Saturday, March 24, 2012
Cambodia, Here We Come!
Tonight we are attending an informational dinner on the work in Cambodia. Four of us will be heading to Cambodia in May for three weeks. I'll be working with women and children as well as teaching computer skills and English to the Bible students there.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Come before Winter UKRAINE 2012
Crowned with God's steadfast love, the week together in Ukraine melted our hearts, refined our lives, annointed our souls and wove us together into a beautiful cloak of His amazing benefits in human form. May His hesed cover you as you are sheltered within His loving care.
Monday through Friday God's cloak-passed from renewal to renewal by the tender hands of the missionary liaisons-served as a physical symbol of God's arms of compassion. Outside the snow covered the ground and the chill penetrated the skin, but inside the mantel of God's benefits warmed us in comfort, strength and joy. We felt the unity of the women who have experienced Come before Winter renewals in so many corners of our world since the first one in Brazil in 2001. We stroked the emblems they placed on the cloak and lifted them in prayer as their lives united with ours.
Throughout the week we emersed ourselves in the 103rd Psalm. Sinking into its verses--pulling them over us as a cloak of revelation--delving into their meaning through the structure of the poetry--seeking His meaning for our lives through meditation--opening God's plan for humanity through a theological exegesis of the chapter--submitting to the Father's hesed in prayer--we approached the Kingdom's throneroom to draw closer to The One who through eternity has drawn us into His loving shelter.
Each step of the renewal has been intentionally planned to honor both God and women called to serve Him in diverse settings and programs. From the greeting at the door to the farewells all over the building, the Lord's name is lifted up and each woman is affirmed. We literally begin and end each day in prayer and worship as a community. Times of informal sharing around the dining tables, out on a walk in the snow, in the swimming pool or gathering in a common area created bonds of friendship. Scheduled appointments with small groups and with individuals for prayer forged lives together over miles and into eternity. "The whole of life without any exception can be an act of worship if we choose for it to be." Come before Winter reflects that truth in every way.
The week was bathed in prayer and tears...tears of sorrow, of pain, of frustration and of pure joy. Some of those tears poured freely in worship as we considered the verses and wonders unveiled in Psalm 103 through song and scripture. Hearts turned upward as truths penetrated our innermost being. Other tears were shared with small clusters in times of sharing our goals and desires to be more fully dedicated to following His guidance in our lives. Sometimes the tears were shared one on one with a precious sister in intement prayer appointments. Always the tears were shed in the presence of our loving Father whose compassion wraps His children in His arms and renews their youth as an eagle!
Thank you for touching my life in this amazing week of renewal...whether your touch was physically there in Kiev, Ukraine, as a team member or a participant or one who served us through the sanitorium or a sweet young life who offered flowers along our path or a spiritual touch over the miles--over the waves--as a prayer warrior or a support through cards or notes or finances. Your touch, my friends, was felt each and every day as we united in service. God's hesed flows over and through you!
Monday through Friday God's cloak-passed from renewal to renewal by the tender hands of the missionary liaisons-served as a physical symbol of God's arms of compassion. Outside the snow covered the ground and the chill penetrated the skin, but inside the mantel of God's benefits warmed us in comfort, strength and joy. We felt the unity of the women who have experienced Come before Winter renewals in so many corners of our world since the first one in Brazil in 2001. We stroked the emblems they placed on the cloak and lifted them in prayer as their lives united with ours.
Throughout the week we emersed ourselves in the 103rd Psalm. Sinking into its verses--pulling them over us as a cloak of revelation--delving into their meaning through the structure of the poetry--seeking His meaning for our lives through meditation--opening God's plan for humanity through a theological exegesis of the chapter--submitting to the Father's hesed in prayer--we approached the Kingdom's throneroom to draw closer to The One who through eternity has drawn us into His loving shelter.
Each step of the renewal has been intentionally planned to honor both God and women called to serve Him in diverse settings and programs. From the greeting at the door to the farewells all over the building, the Lord's name is lifted up and each woman is affirmed. We literally begin and end each day in prayer and worship as a community. Times of informal sharing around the dining tables, out on a walk in the snow, in the swimming pool or gathering in a common area created bonds of friendship. Scheduled appointments with small groups and with individuals for prayer forged lives together over miles and into eternity. "The whole of life without any exception can be an act of worship if we choose for it to be." Come before Winter reflects that truth in every way.
