I woke up this morning to a refreshed world around me from all the beautiful rain we had last night. Oh, how we so desperately need it to wash away all the dirt and unhealthy things in the air and to replenish our very dry soil and lakes. It may have only been a few inches but we will take it. As I stood in my kitchen looking out into my backyard I noticed how much greener things were and how alive they now looked. I thought maybe this is how God wants me to “clean” my life.
As I said in my last post, I have been praying for His favor on my life journey. I’m at a crossroad in my job where decisions need to be made. Yesterday I took one of those quizzes on FaceBook and it happened to be ‘Which Bible character are you?” I came up being “Ruth”, having loving kindness and promoting the well-being of others. I would like to think that is who I am. Ironically, when I went on my Emmaus walk in 1997, I sat at the table of Ruth and it was there I learned how to “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalms 46:10. For those who know me know I have a hard time staying focused or sitting still with my ADD; or at least that’s what I want to blame it on! See I’ve gotten off track with my original thought.
Back to my original statement about being at a crossroads, I’ve asked for a meeting with my employer about what she thinks the future holds for the ministry. A friend asked me what I wanted from this meeting…I told her clarity. You see, I have a hard time articulating my desires. My prayer is God will give me the right words to say and how to approach her. This morning as I was looking out the back window I prayed to God to give me some hint of a sign and asking for favor. When I got into work, I opened my devotional book, “Jesus Calling” and this is what is says:
“THANK ME IN THE MIDST of the crucible. When things seem all wrong, look for growth opportunities. Especially, look for areas where you need to let go, leaving your cares in My able hands. Do you trust Me to orchestrate your life events as I choose, or are you still trying to make things go according to your will? If you keep trying to carry out your intentions while I am leading you in another direction, you deify your desires.
Be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life. Worship Me by living close to Me, thanking Me in all circumstances.”
WOW!!
As I read that I knew in my heart God is in control. No matter what direction our ministry goes or if it closes all together, God will take care of me and is preparing the way for me. It says in 1 Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Please pray for me.
Blessings,
Sue
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Acceptance...
I’ve never NOT been a part of the church. Since accepting Christ at the age of 12, my life as a Christian has been marked by nuance movements in both forward and wayward directions from God. I have never had a time in my life that I ever believed I was anything but a child of God bound to God through the life-giving gift of Jesus Christ. I have found the grace to know only God and God alone. I am on a journey to reveal God to all who will listen and hear.
For the past few months I’ve known the job I was hired for at Sparrow’s Home would be changing. All but four of the original 14 children have come home from Haiti after three years to their forever families and those four will be here in the next few weeks. So I began to wonder, search and pray God would give me a sign where my journey would lead me.
I have found God does have a sense of humor… He can close a door faster than I can blink an eye and if I don’t get it, He finds a way to get my attention. For example, a few months ago I had applied for a position and everything was going to plan (my plan that is) and I needed to go take a drug test as one of the final hiring steps. So, off I go to do the test. On the way I drank a bottle of water thinking it would be sufficient since I had to drive 45 miles to the chosen clinic. I went in to do the test but couldn’t provide enough to satisfy the technician. I went out into the lobby and drank an additional EIGHT (yes, I said 8) bottles of water over a two hour period getting totally water logged. I thought ok I can do this now but again I was unable to provide enough. Basically, I had failed the drug test. Now keep in mind I’ve never done drugs so I knew I was clean but failed to prove it. As I was leaving the clinic three hours after I arrived for what should have been a quick in and out, I left a voicemail message for the hiring manager about the situation and ask he call me the next day. Mind you when I got home that night I couldn’t stop going to the bathroom which in a way was kinda funny. When he called me, the clinic had already talked to him and told him of the “situation” and he asked me to go back for another test. I did take it again after drinking a huge Sonic Route 44 (cherry limeade of course) and was successful. Once again MY plan was on track so He put another hurdle in my way by having the hiring manager tell me he had made a mistake and the offer was $3,000 less than originally stated. Obviously, that wasn’t going to work and it took me a day or two to realize that yes, God had other plans in mind for me. I could tell you a few more similar stories where He closed a door more quietly but this is one of the funniest ones, now anyway.
