Women of Living Water

Christmas in my part of the woods

2006-12-26T07:46:00.000-08:00

Amazing weekend! I seriously don’t think I could have had an more awesome Christmas weekend..... Let me do a breakdown, a glimpse at my heart.

Friday: Had to work :-( My hubby shut down for that day, so he got to play hookie and call me a few times to “remind me” that he didn’t have to work, and I did. ~ Did I ever mention he was a brat? :-) I did get to bless a wonderful woman at work that day though.. My hubby and I had prayed about what to get her, and from the look on her face, and the tearful thanks followed with “you have no idea how much I needed this”, HE was right on it... Again! God is so faithful!
Friday: (night) went shopping......... yeah, not real bright. We got all the men & women from the Libre house’s their Christmas gifts, and some few extras for people that were coming over to spend Christmas with us. Came home and did some prep cooking for the meal on Saturday.

Saturday: We slept in til 8:30...... First time I can remember sleeping in...........well for a LONG time! We drank coffee, sat around for a half hour then began to cook. I have to brag here for a minute. MY MAN CAN COOK!! :-) plus he is downright gorgeous in the kitchen! We made 2 types of chili ~ his famous sweet chili and my new white chili.
We were at the ministry office by 10:30 and at 11:00 toys-for-tots dropped off their packages... we had 29 families gifts stacked in one of the back rooms waiting for pickups at 1:00. This year thru the jail chaplaincy our ministry“adopted” 15 kids and delivered Christmas gifts to the children of inmates. During the tv interview, toys for tots called and asked if there were any other kids that we knew were not being helped. So that’s how we got linked with T4T. What a God send! @ 11:30 was our Christmas banquet for all the volunteers in our ministry which was huge, since we had us and the helpers from JC and T4T there too! It was awesome! God fed the multitudes and had leftovers of course! Everyone was laughing, telling stories, and sharing what God had done in their lives this past year.
At 1 the wives, husbands, grandparents of the inmates started arriving.... I got to do what I love... Talk. :-) While they waited in line, we laughed, talked and got tons of hugs from women who were amazed getting the phone call the night before saying “come pick up Christmas presents for your kids! All free” Some cried, some just smiled... All were told WHO they were from. Tiny gifts from God who sees them in their time of need.
After the gifts were passed out.. And everyone went home, except the men & women in our homes and us.... we delivered 13 huge boxes of food to families in need. The whole bed of Sim’s truck was packed out with bags of apples, potatoes, boxed pizzas, the boxes stacked high, and frozen packages of omelet mix to be baked on Christmas morning. Home after home, we drove around and God put it on our hearts of different families. One, I had been ministering to for a while.... she’s young, has a little one,.... and always seems so embarrassed with how her family acts whenever I come over. Her aunt, grandma (who live downstairs), etc all try to “play the system” and ask for anything and everything to be given to them. She has never asked us for a hand out, never even taken anything that I try to give her but say “oh they need it worse than me.” when they have literally snatched it from my hands. Today I was determined. I knocked on her door and could tell she was surprised and happy to see me on a day I normally am not there. Behind me stood 6 men with arms full. She looked at me, them... and started bawling. She yelled up for her husband and said “Omgosh, hurry get down here, the church people are here and you wont believe what they have!” I grinned as this “standoffish” girl fell into my arms and cried. She hugged me, laughed, and cried more. I told her Merry Christmas and that God wanted to bless her. Her husband looked stunned and like he was about to cry when my husband hugged him and said “Merry Christmas, man! God is good!” The groceries streamed up the stairs and our men & women grinning like crazy. Afterwards, and a few more hugs from the shocked young mom, we left with her still standing in the window of the door waving, a baby on dads shoulders. Our men & women were quiet, happy.. Grateful.... at peace with what God had done in that young family.

You know, those “men & women” I speak of are a lot of X’es... x-gang bangers, x-drug addicts, x- prostitutes, x- pimps, x-dealers, etc.... That day... when I looked at their faces in the van afterwards... when all the boxes were delivered to shocked families........ I saw just what the Blood of Jesus can do in men & women with a past.

Saturday night: (we didn’t get done til almost 7 pm) we went home and kicked back.

Sunday- we went to church. Oh, one family of our jail ministry kids we adopted and delivered presents to last week has yet to miss a service.. They are absolutely the sweetest kids! They barely know me and all three are just loves! The two girls 9 & 5 just squeeze to my side wherever I am sitting and the 8 yr old boy just hugs on me and always is on the other side! The first day I took them to church the little one was on my lap and the two were plastered to both sides of me in the pew. They are so starved for a woman’s love. Sunday, when I picked them up they were standing out on the porch waiting grinning when the big blue van pulled around the corner. Jumping in they piled me with “gifts” little crafts that they had made for me. As I looked the one eyed santa I about cried. Such love these babies have, and pure gifts they give so freely. It breaks my heart knowing that they starve for someone to see worth in them. I of course cherished my gifts, and they beamed at each other and me as my teen sons spoke of the artistic abilities they have. Did I ever tell you how proud I am of my sons? They have an amazing heart of God!

Sunday after church: went seen Rocky movie... was GREAT!

Sunday night went to pastors house... then went home and opened up gifts with our family...the kids got tons of clothes, Me too! :-) my hubby has style too, lol... more so than me! I let him dress me.

CHRISTMAS: we went picked up the men & women from the home, dropped off brownies and juice for the “feed the homeless”~~ our ministry does it on Thanksgiving day, and another local one does it for Christmas... switch off. And went to our house. The guys & gals opened up the gifts... which some of them had a tough time keeping their composure... I never really thought about it til writing this... that it might be because some had never had anything to open before on Christmas or a family to spend it with. Some of these guys & gals come from an upbringing that statistically they should not have survived! We ate tons... kids all came over... parents came over......... we laughed, joked, ate some more..... and had a BLESSED birthday party!
******* I have a nativity scene that I painted... took me two years to finish..... My youngest son (13 yr) was excited about being able to put Jesus in the manger on Christmas day.

The Reason of this Season

2006-12-22T09:27:00.000-08:00

99 things about me

2006-12-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

1. I have no idea why I am doing this
2. I must be bored
3. I have 5 children
4. Girl 23
5 Boy 21
6. Boy 20
7. Boy 15.5 (he likes the .5)
8. Boy 13
9. I am 34
10. Usually get weird looks when I rattle off my kids ages.
11. I look like I am in my 20's
12. No I was not 11 when I had my first baby
13. I was 19
14. I love my step children as if I gave birth to them
15. I always wanted a daughter
16. God gave me one.
17. Later in life.
18. I am married to an AMAZING man
19. He’s a hottie!
20. And a pastor
21. I said “yes” after 3 dates
22. God showed me him in a dream months before meeting him.
23. I didn’t trust men- due to my first marriage
24. God knew
25. My hubby and I run a ministry
26. Changing Lives Now Ministries
27. My favorite part is Adopt-A-Block
28. Street ministry
29. I love the little kids from Block
30. Its hard to leave them in their homes
31. I wish I had a ranch with BIG kitchen table
32. And tons of bedrooms
33. I would take in all the babies I meet from block
34. What’s sad is that the parents wouldn’t let me
35. Mostly because they then couldn’t get the monthly check
36. My heart breaks for my block babies
37. I consider all kids - babies
38. Much to my 15.5 yr old sons horror
39. I love to embarrass my kids
40. :-)
41. I also do stupid little dances in public places
42. Only when no one is looking
43. Except my kids
44. They roll their eyes
45. I sometimes get caught unexpectedly
46. Which I have been recently
47. At church
48. I like doing Pee Wee Herman dance when my son is practicing on worship team
49. Or stupid little “water pump”
50. Water pump~ grab one ankle behind back and your head with the other hand
51. Not pretty
52. Or very coordinated
53. My kids think I am funny
54. Or weird
55. I am a kid magnet
56. Even kids I don’t know
57. I have A LOT of kids who call me mom
58. And make me stuff at church
59. I love my babies
60. My hubby and I are youth pastors
61. I drive the church van
62. My hubby bought us a school bus
63. I will be the bus driver
64. We are going to turn in a form for “pimp our ride”-kids told me about it
65. I think it would be awesome to win
66. The street kids love riding in the van
67. And singing loudly
68. I can not sing
69. Which does not stop me
70. I LOVE Christmas
71. And Christmas music
72. I LOVE JESUS
73. And sharing Him with people
74. He is changing my life
75. I am listening to the “Bible Experience” (New Testament) on my mp4 player
76. He is calling me out of my comfort zone
77. And into Women’s Ministry
78. I never even really liked women
79. I had brothers
80. And sons (til 3 yrs ago)
81. I talk easier with kids
82. God has other plans
83. The first time I preached I had a asthma attack before going up
84. Pictured my self fainting and hitting my head on the microphone
85. I am a very visual person
86. Thankfully, the vision wasn’t a prophecy
87. 54 women out of 107 gave their life to the Lord
88. My son came down with a disease that very day
89. It was HSP-
90. No one knew what that was- internet helped
91. It was to last 3-7 days
92. It lasted 1 yr
93. He was healed
94. Immediately at a Men’s Conference
95. Even scars went away
96. God had told me months before he was healed
97. I did not SEE anything changing
98. I held Him at His word
99. God did what He promised.

More than Rubies Class~

2006-12-15T06:16:00.000-08:00

On Thursdays, we have a "More than Rubies" and "Boys of Valor" class. It started and was suppose to be a class for young women to bring thier kids if needed. But God had other plans. So now we have about 23 street kids in one room.
Around 15 Cedarville College students have stepped up to the plate have taken studing Gods word to a whole new level! Not only thru skits, worship songs, bible studies, help with homework, and more importantly, Hugs and acceptance! Here is a letter from one of our amazing Cedarville students~ her words touched my heart ... If only you knew her, seen how God works thru her....below is also my reponse.. God is so BIG.. I am amazed by Him every day.

