Everything has its Season....

I have to admit a sense of dread has fallen upon me over the past few days as I am realizing that Fall is here and Summer is gone. Oh, how I enjoy the rich bold colors of Fall. I would have to say that Fall is one of my favorite seasons. It is during this time that I am able to actually sit upon my deck and enjoy the rockers and bask in the perfect temperatures of our peaceful sunny days. To see the wonder of the leaves as they are beginning to change into their vibrant reds, oranges and browns. To appreciate the cool crisp mornings and evenings that make you enjoy that morning cup of coffee or that late evening hot cocoa or steaming hot cider. Yet, inside, there is still a sense of dread, as I see the beautiful flowers on my deck and realize another season has come and gone and they soon will be fading away. Slipping from their rich and showy greens, yellows, purples and reds to simply gone...nothingness.

This reminds me of what the Word of God says in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3. The heart of Ecclesiastes is the fact that only in God does life have meaning and true enjoyment. Without God in our lives really can anything satisfy us? Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter, each season is beautifully put in place by God's hand and design. Each color, shape and detail was placed there by our sovereign God. God has given us everything for a reason and that reason is to bring glory to Him!

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..."

When we realize we have very little control over the times and changes that may happen in our lives or on this earth and it is God who will determine all of life's activities, it tends to ease that sense of dread. After all, this world is not our home, it is only a temporary opportunity for us to show his glory (a season), just like the rest of his creation. Regardless of what season we may be experiencing in creation around us or what season we may be experiencing in our own lives

"I know that what God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing can be taken away from it. God does it so that men will revere him." Ecc. 3:14

So, I guess it will be up to me to just slow down and enjoy this new season. "As the green grass withers and the beautiful flowers fade; the Word of God will stand forever". Isaiah 40:7 The Word also says in Ecclesiastes chapter 3, " He has made everything beautiful in its time". There is a time for everything and everything has its season.........

A time to be born and a time to die,

A time to plant and a time to uproot,

A time to kill and a time to heal.

A time to tear down and a time to build.

A time to weep and a time to laugh,

A time to mourn and a time to dance,

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

A time to embrace and a time to refrain,

A time to search and a time to give up,

A time to keep and a time to throw away,

A time to tear and a time to mend,

A time to be silent and a time to speak,

A time to love and a time to hate,

A time for war and a time for peace..... ECC 3: 2-9

I hope today you can enjoy the beautiful Fall season that God has so graciously given to us. I also hope the you will take time in whatever season you may be in with your own life to let someone else see the beauty of the Lord in you!

LETS MAKE THE MAIN THING, THE MAIN THING!

IT HAS BEEN SEVERAL MONTHS SINCE I HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WHAT IS GOING ON HERE AT THE MISSION. I MUST SAY IT HAS BEEN A VERY BUSY AND STRESSFUL PAST YEAR. WHEN YOU DO THE TYPE OF MINISTRY THAT WE ARE DOING ( LONG TERM MINISTRY TO WOMEN OFF THE STREETS). YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS GOING TO BE COMING YOUR WAY. WHEN WE BEGAN THIS MINISTRY, WE ASK THE LORD TO BRING ONLY THOSE HE WANTED TO BE HERE. SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY, WE FAILED TO HEAR (LISTEN) TO GOD AND ALLOWED SEVERAL WOMEN INTO THE MISSION THAT I BELIEVE WERE PLANTED BY THE ENEMY (SATAN) TO TRY AND TEAR DOWN AND TO WEAR US OUT.

WE HAVE LEARNED A LESSON ON THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING TIME TO LISTEN TO GOD. SO OFTEN WE ALLOW OUR BUSY LIVES TAKE CENTER STAGE AND WE MISS WHAT GOD IS TRYING TO SHOW US. THEREFORE, WE SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR BAD DECISIONS AND BELIEVE YOU ME, IT IS NOT AN EASY THING. WE HAVE BEEN DOING THIS MINISTRY AROUND 10 YEARS 24/7 WITH FEW BREAKS OR REST. I CAN ALSO SAY THAT DOING, DOING AND MORE DOING ( EVEN DOING GOOD) CAN ALSO WEAR US DOWN. SATAN LOVES TO SEE US EXHAUSTED AND WORN DOWN.. MANY TIMES WE CAN GET MUCH TO BUSY DOING WHAT WE CALL A "GOD" WORK AND FAIL TO LISTEN, SEEK GOD. THIS IS A PRIME OPPORTUNITY FOR SATAN TO GET IN AND START HAVOC AND WE MISS JUST WHAT GOD HAD FOR US. AS THE WORD SAYS "OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE", BUT SATAN IS REALLY GOOD AT MAKING US BELIEVE THAT SACRIFICING OUR TIME FOR OTHERS IS MUCH BETTER THAN BEING OBEDIENT. AFTER ALL, OBEDIENCE SOUNDS LIKE GRADE SCHOOL. I WOULD RATHER SACRIFICE! OFTEN SACRIFICE GETS US TO BE VERY BUSY AND WE LET GO OF ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS: OUR DAILY, PERSONAL, GET ALL BY YOURSELF TIME WITH GOD. I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT STUDYING YOUR SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON OR A 6-12 WEEK STUDY YOU ARE DOING. JUST LIKE WE NEED "OUR TIME" TO DO WHAT WE WANT JUST FOR OURSELVES. GOD WANTS THAT TIME WITH US TOO. A TIME WHEN WE TAKE THE BIBLE- HIS WORD IN OUR LAP; READ,STOP AND BE STILL AND WAIT ........UPON GOD.

DO NOT GET ME WRONG, WE NEED TO STUDY ANYTIME WE TEACH OR SHARE THE WORD. BUT WE ALSO NEED TO BE FAITHFUL THAT WE ARE SEEKING THE WORD JUST TO KNOW GOD MORE. TO TAKE THE TIME JUST TO SIT AT HIS FEET AND BASK IN HIS LOVE. WHY IS IT SO VERY HARD FOR US TO TAKE TIME TO DO THIS?

TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT; MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE COME TO REALIZE THAT WE HAVE HAD TO REPENT FROM PUTTING OTHER THINGS IN FRONT OF GOD.......EVEN THE MINISTRY THAT GOD GAVE US! WE ARE NOW TAKING A FEW MONTHS OFF TO SEEK THE LORD, AND REGAIN STRENGTH. THE WORD GOD HAS GIVEN US FOR THIS DAY "IN REPENTANCE (RETURNING) AND REST IS YOUR SALVATION, IN QUIETNESS AND TRUST IS YOUR STRENGTH". SOOOOOOOOO......FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WE WILL NOT TAKE IN RESIDENTS AND SPEND SOME MUCH NEEDED TIME ALONE WITH GOD AND REST........WE WILL ALSO BE SEEKING GOD AS TO WHAT HIS NEXT JOURNEY IN LIFE IS FOR US WILL BE. WE HAVE LEARN ONE IMPORTANT THING; IT IS TIME TO MAKE THE MAIN THING ,THE MAIN THING................. AND TO MAKE SURE WE KEEP IT THAT WAY!

DO YOU NOT KNOW? HAVE YOU NOT HEARD? THE LORD IS THE

EVERLASTING GOD, THE CREATOR OF THE ENDS OF THE EARTH,

HE WILL NOT GROW TIRED OR WEARY, AND HIS UNDERSTANDING

NO ONE CAN FATHOM. HE GIVES STRENGTH TO THE WEARY AND

INCREASES THE POWER OF THE WEAK. EVEN YOUTHS GROW TIRED

AND WEARY. AND YOUNG MEN STUMBLE AND FALL; BUT 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 40:28-31

Good things happen to those who Wait!

The beautiful picture on the left is of one of the women who came through the mission and is now helping us minister. She has a precious little 4 year old daughter. They have endured much and by the grace of God overcame! How wonderful it is to see the marvelous work that God can do for those of us who are willing to wait upon Him. It has not always been easy for Michelle, but she fought hard. It was through salvation and honestly seeking the Word of God and listening to Godly and wise counsel that she is where she is today. Only four years ago, she was living day by day just trying to keep a high. There was nothing she would not do to get her fix. Today, she realizes that God has plan and purpose for her other than getting high. She now lives her days out seeking God through His Word and patiently waiting for His direction for her life. She is definitely a new creation. As the book of Ecclesiastes says "He has made everything beautiful in its time." 3:10b and it also says in verse 14 "I know that everything God does will endure forever". By the way, the wonderful man standing next to Michelle is Robert, the father to her 4 year daughter. God does give good things to those that wait!

The Rest of the Story....

After several months of not having time to share and being just a little to busy for my own good, I thought it would be a good idea to pick up on the blog that I posted on February 21, 2009. In that particular blog I shared how Scott and I ended up running a rescue mission. How God used what I believed was a simple invitation to visit ladies in jail to a full time change in direction for both our lives.


After several years of housing women in our home Scott and I felt as if God was pushing us out of our comfort zone into a full time rescue mission work. We had no idea what we were doing, but knew that in time and after much faith, prayer, study and research (both in the Word of God and about rescue missions) we felt we were ready to go for it. Let me just say, I learned more about addiction and the needs of abused and neglected women and children during the time that I opened my home up than I could have ever learned sitting in any class room or reading any book. There were times I felt as if I had been there with many of the women. Yes, I know I was not, but yet making my home their home enabled us to share a union or bond that tore down all the walls of indifference and prejudice.

Many people ask, Why do you call yourself a rescue mission? We feel we have been called by God to help rescue a particular group of people that is so often overlooked. First of all, in the United States of America drug addiction is becoming a cancer among all people. We used to think of drug addiction as only affecting a certain sect or group of people. We have found after several years of this ministry that drug addiction is affecting all people. It does not matter the color of their skin,whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, addiction knows no boundaries and is not prejudice in who it takes down. Our work as a rescue mision does not involve what most normal rescue missions find themselves doing. We feel, as if our rescue work intales helping people not only with daily housing and food, but with deep underlying issues that have affected them in such a way that they feel being addicted to something is the only way they can make it through a day. for us, this means that we must spend time with those individuals, lots of time! We must be willing each day to help these women to somehow cope with the simple tasks of the day. Tasks that include getting up, eating, and taking care of yourself. Learning how to keep a daily schedule. Learning job skills and finishing your education. Connecting and coping with feelings that you haven't experienced in so long you forgot what it was like to feel. Around the mission we have a saying that many of the women can relate too, "the normal has become abnormal and the abnormal has become normal"! What we may feel are very normal everyday tasks for someone in addiction is soooooo far away from normal that the normal feels abnormal. Let me just say right here, if God were not in this, it would sooooooo impossible to do! When you are asking someone who has lived their life doing whatever it takes to get their high( and survive doing it) and ask them to stop and basically "smell the roses", boy, is that abnormal to the them, YES, and normal to me, YES! The two worlds collide and how does it work? Again, God! He is the only way it can work. I have to admit there are days that I feel as if I cannot go on and yet, The Word of God refreshes and the Holy spirit renews and sometimes I get a good old fashion "Whoopin" as a reminder that God is in control and not me! So hence, once again Scott and I have to stop and "smell the roses", slow down and listen to God and allow Him to do the work that only He can do. If not, it is all in vain and we miss the beautiful glory and power of God being seen not only in our lives, but in the lives of those around us..

Ephesians 3: 14-21, Paul expresses a prayer that basically is coming out of what he is experiencing and seeing happen in the lives of the believers. The key "gifts" are power and love. I feel this is a great expression of what we are seeing God do in our lives and in the lives of those we minister to daily.

For this reason I kneel before the father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through the spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith and I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullnes of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen.

A FOUNTAIN OF BLESSING......

The sunny weather outside help to put me in the mood to clean up my porch and to get the fountain outside of my window up and running again after the long cold winter. I love the sound of the running water outside of our kitchen window. You can hear it throughout our little apartment. It is so peaceful. One problem that I always encounter is that of keeping the water clean and clear. It does not matter that the water filters through the pump and runs continuously. It just will not stay clean, so I have to keep a chemical in it to help it stay clear. As long as I keep the chemical in the water it is really clear and clean.

God's word says this in Ezekiel chapter 36,

"I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you and you will be clean, I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh, and I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."

In this passage we are told of how God, whose name has been profaned (dirtied) among the nations will display his holiness in the restoration of his people(Israel). Israel will once again prosper so that it can become a place of blessing. God is making a promise to cleanse and restore his now defiled and scattered people. The purpose of God's plan with Israel is that the whole world may know the true God through them. God is promising 4 things; 1) return of the exiles. 2) Cleansing from sin. 3) renewal of heart. 4) enablement by God's Spirit to live God's way. There is a wonderful promise in this passage that includes something for us. The promise of the Holy Spirit to dwell in us! You see just like the chemical I put in the water to keep it clean, Our Father, God places through His Son the wonderful Holy Spirit inside us to dwell and to help keep our "living" water flowing clean and pure. It is the Holy Spirit enables us to do these 4 things; 1) brings us back to the reality of who we are, 2) Convicts us of sin in our lives, 3) Keeps our hearts clean & pure, 4) enables us to live out our lives God's way. Without the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives we can be nothing but dirty water that does not touch others with its peace and hope.