As the days have gone by, I’ve researched other non profits, agencies, foundations, etc. but didn’t find anything that really reached out and grabbed me. I received an email from my boss telling me about a workshop in Austin about Safe Families for Children and she asked if I wanted to go. I didn’t have anything else to do so I drove into Austin to see what it was about. I walk in the door and I was approached by a young woman who introduced herself as Alison and she made the comment you look so familiar (how many times have you heard that!), and we chatted trying to figure out where we had met. The workshop started and as she talked she mentioned a couple of things and it hit me where I had met her. She had come up to our booth at Summit VIII at Saddleback Church in California and was asking about our rehoming program, that was 2 years ago. So I blurted that out right in the middle of the talk, nothing shy about me!
While listening to her talk about having just moved from the Houston area to Austin and starting the Safe Families program here, the more intrigued I became about how Safe Families works. I listened, asked questions as did others and a flicker of interest started within me. After the program was over I told her I wanted to take the information home with me and pray about it which I did for several days. The more I learned and prayed about Safe Families the more convinced I was this was what God wanted me to find. All I had to do was “be still and listen and He would show me the way.” I called Alison and asked if we could meet for lunch sometime soon and she said that would be great. In the meantime, she emailed me SFFC’s Community Launch Team description. I looked it over, prayed about it and gave it a great deal of thought. When we met, Alison asked me which of the team positions I thought I might be interest in. Of course when I said the Team Leader that was what she had been hoping for. We talked and I left telling her I would continue to pray about whether this was my path. Well, in the next three days, several “opportunities” were placed in my path where a Safe Family was needed. You see, God knows I have to have things put right in front of me to catch my attention from my own little world. I agreed to go to the SFFC Intensive the day before the start of Summit 2014 in Chicago and would see her there.
Safe Families for Children is a movement of the church to provide temporary loving homes for children whose families are in crisis. SFFC hosts vulnerable children and creates extended family-like support for desperate families through a community of devoted volunteers motivated by compassion to keep children safe and ultimately together with their families. Since its inception 11 years ago, 3,100 families have wrapped around 13,000 children and their parents to rebuild their home. As it says in Psalms 68:6, “God sets the lonely in families…”
I forgot to mention, this is a volunteer position so some creative thinking has been in play in my mind as to how I can incorporate SFFC with my current position and continue supporting all the programs coming into Sparrow's. More on that to follow, so for the moment have a very blessed and wonderful day! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
Blessings,
Sue
For the past few months I’ve known the job I was hired for at Sparrow’s Home would be changing. All but four of the original 14 children have come home from Haiti after three years to their forever families and those four will be here in the next few weeks. So I began to wonder, search and pray God would give me a sign where my journey would lead me.
I have found God does have a sense of humor… He can close a door faster than I can blink an eye and if I don’t get it, He finds a way to get my attention. For example, a few months ago I had applied for a position and everything was going to plan (my plan that is) and I needed to go take a drug test as one of the final hiring steps. So, off I go to do the test. On the way I drank a bottle of water thinking it would be sufficient since I had to drive 45 miles to the chosen clinic. I went in to do the test but couldn’t provide enough to satisfy the technician. I went out into the lobby and drank an additional EIGHT (yes, I said 8) bottles of water over a two hour period getting totally water logged. I thought ok I can do this now but again I was unable to provide enough. Basically, I had failed the drug test. Now keep in mind I’ve never done drugs so I knew I was clean but failed to prove it. As I was leaving the clinic three hours after I arrived for what should have been a quick in and out, I left a voicemail message for the hiring manager about the situation and ask he call me the next day. Mind you when I got home that night I couldn’t stop going to the bathroom which in a way was kinda funny. When he called me, the clinic had already talked to him and told him of the “situation” and he asked me to go back for another test. I did take it again after drinking a huge Sonic Route 44 (cherry limeade of course) and was successful. Once again MY plan was on track so He put another hurdle in my way by having the hiring manager tell me he had made a mistake and the offer was $3,000 less than originally stated. Obviously, that wasn’t going to work and it took me a day or two to realize that yes, God had other plans in mind for me. I could tell you a few more similar stories where He closed a door more quietly but this is one of the funniest ones, now anyway.
