Camp and Thoughts on Prayer

Today was a good day.. We got into Big Sandy at 3am, and I got a few hours sleep before the Breakfast Hour...all important when you know the chance for protein consumption won't be available again until 1200. :) Thus, don't laugh when you read that I took a couple hours' nap after breakfast before heading to help with Registration.. :)

It was good...seeing old friends, and even making some new ones.. It is so fun...re-living the fond memories (and maybe crazy adventures) with them.

ALERT campus is huge, and I think I walked a minimum of 5 miles today..maybe more. The weather is nice...in the 80's and kinda humid.. Some people hate it..I have adjusted pretty well...and the stars! Oh..I love it!

The session tonight was very convicting... I love communing with my Jesus, and do so often throughout the day...however, one area God has been convicting me on is making a consolidated Prayer List & making a habit of carrying it with me and using it. Sure, I have prayer lists, but they're scattered, and often, I don't have them available for perusal.

Mr. Gibbs shared 4 Keys for Prayer Success:
1) You gotta pray - create a prayer list and ask specifically.
2) Pray earnestly and fervently.
3) You've gotta be clean (righteous, not just 'cleaner')
4) You gotta persist.

Quotes to Ponder:
"Every failure in a Christian's life is a prayer failure." -John R. Rice
"The most powerful thing in the universe, by invitation of God, is prayer."
"Fervency is the spirit of prayer."

James 5:16: "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit."

Something else I was encouraged in today was through our Leaders' Meeting...
Not all those we serve through leadership are potential 'rocks' like Peter. Some are Andrews (who led Peter to Jesus), and their job is just as important! I want to be an Andrew.

God's goal for me is just to be His Channel...with my eyes, ears, mouth, heart, hands, and hugs. Praise God!

Daniel 12:3: "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."__

Looking Forward: I have very limited internet access, so all canyon and cavern pictures will be posted after we leave Camp...
We have the next 3 days of conference, and though I will be leading a group of around 9 girls? (ages 12-15), I am really looking forward to learning and engrafting more of God's principles into my life personally...

We (Rachel and I) do covet your prayers as we lead these young women (and men for David and Samuel)!

Midwifery and Missions

I love Ecclesiastes.... It and James are 2 of my favorite Bible books (and the list spirals on from there ;p). For the last year, I've been prayerfully pondering Ecclesiastes 3.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...He hath made every thing beautiful in His time: also He hath set the world in their heart, so that man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end....I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before Him."

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11, 14 ~

Truly, there is a time for every season under the sun, and this is one of them... Many of you have asked if I'm planning to go back to the Philippines, and there was a time that I hoped to in 2015 for a while--using my midwifery studies as an excuse, but last Fall, God removed the "have-to", and unlike my past trips, hasn't put that pressing burden on my heart.

As most of you know, I never felt God leading me to pursue midwifery in the States as a career--it was only ever a ministry to me--one that I felt specifically called to use in the Philippines, as a way to minister to the women there, and also share God's love and the Hope we have because of the Gospel.

This last year has been a weird transition for me in so many ways....the thought of not returning to the Philippines has been hard, and yet, I truly don't believe that my last trip was 'good bye forever'. However, I do know that God hasn't clearly directed me to go back any time in the near future.

Thus, I'm starting to wrap up those loose strings, and one of them is re-conditioning my blog... For memories' sake (and so I don't forget ;D), I am copying below my midwifery and mission testimony from my old 'About Me' page, laying aside, learning from, and treasuring the past, and looking forward to the future of the vision God has given me to carry out.

Truly, I believe that wherever God has me is my mission field, though I have a much harder time remembering that sometimes in the States). It's so easy to take life for granted--unlike the Philippines, where all I have is God...where it's so easy to share the Gospel, and take the time for each person who crosses your path.. Where life seems more fragile and in some ways, more important.

My lifelong vision and calling is to disciple those God brings into my life, whether for a short time or for longer lengths, and live my life in light of eternity. I am so grateful for all of you who were my prayer warriors while I served in the Philippines.

James 5:16b says:

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

I could feel those prayers working, guiding, and hovering over me, and I am so humbled and grateful for them. I would ask you to again partner with me, as God lays me on your hearts, to pray for me as I endeavor to continue serving God.
Satan is so crafty to try to snare us in any ways we allow idols or lies into our lives--even more so in the century we live in, but by God's grace and wisdom, I want to continue overcoming those traps to be able to live in freedom, purity, and truth before God and man.