Just as I took time to clean out the fountain and get it running pure and clean again. I too, need to take time out to make sure that I am allowing the Holy Spirit to cleanse me, enable me and to work through me so that I can be a blessing to those around me.

"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." Isaiah 58:11

Why Blog?

I discovered blogging by way of a niece-in-law who helped us out with our web site for the mission. Let me just say upfront, I am not web savvy. I am learning as I go and still have so much to learn. I told her that I may be interested in writing about what happens around here on a daily basis. She told me to check out some free and easy to set up blog sights, so I did and all I can say is WOW!

I had heard of a blog but had never really given much thought to the idea. Blog is such a new concept and word that you cannot find it in the dictionary but after checking out other blogs I was sold. How awesome is it that you can go to cyber space and express yourself. Blogging for me is a time that I can express myself freely. I can share my thoughts, frustrations, views, recipes, pictures, ideas, and even my faith. For me it is as if you are in a place and time that you can say what you want, how you want to say it and when you want to say it. There is no set schedule or set of rigid rules (just keep it clean). It is just you and the keyboard. How good is that? It is as if you think no one is watching or reading and yet, it is open to the whole world.

Since I began blogging I have met some awesome people. The blogs that I read and follow have introduced me to some of the most productive, wise and thoughtful women I have ever met. I have seen them overcome depression, illness, death, stress and Satan's daily attacks. I have been ministered too through insightful Bible studies, challenging words and just seeing the love they express in their daily lives whether through a recipe, a funny story, a picture of something they love or just a simple Scripture. I know Satan uses the web many times for his realm but I truly believe that God is using it for His good also.

So, for someone who spends much of her time ministering to others it is refreshing to be ministered to by the women who share in the blogs I follow. You might say, this is my small group and I enjoy each of them. A big thank you to each of you who take time to express your feelings, hurts, homes, your faith and your great recipes. I really, really appreciate it!

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
I Thess. 5:11 NLT

The Question that changed my Life.....

Lately I have been experiencing the "Mully Grubs" for those of you who do not know what the mully grubs are; mully grubs- the blahs, the down and outs. Scott and I have been ministering to women off the streets for about 12 years now. I remember the first time I brought a women to our home from jail. I knew God had spoken to me about her and I knew what I had to do. For those who have never heard my story let me share about the question that changed my life.

I had been invited to go to the local jail with a women who went to the church we were pastoring at the time. She had been given the opportunity to do a Bible study on Monday nights and wanted another women to go with her. When she made the invite I quickly acknowledged I would love too. I had never been to a jail. I had never even visited anyone in jail, yet Mat 25 ;42-44 clearly says, "when I (Jesus) was in jail you came and visited me and what you have done to the least of these, you have done to me".

I remember going to the jail for the first time. I was so scared. The check-in, the locks, the slamming doors. I was wondering what I had gotten myself into? When we finally made it to the area where we were to do the study, I thought great a chapel or private room, No! The door opened and we walked into a 10-15 size room filled with about 15 bunks. I remember the door slamming behind us and turning around to see women everywhere, they were even sleeping on the floor. A voice came through the call box on the wall that said, "when you are finished just push the button. I begin to panic, when we are finished! You just dropped us off in a room full of criminals and you want us to call you when we are finished? We may never make it out alive! As frightened as I seemed, I can remember looking into the faces of those women and feeling safe. I actually felt as if I was home. I knew then, this is my nation of people!

I ministered in that jail for many months until one night a young women asked me "the question". It was after the usual Bible study. We would always give the women an opportunity to ask questions. In the corner on a lower bunk a young women raised her hand and said, "I have a question?" I replied, "sure go ahead". Now that night I had taught on a very simple scripture; John 3:16 or I thougth it was simple. Many of us just take that scripture for granted. We assume that everyone understands but her question took me off guard. It really was a simple question but the answer would change not only her life but mine too. This is what she asked, "I want to know what your Jesus can do for me"? Now, I had just spoke on John 3:16. Duh! He can save you (salvation). He wants to save you! He loves you. Little did I know how God was going to use this little 24 year old women and her simple question to change my life.
After going through my little spill of how Jesus died for us and wants to save us and wanted to save her she said this, "you do not understand, I get out of here at 12:00 midnight and at 11:45 a drug dealer will be waiting for me and by 12:15 or by 12:20 I will be higher than I have ever been in my life. I need to know what your Jesus can do for me tonight?" You see her salvation for the night was coming in the form of a drug dealer with exactly what had taken her life away-drugs. She had no place else to go. The drug dealer was offering her what she needed---shelter but it came with a price. I had told her Jesus loves her but she needed to see Jesus love. She needed someone to show her that love in more than words.

BAMMMMM! There it was the question that would forever change my life. At that point, I felt as if She and I were the only people in the room. I could feel the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking so clearly; What now? You have faithfully shared my Word. You have faithfully prayed. You have been faithfuol to come and share, but she needs a place to stay. Will you be me in more than word? Will you be me in deed? WOW! What to do, what to do? Me, her and the Lord all alone

I have to admit, I thought I will just pray for her and then tell her I will continue to pray for her. I will tell her, "I hope all goes well. Sorry you won't be here next week for Bible study. Call me sometimes!" But the Lord just would not let me go. I knew what I had to do. I knew what He was asking me to do. Would I be willing to do it? Could I do it? What would my husband say? What about my kids? Oh Lord, help me not only to be willing to do it but to actually do it! So I did it, it came out before I could harness my tongue to stop it. "you can go home with me", I blurted out! a huge gasping noise filled the room as every women in the house sucked in the air of shock. It was done! Too late to turn back now. "I will be back at 11:59 and you are going home with me.

I quickly left and prayed all the way home as I still had to face my husband. Lord, please help him(my husband) to understand what you have ask me to do. Help him to not think I have lost my marbles. I remember saying to him, "we need to be back at the jail before 12:00 midnight". He asked, "why"? I replied rather low, "I need to pick up one of the women". He asked, "what are you going to do with her?" I replied timidly, "I am going to bring her home". He asked again, "what are you going to do with her"? I replied, "I do not know". We picked her up at 12:00 midnight and brought her home (my husband is so great). She spent the next 6 months in our family room with a sheet over the door for privacy. I did not realize at that time that the Lord would spend those 6 months teaching me and preparing me through a girl off the streets for the ministry that He was getting ready to take me and my husband into. It all begin with one question asked one night in a jail by someone in need that forever changed my life. When I think about it, it was not only the question, but it was also the answer that changed my life.
If you want to hear the rest of the story you will have to tune into my blog and see what the Lord did next. Thanks and God bless all for reading.