As the days have gone by, I’ve researched other non profits, agencies, foundations, etc. but didn’t find anything that really reached out and grabbed me. I received an email from my boss telling me about a workshop in Austin about Safe Families for Children and she asked if I wanted to go. I didn’t have anything else to do so I drove into Austin to see what it was about. I walk in the door and I was approached by a young woman who introduced herself as Alison and she made the comment you look so familiar (how many times have you heard that!), and we chatted trying to figure out where we had met. The workshop started and as she talked she mentioned a couple of things and it hit me where I had met her. She had come up to our booth at Summit VIII at Saddleback Church in California and was asking about our rehoming program, that was 2 years ago. So I blurted that out right in the middle of the talk, nothing shy about me!
While listening to her talk about having just moved from the Houston area to Austin and starting the Safe Families program here, the more intrigued I became about how Safe Families works. I listened, asked questions as did others and a flicker of interest started within me. After the program was over I told her I wanted to take the information home with me and pray about it which I did for several days. The more I learned and prayed about Safe Families the more convinced I was this was what God wanted me to find. All I had to do was “be still and listen and He would show me the way.” I called Alison and asked if we could meet for lunch sometime soon and she said that would be great. In the meantime, she emailed me SFFC’s Community Launch Team description. I looked it over, prayed about it and gave it a great deal of thought. When we met, Alison asked me which of the team positions I thought I might be interest in. Of course when I said the Team Leader that was what she had been hoping for. We talked and I left telling her I would continue to pray about whether this was my path. Well, in the next three days, several “opportunities” were placed in my path where a Safe Family was needed. You see, God knows I have to have things put right in front of me to catch my attention from my own little world. I agreed to go to the SFFC Intensive the day before the start of Summit 2014 in Chicago and would see her there.
Safe Families for Children is a movement of the church to provide temporary loving homes for children whose families are in crisis. SFFC hosts vulnerable children and creates extended family-like support for desperate families through a community of devoted volunteers motivated by compassion to keep children safe and ultimately together with their families. Since its inception 11 years ago, 3,100 families have wrapped around 13,000 children and their parents to rebuild their home. As it says in Psalms 68:6, “God sets the lonely in families…”
I forgot to mention, this is a volunteer position so some creative thinking has been in play in my mind as to how I can incorporate SFFC with my current position and continue supporting all the programs coming into Sparrow's. More on that to follow, so for the moment have a very blessed and wonderful day! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
Blessings,
Sue
Friday, March 21, 2014
J~O~Y - Jesus First, Other Second, You Last.
Well, it’s been a year since I've posted to my blog, not exactly what I promised when I started. But, I have to say was a very interesting year.
When I last left off I was headed to Mar del Plata, Argentina on a 9 day mission trip. Let’s just say it didn't have the spiritual impact and benefit I was looking for. Don’t get me wrong, being in Argentina was amazing and I’m very glad I went. Working at the orphanage and meeting the pastors and children is something I will never forget.
After flying 10 hours over countries such as Caracas, Peru, Paraguay and Chile for a total of 5,470 miles we arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Then we took a six hour bus ride to Batan but on the way we saw the beauty of Buenos Aires’ architecture and seaside ports. Buenos Aires is rated one of the 20 largest cities in the world.
We arrived at the OBRA PENIEL IGLESIA EVANGELICA Orphanage in Batan which is about a 30 minute ride from Mar del Plata. What a welcome it was with excited children surrounding the 37 Christians arriving from Texas. Language was a bit of a problem but communication methods soon became normal. Our team started each day bright and early with a devotional and discussion about previous day’s activities. On the third day there it was obvious some feelings had been stepped on (that’s a lot of people to work together) so that morning’s devotional was given by an Elder from our church. He reminded us why were there, he shared “JOY”, Jesus first, others second and yourself last. It became the mantra for the week.
Most of us stayed at the orphanage which proved to be somewhat of a challenge. There was very limited hot water, as in none in our room so I learned to take freezing cold showers. Oh, did I mention there was no heat either, the temp dropped to 35 – 40 degrees at night.