My Midwifery Mission Testimony:

Age 4

At my birth (my mother's first home birth), the midwives 'prophesied' over me that I was cut out to be a midwife, as I had long fingers and my water bag 'baptized' them as I was born. At age 6, I informed my mom that I felt God was calling me to be a midwife (wisely she refrained from telling me about my birth story until years after my resolution, so as not to 'bias' me one way or another).

Age 11

At 12, I believe God called me to the mission field as a missionary midwife. It was at that time, my dear friend-Jordan Ruseler and I stumbled upon the Newlife School of Midwifery (MMC) website, which is the largest charity-based (also Christian) midwifery clinic in the Philippines.

In 2011, with our parents' blessing, I and my friend - Jordan went and served God in Southern Philippines. Before going, I had witnessed quite a few (human) births, but after serving in Davao and in the Bukid (mountains) for 3 months, I had the privilege to deliver 10 babies, help with around 40 births, and conduct well over 120 prenatals.

In 2012, I went back for another 4 months to work both at the Mercy Clinic and in the mountains, discipling girls, evangelizing, serving them, doing prenatals, and delivering babies, bringing my count up to 25 deliveries, 80 births assisted, and well over 200 prenatals.

My interests have been to become equipped in the following lines of study: Midwifery, EMT, Nutrition, Veterinary, and Doula, so I can better serve those around me, whether here on the homefront or on foreign fields.

I am currently a Nationally Certified EMT and have enjoyed immensely the opportunities that training has brought me, and where it may bring me in the future.

I have also attended the following the courses/workshops:
A 14-hour Bradley Method Course
A 3-day Birth Doula Workshop
A 6-day Intensive Midwifery Skills Training Course 
I also serve as the "veterinarian assistant" on our 50-acre ranch, with experience helping various kinds of animals (alpacas, horses, goats, sheep, llamas, cats, etc.) deliver dystocia births, suturing, ultrasounding, uterine prolapse, uterine torsion, dissecting, etc.

"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."

~ Romans 12:9-13 ~

EU: Monaco: Days 1-2

The one thing I really love about being part of a large family is traveling in places that aren't used to big families... The faces are priceless. I fondly remember when we were younger, how we always matched--even if it wasn't the same fabric, it was always the same color....and with only 13 years between Daniel and James, it was a LOT of fun!! Almost all of us were thought to be twins at one time or another...

Mr. Bread (thanks to James for his creativity and photography.)

Had to share this toilet from yesterday--the seat literally turns around, while this washer thing comes out, sprays it down, and drys it simultaneously while it's turning!! Wow! The Europeans have it right on this thing!!

This time, with the age range bumped up to almost 23 on down, it's a little different. However, everyone is in charge of their own luggage now...imagine yesterday afternoon 11 European-looking humans traipsing the streets of Monaco with their luggage behind them?! It was wonderful.... =D

My hair - without conditioner after getting out of the pool... (It actually looks more wild in real time...)
I wonder if I could ever compete with the little girl in UP?? (Probably not quite...)

We ended up swimming today instead of yesterday, choosing to tour Monaco instead, which ended with walking through the Museum Oceanigraphique (which is full of all sorts of waterlife), and walking the watery border of Monaco home (about 1/2 hour long).

Some shark....

A puffer fish (I wonder what would happen if I poked a pin in it??)

What colors!!

*Sniff....it's Nemo's daddy and mommy!! Doesn't this bring back memories!?! 

What if This or That was your life? Guess you wouldn't have to be teased about not having a backbone!! :)

Seahorses have always fascinated me since I was a little girl. (I even have a stuffed one!) I think this was my favorite display...

This reminds me of the muppets hair...except they look more electrified back scratchers... ;)

I'm not sure what this is...but it's odd, whatever it is....

With prices so exorbitant, us kids are staying in a different hotel--about a 5 minute walk from the sponsoring hotel that the conference is at. Last night, we kids found out that we are actually staying in 2 different countries!! Our hotel is literally on the French border, where as Mama and Papa's hotel is in Monaco!