Correction: The scripture above should be Matt 25: 35-36 as that states the fact that Jesus is saying these were the opportunities we had to serves. Matt 25: 42-43 are the verses of which Jesus says we did not take advantage of those opportunities to serve him. Thanks sto Lewis from Ky. Thanks Lewis.

We 've been invaded.....

Last night we discovered that we were being invaded. To be invaded means to enter by force in order to conquer or overrun. To encroach or intrude upon. To infest and to enter and spread harm. We were being invaded by a small wingless insect/parasite that was taking up residence in two of our new girls heads. Yes, they had lice. In this ministry we have come to expect things like this as new girls come from jail or off the streets. I was so busy washing smoky-stinky clothes (so those who were smoke free would not have to smell the temptation) and having the girls fill out paper work and checking them into the new beds that I totally forgot to check heads! When I finally got around to it last night. There they were, the invaders! Settling in and making themselves at home. Those little varmints had one whole free day in the heads of the new girls here in the mission. They took the grand tour (by way of a head) from the library to my office to the kitchen to the dormitory to the whole downstairs area. There was not a room they had not been in. I immediately had my daughter Kendra and our house missionary Tanya go to Wal Mart to purchase the much needed "stop them in their tracks" shampoo. After both girls used the shampoo another one of our girls volunteered to comb through each girls hair to remove the pesky little "nits" (the egg or young of a parasitic insect). This is a tedious and long process. Here's the thing, that is only the beginning. We now had to go through the "sanitation" process of cleaning the beds, linens, walls and everything else in the house. We have spent the whole day washing and washing and washing and washing and washing and washing everything in the mission. Nothing went untouched!

As I have had time to reflect upon the day I begin to think and question, "how could these girls not have known they were being invaded"? How could they not have known that something was taking up residence in their head? I was quickly reminded (by the Holy Spirit) of how we allow sin into our lives. Sin-Any offense, violation, fault or error. Many times we have sin in our lives and do not even realize it. Sin has a way of making its way into our lives without us recognizing it as sin. Many times sin will come in very quietly. It will eventually take over and we will fail to see that it is there. We are so numb to it and begin to except that it is okay. King David was one such man who allowed sin to enter his life.

In the story of David and Bathsheba. What started as a simple glance ended up being so much more. It led to adultery. The death of an innocent man and child. King David was so numb to his own selfish desires that he failed to realize that he had sinned. The Lord then sent Nathan(the prophet) and he shared a story with King David. The story was of a poor man who had one ewe lamb and of a rich man who had a large number of sheep and cattle. The little ewe lamb was very special to the poor man and his family. One day the rich man had a traveler who came to visit him and his family. Instead of preparing a meal for the traveler with one of his many sheep or cattle he took the poor man's only little ewe lamb. He killed the little lamb and prepared it and fed it to his visitor. After hearing the story of the rich man, who stole another man's only lamb and killed it for a feast, King David burned with anger against the rich man, and said, " As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this deserves to die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had not pity." Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man!" (2 Samuel chapters 11 &12). David was reminded of how quickly he had allowed sin to come into his life and take over. It took another man to remind David of what was going on in his life. In other words, he had a head or rather a heart check. David does recognize his sin and states, "I have sinned against the Lord." Nathan replies to David, "The Lord has taken away your sin, you are not going to die........Much like the quick acting lice shampoo David's sin was forgiven by God and gone, but David also had to go through the "sanitation" process which follows and is not always easy but is something we must do.

As Paul state in Romans 7:14-20 when struggling with sin:

" We know that the law is spiritual; but I am nonspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do . For What I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is , it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is , in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no the evil I do not want to do -this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." Romans 7:14-20

Lord, help us to remember that your goodness can be seen in anything we go through in our lives. I pray that I will always be aware of sin. May I never allow sin to invade my life in such a way that I become numb to it and do not recognize what displeases you. Help me to stay close to your Word for the cleansing and reminders that I need to keep that pesky little varmint Satan from blinding me to your truth. May I always be aware of when sin is trying to invade.

DOES EVEYBODY KNOW HOW TO MAKE BISCUITS?

We have almost completed our first full month here at the mission for 5 of the girls. We had two new girls to come in on Friday. We now have 7 new girls at the mission, Ya!. One of the first things we do is to teach the girls how to cook the foods that show up regularly on the menu. One of those foods, is homemade biscuits & gravy. Most folks these days will not take the time to make homemade biscuits or gravy. It is just not convenient..... We will go out and purchase "Canned" biscuits and bagged gravy from the grocery because of their "convenience". We whack the can and out pops a doughy type of substance that requires baking and looks like a biscuit. But, it could never taste as good as a homemade, fresh from the oven, buttery biscuit. Why are we so willing to sacrifice taste just for a few minutes of time. We are a non-profit organization that housing women free, so we have to conserve in whatever way we can. It is not always easier but it is cheaper for us to make homemade biscuits and gravy. The results of our stewardship; a wonderful pan of homemade biscuits (see pic right) Not a bad reward.

Most of the women we deal with have lost everything trying to live a life that was convenient. When they find out that we do not use canned biscuits and make ours from scratch, the girls will state, "I have never made biscuits" or "I can't do that" and "Wouldn't canned biscuits be easier". After several attempts and having to partake of biscuits of all sizes, shapes and consistency. They end up learning how to roll out a beautiful pan of wonderful tasting biscuits (see below pics). The lesson they learn is not just about how to make a biscuit. It is about taking what you have and making something good from it. It is about not giving up even when you think you cannot do it. It is about not just doing it the easy way. It is about doing it over and over, until you get it right. Never say never and do not give up! Many of the women (young and old) end up here because they have no where else to turn. Some come from jails. Some come here straight off the street. Some are brought by frustrated and hurting families. Regardless of where they come from or what they have done.

It is never too Late!

FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU DECLARES THE LORD, PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU A HOPE AND A FUTURE. JEREMIAH 29:11

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Independence Day!