I traveled all those miles to become a lifelong friend with a woman from my own backyard. Wow!! I worked with her at Sparrows/Gibraltar but there is something about sleeping on the bottom of a bunk bed that will give you a whole different picture of someone. Now, she is one of my closest friends.
One of the funniest things we had to aware of was the toilet paper was always in a “locked” roller OUTSIDE of the toilet stall. So, if you forgot to get it on the way in you were out of luck!! Most of the toilets didn't have seats either, oh well you learn to adjust!
We set up an eye clinic at the orphanage where people waited outside for their turn. We served over 450 individuals and had to turn away many more when we ran out of glasses. The line would start forming early in the morning and last until late afternoon. The joy of someone being able to see properly for the first time was an incredible experience. Members of our team entertained the children with jump ropes, sidewalk chalk and balloons. As they would leave each adult and child would say gracias and give you a hug and kiss on the left cheek. They were so appreciative of our help. As they waited for their vision check, team members brought them the word of God. There were over 250 who committed during this time. Buenos Aires is the birthplace of the current Roman Pontiff, Pope Francis, who was elected while we were there.
One of our reasons for the trip was to present the drama, Heaven’s Gates/Hell’s Flames. The theater we used was built in the 1930’s seating about 1,500 people in its main floor and two tier balconies.
Each night more and more came forward for the altar call. The last night the front area and the stage were packed leaving Ty speechless at one point. Final number was over 3,000 for the 3 show nights. Thousands more watched over the live internet broadcast, 15,000 emails came through Argentina Ministries FaceBook page, 2,250 was the number of people accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Almost all of their names and telephone numbers were captured. It was glorious sight to see.
Of the 700,000 inhabitants in Mar del Plata only 3% are Evangelical Christians. Mar del Plata is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the major fishing ports and the largest seaside resort in Argentina. It is the 7th largest city in the country.
I took this journey hoping God would give me a better picture of where my life is headed but He decided to muddy the waters a little bit. Upon my arrival back home, I went to pick up my dog at my son’s house. We chatted for a few minutes and then he handed me a picture and said here is your new grandchild. It was a sonogram of baby Kerr. To say that I was shocked is an understatement especially since I had never met his girlfriend. But when he looked at me and said I am ready to be a father I knew in my heart God had finally stepped in his life. I asked him how long he had known and he said a month but he hadn't wanted to tell me before my trip that he didn't want to upset me. After I got over the initial shock I panicked, not only was he going to be a father but I was going to be a grandmother. Oh my…. that was a scary thought.
Long story short, beautiful baby Bruce was born on October 4, 2013, 7.5 lbs, 19.5” long. It’s like looking at Kris in the mirror, so amazing. Mom, Krissy, is wonderful and they have a beautiful home in Pflugerville. I am so proud and my heart is full of love and joy for them. If you happen to want to see pictures of this beautiful boy take a look at my FaceBook page! I am truly blessed. God is so good all the time.
A few months after returning from Argentina I went to Summit 9 in Nashville, Tenn. where Christian Alliance for Orphans gathered 2,500+ like-minded individuals who work toward serving God by helping widows and orphans. This was my second summit to attend, the first was in 2012 at Saddleback Church in California with Pastor Rick Warren. It is three days of work sessions teaching mentor-ship, how to start a church orphan ministry, adoptions and fostering, etc. So significant and rewarding knowing you are being led by the Spirit of God.
I forgot to mention during last year we started a foster/adoption training in conjunction with the faith-based initiative of CPS. We trained and licensed three families in the first 8 week class and recently added four others to this group. So many more families are needed to help these children of God in our area. The numbers are staggering just in Burnet County alone. Another church in the area has recently started a class of their own and we are hoping others churches will join in this plight.
Look for my next blog, I hope it won’t take another year…..
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
"It's going to happen sooner than you think."
One of my recent devotionals said, “Get ready. God is saying, “It’s going to happen sooner than you think. I am shifting things in your favor. You’re going to come into acceleration.”
That acceleration has now kicked into high gear for me. I leave in two days for what promises to be an unbelievable opportunity to witness, work and play at an orphanage in Mars Del Plata, Argentina.