The week was bathed in prayer and tears...tears of sorrow, of pain, of frustration and of pure joy. Some of those tears poured freely in worship as we considered the verses and wonders unveiled in Psalm 103 through song and scripture. Hearts turned upward as truths penetrated our innermost being. Other tears were shared with small clusters in times of sharing our goals and desires to be more fully dedicated to following His guidance in our lives. Sometimes the tears were shared one on one with a precious sister in intement prayer appointments. Always the tears were shed in the presence of our loving Father whose compassion wraps His children in His arms and renews their youth as an eagle!
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| Bouquet of Blessing |
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| Cluster of Joy |
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| Single with Purpose! |
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| Leading with Love |
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| Crowned with Everlasting Love |
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
CbW TUESDAY
What an incredible journey! The entire experience with Come before Winter has been one of introspection, growth and renewal. Today has been Holy. we literally begin and end each day with worship...sandwich in a little quiet introspection between studies, prayer and sharing.
These women have had so many wonderful experiences to share with each other and with us. They are coming from varied ministries, and yet they are united in one faith and one purpose...to spread the kingdom! Love abounds!!!
These women have had so many wonderful experiences to share with each other and with us. They are coming from varied ministries, and yet they are united in one faith and one purpose...to spread the kingdom! Love abounds!!!
Monday, March 12, 2012
COME BEFORE WINTER DAY ONE
Today is the day we have long awaited! Our ladies will arrive this afternoon, so we are all busy with excitement!
Beginning at 10:30 this morning our first lady arrived. Coming from Austria, Russia, Kasikstan, Swaziland and one other I'll add later, the women were all here by 4:00. Forty four women ministering in five countries joined our team of fourteen to worship, study, edify and pray. Five of these mothers brought young babies. We have enjoyed an evening together to get to know each other, to understand the schedule and process and to worship and adore the Lord. Our joy has been multiplied and our burdens will be lifted as we share, confess and learn during the week.
Lift us up as we learn more about each other and as we learn to study and worship in spirit and truth! God is good all the time!
Beginning at 10:30 this morning our first lady arrived. Coming from Austria, Russia, Kasikstan, Swaziland and one other I'll add later, the women were all here by 4:00. Forty four women ministering in five countries joined our team of fourteen to worship, study, edify and pray. Five of these mothers brought young babies. We have enjoyed an evening together to get to know each other, to understand the schedule and process and to worship and adore the Lord. Our joy has been multiplied and our burdens will be lifted as we share, confess and learn during the week.
Lift us up as we learn more about each other and as we learn to study and worship in spirit and truth! God is good all the time!
SUNDAY IN KIEV
This morning we awoke to a beautiful snow lightly drifting through the trees and around our grounds. The snow changed from constant tiny flakes to large snow clusters and back to tiny flakes. Off and on through the morning we would glance out to check on its progress. This snow was not enough to change the levels of snow on the grounds, just enough to clean the air and to delight our senses!
Morning breakfast is such a time of renewal for us each new day here as we meet in a lazy, quiet dining room with eggs, porridge, ham, sausage, cheese, bread and butter and a sweet dish of some kind...crepes or pancakes filled with cream cheese.
After breakfast this morning, we gathered in one of our small group rooms to worship. Each team member takes part in the celebration of Christ. The songs, verses, passages, innerspections and sharing all draw us together and lift our souls to heaven. The morning flies by as we worship with heart and soul. The songs are a mixture of those from our youth as well as some written especially for this experience. The experience is like none other as we become the unit of servants that God has planned for us to be this week. I cannot think of a more meaningful or personal experience in worship. We all would love to share this experience with each of you, our dearest friends and family in Christ!
The afternoon was a sabbath rest for us...walking and exploring in the snow...reading and relaxing in the rooms...talking and visiting with our team.
Then the evening became a bustle of activity! Each one with an assignment and a purpose of preparation for our guests and fellow ministers who will arrive tomorrow! The big rooms and the smaller meeting rooms all hummed with happy voices and the movement of furniture. Papers, computers, and the shuffle of feet added to the music of preparations.