Dear Corina,
Thanks so much for this past semester. This my very first semester from
home, first time at college. This ministry has not only helped the
children of Springfield, but also me as well. I loved coming every week
at I could. It was so much fun getting to know the kids that came every
week. I want to say that I can definitely see a difference in some of
the kids since they first started coming. They can come to know how to
love the Lord more, or just learn about Him, through this ministry and
I am glad that I am able to be a part of it.
....................

Dear .......
I feel the same way! I love watching them grow, change, express themselves, learn, and realize hope. On Fri & Sat we are on their turf which is so very different than what they see Thursday. The filth, the screaming, the drinking, abuse, etc. I remember one day a couple years ago, this 3 yr old was sitting out on the steps out front by herself (again- she always was outside alone every time I was on that street) with nothing on but dirty panties... she just sat, watched cars go by, prostitutes walk back & forth in-front of her like they never even saw her, cars stopping buying crack, then peeling out.. This "old soul" in a babies body just sat there with no expression on her face, just watching. My husband and I were doing block and knew the girl "Dominique" whom like I said was 3, her mother & her lived in the "house of prostitutes".
That day God showed me her thru HIS eyes, to REALLY see her... I could see her confusion, her hurt, her hope. How she was "not seen". That day, Sim walked up to her and touched her head, she flinched. I got down and talked to her, which opened her, she grinned, hugged me and I then saw a "little girl". After a while we went on to the next, then next. Across the street God put it on me to turn and look at her. I saw that "old soul" again, watching her world. Her mom came out, Dominique ran up to her to hug her, and her mom smacked her away and started calling her names I wouldn't have even called my dog ~before saved! I watched that love she wanted so badly turn into hollowness, at 3!
After that day, I became determined. I want these babies to KNOW that they are of worth, that there ARE people who love them, will hug them, tell them they are beautiful, smart, and CAN become great women and men of God! But most importantly that there is a God that can be their best friend, their mommy, their daddy, everything that they need.
I love Thursdays, you know.... in the van, I have had girls & boys come up hug me on the neck, and tell me thanks & that they love me. One little girl whom I just started knowing from Rubies, never even seen her except on Thursdays about 5 times.. the other day she got in the van and said, "hey you want to talk to my boyfriend on the phone? I told him you were my God mom" I looked at her grinning at me, happy, so sure of my acceptance of her and my new title in her life.... and was humbled. I never even thought of that phrase before "God mom" and what that really should mean.
You girls are not mothers yet................ but God has made it where you gals are more than likely more of a "motherly" figure to these babies, than what they have ever seen. You are showing them what it's suppose to be about. I keep seeing in my mind one of those old fashion wagon wheels (generational curses) that have been rolling thru their lives and God using us like a solid stick shoving us right in between the spokes ,stopping it. Redirecting that wheel and showing them the truth. My prayer... that they will raise their babies not in what they have seen in "their world" but what they have seen thru HIS word. Break that generational curse of poverty, abuse, neglect and hopelessness! That they will become leaders, teachers, doctors, nurses, mothers, .......... whatever God has planned for them! That years later they will think back and not remember my name but remember the name on my lips every time they seen me.
You my dear girl show God to them like a window to heaven. He is using you in such a mighty way to not only be HIS hands and feet..... but to be His heart and lap for these babies whom He loves. He is so very proud of you. Who you have become, and the woman He is forming you to be. Just like those kids, I look forward to seeing you do great and mighty things in your life.
Love ya girl,
In Christ~
Corina
Have a wonderful Birthday party this Christmas!

Family Journal Article for our Women's Conference

2006-12-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

Women of Living Water Conferences
Changing Lives Now Ministries is excited about our 1st Women’s conference in February,seating over 1,000 women! The theme “A Thirsty Heart for God”, seeing how it’s the weekend before Valentines day, is Friday (night) & Saturday the 9th & 10th.
For years we have been reaching out to the community through different events including Ladies Day Make-over. Where we bring in women, from the streets of Springfield and give them a complete professional make-over. Due to the restraints on time, it is limited to 100 or so women.
But the “fruit” from taking time, talking to the women, sharing the reason we have hope, & loving on the hurting, lost and lonely has encouraged us to fast and pray on how to get these women and even more women to the next level.
Thru the Adopt-A-Block ministry, we have seen a real need for training women on what the Word says a woman should be & WHO she is in Christ. Some women are caught in the
generational curses that are passed down from mother to daughter in child rearing, relationships, being a wife, and a woman. To stop this cycle of “poverty thinking” is to grab this generation, teach them, and instill in them that they are of worth. Other women have all the luxuries in life, yet continue to express that they are “missing something.” Some are just dry and want to be filled again. And some just want a weekend away..

It’s over 1,000 women of all types, ages, races, levels of education, religion, and walks of life coming together under one roof to seek a “refreshing.”

From the moment the women come in there will be one surprise after another, filled with fun, excitement, laughter, food and fellowship! Part of the excitement is from our own local Christian businesses. Whom have provided tons of give-away’s from gift cards to even a weekend getaway! We have an amazing worship team that is coming in for an “out of your seats” worship & praise experience. A dance team that will awe you, anointed speakers, and much- much more!

We are excited to be able to share that, Mandy Holcomb, winner of 2005 Crab Fest in TN and recorded contemporary Christian artist will be our guest singer!

We have been encouraging women all over Springfield and beyond, to invite their daughters, (teens & up), co-workers, saved or unsaved friends, a single mom, sister, neighbors, etc to share in this life changing weekend. Look around your church see, if there is someone who has been slipping away, going through trials or just in need of a woman’s weekend.... And invite them!

Limited seats left! Those thousand seats are filling up fast! ** Reserve your seats today! Call Registration Director; Dee Hale @ (937)390-1013.

Visit our website www.womenoflivingwater.org to register online or find out more details!

Laughter

2006-09-26T05:41:00.000-07:00

One year at Thanksgiving, my mom went to my sister's house for the
traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom decided to play a trick. She told my sister that she needed something from the store. When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen, inserted it into the turkey, and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back in the oven. When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird.
With a look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed, "Patricia, you've
cooked a pregnant bird!" At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry.
It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs!

When I read that, I have to admit I thought... "I would have fallen for that too!"

Set Straight by God~ the word DISCIPLINE

2006-08-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard a word more "Cringing"? As children we remember that word which usually followed with something like "Now this is gonna hurt me a lot more than its gonna hurt you."~~ RIGHT! No wonder that word makes us tighten our butt cheeks up!
You know... I have been in some real prayer about my relationship with God, my husband, ministry, family, work & life in general..... And what He keeps saying is DISCIPLINE~~~~ Not exactly what I wanted to hear. But my "OK, can I have another word please, God" didn't really work. Especially when the next was "Obedience." So with slumped shoulders I do what I always do when God gives me a word. I go to dictionary.com and type it in. Here is what I found:
Discipline:
A.Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.
B.Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training; self-control.
C.Control obtained by enforcing compliance or order.
D.A systematic method to obtain obedience: a military discipline.
E.A state of order based on submission to rules and authority: a teacher who demanded discipline in the classroom.
F.Punishment intended to correct or train.
G.A set of rules or methods, as those regulating the practice of a church or monastic order.
H.A branch of knowledge or teaching.
Corina' version
A. Another words I need some help in my attitude and "pattern of behavior"=responses
B. Self-control pretty much summed it up
C. Get in check with what God is saying, Holy Spirit is teaching
D. Uh-oh ~ probably why Obedience was my second word when I tried the "uh don't like that word God, I would like to buy a vowel.~~ I know, too much wheel a fortune when growing up.
E. There's the submission word
F. If don't listen to A-B-C
G. Get more into the Word-- See what HE says about the word Discipline
H. Prayer......... Holy Spirit as our teacher.......

Curious.. I had to look up
obedience..
1: the act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person
2: the trait of being willing to obey (To carry out or fulfill the command, order, or instruction of.)
3: behavior intended to please your parents

You know...... I want all that... I want to obey, show my respect, have the "trait of being willing to obey" and all that it means... Number 3 really hit me.... I want my behavior to please my Father in Heaven.....

So this month I am pursuing Discipline.
I will have to post my notes from last months Word from God in my life...

Tis not working

2006-08-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

some reason the last post did not go on

Time

2006-08-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

Ahh, back in blog land...
It seems my time to do all that I mean to do, just disappears. My life is busy, fun and exciting. Some would think stressful, overworked, and hair pulling... But me, I see it as holding on tightly screaming in joy as my rollercoaster rounds another bend in life. I have always been one who laughs on things that makes others scream. Even if my heart is pounding out of my chest, my breath is short, and the lingering stomach ache hits...I still see things as "here we go".
My job I am in training doing something that I never really thought I would do, still doing my "job" part of the week (being creative in cramming 5 days of work into 2), the ministry is booming. We have "More than Rubies" Thursday night classes for women from the streets, partnering with a local Christian college. And planning for our HUGE Women's Advance .......... NOT saying Women's retreat- my handsome hubby once made a remark "women retreat, men advance."
Anyway... Feb 9 & 10th we are having our "Women of Living Water Advance"
~A thirsty Heart for God~
Pray for the planning, the reservations, and the message that is on our speakers hearts to share with hundreds of women who do not know the Lord!
~Praise oh Praise~ Report
My dear friend Mandy Holcomb (bratty adopted little sister)~ not technically but my momma pretty much adopted her.........
Her CD "Don't Wanna Go" just came out and is on sale! She is amazing.. you can hear her love for the Lord in her voice.. Makes you feel like you are peeking in on something personal, sacred between her and her Savior. Like I said, amazing! A must buy!! ~Plus she has a new blog! www.mandyholcomb.blogspot.com
Did I tell you that she will be incharge of the Advance's worship? We are blessed to have booked her in advance.. hehe I know bad pun. You can book her thru soar2him@yahoo.com
Well off to the next big hill on this rollercoaster! Don't you just love it when God is moving and a shakin so much that you need to just grip on to his coat and hold on!
"Send me, Oh Lord!"

Weekend Mystery.............

2006-03-31T07:51:00.000-08:00

30 Books

Can you find thrity (30) books of the Bible in this paragraph?
Actually , there are 31 If you can find the variant of one Old Testament prophet’s name.