We woke up this morning to ice and cold temps. Traveling was very hazardous so many of the major roads were closed. That meant no open chapel at the mission today, so my day started with lots of phone calls and a total revamp of the daily schedule for the mission. After all that busyiness, I settled down to take a deep breath, then I realized, "No chapel"! Oh no, I need the Word. This is the one time of the week that I get to listen. Usually I am leading the studies or making sure that things are going as scheduled. I tried to connect with a few of the services on the old TV, but did not find anything that was really stirring. Not that I have to be stirred, but I was going to miss my weekly dose of "the Word" encouragement from the Pastor, my husband, (by the way, he's great)! After reading a few good sermons on line and reading some good verses in the word my husband and we settled in front of the TV to watch a movie. You must understand, we do not get an opportunity to just sit and watch a movie very often. It was really rather nice. We both actually felt a little bit guilty that we were getting this opportunity. God always gives us just what we need at just the right time. I knew I had so many things to get done before the day ended so to get a few hours of solitude and rest (with my husband-without interruptions) is a rarity.

We settled in our favorite chairs and decided to watch "Independence Day" as it was showing on one of the few channels we would actually watch. I remember watching the movie several years ago at the theater. The movie centers around the idea that the earth is being invaded by aliens who want to snuff out the existence of mankind and take over the world. They arrive in these huge massive space ships that just hover over different parts of the world. They are very patient and seem to be waiting for just the right time and bam! They attack when the people least expect it. After much turmoil and death and avoiding the fight. The people of earth decide they must fight back in order to survive. They quickly discover that the aliens can be destroyed with a simple virus planted through the computer into the alien communications system. This simple little virus(the common cold) breaks down the shield of defense the aliens have and enables the people of earth to attack and destroy their enemy, the aliens. Of course, you have your typical heroes who are willing to take a stand regardless of the outcome. Those who are willing to die for the cause. Still there are others who refuse to believe that anything is going on or that the aliens could be dangerous. there are others who run and hide. How could they not see that an enormous hovering spaceship is a definite threat and most likely up to something and ya, our enemy! DUH!

It is kinda funny how this movie reminded me that we have a enemy. His name is Satan. He is a sharp old alien. He will slip in any way he can. He wants us to believe that it is not happening or that it will not happen today. He loves it when we fail to see what he is doing. He loves to catch us off guard and completely destroy us. He spends his time very patiently, hovering over us until he can slip in and BAMMMM, destroy us. The good news is we know the secret. We know what will destroy him and it is time we take our stand!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your
stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is
not against flesh and blood, but against the authorities
against the powers of this dark world and against the
spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore
put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of
evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground......

Ephesians 6:1-20

First, this scripture tells us that we have an enemy, Satan (Yes it's true). Second, it tells us that we must take a stand (stand your ground). Third, it shares with us everything we need to take that stand. It is time we use our weapons and that we too, will be victorious! So, what are you going to do? Will you continue to stand by while the enemy is patiently making his move or will you take a stand and use your God-given weapons? For true believers, its time we take back what the enemy has stolen. It's Independence Day!

Hump Day or Deep cleaning Day?

Today is Wednesday, Hump Day. I am looking at the time and I guess you could say I have almost made it over the hump. Hoorrrrrayyyyy! I really do not know why I am so excited I guess I feel as if I have accomplished something. Hump Day (Wednesday) is what we call "deep cleaning" day at the mission. Most of the girls here do not understand why we clean the way we do. At first, they will have to do things over and over. This is simply because they do not know how to do a job very well. I am sure it is frustrating to be told to re-sweep a floor or to remake your bed. We hear so many times, "I already made my bed" or "I swept that floor" or "I did the best I could do". The reason we ask them to do it again is simply because they did not do a good job. We want them to learn to do it well. In their past life everything was about "get it done and out of the way" or "why even do it at all"? There was no thought about doing a job much less doing it well.

Scripture tells us that, "In everything we do, do it as unto the Lord". Everything, you say, even cleaning house? Yes, that means even cleaning house. We want to think or hope that we are disqualified from this because we only do the "little things". We have a way of classifying BIG things as those we think we will never be doing. Things like saving the world, solving world hunger, parting the Red Sea. It could never mean doing dishes, making a bed, sweeping a floor or cooking a meal. We are just supposed to get those things done (whatever). The Word does not say in the big things or in the little things it says in everything and that means EVERYTHING!

Drug addiction is a selfish world. You live from day to day pursuing your high. You will work at it diligently and selfishly. You do not stop pursuing because someone said no. You do not care if you have to do something again and again, you do it. If an addict could just see the work it takes to support an addiction they would realize anything is possible. Of course, our enemy, Satan, does not want us to be aware of all this, so he makes the everyday life seem boring and monotonous. He (satan) wants us to believe that the "everythings" in life do not include "menial" tasks such as house cleaning. Yet, the word says, "In everything we do, do it as unto the Lord". It takes several weeks before the girls here begin to realize, it is not just about "deep cleaning" the mission, it is about "deep cleaning" their lives. So, when it comes to "hump" day being "deep cleaning" day, it is still "another" day we get to serve the Lord in "everything" we do.

Can you stand the test?

Okay so I am over my "rotten no good, I guess I'll go eat worms day". It wasn't easy! It started when Michelle, Tanya and myself decided to try a little reverse physchology with the girls. We thought we were helping them but it really helped us or me. then tonight was "evening with a guest" night. Which means we have a "guest" speaker to share with the girls. I decided that I would go and sit in (since I was in need of some major motivation). The speaker was a friend of mine. We had done some jail ministry together and teaching at another rehab where I had volunteered. She is a very motivational speaker and shares her heart and life openly. I am glad I went.

She opened up her share time with this question, "Can you stand the test"? She shared how in the past few years she has experienced several tests in her life. One particular test was one of which she was still going through. It did not seem as if this one was going to end anytime soon. As I listened, I realized that you would have never known that this was going on in her life. She always is positive and very encouraging to others around her. She is always quick to let others know that the Lord is her strength. How do people remain so focused and committed to the Lord when their world seems to be falling apart. As she asked us to turn to Job chapter one(1) in our Bibles and the girls began to read aloud the verses, I knew the Lord was speaking directly to me. How so? Well I am glad you asked.