Can you just imagine 35 people in these bright yellow t-shirts descending on airports in Austin, Houston and Buenos Aires!
“Growing hope where it is most needed”
Once we arrive at the airport in Buenos Aires (10 hours later), we still have a 5 hour drive to Mars Del Plata where all the fun (and very long days) will begin. Not only will we be working with the children but we will be assisting with construction projects, an eye glass clinic and evangelism teams going out during the day.
At night we will travel into the city to assist with our Heaven’s Gate/Hell’s Flame drama at a local theatre. Austin Kidd, the pastor and missionary at Argentina Ministries has been leading his team to pass out print advertising (flyers, tickets, posters) at local businesses along with radio advertising being broadcast over both local “secular” and Christian radio stations. He did a live radio interview to talk about HGHF with the biggest radio station in the city today!
Argentina is becoming well aware a group of 35 Texans will be in their country for the next eight days spreading the Gospel to all who will listen! We know God wants us to increase believers from 3% that are Evangelical Christians now to unbounded numbers.
I will be posting throughout the week as I continue this amazing journey God has set me on.
Please continue praying for our team and those we come into contact with so that they may know how good God is.
Blessings,
Sue
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
WHAT IF....
WHAT IF… those are two pretty scary words in my head right now especially at 4:30 a.m.
As I prepare for my mission trip I keep wondering…
What if I lose my passport…
What if I miss my connecting 15 hour flight to Argentina...really, 15 hours…
What if I don’t get along with the other 37 people on this mission trip (I only know 4 of those 37 right now)…
What if I can’t eat the food or drink the water… 9 days of instant fasting I guess…
What if I can’t communicate with the 40 orphans we are working with, I certainly don’t know much Spanish ...as in none…
What if I am not able to evangelize the Four Spiritual Laws to those I speak with…
What if the Argentina people don’t understand the true meaning of our presentation of Heaven’s Gates, Hell’s Flames …hey, it’s only a 1,000 seat church…
Now that I just typed all this I really am scared! BUT, I know these are all very superficial fears that God has my back and I should just “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). Kinda hard for me to do as those of you who know me know I can’t sit still or focus for long periods of time.
But I also know that I need to use my gifts to help others. “God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings.” (1 Peter 4:10)
As I look at the band on my wrist I am reminded that “ I am not ashamed of the Gospel.” (Romans 1:16) So please pray with me and the rest of our team as our departure date gets closer and closer!
Blessings,Sue
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Welcome to my blog!
Welcome to my blog, Missions for the Spirit, created to share the journey God has set forth for me. This journey started a little over a year ago bringing me to Sparrow’s Home here in Marble Falls, Texas. As I sit in my office looking out my window watching the deer feeding in the field across the street, I am in awe of the beauty that surrounds me. If my window view is this amazing I can only imagine what God’s view is like watching over all of us.
During this time I have been part of orphans finding their forever families and witnessing their joy as they see and feel what real love and acceptance is for the first time in their lives. I’ve watched a 14 year old give up her newborn to a wonderful Christian family having just been adopted herself from a country far away. And then there is Job, oh my goodness, what a true child of God. Job was brought to the US after the Haiti earthquake in 2010. He may only have one eye and XP (he's allergic to the sun) but he is the joy of our lives. He loves to dance and fist bump anyone anywhere anytime. He too has found his forever family. God is so good and has a plan for each of us. How exciting to see what that plan will be.
In less than a month I leave for Mar Del Plata, Argentina for a nine day mission trip to the Argentina Ministries orphanage. I will be helping with the children’s ministry there sharing the Gospel and the good news of God. Please pray to help us use all our activities for them to know God’s work in the world and our calling to that work. Day by day, minute by minute, opportunity by opportunity, give me the strength and presence of mind to witness. In a city of 700,000 inhabitants only 3% are Evangelical Christians. As it says in Ephesians 4:12 “Why is it that he gives us these special abilities to do certain things best? It is that God’s people will be equipped to do better work for him, building up the church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength and maturity.”
I hope you will follow along with your prayers as I continue to see what God has in store for me!
Many blessings,
Sue
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