There are 30 books of the Bible in this paragraph. Can you
find them? This ia a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by
a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los
Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed
it so much, he passed it on to some friends. One friend from
Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat.
Another friend studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine
Taylor, a columnist friend, was sointrigued by it she mentioned
it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job
of solving this puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea to
help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy
to spot. That’s a fact. Some people, however, will soon find
themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not
necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answeres we get, we are
forced to admit it usually takes a minister or a scholar to see
some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in
our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing
the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event,
which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth
set a new record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over
200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the most
difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it,
“The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight.”
Those able to find all of them will hear great lamenations from
those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that
books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers.
Also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle
are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well
against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is
no need for a mad exodus; there really are 30 books of the Bible
lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found. God
Bless!

Walking on Water??

2006-03-22T13:49:00.000-08:00

God is sooooo Good! Saturday, I stood on in the bed of our truck looking out over a see of faces.... hungry faces.......I was blown away. ~~ Little history~~ About 6 months ago we had a church contact us.. Saying "we have a problem..... our congregation is too rich." My hubby being the honest man he is said "Wish we had that kind of problem!" and laughed. This outreach pastor for the "too rich" church went on to explain how his kids were hungry to really "do something". They had sheds full of tools(spiritual).. All sharp, new and ready to use.. From all the discipleship classes, the missions training... and the studies on being "Christ’s hands and feet.".... Yet it seemed that the parents in this "too rich" church....wanted the sheds full, but locked so they couldn’t really be used. He went on to explain that something was changing in that church.... and over 200 kids, Jr High and High School’ers were given permission to put all that they have learned to work!---- So a few months later after some major planning...Phase 1: "too rich" came down and became homeless for a long weekend.... They had to trade in their clothing and was given some from 2nd hand store.. They slept in cardboard boxes with blankets outside (privacy fenced in... but still it was in the heart of the city and the sounds are scary enough!) The next day they had to "find food"... On our office porch was a bag of cheetos with a note "Moms done cashed in the food stamps for crack... this is all that’s left in the cabinet for you and your baby brothers... Have a good breakfast before school" They had to "look" for a place to go to the bathroom, to find food, to stash their stuff so some other homeless person didn’t take it, or carry it with them... they went on block (Saturday~Adopt A Block)with us.. hearing the stories of each house seeing a whole different side of what some kids wake up to every morning... They were so thankful, humbled, and in LOVE with the calling God had placed in their young hearts.. That following Sunday.~~~~
Anyway.... This weekend I stood there, with our Ministry building that God gave us behind me- abandon for years, neglected, vandalized, and old..........Before me stood life... young, "too rich", fresh, on fire, eager and hungry to experience God in His most magnificent..... loving on those who are lost. The sea of over 300 faces looked up at us as my husband spoke... The crowd practically hummed in anticipation... The teams were separated.. Group leaders assigned, and ½ sent to the street to do Block and trash pickup, for the morning.... then to switch to clean out the
old Church building.... All day, I watched young and old come out... get dirty and work... we had
girls in "cute"stylish little out fits, heels, and perfect hair.... scraping gunk off the basement floor with shovels, smiling the whole time....... boys with varsity jackets on hugging little filthy kids from the streets with sadness in their eyes having never seen children who walk around in a daze while their moms yelling and drinking, their dads gone and dogs scrounging around for food just as hard as they do. A reality was found that day of hard work, of love...... Groups after groups of kids.... parents...... teachers..... came forward and said "I never knew." I saw that same fire, that same determination in them that I felt that first day I got a glimpse of what being "Gods hands and Feet" was really about... How some days I walk away and wonder... who got blessed more? Them or me?.... One girl that hit me, humbled me and showed me how I needed to grow was the girl in the wheelchair.... she was from a "well to do" family...... had the coolest wheelchair I had ever seen... great clothes, and in her eyes I saw something that was amazing... She had Christ all over her! Here she was, in the cold, hour and half away from home, and picking up trash from the street with a smile on her face. In the church she worked, scraped, carried, did everything she could possibly do and more... She served. I thought about how many times I thought, I don’t have time, I have my family to look out for, I need to do this... or that.... what can "I possibly do?"....Yet here this teenager... gave it all! Talk about coming out of their comfort zones! Gods gonna bless that! I don’t ever want it to become "Oh, I always do that– I do street ministry every week.. Feed the hungry.. Yada- yada....." Nope... I want to keep pushing.... keep stepping out of that comfort zone.. Go to the next level... Walk on water.

The Power of Faith!

2006-03-17T05:43:00.000-08:00

As some know.. I went to Georgia this past weekend– Man did I see God move! We went down to talk to the woman running a women’s home that my brother-in-law opened. He is the pastor at Living Faith Tabernacle in Atlanta Georgia .. One of those mega churches that is just amazing! Anyway.. While we were there, they took us out to eat at the Sun Dial which is a revolving restaurant on the 72nd floor that overlooks Atlanta. Driving up... I saw this huge towering building of all glass.... with this little glass tube looking thing running up the entire side... my stomach dropped. OK– first let me tell you a little secret... I am scared of heights (won’t even go on the stupid Eiffel tower at Kings Island) and am claustrophobic. I can handle both to an extent... I had prayed about the height thing when they all mentioned it... and thought.. "Ok, I can do this... no one has to know that I am about to freak out, my stomach feels like a knot and I my palms are sweaty... Just be cool Corina" The whole pep talk I gave my self and prayers about heights changed when I realized that the tubie thing was a elevator- Glass one at that! Now see....that changes things! Big time! Closed in places.. Yeah, can handle as long as I don’t think about getting stuck between floors, others breathing my air, that kind of things... but OH my goodness... the flashes of getting stuck between floors hanging out along a side of some stupid tower in a glass tube?................ Prayers changed. You know... God thankfully knows the condition of our heart and loves that child like faith because, boy was I childlike in my "OH, Daddy... please don’t make me go up in that thing!!" prayers. As we pulled closer, parked the car.... my hubby looked at me funny... I guess trying to figure out why I looked like I was about to flee. His "you ok? Gonna be alright there Gracie?"was challenge enough for me to straighten my trembling shoulders, and march in with the rest of those crazy people who thought riding up glass tubes, dangling over NOTHING was fun! I bit my lips to keep from praying out loud..
The desk said, "I am sorry Sir, this elevator seems to be acting up... It has been taking about 15 minutes. But it is on its way." I looked around at the loony people who grinned and WAITED! Don’t they know, that was NOT a good sign? A 15 minute elevator ride?
Again prayers went up.. Finally impatience won.. The didn’t want to wait any longer so we went up the middle of the building elevator... I didn’t even mind when the doors closed and the numbers grew higher and higher, I was too busy praising the Lord! The meal was wonderful.. The view breath taking (a little too breath taking for my taste).. I was afraid I would get dizzy doing the revolving, eating, trying to quetch the stupid thoughts of planes, helicopter, and tornados as we towered 72 stories above the city. Finally we were done. I was ready! The inner elevator called my name.....But no, they wanted to get the "full view" so they climbed another level of stairs .. The floor looked like some flower shape.. As it balcony off in multiple directions.......... Not only were we now 73 stories above the wonderful Earth God made us to be on, but dangling over the restaurant below on some stupid balcony! The "oohs and awes" lured me from my nice safe wall where I pretended to read some boring history thing on some war or something.... over to the balcony... looking over (about 6 inches from the glass) the side of this tower, I about fainted! Saying the "oh, nice" I bolted back over to my "interesting history wall" My eyes hungrily ate over every word, doing the whole "Oh, this is so neat.. I never knew this."
Making our way around this circle, there it was.......... the tube elevator....... a couple stood waiting. I blurted out, "Gotta go to the bathroom, Mom didn’t you say you needed to go?" I grabbed my mother-in-law by the arm and walked towards the bathroom. I thought.. Ok, she walks slow, and if I calculate it just right, the elevator will come and go as soon as I get back.. They will not be able to handle waiting 15 minutes for the crazy elevator to come back! On the way back I could not believe it.... they still waited! It never showed up yet! The doors opened just as I walked out onto the scary narrow balcony that stretched from the middle wall to the glass tube! With defeat in my shoulders, I prayed "Oh, God, please don’t let me freak out, faint, or start screaming" Once I stepped on, they pressed the ground floor button, and nothing happened... I started praying more! "Lord, please don’t let this thing work!" I prayed, and they pushed, hitting each one, then door close button. They checked the sensor, no one stood in front of it.... they couldn’t figure out what was wrong. My brother-in-law was leaning around me hitting that button over and over... I grinned and said, "Our God is good!" He just hit the close button again............. Finally everyone had enough, and our group stepped off.... directly behind us, the doors shut and elevator went down. Everyone just stared at me in disbelief, as I beamed and said, "see my God is soooooo Good!" They all pouted as we rode down the inner elevator, talking about how I prayed them out of a good view. Me, I was thrilled. Not only did He hear this one daughters pleas, but He answered them in such a way that was unmistakably all about God!

Who needs Luck?

2006-03-01T11:36:00.000-08:00

I was trying to think of how to decorate my little office tree for this season... Figured I should take the cute little valentine look off of it by now :-)
So here is what I came up with.....

Of course I had to do some digging before putting something up.. At work I have that separation of church and state... But hey if they can use my God's name in vain.. Then I can use my God's name too!! So "a witnessing I will go!" Anyway what I found out intrigued me.... St. Patrick is revered by Catholics for establishing Christianity in Irelad during the 5th century AD. It seems he was a teenager when he was captured and sold into slavery in Ireland, 6 yrs later he escaped to France where he later became a monk. Around 432 he returned to Ireland as a missionary and succeeded in converting many of the islands tribes to Christianity. What I thought was really cool, which had me cutting little shamrock, was the folk lore that he used shamrock to teach about the holy trinity!! Too cool! I think I will write trinity on all my little cutouts... Should get some inquiry as why that word is on there as people come in and out of my office. Hmmmmmmm my holiday tree can be used as another witnessing tool....
Oh, check out my little card.... It says "Who needs luck? When you can have faith that overflows!"