For the past several days I have been asking myself, "Am I really making a difference"? After 10 or so years of living and giving myself to those in addiction or with life controlling issues,as I said last blog, "I am just plain tired". You began to wonder is this what I will be doing the rest of my life? How come I cannot just do what every one else is doing? WHY ME? booohoooooboooohooooooooo and then the question, "Can you stand the test"? Job was man of whom God tested. The beginning of the chapter describes Job as blameless and upright, he feared God and shunned evil. At first Job seems to have it all together. He was wealthy. He had a great family and many servants and indeed he did have it all together. Until one day. Satan is sitting in counsel with God (along with the angels). God ask Satan, "what have you been doing"? Satan replies, "just roaming around the earth checking things out". God asks Satan, "Well, have you considered my servant Job"? God actually draws Satan's attention toward Job. Can you believe that? We must consider the fact that this is GOD! The almighty! The creator and sustain er of the Universe. Yet, Job gets God's attention enough that He is bragging about Job above a billion, trillion, ca zillion other people and things that he has created. God tells Satan, "there is no one on earth like him". Oh to get Gods attention in that way (Awesome). Way to go Job!

Now, Satan then tells God, "no wonder he is in such good shape, your (God) hand is upon him and no one can touch him. Move you hand from him and watch his attitude change". The thing here is that Satan had to get God's permission to even go near Job. Satan can only do what God allows him to do. Satan then attacks Jobs children, flocks, servants, land, etc. Destroying it all. When Job gets the news that he has lost everything but his life and his wife he tore his robe and shaved his head and then he fell to the ground and worshipped God. Most of us at hearing news like this do just what I have been doing. "Why God, why me? "Why did this happen to me"? Not Job he fell to the ground and worshipped God. To make a long story short. Job then was attacked physically. He wife even give up and tells him to "just curse God and die". Not Job, He withstands the test. He remains faithful.

The end of the story: Job gets it all back double what he had.

The moral of the story: Job survived the test. Regardless of how much he lost. How long he suffered। He still trusted God! When life seems to be turning up side down, Can you stand tहे test?

Calgon take me away!

Have you ever had one of those days? I mean you really can't explain how you feel the way you feel or why you feel the way you feel. Does anyone know what I mean? It all started this morning just getting out of bed. You want the morning to take its time and allow you to take your time. Do the things you need to do in order to survive the upcoming day. Drink a cup of coffee, nice and slow. Talk to the Lord. Read the Word and meditate upon it. Ha! Not a chance.

After talking with two of my daughters (yes, Scott and I do have a family of our own) I could tell the world had hit them hard today also. Whitney was sweating over the possibility that one of the classes she needed to graduate this semester was full and her advisor had messed things up for her. She was also sweating the fact that this was her last semester and beginning in May she and her husband and son would be leaving college life behind to live the new "we are all grown up" and "have to get real jobs and pay real rent" life. Kendra was moving yet again. She and her husband have had the hardest time deciding where they want to live. So once again they are spending their "day off" packing, lifting and moving. They stopped by the mission tired and frustrated and I knew she was not having a good day. Why do some days just come at us so hard? As for me, I could not give you a real explanation to why I was having my "no good rotten, I guess I'll go eat worms" day. I just was.

The mission had its typical ups and downs. Tanya spent the day inventorying all our movies and most of the books in the library. That was a real blessing. She told me yesterday when I blogged to make sure I stated that without her I could not make it and that she just made my day and that she was the best thing that ever happened to us. Yesterday maybe not so true. After all she did today, YES! I am so glad that I actually know where a book goes and if a movie is missing and who has it. I wanted to do this, but I did not have the time. A big shout out to Tanya. THANKS
You would think all that would make me feel great, BUT, it has been a real hard day. It has been one of those days you question your call from the Lord. You begin to wonder if pouring your heart and life out to these women really matters? You are just tired of sharing your life and home with others. The women who end up here are very hurt and have built a huge wall of defense around them. This is how they survive. Many of them come here from years of drug addiction, abuse, neglect and rejection. Have you ever started your day with someone who not only stopped using their drug of choice but have also stopped smoking cold turkey? Not a pretty sight! By the way, I do believe smoking is just as serious of an addiction as any other drug out there. Add to that a daily schedule. When you have spent years chasing a drug or running from life a schedule is not something you are familiar with. That means cooking, cleaning, attending classes and groups. All the things they avoided in their past life. It is not an easy assignment. If not for the strength of the Lord, I could not do this. I have to remember to bear the fruit of the spirit(love, joy, faith, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, meekness and self control). That is a tough list when everything is coming at you all at once. That is an impossible list without the Lord! I know you would say I am just complaining but that's okay. I am just "letting go and letting God". Life's troubles are not always solved with a bubble bath but if they where I would be shouting, "Calgon Take me away!" so instead I blog.......................

Honest is always the best policy

It has been several days since my last blog. It has not been as easy as I thought to sit down and keep up with the day to day blogging even though it is very therapeutic to vent. We are slowly but surely getting back into the swing of things around here at the mission. Today was the first chapel service for the new girls. I think it went well. Scott preached out of I Sam 17. It was a great message. The girls watched the movie "Facing the Giants" last night for movie time (I love that movie). Scott followed up with how we must face our giants with the example of David and Goliath. We were able to openly share before the preaching what some of our giants were. We heard many different things, (fear, addiction, pride, finances, depression, legal issues, relationships) to name a few. I love the fact that we are in a fellowship were we can share with each other honestly.

Honesty, this is something we seem to avoid in our churches today. It seems we find it easier to put on our masks and "fake it" rather than just being real to each other. Honesty is something we really try to get the girls here at the mission to practice. At first it can be a little scary as they begin to open up and share thier "giants". Many of them have faced things that we often read about or see in movies but never really knew someone who personally experienced it. We must allow them the opportunity to share openly and to have a heart of compassion as we listen. The most dangerous thing that could ever happen is for us to judge them for where they have been and for what they have done. Who are we to judge anyone.? If we could just get past the judging or "the better than though" attitude in our churches then we would see a world of change. Lord, help me not to judge and forgive me for the times I have! Lord knows I have done it too many times, too quickly and way too fast. How's that for honesty?

The lord has been good (as always). This week the rest of the money needed for our new windows came in. Next winter we will not have to cover the windows with plastic to keep the mission warm and the electric bills down. This past month the electric bill was as we say "sky high". Thank God, we had enough to pay for it and all the rest of the bills. Again, God is good! The food has been good this week. Our last provided meal ends tomorrow evening. It sure has been nice not to worry with the menu and teaching the girls how to cook thier own meals during this first week. Honestly, I think the kitchen is one of the hardest things to get into working order for a new session.

Well, its late and I have to do a little reading before bed. I have to be honest. I have been trying to finish this book for a couple of months. I need to get it done. As long as we are being honest............I ate too much today!

The Calm after the Storm...