Dinner interrupted us and brought us to a time of relaxation before a final preparatory team meeting and rehearsals for choral readers, singers, etc.
The night brought sweet rest and renewal for each one!
Morning breakfast is such a time of renewal for us each new day here as we meet in a lazy, quiet dining room with eggs, porridge, ham, sausage, cheese, bread and butter and a sweet dish of some kind...crepes or pancakes filled with cream cheese.
After breakfast this morning, we gathered in one of our small group rooms to worship. Each team member takes part in the celebration of Christ. The songs, verses, passages, innerspections and sharing all draw us together and lift our souls to heaven. The morning flies by as we worship with heart and soul. The songs are a mixture of those from our youth as well as some written especially for this experience. The experience is like none other as we become the unit of servants that God has planned for us to be this week. I cannot think of a more meaningful or personal experience in worship. We all would love to share this experience with each of you, our dearest friends and family in Christ!
The afternoon was a sabbath rest for us...walking and exploring in the snow...reading and relaxing in the rooms...talking and visiting with our team.
Then the evening became a bustle of activity! Each one with an assignment and a purpose of preparation for our guests and fellow ministers who will arrive tomorrow! The big rooms and the smaller meeting rooms all hummed with happy voices and the movement of furniture. Papers, computers, and the shuffle of feet added to the music of preparations.
Dinner interrupted us and brought us to a time of relaxation before a final preparatory team meeting and rehearsals for choral readers, singers, etc.
The night brought sweet rest and renewal for each one!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Come before Winter Preparations
CbW team preparations in Ukraine provides a time for building relationships and making ready every detail of the five days we will spend with our participants. Elina has joined us early to help us with translations here at the hotel.
This morning Janet and I woke early for prayer and study. We were very ready for coffee when breakfast opened at 9:00. Breakfast offerings included an egg casserole, sausage, ham, porridge, breads and an egg/cheesecake.
We had time in the morning to reorganize and explore a little more before gathering for a prayer walk throughout our facilities. Small groups of our team went in five different directions covering every bed, hall, meeting room, stairway and outdoor area with God’s blessings. It was such a sweet time of conversation between us and our Father as He walks beside us on our journey.
Lunch was served and our meetings began in earnest as we met to prepare for Monday’s arrival of ladies! We labeled books, put together name tags, stuffed book bags, determined locations for each activity, sorted materials, practiced choral readings, shared prayer times, walked through the various portions of the days and our responsibilities and practiced for the celebration!
This is such an incredible group of Royal Princesses! Blessings abound as stories are shared. Lives are changed as prayers are lifted. Community is formed as hearts are opened. We represent all walks of life and so many different areas of the country. Each has had some experience on the mission fields of the world bringing those cultural diversities into one team. It is so fun to sit back and watch God blending lives and supporting each one!
Another sweet night of rest awaits us as we anticipate worship and Sabbath rest tomorrow!
This morning Janet and I woke early for prayer and study. We were very ready for coffee when breakfast opened at 9:00. Breakfast offerings included an egg casserole, sausage, ham, porridge, breads and an egg/cheesecake.
We had time in the morning to reorganize and explore a little more before gathering for a prayer walk throughout our facilities. Small groups of our team went in five different directions covering every bed, hall, meeting room, stairway and outdoor area with God’s blessings. It was such a sweet time of conversation between us and our Father as He walks beside us on our journey.
Lunch was served and our meetings began in earnest as we met to prepare for Monday’s arrival of ladies! We labeled books, put together name tags, stuffed book bags, determined locations for each activity, sorted materials, practiced choral readings, shared prayer times, walked through the various portions of the days and our responsibilities and practiced for the celebration!
This is such an incredible group of Royal Princesses! Blessings abound as stories are shared. Lives are changed as prayers are lifted. Community is formed as hearts are opened. We represent all walks of life and so many different areas of the country. Each has had some experience on the mission fields of the world bringing those cultural diversities into one team. It is so fun to sit back and watch God blending lives and supporting each one!
Another sweet night of rest awaits us as we anticipate worship and Sabbath rest tomorrow!