Live a life of laughter??

2006-02-28T07:22:00.000-08:00

I wear many hats. I am a business woman, a Women's Ministry leader, a Mother, a Wife, a daughter,a part of a Youth Ministry, a event-coordinator for Adopt A Block, a "dear abby" friend, and my "day job". I always have to giggle whenever someone who knows me in one of these hats that I wear, realizes or is told, I wear a totally different hat at other times in the day. I have heard "how do you balance it all?" Today I thought about it. I am dealing with a secretary that won't work, a volunteer that is saying things that goes against what I believe, a child that is being selfish, a husband that I am worrying about because he does too much, a mother that feels like she doesn't get enough of my time, a x-prostitute in our ministry that needs watched like a hawk, a group of teen girls that think church is a dating game- regardless of the "woo to you if you cause another to stumble", and some of the disturbing & evil things I have to hear and see, at work. My answer.... WORSHIP~ lots of Prayer ~ and Laughter.
Worship~ easy-- I love the Lord, and have a worshipers heart. It takes everything I have not to bust out in dance at church sometimes. That's my fault though.. My deep down shyness keeps me barely contained. I close my eyes, towards the ceiling and can see Gods throne.. I can almost see His feet. I can feel his pleasure, His love for this child whose heart dances before Him in unashamed love. God has put dances in my head, I can see them when I hear music.. For our churches first Women confrence, He has put it on my heart that I am to do worship dance to a song He has pasted in my heart months ago... I saw the whole thing... and if anyone has ever read my corinasworkout.. you would know why the thought of me doing this is SO NOT ME!
Prayer~ a little harder... I love to pray.. But feel like I sometimes repeat myself too much. I have come to the area in prayer, where I just talk to Him like He is sitting in the seat next to me. I have been praying in the mornings on the way to work, 45 minutes. It is a set out part of the day, the first 10%. Sometimes I realize that I have gone 10 minutes in a daze without speaking a word.. But I don't turn on my Christian books on tapes. (something I use to love to do on the way to and from work) God put it on my heart that it was becoming more of a "hooked on thing" so in a putting my flesh under control..I now pray during the morning ride. Sometimes it is quiet.. Peaceful. Sometimes it is I am sure causing others to stare. But one thing I have noticed... It has been moving some mountains!
Laughter~ Ahhhh... I love to laugh. To look for the "funny side" of every situation. I might not be able to see it at the moment... But when I look back, I sure do laugh a lot. Some people I have noticed, laugh at the expense of others.. That whole "its funny to me, regardless of if you are being hurt in the process". Me, I just look at the possibilities and have that outlook of "hey why not be joyful?" My kids say its the "National Lampoon" thing that happens to our family, but when I think back at some really bad times when the boys were little... I am glad that the laughter was always there. It wasn't fun or funny back all those years ago,when I would cry out to the Lord (even before I served Him)"please feed my babies tomorrow" because there wasn't enough left.. When my heart was breaking because my marriage was falling apart.. The drinking, anger and distance that filled my house... The quietness afterwards, the scary "Can I do this alone?" before realizing that I WASN'T alone....
If anyone asked my kids about those times, they would say, "yeah I remember eating Mac and cheese almost every night there for a while.... But we always had fun." The boys and I would spend hours laughing, playing, and making it. After the call on my heart got so strong I couldn't take it.... We found laughter in Church, in our new friendships and in our new walk of life. All these years later.. My kids are older, my finances are better, my life is more peaceful, and the laughter remained.
Today I have all those above "daily" battles, I have these blogs to journal my life, the books on tapes to further my mind, the workout to get this body fit, the relationships that grows my heart and patience, the "sights I see & hear" to always keep me running to God for guidance, but most importantly.... The JOY I feel every day knowing that I am a Child of a King, a sheep that needs herded, a woman who loves her God, her husband, her children, and all those whom our God loves.
Besides.... I figure God has a great sense of humor... I heard a pastor say once... ***You know, we think we are soooooooo smart.. Think of our brain compared to Gods.... Its like a speck on a countertops... You know He is sitting up there grinning and pointing down at us, after we puff ourselves up after doing something good.... "Ahhhh look at him.... So-& So is a dumb little thing, but he sure is cute!"
Laugh Hard,
Love Deep, &
Live for the Lord

Witnessing

2006-02-27T08:38:00.000-08:00

You know.. I think of witnessing, as "telling people" about my faith, my God, my hope..... But Friday I really had a eye opener.... A woman at my work (no Christian- who actually refuses to hear about God~from what I hear from other Christians at work) came up to me and asked me a question. She told me that she was going to ww and that I really "inspired her". I know I had to look like a 2x4 hit me on the head! I stood there and babbled "what?" She laughed and said I read your workout blog everyday and it has inspired me to start getting in shape. First, I had NO idea she even knew about my blog! I had sent it out only to a few friends at work. I guess they passed it on. I never really thought much about it. To me its just a journal with God and with whoever wants to peek into this gal's mind as she struggles and overcomes with life,fitness and developing a deeper relationship with Christ. It holds me accountable, helps me jot out my constant stories in my head, and the sometimes weird outlook on daily happenings. ~~But God using it? Never really thought about it... Not that blog.
She went on to say that I make her laugh, get her pumped up and made her decide to get fit. I could do nothing but just stare... I thought.. "I could careless if you loose weight.... But Girl I would LOVE to see you jump on that spiritually fit workout!" After she left.. I was so excited. The thought that God could use this chubby gal who has no coordination, and weird sense of humor to lead non-believers closer to YOU........ By blogging my often mishaps in attempting to workout?? I wanted to do jumping jacks! I resisted.. Figuring the co-workers would fill out that pink slip for mental health on me. I went to my office grinned like a fool and did a little happy dance when no one was looking. Now I am more determined than ever to keep that blog going.... To keep being honest (regardless how embarrassing) and keep Praising the Lord!
So if anyone pops on here and I don't have a new post.. You could always check on the and find me fighting the good fight of Faith! Please continue to pray for this.... For this woman who reads,and the others who may not know HIM!
In Christ~
Corina

My morning battle with the automated phone system

2006-02-24T06:37:00.000-08:00

We were given a business in June... Well, I thought he was changing the vendor number and he thought I was.... We just realized that neither one has done it. I had attempted to a while ago and was told that he would have to since it was in his name.. I told him that. Which goes back to the thinking he was changing it. My husband called and said "Can you take care of this?" I thought sure, shouldn't be that big of a deal.... FIRST mistake...
Here is my email back to my husband after the ALL morning mission... My gripe.......

OK-
Called *previous owner* He was a little mouthy, and explained how he didn't have time to mess with this.... I guess he figures I have ALL the time in the world to do this that should have been done months ago.... Ah, yeah.... Its HIS number, name and tax amounts coming to HIM... You would think he would make time to get the tax stuff out of his name...
Anyway.. I called....
Sec of State-(who *previous owner* said handled vendor numbers, and basically thought I was a idiot when I said County handled it)- They said "We have nothing to do with it"~~The ONLY thing we need to file with them is 521 State Agent Update (in Corina terms~~ a new address label for them to mail us their junk mail) I will download it from website and fill it out. They said "call the county" ~~~ Guess blonde girl isn't as dumb as he thinks!

County Auditor~ can not transfer old vendor number to us.. But can get our own and PRE date it to June 1st no problemo~~ Leslie ~xxx-xxxx She said that depending on what it is.. , LLC, Inc, Corp, ex... Depends on what to bring in. She started to rattle every thing off but my ears/mind/pen refused to work as fast as she was saying for each category.. So I figure, you tell me which it is and I will call back to get just that list.

IRS--- (can you say........... OMGOSH they have all this money and can't afford to have LIVE people answer the phones?) After being transferred a billion times "press 1, say 2, press 8 to repeat" then comes to the end of this tunnel to Call 1-800-xxx-xxxx for businesses. So, the now twitching me calls... Only to go thru the same number punching game.. I have learned if you are not fast enough, you hear "Your choice could not be processed.. Good Bye." then dial tone. So my morning exercise was jumping towards the phone number keys hoping my ears/mind/fingers were all on the same wave length.-- You know me... So there was a lot of "Crap! I am gonna choke someone if I ever do talk to someone who is breathing!" When I did Finally get a actual person.... I am so thrilled that I can't speak. On the 3rd hello, I gush out... "Oh thank you." Which probably made her wonder who she plucked from the circling black hole vortex of a phone system they have. After 2 seconds of talking to her, telling her my dilemma.... I begin to think that the machine had more personality. I am told (thru nasal)"you can not have this information"... "I must speak to the actual owner"... soooooooooooooo, anotherwords I had a twenty minute finger pressing workout for nothing! I asked for the direct line to her, which she guarded as highly as her stupid info "she could not give me".. I believe she use to be a worker for the Pentagon. Instead I heard "just click thru the options" I had to ask.... "Do you know which numbers to push"....... She of course said, "No, I never listen to it" Lucky her... And I told her so.
*Previous owners* office- OF course I did not get to speak to him... Talked to his receptionist who typed in my, I am sure not so friendly message that "He needs to take care of it, they won't talk to me.... STILL" He however I believe should replace the above secretary.... He never missed a beat and remained friendly. I apologized and gave him the LAST number the IRS transferred me to, and which department to hope to hear in the 23 hundred options...

You know........... a little part of me has to grin knowing that when *previous owner* calls that number.... he too will be sucked into the spiraling, mind boggling,finger cramping madness. I shouldn't feel that way.............. But :-) Have fun buddy!