Does that mean that we sneak across the border every time we want to see them? And does that also mean that we crossed the border to swim in their huge pool this afternoon? Hmm... I think I like the sound of that! ;)

Love the contrast on this photo.... (Thanks to my brother's photography..)
The main hotel we were at is the big 3 building thing at the far end left of this photo...

 A few photos of Old Monaco:

Now this would be fun to have! Look at all those unguarded cannon balls!!!

Okay...he totally reminds me of Grandpa Potts standing in front of Grandpa's hut!!
It's a posh life, you know! ;)

I wonder if I could get into Narnia by going through the frame??

Cities truly do have their own beauty....I'm just not sure what it is.. ;)

The nice thing about being on the outskirts, is that we have a grocery store right next to us, and a kitchen in our room!! Thus, we've been able to eat regular meals again.. And, I've been getting my eggs and veggies for breakfast again... It's been awesome! =)

This rang a bell with me... =D

I discovered something this morning....many of my siblings don't know how to operate a microwave (not really a bad thing...I still have issues with remembering sometimes...) =) Guess that must be a sign of healthy eating?? ;)

Interesting Facts:
 - There is a huge, long tunnel in Monaco, carved through the rock, with multiple lanes and caverns for vehicles to pass through. It was fun riding through one, though it was a little shocking to have water drops dropping onto us as we traveled through! :)
 - Monaco is a Principality, thus it doesn't have Kings and Queens: only Princes and Princesses, just as Luxembourg is a Grand Duchy, with the Highest Regnant being a Grand Duke or Duchess. They are in a sense, 'island tributaries' to larger, lost empires which have gone Republican.
 - Before 1847, the main income of Monaco was through its citrus and lemon exports. The roads entering the country were bad, and there was nothing specifically impressive about it. However, through economical decline, the new monarch decided to institute change, and made it a gambling center!!
 - Interestingly, the local inhabitants were prohibited from gambling, and most all taxes were dropped.. In other words, basically, those coming from other countries were paying the 'tax' by gambling!!
 - In 1866, the town was officially named 'Monte Carlo' (meaning Mountain Charles), after Prince Charles who changed the economy around.

So...I just have to share a couple stories my not-so-little brother told us, as shared by one of the speakers today (about his daughter)....
Before a wedding, the flower girl was waiting in the lobby, and asked her daddy, who was supposed to tell her when to start walking down the aisle what the sign with a bunch of people's names on it was about. The pastor, who walking by right then said: "That's a memorial for all of the people who died in the service."
The little girl asked, "Which service? The 9 o'clock or the 11 o'clock?" =)

The daddy goes to put his little girl in bed one night, and as he's about to leave the room she asks, "What are bed bugs, daddy?" He commentaried, 'Right then, I could have lied, and both of us could have gotten sleep...instead:' he sat next to her on the bed and said, "Bed bugs are little bugs that come out at night and bite you." Bad Idea!!! =D

Looking Forward: Tomorrow, we are going into a French Medieval village...it should be great!!

I am so grateful for God's faithfulness, and for the knowledge that we can entrust all our prayer requests, hurts, questions, and emotions to Him, and that He can restore us to joy as we  choose to submit to Him and allow His grace and peace to wash over us. Prayer is an amazing thing...

It continues to amaze me how very much He loves and delights in His children!! I am God's child!!! I am so unworthy of His love, and yet He, in His Sovereign grace and mercy extends Himself over and over and over again! Thank you Jesus!!

"Thou art My servant; I have chosen thee, and will not cast thee away. Fear thee not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yeah, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My Righteousness."

~ Isaiah 41:9b-10 ~

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

~ Joshua 1:9 ~

New Year's Eve Update

There is so much I want to write about, however, time is short, and I fear it shall have to wait until I return.... Let me just say that I saw God move mightily in the Passion and Purpose Retreat last weekend....not only in my life, but in others as well.  We had some precious fellowship, incredible praise and worship, and blessed time with our Saviour, King, and Redeemer!!

Unfortunately, this is one of the only photos I have of the retreat--talk about lame, I know...
But at least we have something!!!

It was so neat to be able to spend time with other believers discovering truths that truly set the captives free!! What a precious thing for brothers and sisters in Christ to do!