Today has been very busy yet rather calm. It seems we deserved a calm day after all the commotion yesterday. The four girls left are settling into their new rooms and the routine of things around here. L took them on a walk to the old cabin on the hill and the crosses at the top of the hill. We came up with the idea a couple of years ago to reenact the carrying of the cross before Easter Sunday. Scott made a huge cross and we held a special service and then the men from our Friday night group took turns carrying the cross up the hill behind the mission. Once we were there we sung some songs (lead by bobby & Pat) and had prayer and dropped the cross in the ground. It looked so beautiful on the top of hill that I decided we needed to display 3 crosses and a bench for a place of meditation and prayer. One of our past residents took an old piece of wood and printed scripture on it and we mounted it to one of the trees. It is absolutely breathtaking up there. I think the girls enjoyed their walk even though it was chilly outside. So besides the regular classes, phone calls, scheduled meeting, etc., all was rather calm.

I look forward to next week when we will be able to start our regular schedule. It has been challenging to come up with random daily schedules to fit the needs of the mission as we are waiting to fill the beds. If all goes well and It fits into Gods plan, we will have all beds filled next week. I am happy to say that our youngest daughter will be able to come on each Thursday to help out in Art therapy and writing group as part of her credits for college this semester. It should be both interesting and beneficial to have her here.

As this week progresses I can see the need for Scott and I to have more time away. We very seldom get to be alone. We are praying that we can get some type of housing (for us) outside of the mission started or maybe even completed this year . This would open up the apartment we live in for housing for someone to help here at the mission. Lord, let it be!

Today is almost gone and tomorrow is in sight. It could be we are just experiencing the eye of the storm and tomorrow the rest of the stor.........y begins.

Things are changing......

The rain has now turned to snow and the fifties is now the forties and on its way to the 30's. The weather has changed. We started our week with 7 girls and now we have 4. Just as the weather began to change so did things at the mission.

What started out as a typical day turned out to be one tough situation after another. It all began with L. She did not want to get up this morning and J did not get up at all(she has been withdrawing). When Michelle insisted that L get out of bed. She became very irritated and told Michelle she was, "done with it". When I talked with L, it was apparent there was no changing her mind. For the past few days it seems as if L was high. I finally drugged tested her last night and she showed negative. Even though she could not stay awake and had somewhat of a slurred speech. As I talked with her this morning it became apparent to me that she had some major issues. These issues would take a mighty move of the Lord to rescue her or she needed the safety of a medical facility to rescue her from herself and others. I did not feel as I prayed with her that she was open to the move of the Lord, so she called a friend and left.

Now the story begins (as if that was not enough). As she was getting in the car to leave J jumps up from her sick bed (of withdrawal) and heads out the door barefoot and in pajama's and tries to get in the car. Thankfully they would not let her go. We had to terminate her from the program as leaving the facility is grounds for termination. I prayed with her and she actually thanked us for helping her detox. It was hard to let her go. She was begging t stay and said she just wanted to make a phone call. I knew she would run again in a few days but you always hope they will do better, but we knew in our hearts she would not. We gave her money for a bus ticket and lunch. Scott and Bobby dropped her off at the bus station. I hope she made the wise decision to go home and not somewhere else.

This is not the end of the story. The third of the girls, B, gets a phone call from court saying she had to appear before the judge because she had switched rehabs. Her husband calls and says he cannot come and pick her up as he is flooded in from all the rain. We do not take the girls to the courts we just do not have the time or money to transport them. Eventually her son arrives to get her. When she appears in court the Judge sends her back to jail. Meanwhile we have all her clothes and meds here. The funny thing about B, she commented last night she would rather go to jail because she could get a cigarette there. Well, I guess she got her wish. (we are a smoke free facility).

There were 7 and now there are 4. We still have several girls wanting to get here. I feel that even though the 3 were here for only a short time that we did do some good. I do believe that what they heard and experienced here will go with them. God has a way of shaking things and people up just when we need Him too. Things are changing and I believe always for the good. All things work for the good to them who love the lord and are called according to His purpose. Change is not always bad..........

Rain, Rain, Go Away....

It has been raining now for over a week. The ponds out front are running over into the roadway. The mission is running over with emotions of all sorts. Some are angry and frustrated because they cannot have a cigarette. Some are sad because they are without their children. some are happy to be here instead of jail. Some are just happy to be here. Some are just as we say "dog sick" from withdrawal. Me, I am glad the day has slowed down enough to do my daily blog and to read my book.

Really I can't complain. We have had supper provided every evening (which means we did not have to work with the girls in the kitchen). That has been a big relief. The girls do their own cooking so the first few weeks we have to teach some how to cook and also instruct on the basics of the mission kitchen (safety, cleanliness, etc.).

Scott and I were able to minister to a family today. It was really satisfying to be able to share with folks who really are seeking help. Many times here in the mission, the girls just come to escape jail or other situations and do not really want help. It gets tiresome some times to try to convince them to stick with something that is actually going to save their lives. I get frustrated sometimes until I am reminded again of the sacrifice that Jesus gave for us. You really do not read in the Bible of any one who had a cake walk ministry. It takes dedication and passion to do this ministry and without the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, I could not do it.

It seems God is always on time. In any situation or circumstance. Most often we fail to see that as we focus on the "bad". You know, God is there, even in the bad. He does not leave us or wait until it is over. He is right there with us. If we could just see that He is more than ready to walk us through the bad and make it something good for Him and for us. Every girl that God sends our way is again God revealing himself to us. It is not always about what we are doing for them but what God is doing in us. We must learn to praise him anyway. Many times it is just in the nick of time that he does it. What is it? Whatever we need. He is Jehovah Jireh, God our provider. It can be as small as a roll of toilet paper to as big as a mortgage payment. If we are faithful, He is faithful. Well it is getting late and I need to finish reading my book. It is a good one, "Mark's Story" by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins. So I will enjoy the rain and read until I fall asleep.

What a day.......

Today was check-in day at the mission. We now have 7 of the 8 girls that were expected. The girl that was coming from jail did not show up. I guess she either changed her mind or did not get release to come. We kinda expected her not to show as she did not send all the information we require. So, we have one bed still open. Maybe more tomorrow. Sometimes they check in and then check out quickly. One is in bed detoxing. One is struggling with staying put. Detoxing is not easy and being away from home is not easy. The rest are trying to just hang in there. I think we have a good group. Only time will tell. I spent some time praying for them and actually anointed the girl detoxing with oil. I asked her if she would mind and she said to go ahead. They all seem to be open. As I prayed for J, they were very attentive. A few even said they got cold chills. I pray that God will do a miraculous work in her body tonight. That would really boost her faith and the faith of the others.