Well my dear... That was as far as I could go with it... Hopefully by the time you see me tonight, the trets moments have passed and I won't have any lingering nightmares.

your loving wife,
me

Pleasures

2006-02-14T06:35:00.000-08:00

Today as I was writing in my workout blog... I was talking about my giving into temptation... Of M&M's... You know what was so funny?? I was thrilled, excited, in luxury... By something that I had always just bought before without thinking about it. Before God put fitness onto my heart... I would think nothing of going out, buying a big bag of M&M's and eating as many as I want.... I enjoyed them, craved them, but never really felt any relief in the eating of that craving. Today.. I still crave them.. somedays more than others... But they are worth more now. The same item, same price(money), same easiness to purchase, and same flavor.... Yet they are worth much more now.
When I was walking out of the store, I thought of the times when I was growing up and didn't have any money. I thought of the excitement, thrill, sense of adventure I felt in my little heart as I peddled my bike to the store on the otherside of our plat. 1st we were never allowed to go that far, 2nd we never HAD money to buy anything, 3rd we was never bought candy. I remember whenever we DID earn a dollar by cleaning a yard, babysitting, whatever.. And if by some fluke mom would say, OK to us ridding our bike to the store to use that earned money. I remember the feel of wind in my hair, the grins on mine and my brothers faces (only time I can remember not arguing the fact he was made to go with me), the money safely tucked into our pockets, the lists of what we could get in our heads and the freedom we felt. I remember the careful selection of candies, checking prices, wanting the most for our money. OH, and the feel of the curb under our butts as we sat on the side of the parking lot ripping into our treasure. We never made it out of the parking lot before we "took a break". It was glorious. Yesterday... I had a step back in time. I never made it out of the parking lot... I sat (in a car this time) with the open bag in my hand, and took time out of a busy day to enjoy.
Its not something I couldn't do everyday ----if I choose............ But its better, I have come to realize, this way..... Gods way. With rules, with limitations, with guidance, with surrender, with obedience, with doing HIS will. Something as simple as a 79 cent bag of candy, taught me something. Simple Pleasures. I can not remember a single other bag of candy I have had since being and adult, able to drive to the store whenever I wanted.... (Remember saying that as a kid? When I grow up I will buy candy ALL the time, have cupboards full of them~ my son said it the otherday) I never enjoyed, took the time to really appreciate the small gift... til yesterday...
Maybe that was what God was trying to get thru this thick head... Spoiled heart...And calloused tasted buds..... By structure, by living how HE wants me to live... Its not what you can't have... Its what it means to feel childlike again... Maybe that is why He emphasizes so much in "come to me like a child"..... I felt freedom, love, peace, joy, excitement, adventure, pleasure, & fulfillment.

Today-- Amelia (women's home) and I were talking about a vision God had given me the other day... I saw a man in humble clothing holding a hand of a child, walking along a beach.... I knew the man was God and the boy was Sim. I scribbled down in my journal what God was speaking to my heart.. How Sim walks with God. Now see, I was like "I know that God." But a part of me was thinking... But God, he does things that I know are needing changed. So how can he be so close to you? Of course He straighten me out... Saying its not for you to say, think, or try to "fix". He and I walk together... I am taking this time in our walks to correct him. God then went on to say,,, "just like I walk with you, walk with others.... Its personal.. Between me and them... My time to correct..To enjoy.. To be their Father." I saw this boy run off, grab a sea shell, bring it back grabbing His hand and show it... I could feel the corrective words at his letting go of his hand, yet see how he admired the shell and didn't stop walking with him like was before he let go. I didn't understand the shell... This vision... And told Sim about it that night.

Today.... I listened to Joyce Meyers and how in Ps 86:17 David cried out to the Lord.... "Show me a sign of your goodness.....For you Lord have helped me, comfort me."NIV... She was talking about how it is personal... How it is between us an God.. His love is so agape for us, He choose us, me. She talked about how she loves starbucks coffee, it brings her pleasure... She said she prays this prayer.. Has read everything she could get her hands on about love... She knew He loved her, but never Knew-knew... She went on to talk about how God shows her signs..... How strangers will come up and give her coupons for starbucks coffee.... Now she points out that she could afford to buy them, but God provides her pleasures... Free.
I got thinking about this.... Amelia and I were talking about all of it... And had understanding today....... God wants me to see my walk as personal... He takes time for ME! I too will pray that prayer.. "Show me signs of your goodness Lord" and will add... "Lord please help me to SEE them as signs..Help me be aware of your wonderful love gifts to me. To not take them for granted or overlooked." Just like that M&M pack yesterday... The 1st time simple pleasure in years.... That was a gift from a daddy who loves me. He is my TRUE VALENTINE. ~ and HE gave me a valentine early. Sealed with Love.

Spiritual & Physical workout!

2006-02-10T06:19:00.000-08:00

A peek at "Gracie" getting fit... This is usually what I post (and did) on my corinasworkout blog... But for some reason.. I was led to post it here too... Not sure why..... But here it is.......
Feb 10,2006
This morning my "bright" idea was to do the "Super burn" workout DVD.......After about 3 minutes (once warmup was over) I was thinking that I must have had too much cold medicine again! OMGOSH! I have been working out Mon-Sat for 40 days... I should be able to do one simple exercise thing without problems right? (Do you hear the Rocky music?) I should be lean, mean (well got that part down),exercise machine........... Run steps without panting, jog thru a parking lot without wheezing, jump land bombs that my neighbors dogs leave on my yard, and sing at the top of my lungs while doing it all......... NOT! Instead my arms were trembling making little flabby ripples as I over-n-over lift them above my head.... "8 more people".... My hips that are supposedly "nice and warmed up feeling loose and powerful" are making some strange popping noise as I do the MILLION knee lifts.. Maybe its not so loose and warm because I HAVE A WHOLE LOT MORE for the "warm blood flow" to go thru!! 5:55 this morning I hear "Pump it up walkers! Lift those legs in powerful brisk pace....10 seconds later.. (when I am still trying to figure out if I am as fast as robo girl)she says come on.. Bump it up even more..." My legs are pumping, my arms are looking like some sickly bird flapping, and I resemble some sort of wildly dying chicken as my pony tail up on top of my head flops around until its got a good cockeyed position. WHY OH WHY did I get that STUPID idea of putting a huge mirror in this room, propped against the wall? I knew I wouldn't be able to NOT look and think "AGAD, if someone saw me right now they would shoot first and call the zoo later!"
Determined not to give in, I look straight ahead at the TV and do the stupidest thing... I try to keep, ok change... My rhythm to match theirs.. It reaaaaaaaally shouldn't be that hard, right.... I stumble a few times trying to lift my knee during this power Rambo walk just when they do....... So I know I am going as fast as pyscho girl(which I have come to call her)is wanting me to go.... Why I try to keep in perfect harmony with them every morning at least a million times during the workout... I don't know... I don't even have rhythm in church to clap. I try.. I watch others.. Try to smack my hands together when everyone else does.... But before I know it, I am off beat, then others get off beat........ And the looks begin :-) The bass player really gets messed up... So far no one has asked me NOT to clap.. My hubby...he doesn't help.... He will hear me get off beat and then purposely clap between the others to reeeeeeeeally mess me up. And grin at me saying "Come on Gracie, focus"
Anyway.... With this multiple movements tape... I should just be happy that I am not falling over anymore. Which I haven't in a few days.. Well not counting me tripping up the stairs I did the other day. That's what I get for running up stairs in socks though......
Let me tell you.............. I was soooooooo glad to hear "ok, lets cool down." this morning... I resisted the urge to cool down while collapsing on the floor.
Tomorrow I am sleeping in......... Well later than I do during the week.... Tomorrow is Saturday.... So I will get up.. Get ready go do Adopt A Block (which I LOVE!!) go to our new outreach ministry building that we got donated to us and start cleaning out the sanctuary!! It is mess..... And will need lots of elbow grease.. But we have 2 different colleges taking on this project as their year assignment.. And all of us servants.. So Gods outreach house will be opened soon!! I will have pics on our www.changinglivesnow.org site soon.. Will make sure I post when we do!
I know that tomorrow I am gonna get a great workout.... Cleaning, tearing stuff out, and praising God!! Gonna get a physical and a spiritual workout!! PRAISE GOD!!

Thanks for reading... Like I said I am not sure why I was led to copy and paste this silly, thing in here..... But I trust God... And if He says to do it who am I to argue?? I figure I argue enough with the kids, hubby sometimes ;-) and my momma that I don't need to argue with the BIG DADDY too! God is good, and He always is up to something.. So I am really curious to see how HE used some poorly coordinated girls ranting and gift of gab........

My other blog~~

2006-02-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

I started the "Corina's workout" blog with the intent to journal my 42 day commitment... & Today I realized that I have 4 days left and my promise I made with God will be met in a few days... He didn't promise me I would lose 40lbs or anything.... But He did promise years ago, that if I draw close to him... He would draw close to me. Psalm 145:18 says "The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him...." In my days of journaling, laughing, I have realized a few good things.....
#1 I am waaaaaaaaay NOT coordinated
#2 I never thought that I would find such funny, sweet, and encouraging people here on the internet!
3# That I am scary looking in the morning and am in desperate need of a new workout wardrobe.
4# That I NEED to do this.
I came across scripture today that sums it all up...."Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1Cor 10:31~~
How many times have I heard juuuuuuust the end of that "what you do, do for the glory of God" but I never thought about the whole verse.. I know its important or He wouldn't have bothered putting it in!
You know............ I think I am gonna keep Corinas workout going.... at least until I reach my goal weight, which is another 27lbs to loose... So if you wanna join me still... Keep reading... AND NO you can NOT place polls on if I break anything! Now my hubby on the other hand... If he keeps giving me his "compliments"--term used veeeeeeeeeery sarcastically I might make a poll chart myself!! :-) So far everyone's favorite "hubby support comment has been : "Honey you are whittling down to nothing... I use to be able to grab all your fat rolls before!"~~ Eeeek- he will learn... I hope!

How I see the day we come before God

2006-02-01T06:42:00.000-08:00

Father, I trust you

The day I look, upon your face,
Oh, what I will see,
All the love and understanding
you have had all along for me.

The awe I will feel,
to see my Father on His throne,
kneeling down before him,
knowing I am finally home.

There I will lay down my armor,
with all the dings and little rust,
some holes went clear through,
but in You I did trust.

The lambs book of life will be opened,
as He draws me near,
and from the very lips of God,
my name I will hear.