A beautiful (slightly enhanced ;) sunset

Sunday afternoon, after church, we all crashed, and I do believe we would have slept straight through until Monday morning if we didn't have a special commitment that night--my grandparent's just celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary!!! What an incredible legacy in this age of divorce and unfaithfulness... We truly are blessed!

Yesterday, Rachel and I scrambled around getting everything packed in time for the packing party at church last night... I am happy to say I got everything packed, and now just have some final details to wrap up (leaving time to blog of course.. ;p)

We really have a blessed team going down there--we all love God, and really want to take responsibility for our part, which will make it easier on all of us.

I would appreciate prayers--for me personally.. Yesterday, I came across my Filipino phone, with all my messages from a year gone by...
One year ago, I was in the Philippines--looking forward to 2 more months of ministry in the Jungle. I was celebrating the new year with friends, when my medical emergency happened, and in a whirlwind of events, I found myself on a flight headed home, instead of heading up North to the Bukid..

Just over 1 year ago....

I realized yesterday, that as much as I am anticipating serving the Belizean people, it's also hard, as my heart is really longing to be with "my people" - those on the island of Mindanao. This last weekend, I found myself speaking in Visayan and writing the same, and memories are just pouring back.

Right after giving out Christmas Dinner, gifts, and the Gospel to over 200 kids in Southern Cotabato

God really has helped me cultivate a heart of contentment (not that I don't struggle sometimes!), and I know He has a perfect plan, and I do believe that my time serving the Filipinos is not over. However, I would appreciate prayer that I would be able to completely embrace every aspect of my time in Belize, with a whole heart, nothing wavering.  I don't want ANYTHING holding me back from serving God down there, and being a part of the team -- no matter what my other mission experiences have been like.
It seems so weird to just be bringing various medical supplies, and leaving my beloved doppler, fetoscope, midwifery books, scrubs, and all of my supplies with me... So much of what I will be bringing was loved on in the Philippines--it is so different not to be going back there...

Praise God for His never-ending and always enduring mercy!!!

Na hidlaw sa ko imo, akong Pilipinas!!!

A few of us were practicing last night for a special number to be played in Belize, and the words ministered deeply:

With my whole heart I humbly seek You

Now use my life, O Lord, I pray

I yield my stubborn will completely

May your commandments light my way.

Your Word has promised me the vict'ry

And all I need to do is claim

Your strength, to soar with wings as eagles

To walk, to run, and not to faint.

My life is Yours to control

I give You my heart and my soul

I'll seek Your will, never mine

Rich treasure to find.

Give wisdom to choices I make

Along ev'ry path that I take

So when I complete life's race

"Well done" You will say.

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"

~ Isaiah 52:7 ~

Cultivating a Heart of Prayer

What is your first thought in the morning? What about your last thought at night? Take a moment and ask yourself...
Is it reviewing the day's happenings, or planning for tomorrow, or going over next week? Is it daydreaming or making up stories? Or is it spending time with your Saviour?

Psalms 55:17 says:

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice."

One of our favorite books on prayer is: Lord, Teach Us To Pray, by Tom Harmon. I would encourage all of you to read it. It doesn't cost much, and is completely worth it.

This last year, God has really convicted me about how much time I spend communing with Him in prayer. While in the Philippines, serving abroad, or doing/going through hard things here, prayer and communication with God comes easily, however, here at home so often I become a perfect Martha, and get so caught up with the work at hand, that I don't spend nearly enough time with the One who gave His life for me.

Often, He has had to gently say: "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: but that thou wouldst choose Mary's good part--listening at My feet. (Luke 10:42-43/paraphrase)

In the past months and especially the past weeks, my El Shaddai has impressed upon my heart all the more how much I am missing by not glorying in His presence as my first and last thought of the day. One of my personal favorite books is: Secrets of Meditation, by Dr. Bill Gothard. It is another book, costing hardly anything, and truly is a gem of truths... In fact, it is probably one of my top 5.

Dr. Gothard talks about the importance of making our bed an altar unto the Lord in his book Enjoying God's Presence. Though I have done this often in the past, when I get caught up in life, I have found this golden practice fades as well, and it is only in recent weeks that I have took up this practice again, truly trying to meditate on Scripture and prayer when I lie down and rise up. It is truly changing my life. Not only does it  give me so much more peace and rest, but if I wake up in the night, I am finding Psalms 119:62 in actuality:

"At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto Thee because of Thy righteous judgments."

