the link the first time, here is a second chance: Bosco's Leg

also,

Pray for James1:27 Family as they prepare to go to Uganda and meet their daughter who they are in the process of adopting.  Sarah, the daughter, has been sick and in the hospital.


Be blessed, encouraged and strengthened today! 

In case you missed it, my CHRISTMAS CONUNDRUM blog is still messing with me.  Read, share, give insight if you have it.  If you have seen the movie, let me know. 

I was so encouraged by my son; he said "You need to buy that movie, no for real, buy two and I want to send one to our President."  So, that is what I am going to let my, homeschooled, 15 year old, do.  I figure "hey, if you think the president needs to know, how about all your friends too" I think we will host a movie night in honor of the Lost Boys of Sudan.

Poverty of Heart

I am thankful for wrecked souls! and a world changing God! allowance to be a part of His changing work!


So, this man went to Uganda...

"I quickly began to recognize that as we had fed the starving bodies of the people in these communities they had been feeding my starving soul. They were infested with micro-organisms from polluted water. I was suffering a polluted heart from excess and ease of life. They had a lack of knowledge because of limited access to education, I had a lack of wisdom from useless and corrupting information overload. They are often gripped with fear from attack by the LRA or others, and I was ignorant in my lack of real fear of a just God."

 Read the entire post: HERE

I didn't even finish reading before my soul was wrecked.   Not because his story is so heartbreaking and/or "their" lives are so horrible but because MINE is. Sometimes my life just frustrates me!  I teeter between changing the world and staying the same.  Staying the same stinks! I know it, I live it.  But changing the world seems like an impossible task. 

I am thankful for a God that does the "changing" and that he allows me the privileged to be a part of His changing work. 

I think it is not the world I must change, but my world.  "MY" world! 

I ask God for so much, MUCH! and today I truly want to walk out TRUST in HIS provision.  For me and the "least of these."  I have a lot to learn from this young man:

click to go to blog

This scripture was shared with me today and is so encouraging. Pray it blesses your heart too.

Isaiah 55 (New International Version)

Invitation to the Thirsty

 ¹ "Come, all you who are thirsty,
       come to the waters;
       and you who have no money,
       come, buy and eat!
       Come, buy wine and milk
       without money and without cost.  ² Why spend money on what is not bread,
       and your labor on what does not satisfy?
       Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
       and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
 ³ Give ear and come to me;
       hear me, that your soul may live.
       I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
       my faithful love promised to David.
 ⁴ See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,
       a leader and commander of the peoples.
 ⁵ Surely you will summon nations you know not,
       and nations that do not know you will hasten to you,
       because of the LORD your God,
       the Holy One of Israel,
       for he has endowed you with splendor."
 ⁶ Seek the LORD while he may be found;
       call on him while he is near.
 ⁷ Let the wicked forsake his way
       and the evil man his thoughts.
       Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him,
       and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
 ⁸ "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
       neither are your ways my ways,"
       declares the LORD.
 ⁹ "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
       so are my ways higher than your ways
       and my thoughts than your thoughts.
 ¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
       come down from heaven,
       and do not return to it
       without watering the earth
       and making it bud and flourish,
       so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
 ¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
       It will not return to me empty,
       but will accomplish what I desire
       and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
 ¹² You will go out in joy
       and be led forth in peace;
       the mountains and hills
       will burst into song before you,
       and all the trees of the field
       will clap their hands.
 ¹³ Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
       and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
       This will be for the LORD's renown,
       for an everlasting sign,
       which will not be destroyed."

How He LOVES US!

Read this today:  Living Freely: Oh How He LOVES US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is ifast58 day!

I almost don't feel worthy to participate. I am in such a yucky place emotionaly, physically, financially. Each day I press on...

So I read the blog, read the prayers at ifast58.org , know that I am called because He called me, then I listened to this song "He Loves Us" but this time I listened to it by Kim Walker. Usually I listen to David Crowder Band (amazing no doubt). This just rocked me today-i guess because it was a girls voice, I guess because the end is amazing and I guess because HE LOVE ME! Praise God He pursues me!

Examining Treasure

I have listened to this video no less than 5 times... resounding


"Experiencing Christ as such a treasure that everything else in his life is as nothing by comparison..."


"...given that it will be plain to the world that they are not your treasure..."


"Christ is!"

As I am participating in ifast58 I am praying for so many things.  Widows, orphans, organizations that serve them, families waiting to adopt, foster children, Orphan Sunday, churches, so much more... There is a corporate time that we conference call to pray together; it is amazing.  "Standing shoulder to shoulder though we are hundreds of miles apart...at the throne of grace (just a few quotes from Brandi)"  It is an honor!  a privilege to go before our King and plead on behalf of those in need. 

and then there's me.

I am taking this time and dedicating it to the Lord, but it brings to light so much in my life!  Those looking from the outside would believe many other things are my treasure before they knew Christ was my treasure.

I do not count too much as loss.  I mean it IS.  But I do not live my life so that it is EVIDENT that these things are not my treasure.

My son and I were studying  "how important is the Bible to us".  My son answered proudly with much confidence "The Bible is VERY important to him."  As I sat there, I was quiet. Knowing he had given a "correct" response.  He asked "what is it?"  Now, I will say I went on a holy tirade (not in a mean way at all) just a moment of truth in his life and mine.  I told him that I could probably hide his bible and he wouldn't discover it was missing until we were leaving for church and even at that he would brush off it's loss and dismiss it and know that it'll turn up.  He was not happy about my examination and was quick to state it was not true.  But we both know it was true.  about us both.

 ¹²  I have not departed from the commandment of His lips;
      I have treasured the words of His mouth 
      More than my necessary food. (Job 23:12, New King James Version)

Now! If I hid all the cereal in the cabinet and there were no Apple Jacks, Reeses' Puffs, or generic equivalent of some good sugary cereal we WOULD have a problem!  That 15 year old would come unglued!  Or if a TV network replaced my wonderful Law & Order time slot with the Jay Leno Show EVERY NIGHT at 10--oh yeah that HAS happened and I am not happy about it and have complained about it more than I have PRAISED GOD audibly.  Sad!

I went on to share with him about times in my life where God's word was so necessary and how IT had gotten me through.  Watching his eyes I knew-he-who lives with me-did not KNOW these truth's about me.  I'm not intending to give the impression that my son does not know he has a holy-roller for a mom---but the more than "necessary food" aspect and to enlighten him about MIRACLES in the past that God did in our lives when he was too young to "get it".  I saw a hint of desire in him. A desire the know God more intimately.  It is a beautiful thing. 

So, on ifast day,  I am praying for others but for myself as well.  Examining my treasure!

Treasure JESUS above everything in your LIFE!