"Since the day you called upon me,
and in your life made me number one,
I no longer saw your face,
but the precious face of my Son."

Written by: Corina Bowen
6-2-2005

The Well~~ Answer to a prayer

2006-01-30T08:28:00.000-08:00

Church on Plum St "The Well"

We had been praying for this church for a long time. I remember first seeing it and Sim saying "That is gonna be Changing Lives Now Ministries" I remember looking at this run down building, the weeds climbing up the crumbling walls, the holes where once beautiful stain glass use to be and the dealers and prostitutes lurking in the wooded lot surrounding it. My eyes saw all of the destruction, for a instant I thought "woo gonna cost a lot to get that up an running". But the eyes of my heart........ Saw laughter as kids played on newly paved parking lots, the sound of the huge bell ringing out a invitation, the doors wide open , women brushing off their hands from pulling that one weed among the flower beds, A older brother standing on the steps yelling out to the playground that its about to start, and the excitement on all the faces as they run in to hear of God's love for them. I see safety, I see peace, I see God.
So the prayers began.
Every time we would go out to do block on Saturdays, I would look over and grin, seeing in my mind that vision God had given me months ago. Each time, I would look to see if there was something that I didn't see before. I saw the big house next to it, and learned that it was a part of the abandoned church. I saw it with a fresh coat of paint and the porch restored to original beauty. Each new thing I would notice the following Saturdays made my imagination jump and see more and more of what God can do. The long building attached to the back I found out were class rooms. OH, my heart leaped and the possibilities were endless. I could see rooms full of youth, teens, adults and elderly! After-school homework help, literacy classes for all ages, studies from the bible that would help with today problems, finance budgeting classes, cooking classes, childcare classes, discipleship, spiritual gifts, purpose classes, grant writing for college, computer classes, organization classes, parenting, rÃ©sumÃ© writing, job training, etc. All these classes meeting the whole families needs right where they need them.
One Saturday evening Sim pointed out that the whole wooded lot, and the land surrounding belonged to the empty church also. Again, my mind took this information and played out a scenery of children exploring and learning of God's awesome power and creation in detail.
So much Vision for one neglected building.

I fell in love with Adopt A Block, in love with the ministry of reaching out to the neighborhoods that for years have been given up on. In love with the children and families that thirst for hope, for purpose, for Christ. The families often don't even realize that what they are thirsting for, who they are craving, but only know that they are being drawn to the well. Where Christ is asking you to draw from Him, to drink that living water. Like a child with a great secret that you just cant keep, I long to run and tell everyone who needs Him about my joy, my hope, my love, my God. This building I know will be another tool to train up mighty warriors. Warriors right from the least expected, from the streets that police, city officials, and statistics say the percentage for breaking generational poverty is low next to impossible. I think they are right. It is next to impossible. Without God. That is why I see the need for this building at this place at this time with HIS message.

We had shared our vision with another couple, a successful local business man and his wife. I later learned that he had went to that church as a child having grown up in that neighborhood. One Saturday he walked around the church, looking with his heart. The Holy Spirit spoke to him from then on, instilling in him a determination to find who the church belonged to, and how it could be obtained. It was harder than first expected, the names had changed, no one knew who actually held the deed for the long forgotten church. With persistence and guidance thru the Holy Spirit the names and numbers slowly dwindled down. This man of God shared one night, that he came in the habit of driving by this building out of his way frequently. During one of his prayful drive by's he noticed that the front door to the church was cracked open. While he was turning around to go back he was wondering why he was being drawn to go in. He knew it was dangerous, that there could be drug deal going on, drug abuse, almost anything going on inside, plus it was private property. Yet the Holy Spirit led him to step in. With Faith he entered the abandon building. He yelled out more of a warning to whom ever might be inside, that he was there. Silence. With prayers on his lips he made his way thru the years of children playing unattended and the trash left behind. He spoke with his Father of all the dreams, hopes, and promise that this once full of life building could be in this neighborhood. In the sanctuary he hit his knees among the dirt and trash. "God make this into a house of God again" A simple prayer that speaks of so many things. Of hope.

I believe that pure prayer from a man who beat the odds, who left poverty behind, who reached goals, has had success in his life somehow moved God's heart. A beautiful wife, children who love the Lord, a big gorgeous home, nice cars, successful business yet here he was on his knees begging the Lord to fill this land again with His Grace. I wonder did as a child, did this man pray to get out of that area? Did God instill in his small heart those dreams, goal, success knowing that he would return to be a servant to those who didn't leave? Did God bring him back to the very place he left so that he could do wonderful things in the name of his King? The image I had in my mind when he told me about his adventure added fuel to my imagination. He spoke of the mess, yet had excitement about all the potential, the rooms, the gym, and the sanctuary.
Weeks had gone by, every Saturday I would go over all the tidbits he shared as we drove by. Some days I would ask Sim to drive by it, He would just look at me and go out of the way to let me look some more with my heart. I could not help but to pray & to get excited waiting for my answered prayer.

In revival one night I sat there listening to a man speak about revival. He spoke of a man in Texas who went to a town where noone welcomed him or worse no one welcomed who he came to share. On the outside of town he set up a tent and every night would preach to a empty tent. He KNEW God called him there, he listened to the Holy Spirit & stood in faith that he was there to spread the Good News. Day after day, he preached until one night the town pushed down the fence they had build and hundreds crawled to the makeshift alter accepting the Lord into their hearts. I sat up in attention when he first started the story, the Holy Spirit quickening me. I closed my eyes and saw a small open tent, makeshift alter, lawn chairs, and Sim standing on a small stage preaching the Good News. I saw no one there, then 2 or three, then a handful, and hundreds crawling across the ground to a alter crying out for the Lord. I saw this all in the parking lot next to this church. Grabbing my notebook I drew what I saw. Could I ask the people who owned it if we could at least use their land? What if we mowed and kept it clean? Would they let us have revival maybe have our events?

The following Saturday we had Cedarville students out doing street evangelism. Our beginning point was infront of this church and ended back at the same spot. As I looked out upon the faces of those who saw today first hand the lonely, the addicted, the hurt, and the lost, I asked them all to remember this place in prayer. That God would somehow give it to our ministry to open up as a Center of Faith. A "well" where they can come get living water.

On Friday at work my husband called saying "You will not believe this". I put down my pen, shoved all my files to the side and said "Lay it on me." He went to tell me that he was in a meeting when his cell rang. Normally he just turns it off and doesn't think nothing of it except he will call them back. Well this number came up he didn't recognize and the Holy Spirit told him it was important. Finishing the meeting he hurried to dial it back. It was my mothers preacher. He said that he had heard that our ministry wanted the old church on Plum St and if we would pay the small amount they had just put into it this month, then we could have it. I sat here among the files, computer flashing, phone beeping, and people walking by with tears running down my face. I could instantly see kids playing, hear praise music thru the open doors and the church bell ringing its beginning of service. He went on to say that it would all be a done deal in a few weeks. That ALL of it was being signed over to the ministry. All 5 lots of land, the church, the classrooms, and the house, everything. I could not do anything but cry and praise His name. I don't even remember what was said after that, all I know that my heart sang of love for a Father who loves that neighborhood so much.

I told all who would hear of what God had done, those who believe in Him and those who don't. At one point not even a hour after the call it crossed my mind that "He is already getting the Glory out of this Church!" People were hearing real testimony of how He answers prayers specifically. I called Sim back to ask if I could call the business man who had hit his knees in faith. He laughed and said "Sure, but let me tell you the rest. I came back from a meeting and another funder donated the exact amount to pay it off completely." Again God's awesome faithfulness in providing overwhelmed me.
I called my fellovisionaryer and told him the news. I expressed how I didn't know how moms pastor came about in all this, but that the church would indeed once again become a House of God. That cry had been heard, and answered. Laughing he said, "I don't think I told you the whole story of the day I stopped in." He went on to tell me that after he dusted off his knees and locked it up tight, he drove past his church (again out of the way) a girl answered the door and wouldn't let him in not knowing him. His pastor (my mothers also) peeked his head around and let him in. They went to his office, where he told his pastor about this church, the vision, and what his prayer had been. Together they called who owned the deed and shared what vision they had for this deserted place. They had stated "Make a reasonable offer". He went on to tell me that he then began praying in earnest that God would speak to their hearts to just give it away. I was in awe of the intricate web God had used of so many people to make this happen. They did "just give it away" and the remainder got paid within a hour. God has a plan for this land for this Well.

The next day I sat in Adopt A Block morning meeting before going out to witness like we do every Saturday. But this Saturday was different. Sim & I greeted everyone like always , drinking coffee, laughing, and full of real joy knowing that in a hour we would be bringing the Gospel out again to our blocks. I kept looking at Sim and all the dedicated Christian warriors that come every Saturday morning, My heart was beating madly in my chest with excitement. That morning Sim went through the same motions that begin our Saturday morning prayer as sleepy but determined people wander in. Briefly I pondered what Sim and everyone would do if I let the kid in me burst out like she wanted to. I laughed seeing me standing on the chair as a stage doing a little happy dance and saying "Ok I can't take it anymore...Guessss what God did!" Sim must have picked up on my serious contemplation of doing just that when he spoke up and said, "I better tell you the news before my wife bursts." I looked around grinning uncontrollably at all the raised eyebrows looking at me as I shook in my chair. As soon as he started speaking all eyes were on him. As the above story unveiled tears flowed, hands clapped, and praise arose removing the roof. The Spirit of God was so thick, so real that I had to bite my lip to keep from shouting out "Is my God GooD or what?"

I have to admit, that was the longest morning prayer and mini service I ever had to sit through! The Word from God was penetrating, which only added to the excitement inside of me. After the meeting we went out to our blocks. Right in the heart of our neighborhood we parked, directly infront of the Well. Everyone piled out of the vans and stood looking. Some seeing the building for the first time as what it can be, what it will be. The teens talked, pointed, grinned, and hugged. I cried, smiling. We did our block, and was amazed how many said "we heard you got that church." I was shocked to see how fast word spread and was blessed to see all the excitement and hope I saw sparking in the "forgotten" peoples eyes. Even the people I know still are doing as the world does, dealing, addicted, stealing, and lost were wanting this land to fill with Gods grace again. Of course they want Hope we all do. They were proud to be a part of it, and they are a part of it.