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says: "Pray without ceasing."
When you do this, it takes your relationship with Christ to a new level, however, it truly starts with meditating in God's word, which is not just reading and memorizing God's Word, but also meditating--engrafting and personalizing Scripture and applying it to your life.

I would encourage you to join me in our journey to the foot of the Cross -- to know the heart of God. Start today!! Habits die hard, but ask God--He is faithful forever. I find it interesting that in almost all the cases that 'temptation' is mentioned in Scripture, the answer is prayer. I am learning that 1 Corinthians 10:13 is really true:

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able;  but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to heart it."

Looking back, almost all the times that I have made mistakes or truly sinned--which for me is MANY, but now mostly what I say (or don't say), time usage, attitudes, etc.--, I usually heard the prompting of the Spirit, and that is where the choice lies--do I walk in the Spirit (which often is hard in the moment), or take the easy way out and walk in the flesh??

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

~Matthew 26:41 ~

What an immense burden is lifted to know that we are not alone, when we give our lives to Christ!! And especially to know that He is with us--despite our failings--to bring us back onto the course of Truth and Righteousness. We of ourselves are dirty rags, but He chose to put His righteousness on us!!!

But now, O LORD, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou our potter; and we all are the work of Thy Hand.

~ Isaiah 64:8 ~

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. 

And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

~ Jeremiah 29:11-14 ~

This is my prayer and my earnest desire for each one of us, including me (especially me):

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understand.

~ Colossians 1:9 ~

Birthday Blessings

Yesterday was my birthday...and most of my birthdays, comparatively, seem to be pretty unique... They are usually filled with a combobulation of joy, fun, and...well, some big "whack!" God is or wants to teach me...
I thought this year would be different...and in a way, it was.

My siblings always spoil me...in fact, sometimes, I feel sorry for some of my other siblings at their birthdays, seeing how much I am lavished on mine...though, I am quickly told that it must have something to do with their just trying to reciprocate....whatever.

Anyway, this year, being my 20th, I was especially spoiled and blessed, above my imagination. My parents decided to get me my own sewing machine! I grew up mainly using my mom's Bernina 1090 S (which was a fantastic machine), and after many hours of careful research, I decided on the Bernina 750 Quilter's Edition....talk about a gem!!!

With this user-friendly machine, the sky is truly the limit. Not only does it have almost 900 stitches/patterns on it, including the regular sewing stitches,  decorative stitches/patterns, but also has the quilting stitches and some embroidery patterns! It also has a 9mm stitch width capability, and an incredible 10" throat space (to the right of the needle)! The free arm is extended, and it has a USB port for importing/exporting your own patterns. That is only the tip of the iceberg, talking nothing about the BSR (Stitch Regulator), dual feed, color touch screen, memory, automatic buttonhole, etc. etc. =)

I really excited to get back into sewing after a nearly 2 year siesta from almost all creative work (because of my medical/mission work and intense work/study schedule), and I count this machine as a very special part of my trousseau, which will last me a life time. Look for my future projects!!

Rachel gave me a Gerber F.A.S.T Draw Knife (which I love!), and an adorable baby outfit (for my hope chest) that I was drooling over at Walmart last month...Just love that girl!!

Samuel gave me a beautiful necklace--a "faceless" angel, as he calls it, with a heart for the body! Isn't that precious?! I just love it, because it brings the gold into it, which is supposedly my best metal color...

David and Samuel, the wonderful brothers they are, decided to make me little Firework Spinners and "Bangs", which they lit off last night...those were pretty fun!!

And, a bunch of my other siblings gave me funds for Belize..(a post coming later).

My parents and I also purchased me another doppler, to replace the one that I left in the Pilipina Bukid (and gifted to my friend and aspiring midwife-Jemil) when I came home early. This one is the one I fell in love with at the Mercy Clinic, and so I am quite excited to have it for future use.

Our cousins are here, and so we had a lot of fun swimming in the lake--even with the 100F weather, it was a little cooler than we expected, but we soon adjusted.. ;-)

I am really excited to see what God has for this next year, and can rest in the following verses:

The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

~ Job 1:21 ~

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

~ Proverbs 2:6 ~

We can trust Him through all times life, even during the storms. Praise You Yahweh!!