We had two more calls today about girls who want in so I feel all beds will be filled. Michelle and Tanya did well today. I pray God open their hearts toward this ministry. It is not easy. I finally made into our apartment around 10:00 pm. Michelle and Tanya want to help. They just need more time to learn how to give more of themselves to others. This ministry is one of sacrifice and is not always easy. It was a very busy and draining day but we made through.

I am excited to see what God does in each of the lives of the new girls. I have seen Him do amazing things in others. I am also excited to get to know the families of the new girls. I hope to personally share Jesus with each of them. So many of the girls have major needs. I hope and pray that God opens doors and closes doors as needed for each of them. The children are so precious and I pray that the Mommas to do what they need to do in order to be together again. Many times they have so many hang ups that if God does not step in and do it, then it will not happen. Well another day in the life of a mission and what a day it has been. Good night........

Day of Rest?

Today is Sunday and what is typically to be a day of rest once again has turned out to be a very busy day. We had one of the girls for this session show up hours early. She and her mother were here when we returned from lunch. Sooooooooooo, we spent the afternoon checking her in. Actually I have been in the office all afternoon. It is still exciting to meet the new girls and to finally put a face with all the info we have had for weeks. It is so funny the image we build in our minds of how they look. They always look so different from what you expect.

We are expecting two more girls in by 8:30 pm. L is returning for another session. She did not spend a full session with us last time. It was not a good thing as she did not do very well on her own. We knew she was not ready but what can you do. It is so very hard for them to stay away from the same "old friends" and the same "old places". We knew it would be hard for her and expected drugs to be a strong temptation for her at this. Thank God she has decided to return. J is coming with her from Indiana. It is amazing how girls hear of us so far away (God's in that too). The program will be new to her. She is 24 and the mother of two. She has being using heroin. As a matter of fact, she was high the day she called for her interview. I am sure she has used right up until she left to come here. I am praying that her detox will be easy. We ask for a 72 hour clean, but that does not always happen. It would be so easy to tell her to go away until she detoxed but this may be her only chance. We will take it as it comes and ask God to watch over it all. By this time tomorrow we will have a full house and ready to begin the new session.

I ask myself why God asks certain people to do certain things. How did we end up running a mission that takes care of women with life controlling issues. How do some of us get by doing little of nothing for kingdom while yet others sacrifice everything. I have to remind myself that Jesus paid it all. He sacrificed it all, I have come to understand that being a Christian is about more than just going to church. We have been doing this ministry for almost 4 years now and I have to say it is much more interesting than just going to church. When you open your heart and door to people in need, they will come. We have seen God do some supernatural things here. He has made much out of little. He has turned the water into wine (so to say). I guess the day of rest will really be when we get home (heaven). Meanwhile, we will do what He wants us to do. Go where He wants us to go and help who He wants us to help. The true rest will come in the end. See ya!

Saturday Night's all Right.......

It's Saturday night and it's raining and I just heard thunder. The weather is crazy! We go from snow to Frigid cold to cold rain to 60 and a thunder storm. WOW! Well, anyway. I just finished cleaning around in our apartment. The Office is still a mess. I just do not think we can get everything done that we need too. I suppose this will be my first little test for the new year. Just let it go, Patty. That's hard for me, but, we have church tomorrow and 3 of the first 8 girls are coming in tomorrow evening, so, I will have to let something go.

I am anxious and I am feeling some sense of dread. It is always hard to get a new group of girls into the swing of being clean and starting over. There are so many things they have to stop and for many of them it will be "cold turkey". No cigarettes, very little caffeine and no DRUGS! We will see just how many of them really want a new life. The upcoming week will tell the story. We will hear the same old complaints, "I do not think I can do this or I do not think I want to do this", "I want to go home", I can do this on my own". "I need a cigarette". Trying to get them to stick around long enough to clear their heads and see things more positively is almost impossible. Thank you God that you are a God that makes things possible!


Michelle and Tanya will be here tomorrow evening. I hope all this works out for them and us. I pray that they will stay and help out. We need help desperately. We have had so many of the girls who get clean and want to stay and help. It never seems to work out the way it needs to. They both seem to be very motivated. Let it be, Lord, let it be.

Well, the rain is still coming down. I can hear it beating against the metal roof. It sounds so peaceful. I guess I will enjoy the rest of the evening and try to rest. This is our last Saturday night without a house full new girls. So, I am going to stop and take time to let this Saturday evening soak in. It's all good and it's all right......

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Believe it or not I am still up. It is now 1:00 am and the new year is here. where did this year go? I know you hear that every year, but really, where did it go? It seems just a few months ago we were beginning the new 2008 session with 8 new girls. On Monday, January 5, we will begin our new 2009 session with 8 new girls. Michelle and Tanya are still here. They came in as residents in the 2008 session and now they are helping to get the mission ready for the new session. Both of them will have been here for one year tomorrow.
Wow what a day it has been. We have worked so hard. The clothes closet, art room and supply room have all been moved and reorganized. The Utility room has been rearranged. We swept and mopped all the floors downstairs. The Dormitory has been cleaned. The beds are made and the bathrooms are newly supplied with towels and toiletries. We still need to clean the movie room and front porch. The office is a mess. I guess those will be tomorrow's assignments. We still need to retype the handbook and get the schedule and loads of other paperwork ready before Monday. We need help!!!!!!!!
We are praying that Michelle and Tanya are going to stay this session and help out. We do not have much to offer outside of housing, food, clothes and a small weekly cash allotment for gas and free time. I feel they really want to give back to others and are willing to dig in and work hard here as house missionaries. It is amazing how God can take something that seems so worthless to the world and make something totally new for Him. We still need someone to run the kitchen. Is there anyone out there who would love to volunteer in our kitchen? Someone who loves the lord and would love to spend their days in a beautiful home on 10 acres of out of this world land showing others that Jesus is the answer to any problem they have. We try to live a simple life while showing others the truth of Jesus Christ. To think that Scott and I did everything as volunteers for the first 2 years.
Once again, Pat and Bobby worked all day with us. They are wonderful volunteers who spend every Wed on their day off to help at the mission. We really really appreciate them. We now have a new front door, thanks to Scott and Bobby. We also have four new windows that were donated for the front of the mission thanks to some wonderful people. I am sure Scott and Bobby will have those placed in within the next few weeks.
Well time is slipping away. Remember 2009 is our time! Lets make the best of it. Happy New Year!