Walking back down the street towards the towering church, I could hear the bell ringing in my heart. I told Sim that is the first thing we should work on. A few teenagers wondered around, trying to peek in windows, and excitedly shouting over their shoulders of their finds. On a time schedule, we had to leave before I could join in with the teens. We piled back into the vans and drove away. I kept looking in the rear view mirror my heart pulled to go back. After dropping everyone off, I begged Sim to go back, just us. He didn't understand the pull I feel there, still doesn't. But he loves me, so he went back. I jumped out and roamed around. The boys climbed, peeked, called out and explored as much as I did. Sim got caught up in the child like adventure that overtook me and the boys, looking in the tiny cracks along with us. I went over to the big house next to the church, amazed that this too was the ministries. The beautiful front door with early 1800's doorbell "awed" me, Looking in thru the front windows at the perfect hardwood floors, detailed entryways, high ceilings and careful woodwork shone thru the inches of dust and dirt. The history lover, writer in me took in everything my eyes could see and spun stories in my mind.

Standing on tip toe I looked into the dining room window. My heart stopped. A four inch gap in the dirty lace curtains I looked down onto a huge dining room table covered by layers of dust. It wasnÂt the beautiful antique table that caught my breath or made tears blur my vision, it was the pure white sign laying on top, as if untouched. Upon it read in blue bold letters "Adopt A Block" underneath "Bringing the Gospel in a REAL way." I stood back and then looked again. I said,"look" to one of the boys, each looked awed, not saying a word. I told Sim, "Look." Sim looked, seeing what I saw. Telling me he forgot that this church is where Adopt A Block had originated in Springfield. I looked again, whispering "thank you God." My heart knew that all these years it sat empty, it was forgotten, was abandon by man....... It was NEVER abandon by our God. That He was right there waiting for Adopt A Block, to bring BACK the Gospel in a REAL way. We always seem to ask God for a sign...... Well in that window laid a sign for years, just waiting for someone to have child like faith and peek in not with their eyes, but with their hearts. I am saying again today, like I did that day I looked in that streaked window "You can't tell me that isn't our God!"

Being "Christian Fit Women"

2006-01-24T08:33:00.000-08:00

I have noticed that I don't write as much in this blog.... I think it is because I feel more serious in this one than my www.corinasworkout.blogspot.com. There I can tell my everyday fight, my battles, my life. But isn't that how we do everything?? I "behave" around some people and "be me" around others... I think it is that whole comfortable thing. I am comfortable around family, close friends and basically anyone who knows what a real goof I am. I love to laugh, play, Praise the Lord without restrictions, and just Rejoice. On one blog I talk about getting in "shape physically" and on this I talk about what God is doing to get me in "shape spiritually"........... But is there a difference? I don't think so.... I think He has called me into a season of getting in shape for a reason.... Both physically and spiritually.... I am sure that these tools are needed in the near future...
I get excited thinking about what He has planned..The reason behind my drive to workout, to blog, to study HIS Word, to share, to be honest.... Its hard sometimes.. To be REALLY honest.. To open up your personal relationship with Lord, to expose your "before" weights or where He brought you from..... The everyday battles we face, a pound lost and a pound gained sometimes............The days of feeling bad and realizing that not every day your gonna feel like smiling, being merciful, full of grace or even sticking to your commitment of daily exercise...........Being blunt about your temptations, rather it be M & M's or sinful thoughts............ To holding yourself accountable to others...........My group of "Christian Fit Women" that we formed holds us up in prayer, encouragement, and will say....... "Hey did you do your exercise.. Did stick to your diet?"
Today.... I think about us............... Christian Women....... Do we really hold eachother up in the same way?? Do we say "Hey, did you pick up your sword today? Did you show Christ thru you today?" Do we pray, encourage or just listen to eachother?
I prayed for a mentor, for a mentoree....... God has answered in part....... I have a wonderful 24 year old woman who needs a mentor.... God has placed our hearts together for a purpose..... Can I show her Christ in me? Can God use my old junk, old weight to somehow bring Glory to Him? I am making myself open.. Trusting in HIM to keep my heart safe in His hands. I am exposed. I am getting FIT.

Mexico Missions

2006-01-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

I wrote a response to a friend this morning who was asking about my last Easter Mexico Mission trip......... Thought I would share
Girl, Mexico was wild!! I was so scared!! Would not admit it to Sim
was afraid he wouldn't let me go. Here at work I was getting intel
saying that they were taking hostages, women (blonde)were highest
risk level... Here I was blonde, female and ready to pee my pants
everytime I heard the Sheriff, Chief, and my Major lecture me
about "how stupid" I was to go there now when risk levels were
highest in THAT area.. Due to 2 rebel camps on both sides!! I
prayed.. I pleaded... And got stubborn. One night God revealed to
me that as soon as my feet hit the dirt in Mexico that I was gonna
be "walking on water".. I studied the chapter in the bible about
Peter walking on water... I noticed that Peter saw Christ out there,
but didn't step out of the boat til Christ called him.. When called
he walked on water... I studied when he started to sink.. Only when
he focused on the storm around him.. But as soon as he touched His
hand.. he was again on water.. God had called me... And reassured me
that the whole time in Mexico, that the dirt there was water... Where
the miracles are. So I went expecting. I remember the rattling
plane (only second time flying!! Thank goodness I went on a NORMAL
plane the first time!!) the airport I could see from the window....
then all the sudden we turned ready to descend & I saw nothing but
water... I started to cry.. The fear was still lingering way back in
a corner.. til then.. We had went out over the ocean which was right
next to the strip... But like a sign from our forever Loving
Father... I looked at all this blue shimmering water & I remembered
Him telling me that my feet would be on water. Off the plane I will
never forget my first step. The feel of it below my feet.. The
knowing that I was holding onto Gods hand. I grinned like a goof
which caused others to look at me like I done lost my mind.
That week I saw, 32 teenagers( I wrote their names in my "Mexico
bible") give their lives to the Lord.. Saw more adults turn from
their ways and choose His path, I saw a woman healed from cancer, I
saw the power of God keep us from being killed by corrupt police all
with machine guns ( 2 hours after getting there!) I led a young boy
to the Lord without speaking a single word.. Just highlighted Spanish
verses and led him thru the Romans Rd... Which was interesting.. I
was highlighting.. Had him read, then go to next one.. I accidentally
highlighted the verse about Rahab.. And gasped.. I flipped to the
right next one without showing him what I highlighted.. He gave his
life to the Lord.. When he left that night I told the interpreter
(who vanished most of the first day leaving us without knowing a
word!)what I did.. And was worried about him later rereading all the
highlights and seeing that.... I cried when he told me that it was
a "God thing" because that boy's mom was a prostitute. I balled
thinking about how he will see how God can even use a prostitute...
redeem her... Clean her.. Give this young 16 yr old boy hope.. The
next day he brought his friends and brother who gave their lives to
the Lord.. He knew that it was God.. Because he didn't know me, I
didn't know him, couldn't even speak the same language to know his
family secret.... God is good... There is so much I could tell about
Mexico.. The miracles I saw... God was so faithful...
I can not wait to go back and see all my babies!! I miss them so
much!! they had never seen a blonde and the whole time kept
touching my hair thinking it should be cold feeling... One little one
rubbed my arms trying to figure out what those blue veins were and
why the "ink" didn't come off.. YES I am that pale!! hehe

So much in-- where do I begin?

2006-01-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

I don't know where to start!! I have had a major breakthrough kind of weekend!! Not my "best" weekend but a break through weekend still!!
I have seen God move in areas that had me grinning and Praising Him!
We (Christian Fit Women) started an accountability partnership kinda thing that I talked about earlier, well this weekend it all just fell together.. We have a yahoo message board.. Linking blogs and getting to know each other. A blessing already!
At church we had a awesome service that really hit, fueled my flame, and got me really thinking, Praising, and Thanking Him for all that He is! Later I will write out some of my insights I jotted down in my trusty notebook.
But right now.... I just want to share about a awesome thing God did this weekend!!
During our Adopt A Block meeting.. A beautiful Hispanic woman walked in and looked confused... I spoke with her and found out that she worked for a local agency that helped pregnant women go to appointments, stay clean, learn basics of caring for a baby,and anything else that they need to know to deliver a healthy baby. They stay with that mom until the baby is a year old.. Of course I was thrilled to hear about this program and my little mind whirled with all the women we meet on block who are expecting or have a newborn.. She went on to tell me that she was waiting across the street with a "client" suppose to be having a check up appointment.. No one was there and she saw people trailing in our open front door, so came in to check it out...I told her a little about us and she looked like she was either gonna cry, hoot, or laugh... "I had just been praying about finding some way of doing more" followed a big smile. She asked if she could go get her "client".. 30 minutes later, I have to admit I forgot she was in the back of the room with her "client" a wonderful Hispanic speaking woman who sat quietly. Actually I forgot anyone was in the room except the Lord! I heard a clear smooth voice speak up from the back when Sim (Leader/speaker of AAB meetings~ my gorgeous husband) asked if anyone had testimony. I turned and was blessed immediately as she told us how she happened onto this by accident... How she had been looking for a way to use her gifts and her dreams of running a clinic for women in need... How this is an answered prayer.

She has NO idea how much so... How this meeting.. The appointment at 10 am- that was a "mistake"- watching people file into the brick house looking office across the street, and what she has to offer... Is just that a Answered Prayer. For the Ministry in a whole!!