Originator of All That Is

I just had a wonderful Bible Study with a new friend of mine, down here outside of Guadalajara, Mexico, where my family is spending a couple of weeks with some friends, primarily for health reasons, but also for rejuvenation and ministry purposes as well.

What an incredible God we serve!!! He is the Originator of Life, the Creator of ALL things living, the Mastermind Architect of the most incredible development ever--our Universe.

Did you know that God told us in the Bible that our world was round and suspended by nothing?

"It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.."

~ Isaiah 40:22 ~

"He stretcheth out the North over the empty place, and hangeth the earth over nothing."

~ Job 26:7 ~

God also told us about microscopic things, long before scientists discovered them:

"Through faith, we understand that the whole worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."

~ Hebrews 11:3 ~

I love doing studies about the creatures of the Bible...God tells us so much, especially in Job, about the Leviathan...what a fascinating creature!! He tells us much of the horse, and of human life, in so many various passages!! Each is a treasure chest, just waiting to be opened!!!

One thing that really excites me is how much rich insight God shows me when I simply ask Him before I open my Bible in the morning: "Lord Jesus, my Saviour, King and Righteousness, give me eyes to see and ears to hear what You want me to apply today. Speak to me through your Word, Father, and give me insights into Who You are, and what Your heart is."

You know, He has never failed me...He has always shown me something so very applicable (though I'll warrant, sometimes it wasn't quite the 'applicable' I might have wanted, because you see, God wants to get to our hearts!!) 

I would encourage you to ask Jesus this every day before you read His Word. I'm also going through a little devotional a friend gave me for my graduation a couple years ago: "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence", written by missionary Sarah Young. It is truly inspiring. Not only little love letters from our King, but also affirmations of who we are in Christ.

I have really enjoyed the following website for scientific Bible facts....look it up!!

God's Promises

Sunday morning service was excellent. I absolutely love Pastor Nahor's sermons--they are filled with such truth. God has given him so much wisdom. Today's sermon was about God's Promises.

God places conditions on promises to:
- motivate us
- test us
- train us
- test our faith
- test our sincerity
- test our desire

God delights to hear our prayers, and they are like music to Him. That is one reason why He wants us to pray without ceasing. He want to commune with us. He wants to be brought into and be part of every aspect of our lives.

John 14:6 says:

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

2 Corinthians 1:20 says: 
"For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."

Has God ever given you promises, that you are waiting to be fulfilled?? Or have you ever asked Him for something, and are waiting for an answer?
Hebrews 6:12 says:

"That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

This means that we are not to just 'wait' around for the promise, but to be diligent while we wait, doing whatever God brings for you to do, with patience and faith. Then we will inherit the promises (or receive an answer, whatever that may be).

Have you ever noticed that Promises Form a Chain?!
With each promise, there are conditions given, and then results. For instance:

PROMISE   CONDITIONS    RESULTS

(John 3:16)       (Believe)        (Eternal Life)

Another example is 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, where "a great multitude" (including the Moabites & Ammonites) came against Jehoshaphat to do battle.

In vs. 3, 6-12, Jehoshaphat sought the Lord:

"And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah....And said, 'O LORD God of our fathers, art not Thou God in heaven? and rulest not Thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in Thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand Thee? Art not Thou our God, Who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before Thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham Thy friend for ever?

And they dwelt therein, and have built Thee a sanctuary therein for Thy Name, saying, 'If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword judgement, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in Thy presence, (for Thy name is in this house,) and cry unto Thee in our affliction, then Thou wilt hear and help.'

And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom Thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of Thy possession, which Thou hast given us to inherit.

O our God, wilt Thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee."

In vs. 14-15, God answered:

"Then...came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; And He said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."

In vs. 18, Jehoshaphat responded: (showing evidence of his belief)

"And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD."

In vs. 20, Jehoshaphat encouraged his people:

"And they rose early...and went forth into the wilderness...and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper."

In vs. 22, 27, we see the result:

"And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies."

Powerful, isn't it??!? I would encourage you to make a list of the promises God has given you, the conditions, and the results, and see what God does!!! We serve a powerful and amazing God!!!