Travel to KIEV
Our tour guide entertained us until midnight when he dropped us off at the airport. Manesh was familiar with the check in process and walked us through until we arrived at the long, slow line. We had all we needed and knew how to proceed from there, so we sent him home. Slowly and tediously we walked through the steps of check-in, security and boarding being extra careful to double check all luggage tags and carry-on tags at each check point. The eight hours in flight were mostly spent sleeping with a light snack first and breakfast near the end.
Jonnie and I had to say good-bye before we could go through our separate security points since our flights left from different wings of the airport. Our three weeks had been planned and prepared with so many meetings between the two of us for months before the trip. Two strangers who became sisters and walked down paths rarely traveled by women parted for a time with eager anticipation of the days we will share together later in March.
Waiting in the Frankfurt airport, I was rearranging my carryon bags to stash my backpack and fill my Come before Winter bag when I saw a lady sitting just across the aisle glancing in my direction from time to time. Sure enough, it was my new roommate! Janet was traveling from Swaziland as the missionary liaison for CbW Ukraine. She arrived in Frankfurt shortly after I did, so we had an hour to visit and make connections before the team all arrived. Janet has served many years in Africa, and Betty K taught her children while she served in Kenya. In fact she and her husband always stay with my dear friend when they visit in Texas. They lived in southwestern Kenya where KWO has several orphanages and feeding stations, so we had many things to discuss. By the time the team arrived, we were fast friends!
The flight to Kiev was brief and beautiful! The land soon became covered with snow and glistened in the bright sunlight! It was so fun to emerge from the plane to the crisp air and delightful clean fresh world! Our luggage all arrived and sailed through customs. Our drivers and vans were waiting for us, so we loaded and headed to the sanatorium. Check in was smooth…Time to unpack and reorganize…wash clothes…eat lunch…meet together and make lots of plans!
Several of us adventured outside for a walk through the snow during our free time. We stayed in the well beaten path where the snow is about four inches deep, but the traction allows for safe hiking. The snow on the yards and unplowed areas is as much as 6-8 inches. The area is filled with houses and apartments of various ilk. Some of the Ukrainian people were firing up a grill in a backyard as we passed. They tried to communicate with us as we stopped to pose our picture in the snow. But there were more giggles from both sides than true communication.
Our day ended early so we could catch some much needed rest.
A new adventure has begun!
Jonnie and I had to say good-bye before we could go through our separate security points since our flights left from different wings of the airport. Our three weeks had been planned and prepared with so many meetings between the two of us for months before the trip. Two strangers who became sisters and walked down paths rarely traveled by women parted for a time with eager anticipation of the days we will share together later in March.
Waiting in the Frankfurt airport, I was rearranging my carryon bags to stash my backpack and fill my Come before Winter bag when I saw a lady sitting just across the aisle glancing in my direction from time to time. Sure enough, it was my new roommate! Janet was traveling from Swaziland as the missionary liaison for CbW Ukraine. She arrived in Frankfurt shortly after I did, so we had an hour to visit and make connections before the team all arrived. Janet has served many years in Africa, and Betty K taught her children while she served in Kenya. In fact she and her husband always stay with my dear friend when they visit in Texas. They lived in southwestern Kenya where KWO has several orphanages and feeding stations, so we had many things to discuss. By the time the team arrived, we were fast friends!
The flight to Kiev was brief and beautiful! The land soon became covered with snow and glistened in the bright sunlight! It was so fun to emerge from the plane to the crisp air and delightful clean fresh world! Our luggage all arrived and sailed through customs. Our drivers and vans were waiting for us, so we loaded and headed to the sanatorium. Check in was smooth…Time to unpack and reorganize…wash clothes…eat lunch…meet together and make lots of plans!
Several of us adventured outside for a walk through the snow during our free time. We stayed in the well beaten path where the snow is about four inches deep, but the traction allows for safe hiking. The snow on the yards and unplowed areas is as much as 6-8 inches. The area is filled with houses and apartments of various ilk. Some of the Ukrainian people were firing up a grill in a backyard as we passed. They tried to communicate with us as we stopped to pose our picture in the snow. But there were more giggles from both sides than true communication.
Our day ended early so we could catch some much needed rest.
A new adventure has begun!
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