Our Lord speaking tenderly to us

2006-01-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

I have 45 minutes everyday to drive to and from work... I have been using that time to either listen to Praise songs, or teachings on tape. Right now I am listening to a teaching called SHE. It is good, sometimes drags out, but has scripture in it that will smack you right between the eyes.... Yesterday I had that... Hosea 2:14-23 He is talking about a woman(Hosea's wife) who is basically.. How do I say it?? Sleeps around. He allures her into a isolated spot and speaks tenderly to her. Telling her that he will restore her vineyards, open a door of hope in her troubles, and she will find joy there that she had once known.. Alike when she first became free. He tells her that from that day she will call him Ishi( male authority- husband, no longer her idols. He goes on to say He will take the names of Baalim (Idols, masters,false Gods) and they will no longer be remembered by their name. He talks about the covenant He makes with the earth, the living creatures and the battle on earth making them lie down safely.
~~~ (19) I will betroth thee unto me forever,yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loveingkindness, and in mercies............
another words.... He will pledge a marriage with us forever.. Again He repeats the word betroth (pledge- marriage)us with righteousness, judgment, loving kindness and MERCY!! Praise God!!
Our Lord doesn't stop there... He says He will even betroth unto us in faithfulness.......... WE shall KNOW the Lord. That's what I want I want to KNOW the Lord... To dine with Him, speak with Him, spend time with Him, trust in Him, Love Him.
He wants that with us ladies... He wants to love on us, speak tenderly to us, to betroth unto us.... For us to KNOW Him, and know by His promises that others here on this earth may speak harshly, act worldly, or troubles might surround us.. But HE is always there to allure us out into one on one time with HIM and speak softly onto our soft sometimes battered hearts.

New Year

2006-01-03T05:42:00.000-08:00

Today is the 3rd day of a brand new year... How refreshing!
I am excited about what God has in store for this year! Already this year it feels "different" not sure how to describe it other than say that its like a lid has been lifted off of a boiling pot. Remember when Grandma or mom use to fix homeade Chicken and dumpling? You could hear the bubbling, everynow and then a little would bubble around the lid, the closer it got to getting done you could start to really smell the teasing of what was to come. It seemed that it took forever and you were just starved by the time the lid was lifted and a big bowl was dipped out in front of you. That is what this year is reminding me of.. That the bowl is now infront of me, I can see, smell, and taste this delicious feast laid before me. While writing this I had to smile.... Thinking, just like me since this weekend of non stop eating to use a food to describe my feelings... And that quickening inside of me tells me that He has placed the bowl infront of me, I can see it, smell it, and I need to wait for HIM to cool it enough for me to taste. Isn't that so like us though?? You know it is too hot, mom even warns you, yet you cant help but try to blow on it yourself, and try it immediately! Scorching your tongue. I have to keep praying that I don't walk before the Lord, but in ALL things obey Him and His timing!
Another little insight thought.......... When I wasn't eating this weekend I was hearing football......... I am curious to see how God uses that! :-) I have to admit, I sure did do a lot of praying while dutifully sitting next to my husband who pulled out the "I prayed for a wife who would watch football with me".... Maybe there is something there?? I stared at the screen watching colors run around, watched the faces of those captivated on the couches, and praised God that I have a family of football nuts to love. I am proud of myself I sat thru the game. I am figuring God and I will be really close by the time football season is over.

My little basket in outstretched hands

2005-12-29T05:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Sim (my husband) called late in the day and said, your teaching youth group tonight. I frantically started thinking, OK, on what? I didn't have a plan, book to follow, rip out pages to copy, or even a idea floating in my head somewhere... Actually the more I tried to "think" of something, the more I couldn't concentrate! I went to the web. I looked up Praise- looked up Peace... Printed all relating scripture. The Praise=Peace has really grabbed me this past week so I breathed a sigh of relief and thought.... "Ok, teach on that"
The rest of the work day was spent looking forward to my 45 minute drive home. I have come to love those blessed 45 minutes every morning and every evening... I jump in the van and instantly pop in the current book on tape or CD. My mind focuses on the words, the scriptures, and work fades away. I wasn't even on number 2 on my 3rd CD of the series I am listening to, when the Holy Spirit quickened inside of me and had to shout and agree with a "yes Lord", I scrambled mentally to remember how the reader said it, turned back the nob to repeat the section 2 again, and dug for a scrap paper. Upside down, running off the edge of the paper, and vigorously shaking the pen every so often I scratched out what God was showing me.....
John 6:1-14--- how many times have I heard the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish story? Sure it amazed me everytime I heard it, how Christ fed so many...... But I never saw the "before the miracle." Verse 5 Jesus asks "where shall we buy?" 6 clarifies for us that He KNEW before asking what He was going to do. 7 of course they grumble questioning how THEY will be able to get enough to do such a big thing. And 9~~ (here is what had me hooting and thanking the Lord) We are introduced to who God planned (back in 6 when He knew the whole time) to use..... A boy. A boy with his little basket. ~~ Me being the visual person I am .... I saw the mass crowd of 5,000 men more women and children scattered throughout the country side, all following the teacher, the prophet they had heard about. All hungry, tired, lonely, hopeful and seeking. Yet the disciples knew of this boys basket? I picture this boy earlier wondering why he felt compelled to pack 5 small barley loaves and 2 small dried fish before leaving to go see this prophet he had heard about. I see this boy pushing through the crowd, and his dirty little arm reached out clutching the basket of meager food.... Offering it to be used. I am sure the people in the crowd close to him probably laughed at his offering... Maybe even the disciples.... Because they still were thinking "how can we afford this? Even if we had 8 months of pay worth of bread, it wouldn't even give everyone a bite!" in verse 7. But one disciple .... Andrew pulled this boy and his basket to the Master in vs 9. Bringing it to Jesus attention of course adding his 2cents of doubt at the end...........Taking the basket from the hand of a little boy. I see Christ smiling at the embarrassed apologetic boy who might have mumbled "sorry I don't have more to offer Lord"... But Christ just told his doubting disciples "have everyone sit"vs 10 and in vs 11 He then took the offering Gave THANKS to God(Praise) for what God was gonna do... And then distributed it.... Not just a bite but as much as they wanted!
We all know that there was 12 baskets left over..... From this one small offering that I am sure the boy didn't think was worthy nor of any use in the big scheme of things.....
I asked my teens..... Like I am asking you... What is in your basket..... What offering, gift do you have that you can give in the big scheme of things? Do you even want to give what you got away? How many have the gift of worship, prayer, our creativeness, talent, job specialty, education in certain areas? Does it matter how small our loaves are?
To me its all in the offering...
"God, all I have is the gift of gab, the love burning in my heart for those who are struggling, lonely, lost and without hope.... If you can use this meager gift, my little basket... Then its all yours. I have learned through your teaching of the Holy Spirit and in Word that it all begins, the miracle begins only after Praise, thanks and offering. I praise you Jesus, I will Extol the Lord at all times His praise will always be on my lips!"

Settling Down

2005-12-27T05:59:00.000-08:00

Breathe........... In and ........Out
Ok, I survived the hoopla of the shopping,eating, late nights, and more eating. There were a lot of things that I noticed this Christmas that made me really look at what it's suppose to be about... I got to watch and listen to people this year. I too was busy, doing last minute shopping, trying to prepare meals on a time limit, juggling family gatherings, but this year was different. I felt peace. Not so much in what was going on around me, but what was going on IN me. I watched kids focused on the presents, watched parents worry about who got more, heard tale tale talk about "well I always spend..........Much more than I am this year... " Almost as if its not the blessing, but the pricing that is important. I heard sadness in voices of those who could not see loved ones this year... Either due to death or just distance. I saw attitudes flare, and heard mean words in the mist of what was a little stress. I really got to spiritually sit at a distance and really SEE this year. I think of the scripture in Matt 12:33-37 out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speak..... Then goes on to talk about every idle word and judgment. I was amazed and disappointed in some of the stuff I learned about others whom I love, and myself. I heard degrading and complaining comments from spouses to other family members as that spouse of target sat at the table. I watched the emotions play over their face, first embarrassment, anger, biting back retribution, then acceptance and hardness. I wanted to jump up and say, "Ye without sin cast ye the first stone!" Wanna air dirty laundry? But I didn't, I got up and walked away, trying to block out the talk and pray for the targets. My heart went thru all the emotions of all the other targets... But I just continued to pray. God has really become a personal "friend" here in the past year... I talk to Him about everything.... Not just the old "hey, I need this, want this, or give me this" But "Hey, I sure am glad I got you. You never leave me or forsake me, you never talk to me like I am less, I can ALWAYS count on you to be a comforter, a refuge, my savior." I have found a secret....... A secret of Praise. I firmly believe this peace I have been praying for...... Is equal to Praise. I praise Him when things are great, when they are so-so, and when they stink..... He is always worthy of PRAISE!! Just like the blessed distance He gave me this year..... I could PRAISE Him the whole time!! This was my best Christmas ever.
God is soo good!!
PRAISE=PEACE!!

Beginnings!

2005-12-22T07:31:00.000-08:00

This is exciting! God has really taken the breaks off in my life!! When He has plans He doesn't mess around... So unlike me, I hate to admit. I tend to over analyze. If my mom or husband heard me say that their mouths would fall open and gasps would be heard. But its true... Me the jump in both feet..... Sometimes over analyze things.... Or at least the things God tells me I am going to do.
"Ok, your gonna do this, teach this, go here, and reach these women" (paraphrasing of course) The woman in me who still holds that inner fear of freezing on stage like I did in the 9th grade talent show, comes back to life making me nod my head 'no' when God shows me on a stage and a vast number of women's faces all staring at me. But wanting HIS will out weighs my lack of confidence, and I pretty much feel that if He wants to use a frozen, knee knocking gal to spread His hope, then who am I to argue. (another thing my husband would raise a eyebrow at... Me not arguing!) Thankfully, I have grown spiritually in trusting in Him and better taste of music since then. The dreadful memory of standing before my high school, dressed in neon colors with orange painted teased hair, and singing Cindi Loper ~ Time after Time still amuses my family who lovingly laugh at me when mom brings the pictures out.
So this blog.......... Is another piece in the Fathers puzzle... I cant wait to see what picture He is forming with this!! The phrase from some action movie I had once seen comes to mind..... "Its not a job, its an adventure" Me, I have always loved a good adventure!! With Christ as my body guard I am ready to roll!